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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/10945-0.txt b/10945-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c09c09a --- /dev/null +++ b/10945-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5991 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10945 *** + +[Illustration] + +LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + +BY + +W.E. AYTOUN. + + + + +TO + +THE RIGHT HONOURABLE + +ARCHIBALD WILLIAM HAMILTON-MONTGOMERIE, + +Earl of Eglinton and Winton, + +THE PATRIOTIC AND NOBLE REPRESENTATIVE OF + +AN ANCIENT SCOTTISH RACE, + +THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED + +BY + +_THE AUTHOR._ + + +_This Volume is a verbatim reprint of the first edition_ (1849). + + +CONTENTS + + LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + + MISCELLANEOUS POEMS + BLIND OLD MILTON + HERMOTIMUS + OENONE + THE BURIED FLOWER + THE OLD CAMP + DANUBE AND THE EUXINE + THE SCHEIK OF SINAI + EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS + THE REFUSAL OF CHARON + + + + +LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + + + + +EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + + +The great battle of Flodden was fought upon the 9th of September, 1513. +The defeat of the Scottish army, mainly owing to the fantastic ideas of +chivalry entertained by James IV., and his refusal to avail himself of +the natural advantages of his position, was by far the most disastrous +of any recounted in the history of the northern wars. The whole strength +of the kingdom, both Lowland and Highland, was assembled, and the +contest was one of the sternest and most desperate upon record. + +For several hours the issue seemed doubtful. On the left the Scots +obtained a decided advantage; on the right wing they were broken and +overthrown; and at last the whole weight of the battle was brought into +the centre, where King James and the Earl of Surrey commanded in person. +The determined valour of James, imprudent as it was, had the effect of +rousing to a pitch of desperation the courage of the meanest soldiers; +and the ground becoming soft and slippery from blood, they pulled off +their boots and shoes, and secured a firmer footing by fighting in their +hose. + +"It is owned," says Abercromby, "that both parties did wonders, but none +on either side performed more than the King himself. He was again told +that by coming to handy blows he could do no more than another man, +whereas, by keeping the post due to his station, he might be worth many +thousands. Yet he would not only fight in person, but also on foot; for +he no sooner saw that body of the English give way which was defeated by +the Earl of Huntley, but he alighted from his horse, and commanded his +guard of noblemen and gentlemen to do the like and follow him. He had at +first abundance of success; but at length the Lord Thomas Howard and Sir +Edward Stanley, who had defeated their opposites, coming in with the +Lord Dacre's horse, and surrounding the King's battalion on all sides, +the Scots were so distressed that, for their last defence, they cast +themselves into a ring; and being resolved to die nobly with their +sovereign, who scorned to ask quarter, were altogether cut off. So say +the English writers, and I am apt to believe that they are in the +right." + +The battle was maintained with desperate fury until nightfall. At the +close, according to Mr. Tytler, "Surrey was uncertain of the result of +the battle: the remains of the enemy's centre still held the field; +Home, with his Borderers, still hovered on the left; and the commander +wisely allowed neither pursuit nor plunder, but drew off his men, and +kept a strict watch during the night. When the morning broke, the +Scottish artillery were seen standing deserted on the side of the hill; +their defenders had disappeared; and the Earl ordered thanks to be given +for a victory which was no longer doubtful. Yet, even after all this, a +body of the Scots appeared unbroken upon a hill, and were about to +charge the Lord-Admiral, when they were compelled to leave their +position by a discharge of the English ordnance. + +"The loss of the Scots in this fatal battle amounted to about ten +thousand men. Of these, a great proportion were of high rank; the +remainder being composed of the gentry, the farmers, and landed +yeomanry, who disdained to fly when their sovereign and his nobles lay +stretched in heaps around them." Besides King James, there fell at +Flodden the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, thirteen earls, two bishops, two +abbots, fifteen lords and chiefs of clans, and five peers' eldest sons, +besides La Motte the French ambassador, and the secretary of the King. +The same historian adds--"The names of the gentry who fell are too +numerous for recapitulation, since there were few families of note in +Scotland which did not lose one relative or another, whilst some houses +had to weep the death of all. It is from this cause that the sensations +of sorrow and national lamentation occasioned by the defeat were +peculiarly poignant and lasting--so that to this day few Scotsmen can +hear the name of Flodden without a shudder of gloomy regret." + +The loss to Edinburgh on this occasion was peculiarly great. All the +magistrates and able-bodied citizens had followed their King to Flodden, +whence very few of them returned. The office of Provost or chief +magistrate of the capital was at that time an object of ambition, and +was conferred only upon persons of high rank and station. There seems to +be some uncertainty whether the holder of this dignity at the time of +the battle of Flodden was Sir Alexander Lauder, ancestor of the +Fountainhall family, who was elected in 1511, or that great historical +personage, Archibald Earl of Angus, better known as Archibald +Bell-the-Cat, who was chosen in 1513, the year of the battle. Both of +them were at Flodden. The name of Sir Alexander Lauder appears upon the +list of the slain; Angus was one of the survivors, but his son, George, +Master of Angus, fell fighting gallantly by the side of King James. The +city records of Edinburgh, which commence about this period, are not +clear upon the point, and I am rather inclined to think that the Earl of +Angus was elected to supply the place of Lauder. But although the actual +magistrates were absent, they had formally nominated deputies in their +stead. I find, on referring to the city records, that "George of Tours" +had been appointed to officiate in the absence of the Provost, and that +four other persons were selected to discharge the office of bailies +until the magistrates should return. + +It is impossible to describe the consternation which pervaded the whole +of Scotland when the intelligence of the defeat became known. In +Edinburgh it was excessive. Mr. Arnot, in the history of that city, +says,-- + +"The news of their overthrow in the field of Flodden reached Edinburgh +on the day after the battle, and overwhelmed the inhabitants with grief +and confusion. The streets were crowded with women seeking intelligence +about their friends, clamouring and weeping. Those who officiated in +absence of the magistrates proved themselves worthy of the trust. They +issued a proclamation, ordering all the inhabitants to assemble in +military array for defence of the city, on the tolling of the bell; and +commanding, 'that all women, and especially strangers, do repair to +their work, and not be seen upon the street _clamorand and cryand_; and +that women of the better sort do repair to the church and offer up +prayers, at the stated hours, for our Sovereign Lord and his army, and +the townsmen who are with the army.'" + +Indeed the council records bear ample evidence of the emergency of that +occasion. Throughout the earlier pages, the word "Flowdoun" frequently +occurs on the margin, in reference to various hurried orders for arming +and defence; and there can be no doubt that, had the English forces +attempted to follow up their victory, and attack the Scottish capital, +the citizens would have resisted to the last. But it soon became +apparent that the loss sustained by the English was so severe, that +Surrey was in no condition to avail himself of the opportunity; and in +fact, shortly afterwards, he was compelled to disband his army. + +The references to the city banner, contained in the following poem, may +require a word of explanation. It is a standard still held in great +honour and reverence by the burghers of Edinburgh, having been presented +to them by James the Third, in return for their loyal service in 1482. +This banner, along with that of the Earl Marischal, still conspicuous in +the Library of the Faculty of Advocates, was honourably brought back +from Flodden, and certainly never could have been displayed in a more +memorable field. Maitland says, with reference to this very interesting +relic of antiquity,-- + +"As a perpetual remembrance of the loyalty and bravery of the +Edinburghers on the aforesaid occasion, the King granted them a banner +or standard, with a power to display the same in defence of their king, +country, and their own rights. This flag is kept by the Convener of the +Trades; at whose appearance therewith, it is said that not only the +artificers of Edinburgh are obliged to repair to it, but all the +artisans or craftsmen within Scotland are bound to follow it, and fight +under the Convener of Edinburgh as aforesaid." + +No event in Scottish history ever took a more lasting hold of the public +mind than the "woeful fight" of Flodden; and, even now, the songs and +traditions which are current on the Border recall the memory of a +contest unsullied by disgrace, though terminating in disaster and +defeat. + + + + +EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + + I. + + News of battle!--news of battle! + Hark! 'tis ringing down the street: + And the archways and the pavement + Bear the clang of hurrying feet. + News of battle? Who hath brought it? + News of triumph? Who should bring + Tidings from our noble army, + Greetings from our gallant King? + All last night we watched the beacons + Blazing on the hills afar, + Each one bearing, as it kindled, + Message of the opened war. + All night long the northern streamers + Shot across the trembling sky: + Fearful lights, that never beckon + Save when kings or heroes die. + + + II. + + News of battle! Who hath brought it? + All are thronging to the gate; + "Warder--warder! open quickly! + Man--is this a time to wait?" + And the heavy gates are opened: + Then a murmur long and loud, + And a cry of fear and wonder + Bursts from out the bending crowd. + For they see in battered harness + Only one hard-stricken man, + And his weary steed is wounded, + And his cheek is pale and wan. + Spearless hangs a bloody banner + In his weak and drooping hand-- + God! can that be Randolph Murray, + Captain of the city band? + + + III. + + Round him crush the people, crying, + "Tell us all--oh, tell us true! + Where are they who went to battle, + Randolph Murray, sworn to you? + Where are they, our brothers--children? + Have they met the English foe? + Why art thou alone, unfollowed? + Is it weal, or is it woe?" + Like a corpse the grisly warrior + Looks from out his helm of steel; + But no word he speaks in answer, + Only with his armèd heel + Chides his weary steed, and onward + Up the city streets they ride; + Fathers, sisters, mothers, children, + Shrieking, praying by his side. + "By the God that made thee, Randolph! + Tell us what mischance hath come!" + Then he lifts his riven banner, + And the asker's voice is dumb. + + + IV. + + The elders of the city + Have met within their hall-- + The men whom good King James had charged + To watch the tower and wall. + "Your hands are weak with age," he said, + "Your hearts are stout and true; + So bide ye in the Maiden Town, + While others fight for you. + My trumpet from the Border-side + Shall send a blast so clear, + That all who wait within the gate + That stirring sound may hear. + Or, if it be the will of heaven + That back I never come, + And if, instead of Scottish shouts, + Ye hear the English drum,-- + Then let the warning bells ring out, + Then gird you to the fray, + Then man the walls like burghers stout, + And fight while fight you may. + 'T were better that in fiery flame + The roofs should thunder down, + Than that the foot of foreign foe + Should trample in the town!" + + + V. + + Then in came Randolph Murray,-- + His step was slow and weak, + And, as he doffed his dinted helm, + The tears ran down his cheek: + They fell upon his corslet, + And on his mailèd hand, + As he gazed around him wistfully, + Leaning sorely on his brand. + And none who then beheld him + But straight were smote with fear, + For a bolder and a sterner man + Had never couched a spear. + They knew so sad a messenger + Some ghastly news must bring: + And all of them were fathers, + And their sons were with the King. + + + VI. + + And up then rose the Provost-- + A brave old man was he, + Of ancient name and knightly fame, + And chivalrous degree. + He ruled our city like a Lord + Who brooked no equal here, + And ever for the townsmen's rights + Stood up 'gainst prince and peer. + And he had seen the Scottish host + March from the Borough-muir, + With music-storm and clamorous shout + And all the din that thunders out, + When youth's of victory sure. + But yet a dearer thought had he, + For, with a father's pride, + He saw his last remaining son + Go forth by Randolph's side, + With casque on head and spur on heel, + All keen to do and dare; + And proudly did that gallant boy + Dunedin's banner bear. + Oh, woeful now was the old man's look, + And he spake right heavily-- + "Now, Randolph, tell thy tidings, + However sharp they be! + Woe is written on thy visage, + Death is looking from thy face: + Speak, though it be of overthrow-- + It cannot be disgrace!" + + + VII. + + Right bitter was the agony + That wrung the soldier proud: + Thrice did he strive to answer, + And thrice he groaned aloud. + Then he gave the riven banner + To the old man's shaking hand, + Saying--"That is all I bring ye + From the bravest of the land! + Ay! ye may look upon it-- + It was guarded well and long, + By your brothers and your children, + By the valiant and the strong. + One by one they fell around it, + As the archers laid them low, + Grimly dying, still unconquered, + With their faces to the foe. + Ay! ye well may look upon it-- + There is more than honour there, + Else, be sure, I had not brought it + From the field of dark despair. + Never yet was royal banner + Steeped in such a costly dye; + It hath lain upon a bosom + Where no other shroud shall lie. + Sirs! I charge you keep it holy, + Keep it as a sacred thing, + For the stain you see upon it + Was the life-blood of your King!" + + + VIII. + + Woe, woe, and lamentation! + What a piteous cry was there! + Widows, maidens, mothers, children, + Shrieking, sobbing in despair! + Through the streets the death-word rushes, + Spreading terror, sweeping on-- + "Jesu Christ! our King has fallen-- + O great God, King James is gone! + Holy Mother Mary, shield us, + Thou who erst did lose thy Son! + O the blackest day for Scotland + That she ever knew before! + O our King--the good, the noble, + Shall we see him never more? + Woe to us and woe to Scotland, + O our sons, our sons and men! + Surely some have 'scaped the Southron, + Surely some will come again!" + Till the oak that fell last winter + Shall uprear its shattered stem-- + Wives and mothers of Dunedin-- + Ye may look in vain for them! + + + IX. + + But within the Council Chamber + All was silent as the grave, + Whilst the tempest of their sorrow + Shook the bosoms of the brave. + Well indeed might they be shaken + With the weight of such a blow: + He was gone--their prince, their idol, + Whom they loved and worshipped so! + Like a knell of death and judgment + Rung from heaven by angel hand, + Fell the words of desolation + On the elders of the land. + Hoary heads were bowed and trembling, + Withered hands were clasped and wrung: + God had left the old and feeble, + He had ta'en away the young. + + + X. + + Then the Provost he uprose, + And his lip was ashen white, + But a flush was on his brow, + And his eye was full of light. + "Thou hast spoken, Randolph Murray, + Like a soldier stout and true; + Thou hast done a deed of daring + Had been perilled but by few. + For thou hast not shamed to face us, + Nor to speak thy ghastly tale, + Standing--thou, a knight and captain-- + Here, alive within thy mail! + Now, as my God shall judge me, + I hold it braver done, + Than hadst thou tarried in thy place, + And died above my son! + Thou needst not tell it: he is dead. + God help us all this day! + But speak--how fought the citizens + Within the furious fray? + For, by the might of Mary, + 'T were something still to tell + That no Scottish foot went backward + When the Royal Lion fell!" + + + XI. + + "No one failed him! He is keeping + Royal state and semblance still; + Knight and noble lie around him, + Cold on Flodden's fatal hill. + Of the brave and gallant-hearted, + Whom ye sent with prayers away, + Not a single man departed + From his monarch yesterday. + Had you seen them, O my masters! + When the night began to fall, + And the English spearmen gathered + Round a grim and ghastly wall! + As the wolves in winter circle + Round the leaguer on the heath, + So the greedy foe glared upward, + Panting still for blood and death. + But a rampart rose before them, + Which the boldest dared not scale; + Every stone a Scottish body, + Every step a corpse in mail! + And behind it lay our monarch + Clenching still his shivered sword: + By his side Montrose and Athole, + At his feet a southern lord. + All so thick they lay together, + When the stars lit up the sky, + That I knew not who were stricken, + Or who yet remained to die, + Few there were when Surrey halted, + And his wearied host withdrew; + None but dying men around me, + When the English trumpet blew. + Then I stooped, and took the banner, + As ye see it, from his breast, + And I closed our hero's eyelids, + And I left him to his rest. + In the mountains growled the thunder, + As I leaped the woeful wall, + And the heavy clouds were settling + Over Flodden, like a pall." + + + XII. + + So he ended. And the others + Cared not any answer then; + Sitting silent, dumb with sorrow, + Sitting anguish-struck, like men + Who have seen the roaring torrent + Sweep their happy homes away, + And yet linger by the margin, + Staring idly on the spray. + But, without, the maddening tumult + Waxes ever more and more, + And the crowd of wailing women + Gather round the Council door. + Every dusky spire is ringing + With a dull and hollow knell, + And the Miserere's singing + To the tolling of the bell. + Through the streets the burghers hurry, + Spreading terror as they go; + And the rampart's thronged with watchers + For the coming of the foe. + From each mountain-top a pillar + Streams into the torpid air, + Bearing token from the Border + That the English host is there. + All without is flight and terror, + All within is woe and fear-- + God protect thee, Maiden City, + For thy latest hour is near! + + + XIII. + + No! not yet, thou high Dunedin! + Shalt thou totter to thy fall; + Though thy bravest and thy strongest + Are not there to man the wall. + No, not yet! the ancient spirit + Of our fathers hath not gone; + Take it to thee as a buckler + Better far than steel or stone. + Oh, remember those who perished + For thy birthright at the time + When to be a Scot was treason, + And to side with Wallace, crime! + Have they not a voice among us, + Whilst their hallowed dust is here? + Hear ye not a summons sounding + From each buried warrior's bier? + "Up!"--they say--"and keep the freedom + Which we won you long ago: + Up! and keep our graves unsullied + From the insults of the foe! + Up! and if ye cannot save them, + Come to us in blood and fire: + Midst the crash of falling turrets, + Let the last of Scots expire!" + + + XIV. + + Still the bells are tolling fiercely, + And the cry comes louder in; + Mothers wailing for their children, + Sisters for their slaughtered kin. + All is terror and disorder, + Till the Provost rises up, + Calm, as though he had not tasted + Of the fell and bitter cup. + All so stately from his sorrow, + Rose the old undaunted Chief, + That you had not deemed, to see him, + His was more than common grief. + "Rouse ye, Sirs!" he said; "we may not + Longer mourn for what is done: + If our King be taken from us, + We are left to guard his son. + We have sworn to keep the city + From the foe, whate'er they be, + And the oath that we have taken + Never shall be broke by me. + Death is nearer to us, brethren, + Than it seemed to those who died, + Fighting yesterday at Flodden, + By their lord and master's side. + Let us meet it then in patience, + Not in terror or in fear; + Though our hearts are bleeding yonder, + Let our souls be steadfast here. + Up, and rouse ye! Time is fleeting, + And we yet have much to do; + Up! and haste ye through the city, + Stir the burghers stout and true! + Gather all our scattered people, + Fling the banner out once more,-- + Randolph Murray! do thou bear it, + As it erst was borne before: + Never Scottish heart will leave it, + When they see their monarch's gore!" + + + XV. + + "Let them cease that dismal knelling! + It is time enough to ring, + When the fortress-strength of Scotland + Stoops to ruin like its King. + Let the bells be kept for warning, + Not for terror or alarm; + When they next are heard to thunder, + Let each man and stripling arm. + Bid the women leave their wailing,-- + Do they think that woeful strain, + From the bloody heaps of Flodden + Can redeem their dearest slain? + Bid them cease,--or rather hasten + To the churches, every one; + There to pray to Mary Mother, + And to her anointed Son, + That the thunderbolt above us + May not fall in ruin yet; + That in fire, and blood, and rapine, + Scotland's glory may not set. + Let them pray,--for never women + Stood in need of such a prayer! + England's yeomen shall not find them + Clinging to the altars there. + No! if we are doomed to perish, + Man and maiden, let us fall; + And a common gulf of ruin + Open wide to whelm us all! + Never shall the ruthless spoiler + Lay his hot insulting hand + On the sisters of our heroes, + Whilst we bear a torch or brand! + Up! and rouse ye, then, my brothers, + But when next ye hear the bell + Sounding forth the sullen summons + That may be our funeral knell, + Once more let us meet together, + Once more see each other's face; + Then, like men that need not tremble, + Go to our appointed place. + God, our Father, will not fail us + In that last tremendous hour,-- + If all other bulwarks crumble, + HE will be our strength and tower: + Though the ramparts rock beneath us, + And the walls go crashing down, + Though the roar of conflagration + Bellow o'er the sinking town; + There is yet one place of shelter, + Where the foeman cannot come, + Where the summons never sounded + Of the trumpet or the drum. + There again we'll meet our children, + Who, on Flodden's trampled sod, + For their king and for their country + Rendered up their souls to God. + There shall we find rest and refuge, + With our dear departed brave; + And the ashes of the city + Be our universal grave!" + + + + +THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + + +The most poetical chronicler would find it impossible to render the +incidents of Montrose's brilliant career more picturesque than the +reality. Among the devoted champions who, during the wildest and most +stormy period of our history, maintained the cause of Church and King, +"the Great Marquis" undoubtedly is entitled to the foremost place. Even +party malevolence, by no means extinct at the present day, has been +unable to detract from the eulogy pronounced upon him by the famous +Cardinal de Retz, the friend of Condé and Turenne, when he thus summed +up his character:--"Montrose, a Scottish nobleman, head of the house of +Grahame--the only man in the world that has ever realised to me the +ideas of certain heroes, whom we now discover nowhere but in the lives +of Plutarch--has sustained in his own country the cause of the King his +master, with a greatness of soul that has not found its equal in our +age." + +But the success of the victorious leader and patriot is almost thrown +into the shade by the noble magnanimity and Christian heroism of the man +in the hour of defeat and death. Without wishing, in any degree, to +revive a controversy long maintained by writers of opposite political +and polemical opinions, it may fairly be stated that Scottish history +does not present us with a tragedy of parallel interest. That the +execution of Montrose was the natural, nay, the inevitable, consequence +of his capture, may be freely admitted even by the fiercest partisan of +the cause for which he staked his life. In those times, neither party +was disposed to lenity; and Montrose was far too conspicuous a +character, and too dangerous a man, to be forgiven. But the ignominious +and savage treatment which he received at the hands of those whose +station and descent should at least have taught them to respect +misfortune, has left an indelible stain upon the memory of the +Covenanting chiefs, and more especially upon that of Argyle. + +The perfect serenity of the man in the hour of trial and death, the +courage and magnanimity which he displayed to the last, have been dwelt +upon with admiration by writers of every class. He heard his sentence +delivered without any apparent emotion, and afterwards told the +magistrates who waited upon him in prison, "that he was much indebted to +the Parliament for the great honour they had decreed him"; adding, "that +he was prouder to have his head placed upon the top of the prison, than +if they had decreed a golden statue to be erected to him in the +market-place, or that his picture should be hung in the King's +bedchamber." He said, "he thanked them for their care to preserve the +remembrance of his loyalty, by transmitting such monuments to the +different parts of the kingdom; and only wished that he had flesh enough +to have sent a piece to every city in Christendom, as a token of his +unshaken love and fidelity to his king and country." On the night before +his execution, he inscribed the following lines with a diamond on the +window of his jail:-- + + "Let them bestow on every airth a limb, + Then, open all my veins, that I may swim + To thee, my Maker! in that crimson lake; + Then place my parboiled head upon a stake-- + Scatter my ashes--strew them in the air: + Lord! since thou know'st where all these atoms are, + I'm hopeful thou'lt recover once my dust, + And confident thou'lt raise me with the just." + +After the Restoration, the dust _was_ recovered, the scattered remnants +collected, and the bones of the hero conveyed to their final +resting-place by a numerous assemblage of gentlemen of his family and +name. + +There is no ingredient of fiction in the historical incidents recorded +in the following ballad. The indignities that were heaped upon Montrose +during his procession through Edinburgh, his appearance before the +Estates, and his last passage to the scaffold, as well as his undaunted +bearing, have all been spoken to by eyewitnesses of the scene. A graphic +and vivid sketch of the whole will be found in Mr. Mark Napier's +volume, _The Life and Times of Montrose_--a work as chivalrous in its +tone as the _Chronicles_ of Froissart, and abounding in original and +most interesting materials; but, in order to satisfy all scruple, the +authorities for each fact are given in the shape of notes. The ballad +may be considered as a narrative of the transactions, related by an aged +Highlander, who had followed Montrose throughout his campaigns, to his +grandson, shortly before the battle of Killiecrankie. + + + + +THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + + + I. + + Come hither, Evan Cameron! + Come, stand beside my knee-- + I hear the river roaring down + Towards the wintry sea. + There's shouting on the mountain side, + There's war within the blast-- + Old faces look upon me, + Old forms go trooping past. + I hear the pibroch wailing + Amidst the din of fight, + And my dim spirit wakes again + Upon the verge of night! + + + II. + + 'Twas I that led the Highland host + Through wild Lochaber's snows, + What time the plaided clans came down + To battle with Montrose. + I've told thee how the Southrons fell + Beneath the broad claymore, + And how we smote the Campbell clan + By Inverlochy's shore. + I've told thee how we swept Dundee, + And tamed the Lindsay's pride; + But never have I told thee yet + How the Great Marquis died! + + + III. + + A traitor sold him to his foes; + O deed of deathless shame! + I charge thee, boy, if e'er thou meet + With one of Assynt's name-- + Be it upon the mountain's side, + Or yet within the glen, + Stand he in martial gear alone, + Or backed by armèd men-- + Face him, as thou wouldst face the man + Who wronged thy sire's renown; + Remember of what blood thou art, + And strike the caitiff down! + + + IV. + + They brought him to the Watergate, + Hard bound with hempen span, + As though they held a lion there, + And not a 'fenceless man. + They set him high upon a cart-- + The hangman rode below-- + They drew his hands behind his back, + And bared his noble brow. + Then, as a hound is slipped from leash, + They cheered the common throng, + And blew the note with yell and shout, + And bade him pass along. + + + V. + + It would have made a brave man's heart + Grow sad and sick that day, + To watch the keen malignant eyes + Bent down on that array. + There stood the Whig west-country lords + In balcony and bow, + There sat their gaunt and withered dames, + And their daughters all a-row; + And every open window + Was full as full might be, + With black-robed Covenanting carles, + That goodly sport to see! + + + VI. + + But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high, + So noble was his manly front, + So calm his steadfast eye;-- + The rabble rout forebore to shout, + And each man held his breath, + For well they knew the hero's soul + Was face to face with death. + And then a mournful shudder + Through all the people crept, + And some that came to scoff at him, + Now turn'd aside and wept. + + + VII. + + But onwards--always onwards, + In silence and in gloom, + The dreary pageant laboured, + Till it reach'd the house of doom: + Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud, + And an angry cry and a hiss arose + From the heart of the tossing crowd: + Then, as the Græme looked upwards, + He met the ugly smile + Of him who sold his King for gold-- + The master-fiend Argyle! + + + VIII. + + The Marquis gazed a moment, + And nothing did he say, + But the cheek of Argyle grew ghastly pale, + And he turned his eyes away. + The painted harlot by his side, + She shook through every limb, + For a roar like thunder swept the street, + And hands were clenched at him, + And a Saxon soldier cried aloud, + "Back, coward, from thy place! + For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face." + + + IX. + + Had I been there with sword in hand, + And fifty Camerons by, + That day through high Dunedin's streets, + Had pealed the slogan cry. + Not all their troops of trampling horse, + Nor might of mailèd men-- + Not all the rebels of the south + Had borne us backwards then! + Once more his foot on Highland heath + Had trod as free as air, + Or I, and all who bore my name, + Been laid around him there! + + + X. + + It might not be. They placed him next + Within the solemn hall, + Where once the Scottish Kings were throned + Amidst their nobles all. + But there was dust of vulgar feet + On that polluted floor, + And perjured traitors filled the place + Where good men sate before. + With savage glee came Warristoun + To read the murderous doom, + And then uprose the great Montrose + In the middle of the room. + + + XI. + + "Now by my faith as belted knight, + And by the name I bear, + And by the bright Saint Andrew's cross + That waves above us there-- + Yea, by a greater, mightier oath-- + And oh, that such should be!-- + By that dark stream of royal blood + That lies 'twixt you and me-- + I have not sought in battle-field + A wreath of such renown, + Nor dared I hope, on my dying day, + To win the martyr's crown!" + + + XII. + + "There is a chamber far away + Where sleep the good and brave, + But a better place ye have named for me + Than by my father's grave. + For truth and right, 'gainst treason's might, + This hand hath always striven, + And ye raise it up for a witness still + In the eye of earth and heaven. + Then nail my head on yonder tower-- + Give every town a limb-- + And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him!" + + + XIII. + + The morning dawned full darkly, + The rain came flashing down, + And the jagged streak of the levin-bolt + Lit up the gloomy town: + The heavens were thundering out their wrath, + The fatal hour was come; + Yet ever sounded sullenly + The trumpet and the drum. + There was madness on the earth below, + And anger in the sky, + And young and old, and rich and poor, + Came forth to see him die. + + + XIV. + + Ah, God! that ghastly gibbet! + How dismal 't is to see + The great tall spectral skeleton, + The ladder, and the tree! + Hark! hark! it is the clash of arms-- + The bells begin to toll-- + He is coming! he is coming! + God's mercy on his soul! + One last long peal of thunder-- + The clouds are cleared away, + And the glorious sun once more looks down + Amidst the dazzling day. + + + XV. + + He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room, + Came the hero from his prison + To the scaffold and the doom. + There was glory on his forehead, + There was lustre in his eye, + And he never walked to battle + More proudly than to die: + There was colour in his visage, + Though the cheeks of all were wan, + And they marvelled as they saw him pass, + That great and goodly man! + + + XVI. + + He mounted up the scaffold, + And he turned him to the crowd; + But they dared not trust the people, + So he might not speak aloud. + But he looked upon the heavens, + And they were clear and blue, + And in the liquid ether + The eye of God shone through: + Yet a black and murky battlement + Lay resting on the hill, + As though the thunder slept within-- + All else was calm and still. + + + XVII. + + The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near, + As you have seen the ravens flock + Around the dying deer. + He would not deign them word nor sign, + But alone he bent the knee; + And veiled his face for Christ's dear grace + Beneath the gallows-tree. + Then radiant and serene he rose, + And cast his cloak away: + For he had ta'en his latest look + Of earth, and sun, and day. + + + XVIII. + + A beam of light fell o'er him, + Like a glory round the shriven, + And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven. + Then came a flash from out the cloud, + And a stunning thunder roll, + And no man dared to look aloft, + For fear was on every soul. + There was another heavy sound, + A hush and then a groan; + And darkness swept across the sky-- + The work of death was done! + + + + +NOTES TO + + +"THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE" + +"_A traitor sold him to his foes_,"--p. 36. + +"The contemporary historian of the Earls of Sutherland records, that +(after the defeat of Invercarron) Montrose and Kinnoul 'wandered up the +river Kyle the whole ensuing night, and the next day, and the third day +also, without any food or sustenance, and at last came within the +country of Assynt. The Earl of Kinnoul, being faint for lack of meat, +and not able to travel any further, was left there among the mountains, +where it was supposed he perished. Montrose had almost famished, but +that he fortuned in his misery to light upon a small cottage in that +wilderness, where he was supplied with some milk and bread.' Not even +the iron frame of Montrose could endure a prolonged existence under such +circumstances. He gave himself up to Macleod of Assynt, a former +adherent, from whom he had reason to expect assistance in consideration +of that circumstance, and, indeed, from the dictates of honourable +feeling and common humanity. As the Argyle faction had sold the King, so +this Highlander rendered his own name infamous by selling the hero to +the Covenanters, for which 'duty to the public' he was rewarded with +four hundred bolls of meal."--NAPIER'S _Life of Montrose_. + +"_They brought him to the Watergate_,"--p. 36. + +"_Friday, 17th May_.--Act ordaining James Grahame to be brought from the +Watergate on a cart, bareheaded, the hangman in his livery, covered, +riding on the horse that draws the cart--the prisoner to be bound to the +cart with a rope--to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, and from thence to be +brought to the Parliament House, and there, in the place of delinquents, +on his knees, to receive his sentence--viz., to be hanged on a gibbet at +the Cross of Edinburgh, with his book and declaration tied on a rope +about his neck, and there to hang for the space of three hours until he +be dead; and thereafter to be cut down by the hangman, his head, hands, +and legs to be cut off, and distributed as follows--viz., his head to be +affixed on an iron pin, and set on the pinnacle of the west gavel of the +new prison of Edinburgh; one hand to be set on the port of Perth, the +other on the port of Stirling; one leg and foot on the port of Aberdeen, +the other on the port of Glasgow. If at his death penitent, and relaxed +from excommunication, then the trunk of his body to be interred, by +pioneers, in the Greyfriars; otherwise, to be interred in the +Boroughmuir, by the hangman's men, under the gallows."--BALFOUR'S _Notes +of Parliament_. + +It is needless to remark that this inhuman sentence was executed to the +letter. In order that the exposure might be more complete, the cart was +constructed with a high chair in the centre, having holes behind, +through which the ropes that fastened him were drawn. The author of the +_Wigton Papers_, recently published by the Maitland Club, says, "The +reason of his being tied to the cart was in hope that the people would +have stoned him, and that he might not be able by his hands to save his +face." His hat was then pulled off by the hangman and the procession +commenced. + + "_But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high_,"--p. 37. + +"In all the way, there appeared in him such majesty, courage, +modesty--and even somewhat more than natural--that those common women +who had lost their husbands and children in his wars, and who were hired +to stone him, were upon the sight of him so astonished and moved, that +their intended curses turned into tears and prayers; so that next day +_all the ministers preached against them for not stoning and reviling +him."--Wigton Papers._ + + "_Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud_,"--p. 38. + +"It is remarkable that, of the many thousand beholders, the Lady Jean +Gordon, Countess of Haddington, did (alone) publicly insult and laugh at +him; which being perceived by a gentleman in the street, he cried up to +her, that it became her better to sit upon the cart for her +adulteries."--_Wigton Papers_. This infamous woman was the third +daughter of Huntly, and the niece of Argyle. It will hardly be credited +that she was the sister of that gallant Lord Gordon, who fell fighting +by the side of Montrose, only five years before, at the battle of +Aldford! + + "_For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face_,"--p. 39. + +"The Lord Lorn and his new lady were also sitting on a balcony, joyful +spectators; and the cart being stopped when it came before the lodging +where the Chancellor, Argyle, and Warristoun sat--that they might have +time to insult--he, suspecting the business, turned his face towards +them, whereupon they presently crept in at the windows; which being +perceived by an Englishman, he cried up, it was no wonder they started +aside at his look, for they durst not look him in the face these seven +years bygone."--_Wigton Papers_. + + "_With savage glee came Warristoun, + To read the murderous doom_,"--p. 40. + +Archibald Johnston of Warristoun. This man, who was the inveterate enemy +of Montrose, and who carried the most selfish spirit into every intrigue +of his party, received the punishment of his treasons about eleven years +afterwards. It may be instructive to learn how he met his doom. The +following extract is from the MSS. of Sir George Mackenzie:--"The +Chancellor and others waited to examine him; he fell upon his face, +roaring, and with tears entreated they would pity a poor creature who +had forgot all that was in the Bible. This moved all the spectators with +a deep melancholy; and the Chancellor, reflecting upon the man's great +parts, former esteem, and the great share he had in all the late +revolutions, could not deny some tears to the frailty of silly mankind. +At his examination, he pretended he had lost so much blood by the +unskilfulness of his chirurgeons, that he lost his memory with his +blood; and I really believe that his courage had been drawn out with it. +Within a few days he was brought before the parliament, where he +discovered nothing but much weakness, running up and down upon his +knees, begging mercy; but the parliament ordained his former sentence to +be put to execution, and accordingly he was executed at the Cross of +Edinburgh." + + "_And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him_!"--p. 41. + +"He said he was much beholden to the parliament for the honour they had +put on him; 'for,' says he, 'I think it a greater honour to have my head +standing on the port of this town, for this quarrel, than to have my +picture in the king's bedchamber. I am beholden to you that, lest my +loyalty should be forgotten, ye have appointed five of your most eminent +towns to bear witness of it to posterity.'"--_Wigton Papers_. + + "_He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room_,"--p. 42. + +"In his downgoing from the Tolbooth to the place of execution, he was +very richly clad in fine scarlet, laid over with rich silver lace, his +hat in his hand, his bands and cuffs exceeding rich, his delicate white +gloves on his hands, his stockings of incarnate silk, and his shoes with +their ribbands on his feet; and sarks provided for him with pearling +about, above ten pund the elne. All these were provided for him by his +friends, and a pretty cassock put on upon him, upon the scaffold, +wherein he was hanged. To be short, nothing was here deficient to honour +his poor carcase, more beseeming a bridegroom than a criminal going to +the gallows."--NICHOLL'S _Diary_. + + "_The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near_,"--p. 43. + +The Presbyterian ministers beset Montrose both in prison and on the +scaffold. The following extracts are from the diary of the Rev. Robert +Traill, one of the persons who were appointed by the commission of the +kirk "to deal with him:"--"By a warrant from the kirk, we staid a while +with him about his soul's condition. But we found him continuing in his +old pride, and taking very ill what was spoken to him, saying, 'I pray +you, gentlemen, let me die in peace.' It was answered, that he might die +in true peace, being reconciled to the Lord and to His kirk."--"We +returned to the commission, and did show unto them what had passed +amongst us. They, seeing that for the present he was not desiring +relaxation from his censure of excommunication, did appoint Mr. Mungo +Law and me to attend on the morrow on the scaffold, at the time of his +execution, that, in case he should desire to be relaxed from his +excommunication, we should be allowed to give it unto him in the name of +the kirk, and to pray with him, and for him, _that what is loosed on +earth might be loosed in heaven_." But this pious intention, which may +appear somewhat strange to the modern Calvinist, when the prevailing +theories of the kirk regarding the efficacy of absolution are +considered, was not destined to be fulfilled. Mr. Traill goes on to say, +"But he did not at all desire to be relaxed from his excommunication in +the name of the kirk, _yea, did not look towards that place on the +scaffold where we stood_; only he drew apart some of the magistrates, +and spake a while with them, and then went up the ladder, in his red +scarlet cassock, in a very stately manner." + + "_And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven_,"--p. 43. + +"He was very earnest that he might have the liberty to keep on his hat; +it was denied: he requested he might have the privilege to keep his +cloak about him--neither could that be granted. Then, with a most +undaunted courage, he went up to the top of that prodigious +gibbet."--"The whole people gave a general groan; and it was very +observable, that even those who, at his first appearance, had bitterly +inveighed against him, could not now abstain from tears."--_Montrose +Redivivus_. + + + + +THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + + +Hector Boece, in his very delightful, though somewhat apocryphal +Chronicles of Scotland, tells us, that "quhen Schir James Dowglas was +chosin as maist worthy of all Scotland to pass with King Robertis hart +to the Holy Land, he put it in ane cais of gold, with arromitike and +precious unyementis; and tuke with him Schir William Sinclare and Schir +Robert Logan, with mony othir nobilmen, to the haly graif; quhare he +buryit the said hart, with maist reverence and solempnitie that could be +devisit." + +But no contemporary historian bears out the statement of the old canon +of Aberdeen. Froissart, Fordun, and Barbour all agree that the +devotional pilgrimage of the Good Sir James was not destined to be +accomplished, and that the heart of Scotland's greatest king and hero +was brought back to the land of his nativity. Mr. Tytler, in few words, +has so graphically recounted the leading events of this expedition, that +I do not hesitate to adopt his narrative:-- + +"As soon as the season of the year permitted, Douglas, having the heart +of his beloved master under his charge, set sail from Scotland, +accompanied by a splendid retinue, and anchored off Sluys in Flanders, +at this time the great seaport of the Netherlands. His object was to +find out companions with whom he might travel to Jerusalem; but he +declined landing, and for twelve days received all visitors on board his +ship with a state almost kingly. + +"At Sluys he heard that Alonzo, the King of Leon and Castile, was +carrying on war with Osmyn, the Moorish governor of Grenada. The +religious mission which he had embraced, and the vows he had taken +before leaving Scotland, induced Douglas to consider Alonzo's cause as a +holy warfare; and, before proceeding to Jerusalem, he first determined +to visit Spain, and to signalise his prowess against the Saracens. But +his first field against the Infidels proved fatal to him who, in the +long English war, had seen seventy battles. The circumstances of his +death were striking and characteristic. In an action near Theba, on the +borders of Andalusia, the Moorish cavalry were defeated; and, after +their camp had been taken, Douglas, with his companions, engaged too +eagerly in the pursuit, and, being separated from the main body of the +Spanish army, a strong division of the Moors rallied and surrounded +them. The Scottish knight endeavoured to cut his way through the +Infidels, and in all probability would have succeeded, had he not again +turned to rescue Sir William Saint Clair of Roslin, whom he saw in +jeopardy. In attempting this, he was inextricably involved with the +enemy. Taking from his neck the casket which contained the heart of +Bruce, he cast it before him, and exclaimed with a loud voice, 'Now pass +onward as thou wert wont, and Douglas will follow thee or die!' The +action and the sentiment were heroic, and they were the last words and +deed of a heroic life, for Douglas fell, overpowered by his enemies; and +three of his knights, and many of his companions, were slain along with +their master. On the succeeding day, the body and the casket were both +found on the field, and by his surviving friends conveyed to Scotland. +The heart of Bruce was deposited at Melrose, and the body of the 'Good +Sir James'--the name by which he is affectionately remembered by his +countrymen--was consigned to the cemetery of his fathers in the parish +church of Douglas." + +A nobler death on the field of battle is not recorded in the annals of +chivalry. In memory of this expedition, the Douglases have ever since +carried the armorial bearings of the Bloody Heart surmounted by the +Crown; and a similar distinction is borne by another family. Sir Simon +of Lee, a distinguished companion of Douglas, was the person on whom, +after the fall of his leader, the custody of the heart devolved. Hence +the name of Lockhart, and their effigy, the Heart within a Fetterlock. + + + + +THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + + + It was upon an April morn, + While yet the frost lay hoar, + We heard Lord James's bugle-horn + Sound by the rocky shore. + + Then down we went, a hundred knights, + All in our dark array, + And flung our armour in the ships + That rode within the bay. + + We spoke not as the shore grew less, + But gazed in silence back, + Where the long billows swept away + The foam behind our track. + + And aye the purple hues decay'd + Upon the fading hill, + And but one heart in all that ship + Was tranquil, cold, and still. + + The good Lord Douglas walk'd the deck, + And oh, his brow was wan! + Unlike the flush it used to wear + When in the battle van.-- + + "Come hither, come hither, my trusty knight, + Sir Simon of the Lee; + There is a freit lies near my soul + I fain would tell to thee. + + "Thou know'st the words King Robert spoke + Upon his dying day, + How he bade me take his noble heart + And carry it far away; + + "And lay it in the holy soil + Where once the Saviour trod, + Since he might not bear the blessed Cross, + Nor strike one blow for God. + + "Last night as in my bed I lay, + I dream'd a dreary dream:-- + Methought I saw a Pilgrim stand + In the moonlight's quivering beam. + + "His robe was of the azure dye, + Snow-white his scatter'd hairs, + And even such a cross he bore + As good Saint Andrew bears. + + "'Why go you forth, Lord James,' he said, + 'With spear and belted brand? + Why do you take its dearest pledge + From this our Scottish land? + + "'The sultry breeze of Galilee + Creeps through its groves of palm, + The olives on the Holy Mount + Stand glittering in the calm. + + "'But 'tis not there that Scotland's heart + Shall rest by God's decree, + Till the great angel calls the dead + To rise from earth and sea! + + "'Lord James of Douglas, mark my rede! + That heart shall pass once more + In fiery fight against the foe, + As it was wont of yore. + + "'And it shall pass beneath the Cross, + And save King Robert's vow, + But other hands shall bear it back, + Not, James of Douglas, thou!' + + "Now, by thy knightly faith, I pray, + Sir Simon of the Lee-- + For truer friend had never man + Than thou hast been to me-- + + "If ne'er upon the Holy Land + 'Tis mine in life to tread, + Bear thou to Scotland's kindly earth + The relics of her dead." + + The tear was in Sir Simon's eye + As he wrung the warrior's hand-- + "Betide me weal, betide me woe, + I'll hold by thy command. + + "But if in battle front, Lord James, + 'Tis ours once more to ride, + No force of man, nor craft of fiend, + Shall cleave me from thy side!" + + And aye we sail'd, and aye we sail'd, + Across the weary sea, + Until one morn the coast of Spain + Rose grimly on our lee. + + And as we rounded to the port, + Beneath the watch-tower's wall, + We heard the clash of the atabals, + And the trumpet's wavering call. + + "Why sounds yon Eastern music here + So wantonly and long, + And whose the crowd of armèd men + That round yon standard throng?" + + "The Moors have come from Africa + To spoil and waste and slay, + And King Alonzo of Castile + Must fight with them to-day." + + "Now shame it were," cried good Lord James, + "Shall never be said of me, + That I and mine have turn'd aside, + From the Cross in jeopardie! + + "Have down, have down, my merry men all-- + Have down unto the plain; + We'll let the Scottish lion loose + Within the fields of Spain!" + + "Now welcome to me, noble lord, + Thou and thy stalwart power; + Dear is the sight of a Christian knight + Who comes in such an hour! + + "Is it for bond or faith ye come, + Or yet for golden fee? + Or bring ye France's lilies here, + Or the flower of Burgundie?" + + "God greet thee well, thou valiant King, + Thee and thy belted peers-- + Sir James of Douglas am I called, + And these are Scottish spears. + + "We do not fight for bond or plight, + Not yet for golden fee; + But for the sake of our blessed Lord, + Who died upon the tree. + + "We bring our great King Robert's heart + Across the weltering wave, + To lay it in the holy soil + Hard by the Saviour's grave. + + "True pilgrims we, by land or sea, + Where danger bars the way; + And therefore are we here, Lord King, + To ride with thee this day!" + + The King has bent his stately head, + And the tears were in his eyne-- + "God's blessing on thee, noble knight, + For this brave thought of thine! + + "I know thy name full well, Lord James, + And honour'd may I be, + That those who fought beside the Bruce + Should fight this day for me! + + "Take thou the leading of the van, + And charge the Moors amain; + There is not such a lance as thine + In all the host of Spain!" + + The Douglas turned towards us then, + O but his glance was high!-- + "There is not one of all my men + But is as bold as I. + + "There is not one of all my knights + But bears as true a spear-- + Then onwards! Scottish gentlemen, + And think--King Robert's here!" + + The trumpets blew, the cross-bolts flew, + The arrows flashed like flame, + As spur in side, and spear in rest, + Against the foe we came. + + And many a bearded Saracen + Went down, both horse and man; + For through their ranks we rode like corn, + So furiously we ran! + + But in behind our path they closed, + Though fain to let us through, + For they were forty thousand men, + And we were wondrous few. + + We might not see a lance's length, + So dense was their array, + But the long fell sweep of the Scottish blade + Still held them hard at bay. + + "Make in! make in!" Lord Douglas cried, + "Make in, my brethren dear! + Sir William of Saint Clair is down; + We may not leave him here!" + + But thicker, thicker, grew the swarm, + And sharper shot the rain, + And the horses reared amid the press, + But they would not charge again. + + "Now Jesu help thee," said Lord James, + "Thou kind and true St Clair! + An' if I may not bring thee off, + I'll die beside thee there!" + + Then in his stirrups up he stood, + So lionlike and bold, + And held the precious heart aloft + All in its case of gold. + + He flung it from him, far ahead, + And never spake he more, + But--"Pass thee first, thou dauntless heart, + As thou wert wont of yore!" + + The roar of fight rose fiercer yet, + And heavier still the stour, + Till the spears of Spain came shivering in, + And swept away the Moor. + + "Now praised be God, the day is won! + They fly o'er flood and fell-- + Why dost thou draw the rein so hard, + Good knight, that fought so well?" + + "Oh, ride ye on, Lord King!" he said, + "And leave the dead to me, + For I must keep the dreariest watch + That ever I shall dree! + + "There lies, beside his master's heart, + The Douglas, stark and grim; + And woe is me I should be here, + Not side by side with him! + + "The world grows cold, my arm is old, + And thin my lyart hair, + And all that I loved best on earth + Is stretch'd before me there. + + "O Bothwell banks! that bloom so bright, + Beneath the sun of May, + The heaviest cloud that ever blew + Is bound for you this day. + + "And, Scotland, thou may'st veil thy head + In sorrow and in pain; + The sorest stroke upon thy brow + Hath fallen this day in Spain! + + "We'll bear them back unto our ship, + We'll bear them o'er the sea, + And lay them in the hallowed earth, + Within our own countrie. + + "And be thou strong of heart, Lord King, + For this I tell thee sure, + The sod that drank the Douglas' blood + Shall never bear the Moor!" + + The King he lighted from his horse, + He flung his brand away, + And took the Douglas by the hand, + So stately as he lay. + + "God give thee rest, thou valiant soul, + That fought so well for Spain; + I'd rather half my land were gone, + So thou wert here again!" + + We bore the good Lord James away, + And the priceless heart he bore, + And heavily we steer'd our ship + Towards the Scottish shore. + + No welcome greeted our return, + Nor clang of martial tread, + But all were dumb and hushed as death + Before the mighty dead. + + We laid our chief in Douglas Kirk, + The heart in fair Melrose; + And woeful men were we that day-- + God grant their souls repose! + + + + +THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + +It is very much to be regretted that no competent person has as yet +undertaken the task of compiling a full and authentic biography of Lord +Viscount Dundee. His memory has consequently been left at the mercy of +misrepresentation and malignity; and the pen of romance has been freely +employed to portray, as a bloody assassin, one of the most accomplished +men and gallant soldiers of his age. + +It was the misfortune of Claverhouse to have lived in so troublous an +age and country. The religious differences of Scotland were then at +their greatest height, and there is hardly any act of atrocity and +rebellion which had not been committed by the insurgents. The royal +authority was openly and publicly disowned in the western districts: the +Archbishop of St. Andrew's, after more than one hairbreadth escape, was +waylaid, and barbarously murdered by an armed gang of fanatics on Magus +Muir; and his daughter was wounded and maltreated while interceding for +the old man's life. The country was infested by banditti, who took every +possible opportunity of shooting down and massacring any of the +straggling soldiery: the clergy were attacked and driven from their +houses; so that, throughout a considerable portion of Scotland, there +was no security either for property or for life. It is now the fashion +to praise and magnify the Covenanters as the most innocent and +persecuted of men; but those who are so ready with their sympathy, +rarely take the pains to satisfy themselves, by reference to the annals +of the time, of the true character of those men whom they blindly +venerate as martyrs. They forget, in their zeal for religious freedom, +that even the purest and holiest of causes may be sullied and disgraced +by the deeds of its upholders, and that a wild and frantic profession of +faith is not always a test of genuine piety. It is not in the slightest +degree necessary to discuss whether the royal prerogative was at that +time arbitrarily used, or whether the religious freedom of the nation +was unduly curtailed. Both points may be, and indeed are, admitted,--for +it is impossible to vindicate the policy of the measures adopted by the +two last monarchs of the house of Stuart; but neither admission will +clear the Covenanters from the stain of deliberate cruelty. + +After the battle of Philiphaugh, the royalist prisoners were butchered +in cold blood, under the superintendence of a clerical emissary, who +stood by rubbing his hands, and exclaiming--"The wark gangs bonnily on!" +Were I to transcribe from the pamphlets before me the list of the +murders which were perpetrated by the country people on the soldiery, +officers, and gentlemen of loyal principles, during the reign of Charles +II., I believe that no candid person would be surprised at the severe +retaliation which was made. It must be remembered that the country was +then under military law, and that the strongest orders had been issued +by the Government to the officers in command of the troops, to use every +means in their power for the effectual repression of the disturbances. +The necessity of such orders will become apparent, when we reflect that, +besides the open actions at Aird's Moss and Drumclog, the city of +Glasgow was attacked, and the royal forces compelled for a time to fall +back upon Stirling. + +Under such circumstances it is no wonder if the soldiery were severe in +their reprisals. Innocent blood may no doubt have been shed, and in some +cases even wantonly; for when rebellion has grown into civil war, and +the ordinary course of the law is put in abeyance, it is always +impossible to restrain military license. But it is most unfair to lay +the whole odium of such acts upon those who were in command, and to +dishonour the fair name of gentlemen, by attributing to them personally +the commission of deeds of which they were absolutely ignorant. To this +day the peasantry of the western districts of Scotland entertain the +idea that Claverhouse was a sort of fiend in human shape, tall, +muscular, and hideous in aspect, secured by infernal spells from the +chance of perishing by any ordinary weapon, and mounted upon a huge +black horse, the especial gift of Beelzebub! On this charger it is +supposed that he could ride up precipices as easily as he could traverse +the level ground--that he was constantly accompanied by a body of +desperadoes, vulgarly known by such euphonious titles as "Hell's Tam," +and "the De'il's Jock," and that his whole time was occupied, day and +night, in hunting Covenanters upon the hills! Almost every rebel who was +taken in arms and shot, is supposed to have met his death from the +individual pistol of Claverhouse; and the tales which, from time to +time, have been written by such ingenious persons as the late Mr. Gait +and the Ettrick Shepherd have quietly been assumed as facts, and added +to the store of our traditionary knowledge. It is in vain to hint that +the chief commanders of the forces in Scotland could have found little +leisure, even had they possessed the taste, for pursuing single +insurgents. Such suggestions are an insult to martyrology; and many a +parish of the west would be indignant were it averred that the tenant of +its gray stone had suffered by a meaner hand. + +When we look at the portrait of Claverhouse, and survey the calm, +melancholy, and beautiful features of the devoted soldier, it appears +almost incredible that he should ever have suffered under such an +overwhelming load of misrepresentation. But when--discarding modern +historians, who in too many instances do not seem to entertain the +slightest scruple in dealing with the memory of the dead--we turn to the +writings of his contemporaries who knew the man, his character appears +in a very different light. They describe him as one who was stainless in +his honour, pure in his faith, wise in council, resolute in action, and +utterly free from that selfishness which disgraced the Scottish +statesmen of the time. No one dares question his loyalty, for he sealed +that confession with his blood; and it is universally admitted, that +with him fell the last hopes of the reinstatement of the house of +Stuart. + +I may perhaps be permitted here, in the absence of a better chronicler, +to mention a few particulars of his life, which, I believe, are +comparatively unknown. John Graham of Claverhouse was a cadet of the +family of Fintrie, connected by intermarriage with the blood-royal of +Scotland. After completing his studies at the University of St. +Andrew's, he entered, as was the national custom for gentlemen of good +birth and limited means, into foreign service, served some time in +France as a volunteer, and afterwards went to Holland. He very soon +received a commission, as a cornet in a regiment of horse-guards, from +the Prince of Orange, nephew of Charles II. and James VII., and who +afterwards married the Princess Mary. His manner at that time is thus +described:--"He was then ane esquire, under the title of John Graham of +Claverhouse; but the vivacity of his parts, and the delicacy and justice +of his understanding and judgment, joyned with a certain vigour of mind +and activity of body, distinguished him in such a manner from all others +of his rank, that though he lived in a superior character, yet he +acquired the love and esteem of all his equals, as well as of those who +had the advantage of him in dignity and estate." + +By one of those singular accidents which we occasionally meet with in +history, Graham, afterwards destined to become his most formidable +opponent, saved the life of the Prince of Orange at the battle of St. +Neff. The Prince's horse had been killed, and he himself was in the +grasp of the enemy, when the young cornet rode to his rescue, freed him +from his assailants, and mounted him on his own steed. For this service +he received a captain's commission, and the promise of the first +regiment that should fall vacant. + +But even in early life William of Orange was not famous for keeping his +promises. Some years afterwards, a vacancy in one of the Scottish +regiments in the Prince's service occurred, and Claverhouse, relying +upon the previous assurance, preferred his claim. It was disregarded, +and Mr. Collier, afterwards Earl of Portmore, was appointed over his +head. It would seem that Graham had suspected some foul play on the +part of this gentleman, for, shortly after, they accidentally met and +had an angry altercation. This circumstance having come to the ears of +the Prince, he sent for Captain Graham, and administered a sharp rebuke. +I give the remainder of this incident in the words of the old writer, +because it must be considered a very remarkable one, as illustrating the +fiery spirit and dauntless independence of Claverhouse. + +"The Captain answered, that he was indeed in the wrong, since it was +more his Highness's business to have resented that quarrel than his; +because Mr. Collier had less injured him in disappointing him of the +regiment, than he had done his Highness in making him break his word. +'Then,' replied the Prince in an angry tone, 'I make you full +reparation, for I bestow on you what is more valuable than a regiment +when I give you your right arm!' The Captain subjoined, that since his +Highness had the goodness to give him his liberty, he resolved to employ +himself elsewhere, for he would not longer serve a Prince that had +broken his word. + +"The Captain, having thus thrown up his commission, was preparing in +haste for his voyage, when a messenger arrived from the Prince, with two +hundred guineas for the horse on which he had saved his life. The +Captain sent the horse, but ordered the gold to be distributed among the +grooms of the Prince's stables. It is said, however, that his Highness +had the generosity to write to the King and the Duke, recommending him +as a fine gentleman and a brave officer, fit for any office, civil or +military." + +On his arrival in Britain he was well received by the court, and +immediately appointed to a high military command in Scotland. It would +be beyond the scope of the present paper to enter minutely into the +details of his service during the stormy period when Scotland was +certainly misgoverned, and when there was little unity, but much +disorder in the land. In whatever point of view we regard the history of +those times, the aspect is a mournful one indeed. Church and State never +was a popular cry in Scotland, and the peculiar religious tendencies +which had been exhibited by a large portion of the nation, at the time +of the Reformation, rendered the return of tranquillity hopeless until +the hierarchy was displaced, and a humbler form of church government, +more suited to the feelings of the people, substituted in its stead. + +Three years after the accession of James VII. Claverhouse was raised to +the peerage, by the title of Lord Viscount Dundee. He was major-general, +and second in command of the royal forces, when the Prince of Orange +landed, and earnestly entreated King James to be allowed to march +against him, offering to stake his head on the successful result of the +enterprize. There is little doubt, from the great popularity of Lord +Dundee with the army, that, had such consent been given, William would +have found more than a match in his old officer; but the King seemed +absolutely infatuated, and refused to allow a drop of blood to be shed +in his quarrel, though the great bulk of the population of England were +clearly and enthusiastically in his favour. One of the most gifted of +our modern poets, the Honourable George Sydney Smythe, has beautifully +illustrated this event. + + "Then out spake gallant Claverhouse, and his soul thrilled wild and high, + And he showed the King his subjects, and he prayed him not to fly. + O never yet was captain so dauntless as Dundee! + He has sworn to chase the Hollander back to his Zuyder-Zee." + +But though James quitted his kingdom, the stern loyalty of Dundee was +nothing moved. Alone, and without escort, he traversed England, and +presented himself at the Convention of Estates, then assembled at +Edinburgh for the purpose of receiving the message from the Prince of +Orange. The meeting was a very strange one. Many of the nobility and +former members of the Scottish Parliament absolutely declined attending +it, some on the ground that it was not a legal assembly, having been +summoned by the Prince of Orange, and others because, in such a total +disruption of order, they judged it safest to abstain from taking any +prominent part. This gave an immense ascendency to the Revolution party, +who further proceeded to strengthen their position by inviting to +Edinburgh large bodies of the armed population of the west. After +defending for several days the cause of his master with as much +eloquence as vigour, Dundee, finding that the majority of the Convention +were resolved to offer the crown of Scotland to the Prince, and having +moreover received sure information that some of the wild fanatic Whigs, +with Daniel Ker of Kersland at their head, had formed a plot for his +assassination, quitted Edinburgh with about fifty horsemen, and, after a +short interview--celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in one of his grandest +ballads--with the Duke of Gordon at the Castle Rock, directed his steps +towards the north. After a short stay at his house of Duddope, during +which he received, by order of the Council, who were thoroughly alarmed +at his absence, a summons through a Lyon herald to return to Edinburgh +under pain of high treason, he passed into the Gordon country, where he +was joined by the Earl of Dunfermline with a small party of about sixty +horse. His retreat was timeous, for General Mackay, who commanded for +the Prince of Orange, had despatched a strong force, with instructions +to make him prisoner. From this time, until the day of his death, he +allowed himself no repose. Imitating the example, and inheriting the +enthusiasm of his great predecessor Montrose, he invoked the loyalty of +the clans to assist him in the struggle for legitimacy--and he did not +appeal to them in vain. His name was a spell to rouse the ardent spirits +of the mountaineers; and not the Great Marquis himself, in the height of +his renown, was more sincerely welcomed and more fondly loved than "Ian +dhu nan Cath,"--Dark John of the Battles,--the name by which Lord Dundee +is still remembered in Highland song. In the mean time the Convention, +terrified at their danger, and dreading a Highland inroad, had +despatched Mackay, a military officer of great experience, with a +considerable body of troops, to quell the threatened insurrection. He +was encountered by Dundee, and compelled to evacuate the high country +and fall back upon the Lowlands, where he subsequently received +reinforcements, and again marched northward. The Highland host was +assembled at Blair, though not in great force, when the news of Mackay's +advance arrived; and a council of the chiefs and officers was summoned, +to determine whether it would be most advisable to fall back upon the +glens and wild fastnesses of the Highlands, or to meet the enemy at +once, though with a force far inferior to his. + +Most of the old officers, who had been trained in the foreign wars, were +of the former opinion--"alleging that it was neither prudent nor +cautious to risk an engagement against an army of disciplined men, that +exceeded theirs in numbers by more than a half." But both Glengarry and +Locheill, to the great satisfaction of the General, maintained the +contrary view, and argued that neither hunger nor fatigue were so likely +to depress the Highlanders, as a retreat when the enemy was in view. The +account of the discussion is so interesting, and so characteristic of +Dundee, that I shall take leave to quote its termination in the words of +Drummond of Balhaldy: + +"An advice so hardy and resolute could not miss to please the generous +Dundee. His looks seemed to heighten with an air of delight and +satisfaction all the while Locheill was speaking. He told his council +that they had heard his sentiments from the mouth of a person who had +formed his judgment upon infallible proofs drawn from a long experience, +and an intimate acquaintance with the persons and subject he spoke of. +Not one in the company offering to contradict their general, it was +unanimously agreed to fight. + +"When the news of this vigorous resolution spread through the army, +nothing was heard but acclamations of joy, which exceedingly pleased +their gallant general; but before the council broke up, Locheill begged +to be heard for a few words. 'My Lord' said he, 'I have just now +declared, in the presence of this honourable company, that I was +resolved to give an implicit obedience to all your Lordship's commands; +but I humbly beg leave, in name of these gentlemen, to give the word of +command for this one time. It is the voice of your council, and their +orders are, that you do not engage personally. Your Lordship's business +is to have an eye on all parts, and to issue out your commands as you +shall think proper; it is ours to execute them with promptitude and +courage. On your Lordship depends the fate, not only of this little +brave army, but also of our king and country. If your Lordship deny us +this reasonable demand, for my own part I declare, that neither I, nor +any I am concerned in, shall draw a sword on this important occasion, +whatever construction shall be put upon the matter.' + +"Locheill was seconded in this by the whole council; but Dundee begged +leave to be heard in his turn. 'Gentlemen,' said he, 'as I am absolutely +convinced, and have had repeated proofs, of your zeal for the king's +service, and of your affection to me as his general and your friend, so +I am fully sensible that my engaging personally this day may be of some +loss if I shall chance to be killed. But I beg leave of you, however, to +allow me to give one _shear-darg_ (that is, one harvest-day's work) to +the king, my master, that I may have an opportunity of convincing the +brave clans, that I can hazard my life in that service as freely as the +meanest of them. Ye know their temper, gentlemen; and if they do not +think I have personal courage enough, they will not esteem me hereafter, +nor obey my commands with cheerfulness. Allow me this single favour, and +I here promise, upon my honour, never again to risk my person while I +have that of commanding you.' + +"The council, finding him inflexible, broke up, and the army marched +directly towards the Pass of Killiecrankie." + +Those who have visited that romantic spot need not be reminded of its +peculiar features, for these, once seen, must dwell for ever in the +memory. The lower part of the Pass is a stupendous mountain-chasm, +scooped out by the waters of the Garry, which here descend in a +succession of roaring cataracts and pools. The old road, which ran +almost parallel to the river and close upon its edge, was extremely +narrow, and wound its way beneath a wall of enormous crags, surmounted +by a natural forest of birch, oak, and pine. An army cooped up in that +gloomy ravine would have as little chance of escape from the onset of an +enterprising partisan corps, as had the Bavarian troops when attacked by +the Tyrolese in the steep defiles of the Inn. General Mackay, however, +had made his arrangements with consummate tact and skill, and had +calculated his time so well, that he was enabled to clear the Pass +before the Highlanders could reach it from the other side. Advancing +upwards, the passage becomes gradually broader, until, just below the +House of Urrard, there is a considerable width of meadow-land. It was +here that Mackay took up his position, and arrayed his troops, on +observing that the heights above were occupied by the army of Dundee. + +The forces of the latter scarcely amounted to one-third of those of his +antagonist, which were drawn up in line without any reserve. He was +therefore compelled, in making his dispositions, to leave considerable +gaps in his own line, which gave Mackay a further advantage. The right +of Dundee's army was formed of the M'Lean, Glengarry, and Clanranald +regiments, along with some Irish levies. In the centre was Dundee +himself, at the head of a small and ill-equipped body of cavalry, +composed of Lowland gentlemen and their followers, and about forty of +his old troopers. The Camerons and Skyemen, under the command of +Locheill and Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat, were stationed on the left. +During the time occupied by these dispositions, a brisk cannonade was +opened by Mackay's artillery, which materially increased the impatience +of the Highlanders to come to close quarters. At last the word was given +to advance, and the whole line rushed forward with the terrific +impetuosity peculiar to a charge of the clans. They received the fire of +the regular troops without flinching, reserved their own until they were +close at hand, poured in a murderous volley, and then, throwing away +their firelocks, attacked the enemy with the broadsword. + +The victory was almost instantaneous, but it was bought at a terrible +price. Through some mistake or misunderstanding, a portion of the +cavalry, instead of following their general, who had charged directly +for the guns, executed a manoeuvre which threw them into disorder; and, +when last seen in the battle, Dundee, accompanied only by the Earl of +Dunfermline and about sixteen gentlemen, was entering into the cloud of +smoke, standing up in his stirrups, and waving to the others to come +on. It was in this attitude that he appears to have received his +death-wound. On returning from the pursuit, the Highlanders found him +dying on the field. + +It would he difficult to point out another instance in which the +maintenance of a great cause depended solely upon the life of a single +man. Whilst Dundee survived, Scotland at least was not lost to the +Stuarts, for, shortly before the battle, he had received assurance that +the greater part of the organised troops in the north were devoted to +his person, and ready to join him; and the victory of Killiecrankie +would have been followed by a general rising of the loyal gentlemen in +the Lowlands. But with his fall the enterprise was over. + +I hope I shall not be accused of exaggerating the importance of this +battle, which, according to the writer I have already quoted, was best +proved by the consternation into which the opposite party were thrown at +the first news of Mackay's defeat. "The Duke of Hamilton, commissioner +for the parliament which then sat at Edinburgh, and the rest of the +ministry, were struck with such a panic, that some of them were for +retiring into England, others into the western shires of Scotland, where +all the people, almost to a man, befriended them; nor knew they whether +to abandon the government, or to stay a few days until they saw what use +my Lord Dundee would make of his victory. They knew the rapidity of his +motions, and were convinced that he would allow them no time to +deliberate. On this account it was debated, whether such of the nobility +and gentry as were confined for adhering to their old master, should be +immediately set at liberty or more closely shut up; and though the last +was determined on, yet the greatest revolutionists among them made +private and frequent visits to these prisoners, excusing what was past, +from a fatal necessity of the times, which obliged them to give a +seeming compliance, but protesting that they always wished well to King +James, as they should soon have occasion to show when my Lord Dundee +advanced." + +"The next morning after the battle," says Drummond, "the Highland army +had more the air of the shattered remains of broken troops than of +conquerors; for here it was literally true that + + 'The vanquished triumphed, and the victors mourned.' + +The death of their brave general, and the loss of so many of their +friends, were inexhaustible fountains of grief and sorrow. They closed +the last scene of this mournful tragedy in obsequies of their lamented +general, and of the other gentlemen who fell with him, and interred them +in the church of Blair of Atholl with a real funeral solemnity, there +not being present one single person who did not participate in the +general affliction." + +I close this notice of a great soldier and devoted loyalist, by +transcribing the beautiful epitaph composed by Dr. Pitcairn:-- + + "Ultime Scotorum! potuit, quo sospite solo, + Libertas patriæ salva fuisse tuæ: + Te moriente, novos accepit Scotia cives, + Accepitque novos, te moriente, deos. + Illa nequit superesse tibi, tu non potes illi, + Ergo Caledoniæ nomen inane, vale. + Tuque vale, gentis priscæ fortissime ductor, + Ultime Scotorum, ac ultime Grame, vale!" + + + + +THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + + + Sound the fife, and cry the slogan-- + Let the pibroch shake the air + With its wild triumphal music, + Worthy of the freight we bear. + Let the ancient hills of Scotland + Hear once more the battle-song + Swell within their glens and valleys + As the clansmen march along! + Never from the field of combat, + Never from the deadly fray, + Was a nobler trophy carried + Than we bring with us to-day; + Never, since the valiant Douglas + On his dauntless bosom bore + Good King Robert's heart--the priceless-- + To our dear Redeemer's shore! + Lo! we bring with us the hero-- + Lo! we bring the conquering Græme, + Crowned as best beseems a victor + From the altar of his fame; + Fresh and bleeding from the battle + Whence his spirit took its flight, + Midst the crashing charge of squadrons, + And the thunder of the fight! + Strike, I say, the notes of triumph, + As we march o'er moor and lea! + Is there any here will venture + To bewail our dead Dundee? + Let the widows of the traitors + Weep until their eyes are dim! + Wail ye may full well for Scotland-- + Let none dare to mourn for him! + See! above his glorious body + Lies the royal banner's fold-- + See! his valiant blood is mingled + With its crimson and its gold. + See! how calm he looks and stately, + Like a warrior on his shield, + Waiting till the flush of morning + Breaks along the battle-field! + See--Oh never more, my comrades! + Shall we see that falcon eye + Redden with its inward lightning, + As the hour of fight drew nigh; + Never shall we hear the voice that, + Clearer than the trumpet's call, + Bade us strike for King and Country, + Bade us win the field or fall! + On the heights of Killiecrankie + Yester-morn our army lay: + Slowly rose the mist in columns + From the river's broken way; + Hoarsely roared the swollen torrent, + And the pass was wrapped in gloom, + When the clansmen rose together + From their lair amidst the broom. + Then we belted on our tartans, + And our bonnets down we drew, + And we felt our broadswords' edges, + And we proved them to be true; + And we prayed the prayer of soldiers, + And we cried the gathering-cry, + And we clasped the hands of kinsmen, + And we swore to do or die! + Then our leader rode before us + On his war-horse black as night-- + Well the Cameronian rebels + Knew that charger in the fight!-- + And a cry of exultation + From the bearded warriors rose; + For we loved the house of Claver'se, + And we thought of good Montrose. + But he raised his hand for silence-- + "Soldiers! I have sworn a vow: + Ere the evening-star shall glisten + On Schehallion's lofty brow, + Either we shall rest in triumph, + Or another of the Graemes + Shall have died in battle-harness + For his Country and King James! + Think upon the Royal Martyr-- + Think of what his race endure-- + Think on him whom butchers murder'd + On the field of Magus Muir:-- + By his sacred blood I charge ye, + By the ruin'd hearth and shrine-- + By the blighted hopes of Scotland, + By your injuries and mine-- + Strike this day as if the anvil + Lay beneath your blows the while, + Be they Covenanting traitors, + Or the brood of false Argyle! + Strike! and drive the trembling rebels + Backwards o'er the stormy Forth; + Let them tell their pale Convention + How they fared within the North. + Let them tell that Highland honour + Is not to be bought nor sold, + That we scorn their Prince's anger, + As we loathe his foreign gold. + Strike! and when the fight is over, + If ye look in vain for me, + Where the dead are lying thickest, + Search for him that was Dundee!" + + Loudly then the hills re-echoed + With our answer to his call, + But a deeper echo sounded + In the bosoms of us all. + For the lands of wide Breadalbane, + Not a man who heard him speak + Would that day have left the battle. + Burning eye and flushing cheek + Told the clansmen's fierce emotion, + And they harder drew their breath; + For their souls were strong within them, + Stronger than the grasp of death. + Soon we heard a challenge-trumpet + Sounding in the pass below, + And the distant tramp of horses, + And the voices of the foe: + Down we crouched amid the bracken, + Till the Lowland ranks drew near, + Panting like the hounds in summer, + When they scent the stately deer. + From the dark defile emerging, + Next we saw the squadrons come, + Leslie's foot and Leven's troopers + Marching to the tuck of drum; + Through the scattered wood of birches, + O'er the broken ground and heath, + Wound the long battalion slowly, + Till they gained the field beneath; + Then we bounded from our covert.-- + Judge how looked the Saxons then, + When they saw the rugged mountain + Start to life with armèd men! + Like a tempest down the ridges, + Swept the hurricane of steel, + Rose the slogan of Macdonald-- + Flashed the broadsword of Locheill! + Vainly sped the withering volley + 'Mongst the foremost of our band-- + On we poured until we met them, + Foot to foot, and hand to hand. + Horse and man went down like drift-wood + When the floods are black at Yule, + And their carcasses are whirling + In the Garry's deepest pool. + Horse and man went down before us-- + Living foe there tarried none + On the field of Killiecrankie, + When that stubborn fight was done! + + And the evening-star was shining + On Schehallion's distant head, + When we wiped our bloody broadswords, + And returned to count the dead. + There we found him, gashed and gory, + Stretch'd upon the cumbered plain, + As he told us where to seek him, + In the thickest of the slain. + And a smile was on his visage, + For within his dying ear + Pealed the joyful note of triumph, + And the clansmen's clamorous cheer: + So, amidst the battle's thunder, + Shot, and steel, and scorching flame, + In the glory of his manhood + Passed the spirit of the Græme! + Open wide the vaults of Athol, + Where the bones of heroes rest-- + Open wide the hallowed portals + To receive another guest! + Last of Scots, and last of freemen-- + Last of all that dauntless race + Who would rather die unsullied + Than outlive the land's disgrace! + O thou lion-hearted warrior! + Reck not of the after-time: + Honour may be deemed dishonour, + Loyalty be called a crime. + Sleep in peace with kindred ashes + Of the noble and the true, + Hands that never failed their country, + Hearts that never baseness knew. + Sleep!--and till the latest trumpet + Wakes the dead from earth and sea, + Scotland shall not boast a braver + Chieftain than our own Dundee! + + + + +THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + + +The Massacre of Glencoe is an event which neither can nor ought to be +forgotten. It was a deed of the worst treason and cruelty--a barbarous +infraction of all laws, human and divine; and it exhibits in their +foulest perfidy the true characters of the authors and abettors of the +Revolution. + +After the battle of Killiecrankie the cause of the Scottish royalists +declined, rather from the want of a competent leader than from any +disinclination on the part of a large section of the nobility and gentry +to vindicate the right of King James. No person of adequate talents or +authority was found to supply the place of the great and gallant Lord +Dundee; for General Cannon, who succeeded in command, was not only +deficient in military skill, but did not possess the confidence, nor +understand the character of the Highland chiefs, who, with their +clansmen, constituted by far the most important section of the army. +Accordingly no enterprise of any importance was attempted; and the +disastrous issue of the battle of the Boyne led to a negotiation which +terminated in the entire disbanding of the royal forces. By this treaty, +which was expressly sanctioned by William of Orange, a full and +unreserved indemnity and pardon was granted to all of the Highlanders +who had taken arms, with a proviso that they should first subscribe the +oath of allegiance to William and Mary, before the 1st of January, 1692, +in presence of the Lords of the Scottish Council, "or of the Sheriffs or +their deputies of the respective shires wherein they lived." The letter +of William addressed to the Privy Council, and ordering proclamation to +be made to the above effect, contained also the following significant +passage:--"That ye communicate our pleasure to the Governor of +Inverlochy, and other commanders, that they be exact and diligent in +their several posts; but that they show no more zeal against the +Highlanders after their submission, _than they have ever done formerly +when these were in open rebellion_." + +This enigmatical sentence, which in reality was intended, as the sequel +will show, to be interpreted in the most cruel manner, appears to have +caused some perplexity in the Council, as that body deemed it necessary +to apply for more distinct and specific instructions, which, however, +were not then issued. It had been especially stipulated by the chiefs, +as an indispensable preliminary to their treaty, that they should have +leave to communicate with King James, then residing at St. Germains, for +the purpose of obtaining his permission and warrant previous to +submitting themselves to the existing government. That article had been +sanctioned by William before the proclamation was issued, and a special +messenger was despatched to France for that purpose. + +In the mean time, troops were gradually and cautiously advanced to the +confines of the Highlands, and, in some instances, actually quartered on +the inhabitants. The condition of the country was perfectly tranquil. No +disturbances whatever occurred in the north or west of Scotland; +Locheill and the other chiefs were awaiting the communication from St. +Germains, and held themselves bound in honour to remain inactive; whilst +the remainder of the royalist forces (for whom separate terms had been +made) were left unmolested at Dunkeld. + +But rumours, which are too clearly traceable to the emissaries of the +new government, asserting the preparation made for an immediate landing +of King James at the head of a large body of the French, were +industriously circulated, and by many were implicitly believed. The +infamous policy which dictated such a course is now apparent. The term +of the amnesty or truce granted by the proclamation expired with the +year 1691, and all who had not taken the oath of allegiance before that +term, were to be proceeded against with the utmost severity. The +proclamation was issued upon the 29th of August: consequently, only four +months were allowed for the complete submission of the Highlands. + +Not one of the chiefs subscribed until the mandate from King James +arrived. That document, which is dated from St. Germains on the 12th of +December 1691, reached Dunkeld eleven days afterwards, and, +consequently, but a very short time before the indemnity expired. The +bearer, Major Menzies, was so fatigued that he could proceed no farther +on his journey, but forwarded the mandate by an express to the commander +of the royal forces, who was then at Glengarry. It was therefore +impossible that the document could be circulated through the Highlands +within the prescribed period. Locheill, says Drummond of Balhaldy, did +not receive his copy till about thirty hours before the time was out, +and appeared before the sheriff at Inverara, where he took the oaths +upon the very day on which the indemnity expired. + +That a general massacre throughout the Highlands was contemplated by the +Whig government, is a fact established by overwhelming evidence. In the +course of the subsequent investigation before the Scots Parliament, +letters were produced from Sir John Dalrymple, then Master of Stair, one +of the secretaries of state in attendance upon the court, which too +clearly indicate the intentions of William. In one of these, dated 1st +December 1694,--_a month_, be it observed, before the amnesty +expired--and addressed to Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, there are the +following words:--"The winter is the only season in which we are sure +the Highlanders cannot escape us, _nor carry their wives, bairns_, and +cattle to the mountains." And in another letter, written only two days +afterwards, he says, "It is the only time that they cannot escape you, +for human constitution cannot endure to be long out of houses. _This is +the proper season to maule them, in the cold long nights_." And in +January thereafter, he informed Sir Thomas Livingston that the design +was "to destroy entirely the country of Lochaber, Locheill's lands, +Keppoch's, Glengarry's, Appin, and Glencoe. I assure you," he continues, +"your power shall be full enough, _and I hope the soldiers will not +trouble the Government with prisoners_." + +Locheill was more fortunate than others of his friends and neighbours. +According to Drummond,--"Major Menzies, who, upon his arrival, had +observed the whole forces of the kingdom ready to invade the Highlands, +as he wrote to General Buchan, foreseeing the unhappy consequences, not +only begged that general to send expresses to all parts with orders +immediately to submit, but also wrote to Sir Thomas Livingston, praying +him to supplicate the Council for a prorogation of the time, in regard +that he was so excessively fatigued, that he was obliged to stop some +days to repose a little; and that though he should send expresses, yet +it was impossible they could reach the distant parts in such time as to +allow the several persons concerned the benefit of the indemnity within +the space limited; besides, that some persons having put the Highlanders +in a bad temper, he was confident to persuade them to submit, if a +further time were allowed. Sir Thomas presented this letter to the +Council on the 5th of January, 1692, but they refused to give any +answer, and ordered him to transmit the same to Court." + +The reply of William of Orange was a letter, countersigned by Dalrymple, +in which, upon the recital that "several of the chieftains and many of +their clans had not taken the benefit of our gracious indemnity," he +gave orders for a general massacre. "To that end, we have given Sir +Thomas Livingston orders to employ our troops (which we have already +conveniently posted) to cut off these obstinate rebels _by all manner of +hostility_; and we do require you to give him your assistance and +concurrence in all other things that may conduce to that service; and +because these rebels, to avoid our forces, may draw themselves, _their +families_, goods, or cattle, to lurk or be concealed among their +neighbours: therefore, we require and authorise you to emit a +proclamation to be published at the market-crosses of these or the +adjacent shires where the rebels reside, discharging upon the highest +penalties the law allows, any reset, correspondence, or intercommuning +with these rebels." This monstrous mandate, which was in fact the +death-warrant of many thousand innocent people, no distinction being +made of age or sex, would, in all human probability, have been put into +execution, but for the remonstrance of one high-minded nobleman. Lord +Carmarthen, afterwards Duke of Leeds, accidentally became aware of the +proposed massacre, and personally remonstrated with the monarch against +a measure which he denounced as at once cruel and impolitic. After much +discussion, William, influenced rather by an apprehension that so +savage and sweeping an act might prove fatal to his new authority, than +by any compunction or impulse of humanity, agreed to recall the general +order, and to limit himself, in the first instance, to a single deed of +butchery, by way of testing the temper of the nation. Some difficulty +seems to have arisen in the selection of the fittest victim. Both +Keppoch and Glencoe were named, but the personal rancour of Secretary +Dalrymple decided the doom of the latter. The Secretary wrote +thus:--"Argyle tells me that Glencoe hath not taken the oath, at which I +rejoice. It is a great work of charity to be exact in rooting out that +damnable set." The final instructions regarding Glencoe, which were +issued on 16th January, 1692, are as follows:-- + + "William R.--As for M'Ian of Glencoe, and that tribe, + if they can be well distinguished from the rest of the + Highlanders, it will be proper for public justice to extirpate + that set of thieves." "W.R." + +This letter is remarkable as being signed and countersigned by William +alone, contrary to the usual practice. The Secretary was no doubt +desirous to screen himself from after responsibility, and was further +aware that the royal signature would insure a rigorous execution of the +sentence. + +Macdonald, or, as he was more commonly designed, M'Ian of Glencoe, was +the head of a considerable sept or branch of the great Clan-Coila, and +was lineally descended from the ancient Lords of the Isles, and from +the royal family of Scotland--the common ancestor of the Macdonalds +having espoused a daughter of Robert II. He was, according to a +contemporary testimony, "a person of great integrity, honour, good +nature, and courage; and his loyalty to his old master, King James, was +such, that he continued in arms from Dundee's first appearing in the +Highlands, till the fatal treaty that brought on his ruin." In common +with the other chiefs, he had omitted taking the benefit of the +indemnity until he received the sanction of King James: but the copy of +that document which was forwarded to him, unfortunately arrived too +late. The weather was so excessively stormy at the time that there was +no possibility of penetrating from Glencoe to Inverara, the place where +the sheriff resided, before the expiry of the stated period; and M'Ian +accordingly adopted the only practicable mode of signifying his +submission, by making his way with great difficulty to Fort-William, +then called Inverlochy, and tendering his signature to the military +Governor there. That officer was not authorised to receive it, but at +the earnest entreaty of the chief, he gave him a certificate of his +appearance and tender, and on New-Year's day, 1692, M'Ian reached +Inverara, where he produced that paper as evidence of his intentions, +and prevailed upon the sheriff, Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglass, to +administer the oaths required. After that ceremony, which was +immediately intimated to the Privy Council, had been performed, the +unfortunate gentleman returned home, in the full conviction that he had +thereby made peace with government for himself and for his clan. But his +doom was already sealed. + +A company of the Earl of Argyle's regiment had been previously quartered +in Glencoe. These men, though Campbells, and hereditarily obnoxious to +the Macdonalds, Camerons, and other of the loyal clans, were yet +countrymen, and were kindly and hospitably received. Their captain, +Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, was connected with the family of Glencoe +through the marriage of a niece, and was resident under the roof of the +chief. And yet this was the very troop selected for the horrid service. + +Special instructions were sent to the major of the regiment, one +Duncanson, then quartered at Ballachulish--a morose, brutal, and savage +man--who accordingly wrote to Campbell of Glenlyon in the following +terms:-- + + Ballacholis, 12 _February_, 1692. + + "SIR,--You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebels, + the M'Donalds of Glencoe, and putt all to the sword under + seventy. You are to have special care that the old fox and + his sons doe upon no account escape your hands. You are + to secure all the avenues, that no man escape. This you + are to put in execution att five o'clock in the morning + precisely, and by that time, or very shortly after it, I'll + strive to be att you with a stronger party. If I doe not + come to you at five, you are not to tarry for me, but to fall + on. This is by the king's speciall command, for the good + and safety of the country, that these miscreants be cutt off + root and branch. See that this be putt in execution without + feud or favour, else you may expect to be treated as not + true to the king's government, nor a man fitt to carry a + commission in the king's service. Expecting you will not + faill in the fulfilling hereof as you love yourself, I subscribe + these with my hand." ROBERT DUNCANSON. + + + "_For their Majestys' service. + To Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon_." + +This order was but too literally obeyed. At the appointed hour, when the +whole inhabitants of the glen were asleep, the work of murder began. +M'Ian was one of the first who fell. Drummond's narrative fills up the +remainder of the dreadful story. + +"They then served all within the family in the same manner, without +distinction of age or person. In a word--for the horror of that +execrable butchery must give pain to the reader--they left none alive +but a young child, who, being frightened with the noise of the guns, and +the dismal shrieks and cries of its dying parents, whom they were +a-murdering, got hold of Captain Campbell's knees, and wrapt itself +within his cloak; by which, chancing to move compassion, the captain +inclined to have saved it, but one Drummond, an officer, arriving about +the break of day with more troops, commanded it to be shot by a file of +musqueteers. Nothing could be more shocking and horrible than the +prospect of these houses bestrewed with mangled bodies of the dead, +covered with blood, and resounding with the groans of wretches in the +last agonies of life. + +"Two sons of Glencoe's were the only persons that escaped in that +quarter of the country; for, growing jealous of some ill designs from +the behaviour of the soldiers, they stole from their beds a few minutes +before the tragedy began, and, chancing to overhear two of them +discoursing plainly of the matter, they endeavoured to have advertised +their father, but, finding that impracticable, they ran to the other end +of the country and alarmed the inhabitants. There was another accident +that contributed much to their safety; for the night was so excessively +stormy and tempestuous, that four hundred soldiers, who were appointed +to murder these people, were stopped in their march from Inverlochy, and +could not get up till they had time to save themselves. To cover the +deformity of so dreadful a sight, the soldiers burned all the houses to +the ground, after having rifled them, carried away nine hundred cows, +two hundred horses, numberless herds of sheep and goats, and every thing +else that belonged to these miserable people. Lamentable was the case of +the women and children that escaped the butchery; the mountains were +covered with a deep snow, the rivers impassable, storm and tempest +filled the air and added to the horrors and darkness of the night, and +there were no houses to shelter them within many miles."[1] + +Such was the awful massacre of Glencoe, an event which has left an +indelible and execrable stain upon the memory of William of Orange. The +records of Indian warfare can hardly afford a parallel instance of +atrocity: and this deed, coupled with his deliberate treachery in the +Darien scheme, whereby Scotland was for a time absolutely ruined, is +sufficient to account for the little estimation in which the name of the +"great Whig deliverer" is still regarded in the valleys of the North. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: _Memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Locheill_.] + + + + +THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + + + Do not lift him from the bracken, + Leave him lying where he fell-- + Better bier ye cannot fashion: + None beseems him half so well + As the bare and broken heather, + And the hard and trampled sod, + Whence his angry soul ascended + To the judgment-seat of God! + Winding-sheet we cannot give him-- + Seek no mantle for the dead, + Save the cold and spotless covering + Showered from heaven upon his head. + Leave his broadsword, as we found it, + Bent and broken with the blow, + That, before he died, avenged him + On the foremost of the foe. + Leave the blood upon his bosom-- + Wash not off that sacred stain: + Let it stiffen on the tartan, + Let his wounds unclosed remain, + Till the day when he shall show them + At the throne of God on high, + When the murderer and the murdered + Meet before their Judge's eye! + + Nay--ye should not weep, my children! + Leave it to the faint and weak; + Sobs are but a woman's weapon-- + Tears befit a maiden's cheek. + Weep not, children of Macdonald! + Weep not thou, his orphan heir-- + Not in shame, but stainless honour, + Lies thy slaughtered father there. + Weep not--but when years are over, + And thine arm is strong and sure, + And thy foot is swift and steady + On the mountain and the muir-- + Let thy heart be hard as iron, + And thy wrath as fierce as fire, + Till the hour when vengeance cometh + For the race that slew thy sire; + Till in deep and dark Glenlyon + Rise a louder shriek of woe + Than at midnight, from their eyrie, + Scared the eagles of Glencoe; + Louder than the screams that mingled + With the howling of the blast, + When the murderer's steel was clashing, + And the fires were rising fast; + When thy noble father bounded + To the rescue of his men, + And the slogan of our kindred + Pealed throughout the startled glen; + When the herd of frantic women + Stumbled through the midnight snow, + With their fathers' houses blazing, + And their dearest dead below. + Oh, the horror of the tempest, + As the flashing drift was blown, + Crimsoned with the conflagration, + And the roofs went thundering down! + Oh, the prayers--the prayers and curses + That together winged their flight + From the maddened hearts of many + Through that long and woeful night! + Till the fires began to dwindle, + And the shots grew faint and few, + And we heard the foeman's challenge + Only in a far halloo; + Till the silence once more settled + O'er the gorges of the glen, + Broken only by the Cona + Plunging through its naked den. + Slowly from the mountain-summit + Was the drifting veil withdrawn, + And the ghastly valley glimmered + In the gray December dawn. + Better had the morning never + Dawned upon our dark despair! + Black amidst the common whiteness + Rose the spectral ruins there: + But the sight of these was nothing + More than wrings the wild dove's breast, + When she searches for her offspring + Round the relics of her nest. + For in many a spot the tartan + Peered above the wintry heap, + Marking where a dead Macdonald + Lay within his frozen sleep. + Tremblingly we scooped the covering + From each kindred victim's head, + And the living lips were burning + On the cold ones of the dead. + And I left them with their dearest-- + Dearest charge had everyone-- + Left the maiden with her lover, + Left the mother with her son. + I alone of all was mateless-- + Far more wretched I than they, + For the snow would not discover + Where my lord and husband lay. + But I wandered up the valley + Till I found him lying low, + With the gash upon his bosom, + And the frown upon his brow-- + Till I found him lying murdered + Where he wooed me long ago. + Woman's weakness shall not shame me; + Why should I have tears to shed? + Could I rain them down like water, + O my hero, on thy head, + Could the cry of lamentation + Wake thee from thy silent sleep, + Could it set thy heart a-throbbing, + It were mine to wail and weep. + But I will not waste my sorrow, + Lest the Campbell women say + That the daughters of Clanranald + Are as weak and frail as they. + I had wept thee hadst thou fallen, + Like our fathers, on thy shield, + When a host of English foemen + Camped upon a Scottish field; + I had mourned thee hadst thou perished + With the foremost of his name, + When the valiant and the noble + Died around the dauntless Græme. + But I will not wrong thee, husband! + With my unavailing cries, + Whilst thy cold and mangled body, + Stricken by the traitor, lies; + Whilst he counts the gold and glory + That this hideous night has won, + And his heart is big with triumph + At the murder he has done. + Other eyes than mine shall glisten, + Other hearts be rent in twain, + Ere the heathbells on thy hillock + Wither in the autumn rain. + Then I'll seek thee where thou sleepest, + And I'll veil my weary head, + Praying for a place beside thee, + Dearer than my bridal-bed: + And I'll give thee tears, my husband, + If the tears remain to me, + When the widows of the foemen + Cry the coronach for thee. + + + + +THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + + +In consequence of a capitulation with Government, the regular troops who +had served under Lord Dundee were transhipped to France, and, +immediately upon their landing, the officers and others had their rank +confirmed according to the tenor of the commissions and characters which +they bore in Scotland. They were distributed throughout the different +garrisons in the north of France, and, though nominally in the service +of King James, derived their whole means of subsistence from the bounty +of the French monarch. So long as it appeared probable that another +descent was meditated, those gentlemen, who were almost without +exception men of considerable family, assented to this arrangement, but +the destruction of the French fleet under Admiral Tourville, off La +Hogue, led to a material change in their views. After that naval +engagement it became obvious that the cause of the fugitive King was in +the mean time desperate, and the Scottish officers, with no less +gallantry than honour, volunteered a sacrifice which, so far as I know, +has hardly been equalled. + +The old and interesting pamphlet written by one of the corps,[2] from +which I have extracted most of the following details, but which is +seldom perused except by the antiquary, states that, "The Scottish +officers, considering that, by the loss of the French Fleet, King +James's restoration would be retarded for some time, and that they were +burdensome to the King of France, being entertained in garrisons on +whole pay, without doing duty, when he had almost all Europe in +confederacy against him, therefore humbly entreated King James to have +them reduced into a company of private sentinels, and choose officers +amongst themselves to command them, assuring his majesty that they would +serve in the meanest circumstances, and undergo the greatest hardships +and fatigues that reason could imagine, or misfortunes inflict, until it +pleased God to restore him. King James commended their generosity and +loyalty, but disapproved of what they proposed, and told them it was +impossible that gentlemen who had served in so honourable posts as +formerly they had enjoyed, and lived in so great plenty and ease, could +ever undergo the fatigue and hardships of private sentinels' duty. +Again, that his own first command was a company of officers, whereof +several died, others, wearied with fatigue, drew their discharges, till +at last it dwindled into nothing, and he got no reputation by the +command: therefore he desired them to insist no more on that project. +The officers (notwithstanding his majesty's desire to the contrary) made +several interests at court, and harassed him so much, that at last he +condescended," and appointed those who were to command them. + +Shortly afterwards the new corps was reviewed for the first and last +time by the unfortunate James in the gardens of Saint Germains, and the +tears are said to have gushed from his eyes at the sight of so many +brave men, reduced, through their disinterested and persevering loyalty, +to so very humble a condition. "Gentlemen," said he, "my own misfortunes +are not so nigh my heart as yours. It grieves me beyond what I can +express to see so many brave and worthy gentlemen, who had once the +prospect of being the chief officers in my army, reduced to the stations +of private sentinels. Nothing but your loyalty, and that of a few of my +subjects in Britain, who are forced from their allegiance by the Prince +of Orange, and who, I know, will be ready on all occasions to serve me +and my distressed family, could make me willing to live. The sense of +what all of you have done and undergone for your loyalty hath made so +deep an impression upon my heart, that, if it ever please God to restore +me, it is impossible I can be forgetful of your services and sufferings. +Neither can there be any posts in the armies of my dominions but what +you have just pretensions to. As for my son, your Prince, he is of your +own blood, a child capable of any impression, and, as his education will +be from you, it is not supposable that he can forget your merits. At +your own desires you are now going a long march far distant from me. +Fear God and love one another. Write your wants particularly to me, and +depend upon it always to find me your parent and King." The scene bore a +strong resemblance to one which many years afterwards occurred at +Fontainebleau. The company listened to his words with deep emotion, +gathered round him, as if half repentant of their own desire to go, and +so parted, for ever on this earth, the dethroned monarch and his exiled +subjects. + +The number of this company of officers was about one hundred and twenty: +their destination was Perpignan in Rousillon, close upon the frontier of +Spain, where they were to join the army under the command of the +Mareschal de Noailles. Their power of endurance, though often most +severely tested in an unwholesome climate, seems to have been no less +remarkable than their gallantry, which upon many occasions called forth +the warm acknowledgment of the French commanders. "_Le gentilhomme_," +said one of the generals, in acknowledgment of their readiness at a +peculiarly critical moment, "_est toujours gentilhomme, et se montre +toujours tel dans besoin et dans le danger_"--a eulogy as applicable to +them as it was in later days to La Tour d'Auvergne, styled the first +grenadier of France. At Perpignan they were joined by two other +Scottish companies, and the three seem to have continued to serve +together for several campaigns. + +As a proof of the estimation in which they were held, I shall merely +extract a short account of the taking of Rosas in Catalonia, before +referring to the exploit which forms the subject of the following +ballad. "On the 27th of May, the company of officers and other Scottish +companies, were joined by two companies of Irish, to make up a battalion +in order to mount the trenches; and the major part of the officers +listed themselves in the company of grenadiers, under the command of the +brave Major Rutherford, who, on his way to the trenches, in sight of +Mareschal de Noailles and his court, marched with his company on the +side of the trench, which exposed him to the fire of a bastion, where +there were two culverins and several other guns planted; likewise to the +fire of two curtins lined with small shot. Colonel Brown, following with +the battalion, was obliged, in honour, to march the same way Major +Rutherford had done; the danger whereof the Mareschal immediately +perceiving, ordered one of his aides-de-camp to command Rutherford to +march under cover of the trench, which he did; and if he had but delayed +six minutes, the grenadiers and battalion had been cut to pieces. +Rutherford, with his grenadiers, marched to a trench near the town, and +the battalion to a trench on the rear and flank of the grenadiers, who +fired so incessantly on the besieged, that they thought (the trench +being practicable) they were going to make their attacks, immediately +beat a chamade, and were willing to give up the town upon reasonable +terms: but the Mareschal's demands were so exorbitant, that the Governor +could not agree to them. Then firing began on both sides to be very hot; +and they in the town, seeing how the grenadiers lay, killed eight of +them. When the Governor surrendered the town, he inquired of the +Mareschal what countrymen these grenadiers were; and assured him it was +on their account he delivered up the town, because they fired so hotly, +that he believed they were resolved to attack the breach. He answered, +smiling, _'Ces sont mes enfants_--They are my children.' Again; 'they +are the King of Great Britain's Scottish officers, who, to show their +willingness to share of his miseries, have reduced themselves to the +carrying of arms, and chosen to serve under my command.' The next day, +when the Mareschal rode along the front of the camp, he halted at the +company of the officers' piquet, and they all surrounded him. Then, with +his hat in his hand, he thanked them for their good services in the +trenches, and freely acknowledged it was their conduct and courage which +compelled the Governor to give up the town; and assured them he would +acquaint his master with the same, which he did. For when his son +arrived with the news at Versailles, the King, having read the letter, +immediately took coach to St. Germains; and when he had shown King James +the letter, he thanked him for the services his subjects had done in +taking Rosas in Catalonia; who, with concern, replied, they were the +stock of his British officers, and that he was sorry he could not make +better provision for them." + +And a miserable provision it was! They were gradually compelled to part +with every remnant of the property which they had secured from the ruins +of their fortunes; so that when they arrived, after various adventures, +at Scelestat, in Alsace, they were literally without the common means of +subsistence. Famine and the sword had, by this time, thinned their +ranks, but had not diminished their spirit, as the following narrative +of their last exploit will show:-- + +"In December 1697, General Stirk, who commanded for the Germans, +appeared with 16,000 men on the other side of the Rhine, which obliged +the Marquis de Sell to draw out all the garrisons in Alsace, who made up +about 4000 men; and he encamped on the other side of the Rhine, over +against General Stirk, to prevent his passing the Rhine and carrying a +bridge over into an island in the middle of it, which the French foresaw +would be of great prejudice to them. For the enemy's guns, placed on +that island, would extremely gall their camp, which they could not +hinder for the deepness of the water and their wanting of boats--for +which the Marquis quickly sent; but arriving too late, the Germans had +carried a bridge over into the island, where they had posted above five +hundred men, who, by order of their engineers, intrenched themselves: +which the company of officers perceiving, who always grasped after +honour, and scorned all thoughts of danger, resolved to wade the river, +and attack the Germans in the island; and for that effect, desired +Captain John Foster, who then commanded them, to beg of the Marquis that +they might have liberty to attack the Germans in the island; who told +Captain Foster, when the boats came up, they should be the first that +attacked. Foster courteously thanked the Marquis, and told him they +would wade into the island, who shrunk up his shoulders, prayed God to +bless them, and desired them to do what they pleased." Whereupon the +officers, with the other two Scottish companies, made themselves ready; +and having secured their arms round their necks, waded into the river +hand-in-hand, "according to the Highland fashion," with the water as +high as their breasts; and having crossed the heavy stream, fell upon +the Germans in their intrenchment. These were presently thrown into +confusion, and retreated, breaking down their own bridges, whilst many +of them were drowned. This movement, having been made in the dusk of the +evening, partook of the character of a surprise; but it appears to me a +very remarkable one, as having been effected under such circumstances, +in the dead of winter, and in the face of an enemy who possessed the +advantages both of position and of numerical superiority. The author of +the narrative adds:--"When the Marquis de Sell heard the firing, and +understood that the Germans were beat out of the island, he made the +sign of the cross on his face and breast, and declared publicly, that it +was the bravest action that ever he saw, and that his army had no honour +by it. As soon as the boats came, the Marquis sent into the island to +acquaint the officers that he would send them both troops and +provisions, who thanked his Excellency, and desired he should be +informed that they wanted no troops, and could not spare time to make +use of provisions, and only desired spades, shovels, and pickaxes, +wherewith they might intrench themselves--which were immediately sent to +them. The next morning, the Marquis came into the island, and kindly +embraced every officer, and thanked them for the good service they had +done his master, assuring them he would write a true account of their +honour and bravery to the Court of France, which, at the reading his +letters, immediately went to St. Germains, and thanked King James for +the services his subjects had done on the Rhine." + +The company kept possession of the island for nearly six weeks, +notwithstanding repeated attempts on the part of the Germans to surprise +and dislodge them; but all these having been defeated by the extreme +watchfulness of the Scots, General Stirk at length drew off his army and +retreated. "In consequence of this action," says the chronicler, "that +island is called at present Isle d'Ecosse, and will in likelihood bear +that name until the general conflagration." + +Two years afterwards, a treaty of peace was concluded; and this gallant +company of soldiers, worthy of a better fate, was broken up and +dispersed. At the time when the narrative, from which I have quoted so +freely, was compiled, not more than sixteen of Dundee's veterans were +alive. The author concludes thus,--"And thus was dissolved one of the +best companies that ever marched under command! Gentlemen, who, in the +midst of all their pressures and obscurity, never forgot they were +gentlemen; and whom the sweets of a brave, a just, and honourable +conscience, rendered perhaps more happy under those sufferings, than the +most prosperous and triumphant in iniquity, since our minds stamp our +happiness." + +Some years ago, while visiting the ancient Scottish convent at Ratisbon, +my attention was drawn to the monumental inscriptions on the walls of +the dormitory, many of which bear reference to gentlemen of family and +distinction, whose political principles had involved them in the +troubles of 1688, 1715, and 1745. Whether the cloister which now holds +their dust had afforded them a shelter in the later years of their +misfortunes, I know not; but for one that is so commemorated, hundreds +of the exiles must have passed away in obscurity, buried in the field on +which they fell, or carried from the damp vaults of the military +hospital to the trench, without any token of remembrance, or any other +wish beyond that which the minstrels have ascribed to one of the +greatest of our olden heroes-- + + "Oh bury me by the bracken bush, + Beneath the blooming brier: + Let never living mortal ken + That a kindly Scot lies here!" + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 2: _An account of Dundee's Officers after they went to +France_. By an Officer of the Army. London, 1714.] + + + + +THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + + + I. + + The Rhine is running deep and red, + The island lies before-- + "Now is there one of all the host + Will dare to venture o'er? + For not alone the river's sweep + Might make a brave man quail: + The foe are on the further side, + Their shot comes fast as hail. + God help us, if the middle isle + We may not hope to win! + Now, is there any of the host + Will dare to venture in?" + + + II. + + "The ford is deep, the banks are steep, + The island-shore lies wide: + Nor man nor horse could stem its force, + Or reach the further side. + See there! amidst the willow boughs + The serried bayonets gleam; + They've flung their bridge--they've won the isle; + The foe have crossed the stream! + Their volley flashes sharp and strong-- + By all the Saints, I trow, + There never yet was soldier born + Could force that passage now!" + + + III + + So spoke the bold French Mareschal + With him who led the van, + Whilst rough and red before their view + The turbid river ran. + Nor bridge nor boat had they to cross + The wild and swollen Rhine, + And thundering on the other bank + Far stretched the German line. + Hard by there stood a swarthy man + Was leaning on his sword, + And a saddened smile lit up his face + As he heard the Captain's word. + "I've seen a wilder stream ere now + Than that which rushes there; + I've stemmed a heavier torrent yet + And never thought to dare. + If German steel be sharp and keen, + Is ours not strong and true? + There may be danger in the deed, + But there is honour too." + + + IV. + + The old lord in his saddle turned, + And hastily he said-- + "Hath bold Dugueselin's fiery heart + Awakened from the dead? + Thou art the leader of the Scots-- + Now well and sure I know, + That gentle blood in dangerous hour + Ne'er yet ran cold nor slow, + And I have seen ye in the fight + Do all that mortal may: + If honour is the boon ye seek + It may be won this day. + The prize is in the middle isle, + There lies the venturous way; + And armies twain are on the plain, + The daring deed to see-- + Now ask thy gallant company + If they will follow thee!" + + + V. + + Right gladsome looked the Captain then, + And nothing did he say, + But he turned him to his little band-- + Oh few, I ween, were they! + The relics of the bravest force + That ever fought in fray. + No one of all that company + But bore a gentle name, + Not one whose fathers had not stood + In Scotland's fields of fame. + All they had marched with great Dundee + To where he fought and fell, + And in the deadly battle-strife + Had venged their leader well; + And they had bent the knee to earth + When every eye was dim, + As o'er their hero's buried corpse + They sang the funeral hymn; + And they had trod the Pass once more, + And stooped on either side + To pluck the heather from the spot + Where he had dropped and died; + And they had bound it next their hearts, + And ta'en a last farewell + Of Scottish earth and Scottish sky, + Where Scotland's glory fell. + Then went they forth to foreign lands + Like bent and broken men, + Who leave their dearest hope behind, + And may not turn again! + + + VI. + + "The stream," he said, "is broad and deep, + And stubborn is the foe-- + Yon island-strength is guarded well-- + Say, brothers, will ye go? + From home and kin for many a year + Our steps have wandered wide, + And never may our bones be laid + Our fathers' graves beside. + No sisters have we to lament, + No wives to wail our fall; + The traitor's and the spoiler's hand + Have reft our hearths of all. + But we have hearts, and we have arms + As strong to will and dare + As when our ancient banners flew + Within the northern air. + Come, brothers; let me name a spell + Shall rouse your souls again, + And send the old blood bounding free + Through pulse, and heart, and vein! + Call back the days of bygone years-- + Be young and strong once more; + Think yonder stream, so stark and red, + Is one we've crossed before. + Rise, hill and glen! rise, crag and wood! + Rise up on either hand-- + Again upon the Garry's banks, + On Scottish soil we stand! + Again I see the tartans wave, + Again the trumpets ring; + Again I hear our leader's call-- + 'Upon them, for the King!' + Stayed we behind that glorious day + For roaring flood or linn? + The soul of Græme is with us still-- + Now, brothers! will ye in?" + + + VII. + + No stay--no pause. With one accord + They grasped each others' hand, + And plunged into the angry flood, + That bold and dauntless band. + High flew the spray above their heads, + Yet onward still they bore, + Midst cheer, and shout, and answering yell, + And shot and cannon roar. + "Now by the Holy Cross! I swear, + Since earth and sea began + Was never such a daring deed + Essayed by mortal man!" + + + VIII. + + Thick blew the smoke across the stream, + And faster flashed the flame: + The water plashed in hissing jets + As ball and bullet came. + Yet onwards pushed the Cavaliers + All stern and undismayed, + With thousand armèd foes before, + And none behind to aid. + Once, as they neared the middle stream, + So strong the torrent swept, + That scarce that long and living wall, + Their dangerous footing kept. + Then rose a warning cry behind, + A joyous shout before: + "The current's strong--the way is long-- + They'll never reach the shore! + See, see! They stagger in the midst, + They waver in their line! + Fire on the madmen! break their ranks, + And whelm them in the Rhine!" + + + IX. + + Have you seen the tall trees swaying + When the blast is piping shrill, + And the whirlwind reels in fury + Down the gorges of the hill? + How they toss their mighty branches, + Striving with the tempest's shock; + How they keep their place of vantage, + Cleaving firmly to the rock? + Even so the Scottish warriors + Held their own against the river; + Though the water flashed around them, + Not an eye was seen to quiver; + Though the shot flew sharp and deadly, + Not a man relaxed his hold: + For their hearts were big and thrilling + With the mighty thoughts of old. + One word was spoke among them, + And through the ranks it spread-- + "Remember our dead Claverhouse!" + Was all the Captain said. + Then, sternly bending forward, + They struggled on awhile, + Until they cleared the heavy stream, + Then rushed towards the isle. + + + X. + + The German heart is stout and true, + The German arm is strong; + The German foot goes seldom back + Where armèd foemen throng. + But never had they faced in field + So stern a charge before, + And never had they felt the sweep + Of Scotland's broad claymore. + Not fiercer pours the avalanche + Adown the steep incline, + That rises o'er the parent springs + Of rough and rapid Rhine-- + Scarce swifter shoots the bolt from heaven + Than came the Scottish band, + Right up against the guarded trench, + And o'er it, sword in hand. + In vain their leaders forward press-- + They meet the deadly brand! + O lonely island of the Rhine, + Where seed was never sown, + What harvest lay upon thy sands, + By those strong reapers thrown? + What saw the winter moon that night, + As, struggling through the rain, + She poured a wan and fitful light + On marsh, and stream, and plain? + A dreary spot with corpses strewn, + And bayonets glistening round; + A broken bridge, a stranded boat, + A bare and battered mound; + And one huge watch-fire's kindled pile, + That sent its quivering glare + To tell the leaders of the host + The conquering Scots were there! + + + XI. + + And did they twine the laurel-wreath + For those who fought so well? + And did they honour those who lived, + And weep for those who fell? + What meed of thanks was given to them + Let aged annals tell. + Why should they twine the laurel-wreath-- + Why crown the cup with wine? + It was not Frenchman's blood that flowed + So freely on the Rhine-- + A stranger band of beggared men + Had done the venturous deed: + The glory was to France alone, + The danger was their meed. + And what cared they for idle thanks + From foreign prince and peer? + What virtue had such honeyed words + The exiles' hearts to cheer? + What mattered it that men should vaunt, + And loud and fondly swear, + That higher feat of chivalry + Was never wrought elsewhere? + They bore within their breasts the grief + That fame can never heal-- + The deep, unutterable woe + Which none save exiles feel. + Their hearts were yearning for the land + They ne'er might see again-- + For Scotland's high and heathered hills, + For mountain, loch, and glen-- + For those who haply lay at rest + Beyond the distant sea, + Beneath the green and daisied turf + Where they would gladly be! + + + XII. + + Long years went by. The lonely isle + In Rhine's impetuous flood + Has ta'en another name from those + Who bought it with their blood: + And though the legend does not live, + For legends lightly die, + The peasant, as he sees the stream + In winter rolling by, + And foaming o'er its channel-bed + Between him and the spot + Won by the warriors of the sword, + Still calls that deep and dangerous ford + The Passage of the Scot. + + + + +CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + + +Though the sceptre had departed from the House of Stuart, it was +reserved for one of its last descendants to prove to the world, by his +personal gallantry and noble spirit of enterprise, that he at least had +not degenerated from his royal line of ancestors. The daring effort of +Charles Edward to recover the crown of these kingdoms for his father, is +to us the most remarkable incident of the last century. It was +honourable alike to the Prince and to those who espoused his cause; and, +even in a political point of view, the outbreak ought not to be +deplored, since its failure put an end for ever to the dynastical +struggle which, for more than half a century, had agitated the whole of +Britain, established the rule of law and of social order throughout the +mountainous districts of Scotland, and blended Celt and Saxon into one +prosperous and united people. It was better that the antiquated system +of clanship should have expired in a blaze of glory, than gradually +dwindled into contempt; better that the patriarchal rule should at once +have been extinguished by the dire catastrophe of Culloden, than that it +should have lingered on, the shadow of an old tradition. There is +nothing now to prevent us from dwelling with pride and admiration on the +matchless devotion displayed by the Highlanders, in 1745, in behalf of +the heir of him whom they acknowledged as their lawful king. No feeling +can arise to repress the interest and the sympathy which is excited by +the perusal of the tale narrating the sufferings of the princely +wanderer. That un-bought loyalty and allegiance of the heart, which +would not depart from its constancy until the tomb of the Vatican had +closed upon the last of the Stuart line, has long since been transferred +to the constitutional sovereign of these realms; and the enthusiastic +welcome which has so often greeted the return of Queen Victoria to her +Highland home, owes its origin to a deeper feeling than that dull +respect which modern liberalism asserts to be the only tribute due to +the first magistrate of the land. + +The campaign of 1745 yields in romantic interest to none which is +written in history. A young and inexperienced prince, whose person was +utterly unknown to any of his adherents, landed on the west coast of +Scotland, not at the head of a foreign force, not munimented with +supplies and arms, but accompanied by a mere handful of followers, and +ignorant of the language of the people amongst whom he was hazarding his +person. His presence in Scotland had not been urged by the chiefs of the +clans, most of whom were deeply averse to embarking in an enterprise +which must involve them in a war with so powerful an antagonist as +England, and which, if unsuccessful, could only terminate in the utter +ruin of their fortunes. This was not a cause in which the whole of +Scotland was concerned. Although it was well known that many leading +families in the Lowlands entertained Jacobite opinions, and although a +large proportion of the common people had not yet become reconciled to, +or satisfied of, the advantages of the Union, by which they considered +themselves dishonoured and betrayed, it was hardly to be expected that, +without some fair guarantee for success, the bulk of the Scottish nation +would actively bestir themselves on the side of the exiled family. +Besides this, even amongst the Highlanders there was not unanimity of +opinion. The three northern clans of Sutherland, Mackay, and Monro, were +known to be staunch supporters of the Government. It was doubtful what +part might be taken in the struggle by those of Mackenzie and Ross. The +chiefs of Skye, who could have brought a large force of armed men into +the field, had declined participating in the attempt. The assistance of +Lord Lovat, upon whom the co-operation of the Frasers might depend, +could not be calculated on with certainty; and nothing but hostility +could be expected from the powerful sept of the Campbells. Under such +circumstances, it is little wonder if Cameron of Locheill, the most +sagacious of all the chieftains who favoured the Stuart cause, was +struck with consternation and alarm at the news of the Prince's +landing, or that he attempted to persuade him from undertaking an +adventure so seemingly hopeless. Mr. Robert Chambers, in his admirable +history of that period, does not in the least exaggerate the importance +of the interview, on the result of which the prosecution of the war +depended. "On arriving at Borrodale, Locheill had a private interview +with the Prince, in which the probabilities of the enterprise were +anxiously debated. Charles used every argument to excite the loyalty of +Locheill, and the chief exerted all his eloquence to persuade the Prince +to withdraw till a better opportunity. Charles represented the present +as the best possible opportunity, seeing that the French general kept +the British army completely engaged abroad, while at home there were no +troops but one or two newly-raised regiments. He expressed his +confidence that a small body of Highlanders would be sufficient to gain +a victory over all the force that could now be brought against him; and +he was equally sure that such an advantage was all that was required to +make his friends at home declare in his favour, and cause those abroad +to send him assistance. All he wanted was that the Highlanders should +begin the war. Locheill still resisted, entreating Charles to be more +temperate, and consent to remain concealed where he was, till his +friends should meet together and concert what was best to be done. +Charles, whose mind was wound up to the utmost pitch of impatience, paid +no regard to this proposal, but answered that he was determined to put +all to the hazard. 'In a few days,' said he, 'with the few friends I +have, I will raise the royal standard, and proclaim to the people of +Britain that Charles Stuart is come over to claim the crown of his +ancestors--to win it, or to perish in the attempt! Locheill--who, my +father has often told me, was our firmest friend--may stay at home, and +learn from the newspapers the fate of his Prince!' 'No!' said Locheill, +stung by so poignant a reproach, and hurried away by the enthusiasm of +the moment; 'I will share the fate of my Prince, and so shall every man +over whom nature or fortune has given me any power.' Such was the +juncture upon which depended the civil war of 1745; for it is a point +agreed, says Mr. Home, who narrates this conversation, that if Locheill +had persisted in his refusal to take arms, no other chief would have +joined the standard, and the spark of rebellion must have been instantly +extinguished." Not more than twelve hundred men were assembled in +Glenfinnan on the day when the standard was unfurled by the Marquis of +Tullibardine, and, at the head of this mere handful of followers, +Charles Edward commenced the stupendous enterprise of reconquering the +dominions of his fathers. + +With a force which, at the battle of Preston, did not double the above +numbers, the Prince descended upon the Lowlands, having baffled the +attempts of General Cope to intercept his march--occupied the city of +Perth and the town of Dundee, and finally, after a faint show of +resistance on the part of the burghers, took possession of the ancient +capital of Scotland, and once more established a court in the halls of +Holyrood. His youth, his gallantry, and the grace and beauty of his +person, added to a most winning and affable address, acquired for him +the sympathy of many who, from political motives, abstained from +becoming his adherents. Possibly certain feelings of nationality, which +no deliberate views of civil or religious policy could altogether +extirpate, led such men to regard, with a sensation akin to pride, the +spectacle of a prince descended from the long line of Scottish kings, +again occupying his ancestral seat, and restoring to their country, +which had been utterly neglected by the new dynasty, a portion of its +former state. No doubt a sense of pity for the probable fate of one so +young and chivalrous was often present to their minds, for they had +thorough confidence in the intrepidity of the regular troops, and in the +capacity of their commander; and they never for a moment supposed that +these could be successfully encountered by a raw levy of undisciplined +Highlanders, ill-armed and worse equipped, and without the support of +any artillery. + +The issue of the battle of Prestonpans struck Edinburgh with amazement. +In point of numbers the two armies were nearly equal, but in every thing +else, save personal valour, the royal troops had the advantage. And yet, +_in four minutes_--for the battle is said not to have lasted +longer--the Highlanders having only made one terrific and impetuous +charge--the rout of the regulars was general. The infantry was broken +and cut to pieces; the dragoons, who behaved shamefully on the occasion, +turned bridle and fled, without having once crossed swords with the +enemy. Mr. Chambers thus terminates his account of the action: "The +general result of the battle of Preston may be stated as having been the +total overthrow and almost entire destruction of the royal army. Most of +the infantry, falling upon the park walls of Preston, were there huddled +together, without the power of resistance, into a confused drove, and +had either to surrender or to be cut to pieces. Many, in vainly +attempting to climb over the walls, fell an easy prey to the ruthless +claymore. Nearly 400, it is said, were thus slain, 700 taken, while only +about 170 in all succeeded in effecting their escape. + +"The dragoons, with worse conduct, were much more fortunate. In falling +back, they had the good luck to find outlets from their respective +positions by the roads which ran along the various extremities of the +park wall, and they thus got clear through the village with little +slaughter; after which, as the Highlanders had no horse to pursue them, +they were safe. Several officers, among whom were Fowkes and Lascelles, +escaped to Cockenzie and along Seton Sands, in a direction contrary to +the general flight. + +"The unfortunate Cope had attempted, at the first break of Gardiner's +dragoons, to stop and rally them, but was borne headlong, with the +confused bands, through the narrow road to the south of the enclosures, +notwithstanding all his efforts to the contrary. On getting beyond the +village, where he was joined by the retreating bands of the other +regiment, he made one anxious effort, with the Earls of Loudoun and +Home, to form and bring them back to charge the enemy, now disordered by +the pursuit; but in vain. They fled on, ducking their heads along their +horses' necks to escape the bullets which the pursuers occasionally sent +after them. By using great exertions, and holding pistols to the heads +of the troopers, Sir John and a few of his officers induced a small +number of them to halt in a field near St. Clement's Wells, about two +miles from the battle-ground. But, after a momentary delay, the +accidental firing of a pistol renewed the panic, and they rode off once +more in great disorder. Sir John Cope, with a portion of them, reached +Channelkirk at an early hour in the forenoon, and there halted to +breakfast, and to write a brief note to one of the state-officers, +relating the fate of the day. He then resumed his flight, and reached +Coldstream that night. Next morning he proceeded to Berwick, whose +fortifications seemed competent to give the security he required. He +everywhere brought the first tidings of his own defeat." + +This victory operated very much in favour of Prince Charles. It secured +him, for a season, the undisputed possession of Scotland, and enabled +numerous adherents from all parts of the country to raise such forces as +they could command, and to repair to his banner. His popularity in +Edinburgh daily increased, as the qualities of his person and mind +became known; and such testimony as the following, with respect to his +estimation by the fair sex, and the devotion they exhibited in his +cause, is not overcharged. "His affability and great personal grace +wrought him high favour with the ladies, who, as we learn from, the +letters of President Forbes, became generally so zealous in his cause, +as to have some serious effect in inducing their admirers to declare for +the Prince. There was, we know for certain, a Miss Lumsden, who plainly +told her lover, a young artist, named Robert Strange, that he might +think no more of her unless he should immediately join Prince Charles, +and thus actually prevailed upon him to take up arms. It may be added +that he survived the enterprise, escaped with great difficulty, and +married the lady. He was afterwards the best line-engraver of his time, +and received the honour of knighthood from George III. White ribbons and +breastknots became at this time conspicuous articles of female attire in +private assemblies. The ladies also showed considerable zeal in +contributing plate and other articles for the use of the Chevalier at +the palace, and in raising pecuniary subsidies for him. Many a +posset-dish and snuff-box, many a treasured necklace and repeater, many +a jewel which had adorned its successive generations of family +beauties, was at this time sold or laid in pledge, to raise a little +money for the service of Prince Charlie." + +As to the motives and intended policy of this remarkable and unfortunate +young man, it may be interesting to quote the terms of the proclamation +which he issued on the 10th October, 1745, before commencing his march +into England. Let his history be impartially read, his character, as +spoken to by those who knew him best, fairly noted, and I think there +cannot be a doubt that, had he succeeded in his daring attempt, he would +have been true to the letter of his word, and fulfilled a pledge which +Britain never more required than at the period when that document was +penned:-- + +"Do not the pulpits and congregations of the clergy, as well as your +weekly papers, ring with the dreadful threats of popery, slavery, +tyranny, and arbitrary power, which are now ready to be imposed upon you +by the formidable powers of France and Spain? Is not my royal father +represented as a bloodthirsty tyrant, breathing out nothing but +destruction to all who will not immediately embrace an odious religion? +Or have I myself been better used? But listen only to the naked truth. + +"I, with my own money, hired a small vessel. Ill-supplied with money, +arms, or friends, I arrived in Scotland, attended by seven persons. I +publish the King my father's declaration, and proclaim his title, with +pardon in one hand, and in the other liberty of conscience, and the most +solemn promises to grant whatever a free Parliament shall propose for +the happiness of a people. I have, I confess, the greatest reason to +adore the goodness of Almighty God, who has in so remarkable a manner +protected me and my small army through the many dangers to which we were +at first exposed, and who has led me in the way to victory, and to the +capital of this ancient kingdom, amidst the acclamations of the King my +father's subjects. Why, then, is so much pains taken to spirit up the +minds of the people against this my undertaking? + +"The reason is obvious; it is, lest the real sense of the nation's +present sufferings should blot out the remembrance of past misfortunes, +and of the outcries formerly raised against the royal family. Whatever +miscarriages might have given occasion to them, they have been more than +atoned for since; and the nation has now an opportunity of being secured +against the like in future. + +"That our family has suffered exile during these fifty-seven years +everybody knows. Has the nation, during that period of time, been the +more happy and flourishing for it? Have you found reason to love and +cherish your governors as the fathers of the people of Great Britain and +Ireland? Has a family, upon whom a faction unlawfully bestowed the +diadem of a rightful prince, retained a due sense of so great a trust +and favour? Have you found more humanity and condescension in those who +were not born to a crown, than in my royal forefathers? Have their ears +been open to the cries of the people? Have they, or do they consider +only the interests of these nations? Have you reaped any other benefit +from them than an immense load of debt? If I am answered in the +affirmative, why has their government been so often railed at in all +your public assemblies? Why has the nation been so long crying out in +vain for redress against the abuse of Parliaments, upon account of their +long duration, the multitude of placemen, which occasions their +venality, the introduction of penal laws, and, in general, against the +miserable situation of the kingdom at home and abroad? All these, and +many more inconveniences, must now be removed, unless the people of +Great Britain be already so far corrupted that they will not accept of +freedom when offered to them, seeing the King, on his restoration, will +refuse nothing that a free Parliament can ask for the security of the +religion, laws, and liberty of his people. + +"It is now time to conclude; and I shall do it with this reflection. +Civil wars are ever attended with rancour and ill-will, which party rage +never fails to produce in the minds of those whom different interests, +principles or views, set in opposition to one another. I, therefore, +earnestly require it of my friends to give as little loose as possible +to such passions: this will prove the most effectual means to prevent +the same in the enemies of my royal cause. And this my declaration will +vindicate to all posterity the nobleness of my undertaking, and the +generosity of my intentions." + +There was much truth in the open charges preferred in this declaration +against the existing government. The sovereigns of the house of Hanover +had always shown a marked predilection for their Continental +possessions, and had proportionally neglected the affairs of Britain. +Under Walpole's administration the imperial Parliament had degenerated +from an independent assembly to a junta of placemen, and the most +flagitious system of bribery was openly practised and avowed. It was not +without reason that Charles contrasted the state of the nation then, +with its position when under the rule of the legitimate family; and had +there not been a strong, though, I think, unreasonable suspicion in the +minds of many, that his success would be the prelude to a vigorous +attack upon the established religions of the country, and that he would +be inclined to follow out in this respect the fatal policy of his +grandfather, Charles would in all probability have received a more +active and general support than was accorded to him. The zeal with which +the Episcopalian party in Scotland espoused his cause, naturally gave +rise to the idea that the attempt of the Prince was of evil omen to +Presbytery; and the settlement of the Church upon its present footing +was yet so recent, that the sores of the old feud were still festering +and green. The established clergy, therefore, were, nearly to a man, +opposed to his pretensions; and one minister of Edinburgh, at the time +when the Highland host was in possession of the city, had the courage to +conclude his prayer nearly in the following terms--"Bless the king; Thou +knows what king I mean--may his crown long sit easy on his head. And as +to this young man who has come among us to seek an earthly crown, we +beseech Thee in mercy to take him to Thyself, and give him a crown of +glory!" At the same time, it is very curious to observe, that the most +violent sect of Presbyterians, who might be considered as the +representatives of the extreme Cameronian principle, and who had early +seceded from the Church, and bitterly opposed the union of the kingdoms, +were not indisposed, on certain terms, to coalesce with the Jacobites. +It is hardly possible to understand the motives which actuated these +men, who appear to have regarded each successive government as equally +obnoxious. Some writers go the length of averring that, in 1688, a +negociation was opened by one section of the Covenanters with Lord +Dundee, with the object of resistance to the usurpation of William of +Orange, and that the project was frustrated only by the death of that +heroic nobleman. Sir Walter Scott--a great authority--seems to have been +convinced that such was the case; but, in the absence of direct proof, +I can hardly credit it. It is perfectly well known that a conspiracy was +formed by a certain section of the Cameronian party to assassinate Lords +Dundee and Dunfermline whilst in attendance at the meeting of Estates; +and, although the recognition of William as king might not have been +palatable to others who held the same opinions, it would be a strange +thing if they had so suddenly resolved to assist Dundee in his efforts +for the exiled family. But the political changes in Scotland, more +especially the union, seem to have inspired some of these men with a +spirit of disaffection to the government; for, according to Mr. +Chambers, the most rigid sect of Presbyterians had, since the +revolution, expressed a strong desire to coalesce with the Jacobites, +with the hope, in case the house of Stuart were restored, to obtain what +they called a covenanted king. Of this sect one thousand had assembled +in Dumfriesshire at the first intelligence of the insurrection, bearing +arms and colours, and supposed to contemplate a junction with the +Chevalier. But these religionists were now almost as violently distinct +from the Established Church of Scotland as ever they had been from those +of England and Rome, and had long ceased to play a prominent part in the +national disputes. The Established clergy, and the greater part of their +congregations, were averse to Charles upon considerations perfectly +moderate, at the same time not easy to be shaken. + +On commencing his march into England, Charles found himself at the head +of an army of between five thousand and six thousand men, which force +was considered strong enough, with the augmentations it might receive on +the way, to effect the occupation of London. Had the English Jacobites +performed their part with the same zeal as the Scots, it is more than +probable that the attempt would have been crowned with success. As it +was, the Prince succeeded in reducing the strong fortified town of +Carlisle, and in marching, without opposition, through the heart of +England, as far as Derby, within one hundred miles of the metropolis. +But here his better genius deserted him. Discord had crept into his +councils; for some of the chiefs became seriously alarmed at finding +that the gentry of England were not prepared to join the expedition, but +preferred remaining at home inactive spectators of the contest. Except +at Manchester, they had received few or no recruits. No tidings had +reached them from Wales, a country supposed to be devoted to the cause +of King James, whilst it was well known that a large force was already +in arms to oppose the clans. Mr. Chambers gives us the following +details. "At a council of war held on the morning of the 5th December, +Lord George Murray and the other members gave it as their unanimous +opinion that the army ought to return to Scotland. Lord George pointed +out that they were about to be environed by three armies, amounting +collectively to about thirty thousand men, while their own forces were +not above five thousand, if so many. Supposing an unsuccessful +engagement with any of these armies, it could not be expected that one +man would escape, for the militia would beset every road. The Prince, if +not slain in the battle, must fall into the enemy's hands: the whole +world would blame them as fools for running into such a risk. Charles +answered, that he regarded not his own danger. He pressed, with all the +force of argument, to go forward. He did not doubt, he said, that the +justice of his cause would prevail. He was hopeful that there might be a +defection in the enemy's army, and that many would declare for him. He +was so very bent on putting all to the risk, that the Duke of Perth was +for it, since his Royal Highness was. At last he proposed going to Wales +instead of returning to Carlisle; but every other officer declared his +opinion for a retreat. These are nearly the words of Lord George Murray. +We are elsewhere told that the Prince condescended to use entreaties to +induce his adherents to alter their resolution. 'Rather than go back,' +he said, 'I would wish to be twenty feet under ground!' His chagrin, +when he found his councillors obdurate, was beyond all bounds. The +council broke up, on the understanding that the retreat was to commence +next morning, Lord George volunteering to take the place of honour in +the rear, provided only that he should not be troubled with the +baggage." + +This resolution was received by the army with marks of unequivocal +vexation. Retreat, in their estimation, was little less than overthrow; +and it was most galling to find that, after all their labours, hazards, +and toils, they were doomed to disappointment at the very moment when +the prize seemed ready for their grasp. That the movement was an +injudicious one is, I think, obvious. We are told, upon good authority, +"that the very boldness of the Prince's onward movement, especially +taken into connexion with the expected descent from France, had at +length disposed the English Jacobites to come out; and many were just on +the point of declaring themselves, and marching to join his army, when +the retreat from Derby was determined on. A Mr. Barry arrived in Derby +two days after the Prince left it, with a message from Sir Watkin +William Wynne and Lord Barrymore, to assure him, in the names of many +friends of the cause, that they were ready to join him in what manner he +pleased, either in the capital, or every one to rise in his own county. +I have likewise been assured that many of the Welsh gentry had actually +left their homes, and were on the way to join Charles, when intelligence +of his retreat at once sent them all back peaceably, convinced that it +was now too late to contribute their assistance. These men, from the +power they had over their tenantry, could have added materially to his +military force. In fact, from all that appears, we must conclude that +the insurgents had a very considerable chance of success from an onward +movement--also, no doubt, a chance of destruction, and yet not worse +than what ultimately befell many of them--while a retreat broke in a +moment the spell which their gallantry had conjured up, and gave the +enemy a great advantage over them." + +One victory more was accorded to Prince Charles, before his final +overthrow. After successfully conducting his retreat to Scotland, +occupying Glasgow, and strengthening his army by the accession of new +recruits, he gave battle to the royal forces under General Hawley at +Falkirk, and, as at Preston, drove them from the field. The parties were +on this occasion fairly matched, there being about eight thousand men +engaged on either side. The action was short; and, though not so +decisive as the former one, gave great confidence to the insurgents. It +has been thus picturesquely portrayed by the historian of the +enterprise: "Some individuals, who beheld the battle from the steeple of +Falkirk, used to describe these, its main events, as occupying a +surprisingly brief space of time. They first saw the English army enter +the misty and storm-covered muir at the top of the hill; then saw the +dull atmosphere thickened by a fast-rolling smoke, and heard the pealing +sounds of the discharge; immediately after, they beheld the discomfited +troops burst wildly from the cloud in which they had been involved, and +rush, in far-spread disorder, over the face of the hill. From the +commencement of what they styled 'the break of the battle,' there did +not intervene more than ten minutes--so soon may an efficient body of +men become, by one transient emotion of cowardice, a feeble and +contemptible rabble. + +"The rout would have been total, but for the three out-flanking +regiments. These not having been opposed by any of the clans, having a +ravine in front, and deriving some support from a small body of +dragoons, stood their ground under the command of General Huske and +Brigadier Cholmondley. When the Highlanders went past in pursuit, they +received a volley from this part of the English army, which brought them +to a pause, and caused them to draw back to their former ground, their +impression being that some ambuscade was intended. This saved the +English army from destruction. A pause took place, during which the bulk +of the English infantry got back to Falkirk. It was not until Lord +George Murray brought up the second line of his wing and the pickets, +with some others on the other wing, that General Huske drew off his +party, which he did in good order." + +The seat of war was now removed to the North. The month of April, 1746, +found Prince Charles in possession of Inverness, with an army sorely +dwindled in numbers, and in great want of necessaries and provisions. +Many of the Highlanders had retired for the winter to their native +glens, and had not yet rejoined the standard. The Duke of Cumberland, +who now commanded the English army, with a reputation not diminished by +the unfortunate issue of Fontenoy, was at the head of a large body of +tried and disciplined troops, in the best condition, and supported by +the powerful arm of artillery. He effected the passage of the Spey, a +large and rapid river which intersects the Highlands, without +encountering any opposition, and on the 15th of the month had arrived at +Nairn, about nine miles distant from the position occupied by his +kinsman and opponent. His superiority in point of strength was so great +that the boldest of the insurgent chiefs hesitated as to the policy of +giving immediate battle, and nothing but the desire of covering +Inverness prevented the council from recommencing a further retreat into +the mountains, where they could not have been easily followed, and where +they were certain to have met with reinforcements. As to the Prince, his +confidence in the prowess of the Highlanders was so unbounded, that, +even with such odds against him, he would not listen to a proposal for +delay. + +There yet remained, says Mr. Chambers, before playing the great stake of +a pitched battle, one chance of success by the irregular mode of warfare +to which the army was accustomed, and Charles resolved to put it to +trial. This was a night-attack upon the camp of the Duke of Cumberland. +He rightly argued that if his men could approach without being +discovered, and make a simultaneous attack in more than one place, the +royal forces, then probably either engaged in drinking their commander's +health (the 15th happened to be the anniversary of the Duke's birthday, +and was celebrated as such by his army), or sleeping off the effects of +the debauch, must be completely surprised and cut to pieces, or at least +effectually routed. The time appointed for setting out upon the march +was eight in the evening, when daylight should have completely +disappeared, and, in the mean time, great pains were taken to conceal +the secret from the army. + +This resolution was entered into at three in the afternoon, and orders +were given to collect the men who had gone off in search of provisions. +The officers dispersed themselves to Inverness and other places, and +besought the stragglers to repair to the muir. But, under the influence +of hunger, they told their commanders to shoot them, if they pleased, +rather than compel them to starve any longer. Charles had previously +declared, with his characteristic fervour, that though only a thousand +of his men should accompany him, he would lead them on to the attack, +and he was not now intimidated when he saw twice that number ready to +assist in the enterprise, though some of his officers would willingly +have made this deficiency of troops an excuse for abandoning what they +esteemed at best a hazardous expedition. Having given out for watchword +the name of his father, he embraced Lord George Murray, who was to +command the foremost column, and, putting himself at the head of that +which followed, gave the order to march. + +The attempt proved peculiarly unfortunate, and, from the fatigue which +it occasioned to the Highlanders, contributed in a great degree towards +the disaster of the following day. The night chanced to be uncommonly +dark, and as it was well known that Cumberland had stationed spies on +the principal roads, it became necessary to select a devious route, in +order to effect a surprise. The columns, proceeding over broken and +irregular ground, soon became scattered and dislocated: no exertions of +the officers could keep the men together, so that Lord George Murray at +two o'clock found that he was still distant three miles from the hostile +camp, and that there were no hopes of commencing the attack before the +break of day, when they would be open to the observation of the enemy. +Under these circumstances a retreat was commenced; and the scheme, which +at one time seemed to hold out every probability of success, was +abandoned. + +"The Highlanders returned, fatigued and disconsolate, to their former +position, about seven in the morning, when they immediately addressed +themselves to sleep, or went away in search of provisions. So scarce was +food at this critical juncture, that the Prince himself, on retiring to +Culloden House, could obtain no better refreshment than a little bread +and whisky. He felt the utmost anxiety regarding his men, among whom +the pangs of hunger, upon bodies exhausted by fatigue, must have been +working effects most unpromising to his success; and he gave orders, +before seeking any repose, that the whole country should now be +mercilessly ransacked for the means of refreshment. His orders were not +without effect. Considerable supplies were procured, and subjected to +the cook's art at Inverness; but the poor famished clansmen were +destined never to taste these provisions, the hour of battle arriving +before they were prepared." + +About eleven in the forenoon, the troops of Cumberland were observed +upon the eastern extremity of the wide muir of Culloden, and +preparations were instantly made for the coming battle. The army had +been strengthened that morning by the arrival of the Keppoch Macdonalds +and a party of the Frasers; but even with these reinforcements the whole +available force which the Prince could muster was about five thousand +men, to oppose at fearful odds an enemy twice as numerous, and heavily +supported by artillery. Fortune on this day seemed to have deserted the +Prince altogether. In drawing out the line of battle, a most unlucky +arrangement was made by O'Sullivan, who acted as adjutant, whereby the +Macdonald regiments were removed from the right wing--the place which +the great clan Colla has been privileged to hold in Scottish array ever +since the auspicious battle of Bannockburn. To those who are not +acquainted with the peculiar temper and spirit of the Highlanders, and +their punctilio upon points of honour and precedence, the question of +arrangement will naturally appear a matter of little importance. But it +was not so felt by the Macdonalds, who considered their change of +position as a positive degradation, and who further looked upon it as an +evil omen to the success of the battle. The results of this mistake will +be explained immediately. + +Just before the commencement of the action, the weather, which had +hitherto been fair and sunny, became overcast, and a heavy blast of rain +and sleet beat directly in the faces of the Highlanders. The English +artillery then began to play upon them, and, being admirably served, +every discharge told with fearful effect upon the ranks. The chief +object of either party at the battle of Culloden seems to have been to +force its opponent to leave his position, and to commence the attack. +Cumberland, finding that his artillery was doing such execution, had no +occasion to move; and Charles appears to have committed a great error in +abandoning a mode of warfare which was peculiarly suited for his troops, +and which, on two previous occasions, had proved eminently successful. +Had he at once ordered a general charge, and attempted to silence the +guns, the issue of the day might have been otherwise: but his +unfortunate star prevailed. + +"It was not," says Mr. Chambers, "till the cannonade had continued +nearly half an hour, and the Highlanders had seen many of their kindred +stretched upon the heath, that Charles at last gave way to the necessity +of ordering a charge. The aide-de-camp intrusted to carry his message to +the Lieutenant-general--a youth of the name of Maclachlan--was killed by +a cannon-ball before he reached the first line, but the general +sentiment of the army, as reported to Lord George Murray, supplied the +want, and that general took it upon him to order an attack without +Charles's permission having been communicated. + +"Lord George had scarcely determined upon ordering a general movement, +when the Macintoshes, a brave and devoted clan, though not before +engaged in action, unable any longer to brook the unavenged slaughter +made by the cannon, broke from the centre of the line, and rushed +forward through smoke and snow to mingle with the enemy. The Athole men, +Camerons, Stuarts, Frasers, and Macleans also went on, Lord George +Murray heading them with that rash bravery befitting the commander of +such forces. Thus, in the course of one or two minutes, the charge was +general along the whole line, except at the left extremity, where the +Macdonalds, dissatisfied with their position, hesitated to engage. + +"The action and event of the onset were, throughout, quite as dreadful +as the mental emotion which urged it. Notwithstanding that the three +files of the front line of English poured forth their incessant fire of +musketry--notwithstanding that the cannon, now loaded with grapeshot, +swept the field as with a hailstorm--notwithstanding the flank fire of +Wolfe's regiment--onward, onward went the headlong Highlanders, flinging +themselves into, rather than rushing upon, the lines of the enemy, +which, indeed, they did not see for smoke, till involved among the +weapons. All that courage, all that despair could do, was done. It was a +moment of dreadful and agonising suspense, but only a moment--for the +whirlwind does not reap the forest with greater rapidity than the +Highlanders cleared the line. Nevertheless, almost every man in their +front rank, chief and gentleman, fell before the deadly weapons which +they had braved; and, although the enemy gave way, it was not till every +bayonet was bent and bloody with the strife. + +"When the first line had thus been swept aside, the assailants continued +their impetuous advance till they came near the second, when, being +almost annihilated by a profuse and well-directed fire, the shattered +remains of what had been before a numerous and confident force began to +give way. Still a few rushed on, resolved rather to die than forfeit +their well-acquired and dearly-estimated honour. They rushed on; but not +a man ever came in contact with the enemy. The last survivor perished as +he reached the points of the bayonets." + +Some idea of the determination displayed by the Highlanders in this +terrific charge may be gathered from the fact that, in one part of the +field, their bodies were afterwards found in layers of three and four +deep. The slaughter was fearful, for, out of the five regiments which +charged the English, almost all the leaders and men in the front rank +were killed. So shaken was the English line, that, had the Macdonald +regiments, well-known to yield in valour to none of the clans, come up, +the fortune of the day might have been altered. But they never made an +onset. Smarting and sullen at the affront which they conceived to have +been put upon their name, they bore the fire of the English regiments +without flinching, and gave way to their rage by hewing at the heather +with their swords. In vain their chiefs exhorted them to go forward: +even at that terrible moment the pride of clanship prevailed. "My God!" +cried Macdonald of Keppoch, "has it come to this, that the children of +my tribe have forsaken me!" and he rushed forward alone, sword in hand, +with the devotion of an ancient hero, and fell pierced with bullets. + +The Lowland and foreign troops which formed the second line were +powerless to retrieve the disaster. All was over. The rout became +general, and the Prince was forced from the field, which he would not +quit, until dragged from it by his immediate bodyguard. + +Such was the last battle, the result of civil war, which has been fought +on British soil. Those who were defeated have acquired as much glory +from it as the conquerors--and even more, for never was a conquest +sullied by such deeds of deliberate cruelty as were perpetrated upon the +survivors of the battle of Culloden. It is not, however, the object of +the present paper to recount these, or even the romantic history or +hairbreadth escapes of the Prince, whilst wandering on the mainland and +through the Hebrides. Although a reward of thirty thousand pounds--an +immense sum for the period--was set upon his head--although his secret +was known to hundreds of persons in every walk of life, and even to the +beggar and the outlaw--not one attempted to betray him. Not one of all +his followers, in the midst of the misery which overtook them, regretted +having drawn the sword in his cause, or would not again have gladly +imperilled their lives for the sake of their beloved Chevalier. "He +went," says Lord Mahon, "but not with him departed his remembrance from +the Highlanders. For years and years did his name continue enshrined in +their hearts and familiar to their tongues, their plaintive ditties +resounding with his exploits and inviting his return. Again, in these +strains, do they declare themselves ready to risk life and fortune for +his cause; and even maternal fondness--the strongest, perhaps, of all +human feelings--yields to the passionate devotion to Prince Charlie." + +The subsequent life of the Prince is a story of melancholy interest. We +find him at first received in France with all the honours due to one +who, though unfortunate, had exhibited a heroism rarely equalled and +never surpassed: gradually he was neglected and slighted, as one of a +doomed and unhappy race, whom no human exertion could avail to elevate +to their former seat of power; and finally, when his presence in France +became an obstacle to the conclusion of peace, he was violently arrested +and conveyed out of the kingdom. There can be little doubt that +continued misfortune and disappointment had begun very early to impair +his noble mind. For long periods he was a wanderer, lost sight of by his +friends and even by his father and brother. There are fragments of his +writing extant which show how poignantly he felt the cruelty of his +fortune. "De vivre et pas vivre est beaucoup plus que de mourir!" And +again, writing to his father's secretary, eight years after Culloden, he +says--"I am grieved that our master should think that my silence was +either neglect or want of duty; but, in reality, my situation is such +that I have nothing to say but imprecations against the fatality of +being born in such a detestable age." An unhappy and uncongenial +marriage tended still more to embitter his existence; and if at last he +yielded to frailties, which inevitably insure degradation, it must be +remembered that his lot had been one to which few men have ever been +exposed, and the magnitude of his sufferings may fairly be admitted as +some palliation for his weakness. + +To the last, his heart was with Scotland. The following anecdote was +related by his brother, Cardinal York, to Bishop Walker, the late +Primus of the Episcopal Church of Scotland:--"Mr. Greathead, a personal +friend of Mr. Fox, succeeded, when at Rome in 1782 or 1783, in obtaining +an interview with Charles Edward; and, being alone with him for some +time, studiously led the conversation to his enterprise in Scotland, and +to the occurrences which succeeded the failure of that attempt. The +Prince manifested some reluctance to enter upon these topics, appearing +at the same time to undergo so much mental suffering, that his guest +regretted the freedom he had used in calling up the remembrance of his +misfortunes. At length, however, the Prince seemed to shake off the load +which oppressed him; his eye brightened, his face assumed unwonted +animation, and he entered upon the narrative of his Scottish campaigns +with a distinct but somewhat vehement energy of manner--recounted his +marches, his battles, his victories, his retreats, and his +defeats--detailed his hairbreadth escapes in the Western Isles, the +inviolable and devoted attachment of his Highland friends, and at length +proceeded to allude to the terrible penalties with which the chiefs +among them had been visited. But here the tide of emotion rose too high +to allow him to go on--his voice faltered, his eyes became fixed, and he +fell convulsed on the floor. The noise brought into his room his +daughter, the Duchess of Albany, who happened to be in an adjoining +apartment. 'Sir,' she exclaimed, 'what is this? You have been speaking +to my father about Scotland and the Highlanders! No one dares to +mention those subjects in his presence.'" + +He died on the 30th of January, 1788, in the arms of the Master of +Nairn. The monument erected to him, his father, and brother, in St. +Peter's, by desire of George IV., was perhaps the most graceful tribute +ever paid by royalty to misfortune--REGIO CINERI PIETAS REGIA. + + + + +CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + + +ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF CULLODEN + + + Take away that star and garter-- + Hide them from my aching sight: + Neither king nor prince shall tempt me + From my lonely room this night; + Fitting for the throneless exile + Is the atmosphere of pall, + And the gusty winds that shiver + 'Neath the tapestry on the wall. + When the taper faintly dwindles + Like the pulse within the vein, + That to gay and merry measure + Ne'er may hope to bound again, + Let the shadows gather round me + While I sit in silence here, + Broken-hearted, as an orphan + Watching by his father's bier. + Let me hold my still communion + Far from every earthly sound-- + Day of penance--day of passion-- + Ever, as the year comes round; + Fatal day, whereon the latest + Die was cast for me and mine-- + Cruel day, that quelled the fortunes + Of the hapless Stuart line! + Phantom-like, as in a mirror, + Rise the griesly scenes of death-- + There before me, in its wildness, + Stretches bare Culloden's heath: + There the broken clans are scattered, + Gaunt as wolves, and famine-eyed, + Hunger gnawing at their vitals, + Hope abandoned, all but pride-- + Pride, and that supreme devotion + Which the Southron never knew, + And the hatred, deeply rankling, + 'Gainst the Hanoverian crew. + Oh, my God! are these the remnants, + These the wrecks of the array + That around the royal standard + Gathered on the glorious day, + When, in deep Glenfinnan's valley; + Thousands, on their bended knees, + Saw once more that stately ensign + Waving in the northern breeze, + When the noble Tullibardine + Stood beneath its weltering fold, + With the Ruddy Lion ramping + In the field of tressured gold, + When the mighty heart of Scotland, + All too big to slumber more, + Burst in wrath and exultation, + Like a huge volcano's roar? + There they stand, the battered columns, + Underneath the murky sky, + In the hush of desperation, + Not to conquer, but to die. + Hark! the bagpipe's fitful wailing: + Not the pibroch loud and shrill, + That, with hope of bloody banquet, + Lured the ravens from the hill, + But a dirge both low and solemn, + Fit for ears of dying men, + Marshalled for their latest battle, + Never more to fight again. + Madness--madness! Why this shrinking? + Were we less inured to war + When our reapers swept the harvest + From the field of red Dunbar? + Bring my horse, and blow the trumpet! + Call the riders of Fitz-James: + Let Lord Lewis head the column! + Valiant chiefs of mighty names-- + Trusty Keppoch, stout Glengarry, + Gallant Gordon, wise Locheill-- + Bid the clansmen hold together, + Fast, and fell, and firm as steel. + Elcho, never look so gloomy-- + What avails a saddened brow? + Heart, man, heart! we need it sorely, + Never half so much, as now. + Had we but a thousand troopers, + Had we but a thousand more! + Noble Perth, I hear them coming!-- + Hark! the English cannons' roar. + God! how awful sounds that volley, + Bellowing through the mist and rain! + Was not that the Highland slogan? + Let me hear that shout again! + Oh, for prophet eyes to witness + How the desperate battle goes! + Cumberland! I would not fear thee, + Could my Camerons see their foes. + Sound, I say, the charge at venture-- + 'Tis not naked steel we fear; + Better perish in the mêlée + Than be shot like driven deer; + Hold! the mist begins to scatter! + There in front 'tis rent asunder, + And the cloudy bastion crumbles + Underneath the deafening thunder; + There I see the scarlet gleaming! + Now, Macdonald--now or never!-- + Woe is me, the clans are broken! + Father, thou art lost for ever! + Chief and vassal, lord and yeoman, + There they lie in heaps together, + Smitten by the deadly volley, + Rolled in blood upon the heather; + And the Hanoverian horsemen, + Fiercely riding to and fro, + Deal their murderous strokes at random.-- + Ah, my God! where am I now? + Will that baleful vision never + Vanish from my aching sight? + Must those scenes and sounds of terror + Haunt me still by day and night? + Yea, the earth hath no oblivion + For the noblest chance it gave, + None, save in its latest refuge-- + Seek it only in the grave! + Love may die, and hatred slumber, + And their memory will decay, + As the watered garden recks not + Of the drought of yesterday; + But the dream of power once broken, + What shall give repose again? + What shall charm the serpent-furies + Coiled around the maddening brain? + What kind draught can nature offer + Strong enough to lull their sting? + Better to be born a peasant + Than to live an exiled king! + Oh, these years of bitter anguish!-- + What is life to such as me, + With my very heart as palsied + As a wasted cripple's knee! + Suppliant-like for alms depending + On a false and foreign court, + Jostled by the flouting nobles, + Half their pity, half their sport. + Forced to hold a place in pageant, + Like a royal prize of war, + Walking with dejected features + Close behind his victor's car, + Styled an equal--deemed a servant-- + Fed with hopes of future gain-- + Worse by far is fancied freedom + Than the captive's clanking chain! + Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower, + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower; + Birds around her sweetly singing, + Fluttering on the kindling spray, + And the comely garden glowing + In the light of rosy May. + Love descended to the window-- + Love removed the bolt and bar-- + Love was warder to the lovers + From the dawn to even-star. + Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France? + Where the words of hope she whispered, + When around my neck she threw + That same scarf of broidered tissue, + Bade me wear it and be true-- + Bade me send it as a token + When my banner waved once more + On the castled Keep of London, + Where my fathers' waved before? + And I went and did not conquer-- + But I brought it back again-- + Brought it back from storm and battle-- + Brought it back without a stain; + And once more I knelt before her, + And I laid it at her feet, + Saying, "Wilt thou own it, Princess? + There at least is no defeat!" + Scornfully she looked upon me + With a measured eye and cold-- + Scornfully she viewed the token, + Though her fingers wrought the gold; + And she answered, faintly flushing, + "Hast thou kept it, then, so long? + Worthy matter for a minstrel + To be told in knightly song! + Worthy of a bold Provençal, + Pacing through the peaceful plain, + Singing of his lady's favour, + Boasting of her silken chain, + Yet scarce worthy of a warrior + Sent to wrestle for a crown. + Is this all that thou hast brought me + From thy fields of high renown? + Is this all the trophy carried + From the lands where thou hast been? + It was broidered by a Princess, + Canst thou give it to a Queen?" + Woman's love is writ in water! + Woman's faith is traced in sand! + Backwards--backwards let me wander + To the noble northern land: + Let me feel the breezes blowing + Fresh along the mountain-side; + Let me see the purple heather, + Let me hear the thundering tide, + Be it hoarse as Corrievreckan + Spouting when the storm is high-- + Give me but one hour of Scotland-- + Let me see it ere I die! + Oh, my heart is sick and heavy-- + Southern gales are not for me; + Though the glens are white with winter, + Place me there, and set me free; + Give me back my trusty comrades-- + Give me back my Highland maid-- + Nowhere beats the heart so kindly + As beneath the tartan plaid! + Flora! when thou wert beside me, + In the wilds of far Kintail-- + When the cavern gave us shelter + From the blinding sleet and hail-- + When we lurked within the thicket, + And, beneath the waning moon, + Saw the sentry's bayonet glimmer, + Heard him chant his listless tune-- + When the howling storm o'ertook us, + Drifting down the island's lee, + And our crazy bark was whirling + Like a nutshell on the sea-- + When the nights were dark and dreary, + And amidst the fern we lay, + Faint and foodless, sore with travel, + Waiting for the streaks of day; + When thou wert an angel to me, + Watching my exhausted sleep-- + Never didst thou hear me murmur-- + Couldst thou see how now I weep! + Bitter tears and sobs of anguish, + Unavailing though they be: + Oh, the brave--the brave and noble-- + That have died in vain for me! + + + + +NOTES TO + + +"CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES" + + + _Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower_.--p. 168. + +James I. of Scotland, one of the most accomplished kings that ever sate +upon a throne, is the person here indicated. His history is a very +strange and romantic one. He was son of Robert III., and immediate +younger brother of that unhappy Duke of Rothesay who was murdered at +Falkland. His father, apprehensive of the designs and treachery of +Albany, had determined to remove him, when a mere boy, for a season from +Scotland; and as France was then considered the best school for the +education of one so important from his high position, it was resolved to +send him thither, under the care of the Earl of Orkney, and Fleming of +Cumbernauld. He accordingly embarked at North Berwick, with little +escort--as there was a truce for the time between England and Scotland; +and they were under no apprehension of meeting with any vessels, save +those of the former nation. Notwithstanding this, the ship which carried +the Prince was captured by an armed merchantman, and carried to London, +where Henry IV., the usurping Bolingbroke, utterly regardless of +treaties, committed him and his attendants to the Tower. + +"In vain," says Mr. Tytler, "did the guardians of the young Prince +remonstrate against this cruelty, or present to Henry a letter from the +King his father, which, with much simplicity, recommended him to the +kindness of the English monarch, should he find it necessary to land in +his dominions. In vain did they represent that the mission to France was +perfectly pacific, and its only object the education of the prince at +the French court. Henry merely answered by a poor witticism, declaring +that he himself knew the French language indifferently well, and that +his father could not have sent him to a better master. So flagrant a +breach of the law of nations, as the seizure and imprisonment of the +heir-apparent, during the time of truce, would have called for the most +violent remonstrances from any government, except that of Albany. But to +this usurper of the supreme power, the capture of the Prince was the +most grateful event which could have happened; and to detain him in +captivity became, from this moment, one of the principal objects of his +future life; we are not to wonder, then, that the conduct of Henry not +only drew forth no indignation from the governor, but was not even +followed by any request that the prince should be set at liberty. + +"The aged King, already worn out by infirmity, and now broken by +disappointment and sorrow, did not long survive the captivity of his +son. It is said the melancholy news were brought him as he was sitting +down to supper in his palace of Rothesay in Bute, and that the effect +was such upon his affectionate but feeble spirit, that he drooped from +that day forward, refused all sustenance, and died soon after of a +broken heart." + +James was finally incarcerated in Windsor Castle, where he endured an +imprisonment of nineteen years. Henry, though he had not hesitated to +commit a heinous breach of faith, was not so cruel as to neglect the +education of his captive. The young King was supplied with the best +masters; and gradually became an adept in all the accomplishments of the +age. He is a singular exception from the rule which maintains that +monarchs are indifferent authors. As a poet, he is entitled to a very +high rank indeed, being, I think, in point of sweetness and melody of +verse, not much inferior to Chaucer. From the window of his chamber in +the Tower, he had often seen a young lady, of great beauty and grace, +walking in the garden; and the admiration which at once possessed him +soon ripened into love. This was Lady Jane Beaufort, daughter of the +Earl of Somerset and niece of Henry IV., and who afterwards became his +queen. How he loved and how he wooed her is told in his own beautiful +poem of "The King's Quhair," of which the following are a few stanzas:-- + + "Now there was made, fast by the towris wall, + A garden fair; and in the corners set + An arbour green, with wandis long and small + Railed about, and so with trees set + Was all the place, and hawthorn hedges knet, + That lyf was none walking there forbye, + That might within scarce any wight espy. + + "So thick the boughis and the leavis greene + Beshaded all the alleys that there were, + And mids of every arbour might be seen + The sharpe, greene, sweete juniper, + Growing so fair, with branches here and there, + That, as it seemed to a lyf without, + The boughis spread the arbour all about. + + "And on the smalle greene twistis sat + The little sweet nightingale, and sung + So loud and clear the hymnis consecrat + Of lovis use, now soft, now loud among, + That all the gardens and the wallis rung + Right of their song. + + "And therewith cast I down mine eyes again, + Where as I saw, walking under the tower, + Full secretly, now comen here to plain, + The fairest or the freshest younge flower + That e'er I saw, methought, before that hour: + For which sudden abate, anon astart + The blood of all my body to my heart. + + "And though I stood abasit for a lite, + No wonder was; for why? my wittis all + Were so o'ercome with pleasance and delight-- + Only through letting of my eyen fall-- + That suddenly my heart became her thrall + For ever of free will, for of menace + There was no token in her sweete face." + + _Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France?_--p. 168. + +There appears to be no doubt that Prince Charles was deeply attached to +one of the princesses of the royal family of France. In the interesting +collection called "Jacobite Memoirs," compiled by Mr. Chambers from the +voluminous MSS. of Bishop Forbes, we find the following passage from the +narrative of Donald Macleod, who acted as a guide to the wanderer whilst +traversing the Hebrides:--"When Donald was asked, if ever the Prince +used to give any particular toast, when they were taking a cup of cold +water, or the like; he said that the Prince very often drank to the +Black Eye--by which, said Donald, he meant the second daughter of +France, and I never heard him name any particular health but that alone. +When he spoke of that lady--which he did frequently--he appeared to be +more than ordinarily well pleased." + + + + +THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + +The "gentle Locheill" may he considered as the pattern of a Highland +Chief. Others who headed the insurrection may have been actuated by +motives of personal ambition, and by a desire for aggrandisement; but no +such charge can be made against the generous and devoted Cameron. He +was, as we have already seen, the first who attempted to dissuade the +Prince from embarking in an enterprise which he conscientiously believed +to be desperate; but, having failed in doing so, he nobly stood firm to +the cause which his conscience vindicated as just, and cheerfully +imperilled his life, and sacrificed his fortune, at the bidding of his +master. There was no one, even among those who espoused the other side, +in Scotland, who did not commiserate the misfortunes of this truly +excellent man, whose humanity was not less conspicuous than his valour +throughout the civil war, and who died in exile of a broken heart. + +Perhaps the best type of the Lowland Cavalier of that period, may be +found in the person of Alexander Forbes, Lord Pitsligo, a nobleman whose +conscientious views impelled him to take a different side from that +adopted by the greater part of his house and name. Lord Forbes, the head +of this very ancient and honourable family, was one of the first +Scottish noblemen who declared for King William. Lord Pitsligo, on the +contrary, having been educated abroad, and early introduced to the +circle at Saint Germains, conceived a deep personal attachment to the +members of the exiled line. He was anything but an enthusiast, as his +philosophical and religious writings, well worthy of a perusal, will +show. He was the intimate friend of Fénélon, and throughout his whole +life was remarkable rather for his piety and virtue, than for keenness +in political dispute. + +After his return from France, Lord Pitsligo took his seat in the +Scottish Parliament, and his parliamentary career has thus been +characterised by a former writer.[3] "Here it is no discredit either to +his head or heart to say, that, obliged to become a member of one of the +contending factions of the time, he adopted that which had for its +object the independence of Scotland, and restoration of the ancient race +of monarchs. The advantages which were in future to arise from the great +measure of a national union were so hidden by the mist of prejudice, +that it cannot be wondered at if Lord Pitsligo, like many a +high-spirited man, saw nothing but disgrace in a measure forced on by +such corrupt means, and calling in its commencement for such mortifying +national sacrifices. The English nation, indeed, with a narrow, yet not +unnatural, view of their own interest, took such pains to encumber and +restrict the Scottish commercial privileges that it was not till the +best part of a century after the event that the inestimable fruits of +the treaty began to be felt and known. This distant period Lord Pitsligo +could not foresee. He beheld his countrymen, like the Israelites of +yore, led into the desert; but his merely human eye could not foresee +that, after the extinction of a whole race--after a longer pilgrimage +than that of the followers of Moses--the Scottish people should at +length arrive at that promised land, of which the favourers of the Union +held forth so gay a prospect. + +"Looking upon the Act of Settlement of the Crown, and the Act of +Abjuration, as unlawful, Lord Pitsligo retired to his house in the +country, and threw up attendance on Parliament. Upon the death of Queen +Anne he joined himself in arms with a general insurrection of the +Highlanders and Jacobites, headed by his friend and relative the Earl of +Mar. + +"Mar, a versatile statesman and an able intriguer, had consulted his +ambition rather than his talents when he assumed the command of such an +enterprise. He sunk beneath the far superior genius of the Duke of +Argyle; and after the undecisive battle of Sheriffmuir, the confederacy +which he had formed, but was unable to direct, dissolved like a +snow-ball, and the nobles concerned in it were fain to fly abroad. This +exile was Lord Pitsligo's fate for five or six years. Part of the time +he spent at the Court, if it can be called so, of the old Chevalier de +Saint George, where existed all the petty feuds, chicanery, and crooked +intrigues which subsist in a real scene of the same character, although +the objects of the ambition which prompts such arts had no existence. +Men seemed to play at being courtiers in that illusory court, as +children play at being soldiers." + +It would appear that Lord Pitsligo was not attainted for his share in +Mar's rebellion. He returned to Scotland in 1720, and resided at his +castle in Aberdeenshire, not mingling in public affairs, but gaining, +through his charity, kindness, and benevolence, the respect and +affection of all around him. He was sixty-seven years of age when +Charles Edward landed in Scotland. The district in which the estates of +Lord Pitsligo lay was essentially Jacobite, and the young cavaliers only +waited for a fitting leader to take up arms in the cause. According to +Mr. Home, his example was decisive of the movement of his neighbours: +"So when he who was so wise and prudent declared his purpose of joining +Charles, most of the gentlemen in that part of the country who favoured +the Pretender's cause, put themselves under his command, thinking they +could not follow a better or safer guide than Lord Pitsligo." His +Lordship's own account of the motives which urged him on is +peculiar:--"I was grown a little old, and the fear of ridicule stuck to +me pretty much. I have mentioned the weightier considerations of a +family, which would make the censure still the greater, and set the more +tongues agoing. But we are pushed on, I know not how,--I thought--I +weighed--and I weighed again. If there was any enthusiasm in it, it was +of the coldest kind; and there was as little remorse when the affair +miscarried, as there was eagerness at the beginning." + +The writer whom I have already quoted goes on to say--"To those friends +who recalled his misfortunes of 1715, he replied gaily, 'Did you ever +know me absent at the second day of a wedding?' meaning, I suppose, that +having once contracted an engagement, he did not feel entitled to quit +it while the contest subsisted. Being invited by the gentlemen of the +district to put himself at their head, and having surmounted his own +desires, he had made a farewell visit at a neighbour's house, where a +little boy, a child of the family, brought out a stool to assist the old +nobleman in remounting his horse. 'My little fellow.' said Lord +Pitsligo, 'this is the severest rebuke I have yet received, for +presuming to go on such an expedition.' + +"The die was however cast, and Lord Pitsligo went to meet his friends +at the rendezvous they had appointed in Aberdeen. They formed a body of +well-armed cavalry, gentlemen and their servants, to the number of a +hundred men. When they were drawn up in readiness to commence the +expedition, the venerable nobleman, their leader, moved to their front, +lifted his hat, and, looking up to heaven, pronounced, with a solemn +voice, the awful appeal,--'O Lord, thou knowest that our cause is just!' +then added the signal for departure--'March, gentlemen!' + +"Lord Pitsligo, with his followers, found Charles at Edinburgh, on 8th +October 1745, a few days after the Highlanders' victory at Preston. +Their arrival was hailed with enthusiasm, not only on account of the +timely reinforcement, but more especially from the high character of +their leader. Hamilton of Bangour, in an animated and eloquent eulogium +upon Pitsligo, states that nothing could have fallen out more +fortunately for the Prince than his joining them did--for it seemed as +if religion, virtue, and justice were entering his camp, under the +appearance of this venerable old man; and what would have given sanction +to a cause of the most dubious right, could not fail to render sacred +the very best." + +Although so far advanced in years, he remained in arms during the whole +campaign, and was treated with almost filial tenderness by the Prince. +After Culloden, he became, like many more, a fugitive and an outlaw, +but succeeded, like the Baron of Bradwardine, in finding a shelter upon +the skirts of his own estate. Disguised as a mendicant, his secret was +faithfully kept by the tenantry; and although it was more than surmised +by the soldiers that he was lurking somewhere in the neighbourhood, they +never were able to detect him. On one occasion he actually guided a +party to a cave on the sea-shore, amidst the rough rocks of Buchan, +where it was rumoured that he was lying in concealment; and on another, +when overtaken by his asthma, and utterly unable to escape from an +approaching patrol of soldiers, he sat down by the wayside, and acted +his assumed character so well, that a good-natured fellow not only gave +him alms, but condoled with him on the violence of his complaint. + +For ten years he remained concealed, but in the mean time both title and +estate were forfeited by attainder. His last escape was so very +remarkable, that I may be pardoned for giving it in the language of the +author of his memoirs. + +"In March 1756, and of course long after all apprehension of a search +had ceased, information having been given to the commanding officer at +Fraserburgh, that Lord Pitsligo was at that moment at the house of +Auchiries, it was acted upon with so much promptness and secrecy that +the search must have proved successful but for a very singular +occurrence. Mrs. Sophia Donaldson, a lady who lived much with the +family, repeatedly dreamt, on that particular night, that the house was +surrounded by soldiers. Her mind became so haunted with the idea, that +she got out of bed, and was walking through the room, in hopes of giving +a different current to her thoughts before she lay down again; when, day +beginning to dawn, she accidentally looked out at the window as she +passed it in traversing the room, and was astonished at actually +observing the figures of soldiers among some trees near the house. So +completely had all idea of a search been by that time laid asleep, that +she supposed they had come to steal poultry--Jacobite poultry-yards +affording a safe object of pillage for the English soldiers in those +days. Mrs. Sophia was proceeding to rouse the servants, when her sister, +having awaked, and inquiring what was the matter, and being told of +soldiers near the house, exclaimed in great alarm, that she feared they +wanted something more than hens. She begged Mrs. Sophia to look out at a +window on the other side of the house, when not only were soldiers seen +in that direction, but also an officer giving instructions by signal, +and frequently putting his fingers to his lips, as if enjoining silence. + +There was now no time to be lost in rousing the family, and all the +haste that could be made was scarcely sufficient to hurry the venerable +man from his bed into a small recess, behind the wainscot of an +adjoining room, which was concealed by a bed, in which a lady, Miss +Gordon of Towie, who was there on a visit, lay, before the soldiers +obtained admission. A most minute search took place. The room in which +Lord Pitsligo was concealed did not escape. Miss Gordon's bed was +carefully examined, and she was obliged to suffer the rude scrutiny of +one of the party, by feeling her chin, to ascertain that it was not a +man in a lady's night-dress. Before the soldiers had finished their +examination in this room, the confinement and anxiety increased Lord +Pitsligo's asthma so much, and his breathing became so loud, that it +cost Miss Gordon, lying in bed, much and violent coughing, which she +counterfeited, in order to prevent the high breathings behind the +wainscot from being heard. + +It may be easily conceived what agony she would suffer, lest, by +overdoing her part, she should increase suspicion, and in fact lead to a +discovery. The ruse was fortunately successful. On the search through +the house being given over, Lord Pitsligo was hastily taken from his +confined situation, and again replaced in bed; and, as soon as he was +able to speak, his accustomed kindness of heart made him say to his +servant--'James, go and see that these poor fellows get some breakfast +and a drink of warm ale, for this is a cold morning; they are only doing +their duty, and cannot bear me any ill-will.' When the family were +felicitating each other on his escape, he pleasantly observed--'A poor +prize, had they obtained it--an old dying man!'" + +This was the last attempt made on the part of government to seize on the +persons of any of the surviving insurgents. Three years before, Dr. +Archibald Cameron, a brother of Locheill, having clandestinely revisited +Scotland, was arrested, tried, and executed for high treason at Tyburn. +The government was generally blamed for this act of severity, which was +considered rather to have been dictated by revenge than required for the +public safety. It is, however, probable that they might have had secret +information of certain negotiations which were still conducted in the +Highlands by the agents of the Stuart family, and that they considered +it necessary, by one terrible example, to overawe the insurrectionary +spirit. This I believe to have been the real motive of an execution +which otherwise could not have been palliated: and, in the case of Lord +Pitsligo, it is quite possible that the zeal of a partisan may have led +him to take a step which would not have been approved of by the +ministry. After the lapse of so many years, and after so many scenes of +judicial bloodshed, the nation would have turned in disgust from the +spectacle of an old man, whose private life was not only blameless, but +exemplary, dragged to the scaffold, and forced to lay down his head in +expiation of a doubtful crime: and this view derives corroboration from +the fact that, shortly afterwards, Lord Pitsligo was tacitly permitted +to return to the society of his friends, without further notice or +persecution. + +Dr. King, the Principal of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, has borne the +following testimony to the character of Lord Pitsligo. "Whoever is so +happy, either from his natural disposition, or his good judgment, +constantly to observe St. Paul's precept, 'to speak evil of no one' will +certainly acquire the love and esteem of the whole community of which he +is a member. But such a man is the _rara avis in terris_; and, among all +my acquaintance, I have known only one person to whom I can with truth +assign this character. The person I mean is the present Lord Pitsligo of +Scotland. I not only never heard this gentleman speak an ill word of any +man living, but I always observed him ready to defend any other person +who was ill spoken of in his company. If the person accused were of his +acquaintance, my Lord Pitsligo would always find something good to say +of him as a counterpoise. If he were a stranger, and quite unknown to +him, my lord would urge in his defence the general corruption of +manners, and the frailties and infirmities of human nature. + +"It is no wonder that such an excellent man, who, besides, is a polite +scholar, and has many other great and good qualities, should be +universally admired and beloved--insomuch, that I persuade myself he has +not one enemy in the world. At least, to this general esteem and +affection for his person, his preservation must be owing; for since his +attainder he has never removed far from his own house, protected by men +of different principles, and unsought for and unmolested by government." +To which eulogy it might be added, by those who have the good fortune to +know his representatives, that the virtues here acknowledged seem +hereditary in the family of Pitsligo. + +The venerable old nobleman was permitted to remain without molestation +at the residence of his son, during the latter years of an existence +protracted to the extreme verge of human life. And so, says the author +of his memoirs, "In this happy frame of mind,--calm and full of +hope,--the saintly man continued to the last, with his reason unclouded, +able to study his favourite volume, enjoying the comforts of friendship, +and delighting in the consolations of religion, till he gently 'fell +asleep in Jesus.' He died on the 21st of December, 1762, in the +eighty-fifth year of his age; and to his surviving friends the +recollection of the misfortunes which had accompanied him through his +long life was painfully awakened even in the closing scene of his mortal +career--as his son had the mortification to be indebted to a stranger, +now the proprietor of his ancient inheritance by purchase from the +crown, for permission to lay his father's honoured remains in the vault +which contained the ashes of his family for many generations." + +Such a character as this is well worthy of remembrance; and Lord +Pitsligo has just title to be called the last of the old Scottish +Cavaliers. I trust that, in adapting the words of the following little +ballad to a well-known English air, I have committed no unpardonable +larceny. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 3: See _Blackwood's Magazine_ for May 1829.--Article "Lord +Pitsligo."] + + + + +THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + + I. + + Come listen to another song, + Should make your heart beat high, + Bring crimson to your forehead, + And the lustre to your eye;-- + It is a song of olden time, + Of days long since gone by, + And of a Baron stout and bold + As e'er wore sword on thigh! + Like a brave old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + II. + + He kept his castle in the north, + Hard by the thundering Spey; + And a thousand vassals dwelt around + All of his kindred they. + And not a man of all that clan + Had ever ceased to pray + For the Royal race they loved so well, + Though exiled far away + From the steadfast Scottish cavaliers, + All of the olden time! + + + III. + + His father drew the righteous sword + For Scotland and her claims, + Among the loyal gentlemen + And chiefs of ancient names + Who swore to fight or fall beneath + The standard of King James, + And died at Killiecrankie pass + With the glory of the Graemes; + Like a true old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + IV. + + He never owned the foreign rule, + No master he obeyed, + But kept his clan in peace at home, + From foray and from raid; + And when they asked him for his oath, + He touched his glittering blade, + And pointed to his bonnet blue, + That bore the white cockade: + Like a leal old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + V. + + At length the news ran through the land-- + THE PRINCE had come again! + That night the fiery cross was sped + O'er mountain and through glen; + And our old Baron rose in might, + Like a lion from his den, + And rode away across the hills + To Charlie and his men, + With the valiant Scottish cavaliers, + All of the olden time! + + + VI. + + He was the first that bent the knee + When the STANDARD waved abroad, + He was the first that charged the foe + On Preston's bloody sod; + And ever, in the van of fight, + The foremost still he trod, + Until, on bleak Culloden's heath, + He gave his soul to God, + Like a good old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + VII. + + Oh! never shall we know again + A heart so stout and true-- + The olden times have passed away, + And weary are the new: + The fair White Rose has faded + From the garden where it grew, + And no fond tears save those of heaven + The glorious bed bedew + Of the last old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + + +MISCELLANEOUS POEMS + + + + +BLIND OLD MILTON + + + Place me once more, my daughter, where the sun + May shine upon my old and time-worn head, + For the last time, perchance. My race is run; + And soon amidst the ever-silent dead + I must repose, it may be, half forgot. + Yes! I have broke the hard and bitter bread + For many a year, with those who trembled not + To buckle on their armour for the fight, + And set themselves against the tyrant's lot; + And I have never bowed me to his might, + Nor knelt before him--for I bear within + My heart the sternest consciousness of right, + And that perpetual hate of gilded sin + Which made me what I am; and though the stain + Of poverty be on me, yet I win + More honour by it, than the blinded train + Who hug their willing servitude, and bow + Unto the weakest and the most profane. + Therefore, with unencumbered soul I go + Before the footstool of my Maker, where + I hope to stand as undebased as now! + Child! is the sun abroad? I feel my hair + Borne up and wafted by the gentle wind, + I feel the odours that perfume the air, + And hear the rustling of the leaves behind. + Within my heart I picture them, and then + I almost can forget that I am blind, + And old, and hated by my fellow-men. + Yet would I fain once more behold the grace + Of nature ere I die, and gaze again + Upon her living and rejoicing face-- + Fain would I see thy countenance, my child, + My comforter! I feel thy dear embrace-- + I hear thy voice, so musical, and mild, + The patient, sole interpreter, by whom + So many years of sadness are beguiled; + For it hath made my small and scanty room + Peopled with glowing visions of the past. + But I will calmly bend me to my doom, + And wait the hour which is approaching fast, + When triple light shall stream upon mine eyes, + And heaven itself be opened up at last + To him who dared foretell its mysteries. + I have had visions in this drear eclipse + Of outward consciousness, and clomb the skies, + Striving to utter with my earthly lips + What the diviner soul had half divined, + Even as the Saint in his Apocalypse + Who saw the inmost glory, where enshrined + Sat He who fashioned glory. This hath driven + All outward strife and tumult from my mind, + And humbled me, until I have forgiven + My bitter enemies, and only seek + To find the straight and narrow path to heaven. + + Yet I am weak--oh! how entirely weak, + For one who may not love nor suffer more! + Sometimes unbidden tears will wet my cheek, + And my heart bound as keenly as of yore, + Responsive to a voice, now hushed to rest, + Which made the beautiful Italian shore, + In all its pomp of summer vineyards drest, + An Eden and a Paradise to me. + Do the sweet breezes from the balmy west + Still murmur through thy groves, Parthenope, + In search of odours from the orange bowers? + Still on thy slopes of verdure does the bee + Cull her rare honey from the virgin flowers? + And Philomel her plaintive chaunt prolong + 'Neath skies more calm and more serene than ours, + Making the summer one perpetual song? + Art thou the same as when in manhood's pride + I walked in joy thy grassy meads among, + With that fair youthful vision by my side, + In whose bright eyes I looked--and not in vain? + O my adored angel! O my bride! + Despite of years, and woe, and want, and pain, + My soul yearns back towards thee, and I seem + To wander with thee, hand in hand, again, + By the bright margin of that flowing stream. + I hear again thy voice, more silver-sweet + Than fancied music floating in a dream, + Possess my being; from afar I greet + The waving of thy garments in the glade, + And the light rustling of thy fairy feet-- + What time as one half eager, half afraid, + Love's burning secret faltered on my tongue, + And tremulous looks and broken words betrayed + The secret of the heart from whence they sprung. + Ah me! the earth that rendered thee to heaven + Gave up an angel beautiful and young, + Spotless and pure as snow when freshly driven: + A bright Aurora for the starry sphere + Where all is love, and even life forgiven. + Bride of immortal beauty--ever dear! + Dost thou await me in thy blest abode? + While I, Tithonus-like, must linger here, + And count each step along the rugged road; + A phantom, tottering to a long-made grave, + And eager to lay down my weary load! + + I, who was fancy's lord, am fancy's slave. + Like the low murmurs of the Indian shell + Ta'en from its coral bed beneath the wave, + Which, unforgetful of the ocean's swell, + Retains within its mystic urn the hum + Heard in the sea-grots where the Nereids dwell-- + Old thoughts still haunt me--unawares they come + Between me and my rest, nor can I make + Those aged visitors of sorrow dumb. + Oh, yet awhile, my feeble soul, awake! + Nor wander back with sullen steps again; + For neither pleasant pastime canst thou take + In such a journey, nor endure the pain. + The phantoms of the past are dead for thee; + So let them ever uninvoked remain, + And be thou calm, till death shall set thee free. + Thy flowers of hope expanded long ago, + Long since their blossoms withered on the tree: + No second spring can come to make them blow, + But in the silent winter of the grave + They lie with blighted love and buried woe. + + I did not waste the gifts which nature gave, + Nor slothful lay in the Circéan bower; + Nor did I yield myself the willing slave + Of lust for pride, for riches, or for power. + No! in my heart a nobler spirit dwelt; + For constant was my faith in manhood's dower; + Man--made in God's own image--and I felt + How of our own accord we courted shame, + Until to idols like ourselves we knelt, + And so renounced the great and glorious claim + Of freedom, our immortal heritage. + I saw how bigotry, with spiteful aim, + Smote at the searching eyesight of the sage, + How error stole behind the steps of truth, + And cast delusion on the sacred page. + So, as a champion, even in early youth + I waged my battle with a purpose keen; + Nor feared the hand of terror, nor the tooth + Of serpent jealousy. And I have been + With starry Galileo in his cell, + That wise magician with the brow serene, + Who fathomed space; and I have seen him tell + The wonders of the planetary sphere, + And trace the ramparts of heaven's citadel + On the cold flag-stones of his dungeon drear. + And I have walked with Hampden and with Vane-- + Names once so gracious to an English ear-- + In days that never may return again. + My voice, though not the loudest, hath been heard + Whenever freedom raised her cry of pain, + And the faint effort of the humble bard + Hath roused up thousands from their lethargy, + To speak in words of thunder. What reward + Was mine, or theirs? It matters not; for I + Am but a leaf cast on the whirling tide, + Without a hope or wish, except to die. + But truth, asserted once, must still abide, + Unquenchable, as are those fiery springs + Which day and night gush from the mountain-side, + Perpetual meteors girt with lambent wings, + Which the wild tempest tosses to and fro, + But cannot conquer with the force it brings. + Yet I, who ever felt another's woe + More keenly than my own untold distress; + I, who have battled with the common foe, + And broke for years the bread of bitterness; + Who never yet abandoned or betrayed + The trust vouchsafed me, nor have ceased to bless, + Am left alone to wither in the shade, + A weak old man, deserted by his kind-- + Whom none will comfort in his age, nor aid! + + Oh! let me not repine! A quiet mind, + Conscious and upright, needs no other stay; + Nor can I grieve for what I leave behind, + In the rich promise of eternal day. + Henceforth to me the world is dead and gone, + Its thorns unfelt, its roses cast away: + And the old pilgrim, weary and alone, + Bowed down with travel, at his Master's gate + Now sits, his task of life-long labour done, + Thankful for rest, although it comes so late, + After sore journey through this world of sin, + In hope, and prayer, and wistfulness to wait, + Until the door shall ope, and let him in. + + + + +HERMOTIMUS + + +Hermotimus, the hero of this ballad, was a philosopher, or rather a +prophet, of Clazomenæ, who possessed the faculty, now claimed by the +animal-magnetists, of effecting a voluntary separation between his soul +and body; for the former could wander to any part of the universe, and +even hold intercourse with supernatural beings, whilst the senseless +frame remained at home. Hermotimus, however, was not insensible to the +risk attendant upon this disunion; since, before attempting any of these +aerial flights, he took the precaution to warn his wife, lest, ere the +return of his soul, the body should be rendered an unfit or useless +receptacle. This accident, which he so much dreaded, at length occurred; +for the lady, wearied out by a succession of trances, each of longer +duration than the preceding, one day committed his body to the flames, +and thus effectually put a stop to such unconnubial conduct. He received +divine honours at Clazomenæ, but must nevertheless remain as a terrible +example and warning to all husbands who carry their scientific or +spiritual pursuits so far as to neglect their duty to their wives. + +It is somewhat curious that Hermotimus is not the only person (putting +the disciples of Mesmer and Dupotet altogether out of the question) who +has possessed this miraculous power. Another and much later instance is +recorded by Dr. George Cheyne, in his work entitled, _The English +Malady, or a Treatise of Nervous Diseases_, as having come under his own +observation; and, as this case is exactly similar to that of the +Prophet, it may amuse the reader to see how far an ancient fable may be +illustrated, and in part explained, by the records of modern science. +Dr. Cheyne's patient was probably cataleptic; but the worthy physician +must be allowed to tell his own story. + +"Colonel Townshend, a gentleman of honour and integrity, had for many +years been afflicted with a nephritic complaint. His illness increasing, +and his strength decaying, he came from Bristol to Bath in a litter, in +autumn, and lay at the Bell Inn. Dr. Baynard and I were called to him, +and attended him twice a-day; but his vomitings continuing still +incessant and obstinate against all remedies, we despaired of his +recovery. While he was in this condition, he sent for us one morning; we +waited on him with Mr. Skrine, his apothecary. We found his senses +clear, and his mind calm: his nurse and several servants were about him. +He told us he had sent for us to give him an account of an odd sensation +he had for some time observed and felt in himself; which was, that, by +composing himself, _he could die or expire when he pleased_; and yet by +an effort, or somehow, he could come to life again, which he had +sometimes tried before he had sent for us. We heard this with surprise; +but, as it was not to be accounted for upon common principles, we could +hardly believe the fact as he related it, much less give any account of +it; unless he should please to make the experiment before us, which we +were unwilling he should do, lest, in his weak condition, he might carry +it too far. He continued to talk very distinctly and sensibly above a +quarter of an hour about this surprising sensation, and insisted so much +on our seeing the trial made, that we were at last forced to comply. We +all three felt his pulse first--it was distinct, though small and +thready, and his heart had its usual beating. He composed himself on his +back, and lay in a still posture for some time: while I held his right +hand, Dr. Baynard laid his hand on his heart, and Mr. Skrine held a +clean looking-glass to his mouth. I found his pulse sink gradually, till +at last I could not find any by the most exact and nice touch. Dr. +Baynard could not feel the least motion in his heart, nor Mr. Skrine the +least soil of breath on the bright mirror he held to his mouth; then +each of us by turns examined his arm, heart, and breath, but could not, +by the nicest scrutiny, discover the least symptom of life in him. We +reasoned a long time about this odd appearance as well as we could, and +all of us judging it inexplicable and unaccountable; and, finding he +still continued in that condition, we began to conclude that he had +indeed carried the experiment too far; and at last were satisfied he was +actually dead, and were just ready to leave him. This continued about +half an hour. As we were going away, we observed some motion about the +body; and, upon examination, found his pulse and the motion of his heart +gradually returning. He began to breathe gently and speak softly. We +were all astonished to the last degree at this unexpected change; and, +after some further conversation with him, and among ourselves, went away +fully satisfied as to all the particulars of this fact, but confounded +and puzzled, and not able to form any rational scheme that might account +for it." + + + + +HERMOTIMUS + + + I. + + "Wilt not lay thee down in quiet slumber? + Weary dost thou seem, and ill at rest; + Sleep will bring thee dreams in starry number-- + Let him come to thee and be thy guest. + Midnight now is past-- + Husband! come at last-- + Lay thy throbbing head upon my breast." + + + II. + + "Weary am I, but my soul is waking; + Fain I'd lay me gently by thy side, + But my spirit then, its home forsaking, + Through the realms of space would wander wide-- + Everything forgot, + What would be thy lot, + If I came not back to thee, my bride?" + + + III. + + "Music, like the lute of young Apollo, + Vibrates even now within mine ear; + Soft and silver voices bid me follow, + Yet my soul is dull and will not hear. + Waking it will stay: + Let me watch till day-- + Fainter will they come, and disappear." + + + IV. + + "Speak not thus to me, my own--my dearest! + These are but the phantoms of thy brain; + Nothing can befall thee which thou fearest, + Thou shalt wake to love and life again. + Were this sleep thy last, + I should hold thee fast, + Thou shouldst strive against me but in vain." + + + V. + + "Eros will protect us, and will hover, + Guardian-like, above thee all the night, + Jealous of thee, as of some fond lover + Chiding back the rosy-fingered light-- + He will be thine aid: + Canst thou feel afraid + When _his_ torch above us burneth bright?" + + + VI. + + "Lo! the cressets of the night are waning-- + Old Orion hastens from the sky; + Only thou of all things art remaining + Unrefreshed by slumber--thou and I. + Sound and sense are still; + Even the distant rill + Murmurs fainter now, and languidly." + + + VII. + + "Come and rest thee, husband!"--And no longer + Could the young man that fond call resist: + Vainly was he warned, for love was stronger-- + Warmly did he press her to his breast. + Warmly met she his; + Kiss succeeded kiss, + Till their eyelids closed with sleep oppressed. + + + VIII. + + Soon Aurora left her early pillow, + And the heavens grew rosy-rich, and rare; + Laughed the dewy plain and glassy billow, + For the Golden God himself was there; + And the vapour-screen + Rose the hills between, + Steaming up, like incense, in the air. + + + IX. + + O'er her husband sate Ione bending-- + Marble-like and marble-hued he lay; + Underneath her raven locks descending, + Paler seemed his face, and ashen gray, + And so white his brow-- + White and cold as snow-- + "Husband! Gods! his soul hath passed away!" + + + X. + + Raise ye up the pile with gloomy shadow-- + Heap it with the mournful cypress-bough!-- + And they raised the pile upon the meadow, + And they heaped the mournful cypress too; + And they laid the dead + On his funeral bed, + And they kindled up the flames below. + + + XI. + + Swiftly rose they, and the corse surrounded, + Spreading out a pall into the air; + And the sharp and sudden crackling sounded + Mournfully to all the watchers there. + Soon their force was spent, + And the body blent + With the embers' slow-expiring glare. + + + XII. + + Night again was come; but oh, how lonely + To the mourner did that night appear! + Peace nor rest it brought, but sorrow only, + Vain repinings and unwonted fear. + Dimly burned the lamp-- + Chill the air and damp-- + And the winds without were moaning drear. + + + XIII. + + Hush! a voice in solemn whispers speaking + Breaks within the twilight of the room; + And Ione, loud and wildly shrieking, + Starts and gazes through the ghastly gloom. + Nothing sees she there-- + All is empty air, + All is empty as a rifled tomb. + + + XIV. + + Once again the voice beside her sounded, + Low, and faint, and solemn was its tone-- + "Nor by form nor shade am I surrounded, + Fleshly home and dwelling have I none. + They are passed away-- + Woe is me! to-day + Hath robbed me of myself, and made me lone." + + + XV. + + "Vainly were the words of parting spoken; + Evermore must Charon turn from me. + Still my thread of life remains unbroken, + And unbroken ever it must be; + Only they may rest + Whom the Fates' behest + From their mortal mansion setteth free." + + + XVI. + + "I have seen the robes of Hermes glisten-- + Seen him wave afar his serpent-wand; + But to me the Herald would not listen-- + When the dead swept by at his command, + Not with that pale crew + Durst I venture too-- + Ever shut for me the quiet land." + + + XVII. + + "Day and night before the dreary portal, + Phantom-shapes, the guards of Hades, lie; + None of heavenly kind, nor yet of mortal, + May unchallenged pass the warders by. + None that path may go, + If he cannot show + His last passport to eternity." + + + XVIII. + + "Cruel was the spirit-power thou gavest-- + Fatal, O Apollo, was thy love! + Pythian! Archer! brightest God and bravest, + Hear, O hear me from thy throne above! + Let me not, I pray, + Thus be cast away: + Plead for me--thy slave--O plead to Jove!" + + + XIX. + + "I have heard thee with the Muses singing-- + Heard that full, melodious voice of thine, + Silver-clear throughout the ether ringing-- + Seen thy locks in golden clusters shine; + And thine eye, so bright + With its innate light, + Hath ere now been bent so low as mine." + + + XX. + + "Hast thou lost the wish--the will--to cherish + Those who trusted in thy godlike power? + Hyacinthus did not wholly perish; + Still he lives, the firstling of thy bower; + Still he feels thy rays, + Fondly meets thy gaze, + Though but now the spirit of a flower." + + + XXI. + + "Hear me, Phoebus! Hear me and deliver! + Lo! the morning breaketh from afar-- + God! thou comest bright and great as ever-- + Night goes back before thy burning car; + All her lamps are gone-- + Lucifer alone + Lingers still for thee--the blessed star!" + + + XXII. + + "Hear me, Phoebus!"--And therewith descended + Through the window-arch a glory-gleam, + All effulgent--and with music blended, + For such solemn sounds arose as stream + From the Memnon-lyre, + When the morning fire + Gilds the giant's forehead with its beam. + + + XXIII. + + "Thou hast heard thy servant's prayer, Apollo; + Thou dost call me, mighty God of Day! + Fare-thee-well, Ione!"--And more hollow + Came the phantom-voice, then died away. + When the slaves arose, + Not in calm repose, + Not in sleep, but death, their mistress lay. + + + + +OENONE + + On the holy mount of Ida, + Where the pine and cypress grow, + Sate a young and lovely woman, + Weeping ever, weeping low. + Drearily throughout the forest + Did the winds of autumn blow, + And the clouds above were flying, + And Scamander rolled below. + + "Faithless Paris! cruel Paris!" + Thus the poor deserted spake-- + "Wherefore thus so strangely leave me? + Why thy loving bride forsake? + Why no tender word at parting? + Why no kiss, no farewell take? + Would that I could but forget thee-- + Would this throbbing heart might break! + + "Is my face no longer blooming? + Are my eyes no longer bright? + Ah! my tears have made them dimmer, + And my cheeks are pale and white. + I have wept since early morning, + I will weep the livelong night; + Now I long for sullen darkness, + As I once have longed for light. + + "Paris! canst thou then be cruel? + Fair, and young, and brave thou art-- + Can it be that in thy bosom + Lies so cold, so hard a heart? + Children were we bred together-- + She who bore me suckled thee; + I have been thine old companion, + When thou hadst no more but me. + + "I have watched thee in thy slumbers, + When the shadow of a dream + Passed across thy smiling features, + Like the ripple of a stream; + And so sweetly were the visions + Pictured there with lively grace, + That I half could read their import + By the changes on thy face. + + "When I sang of Ariadne, + Sang the old and mournful tale, + How her faithless lover, Theseus, + Left her to lament and wail; + Then thine eyes would fill and glisten, + Her complaint could soften thee: + Thou hast wept for Ariadne-- + Theseus' self might weep for me! + + "Thou may'st find another maiden + With a fairer face than mine-- + With a gayer voice, and sweeter, + And a spirit liker thine: + For if e'er my beauty bound thee, + Lost and broken is the spell; + But thou canst not find another + That will love thee half so well. + + "O thou hollow ship that bearest + Paris o'er the faithless deep, + Wouldst thou leave him on some island, + Where alone the waters weep? + Where no human foot is moulded + In the wet and yellow sand-- + Leave him there, thou hollow vessel! + Leave him on that lonely land! + + "Then his heart will surely soften, + When his foolish hopes decay, + And his older love rekindle, + As the new one dies away. + Visionary hills will haunt him, + Rising from the glassy sea, + And his thoughts will wander homewards + Unto Ida and to me. + + "O! that like a little swallow + I could reach that lonely spot! + All his errors would be pardoned, + All the weary past forgot. + Never should he wander from me-- + Never should he more depart, + For these arms would be his prison, + And his home would be my heart." + + Thus lamented fair Oenone, + Weeping ever, weeping low, + On the holy mount of Ida, + Where the pine and cypress grow. + In the self-same hour Cassandra + Shrieked her prophecy of woe, + And into the Spartan dwelling + Did the faithless Paris go. + + + + +THE BURIED FLOWER + + + In the silence of my chamber, + When the night is still and deep, + And the drowsy heave of ocean + Mutters in its charmed sleep, + + Oft I hear the angel-voices + That have thrilled me long ago,-- + Voices of my lost companions, + Lying deep beneath the snow. + + O, the garden I remember, + In the gay and sunny spring, + When our laughter made the thickets + And the arching alleys ring! + + O the merry burst of gladness! + O the soft and tender tone! + O the whisper never uttered + Save to one fond ear alone! + + O the light of life that sparkled + In those bright and bounteous eyes! + O the blush of happy beauty, + Tell-tale of the heart's surprise: + + O the radiant light that girdled + Field and forest, land and sea, + When we all were young together, + And the earth was new to me: + + Where are now the flowers we tended? + Withered, broken, branch and stem; + Where are now the hopes we cherished? + Scattered to the winds with them. + + For ye, too, were flowers, ye dear ones! + Nursed in hope and reared in love, + Looking fondly ever upward + To the clear blue heaven above: + + Smiling on the sun that cheered us, + Rising lightly from the rain, + Never folding up your freshness + Save to give it forth again: + + Never shaken, save by accents + From a tongue that was not free, + As the modest blossom trembles + At the wooing of the bee. + + O! 'tis sad to lie and reckon + All the days of faded youth, + All the vows that we believed in, + All the words we spoke in truth. + + Severed--were it severed only + By an idle thought of strife, + Such as time might knit together; + Not the broken chord of life! + + O my heart! that once so truly + Kept another's time and tune, + Heart, that kindled in the spring-tide, + Look around thee in the noon. + + Where are they who gave the impulse + To thy earliest thought and flow? + Look around the ruined garden-- + All are withered, dropped, or low! + + Seek the birth-place of the lily, + Dearer to the boyish dream + Than the golden cups of Eden, + Floating on its slumbrous stream; + + Never more shalt thou behold her-- + She, the noblest, fairest, best: + She that rose in fullest beauty, + Like a queen, above the rest. + + Only still I keep her image + As a thought that cannot die; + He who raised the shade of Helen + Had no greater power than I. + + O! I fling my spirit backward, + And I pass o'er years of pain; + All I loved is rising round me, + All the lost returns again. + + Blow, for ever blow, ye breezes, + Warmly as ye did before! + Bloom again, ye happy gardens, + With the radiant tints of yore! + + Warble out in spray and thicket, + All ye choristers unseen; + Let the leafy woodland echo + With an anthem to its queen! + + Lo! she cometh in her beauty, + Stately with a Juno grace, + Raven locks, Madonna-braided + O'er her sweet and blushing face: + + Eyes of deepest violet, beaming + With the love that knows not shame-- + Lips, that thrill my inmost being + With the utterance of a name. + + And I bend the knee before her, + As a captive ought to bow,-- + Pray thee, listen to my pleading, + Sovereign of my soul art thou! + + O my dear and gentle lady, + Let me show thee all my pain, + Ere the words that late were prisoned + Sink into my heart again. + + Love, they say, is very fearful + Ere its curtain be withdrawn, + Trembling at the thought of error + As the shadows scare the fawn. + + Love hath bound me to thee, lady, + Since the well-remembered day + When I first beheld thee coming + In the light of lustrous May. + + Not a word I dared to utter-- + More than he who, long ago, + Saw the heavenly shapes descending + Over Ida's slopes of snow: + + When a low and solemn music + Floated through the listening grove, + And the throstle's song was silenced, + And the doling of the dove: + + When immortal beauty opened + All its grace to mortal sight, + And the awe of worship blended + With the throbbing of delight. + + As the shepherd stood before them + Trembling in the Phrygian dell, + Even so my soul and being + Owned the magic of the spell; + + And I watched thee ever fondly, + Watched thee, dearest! from afar, + With the mute and humble homage + Of the Indian to a star. + + Thou wert still the Lady Flora + In her morning garb of bloom; + Where thou wert was light and glory, + Where thou wert not, dearth and gloom. + + So for many a day I followed + For a long and weary while, + Ere my heart rose up to bless thee + For the yielding of a smile,-- + + Ere thy words were few and broken + As they answered back to mine, + Ere my lips had power to thank thee + For the gift vouchsafed by thine. + + Then a mighty gush of passion + Through my inmost being ran; + Then my older life was ended, + And a dearer course began. + + Dearer!--O, I cannot tell thee + What a load was swept away, + What a world of doubt and darkness + Faded in the dawning day! + + All my error, all my weakness, + All my vain delusions fled: + Hope again revived, and gladness + Waved its wings above my head. + + Like the wanderer of the desert, + When, across the dreary sand, + Breathes the perfume from the thickets + Bordering on the promised land; + + When afar he sees the palm-trees + Cresting o'er the lonely well, + When he hears the pleasant tinkle + Of the distant camel's bell: + + So a fresh and glad emotion + Rose within my swelling breast, + And I hurried swiftly onwards + To the haven of my rest. + + Thou wert there with word and welcome, + With thy smile so purely sweet; + And I laid my heart before thee, + Laid it, darling, at thy feet!-- + + O ye words that sound so hollow + As I now recall your tone! + What are ye but empty echoes + Of a passion crushed and gone? + + Wherefore should I seek to kindle + Light, when all around is gloom? + Wherefore should I raise a phantom + O'er the dark and silent tomb? + + Early wert thou taken, Mary! + In thy fair and glorious prime, + Ere the bees had ceased to murmur + Through the umbrage of the lime. + + Buds were blowing, waters flowing, + Birds were singing on the tree, + Every thing was bright and glowing, + When the angels came for thee. + + Death had laid aside his terror, + And he found thee calm and mild, + Lying in thy robes of whiteness, + Like a pure and stainless child. + + Hardly had the mountain violet + Spread its blossoms on the sod, + Ere they laid the turf above thee, + And thy spirit rose to God. + + Early wert thou taken, Mary! + And I know 'tis vain to weep-- + Tears of mine can never wake thee + From thy sad and silent sleep. + + O away! my thoughts are earthward! + Not asleep, my love, art thou! + Dwelling in the land of glory + With the saints and angels now. + + Brighter, fairer far than living, + With no trace of woe or pain, + Robed in everlasting beauty, + Shall I see thee once again, + + By the light that never fadeth, + Underneath eternal skies, + When the dawn of resurrection + Breaks o'er deathless Paradise. + + + + +THE OLD CAMP + + +WRITTEN IN A ROMAN FORTIFICATION IN BAVARIA + + I. + + There is a cloud before the sun, + The wind is hushed and still, + And silently the waters run + Beneath the sombre hill. + The sky is dark in every place, + As is the earth below: + Methinks it wore the self-same face + Two thousand years ago. + + + II. + + No light is on the ancient wall, + No light upon the mound; + The very trees, so thick and tall, + Cast gloom, not shade, around. + So silent is the place and cold, + So far from human ken, + It hath a look that makes me old, + And spectres time again. + + + III. + + I listen, half in thought to hear + The Roman trumpet blow-- + I search for glint of helm and spear + Amidst the forest bough: + And armour rings, and voices swell-- + I hear the legion's tramp, + And mark the lonely sentinel + Who guards the lonely camp. + + + IV. + + Methinks I have no other home, + No other hearth to find; + For nothing save the thought of Rome + Is stirring in my mind. + And all that I have heard or dreamed, + And all I had forgot, + Are rising up, as though they seemed + The household of the spot. + + + V. + + And all the names that Romans knew + Seem just as known to me, + As if I were a Roman too-- + A Roman born and free: + And I could rise at Cæsar's name, + As though it were a charm + To draw sharp lightning from the tame, + And brace the coward's arm. + + + VI. + + And yet, if yonder sky were blue, + And earth were sunny gay, + If nature wore the summer hue + That decked her yesterday, + The mound, the trench, the rampart's space, + Would move me nothing more + Than many a sweet sequestred place + That I have marked before. + + + VII. + + I could not feel the breezes bring + Rich odours from the trees; + I could not hear the linnets sing, + And think on themes like these. + The painted insects as they pass + In swift and motley strife, + The very lizard in the grass + Would scare me back to life. + + + VIII. + + Then is the past so gloomy now + That it may never bear + The open smile of nature's brow, + Or meet the sunny air? + I know not that--but joy is power, + However short it last; + And joy befits the present hour, + If sadness fits the past. + + + + +DANUBE AND THE EUXINE + + + "Danube, Danube! wherefore com'st thou + Red and raging to my caves? + Wherefore leap thy swollen waters + Madly through the broken waves? + Wherefore is thy tide so sullied + With a hue unknown to me; + Wherefore dost thou bring pollution + To the old and sacred sea?" + + "Ha! rejoice, old Father Euxine! + I am brimming full and red; + Noble tidings do I carry + From my distant channel-bed. + I have been a Christian river + Dull and slow this many a year, + Rolling down my torpid waters + Through a silence morne and drear; + Have not felt the tread of armies + Trampling on my reedy shore; + Have not heard the trumpet calling, + Or the cannon's gladsome roar; + Only listened to the laughter + From the village and the town, + And the church-bells, ever jangling, + As the weary day went down. + So I lay and sorely pondered + On the days long since gone by, + When my old primæval forests + Echoed to the war-man's cry; + When the race of Thor and Odin + Held their battles by my side, + And the blood of man was mingling + Warmly with my chilly tide. + Father Euxine! thou rememb'rest + How I brought thee tribute then-- + Swollen corpses, gashed and gory, + Heads and limbs of slaughter'd men? + Father Euxine! be thou joyful! + I am running red once more-- + Not with heathen blood, as early, + But with gallant Christian gore! + For the old times are returning, + And the Cross is broken down, + And I hear the tocsin sounding + In the village and the town; + And the glare of burning cities + Soon shall light me on my way-- + Ha! my heart is big and jocund + With the draught I drank to-day. + Ha! I feel my strength awakened, + And my brethren shout to me; + Each is leaping red and joyous + To his own awaiting sea. + Rhine and Elbe are plunging downward + Through their wild anarchic land, + Everywhere are Christians falling + By their brother Christians' hand! + Yea, the old times are returning, + And the olden gods are here! + Take my tribute, Father Euxine, + To thy waters dark and drear. + Therefore come I with my torrents, + Shaking castle, crag, and town; + Therefore, with the shout of thunder, + Sweep I herd and herdsman down; + Therefore leap I to thy bosom, + With a loud triumphal roar-- + Greet me, greet me, Father Euxine, + I am Christian stream no more!" + + + + +THE SCHEIK OF SINAI IN 1830 + + +FROM THE GERMAN OF FREILIGRATH + + I. + + "Lift me without the tent, I say,-- + Me and my ottoman,-- + I'll see the messenger myself! + It is the caravan + From Africa, thou sayest, + And they bring us news of war? + Draw me without the tent, and quick! + As at the desert well + The freshness of the purling brook + Delights the tired gazelle, + So pant I for the voice of him + That cometh from afar!" + + + II. + + The Scheik was lifted from his tent, + And thus outspake the Moor:-- + "I saw, old Chief, the Tricolor + On Algiers' topmost tower-- + Upon its battlements the silks + Of Lyons flutter free. + Each morning, in the market-place, + The muster-drum is beat, + And to the war-hymn of Marseilles + The squadrons pace the street. + The armament from Toulon sailed: + The Franks have crossed the sea." + + + III. + + "Towards the south, the columns marched + Beneath a cloudless sky: + Their weapons glittered in the blaze + Of the sun of Barbary; + And with the dusty desert sand + Their horses' manes were white. + The wild marauding tribes dispersed + In terror of their lives; + They fled unto the mountains + With their children and their wives, + And urged the clumsy dromedary + Up the Atlas' height." + + + IV. + + "The Moors have ta'en their vantage-ground, + The volleys thunder fast-- + The dark defile is blazing + Like a heated oven-blast; + The lion hears the strange turmoil, + And leaves his mangled prey-- + No place was that for him to feed; + And thick and loud the cries, + Feu!--Allah! Allah!--En avant! + In mingled discord rise; + The Franks have reached the summit-- + They have won the victory!" + + + V. + + "With bristling steel, upon the top + The victors take their stand: + Beneath their feet, with all its towns, + They see the promised land-- + From Tunis, even unto Fez, + From Atlas to the seas. + The cavaliers alight to gaze, + And gaze full well they may, + Where countless minarets stand up + So solemnly and gray, + Amidst the dark-green masses + Of the flowering myrtle-trees." + + + VI. + + "The almond blossoms in the vale; + The aloe from the rock + Throws out its long and prickly leaves, + Nor dreads the tempest's shock: + A blessed land, I ween, is that, + Though luckless is its Bey. + There lies the sea--beyond lies France! + Her banners in the air + Float proudly and triumphantly-- + A salvo! come, prepare! + And loud and long the mountains rang + With that glad artillery." + + + VII. + + "'Tis they!" exclaimed the aged Scheik. + "I've battled by their side-- + I fought beneath the Pyramids! + That day of deathless pride-- + Red as thy turban, Moor, that eve, + Was every creek in Nile! + But tell me--" and he griped his hand-- + "Their Sultaun. Stranger, say-- + His form--his face--his posture, man? + Thou saw'st him in the fray? + His eye--what wore he?" But the Moor + Sought in his vest awhile. + + + VIII. + + "Their Sultaun, Scheik, remains at home + Within his palace walls: + He sends a Pasha in his stead + To brave the bolts and balls. + He was not there. An Aga burst + For him through Atlas' hold. + Yet I can show thee somewhat too. + A Frankish Cavalier + Told me his effigy was stamped + Upon this medal here-- + He gave me with others + For an Arab steed I sold." + + + IX. + + The old man took the golden coin: + Gazed steadfastly awhile, + If that could be the Sultaun + Whom from the banks of Nile + He guided o'er the desert path-- + Then sighed and thus spake he-- + "'Tis not _his_ eye--'tis not _his_ brow-- + Another face is there: + I never saw this man before-- + His head is like a pear! + Take back thy medal, Moor--'tis not + That which I hoped to see." + + + + +EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS + + +FROM THE GERMAN OF WILHELM MÃœLLER + + I am Constantine Kanaris: + I, who lie beneath this stone, + Twice into the air in thunder + Have the Turkish galleys blown. + + In my bed I died--a Christian, + Hoping straight with Christ to be; + Yet one earthly wish is buried + Deep within the grave with me-- + + That upon the open ocean + When the third Armada came, + They and I had died together, + Whirled aloft on wings of flame. + + Yet 'tis something that they've laid me + In a land without a stain: + Keep it thus, my God and Saviour, + Till I rise from earth again! + + + + +THE REFUSAL OF CHARON[4] + + +FROM THE ROMAIC + + Why look the distant mountains + So gloomy and so drear? + Are rain-clouds passing o'er them, + Or is the tempest near? + No shadow of the temptest + Is there, nor wind nor rain-- + 'Tis Charon that is passing by, + With all his gloomy train. + + The young men march before him, + In all their strength and pride; + The tender little infants, + They totter by his side; + The old men walk behind him, + And earnestly they pray-- + Both old and young imploring him + To grant some brief delay. + + "O Charon! halt, we pray thee, + Beside some little town, + Or near some sparkling fountain, + Where the waters wimple down! + The old will drink and be refreshed, + The young the disc will fling, + And the tender little children + Pluck flowers beside the spring." + + "I will not stay my journey, + Nor halt by any town, + Near any sparkling fountain, + Where the waters wimple down: + The mothers coming to the well, + Would know the babes they bore, + The wives would clasp their husbands, + Nor could I part them more." + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 4: According to the superstition of the modern Greeks, Charon +performs the function which their ancestors assigned to Hermes, of +conducting the souls of the dead to the other world.] + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and +Other Poems, by W.E. Aytoun + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10945 *** diff --git a/10945-h/10945-h.htm b/10945-h/10945-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..36a0b39 --- /dev/null +++ b/10945-h/10945-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9424 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> + +<html> +<head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTMLTrim (vers 1st January 2004), see htmltrim.sf.net"> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=UTF-8"> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Lays of the Scottish + Cavaliers, by W.E. Aytoun.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 12pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 6em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 10em;} + + .poem .caesura {vertical-align: -200%;} + // --> + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10945 ***</div> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <center> + <img src="./images/002.png" height="690" width="450" alt= + "Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers"> + </center> + + <h1>LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS</h1> + + <center> + <b>BY W.E. AYTOUN.</b> + </center> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p><a name="RULE4_1"><!-- RULE4 1 --></a> + + <h2>TO</h2> + + <center> + THE RIGHT HONOURABLE + </center> + + <center> + ARCHIBALD WILLIAM HAMILTON-MONTGOMERIE, + </center> + + <center> + Earl of Eglinton and Winton, + </center> + + <center> + THE PATRIOTIC AND NOBLE REPRESENTATIVE OF + </center> + + <center> + AN ANCIENT SCOTTISH RACE, + </center> + + <center> + THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED + </center> + + <center> + BY + </center> + + <center> + <i>THE AUTHOR.</i> + </center> + + <p><i>This Volume is a verbatim reprint of the first edition</i> + (1849).</p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + <hr> + <a name="TOC"><!-- TOC --></a> + + <h2>CONTENTS</h2> + <pre> +<a href="#RULE4_2">LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS</a> + + <a href="#RULE4_3">EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_4">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_5">THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_6">Poem</a> | <a href="#RULE4_7">Notes</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_8">THE HEART OF THE BRUCE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_9">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_10">THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_11">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_12">THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_13">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_14">THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_15">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_16">CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_17">Poem</a> | <a href="#RULE4_18">Notes</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_19">THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_20">Poem</a>) +</pre> + <pre> +<a href="#RULE4_21">MISCELLANEOUS POEMS</a> + + <a href="#RULE4_22">BLIND OLD MILTON</a> + <a href="#RULE4_23">HERMOTIMUS</a> + <a href="#RULE4_25">OENONE</a> + <a href="#RULE4_26">THE BURIED FLOWER</a> + <a href="#RULE4_27">THE OLD CAMP</a> + <a href="#RULE4_28">DANUBE AND THE EUXINE</a> + <a href="#RULE4_29">THE SCHEIK OF SINAI</a> + <a href="#RULE4_30">EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS</a> + <a href="#RULE4_31">THE REFUSAL OF CHARON</a> +</pre> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_2"><!-- RULE4 2 --></a> + + <h2>LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS</h2> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_3"><!-- RULE4 3 --></a> + + <h2>EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN</h2> + + <p>The great battle of Flodden was fought upon the 9th of + September, 1513. The defeat of the Scottish army, mainly owing to + the fantastic ideas of chivalry entertained by James IV., and his + refusal to avail himself of the natural advantages of his + position, was by far the most disastrous of any recounted in the + history of the northern wars. The whole strength of the kingdom, + both Lowland and Highland, was assembled, and the contest was one + of the sternest and most desperate upon record.</p> + + <p>For several hours the issue seemed doubtful. On the left the + Scots obtained a decided advantage; on the right wing they were + broken and overthrown; and at last the whole weight of the battle + was brought into the centre, where King James and the Earl of + Surrey commanded in person. The determined valour of James, + imprudent as it was, had the effect of rousing to a pitch of + desperation the courage of the meanest soldiers; and the ground + becoming soft and slippery from blood, they pulled off their + boots and shoes, and secured a firmer footing by fighting in + their hose.</p> + + <p>"It is owned," says Abercromby, "that both parties did + wonders, but none on either side performed more than the King + himself. He was again told that by coming to handy blows he could + do no more than another man, whereas, by keeping the post due to + his station, he might be worth many thousands. Yet he would not + only fight in person, but also on foot; for he no sooner saw that + body of the English give way which was defeated by the Earl of + Huntley, but he alighted from his horse, and commanded his guard + of noblemen and gentlemen to do the like and follow him. He had + at first abundance of success; but at length the Lord Thomas + Howard and Sir Edward Stanley, who had defeated their opposites, + coming in with the Lord Dacre's horse, and surrounding the King's + battalion on all sides, the Scots were so distressed that, for + their last defence, they cast themselves into a ring; and being + resolved to die nobly with their sovereign, who scorned to ask + quarter, were altogether cut off. So say the English writers, and + I am apt to believe that they are in the right."</p> + + <p>The battle was maintained with desperate fury until nightfall. + At the close, according to Mr. Tytler, "Surrey was uncertain of + the result of the battle: the remains of the enemy's centre still + held the field; Home, with his Borderers, still hovered on the + left; and the commander wisely allowed neither pursuit nor + plunder, but drew off his men, and kept a strict watch during the + night. When the morning broke, the Scottish artillery were seen + standing deserted on the side of the hill; their defenders had + disappeared; and the Earl ordered thanks to be given for a + victory which was no longer doubtful. Yet, even after all this, a + body of the Scots appeared unbroken upon a hill, and were about + to charge the Lord-Admiral, when they were compelled to leave + their position by a discharge of the English ordnance.</p> + + <p>"The loss of the Scots in this fatal battle amounted to about + ten thousand men. Of these, a great proportion were of high rank; + the remainder being composed of the gentry, the farmers, and + landed yeomanry, who disdained to fly when their sovereign and + his nobles lay stretched in heaps around them." Besides King + James, there fell at Flodden the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, + thirteen earls, two bishops, two abbots, fifteen lords and chiefs + of clans, and five peers' eldest sons, besides La Motte the + French ambassador, and the secretary of the King. The same + historian adds—"The names of the gentry who fell are too + numerous for recapitulation, since there were few families of + note in Scotland which did not lose one relative or another, + whilst some houses had to weep the death of all. It is from this + cause that the sensations of sorrow and national lamentation + occasioned by the defeat were peculiarly poignant and + lasting—so that to this day few Scotsmen can hear the name + of Flodden without a shudder of gloomy regret."</p> + + <p>The loss to Edinburgh on this occasion was peculiarly great. + All the magistrates and able-bodied citizens had followed their + King to Flodden, whence very few of them returned. The office of + Provost or chief magistrate of the capital was at that time an + object of ambition, and was conferred only upon persons of high + rank and station. There seems to be some uncertainty whether the + holder of this dignity at the time of the battle of Flodden was + Sir Alexander Lauder, ancestor of the Fountainhall family, who + was elected in 1511, or that great historical personage, + Archibald Earl of Angus, better known as Archibald Bell-the-Cat, + who was chosen in 1513, the year of the battle. Both of them were + at Flodden. The name of Sir Alexander Lauder appears upon the + list of the slain; Angus was one of the survivors, but his son, + George, Master of Angus, fell fighting gallantly by the side of + King James. The city records of Edinburgh, which commence about + this period, are not clear upon the point, and I am rather + inclined to think that the Earl of Angus was elected to supply + the place of Lauder. But although the actual magistrates were + absent, they had formally nominated deputies in their stead. I + find, on referring to the city records, that "George of Tours" + had been appointed to officiate in the absence of the Provost, + and that four other persons were selected to discharge the office + of bailies until the magistrates should return.</p> + + <p>It is impossible to describe the consternation which pervaded + the whole of Scotland when the intelligence of the defeat became + known. In Edinburgh it was excessive. Mr. Arnot, in the history + of that city, says,—</p> + + <p>"The news of their overthrow in the field of Flodden reached + Edinburgh on the day after the battle, and overwhelmed the + inhabitants with grief and confusion. The streets were crowded + with women seeking intelligence about their friends, clamouring + and weeping. Those who officiated in absence of the magistrates + proved themselves worthy of the trust. They issued a + proclamation, ordering all the inhabitants to assemble in + military array for defence of the city, on the tolling of the + bell; and commanding, 'that all women, and especially strangers, + do repair to their work, and not be seen upon the street + <i>clamorand and cryand</i>; and that women of the better sort do + repair to the church and offer up prayers, at the stated hours, + for our Sovereign Lord and his army, and the townsmen who are + with the army.'"</p> + + <p>Indeed the council records bear ample evidence of the + emergency of that occasion. Throughout the earlier pages, the + word "Flowdoun" frequently occurs on the margin, in reference to + various hurried orders for arming and defence; and there can be + no doubt that, had the English forces attempted to follow up + their victory, and attack the Scottish capital, the citizens + would have resisted to the last. But it soon became apparent that + the loss sustained by the English was so severe, that Surrey was + in no condition to avail himself of the opportunity; and in fact, + shortly afterwards, he was compelled to disband his army.</p> + + <p>The references to the city banner, contained in the following + poem, may require a word of explanation. It is a standard still + held in great honour and reverence by the burghers of Edinburgh, + having been presented to them by James the Third, in return for + their loyal service in 1482. This banner, along with that of the + Earl Marischal, still conspicuous in the Library of the Faculty + of Advocates, was honourably brought back from Flodden, and + certainly never could have been displayed in a more memorable + field. Maitland says, with reference to this very interesting + relic of antiquity,—</p> + + <p>"As a perpetual remembrance of the loyalty and bravery of the + Edinburghers on the aforesaid occasion, the King granted them a + banner or standard, with a power to display the same in defence + of their king, country, and their own rights. This flag is kept + by the Convener of the Trades; at whose appearance therewith, it + is said that not only the artificers of Edinburgh are obliged to + repair to it, but all the artisans or craftsmen within Scotland + are bound to follow it, and fight under the Convener of Edinburgh + as aforesaid."</p> + + <p>No event in Scottish history ever took a more lasting hold of + the public mind than the "woeful fight" of Flodden; and, even + now, the songs and traditions which are current on the Border + recall the memory of a contest unsullied by disgrace, though + terminating in disaster and defeat.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_4"><!-- RULE4 4 --></a> + + <h2>EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>News of battle!—news of battle!</p> + + <p class="i2">Hark! 'tis ringing down the street:</p> + + <p>And the archways and the pavement</p> + + <p class="i2">Bear the clang of hurrying feet.</p> + + <p>News of battle? Who hath brought it?</p> + + <p class="i2">News of triumph? Who should bring</p> + + <p>Tidings from our noble army,</p> + + <p class="i2">Greetings from our gallant King?</p> + + <p>All last night we watched the beacons</p> + + <p class="i2">Blazing on the hills afar,</p> + + <p>Each one bearing, as it kindled,</p> + + <p class="i2">Message of the opened war.</p> + + <p>All night long the northern streamers</p> + + <p class="i2">Shot across the trembling sky:</p> + + <p>Fearful lights, that never beckon</p> + + <p class="i2">Save when kings or heroes die.</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>News of battle! Who hath brought it?</p> + + <p class="i2">All are thronging to the gate;</p> + + <p>"Warder—warder! open quickly!</p> + + <p class="i2">Man—is this a time to wait?"</p> + + <p>And the heavy gates are opened:</p> + + <p class="i2">Then a murmur long and loud,</p> + + <p>And a cry of fear and wonder</p> + + <p class="i2">Bursts from out the bending crowd.</p> + + <p>For they see in battered harness</p> + + <p class="i2">Only one hard-stricken man,</p> + + <p>And his weary steed is wounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his cheek is pale and wan.</p> + + <p>Spearless hangs a bloody banner</p> + + <p class="i2">In his weak and drooping hand—</p> + + <p>God! can that be Randolph Murray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Captain of the city band?</p> + </div> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Round him crush the people, crying,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Tell us all—oh, tell us true!</p> + + <p>Where are they who went to battle,</p> + + <p class="i2">Randolph Murray, sworn to you?</p> + + <p>Where are they, our brothers—children?</p> + + <p class="i2">Have they met the English foe?</p> + + <p>Why art thou alone, unfollowed?</p> + + <p class="i2">Is it weal, or is it woe?"</p> + + <p>Like a corpse the grisly warrior</p> + + <p class="i2">Looks from out his helm of steel;</p> + + <p>But no word he speaks in answer,</p> + + <p class="i2">Only with his armèd heel</p> + + <p>Chides his weary steed, and onward</p> + + <p class="i2">Up the city streets they ride;</p> + + <p>Fathers, sisters, mothers, children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shrieking, praying by his side.</p> + + <p>"By the God that made thee, Randolph!</p> + + <p class="i2">Tell us what mischance hath come!"</p> + + <p>Then he lifts his riven banner,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the asker's voice is dumb.</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The elders of the city</p> + + <p class="i2">Have met within their hall—</p> + + <p>The men whom good King James had charged</p> + + <p class="i2">To watch the tower and wall.</p> + + <p>"Your hands are weak with age," he said,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Your hearts are stout and true;</p> + + <p>So bide ye in the Maiden Town,</p> + + <p class="i2">While others fight for you.</p> + + <p>My trumpet from the Border-side</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall send a blast so clear,</p> + + <p>That all who wait within the gate</p> + + <p class="i2">That stirring sound may hear.</p> + + <p>Or, if it be the will of heaven</p> + + <p class="i2">That back I never come,</p> + + <p>And if, instead of Scottish shouts,</p> + + <p class="i2">Ye hear the English drum,—</p> + + <p>Then let the warning bells ring out,</p> + + <p class="i2">Then gird you to the fray,</p> + + <p>Then man the walls like burghers stout,</p> + + <p class="i2">And fight while fight you may.</p> + + <p>'T were better that in fiery flame</p> + + <p class="i2">The roofs should thunder down,</p> + + <p>Than that the foot of foreign foe</p> + + <p class="i2">Should trample in the town!"</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then in came Randolph Murray,—</p> + + <p class="i2">His step was slow and weak,</p> + + <p>And, as he doffed his dinted helm,</p> + + <p class="i2">The tears ran down his cheek:</p> + + <p>They fell upon his corslet,</p> + + <p class="i2">And on his mailèd hand,</p> + + <p>As he gazed around him wistfully,</p> + + <p class="i2">Leaning sorely on his brand.</p> + + <p>And none who then beheld him</p> + + <p class="i2">But straight were smote with fear,</p> + + <p>For a bolder and a sterner man</p> + + <p class="i2">Had never couched a spear.</p> + + <p>They knew so sad a messenger</p> + + <p class="i2">Some ghastly news must bring:</p> + + <p>And all of them were fathers,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their sons were with the King.</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And up then rose the Provost—</p> + + <p class="i2">A brave old man was he,</p> + + <p>Of ancient name and knightly fame,</p> + + <p class="i2">And chivalrous degree.</p> + + <p>He ruled our city like a Lord</p> + + <p>Who brooked no equal here,</p> + + <p class="i2">And ever for the townsmen's rights</p> + + <p>Stood up 'gainst prince and peer.</p> + + <p class="i2">And he had seen the Scottish host</p> + + <p>March from the Borough-muir,</p> + + <p class="i2">With music-storm and clamorous shout</p> + + <p>And all the din that thunders out,</p> + + <p class="i2">When youth's of victory sure.</p> + + <p>But yet a dearer thought had he,</p> + + <p class="i2">For, with a father's pride,</p> + + <p>He saw his last remaining son</p> + + <p class="i2">Go forth by Randolph's side,</p> + + <p>With casque on head and spur on heel,</p> + + <p class="i2">All keen to do and dare;</p> + + <p>And proudly did that gallant boy</p> + + <p class="i2">Dunedin's banner bear.</p> + + <p>Oh, woeful now was the old man's look,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he spake right heavily—</p> + + <p>"Now, Randolph, tell thy tidings,</p> + + <p class="i2">However sharp they be!</p> + + <p>Woe is written on thy visage,</p> + + <p class="i2">Death is looking from thy face:</p> + + <p>Speak, though it be of overthrow—-</p> + + <p class="i2">It cannot be disgrace!"</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Right bitter was the agony</p> + + <p class="i2">That wrung the soldier proud:</p> + + <p>Thrice did he strive to answer,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thrice he groaned aloud.</p> + + <p>Then he gave the riven banner</p> + + <p class="i2">To the old man's shaking hand,</p> + + <p>Saying—"That is all I bring ye</p> + + <p class="i2">From the bravest of the land!</p> + + <p>Ay! ye may look upon it—</p> + + <p class="i2">It was guarded well and long,</p> + + <p>By your brothers and your children,</p> + + <p class="i2">By the valiant and the strong.</p> + + <p>One by one they fell around it,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the archers laid them low,</p> + + <p>Grimly dying, still unconquered,</p> + + <p class="i2">With their faces to the foe.</p> + + <p>Ay! ye well may look upon it—</p> + + <p class="i2">There is more than honour there,</p> + + <p>Else, be sure, I had not brought it</p> + + <p class="i2">From the field of dark despair.</p> + + <p>Never yet was royal banner</p> + + <p class="i2">Steeped in such a costly dye;</p> + + <p>It hath lain upon a bosom</p> + + <p class="i2">Where no other shroud shall lie.</p> + + <p>Sirs! I charge you keep it holy,</p> + + <p class="i2">Keep it as a sacred thing,</p> + + <p>For the stain you see upon it</p> + + <p class="i2">Was the life-blood of your King!"</p> + </div> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Woe, woe, and lamentation!</p> + + <p class="i2">What a piteous cry was there!</p> + + <p>Widows, maidens, mothers, children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shrieking, sobbing in despair!</p> + + <p>Through the streets the death-word rushes,</p> + + <p class="i2">Spreading terror, sweeping on—</p> + + <p>"Jesu Christ! our King has fallen—</p> + + <p class="i2">O great God, King James is gone!</p> + + <p>Holy Mother Mary, shield us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou who erst did lose thy Son!</p> + + <p>O the blackest day for Scotland</p> + + <p class="i2">That she ever knew before!</p> + + <p>O our King—the good, the noble,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall we see him never more?</p> + + <p>Woe to us and woe to Scotland,</p> + + <p class="i2">O our sons, our sons and men!</p> + + <p>Surely some have 'scaped the Southron,</p> + + <p class="i2">Surely some will come again!"</p> + + <p>Till the oak that fell last winter</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall uprear its shattered stem—</p> + + <p>Wives and mothers of Dunedin—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ye may look in vain for them!</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But within the Council Chamber</p> + + <p class="i2">All was silent as the grave,</p> + + <p>Whilst the tempest of their sorrow</p> + + <p class="i2">Shook the bosoms of the brave.</p> + + <p>Well indeed might they be shaken</p> + + <p class="i2">With the weight of such a blow:</p> + + <p>He was gone—their prince, their idol,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom they loved and worshipped so!</p> + + <p>Like a knell of death and judgment</p> + + <p class="i2">Rung from heaven by angel hand,</p> + + <p>Fell the words of desolation</p> + + <p class="i2">On the elders of the land.</p> + + <p>Hoary heads were bowed and trembling,</p> + + <p class="i2">Withered hands were clasped and wrung:</p> + + <p>God had left the old and feeble,</p> + + <p class="i2">He had ta'en away the young.</p> + </div> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then the Provost he uprose,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his lip was ashen white,</p> + + <p>But a flush was on his brow,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his eye was full of light.</p> + + <p>"Thou hast spoken, Randolph Murray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a soldier stout and true;</p> + + <p>Thou hast done a deed of daring</p> + + <p class="i2">Had been perilled but by few.</p> + + <p>For thou hast not shamed to face us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor to speak thy ghastly tale,</p> + + <p>Standing—thou, a knight and captain—</p> + + <p class="i2">Here, alive within thy mail!</p> + + <p>Now, as my God shall judge me,</p> + + <p class="i2">I hold it braver done,</p> + + <p>Than hadst thou tarried in thy place,</p> + + <p class="i2">And died above my son!</p> + + <p>Thou needst not tell it: he is dead.</p> + + <p class="i2">God help us all this day!</p> + + <p>But speak—how fought the citizens</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the furious fray?</p> + + <p>For, by the might of Mary,</p> + + <p class="i2">'T were something still to tell</p> + + <p>That no Scottish foot went backward</p> + + <p class="i2">When the Royal Lion fell!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"No one failed him! He is keeping</p> + + <p class="i2">Royal state and semblance still;</p> + + <p>Knight and noble lie around him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Cold on Flodden's fatal hill.</p> + + <p>Of the brave and gallant-hearted,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom ye sent with prayers away,</p> + + <p>Not a single man departed</p> + + <p class="i2">From his monarch yesterday.</p> + + <p>Had you seen them, O my masters!</p> + + <p class="i2">When the night began to fall,</p> + + <p>And the English spearmen gathered</p> + + <p class="i2">Round a grim and ghastly wall!</p> + + <p>As the wolves in winter circle</p> + + <p class="i2">Round the leaguer on the heath,</p> + + <p>So the greedy foe glared upward,</p> + + <p class="i2">Panting still for blood and death.</p> + + <p>But a rampart rose before them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Which the boldest dared not scale;</p> + + <p>Every stone a Scottish body,</p> + + <p class="i2">Every step a corpse in mail!</p> + + <p>And behind it lay our monarch</p> + + <p class="i2">Clenching still his shivered sword:</p> + + <p>By his side Montrose and Athole,</p> + + <p class="i2">At his feet a southern lord.</p> + + <p>All so thick they lay together,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the stars lit up the sky,</p> + + <p>That I knew not who were stricken,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or who yet remained to die,</p> + + <p>Few there were when Surrey halted,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his wearied host withdrew;</p> + + <p>None but dying men around me,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the English trumpet blew.</p> + + <p>Then I stooped, and took the banner,</p> + + <p class="i2">As ye see it, from his breast,</p> + + <p>And I closed our hero's eyelids,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I left him to his rest.</p> + + <p>In the mountains growled the thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">As I leaped the woeful wall,</p> + + <p>And the heavy clouds were settling</p> + + <p class="i2">Over Flodden, like a pall."</p> + </div> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So he ended. And the others</p> + + <p class="i2">Cared not any answer then;</p> + + <p>Sitting silent, dumb with sorrow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sitting anguish-struck, like men</p> + + <p>Who have seen the roaring torrent</p> + + <p class="i2">Sweep their happy homes away,</p> + + <p>And yet linger by the margin,</p> + + <p class="i2">Staring idly on the spray.</p> + + <p>But, without, the maddening tumult</p> + + <p class="i2">Waxes ever more and more,</p> + + <p>And the crowd of wailing women</p> + + <p class="i2">Gather round the Council door.</p> + + <p>Every dusky spire is ringing</p> + + <p class="i2">With a dull and hollow knell,</p> + + <p>And the Miserere's singing</p> + + <p class="i2">To the tolling of the bell.</p> + + <p>Through the streets the burghers hurry,</p> + + <p class="i2">Spreading terror as they go;</p> + + <p>And the rampart's thronged with watchers</p> + + <p class="i2">For the coming of the foe.</p> + + <p>From each mountain-top a pillar</p> + + <p class="i2">Streams into the torpid air,</p> + + <p>Bearing token from the Border</p> + + <p class="i2">That the English host is there.</p> + + <p>All without is flight and terror,</p> + + <p class="i2">All within is woe and fear—</p> + + <p>God protect thee, Maiden City,</p> + + <p class="i2">For thy latest hour is near!</p> + </div> + + <p>XIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No! not yet, thou high Dunedin!</p> + + <p class="i2">Shalt thou totter to thy fall;</p> + + <p>Though thy bravest and thy strongest</p> + + <p class="i2">Are not there to man the wall.</p> + + <p>No, not yet! the ancient spirit</p> + + <p class="i2">Of our fathers hath not gone;</p> + + <p>Take it to thee as a buckler</p> + + <p class="i2">Better far than steel or stone.</p> + + <p>Oh, remember those who perished</p> + + <p class="i2">For thy birthright at the time</p> + + <p>When to be a Scot was treason,</p> + + <p class="i2">And to side with Wallace, crime!</p> + + <p>Have they not a voice among us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whilst their hallowed dust is here?</p> + + <p>Hear ye not a summons sounding</p> + + <p class="i2">From each buried warrior's bier?</p> + + <p>"Up!"—they say—"and keep the freedom</p> + + <p class="i2">Which we won you long ago:</p> + + <p>Up! and keep our graves unsullied</p> + + <p class="i2">From the insults of the foe!</p> + + <p>Up! and if ye cannot save them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Come to us in blood and fire:</p> + + <p>Midst the crash of falling turrets,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let the last of Scots expire!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XIV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Still the bells are tolling fiercely,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the cry comes louder in;</p> + + <p>Mothers wailing for their children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sisters for their slaughtered kin.</p> + + <p>All is terror and disorder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till the Provost rises up,</p> + + <p>Calm, as though he had not tasted</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the fell and bitter cup.</p> + + <p>All so stately from his sorrow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose the old undaunted Chief,</p> + + <p>That you had not deemed, to see him,</p> + + <p class="i2">His was more than common grief.</p> + + <p>"Rouse ye, Sirs!" he said; "we may not</p> + + <p class="i2">Longer mourn for what is done:</p> + + <p>If our King be taken from us,</p> + + <p class="i2">We are left to guard his son.</p> + + <p>We have sworn to keep the city</p> + + <p class="i2">From the foe, whate'er they be,</p> + + <p>And the oath that we have taken</p> + + <p class="i2">Never shall be broke by me.</p> + + <p>Death is nearer to us, brethren,</p> + + <p class="i2">Than it seemed to those who died,</p> + + <p>Fighting yesterday at Flodden,</p> + + <p class="i2">By their lord and master's side.</p> + + <p>Let us meet it then in patience,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not in terror or in fear;</p> + + <p>Though our hearts are bleeding yonder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let our souls be steadfast here.</p> + + <p>Up, and rouse ye! Time is fleeting,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we yet have much to do;</p> + + <p>Up! and haste ye through the city,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stir the burghers stout and true!</p> + + <p>Gather all our scattered people,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fling the banner out once more,—</p> + + <p>Randolph Murray! do thou bear it,</p> + + <p class="i2">As it erst was borne before:</p> + + <p>Never Scottish heart will leave it,</p> + + <p class="i2">When they see their monarch's gore!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Let them cease that dismal knelling!</p> + + <p class="i2">It is time enough to ring,</p> + + <p>When the fortress-strength of Scotland</p> + + <p class="i2">Stoops to ruin like its King.</p> + + <p>Let the bells be kept for warning,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not for terror or alarm;</p> + + <p>When they next are heard to thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let each man and stripling arm.</p> + + <p>Bid the women leave their wailing,—</p> + + <p class="i2">Do they think that woeful strain,</p> + + <p>From the bloody heaps of Flodden</p> + + <p class="i2">Can redeem their dearest slain?</p> + + <p>Bid them cease,—or rather hasten</p> + + <p class="i2">To the churches, every one;</p> + + <p>There to pray to Mary Mother,</p> + + <p class="i2">And to her anointed Son,</p> + + <p>That the thunderbolt above us</p> + + <p class="i2">May not fall in ruin yet;</p> + + <p>That in fire, and blood, and rapine,</p> + + <p class="i2">Scotland's glory may not set.</p> + + <p>Let them pray,—for never women</p> + + <p class="i2">Stood in need of such a prayer!</p> + + <p>England's yeomen shall not find them</p> + + <p class="i2">Clinging to the altars there.</p> + + <p>No! if we are doomed to perish,</p> + + <p class="i2">Man and maiden, let us fall;</p> + + <p>And a common gulf of ruin</p> + + <p class="i2">Open wide to whelm us all!</p> + + <p>Never shall the ruthless spoiler</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay his hot insulting hand</p> + + <p>On the sisters of our heroes,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whilst we bear a torch or brand!</p> + + <p>Up! and rouse ye, then, my brothers,</p> + + <p class="i2">But when next ye hear the bell</p> + + <p>Sounding forth the sullen summons</p> + + <p class="i2">That may be our funeral knell,</p> + + <p>Once more let us meet together,</p> + + <p class="i2">Once more see each other's face;</p> + + <p>Then, like men that need not tremble,</p> + + <p class="i2">Go to our appointed place.</p> + + <p>God, our Father, will not fail us</p> + + <p class="i2">In that last tremendous hour,—</p> + + <p>If all other bulwarks crumble,</p> + + <p class="i2">HE will be our strength and tower:</p> + + <p>Though the ramparts rock beneath us,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the walls go crashing down,</p> + + <p>Though the roar of conflagration</p> + + <p class="i2">Bellow o'er the sinking town;</p> + + <p>There is yet one place of shelter,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the foeman cannot come,</p> + + <p>Where the summons never sounded</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the trumpet or the drum.</p> + + <p>There again we'll meet our children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who, on Flodden's trampled sod,</p> + + <p>For their king and for their country</p> + + <p class="i2">Rendered up their souls to God.</p> + + <p>There shall we find rest and refuge,</p> + + <p class="i2">With our dear departed brave;</p> + + <p>And the ashes of the city</p> + + <p class="i2">Be our universal grave!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_5"><!-- RULE4 5 --></a> + + <h2>THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE</h2> + + <p>The most poetical chronicler would find it impossible to + render the incidents of Montrose's brilliant career more + picturesque than the reality. Among the devoted champions who, + during the wildest and most stormy period of our history, + maintained the cause of Church and King, "the Great Marquis" + undoubtedly is entitled to the foremost place. Even party + malevolence, by no means extinct at the present day, has been + unable to detract from the eulogy pronounced upon him by the + famous Cardinal de Retz, the friend of Condé and Turenne, + when he thus summed up his character:—"Montrose, a Scottish + nobleman, head of the house of Grahame—the only man in the + world that has ever realised to me the ideas of certain heroes, + whom we now discover nowhere but in the lives of + Plutarch—has sustained in his own country the cause of the + King his master, with a greatness of soul that has not found its + equal in our age."</p> + + <p>But the success of the victorious leader and patriot is almost + thrown into the shade by the noble magnanimity and Christian + heroism of the man in the hour of defeat and death. Without + wishing, in any degree, to revive a controversy long maintained + by writers of opposite political and polemical opinions, it may + fairly be stated that Scottish history does not present us with a + tragedy of parallel interest. That the execution of Montrose was + the natural, nay, the inevitable, consequence of his capture, may + be freely admitted even by the fiercest partisan of the cause for + which he staked his life. In those times, neither party was + disposed to lenity; and Montrose was far too conspicuous a + character, and too dangerous a man, to be forgiven. But the + ignominious and savage treatment which he received at the hands + of those whose station and descent should at least have taught + them to respect misfortune, has left an indelible stain upon the + memory of the Covenanting chiefs, and more especially upon that + of Argyle.</p> + + <p>The perfect serenity of the man in the hour of trial and + death, the courage and magnanimity which he displayed to the + last, have been dwelt upon with admiration by writers of every + class. He heard his sentence delivered without any apparent + emotion, and afterwards told the magistrates who waited upon him + in prison, "that he was much indebted to the Parliament for the + great honour they had decreed him"; adding, "that he was prouder + to have his head placed upon the top of the prison, than if they + had decreed a golden statue to be erected to him in the + market-place, or that his picture should be hung in the King's + bedchamber." He said, "he thanked them for their care to preserve + the remembrance of his loyalty, by transmitting such monuments to + the different parts of the kingdom; and only wished that he had + flesh enough to have sent a piece to every city in Christendom, + as a token of his unshaken love and fidelity to his king and + country." On the night before his execution, he inscribed the + following lines with a diamond on the window of his + jail:—</p> + <pre> + "Let them bestow on every airth a limb, + Then, open all my veins, that I may swim + To thee, my Maker! in that crimson lake; + Then place my parboiled head upon a stake— + Scatter my ashes—strew them in the air: + Lord! since thou know'st where all these atoms are, + I'm hopeful thou'lt recover once my dust, + And confident thou'lt raise me with the just." +</pre> + + <p>After the Restoration, the dust <i>was</i> recovered, the + scattered remnants collected, and the bones of the hero conveyed + to their final resting-place by a numerous assemblage of + gentlemen of his family and name.</p> + + <p>There is no ingredient of fiction in the historical incidents + recorded in the following ballad. The indignities that were + heaped upon Montrose during his procession through Edinburgh, his + appearance before the Estates, and his last passage to the + scaffold, as well as his undaunted bearing, have all been spoken + to by eyewitnesses of the scene. A graphic and vivid sketch of + the whole will be found in Mr. Mark Napier's volume, <i>The Life + and Times of Montrose</i>—a work as chivalrous in its tone + as the <i>Chronicles</i> of Froissart, and abounding in original + and most interesting materials; but, in order to satisfy all + scruple, the authorities for each fact are given in the shape of + notes. The ballad may be considered as a narrative of the + transactions, related by an aged Highlander, who had followed + Montrose throughout his campaigns, to his grandson, shortly + before the battle of Killiecrankie.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_6"><!-- RULE4 6 --></a> + + <h2>THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Come hither, Evan Cameron!</p> + + <p class="i2">Come, stand beside my knee—</p> + + <p>I hear the river roaring down</p> + + <p class="i2">Towards the wintry sea.</p> + + <p>There's shouting on the mountain side,</p> + + <p class="i2">There's war within the blast—</p> + + <p>Old faces look upon me,</p> + + <p class="i2">Old forms go trooping past.</p> + + <p>I hear the pibroch wailing</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst the din of fight,</p> + + <p>And my dim spirit wakes again</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon the verge of night!</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Twas I that led the Highland host</p> + + <p class="i2">Through wild Lochaber's snows,</p> + + <p>What time the plaided clans came down</p> + + <p class="i2">To battle with Montrose.</p> + + <p>I've told thee how the Southrons fell</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the broad claymore,</p> + + <p>And how we smote the Campbell clan</p> + + <p class="i2">By Inverlochy's shore.</p> + + <p>I've told thee how we swept Dundee,</p> + + <p class="i2">And tamed the Lindsay's pride;</p> + + <p>But never have I told thee yet</p> + + <p class="i2">How the Great Marquis died!</p> + </div><a name="p36"></a> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A traitor sold him to his foes;</p> + + <p class="i2">O deed of deathless shame!</p> + + <p>I charge thee, boy, if e'er thou meet</p> + + <p class="i2">With one of Assynt's name—</p> + + <p>Be it upon the mountain's side,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or yet within the glen,</p> + + <p>Stand he in martial gear alone,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or backed by armèd men—</p> + + <p>Face him, as thou wouldst face the man</p> + + <p class="i2">Who wronged thy sire's renown;</p> + + <p>Remember of what blood thou art,</p> + + <p class="i2">And strike the caitiff down!</p> + </div><a name="p36-2"></a> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>They brought him to the Watergate,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hard bound with hempen span,</p> + + <p>As though they held a lion there,</p> + + <p class="i2">And not a 'fenceless man.</p> + + <p>They set him high upon a cart—</p> + + <p class="i2">The hangman rode below—</p> + + <p>They drew his hands behind his back,</p> + + <p class="i2">And bared his noble brow.</p> + + <p>Then, as a hound is slipped from leash,</p> + + <p class="i2">They cheered the common throng,</p> + + <p>And blew the note with yell and shout,</p> + + <p class="i2">And bade him pass along.</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It would have made a brave man's heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Grow sad and sick that day,</p> + + <p>To watch the keen malignant eyes</p> + + <p class="i2">Bent down on that array.</p> + + <p>There stood the Whig west-country lords</p> + + <p class="i2">In balcony and bow,</p> + + <p>There sat their gaunt and withered dames,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their daughters all a-row;</p> + + <p>And every open window</p> + + <p class="i2">Was full as full might be,</p> + + <p>With black-robed Covenanting carles,</p> + + <p class="i2">That goodly sport to see!</p> + </div><a name="p37"></a> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But when he came, though pale and wan,</p> + + <p class="i2">He looked so great and high,</p> + + <p>So noble was his manly front,</p> + + <p class="i2">So calm his steadfast eye;—</p> + + <p>The rabble rout forebore to shout,</p> + + <p class="i2">And each man held his breath,</p> + + <p>For well they knew the hero's soul</p> + + <p class="i2">Was face to face with death.</p> + + <p>And then a mournful shudder</p> + + <p class="i2">Through all the people crept,</p> + + <p>And some that came to scoff at him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Now turn'd aside and wept.</p> + </div><a name="p38"></a> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But onwards—always onwards,</p> + + <p class="i2">In silence and in gloom,</p> + + <p>The dreary pageant laboured,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till it reach'd the house of doom:</p> + + <p>Then first a woman's voice was heard</p> + + <p class="i2">In jeer and laughter loud,</p> + + <p>And an angry cry and a hiss arose</p> + + <p class="i2">From the heart of the tossing crowd:</p> + + <p>Then, as the Græme looked upwards,</p> + + <p class="i2">He met the ugly smile</p> + + <p>Of him who sold his King for gold—</p> + + <p class="i2">The master-fiend Argyle!</p> + </div><a name="p39"></a> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The Marquis gazed a moment,</p> + + <p class="i2">And nothing did he say,</p> + + <p>But the cheek of Argyle grew ghastly pale,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he turned his eyes away.</p> + + <p>The painted harlot by his side,</p> + + <p class="i2">She shook through every limb,</p> + + <p>For a roar like thunder swept the street,</p> + + <p class="i2">And hands were clenched at him,</p> + + <p>And a Saxon soldier cried aloud,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Back, coward, from thy place!</p> + + <p>For seven long years thou hast not dared</p> + + <p class="i2">To look him in the face."</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Had I been there with sword in hand,</p> + + <p class="i2">And fifty Camerons by,</p> + + <p>That day through high Dunedin's streets,</p> + + <p class="i2">Had pealed the slogan cry.</p> + + <p>Not all their troops of trampling horse,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor might of mailèd men—</p> + + <p>Not all the rebels of the south</p> + + <p class="i2">Had borne us backwards then!</p> + + <p>Once more his foot on Highland heath</p> + + <p class="i2">Had trod as free as air,</p> + + <p>Or I, and all who bore my name,</p> + + <p class="i2">Been laid around him there!</p> + </div><a name="p40"></a> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It might not be. They placed him next</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the solemn hall,</p> + + <p>Where once the Scottish Kings were throned</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst their nobles all.</p> + + <p>But there was dust of vulgar feet</p> + + <p class="i2">On that polluted floor,</p> + + <p>And perjured traitors filled the place</p> + + <p class="i2">Where good men sate before.</p> + + <p>With savage glee came Warristoun</p> + + <p class="i2">To read the murderous doom,</p> + + <p>And then uprose the great Montrose</p> + + <p class="i2">In the middle of the room.</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now by my faith as belted knight,</p> + + <p class="i2">And by the name I bear,</p> + + <p>And by the bright Saint Andrew's cross</p> + + <p class="i2">That waves above us there—</p> + + <p>Yea, by a greater, mightier oath—</p> + + <p class="i2">And oh, that such should be!—</p> + + <p>By that dark stream of royal blood</p> + + <p class="i2">That lies 'twixt you and me—</p> + + <p>I have not sought in battle-field</p> + + <p class="i2">A wreath of such renown,</p> + + <p>Nor dared I hope, on my dying day,</p> + + <p class="i2">To win the martyr's crown!"</p> + </div><a name="p41"></a> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"There is a chamber far away</p> + + <p class="i2">Where sleep the good and brave,</p> + + <p>But a better place ye have named for me</p> + + <p class="i2">Than by my father's grave.</p> + + <p>For truth and right, 'gainst treason's might,</p> + + <p class="i2">This hand hath always striven,</p> + + <p>And ye raise it up for a witness still</p> + + <p class="i2">In the eye of earth and heaven.</p> + + <p>Then nail my head on yonder tower—</p> + + <p class="i2">Give every town a limb—</p> + + <p>And God who made shall gather them:</p> + + <p class="i2">I go from you to Him!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The morning dawned full darkly,</p> + + <p class="i2">The rain came flashing down,</p> + + <p>And the jagged streak of the levin-bolt</p> + + <p class="i2">Lit up the gloomy town:</p> + + <p>The heavens were thundering out their wrath,</p> + + <p class="i2">The fatal hour was come;</p> + + <p>Yet ever sounded sullenly</p> + + <p class="i2">The trumpet and the drum.</p> + + <p>There was madness on the earth below,</p> + + <p class="i2">And anger in the sky,</p> + + <p>And young and old, and rich and poor,</p> + + <p class="i2">Came forth to see him die.</p> + </div> + + <p>XIV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ah, God! that ghastly gibbet!</p> + + <p class="i2">How dismal 't is to see</p> + + <p>The great tall spectral skeleton,</p> + + <p class="i2">The ladder, and the tree!</p> + + <p>Hark! hark! it is the clash of arms—</p> + + <p class="i2">The bells begin to toll—</p> + + <p>He is coming! he is coming!</p> + + <p class="i2">God's mercy on his soul!</p> + + <p>One last long peal of thunder—</p> + + <p class="i2">The clouds are cleared away,</p> + + <p>And the glorious sun once more looks down</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst the dazzling day.</p> + </div><a name="p42"></a> + + <p>XV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He is coming! he is coming!</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a bridegroom from his room,</p> + + <p>Came the hero from his prison</p> + + <p class="i2">To the scaffold and the doom.</p> + + <p>There was glory on his forehead,</p> + + <p class="i2">There was lustre in his eye,</p> + + <p>And he never walked to battle</p> + + <p class="i2">More proudly than to die:</p> + + <p>There was colour in his visage,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though the cheeks of all were wan,</p> + + <p>And they marvelled as they saw him pass,</p> + + <p class="i2">That great and goodly man!</p> + </div> + + <p>XVI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He mounted up the scaffold,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he turned him to the crowd;</p> + + <p>But they dared not trust the people,</p> + + <p class="i2">So he might not speak aloud.</p> + + <p>But he looked upon the heavens,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they were clear and blue,</p> + + <p>And in the liquid ether</p> + + <p class="i2">The eye of God shone through:</p> + + <p>Yet a black and murky battlement</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay resting on the hill,</p> + + <p>As though the thunder slept within—</p> + + <p class="i2">All else was calm and still.</p> + </div><a name="p43-2"></a> + + <p>XVII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The grim Geneva ministers</p> + + <p class="i2">With anxious scowl drew near,</p> + + <p>As you have seen the ravens flock</p> + + <p class="i2">Around the dying deer.</p> + + <p>He would not deign them word nor sign,</p> + + <p class="i2">But alone he bent the knee;</p> + + <p>And veiled his face for Christ's dear grace</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the gallows-tree.</p> + + <p>Then radiant and serene he rose,</p> + + <p class="i2">And cast his cloak away:</p> + + <p>For he had ta'en his latest look</p> + + <p class="i2">Of earth, and sun, and day.</p> + </div><a name="p43"></a> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>XVIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A beam of light fell o'er him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a glory round the shriven,</p> + + <p>And he climbed the lofty ladder</p> + + <p class="i2">As it were the path to heaven.</p> + + <p>Then came a flash from out the cloud,</p> + + <p class="i2">And a stunning thunder roll,</p> + + <p>And no man dared to look aloft,</p> + + <p class="i2">For fear was on every soul.</p> + + <p>There was another heavy sound,</p> + + <p class="i2">A hush and then a groan;</p> + + <p>And darkness swept across the sky—</p> + + <p class="i2">The work of death was done!</p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_7"><!-- RULE4 7 --></a> + + <h2>NOTES TO "THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE"</h2> + <pre> + "<i>A traitor sold him to his foes</i>,"—<a href= +"#p36">III.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"The contemporary historian of the Earls of Sutherland + records, that (after the defeat of Invercarron) Montrose and + Kinnoul 'wandered up the river Kyle the whole ensuing night, and + the next day, and the third day also, without any food or + sustenance, and at last came within the country of Assynt. The + Earl of Kinnoul, being faint for lack of meat, and not able to + travel any further, was left there among the mountains, where it + was supposed he perished. Montrose had almost famished, but that + he fortuned in his misery to light upon a small cottage in that + wilderness, where he was supplied with some milk and bread.' Not + even the iron frame of Montrose could endure a prolonged + existence under such circumstances. He gave himself up to Macleod + of Assynt, a former adherent, from whom he had reason to expect + assistance in consideration of that circumstance, and, indeed, + from the dictates of honourable feeling and common humanity. As + the Argyle faction had sold the King, so this Highlander rendered + his own name infamous by selling the hero to the Covenanters, for + which 'duty to the public' he was rewarded with four hundred + bolls of meal."—NAPIER'S <i>Life of Montrose</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>They brought him to the Watergate</i>,"—<a href= +"#p36-2">IV.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"<i>Friday, 17th May</i>.—Act ordaining James Grahame to + be brought from the Watergate on a cart, bareheaded, the hangman + in his livery, covered, riding on the horse that draws the + cart—the prisoner to be bound to the cart with a + rope—to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, and from thence to be + brought to the Parliament House, and there, in the place of + delinquents, on his knees, to receive his sentence—viz., to + be hanged on a gibbet at the Cross of Edinburgh, with his book + and declaration tied on a rope about his neck, and there to hang + for the space of three hours until he be dead; and thereafter to + be cut down by the hangman, his head, hands, and legs to be cut + off, and distributed as follows—viz., his head to be + affixed on an iron pin, and set on the pinnacle of the west gavel + of the new prison of Edinburgh; one hand to be set on the port of + Perth, the other on the port of Stirling; one leg and foot on the + port of Aberdeen, the other on the port of Glasgow. If at his + death penitent, and relaxed from excommunication, then the trunk + of his body to be interred, by pioneers, in the Greyfriars; + otherwise, to be interred in the Boroughmuir, by the hangman's + men, under the gallows."—BALFOUR'S <i>Notes of + Parliament</i>.</p> + + <p>It is needless to remark that this inhuman sentence was + executed to the letter. In order that the exposure might be more + complete, the cart was constructed with a high chair in the + centre, having holes behind, through which the ropes that + fastened him were drawn. The author of the <i>Wigton Papers</i>, + recently published by the Maitland Club, says, "The reason of his + being tied to the cart was in hope that the people would have + stoned him, and that he might not be able by his hands to save + his face." His hat was then pulled off by the hangman and the + procession commenced.</p> + <pre> + "<i>But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high</i>,"—<a href= +"#p37">VI.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"In all the way, there appeared in him such majesty, courage, + modesty—and even somewhat more than natural—that + those common women who had lost their husbands and children in + his wars, and who were hired to stone him, were upon the sight of + him so astonished and moved, that their intended curses turned + into tears and prayers; so that next day <i>all the ministers + preached against them for not stoning and reviling + him."—Wigton Papers.</i></p> + <pre> + "<i>Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud</i>,"—<a href= +"#p38">VII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"It is remarkable that, of the many thousand beholders, the + Lady Jean Gordon, Countess of Haddington, did (alone) publicly + insult and laugh at him; which being perceived by a gentleman in + the street, he cried up to her, that it became her better to sit + upon the cart for her adulteries."—<i>Wigton Papers</i>. + This infamous woman was the third daughter of Huntly, and the + niece of Argyle. It will hardly be credited that she was the + sister of that gallant Lord Gordon, who fell fighting by the side + of Montrose, only five years before, at the battle of + Aldford!</p> + <pre> + "<i>For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face</i>,"—<a href= +"#p39">VIII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"The Lord Lorn and his new lady were also sitting on a + balcony, joyful spectators; and the cart being stopped when it + came before the lodging where the Chancellor, Argyle, and + Warristoun sat—that they might have time to + insult—he, suspecting the business, turned his face towards + them, whereupon they presently crept in at the windows; which + being perceived by an Englishman, he cried up, it was no wonder + they started aside at his look, for they durst not look him in + the face these seven years bygone."—<i>Wigton + Papers</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>With savage glee came Warristoun, + To read the murderous doom</i>,"—<a href= +"#p40">X.</a> +</pre> + + <p>Archibald Johnston of Warristoun. This man, who was the + inveterate enemy of Montrose, and who carried the most selfish + spirit into every intrigue of his party, received the punishment + of his treasons about eleven years afterwards. It may be + instructive to learn how he met his doom. The following extract + is from the MSS. of Sir George Mackenzie:—"The Chancellor + and others waited to examine him; he fell upon his face, roaring, + and with tears entreated they would pity a poor creature who had + forgot all that was in the Bible. This moved all the spectators + with a deep melancholy; and the Chancellor, reflecting upon the + man's great parts, former esteem, and the great share he had in + all the late revolutions, could not deny some tears to the + frailty of silly mankind. At his examination, he pretended he had + lost so much blood by the unskilfulness of his chirurgeons, that + he lost his memory with his blood; and I really believe that his + courage had been drawn out with it. Within a few days he was + brought before the parliament, where he discovered nothing but + much weakness, running up and down upon his knees, begging mercy; + but the parliament ordained his former sentence to be put to + execution, and accordingly he was executed at the Cross of + Edinburgh."</p> + <pre> + "<i>And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him</i>!"—<a href="#p41">XII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"He said he was much beholden to the parliament for the honour + they had put on him; 'for,' says he, 'I think it a greater honour + to have my head standing on the port of this town, for this + quarrel, than to have my picture in the king's bedchamber. I am + beholden to you that, lest my loyalty should be forgotten, ye + have appointed five of your most eminent towns to bear witness of + it to posterity.'"—<i>Wigton Papers</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room</i>,"—<a href= +"#p42">XV.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"In his downgoing from the Tolbooth to the place of execution, + he was very richly clad in fine scarlet, laid over with rich + silver lace, his hat in his hand, his bands and cuffs exceeding + rich, his delicate white gloves on his hands, his stockings of + incarnate silk, and his shoes with their ribbands on his feet; + and sarks provided for him with pearling about, above ten pund + the elne. All these were provided for him by his friends, and a + pretty cassock put on upon him, upon the scaffold, wherein he was + hanged. To be short, nothing was here deficient to honour his + poor carcase, more beseeming a bridegroom than a criminal going + to the gallows."—NICHOLL'S <i>Diary</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near</i>,"—<a href= +"#p43-2">XVII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>The Presbyterian ministers beset Montrose both in prison and + on the scaffold. The following extracts are from the diary of the + Rev. Robert Traill, one of the persons who were appointed by the + commission of the kirk "to deal with him:"—"By a warrant + from the kirk, we staid a while with him about his soul's + condition. But we found him continuing in his old pride, and + taking very ill what was spoken to him, saying, 'I pray you, + gentlemen, let me die in peace.' It was answered, that he might + die in true peace, being reconciled to the Lord and to His + kirk."—"We returned to the commission, and did show unto + them what had passed amongst us. They, seeing that for the + present he was not desiring relaxation from his censure of + excommunication, did appoint Mr. Mungo Law and me to attend on + the morrow on the scaffold, at the time of his execution, that, + in case he should desire to be relaxed from his excommunication, + we should be allowed to give it unto him in the name of the kirk, + and to pray with him, and for him, <i>that what is loosed on + earth might be loosed in heaven</i>." But this pious intention, + which may appear somewhat strange to the modern Calvinist, when + the prevailing theories of the kirk regarding the efficacy of + absolution are considered, was not destined to be fulfilled. Mr. + Traill goes on to say, "But he did not at all desire to be + relaxed from his excommunication in the name of the kirk, <i>yea, + did not look towards that place on the scaffold where we + stood</i>; only he drew apart some of the magistrates, and spake + a while with them, and then went up the ladder, in his red + scarlet cassock, in a very stately manner."</p> + <pre> + "<i>And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven</i>,"—<a href= +"#p43">XVIII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"He was very earnest that he might have the liberty to keep on + his hat; it was denied: he requested he might have the privilege + to keep his cloak about him—neither could that be granted. + Then, with a most undaunted courage, he went up to the top of + that prodigious gibbet."—"The whole people gave a general + groan; and it was very observable, that even those who, at his + first appearance, had bitterly inveighed against him, could not + now abstain from tears."—<i>Montrose Redivivus</i>.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_8"><!-- RULE4 8 --></a> + + <h2>THE HEART OF THE BRUCE</h2> + + <p>Hector Boece, in his very delightful, though somewhat + apocryphal Chronicles of Scotland, tells us, that "quhen Schir + James Dowglas was chosin as maist worthy of all Scotland to pass + with King Robertis hart to the Holy Land, he put it in ane cais + of gold, with arromitike and precious unyementis; and tuke with + him Schir William Sinclare and Schir Robert Logan, with mony + othir nobilmen, to the haly graif; quhare he buryit the said + hart, with maist reverence and solempnitie that could be + devisit."</p> + + <p>But no contemporary historian bears out the statement of the + old canon of Aberdeen. Froissart, Fordun, and Barbour all agree + that the devotional pilgrimage of the Good Sir James was not + destined to be accomplished, and that the heart of Scotland's + greatest king and hero was brought back to the land of his + nativity. Mr. Tytler, in few words, has so graphically recounted + the leading events of this expedition, that I do not hesitate to + adopt his narrative:—</p> + + <p>"As soon as the season of the year permitted, Douglas, having + the heart of his beloved master under his charge, set sail from + Scotland, accompanied by a splendid retinue, and anchored off + Sluys in Flanders, at this time the great seaport of the + Netherlands. His object was to find out companions with whom he + might travel to Jerusalem; but he declined landing, and for + twelve days received all visitors on board his ship with a state + almost kingly.</p> + + <p>"At Sluys he heard that Alonzo, the King of Leon and Castile, + was carrying on war with Osmyn, the Moorish governor of Grenada. + The religious mission which he had embraced, and the vows he had + taken before leaving Scotland, induced Douglas to consider + Alonzo's cause as a holy warfare; and, before proceeding to + Jerusalem, he first determined to visit Spain, and to signalise + his prowess against the Saracens. But his first field against the + Infidels proved fatal to him who, in the long English war, had + seen seventy battles. The circumstances of his death were + striking and characteristic. In an action near Theba, on the + borders of Andalusia, the Moorish cavalry were defeated; and, + after their camp had been taken, Douglas, with his companions, + engaged too eagerly in the pursuit, and, being separated from the + main body of the Spanish army, a strong division of the Moors + rallied and surrounded them. The Scottish knight endeavoured to + cut his way through the Infidels, and in all probability would + have succeeded, had he not again turned to rescue Sir William + Saint Clair of Roslin, whom he saw in jeopardy. In attempting + this, he was inextricably involved with the enemy. Taking from + his neck the casket which contained the heart of Bruce, he cast + it before him, and exclaimed with a loud voice, 'Now pass onward + as thou wert wont, and Douglas will follow thee or die!' The + action and the sentiment were heroic, and they were the last + words and deed of a heroic life, for Douglas fell, overpowered by + his enemies; and three of his knights, and many of his + companions, were slain along with their master. On the succeeding + day, the body and the casket were both found on the field, and by + his surviving friends conveyed to Scotland. The heart of Bruce + was deposited at Melrose, and the body of the 'Good Sir + James'—the name by which he is affectionately remembered by + his countrymen—was consigned to the cemetery of his fathers + in the parish church of Douglas."</p> + + <p>A nobler death on the field of battle is not recorded in the + annals of chivalry. In memory of this expedition, the Douglases + have ever since carried the armorial bearings of the Bloody Heart + surmounted by the Crown; and a similar distinction is borne by + another family. Sir Simon of Lee, a distinguished companion of + Douglas, was the person on whom, after the fall of his leader, + the custody of the heart devolved. Hence the name of Lockhart, + and their effigy, the Heart within a Fetterlock.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_9"><!-- RULE4 9 --></a> + + <h2>THE HEART OF THE BRUCE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It was upon an April morn,</p> + + <p class="i2">While yet the frost lay hoar,</p> + + <p>We heard Lord James's bugle-horn</p> + + <p class="i2">Sound by the rocky shore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then down we went, a hundred knights,</p> + + <p class="i2">All in our dark array,</p> + + <p>And flung our armour in the ships</p> + + <p class="i2">That rode within the bay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We spoke not as the shore grew less,</p> + + <p class="i2">But gazed in silence back,</p> + + <p>Where the long billows swept away</p> + + <p class="i2">The foam behind our track.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And aye the purple hues decay'd</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon the fading hill,</p> + + <p>And but one heart in all that ship</p> + + <p class="i2">Was tranquil, cold, and still.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The good Lord Douglas walk'd the deck,</p> + + <p class="i2">And oh, his brow was wan!</p> + + <p>Unlike the flush it used to wear</p> + + <p class="i2">When in the battle van.—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Come hither, come hither, my trusty knight,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sir Simon of the Lee;</p> + + <p>There is a freit lies near my soul</p> + + <p class="i2">I fain would tell to thee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thou know'st the words King Robert spoke</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon his dying day,</p> + + <p>How he bade me take his noble heart</p> + + <p class="i2">And carry it far away;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And lay it in the holy soil</p> + + <p class="i2">Where once the Saviour trod,</p> + + <p>Since he might not bear the blessed Cross,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor strike one blow for God.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Last night as in my bed I lay,</p> + + <p class="i2">I dream'd a dreary dream:—</p> + + <p>Methought I saw a Pilgrim stand</p> + + <p class="i2">In the moonlight's quivering beam.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"His robe was of the azure dye,</p> + + <p class="i2">Snow-white his scatter'd hairs,</p> + + <p>And even such a cross he bore</p> + + <p class="i2">As good Saint Andrew bears.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Why go you forth, Lord James,' he said,</p> + + <p class="i2">'With spear and belted brand?</p> + + <p>Why do you take its dearest pledge</p> + + <p class="i2">From this our Scottish land?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'The sultry breeze of Galilee</p> + + <p class="i2">Creeps through its groves of palm,</p> + + <p>The olives on the Holy Mount</p> + + <p class="i2">Stand glittering in the calm.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'But 'tis not there that Scotland's heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall rest by God's decree,</p> + + <p>Till the great angel calls the dead</p> + + <p class="i2">To rise from earth and sea!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Lord James of Douglas, mark my rede!</p> + + <p class="i2">That heart shall pass once more</p> + + <p>In fiery fight against the foe,</p> + + <p class="i2">As it was wont of yore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'And it shall pass beneath the Cross,</p> + + <p class="i2">And save King Robert's vow,</p> + + <p>But other hands shall bear it back,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not, James of Douglas, thou!'</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now, by thy knightly faith, I pray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sir Simon of the Lee—</p> + + <p>For truer friend had never man</p> + + <p class="i2">Than thou hast been to me—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"If ne'er upon the Holy Land</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis mine in life to tread,</p> + + <p>Bear thou to Scotland's kindly earth</p> + + <p class="i2">The relics of her dead."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The tear was in Sir Simon's eye</p> + + <p class="i2">As he wrung the warrior's hand—</p> + + <p>"Betide me weal, betide me woe,</p> + + <p class="i2">I'll hold by thy command.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"But if in battle front, Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis ours once more to ride,</p> + + <p>No force of man, nor craft of fiend,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall cleave me from thy side!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And aye we sail'd, and aye we sail'd,</p> + + <p class="i2">Across the weary sea,</p> + + <p>Until one morn the coast of Spain</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose grimly on our lee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And as we rounded to the port,</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the watch-tower's wall,</p> + + <p>We heard the clash of the atabals,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the trumpet's wavering call.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Why sounds yon Eastern music here</p> + + <p class="i2">So wantonly and long,</p> + + <p>And whose the crowd of armèd men</p> + + <p class="i2">That round yon standard throng?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The Moors have come from Africa</p> + + <p class="i2">To spoil and waste and slay,</p> + + <p>And King Alonzo of Castile</p> + + <p class="i2">Must fight with them to-day."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now shame it were," cried good Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Shall never be said of me,</p> + + <p>That I and mine have turn'd aside,</p> + + <p class="i2">From the Cross in jeopardie!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Have down, have down, my merry men all—</p> + + <p class="i2">Have down unto the plain;</p> + + <p>We'll let the Scottish lion loose</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the fields of Spain!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now welcome to me, noble lord,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou and thy stalwart power;</p> + + <p>Dear is the sight of a Christian knight</p> + + <p class="i2">Who comes in such an hour!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Is it for bond or faith ye come,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or yet for golden fee?</p> + + <p>Or bring ye France's lilies here,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or the flower of Burgundie?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"God greet thee well, thou valiant King,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thee and thy belted peers—</p> + + <p>Sir James of Douglas am I called,</p> + + <p class="i2">And these are Scottish spears.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"We do not fight for bond or plight,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not yet for golden fee;</p> + + <p>But for the sake of our blessed Lord,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who died upon the tree.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"We bring our great King Robert's heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Across the weltering wave,</p> + + <p>To lay it in the holy soil</p> + + <p class="i2">Hard by the Saviour's grave.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"True pilgrims we, by land or sea,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where danger bars the way;</p> + + <p>And therefore are we here, Lord King,</p> + + <p class="i2">To ride with thee this day!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The King has bent his stately head,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the tears were in his eyne—</p> + + <p>"God's blessing on thee, noble knight,</p> + + <p class="i2">For this brave thought of thine!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I know thy name full well, Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">And honour'd may I be,</p> + + <p>That those who fought beside the Bruce</p> + + <p class="i2">Should fight this day for me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Take thou the leading of the van,</p> + + <p class="i2">And charge the Moors amain;</p> + + <p>There is not such a lance as thine</p> + + <p class="i2">In all the host of Spain!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The Douglas turned towards us then,</p> + + <p class="i2">O but his glance was high!—</p> + + <p>"There is not one of all my men</p> + + <p class="i2">But is as bold as I.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"There is not one of all my knights</p> + + <p class="i2">But bears as true a spear—</p> + + <p>Then onwards! Scottish gentlemen,</p> + + <p class="i2">And think—King Robert's here!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The trumpets blew, the cross-bolts flew,</p> + + <p class="i2">The arrows flashed like flame,</p> + + <p>As spur in side, and spear in rest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Against the foe we came.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And many a bearded Saracen</p> + + <p class="i2">Went down, both horse and man;</p> + + <p>For through their ranks we rode like corn,</p> + + <p class="i2">So furiously we ran!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But in behind our path they closed,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though fain to let us through,</p> + + <p>For they were forty thousand men,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we were wondrous few.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We might not see a lance's length,</p> + + <p class="i2">So dense was their array,</p> + + <p>But the long fell sweep of the Scottish blade</p> + + <p class="i2">Still held them hard at bay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Make in! make in!" Lord Douglas cried,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Make in, my brethren dear!</p> + + <p>Sir William of Saint Clair is down;</p> + + <p class="i2">We may not leave him here!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But thicker, thicker, grew the swarm,</p> + + <p class="i2">And sharper shot the rain,</p> + + <p>And the horses reared amid the press,</p> + + <p class="i2">But they would not charge again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now Jesu help thee," said Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Thou kind and true St Clair!</p> + + <p>An' if I may not bring thee off,</p> + + <p class="i2">I'll die beside thee there!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then in his stirrups up he stood,</p> + + <p class="i2">So lionlike and bold,</p> + + <p>And held the precious heart aloft</p> + + <p class="i2">All in its case of gold.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He flung it from him, far ahead,</p> + + <p class="i2">And never spake he more,</p> + + <p>But—"Pass thee first, thou dauntless heart,</p> + + <p class="i2">As thou wert wont of yore!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The roar of fight rose fiercer yet,</p> + + <p class="i2">And heavier still the stour,</p> + + <p>Till the spears of Spain came shivering in,</p> + + <p class="i2">And swept away the Moor.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now praised be God, the day is won!</p> + + <p class="i2">They fly o'er flood and fell—</p> + + <p>Why dost thou draw the rein so hard,</p> + + <p class="i2">Good knight, that fought so well?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Oh, ride ye on, Lord King!" he said,</p> + + <p class="i2">"And leave the dead to me,</p> + + <p>For I must keep the dreariest watch</p> + + <p class="i2">That ever I shall dree!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"There lies, beside his master's heart,</p> + + <p class="i2">The Douglas, stark and grim;</p> + + <p>And woe is me I should be here,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not side by side with him!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The world grows cold, my arm is old,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thin my lyart hair,</p> + + <p>And all that I loved best on earth</p> + + <p class="i2">Is stretch'd before me there.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O Bothwell banks! that bloom so bright,</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the sun of May,</p> + + <p>The heaviest cloud that ever blew</p> + + <p class="i2">Is bound for you this day.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And, Scotland, thou may'st veil thy head</p> + + <p class="i2">In sorrow and in pain;</p> + + <p>The sorest stroke upon thy brow</p> + + <p class="i2">Hath fallen this day in Spain!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"We'll bear them back unto our ship,</p> + + <p class="i2">We'll bear them o'er the sea,</p> + + <p>And lay them in the hallowed earth,</p> + + <p class="i2">Within our own countrie.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And be thou strong of heart, Lord King,</p> + + <p class="i2">For this I tell thee sure,</p> + + <p>The sod that drank the Douglas' blood</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall never bear the Moor!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The King he lighted from his horse,</p> + + <p class="i2">He flung his brand away,</p> + + <p>And took the Douglas by the hand,</p> + + <p class="i2">So stately as he lay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"God give thee rest, thou valiant soul,</p> + + <p class="i2">That fought so well for Spain;</p> + + <p>I'd rather half my land were gone,</p> + + <p class="i2">So thou wert here again!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We bore the good Lord James away,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the priceless heart he bore,</p> + + <p>And heavily we steer'd our ship</p> + + <p class="i2">Towards the Scottish shore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No welcome greeted our return,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor clang of martial tread,</p> + + <p>But all were dumb and hushed as death</p> + + <p class="i2">Before the mighty dead.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We laid our chief in Douglas Kirk,</p> + + <p class="i2">The heart in fair Melrose;</p> + + <p>And woeful men were we that day—</p> + + <p class="i2">God grant their souls repose!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_10"><!-- RULE4 10 --></a> + + <h2>THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE</h2> + + <p>It is very much to be regretted that no competent person has + as yet undertaken the task of compiling a full and authentic + biography of Lord Viscount Dundee. His memory has consequently + been left at the mercy of misrepresentation and malignity; and + the pen of romance has been freely employed to portray, as a + bloody assassin, one of the most accomplished men and gallant + soldiers of his age.</p> + + <p>It was the misfortune of Claverhouse to have lived in so + troublous an age and country. The religious differences of + Scotland were then at their greatest height, and there is hardly + any act of atrocity and rebellion which had not been committed by + the insurgents. The royal authority was openly and publicly + disowned in the western districts: the Archbishop of St. + Andrew's, after more than one hairbreadth escape, was waylaid, + and barbarously murdered by an armed gang of fanatics on Magus + Muir; and his daughter was wounded and maltreated while + interceding for the old man's life. The country was infested by + banditti, who took every possible opportunity of shooting down + and massacring any of the straggling soldiery: the clergy were + attacked and driven from their houses; so that, throughout a + considerable portion of Scotland, there was no security either + for property or for life. It is now the fashion to praise and + magnify the Covenanters as the most innocent and persecuted of + men; but those who are so ready with their sympathy, rarely take + the pains to satisfy themselves, by reference to the annals of + the time, of the true character of those men whom they blindly + venerate as martyrs. They forget, in their zeal for religious + freedom, that even the purest and holiest of causes may be + sullied and disgraced by the deeds of its upholders, and that a + wild and frantic profession of faith is not always a test of + genuine piety. It is not in the slightest degree necessary to + discuss whether the royal prerogative was at that time + arbitrarily used, or whether the religious freedom of the nation + was unduly curtailed. Both points may be, and indeed are, + admitted,—for it is impossible to vindicate the policy of + the measures adopted by the two last monarchs of the house of + Stuart; but neither admission will clear the Covenanters from the + stain of deliberate cruelty.</p> + + <p>After the battle of Philiphaugh, the royalist prisoners were + butchered in cold blood, under the superintendence of a clerical + emissary, who stood by rubbing his hands, and + exclaiming—"The wark gangs bonnily on!" Were I to + transcribe from the pamphlets before me the list of the murders + which were perpetrated by the country people on the soldiery, + officers, and gentlemen of loyal principles, during the reign of + Charles II., I believe that no candid person would be surprised + at the severe retaliation which was made. It must be remembered + that the country was then under military law, and that the + strongest orders had been issued by the Government to the + officers in command of the troops, to use every means in their + power for the effectual repression of the disturbances. The + necessity of such orders will become apparent, when we reflect + that, besides the open actions at Aird's Moss and Drumclog, the + city of Glasgow was attacked, and the royal forces compelled for + a time to fall back upon Stirling.</p> + + <p>Under such circumstances it is no wonder if the soldiery were + severe in their reprisals. Innocent blood may no doubt have been + shed, and in some cases even wantonly; for when rebellion has + grown into civil war, and the ordinary course of the law is put + in abeyance, it is always impossible to restrain military + license. But it is most unfair to lay the whole odium of such + acts upon those who were in command, and to dishonour the fair + name of gentlemen, by attributing to them personally the + commission of deeds of which they were absolutely ignorant. To + this day the peasantry of the western districts of Scotland + entertain the idea that Claverhouse was a sort of fiend in human + shape, tall, muscular, and hideous in aspect, secured by infernal + spells from the chance of perishing by any ordinary weapon, and + mounted upon a huge black horse, the especial gift of Beelzebub! + On this charger it is supposed that he could ride up precipices + as easily as he could traverse the level ground—that he was + constantly accompanied by a body of desperadoes, vulgarly known + by such euphonious titles as "Hell's Tam," and "the De'il's + Jock," and that his whole time was occupied, day and night, in + hunting Covenanters upon the hills! Almost every rebel who was + taken in arms and shot, is supposed to have met his death from + the individual pistol of Claverhouse; and the tales which, from + time to time, have been written by such ingenious persons as the + late Mr. Gait and the Ettrick Shepherd have quietly been assumed + as facts, and added to the store of our traditionary knowledge. + It is in vain to hint that the chief commanders of the forces in + Scotland could have found little leisure, even had they possessed + the taste, for pursuing single insurgents. Such suggestions are + an insult to martyrology; and many a parish of the west would be + indignant were it averred that the tenant of its gray stone had + suffered by a meaner hand.</p> + + <p>When we look at the portrait of Claverhouse, and survey the + calm, melancholy, and beautiful features of the devoted soldier, + it appears almost incredible that he should ever have suffered + under such an overwhelming load of misrepresentation. But + when—discarding modern historians, who in too many + instances do not seem to entertain the slightest scruple in + dealing with the memory of the dead—we turn to the writings + of his contemporaries who knew the man, his character appears in + a very different light. They describe him as one who was + stainless in his honour, pure in his faith, wise in council, + resolute in action, and utterly free from that selfishness which + disgraced the Scottish statesmen of the time. No one dares + question his loyalty, for he sealed that confession with his + blood; and it is universally admitted, that with him fell the + last hopes of the reinstatement of the house of Stuart.</p> + + <p>I may perhaps be permitted here, in the absence of a better + chronicler, to mention a few particulars of his life, which, I + believe, are comparatively unknown. John Graham of Claverhouse + was a cadet of the family of Fintrie, connected by intermarriage + with the blood-royal of Scotland. After completing his studies at + the University of St. Andrew's, he entered, as was the national + custom for gentlemen of good birth and limited means, into + foreign service, served some time in France as a volunteer, and + afterwards went to Holland. He very soon received a commission, + as a cornet in a regiment of horse-guards, from the Prince of + Orange, nephew of Charles II. and James VII., and who afterwards + married the Princess Mary. His manner at that time is thus + described:—"He was then ane esquire, under the title of + John Graham of Claverhouse; but the vivacity of his parts, and + the delicacy and justice of his understanding and judgment, + joyned with a certain vigour of mind and activity of body, + distinguished him in such a manner from all others of his rank, + that though he lived in a superior character, yet he acquired the + love and esteem of all his equals, as well as of those who had + the advantage of him in dignity and estate."</p> + + <p>By one of those singular accidents which we occasionally meet + with in history, Graham, afterwards destined to become his most + formidable opponent, saved the life of the Prince of Orange at + the battle of St. Neff. The Prince's horse had been killed, and + he himself was in the grasp of the enemy, when the young cornet + rode to his rescue, freed him from his assailants, and mounted + him on his own steed. For this service he received a captain's + commission, and the promise of the first regiment that should + fall vacant.</p> + + <p>But even in early life William of Orange was not famous for + keeping his promises. Some years afterwards, a vacancy in one of + the Scottish regiments in the Prince's service occurred, and + Claverhouse, relying upon the previous assurance, preferred his + claim. It was disregarded, and Mr. Collier, afterwards Earl of + Portmore, was appointed over his head. It would seem that Graham + had suspected some foul play on the part of this gentleman, for, + shortly after, they accidentally met and had an angry + altercation. This circumstance having come to the ears of the + Prince, he sent for Captain Graham, and administered a sharp + rebuke. I give the remainder of this incident in the words of the + old writer, because it must be considered a very remarkable one, + as illustrating the fiery spirit and dauntless independence of + Claverhouse.</p> + + <p>"The Captain answered, that he was indeed in the wrong, since + it was more his Highness's business to have resented that quarrel + than his; because Mr. Collier had less injured him in + disappointing him of the regiment, than he had done his Highness + in making him break his word. 'Then,' replied the Prince in an + angry tone, 'I make you full reparation, for I bestow on you what + is more valuable than a regiment when I give you your right arm!' + The Captain subjoined, that since his Highness had the goodness + to give him his liberty, he resolved to employ himself elsewhere, + for he would not longer serve a Prince that had broken his + word.</p> + + <p>"The Captain, having thus thrown up his commission, was + preparing in haste for his voyage, when a messenger arrived from + the Prince, with two hundred guineas for the horse on which he + had saved his life. The Captain sent the horse, but ordered the + gold to be distributed among the grooms of the Prince's stables. + It is said, however, that his Highness had the generosity to + write to the King and the Duke, recommending him as a fine + gentleman and a brave officer, fit for any office, civil or + military."</p> + + <p>On his arrival in Britain he was well received by the court, + and immediately appointed to a high military command in Scotland. + It would be beyond the scope of the present paper to enter + minutely into the details of his service during the stormy period + when Scotland was certainly misgoverned, and when there was + little unity, but much disorder in the land. In whatever point of + view we regard the history of those times, the aspect is a + mournful one indeed. Church and State never was a popular cry in + Scotland, and the peculiar religious tendencies which had been + exhibited by a large portion of the nation, at the time of the + Reformation, rendered the return of tranquillity hopeless until + the hierarchy was displaced, and a humbler form of church + government, more suited to the feelings of the people, + substituted in its stead.</p> + + <p>Three years after the accession of James VII. Claverhouse was + raised to the peerage, by the title of Lord Viscount Dundee. He + was major-general, and second in command of the royal forces, + when the Prince of Orange landed, and earnestly entreated King + James to be allowed to march against him, offering to stake his + head on the successful result of the enterprize. There is little + doubt, from the great popularity of Lord Dundee with the army, + that, had such consent been given, William would have found more + than a match in his old officer; but the King seemed absolutely + infatuated, and refused to allow a drop of blood to be shed in + his quarrel, though the great bulk of the population of England + were clearly and enthusiastically in his favour. One of the most + gifted of our modern poets, the Honourable George Sydney Smythe, + has beautifully illustrated this event.</p> + <pre> + "Then out spake gallant Claverhouse, and his soul thrilled wild and high, + And he showed the King his subjects, and he prayed him not to fly. + O never yet was captain so dauntless as Dundee! + He has sworn to chase the Hollander back to his Zuyder-Zee." +</pre> + + <p>But though James quitted his kingdom, the stern loyalty of + Dundee was nothing moved. Alone, and without escort, he traversed + England, and presented himself at the Convention of Estates, then + assembled at Edinburgh for the purpose of receiving the message + from the Prince of Orange. The meeting was a very strange one. + Many of the nobility and former members of the Scottish + Parliament absolutely declined attending it, some on the ground + that it was not a legal assembly, having been summoned by the + Prince of Orange, and others because, in such a total disruption + of order, they judged it safest to abstain from taking any + prominent part. This gave an immense ascendency to the Revolution + party, who further proceeded to strengthen their position by + inviting to Edinburgh large bodies of the armed population of the + west. After defending for several days the cause of his master + with as much eloquence as vigour, Dundee, finding that the + majority of the Convention were resolved to offer the crown of + Scotland to the Prince, and having moreover received sure + information that some of the wild fanatic Whigs, with Daniel Ker + of Kersland at their head, had formed a plot for his + assassination, quitted Edinburgh with about fifty horsemen, and, + after a short interview—celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in + one of his grandest ballads—with the Duke of Gordon at the + Castle Rock, directed his steps towards the north. After a short + stay at his house of Duddope, during which he received, by order + of the Council, who were thoroughly alarmed at his absence, a + summons through a Lyon herald to return to Edinburgh under pain + of high treason, he passed into the Gordon country, where he was + joined by the Earl of Dunfermline with a small party of about + sixty horse. His retreat was timeous, for General Mackay, who + commanded for the Prince of Orange, had despatched a strong + force, with instructions to make him prisoner. From this time, + until the day of his death, he allowed himself no repose. + Imitating the example, and inheriting the enthusiasm of his great + predecessor Montrose, he invoked the loyalty of the clans to + assist him in the struggle for legitimacy—and he did not + appeal to them in vain. His name was a spell to rouse the ardent + spirits of the mountaineers; and not the Great Marquis himself, + in the height of his renown, was more sincerely welcomed and more + fondly loved than "Ian dhu nan Cath,"—Dark John of the + Battles,—the name by which Lord Dundee is still remembered + in Highland song. In the mean time the Convention, terrified at + their danger, and dreading a Highland inroad, had despatched + Mackay, a military officer of great experience, with a + considerable body of troops, to quell the threatened + insurrection. He was encountered by Dundee, and compelled to + evacuate the high country and fall back upon the Lowlands, where + he subsequently received reinforcements, and again marched + northward. The Highland host was assembled at Blair, though not + in great force, when the news of Mackay's advance arrived; and a + council of the chiefs and officers was summoned, to determine + whether it would be most advisable to fall back upon the glens + and wild fastnesses of the Highlands, or to meet the enemy at + once, though with a force far inferior to his.</p> + + <p>Most of the old officers, who had been trained in the foreign + wars, were of the former opinion—"alleging that it was + neither prudent nor cautious to risk an engagement against an + army of disciplined men, that exceeded theirs in numbers by more + than a half." But both Glengarry and Locheill, to the great + satisfaction of the General, maintained the contrary view, and + argued that neither hunger nor fatigue were so likely to depress + the Highlanders, as a retreat when the enemy was in view. The + account of the discussion is so interesting, and so + characteristic of Dundee, that I shall take leave to quote its + termination in the words of Drummond of Balhaldy:</p> + + <p>"An advice so hardy and resolute could not miss to please the + generous Dundee. His looks seemed to heighten with an air of + delight and satisfaction all the while Locheill was speaking. He + told his council that they had heard his sentiments from the + mouth of a person who had formed his judgment upon infallible + proofs drawn from a long experience, and an intimate acquaintance + with the persons and subject he spoke of. Not one in the company + offering to contradict their general, it was unanimously agreed + to fight.</p> + + <p>"When the news of this vigorous resolution spread through the + army, nothing was heard but acclamations of joy, which + exceedingly pleased their gallant general; but before the council + broke up, Locheill begged to be heard for a few words. 'My Lord' + said he, 'I have just now declared, in the presence of this + honourable company, that I was resolved to give an implicit + obedience to all your Lordship's commands; but I humbly beg + leave, in name of these gentlemen, to give the word of command + for this one time. It is the voice of your council, and their + orders are, that you do not engage personally. Your Lordship's + business is to have an eye on all parts, and to issue out your + commands as you shall think proper; it is ours to execute them + with promptitude and courage. On your Lordship depends the fate, + not only of this little brave army, but also of our king and + country. If your Lordship deny us this reasonable demand, for my + own part I declare, that neither I, nor any I am concerned in, + shall draw a sword on this important occasion, whatever + construction shall be put upon the matter.'</p> + + <p>"Locheill was seconded in this by the whole council; but + Dundee begged leave to be heard in his turn. 'Gentlemen,' said + he, 'as I am absolutely convinced, and have had repeated proofs, + of your zeal for the king's service, and of your affection to me + as his general and your friend, so I am fully sensible that my + engaging personally this day may be of some loss if I shall + chance to be killed. But I beg leave of you, however, to allow me + to give one <i>shear-darg</i> (that is, one harvest-day's work) + to the king, my master, that I may have an opportunity of + convincing the brave clans, that I can hazard my life in that + service as freely as the meanest of them. Ye know their temper, + gentlemen; and if they do not think I have personal courage + enough, they will not esteem me hereafter, nor obey my commands + with cheerfulness. Allow me this single favour, and I here + promise, upon my honour, never again to risk my person while I + have that of commanding you.'</p> + + <p>"The council, finding him inflexible, broke up, and the army + marched directly towards the Pass of Killiecrankie."</p> + + <p>Those who have visited that romantic spot need not be reminded + of its peculiar features, for these, once seen, must dwell for + ever in the memory. The lower part of the Pass is a stupendous + mountain-chasm, scooped out by the waters of the Garry, which + here descend in a succession of roaring cataracts and pools. The + old road, which ran almost parallel to the river and close upon + its edge, was extremely narrow, and wound its way beneath a wall + of enormous crags, surmounted by a natural forest of birch, oak, + and pine. An army cooped up in that gloomy ravine would have as + little chance of escape from the onset of an enterprising + partisan corps, as had the Bavarian troops when attacked by the + Tyrolese in the steep defiles of the Inn. General Mackay, + however, had made his arrangements with consummate tact and + skill, and had calculated his time so well, that he was enabled + to clear the Pass before the Highlanders could reach it from the + other side. Advancing upwards, the passage becomes gradually + broader, until, just below the House of Urrard, there is a + considerable width of meadow-land. It was here that Mackay took + up his position, and arrayed his troops, on observing that the + heights above were occupied by the army of Dundee.</p> + + <p>The forces of the latter scarcely amounted to one-third of + those of his antagonist, which were drawn up in line without any + reserve. He was therefore compelled, in making his dispositions, + to leave considerable gaps in his own line, which gave Mackay a + further advantage. The right of Dundee's army was formed of the + M'Lean, Glengarry, and Clanranald regiments, along with some + Irish levies. In the centre was Dundee himself, at the head of a + small and ill-equipped body of cavalry, composed of Lowland + gentlemen and their followers, and about forty of his old + troopers. The Camerons and Skyemen, under the command of Locheill + and Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat, were stationed on the left. + During the time occupied by these dispositions, a brisk cannonade + was opened by Mackay's artillery, which materially increased the + impatience of the Highlanders to come to close quarters. At last + the word was given to advance, and the whole line rushed forward + with the terrific impetuosity peculiar to a charge of the clans. + They received the fire of the regular troops without flinching, + reserved their own until they were close at hand, poured in a + murderous volley, and then, throwing away their firelocks, + attacked the enemy with the broadsword.</p> + + <p>The victory was almost instantaneous, but it was bought at a + terrible price. Through some mistake or misunderstanding, a + portion of the cavalry, instead of following their general, who + had charged directly for the guns, executed a manoeuvre which + threw them into disorder; and, when last seen in the battle, + Dundee, accompanied only by the Earl of Dunfermline and about + sixteen gentlemen, was entering into the cloud of smoke, standing + up in his stirrups, and waving to the others to come on. It was + in this attitude that he appears to have received his + death-wound. On returning from the pursuit, the Highlanders found + him dying on the field.</p> + + <p>It would he difficult to point out another instance in which + the maintenance of a great cause depended solely upon the life of + a single man. Whilst Dundee survived, Scotland at least was not + lost to the Stuarts, for, shortly before the battle, he had + received assurance that the greater part of the organised troops + in the north were devoted to his person, and ready to join him; + and the victory of Killiecrankie would have been followed by a + general rising of the loyal gentlemen in the Lowlands. But with + his fall the enterprise was over.</p> + + <p>I hope I shall not be accused of exaggerating the importance + of this battle, which, according to the writer I have already + quoted, was best proved by the consternation into which the + opposite party were thrown at the first news of Mackay's defeat. + "The Duke of Hamilton, commissioner for the parliament which then + sat at Edinburgh, and the rest of the ministry, were struck with + such a panic, that some of them were for retiring into England, + others into the western shires of Scotland, where all the people, + almost to a man, befriended them; nor knew they whether to + abandon the government, or to stay a few days until they saw what + use my Lord Dundee would make of his victory. They knew the + rapidity of his motions, and were convinced that he would allow + them no time to deliberate. On this account it was debated, + whether such of the nobility and gentry as were confined for + adhering to their old master, should be immediately set at + liberty or more closely shut up; and though the last was + determined on, yet the greatest revolutionists among them made + private and frequent visits to these prisoners, excusing what was + past, from a fatal necessity of the times, which obliged them to + give a seeming compliance, but protesting that they always wished + well to King James, as they should soon have occasion to show + when my Lord Dundee advanced."</p> + + <p>"The next morning after the battle," says Drummond, "the + Highland army had more the air of the shattered remains of broken + troops than of conquerors; for here it was literally true + that</p> + <pre> + 'The vanquished triumphed, and the victors mourned.' +</pre> + + <p>The death of their brave general, and the loss of so many of + their friends, were inexhaustible fountains of grief and sorrow. + They closed the last scene of this mournful tragedy in obsequies + of their lamented general, and of the other gentlemen who fell + with him, and interred them in the church of Blair of Atholl with + a real funeral solemnity, there not being present one single + person who did not participate in the general affliction."</p> + + <p>I close this notice of a great soldier and devoted loyalist, + by transcribing the beautiful epitaph composed by Dr. + Pitcairn:—</p> + <pre> + "Ultime Scotorum! potuit, quo sospite solo, + Libertas patriæ salva fuisse tuæ: + Te moriente, novos accepit Scotia cives, + Accepitque novos, te moriente, deos. + Illa nequit superesse tibi, tu non potes illi, + Ergo Caledoniæ nomen inane, vale. + Tuque vale, gentis priscæ fortissime ductor, + Ultime Scotorum, ac ultime Grame, vale!" +</pre> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_11"><!-- RULE4 11 --></a> + + <h2>THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sound the fife, and cry the slogan—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let the pibroch shake the air</p> + + <p>With its wild triumphal music,</p> + + <p class="i2">Worthy of the freight we bear.</p> + + <p>Let the ancient hills of Scotland</p> + + <p class="i2">Hear once more the battle-song</p> + + <p>Swell within their glens and valleys</p> + + <p class="i2">As the clansmen march along!</p> + + <p>Never from the field of combat,</p> + + <p class="i2">Never from the deadly fray,</p> + + <p>Was a nobler trophy carried</p> + + <p class="i2">Than we bring with us to-day;</p> + + <p>Never, since the valiant Douglas</p> + + <p class="i2">On his dauntless bosom bore</p> + + <p>Good King Robert's heart—the priceless—</p> + + <p class="i2">To our dear Redeemer's shore!</p> + + <p>Lo! we bring with us the hero—</p> + + <p class="i2">Lo! we bring the conquering Græme,</p> + + <p>Crowned as best beseems a victor</p> + + <p class="i2">From the altar of his fame;</p> + + <p>Fresh and bleeding from the battle</p> + + <p class="i2">Whence his spirit took its flight,</p> + + <p>Midst the crashing charge of squadrons,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the thunder of the fight!</p> + + <p>Strike, I say, the notes of triumph,</p> + + <p class="i2">As we march o'er moor and lea!</p> + + <p>Is there any here will venture</p> + + <p class="i2">To bewail our dead Dundee?</p> + + <p>Let the widows of the traitors</p> + + <p class="i2">Weep until their eyes are dim!</p> + + <p>Wail ye may full well for Scotland—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let none dare to mourn for him!</p> + + <p>See! above his glorious body</p> + + <p class="i2">Lies the royal banner's fold—</p> + + <p>See! his valiant blood is mingled</p> + + <p class="i2">With its crimson and its gold.</p> + + <p>See! how calm he looks and stately,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a warrior on his shield,</p> + + <p>Waiting till the flush of morning</p> + + <p class="i2">Breaks along the battle-field!</p> + + <p>See—Oh never more, my comrades!</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall we see that falcon eye</p> + + <p>Redden with its inward lightning,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the hour of fight drew nigh;</p> + + <p>Never shall we hear the voice that,</p> + + <p class="i2">Clearer than the trumpet's call,</p> + + <p>Bade us strike for King and Country,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bade us win the field or fall!</p> + + <p>On the heights of Killiecrankie</p> + + <p class="i2">Yester-morn our army lay:</p> + + <p>Slowly rose the mist in columns</p> + + <p class="i2">From the river's broken way;</p> + + <p>Hoarsely roared the swollen torrent,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the pass was wrapped in gloom,</p> + + <p>When the clansmen rose together</p> + + <p class="i2">From their lair amidst the broom.</p> + + <p>Then we belted on our tartans,</p> + + <p class="i2">And our bonnets down we drew,</p> + + <p>And we felt our broadswords' edges,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we proved them to be true;</p> + + <p>And we prayed the prayer of soldiers,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we cried the gathering-cry,</p> + + <p>And we clasped the hands of kinsmen,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we swore to do or die!</p> + + <p>Then our leader rode before us</p> + + <p class="i2">On his war-horse black as night—</p> + + <p>Well the Cameronian rebels</p> + + <p class="i2">Knew that charger in the fight!—</p> + + <p>And a cry of exultation</p> + + <p class="i2">From the bearded warriors rose;</p> + + <p>For we loved the house of Claver'se,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we thought of good Montrose.</p> + + <p>But he raised his hand for silence—</p> + + <p class="i2">"Soldiers! I have sworn a vow:</p> + + <p>Ere the evening-star shall glisten</p> + + <p class="i2">On Schehallion's lofty brow,</p> + + <p>Either we shall rest in triumph,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or another of the Graemes</p> + + <p>Shall have died in battle-harness</p> + + <p class="i2">For his Country and King James!</p> + + <p>Think upon the Royal Martyr—</p> + + <p class="i2">Think of what his race endure—</p> + + <p>Think on him whom butchers murder'd</p> + + <p class="i2">On the field of Magus Muir:—</p> + + <p>By his sacred blood I charge ye,</p> + + <p class="i2">By the ruin'd hearth and shrine—</p> + + <p>By the blighted hopes of Scotland,</p> + + <p class="i2">By your injuries and mine—</p> + + <p>Strike this day as if the anvil</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay beneath your blows the while,</p> + + <p>Be they Covenanting traitors,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or the brood of false Argyle!</p> + + <p>Strike! and drive the trembling rebels</p> + + <p class="i2">Backwards o'er the stormy Forth;</p> + + <p>Let them tell their pale Convention</p> + + <p class="i2">How they fared within the North.</p> + + <p>Let them tell that Highland honour</p> + + <p class="i2">Is not to be bought nor sold,</p> + + <p>That we scorn their Prince's anger,</p> + + <p class="i2">As we loathe his foreign gold.</p> + + <p>Strike! and when the fight is over,</p> + + <p class="i2">If ye look in vain for me,</p> + + <p>Where the dead are lying thickest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Search for him that was Dundee!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Loudly then the hills re-echoed</p> + + <p class="i2">With our answer to his call,</p> + + <p>But a deeper echo sounded</p> + + <p class="i2">In the bosoms of us all.</p> + + <p>For the lands of wide Breadalbane,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not a man who heard him speak</p> + + <p>Would that day have left the battle.</p> + + <p class="i2">Burning eye and flushing cheek</p> + + <p>Told the clansmen's fierce emotion,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they harder drew their breath;</p> + + <p>For their souls were strong within them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stronger than the grasp of death.</p> + + <p>Soon we heard a challenge-trumpet</p> + + <p class="i2">Sounding in the pass below,</p> + + <p>And the distant tramp of horses,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the voices of the foe:</p> + + <p>Down we crouched amid the bracken,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till the Lowland ranks drew near,</p> + + <p>Panting like the hounds in summer,</p> + + <p class="i2">When they scent the stately deer.</p> + + <p>From the dark defile emerging,</p> + + <p class="i2">Next we saw the squadrons come,</p> + + <p>Leslie's foot and Leven's troopers</p> + + <p class="i2">Marching to the tuck of drum;</p> + + <p>Through the scattered wood of birches,</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er the broken ground and heath,</p> + + <p>Wound the long battalion slowly,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till they gained the field beneath;</p> + + <p>Then we bounded from our covert.—</p> + + <p class="i2">Judge how looked the Saxons then,</p> + + <p>When they saw the rugged mountain</p> + + <p class="i2">Start to life with armèd men!</p> + + <p>Like a tempest down the ridges,</p> + + <p class="i2">Swept the hurricane of steel,</p> + + <p>Rose the slogan of Macdonald—</p> + + <p class="i2">Flashed the broadsword of Locheill!</p> + + <p>Vainly sped the withering volley</p> + + <p class="i2">'Mongst the foremost of our band—</p> + + <p>On we poured until we met them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Foot to foot, and hand to hand.</p> + + <p>Horse and man went down like drift-wood</p> + + <p class="i2">When the floods are black at Yule,</p> + + <p>And their carcasses are whirling</p> + + <p class="i2">In the Garry's deepest pool.</p> + + <p>Horse and man went down before us—</p> + + <p class="i2">Living foe there tarried none</p> + + <p>On the field of Killiecrankie,</p> + + <p class="i2">When that stubborn fight was done!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And the evening-star was shining</p> + + <p class="i2">On Schehallion's distant head,</p> + + <p>When we wiped our bloody broadswords,</p> + + <p class="i2">And returned to count the dead.</p> + + <p>There we found him, gashed and gory,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stretch'd upon the cumbered plain,</p> + + <p>As he told us where to seek him,</p> + + <p class="i2">In the thickest of the slain.</p> + + <p>And a smile was on his visage,</p> + + <p class="i2">For within his dying ear</p> + + <p>Pealed the joyful note of triumph,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the clansmen's clamorous cheer:</p> + + <p>So, amidst the battle's thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shot, and steel, and scorching flame,</p> + + <p>In the glory of his manhood</p> + + <p class="i2">Passed the spirit of the Græme!</p> + + <p>Open wide the vaults of Athol,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the bones of heroes rest—</p> + + <p>Open wide the hallowed portals</p> + + <p class="i2">To receive another guest!</p> + + <p>Last of Scots, and last of freemen—</p> + + <p class="i2">Last of all that dauntless race</p> + + <p>Who would rather die unsullied</p> + + <p class="i2">Than outlive the land's disgrace!</p> + + <p>O thou lion-hearted warrior!</p> + + <p class="i2">Reck not of the after-time:</p> + + <p>Honour may be deemed dishonour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Loyalty be called a crime.</p> + + <p>Sleep in peace with kindred ashes</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the noble and the true,</p> + + <p>Hands that never failed their country,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hearts that never baseness knew.</p> + + <p>Sleep!—and till the latest trumpet</p> + + <p class="i2">Wakes the dead from earth and sea,</p> + + <p>Scotland shall not boast a braver</p> + + <p class="i2">Chieftain than our own Dundee!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_12"><!-- RULE4 12 --></a> + + <h2>THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE</h2> + + <p>The Massacre of Glencoe is an event which neither can nor + ought to be forgotten. It was a deed of the worst treason and + cruelty—a barbarous infraction of all laws, human and + divine; and it exhibits in their foulest perfidy the true + characters of the authors and abettors of the Revolution.</p> + + <p>After the battle of Killiecrankie the cause of the Scottish + royalists declined, rather from the want of a competent leader + than from any disinclination on the part of a large section of + the nobility and gentry to vindicate the right of King James. No + person of adequate talents or authority was found to supply the + place of the great and gallant Lord Dundee; for General Cannon, + who succeeded in command, was not only deficient in military + skill, but did not possess the confidence, nor understand the + character of the Highland chiefs, who, with their clansmen, + constituted by far the most important section of the army. + Accordingly no enterprise of any importance was attempted; and + the disastrous issue of the battle of the Boyne led to a + negotiation which terminated in the entire disbanding of the + royal forces. By this treaty, which was expressly sanctioned by + William of Orange, a full and unreserved indemnity and pardon was + granted to all of the Highlanders who had taken arms, with a + proviso that they should first subscribe the oath of allegiance + to William and Mary, before the 1st of January, 1692, in presence + of the Lords of the Scottish Council, "or of the Sheriffs or + their deputies of the respective shires wherein they lived." The + letter of William addressed to the Privy Council, and ordering + proclamation to be made to the above effect, contained also the + following significant passage:—"That ye communicate our + pleasure to the Governor of Inverlochy, and other commanders, + that they be exact and diligent in their several posts; but that + they show no more zeal against the Highlanders after their + submission, <i>than they have ever done formerly when these were + in open rebellion</i>."</p> + + <p>This enigmatical sentence, which in reality was intended, as + the sequel will show, to be interpreted in the most cruel manner, + appears to have caused some perplexity in the Council, as that + body deemed it necessary to apply for more distinct and specific + instructions, which, however, were not then issued. It had been + especially stipulated by the chiefs, as an indispensable + preliminary to their treaty, that they should have leave to + communicate with King James, then residing at St. Germains, for + the purpose of obtaining his permission and warrant previous to + submitting themselves to the existing government. That article + had been sanctioned by William before the proclamation was + issued, and a special messenger was despatched to France for that + purpose.</p> + + <p>In the mean time, troops were gradually and cautiously + advanced to the confines of the Highlands, and, in some + instances, actually quartered on the inhabitants. The condition + of the country was perfectly tranquil. No disturbances whatever + occurred in the north or west of Scotland; Locheill and the other + chiefs were awaiting the communication from St. Germains, and + held themselves bound in honour to remain inactive; whilst the + remainder of the royalist forces (for whom separate terms had + been made) were left unmolested at Dunkeld.</p> + + <p>But rumours, which are too clearly traceable to the emissaries + of the new government, asserting the preparation made for an + immediate landing of King James at the head of a large body of + the French, were industriously circulated, and by many were + implicitly believed. The infamous policy which dictated such a + course is now apparent. The term of the amnesty or truce granted + by the proclamation expired with the year 1691, and all who had + not taken the oath of allegiance before that term, were to be + proceeded against with the utmost severity. The proclamation was + issued upon the 29th of August: consequently, only four months + were allowed for the complete submission of the Highlands.</p> + + <p>Not one of the chiefs subscribed until the mandate from King + James arrived. That document, which is dated from St. Germains on + the 12th of December 1691, reached Dunkeld eleven days + afterwards, and, consequently, but a very short time before the + indemnity expired. The bearer, Major Menzies, was so fatigued + that he could proceed no farther on his journey, but forwarded + the mandate by an express to the commander of the royal forces, + who was then at Glengarry. It was therefore impossible that the + document could be circulated through the Highlands within the + prescribed period. Locheill, says Drummond of Balhaldy, did not + receive his copy till about thirty hours before the time was out, + and appeared before the sheriff at Inverara, where he took the + oaths upon the very day on which the indemnity expired.</p> + + <p>That a general massacre throughout the Highlands was + contemplated by the Whig government, is a fact established by + overwhelming evidence. In the course of the subsequent + investigation before the Scots Parliament, letters were produced + from Sir John Dalrymple, then Master of Stair, one of the + secretaries of state in attendance upon the court, which too + clearly indicate the intentions of William. In one of these, + dated 1st December 1694,—<i>a month</i>, be it observed, + before the amnesty expired—and addressed to + Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, there are the following + words:—"The winter is the only season in which we are sure + the Highlanders cannot escape us, <i>nor carry their wives, + bairns</i>, and cattle to the mountains." And in another letter, + written only two days afterwards, he says, "It is the only time + that they cannot escape you, for human constitution cannot endure + to be long out of houses. <i>This is the proper season to maule + them, in the cold long nights</i>." And in January thereafter, he + informed Sir Thomas Livingston that the design was "to destroy + entirely the country of Lochaber, Locheill's lands, Keppoch's, + Glengarry's, Appin, and Glencoe. I assure you," he continues, + "your power shall be full enough, <i>and I hope the soldiers will + not trouble the Government with prisoners</i>."</p> + + <p>Locheill was more fortunate than others of his friends and + neighbours. According to Drummond,—"Major Menzies, who, + upon his arrival, had observed the whole forces of the kingdom + ready to invade the Highlands, as he wrote to General Buchan, + foreseeing the unhappy consequences, not only begged that general + to send expresses to all parts with orders immediately to submit, + but also wrote to Sir Thomas Livingston, praying him to + supplicate the Council for a prorogation of the time, in regard + that he was so excessively fatigued, that he was obliged to stop + some days to repose a little; and that though he should send + expresses, yet it was impossible they could reach the distant + parts in such time as to allow the several persons concerned the + benefit of the indemnity within the space limited; besides, that + some persons having put the Highlanders in a bad temper, he was + confident to persuade them to submit, if a further time were + allowed. Sir Thomas presented this letter to the Council on the + 5th of January, 1692, but they refused to give any answer, and + ordered him to transmit the same to Court."</p> + + <p>The reply of William of Orange was a letter, countersigned by + Dalrymple, in which, upon the recital that "several of the + chieftains and many of their clans had not taken the benefit of + our gracious indemnity," he gave orders for a general massacre. + "To that end, we have given Sir Thomas Livingston orders to + employ our troops (which we have already conveniently posted) to + cut off these obstinate rebels <i>by all manner of hostility</i>; + and we do require you to give him your assistance and concurrence + in all other things that may conduce to that service; and because + these rebels, to avoid our forces, may draw themselves, <i>their + families</i>, goods, or cattle, to lurk or be concealed among + their neighbours: therefore, we require and authorise you to emit + a proclamation to be published at the market-crosses of these or + the adjacent shires where the rebels reside, discharging upon the + highest penalties the law allows, any reset, correspondence, or + intercommuning with these rebels." This monstrous mandate, which + was in fact the death-warrant of many thousand innocent people, + no distinction being made of age or sex, would, in all human + probability, have been put into execution, but for the + remonstrance of one high-minded nobleman. Lord Carmarthen, + afterwards Duke of Leeds, accidentally became aware of the + proposed massacre, and personally remonstrated with the monarch + against a measure which he denounced as at once cruel and + impolitic. After much discussion, William, influenced rather by + an apprehension that so savage and sweeping an act might prove + fatal to his new authority, than by any compunction or impulse of + humanity, agreed to recall the general order, and to limit + himself, in the first instance, to a single deed of butchery, by + way of testing the temper of the nation. Some difficulty seems to + have arisen in the selection of the fittest victim. Both Keppoch + and Glencoe were named, but the personal rancour of Secretary + Dalrymple decided the doom of the latter. The Secretary wrote + thus:—"Argyle tells me that Glencoe hath not taken the + oath, at which I rejoice. It is a great work of charity to be + exact in rooting out that damnable set." The final instructions + regarding Glencoe, which were issued on 16th January, 1692, are + as follows:—</p> + <pre> + "William R.—As for M'Ian of Glencoe, and that tribe, + if they can be well distinguished from the rest of the + Highlanders, it will be proper for public justice to extirpate + that set of thieves." "W.R." +</pre> + + <p>This letter is remarkable as being signed and countersigned by + William alone, contrary to the usual practice. The Secretary was + no doubt desirous to screen himself from after responsibility, + and was further aware that the royal signature would insure a + rigorous execution of the sentence.</p> + + <p>Macdonald, or, as he was more commonly designed, M'Ian of + Glencoe, was the head of a considerable sept or branch of the + great Clan-Coila, and was lineally descended from the ancient + Lords of the Isles, and from the royal family of + Scotland—the common ancestor of the Macdonalds having + espoused a daughter of Robert II. He was, according to a + contemporary testimony, "a person of great integrity, honour, + good nature, and courage; and his loyalty to his old master, King + James, was such, that he continued in arms from Dundee's first + appearing in the Highlands, till the fatal treaty that brought on + his ruin." In common with the other chiefs, he had omitted taking + the benefit of the indemnity until he received the sanction of + King James: but the copy of that document which was forwarded to + him, unfortunately arrived too late. The weather was so + excessively stormy at the time that there was no possibility of + penetrating from Glencoe to Inverara, the place where the sheriff + resided, before the expiry of the stated period; and M'Ian + accordingly adopted the only practicable mode of signifying his + submission, by making his way with great difficulty to + Fort-William, then called Inverlochy, and tendering his signature + to the military Governor there. That officer was not authorised + to receive it, but at the earnest entreaty of the chief, he gave + him a certificate of his appearance and tender, and on New-Year's + day, 1692, M'Ian reached Inverara, where he produced that paper + as evidence of his intentions, and prevailed upon the sheriff, + Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglass, to administer the oaths + required. After that ceremony, which was immediately intimated to + the Privy Council, had been performed, the unfortunate gentleman + returned home, in the full conviction that he had thereby made + peace with government for himself and for his clan. But his doom + was already sealed.</p> + + <p>A company of the Earl of Argyle's regiment had been previously + quartered in Glencoe. These men, though Campbells, and + hereditarily obnoxious to the Macdonalds, Camerons, and other of + the loyal clans, were yet countrymen, and were kindly and + hospitably received. Their captain, Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, + was connected with the family of Glencoe through the marriage of + a niece, and was resident under the roof of the chief. And yet + this was the very troop selected for the horrid service.</p> + + <p>Special instructions were sent to the major of the regiment, + one Duncanson, then quartered at Ballachulish—a morose, + brutal, and savage man—who accordingly wrote to Campbell of + Glenlyon in the following terms:—</p> + <pre> + Ballacholis, 12 <i>February</i>, 1692. + + "SIR,—You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebels, + the M'Donalds of Glencoe, and putt all to the sword under + seventy. You are to have special care that the old fox and + his sons doe upon no account escape your hands. You are + to secure all the avenues, that no man escape. This you + are to put in execution att five o'clock in the morning + precisely, and by that time, or very shortly after it, I'll + strive to be att you with a stronger party. If I doe not + come to you at five, you are not to tarry for me, but to fall + on. This is by the king's speciall command, for the good + and safety of the country, that these miscreants be cutt off + root and branch. See that this be putt in execution without + feud or favour, else you may expect to be treated as not + true to the king's government, nor a man fitt to carry a + commission in the king's service. Expecting you will not + faill in the fulfilling hereof as you love yourself, I subscribe + these with my hand." ROBERT DUNCANSON. +</pre> + <pre> + "<i>For their Majestys' service. + To Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon</i>." +</pre> + + <p>This order was but too literally obeyed. At the appointed + hour, when the whole inhabitants of the glen were asleep, the + work of murder began. M'Ian was one of the first who fell. + Drummond's narrative fills up the remainder of the dreadful + story.</p> + + <p>"They then served all within the family in the same manner, + without distinction of age or person. In a word—for the + horror of that execrable butchery must give pain to the + reader—they left none alive but a young child, who, being + frightened with the noise of the guns, and the dismal shrieks and + cries of its dying parents, whom they were a-murdering, got hold + of Captain Campbell's knees, and wrapt itself within his cloak; + by which, chancing to move compassion, the captain inclined to + have saved it, but one Drummond, an officer, arriving about the + break of day with more troops, commanded it to be shot by a file + of musqueteers. Nothing could be more shocking and horrible than + the prospect of these houses bestrewed with mangled bodies of the + dead, covered with blood, and resounding with the groans of + wretches in the last agonies of life.</p> + + <p>"Two sons of Glencoe's were the only persons that escaped in + that quarter of the country; for, growing jealous of some ill + designs from the behaviour of the soldiers, they stole from their + beds a few minutes before the tragedy began, and, chancing to + overhear two of them discoursing plainly of the matter, they + endeavoured to have advertised their father, but, finding that + impracticable, they ran to the other end of the country and + alarmed the inhabitants. There was another accident that + contributed much to their safety; for the night was so + excessively stormy and tempestuous, that four hundred soldiers, + who were appointed to murder these people, were stopped in their + march from Inverlochy, and could not get up till they had time to + save themselves. To cover the deformity of so dreadful a sight, + the soldiers burned all the houses to the ground, after having + rifled them, carried away nine hundred cows, two hundred horses, + numberless herds of sheep and goats, and every thing else that + belonged to these miserable people. Lamentable was the case of + the women and children that escaped the butchery; the mountains + were covered with a deep snow, the rivers impassable, storm and + tempest filled the air and added to the horrors and darkness of + the night, and there were no houses to shelter them within many + miles."[<a href="#note-1">1</a>]</p> + + <p>Such was the awful massacre of Glencoe, an event which has + left an indelible and execrable stain upon the memory of William + of Orange. The records of Indian warfare can hardly afford a + parallel instance of atrocity: and this deed, coupled with his + deliberate treachery in the Darien scheme, whereby Scotland was + for a time absolutely ruined, is sufficient to account for the + little estimation in which the name of the "great Whig deliverer" + is still regarded in the valleys of the North.</p> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-1"><!-- Note Anchor 1 --></a>[Footnote 1: + <i>Memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Locheill</i>.]</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_13"><!-- RULE4 13 --></a> + + <h2>THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Do not lift him from the bracken,</p> + + <p class="i2">Leave him lying where he fell—</p> + + <p>Better bier ye cannot fashion:</p> + + <p class="i2">None beseems him half so well</p> + + <p>As the bare and broken heather,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the hard and trampled sod,</p> + + <p>Whence his angry soul ascended</p> + + <p class="i2">To the judgment-seat of God!</p> + + <p>Winding-sheet we cannot give him—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seek no mantle for the dead,</p> + + <p>Save the cold and spotless covering</p> + + <p class="i2">Showered from heaven upon his head.</p> + + <p>Leave his broadsword, as we found it,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bent and broken with the blow,</p> + + <p>That, before he died, avenged him</p> + + <p class="i2">On the foremost of the foe.</p> + + <p>Leave the blood upon his bosom—</p> + + <p class="i2">Wash not off that sacred stain:</p> + + <p>Let it stiffen on the tartan,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let his wounds unclosed remain,</p> + + <p>Till the day when he shall show them</p> + + <p class="i2">At the throne of God on high,</p> + + <p>When the murderer and the murdered</p> + + <p class="i2">Meet before their Judge's eye!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nay—ye should not weep, my children!</p> + + <p class="i2">Leave it to the faint and weak;</p> + + <p>Sobs are but a woman's weapon—</p> + + <p class="i2">Tears befit a maiden's cheek.</p> + + <p>Weep not, children of Macdonald!</p> + + <p class="i2">Weep not thou, his orphan heir—</p> + + <p>Not in shame, but stainless honour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lies thy slaughtered father there.</p> + + <p>Weep not—but when years are over,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thine arm is strong and sure,</p> + + <p>And thy foot is swift and steady</p> + + <p class="i2">On the mountain and the muir—</p> + + <p>Let thy heart be hard as iron,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thy wrath as fierce as fire,</p> + + <p>Till the hour when vengeance cometh</p> + + <p class="i2">For the race that slew thy sire;</p> + + <p>Till in deep and dark Glenlyon</p> + + <p class="i2">Rise a louder shriek of woe</p> + + <p>Than at midnight, from their eyrie,</p> + + <p class="i2">Scared the eagles of Glencoe;</p> + + <p>Louder than the screams that mingled</p> + + <p class="i2">With the howling of the blast,</p> + + <p>When the murderer's steel was clashing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the fires were rising fast;</p> + + <p>When thy noble father bounded</p> + + <p class="i2">To the rescue of his men,</p> + + <p>And the slogan of our kindred</p> + + <p class="i2">Pealed throughout the startled glen;</p> + + <p>When the herd of frantic women</p> + + <p class="i2">Stumbled through the midnight snow,</p> + + <p>With their fathers' houses blazing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their dearest dead below.</p> + + <p>Oh, the horror of the tempest,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the flashing drift was blown,</p> + + <p>Crimsoned with the conflagration,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the roofs went thundering down!</p> + + <p>Oh, the prayers—the prayers and curses</p> + + <p class="i2">That together winged their flight</p> + + <p>From the maddened hearts of many</p> + + <p class="i2">Through that long and woeful night!</p> + + <p>Till the fires began to dwindle,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the shots grew faint and few,</p> + + <p>And we heard the foeman's challenge</p> + + <p class="i2">Only in a far halloo;</p> + + <p>Till the silence once more settled</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er the gorges of the glen,</p> + + <p>Broken only by the Cona</p> + + <p class="i2">Plunging through its naked den.</p> + + <p>Slowly from the mountain-summit</p> + + <p class="i2">Was the drifting veil withdrawn,</p> + + <p>And the ghastly valley glimmered</p> + + <p class="i2">In the gray December dawn.</p> + + <p>Better had the morning never</p> + + <p class="i2">Dawned upon our dark despair!</p> + + <p>Black amidst the common whiteness</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose the spectral ruins there:</p> + + <p>But the sight of these was nothing</p> + + <p class="i2">More than wrings the wild dove's breast,</p> + + <p>When she searches for her offspring</p> + + <p class="i2">Round the relics of her nest.</p> + + <p>For in many a spot the tartan</p> + + <p class="i2">Peered above the wintry heap,</p> + + <p>Marking where a dead Macdonald</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay within his frozen sleep.</p> + + <p>Tremblingly we scooped the covering</p> + + <p class="i2">From each kindred victim's head,</p> + + <p>And the living lips were burning</p> + + <p class="i2">On the cold ones of the dead.</p> + + <p>And I left them with their dearest—</p> + + <p class="i2">Dearest charge had everyone—</p> + + <p>Left the maiden with her lover,</p> + + <p class="i2">Left the mother with her son.</p> + + <p>I alone of all was mateless—</p> + + <p class="i2">Far more wretched I than they,</p> + + <p>For the snow would not discover</p> + + <p class="i2">Where my lord and husband lay.</p> + + <p>But I wandered up the valley</p> + + <p class="i2">Till I found him lying low,</p> + + <p>With the gash upon his bosom,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the frown upon his brow—</p> + + <p>Till I found him lying murdered</p> + + <p class="i2">Where he wooed me long ago.</p> + + <p>Woman's weakness shall not shame me;</p> + + <p class="i2">Why should I have tears to shed?</p> + + <p>Could I rain them down like water,</p> + + <p class="i2">O my hero, on thy head,</p> + + <p>Could the cry of lamentation</p> + + <p class="i2">Wake thee from thy silent sleep,</p> + + <p>Could it set thy heart a-throbbing,</p> + + <p class="i2">It were mine to wail and weep.</p> + + <p>But I will not waste my sorrow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lest the Campbell women say</p> + + <p>That the daughters of Clanranald</p> + + <p class="i2">Are as weak and frail as they.</p> + + <p>I had wept thee hadst thou fallen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like our fathers, on thy shield,</p> + + <p>When a host of English foemen</p> + + <p class="i2">Camped upon a Scottish field;</p> + + <p>I had mourned thee hadst thou perished</p> + + <p class="i2">With the foremost of his name,</p> + + <p>When the valiant and the noble</p> + + <p class="i2">Died around the dauntless Græme.</p> + + <p>But I will not wrong thee, husband!</p> + + <p class="i2">With my unavailing cries,</p> + + <p>Whilst thy cold and mangled body,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stricken by the traitor, lies;</p> + + <p>Whilst he counts the gold and glory</p> + + <p class="i2">That this hideous night has won,</p> + + <p>And his heart is big with triumph</p> + + <p class="i2">At the murder he has done.</p> + + <p>Other eyes than mine shall glisten,</p> + + <p class="i2">Other hearts be rent in twain,</p> + + <p>Ere the heathbells on thy hillock</p> + + <p class="i2">Wither in the autumn rain.</p> + + <p>Then I'll seek thee where thou sleepest,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I'll veil my weary head,</p> + + <p>Praying for a place beside thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Dearer than my bridal-bed:</p> + + <p>And I'll give thee tears, my husband,</p> + + <p class="i2">If the tears remain to me,</p> + + <p>When the widows of the foemen</p> + + <p class="i2">Cry the coronach for thee.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_14"><!-- RULE4 14 --></a> + + <h2>THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS</h2> + + <p>In consequence of a capitulation with Government, the regular + troops who had served under Lord Dundee were transhipped to + France, and, immediately upon their landing, the officers and + others had their rank confirmed according to the tenor of the + commissions and characters which they bore in Scotland. They were + distributed throughout the different garrisons in the north of + France, and, though nominally in the service of King James, + derived their whole means of subsistence from the bounty of the + French monarch. So long as it appeared probable that another + descent was meditated, those gentlemen, who were almost without + exception men of considerable family, assented to this + arrangement, but the destruction of the French fleet under + Admiral Tourville, off La Hogue, led to a material change in + their views. After that naval engagement it became obvious that + the cause of the fugitive King was in the mean time desperate, + and the Scottish officers, with no less gallantry than honour, + volunteered a sacrifice which, so far as I know, has hardly been + equalled.</p> + + <p>The old and interesting pamphlet written by one of the + corps,[<a href="#note-2">2</a>] from which I have extracted most + of the following details, but which is seldom perused except by + the antiquary, states that, "The Scottish officers, considering + that, by the loss of the French Fleet, King James's restoration + would be retarded for some time, and that they were burdensome to + the King of France, being entertained in garrisons on whole pay, + without doing duty, when he had almost all Europe in confederacy + against him, therefore humbly entreated King James to have them + reduced into a company of private sentinels, and choose officers + amongst themselves to command them, assuring his majesty that + they would serve in the meanest circumstances, and undergo the + greatest hardships and fatigues that reason could imagine, or + misfortunes inflict, until it pleased God to restore him. King + James commended their generosity and loyalty, but disapproved of + what they proposed, and told them it was impossible that + gentlemen who had served in so honourable posts as formerly they + had enjoyed, and lived in so great plenty and ease, could ever + undergo the fatigue and hardships of private sentinels' duty. + Again, that his own first command was a company of officers, + whereof several died, others, wearied with fatigue, drew their + discharges, till at last it dwindled into nothing, and he got no + reputation by the command: therefore he desired them to insist no + more on that project. The officers (notwithstanding his majesty's + desire to the contrary) made several interests at court, and + harassed him so much, that at last he condescended," and + appointed those who were to command them.</p> + + <p>Shortly afterwards the new corps was reviewed for the first + and last time by the unfortunate James in the gardens of Saint + Germains, and the tears are said to have gushed from his eyes at + the sight of so many brave men, reduced, through their + disinterested and persevering loyalty, to so very humble a + condition. "Gentlemen," said he, "my own misfortunes are not so + nigh my heart as yours. It grieves me beyond what I can express + to see so many brave and worthy gentlemen, who had once the + prospect of being the chief officers in my army, reduced to the + stations of private sentinels. Nothing but your loyalty, and that + of a few of my subjects in Britain, who are forced from their + allegiance by the Prince of Orange, and who, I know, will be + ready on all occasions to serve me and my distressed family, + could make me willing to live. The sense of what all of you have + done and undergone for your loyalty hath made so deep an + impression upon my heart, that, if it ever please God to restore + me, it is impossible I can be forgetful of your services and + sufferings. Neither can there be any posts in the armies of my + dominions but what you have just pretensions to. As for my son, + your Prince, he is of your own blood, a child capable of any + impression, and, as his education will be from you, it is not + supposable that he can forget your merits. At your own desires + you are now going a long march far distant from me. Fear God and + love one another. Write your wants particularly to me, and depend + upon it always to find me your parent and King." The scene bore a + strong resemblance to one which many years afterwards occurred at + Fontainebleau. The company listened to his words with deep + emotion, gathered round him, as if half repentant of their own + desire to go, and so parted, for ever on this earth, the + dethroned monarch and his exiled subjects.</p> + + <p>The number of this company of officers was about one hundred + and twenty: their destination was Perpignan in Rousillon, close + upon the frontier of Spain, where they were to join the army + under the command of the Mareschal de Noailles. Their power of + endurance, though often most severely tested in an unwholesome + climate, seems to have been no less remarkable than their + gallantry, which upon many occasions called forth the warm + acknowledgment of the French commanders. "<i>Le gentilhomme</i>," + said one of the generals, in acknowledgment of their readiness at + a peculiarly critical moment, "<i>est toujours gentilhomme, et se + montre toujours tel dans besoin et dans le danger</i>"—a + eulogy as applicable to them as it was in later days to La Tour + d'Auvergne, styled the first grenadier of France. At Perpignan + they were joined by two other Scottish companies, and the three + seem to have continued to serve together for several + campaigns.</p> + + <p>As a proof of the estimation in which they were held, I shall + merely extract a short account of the taking of Rosas in + Catalonia, before referring to the exploit which forms the + subject of the following ballad. "On the 27th of May, the company + of officers and other Scottish companies, were joined by two + companies of Irish, to make up a battalion in order to mount the + trenches; and the major part of the officers listed themselves in + the company of grenadiers, under the command of the brave Major + Rutherford, who, on his way to the trenches, in sight of + Mareschal de Noailles and his court, marched with his company on + the side of the trench, which exposed him to the fire of a + bastion, where there were two culverins and several other guns + planted; likewise to the fire of two curtins lined with small + shot. Colonel Brown, following with the battalion, was obliged, + in honour, to march the same way Major Rutherford had done; the + danger whereof the Mareschal immediately perceiving, ordered one + of his aides-de-camp to command Rutherford to march under cover + of the trench, which he did; and if he had but delayed six + minutes, the grenadiers and battalion had been cut to pieces. + Rutherford, with his grenadiers, marched to a trench near the + town, and the battalion to a trench on the rear and flank of the + grenadiers, who fired so incessantly on the besieged, that they + thought (the trench being practicable) they were going to make + their attacks, immediately beat a chamade, and were willing to + give up the town upon reasonable terms: but the Mareschal's + demands were so exorbitant, that the Governor could not agree to + them. Then firing began on both sides to be very hot; and they in + the town, seeing how the grenadiers lay, killed eight of them. + When the Governor surrendered the town, he inquired of the + Mareschal what countrymen these grenadiers were; and assured him + it was on their account he delivered up the town, because they + fired so hotly, that he believed they were resolved to attack the + breach. He answered, smiling, <i>'Ces sont mes + enfants</i>—They are my children.' Again; 'they are the + King of Great Britain's Scottish officers, who, to show their + willingness to share of his miseries, have reduced themselves to + the carrying of arms, and chosen to serve under my command.' The + next day, when the Mareschal rode along the front of the camp, he + halted at the company of the officers' piquet, and they all + surrounded him. Then, with his hat in his hand, he thanked them + for their good services in the trenches, and freely acknowledged + it was their conduct and courage which compelled the Governor to + give up the town; and assured them he would acquaint his master + with the same, which he did. For when his son arrived with the + news at Versailles, the King, having read the letter, immediately + took coach to St. Germains; and when he had shown King James the + letter, he thanked him for the services his subjects had done in + taking Rosas in Catalonia; who, with concern, replied, they were + the stock of his British officers, and that he was sorry he could + not make better provision for them."</p> + + <p>And a miserable provision it was! They were gradually + compelled to part with every remnant of the property which they + had secured from the ruins of their fortunes; so that when they + arrived, after various adventures, at Scelestat, in Alsace, they + were literally without the common means of subsistence. Famine + and the sword had, by this time, thinned their ranks, but had not + diminished their spirit, as the following narrative of their last + exploit will show:—</p> + + <p>"In December 1697, General Stirk, who commanded for the + Germans, appeared with 16,000 men on the other side of the Rhine, + which obliged the Marquis de Sell to draw out all the garrisons + in Alsace, who made up about 4000 men; and he encamped on the + other side of the Rhine, over against General Stirk, to prevent + his passing the Rhine and carrying a bridge over into an island + in the middle of it, which the French foresaw would be of great + prejudice to them. For the enemy's guns, placed on that island, + would extremely gall their camp, which they could not hinder for + the deepness of the water and their wanting of boats—for + which the Marquis quickly sent; but arriving too late, the + Germans had carried a bridge over into the island, where they had + posted above five hundred men, who, by order of their engineers, + intrenched themselves: which the company of officers perceiving, + who always grasped after honour, and scorned all thoughts of + danger, resolved to wade the river, and attack the Germans in the + island; and for that effect, desired Captain John Foster, who + then commanded them, to beg of the Marquis that they might have + liberty to attack the Germans in the island; who told Captain + Foster, when the boats came up, they should be the first that + attacked. Foster courteously thanked the Marquis, and told him + they would wade into the island, who shrunk up his shoulders, + prayed God to bless them, and desired them to do what they + pleased." Whereupon the officers, with the other two Scottish + companies, made themselves ready; and having secured their arms + round their necks, waded into the river hand-in-hand, "according + to the Highland fashion," with the water as high as their + breasts; and having crossed the heavy stream, fell upon the + Germans in their intrenchment. These were presently thrown into + confusion, and retreated, breaking down their own bridges, whilst + many of them were drowned. This movement, having been made in the + dusk of the evening, partook of the character of a surprise; but + it appears to me a very remarkable one, as having been effected + under such circumstances, in the dead of winter, and in the face + of an enemy who possessed the advantages both of position and of + numerical superiority. The author of the narrative + adds:—"When the Marquis de Sell heard the firing, and + understood that the Germans were beat out of the island, he made + the sign of the cross on his face and breast, and declared + publicly, that it was the bravest action that ever he saw, and + that his army had no honour by it. As soon as the boats came, the + Marquis sent into the island to acquaint the officers that he + would send them both troops and provisions, who thanked his + Excellency, and desired he should be informed that they wanted no + troops, and could not spare time to make use of provisions, and + only desired spades, shovels, and pickaxes, wherewith they might + intrench themselves—which were immediately sent to them. + The next morning, the Marquis came into the island, and kindly + embraced every officer, and thanked them for the good service + they had done his master, assuring them he would write a true + account of their honour and bravery to the Court of France, + which, at the reading his letters, immediately went to St. + Germains, and thanked King James for the services his subjects + had done on the Rhine."</p> + + <p>The company kept possession of the island for nearly six + weeks, notwithstanding repeated attempts on the part of the + Germans to surprise and dislodge them; but all these having been + defeated by the extreme watchfulness of the Scots, General Stirk + at length drew off his army and retreated. "In consequence of + this action," says the chronicler, "that island is called at + present Isle d'Ecosse, and will in likelihood bear that name + until the general conflagration."</p> + + <p>Two years afterwards, a treaty of peace was concluded; and + this gallant company of soldiers, worthy of a better fate, was + broken up and dispersed. At the time when the narrative, from + which I have quoted so freely, was compiled, not more than + sixteen of Dundee's veterans were alive. The author concludes + thus,—"And thus was dissolved one of the best companies + that ever marched under command! Gentlemen, who, in the midst of + all their pressures and obscurity, never forgot they were + gentlemen; and whom the sweets of a brave, a just, and honourable + conscience, rendered perhaps more happy under those sufferings, + than the most prosperous and triumphant in iniquity, since our + minds stamp our happiness."</p> + + <p>Some years ago, while visiting the ancient Scottish convent at + Ratisbon, my attention was drawn to the monumental inscriptions + on the walls of the dormitory, many of which bear reference to + gentlemen of family and distinction, whose political principles + had involved them in the troubles of 1688, 1715, and 1745. + Whether the cloister which now holds their dust had afforded them + a shelter in the later years of their misfortunes, I know not; + but for one that is so commemorated, hundreds of the exiles must + have passed away in obscurity, buried in the field on which they + fell, or carried from the damp vaults of the military hospital to + the trench, without any token of remembrance, or any other wish + beyond that which the minstrels have ascribed to one of the + greatest of our olden heroes—</p> + <pre> + "Oh bury me by the bracken bush, + Beneath the blooming brier: + Let never living mortal ken + That a kindly Scot lies here!" +</pre> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-2"><!-- Note Anchor 2 --></a>[Footnote 2: <i>An + account of Dundee's Officers after they went to France</i>. By an + Officer of the Army. London, 1714.]</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_15"><!-- RULE4 15 --></a> + + <h2>THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The Rhine is running deep and red,</p> + + <p class="i2">The island lies before—</p> + + <p>"Now is there one of all the host</p> + + <p class="i2">Will dare to venture o'er?</p> + + <p>For not alone the river's sweep</p> + + <p class="i2">Might make a brave man quail:</p> + + <p>The foe are on the further side,</p> + + <p class="i2">Their shot comes fast as hail.</p> + + <p>God help us, if the middle isle</p> + + <p class="i2">We may not hope to win!</p> + + <p>Now, is there any of the host</p> + + <p class="i2">Will dare to venture in?"</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The ford is deep, the banks are steep,</p> + + <p class="i2">The island-shore lies wide:</p> + + <p>Nor man nor horse could stem its force,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or reach the further side.</p> + + <p>See there! amidst the willow boughs</p> + + <p class="i2">The serried bayonets gleam;</p> + + <p>They've flung their bridge—they've won the isle;</p> + + <p class="i2">The foe have crossed the stream!</p> + + <p>Their volley flashes sharp and strong—</p> + + <p class="i2">By all the Saints, I trow,</p> + + <p>There never yet was soldier born</p> + + <p class="i2">Could force that passage now!"</p> + </div> + + <p>III</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So spoke the bold French Mareschal</p> + + <p class="i2">With him who led the van,</p> + + <p>Whilst rough and red before their view</p> + + <p class="i2">The turbid river ran.</p> + + <p>Nor bridge nor boat had they to cross</p> + + <p class="i2">The wild and swollen Rhine,</p> + + <p>And thundering on the other bank</p> + + <p class="i2">Far stretched the German line.</p> + + <p>Hard by there stood a swarthy man</p> + + <p class="i2">Was leaning on his sword,</p> + + <p>And a saddened smile lit up his face</p> + + <p class="i2">As he heard the Captain's word.</p> + + <p>"I've seen a wilder stream ere now</p> + + <p class="i2">Than that which rushes there;</p> + + <p>I've stemmed a heavier torrent yet</p> + + <p class="i2">And never thought to dare.</p> + + <p>If German steel be sharp and keen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Is ours not strong and true?</p> + + <p>There may be danger in the deed,</p> + + <p class="i2">But there is honour too."</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The old lord in his saddle turned,</p> + + <p class="i2">And hastily he said—</p> + + <p>"Hath bold Dugueselin's fiery heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Awakened from the dead?</p> + + <p>Thou art the leader of the Scots—</p> + + <p class="i2">Now well and sure I know,</p> + + <p>That gentle blood in dangerous hour</p> + + <p class="i2">Ne'er yet ran cold nor slow,</p> + + <p>And I have seen ye in the fight</p> + + <p class="i2">Do all that mortal may:</p> + + <p>If honour is the boon ye seek</p> + + <p class="i2">It may be won this day.</p> + + <p>The prize is in the middle isle,</p> + + <p class="i2">There lies the venturous way;</p> + + <p>And armies twain are on the plain,</p> + + <p class="i2">The daring deed to see—</p> + + <p>Now ask thy gallant company</p> + + <p class="i2">If they will follow thee!"</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Right gladsome looked the Captain then,</p> + + <p class="i2">And nothing did he say,</p> + + <p>But he turned him to his little band—</p> + + <p class="i2">Oh few, I ween, were they!</p> + + <p>The relics of the bravest force</p> + + <p class="i2">That ever fought in fray.</p> + + <p>No one of all that company</p> + + <p class="i2">But bore a gentle name,</p> + + <p>Not one whose fathers had not stood</p> + + <p class="i2">In Scotland's fields of fame.</p> + + <p>All they had marched with great Dundee</p> + + <p class="i2">To where he fought and fell,</p> + + <p>And in the deadly battle-strife</p> + + <p class="i2">Had venged their leader well;</p> + + <p>And they had bent the knee to earth</p> + + <p class="i2">When every eye was dim,</p> + + <p>As o'er their hero's buried corpse</p> + + <p class="i2">They sang the funeral hymn;</p> + + <p>And they had trod the Pass once more,</p> + + <p class="i2">And stooped on either side</p> + + <p>To pluck the heather from the spot</p> + + <p class="i2">Where he had dropped and died;</p> + + <p>And they had bound it next their hearts,</p> + + <p class="i2">And ta'en a last farewell</p> + + <p>Of Scottish earth and Scottish sky,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where Scotland's glory fell.</p> + + <p>Then went they forth to foreign lands</p> + + <p class="i2">Like bent and broken men,</p> + + <p>Who leave their dearest hope behind,</p> + + <p class="i2">And may not turn again!</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The stream," he said, "is broad and deep,</p> + + <p class="i2">And stubborn is the foe—</p> + + <p>Yon island-strength is guarded well—</p> + + <p class="i2">Say, brothers, will ye go?</p> + + <p>From home and kin for many a year</p> + + <p class="i2">Our steps have wandered wide,</p> + + <p>And never may our bones be laid</p> + + <p class="i2">Our fathers' graves beside.</p> + + <p>No sisters have we to lament,</p> + + <p class="i2">No wives to wail our fall;</p> + + <p>The traitor's and the spoiler's hand</p> + + <p class="i2">Have reft our hearths of all.</p> + + <p>But we have hearts, and we have arms</p> + + <p class="i2">As strong to will and dare</p> + + <p>As when our ancient banners flew</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the northern air.</p> + + <p>Come, brothers; let me name a spell</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall rouse your souls again,</p> + + <p>And send the old blood bounding free</p> + + <p class="i2">Through pulse, and heart, and vein!</p> + + <p>Call back the days of bygone years—</p> + + <p class="i2">Be young and strong once more;</p> + + <p>Think yonder stream, so stark and red,</p> + + <p class="i2">Is one we've crossed before.</p> + + <p>Rise, hill and glen! rise, crag and wood!</p> + + <p class="i2">Rise up on either hand—</p> + + <p>Again upon the Garry's banks,</p> + + <p class="i2">On Scottish soil we stand!</p> + + <p>Again I see the tartans wave,</p> + + <p class="i2">Again the trumpets ring;</p> + + <p>Again I hear our leader's call—</p> + + <p class="i2">'Upon them, for the King!'</p> + + <p>Stayed we behind that glorious day</p> + + <p class="i2">For roaring flood or linn?</p> + + <p>The soul of Græme is with us still—</p> + + <p class="i2">Now, brothers! will ye in?"</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No stay—no pause. With one accord</p> + + <p class="i2">They grasped each others' hand,</p> + + <p>And plunged into the angry flood,</p> + + <p class="i2">That bold and dauntless band.</p> + + <p>High flew the spray above their heads,</p> + + <p class="i2">Yet onward still they bore,</p> + + <p>Midst cheer, and shout, and answering yell,</p> + + <p class="i2">And shot and cannon roar.</p> + + <p>"Now by the Holy Cross! I swear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Since earth and sea began</p> + + <p>Was never such a daring deed</p> + + <p class="i2">Essayed by mortal man!"</p> + </div> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thick blew the smoke across the stream,</p> + + <p class="i2">And faster flashed the flame:</p> + + <p>The water plashed in hissing jets</p> + + <p class="i2">As ball and bullet came.</p> + + <p>Yet onwards pushed the Cavaliers</p> + + <p class="i2">All stern and undismayed,</p> + + <p>With thousand armèd foes before,</p> + + <p class="i2">And none behind to aid.</p> + + <p>Once, as they neared the middle stream,</p> + + <p class="i2">So strong the torrent swept,</p> + + <p>That scarce that long and living wall,</p> + + <p class="i2">Their dangerous footing kept.</p> + + <p>Then rose a warning cry behind,</p> + + <p class="i2">A joyous shout before:</p> + + <p>"The current's strong—the way is long—</p> + + <p class="i2">They'll never reach the shore!</p> + + <p>See, see! They stagger in the midst,</p> + + <p class="i2">They waver in their line!</p> + + <p>Fire on the madmen! break their ranks,</p> + + <p class="i2">And whelm them in the Rhine!"</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Have you seen the tall trees swaying</p> + + <p class="i2">When the blast is piping shrill,</p> + + <p>And the whirlwind reels in fury</p> + + <p class="i2">Down the gorges of the hill?</p> + + <p>How they toss their mighty branches,</p> + + <p class="i2">Striving with the tempest's shock;</p> + + <p>How they keep their place of vantage,</p> + + <p class="i2">Cleaving firmly to the rock?</p> + + <p>Even so the Scottish warriors</p> + + <p class="i2">Held their own against the river;</p> + + <p>Though the water flashed around them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not an eye was seen to quiver;</p> + + <p>Though the shot flew sharp and deadly,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not a man relaxed his hold:</p> + + <p>For their hearts were big and thrilling</p> + + <p class="i2">With the mighty thoughts of old.</p> + + <p>One word was spoke among them,</p> + + <p class="i2">And through the ranks it spread—</p> + + <p>"Remember our dead Claverhouse!"</p> + + <p class="i2">Was all the Captain said.</p> + + <p>Then, sternly bending forward,</p> + + <p class="i2">They struggled on awhile,</p> + + <p>Until they cleared the heavy stream,</p> + + <p class="i2">Then rushed towards the isle.</p> + </div> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The German heart is stout and true,</p> + + <p class="i2">The German arm is strong;</p> + + <p>The German foot goes seldom back</p> + + <p class="i2">Where armèd foemen throng.</p> + + <p>But never had they faced in field</p> + + <p class="i2">So stern a charge before,</p> + + <p>And never had they felt the sweep</p> + + <p class="i2">Of Scotland's broad claymore.</p> + + <p>Not fiercer pours the avalanche</p> + + <p class="i2">Adown the steep incline,</p> + + <p>That rises o'er the parent springs</p> + + <p class="i2">Of rough and rapid Rhine—</p> + + <p>Scarce swifter shoots the bolt from heaven</p> + + <p class="i2">Than came the Scottish band,</p> + + <p>Right up against the guarded trench,</p> + + <p class="i2">And o'er it, sword in hand.</p> + + <p>In vain their leaders forward press—</p> + + <p class="i2">They meet the deadly brand!</p> + + <p>O lonely island of the Rhine,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where seed was never sown,</p> + + <p>What harvest lay upon thy sands,</p> + + <p class="i2">By those strong reapers thrown?</p> + + <p>What saw the winter moon that night,</p> + + <p class="i2">As, struggling through the rain,</p> + + <p>She poured a wan and fitful light</p> + + <p class="i2">On marsh, and stream, and plain?</p> + + <p>A dreary spot with corpses strewn,</p> + + <p class="i2">And bayonets glistening round;</p> + + <p>A broken bridge, a stranded boat,</p> + + <p class="i2">A bare and battered mound;</p> + + <p>And one huge watch-fire's kindled pile,</p> + + <p class="i2">That sent its quivering glare</p> + + <p>To tell the leaders of the host</p> + + <p class="i2">The conquering Scots were there!</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And did they twine the laurel-wreath</p> + + <p class="i2">For those who fought so well?</p> + + <p>And did they honour those who lived,</p> + + <p class="i2">And weep for those who fell?</p> + + <p>What meed of thanks was given to them</p> + + <p class="i2">Let aged annals tell.</p> + + <p>Why should they twine the laurel-wreath—</p> + + <p class="i2">Why crown the cup with wine?</p> + + <p>It was not Frenchman's blood that flowed</p> + + <p class="i2">So freely on the Rhine—</p> + + <p>A stranger band of beggared men</p> + + <p class="i2">Had done the venturous deed:</p> + + <p>The glory was to France alone,</p> + + <p class="i2">The danger was their meed.</p> + + <p>And what cared they for idle thanks</p> + + <p class="i2">From foreign prince and peer?</p> + + <p>What virtue had such honeyed words</p> + + <p class="i2">The exiles' hearts to cheer?</p> + + <p>What mattered it that men should vaunt,</p> + + <p class="i2">And loud and fondly swear,</p> + + <p>That higher feat of chivalry</p> + + <p class="i2">Was never wrought elsewhere?</p> + + <p>They bore within their breasts the grief</p> + + <p class="i2">That fame can never heal—</p> + + <p>The deep, unutterable woe</p> + + <p class="i2">Which none save exiles feel.</p> + + <p>Their hearts were yearning for the land</p> + + <p class="i2">They ne'er might see again—</p> + + <p>For Scotland's high and heathered hills,</p> + + <p class="i2">For mountain, loch, and glen—</p> + + <p>For those who haply lay at rest</p> + + <p class="i2">Beyond the distant sea,</p> + + <p>Beneath the green and daisied turf</p> + + <p class="i2">Where they would gladly be!</p> + </div> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Long years went by. The lonely isle</p> + + <p class="i2">In Rhine's impetuous flood</p> + + <p>Has ta'en another name from those</p> + + <p class="i2">Who bought it with their blood:</p> + + <p>And though the legend does not live,</p> + + <p class="i2">For legends lightly die,</p> + + <p>The peasant, as he sees the stream</p> + + <p class="i2">In winter rolling by,</p> + + <p>And foaming o'er its channel-bed</p> + + <p class="i2">Between him and the spot</p> + + <p>Won by the warriors of the sword,</p> + + <p>Still calls that deep and dangerous ford</p> + + <p class="i2">The Passage of the Scot.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_16"><!-- RULE4 16 --></a> + + <h2>CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES</h2> + + <p>Though the sceptre had departed from the House of Stuart, it + was reserved for one of its last descendants to prove to the + world, by his personal gallantry and noble spirit of enterprise, + that he at least had not degenerated from his royal line of + ancestors. The daring effort of Charles Edward to recover the + crown of these kingdoms for his father, is to us the most + remarkable incident of the last century. It was honourable alike + to the Prince and to those who espoused his cause; and, even in a + political point of view, the outbreak ought not to be deplored, + since its failure put an end for ever to the dynastical struggle + which, for more than half a century, had agitated the whole of + Britain, established the rule of law and of social order + throughout the mountainous districts of Scotland, and blended + Celt and Saxon into one prosperous and united people. It was + better that the antiquated system of clanship should have expired + in a blaze of glory, than gradually dwindled into contempt; + better that the patriarchal rule should at once have been + extinguished by the dire catastrophe of Culloden, than that it + should have lingered on, the shadow of an old tradition. There is + nothing now to prevent us from dwelling with pride and admiration + on the matchless devotion displayed by the Highlanders, in 1745, + in behalf of the heir of him whom they acknowledged as their + lawful king. No feeling can arise to repress the interest and the + sympathy which is excited by the perusal of the tale narrating + the sufferings of the princely wanderer. That un-bought loyalty + and allegiance of the heart, which would not depart from its + constancy until the tomb of the Vatican had closed upon the last + of the Stuart line, has long since been transferred to the + constitutional sovereign of these realms; and the enthusiastic + welcome which has so often greeted the return of Queen Victoria + to her Highland home, owes its origin to a deeper feeling than + that dull respect which modern liberalism asserts to be the only + tribute due to the first magistrate of the land.</p> + + <p>The campaign of 1745 yields in romantic interest to none which + is written in history. A young and inexperienced prince, whose + person was utterly unknown to any of his adherents, landed on the + west coast of Scotland, not at the head of a foreign force, not + munimented with supplies and arms, but accompanied by a mere + handful of followers, and ignorant of the language of the people + amongst whom he was hazarding his person. His presence in + Scotland had not been urged by the chiefs of the clans, most of + whom were deeply averse to embarking in an enterprise which must + involve them in a war with so powerful an antagonist as England, + and which, if unsuccessful, could only terminate in the utter + ruin of their fortunes. This was not a cause in which the whole + of Scotland was concerned. Although it was well known that many + leading families in the Lowlands entertained Jacobite opinions, + and although a large proportion of the common people had not yet + become reconciled to, or satisfied of, the advantages of the + Union, by which they considered themselves dishonoured and + betrayed, it was hardly to be expected that, without some fair + guarantee for success, the bulk of the Scottish nation would + actively bestir themselves on the side of the exiled family. + Besides this, even amongst the Highlanders there was not + unanimity of opinion. The three northern clans of Sutherland, + Mackay, and Monro, were known to be staunch supporters of the + Government. It was doubtful what part might be taken in the + struggle by those of Mackenzie and Ross. The chiefs of Skye, who + could have brought a large force of armed men into the field, had + declined participating in the attempt. The assistance of Lord + Lovat, upon whom the co-operation of the Frasers might depend, + could not be calculated on with certainty; and nothing but + hostility could be expected from the powerful sept of the + Campbells. Under such circumstances, it is little wonder if + Cameron of Locheill, the most sagacious of all the chieftains who + favoured the Stuart cause, was struck with consternation and + alarm at the news of the Prince's landing, or that he attempted + to persuade him from undertaking an adventure so seemingly + hopeless. Mr. Robert Chambers, in his admirable history of that + period, does not in the least exaggerate the importance of the + interview, on the result of which the prosecution of the war + depended. "On arriving at Borrodale, Locheill had a private + interview with the Prince, in which the probabilities of the + enterprise were anxiously debated. Charles used every argument to + excite the loyalty of Locheill, and the chief exerted all his + eloquence to persuade the Prince to withdraw till a better + opportunity. Charles represented the present as the best possible + opportunity, seeing that the French general kept the British army + completely engaged abroad, while at home there were no troops but + one or two newly-raised regiments. He expressed his confidence + that a small body of Highlanders would be sufficient to gain a + victory over all the force that could now be brought against him; + and he was equally sure that such an advantage was all that was + required to make his friends at home declare in his favour, and + cause those abroad to send him assistance. All he wanted was that + the Highlanders should begin the war. Locheill still resisted, + entreating Charles to be more temperate, and consent to remain + concealed where he was, till his friends should meet together and + concert what was best to be done. Charles, whose mind was wound + up to the utmost pitch of impatience, paid no regard to this + proposal, but answered that he was determined to put all to the + hazard. 'In a few days,' said he, 'with the few friends I have, I + will raise the royal standard, and proclaim to the people of + Britain that Charles Stuart is come over to claim the crown of + his ancestors—to win it, or to perish in the attempt! + Locheill—who, my father has often told me, was our firmest + friend—may stay at home, and learn from the newspapers the + fate of his Prince!' 'No!' said Locheill, stung by so poignant a + reproach, and hurried away by the enthusiasm of the moment; 'I + will share the fate of my Prince, and so shall every man over + whom nature or fortune has given me any power.' Such was the + juncture upon which depended the civil war of 1745; for it is a + point agreed, says Mr. Home, who narrates this conversation, that + if Locheill had persisted in his refusal to take arms, no other + chief would have joined the standard, and the spark of rebellion + must have been instantly extinguished." Not more than twelve + hundred men were assembled in Glenfinnan on the day when the + standard was unfurled by the Marquis of Tullibardine, and, at the + head of this mere handful of followers, Charles Edward commenced + the stupendous enterprise of reconquering the dominions of his + fathers.</p> + + <p>With a force which, at the battle of Preston, did not double + the above numbers, the Prince descended upon the Lowlands, having + baffled the attempts of General Cope to intercept his + march—occupied the city of Perth and the town of Dundee, + and finally, after a faint show of resistance on the part of the + burghers, took possession of the ancient capital of Scotland, and + once more established a court in the halls of Holyrood. His + youth, his gallantry, and the grace and beauty of his person, + added to a most winning and affable address, acquired for him the + sympathy of many who, from political motives, abstained from + becoming his adherents. Possibly certain feelings of nationality, + which no deliberate views of civil or religious policy could + altogether extirpate, led such men to regard, with a sensation + akin to pride, the spectacle of a prince descended from the long + line of Scottish kings, again occupying his ancestral seat, and + restoring to their country, which had been utterly neglected by + the new dynasty, a portion of its former state. No doubt a sense + of pity for the probable fate of one so young and chivalrous was + often present to their minds, for they had thorough confidence in + the intrepidity of the regular troops, and in the capacity of + their commander; and they never for a moment supposed that these + could be successfully encountered by a raw levy of undisciplined + Highlanders, ill-armed and worse equipped, and without the + support of any artillery.</p> + + <p>The issue of the battle of Prestonpans struck Edinburgh with + amazement. In point of numbers the two armies were nearly equal, + but in every thing else, save personal valour, the royal troops + had the advantage. And yet, <i>in four minutes</i>—for the + battle is said not to have lasted longer—the Highlanders + having only made one terrific and impetuous charge—the rout + of the regulars was general. The infantry was broken and cut to + pieces; the dragoons, who behaved shamefully on the occasion, + turned bridle and fled, without having once crossed swords with + the enemy. Mr. Chambers thus terminates his account of the + action: "The general result of the battle of Preston may be + stated as having been the total overthrow and almost entire + destruction of the royal army. Most of the infantry, falling upon + the park walls of Preston, were there huddled together, without + the power of resistance, into a confused drove, and had either to + surrender or to be cut to pieces. Many, in vainly attempting to + climb over the walls, fell an easy prey to the ruthless claymore. + Nearly 400, it is said, were thus slain, 700 taken, while only + about 170 in all succeeded in effecting their escape.</p> + + <p>"The dragoons, with worse conduct, were much more fortunate. + In falling back, they had the good luck to find outlets from + their respective positions by the roads which ran along the + various extremities of the park wall, and they thus got clear + through the village with little slaughter; after which, as the + Highlanders had no horse to pursue them, they were safe. Several + officers, among whom were Fowkes and Lascelles, escaped to + Cockenzie and along Seton Sands, in a direction contrary to the + general flight.</p> + + <p>"The unfortunate Cope had attempted, at the first break of + Gardiner's dragoons, to stop and rally them, but was borne + headlong, with the confused bands, through the narrow road to the + south of the enclosures, notwithstanding all his efforts to the + contrary. On getting beyond the village, where he was joined by + the retreating bands of the other regiment, he made one anxious + effort, with the Earls of Loudoun and Home, to form and bring + them back to charge the enemy, now disordered by the pursuit; but + in vain. They fled on, ducking their heads along their horses' + necks to escape the bullets which the pursuers occasionally sent + after them. By using great exertions, and holding pistols to the + heads of the troopers, Sir John and a few of his officers induced + a small number of them to halt in a field near St. Clement's + Wells, about two miles from the battle-ground. But, after a + momentary delay, the accidental firing of a pistol renewed the + panic, and they rode off once more in great disorder. Sir John + Cope, with a portion of them, reached Channelkirk at an early + hour in the forenoon, and there halted to breakfast, and to write + a brief note to one of the state-officers, relating the fate of + the day. He then resumed his flight, and reached Coldstream that + night. Next morning he proceeded to Berwick, whose fortifications + seemed competent to give the security he required. He everywhere + brought the first tidings of his own defeat."</p> + + <p>This victory operated very much in favour of Prince Charles. + It secured him, for a season, the undisputed possession of + Scotland, and enabled numerous adherents from all parts of the + country to raise such forces as they could command, and to repair + to his banner. His popularity in Edinburgh daily increased, as + the qualities of his person and mind became known; and such + testimony as the following, with respect to his estimation by the + fair sex, and the devotion they exhibited in his cause, is not + overcharged. "His affability and great personal grace wrought him + high favour with the ladies, who, as we learn from, the letters + of President Forbes, became generally so zealous in his cause, as + to have some serious effect in inducing their admirers to declare + for the Prince. There was, we know for certain, a Miss Lumsden, + who plainly told her lover, a young artist, named Robert Strange, + that he might think no more of her unless he should immediately + join Prince Charles, and thus actually prevailed upon him to take + up arms. It may be added that he survived the enterprise, escaped + with great difficulty, and married the lady. He was afterwards + the best line-engraver of his time, and received the honour of + knighthood from George III. White ribbons and breastknots became + at this time conspicuous articles of female attire in private + assemblies. The ladies also showed considerable zeal in + contributing plate and other articles for the use of the + Chevalier at the palace, and in raising pecuniary subsidies for + him. Many a posset-dish and snuff-box, many a treasured necklace + and repeater, many a jewel which had adorned its successive + generations of family beauties, was at this time sold or laid in + pledge, to raise a little money for the service of Prince + Charlie."</p> + + <p>As to the motives and intended policy of this remarkable and + unfortunate young man, it may be interesting to quote the terms + of the proclamation which he issued on the 10th October, 1745, + before commencing his march into England. Let his history be + impartially read, his character, as spoken to by those who knew + him best, fairly noted, and I think there cannot be a doubt that, + had he succeeded in his daring attempt, he would have been true + to the letter of his word, and fulfilled a pledge which Britain + never more required than at the period when that document was + penned:—</p> + + <p>"Do not the pulpits and congregations of the clergy, as well + as your weekly papers, ring with the dreadful threats of popery, + slavery, tyranny, and arbitrary power, which are now ready to be + imposed upon you by the formidable powers of France and Spain? Is + not my royal father represented as a bloodthirsty tyrant, + breathing out nothing but destruction to all who will not + immediately embrace an odious religion? Or have I myself been + better used? But listen only to the naked truth.</p> + + <p>"I, with my own money, hired a small vessel. Ill-supplied with + money, arms, or friends, I arrived in Scotland, attended by seven + persons. I publish the King my father's declaration, and proclaim + his title, with pardon in one hand, and in the other liberty of + conscience, and the most solemn promises to grant whatever a free + Parliament shall propose for the happiness of a people. I have, I + confess, the greatest reason to adore the goodness of Almighty + God, who has in so remarkable a manner protected me and my small + army through the many dangers to which we were at first exposed, + and who has led me in the way to victory, and to the capital of + this ancient kingdom, amidst the acclamations of the King my + father's subjects. Why, then, is so much pains taken to spirit up + the minds of the people against this my undertaking?</p> + + <p>"The reason is obvious; it is, lest the real sense of the + nation's present sufferings should blot out the remembrance of + past misfortunes, and of the outcries formerly raised against the + royal family. Whatever miscarriages might have given occasion to + them, they have been more than atoned for since; and the nation + has now an opportunity of being secured against the like in + future.</p> + + <p>"That our family has suffered exile during these fifty-seven + years everybody knows. Has the nation, during that period of + time, been the more happy and flourishing for it? Have you found + reason to love and cherish your governors as the fathers of the + people of Great Britain and Ireland? Has a family, upon whom a + faction unlawfully bestowed the diadem of a rightful prince, + retained a due sense of so great a trust and favour? Have you + found more humanity and condescension in those who were not born + to a crown, than in my royal forefathers? Have their ears been + open to the cries of the people? Have they, or do they consider + only the interests of these nations? Have you reaped any other + benefit from them than an immense load of debt? If I am answered + in the affirmative, why has their government been so often railed + at in all your public assemblies? Why has the nation been so long + crying out in vain for redress against the abuse of Parliaments, + upon account of their long duration, the multitude of placemen, + which occasions their venality, the introduction of penal laws, + and, in general, against the miserable situation of the kingdom + at home and abroad? All these, and many more inconveniences, must + now be removed, unless the people of Great Britain be already so + far corrupted that they will not accept of freedom when offered + to them, seeing the King, on his restoration, will refuse nothing + that a free Parliament can ask for the security of the religion, + laws, and liberty of his people.</p> + + <p>"It is now time to conclude; and I shall do it with this + reflection. Civil wars are ever attended with rancour and + ill-will, which party rage never fails to produce in the minds of + those whom different interests, principles or views, set in + opposition to one another. I, therefore, earnestly require it of + my friends to give as little loose as possible to such passions: + this will prove the most effectual means to prevent the same in + the enemies of my royal cause. And this my declaration will + vindicate to all posterity the nobleness of my undertaking, and + the generosity of my intentions."</p> + + <p>There was much truth in the open charges preferred in this + declaration against the existing government. The sovereigns of + the house of Hanover had always shown a marked predilection for + their Continental possessions, and had proportionally neglected + the affairs of Britain. Under Walpole's administration the + imperial Parliament had degenerated from an independent assembly + to a junta of placemen, and the most flagitious system of bribery + was openly practised and avowed. It was not without reason that + Charles contrasted the state of the nation then, with its + position when under the rule of the legitimate family; and had + there not been a strong, though, I think, unreasonable suspicion + in the minds of many, that his success would be the prelude to a + vigorous attack upon the established religions of the country, + and that he would be inclined to follow out in this respect the + fatal policy of his grandfather, Charles would in all probability + have received a more active and general support than was accorded + to him. The zeal with which the Episcopalian party in Scotland + espoused his cause, naturally gave rise to the idea that the + attempt of the Prince was of evil omen to Presbytery; and the + settlement of the Church upon its present footing was yet so + recent, that the sores of the old feud were still festering and + green. The established clergy, therefore, were, nearly to a man, + opposed to his pretensions; and one minister of Edinburgh, at the + time when the Highland host was in possession of the city, had + the courage to conclude his prayer nearly in the following + terms—"Bless the king; Thou knows what king I + mean—may his crown long sit easy on his head. And as to + this young man who has come among us to seek an earthly crown, we + beseech Thee in mercy to take him to Thyself, and give him a + crown of glory!" At the same time, it is very curious to observe, + that the most violent sect of Presbyterians, who might be + considered as the representatives of the extreme Cameronian + principle, and who had early seceded from the Church, and + bitterly opposed the union of the kingdoms, were not indisposed, + on certain terms, to coalesce with the Jacobites. It is hardly + possible to understand the motives which actuated these men, who + appear to have regarded each successive government as equally + obnoxious. Some writers go the length of averring that, in 1688, + a negociation was opened by one section of the Covenanters with + Lord Dundee, with the object of resistance to the usurpation of + William of Orange, and that the project was frustrated only by + the death of that heroic nobleman. Sir Walter Scott—a great + authority—seems to have been convinced that such was the + case; but, in the absence of direct proof, I can hardly credit + it. It is perfectly well known that a conspiracy was formed by a + certain section of the Cameronian party to assassinate Lords + Dundee and Dunfermline whilst in attendance at the meeting of + Estates; and, although the recognition of William as king might + not have been palatable to others who held the same opinions, it + would be a strange thing if they had so suddenly resolved to + assist Dundee in his efforts for the exiled family. But the + political changes in Scotland, more especially the union, seem to + have inspired some of these men with a spirit of disaffection to + the government; for, according to Mr. Chambers, the most rigid + sect of Presbyterians had, since the revolution, expressed a + strong desire to coalesce with the Jacobites, with the hope, in + case the house of Stuart were restored, to obtain what they + called a covenanted king. Of this sect one thousand had assembled + in Dumfriesshire at the first intelligence of the insurrection, + bearing arms and colours, and supposed to contemplate a junction + with the Chevalier. But these religionists were now almost as + violently distinct from the Established Church of Scotland as + ever they had been from those of England and Rome, and had long + ceased to play a prominent part in the national disputes. The + Established clergy, and the greater part of their congregations, + were averse to Charles upon considerations perfectly moderate, at + the same time not easy to be shaken.</p> + + <p>On commencing his march into England, Charles found himself at + the head of an army of between five thousand and six thousand + men, which force was considered strong enough, with the + augmentations it might receive on the way, to effect the + occupation of London. Had the English Jacobites performed their + part with the same zeal as the Scots, it is more than probable + that the attempt would have been crowned with success. As it was, + the Prince succeeded in reducing the strong fortified town of + Carlisle, and in marching, without opposition, through the heart + of England, as far as Derby, within one hundred miles of the + metropolis. But here his better genius deserted him. Discord had + crept into his councils; for some of the chiefs became seriously + alarmed at finding that the gentry of England were not prepared + to join the expedition, but preferred remaining at home inactive + spectators of the contest. Except at Manchester, they had + received few or no recruits. No tidings had reached them from + Wales, a country supposed to be devoted to the cause of King + James, whilst it was well known that a large force was already in + arms to oppose the clans. Mr. Chambers gives us the following + details. "At a council of war held on the morning of the 5th + December, Lord George Murray and the other members gave it as + their unanimous opinion that the army ought to return to + Scotland. Lord George pointed out that they were about to be + environed by three armies, amounting collectively to about thirty + thousand men, while their own forces were not above five + thousand, if so many. Supposing an unsuccessful engagement with + any of these armies, it could not be expected that one man would + escape, for the militia would beset every road. The Prince, if + not slain in the battle, must fall into the enemy's hands: the + whole world would blame them as fools for running into such a + risk. Charles answered, that he regarded not his own danger. He + pressed, with all the force of argument, to go forward. He did + not doubt, he said, that the justice of his cause would prevail. + He was hopeful that there might be a defection in the enemy's + army, and that many would declare for him. He was so very bent on + putting all to the risk, that the Duke of Perth was for it, since + his Royal Highness was. At last he proposed going to Wales + instead of returning to Carlisle; but every other officer + declared his opinion for a retreat. These are nearly the words of + Lord George Murray. We are elsewhere told that the Prince + condescended to use entreaties to induce his adherents to alter + their resolution. 'Rather than go back,' he said, 'I would wish + to be twenty feet under ground!' His chagrin, when he found his + councillors obdurate, was beyond all bounds. The council broke + up, on the understanding that the retreat was to commence next + morning, Lord George volunteering to take the place of honour in + the rear, provided only that he should not be troubled with the + baggage."</p> + + <p>This resolution was received by the army with marks of + unequivocal vexation. Retreat, in their estimation, was little + less than overthrow; and it was most galling to find that, after + all their labours, hazards, and toils, they were doomed to + disappointment at the very moment when the prize seemed ready for + their grasp. That the movement was an injudicious one is, I + think, obvious. We are told, upon good authority, "that the very + boldness of the Prince's onward movement, especially taken into + connexion with the expected descent from France, had at length + disposed the English Jacobites to come out; and many were just on + the point of declaring themselves, and marching to join his army, + when the retreat from Derby was determined on. A Mr. Barry + arrived in Derby two days after the Prince left it, with a + message from Sir Watkin William Wynne and Lord Barrymore, to + assure him, in the names of many friends of the cause, that they + were ready to join him in what manner he pleased, either in the + capital, or every one to rise in his own county. I have likewise + been assured that many of the Welsh gentry had actually left + their homes, and were on the way to join Charles, when + intelligence of his retreat at once sent them all back peaceably, + convinced that it was now too late to contribute their + assistance. These men, from the power they had over their + tenantry, could have added materially to his military force. In + fact, from all that appears, we must conclude that the insurgents + had a very considerable chance of success from an onward + movement—also, no doubt, a chance of destruction, and yet + not worse than what ultimately befell many of them—while a + retreat broke in a moment the spell which their gallantry had + conjured up, and gave the enemy a great advantage over them."</p> + + <p>One victory more was accorded to Prince Charles, before his + final overthrow. After successfully conducting his retreat to + Scotland, occupying Glasgow, and strengthening his army by the + accession of new recruits, he gave battle to the royal forces + under General Hawley at Falkirk, and, as at Preston, drove them + from the field. The parties were on this occasion fairly matched, + there being about eight thousand men engaged on either side. The + action was short; and, though not so decisive as the former one, + gave great confidence to the insurgents. It has been thus + picturesquely portrayed by the historian of the enterprise: "Some + individuals, who beheld the battle from the steeple of Falkirk, + used to describe these, its main events, as occupying a + surprisingly brief space of time. They first saw the English army + enter the misty and storm-covered muir at the top of the hill; + then saw the dull atmosphere thickened by a fast-rolling smoke, + and heard the pealing sounds of the discharge; immediately after, + they beheld the discomfited troops burst wildly from the cloud in + which they had been involved, and rush, in far-spread disorder, + over the face of the hill. From the commencement of what they + styled 'the break of the battle,' there did not intervene more + than ten minutes—so soon may an efficient body of men + become, by one transient emotion of cowardice, a feeble and + contemptible rabble.</p> + + <p>"The rout would have been total, but for the three + out-flanking regiments. These not having been opposed by any of + the clans, having a ravine in front, and deriving some support + from a small body of dragoons, stood their ground under the + command of General Huske and Brigadier Cholmondley. When the + Highlanders went past in pursuit, they received a volley from + this part of the English army, which brought them to a pause, and + caused them to draw back to their former ground, their impression + being that some ambuscade was intended. This saved the English + army from destruction. A pause took place, during which the bulk + of the English infantry got back to Falkirk. It was not until + Lord George Murray brought up the second line of his wing and the + pickets, with some others on the other wing, that General Huske + drew off his party, which he did in good order."</p> + + <p>The seat of war was now removed to the North. The month of + April, 1746, found Prince Charles in possession of Inverness, + with an army sorely dwindled in numbers, and in great want of + necessaries and provisions. Many of the Highlanders had retired + for the winter to their native glens, and had not yet rejoined + the standard. The Duke of Cumberland, who now commanded the + English army, with a reputation not diminished by the unfortunate + issue of Fontenoy, was at the head of a large body of tried and + disciplined troops, in the best condition, and supported by the + powerful arm of artillery. He effected the passage of the Spey, a + large and rapid river which intersects the Highlands, without + encountering any opposition, and on the 15th of the month had + arrived at Nairn, about nine miles distant from the position + occupied by his kinsman and opponent. His superiority in point of + strength was so great that the boldest of the insurgent chiefs + hesitated as to the policy of giving immediate battle, and + nothing but the desire of covering Inverness prevented the + council from recommencing a further retreat into the mountains, + where they could not have been easily followed, and where they + were certain to have met with reinforcements. As to the Prince, + his confidence in the prowess of the Highlanders was so + unbounded, that, even with such odds against him, he would not + listen to a proposal for delay.</p> + + <p>There yet remained, says Mr. Chambers, before playing the + great stake of a pitched battle, one chance of success by the + irregular mode of warfare to which the army was accustomed, and + Charles resolved to put it to trial. This was a night-attack upon + the camp of the Duke of Cumberland. He rightly argued that if his + men could approach without being discovered, and make a + simultaneous attack in more than one place, the royal forces, + then probably either engaged in drinking their commander's health + (the 15th happened to be the anniversary of the Duke's birthday, + and was celebrated as such by his army), or sleeping off the + effects of the debauch, must be completely surprised and cut to + pieces, or at least effectually routed. The time appointed for + setting out upon the march was eight in the evening, when + daylight should have completely disappeared, and, in the mean + time, great pains were taken to conceal the secret from the + army.</p> + + <p>This resolution was entered into at three in the afternoon, + and orders were given to collect the men who had gone off in + search of provisions. The officers dispersed themselves to + Inverness and other places, and besought the stragglers to repair + to the muir. But, under the influence of hunger, they told their + commanders to shoot them, if they pleased, rather than compel + them to starve any longer. Charles had previously declared, with + his characteristic fervour, that though only a thousand of his + men should accompany him, he would lead them on to the attack, + and he was not now intimidated when he saw twice that number + ready to assist in the enterprise, though some of his officers + would willingly have made this deficiency of troops an excuse for + abandoning what they esteemed at best a hazardous expedition. + Having given out for watchword the name of his father, he + embraced Lord George Murray, who was to command the foremost + column, and, putting himself at the head of that which followed, + gave the order to march.</p> + + <p>The attempt proved peculiarly unfortunate, and, from the + fatigue which it occasioned to the Highlanders, contributed in a + great degree towards the disaster of the following day. The night + chanced to be uncommonly dark, and as it was well known that + Cumberland had stationed spies on the principal roads, it became + necessary to select a devious route, in order to effect a + surprise. The columns, proceeding over broken and irregular + ground, soon became scattered and dislocated: no exertions of the + officers could keep the men together, so that Lord George Murray + at two o'clock found that he was still distant three miles from + the hostile camp, and that there were no hopes of commencing the + attack before the break of day, when they would be open to the + observation of the enemy. Under these circumstances a retreat was + commenced; and the scheme, which at one time seemed to hold out + every probability of success, was abandoned.</p> + + <p>"The Highlanders returned, fatigued and disconsolate, to their + former position, about seven in the morning, when they + immediately addressed themselves to sleep, or went away in search + of provisions. So scarce was food at this critical juncture, that + the Prince himself, on retiring to Culloden House, could obtain + no better refreshment than a little bread and whisky. He felt the + utmost anxiety regarding his men, among whom the pangs of hunger, + upon bodies exhausted by fatigue, must have been working effects + most unpromising to his success; and he gave orders, before + seeking any repose, that the whole country should now be + mercilessly ransacked for the means of refreshment. His orders + were not without effect. Considerable supplies were procured, and + subjected to the cook's art at Inverness; but the poor famished + clansmen were destined never to taste these provisions, the hour + of battle arriving before they were prepared."</p> + + <p>About eleven in the forenoon, the troops of Cumberland were + observed upon the eastern extremity of the wide muir of Culloden, + and preparations were instantly made for the coming battle. The + army had been strengthened that morning by the arrival of the + Keppoch Macdonalds and a party of the Frasers; but even with + these reinforcements the whole available force which the Prince + could muster was about five thousand men, to oppose at fearful + odds an enemy twice as numerous, and heavily supported by + artillery. Fortune on this day seemed to have deserted the Prince + altogether. In drawing out the line of battle, a most unlucky + arrangement was made by O'Sullivan, who acted as adjutant, + whereby the Macdonald regiments were removed from the right + wing—the place which the great clan Colla has been + privileged to hold in Scottish array ever since the auspicious + battle of Bannockburn. To those who are not acquainted with the + peculiar temper and spirit of the Highlanders, and their + punctilio upon points of honour and precedence, the question of + arrangement will naturally appear a matter of little importance. + But it was not so felt by the Macdonalds, who considered their + change of position as a positive degradation, and who further + looked upon it as an evil omen to the success of the battle. The + results of this mistake will be explained immediately.</p> + + <p>Just before the commencement of the action, the weather, which + had hitherto been fair and sunny, became overcast, and a heavy + blast of rain and sleet beat directly in the faces of the + Highlanders. The English artillery then began to play upon them, + and, being admirably served, every discharge told with fearful + effect upon the ranks. The chief object of either party at the + battle of Culloden seems to have been to force its opponent to + leave his position, and to commence the attack. Cumberland, + finding that his artillery was doing such execution, had no + occasion to move; and Charles appears to have committed a great + error in abandoning a mode of warfare which was peculiarly suited + for his troops, and which, on two previous occasions, had proved + eminently successful. Had he at once ordered a general charge, + and attempted to silence the guns, the issue of the day might + have been otherwise: but his unfortunate star prevailed.</p> + + <p>"It was not," says Mr. Chambers, "till the cannonade had + continued nearly half an hour, and the Highlanders had seen many + of their kindred stretched upon the heath, that Charles at last + gave way to the necessity of ordering a charge. The aide-de-camp + intrusted to carry his message to the Lieutenant-general—a + youth of the name of Maclachlan—was killed by a cannon-ball + before he reached the first line, but the general sentiment of + the army, as reported to Lord George Murray, supplied the want, + and that general took it upon him to order an attack without + Charles's permission having been communicated.</p> + + <p>"Lord George had scarcely determined upon ordering a general + movement, when the Macintoshes, a brave and devoted clan, though + not before engaged in action, unable any longer to brook the + unavenged slaughter made by the cannon, broke from the centre of + the line, and rushed forward through smoke and snow to mingle + with the enemy. The Athole men, Camerons, Stuarts, Frasers, and + Macleans also went on, Lord George Murray heading them with that + rash bravery befitting the commander of such forces. Thus, in the + course of one or two minutes, the charge was general along the + whole line, except at the left extremity, where the Macdonalds, + dissatisfied with their position, hesitated to engage.</p> + + <p>"The action and event of the onset were, throughout, quite as + dreadful as the mental emotion which urged it. Notwithstanding + that the three files of the front line of English poured forth + their incessant fire of musketry—notwithstanding that the + cannon, now loaded with grapeshot, swept the field as with a + hailstorm—notwithstanding the flank fire of Wolfe's + regiment—onward, onward went the headlong Highlanders, + flinging themselves into, rather than rushing upon, the lines of + the enemy, which, indeed, they did not see for smoke, till + involved among the weapons. All that courage, all that despair + could do, was done. It was a moment of dreadful and agonising + suspense, but only a moment—for the whirlwind does not reap + the forest with greater rapidity than the Highlanders cleared the + line. Nevertheless, almost every man in their front rank, chief + and gentleman, fell before the deadly weapons which they had + braved; and, although the enemy gave way, it was not till every + bayonet was bent and bloody with the strife.</p> + + <p>"When the first line had thus been swept aside, the assailants + continued their impetuous advance till they came near the second, + when, being almost annihilated by a profuse and well-directed + fire, the shattered remains of what had been before a numerous + and confident force began to give way. Still a few rushed on, + resolved rather to die than forfeit their well-acquired and + dearly-estimated honour. They rushed on; but not a man ever came + in contact with the enemy. The last survivor perished as he + reached the points of the bayonets."</p> + + <p>Some idea of the determination displayed by the Highlanders in + this terrific charge may be gathered from the fact that, in one + part of the field, their bodies were afterwards found in layers + of three and four deep. The slaughter was fearful, for, out of + the five regiments which charged the English, almost all the + leaders and men in the front rank were killed. So shaken was the + English line, that, had the Macdonald regiments, well-known to + yield in valour to none of the clans, come up, the fortune of the + day might have been altered. But they never made an onset. + Smarting and sullen at the affront which they conceived to have + been put upon their name, they bore the fire of the English + regiments without flinching, and gave way to their rage by hewing + at the heather with their swords. In vain their chiefs exhorted + them to go forward: even at that terrible moment the pride of + clanship prevailed. "My God!" cried Macdonald of Keppoch, "has it + come to this, that the children of my tribe have forsaken me!" + and he rushed forward alone, sword in hand, with the devotion of + an ancient hero, and fell pierced with bullets.</p> + + <p>The Lowland and foreign troops which formed the second line + were powerless to retrieve the disaster. All was over. The rout + became general, and the Prince was forced from the field, which + he would not quit, until dragged from it by his immediate + bodyguard.</p> + + <p>Such was the last battle, the result of civil war, which has + been fought on British soil. Those who were defeated have + acquired as much glory from it as the conquerors—and even + more, for never was a conquest sullied by such deeds of + deliberate cruelty as were perpetrated upon the survivors of the + battle of Culloden. It is not, however, the object of the present + paper to recount these, or even the romantic history or + hairbreadth escapes of the Prince, whilst wandering on the + mainland and through the Hebrides. Although a reward of thirty + thousand pounds—an immense sum for the period—was set + upon his head—although his secret was known to hundreds of + persons in every walk of life, and even to the beggar and the + outlaw—not one attempted to betray him. Not one of all his + followers, in the midst of the misery which overtook them, + regretted having drawn the sword in his cause, or would not again + have gladly imperilled their lives for the sake of their beloved + Chevalier. "He went," says Lord Mahon, "but not with him departed + his remembrance from the Highlanders. For years and years did his + name continue enshrined in their hearts and familiar to their + tongues, their plaintive ditties resounding with his exploits and + inviting his return. Again, in these strains, do they declare + themselves ready to risk life and fortune for his cause; and even + maternal fondness—the strongest, perhaps, of all human + feelings—yields to the passionate devotion to Prince + Charlie."</p> + + <p>The subsequent life of the Prince is a story of melancholy + interest. We find him at first received in France with all the + honours due to one who, though unfortunate, had exhibited a + heroism rarely equalled and never surpassed: gradually he was + neglected and slighted, as one of a doomed and unhappy race, whom + no human exertion could avail to elevate to their former seat of + power; and finally, when his presence in France became an + obstacle to the conclusion of peace, he was violently arrested + and conveyed out of the kingdom. There can be little doubt that + continued misfortune and disappointment had begun very early to + impair his noble mind. For long periods he was a wanderer, lost + sight of by his friends and even by his father and brother. There + are fragments of his writing extant which show how poignantly he + felt the cruelty of his fortune. "De vivre et pas vivre est + beaucoup plus que de mourir!" And again, writing to his father's + secretary, eight years after Culloden, he says—"I am + grieved that our master should think that my silence was either + neglect or want of duty; but, in reality, my situation is such + that I have nothing to say but imprecations against the fatality + of being born in such a detestable age." An unhappy and + uncongenial marriage tended still more to embitter his existence; + and if at last he yielded to frailties, which inevitably insure + degradation, it must be remembered that his lot had been one to + which few men have ever been exposed, and the magnitude of his + sufferings may fairly be admitted as some palliation for his + weakness.</p> + + <p>To the last, his heart was with Scotland. The following + anecdote was related by his brother, Cardinal York, to Bishop + Walker, the late Primus of the Episcopal Church of + Scotland:—"Mr. Greathead, a personal friend of Mr. Fox, + succeeded, when at Rome in 1782 or 1783, in obtaining an + interview with Charles Edward; and, being alone with him for some + time, studiously led the conversation to his enterprise in + Scotland, and to the occurrences which succeeded the failure of + that attempt. The Prince manifested some reluctance to enter upon + these topics, appearing at the same time to undergo so much + mental suffering, that his guest regretted the freedom he had + used in calling up the remembrance of his misfortunes. At length, + however, the Prince seemed to shake off the load which oppressed + him; his eye brightened, his face assumed unwonted animation, and + he entered upon the narrative of his Scottish campaigns with a + distinct but somewhat vehement energy of manner—recounted + his marches, his battles, his victories, his retreats, and his + defeats—detailed his hairbreadth escapes in the Western + Isles, the inviolable and devoted attachment of his Highland + friends, and at length proceeded to allude to the terrible + penalties with which the chiefs among them had been visited. But + here the tide of emotion rose too high to allow him to go + on—his voice faltered, his eyes became fixed, and he fell + convulsed on the floor. The noise brought into his room his + daughter, the Duchess of Albany, who happened to be in an + adjoining apartment. 'Sir,' she exclaimed, 'what is this? You + have been speaking to my father about Scotland and the + Highlanders! No one dares to mention those subjects in his + presence.'"</p> + + <p>He died on the 30th of January, 1788, in the arms of the + Master of Nairn. The monument erected to him, his father, and + brother, in St. Peter's, by desire of George IV., was perhaps the + most graceful tribute ever paid by royalty to + misfortune—REGIO CINERI PIETAS REGIA.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_17"><!-- RULE4 17 --></a> + + <h2>CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES</h2> + + <center> + ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF CULLODEN + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>Take away that star and garter—</p> + + <p class="i2">Hide them from my aching sight:</p> + + <p>Neither king nor prince shall tempt me</p> + + <p class="i2">From my lonely room this night;</p> + + <p>Fitting for the throneless exile</p> + + <p class="i2">Is the atmosphere of pall,</p> + + <p>And the gusty winds that shiver</p> + + <p class="i2">'Neath the tapestry on the wall.</p> + + <p>When the taper faintly dwindles</p> + + <p class="i2">Like the pulse within the vein,</p> + + <p>That to gay and merry measure</p> + + <p class="i2">Ne'er may hope to bound again,</p> + + <p>Let the shadows gather round me</p> + + <p class="i2">While I sit in silence here,</p> + + <p>Broken-hearted, as an orphan</p> + + <p class="i2">Watching by his father's bier.</p> + + <p>Let me hold my still communion</p> + + <p class="i2">Far from every earthly sound—</p> + + <p>Day of penance—day of passion—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ever, as the year comes round;</p> + + <p>Fatal day, whereon the latest</p> + + <p class="i2">Die was cast for me and mine—</p> + + <p>Cruel day, that quelled the fortunes</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the hapless Stuart line!</p> + + <p>Phantom-like, as in a mirror,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rise the griesly scenes of death—</p> + + <p>There before me, in its wildness,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stretches bare Culloden's heath:</p> + + <p>There the broken clans are scattered,</p> + + <p class="i2">Gaunt as wolves, and famine-eyed,</p> + + <p>Hunger gnawing at their vitals,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hope abandoned, all but pride—</p> + + <p>Pride, and that supreme devotion</p> + + <p class="i2">Which the Southron never knew,</p> + + <p>And the hatred, deeply rankling,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Gainst the Hanoverian crew.</p> + + <p>Oh, my God! are these the remnants,</p> + + <p class="i2">These the wrecks of the array</p> + + <p>That around the royal standard</p> + + <p class="i2">Gathered on the glorious day,</p> + + <p>When, in deep Glenfinnan's valley;</p> + + <p class="i2">Thousands, on their bended knees,</p> + + <p>Saw once more that stately ensign</p> + + <p class="i2">Waving in the northern breeze,</p> + + <p>When the noble Tullibardine</p> + + <p class="i2">Stood beneath its weltering fold,</p> + + <p>With the Ruddy Lion ramping</p> + + <p class="i2">In the field of tressured gold,</p> + + <p>When the mighty heart of Scotland,</p> + + <p class="i2">All too big to slumber more,</p> + + <p>Burst in wrath and exultation,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a huge volcano's roar?</p> + + <p>There they stand, the battered columns,</p> + + <p class="i2">Underneath the murky sky,</p> + + <p>In the hush of desperation,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not to conquer, but to die.</p> + + <p>Hark! the bagpipe's fitful wailing:</p> + + <p class="i2">Not the pibroch loud and shrill,</p> + + <p>That, with hope of bloody banquet,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lured the ravens from the hill,</p> + + <p>But a dirge both low and solemn,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fit for ears of dying men,</p> + + <p>Marshalled for their latest battle,</p> + + <p class="i2">Never more to fight again.</p> + + <p>Madness—madness! Why this shrinking?</p> + + <p class="i2">Were we less inured to war</p> + + <p>When our reapers swept the harvest</p> + + <p class="i2">From the field of red Dunbar?</p> + + <p>Bring my horse, and blow the trumpet!</p> + + <p class="i2">Call the riders of Fitz-James:</p> + + <p>Let Lord Lewis head the column!</p> + + <p class="i2">Valiant chiefs of mighty names—</p> + + <p>Trusty Keppoch, stout Glengarry,</p> + + <p class="i2">Gallant Gordon, wise Locheill—</p> + + <p>Bid the clansmen hold together,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fast, and fell, and firm as steel.</p> + + <p>Elcho, never look so gloomy—</p> + + <p class="i2">What avails a saddened brow?</p> + + <p>Heart, man, heart! we need it sorely,</p> + + <p class="i2">Never half so much, as now.</p> + + <p>Had we but a thousand troopers,</p> + + <p class="i2">Had we but a thousand more!</p> + + <p>Noble Perth, I hear them coming!—</p> + + <p class="i2">Hark! the English cannons' roar.</p> + + <p>God! how awful sounds that volley,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bellowing through the mist and rain!</p> + + <p>Was not that the Highland slogan?</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me hear that shout again!</p> + + <p>Oh, for prophet eyes to witness</p> + + <p class="i2">How the desperate battle goes!</p> + + <p>Cumberland! I would not fear thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Could my Camerons see their foes.</p> + + <p>Sound, I say, the charge at venture—</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis not naked steel we fear;</p> + + <p>Better perish in the mêlée</p> + + <p class="i2">Than be shot like driven deer;</p> + + <p>Hold! the mist begins to scatter!</p> + + <p class="i2">There in front 'tis rent asunder,</p> + + <p>And the cloudy bastion crumbles</p> + + <p class="i2">Underneath the deafening thunder;</p> + + <p>There I see the scarlet gleaming!</p> + + <p class="i2">Now, Macdonald—now or never!—</p> + + <p>Woe is me, the clans are broken!</p> + + <p class="i2">Father, thou art lost for ever!</p> + + <p>Chief and vassal, lord and yeoman,</p> + + <p class="i2">There they lie in heaps together,</p> + + <p>Smitten by the deadly volley,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rolled in blood upon the heather;</p> + + <p>And the Hanoverian horsemen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fiercely riding to and fro,</p> + + <p>Deal their murderous strokes at random.—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ah, my God! where am I now?</p> + + <p>Will that baleful vision never</p> + + <p class="i2">Vanish from my aching sight?</p> + + <p>Must those scenes and sounds of terror</p> + + <p class="i2">Haunt me still by day and night?</p> + + <p>Yea, the earth hath no oblivion</p> + + <p class="i2">For the noblest chance it gave,</p> + + <p>None, save in its latest refuge—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seek it only in the grave!</p> + + <p>Love may die, and hatred slumber,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their memory will decay,</p> + + <p>As the watered garden recks not</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the drought of yesterday;</p> + + <p>But the dream of power once broken,</p> + + <p class="i2">What shall give repose again?</p> + + <p>What shall charm the serpent-furies</p> + + <p class="i2">Coiled around the maddening brain?</p> + + <p>What kind draught can nature offer</p> + + <p class="i2">Strong enough to lull their sting?</p> + + <p>Better to be born a peasant</p> + + <p class="i2">Than to live an exiled king!</p> + + <p>Oh, these years of bitter anguish!—</p> + + <p class="i2">What is life to such as me,</p> + + <p>With my very heart as palsied</p> + + <p class="i2">As a wasted cripple's knee!</p> + + <p>Suppliant-like for alms depending</p> + + <p class="i2">On a false and foreign court,</p> + + <p>Jostled by the flouting nobles,</p> + + <p class="i2">Half their pity, half their sport.</p> + + <p>Forced to hold a place in pageant,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a royal prize of war,</p> + + <p>Walking with dejected features</p> + + <p class="i2">Close behind his victor's car,</p> + + <p>Styled an equal—deemed a servant—</p> + + <p class="i2">Fed with hopes of future gain—</p> + + <p>Worse by far is fancied freedom</p> + + <p class="i2">Than the captive's clanking chain!</p><a name= + "p168"></a> + + <p>Could I change this gilded bondage</p> + + <p class="i2">Even for the dusky tower,</p> + + <p>Whence King James beheld his lady</p> + + <p class="i2">Sitting in the castle bower;</p> + + <p>Birds around her sweetly singing,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fluttering on the kindling spray,</p> + + <p>And the comely garden glowing</p> + + <p class="i2">In the light of rosy May.</p> + + <p>Love descended to the window—</p> + + <p class="i2">Love removed the bolt and bar—</p> + + <p>Love was warder to the lovers</p> + + <p class="i2">From the dawn to even-star.</p><a name= + "p168-2"></a> + + <p>Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me?</p> + + <p class="i2">Where is now the tender glance?</p> + + <p>Where the meaning looks once lavished</p> + + <p class="i2">By the dark-eyed Maid of France?</p> + + <p>Where the words of hope she whispered,</p> + + <p class="i2">When around my neck she threw</p> + + <p>That same scarf of broidered tissue,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bade me wear it and be true—</p> + + <p>Bade me send it as a token</p> + + <p class="i2">When my banner waved once more</p> + + <p>On the castled Keep of London,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where my fathers' waved before?</p> + + <p>And I went and did not conquer—</p> + + <p class="i2">But I brought it back again—</p> + + <p>Brought it back from storm and battle—</p> + + <p class="i2">Brought it back without a stain;</p> + + <p>And once more I knelt before her,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I laid it at her feet,</p> + + <p>Saying, "Wilt thou own it, Princess?</p> + + <p class="i2">There at least is no defeat!"</p> + + <p>Scornfully she looked upon me</p> + + <p class="i2">With a measured eye and cold—</p> + + <p>Scornfully she viewed the token,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though her fingers wrought the gold;</p> + + <p>And she answered, faintly flushing,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Hast thou kept it, then, so long?</p> + + <p>Worthy matter for a minstrel</p> + + <p class="i2">To be told in knightly song!</p> + + <p>Worthy of a bold Provençal,</p> + + <p class="i2">Pacing through the peaceful plain,</p> + + <p>Singing of his lady's favour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Boasting of her silken chain,</p> + + <p>Yet scarce worthy of a warrior</p> + + <p class="i2">Sent to wrestle for a crown.</p> + + <p>Is this all that thou hast brought me</p> + + <p class="i2">From thy fields of high renown?</p> + + <p>Is this all the trophy carried</p> + + <p class="i2">From the lands where thou hast been?</p> + + <p>It was broidered by a Princess,</p> + + <p class="i2">Canst thou give it to a Queen?"</p> + + <p>Woman's love is writ in water!</p> + + <p class="i2">Woman's faith is traced in sand!</p> + + <p>Backwards—backwards let me wander</p> + + <p class="i2">To the noble northern land:</p> + + <p>Let me feel the breezes blowing</p> + + <p class="i2">Fresh along the mountain-side;</p> + + <p>Let me see the purple heather,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me hear the thundering tide,</p> + + <p>Be it hoarse as Corrievreckan</p> + + <p class="i2">Spouting when the storm is high—</p> + + <p>Give me but one hour of Scotland—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me see it ere I die!</p> + + <p>Oh, my heart is sick and heavy—</p> + + <p class="i2">Southern gales are not for me;</p> + + <p>Though the glens are white with winter,</p> + + <p class="i2">Place me there, and set me free;</p> + + <p>Give me back my trusty comrades—</p> + + <p class="i2">Give me back my Highland maid—</p> + + <p>Nowhere beats the heart so kindly</p> + + <p class="i2">As beneath the tartan plaid!</p> + + <p>Flora! when thou wert beside me,</p> + + <p class="i2">In the wilds of far Kintail—</p> + + <p>When the cavern gave us shelter</p> + + <p class="i2">From the blinding sleet and hail—</p> + + <p>When we lurked within the thicket,</p> + + <p class="i2">And, beneath the waning moon,</p> + + <p>Saw the sentry's bayonet glimmer,</p> + + <p class="i2">Heard him chant his listless tune—</p> + + <p>When the howling storm o'ertook us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Drifting down the island's lee,</p> + + <p>And our crazy bark was whirling</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a nutshell on the sea—</p> + + <p>When the nights were dark and dreary,</p> + + <p class="i2">And amidst the fern we lay,</p> + + <p>Faint and foodless, sore with travel,</p> + + <p class="i2">Waiting for the streaks of day;</p> + + <p>When thou wert an angel to me,</p> + + <p class="i2">Watching my exhausted sleep—</p> + + <p>Never didst thou hear me murmur—</p> + + <p class="i2">Couldst thou see how now I weep!</p> + + <p>Bitter tears and sobs of anguish,</p> + + <p class="i2">Unavailing though they be:</p> + + <p>Oh, the brave—the brave and noble—</p> + + <p class="i2">That have died in vain for me!</p> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_18"><!-- RULE4 18 --></a> + + <h2>NOTES TO "CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES"</h2> + <pre> + <i>Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower</i>.—<a href= +"#p168">(above)</a>. +</pre> + + <p>James I. of Scotland, one of the most accomplished kings that + ever sate upon a throne, is the person here indicated. His + history is a very strange and romantic one. He was son of Robert + III., and immediate younger brother of that unhappy Duke of + Rothesay who was murdered at Falkland. His father, apprehensive + of the designs and treachery of Albany, had determined to remove + him, when a mere boy, for a season from Scotland; and as France + was then considered the best school for the education of one so + important from his high position, it was resolved to send him + thither, under the care of the Earl of Orkney, and Fleming of + Cumbernauld. He accordingly embarked at North Berwick, with + little escort—as there was a truce for the time between + England and Scotland; and they were under no apprehension of + meeting with any vessels, save those of the former nation. + Notwithstanding this, the ship which carried the Prince was + captured by an armed merchantman, and carried to London, where + Henry IV., the usurping Bolingbroke, utterly regardless of + treaties, committed him and his attendants to the Tower.</p> + + <p>"In vain," says Mr. Tytler, "did the guardians of the young + Prince remonstrate against this cruelty, or present to Henry a + letter from the King his father, which, with much simplicity, + recommended him to the kindness of the English monarch, should he + find it necessary to land in his dominions. In vain did they + represent that the mission to France was perfectly pacific, and + its only object the education of the prince at the French court. + Henry merely answered by a poor witticism, declaring that he + himself knew the French language indifferently well, and that his + father could not have sent him to a better master. So flagrant a + breach of the law of nations, as the seizure and imprisonment of + the heir-apparent, during the time of truce, would have called + for the most violent remonstrances from any government, except + that of Albany. But to this usurper of the supreme power, the + capture of the Prince was the most grateful event which could + have happened; and to detain him in captivity became, from this + moment, one of the principal objects of his future life; we are + not to wonder, then, that the conduct of Henry not only drew + forth no indignation from the governor, but was not even followed + by any request that the prince should be set at liberty.</p> + + <p>"The aged King, already worn out by infirmity, and now broken + by disappointment and sorrow, did not long survive the captivity + of his son. It is said the melancholy news were brought him as he + was sitting down to supper in his palace of Rothesay in Bute, and + that the effect was such upon his affectionate but feeble spirit, + that he drooped from that day forward, refused all sustenance, + and died soon after of a broken heart."</p> + + <p>James was finally incarcerated in Windsor Castle, where he + endured an imprisonment of nineteen years. Henry, though he had + not hesitated to commit a heinous breach of faith, was not so + cruel as to neglect the education of his captive. The young King + was supplied with the best masters; and gradually became an adept + in all the accomplishments of the age. He is a singular exception + from the rule which maintains that monarchs are indifferent + authors. As a poet, he is entitled to a very high rank indeed, + being, I think, in point of sweetness and melody of verse, not + much inferior to Chaucer. From the window of his chamber in the + Tower, he had often seen a young lady, of great beauty and grace, + walking in the garden; and the admiration which at once possessed + him soon ripened into love. This was Lady Jane Beaufort, daughter + of the Earl of Somerset and niece of Henry IV., and who + afterwards became his queen. How he loved and how he wooed her is + told in his own beautiful poem of "The King's Quhair," of which + the following are a few stanzas:—</p> + <pre> + "Now there was made, fast by the towris wall, + A garden fair; and in the corners set + An arbour green, with wandis long and small + Railed about, and so with trees set + Was all the place, and hawthorn hedges knet, + That lyf was none walking there forbye, + That might within scarce any wight espy. + + "So thick the boughis and the leavis greene + Beshaded all the alleys that there were, + And mids of every arbour might be seen + The sharpe, greene, sweete juniper, + Growing so fair, with branches here and there, + That, as it seemed to a lyf without, + The boughis spread the arbour all about. + + "And on the smalle greene twistis sat + The little sweet nightingale, and sung + So loud and clear the hymnis consecrat + Of lovis use, now soft, now loud among, + That all the gardens and the wallis rung + Right of their song. + + "And therewith cast I down mine eyes again, + Where as I saw, walking under the tower, + Full secretly, now comen here to plain, + The fairest or the freshest younge flower + That e'er I saw, methought, before that hour: + For which sudden abate, anon astart + The blood of all my body to my heart. + + "And though I stood abasit for a lite, + No wonder was; for why? my wittis all + Were so o'ercome with pleasance and delight— + Only through letting of my eyen fall— + That suddenly my heart became her thrall + For ever of free will, for of menace + There was no token in her sweete face." + + + + + <i>Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France?</i>—<a href= +"#p168-2">(above)</a>. +</pre> + + <p>There appears to be no doubt that Prince Charles was deeply + attached to one of the princesses of the royal family of France. + In the interesting collection called "Jacobite Memoirs," compiled + by Mr. Chambers from the voluminous MSS. of Bishop Forbes, we + find the following passage from the narrative of Donald Macleod, + who acted as a guide to the wanderer whilst traversing the + Hebrides:—"When Donald was asked, if ever the Prince used + to give any particular toast, when they were taking a cup of cold + water, or the like; he said that the Prince very often drank to + the Black Eye—by which, said Donald, he meant the second + daughter of France, and I never heard him name any particular + health but that alone. When he spoke of that lady—which he + did frequently—he appeared to be more than ordinarily well + pleased."</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_19"><!-- RULE4 19 --></a> + + <h2>THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER</h2> + + <p>The "gentle Locheill" may he considered as the pattern of a + Highland Chief. Others who headed the insurrection may have been + actuated by motives of personal ambition, and by a desire for + aggrandisement; but no such charge can be made against the + generous and devoted Cameron. He was, as we have already seen, + the first who attempted to dissuade the Prince from embarking in + an enterprise which he conscientiously believed to be desperate; + but, having failed in doing so, he nobly stood firm to the cause + which his conscience vindicated as just, and cheerfully + imperilled his life, and sacrificed his fortune, at the bidding + of his master. There was no one, even among those who espoused + the other side, in Scotland, who did not commiserate the + misfortunes of this truly excellent man, whose humanity was not + less conspicuous than his valour throughout the civil war, and + who died in exile of a broken heart.</p> + + <p>Perhaps the best type of the Lowland Cavalier of that period, + may be found in the person of Alexander Forbes, Lord Pitsligo, a + nobleman whose conscientious views impelled him to take a + different side from that adopted by the greater part of his house + and name. Lord Forbes, the head of this very ancient and + honourable family, was one of the first Scottish noblemen who + declared for King William. Lord Pitsligo, on the contrary, having + been educated abroad, and early introduced to the circle at Saint + Germains, conceived a deep personal attachment to the members of + the exiled line. He was anything but an enthusiast, as his + philosophical and religious writings, well worthy of a perusal, + will show. He was the intimate friend of Fénélon, + and throughout his whole life was remarkable rather for his piety + and virtue, than for keenness in political dispute.</p> + + <p>After his return from France, Lord Pitsligo took his seat in + the Scottish Parliament, and his parliamentary career has thus + been characterised by a former writer.[<a href="#note-3">3</a>] + "Here it is no discredit either to his head or heart to say, + that, obliged to become a member of one of the contending + factions of the time, he adopted that which had for its object + the independence of Scotland, and restoration of the ancient race + of monarchs. The advantages which were in future to arise from + the great measure of a national union were so hidden by the mist + of prejudice, that it cannot be wondered at if Lord Pitsligo, + like many a high-spirited man, saw nothing but disgrace in a + measure forced on by such corrupt means, and calling in its + commencement for such mortifying national sacrifices. The English + nation, indeed, with a narrow, yet not unnatural, view of their + own interest, took such pains to encumber and restrict the + Scottish commercial privileges that it was not till the best part + of a century after the event that the inestimable fruits of the + treaty began to be felt and known. This distant period Lord + Pitsligo could not foresee. He beheld his countrymen, like the + Israelites of yore, led into the desert; but his merely human eye + could not foresee that, after the extinction of a whole + race—after a longer pilgrimage than that of the followers + of Moses—the Scottish people should at length arrive at + that promised land, of which the favourers of the Union held + forth so gay a prospect.</p> + + <p>"Looking upon the Act of Settlement of the Crown, and the Act + of Abjuration, as unlawful, Lord Pitsligo retired to his house in + the country, and threw up attendance on Parliament. Upon the + death of Queen Anne he joined himself in arms with a general + insurrection of the Highlanders and Jacobites, headed by his + friend and relative the Earl of Mar.</p> + + <p>"Mar, a versatile statesman and an able intriguer, had + consulted his ambition rather than his talents when he assumed + the command of such an enterprise. He sunk beneath the far + superior genius of the Duke of Argyle; and after the undecisive + battle of Sheriffmuir, the confederacy which he had formed, but + was unable to direct, dissolved like a snow-ball, and the nobles + concerned in it were fain to fly abroad. This exile was Lord + Pitsligo's fate for five or six years. Part of the time he spent + at the Court, if it can be called so, of the old Chevalier de + Saint George, where existed all the petty feuds, chicanery, and + crooked intrigues which subsist in a real scene of the same + character, although the objects of the ambition which prompts + such arts had no existence. Men seemed to play at being courtiers + in that illusory court, as children play at being soldiers."</p> + + <p>It would appear that Lord Pitsligo was not attainted for his + share in Mar's rebellion. He returned to Scotland in 1720, and + resided at his castle in Aberdeenshire, not mingling in public + affairs, but gaining, through his charity, kindness, and + benevolence, the respect and affection of all around him. He was + sixty-seven years of age when Charles Edward landed in Scotland. + The district in which the estates of Lord Pitsligo lay was + essentially Jacobite, and the young cavaliers only waited for a + fitting leader to take up arms in the cause. According to Mr. + Home, his example was decisive of the movement of his neighbours: + "So when he who was so wise and prudent declared his purpose of + joining Charles, most of the gentlemen in that part of the + country who favoured the Pretender's cause, put themselves under + his command, thinking they could not follow a better or safer + guide than Lord Pitsligo." His Lordship's own account of the + motives which urged him on is peculiar:—"I was grown a + little old, and the fear of ridicule stuck to me pretty much. I + have mentioned the weightier considerations of a family, which + would make the censure still the greater, and set the more + tongues agoing. But we are pushed on, I know not how,—I + thought—I weighed—and I weighed again. If there was + any enthusiasm in it, it was of the coldest kind; and there was + as little remorse when the affair miscarried, as there was + eagerness at the beginning."</p> + + <p>The writer whom I have already quoted goes on to say—"To + those friends who recalled his misfortunes of 1715, he replied + gaily, 'Did you ever know me absent at the second day of a + wedding?' meaning, I suppose, that having once contracted an + engagement, he did not feel entitled to quit it while the contest + subsisted. Being invited by the gentlemen of the district to put + himself at their head, and having surmounted his own desires, he + had made a farewell visit at a neighbour's house, where a little + boy, a child of the family, brought out a stool to assist the old + nobleman in remounting his horse. 'My little fellow.' said Lord + Pitsligo, 'this is the severest rebuke I have yet received, for + presuming to go on such an expedition.'</p> + + <p>"The die was however cast, and Lord Pitsligo went to meet his + friends at the rendezvous they had appointed in Aberdeen. They + formed a body of well-armed cavalry, gentlemen and their + servants, to the number of a hundred men. When they were drawn up + in readiness to commence the expedition, the venerable nobleman, + their leader, moved to their front, lifted his hat, and, looking + up to heaven, pronounced, with a solemn voice, the awful + appeal,—'O Lord, thou knowest that our cause is just!' then + added the signal for departure—'March, gentlemen!'</p> + + <p>"Lord Pitsligo, with his followers, found Charles at + Edinburgh, on 8th October 1745, a few days after the Highlanders' + victory at Preston. Their arrival was hailed with enthusiasm, not + only on account of the timely reinforcement, but more especially + from the high character of their leader. Hamilton of Bangour, in + an animated and eloquent eulogium upon Pitsligo, states that + nothing could have fallen out more fortunately for the Prince + than his joining them did—for it seemed as if religion, + virtue, and justice were entering his camp, under the appearance + of this venerable old man; and what would have given sanction to + a cause of the most dubious right, could not fail to render + sacred the very best."</p> + + <p>Although so far advanced in years, he remained in arms during + the whole campaign, and was treated with almost filial tenderness + by the Prince. After Culloden, he became, like many more, a + fugitive and an outlaw, but succeeded, like the Baron of + Bradwardine, in finding a shelter upon the skirts of his own + estate. Disguised as a mendicant, his secret was faithfully kept + by the tenantry; and although it was more than surmised by the + soldiers that he was lurking somewhere in the neighbourhood, they + never were able to detect him. On one occasion he actually guided + a party to a cave on the sea-shore, amidst the rough rocks of + Buchan, where it was rumoured that he was lying in concealment; + and on another, when overtaken by his asthma, and utterly unable + to escape from an approaching patrol of soldiers, he sat down by + the wayside, and acted his assumed character so well, that a + good-natured fellow not only gave him alms, but condoled with him + on the violence of his complaint.</p> + + <p>For ten years he remained concealed, but in the mean time both + title and estate were forfeited by attainder. His last escape was + so very remarkable, that I may be pardoned for giving it in the + language of the author of his memoirs.</p> + + <p>"In March 1756, and of course long after all apprehension of a + search had ceased, information having been given to the + commanding officer at Fraserburgh, that Lord Pitsligo was at that + moment at the house of Auchiries, it was acted upon with so much + promptness and secrecy that the search must have proved + successful but for a very singular occurrence. Mrs. Sophia + Donaldson, a lady who lived much with the family, repeatedly + dreamt, on that particular night, that the house was surrounded + by soldiers. Her mind became so haunted with the idea, that she + got out of bed, and was walking through the room, in hopes of + giving a different current to her thoughts before she lay down + again; when, day beginning to dawn, she accidentally looked out + at the window as she passed it in traversing the room, and was + astonished at actually observing the figures of soldiers among + some trees near the house. So completely had all idea of a search + been by that time laid asleep, that she supposed they had come to + steal poultry—Jacobite poultry-yards affording a safe + object of pillage for the English soldiers in those days. Mrs. + Sophia was proceeding to rouse the servants, when her sister, + having awaked, and inquiring what was the matter, and being told + of soldiers near the house, exclaimed in great alarm, that she + feared they wanted something more than hens. She begged Mrs. + Sophia to look out at a window on the other side of the house, + when not only were soldiers seen in that direction, but also an + officer giving instructions by signal, and frequently putting his + fingers to his lips, as if enjoining silence.</p> + + <p>There was now no time to be lost in rousing the family, and + all the haste that could be made was scarcely sufficient to hurry + the venerable man from his bed into a small recess, behind the + wainscot of an adjoining room, which was concealed by a bed, in + which a lady, Miss Gordon of Towie, who was there on a visit, + lay, before the soldiers obtained admission. A most minute search + took place. The room in which Lord Pitsligo was concealed did not + escape. Miss Gordon's bed was carefully examined, and she was + obliged to suffer the rude scrutiny of one of the party, by + feeling her chin, to ascertain that it was not a man in a lady's + night-dress. Before the soldiers had finished their examination + in this room, the confinement and anxiety increased Lord + Pitsligo's asthma so much, and his breathing became so loud, that + it cost Miss Gordon, lying in bed, much and violent coughing, + which she counterfeited, in order to prevent the high breathings + behind the wainscot from being heard.</p> + + <p>It may be easily conceived what agony she would suffer, lest, + by overdoing her part, she should increase suspicion, and in fact + lead to a discovery. The ruse was fortunately successful. On the + search through the house being given over, Lord Pitsligo was + hastily taken from his confined situation, and again replaced in + bed; and, as soon as he was able to speak, his accustomed + kindness of heart made him say to his servant—'James, go + and see that these poor fellows get some breakfast and a drink of + warm ale, for this is a cold morning; they are only doing their + duty, and cannot bear me any ill-will.' When the family were + felicitating each other on his escape, he pleasantly + observed—'A poor prize, had they obtained it—an old + dying man!'"</p> + + <p>This was the last attempt made on the part of government to + seize on the persons of any of the surviving insurgents. Three + years before, Dr. Archibald Cameron, a brother of Locheill, + having clandestinely revisited Scotland, was arrested, tried, and + executed for high treason at Tyburn. The government was generally + blamed for this act of severity, which was considered rather to + have been dictated by revenge than required for the public + safety. It is, however, probable that they might have had secret + information of certain negotiations which were still conducted in + the Highlands by the agents of the Stuart family, and that they + considered it necessary, by one terrible example, to overawe the + insurrectionary spirit. This I believe to have been the real + motive of an execution which otherwise could not have been + palliated: and, in the case of Lord Pitsligo, it is quite + possible that the zeal of a partisan may have led him to take a + step which would not have been approved of by the ministry. After + the lapse of so many years, and after so many scenes of judicial + bloodshed, the nation would have turned in disgust from the + spectacle of an old man, whose private life was not only + blameless, but exemplary, dragged to the scaffold, and forced to + lay down his head in expiation of a doubtful crime: and this view + derives corroboration from the fact that, shortly afterwards, + Lord Pitsligo was tacitly permitted to return to the society of + his friends, without further notice or persecution.</p> + + <p>Dr. King, the Principal of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, has borne + the following testimony to the character of Lord Pitsligo. + "Whoever is so happy, either from his natural disposition, or his + good judgment, constantly to observe St. Paul's precept, 'to + speak evil of no one' will certainly acquire the love and esteem + of the whole community of which he is a member. But such a man is + the <i>rara avis in terris</i>; and, among all my acquaintance, I + have known only one person to whom I can with truth assign this + character. The person I mean is the present Lord Pitsligo of + Scotland. I not only never heard this gentleman speak an ill word + of any man living, but I always observed him ready to defend any + other person who was ill spoken of in his company. If the person + accused were of his acquaintance, my Lord Pitsligo would always + find something good to say of him as a counterpoise. If he were a + stranger, and quite unknown to him, my lord would urge in his + defence the general corruption of manners, and the frailties and + infirmities of human nature.</p> + + <p>"It is no wonder that such an excellent man, who, besides, is + a polite scholar, and has many other great and good qualities, + should be universally admired and beloved—insomuch, that I + persuade myself he has not one enemy in the world. At least, to + this general esteem and affection for his person, his + preservation must be owing; for since his attainder he has never + removed far from his own house, protected by men of different + principles, and unsought for and unmolested by government." To + which eulogy it might be added, by those who have the good + fortune to know his representatives, that the virtues here + acknowledged seem hereditary in the family of Pitsligo.</p> + + <p>The venerable old nobleman was permitted to remain without + molestation at the residence of his son, during the latter years + of an existence protracted to the extreme verge of human life. + And so, says the author of his memoirs, "In this happy frame of + mind,—calm and full of hope,—the saintly man + continued to the last, with his reason unclouded, able to study + his favourite volume, enjoying the comforts of friendship, and + delighting in the consolations of religion, till he gently 'fell + asleep in Jesus.' He died on the 21st of December, 1762, in the + eighty-fifth year of his age; and to his surviving friends the + recollection of the misfortunes which had accompanied him through + his long life was painfully awakened even in the closing scene of + his mortal career—as his son had the mortification to be + indebted to a stranger, now the proprietor of his ancient + inheritance by purchase from the crown, for permission to lay his + father's honoured remains in the vault which contained the ashes + of his family for many generations."</p> + + <p>Such a character as this is well worthy of remembrance; and + Lord Pitsligo has just title to be called the last of the old + Scottish Cavaliers. I trust that, in adapting the words of the + following little ballad to a well-known English air, I have + committed no unpardonable larceny.</p> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-3"><!-- Note Anchor 3 --></a>[Footnote 3: See + <i>Blackwood's Magazine</i> for May 1829.—Article "Lord + Pitsligo."]</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_20"><!-- RULE4 20 --></a> + + <h2>THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Come listen to another song,</p> + + <p class="i2">Should make your heart beat high,</p> + + <p>Bring crimson to your forehead,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the lustre to your eye;—</p> + + <p>It is a song of olden time,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of days long since gone by,</p> + + <p>And of a Baron stout and bold</p> + + <p class="i2">As e'er wore sword on thigh!</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a brave old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He kept his castle in the north,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hard by the thundering Spey;</p> + + <p>And a thousand vassals dwelt around</p> + + <p class="i2">All of his kindred they.</p> + + <p>And not a man of all that clan</p> + + <p class="i2">Had ever ceased to pray</p> + + <p>For the Royal race they loved so well,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though exiled far away</p> + + <p class="i6">From the steadfast Scottish cavaliers,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>His father drew the righteous sword</p> + + <p class="i2">For Scotland and her claims,</p> + + <p>Among the loyal gentlemen</p> + + <p class="i2">And chiefs of ancient names</p> + + <p>Who swore to fight or fall beneath</p> + + <p class="i2">The standard of King James,</p> + + <p>And died at Killiecrankie pass</p> + + <p class="i2">With the glory of the Graemes;</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a true old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He never owned the foreign rule,</p> + + <p class="i2">No master he obeyed,</p> + + <p>But kept his clan in peace at home,</p> + + <p class="i2">From foray and from raid;</p> + + <p>And when they asked him for his oath,</p> + + <p class="i2">He touched his glittering blade,</p> + + <p>And pointed to his bonnet blue,</p> + + <p class="i2">That bore the white cockade:</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a leal old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>At length the news ran through the land—</p> + + <p class="i2">THE PRINCE had come again!</p> + + <p>That night the fiery cross was sped</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er mountain and through glen;</p> + + <p>And our old Baron rose in might,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a lion from his den,</p> + + <p>And rode away across the hills</p> + + <p class="i2">To Charlie and his men,</p> + + <p class="i6">With the valiant Scottish cavaliers,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He was the first that bent the knee</p> + + <p class="i2">When the STANDARD waved abroad,</p> + + <p>He was the first that charged the foe</p> + + <p class="i2">On Preston's bloody sod;</p> + + <p>And ever, in the van of fight,</p> + + <p class="i2">The foremost still he trod,</p> + + <p>Until, on bleak Culloden's heath,</p> + + <p class="i2">He gave his soul to God,</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a good old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oh! never shall we know again</p> + + <p class="i2">A heart so stout and true—</p> + + <p>The olden times have passed away,</p> + + <p class="i2">And weary are the new:</p> + + <p>The fair White Rose has faded</p> + + <p class="i2">From the garden where it grew,</p> + + <p>And no fond tears save those of heaven</p> + + <p class="i2">The glorious bed bedew</p> + + <p class="i6">Of the last old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_21"><!-- RULE4 21 --></a> + + <h2>MISCELLANEOUS POEMS</h2> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_22"><!-- RULE4 22 --></a> + + <h2>BLIND OLD MILTON</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Place me once more, my daughter, where the sun</p> + + <p>May shine upon my old and time-worn head,</p> + + <p>For the last time, perchance. My race is run;</p> + + <p>And soon amidst the ever-silent dead</p> + + <p>I must repose, it may be, half forgot.</p> + + <p>Yes! I have broke the hard and bitter bread</p> + + <p>For many a year, with those who trembled not</p> + + <p>To buckle on their armour for the fight,</p> + + <p>And set themselves against the tyrant's lot;</p> + + <p>And I have never bowed me to his might,</p> + + <p>Nor knelt before him—for I bear within</p> + + <p>My heart the sternest consciousness of right,</p> + + <p>And that perpetual hate of gilded sin</p> + + <p>Which made me what I am; and though the stain</p> + + <p>Of poverty be on me, yet I win</p> + + <p>More honour by it, than the blinded train</p> + + <p>Who hug their willing servitude, and bow</p> + + <p>Unto the weakest and the most profane.</p> + + <p>Therefore, with unencumbered soul I go</p> + + <p>Before the footstool of my Maker, where</p> + + <p>I hope to stand as undebased as now!</p> + + <p>Child! is the sun abroad? I feel my hair</p> + + <p>Borne up and wafted by the gentle wind,</p> + + <p>I feel the odours that perfume the air,</p> + + <p>And hear the rustling of the leaves behind.</p> + + <p>Within my heart I picture them, and then</p> + + <p>I almost can forget that I am blind,</p> + + <p>And old, and hated by my fellow-men.</p> + + <p>Yet would I fain once more behold the grace</p> + + <p>Of nature ere I die, and gaze again</p> + + <p>Upon her living and rejoicing face—</p> + + <p>Fain would I see thy countenance, my child,</p> + + <p>My comforter! I feel thy dear embrace—</p> + + <p>I hear thy voice, so musical, and mild,</p> + + <p>The patient, sole interpreter, by whom</p> + + <p>So many years of sadness are beguiled;</p> + + <p>For it hath made my small and scanty room</p> + + <p>Peopled with glowing visions of the past.</p> + + <p>But I will calmly bend me to my doom,</p> + + <p>And wait the hour which is approaching fast,</p> + + <p>When triple light shall stream upon mine eyes,</p> + + <p>And heaven itself be opened up at last</p> + + <p>To him who dared foretell its mysteries.</p> + + <p>I have had visions in this drear eclipse</p> + + <p>Of outward consciousness, and clomb the skies,</p> + + <p>Striving to utter with my earthly lips</p> + + <p>What the diviner soul had half divined,</p> + + <p>Even as the Saint in his Apocalypse</p> + + <p>Who saw the inmost glory, where enshrined</p> + + <p>Sat He who fashioned glory. This hath driven</p> + + <p>All outward strife and tumult from my mind,</p> + + <p>And humbled me, until I have forgiven</p> + + <p>My bitter enemies, and only seek</p> + + <p>To find the straight and narrow path to heaven.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yet I am weak—oh! how entirely weak,</p> + + <p>For one who may not love nor suffer more!</p> + + <p>Sometimes unbidden tears will wet my cheek,</p> + + <p>And my heart bound as keenly as of yore,</p> + + <p>Responsive to a voice, now hushed to rest,</p> + + <p>Which made the beautiful Italian shore,</p> + + <p>In all its pomp of summer vineyards drest,</p> + + <p>An Eden and a Paradise to me.</p> + + <p>Do the sweet breezes from the balmy west</p> + + <p>Still murmur through thy groves, Parthenope,</p> + + <p>In search of odours from the orange bowers?</p> + + <p>Still on thy slopes of verdure does the bee</p> + + <p>Cull her rare honey from the virgin flowers?</p> + + <p>And Philomel her plaintive chaunt prolong</p> + + <p>'Neath skies more calm and more serene than ours,</p> + + <p>Making the summer one perpetual song?</p> + + <p>Art thou the same as when in manhood's pride</p> + + <p>I walked in joy thy grassy meads among,</p> + + <p>With that fair youthful vision by my side,</p> + + <p>In whose bright eyes I looked—and not in vain?</p> + + <p>O my adored angel! O my bride!</p> + + <p>Despite of years, and woe, and want, and pain,</p> + + <p>My soul yearns back towards thee, and I seem</p> + + <p>To wander with thee, hand in hand, again,</p> + + <p>By the bright margin of that flowing stream.</p> + + <p>I hear again thy voice, more silver-sweet</p> + + <p>Than fancied music floating in a dream,</p> + + <p>Possess my being; from afar I greet</p> + + <p>The waving of thy garments in the glade,</p> + + <p>And the light rustling of thy fairy feet—</p> + + <p>What time as one half eager, half afraid,</p> + + <p>Love's burning secret faltered on my tongue,</p> + + <p>And tremulous looks and broken words betrayed</p> + + <p>The secret of the heart from whence they sprung.</p> + + <p>Ah me! the earth that rendered thee to heaven</p> + + <p>Gave up an angel beautiful and young,</p> + + <p>Spotless and pure as snow when freshly driven:</p> + + <p>A bright Aurora for the starry sphere</p> + + <p>Where all is love, and even life forgiven.</p> + + <p>Bride of immortal beauty—ever dear!</p> + + <p>Dost thou await me in thy blest abode?</p> + + <p>While I, Tithonus-like, must linger here,</p> + + <p>And count each step along the rugged road;</p> + + <p>A phantom, tottering to a long-made grave,</p> + + <p>And eager to lay down my weary load!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I, who was fancy's lord, am fancy's slave.</p> + + <p>Like the low murmurs of the Indian shell</p> + + <p>Ta'en from its coral bed beneath the wave,</p> + + <p>Which, unforgetful of the ocean's swell,</p> + + <p>Retains within its mystic urn the hum</p> + + <p>Heard in the sea-grots where the Nereids dwell—</p> + + <p>Old thoughts still haunt me—unawares they come</p> + + <p>Between me and my rest, nor can I make</p> + + <p>Those aged visitors of sorrow dumb.</p> + + <p>Oh, yet awhile, my feeble soul, awake!</p> + + <p>Nor wander back with sullen steps again;</p> + + <p>For neither pleasant pastime canst thou take</p> + + <p>In such a journey, nor endure the pain.</p> + + <p>The phantoms of the past are dead for thee;</p> + + <p>So let them ever uninvoked remain,</p> + + <p>And be thou calm, till death shall set thee free.</p> + + <p>Thy flowers of hope expanded long ago,</p> + + <p>Long since their blossoms withered on the tree:</p> + + <p>No second spring can come to make them blow,</p> + + <p>But in the silent winter of the grave</p> + + <p>They lie with blighted love and buried woe.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I did not waste the gifts which nature gave,</p> + + <p>Nor slothful lay in the Circéan bower;</p> + + <p>Nor did I yield myself the willing slave</p> + + <p>Of lust for pride, for riches, or for power.</p> + + <p>No! in my heart a nobler spirit dwelt;</p> + + <p>For constant was my faith in manhood's dower;</p> + + <p>Man—made in God's own image—and I felt</p> + + <p>How of our own accord we courted shame,</p> + + <p>Until to idols like ourselves we knelt,</p> + + <p>And so renounced the great and glorious claim</p> + + <p>Of freedom, our immortal heritage.</p> + + <p>I saw how bigotry, with spiteful aim,</p> + + <p>Smote at the searching eyesight of the sage,</p> + + <p>How error stole behind the steps of truth,</p> + + <p>And cast delusion on the sacred page.</p> + + <p>So, as a champion, even in early youth</p> + + <p>I waged my battle with a purpose keen;</p> + + <p>Nor feared the hand of terror, nor the tooth</p> + + <p>Of serpent jealousy. And I have been</p> + + <p>With starry Galileo in his cell,</p> + + <p>That wise magician with the brow serene,</p> + + <p>Who fathomed space; and I have seen him tell</p> + + <p>The wonders of the planetary sphere,</p> + + <p>And trace the ramparts of heaven's citadel</p> + + <p>On the cold flag-stones of his dungeon drear.</p> + + <p>And I have walked with Hampden and with Vane—</p> + + <p>Names once so gracious to an English ear—</p> + + <p>In days that never may return again.</p> + + <p>My voice, though not the loudest, hath been heard</p> + + <p>Whenever freedom raised her cry of pain,</p> + + <p>And the faint effort of the humble bard</p> + + <p>Hath roused up thousands from their lethargy,</p> + + <p>To speak in words of thunder. What reward</p> + + <p>Was mine, or theirs? It matters not; for I</p> + + <p>Am but a leaf cast on the whirling tide,</p> + + <p>Without a hope or wish, except to die.</p> + + <p>But truth, asserted once, must still abide,</p> + + <p>Unquenchable, as are those fiery springs</p> + + <p>Which day and night gush from the mountain-side,</p> + + <p>Perpetual meteors girt with lambent wings,</p> + + <p>Which the wild tempest tosses to and fro,</p> + + <p>But cannot conquer with the force it brings.</p> + + <p>Yet I, who ever felt another's woe</p> + + <p>More keenly than my own untold distress;</p> + + <p>I, who have battled with the common foe,</p> + + <p>And broke for years the bread of bitterness;</p> + + <p>Who never yet abandoned or betrayed</p> + + <p>The trust vouchsafed me, nor have ceased to bless,</p> + + <p>Am left alone to wither in the shade,</p> + + <p>A weak old man, deserted by his kind—</p> + + <p>Whom none will comfort in his age, nor aid!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oh! let me not repine! A quiet mind,</p> + + <p>Conscious and upright, needs no other stay;</p> + + <p>Nor can I grieve for what I leave behind,</p> + + <p>In the rich promise of eternal day.</p> + + <p>Henceforth to me the world is dead and gone,</p> + + <p>Its thorns unfelt, its roses cast away:</p> + + <p>And the old pilgrim, weary and alone,</p> + + <p>Bowed down with travel, at his Master's gate</p> + + <p>Now sits, his task of life-long labour done,</p> + + <p>Thankful for rest, although it comes so late,</p> + + <p>After sore journey through this world of sin,</p> + + <p>In hope, and prayer, and wistfulness to wait,</p> + + <p>Until the door shall ope, and let him in.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_23"><!-- RULE4 23 --></a> + + <h2>HERMOTIMUS</h2> + + <p>Hermotimus, the hero of this ballad, was a philosopher, or + rather a prophet, of Clazomenæ, who possessed the faculty, + now claimed by the animal-magnetists, of effecting a voluntary + separation between his soul and body; for the former could wander + to any part of the universe, and even hold intercourse with + supernatural beings, whilst the senseless frame remained at home. + Hermotimus, however, was not insensible to the risk attendant + upon this disunion; since, before attempting any of these aerial + flights, he took the precaution to warn his wife, lest, ere the + return of his soul, the body should be rendered an unfit or + useless receptacle. This accident, which he so much dreaded, at + length occurred; for the lady, wearied out by a succession of + trances, each of longer duration than the preceding, one day + committed his body to the flames, and thus effectually put a stop + to such unconnubial conduct. He received divine honours at + Clazomenæ, but must nevertheless remain as a terrible + example and warning to all husbands who carry their scientific or + spiritual pursuits so far as to neglect their duty to their + wives.</p> + + <p>It is somewhat curious that Hermotimus is not the only person + (putting the disciples of Mesmer and Dupotet altogether out of + the question) who has possessed this miraculous power. Another + and much later instance is recorded by Dr. George Cheyne, in his + work entitled, <i>The English Malady, or a Treatise of Nervous + Diseases</i>, as having come under his own observation; and, as + this case is exactly similar to that of the Prophet, it may amuse + the reader to see how far an ancient fable may be illustrated, + and in part explained, by the records of modern science. Dr. + Cheyne's patient was probably cataleptic; but the worthy + physician must be allowed to tell his own story.</p> + + <p>"Colonel Townshend, a gentleman of honour and integrity, had + for many years been afflicted with a nephritic complaint. His + illness increasing, and his strength decaying, he came from + Bristol to Bath in a litter, in autumn, and lay at the Bell Inn. + Dr. Baynard and I were called to him, and attended him twice + a-day; but his vomitings continuing still incessant and obstinate + against all remedies, we despaired of his recovery. While he was + in this condition, he sent for us one morning; we waited on him + with Mr. Skrine, his apothecary. We found his senses clear, and + his mind calm: his nurse and several servants were about him. He + told us he had sent for us to give him an account of an odd + sensation he had for some time observed and felt in himself; + which was, that, by composing himself, <i>he could die or expire + when he pleased</i>; and yet by an effort, or somehow, he could + come to life again, which he had sometimes tried before he had + sent for us. We heard this with surprise; but, as it was not to + be accounted for upon common principles, we could hardly believe + the fact as he related it, much less give any account of it; + unless he should please to make the experiment before us, which + we were unwilling he should do, lest, in his weak condition, he + might carry it too far. He continued to talk very distinctly and + sensibly above a quarter of an hour about this surprising + sensation, and insisted so much on our seeing the trial made, + that we were at last forced to comply. We all three felt his + pulse first—it was distinct, though small and thready, and + his heart had its usual beating. He composed himself on his back, + and lay in a still posture for some time: while I held his right + hand, Dr. Baynard laid his hand on his heart, and Mr. Skrine held + a clean looking-glass to his mouth. I found his pulse sink + gradually, till at last I could not find any by the most exact + and nice touch. Dr. Baynard could not feel the least motion in + his heart, nor Mr. Skrine the least soil of breath on the bright + mirror he held to his mouth; then each of us by turns examined + his arm, heart, and breath, but could not, by the nicest + scrutiny, discover the least symptom of life in him. We reasoned + a long time about this odd appearance as well as we could, and + all of us judging it inexplicable and unaccountable; and, finding + he still continued in that condition, we began to conclude that + he had indeed carried the experiment too far; and at last were + satisfied he was actually dead, and were just ready to leave him. + This continued about half an hour. As we were going away, we + observed some motion about the body; and, upon examination, found + his pulse and the motion of his heart gradually returning. He + began to breathe gently and speak softly. We were all astonished + to the last degree at this unexpected change; and, after some + further conversation with him, and among ourselves, went away + fully satisfied as to all the particulars of this fact, but + confounded and puzzled, and not able to form any rational scheme + that might account for it."</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_24"><!-- RULE4 24 --></a> + + <h2>HERMOTIMUS</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Wilt not lay thee down in quiet slumber?</p> + + <p class="i2">Weary dost thou seem, and ill at rest;</p> + + <p>Sleep will bring thee dreams in starry number—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let him come to thee and be thy guest.</p> + + <p class="i6">Midnight now is past—</p> + + <p class="i6">Husband! come at last—</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay thy throbbing head upon my breast."</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Weary am I, but my soul is waking;</p> + + <p class="i2">Fain I'd lay me gently by thy side,</p> + + <p>But my spirit then, its home forsaking,</p> + + <p class="i2">Through the realms of space would wander + wide—</p> + + <p class="i6">Everything forgot,</p> + + <p class="i6">What would be thy lot,</p> + + <p class="i2">If I came not back to thee, my bride?"</p> + </div> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Music, like the lute of young Apollo,</p> + + <p class="i2">Vibrates even now within mine ear;</p> + + <p>Soft and silver voices bid me follow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Yet my soul is dull and will not hear.</p> + + <p class="i6">Waking it will stay:</p> + + <p class="i6">Let me watch till day—</p> + + <p class="i2">Fainter will they come, and disappear."</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Speak not thus to me, my own—my dearest!</p> + + <p class="i2">These are but the phantoms of thy brain;</p> + + <p>Nothing can befall thee which thou fearest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou shalt wake to love and life again.</p> + + <p class="i6">Were this sleep thy last,</p> + + <p class="i6">I should hold thee fast,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou shouldst strive against me but in + vain."</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Eros will protect us, and will hover,</p> + + <p class="i2">Guardian-like, above thee all the night,</p> + + <p>Jealous of thee, as of some fond lover</p> + + <p class="i2">Chiding back the rosy-fingered light—</p> + + <p class="i6">He will be thine aid:</p> + + <p class="i6">Canst thou feel afraid</p> + + <p class="i2">When <i>his</i> torch above us burneth + bright?"</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Lo! the cressets of the night are waning—</p> + + <p class="i2">Old Orion hastens from the sky;</p> + + <p>Only thou of all things art remaining</p> + + <p class="i2">Unrefreshed by slumber—thou and I.</p> + + <p class="i6">Sound and sense are still;</p> + + <p class="i6">Even the distant rill</p> + + <p class="i2">Murmurs fainter now, and languidly."</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Come and rest thee, husband!"—And no longer</p> + + <p class="i2">Could the young man that fond call resist:</p> + + <p>Vainly was he warned, for love was stronger—</p> + + <p class="i2">Warmly did he press her to his breast.</p> + + <p class="i6">Warmly met she his;</p> + + <p class="i6">Kiss succeeded kiss,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till their eyelids closed with sleep + oppressed.</p> + </div> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Soon Aurora left her early pillow,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the heavens grew rosy-rich, and rare;</p> + + <p>Laughed the dewy plain and glassy billow,</p> + + <p class="i2">For the Golden God himself was there;</p> + + <p class="i6">And the vapour-screen</p> + + <p class="i6">Rose the hills between,</p> + + <p class="i2">Steaming up, like incense, in the air.</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O'er her husband sate Ione bending—</p> + + <p class="i2">Marble-like and marble-hued he lay;</p> + + <p>Underneath her raven locks descending,</p> + + <p class="i2">Paler seemed his face, and ashen gray,</p> + + <p class="i6">And so white his brow—</p> + + <p class="i6">White and cold as snow—</p> + + <p class="i2">"Husband! Gods! his soul hath passed away!"</p> + </div> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Raise ye up the pile with gloomy shadow—</p> + + <p class="i2">Heap it with the mournful + cypress-bough!—</p> + + <p>And they raised the pile upon the meadow,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they heaped the mournful cypress too;</p> + + <p class="i6">And they laid the dead</p> + + <p class="i6">On his funeral bed,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they kindled up the flames below.</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Swiftly rose they, and the corse surrounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">Spreading out a pall into the air;</p> + + <p>And the sharp and sudden crackling sounded</p> + + <p class="i2">Mournfully to all the watchers there.</p> + + <p class="i6">Soon their force was spent,</p> + + <p class="i6">And the body blent</p> + + <p class="i2">With the embers' slow-expiring glare.</p> + </div> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Night again was come; but oh, how lonely</p> + + <p class="i2">To the mourner did that night appear!</p> + + <p>Peace nor rest it brought, but sorrow only,</p> + + <p class="i2">Vain repinings and unwonted fear.</p> + + <p class="i6">Dimly burned the lamp—</p> + + <p class="i6">Chill the air and damp—</p> + + <p class="i2">And the winds without were moaning drear.</p> + </div> + + <p>XIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hush! a voice in solemn whispers speaking</p> + + <p class="i2">Breaks within the twilight of the room;</p> + + <p>And Ione, loud and wildly shrieking,</p> + + <p class="i2">Starts and gazes through the ghastly gloom.</p> + + <p class="i6">Nothing sees she there—</p> + + <p class="i6">All is empty air,</p> + + <p class="i2">All is empty as a rifled tomb.</p> + </div> + + <p>XIV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Once again the voice beside her sounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">Low, and faint, and solemn was its + tone—</p> + + <p>"Nor by form nor shade am I surrounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fleshly home and dwelling have I none.</p> + + <p class="i6">They are passed away—</p> + + <p class="i6">Woe is me! to-day</p> + + <p class="i2">Hath robbed me of myself, and made me + lone."</p> + </div> + + <p>XV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Vainly were the words of parting spoken;</p> + + <p class="i2">Evermore must Charon turn from me.</p> + + <p>Still my thread of life remains unbroken,</p> + + <p class="i2">And unbroken ever it must be;</p> + + <p class="i6">Only they may rest</p> + + <p class="i6">Whom the Fates' behest</p> + + <p class="i2">From their mortal mansion setteth free."</p> + </div> + + <p>XVI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I have seen the robes of Hermes glisten—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seen him wave afar his serpent-wand;</p> + + <p>But to me the Herald would not listen—</p> + + <p class="i2">When the dead swept by at his command,</p> + + <p class="i6">Not with that pale crew</p> + + <p class="i6">Durst I venture too—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ever shut for me the quiet land."</p> + </div> + + <p>XVII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Day and night before the dreary portal,</p> + + <p class="i2">Phantom-shapes, the guards of Hades, lie;</p> + + <p>None of heavenly kind, nor yet of mortal,</p> + + <p class="i2">May unchallenged pass the warders by.</p> + + <p class="i6">None that path may go,</p> + + <p class="i6">If he cannot show</p> + + <p class="i2">His last passport to eternity."</p> + </div> + + <p>XVIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Cruel was the spirit-power thou gavest—</p> + + <p class="i2">Fatal, O Apollo, was thy love!</p> + + <p>Pythian! Archer! brightest God and bravest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hear, O hear me from thy throne above!</p> + + <p class="i6">Let me not, I pray,</p> + + <p class="i6">Thus be cast away:</p> + + <p class="i2">Plead for me—thy slave—O plead to + Jove!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XIX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I have heard thee with the Muses singing—</p> + + <p class="i2">Heard that full, melodious voice of thine,</p> + + <p>Silver-clear throughout the ether ringing—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seen thy locks in golden clusters shine;</p> + + <p class="i6">And thine eye, so bright</p> + + <p class="i6">With its innate light,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hath ere now been bent so low as mine."</p> + </div> + + <p>XX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Hast thou lost the wish—the will—to + cherish</p> + + <p class="i2">Those who trusted in thy godlike power?</p> + + <p>Hyacinthus did not wholly perish;</p> + + <p class="i2">Still he lives, the firstling of thy bower;</p> + + <p class="i6">Still he feels thy rays,</p> + + <p class="i6">Fondly meets thy gaze,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though but now the spirit of a flower."</p> + </div> + + <p>XXI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Hear me, Phoebus! Hear me and deliver!</p> + + <p class="i2">Lo! the morning breaketh from afar—</p> + + <p>God! thou comest bright and great as ever—</p> + + <p class="i2">Night goes back before thy burning car;</p> + + <p class="i6">All her lamps are gone—</p> + + <p class="i6">Lucifer alone</p> + + <p class="i2">Lingers still for thee—the blessed + star!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XXII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Hear me, Phoebus!"—And therewith descended</p> + + <p class="i2">Through the window-arch a glory-gleam,</p> + + <p>All effulgent—and with music blended,</p> + + <p class="i2">For such solemn sounds arose as stream</p> + + <p class="i6">From the Memnon-lyre,</p> + + <p class="i6">When the morning fire</p> + + <p class="i2">Gilds the giant's forehead with its beam.</p> + </div> + + <p>XXIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thou hast heard thy servant's prayer, Apollo;</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou dost call me, mighty God of Day!</p> + + <p>Fare-thee-well, Ione!"—And more hollow</p> + + <p class="i2">Came the phantom-voice, then died away.</p> + + <p class="i6">When the slaves arose,</p> + + <p class="i6">Not in calm repose,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not in sleep, but death, their mistress + lay.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_25"><!-- RULE4 25 --></a> + + <h2>OENONE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>On the holy mount of Ida,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the pine and cypress grow,</p> + + <p>Sate a young and lovely woman,</p> + + <p class="i2">Weeping ever, weeping low.</p> + + <p>Drearily throughout the forest</p> + + <p class="i2">Did the winds of autumn blow,</p> + + <p>And the clouds above were flying,</p> + + <p class="i2">And Scamander rolled below.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Faithless Paris! cruel Paris!"</p> + + <p class="i2">Thus the poor deserted spake—</p> + + <p>"Wherefore thus so strangely leave me?</p> + + <p class="i2">Why thy loving bride forsake?</p> + + <p>Why no tender word at parting?</p> + + <p class="i2">Why no kiss, no farewell take?</p> + + <p>Would that I could but forget thee—</p> + + <p class="i2">Would this throbbing heart might break!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Is my face no longer blooming?</p> + + <p class="i2">Are my eyes no longer bright?</p> + + <p>Ah! my tears have made them dimmer,</p> + + <p class="i2">And my cheeks are pale and white.</p> + + <p>I have wept since early morning,</p> + + <p class="i2">I will weep the livelong night;</p> + + <p>Now I long for sullen darkness,</p> + + <p class="i2">As I once have longed for light.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Paris! canst thou then be cruel?</p> + + <p class="i2">Fair, and young, and brave thou art—</p> + + <p>Can it be that in thy bosom</p> + + <p class="i2">Lies so cold, so hard a heart?</p> + + <p>Children were we bred together—</p> + + <p class="i2">She who bore me suckled thee;</p> + + <p>I have been thine old companion,</p> + + <p class="i2">When thou hadst no more but me.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I have watched thee in thy slumbers,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the shadow of a dream</p> + + <p>Passed across thy smiling features,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like the ripple of a stream;</p> + + <p>And so sweetly were the visions</p> + + <p class="i2">Pictured there with lively grace,</p> + + <p>That I half could read their import</p> + + <p class="i2">By the changes on thy face.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"When I sang of Ariadne,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sang the old and mournful tale,</p> + + <p>How her faithless lover, Theseus,</p> + + <p class="i2">Left her to lament and wail;</p> + + <p>Then thine eyes would fill and glisten,</p> + + <p class="i2">Her complaint could soften thee:</p> + + <p>Thou hast wept for Ariadne—</p> + + <p class="i2">Theseus' self might weep for me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thou may'st find another maiden</p> + + <p class="i2">With a fairer face than mine—</p> + + <p>With a gayer voice, and sweeter,</p> + + <p class="i2">And a spirit liker thine:</p> + + <p>For if e'er my beauty bound thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lost and broken is the spell;</p> + + <p>But thou canst not find another</p> + + <p class="i2">That will love thee half so well.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O thou hollow ship that bearest</p> + + <p class="i2">Paris o'er the faithless deep,</p> + + <p>Wouldst thou leave him on some island,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where alone the waters weep?</p> + + <p>Where no human foot is moulded</p> + + <p class="i2">In the wet and yellow sand—</p> + + <p>Leave him there, thou hollow vessel!</p> + + <p class="i2">Leave him on that lonely land!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Then his heart will surely soften,</p> + + <p class="i2">When his foolish hopes decay,</p> + + <p>And his older love rekindle,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the new one dies away.</p> + + <p>Visionary hills will haunt him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rising from the glassy sea,</p> + + <p>And his thoughts will wander homewards</p> + + <p class="i2">Unto Ida and to me.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O! that like a little swallow</p> + + <p class="i2">I could reach that lonely spot!</p> + + <p>All his errors would be pardoned,</p> + + <p class="i2">All the weary past forgot.</p> + + <p>Never should he wander from me—</p> + + <p class="i2">Never should he more depart,</p> + + <p>For these arms would be his prison,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his home would be my heart."</p> + </div> + + <p class="i2"> </p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <br> + <br> + + <p>Thus lamented fair Oenone,</p> + + <p class="i2">Weeping ever, weeping low,</p> + + <p>On the holy mount of Ida,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the pine and cypress grow.</p> + + <p>In the self-same hour Cassandra</p> + + <p class="i2">Shrieked her prophecy of woe,</p> + + <p>And into the Spartan dwelling</p> + + <p class="i2">Did the faithless Paris go.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_26"><!-- RULE4 26 --></a> + + <h2>THE BURIED FLOWER</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In the silence of my chamber,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the night is still and deep,</p> + + <p>And the drowsy heave of ocean</p> + + <p class="i2">Mutters in its charmed sleep,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oft I hear the angel-voices</p> + + <p class="i2">That have thrilled me long ago,—</p> + + <p>Voices of my lost companions,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lying deep beneath the snow.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O, the garden I remember,</p> + + <p class="i2">In the gay and sunny spring,</p> + + <p>When our laughter made the thickets</p> + + <p class="i2">And the arching alleys ring!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O the merry burst of gladness!</p> + + <p class="i2">O the soft and tender tone!</p> + + <p>O the whisper never uttered</p> + + <p class="i2">Save to one fond ear alone!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O the light of life that sparkled</p> + + <p class="i2">In those bright and bounteous eyes!</p> + + <p>O the blush of happy beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Tell-tale of the heart's surprise:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O the radiant light that girdled</p> + + <p class="i2">Field and forest, land and sea,</p> + + <p>When we all were young together,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the earth was new to me:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Where are now the flowers we tended?</p> + + <p class="i2">Withered, broken, branch and stem;</p> + + <p>Where are now the hopes we cherished?</p> + + <p class="i2">Scattered to the winds with them.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For ye, too, were flowers, ye dear ones!</p> + + <p class="i2">Nursed in hope and reared in love,</p> + + <p>Looking fondly ever upward</p> + + <p class="i2">To the clear blue heaven above:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Smiling on the sun that cheered us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rising lightly from the rain,</p> + + <p>Never folding up your freshness</p> + + <p class="i2">Save to give it forth again:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never shaken, save by accents</p> + + <p class="i2">From a tongue that was not free,</p> + + <p>As the modest blossom trembles</p> + + <p class="i2">At the wooing of the bee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O! 'tis sad to lie and reckon</p> + + <p class="i2">All the days of faded youth,</p> + + <p>All the vows that we believed in,</p> + + <p class="i2">All the words we spoke in truth.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Severed—were it severed only</p> + + <p class="i2">By an idle thought of strife,</p> + + <p>Such as time might knit together;</p> + + <p class="i2">Not the broken chord of life!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O my heart! that once so truly</p> + + <p class="i2">Kept another's time and tune,</p> + + <p>Heart, that kindled in the spring-tide,</p> + + <p class="i2">Look around thee in the noon.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Where are they who gave the impulse</p> + + <p class="i2">To thy earliest thought and flow?</p> + + <p>Look around the ruined garden—</p> + + <p class="i2">All are withered, dropped, or low!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Seek the birth-place of the lily,</p> + + <p class="i2">Dearer to the boyish dream</p> + + <p>Than the golden cups of Eden,</p> + + <p class="i2">Floating on its slumbrous stream;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never more shalt thou behold her—</p> + + <p class="i2">She, the noblest, fairest, best:</p> + + <p>She that rose in fullest beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a queen, above the rest.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Only still I keep her image</p> + + <p class="i2">As a thought that cannot die;</p> + + <p>He who raised the shade of Helen</p> + + <p class="i2">Had no greater power than I.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O! I fling my spirit backward,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I pass o'er years of pain;</p> + + <p>All I loved is rising round me,</p> + + <p class="i2">All the lost returns again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Blow, for ever blow, ye breezes,</p> + + <p class="i2">Warmly as ye did before!</p> + + <p>Bloom again, ye happy gardens,</p> + + <p class="i2">With the radiant tints of yore!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Warble out in spray and thicket,</p> + + <p class="i2">All ye choristers unseen;</p> + + <p>Let the leafy woodland echo</p> + + <p class="i2">With an anthem to its queen!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lo! she cometh in her beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stately with a Juno grace,</p> + + <p>Raven locks, Madonna-braided</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er her sweet and blushing face:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Eyes of deepest violet, beaming</p> + + <p class="i2">With the love that knows not shame—</p> + + <p>Lips, that thrill my inmost being</p> + + <p class="i2">With the utterance of a name.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And I bend the knee before her,</p> + + <p class="i2">As a captive ought to bow,—</p> + + <p>Pray thee, listen to my pleading,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sovereign of my soul art thou!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O my dear and gentle lady,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me show thee all my pain,</p> + + <p>Ere the words that late were prisoned</p> + + <p class="i2">Sink into my heart again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Love, they say, is very fearful</p> + + <p class="i2">Ere its curtain be withdrawn,</p> + + <p>Trembling at the thought of error</p> + + <p class="i2">As the shadows scare the fawn.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Love hath bound me to thee, lady,</p> + + <p class="i2">Since the well-remembered day</p> + + <p>When I first beheld thee coming</p> + + <p class="i2">In the light of lustrous May.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Not a word I dared to utter—</p> + + <p class="i2">More than he who, long ago,</p> + + <p>Saw the heavenly shapes descending</p> + + <p class="i2">Over Ida's slopes of snow:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When a low and solemn music</p> + + <p class="i2">Floated through the listening grove,</p> + + <p>And the throstle's song was silenced,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the doling of the dove:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When immortal beauty opened</p> + + <p class="i2">All its grace to mortal sight,</p> + + <p>And the awe of worship blended</p> + + <p class="i2">With the throbbing of delight.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>As the shepherd stood before them</p> + + <p class="i2">Trembling in the Phrygian dell,</p> + + <p>Even so my soul and being</p> + + <p class="i2">Owned the magic of the spell;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And I watched thee ever fondly,</p> + + <p class="i2">Watched thee, dearest! from afar,</p> + + <p>With the mute and humble homage</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the Indian to a star.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou wert still the Lady Flora</p> + + <p class="i2">In her morning garb of bloom;</p> + + <p>Where thou wert was light and glory,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where thou wert not, dearth and gloom.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So for many a day I followed</p> + + <p class="i2">For a long and weary while,</p> + + <p>Ere my heart rose up to bless thee</p> + + <p class="i2">For the yielding of a smile,—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ere thy words were few and broken</p> + + <p class="i2">As they answered back to mine,</p> + + <p>Ere my lips had power to thank thee</p> + + <p class="i2">For the gift vouchsafed by thine.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then a mighty gush of passion</p> + + <p class="i2">Through my inmost being ran;</p> + + <p>Then my older life was ended,</p> + + <p class="i2">And a dearer course began.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Dearer!—O, I cannot tell thee</p> + + <p class="i2">What a load was swept away,</p> + + <p>What a world of doubt and darkness</p> + + <p class="i2">Faded in the dawning day!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>All my error, all my weakness,</p> + + <p class="i2">All my vain delusions fled:</p> + + <p>Hope again revived, and gladness</p> + + <p class="i2">Waved its wings above my head.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Like the wanderer of the desert,</p> + + <p class="i2">When, across the dreary sand,</p> + + <p>Breathes the perfume from the thickets</p> + + <p class="i2">Bordering on the promised land;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When afar he sees the palm-trees</p> + + <p class="i2">Cresting o'er the lonely well,</p> + + <p>When he hears the pleasant tinkle</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the distant camel's bell:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So a fresh and glad emotion</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose within my swelling breast,</p> + + <p>And I hurried swiftly onwards</p> + + <p class="i2">To the haven of my rest.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou wert there with word and welcome,</p> + + <p class="i2">With thy smile so purely sweet;</p> + + <p>And I laid my heart before thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Laid it, darling, at thy feet!—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O ye words that sound so hollow</p> + + <p class="i2">As I now recall your tone!</p> + + <p>What are ye but empty echoes</p> + + <p class="i2">Of a passion crushed and gone?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wherefore should I seek to kindle</p> + + <p class="i2">Light, when all around is gloom?</p> + + <p>Wherefore should I raise a phantom</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er the dark and silent tomb?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Early wert thou taken, Mary!</p> + + <p class="i2">In thy fair and glorious prime,</p> + + <p>Ere the bees had ceased to murmur</p> + + <p class="i2">Through the umbrage of the lime.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Buds were blowing, waters flowing,</p> + + <p class="i2">Birds were singing on the tree,</p> + + <p>Every thing was bright and glowing,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the angels came for thee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Death had laid aside his terror,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he found thee calm and mild,</p> + + <p>Lying in thy robes of whiteness,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a pure and stainless child.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hardly had the mountain violet</p> + + <p class="i2">Spread its blossoms on the sod,</p> + + <p>Ere they laid the turf above thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thy spirit rose to God.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Early wert thou taken, Mary!</p> + + <p class="i2">And I know 'tis vain to weep—</p> + + <p>Tears of mine can never wake thee</p> + + <p class="i2">From thy sad and silent sleep.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O away! my thoughts are earthward!</p> + + <p class="i2">Not asleep, my love, art thou!</p> + + <p>Dwelling in the land of glory</p> + + <p class="i2">With the saints and angels now.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Brighter, fairer far than living,</p> + + <p class="i2">With no trace of woe or pain,</p> + + <p>Robed in everlasting beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall I see thee once again,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>By the light that never fadeth,</p> + + <p class="i2">Underneath eternal skies,</p> + + <p>When the dawn of resurrection</p> + + <p class="i2">Breaks o'er deathless Paradise.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_27"><!-- RULE4 27 --></a> + + <h2>THE OLD CAMP</h2> + + <center> + WRITTEN IN A ROMAN FORTIFICATION IN BAVARIA + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I.</p> + + <p>There is a cloud before the sun,</p> + + <p class="i2">The wind is hushed and still,</p> + + <p>And silently the waters run</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the sombre hill.</p> + + <p>The sky is dark in every place,</p> + + <p class="i2">As is the earth below:</p> + + <p>Methinks it wore the self-same face</p> + + <p class="i2">Two thousand years ago.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>II.</p> + + <p>No light is on the ancient wall,</p> + + <p class="i2">No light upon the mound;</p> + + <p>The very trees, so thick and tall,</p> + + <p class="i2">Cast gloom, not shade, around.</p> + + <p>So silent is the place and cold,</p> + + <p class="i2">So far from human ken,</p> + + <p>It hath a look that makes me old,</p> + + <p class="i2">And spectres time again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>III.</p> + + <p>I listen, half in thought to hear</p> + + <p class="i2">The Roman trumpet blow—</p> + + <p>I search for glint of helm and spear</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst the forest bough:</p> + + <p>And armour rings, and voices swell—</p> + + <p class="i2">I hear the legion's tramp,</p> + + <p>And mark the lonely sentinel</p> + + <p class="i2">Who guards the lonely camp.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IV.</p> + + <p>Methinks I have no other home,</p> + + <p class="i2">No other hearth to find;</p> + + <p>For nothing save the thought of Rome</p> + + <p class="i2">Is stirring in my mind.</p> + + <p>And all that I have heard or dreamed,</p> + + <p class="i2">And all I had forgot,</p> + + <p>Are rising up, as though they seemed</p> + + <p class="i2">The household of the spot.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>V.</p> + + <p>And all the names that Romans knew</p> + + <p class="i2">Seem just as known to me,</p> + + <p>As if I were a Roman too—</p> + + <p class="i2">A Roman born and free:</p> + + <p>And I could rise at Cæsar's name,</p> + + <p class="i2">As though it were a charm</p> + + <p>To draw sharp lightning from the tame,</p> + + <p class="i2">And brace the coward's arm.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VI.</p> + + <p>And yet, if yonder sky were blue,</p> + + <p class="i2">And earth were sunny gay,</p> + + <p>If nature wore the summer hue</p> + + <p class="i2">That decked her yesterday,</p> + + <p>The mound, the trench, the rampart's space,</p> + + <p class="i2">Would move me nothing more</p> + + <p>Than many a sweet sequestred place</p> + + <p class="i2">That I have marked before.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VII.</p> + + <p>I could not feel the breezes bring</p> + + <p class="i2">Rich odours from the trees;</p> + + <p>I could not hear the linnets sing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And think on themes like these.</p> + + <p>The painted insects as they pass</p> + + <p class="i2">In swift and motley strife,</p> + + <p>The very lizard in the grass</p> + + <p class="i2">Would scare me back to life.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VIII.</p> + + <p>Then is the past so gloomy now</p> + + <p class="i2">That it may never bear</p> + + <p>The open smile of nature's brow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or meet the sunny air?</p> + + <p>I know not that—but joy is power,</p> + + <p class="i2">However short it last;</p> + + <p>And joy befits the present hour,</p> + + <p class="i2">If sadness fits the past.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_28"><!-- RULE4 28 --></a> + + <h2>DANUBE AND THE EUXINE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Danube, Danube! wherefore com'st thou</p> + + <p class="i2">Red and raging to my caves?</p> + + <p>Wherefore leap thy swollen waters</p> + + <p class="i2">Madly through the broken waves?</p> + + <p>Wherefore is thy tide so sullied</p> + + <p class="i2">With a hue unknown to me;</p> + + <p>Wherefore dost thou bring pollution</p> + + <p class="i2">To the old and sacred sea?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Ha! rejoice, old Father Euxine!</p> + + <p class="i2">I am brimming full and red;</p> + + <p>Noble tidings do I carry</p> + + <p class="i2">From my distant channel-bed.</p> + + <p>I have been a Christian river</p> + + <p class="i2">Dull and slow this many a year,</p> + + <p>Rolling down my torpid waters</p> + + <p class="i2">Through a silence morne and drear;</p> + + <p>Have not felt the tread of armies</p> + + <p class="i2">Trampling on my reedy shore;</p> + + <p>Have not heard the trumpet calling,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or the cannon's gladsome roar;</p> + + <p>Only listened to the laughter</p> + + <p class="i2">From the village and the town,</p> + + <p>And the church-bells, ever jangling,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the weary day went down.</p> + + <p>So I lay and sorely pondered</p> + + <p class="i2">On the days long since gone by,</p> + + <p>When my old primæval forests</p> + + <p class="i2">Echoed to the war-man's cry;</p> + + <p>When the race of Thor and Odin</p> + + <p class="i2">Held their battles by my side,</p> + + <p>And the blood of man was mingling</p> + + <p class="i2">Warmly with my chilly tide.</p> + + <p>Father Euxine! thou rememb'rest</p> + + <p class="i2">How I brought thee tribute then—</p> + + <p>Swollen corpses, gashed and gory,</p> + + <p class="i2">Heads and limbs of slaughter'd men?</p> + + <p>Father Euxine! be thou joyful!</p> + + <p class="i2">I am running red once more—</p> + + <p>Not with heathen blood, as early,</p> + + <p class="i2">But with gallant Christian gore!</p> + + <p>For the old times are returning,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the Cross is broken down,</p> + + <p>And I hear the tocsin sounding</p> + + <p class="i2">In the village and the town;</p> + + <p>And the glare of burning cities</p> + + <p class="i2">Soon shall light me on my way—</p> + + <p>Ha! my heart is big and jocund</p> + + <p class="i2">With the draught I drank to-day.</p> + + <p>Ha! I feel my strength awakened,</p> + + <p class="i2">And my brethren shout to me;</p> + + <p>Each is leaping red and joyous</p> + + <p class="i2">To his own awaiting sea.</p> + + <p>Rhine and Elbe are plunging downward</p> + + <p class="i2">Through their wild anarchic land,</p> + + <p>Everywhere are Christians falling</p> + + <p class="i2">By their brother Christians' hand!</p> + + <p>Yea, the old times are returning,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the olden gods are here!</p> + + <p>Take my tribute, Father Euxine,</p> + + <p class="i2">To thy waters dark and drear.</p> + + <p>Therefore come I with my torrents,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shaking castle, crag, and town;</p> + + <p>Therefore, with the shout of thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sweep I herd and herdsman down;</p> + + <p>Therefore leap I to thy bosom,</p> + + <p class="i2">With a loud triumphal roar—</p> + + <p>Greet me, greet me, Father Euxine,</p> + + <p class="i2">I am Christian stream no more!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_29"><!-- RULE4 29 --></a> + + <h2>THE SCHEIK OF SINAI IN 1830</h2> + + <center> + FROM THE GERMAN OF FREILIGRATH + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I.</p> + + <p>"Lift me without the tent, I say,—</p> + + <p class="i2">Me and my ottoman,—</p> + + <p>I'll see the messenger myself!</p> + + <p class="i2">It is the caravan</p> + + <p class="i4">From Africa, thou sayest,</p> + + <p class="i6">And they bring us news of war?</p> + + <p>Draw me without the tent, and quick!</p> + + <p class="i2">As at the desert well</p> + + <p>The freshness of the purling brook</p> + + <p class="i2">Delights the tired gazelle,</p> + + <p class="i4">So pant I for the voice of him</p> + + <p class="i6">That cometh from afar!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>II.</p> + + <p>The Scheik was lifted from his tent,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thus outspake the Moor:—</p> + + <p>"I saw, old Chief, the Tricolor</p> + + <p class="i2">On Algiers' topmost tower—</p> + + <p class="i4">Upon its battlements the silks</p> + + <p class="i6">Of Lyons flutter free.</p> + + <p>Each morning, in the market-place,</p> + + <p class="i2">The muster-drum is beat,</p> + + <p>And to the war-hymn of Marseilles</p> + + <p class="i2">The squadrons pace the street.</p> + + <p class="i4">The armament from Toulon sailed:</p> + + <p class="i6">The Franks have crossed the sea."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>III.</p> + + <p>"Towards the south, the columns marched</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath a cloudless sky:</p> + + <p>Their weapons glittered in the blaze</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the sun of Barbary;</p> + + <p class="i4">And with the dusty desert sand</p> + + <p class="i6">Their horses' manes were white.</p> + + <p>The wild marauding tribes dispersed</p> + + <p class="i2">In terror of their lives;</p> + + <p>They fled unto the mountains</p> + + <p class="i2">With their children and their wives,</p> + + <p class="i4">And urged the clumsy dromedary</p> + + <p class="i6">Up the Atlas' height."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IV.</p> + + <p>"The Moors have ta'en their vantage-ground,</p> + + <p class="i2">The volleys thunder fast—</p> + + <p>The dark defile is blazing</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a heated oven-blast;</p> + + <p class="i4">The lion hears the strange turmoil,</p> + + <p class="i6">And leaves his mangled prey—</p> + + <p>No place was that for him to feed;</p> + + <p class="i2">And thick and loud the cries,</p> + + <p>Feu!—Allah! Allah!—En avant!</p> + + <p class="i2">In mingled discord rise;</p> + + <p class="i4">The Franks have reached the summit—</p> + + <p class="i6">They have won the victory!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>V.</p> + + <p>"With bristling steel, upon the top</p> + + <p class="i2">The victors take their stand:</p> + + <p>Beneath their feet, with all its towns,</p> + + <p class="i2">They see the promised land—</p> + + <p class="i4">From Tunis, even unto Fez,</p> + + <p class="i6">From Atlas to the seas.</p> + + <p>The cavaliers alight to gaze,</p> + + <p class="i2">And gaze full well they may,</p> + + <p>Where countless minarets stand up</p> + + <p class="i2">So solemnly and gray,</p> + + <p class="i4">Amidst the dark-green masses</p> + + <p class="i6">Of the flowering myrtle-trees."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VI.</p> + + <p>"The almond blossoms in the vale;</p> + + <p class="i2">The aloe from the rock</p> + + <p>Throws out its long and prickly leaves,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor dreads the tempest's shock:</p> + + <p class="i4">A blessed land, I ween, is that,</p> + + <p class="i6">Though luckless is its Bey.</p> + + <p>There lies the sea—beyond lies France!</p> + + <p class="i2">Her banners in the air</p> + + <p>Float proudly and triumphantly—</p> + + <p class="i2">A salvo! come, prepare!</p> + + <p class="i4">And loud and long the mountains rang</p> + + <p class="i6">With that glad artillery."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VII.</p> + + <p>"'Tis they!" exclaimed the aged Scheik.</p> + + <p class="i2">"I've battled by their side—</p> + + <p>I fought beneath the Pyramids!</p> + + <p class="i2">That day of deathless pride—</p> + + <p class="i4">Red as thy turban, Moor, that eve,</p> + + <p class="i6">Was every creek in Nile!</p> + + <p>But tell me—" and he griped his hand—</p> + + <p class="i2">"Their Sultaun. Stranger, say—</p> + + <p>His form—his face—his posture, man?</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou saw'st him in the fray?</p> + + <p class="i4">His eye—what wore he?" But the Moor</p> + + <p class="i6">Sought in his vest awhile.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VIII.</p> + + <p>"Their Sultaun, Scheik, remains at home</p> + + <p class="i2">Within his palace walls:</p> + + <p>He sends a Pasha in his stead</p> + + <p class="i2">To brave the bolts and balls.</p> + + <p class="i4">He was not there. An Aga burst</p> + + <p class="i6">For him through Atlas' hold.</p> + + <p>Yet I can show thee somewhat too.</p> + + <p class="i2">A Frankish Cavalier</p> + + <p>Told me his effigy was stamped</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon this medal here—</p> + + <p class="i4">He gave me with others</p> + + <p class="i6">For an Arab steed I sold."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IX.</p> + + <p>The old man took the golden coin:</p> + + <p class="i2">Gazed steadfastly awhile,</p> + + <p>If that could be the Sultaun</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom from the banks of Nile</p> + + <p class="i4">He guided o'er the desert path—</p> + + <p class="i6">Then sighed and thus spake he—</p> + + <p>"'Tis not <i>his</i> eye—'tis not <i>his</i> + brow—</p> + + <p class="i2">Another face is there:</p> + + <p>I never saw this man before—</p> + + <p class="i2">His head is like a pear!</p> + + <p class="i4">Take back thy medal, Moor—'tis not</p> + + <p class="i6">That which I hoped to see."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_30"><!-- RULE4 30 --></a> + + <h2>EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS</h2> + + <center> + FROM THE GERMAN OF WILHELM MÜLLER + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I am Constantine Kanaris:</p> + + <p class="i2">I, who lie beneath this stone,</p> + + <p>Twice into the air in thunder</p> + + <p class="i2">Have the Turkish galleys blown.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In my bed I died—a Christian,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hoping straight with Christ to be;</p> + + <p>Yet one earthly wish is buried</p> + + <p class="i2">Deep within the grave with me—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That upon the open ocean</p> + + <p class="i2">When the third Armada came,</p> + + <p>They and I had died together,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whirled aloft on wings of flame.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yet 'tis something that they've laid me</p> + + <p class="i2">In a land without a stain:</p> + + <p>Keep it thus, my God and Saviour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till I rise from earth again!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_31"><!-- RULE4 31 --></a> + + <h2>THE REFUSAL OF CHARON[<a href="#note-4">4</a>]</h2> + + <center> + FROM THE ROMAIC + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Why look the distant mountains</p> + + <p class="i2">So gloomy and so drear?</p> + + <p>Are rain-clouds passing o'er them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or is the tempest near?</p> + + <p>No shadow of the temptest</p> + + <p class="i2">Is there, nor wind nor rain—</p> + + <p>'Tis Charon that is passing by,</p> + + <p class="i2">With all his gloomy train.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The young men march before him,</p> + + <p class="i2">In all their strength and pride;</p> + + <p>The tender little infants,</p> + + <p class="i2">They totter by his side;</p> + + <p>The old men walk behind him,</p> + + <p class="i2">And earnestly they pray—</p> + + <p>Both old and young imploring him</p> + + <p class="i2">To grant some brief delay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O Charon! halt, we pray thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Beside some little town,</p> + + <p>Or near some sparkling fountain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the waters wimple down!</p> + + <p>The old will drink and be refreshed,</p> + + <p class="i2">The young the disc will fling,</p> + + <p>And the tender little children</p> + + <p class="i2">Pluck flowers beside the spring."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I will not stay my journey,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor halt by any town,</p> + + <p>Near any sparkling fountain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the waters wimple down:</p> + + <p>The mothers coming to the well,</p> + + <p class="i2">Would know the babes they bore,</p> + + <p>The wives would clasp their husbands,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor could I part them more."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-4"><!-- Note Anchor 4 --></a>[Footnote 4: + According to the superstition of the modern Greeks, Charon + performs the function which their ancestors assigned to Hermes, + of conducting the souls of the dead to the other world.]</p> + + <center> + THE END. + </center> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10945 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/10945-h/images/002.png b/10945-h/images/002.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5027189 --- /dev/null +++ b/10945-h/images/002.png diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1b1cfcf --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #10945 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10945) diff --git a/old/10945-8.txt b/old/10945-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d9cb051 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10945-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6410 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other +Poems, by W.E. Aytoun + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other Poems + +Author: W.E. Aytoun + +Release Date: February 4, 2004 [EBook #10945] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOTTISH LAYS *** + + + + +Produced by Dave Morgan, Garrett Alley and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +[Illustration] + +LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + +BY + +W.E. AYTOUN. + + + + +TO + +THE RIGHT HONOURABLE + +ARCHIBALD WILLIAM HAMILTON-MONTGOMERIE, + +Earl of Eglinton and Winton, + +THE PATRIOTIC AND NOBLE REPRESENTATIVE OF + +AN ANCIENT SCOTTISH RACE, + +THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED + +BY + +_THE AUTHOR._ + + +_This Volume is a verbatim reprint of the first edition_ (1849). + + +CONTENTS + + LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + + MISCELLANEOUS POEMS + BLIND OLD MILTON + HERMOTIMUS + OENONE + THE BURIED FLOWER + THE OLD CAMP + DANUBE AND THE EUXINE + THE SCHEIK OF SINAI + EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS + THE REFUSAL OF CHARON + + + + +LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + + + + +EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + + +The great battle of Flodden was fought upon the 9th of September, 1513. +The defeat of the Scottish army, mainly owing to the fantastic ideas of +chivalry entertained by James IV., and his refusal to avail himself of +the natural advantages of his position, was by far the most disastrous +of any recounted in the history of the northern wars. The whole strength +of the kingdom, both Lowland and Highland, was assembled, and the +contest was one of the sternest and most desperate upon record. + +For several hours the issue seemed doubtful. On the left the Scots +obtained a decided advantage; on the right wing they were broken and +overthrown; and at last the whole weight of the battle was brought into +the centre, where King James and the Earl of Surrey commanded in person. +The determined valour of James, imprudent as it was, had the effect of +rousing to a pitch of desperation the courage of the meanest soldiers; +and the ground becoming soft and slippery from blood, they pulled off +their boots and shoes, and secured a firmer footing by fighting in their +hose. + +"It is owned," says Abercromby, "that both parties did wonders, but none +on either side performed more than the King himself. He was again told +that by coming to handy blows he could do no more than another man, +whereas, by keeping the post due to his station, he might be worth many +thousands. Yet he would not only fight in person, but also on foot; for +he no sooner saw that body of the English give way which was defeated by +the Earl of Huntley, but he alighted from his horse, and commanded his +guard of noblemen and gentlemen to do the like and follow him. He had at +first abundance of success; but at length the Lord Thomas Howard and Sir +Edward Stanley, who had defeated their opposites, coming in with the +Lord Dacre's horse, and surrounding the King's battalion on all sides, +the Scots were so distressed that, for their last defence, they cast +themselves into a ring; and being resolved to die nobly with their +sovereign, who scorned to ask quarter, were altogether cut off. So say +the English writers, and I am apt to believe that they are in the +right." + +The battle was maintained with desperate fury until nightfall. At the +close, according to Mr. Tytler, "Surrey was uncertain of the result of +the battle: the remains of the enemy's centre still held the field; +Home, with his Borderers, still hovered on the left; and the commander +wisely allowed neither pursuit nor plunder, but drew off his men, and +kept a strict watch during the night. When the morning broke, the +Scottish artillery were seen standing deserted on the side of the hill; +their defenders had disappeared; and the Earl ordered thanks to be given +for a victory which was no longer doubtful. Yet, even after all this, a +body of the Scots appeared unbroken upon a hill, and were about to +charge the Lord-Admiral, when they were compelled to leave their +position by a discharge of the English ordnance. + +"The loss of the Scots in this fatal battle amounted to about ten +thousand men. Of these, a great proportion were of high rank; the +remainder being composed of the gentry, the farmers, and landed +yeomanry, who disdained to fly when their sovereign and his nobles lay +stretched in heaps around them." Besides King James, there fell at +Flodden the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, thirteen earls, two bishops, two +abbots, fifteen lords and chiefs of clans, and five peers' eldest sons, +besides La Motte the French ambassador, and the secretary of the King. +The same historian adds--"The names of the gentry who fell are too +numerous for recapitulation, since there were few families of note in +Scotland which did not lose one relative or another, whilst some houses +had to weep the death of all. It is from this cause that the sensations +of sorrow and national lamentation occasioned by the defeat were +peculiarly poignant and lasting--so that to this day few Scotsmen can +hear the name of Flodden without a shudder of gloomy regret." + +The loss to Edinburgh on this occasion was peculiarly great. All the +magistrates and able-bodied citizens had followed their King to Flodden, +whence very few of them returned. The office of Provost or chief +magistrate of the capital was at that time an object of ambition, and +was conferred only upon persons of high rank and station. There seems to +be some uncertainty whether the holder of this dignity at the time of +the battle of Flodden was Sir Alexander Lauder, ancestor of the +Fountainhall family, who was elected in 1511, or that great historical +personage, Archibald Earl of Angus, better known as Archibald +Bell-the-Cat, who was chosen in 1513, the year of the battle. Both of +them were at Flodden. The name of Sir Alexander Lauder appears upon the +list of the slain; Angus was one of the survivors, but his son, George, +Master of Angus, fell fighting gallantly by the side of King James. The +city records of Edinburgh, which commence about this period, are not +clear upon the point, and I am rather inclined to think that the Earl of +Angus was elected to supply the place of Lauder. But although the actual +magistrates were absent, they had formally nominated deputies in their +stead. I find, on referring to the city records, that "George of Tours" +had been appointed to officiate in the absence of the Provost, and that +four other persons were selected to discharge the office of bailies +until the magistrates should return. + +It is impossible to describe the consternation which pervaded the whole +of Scotland when the intelligence of the defeat became known. In +Edinburgh it was excessive. Mr. Arnot, in the history of that city, +says,-- + +"The news of their overthrow in the field of Flodden reached Edinburgh +on the day after the battle, and overwhelmed the inhabitants with grief +and confusion. The streets were crowded with women seeking intelligence +about their friends, clamouring and weeping. Those who officiated in +absence of the magistrates proved themselves worthy of the trust. They +issued a proclamation, ordering all the inhabitants to assemble in +military array for defence of the city, on the tolling of the bell; and +commanding, 'that all women, and especially strangers, do repair to +their work, and not be seen upon the street _clamorand and cryand_; and +that women of the better sort do repair to the church and offer up +prayers, at the stated hours, for our Sovereign Lord and his army, and +the townsmen who are with the army.'" + +Indeed the council records bear ample evidence of the emergency of that +occasion. Throughout the earlier pages, the word "Flowdoun" frequently +occurs on the margin, in reference to various hurried orders for arming +and defence; and there can be no doubt that, had the English forces +attempted to follow up their victory, and attack the Scottish capital, +the citizens would have resisted to the last. But it soon became +apparent that the loss sustained by the English was so severe, that +Surrey was in no condition to avail himself of the opportunity; and in +fact, shortly afterwards, he was compelled to disband his army. + +The references to the city banner, contained in the following poem, may +require a word of explanation. It is a standard still held in great +honour and reverence by the burghers of Edinburgh, having been presented +to them by James the Third, in return for their loyal service in 1482. +This banner, along with that of the Earl Marischal, still conspicuous in +the Library of the Faculty of Advocates, was honourably brought back +from Flodden, and certainly never could have been displayed in a more +memorable field. Maitland says, with reference to this very interesting +relic of antiquity,-- + +"As a perpetual remembrance of the loyalty and bravery of the +Edinburghers on the aforesaid occasion, the King granted them a banner +or standard, with a power to display the same in defence of their king, +country, and their own rights. This flag is kept by the Convener of the +Trades; at whose appearance therewith, it is said that not only the +artificers of Edinburgh are obliged to repair to it, but all the +artisans or craftsmen within Scotland are bound to follow it, and fight +under the Convener of Edinburgh as aforesaid." + +No event in Scottish history ever took a more lasting hold of the public +mind than the "woeful fight" of Flodden; and, even now, the songs and +traditions which are current on the Border recall the memory of a +contest unsullied by disgrace, though terminating in disaster and +defeat. + + + + +EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + + I. + + News of battle!--news of battle! + Hark! 'tis ringing down the street: + And the archways and the pavement + Bear the clang of hurrying feet. + News of battle? Who hath brought it? + News of triumph? Who should bring + Tidings from our noble army, + Greetings from our gallant King? + All last night we watched the beacons + Blazing on the hills afar, + Each one bearing, as it kindled, + Message of the opened war. + All night long the northern streamers + Shot across the trembling sky: + Fearful lights, that never beckon + Save when kings or heroes die. + + + II. + + News of battle! Who hath brought it? + All are thronging to the gate; + "Warder--warder! open quickly! + Man--is this a time to wait?" + And the heavy gates are opened: + Then a murmur long and loud, + And a cry of fear and wonder + Bursts from out the bending crowd. + For they see in battered harness + Only one hard-stricken man, + And his weary steed is wounded, + And his cheek is pale and wan. + Spearless hangs a bloody banner + In his weak and drooping hand-- + God! can that be Randolph Murray, + Captain of the city band? + + + III. + + Round him crush the people, crying, + "Tell us all--oh, tell us true! + Where are they who went to battle, + Randolph Murray, sworn to you? + Where are they, our brothers--children? + Have they met the English foe? + Why art thou alone, unfollowed? + Is it weal, or is it woe?" + Like a corpse the grisly warrior + Looks from out his helm of steel; + But no word he speaks in answer, + Only with his armèd heel + Chides his weary steed, and onward + Up the city streets they ride; + Fathers, sisters, mothers, children, + Shrieking, praying by his side. + "By the God that made thee, Randolph! + Tell us what mischance hath come!" + Then he lifts his riven banner, + And the asker's voice is dumb. + + + IV. + + The elders of the city + Have met within their hall-- + The men whom good King James had charged + To watch the tower and wall. + "Your hands are weak with age," he said, + "Your hearts are stout and true; + So bide ye in the Maiden Town, + While others fight for you. + My trumpet from the Border-side + Shall send a blast so clear, + That all who wait within the gate + That stirring sound may hear. + Or, if it be the will of heaven + That back I never come, + And if, instead of Scottish shouts, + Ye hear the English drum,-- + Then let the warning bells ring out, + Then gird you to the fray, + Then man the walls like burghers stout, + And fight while fight you may. + 'T were better that in fiery flame + The roofs should thunder down, + Than that the foot of foreign foe + Should trample in the town!" + + + V. + + Then in came Randolph Murray,-- + His step was slow and weak, + And, as he doffed his dinted helm, + The tears ran down his cheek: + They fell upon his corslet, + And on his mailèd hand, + As he gazed around him wistfully, + Leaning sorely on his brand. + And none who then beheld him + But straight were smote with fear, + For a bolder and a sterner man + Had never couched a spear. + They knew so sad a messenger + Some ghastly news must bring: + And all of them were fathers, + And their sons were with the King. + + + VI. + + And up then rose the Provost-- + A brave old man was he, + Of ancient name and knightly fame, + And chivalrous degree. + He ruled our city like a Lord + Who brooked no equal here, + And ever for the townsmen's rights + Stood up 'gainst prince and peer. + And he had seen the Scottish host + March from the Borough-muir, + With music-storm and clamorous shout + And all the din that thunders out, + When youth's of victory sure. + But yet a dearer thought had he, + For, with a father's pride, + He saw his last remaining son + Go forth by Randolph's side, + With casque on head and spur on heel, + All keen to do and dare; + And proudly did that gallant boy + Dunedin's banner bear. + Oh, woeful now was the old man's look, + And he spake right heavily-- + "Now, Randolph, tell thy tidings, + However sharp they be! + Woe is written on thy visage, + Death is looking from thy face: + Speak, though it be of overthrow-- + It cannot be disgrace!" + + + VII. + + Right bitter was the agony + That wrung the soldier proud: + Thrice did he strive to answer, + And thrice he groaned aloud. + Then he gave the riven banner + To the old man's shaking hand, + Saying--"That is all I bring ye + From the bravest of the land! + Ay! ye may look upon it-- + It was guarded well and long, + By your brothers and your children, + By the valiant and the strong. + One by one they fell around it, + As the archers laid them low, + Grimly dying, still unconquered, + With their faces to the foe. + Ay! ye well may look upon it-- + There is more than honour there, + Else, be sure, I had not brought it + From the field of dark despair. + Never yet was royal banner + Steeped in such a costly dye; + It hath lain upon a bosom + Where no other shroud shall lie. + Sirs! I charge you keep it holy, + Keep it as a sacred thing, + For the stain you see upon it + Was the life-blood of your King!" + + + VIII. + + Woe, woe, and lamentation! + What a piteous cry was there! + Widows, maidens, mothers, children, + Shrieking, sobbing in despair! + Through the streets the death-word rushes, + Spreading terror, sweeping on-- + "Jesu Christ! our King has fallen-- + O great God, King James is gone! + Holy Mother Mary, shield us, + Thou who erst did lose thy Son! + O the blackest day for Scotland + That she ever knew before! + O our King--the good, the noble, + Shall we see him never more? + Woe to us and woe to Scotland, + O our sons, our sons and men! + Surely some have 'scaped the Southron, + Surely some will come again!" + Till the oak that fell last winter + Shall uprear its shattered stem-- + Wives and mothers of Dunedin-- + Ye may look in vain for them! + + + IX. + + But within the Council Chamber + All was silent as the grave, + Whilst the tempest of their sorrow + Shook the bosoms of the brave. + Well indeed might they be shaken + With the weight of such a blow: + He was gone--their prince, their idol, + Whom they loved and worshipped so! + Like a knell of death and judgment + Rung from heaven by angel hand, + Fell the words of desolation + On the elders of the land. + Hoary heads were bowed and trembling, + Withered hands were clasped and wrung: + God had left the old and feeble, + He had ta'en away the young. + + + X. + + Then the Provost he uprose, + And his lip was ashen white, + But a flush was on his brow, + And his eye was full of light. + "Thou hast spoken, Randolph Murray, + Like a soldier stout and true; + Thou hast done a deed of daring + Had been perilled but by few. + For thou hast not shamed to face us, + Nor to speak thy ghastly tale, + Standing--thou, a knight and captain-- + Here, alive within thy mail! + Now, as my God shall judge me, + I hold it braver done, + Than hadst thou tarried in thy place, + And died above my son! + Thou needst not tell it: he is dead. + God help us all this day! + But speak--how fought the citizens + Within the furious fray? + For, by the might of Mary, + 'T were something still to tell + That no Scottish foot went backward + When the Royal Lion fell!" + + + XI. + + "No one failed him! He is keeping + Royal state and semblance still; + Knight and noble lie around him, + Cold on Flodden's fatal hill. + Of the brave and gallant-hearted, + Whom ye sent with prayers away, + Not a single man departed + From his monarch yesterday. + Had you seen them, O my masters! + When the night began to fall, + And the English spearmen gathered + Round a grim and ghastly wall! + As the wolves in winter circle + Round the leaguer on the heath, + So the greedy foe glared upward, + Panting still for blood and death. + But a rampart rose before them, + Which the boldest dared not scale; + Every stone a Scottish body, + Every step a corpse in mail! + And behind it lay our monarch + Clenching still his shivered sword: + By his side Montrose and Athole, + At his feet a southern lord. + All so thick they lay together, + When the stars lit up the sky, + That I knew not who were stricken, + Or who yet remained to die, + Few there were when Surrey halted, + And his wearied host withdrew; + None but dying men around me, + When the English trumpet blew. + Then I stooped, and took the banner, + As ye see it, from his breast, + And I closed our hero's eyelids, + And I left him to his rest. + In the mountains growled the thunder, + As I leaped the woeful wall, + And the heavy clouds were settling + Over Flodden, like a pall." + + + XII. + + So he ended. And the others + Cared not any answer then; + Sitting silent, dumb with sorrow, + Sitting anguish-struck, like men + Who have seen the roaring torrent + Sweep their happy homes away, + And yet linger by the margin, + Staring idly on the spray. + But, without, the maddening tumult + Waxes ever more and more, + And the crowd of wailing women + Gather round the Council door. + Every dusky spire is ringing + With a dull and hollow knell, + And the Miserere's singing + To the tolling of the bell. + Through the streets the burghers hurry, + Spreading terror as they go; + And the rampart's thronged with watchers + For the coming of the foe. + From each mountain-top a pillar + Streams into the torpid air, + Bearing token from the Border + That the English host is there. + All without is flight and terror, + All within is woe and fear-- + God protect thee, Maiden City, + For thy latest hour is near! + + + XIII. + + No! not yet, thou high Dunedin! + Shalt thou totter to thy fall; + Though thy bravest and thy strongest + Are not there to man the wall. + No, not yet! the ancient spirit + Of our fathers hath not gone; + Take it to thee as a buckler + Better far than steel or stone. + Oh, remember those who perished + For thy birthright at the time + When to be a Scot was treason, + And to side with Wallace, crime! + Have they not a voice among us, + Whilst their hallowed dust is here? + Hear ye not a summons sounding + From each buried warrior's bier? + "Up!"--they say--"and keep the freedom + Which we won you long ago: + Up! and keep our graves unsullied + From the insults of the foe! + Up! and if ye cannot save them, + Come to us in blood and fire: + Midst the crash of falling turrets, + Let the last of Scots expire!" + + + XIV. + + Still the bells are tolling fiercely, + And the cry comes louder in; + Mothers wailing for their children, + Sisters for their slaughtered kin. + All is terror and disorder, + Till the Provost rises up, + Calm, as though he had not tasted + Of the fell and bitter cup. + All so stately from his sorrow, + Rose the old undaunted Chief, + That you had not deemed, to see him, + His was more than common grief. + "Rouse ye, Sirs!" he said; "we may not + Longer mourn for what is done: + If our King be taken from us, + We are left to guard his son. + We have sworn to keep the city + From the foe, whate'er they be, + And the oath that we have taken + Never shall be broke by me. + Death is nearer to us, brethren, + Than it seemed to those who died, + Fighting yesterday at Flodden, + By their lord and master's side. + Let us meet it then in patience, + Not in terror or in fear; + Though our hearts are bleeding yonder, + Let our souls be steadfast here. + Up, and rouse ye! Time is fleeting, + And we yet have much to do; + Up! and haste ye through the city, + Stir the burghers stout and true! + Gather all our scattered people, + Fling the banner out once more,-- + Randolph Murray! do thou bear it, + As it erst was borne before: + Never Scottish heart will leave it, + When they see their monarch's gore!" + + + XV. + + "Let them cease that dismal knelling! + It is time enough to ring, + When the fortress-strength of Scotland + Stoops to ruin like its King. + Let the bells be kept for warning, + Not for terror or alarm; + When they next are heard to thunder, + Let each man and stripling arm. + Bid the women leave their wailing,-- + Do they think that woeful strain, + From the bloody heaps of Flodden + Can redeem their dearest slain? + Bid them cease,--or rather hasten + To the churches, every one; + There to pray to Mary Mother, + And to her anointed Son, + That the thunderbolt above us + May not fall in ruin yet; + That in fire, and blood, and rapine, + Scotland's glory may not set. + Let them pray,--for never women + Stood in need of such a prayer! + England's yeomen shall not find them + Clinging to the altars there. + No! if we are doomed to perish, + Man and maiden, let us fall; + And a common gulf of ruin + Open wide to whelm us all! + Never shall the ruthless spoiler + Lay his hot insulting hand + On the sisters of our heroes, + Whilst we bear a torch or brand! + Up! and rouse ye, then, my brothers, + But when next ye hear the bell + Sounding forth the sullen summons + That may be our funeral knell, + Once more let us meet together, + Once more see each other's face; + Then, like men that need not tremble, + Go to our appointed place. + God, our Father, will not fail us + In that last tremendous hour,-- + If all other bulwarks crumble, + HE will be our strength and tower: + Though the ramparts rock beneath us, + And the walls go crashing down, + Though the roar of conflagration + Bellow o'er the sinking town; + There is yet one place of shelter, + Where the foeman cannot come, + Where the summons never sounded + Of the trumpet or the drum. + There again we'll meet our children, + Who, on Flodden's trampled sod, + For their king and for their country + Rendered up their souls to God. + There shall we find rest and refuge, + With our dear departed brave; + And the ashes of the city + Be our universal grave!" + + + + +THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + + +The most poetical chronicler would find it impossible to render the +incidents of Montrose's brilliant career more picturesque than the +reality. Among the devoted champions who, during the wildest and most +stormy period of our history, maintained the cause of Church and King, +"the Great Marquis" undoubtedly is entitled to the foremost place. Even +party malevolence, by no means extinct at the present day, has been +unable to detract from the eulogy pronounced upon him by the famous +Cardinal de Retz, the friend of Condé and Turenne, when he thus summed +up his character:--"Montrose, a Scottish nobleman, head of the house of +Grahame--the only man in the world that has ever realised to me the +ideas of certain heroes, whom we now discover nowhere but in the lives +of Plutarch--has sustained in his own country the cause of the King his +master, with a greatness of soul that has not found its equal in our +age." + +But the success of the victorious leader and patriot is almost thrown +into the shade by the noble magnanimity and Christian heroism of the man +in the hour of defeat and death. Without wishing, in any degree, to +revive a controversy long maintained by writers of opposite political +and polemical opinions, it may fairly be stated that Scottish history +does not present us with a tragedy of parallel interest. That the +execution of Montrose was the natural, nay, the inevitable, consequence +of his capture, may be freely admitted even by the fiercest partisan of +the cause for which he staked his life. In those times, neither party +was disposed to lenity; and Montrose was far too conspicuous a +character, and too dangerous a man, to be forgiven. But the ignominious +and savage treatment which he received at the hands of those whose +station and descent should at least have taught them to respect +misfortune, has left an indelible stain upon the memory of the +Covenanting chiefs, and more especially upon that of Argyle. + +The perfect serenity of the man in the hour of trial and death, the +courage and magnanimity which he displayed to the last, have been dwelt +upon with admiration by writers of every class. He heard his sentence +delivered without any apparent emotion, and afterwards told the +magistrates who waited upon him in prison, "that he was much indebted to +the Parliament for the great honour they had decreed him"; adding, "that +he was prouder to have his head placed upon the top of the prison, than +if they had decreed a golden statue to be erected to him in the +market-place, or that his picture should be hung in the King's +bedchamber." He said, "he thanked them for their care to preserve the +remembrance of his loyalty, by transmitting such monuments to the +different parts of the kingdom; and only wished that he had flesh enough +to have sent a piece to every city in Christendom, as a token of his +unshaken love and fidelity to his king and country." On the night before +his execution, he inscribed the following lines with a diamond on the +window of his jail:-- + + "Let them bestow on every airth a limb, + Then, open all my veins, that I may swim + To thee, my Maker! in that crimson lake; + Then place my parboiled head upon a stake-- + Scatter my ashes--strew them in the air: + Lord! since thou know'st where all these atoms are, + I'm hopeful thou'lt recover once my dust, + And confident thou'lt raise me with the just." + +After the Restoration, the dust _was_ recovered, the scattered remnants +collected, and the bones of the hero conveyed to their final +resting-place by a numerous assemblage of gentlemen of his family and +name. + +There is no ingredient of fiction in the historical incidents recorded +in the following ballad. The indignities that were heaped upon Montrose +during his procession through Edinburgh, his appearance before the +Estates, and his last passage to the scaffold, as well as his undaunted +bearing, have all been spoken to by eyewitnesses of the scene. A graphic +and vivid sketch of the whole will be found in Mr. Mark Napier's +volume, _The Life and Times of Montrose_--a work as chivalrous in its +tone as the _Chronicles_ of Froissart, and abounding in original and +most interesting materials; but, in order to satisfy all scruple, the +authorities for each fact are given in the shape of notes. The ballad +may be considered as a narrative of the transactions, related by an aged +Highlander, who had followed Montrose throughout his campaigns, to his +grandson, shortly before the battle of Killiecrankie. + + + + +THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + + + I. + + Come hither, Evan Cameron! + Come, stand beside my knee-- + I hear the river roaring down + Towards the wintry sea. + There's shouting on the mountain side, + There's war within the blast-- + Old faces look upon me, + Old forms go trooping past. + I hear the pibroch wailing + Amidst the din of fight, + And my dim spirit wakes again + Upon the verge of night! + + + II. + + 'Twas I that led the Highland host + Through wild Lochaber's snows, + What time the plaided clans came down + To battle with Montrose. + I've told thee how the Southrons fell + Beneath the broad claymore, + And how we smote the Campbell clan + By Inverlochy's shore. + I've told thee how we swept Dundee, + And tamed the Lindsay's pride; + But never have I told thee yet + How the Great Marquis died! + + + III. + + A traitor sold him to his foes; + O deed of deathless shame! + I charge thee, boy, if e'er thou meet + With one of Assynt's name-- + Be it upon the mountain's side, + Or yet within the glen, + Stand he in martial gear alone, + Or backed by armèd men-- + Face him, as thou wouldst face the man + Who wronged thy sire's renown; + Remember of what blood thou art, + And strike the caitiff down! + + + IV. + + They brought him to the Watergate, + Hard bound with hempen span, + As though they held a lion there, + And not a 'fenceless man. + They set him high upon a cart-- + The hangman rode below-- + They drew his hands behind his back, + And bared his noble brow. + Then, as a hound is slipped from leash, + They cheered the common throng, + And blew the note with yell and shout, + And bade him pass along. + + + V. + + It would have made a brave man's heart + Grow sad and sick that day, + To watch the keen malignant eyes + Bent down on that array. + There stood the Whig west-country lords + In balcony and bow, + There sat their gaunt and withered dames, + And their daughters all a-row; + And every open window + Was full as full might be, + With black-robed Covenanting carles, + That goodly sport to see! + + + VI. + + But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high, + So noble was his manly front, + So calm his steadfast eye;-- + The rabble rout forebore to shout, + And each man held his breath, + For well they knew the hero's soul + Was face to face with death. + And then a mournful shudder + Through all the people crept, + And some that came to scoff at him, + Now turn'd aside and wept. + + + VII. + + But onwards--always onwards, + In silence and in gloom, + The dreary pageant laboured, + Till it reach'd the house of doom: + Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud, + And an angry cry and a hiss arose + From the heart of the tossing crowd: + Then, as the Græme looked upwards, + He met the ugly smile + Of him who sold his King for gold-- + The master-fiend Argyle! + + + VIII. + + The Marquis gazed a moment, + And nothing did he say, + But the cheek of Argyle grew ghastly pale, + And he turned his eyes away. + The painted harlot by his side, + She shook through every limb, + For a roar like thunder swept the street, + And hands were clenched at him, + And a Saxon soldier cried aloud, + "Back, coward, from thy place! + For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face." + + + IX. + + Had I been there with sword in hand, + And fifty Camerons by, + That day through high Dunedin's streets, + Had pealed the slogan cry. + Not all their troops of trampling horse, + Nor might of mailèd men-- + Not all the rebels of the south + Had borne us backwards then! + Once more his foot on Highland heath + Had trod as free as air, + Or I, and all who bore my name, + Been laid around him there! + + + X. + + It might not be. They placed him next + Within the solemn hall, + Where once the Scottish Kings were throned + Amidst their nobles all. + But there was dust of vulgar feet + On that polluted floor, + And perjured traitors filled the place + Where good men sate before. + With savage glee came Warristoun + To read the murderous doom, + And then uprose the great Montrose + In the middle of the room. + + + XI. + + "Now by my faith as belted knight, + And by the name I bear, + And by the bright Saint Andrew's cross + That waves above us there-- + Yea, by a greater, mightier oath-- + And oh, that such should be!-- + By that dark stream of royal blood + That lies 'twixt you and me-- + I have not sought in battle-field + A wreath of such renown, + Nor dared I hope, on my dying day, + To win the martyr's crown!" + + + XII. + + "There is a chamber far away + Where sleep the good and brave, + But a better place ye have named for me + Than by my father's grave. + For truth and right, 'gainst treason's might, + This hand hath always striven, + And ye raise it up for a witness still + In the eye of earth and heaven. + Then nail my head on yonder tower-- + Give every town a limb-- + And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him!" + + + XIII. + + The morning dawned full darkly, + The rain came flashing down, + And the jagged streak of the levin-bolt + Lit up the gloomy town: + The heavens were thundering out their wrath, + The fatal hour was come; + Yet ever sounded sullenly + The trumpet and the drum. + There was madness on the earth below, + And anger in the sky, + And young and old, and rich and poor, + Came forth to see him die. + + + XIV. + + Ah, God! that ghastly gibbet! + How dismal 't is to see + The great tall spectral skeleton, + The ladder, and the tree! + Hark! hark! it is the clash of arms-- + The bells begin to toll-- + He is coming! he is coming! + God's mercy on his soul! + One last long peal of thunder-- + The clouds are cleared away, + And the glorious sun once more looks down + Amidst the dazzling day. + + + XV. + + He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room, + Came the hero from his prison + To the scaffold and the doom. + There was glory on his forehead, + There was lustre in his eye, + And he never walked to battle + More proudly than to die: + There was colour in his visage, + Though the cheeks of all were wan, + And they marvelled as they saw him pass, + That great and goodly man! + + + XVI. + + He mounted up the scaffold, + And he turned him to the crowd; + But they dared not trust the people, + So he might not speak aloud. + But he looked upon the heavens, + And they were clear and blue, + And in the liquid ether + The eye of God shone through: + Yet a black and murky battlement + Lay resting on the hill, + As though the thunder slept within-- + All else was calm and still. + + + XVII. + + The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near, + As you have seen the ravens flock + Around the dying deer. + He would not deign them word nor sign, + But alone he bent the knee; + And veiled his face for Christ's dear grace + Beneath the gallows-tree. + Then radiant and serene he rose, + And cast his cloak away: + For he had ta'en his latest look + Of earth, and sun, and day. + + + XVIII. + + A beam of light fell o'er him, + Like a glory round the shriven, + And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven. + Then came a flash from out the cloud, + And a stunning thunder roll, + And no man dared to look aloft, + For fear was on every soul. + There was another heavy sound, + A hush and then a groan; + And darkness swept across the sky-- + The work of death was done! + + + + +NOTES TO + + +"THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE" + +"_A traitor sold him to his foes_,"--p. 36. + +"The contemporary historian of the Earls of Sutherland records, that +(after the defeat of Invercarron) Montrose and Kinnoul 'wandered up the +river Kyle the whole ensuing night, and the next day, and the third day +also, without any food or sustenance, and at last came within the +country of Assynt. The Earl of Kinnoul, being faint for lack of meat, +and not able to travel any further, was left there among the mountains, +where it was supposed he perished. Montrose had almost famished, but +that he fortuned in his misery to light upon a small cottage in that +wilderness, where he was supplied with some milk and bread.' Not even +the iron frame of Montrose could endure a prolonged existence under such +circumstances. He gave himself up to Macleod of Assynt, a former +adherent, from whom he had reason to expect assistance in consideration +of that circumstance, and, indeed, from the dictates of honourable +feeling and common humanity. As the Argyle faction had sold the King, so +this Highlander rendered his own name infamous by selling the hero to +the Covenanters, for which 'duty to the public' he was rewarded with +four hundred bolls of meal."--NAPIER'S _Life of Montrose_. + +"_They brought him to the Watergate_,"--p. 36. + +"_Friday, 17th May_.--Act ordaining James Grahame to be brought from the +Watergate on a cart, bareheaded, the hangman in his livery, covered, +riding on the horse that draws the cart--the prisoner to be bound to the +cart with a rope--to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, and from thence to be +brought to the Parliament House, and there, in the place of delinquents, +on his knees, to receive his sentence--viz., to be hanged on a gibbet at +the Cross of Edinburgh, with his book and declaration tied on a rope +about his neck, and there to hang for the space of three hours until he +be dead; and thereafter to be cut down by the hangman, his head, hands, +and legs to be cut off, and distributed as follows--viz., his head to be +affixed on an iron pin, and set on the pinnacle of the west gavel of the +new prison of Edinburgh; one hand to be set on the port of Perth, the +other on the port of Stirling; one leg and foot on the port of Aberdeen, +the other on the port of Glasgow. If at his death penitent, and relaxed +from excommunication, then the trunk of his body to be interred, by +pioneers, in the Greyfriars; otherwise, to be interred in the +Boroughmuir, by the hangman's men, under the gallows."--BALFOUR'S _Notes +of Parliament_. + +It is needless to remark that this inhuman sentence was executed to the +letter. In order that the exposure might be more complete, the cart was +constructed with a high chair in the centre, having holes behind, +through which the ropes that fastened him were drawn. The author of the +_Wigton Papers_, recently published by the Maitland Club, says, "The +reason of his being tied to the cart was in hope that the people would +have stoned him, and that he might not be able by his hands to save his +face." His hat was then pulled off by the hangman and the procession +commenced. + + "_But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high_,"--p. 37. + +"In all the way, there appeared in him such majesty, courage, +modesty--and even somewhat more than natural--that those common women +who had lost their husbands and children in his wars, and who were hired +to stone him, were upon the sight of him so astonished and moved, that +their intended curses turned into tears and prayers; so that next day +_all the ministers preached against them for not stoning and reviling +him."--Wigton Papers._ + + "_Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud_,"--p. 38. + +"It is remarkable that, of the many thousand beholders, the Lady Jean +Gordon, Countess of Haddington, did (alone) publicly insult and laugh at +him; which being perceived by a gentleman in the street, he cried up to +her, that it became her better to sit upon the cart for her +adulteries."--_Wigton Papers_. This infamous woman was the third +daughter of Huntly, and the niece of Argyle. It will hardly be credited +that she was the sister of that gallant Lord Gordon, who fell fighting +by the side of Montrose, only five years before, at the battle of +Aldford! + + "_For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face_,"--p. 39. + +"The Lord Lorn and his new lady were also sitting on a balcony, joyful +spectators; and the cart being stopped when it came before the lodging +where the Chancellor, Argyle, and Warristoun sat--that they might have +time to insult--he, suspecting the business, turned his face towards +them, whereupon they presently crept in at the windows; which being +perceived by an Englishman, he cried up, it was no wonder they started +aside at his look, for they durst not look him in the face these seven +years bygone."--_Wigton Papers_. + + "_With savage glee came Warristoun, + To read the murderous doom_,"--p. 40. + +Archibald Johnston of Warristoun. This man, who was the inveterate enemy +of Montrose, and who carried the most selfish spirit into every intrigue +of his party, received the punishment of his treasons about eleven years +afterwards. It may be instructive to learn how he met his doom. The +following extract is from the MSS. of Sir George Mackenzie:--"The +Chancellor and others waited to examine him; he fell upon his face, +roaring, and with tears entreated they would pity a poor creature who +had forgot all that was in the Bible. This moved all the spectators with +a deep melancholy; and the Chancellor, reflecting upon the man's great +parts, former esteem, and the great share he had in all the late +revolutions, could not deny some tears to the frailty of silly mankind. +At his examination, he pretended he had lost so much blood by the +unskilfulness of his chirurgeons, that he lost his memory with his +blood; and I really believe that his courage had been drawn out with it. +Within a few days he was brought before the parliament, where he +discovered nothing but much weakness, running up and down upon his +knees, begging mercy; but the parliament ordained his former sentence to +be put to execution, and accordingly he was executed at the Cross of +Edinburgh." + + "_And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him_!"--p. 41. + +"He said he was much beholden to the parliament for the honour they had +put on him; 'for,' says he, 'I think it a greater honour to have my head +standing on the port of this town, for this quarrel, than to have my +picture in the king's bedchamber. I am beholden to you that, lest my +loyalty should be forgotten, ye have appointed five of your most eminent +towns to bear witness of it to posterity.'"--_Wigton Papers_. + + "_He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room_,"--p. 42. + +"In his downgoing from the Tolbooth to the place of execution, he was +very richly clad in fine scarlet, laid over with rich silver lace, his +hat in his hand, his bands and cuffs exceeding rich, his delicate white +gloves on his hands, his stockings of incarnate silk, and his shoes with +their ribbands on his feet; and sarks provided for him with pearling +about, above ten pund the elne. All these were provided for him by his +friends, and a pretty cassock put on upon him, upon the scaffold, +wherein he was hanged. To be short, nothing was here deficient to honour +his poor carcase, more beseeming a bridegroom than a criminal going to +the gallows."--NICHOLL'S _Diary_. + + "_The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near_,"--p. 43. + +The Presbyterian ministers beset Montrose both in prison and on the +scaffold. The following extracts are from the diary of the Rev. Robert +Traill, one of the persons who were appointed by the commission of the +kirk "to deal with him:"--"By a warrant from the kirk, we staid a while +with him about his soul's condition. But we found him continuing in his +old pride, and taking very ill what was spoken to him, saying, 'I pray +you, gentlemen, let me die in peace.' It was answered, that he might die +in true peace, being reconciled to the Lord and to His kirk."--"We +returned to the commission, and did show unto them what had passed +amongst us. They, seeing that for the present he was not desiring +relaxation from his censure of excommunication, did appoint Mr. Mungo +Law and me to attend on the morrow on the scaffold, at the time of his +execution, that, in case he should desire to be relaxed from his +excommunication, we should be allowed to give it unto him in the name of +the kirk, and to pray with him, and for him, _that what is loosed on +earth might be loosed in heaven_." But this pious intention, which may +appear somewhat strange to the modern Calvinist, when the prevailing +theories of the kirk regarding the efficacy of absolution are +considered, was not destined to be fulfilled. Mr. Traill goes on to say, +"But he did not at all desire to be relaxed from his excommunication in +the name of the kirk, _yea, did not look towards that place on the +scaffold where we stood_; only he drew apart some of the magistrates, +and spake a while with them, and then went up the ladder, in his red +scarlet cassock, in a very stately manner." + + "_And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven_,"--p. 43. + +"He was very earnest that he might have the liberty to keep on his hat; +it was denied: he requested he might have the privilege to keep his +cloak about him--neither could that be granted. Then, with a most +undaunted courage, he went up to the top of that prodigious +gibbet."--"The whole people gave a general groan; and it was very +observable, that even those who, at his first appearance, had bitterly +inveighed against him, could not now abstain from tears."--_Montrose +Redivivus_. + + + + +THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + + +Hector Boece, in his very delightful, though somewhat apocryphal +Chronicles of Scotland, tells us, that "quhen Schir James Dowglas was +chosin as maist worthy of all Scotland to pass with King Robertis hart +to the Holy Land, he put it in ane cais of gold, with arromitike and +precious unyementis; and tuke with him Schir William Sinclare and Schir +Robert Logan, with mony othir nobilmen, to the haly graif; quhare he +buryit the said hart, with maist reverence and solempnitie that could be +devisit." + +But no contemporary historian bears out the statement of the old canon +of Aberdeen. Froissart, Fordun, and Barbour all agree that the +devotional pilgrimage of the Good Sir James was not destined to be +accomplished, and that the heart of Scotland's greatest king and hero +was brought back to the land of his nativity. Mr. Tytler, in few words, +has so graphically recounted the leading events of this expedition, that +I do not hesitate to adopt his narrative:-- + +"As soon as the season of the year permitted, Douglas, having the heart +of his beloved master under his charge, set sail from Scotland, +accompanied by a splendid retinue, and anchored off Sluys in Flanders, +at this time the great seaport of the Netherlands. His object was to +find out companions with whom he might travel to Jerusalem; but he +declined landing, and for twelve days received all visitors on board his +ship with a state almost kingly. + +"At Sluys he heard that Alonzo, the King of Leon and Castile, was +carrying on war with Osmyn, the Moorish governor of Grenada. The +religious mission which he had embraced, and the vows he had taken +before leaving Scotland, induced Douglas to consider Alonzo's cause as a +holy warfare; and, before proceeding to Jerusalem, he first determined +to visit Spain, and to signalise his prowess against the Saracens. But +his first field against the Infidels proved fatal to him who, in the +long English war, had seen seventy battles. The circumstances of his +death were striking and characteristic. In an action near Theba, on the +borders of Andalusia, the Moorish cavalry were defeated; and, after +their camp had been taken, Douglas, with his companions, engaged too +eagerly in the pursuit, and, being separated from the main body of the +Spanish army, a strong division of the Moors rallied and surrounded +them. The Scottish knight endeavoured to cut his way through the +Infidels, and in all probability would have succeeded, had he not again +turned to rescue Sir William Saint Clair of Roslin, whom he saw in +jeopardy. In attempting this, he was inextricably involved with the +enemy. Taking from his neck the casket which contained the heart of +Bruce, he cast it before him, and exclaimed with a loud voice, 'Now pass +onward as thou wert wont, and Douglas will follow thee or die!' The +action and the sentiment were heroic, and they were the last words and +deed of a heroic life, for Douglas fell, overpowered by his enemies; and +three of his knights, and many of his companions, were slain along with +their master. On the succeeding day, the body and the casket were both +found on the field, and by his surviving friends conveyed to Scotland. +The heart of Bruce was deposited at Melrose, and the body of the 'Good +Sir James'--the name by which he is affectionately remembered by his +countrymen--was consigned to the cemetery of his fathers in the parish +church of Douglas." + +A nobler death on the field of battle is not recorded in the annals of +chivalry. In memory of this expedition, the Douglases have ever since +carried the armorial bearings of the Bloody Heart surmounted by the +Crown; and a similar distinction is borne by another family. Sir Simon +of Lee, a distinguished companion of Douglas, was the person on whom, +after the fall of his leader, the custody of the heart devolved. Hence +the name of Lockhart, and their effigy, the Heart within a Fetterlock. + + + + +THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + + + It was upon an April morn, + While yet the frost lay hoar, + We heard Lord James's bugle-horn + Sound by the rocky shore. + + Then down we went, a hundred knights, + All in our dark array, + And flung our armour in the ships + That rode within the bay. + + We spoke not as the shore grew less, + But gazed in silence back, + Where the long billows swept away + The foam behind our track. + + And aye the purple hues decay'd + Upon the fading hill, + And but one heart in all that ship + Was tranquil, cold, and still. + + The good Lord Douglas walk'd the deck, + And oh, his brow was wan! + Unlike the flush it used to wear + When in the battle van.-- + + "Come hither, come hither, my trusty knight, + Sir Simon of the Lee; + There is a freit lies near my soul + I fain would tell to thee. + + "Thou know'st the words King Robert spoke + Upon his dying day, + How he bade me take his noble heart + And carry it far away; + + "And lay it in the holy soil + Where once the Saviour trod, + Since he might not bear the blessed Cross, + Nor strike one blow for God. + + "Last night as in my bed I lay, + I dream'd a dreary dream:-- + Methought I saw a Pilgrim stand + In the moonlight's quivering beam. + + "His robe was of the azure dye, + Snow-white his scatter'd hairs, + And even such a cross he bore + As good Saint Andrew bears. + + "'Why go you forth, Lord James,' he said, + 'With spear and belted brand? + Why do you take its dearest pledge + From this our Scottish land? + + "'The sultry breeze of Galilee + Creeps through its groves of palm, + The olives on the Holy Mount + Stand glittering in the calm. + + "'But 'tis not there that Scotland's heart + Shall rest by God's decree, + Till the great angel calls the dead + To rise from earth and sea! + + "'Lord James of Douglas, mark my rede! + That heart shall pass once more + In fiery fight against the foe, + As it was wont of yore. + + "'And it shall pass beneath the Cross, + And save King Robert's vow, + But other hands shall bear it back, + Not, James of Douglas, thou!' + + "Now, by thy knightly faith, I pray, + Sir Simon of the Lee-- + For truer friend had never man + Than thou hast been to me-- + + "If ne'er upon the Holy Land + 'Tis mine in life to tread, + Bear thou to Scotland's kindly earth + The relics of her dead." + + The tear was in Sir Simon's eye + As he wrung the warrior's hand-- + "Betide me weal, betide me woe, + I'll hold by thy command. + + "But if in battle front, Lord James, + 'Tis ours once more to ride, + No force of man, nor craft of fiend, + Shall cleave me from thy side!" + + And aye we sail'd, and aye we sail'd, + Across the weary sea, + Until one morn the coast of Spain + Rose grimly on our lee. + + And as we rounded to the port, + Beneath the watch-tower's wall, + We heard the clash of the atabals, + And the trumpet's wavering call. + + "Why sounds yon Eastern music here + So wantonly and long, + And whose the crowd of armèd men + That round yon standard throng?" + + "The Moors have come from Africa + To spoil and waste and slay, + And King Alonzo of Castile + Must fight with them to-day." + + "Now shame it were," cried good Lord James, + "Shall never be said of me, + That I and mine have turn'd aside, + From the Cross in jeopardie! + + "Have down, have down, my merry men all-- + Have down unto the plain; + We'll let the Scottish lion loose + Within the fields of Spain!" + + "Now welcome to me, noble lord, + Thou and thy stalwart power; + Dear is the sight of a Christian knight + Who comes in such an hour! + + "Is it for bond or faith ye come, + Or yet for golden fee? + Or bring ye France's lilies here, + Or the flower of Burgundie?" + + "God greet thee well, thou valiant King, + Thee and thy belted peers-- + Sir James of Douglas am I called, + And these are Scottish spears. + + "We do not fight for bond or plight, + Not yet for golden fee; + But for the sake of our blessed Lord, + Who died upon the tree. + + "We bring our great King Robert's heart + Across the weltering wave, + To lay it in the holy soil + Hard by the Saviour's grave. + + "True pilgrims we, by land or sea, + Where danger bars the way; + And therefore are we here, Lord King, + To ride with thee this day!" + + The King has bent his stately head, + And the tears were in his eyne-- + "God's blessing on thee, noble knight, + For this brave thought of thine! + + "I know thy name full well, Lord James, + And honour'd may I be, + That those who fought beside the Bruce + Should fight this day for me! + + "Take thou the leading of the van, + And charge the Moors amain; + There is not such a lance as thine + In all the host of Spain!" + + The Douglas turned towards us then, + O but his glance was high!-- + "There is not one of all my men + But is as bold as I. + + "There is not one of all my knights + But bears as true a spear-- + Then onwards! Scottish gentlemen, + And think--King Robert's here!" + + The trumpets blew, the cross-bolts flew, + The arrows flashed like flame, + As spur in side, and spear in rest, + Against the foe we came. + + And many a bearded Saracen + Went down, both horse and man; + For through their ranks we rode like corn, + So furiously we ran! + + But in behind our path they closed, + Though fain to let us through, + For they were forty thousand men, + And we were wondrous few. + + We might not see a lance's length, + So dense was their array, + But the long fell sweep of the Scottish blade + Still held them hard at bay. + + "Make in! make in!" Lord Douglas cried, + "Make in, my brethren dear! + Sir William of Saint Clair is down; + We may not leave him here!" + + But thicker, thicker, grew the swarm, + And sharper shot the rain, + And the horses reared amid the press, + But they would not charge again. + + "Now Jesu help thee," said Lord James, + "Thou kind and true St Clair! + An' if I may not bring thee off, + I'll die beside thee there!" + + Then in his stirrups up he stood, + So lionlike and bold, + And held the precious heart aloft + All in its case of gold. + + He flung it from him, far ahead, + And never spake he more, + But--"Pass thee first, thou dauntless heart, + As thou wert wont of yore!" + + The roar of fight rose fiercer yet, + And heavier still the stour, + Till the spears of Spain came shivering in, + And swept away the Moor. + + "Now praised be God, the day is won! + They fly o'er flood and fell-- + Why dost thou draw the rein so hard, + Good knight, that fought so well?" + + "Oh, ride ye on, Lord King!" he said, + "And leave the dead to me, + For I must keep the dreariest watch + That ever I shall dree! + + "There lies, beside his master's heart, + The Douglas, stark and grim; + And woe is me I should be here, + Not side by side with him! + + "The world grows cold, my arm is old, + And thin my lyart hair, + And all that I loved best on earth + Is stretch'd before me there. + + "O Bothwell banks! that bloom so bright, + Beneath the sun of May, + The heaviest cloud that ever blew + Is bound for you this day. + + "And, Scotland, thou may'st veil thy head + In sorrow and in pain; + The sorest stroke upon thy brow + Hath fallen this day in Spain! + + "We'll bear them back unto our ship, + We'll bear them o'er the sea, + And lay them in the hallowed earth, + Within our own countrie. + + "And be thou strong of heart, Lord King, + For this I tell thee sure, + The sod that drank the Douglas' blood + Shall never bear the Moor!" + + The King he lighted from his horse, + He flung his brand away, + And took the Douglas by the hand, + So stately as he lay. + + "God give thee rest, thou valiant soul, + That fought so well for Spain; + I'd rather half my land were gone, + So thou wert here again!" + + We bore the good Lord James away, + And the priceless heart he bore, + And heavily we steer'd our ship + Towards the Scottish shore. + + No welcome greeted our return, + Nor clang of martial tread, + But all were dumb and hushed as death + Before the mighty dead. + + We laid our chief in Douglas Kirk, + The heart in fair Melrose; + And woeful men were we that day-- + God grant their souls repose! + + + + +THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + +It is very much to be regretted that no competent person has as yet +undertaken the task of compiling a full and authentic biography of Lord +Viscount Dundee. His memory has consequently been left at the mercy of +misrepresentation and malignity; and the pen of romance has been freely +employed to portray, as a bloody assassin, one of the most accomplished +men and gallant soldiers of his age. + +It was the misfortune of Claverhouse to have lived in so troublous an +age and country. The religious differences of Scotland were then at +their greatest height, and there is hardly any act of atrocity and +rebellion which had not been committed by the insurgents. The royal +authority was openly and publicly disowned in the western districts: the +Archbishop of St. Andrew's, after more than one hairbreadth escape, was +waylaid, and barbarously murdered by an armed gang of fanatics on Magus +Muir; and his daughter was wounded and maltreated while interceding for +the old man's life. The country was infested by banditti, who took every +possible opportunity of shooting down and massacring any of the +straggling soldiery: the clergy were attacked and driven from their +houses; so that, throughout a considerable portion of Scotland, there +was no security either for property or for life. It is now the fashion +to praise and magnify the Covenanters as the most innocent and +persecuted of men; but those who are so ready with their sympathy, +rarely take the pains to satisfy themselves, by reference to the annals +of the time, of the true character of those men whom they blindly +venerate as martyrs. They forget, in their zeal for religious freedom, +that even the purest and holiest of causes may be sullied and disgraced +by the deeds of its upholders, and that a wild and frantic profession of +faith is not always a test of genuine piety. It is not in the slightest +degree necessary to discuss whether the royal prerogative was at that +time arbitrarily used, or whether the religious freedom of the nation +was unduly curtailed. Both points may be, and indeed are, admitted,--for +it is impossible to vindicate the policy of the measures adopted by the +two last monarchs of the house of Stuart; but neither admission will +clear the Covenanters from the stain of deliberate cruelty. + +After the battle of Philiphaugh, the royalist prisoners were butchered +in cold blood, under the superintendence of a clerical emissary, who +stood by rubbing his hands, and exclaiming--"The wark gangs bonnily on!" +Were I to transcribe from the pamphlets before me the list of the +murders which were perpetrated by the country people on the soldiery, +officers, and gentlemen of loyal principles, during the reign of Charles +II., I believe that no candid person would be surprised at the severe +retaliation which was made. It must be remembered that the country was +then under military law, and that the strongest orders had been issued +by the Government to the officers in command of the troops, to use every +means in their power for the effectual repression of the disturbances. +The necessity of such orders will become apparent, when we reflect that, +besides the open actions at Aird's Moss and Drumclog, the city of +Glasgow was attacked, and the royal forces compelled for a time to fall +back upon Stirling. + +Under such circumstances it is no wonder if the soldiery were severe in +their reprisals. Innocent blood may no doubt have been shed, and in some +cases even wantonly; for when rebellion has grown into civil war, and +the ordinary course of the law is put in abeyance, it is always +impossible to restrain military license. But it is most unfair to lay +the whole odium of such acts upon those who were in command, and to +dishonour the fair name of gentlemen, by attributing to them personally +the commission of deeds of which they were absolutely ignorant. To this +day the peasantry of the western districts of Scotland entertain the +idea that Claverhouse was a sort of fiend in human shape, tall, +muscular, and hideous in aspect, secured by infernal spells from the +chance of perishing by any ordinary weapon, and mounted upon a huge +black horse, the especial gift of Beelzebub! On this charger it is +supposed that he could ride up precipices as easily as he could traverse +the level ground--that he was constantly accompanied by a body of +desperadoes, vulgarly known by such euphonious titles as "Hell's Tam," +and "the De'il's Jock," and that his whole time was occupied, day and +night, in hunting Covenanters upon the hills! Almost every rebel who was +taken in arms and shot, is supposed to have met his death from the +individual pistol of Claverhouse; and the tales which, from time to +time, have been written by such ingenious persons as the late Mr. Gait +and the Ettrick Shepherd have quietly been assumed as facts, and added +to the store of our traditionary knowledge. It is in vain to hint that +the chief commanders of the forces in Scotland could have found little +leisure, even had they possessed the taste, for pursuing single +insurgents. Such suggestions are an insult to martyrology; and many a +parish of the west would be indignant were it averred that the tenant of +its gray stone had suffered by a meaner hand. + +When we look at the portrait of Claverhouse, and survey the calm, +melancholy, and beautiful features of the devoted soldier, it appears +almost incredible that he should ever have suffered under such an +overwhelming load of misrepresentation. But when--discarding modern +historians, who in too many instances do not seem to entertain the +slightest scruple in dealing with the memory of the dead--we turn to the +writings of his contemporaries who knew the man, his character appears +in a very different light. They describe him as one who was stainless in +his honour, pure in his faith, wise in council, resolute in action, and +utterly free from that selfishness which disgraced the Scottish +statesmen of the time. No one dares question his loyalty, for he sealed +that confession with his blood; and it is universally admitted, that +with him fell the last hopes of the reinstatement of the house of +Stuart. + +I may perhaps be permitted here, in the absence of a better chronicler, +to mention a few particulars of his life, which, I believe, are +comparatively unknown. John Graham of Claverhouse was a cadet of the +family of Fintrie, connected by intermarriage with the blood-royal of +Scotland. After completing his studies at the University of St. +Andrew's, he entered, as was the national custom for gentlemen of good +birth and limited means, into foreign service, served some time in +France as a volunteer, and afterwards went to Holland. He very soon +received a commission, as a cornet in a regiment of horse-guards, from +the Prince of Orange, nephew of Charles II. and James VII., and who +afterwards married the Princess Mary. His manner at that time is thus +described:--"He was then ane esquire, under the title of John Graham of +Claverhouse; but the vivacity of his parts, and the delicacy and justice +of his understanding and judgment, joyned with a certain vigour of mind +and activity of body, distinguished him in such a manner from all others +of his rank, that though he lived in a superior character, yet he +acquired the love and esteem of all his equals, as well as of those who +had the advantage of him in dignity and estate." + +By one of those singular accidents which we occasionally meet with in +history, Graham, afterwards destined to become his most formidable +opponent, saved the life of the Prince of Orange at the battle of St. +Neff. The Prince's horse had been killed, and he himself was in the +grasp of the enemy, when the young cornet rode to his rescue, freed him +from his assailants, and mounted him on his own steed. For this service +he received a captain's commission, and the promise of the first +regiment that should fall vacant. + +But even in early life William of Orange was not famous for keeping his +promises. Some years afterwards, a vacancy in one of the Scottish +regiments in the Prince's service occurred, and Claverhouse, relying +upon the previous assurance, preferred his claim. It was disregarded, +and Mr. Collier, afterwards Earl of Portmore, was appointed over his +head. It would seem that Graham had suspected some foul play on the +part of this gentleman, for, shortly after, they accidentally met and +had an angry altercation. This circumstance having come to the ears of +the Prince, he sent for Captain Graham, and administered a sharp rebuke. +I give the remainder of this incident in the words of the old writer, +because it must be considered a very remarkable one, as illustrating the +fiery spirit and dauntless independence of Claverhouse. + +"The Captain answered, that he was indeed in the wrong, since it was +more his Highness's business to have resented that quarrel than his; +because Mr. Collier had less injured him in disappointing him of the +regiment, than he had done his Highness in making him break his word. +'Then,' replied the Prince in an angry tone, 'I make you full +reparation, for I bestow on you what is more valuable than a regiment +when I give you your right arm!' The Captain subjoined, that since his +Highness had the goodness to give him his liberty, he resolved to employ +himself elsewhere, for he would not longer serve a Prince that had +broken his word. + +"The Captain, having thus thrown up his commission, was preparing in +haste for his voyage, when a messenger arrived from the Prince, with two +hundred guineas for the horse on which he had saved his life. The +Captain sent the horse, but ordered the gold to be distributed among the +grooms of the Prince's stables. It is said, however, that his Highness +had the generosity to write to the King and the Duke, recommending him +as a fine gentleman and a brave officer, fit for any office, civil or +military." + +On his arrival in Britain he was well received by the court, and +immediately appointed to a high military command in Scotland. It would +be beyond the scope of the present paper to enter minutely into the +details of his service during the stormy period when Scotland was +certainly misgoverned, and when there was little unity, but much +disorder in the land. In whatever point of view we regard the history of +those times, the aspect is a mournful one indeed. Church and State never +was a popular cry in Scotland, and the peculiar religious tendencies +which had been exhibited by a large portion of the nation, at the time +of the Reformation, rendered the return of tranquillity hopeless until +the hierarchy was displaced, and a humbler form of church government, +more suited to the feelings of the people, substituted in its stead. + +Three years after the accession of James VII. Claverhouse was raised to +the peerage, by the title of Lord Viscount Dundee. He was major-general, +and second in command of the royal forces, when the Prince of Orange +landed, and earnestly entreated King James to be allowed to march +against him, offering to stake his head on the successful result of the +enterprize. There is little doubt, from the great popularity of Lord +Dundee with the army, that, had such consent been given, William would +have found more than a match in his old officer; but the King seemed +absolutely infatuated, and refused to allow a drop of blood to be shed +in his quarrel, though the great bulk of the population of England were +clearly and enthusiastically in his favour. One of the most gifted of +our modern poets, the Honourable George Sydney Smythe, has beautifully +illustrated this event. + + "Then out spake gallant Claverhouse, and his soul thrilled wild and high, + And he showed the King his subjects, and he prayed him not to fly. + O never yet was captain so dauntless as Dundee! + He has sworn to chase the Hollander back to his Zuyder-Zee." + +But though James quitted his kingdom, the stern loyalty of Dundee was +nothing moved. Alone, and without escort, he traversed England, and +presented himself at the Convention of Estates, then assembled at +Edinburgh for the purpose of receiving the message from the Prince of +Orange. The meeting was a very strange one. Many of the nobility and +former members of the Scottish Parliament absolutely declined attending +it, some on the ground that it was not a legal assembly, having been +summoned by the Prince of Orange, and others because, in such a total +disruption of order, they judged it safest to abstain from taking any +prominent part. This gave an immense ascendency to the Revolution party, +who further proceeded to strengthen their position by inviting to +Edinburgh large bodies of the armed population of the west. After +defending for several days the cause of his master with as much +eloquence as vigour, Dundee, finding that the majority of the Convention +were resolved to offer the crown of Scotland to the Prince, and having +moreover received sure information that some of the wild fanatic Whigs, +with Daniel Ker of Kersland at their head, had formed a plot for his +assassination, quitted Edinburgh with about fifty horsemen, and, after a +short interview--celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in one of his grandest +ballads--with the Duke of Gordon at the Castle Rock, directed his steps +towards the north. After a short stay at his house of Duddope, during +which he received, by order of the Council, who were thoroughly alarmed +at his absence, a summons through a Lyon herald to return to Edinburgh +under pain of high treason, he passed into the Gordon country, where he +was joined by the Earl of Dunfermline with a small party of about sixty +horse. His retreat was timeous, for General Mackay, who commanded for +the Prince of Orange, had despatched a strong force, with instructions +to make him prisoner. From this time, until the day of his death, he +allowed himself no repose. Imitating the example, and inheriting the +enthusiasm of his great predecessor Montrose, he invoked the loyalty of +the clans to assist him in the struggle for legitimacy--and he did not +appeal to them in vain. His name was a spell to rouse the ardent spirits +of the mountaineers; and not the Great Marquis himself, in the height of +his renown, was more sincerely welcomed and more fondly loved than "Ian +dhu nan Cath,"--Dark John of the Battles,--the name by which Lord Dundee +is still remembered in Highland song. In the mean time the Convention, +terrified at their danger, and dreading a Highland inroad, had +despatched Mackay, a military officer of great experience, with a +considerable body of troops, to quell the threatened insurrection. He +was encountered by Dundee, and compelled to evacuate the high country +and fall back upon the Lowlands, where he subsequently received +reinforcements, and again marched northward. The Highland host was +assembled at Blair, though not in great force, when the news of Mackay's +advance arrived; and a council of the chiefs and officers was summoned, +to determine whether it would be most advisable to fall back upon the +glens and wild fastnesses of the Highlands, or to meet the enemy at +once, though with a force far inferior to his. + +Most of the old officers, who had been trained in the foreign wars, were +of the former opinion--"alleging that it was neither prudent nor +cautious to risk an engagement against an army of disciplined men, that +exceeded theirs in numbers by more than a half." But both Glengarry and +Locheill, to the great satisfaction of the General, maintained the +contrary view, and argued that neither hunger nor fatigue were so likely +to depress the Highlanders, as a retreat when the enemy was in view. The +account of the discussion is so interesting, and so characteristic of +Dundee, that I shall take leave to quote its termination in the words of +Drummond of Balhaldy: + +"An advice so hardy and resolute could not miss to please the generous +Dundee. His looks seemed to heighten with an air of delight and +satisfaction all the while Locheill was speaking. He told his council +that they had heard his sentiments from the mouth of a person who had +formed his judgment upon infallible proofs drawn from a long experience, +and an intimate acquaintance with the persons and subject he spoke of. +Not one in the company offering to contradict their general, it was +unanimously agreed to fight. + +"When the news of this vigorous resolution spread through the army, +nothing was heard but acclamations of joy, which exceedingly pleased +their gallant general; but before the council broke up, Locheill begged +to be heard for a few words. 'My Lord' said he, 'I have just now +declared, in the presence of this honourable company, that I was +resolved to give an implicit obedience to all your Lordship's commands; +but I humbly beg leave, in name of these gentlemen, to give the word of +command for this one time. It is the voice of your council, and their +orders are, that you do not engage personally. Your Lordship's business +is to have an eye on all parts, and to issue out your commands as you +shall think proper; it is ours to execute them with promptitude and +courage. On your Lordship depends the fate, not only of this little +brave army, but also of our king and country. If your Lordship deny us +this reasonable demand, for my own part I declare, that neither I, nor +any I am concerned in, shall draw a sword on this important occasion, +whatever construction shall be put upon the matter.' + +"Locheill was seconded in this by the whole council; but Dundee begged +leave to be heard in his turn. 'Gentlemen,' said he, 'as I am absolutely +convinced, and have had repeated proofs, of your zeal for the king's +service, and of your affection to me as his general and your friend, so +I am fully sensible that my engaging personally this day may be of some +loss if I shall chance to be killed. But I beg leave of you, however, to +allow me to give one _shear-darg_ (that is, one harvest-day's work) to +the king, my master, that I may have an opportunity of convincing the +brave clans, that I can hazard my life in that service as freely as the +meanest of them. Ye know their temper, gentlemen; and if they do not +think I have personal courage enough, they will not esteem me hereafter, +nor obey my commands with cheerfulness. Allow me this single favour, and +I here promise, upon my honour, never again to risk my person while I +have that of commanding you.' + +"The council, finding him inflexible, broke up, and the army marched +directly towards the Pass of Killiecrankie." + +Those who have visited that romantic spot need not be reminded of its +peculiar features, for these, once seen, must dwell for ever in the +memory. The lower part of the Pass is a stupendous mountain-chasm, +scooped out by the waters of the Garry, which here descend in a +succession of roaring cataracts and pools. The old road, which ran +almost parallel to the river and close upon its edge, was extremely +narrow, and wound its way beneath a wall of enormous crags, surmounted +by a natural forest of birch, oak, and pine. An army cooped up in that +gloomy ravine would have as little chance of escape from the onset of an +enterprising partisan corps, as had the Bavarian troops when attacked by +the Tyrolese in the steep defiles of the Inn. General Mackay, however, +had made his arrangements with consummate tact and skill, and had +calculated his time so well, that he was enabled to clear the Pass +before the Highlanders could reach it from the other side. Advancing +upwards, the passage becomes gradually broader, until, just below the +House of Urrard, there is a considerable width of meadow-land. It was +here that Mackay took up his position, and arrayed his troops, on +observing that the heights above were occupied by the army of Dundee. + +The forces of the latter scarcely amounted to one-third of those of his +antagonist, which were drawn up in line without any reserve. He was +therefore compelled, in making his dispositions, to leave considerable +gaps in his own line, which gave Mackay a further advantage. The right +of Dundee's army was formed of the M'Lean, Glengarry, and Clanranald +regiments, along with some Irish levies. In the centre was Dundee +himself, at the head of a small and ill-equipped body of cavalry, +composed of Lowland gentlemen and their followers, and about forty of +his old troopers. The Camerons and Skyemen, under the command of +Locheill and Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat, were stationed on the left. +During the time occupied by these dispositions, a brisk cannonade was +opened by Mackay's artillery, which materially increased the impatience +of the Highlanders to come to close quarters. At last the word was given +to advance, and the whole line rushed forward with the terrific +impetuosity peculiar to a charge of the clans. They received the fire of +the regular troops without flinching, reserved their own until they were +close at hand, poured in a murderous volley, and then, throwing away +their firelocks, attacked the enemy with the broadsword. + +The victory was almost instantaneous, but it was bought at a terrible +price. Through some mistake or misunderstanding, a portion of the +cavalry, instead of following their general, who had charged directly +for the guns, executed a manoeuvre which threw them into disorder; and, +when last seen in the battle, Dundee, accompanied only by the Earl of +Dunfermline and about sixteen gentlemen, was entering into the cloud of +smoke, standing up in his stirrups, and waving to the others to come +on. It was in this attitude that he appears to have received his +death-wound. On returning from the pursuit, the Highlanders found him +dying on the field. + +It would he difficult to point out another instance in which the +maintenance of a great cause depended solely upon the life of a single +man. Whilst Dundee survived, Scotland at least was not lost to the +Stuarts, for, shortly before the battle, he had received assurance that +the greater part of the organised troops in the north were devoted to +his person, and ready to join him; and the victory of Killiecrankie +would have been followed by a general rising of the loyal gentlemen in +the Lowlands. But with his fall the enterprise was over. + +I hope I shall not be accused of exaggerating the importance of this +battle, which, according to the writer I have already quoted, was best +proved by the consternation into which the opposite party were thrown at +the first news of Mackay's defeat. "The Duke of Hamilton, commissioner +for the parliament which then sat at Edinburgh, and the rest of the +ministry, were struck with such a panic, that some of them were for +retiring into England, others into the western shires of Scotland, where +all the people, almost to a man, befriended them; nor knew they whether +to abandon the government, or to stay a few days until they saw what use +my Lord Dundee would make of his victory. They knew the rapidity of his +motions, and were convinced that he would allow them no time to +deliberate. On this account it was debated, whether such of the nobility +and gentry as were confined for adhering to their old master, should be +immediately set at liberty or more closely shut up; and though the last +was determined on, yet the greatest revolutionists among them made +private and frequent visits to these prisoners, excusing what was past, +from a fatal necessity of the times, which obliged them to give a +seeming compliance, but protesting that they always wished well to King +James, as they should soon have occasion to show when my Lord Dundee +advanced." + +"The next morning after the battle," says Drummond, "the Highland army +had more the air of the shattered remains of broken troops than of +conquerors; for here it was literally true that + + 'The vanquished triumphed, and the victors mourned.' + +The death of their brave general, and the loss of so many of their +friends, were inexhaustible fountains of grief and sorrow. They closed +the last scene of this mournful tragedy in obsequies of their lamented +general, and of the other gentlemen who fell with him, and interred them +in the church of Blair of Atholl with a real funeral solemnity, there +not being present one single person who did not participate in the +general affliction." + +I close this notice of a great soldier and devoted loyalist, by +transcribing the beautiful epitaph composed by Dr. Pitcairn:-- + + "Ultime Scotorum! potuit, quo sospite solo, + Libertas patriæ salva fuisse tuæ: + Te moriente, novos accepit Scotia cives, + Accepitque novos, te moriente, deos. + Illa nequit superesse tibi, tu non potes illi, + Ergo Caledoniæ nomen inane, vale. + Tuque vale, gentis priscæ fortissime ductor, + Ultime Scotorum, ac ultime Grame, vale!" + + + + +THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + + + Sound the fife, and cry the slogan-- + Let the pibroch shake the air + With its wild triumphal music, + Worthy of the freight we bear. + Let the ancient hills of Scotland + Hear once more the battle-song + Swell within their glens and valleys + As the clansmen march along! + Never from the field of combat, + Never from the deadly fray, + Was a nobler trophy carried + Than we bring with us to-day; + Never, since the valiant Douglas + On his dauntless bosom bore + Good King Robert's heart--the priceless-- + To our dear Redeemer's shore! + Lo! we bring with us the hero-- + Lo! we bring the conquering Græme, + Crowned as best beseems a victor + From the altar of his fame; + Fresh and bleeding from the battle + Whence his spirit took its flight, + Midst the crashing charge of squadrons, + And the thunder of the fight! + Strike, I say, the notes of triumph, + As we march o'er moor and lea! + Is there any here will venture + To bewail our dead Dundee? + Let the widows of the traitors + Weep until their eyes are dim! + Wail ye may full well for Scotland-- + Let none dare to mourn for him! + See! above his glorious body + Lies the royal banner's fold-- + See! his valiant blood is mingled + With its crimson and its gold. + See! how calm he looks and stately, + Like a warrior on his shield, + Waiting till the flush of morning + Breaks along the battle-field! + See--Oh never more, my comrades! + Shall we see that falcon eye + Redden with its inward lightning, + As the hour of fight drew nigh; + Never shall we hear the voice that, + Clearer than the trumpet's call, + Bade us strike for King and Country, + Bade us win the field or fall! + On the heights of Killiecrankie + Yester-morn our army lay: + Slowly rose the mist in columns + From the river's broken way; + Hoarsely roared the swollen torrent, + And the pass was wrapped in gloom, + When the clansmen rose together + From their lair amidst the broom. + Then we belted on our tartans, + And our bonnets down we drew, + And we felt our broadswords' edges, + And we proved them to be true; + And we prayed the prayer of soldiers, + And we cried the gathering-cry, + And we clasped the hands of kinsmen, + And we swore to do or die! + Then our leader rode before us + On his war-horse black as night-- + Well the Cameronian rebels + Knew that charger in the fight!-- + And a cry of exultation + From the bearded warriors rose; + For we loved the house of Claver'se, + And we thought of good Montrose. + But he raised his hand for silence-- + "Soldiers! I have sworn a vow: + Ere the evening-star shall glisten + On Schehallion's lofty brow, + Either we shall rest in triumph, + Or another of the Graemes + Shall have died in battle-harness + For his Country and King James! + Think upon the Royal Martyr-- + Think of what his race endure-- + Think on him whom butchers murder'd + On the field of Magus Muir:-- + By his sacred blood I charge ye, + By the ruin'd hearth and shrine-- + By the blighted hopes of Scotland, + By your injuries and mine-- + Strike this day as if the anvil + Lay beneath your blows the while, + Be they Covenanting traitors, + Or the brood of false Argyle! + Strike! and drive the trembling rebels + Backwards o'er the stormy Forth; + Let them tell their pale Convention + How they fared within the North. + Let them tell that Highland honour + Is not to be bought nor sold, + That we scorn their Prince's anger, + As we loathe his foreign gold. + Strike! and when the fight is over, + If ye look in vain for me, + Where the dead are lying thickest, + Search for him that was Dundee!" + + Loudly then the hills re-echoed + With our answer to his call, + But a deeper echo sounded + In the bosoms of us all. + For the lands of wide Breadalbane, + Not a man who heard him speak + Would that day have left the battle. + Burning eye and flushing cheek + Told the clansmen's fierce emotion, + And they harder drew their breath; + For their souls were strong within them, + Stronger than the grasp of death. + Soon we heard a challenge-trumpet + Sounding in the pass below, + And the distant tramp of horses, + And the voices of the foe: + Down we crouched amid the bracken, + Till the Lowland ranks drew near, + Panting like the hounds in summer, + When they scent the stately deer. + From the dark defile emerging, + Next we saw the squadrons come, + Leslie's foot and Leven's troopers + Marching to the tuck of drum; + Through the scattered wood of birches, + O'er the broken ground and heath, + Wound the long battalion slowly, + Till they gained the field beneath; + Then we bounded from our covert.-- + Judge how looked the Saxons then, + When they saw the rugged mountain + Start to life with armèd men! + Like a tempest down the ridges, + Swept the hurricane of steel, + Rose the slogan of Macdonald-- + Flashed the broadsword of Locheill! + Vainly sped the withering volley + 'Mongst the foremost of our band-- + On we poured until we met them, + Foot to foot, and hand to hand. + Horse and man went down like drift-wood + When the floods are black at Yule, + And their carcasses are whirling + In the Garry's deepest pool. + Horse and man went down before us-- + Living foe there tarried none + On the field of Killiecrankie, + When that stubborn fight was done! + + And the evening-star was shining + On Schehallion's distant head, + When we wiped our bloody broadswords, + And returned to count the dead. + There we found him, gashed and gory, + Stretch'd upon the cumbered plain, + As he told us where to seek him, + In the thickest of the slain. + And a smile was on his visage, + For within his dying ear + Pealed the joyful note of triumph, + And the clansmen's clamorous cheer: + So, amidst the battle's thunder, + Shot, and steel, and scorching flame, + In the glory of his manhood + Passed the spirit of the Græme! + Open wide the vaults of Athol, + Where the bones of heroes rest-- + Open wide the hallowed portals + To receive another guest! + Last of Scots, and last of freemen-- + Last of all that dauntless race + Who would rather die unsullied + Than outlive the land's disgrace! + O thou lion-hearted warrior! + Reck not of the after-time: + Honour may be deemed dishonour, + Loyalty be called a crime. + Sleep in peace with kindred ashes + Of the noble and the true, + Hands that never failed their country, + Hearts that never baseness knew. + Sleep!--and till the latest trumpet + Wakes the dead from earth and sea, + Scotland shall not boast a braver + Chieftain than our own Dundee! + + + + +THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + + +The Massacre of Glencoe is an event which neither can nor ought to be +forgotten. It was a deed of the worst treason and cruelty--a barbarous +infraction of all laws, human and divine; and it exhibits in their +foulest perfidy the true characters of the authors and abettors of the +Revolution. + +After the battle of Killiecrankie the cause of the Scottish royalists +declined, rather from the want of a competent leader than from any +disinclination on the part of a large section of the nobility and gentry +to vindicate the right of King James. No person of adequate talents or +authority was found to supply the place of the great and gallant Lord +Dundee; for General Cannon, who succeeded in command, was not only +deficient in military skill, but did not possess the confidence, nor +understand the character of the Highland chiefs, who, with their +clansmen, constituted by far the most important section of the army. +Accordingly no enterprise of any importance was attempted; and the +disastrous issue of the battle of the Boyne led to a negotiation which +terminated in the entire disbanding of the royal forces. By this treaty, +which was expressly sanctioned by William of Orange, a full and +unreserved indemnity and pardon was granted to all of the Highlanders +who had taken arms, with a proviso that they should first subscribe the +oath of allegiance to William and Mary, before the 1st of January, 1692, +in presence of the Lords of the Scottish Council, "or of the Sheriffs or +their deputies of the respective shires wherein they lived." The letter +of William addressed to the Privy Council, and ordering proclamation to +be made to the above effect, contained also the following significant +passage:--"That ye communicate our pleasure to the Governor of +Inverlochy, and other commanders, that they be exact and diligent in +their several posts; but that they show no more zeal against the +Highlanders after their submission, _than they have ever done formerly +when these were in open rebellion_." + +This enigmatical sentence, which in reality was intended, as the sequel +will show, to be interpreted in the most cruel manner, appears to have +caused some perplexity in the Council, as that body deemed it necessary +to apply for more distinct and specific instructions, which, however, +were not then issued. It had been especially stipulated by the chiefs, +as an indispensable preliminary to their treaty, that they should have +leave to communicate with King James, then residing at St. Germains, for +the purpose of obtaining his permission and warrant previous to +submitting themselves to the existing government. That article had been +sanctioned by William before the proclamation was issued, and a special +messenger was despatched to France for that purpose. + +In the mean time, troops were gradually and cautiously advanced to the +confines of the Highlands, and, in some instances, actually quartered on +the inhabitants. The condition of the country was perfectly tranquil. No +disturbances whatever occurred in the north or west of Scotland; +Locheill and the other chiefs were awaiting the communication from St. +Germains, and held themselves bound in honour to remain inactive; whilst +the remainder of the royalist forces (for whom separate terms had been +made) were left unmolested at Dunkeld. + +But rumours, which are too clearly traceable to the emissaries of the +new government, asserting the preparation made for an immediate landing +of King James at the head of a large body of the French, were +industriously circulated, and by many were implicitly believed. The +infamous policy which dictated such a course is now apparent. The term +of the amnesty or truce granted by the proclamation expired with the +year 1691, and all who had not taken the oath of allegiance before that +term, were to be proceeded against with the utmost severity. The +proclamation was issued upon the 29th of August: consequently, only four +months were allowed for the complete submission of the Highlands. + +Not one of the chiefs subscribed until the mandate from King James +arrived. That document, which is dated from St. Germains on the 12th of +December 1691, reached Dunkeld eleven days afterwards, and, +consequently, but a very short time before the indemnity expired. The +bearer, Major Menzies, was so fatigued that he could proceed no farther +on his journey, but forwarded the mandate by an express to the commander +of the royal forces, who was then at Glengarry. It was therefore +impossible that the document could be circulated through the Highlands +within the prescribed period. Locheill, says Drummond of Balhaldy, did +not receive his copy till about thirty hours before the time was out, +and appeared before the sheriff at Inverara, where he took the oaths +upon the very day on which the indemnity expired. + +That a general massacre throughout the Highlands was contemplated by the +Whig government, is a fact established by overwhelming evidence. In the +course of the subsequent investigation before the Scots Parliament, +letters were produced from Sir John Dalrymple, then Master of Stair, one +of the secretaries of state in attendance upon the court, which too +clearly indicate the intentions of William. In one of these, dated 1st +December 1694,--_a month_, be it observed, before the amnesty +expired--and addressed to Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, there are the +following words:--"The winter is the only season in which we are sure +the Highlanders cannot escape us, _nor carry their wives, bairns_, and +cattle to the mountains." And in another letter, written only two days +afterwards, he says, "It is the only time that they cannot escape you, +for human constitution cannot endure to be long out of houses. _This is +the proper season to maule them, in the cold long nights_." And in +January thereafter, he informed Sir Thomas Livingston that the design +was "to destroy entirely the country of Lochaber, Locheill's lands, +Keppoch's, Glengarry's, Appin, and Glencoe. I assure you," he continues, +"your power shall be full enough, _and I hope the soldiers will not +trouble the Government with prisoners_." + +Locheill was more fortunate than others of his friends and neighbours. +According to Drummond,--"Major Menzies, who, upon his arrival, had +observed the whole forces of the kingdom ready to invade the Highlands, +as he wrote to General Buchan, foreseeing the unhappy consequences, not +only begged that general to send expresses to all parts with orders +immediately to submit, but also wrote to Sir Thomas Livingston, praying +him to supplicate the Council for a prorogation of the time, in regard +that he was so excessively fatigued, that he was obliged to stop some +days to repose a little; and that though he should send expresses, yet +it was impossible they could reach the distant parts in such time as to +allow the several persons concerned the benefit of the indemnity within +the space limited; besides, that some persons having put the Highlanders +in a bad temper, he was confident to persuade them to submit, if a +further time were allowed. Sir Thomas presented this letter to the +Council on the 5th of January, 1692, but they refused to give any +answer, and ordered him to transmit the same to Court." + +The reply of William of Orange was a letter, countersigned by Dalrymple, +in which, upon the recital that "several of the chieftains and many of +their clans had not taken the benefit of our gracious indemnity," he +gave orders for a general massacre. "To that end, we have given Sir +Thomas Livingston orders to employ our troops (which we have already +conveniently posted) to cut off these obstinate rebels _by all manner of +hostility_; and we do require you to give him your assistance and +concurrence in all other things that may conduce to that service; and +because these rebels, to avoid our forces, may draw themselves, _their +families_, goods, or cattle, to lurk or be concealed among their +neighbours: therefore, we require and authorise you to emit a +proclamation to be published at the market-crosses of these or the +adjacent shires where the rebels reside, discharging upon the highest +penalties the law allows, any reset, correspondence, or intercommuning +with these rebels." This monstrous mandate, which was in fact the +death-warrant of many thousand innocent people, no distinction being +made of age or sex, would, in all human probability, have been put into +execution, but for the remonstrance of one high-minded nobleman. Lord +Carmarthen, afterwards Duke of Leeds, accidentally became aware of the +proposed massacre, and personally remonstrated with the monarch against +a measure which he denounced as at once cruel and impolitic. After much +discussion, William, influenced rather by an apprehension that so +savage and sweeping an act might prove fatal to his new authority, than +by any compunction or impulse of humanity, agreed to recall the general +order, and to limit himself, in the first instance, to a single deed of +butchery, by way of testing the temper of the nation. Some difficulty +seems to have arisen in the selection of the fittest victim. Both +Keppoch and Glencoe were named, but the personal rancour of Secretary +Dalrymple decided the doom of the latter. The Secretary wrote +thus:--"Argyle tells me that Glencoe hath not taken the oath, at which I +rejoice. It is a great work of charity to be exact in rooting out that +damnable set." The final instructions regarding Glencoe, which were +issued on 16th January, 1692, are as follows:-- + + "William R.--As for M'Ian of Glencoe, and that tribe, + if they can be well distinguished from the rest of the + Highlanders, it will be proper for public justice to extirpate + that set of thieves." "W.R." + +This letter is remarkable as being signed and countersigned by William +alone, contrary to the usual practice. The Secretary was no doubt +desirous to screen himself from after responsibility, and was further +aware that the royal signature would insure a rigorous execution of the +sentence. + +Macdonald, or, as he was more commonly designed, M'Ian of Glencoe, was +the head of a considerable sept or branch of the great Clan-Coila, and +was lineally descended from the ancient Lords of the Isles, and from +the royal family of Scotland--the common ancestor of the Macdonalds +having espoused a daughter of Robert II. He was, according to a +contemporary testimony, "a person of great integrity, honour, good +nature, and courage; and his loyalty to his old master, King James, was +such, that he continued in arms from Dundee's first appearing in the +Highlands, till the fatal treaty that brought on his ruin." In common +with the other chiefs, he had omitted taking the benefit of the +indemnity until he received the sanction of King James: but the copy of +that document which was forwarded to him, unfortunately arrived too +late. The weather was so excessively stormy at the time that there was +no possibility of penetrating from Glencoe to Inverara, the place where +the sheriff resided, before the expiry of the stated period; and M'Ian +accordingly adopted the only practicable mode of signifying his +submission, by making his way with great difficulty to Fort-William, +then called Inverlochy, and tendering his signature to the military +Governor there. That officer was not authorised to receive it, but at +the earnest entreaty of the chief, he gave him a certificate of his +appearance and tender, and on New-Year's day, 1692, M'Ian reached +Inverara, where he produced that paper as evidence of his intentions, +and prevailed upon the sheriff, Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglass, to +administer the oaths required. After that ceremony, which was +immediately intimated to the Privy Council, had been performed, the +unfortunate gentleman returned home, in the full conviction that he had +thereby made peace with government for himself and for his clan. But his +doom was already sealed. + +A company of the Earl of Argyle's regiment had been previously quartered +in Glencoe. These men, though Campbells, and hereditarily obnoxious to +the Macdonalds, Camerons, and other of the loyal clans, were yet +countrymen, and were kindly and hospitably received. Their captain, +Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, was connected with the family of Glencoe +through the marriage of a niece, and was resident under the roof of the +chief. And yet this was the very troop selected for the horrid service. + +Special instructions were sent to the major of the regiment, one +Duncanson, then quartered at Ballachulish--a morose, brutal, and savage +man--who accordingly wrote to Campbell of Glenlyon in the following +terms:-- + + Ballacholis, 12 _February_, 1692. + + "SIR,--You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebels, + the M'Donalds of Glencoe, and putt all to the sword under + seventy. You are to have special care that the old fox and + his sons doe upon no account escape your hands. You are + to secure all the avenues, that no man escape. This you + are to put in execution att five o'clock in the morning + precisely, and by that time, or very shortly after it, I'll + strive to be att you with a stronger party. If I doe not + come to you at five, you are not to tarry for me, but to fall + on. This is by the king's speciall command, for the good + and safety of the country, that these miscreants be cutt off + root and branch. See that this be putt in execution without + feud or favour, else you may expect to be treated as not + true to the king's government, nor a man fitt to carry a + commission in the king's service. Expecting you will not + faill in the fulfilling hereof as you love yourself, I subscribe + these with my hand." ROBERT DUNCANSON. + + + "_For their Majestys' service. + To Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon_." + +This order was but too literally obeyed. At the appointed hour, when the +whole inhabitants of the glen were asleep, the work of murder began. +M'Ian was one of the first who fell. Drummond's narrative fills up the +remainder of the dreadful story. + +"They then served all within the family in the same manner, without +distinction of age or person. In a word--for the horror of that +execrable butchery must give pain to the reader--they left none alive +but a young child, who, being frightened with the noise of the guns, and +the dismal shrieks and cries of its dying parents, whom they were +a-murdering, got hold of Captain Campbell's knees, and wrapt itself +within his cloak; by which, chancing to move compassion, the captain +inclined to have saved it, but one Drummond, an officer, arriving about +the break of day with more troops, commanded it to be shot by a file of +musqueteers. Nothing could be more shocking and horrible than the +prospect of these houses bestrewed with mangled bodies of the dead, +covered with blood, and resounding with the groans of wretches in the +last agonies of life. + +"Two sons of Glencoe's were the only persons that escaped in that +quarter of the country; for, growing jealous of some ill designs from +the behaviour of the soldiers, they stole from their beds a few minutes +before the tragedy began, and, chancing to overhear two of them +discoursing plainly of the matter, they endeavoured to have advertised +their father, but, finding that impracticable, they ran to the other end +of the country and alarmed the inhabitants. There was another accident +that contributed much to their safety; for the night was so excessively +stormy and tempestuous, that four hundred soldiers, who were appointed +to murder these people, were stopped in their march from Inverlochy, and +could not get up till they had time to save themselves. To cover the +deformity of so dreadful a sight, the soldiers burned all the houses to +the ground, after having rifled them, carried away nine hundred cows, +two hundred horses, numberless herds of sheep and goats, and every thing +else that belonged to these miserable people. Lamentable was the case of +the women and children that escaped the butchery; the mountains were +covered with a deep snow, the rivers impassable, storm and tempest +filled the air and added to the horrors and darkness of the night, and +there were no houses to shelter them within many miles."[1] + +Such was the awful massacre of Glencoe, an event which has left an +indelible and execrable stain upon the memory of William of Orange. The +records of Indian warfare can hardly afford a parallel instance of +atrocity: and this deed, coupled with his deliberate treachery in the +Darien scheme, whereby Scotland was for a time absolutely ruined, is +sufficient to account for the little estimation in which the name of the +"great Whig deliverer" is still regarded in the valleys of the North. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: _Memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Locheill_.] + + + + +THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + + + Do not lift him from the bracken, + Leave him lying where he fell-- + Better bier ye cannot fashion: + None beseems him half so well + As the bare and broken heather, + And the hard and trampled sod, + Whence his angry soul ascended + To the judgment-seat of God! + Winding-sheet we cannot give him-- + Seek no mantle for the dead, + Save the cold and spotless covering + Showered from heaven upon his head. + Leave his broadsword, as we found it, + Bent and broken with the blow, + That, before he died, avenged him + On the foremost of the foe. + Leave the blood upon his bosom-- + Wash not off that sacred stain: + Let it stiffen on the tartan, + Let his wounds unclosed remain, + Till the day when he shall show them + At the throne of God on high, + When the murderer and the murdered + Meet before their Judge's eye! + + Nay--ye should not weep, my children! + Leave it to the faint and weak; + Sobs are but a woman's weapon-- + Tears befit a maiden's cheek. + Weep not, children of Macdonald! + Weep not thou, his orphan heir-- + Not in shame, but stainless honour, + Lies thy slaughtered father there. + Weep not--but when years are over, + And thine arm is strong and sure, + And thy foot is swift and steady + On the mountain and the muir-- + Let thy heart be hard as iron, + And thy wrath as fierce as fire, + Till the hour when vengeance cometh + For the race that slew thy sire; + Till in deep and dark Glenlyon + Rise a louder shriek of woe + Than at midnight, from their eyrie, + Scared the eagles of Glencoe; + Louder than the screams that mingled + With the howling of the blast, + When the murderer's steel was clashing, + And the fires were rising fast; + When thy noble father bounded + To the rescue of his men, + And the slogan of our kindred + Pealed throughout the startled glen; + When the herd of frantic women + Stumbled through the midnight snow, + With their fathers' houses blazing, + And their dearest dead below. + Oh, the horror of the tempest, + As the flashing drift was blown, + Crimsoned with the conflagration, + And the roofs went thundering down! + Oh, the prayers--the prayers and curses + That together winged their flight + From the maddened hearts of many + Through that long and woeful night! + Till the fires began to dwindle, + And the shots grew faint and few, + And we heard the foeman's challenge + Only in a far halloo; + Till the silence once more settled + O'er the gorges of the glen, + Broken only by the Cona + Plunging through its naked den. + Slowly from the mountain-summit + Was the drifting veil withdrawn, + And the ghastly valley glimmered + In the gray December dawn. + Better had the morning never + Dawned upon our dark despair! + Black amidst the common whiteness + Rose the spectral ruins there: + But the sight of these was nothing + More than wrings the wild dove's breast, + When she searches for her offspring + Round the relics of her nest. + For in many a spot the tartan + Peered above the wintry heap, + Marking where a dead Macdonald + Lay within his frozen sleep. + Tremblingly we scooped the covering + From each kindred victim's head, + And the living lips were burning + On the cold ones of the dead. + And I left them with their dearest-- + Dearest charge had everyone-- + Left the maiden with her lover, + Left the mother with her son. + I alone of all was mateless-- + Far more wretched I than they, + For the snow would not discover + Where my lord and husband lay. + But I wandered up the valley + Till I found him lying low, + With the gash upon his bosom, + And the frown upon his brow-- + Till I found him lying murdered + Where he wooed me long ago. + Woman's weakness shall not shame me; + Why should I have tears to shed? + Could I rain them down like water, + O my hero, on thy head, + Could the cry of lamentation + Wake thee from thy silent sleep, + Could it set thy heart a-throbbing, + It were mine to wail and weep. + But I will not waste my sorrow, + Lest the Campbell women say + That the daughters of Clanranald + Are as weak and frail as they. + I had wept thee hadst thou fallen, + Like our fathers, on thy shield, + When a host of English foemen + Camped upon a Scottish field; + I had mourned thee hadst thou perished + With the foremost of his name, + When the valiant and the noble + Died around the dauntless Græme. + But I will not wrong thee, husband! + With my unavailing cries, + Whilst thy cold and mangled body, + Stricken by the traitor, lies; + Whilst he counts the gold and glory + That this hideous night has won, + And his heart is big with triumph + At the murder he has done. + Other eyes than mine shall glisten, + Other hearts be rent in twain, + Ere the heathbells on thy hillock + Wither in the autumn rain. + Then I'll seek thee where thou sleepest, + And I'll veil my weary head, + Praying for a place beside thee, + Dearer than my bridal-bed: + And I'll give thee tears, my husband, + If the tears remain to me, + When the widows of the foemen + Cry the coronach for thee. + + + + +THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + + +In consequence of a capitulation with Government, the regular troops who +had served under Lord Dundee were transhipped to France, and, +immediately upon their landing, the officers and others had their rank +confirmed according to the tenor of the commissions and characters which +they bore in Scotland. They were distributed throughout the different +garrisons in the north of France, and, though nominally in the service +of King James, derived their whole means of subsistence from the bounty +of the French monarch. So long as it appeared probable that another +descent was meditated, those gentlemen, who were almost without +exception men of considerable family, assented to this arrangement, but +the destruction of the French fleet under Admiral Tourville, off La +Hogue, led to a material change in their views. After that naval +engagement it became obvious that the cause of the fugitive King was in +the mean time desperate, and the Scottish officers, with no less +gallantry than honour, volunteered a sacrifice which, so far as I know, +has hardly been equalled. + +The old and interesting pamphlet written by one of the corps,[2] from +which I have extracted most of the following details, but which is +seldom perused except by the antiquary, states that, "The Scottish +officers, considering that, by the loss of the French Fleet, King +James's restoration would be retarded for some time, and that they were +burdensome to the King of France, being entertained in garrisons on +whole pay, without doing duty, when he had almost all Europe in +confederacy against him, therefore humbly entreated King James to have +them reduced into a company of private sentinels, and choose officers +amongst themselves to command them, assuring his majesty that they would +serve in the meanest circumstances, and undergo the greatest hardships +and fatigues that reason could imagine, or misfortunes inflict, until it +pleased God to restore him. King James commended their generosity and +loyalty, but disapproved of what they proposed, and told them it was +impossible that gentlemen who had served in so honourable posts as +formerly they had enjoyed, and lived in so great plenty and ease, could +ever undergo the fatigue and hardships of private sentinels' duty. +Again, that his own first command was a company of officers, whereof +several died, others, wearied with fatigue, drew their discharges, till +at last it dwindled into nothing, and he got no reputation by the +command: therefore he desired them to insist no more on that project. +The officers (notwithstanding his majesty's desire to the contrary) made +several interests at court, and harassed him so much, that at last he +condescended," and appointed those who were to command them. + +Shortly afterwards the new corps was reviewed for the first and last +time by the unfortunate James in the gardens of Saint Germains, and the +tears are said to have gushed from his eyes at the sight of so many +brave men, reduced, through their disinterested and persevering loyalty, +to so very humble a condition. "Gentlemen," said he, "my own misfortunes +are not so nigh my heart as yours. It grieves me beyond what I can +express to see so many brave and worthy gentlemen, who had once the +prospect of being the chief officers in my army, reduced to the stations +of private sentinels. Nothing but your loyalty, and that of a few of my +subjects in Britain, who are forced from their allegiance by the Prince +of Orange, and who, I know, will be ready on all occasions to serve me +and my distressed family, could make me willing to live. The sense of +what all of you have done and undergone for your loyalty hath made so +deep an impression upon my heart, that, if it ever please God to restore +me, it is impossible I can be forgetful of your services and sufferings. +Neither can there be any posts in the armies of my dominions but what +you have just pretensions to. As for my son, your Prince, he is of your +own blood, a child capable of any impression, and, as his education will +be from you, it is not supposable that he can forget your merits. At +your own desires you are now going a long march far distant from me. +Fear God and love one another. Write your wants particularly to me, and +depend upon it always to find me your parent and King." The scene bore a +strong resemblance to one which many years afterwards occurred at +Fontainebleau. The company listened to his words with deep emotion, +gathered round him, as if half repentant of their own desire to go, and +so parted, for ever on this earth, the dethroned monarch and his exiled +subjects. + +The number of this company of officers was about one hundred and twenty: +their destination was Perpignan in Rousillon, close upon the frontier of +Spain, where they were to join the army under the command of the +Mareschal de Noailles. Their power of endurance, though often most +severely tested in an unwholesome climate, seems to have been no less +remarkable than their gallantry, which upon many occasions called forth +the warm acknowledgment of the French commanders. "_Le gentilhomme_," +said one of the generals, in acknowledgment of their readiness at a +peculiarly critical moment, "_est toujours gentilhomme, et se montre +toujours tel dans besoin et dans le danger_"--a eulogy as applicable to +them as it was in later days to La Tour d'Auvergne, styled the first +grenadier of France. At Perpignan they were joined by two other +Scottish companies, and the three seem to have continued to serve +together for several campaigns. + +As a proof of the estimation in which they were held, I shall merely +extract a short account of the taking of Rosas in Catalonia, before +referring to the exploit which forms the subject of the following +ballad. "On the 27th of May, the company of officers and other Scottish +companies, were joined by two companies of Irish, to make up a battalion +in order to mount the trenches; and the major part of the officers +listed themselves in the company of grenadiers, under the command of the +brave Major Rutherford, who, on his way to the trenches, in sight of +Mareschal de Noailles and his court, marched with his company on the +side of the trench, which exposed him to the fire of a bastion, where +there were two culverins and several other guns planted; likewise to the +fire of two curtins lined with small shot. Colonel Brown, following with +the battalion, was obliged, in honour, to march the same way Major +Rutherford had done; the danger whereof the Mareschal immediately +perceiving, ordered one of his aides-de-camp to command Rutherford to +march under cover of the trench, which he did; and if he had but delayed +six minutes, the grenadiers and battalion had been cut to pieces. +Rutherford, with his grenadiers, marched to a trench near the town, and +the battalion to a trench on the rear and flank of the grenadiers, who +fired so incessantly on the besieged, that they thought (the trench +being practicable) they were going to make their attacks, immediately +beat a chamade, and were willing to give up the town upon reasonable +terms: but the Mareschal's demands were so exorbitant, that the Governor +could not agree to them. Then firing began on both sides to be very hot; +and they in the town, seeing how the grenadiers lay, killed eight of +them. When the Governor surrendered the town, he inquired of the +Mareschal what countrymen these grenadiers were; and assured him it was +on their account he delivered up the town, because they fired so hotly, +that he believed they were resolved to attack the breach. He answered, +smiling, _'Ces sont mes enfants_--They are my children.' Again; 'they +are the King of Great Britain's Scottish officers, who, to show their +willingness to share of his miseries, have reduced themselves to the +carrying of arms, and chosen to serve under my command.' The next day, +when the Mareschal rode along the front of the camp, he halted at the +company of the officers' piquet, and they all surrounded him. Then, with +his hat in his hand, he thanked them for their good services in the +trenches, and freely acknowledged it was their conduct and courage which +compelled the Governor to give up the town; and assured them he would +acquaint his master with the same, which he did. For when his son +arrived with the news at Versailles, the King, having read the letter, +immediately took coach to St. Germains; and when he had shown King James +the letter, he thanked him for the services his subjects had done in +taking Rosas in Catalonia; who, with concern, replied, they were the +stock of his British officers, and that he was sorry he could not make +better provision for them." + +And a miserable provision it was! They were gradually compelled to part +with every remnant of the property which they had secured from the ruins +of their fortunes; so that when they arrived, after various adventures, +at Scelestat, in Alsace, they were literally without the common means of +subsistence. Famine and the sword had, by this time, thinned their +ranks, but had not diminished their spirit, as the following narrative +of their last exploit will show:-- + +"In December 1697, General Stirk, who commanded for the Germans, +appeared with 16,000 men on the other side of the Rhine, which obliged +the Marquis de Sell to draw out all the garrisons in Alsace, who made up +about 4000 men; and he encamped on the other side of the Rhine, over +against General Stirk, to prevent his passing the Rhine and carrying a +bridge over into an island in the middle of it, which the French foresaw +would be of great prejudice to them. For the enemy's guns, placed on +that island, would extremely gall their camp, which they could not +hinder for the deepness of the water and their wanting of boats--for +which the Marquis quickly sent; but arriving too late, the Germans had +carried a bridge over into the island, where they had posted above five +hundred men, who, by order of their engineers, intrenched themselves: +which the company of officers perceiving, who always grasped after +honour, and scorned all thoughts of danger, resolved to wade the river, +and attack the Germans in the island; and for that effect, desired +Captain John Foster, who then commanded them, to beg of the Marquis that +they might have liberty to attack the Germans in the island; who told +Captain Foster, when the boats came up, they should be the first that +attacked. Foster courteously thanked the Marquis, and told him they +would wade into the island, who shrunk up his shoulders, prayed God to +bless them, and desired them to do what they pleased." Whereupon the +officers, with the other two Scottish companies, made themselves ready; +and having secured their arms round their necks, waded into the river +hand-in-hand, "according to the Highland fashion," with the water as +high as their breasts; and having crossed the heavy stream, fell upon +the Germans in their intrenchment. These were presently thrown into +confusion, and retreated, breaking down their own bridges, whilst many +of them were drowned. This movement, having been made in the dusk of the +evening, partook of the character of a surprise; but it appears to me a +very remarkable one, as having been effected under such circumstances, +in the dead of winter, and in the face of an enemy who possessed the +advantages both of position and of numerical superiority. The author of +the narrative adds:--"When the Marquis de Sell heard the firing, and +understood that the Germans were beat out of the island, he made the +sign of the cross on his face and breast, and declared publicly, that it +was the bravest action that ever he saw, and that his army had no honour +by it. As soon as the boats came, the Marquis sent into the island to +acquaint the officers that he would send them both troops and +provisions, who thanked his Excellency, and desired he should be +informed that they wanted no troops, and could not spare time to make +use of provisions, and only desired spades, shovels, and pickaxes, +wherewith they might intrench themselves--which were immediately sent to +them. The next morning, the Marquis came into the island, and kindly +embraced every officer, and thanked them for the good service they had +done his master, assuring them he would write a true account of their +honour and bravery to the Court of France, which, at the reading his +letters, immediately went to St. Germains, and thanked King James for +the services his subjects had done on the Rhine." + +The company kept possession of the island for nearly six weeks, +notwithstanding repeated attempts on the part of the Germans to surprise +and dislodge them; but all these having been defeated by the extreme +watchfulness of the Scots, General Stirk at length drew off his army and +retreated. "In consequence of this action," says the chronicler, "that +island is called at present Isle d'Ecosse, and will in likelihood bear +that name until the general conflagration." + +Two years afterwards, a treaty of peace was concluded; and this gallant +company of soldiers, worthy of a better fate, was broken up and +dispersed. At the time when the narrative, from which I have quoted so +freely, was compiled, not more than sixteen of Dundee's veterans were +alive. The author concludes thus,--"And thus was dissolved one of the +best companies that ever marched under command! Gentlemen, who, in the +midst of all their pressures and obscurity, never forgot they were +gentlemen; and whom the sweets of a brave, a just, and honourable +conscience, rendered perhaps more happy under those sufferings, than the +most prosperous and triumphant in iniquity, since our minds stamp our +happiness." + +Some years ago, while visiting the ancient Scottish convent at Ratisbon, +my attention was drawn to the monumental inscriptions on the walls of +the dormitory, many of which bear reference to gentlemen of family and +distinction, whose political principles had involved them in the +troubles of 1688, 1715, and 1745. Whether the cloister which now holds +their dust had afforded them a shelter in the later years of their +misfortunes, I know not; but for one that is so commemorated, hundreds +of the exiles must have passed away in obscurity, buried in the field on +which they fell, or carried from the damp vaults of the military +hospital to the trench, without any token of remembrance, or any other +wish beyond that which the minstrels have ascribed to one of the +greatest of our olden heroes-- + + "Oh bury me by the bracken bush, + Beneath the blooming brier: + Let never living mortal ken + That a kindly Scot lies here!" + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 2: _An account of Dundee's Officers after they went to +France_. By an Officer of the Army. London, 1714.] + + + + +THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + + + I. + + The Rhine is running deep and red, + The island lies before-- + "Now is there one of all the host + Will dare to venture o'er? + For not alone the river's sweep + Might make a brave man quail: + The foe are on the further side, + Their shot comes fast as hail. + God help us, if the middle isle + We may not hope to win! + Now, is there any of the host + Will dare to venture in?" + + + II. + + "The ford is deep, the banks are steep, + The island-shore lies wide: + Nor man nor horse could stem its force, + Or reach the further side. + See there! amidst the willow boughs + The serried bayonets gleam; + They've flung their bridge--they've won the isle; + The foe have crossed the stream! + Their volley flashes sharp and strong-- + By all the Saints, I trow, + There never yet was soldier born + Could force that passage now!" + + + III + + So spoke the bold French Mareschal + With him who led the van, + Whilst rough and red before their view + The turbid river ran. + Nor bridge nor boat had they to cross + The wild and swollen Rhine, + And thundering on the other bank + Far stretched the German line. + Hard by there stood a swarthy man + Was leaning on his sword, + And a saddened smile lit up his face + As he heard the Captain's word. + "I've seen a wilder stream ere now + Than that which rushes there; + I've stemmed a heavier torrent yet + And never thought to dare. + If German steel be sharp and keen, + Is ours not strong and true? + There may be danger in the deed, + But there is honour too." + + + IV. + + The old lord in his saddle turned, + And hastily he said-- + "Hath bold Dugueselin's fiery heart + Awakened from the dead? + Thou art the leader of the Scots-- + Now well and sure I know, + That gentle blood in dangerous hour + Ne'er yet ran cold nor slow, + And I have seen ye in the fight + Do all that mortal may: + If honour is the boon ye seek + It may be won this day. + The prize is in the middle isle, + There lies the venturous way; + And armies twain are on the plain, + The daring deed to see-- + Now ask thy gallant company + If they will follow thee!" + + + V. + + Right gladsome looked the Captain then, + And nothing did he say, + But he turned him to his little band-- + Oh few, I ween, were they! + The relics of the bravest force + That ever fought in fray. + No one of all that company + But bore a gentle name, + Not one whose fathers had not stood + In Scotland's fields of fame. + All they had marched with great Dundee + To where he fought and fell, + And in the deadly battle-strife + Had venged their leader well; + And they had bent the knee to earth + When every eye was dim, + As o'er their hero's buried corpse + They sang the funeral hymn; + And they had trod the Pass once more, + And stooped on either side + To pluck the heather from the spot + Where he had dropped and died; + And they had bound it next their hearts, + And ta'en a last farewell + Of Scottish earth and Scottish sky, + Where Scotland's glory fell. + Then went they forth to foreign lands + Like bent and broken men, + Who leave their dearest hope behind, + And may not turn again! + + + VI. + + "The stream," he said, "is broad and deep, + And stubborn is the foe-- + Yon island-strength is guarded well-- + Say, brothers, will ye go? + From home and kin for many a year + Our steps have wandered wide, + And never may our bones be laid + Our fathers' graves beside. + No sisters have we to lament, + No wives to wail our fall; + The traitor's and the spoiler's hand + Have reft our hearths of all. + But we have hearts, and we have arms + As strong to will and dare + As when our ancient banners flew + Within the northern air. + Come, brothers; let me name a spell + Shall rouse your souls again, + And send the old blood bounding free + Through pulse, and heart, and vein! + Call back the days of bygone years-- + Be young and strong once more; + Think yonder stream, so stark and red, + Is one we've crossed before. + Rise, hill and glen! rise, crag and wood! + Rise up on either hand-- + Again upon the Garry's banks, + On Scottish soil we stand! + Again I see the tartans wave, + Again the trumpets ring; + Again I hear our leader's call-- + 'Upon them, for the King!' + Stayed we behind that glorious day + For roaring flood or linn? + The soul of Græme is with us still-- + Now, brothers! will ye in?" + + + VII. + + No stay--no pause. With one accord + They grasped each others' hand, + And plunged into the angry flood, + That bold and dauntless band. + High flew the spray above their heads, + Yet onward still they bore, + Midst cheer, and shout, and answering yell, + And shot and cannon roar. + "Now by the Holy Cross! I swear, + Since earth and sea began + Was never such a daring deed + Essayed by mortal man!" + + + VIII. + + Thick blew the smoke across the stream, + And faster flashed the flame: + The water plashed in hissing jets + As ball and bullet came. + Yet onwards pushed the Cavaliers + All stern and undismayed, + With thousand armèd foes before, + And none behind to aid. + Once, as they neared the middle stream, + So strong the torrent swept, + That scarce that long and living wall, + Their dangerous footing kept. + Then rose a warning cry behind, + A joyous shout before: + "The current's strong--the way is long-- + They'll never reach the shore! + See, see! They stagger in the midst, + They waver in their line! + Fire on the madmen! break their ranks, + And whelm them in the Rhine!" + + + IX. + + Have you seen the tall trees swaying + When the blast is piping shrill, + And the whirlwind reels in fury + Down the gorges of the hill? + How they toss their mighty branches, + Striving with the tempest's shock; + How they keep their place of vantage, + Cleaving firmly to the rock? + Even so the Scottish warriors + Held their own against the river; + Though the water flashed around them, + Not an eye was seen to quiver; + Though the shot flew sharp and deadly, + Not a man relaxed his hold: + For their hearts were big and thrilling + With the mighty thoughts of old. + One word was spoke among them, + And through the ranks it spread-- + "Remember our dead Claverhouse!" + Was all the Captain said. + Then, sternly bending forward, + They struggled on awhile, + Until they cleared the heavy stream, + Then rushed towards the isle. + + + X. + + The German heart is stout and true, + The German arm is strong; + The German foot goes seldom back + Where armèd foemen throng. + But never had they faced in field + So stern a charge before, + And never had they felt the sweep + Of Scotland's broad claymore. + Not fiercer pours the avalanche + Adown the steep incline, + That rises o'er the parent springs + Of rough and rapid Rhine-- + Scarce swifter shoots the bolt from heaven + Than came the Scottish band, + Right up against the guarded trench, + And o'er it, sword in hand. + In vain their leaders forward press-- + They meet the deadly brand! + O lonely island of the Rhine, + Where seed was never sown, + What harvest lay upon thy sands, + By those strong reapers thrown? + What saw the winter moon that night, + As, struggling through the rain, + She poured a wan and fitful light + On marsh, and stream, and plain? + A dreary spot with corpses strewn, + And bayonets glistening round; + A broken bridge, a stranded boat, + A bare and battered mound; + And one huge watch-fire's kindled pile, + That sent its quivering glare + To tell the leaders of the host + The conquering Scots were there! + + + XI. + + And did they twine the laurel-wreath + For those who fought so well? + And did they honour those who lived, + And weep for those who fell? + What meed of thanks was given to them + Let aged annals tell. + Why should they twine the laurel-wreath-- + Why crown the cup with wine? + It was not Frenchman's blood that flowed + So freely on the Rhine-- + A stranger band of beggared men + Had done the venturous deed: + The glory was to France alone, + The danger was their meed. + And what cared they for idle thanks + From foreign prince and peer? + What virtue had such honeyed words + The exiles' hearts to cheer? + What mattered it that men should vaunt, + And loud and fondly swear, + That higher feat of chivalry + Was never wrought elsewhere? + They bore within their breasts the grief + That fame can never heal-- + The deep, unutterable woe + Which none save exiles feel. + Their hearts were yearning for the land + They ne'er might see again-- + For Scotland's high and heathered hills, + For mountain, loch, and glen-- + For those who haply lay at rest + Beyond the distant sea, + Beneath the green and daisied turf + Where they would gladly be! + + + XII. + + Long years went by. The lonely isle + In Rhine's impetuous flood + Has ta'en another name from those + Who bought it with their blood: + And though the legend does not live, + For legends lightly die, + The peasant, as he sees the stream + In winter rolling by, + And foaming o'er its channel-bed + Between him and the spot + Won by the warriors of the sword, + Still calls that deep and dangerous ford + The Passage of the Scot. + + + + +CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + + +Though the sceptre had departed from the House of Stuart, it was +reserved for one of its last descendants to prove to the world, by his +personal gallantry and noble spirit of enterprise, that he at least had +not degenerated from his royal line of ancestors. The daring effort of +Charles Edward to recover the crown of these kingdoms for his father, is +to us the most remarkable incident of the last century. It was +honourable alike to the Prince and to those who espoused his cause; and, +even in a political point of view, the outbreak ought not to be +deplored, since its failure put an end for ever to the dynastical +struggle which, for more than half a century, had agitated the whole of +Britain, established the rule of law and of social order throughout the +mountainous districts of Scotland, and blended Celt and Saxon into one +prosperous and united people. It was better that the antiquated system +of clanship should have expired in a blaze of glory, than gradually +dwindled into contempt; better that the patriarchal rule should at once +have been extinguished by the dire catastrophe of Culloden, than that it +should have lingered on, the shadow of an old tradition. There is +nothing now to prevent us from dwelling with pride and admiration on the +matchless devotion displayed by the Highlanders, in 1745, in behalf of +the heir of him whom they acknowledged as their lawful king. No feeling +can arise to repress the interest and the sympathy which is excited by +the perusal of the tale narrating the sufferings of the princely +wanderer. That un-bought loyalty and allegiance of the heart, which +would not depart from its constancy until the tomb of the Vatican had +closed upon the last of the Stuart line, has long since been transferred +to the constitutional sovereign of these realms; and the enthusiastic +welcome which has so often greeted the return of Queen Victoria to her +Highland home, owes its origin to a deeper feeling than that dull +respect which modern liberalism asserts to be the only tribute due to +the first magistrate of the land. + +The campaign of 1745 yields in romantic interest to none which is +written in history. A young and inexperienced prince, whose person was +utterly unknown to any of his adherents, landed on the west coast of +Scotland, not at the head of a foreign force, not munimented with +supplies and arms, but accompanied by a mere handful of followers, and +ignorant of the language of the people amongst whom he was hazarding his +person. His presence in Scotland had not been urged by the chiefs of the +clans, most of whom were deeply averse to embarking in an enterprise +which must involve them in a war with so powerful an antagonist as +England, and which, if unsuccessful, could only terminate in the utter +ruin of their fortunes. This was not a cause in which the whole of +Scotland was concerned. Although it was well known that many leading +families in the Lowlands entertained Jacobite opinions, and although a +large proportion of the common people had not yet become reconciled to, +or satisfied of, the advantages of the Union, by which they considered +themselves dishonoured and betrayed, it was hardly to be expected that, +without some fair guarantee for success, the bulk of the Scottish nation +would actively bestir themselves on the side of the exiled family. +Besides this, even amongst the Highlanders there was not unanimity of +opinion. The three northern clans of Sutherland, Mackay, and Monro, were +known to be staunch supporters of the Government. It was doubtful what +part might be taken in the struggle by those of Mackenzie and Ross. The +chiefs of Skye, who could have brought a large force of armed men into +the field, had declined participating in the attempt. The assistance of +Lord Lovat, upon whom the co-operation of the Frasers might depend, +could not be calculated on with certainty; and nothing but hostility +could be expected from the powerful sept of the Campbells. Under such +circumstances, it is little wonder if Cameron of Locheill, the most +sagacious of all the chieftains who favoured the Stuart cause, was +struck with consternation and alarm at the news of the Prince's +landing, or that he attempted to persuade him from undertaking an +adventure so seemingly hopeless. Mr. Robert Chambers, in his admirable +history of that period, does not in the least exaggerate the importance +of the interview, on the result of which the prosecution of the war +depended. "On arriving at Borrodale, Locheill had a private interview +with the Prince, in which the probabilities of the enterprise were +anxiously debated. Charles used every argument to excite the loyalty of +Locheill, and the chief exerted all his eloquence to persuade the Prince +to withdraw till a better opportunity. Charles represented the present +as the best possible opportunity, seeing that the French general kept +the British army completely engaged abroad, while at home there were no +troops but one or two newly-raised regiments. He expressed his +confidence that a small body of Highlanders would be sufficient to gain +a victory over all the force that could now be brought against him; and +he was equally sure that such an advantage was all that was required to +make his friends at home declare in his favour, and cause those abroad +to send him assistance. All he wanted was that the Highlanders should +begin the war. Locheill still resisted, entreating Charles to be more +temperate, and consent to remain concealed where he was, till his +friends should meet together and concert what was best to be done. +Charles, whose mind was wound up to the utmost pitch of impatience, paid +no regard to this proposal, but answered that he was determined to put +all to the hazard. 'In a few days,' said he, 'with the few friends I +have, I will raise the royal standard, and proclaim to the people of +Britain that Charles Stuart is come over to claim the crown of his +ancestors--to win it, or to perish in the attempt! Locheill--who, my +father has often told me, was our firmest friend--may stay at home, and +learn from the newspapers the fate of his Prince!' 'No!' said Locheill, +stung by so poignant a reproach, and hurried away by the enthusiasm of +the moment; 'I will share the fate of my Prince, and so shall every man +over whom nature or fortune has given me any power.' Such was the +juncture upon which depended the civil war of 1745; for it is a point +agreed, says Mr. Home, who narrates this conversation, that if Locheill +had persisted in his refusal to take arms, no other chief would have +joined the standard, and the spark of rebellion must have been instantly +extinguished." Not more than twelve hundred men were assembled in +Glenfinnan on the day when the standard was unfurled by the Marquis of +Tullibardine, and, at the head of this mere handful of followers, +Charles Edward commenced the stupendous enterprise of reconquering the +dominions of his fathers. + +With a force which, at the battle of Preston, did not double the above +numbers, the Prince descended upon the Lowlands, having baffled the +attempts of General Cope to intercept his march--occupied the city of +Perth and the town of Dundee, and finally, after a faint show of +resistance on the part of the burghers, took possession of the ancient +capital of Scotland, and once more established a court in the halls of +Holyrood. His youth, his gallantry, and the grace and beauty of his +person, added to a most winning and affable address, acquired for him +the sympathy of many who, from political motives, abstained from +becoming his adherents. Possibly certain feelings of nationality, which +no deliberate views of civil or religious policy could altogether +extirpate, led such men to regard, with a sensation akin to pride, the +spectacle of a prince descended from the long line of Scottish kings, +again occupying his ancestral seat, and restoring to their country, +which had been utterly neglected by the new dynasty, a portion of its +former state. No doubt a sense of pity for the probable fate of one so +young and chivalrous was often present to their minds, for they had +thorough confidence in the intrepidity of the regular troops, and in the +capacity of their commander; and they never for a moment supposed that +these could be successfully encountered by a raw levy of undisciplined +Highlanders, ill-armed and worse equipped, and without the support of +any artillery. + +The issue of the battle of Prestonpans struck Edinburgh with amazement. +In point of numbers the two armies were nearly equal, but in every thing +else, save personal valour, the royal troops had the advantage. And yet, +_in four minutes_--for the battle is said not to have lasted +longer--the Highlanders having only made one terrific and impetuous +charge--the rout of the regulars was general. The infantry was broken +and cut to pieces; the dragoons, who behaved shamefully on the occasion, +turned bridle and fled, without having once crossed swords with the +enemy. Mr. Chambers thus terminates his account of the action: "The +general result of the battle of Preston may be stated as having been the +total overthrow and almost entire destruction of the royal army. Most of +the infantry, falling upon the park walls of Preston, were there huddled +together, without the power of resistance, into a confused drove, and +had either to surrender or to be cut to pieces. Many, in vainly +attempting to climb over the walls, fell an easy prey to the ruthless +claymore. Nearly 400, it is said, were thus slain, 700 taken, while only +about 170 in all succeeded in effecting their escape. + +"The dragoons, with worse conduct, were much more fortunate. In falling +back, they had the good luck to find outlets from their respective +positions by the roads which ran along the various extremities of the +park wall, and they thus got clear through the village with little +slaughter; after which, as the Highlanders had no horse to pursue them, +they were safe. Several officers, among whom were Fowkes and Lascelles, +escaped to Cockenzie and along Seton Sands, in a direction contrary to +the general flight. + +"The unfortunate Cope had attempted, at the first break of Gardiner's +dragoons, to stop and rally them, but was borne headlong, with the +confused bands, through the narrow road to the south of the enclosures, +notwithstanding all his efforts to the contrary. On getting beyond the +village, where he was joined by the retreating bands of the other +regiment, he made one anxious effort, with the Earls of Loudoun and +Home, to form and bring them back to charge the enemy, now disordered by +the pursuit; but in vain. They fled on, ducking their heads along their +horses' necks to escape the bullets which the pursuers occasionally sent +after them. By using great exertions, and holding pistols to the heads +of the troopers, Sir John and a few of his officers induced a small +number of them to halt in a field near St. Clement's Wells, about two +miles from the battle-ground. But, after a momentary delay, the +accidental firing of a pistol renewed the panic, and they rode off once +more in great disorder. Sir John Cope, with a portion of them, reached +Channelkirk at an early hour in the forenoon, and there halted to +breakfast, and to write a brief note to one of the state-officers, +relating the fate of the day. He then resumed his flight, and reached +Coldstream that night. Next morning he proceeded to Berwick, whose +fortifications seemed competent to give the security he required. He +everywhere brought the first tidings of his own defeat." + +This victory operated very much in favour of Prince Charles. It secured +him, for a season, the undisputed possession of Scotland, and enabled +numerous adherents from all parts of the country to raise such forces as +they could command, and to repair to his banner. His popularity in +Edinburgh daily increased, as the qualities of his person and mind +became known; and such testimony as the following, with respect to his +estimation by the fair sex, and the devotion they exhibited in his +cause, is not overcharged. "His affability and great personal grace +wrought him high favour with the ladies, who, as we learn from, the +letters of President Forbes, became generally so zealous in his cause, +as to have some serious effect in inducing their admirers to declare for +the Prince. There was, we know for certain, a Miss Lumsden, who plainly +told her lover, a young artist, named Robert Strange, that he might +think no more of her unless he should immediately join Prince Charles, +and thus actually prevailed upon him to take up arms. It may be added +that he survived the enterprise, escaped with great difficulty, and +married the lady. He was afterwards the best line-engraver of his time, +and received the honour of knighthood from George III. White ribbons and +breastknots became at this time conspicuous articles of female attire in +private assemblies. The ladies also showed considerable zeal in +contributing plate and other articles for the use of the Chevalier at +the palace, and in raising pecuniary subsidies for him. Many a +posset-dish and snuff-box, many a treasured necklace and repeater, many +a jewel which had adorned its successive generations of family +beauties, was at this time sold or laid in pledge, to raise a little +money for the service of Prince Charlie." + +As to the motives and intended policy of this remarkable and unfortunate +young man, it may be interesting to quote the terms of the proclamation +which he issued on the 10th October, 1745, before commencing his march +into England. Let his history be impartially read, his character, as +spoken to by those who knew him best, fairly noted, and I think there +cannot be a doubt that, had he succeeded in his daring attempt, he would +have been true to the letter of his word, and fulfilled a pledge which +Britain never more required than at the period when that document was +penned:-- + +"Do not the pulpits and congregations of the clergy, as well as your +weekly papers, ring with the dreadful threats of popery, slavery, +tyranny, and arbitrary power, which are now ready to be imposed upon you +by the formidable powers of France and Spain? Is not my royal father +represented as a bloodthirsty tyrant, breathing out nothing but +destruction to all who will not immediately embrace an odious religion? +Or have I myself been better used? But listen only to the naked truth. + +"I, with my own money, hired a small vessel. Ill-supplied with money, +arms, or friends, I arrived in Scotland, attended by seven persons. I +publish the King my father's declaration, and proclaim his title, with +pardon in one hand, and in the other liberty of conscience, and the most +solemn promises to grant whatever a free Parliament shall propose for +the happiness of a people. I have, I confess, the greatest reason to +adore the goodness of Almighty God, who has in so remarkable a manner +protected me and my small army through the many dangers to which we were +at first exposed, and who has led me in the way to victory, and to the +capital of this ancient kingdom, amidst the acclamations of the King my +father's subjects. Why, then, is so much pains taken to spirit up the +minds of the people against this my undertaking? + +"The reason is obvious; it is, lest the real sense of the nation's +present sufferings should blot out the remembrance of past misfortunes, +and of the outcries formerly raised against the royal family. Whatever +miscarriages might have given occasion to them, they have been more than +atoned for since; and the nation has now an opportunity of being secured +against the like in future. + +"That our family has suffered exile during these fifty-seven years +everybody knows. Has the nation, during that period of time, been the +more happy and flourishing for it? Have you found reason to love and +cherish your governors as the fathers of the people of Great Britain and +Ireland? Has a family, upon whom a faction unlawfully bestowed the +diadem of a rightful prince, retained a due sense of so great a trust +and favour? Have you found more humanity and condescension in those who +were not born to a crown, than in my royal forefathers? Have their ears +been open to the cries of the people? Have they, or do they consider +only the interests of these nations? Have you reaped any other benefit +from them than an immense load of debt? If I am answered in the +affirmative, why has their government been so often railed at in all +your public assemblies? Why has the nation been so long crying out in +vain for redress against the abuse of Parliaments, upon account of their +long duration, the multitude of placemen, which occasions their +venality, the introduction of penal laws, and, in general, against the +miserable situation of the kingdom at home and abroad? All these, and +many more inconveniences, must now be removed, unless the people of +Great Britain be already so far corrupted that they will not accept of +freedom when offered to them, seeing the King, on his restoration, will +refuse nothing that a free Parliament can ask for the security of the +religion, laws, and liberty of his people. + +"It is now time to conclude; and I shall do it with this reflection. +Civil wars are ever attended with rancour and ill-will, which party rage +never fails to produce in the minds of those whom different interests, +principles or views, set in opposition to one another. I, therefore, +earnestly require it of my friends to give as little loose as possible +to such passions: this will prove the most effectual means to prevent +the same in the enemies of my royal cause. And this my declaration will +vindicate to all posterity the nobleness of my undertaking, and the +generosity of my intentions." + +There was much truth in the open charges preferred in this declaration +against the existing government. The sovereigns of the house of Hanover +had always shown a marked predilection for their Continental +possessions, and had proportionally neglected the affairs of Britain. +Under Walpole's administration the imperial Parliament had degenerated +from an independent assembly to a junta of placemen, and the most +flagitious system of bribery was openly practised and avowed. It was not +without reason that Charles contrasted the state of the nation then, +with its position when under the rule of the legitimate family; and had +there not been a strong, though, I think, unreasonable suspicion in the +minds of many, that his success would be the prelude to a vigorous +attack upon the established religions of the country, and that he would +be inclined to follow out in this respect the fatal policy of his +grandfather, Charles would in all probability have received a more +active and general support than was accorded to him. The zeal with which +the Episcopalian party in Scotland espoused his cause, naturally gave +rise to the idea that the attempt of the Prince was of evil omen to +Presbytery; and the settlement of the Church upon its present footing +was yet so recent, that the sores of the old feud were still festering +and green. The established clergy, therefore, were, nearly to a man, +opposed to his pretensions; and one minister of Edinburgh, at the time +when the Highland host was in possession of the city, had the courage to +conclude his prayer nearly in the following terms--"Bless the king; Thou +knows what king I mean--may his crown long sit easy on his head. And as +to this young man who has come among us to seek an earthly crown, we +beseech Thee in mercy to take him to Thyself, and give him a crown of +glory!" At the same time, it is very curious to observe, that the most +violent sect of Presbyterians, who might be considered as the +representatives of the extreme Cameronian principle, and who had early +seceded from the Church, and bitterly opposed the union of the kingdoms, +were not indisposed, on certain terms, to coalesce with the Jacobites. +It is hardly possible to understand the motives which actuated these +men, who appear to have regarded each successive government as equally +obnoxious. Some writers go the length of averring that, in 1688, a +negociation was opened by one section of the Covenanters with Lord +Dundee, with the object of resistance to the usurpation of William of +Orange, and that the project was frustrated only by the death of that +heroic nobleman. Sir Walter Scott--a great authority--seems to have been +convinced that such was the case; but, in the absence of direct proof, +I can hardly credit it. It is perfectly well known that a conspiracy was +formed by a certain section of the Cameronian party to assassinate Lords +Dundee and Dunfermline whilst in attendance at the meeting of Estates; +and, although the recognition of William as king might not have been +palatable to others who held the same opinions, it would be a strange +thing if they had so suddenly resolved to assist Dundee in his efforts +for the exiled family. But the political changes in Scotland, more +especially the union, seem to have inspired some of these men with a +spirit of disaffection to the government; for, according to Mr. +Chambers, the most rigid sect of Presbyterians had, since the +revolution, expressed a strong desire to coalesce with the Jacobites, +with the hope, in case the house of Stuart were restored, to obtain what +they called a covenanted king. Of this sect one thousand had assembled +in Dumfriesshire at the first intelligence of the insurrection, bearing +arms and colours, and supposed to contemplate a junction with the +Chevalier. But these religionists were now almost as violently distinct +from the Established Church of Scotland as ever they had been from those +of England and Rome, and had long ceased to play a prominent part in the +national disputes. The Established clergy, and the greater part of their +congregations, were averse to Charles upon considerations perfectly +moderate, at the same time not easy to be shaken. + +On commencing his march into England, Charles found himself at the head +of an army of between five thousand and six thousand men, which force +was considered strong enough, with the augmentations it might receive on +the way, to effect the occupation of London. Had the English Jacobites +performed their part with the same zeal as the Scots, it is more than +probable that the attempt would have been crowned with success. As it +was, the Prince succeeded in reducing the strong fortified town of +Carlisle, and in marching, without opposition, through the heart of +England, as far as Derby, within one hundred miles of the metropolis. +But here his better genius deserted him. Discord had crept into his +councils; for some of the chiefs became seriously alarmed at finding +that the gentry of England were not prepared to join the expedition, but +preferred remaining at home inactive spectators of the contest. Except +at Manchester, they had received few or no recruits. No tidings had +reached them from Wales, a country supposed to be devoted to the cause +of King James, whilst it was well known that a large force was already +in arms to oppose the clans. Mr. Chambers gives us the following +details. "At a council of war held on the morning of the 5th December, +Lord George Murray and the other members gave it as their unanimous +opinion that the army ought to return to Scotland. Lord George pointed +out that they were about to be environed by three armies, amounting +collectively to about thirty thousand men, while their own forces were +not above five thousand, if so many. Supposing an unsuccessful +engagement with any of these armies, it could not be expected that one +man would escape, for the militia would beset every road. The Prince, if +not slain in the battle, must fall into the enemy's hands: the whole +world would blame them as fools for running into such a risk. Charles +answered, that he regarded not his own danger. He pressed, with all the +force of argument, to go forward. He did not doubt, he said, that the +justice of his cause would prevail. He was hopeful that there might be a +defection in the enemy's army, and that many would declare for him. He +was so very bent on putting all to the risk, that the Duke of Perth was +for it, since his Royal Highness was. At last he proposed going to Wales +instead of returning to Carlisle; but every other officer declared his +opinion for a retreat. These are nearly the words of Lord George Murray. +We are elsewhere told that the Prince condescended to use entreaties to +induce his adherents to alter their resolution. 'Rather than go back,' +he said, 'I would wish to be twenty feet under ground!' His chagrin, +when he found his councillors obdurate, was beyond all bounds. The +council broke up, on the understanding that the retreat was to commence +next morning, Lord George volunteering to take the place of honour in +the rear, provided only that he should not be troubled with the +baggage." + +This resolution was received by the army with marks of unequivocal +vexation. Retreat, in their estimation, was little less than overthrow; +and it was most galling to find that, after all their labours, hazards, +and toils, they were doomed to disappointment at the very moment when +the prize seemed ready for their grasp. That the movement was an +injudicious one is, I think, obvious. We are told, upon good authority, +"that the very boldness of the Prince's onward movement, especially +taken into connexion with the expected descent from France, had at +length disposed the English Jacobites to come out; and many were just on +the point of declaring themselves, and marching to join his army, when +the retreat from Derby was determined on. A Mr. Barry arrived in Derby +two days after the Prince left it, with a message from Sir Watkin +William Wynne and Lord Barrymore, to assure him, in the names of many +friends of the cause, that they were ready to join him in what manner he +pleased, either in the capital, or every one to rise in his own county. +I have likewise been assured that many of the Welsh gentry had actually +left their homes, and were on the way to join Charles, when intelligence +of his retreat at once sent them all back peaceably, convinced that it +was now too late to contribute their assistance. These men, from the +power they had over their tenantry, could have added materially to his +military force. In fact, from all that appears, we must conclude that +the insurgents had a very considerable chance of success from an onward +movement--also, no doubt, a chance of destruction, and yet not worse +than what ultimately befell many of them--while a retreat broke in a +moment the spell which their gallantry had conjured up, and gave the +enemy a great advantage over them." + +One victory more was accorded to Prince Charles, before his final +overthrow. After successfully conducting his retreat to Scotland, +occupying Glasgow, and strengthening his army by the accession of new +recruits, he gave battle to the royal forces under General Hawley at +Falkirk, and, as at Preston, drove them from the field. The parties were +on this occasion fairly matched, there being about eight thousand men +engaged on either side. The action was short; and, though not so +decisive as the former one, gave great confidence to the insurgents. It +has been thus picturesquely portrayed by the historian of the +enterprise: "Some individuals, who beheld the battle from the steeple of +Falkirk, used to describe these, its main events, as occupying a +surprisingly brief space of time. They first saw the English army enter +the misty and storm-covered muir at the top of the hill; then saw the +dull atmosphere thickened by a fast-rolling smoke, and heard the pealing +sounds of the discharge; immediately after, they beheld the discomfited +troops burst wildly from the cloud in which they had been involved, and +rush, in far-spread disorder, over the face of the hill. From the +commencement of what they styled 'the break of the battle,' there did +not intervene more than ten minutes--so soon may an efficient body of +men become, by one transient emotion of cowardice, a feeble and +contemptible rabble. + +"The rout would have been total, but for the three out-flanking +regiments. These not having been opposed by any of the clans, having a +ravine in front, and deriving some support from a small body of +dragoons, stood their ground under the command of General Huske and +Brigadier Cholmondley. When the Highlanders went past in pursuit, they +received a volley from this part of the English army, which brought them +to a pause, and caused them to draw back to their former ground, their +impression being that some ambuscade was intended. This saved the +English army from destruction. A pause took place, during which the bulk +of the English infantry got back to Falkirk. It was not until Lord +George Murray brought up the second line of his wing and the pickets, +with some others on the other wing, that General Huske drew off his +party, which he did in good order." + +The seat of war was now removed to the North. The month of April, 1746, +found Prince Charles in possession of Inverness, with an army sorely +dwindled in numbers, and in great want of necessaries and provisions. +Many of the Highlanders had retired for the winter to their native +glens, and had not yet rejoined the standard. The Duke of Cumberland, +who now commanded the English army, with a reputation not diminished by +the unfortunate issue of Fontenoy, was at the head of a large body of +tried and disciplined troops, in the best condition, and supported by +the powerful arm of artillery. He effected the passage of the Spey, a +large and rapid river which intersects the Highlands, without +encountering any opposition, and on the 15th of the month had arrived at +Nairn, about nine miles distant from the position occupied by his +kinsman and opponent. His superiority in point of strength was so great +that the boldest of the insurgent chiefs hesitated as to the policy of +giving immediate battle, and nothing but the desire of covering +Inverness prevented the council from recommencing a further retreat into +the mountains, where they could not have been easily followed, and where +they were certain to have met with reinforcements. As to the Prince, his +confidence in the prowess of the Highlanders was so unbounded, that, +even with such odds against him, he would not listen to a proposal for +delay. + +There yet remained, says Mr. Chambers, before playing the great stake of +a pitched battle, one chance of success by the irregular mode of warfare +to which the army was accustomed, and Charles resolved to put it to +trial. This was a night-attack upon the camp of the Duke of Cumberland. +He rightly argued that if his men could approach without being +discovered, and make a simultaneous attack in more than one place, the +royal forces, then probably either engaged in drinking their commander's +health (the 15th happened to be the anniversary of the Duke's birthday, +and was celebrated as such by his army), or sleeping off the effects of +the debauch, must be completely surprised and cut to pieces, or at least +effectually routed. The time appointed for setting out upon the march +was eight in the evening, when daylight should have completely +disappeared, and, in the mean time, great pains were taken to conceal +the secret from the army. + +This resolution was entered into at three in the afternoon, and orders +were given to collect the men who had gone off in search of provisions. +The officers dispersed themselves to Inverness and other places, and +besought the stragglers to repair to the muir. But, under the influence +of hunger, they told their commanders to shoot them, if they pleased, +rather than compel them to starve any longer. Charles had previously +declared, with his characteristic fervour, that though only a thousand +of his men should accompany him, he would lead them on to the attack, +and he was not now intimidated when he saw twice that number ready to +assist in the enterprise, though some of his officers would willingly +have made this deficiency of troops an excuse for abandoning what they +esteemed at best a hazardous expedition. Having given out for watchword +the name of his father, he embraced Lord George Murray, who was to +command the foremost column, and, putting himself at the head of that +which followed, gave the order to march. + +The attempt proved peculiarly unfortunate, and, from the fatigue which +it occasioned to the Highlanders, contributed in a great degree towards +the disaster of the following day. The night chanced to be uncommonly +dark, and as it was well known that Cumberland had stationed spies on +the principal roads, it became necessary to select a devious route, in +order to effect a surprise. The columns, proceeding over broken and +irregular ground, soon became scattered and dislocated: no exertions of +the officers could keep the men together, so that Lord George Murray at +two o'clock found that he was still distant three miles from the hostile +camp, and that there were no hopes of commencing the attack before the +break of day, when they would be open to the observation of the enemy. +Under these circumstances a retreat was commenced; and the scheme, which +at one time seemed to hold out every probability of success, was +abandoned. + +"The Highlanders returned, fatigued and disconsolate, to their former +position, about seven in the morning, when they immediately addressed +themselves to sleep, or went away in search of provisions. So scarce was +food at this critical juncture, that the Prince himself, on retiring to +Culloden House, could obtain no better refreshment than a little bread +and whisky. He felt the utmost anxiety regarding his men, among whom +the pangs of hunger, upon bodies exhausted by fatigue, must have been +working effects most unpromising to his success; and he gave orders, +before seeking any repose, that the whole country should now be +mercilessly ransacked for the means of refreshment. His orders were not +without effect. Considerable supplies were procured, and subjected to +the cook's art at Inverness; but the poor famished clansmen were +destined never to taste these provisions, the hour of battle arriving +before they were prepared." + +About eleven in the forenoon, the troops of Cumberland were observed +upon the eastern extremity of the wide muir of Culloden, and +preparations were instantly made for the coming battle. The army had +been strengthened that morning by the arrival of the Keppoch Macdonalds +and a party of the Frasers; but even with these reinforcements the whole +available force which the Prince could muster was about five thousand +men, to oppose at fearful odds an enemy twice as numerous, and heavily +supported by artillery. Fortune on this day seemed to have deserted the +Prince altogether. In drawing out the line of battle, a most unlucky +arrangement was made by O'Sullivan, who acted as adjutant, whereby the +Macdonald regiments were removed from the right wing--the place which +the great clan Colla has been privileged to hold in Scottish array ever +since the auspicious battle of Bannockburn. To those who are not +acquainted with the peculiar temper and spirit of the Highlanders, and +their punctilio upon points of honour and precedence, the question of +arrangement will naturally appear a matter of little importance. But it +was not so felt by the Macdonalds, who considered their change of +position as a positive degradation, and who further looked upon it as an +evil omen to the success of the battle. The results of this mistake will +be explained immediately. + +Just before the commencement of the action, the weather, which had +hitherto been fair and sunny, became overcast, and a heavy blast of rain +and sleet beat directly in the faces of the Highlanders. The English +artillery then began to play upon them, and, being admirably served, +every discharge told with fearful effect upon the ranks. The chief +object of either party at the battle of Culloden seems to have been to +force its opponent to leave his position, and to commence the attack. +Cumberland, finding that his artillery was doing such execution, had no +occasion to move; and Charles appears to have committed a great error in +abandoning a mode of warfare which was peculiarly suited for his troops, +and which, on two previous occasions, had proved eminently successful. +Had he at once ordered a general charge, and attempted to silence the +guns, the issue of the day might have been otherwise: but his +unfortunate star prevailed. + +"It was not," says Mr. Chambers, "till the cannonade had continued +nearly half an hour, and the Highlanders had seen many of their kindred +stretched upon the heath, that Charles at last gave way to the necessity +of ordering a charge. The aide-de-camp intrusted to carry his message to +the Lieutenant-general--a youth of the name of Maclachlan--was killed by +a cannon-ball before he reached the first line, but the general +sentiment of the army, as reported to Lord George Murray, supplied the +want, and that general took it upon him to order an attack without +Charles's permission having been communicated. + +"Lord George had scarcely determined upon ordering a general movement, +when the Macintoshes, a brave and devoted clan, though not before +engaged in action, unable any longer to brook the unavenged slaughter +made by the cannon, broke from the centre of the line, and rushed +forward through smoke and snow to mingle with the enemy. The Athole men, +Camerons, Stuarts, Frasers, and Macleans also went on, Lord George +Murray heading them with that rash bravery befitting the commander of +such forces. Thus, in the course of one or two minutes, the charge was +general along the whole line, except at the left extremity, where the +Macdonalds, dissatisfied with their position, hesitated to engage. + +"The action and event of the onset were, throughout, quite as dreadful +as the mental emotion which urged it. Notwithstanding that the three +files of the front line of English poured forth their incessant fire of +musketry--notwithstanding that the cannon, now loaded with grapeshot, +swept the field as with a hailstorm--notwithstanding the flank fire of +Wolfe's regiment--onward, onward went the headlong Highlanders, flinging +themselves into, rather than rushing upon, the lines of the enemy, +which, indeed, they did not see for smoke, till involved among the +weapons. All that courage, all that despair could do, was done. It was a +moment of dreadful and agonising suspense, but only a moment--for the +whirlwind does not reap the forest with greater rapidity than the +Highlanders cleared the line. Nevertheless, almost every man in their +front rank, chief and gentleman, fell before the deadly weapons which +they had braved; and, although the enemy gave way, it was not till every +bayonet was bent and bloody with the strife. + +"When the first line had thus been swept aside, the assailants continued +their impetuous advance till they came near the second, when, being +almost annihilated by a profuse and well-directed fire, the shattered +remains of what had been before a numerous and confident force began to +give way. Still a few rushed on, resolved rather to die than forfeit +their well-acquired and dearly-estimated honour. They rushed on; but not +a man ever came in contact with the enemy. The last survivor perished as +he reached the points of the bayonets." + +Some idea of the determination displayed by the Highlanders in this +terrific charge may be gathered from the fact that, in one part of the +field, their bodies were afterwards found in layers of three and four +deep. The slaughter was fearful, for, out of the five regiments which +charged the English, almost all the leaders and men in the front rank +were killed. So shaken was the English line, that, had the Macdonald +regiments, well-known to yield in valour to none of the clans, come up, +the fortune of the day might have been altered. But they never made an +onset. Smarting and sullen at the affront which they conceived to have +been put upon their name, they bore the fire of the English regiments +without flinching, and gave way to their rage by hewing at the heather +with their swords. In vain their chiefs exhorted them to go forward: +even at that terrible moment the pride of clanship prevailed. "My God!" +cried Macdonald of Keppoch, "has it come to this, that the children of +my tribe have forsaken me!" and he rushed forward alone, sword in hand, +with the devotion of an ancient hero, and fell pierced with bullets. + +The Lowland and foreign troops which formed the second line were +powerless to retrieve the disaster. All was over. The rout became +general, and the Prince was forced from the field, which he would not +quit, until dragged from it by his immediate bodyguard. + +Such was the last battle, the result of civil war, which has been fought +on British soil. Those who were defeated have acquired as much glory +from it as the conquerors--and even more, for never was a conquest +sullied by such deeds of deliberate cruelty as were perpetrated upon the +survivors of the battle of Culloden. It is not, however, the object of +the present paper to recount these, or even the romantic history or +hairbreadth escapes of the Prince, whilst wandering on the mainland and +through the Hebrides. Although a reward of thirty thousand pounds--an +immense sum for the period--was set upon his head--although his secret +was known to hundreds of persons in every walk of life, and even to the +beggar and the outlaw--not one attempted to betray him. Not one of all +his followers, in the midst of the misery which overtook them, regretted +having drawn the sword in his cause, or would not again have gladly +imperilled their lives for the sake of their beloved Chevalier. "He +went," says Lord Mahon, "but not with him departed his remembrance from +the Highlanders. For years and years did his name continue enshrined in +their hearts and familiar to their tongues, their plaintive ditties +resounding with his exploits and inviting his return. Again, in these +strains, do they declare themselves ready to risk life and fortune for +his cause; and even maternal fondness--the strongest, perhaps, of all +human feelings--yields to the passionate devotion to Prince Charlie." + +The subsequent life of the Prince is a story of melancholy interest. We +find him at first received in France with all the honours due to one +who, though unfortunate, had exhibited a heroism rarely equalled and +never surpassed: gradually he was neglected and slighted, as one of a +doomed and unhappy race, whom no human exertion could avail to elevate +to their former seat of power; and finally, when his presence in France +became an obstacle to the conclusion of peace, he was violently arrested +and conveyed out of the kingdom. There can be little doubt that +continued misfortune and disappointment had begun very early to impair +his noble mind. For long periods he was a wanderer, lost sight of by his +friends and even by his father and brother. There are fragments of his +writing extant which show how poignantly he felt the cruelty of his +fortune. "De vivre et pas vivre est beaucoup plus que de mourir!" And +again, writing to his father's secretary, eight years after Culloden, he +says--"I am grieved that our master should think that my silence was +either neglect or want of duty; but, in reality, my situation is such +that I have nothing to say but imprecations against the fatality of +being born in such a detestable age." An unhappy and uncongenial +marriage tended still more to embitter his existence; and if at last he +yielded to frailties, which inevitably insure degradation, it must be +remembered that his lot had been one to which few men have ever been +exposed, and the magnitude of his sufferings may fairly be admitted as +some palliation for his weakness. + +To the last, his heart was with Scotland. The following anecdote was +related by his brother, Cardinal York, to Bishop Walker, the late +Primus of the Episcopal Church of Scotland:--"Mr. Greathead, a personal +friend of Mr. Fox, succeeded, when at Rome in 1782 or 1783, in obtaining +an interview with Charles Edward; and, being alone with him for some +time, studiously led the conversation to his enterprise in Scotland, and +to the occurrences which succeeded the failure of that attempt. The +Prince manifested some reluctance to enter upon these topics, appearing +at the same time to undergo so much mental suffering, that his guest +regretted the freedom he had used in calling up the remembrance of his +misfortunes. At length, however, the Prince seemed to shake off the load +which oppressed him; his eye brightened, his face assumed unwonted +animation, and he entered upon the narrative of his Scottish campaigns +with a distinct but somewhat vehement energy of manner--recounted his +marches, his battles, his victories, his retreats, and his +defeats--detailed his hairbreadth escapes in the Western Isles, the +inviolable and devoted attachment of his Highland friends, and at length +proceeded to allude to the terrible penalties with which the chiefs +among them had been visited. But here the tide of emotion rose too high +to allow him to go on--his voice faltered, his eyes became fixed, and he +fell convulsed on the floor. The noise brought into his room his +daughter, the Duchess of Albany, who happened to be in an adjoining +apartment. 'Sir,' she exclaimed, 'what is this? You have been speaking +to my father about Scotland and the Highlanders! No one dares to +mention those subjects in his presence.'" + +He died on the 30th of January, 1788, in the arms of the Master of +Nairn. The monument erected to him, his father, and brother, in St. +Peter's, by desire of George IV., was perhaps the most graceful tribute +ever paid by royalty to misfortune--REGIO CINERI PIETAS REGIA. + + + + +CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + + +ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF CULLODEN + + + Take away that star and garter-- + Hide them from my aching sight: + Neither king nor prince shall tempt me + From my lonely room this night; + Fitting for the throneless exile + Is the atmosphere of pall, + And the gusty winds that shiver + 'Neath the tapestry on the wall. + When the taper faintly dwindles + Like the pulse within the vein, + That to gay and merry measure + Ne'er may hope to bound again, + Let the shadows gather round me + While I sit in silence here, + Broken-hearted, as an orphan + Watching by his father's bier. + Let me hold my still communion + Far from every earthly sound-- + Day of penance--day of passion-- + Ever, as the year comes round; + Fatal day, whereon the latest + Die was cast for me and mine-- + Cruel day, that quelled the fortunes + Of the hapless Stuart line! + Phantom-like, as in a mirror, + Rise the griesly scenes of death-- + There before me, in its wildness, + Stretches bare Culloden's heath: + There the broken clans are scattered, + Gaunt as wolves, and famine-eyed, + Hunger gnawing at their vitals, + Hope abandoned, all but pride-- + Pride, and that supreme devotion + Which the Southron never knew, + And the hatred, deeply rankling, + 'Gainst the Hanoverian crew. + Oh, my God! are these the remnants, + These the wrecks of the array + That around the royal standard + Gathered on the glorious day, + When, in deep Glenfinnan's valley; + Thousands, on their bended knees, + Saw once more that stately ensign + Waving in the northern breeze, + When the noble Tullibardine + Stood beneath its weltering fold, + With the Ruddy Lion ramping + In the field of tressured gold, + When the mighty heart of Scotland, + All too big to slumber more, + Burst in wrath and exultation, + Like a huge volcano's roar? + There they stand, the battered columns, + Underneath the murky sky, + In the hush of desperation, + Not to conquer, but to die. + Hark! the bagpipe's fitful wailing: + Not the pibroch loud and shrill, + That, with hope of bloody banquet, + Lured the ravens from the hill, + But a dirge both low and solemn, + Fit for ears of dying men, + Marshalled for their latest battle, + Never more to fight again. + Madness--madness! Why this shrinking? + Were we less inured to war + When our reapers swept the harvest + From the field of red Dunbar? + Bring my horse, and blow the trumpet! + Call the riders of Fitz-James: + Let Lord Lewis head the column! + Valiant chiefs of mighty names-- + Trusty Keppoch, stout Glengarry, + Gallant Gordon, wise Locheill-- + Bid the clansmen hold together, + Fast, and fell, and firm as steel. + Elcho, never look so gloomy-- + What avails a saddened brow? + Heart, man, heart! we need it sorely, + Never half so much, as now. + Had we but a thousand troopers, + Had we but a thousand more! + Noble Perth, I hear them coming!-- + Hark! the English cannons' roar. + God! how awful sounds that volley, + Bellowing through the mist and rain! + Was not that the Highland slogan? + Let me hear that shout again! + Oh, for prophet eyes to witness + How the desperate battle goes! + Cumberland! I would not fear thee, + Could my Camerons see their foes. + Sound, I say, the charge at venture-- + 'Tis not naked steel we fear; + Better perish in the mêlée + Than be shot like driven deer; + Hold! the mist begins to scatter! + There in front 'tis rent asunder, + And the cloudy bastion crumbles + Underneath the deafening thunder; + There I see the scarlet gleaming! + Now, Macdonald--now or never!-- + Woe is me, the clans are broken! + Father, thou art lost for ever! + Chief and vassal, lord and yeoman, + There they lie in heaps together, + Smitten by the deadly volley, + Rolled in blood upon the heather; + And the Hanoverian horsemen, + Fiercely riding to and fro, + Deal their murderous strokes at random.-- + Ah, my God! where am I now? + Will that baleful vision never + Vanish from my aching sight? + Must those scenes and sounds of terror + Haunt me still by day and night? + Yea, the earth hath no oblivion + For the noblest chance it gave, + None, save in its latest refuge-- + Seek it only in the grave! + Love may die, and hatred slumber, + And their memory will decay, + As the watered garden recks not + Of the drought of yesterday; + But the dream of power once broken, + What shall give repose again? + What shall charm the serpent-furies + Coiled around the maddening brain? + What kind draught can nature offer + Strong enough to lull their sting? + Better to be born a peasant + Than to live an exiled king! + Oh, these years of bitter anguish!-- + What is life to such as me, + With my very heart as palsied + As a wasted cripple's knee! + Suppliant-like for alms depending + On a false and foreign court, + Jostled by the flouting nobles, + Half their pity, half their sport. + Forced to hold a place in pageant, + Like a royal prize of war, + Walking with dejected features + Close behind his victor's car, + Styled an equal--deemed a servant-- + Fed with hopes of future gain-- + Worse by far is fancied freedom + Than the captive's clanking chain! + Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower, + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower; + Birds around her sweetly singing, + Fluttering on the kindling spray, + And the comely garden glowing + In the light of rosy May. + Love descended to the window-- + Love removed the bolt and bar-- + Love was warder to the lovers + From the dawn to even-star. + Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France? + Where the words of hope she whispered, + When around my neck she threw + That same scarf of broidered tissue, + Bade me wear it and be true-- + Bade me send it as a token + When my banner waved once more + On the castled Keep of London, + Where my fathers' waved before? + And I went and did not conquer-- + But I brought it back again-- + Brought it back from storm and battle-- + Brought it back without a stain; + And once more I knelt before her, + And I laid it at her feet, + Saying, "Wilt thou own it, Princess? + There at least is no defeat!" + Scornfully she looked upon me + With a measured eye and cold-- + Scornfully she viewed the token, + Though her fingers wrought the gold; + And she answered, faintly flushing, + "Hast thou kept it, then, so long? + Worthy matter for a minstrel + To be told in knightly song! + Worthy of a bold Provençal, + Pacing through the peaceful plain, + Singing of his lady's favour, + Boasting of her silken chain, + Yet scarce worthy of a warrior + Sent to wrestle for a crown. + Is this all that thou hast brought me + From thy fields of high renown? + Is this all the trophy carried + From the lands where thou hast been? + It was broidered by a Princess, + Canst thou give it to a Queen?" + Woman's love is writ in water! + Woman's faith is traced in sand! + Backwards--backwards let me wander + To the noble northern land: + Let me feel the breezes blowing + Fresh along the mountain-side; + Let me see the purple heather, + Let me hear the thundering tide, + Be it hoarse as Corrievreckan + Spouting when the storm is high-- + Give me but one hour of Scotland-- + Let me see it ere I die! + Oh, my heart is sick and heavy-- + Southern gales are not for me; + Though the glens are white with winter, + Place me there, and set me free; + Give me back my trusty comrades-- + Give me back my Highland maid-- + Nowhere beats the heart so kindly + As beneath the tartan plaid! + Flora! when thou wert beside me, + In the wilds of far Kintail-- + When the cavern gave us shelter + From the blinding sleet and hail-- + When we lurked within the thicket, + And, beneath the waning moon, + Saw the sentry's bayonet glimmer, + Heard him chant his listless tune-- + When the howling storm o'ertook us, + Drifting down the island's lee, + And our crazy bark was whirling + Like a nutshell on the sea-- + When the nights were dark and dreary, + And amidst the fern we lay, + Faint and foodless, sore with travel, + Waiting for the streaks of day; + When thou wert an angel to me, + Watching my exhausted sleep-- + Never didst thou hear me murmur-- + Couldst thou see how now I weep! + Bitter tears and sobs of anguish, + Unavailing though they be: + Oh, the brave--the brave and noble-- + That have died in vain for me! + + + + +NOTES TO + + +"CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES" + + + _Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower_.--p. 168. + +James I. of Scotland, one of the most accomplished kings that ever sate +upon a throne, is the person here indicated. His history is a very +strange and romantic one. He was son of Robert III., and immediate +younger brother of that unhappy Duke of Rothesay who was murdered at +Falkland. His father, apprehensive of the designs and treachery of +Albany, had determined to remove him, when a mere boy, for a season from +Scotland; and as France was then considered the best school for the +education of one so important from his high position, it was resolved to +send him thither, under the care of the Earl of Orkney, and Fleming of +Cumbernauld. He accordingly embarked at North Berwick, with little +escort--as there was a truce for the time between England and Scotland; +and they were under no apprehension of meeting with any vessels, save +those of the former nation. Notwithstanding this, the ship which carried +the Prince was captured by an armed merchantman, and carried to London, +where Henry IV., the usurping Bolingbroke, utterly regardless of +treaties, committed him and his attendants to the Tower. + +"In vain," says Mr. Tytler, "did the guardians of the young Prince +remonstrate against this cruelty, or present to Henry a letter from the +King his father, which, with much simplicity, recommended him to the +kindness of the English monarch, should he find it necessary to land in +his dominions. In vain did they represent that the mission to France was +perfectly pacific, and its only object the education of the prince at +the French court. Henry merely answered by a poor witticism, declaring +that he himself knew the French language indifferently well, and that +his father could not have sent him to a better master. So flagrant a +breach of the law of nations, as the seizure and imprisonment of the +heir-apparent, during the time of truce, would have called for the most +violent remonstrances from any government, except that of Albany. But to +this usurper of the supreme power, the capture of the Prince was the +most grateful event which could have happened; and to detain him in +captivity became, from this moment, one of the principal objects of his +future life; we are not to wonder, then, that the conduct of Henry not +only drew forth no indignation from the governor, but was not even +followed by any request that the prince should be set at liberty. + +"The aged King, already worn out by infirmity, and now broken by +disappointment and sorrow, did not long survive the captivity of his +son. It is said the melancholy news were brought him as he was sitting +down to supper in his palace of Rothesay in Bute, and that the effect +was such upon his affectionate but feeble spirit, that he drooped from +that day forward, refused all sustenance, and died soon after of a +broken heart." + +James was finally incarcerated in Windsor Castle, where he endured an +imprisonment of nineteen years. Henry, though he had not hesitated to +commit a heinous breach of faith, was not so cruel as to neglect the +education of his captive. The young King was supplied with the best +masters; and gradually became an adept in all the accomplishments of the +age. He is a singular exception from the rule which maintains that +monarchs are indifferent authors. As a poet, he is entitled to a very +high rank indeed, being, I think, in point of sweetness and melody of +verse, not much inferior to Chaucer. From the window of his chamber in +the Tower, he had often seen a young lady, of great beauty and grace, +walking in the garden; and the admiration which at once possessed him +soon ripened into love. This was Lady Jane Beaufort, daughter of the +Earl of Somerset and niece of Henry IV., and who afterwards became his +queen. How he loved and how he wooed her is told in his own beautiful +poem of "The King's Quhair," of which the following are a few stanzas:-- + + "Now there was made, fast by the towris wall, + A garden fair; and in the corners set + An arbour green, with wandis long and small + Railed about, and so with trees set + Was all the place, and hawthorn hedges knet, + That lyf was none walking there forbye, + That might within scarce any wight espy. + + "So thick the boughis and the leavis greene + Beshaded all the alleys that there were, + And mids of every arbour might be seen + The sharpe, greene, sweete juniper, + Growing so fair, with branches here and there, + That, as it seemed to a lyf without, + The boughis spread the arbour all about. + + "And on the smalle greene twistis sat + The little sweet nightingale, and sung + So loud and clear the hymnis consecrat + Of lovis use, now soft, now loud among, + That all the gardens and the wallis rung + Right of their song. + + "And therewith cast I down mine eyes again, + Where as I saw, walking under the tower, + Full secretly, now comen here to plain, + The fairest or the freshest younge flower + That e'er I saw, methought, before that hour: + For which sudden abate, anon astart + The blood of all my body to my heart. + + "And though I stood abasit for a lite, + No wonder was; for why? my wittis all + Were so o'ercome with pleasance and delight-- + Only through letting of my eyen fall-- + That suddenly my heart became her thrall + For ever of free will, for of menace + There was no token in her sweete face." + + _Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France?_--p. 168. + +There appears to be no doubt that Prince Charles was deeply attached to +one of the princesses of the royal family of France. In the interesting +collection called "Jacobite Memoirs," compiled by Mr. Chambers from the +voluminous MSS. of Bishop Forbes, we find the following passage from the +narrative of Donald Macleod, who acted as a guide to the wanderer whilst +traversing the Hebrides:--"When Donald was asked, if ever the Prince +used to give any particular toast, when they were taking a cup of cold +water, or the like; he said that the Prince very often drank to the +Black Eye--by which, said Donald, he meant the second daughter of +France, and I never heard him name any particular health but that alone. +When he spoke of that lady--which he did frequently--he appeared to be +more than ordinarily well pleased." + + + + +THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + +The "gentle Locheill" may he considered as the pattern of a Highland +Chief. Others who headed the insurrection may have been actuated by +motives of personal ambition, and by a desire for aggrandisement; but no +such charge can be made against the generous and devoted Cameron. He +was, as we have already seen, the first who attempted to dissuade the +Prince from embarking in an enterprise which he conscientiously believed +to be desperate; but, having failed in doing so, he nobly stood firm to +the cause which his conscience vindicated as just, and cheerfully +imperilled his life, and sacrificed his fortune, at the bidding of his +master. There was no one, even among those who espoused the other side, +in Scotland, who did not commiserate the misfortunes of this truly +excellent man, whose humanity was not less conspicuous than his valour +throughout the civil war, and who died in exile of a broken heart. + +Perhaps the best type of the Lowland Cavalier of that period, may be +found in the person of Alexander Forbes, Lord Pitsligo, a nobleman whose +conscientious views impelled him to take a different side from that +adopted by the greater part of his house and name. Lord Forbes, the head +of this very ancient and honourable family, was one of the first +Scottish noblemen who declared for King William. Lord Pitsligo, on the +contrary, having been educated abroad, and early introduced to the +circle at Saint Germains, conceived a deep personal attachment to the +members of the exiled line. He was anything but an enthusiast, as his +philosophical and religious writings, well worthy of a perusal, will +show. He was the intimate friend of Fénélon, and throughout his whole +life was remarkable rather for his piety and virtue, than for keenness +in political dispute. + +After his return from France, Lord Pitsligo took his seat in the +Scottish Parliament, and his parliamentary career has thus been +characterised by a former writer.[3] "Here it is no discredit either to +his head or heart to say, that, obliged to become a member of one of the +contending factions of the time, he adopted that which had for its +object the independence of Scotland, and restoration of the ancient race +of monarchs. The advantages which were in future to arise from the great +measure of a national union were so hidden by the mist of prejudice, +that it cannot be wondered at if Lord Pitsligo, like many a +high-spirited man, saw nothing but disgrace in a measure forced on by +such corrupt means, and calling in its commencement for such mortifying +national sacrifices. The English nation, indeed, with a narrow, yet not +unnatural, view of their own interest, took such pains to encumber and +restrict the Scottish commercial privileges that it was not till the +best part of a century after the event that the inestimable fruits of +the treaty began to be felt and known. This distant period Lord Pitsligo +could not foresee. He beheld his countrymen, like the Israelites of +yore, led into the desert; but his merely human eye could not foresee +that, after the extinction of a whole race--after a longer pilgrimage +than that of the followers of Moses--the Scottish people should at +length arrive at that promised land, of which the favourers of the Union +held forth so gay a prospect. + +"Looking upon the Act of Settlement of the Crown, and the Act of +Abjuration, as unlawful, Lord Pitsligo retired to his house in the +country, and threw up attendance on Parliament. Upon the death of Queen +Anne he joined himself in arms with a general insurrection of the +Highlanders and Jacobites, headed by his friend and relative the Earl of +Mar. + +"Mar, a versatile statesman and an able intriguer, had consulted his +ambition rather than his talents when he assumed the command of such an +enterprise. He sunk beneath the far superior genius of the Duke of +Argyle; and after the undecisive battle of Sheriffmuir, the confederacy +which he had formed, but was unable to direct, dissolved like a +snow-ball, and the nobles concerned in it were fain to fly abroad. This +exile was Lord Pitsligo's fate for five or six years. Part of the time +he spent at the Court, if it can be called so, of the old Chevalier de +Saint George, where existed all the petty feuds, chicanery, and crooked +intrigues which subsist in a real scene of the same character, although +the objects of the ambition which prompts such arts had no existence. +Men seemed to play at being courtiers in that illusory court, as +children play at being soldiers." + +It would appear that Lord Pitsligo was not attainted for his share in +Mar's rebellion. He returned to Scotland in 1720, and resided at his +castle in Aberdeenshire, not mingling in public affairs, but gaining, +through his charity, kindness, and benevolence, the respect and +affection of all around him. He was sixty-seven years of age when +Charles Edward landed in Scotland. The district in which the estates of +Lord Pitsligo lay was essentially Jacobite, and the young cavaliers only +waited for a fitting leader to take up arms in the cause. According to +Mr. Home, his example was decisive of the movement of his neighbours: +"So when he who was so wise and prudent declared his purpose of joining +Charles, most of the gentlemen in that part of the country who favoured +the Pretender's cause, put themselves under his command, thinking they +could not follow a better or safer guide than Lord Pitsligo." His +Lordship's own account of the motives which urged him on is +peculiar:--"I was grown a little old, and the fear of ridicule stuck to +me pretty much. I have mentioned the weightier considerations of a +family, which would make the censure still the greater, and set the more +tongues agoing. But we are pushed on, I know not how,--I thought--I +weighed--and I weighed again. If there was any enthusiasm in it, it was +of the coldest kind; and there was as little remorse when the affair +miscarried, as there was eagerness at the beginning." + +The writer whom I have already quoted goes on to say--"To those friends +who recalled his misfortunes of 1715, he replied gaily, 'Did you ever +know me absent at the second day of a wedding?' meaning, I suppose, that +having once contracted an engagement, he did not feel entitled to quit +it while the contest subsisted. Being invited by the gentlemen of the +district to put himself at their head, and having surmounted his own +desires, he had made a farewell visit at a neighbour's house, where a +little boy, a child of the family, brought out a stool to assist the old +nobleman in remounting his horse. 'My little fellow.' said Lord +Pitsligo, 'this is the severest rebuke I have yet received, for +presuming to go on such an expedition.' + +"The die was however cast, and Lord Pitsligo went to meet his friends +at the rendezvous they had appointed in Aberdeen. They formed a body of +well-armed cavalry, gentlemen and their servants, to the number of a +hundred men. When they were drawn up in readiness to commence the +expedition, the venerable nobleman, their leader, moved to their front, +lifted his hat, and, looking up to heaven, pronounced, with a solemn +voice, the awful appeal,--'O Lord, thou knowest that our cause is just!' +then added the signal for departure--'March, gentlemen!' + +"Lord Pitsligo, with his followers, found Charles at Edinburgh, on 8th +October 1745, a few days after the Highlanders' victory at Preston. +Their arrival was hailed with enthusiasm, not only on account of the +timely reinforcement, but more especially from the high character of +their leader. Hamilton of Bangour, in an animated and eloquent eulogium +upon Pitsligo, states that nothing could have fallen out more +fortunately for the Prince than his joining them did--for it seemed as +if religion, virtue, and justice were entering his camp, under the +appearance of this venerable old man; and what would have given sanction +to a cause of the most dubious right, could not fail to render sacred +the very best." + +Although so far advanced in years, he remained in arms during the whole +campaign, and was treated with almost filial tenderness by the Prince. +After Culloden, he became, like many more, a fugitive and an outlaw, +but succeeded, like the Baron of Bradwardine, in finding a shelter upon +the skirts of his own estate. Disguised as a mendicant, his secret was +faithfully kept by the tenantry; and although it was more than surmised +by the soldiers that he was lurking somewhere in the neighbourhood, they +never were able to detect him. On one occasion he actually guided a +party to a cave on the sea-shore, amidst the rough rocks of Buchan, +where it was rumoured that he was lying in concealment; and on another, +when overtaken by his asthma, and utterly unable to escape from an +approaching patrol of soldiers, he sat down by the wayside, and acted +his assumed character so well, that a good-natured fellow not only gave +him alms, but condoled with him on the violence of his complaint. + +For ten years he remained concealed, but in the mean time both title and +estate were forfeited by attainder. His last escape was so very +remarkable, that I may be pardoned for giving it in the language of the +author of his memoirs. + +"In March 1756, and of course long after all apprehension of a search +had ceased, information having been given to the commanding officer at +Fraserburgh, that Lord Pitsligo was at that moment at the house of +Auchiries, it was acted upon with so much promptness and secrecy that +the search must have proved successful but for a very singular +occurrence. Mrs. Sophia Donaldson, a lady who lived much with the +family, repeatedly dreamt, on that particular night, that the house was +surrounded by soldiers. Her mind became so haunted with the idea, that +she got out of bed, and was walking through the room, in hopes of giving +a different current to her thoughts before she lay down again; when, day +beginning to dawn, she accidentally looked out at the window as she +passed it in traversing the room, and was astonished at actually +observing the figures of soldiers among some trees near the house. So +completely had all idea of a search been by that time laid asleep, that +she supposed they had come to steal poultry--Jacobite poultry-yards +affording a safe object of pillage for the English soldiers in those +days. Mrs. Sophia was proceeding to rouse the servants, when her sister, +having awaked, and inquiring what was the matter, and being told of +soldiers near the house, exclaimed in great alarm, that she feared they +wanted something more than hens. She begged Mrs. Sophia to look out at a +window on the other side of the house, when not only were soldiers seen +in that direction, but also an officer giving instructions by signal, +and frequently putting his fingers to his lips, as if enjoining silence. + +There was now no time to be lost in rousing the family, and all the +haste that could be made was scarcely sufficient to hurry the venerable +man from his bed into a small recess, behind the wainscot of an +adjoining room, which was concealed by a bed, in which a lady, Miss +Gordon of Towie, who was there on a visit, lay, before the soldiers +obtained admission. A most minute search took place. The room in which +Lord Pitsligo was concealed did not escape. Miss Gordon's bed was +carefully examined, and she was obliged to suffer the rude scrutiny of +one of the party, by feeling her chin, to ascertain that it was not a +man in a lady's night-dress. Before the soldiers had finished their +examination in this room, the confinement and anxiety increased Lord +Pitsligo's asthma so much, and his breathing became so loud, that it +cost Miss Gordon, lying in bed, much and violent coughing, which she +counterfeited, in order to prevent the high breathings behind the +wainscot from being heard. + +It may be easily conceived what agony she would suffer, lest, by +overdoing her part, she should increase suspicion, and in fact lead to a +discovery. The ruse was fortunately successful. On the search through +the house being given over, Lord Pitsligo was hastily taken from his +confined situation, and again replaced in bed; and, as soon as he was +able to speak, his accustomed kindness of heart made him say to his +servant--'James, go and see that these poor fellows get some breakfast +and a drink of warm ale, for this is a cold morning; they are only doing +their duty, and cannot bear me any ill-will.' When the family were +felicitating each other on his escape, he pleasantly observed--'A poor +prize, had they obtained it--an old dying man!'" + +This was the last attempt made on the part of government to seize on the +persons of any of the surviving insurgents. Three years before, Dr. +Archibald Cameron, a brother of Locheill, having clandestinely revisited +Scotland, was arrested, tried, and executed for high treason at Tyburn. +The government was generally blamed for this act of severity, which was +considered rather to have been dictated by revenge than required for the +public safety. It is, however, probable that they might have had secret +information of certain negotiations which were still conducted in the +Highlands by the agents of the Stuart family, and that they considered +it necessary, by one terrible example, to overawe the insurrectionary +spirit. This I believe to have been the real motive of an execution +which otherwise could not have been palliated: and, in the case of Lord +Pitsligo, it is quite possible that the zeal of a partisan may have led +him to take a step which would not have been approved of by the +ministry. After the lapse of so many years, and after so many scenes of +judicial bloodshed, the nation would have turned in disgust from the +spectacle of an old man, whose private life was not only blameless, but +exemplary, dragged to the scaffold, and forced to lay down his head in +expiation of a doubtful crime: and this view derives corroboration from +the fact that, shortly afterwards, Lord Pitsligo was tacitly permitted +to return to the society of his friends, without further notice or +persecution. + +Dr. King, the Principal of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, has borne the +following testimony to the character of Lord Pitsligo. "Whoever is so +happy, either from his natural disposition, or his good judgment, +constantly to observe St. Paul's precept, 'to speak evil of no one' will +certainly acquire the love and esteem of the whole community of which he +is a member. But such a man is the _rara avis in terris_; and, among all +my acquaintance, I have known only one person to whom I can with truth +assign this character. The person I mean is the present Lord Pitsligo of +Scotland. I not only never heard this gentleman speak an ill word of any +man living, but I always observed him ready to defend any other person +who was ill spoken of in his company. If the person accused were of his +acquaintance, my Lord Pitsligo would always find something good to say +of him as a counterpoise. If he were a stranger, and quite unknown to +him, my lord would urge in his defence the general corruption of +manners, and the frailties and infirmities of human nature. + +"It is no wonder that such an excellent man, who, besides, is a polite +scholar, and has many other great and good qualities, should be +universally admired and beloved--insomuch, that I persuade myself he has +not one enemy in the world. At least, to this general esteem and +affection for his person, his preservation must be owing; for since his +attainder he has never removed far from his own house, protected by men +of different principles, and unsought for and unmolested by government." +To which eulogy it might be added, by those who have the good fortune to +know his representatives, that the virtues here acknowledged seem +hereditary in the family of Pitsligo. + +The venerable old nobleman was permitted to remain without molestation +at the residence of his son, during the latter years of an existence +protracted to the extreme verge of human life. And so, says the author +of his memoirs, "In this happy frame of mind,--calm and full of +hope,--the saintly man continued to the last, with his reason unclouded, +able to study his favourite volume, enjoying the comforts of friendship, +and delighting in the consolations of religion, till he gently 'fell +asleep in Jesus.' He died on the 21st of December, 1762, in the +eighty-fifth year of his age; and to his surviving friends the +recollection of the misfortunes which had accompanied him through his +long life was painfully awakened even in the closing scene of his mortal +career--as his son had the mortification to be indebted to a stranger, +now the proprietor of his ancient inheritance by purchase from the +crown, for permission to lay his father's honoured remains in the vault +which contained the ashes of his family for many generations." + +Such a character as this is well worthy of remembrance; and Lord +Pitsligo has just title to be called the last of the old Scottish +Cavaliers. I trust that, in adapting the words of the following little +ballad to a well-known English air, I have committed no unpardonable +larceny. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 3: See _Blackwood's Magazine_ for May 1829.--Article "Lord +Pitsligo."] + + + + +THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + + I. + + Come listen to another song, + Should make your heart beat high, + Bring crimson to your forehead, + And the lustre to your eye;-- + It is a song of olden time, + Of days long since gone by, + And of a Baron stout and bold + As e'er wore sword on thigh! + Like a brave old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + II. + + He kept his castle in the north, + Hard by the thundering Spey; + And a thousand vassals dwelt around + All of his kindred they. + And not a man of all that clan + Had ever ceased to pray + For the Royal race they loved so well, + Though exiled far away + From the steadfast Scottish cavaliers, + All of the olden time! + + + III. + + His father drew the righteous sword + For Scotland and her claims, + Among the loyal gentlemen + And chiefs of ancient names + Who swore to fight or fall beneath + The standard of King James, + And died at Killiecrankie pass + With the glory of the Graemes; + Like a true old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + IV. + + He never owned the foreign rule, + No master he obeyed, + But kept his clan in peace at home, + From foray and from raid; + And when they asked him for his oath, + He touched his glittering blade, + And pointed to his bonnet blue, + That bore the white cockade: + Like a leal old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + V. + + At length the news ran through the land-- + THE PRINCE had come again! + That night the fiery cross was sped + O'er mountain and through glen; + And our old Baron rose in might, + Like a lion from his den, + And rode away across the hills + To Charlie and his men, + With the valiant Scottish cavaliers, + All of the olden time! + + + VI. + + He was the first that bent the knee + When the STANDARD waved abroad, + He was the first that charged the foe + On Preston's bloody sod; + And ever, in the van of fight, + The foremost still he trod, + Until, on bleak Culloden's heath, + He gave his soul to God, + Like a good old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + VII. + + Oh! never shall we know again + A heart so stout and true-- + The olden times have passed away, + And weary are the new: + The fair White Rose has faded + From the garden where it grew, + And no fond tears save those of heaven + The glorious bed bedew + Of the last old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + + +MISCELLANEOUS POEMS + + + + +BLIND OLD MILTON + + + Place me once more, my daughter, where the sun + May shine upon my old and time-worn head, + For the last time, perchance. My race is run; + And soon amidst the ever-silent dead + I must repose, it may be, half forgot. + Yes! I have broke the hard and bitter bread + For many a year, with those who trembled not + To buckle on their armour for the fight, + And set themselves against the tyrant's lot; + And I have never bowed me to his might, + Nor knelt before him--for I bear within + My heart the sternest consciousness of right, + And that perpetual hate of gilded sin + Which made me what I am; and though the stain + Of poverty be on me, yet I win + More honour by it, than the blinded train + Who hug their willing servitude, and bow + Unto the weakest and the most profane. + Therefore, with unencumbered soul I go + Before the footstool of my Maker, where + I hope to stand as undebased as now! + Child! is the sun abroad? I feel my hair + Borne up and wafted by the gentle wind, + I feel the odours that perfume the air, + And hear the rustling of the leaves behind. + Within my heart I picture them, and then + I almost can forget that I am blind, + And old, and hated by my fellow-men. + Yet would I fain once more behold the grace + Of nature ere I die, and gaze again + Upon her living and rejoicing face-- + Fain would I see thy countenance, my child, + My comforter! I feel thy dear embrace-- + I hear thy voice, so musical, and mild, + The patient, sole interpreter, by whom + So many years of sadness are beguiled; + For it hath made my small and scanty room + Peopled with glowing visions of the past. + But I will calmly bend me to my doom, + And wait the hour which is approaching fast, + When triple light shall stream upon mine eyes, + And heaven itself be opened up at last + To him who dared foretell its mysteries. + I have had visions in this drear eclipse + Of outward consciousness, and clomb the skies, + Striving to utter with my earthly lips + What the diviner soul had half divined, + Even as the Saint in his Apocalypse + Who saw the inmost glory, where enshrined + Sat He who fashioned glory. This hath driven + All outward strife and tumult from my mind, + And humbled me, until I have forgiven + My bitter enemies, and only seek + To find the straight and narrow path to heaven. + + Yet I am weak--oh! how entirely weak, + For one who may not love nor suffer more! + Sometimes unbidden tears will wet my cheek, + And my heart bound as keenly as of yore, + Responsive to a voice, now hushed to rest, + Which made the beautiful Italian shore, + In all its pomp of summer vineyards drest, + An Eden and a Paradise to me. + Do the sweet breezes from the balmy west + Still murmur through thy groves, Parthenope, + In search of odours from the orange bowers? + Still on thy slopes of verdure does the bee + Cull her rare honey from the virgin flowers? + And Philomel her plaintive chaunt prolong + 'Neath skies more calm and more serene than ours, + Making the summer one perpetual song? + Art thou the same as when in manhood's pride + I walked in joy thy grassy meads among, + With that fair youthful vision by my side, + In whose bright eyes I looked--and not in vain? + O my adored angel! O my bride! + Despite of years, and woe, and want, and pain, + My soul yearns back towards thee, and I seem + To wander with thee, hand in hand, again, + By the bright margin of that flowing stream. + I hear again thy voice, more silver-sweet + Than fancied music floating in a dream, + Possess my being; from afar I greet + The waving of thy garments in the glade, + And the light rustling of thy fairy feet-- + What time as one half eager, half afraid, + Love's burning secret faltered on my tongue, + And tremulous looks and broken words betrayed + The secret of the heart from whence they sprung. + Ah me! the earth that rendered thee to heaven + Gave up an angel beautiful and young, + Spotless and pure as snow when freshly driven: + A bright Aurora for the starry sphere + Where all is love, and even life forgiven. + Bride of immortal beauty--ever dear! + Dost thou await me in thy blest abode? + While I, Tithonus-like, must linger here, + And count each step along the rugged road; + A phantom, tottering to a long-made grave, + And eager to lay down my weary load! + + I, who was fancy's lord, am fancy's slave. + Like the low murmurs of the Indian shell + Ta'en from its coral bed beneath the wave, + Which, unforgetful of the ocean's swell, + Retains within its mystic urn the hum + Heard in the sea-grots where the Nereids dwell-- + Old thoughts still haunt me--unawares they come + Between me and my rest, nor can I make + Those aged visitors of sorrow dumb. + Oh, yet awhile, my feeble soul, awake! + Nor wander back with sullen steps again; + For neither pleasant pastime canst thou take + In such a journey, nor endure the pain. + The phantoms of the past are dead for thee; + So let them ever uninvoked remain, + And be thou calm, till death shall set thee free. + Thy flowers of hope expanded long ago, + Long since their blossoms withered on the tree: + No second spring can come to make them blow, + But in the silent winter of the grave + They lie with blighted love and buried woe. + + I did not waste the gifts which nature gave, + Nor slothful lay in the Circéan bower; + Nor did I yield myself the willing slave + Of lust for pride, for riches, or for power. + No! in my heart a nobler spirit dwelt; + For constant was my faith in manhood's dower; + Man--made in God's own image--and I felt + How of our own accord we courted shame, + Until to idols like ourselves we knelt, + And so renounced the great and glorious claim + Of freedom, our immortal heritage. + I saw how bigotry, with spiteful aim, + Smote at the searching eyesight of the sage, + How error stole behind the steps of truth, + And cast delusion on the sacred page. + So, as a champion, even in early youth + I waged my battle with a purpose keen; + Nor feared the hand of terror, nor the tooth + Of serpent jealousy. And I have been + With starry Galileo in his cell, + That wise magician with the brow serene, + Who fathomed space; and I have seen him tell + The wonders of the planetary sphere, + And trace the ramparts of heaven's citadel + On the cold flag-stones of his dungeon drear. + And I have walked with Hampden and with Vane-- + Names once so gracious to an English ear-- + In days that never may return again. + My voice, though not the loudest, hath been heard + Whenever freedom raised her cry of pain, + And the faint effort of the humble bard + Hath roused up thousands from their lethargy, + To speak in words of thunder. What reward + Was mine, or theirs? It matters not; for I + Am but a leaf cast on the whirling tide, + Without a hope or wish, except to die. + But truth, asserted once, must still abide, + Unquenchable, as are those fiery springs + Which day and night gush from the mountain-side, + Perpetual meteors girt with lambent wings, + Which the wild tempest tosses to and fro, + But cannot conquer with the force it brings. + Yet I, who ever felt another's woe + More keenly than my own untold distress; + I, who have battled with the common foe, + And broke for years the bread of bitterness; + Who never yet abandoned or betrayed + The trust vouchsafed me, nor have ceased to bless, + Am left alone to wither in the shade, + A weak old man, deserted by his kind-- + Whom none will comfort in his age, nor aid! + + Oh! let me not repine! A quiet mind, + Conscious and upright, needs no other stay; + Nor can I grieve for what I leave behind, + In the rich promise of eternal day. + Henceforth to me the world is dead and gone, + Its thorns unfelt, its roses cast away: + And the old pilgrim, weary and alone, + Bowed down with travel, at his Master's gate + Now sits, his task of life-long labour done, + Thankful for rest, although it comes so late, + After sore journey through this world of sin, + In hope, and prayer, and wistfulness to wait, + Until the door shall ope, and let him in. + + + + +HERMOTIMUS + + +Hermotimus, the hero of this ballad, was a philosopher, or rather a +prophet, of Clazomenæ, who possessed the faculty, now claimed by the +animal-magnetists, of effecting a voluntary separation between his soul +and body; for the former could wander to any part of the universe, and +even hold intercourse with supernatural beings, whilst the senseless +frame remained at home. Hermotimus, however, was not insensible to the +risk attendant upon this disunion; since, before attempting any of these +aerial flights, he took the precaution to warn his wife, lest, ere the +return of his soul, the body should be rendered an unfit or useless +receptacle. This accident, which he so much dreaded, at length occurred; +for the lady, wearied out by a succession of trances, each of longer +duration than the preceding, one day committed his body to the flames, +and thus effectually put a stop to such unconnubial conduct. He received +divine honours at Clazomenæ, but must nevertheless remain as a terrible +example and warning to all husbands who carry their scientific or +spiritual pursuits so far as to neglect their duty to their wives. + +It is somewhat curious that Hermotimus is not the only person (putting +the disciples of Mesmer and Dupotet altogether out of the question) who +has possessed this miraculous power. Another and much later instance is +recorded by Dr. George Cheyne, in his work entitled, _The English +Malady, or a Treatise of Nervous Diseases_, as having come under his own +observation; and, as this case is exactly similar to that of the +Prophet, it may amuse the reader to see how far an ancient fable may be +illustrated, and in part explained, by the records of modern science. +Dr. Cheyne's patient was probably cataleptic; but the worthy physician +must be allowed to tell his own story. + +"Colonel Townshend, a gentleman of honour and integrity, had for many +years been afflicted with a nephritic complaint. His illness increasing, +and his strength decaying, he came from Bristol to Bath in a litter, in +autumn, and lay at the Bell Inn. Dr. Baynard and I were called to him, +and attended him twice a-day; but his vomitings continuing still +incessant and obstinate against all remedies, we despaired of his +recovery. While he was in this condition, he sent for us one morning; we +waited on him with Mr. Skrine, his apothecary. We found his senses +clear, and his mind calm: his nurse and several servants were about him. +He told us he had sent for us to give him an account of an odd sensation +he had for some time observed and felt in himself; which was, that, by +composing himself, _he could die or expire when he pleased_; and yet by +an effort, or somehow, he could come to life again, which he had +sometimes tried before he had sent for us. We heard this with surprise; +but, as it was not to be accounted for upon common principles, we could +hardly believe the fact as he related it, much less give any account of +it; unless he should please to make the experiment before us, which we +were unwilling he should do, lest, in his weak condition, he might carry +it too far. He continued to talk very distinctly and sensibly above a +quarter of an hour about this surprising sensation, and insisted so much +on our seeing the trial made, that we were at last forced to comply. We +all three felt his pulse first--it was distinct, though small and +thready, and his heart had its usual beating. He composed himself on his +back, and lay in a still posture for some time: while I held his right +hand, Dr. Baynard laid his hand on his heart, and Mr. Skrine held a +clean looking-glass to his mouth. I found his pulse sink gradually, till +at last I could not find any by the most exact and nice touch. Dr. +Baynard could not feel the least motion in his heart, nor Mr. Skrine the +least soil of breath on the bright mirror he held to his mouth; then +each of us by turns examined his arm, heart, and breath, but could not, +by the nicest scrutiny, discover the least symptom of life in him. We +reasoned a long time about this odd appearance as well as we could, and +all of us judging it inexplicable and unaccountable; and, finding he +still continued in that condition, we began to conclude that he had +indeed carried the experiment too far; and at last were satisfied he was +actually dead, and were just ready to leave him. This continued about +half an hour. As we were going away, we observed some motion about the +body; and, upon examination, found his pulse and the motion of his heart +gradually returning. He began to breathe gently and speak softly. We +were all astonished to the last degree at this unexpected change; and, +after some further conversation with him, and among ourselves, went away +fully satisfied as to all the particulars of this fact, but confounded +and puzzled, and not able to form any rational scheme that might account +for it." + + + + +HERMOTIMUS + + + I. + + "Wilt not lay thee down in quiet slumber? + Weary dost thou seem, and ill at rest; + Sleep will bring thee dreams in starry number-- + Let him come to thee and be thy guest. + Midnight now is past-- + Husband! come at last-- + Lay thy throbbing head upon my breast." + + + II. + + "Weary am I, but my soul is waking; + Fain I'd lay me gently by thy side, + But my spirit then, its home forsaking, + Through the realms of space would wander wide-- + Everything forgot, + What would be thy lot, + If I came not back to thee, my bride?" + + + III. + + "Music, like the lute of young Apollo, + Vibrates even now within mine ear; + Soft and silver voices bid me follow, + Yet my soul is dull and will not hear. + Waking it will stay: + Let me watch till day-- + Fainter will they come, and disappear." + + + IV. + + "Speak not thus to me, my own--my dearest! + These are but the phantoms of thy brain; + Nothing can befall thee which thou fearest, + Thou shalt wake to love and life again. + Were this sleep thy last, + I should hold thee fast, + Thou shouldst strive against me but in vain." + + + V. + + "Eros will protect us, and will hover, + Guardian-like, above thee all the night, + Jealous of thee, as of some fond lover + Chiding back the rosy-fingered light-- + He will be thine aid: + Canst thou feel afraid + When _his_ torch above us burneth bright?" + + + VI. + + "Lo! the cressets of the night are waning-- + Old Orion hastens from the sky; + Only thou of all things art remaining + Unrefreshed by slumber--thou and I. + Sound and sense are still; + Even the distant rill + Murmurs fainter now, and languidly." + + + VII. + + "Come and rest thee, husband!"--And no longer + Could the young man that fond call resist: + Vainly was he warned, for love was stronger-- + Warmly did he press her to his breast. + Warmly met she his; + Kiss succeeded kiss, + Till their eyelids closed with sleep oppressed. + + + VIII. + + Soon Aurora left her early pillow, + And the heavens grew rosy-rich, and rare; + Laughed the dewy plain and glassy billow, + For the Golden God himself was there; + And the vapour-screen + Rose the hills between, + Steaming up, like incense, in the air. + + + IX. + + O'er her husband sate Ione bending-- + Marble-like and marble-hued he lay; + Underneath her raven locks descending, + Paler seemed his face, and ashen gray, + And so white his brow-- + White and cold as snow-- + "Husband! Gods! his soul hath passed away!" + + + X. + + Raise ye up the pile with gloomy shadow-- + Heap it with the mournful cypress-bough!-- + And they raised the pile upon the meadow, + And they heaped the mournful cypress too; + And they laid the dead + On his funeral bed, + And they kindled up the flames below. + + + XI. + + Swiftly rose they, and the corse surrounded, + Spreading out a pall into the air; + And the sharp and sudden crackling sounded + Mournfully to all the watchers there. + Soon their force was spent, + And the body blent + With the embers' slow-expiring glare. + + + XII. + + Night again was come; but oh, how lonely + To the mourner did that night appear! + Peace nor rest it brought, but sorrow only, + Vain repinings and unwonted fear. + Dimly burned the lamp-- + Chill the air and damp-- + And the winds without were moaning drear. + + + XIII. + + Hush! a voice in solemn whispers speaking + Breaks within the twilight of the room; + And Ione, loud and wildly shrieking, + Starts and gazes through the ghastly gloom. + Nothing sees she there-- + All is empty air, + All is empty as a rifled tomb. + + + XIV. + + Once again the voice beside her sounded, + Low, and faint, and solemn was its tone-- + "Nor by form nor shade am I surrounded, + Fleshly home and dwelling have I none. + They are passed away-- + Woe is me! to-day + Hath robbed me of myself, and made me lone." + + + XV. + + "Vainly were the words of parting spoken; + Evermore must Charon turn from me. + Still my thread of life remains unbroken, + And unbroken ever it must be; + Only they may rest + Whom the Fates' behest + From their mortal mansion setteth free." + + + XVI. + + "I have seen the robes of Hermes glisten-- + Seen him wave afar his serpent-wand; + But to me the Herald would not listen-- + When the dead swept by at his command, + Not with that pale crew + Durst I venture too-- + Ever shut for me the quiet land." + + + XVII. + + "Day and night before the dreary portal, + Phantom-shapes, the guards of Hades, lie; + None of heavenly kind, nor yet of mortal, + May unchallenged pass the warders by. + None that path may go, + If he cannot show + His last passport to eternity." + + + XVIII. + + "Cruel was the spirit-power thou gavest-- + Fatal, O Apollo, was thy love! + Pythian! Archer! brightest God and bravest, + Hear, O hear me from thy throne above! + Let me not, I pray, + Thus be cast away: + Plead for me--thy slave--O plead to Jove!" + + + XIX. + + "I have heard thee with the Muses singing-- + Heard that full, melodious voice of thine, + Silver-clear throughout the ether ringing-- + Seen thy locks in golden clusters shine; + And thine eye, so bright + With its innate light, + Hath ere now been bent so low as mine." + + + XX. + + "Hast thou lost the wish--the will--to cherish + Those who trusted in thy godlike power? + Hyacinthus did not wholly perish; + Still he lives, the firstling of thy bower; + Still he feels thy rays, + Fondly meets thy gaze, + Though but now the spirit of a flower." + + + XXI. + + "Hear me, Phoebus! Hear me and deliver! + Lo! the morning breaketh from afar-- + God! thou comest bright and great as ever-- + Night goes back before thy burning car; + All her lamps are gone-- + Lucifer alone + Lingers still for thee--the blessed star!" + + + XXII. + + "Hear me, Phoebus!"--And therewith descended + Through the window-arch a glory-gleam, + All effulgent--and with music blended, + For such solemn sounds arose as stream + From the Memnon-lyre, + When the morning fire + Gilds the giant's forehead with its beam. + + + XXIII. + + "Thou hast heard thy servant's prayer, Apollo; + Thou dost call me, mighty God of Day! + Fare-thee-well, Ione!"--And more hollow + Came the phantom-voice, then died away. + When the slaves arose, + Not in calm repose, + Not in sleep, but death, their mistress lay. + + + + +OENONE + + On the holy mount of Ida, + Where the pine and cypress grow, + Sate a young and lovely woman, + Weeping ever, weeping low. + Drearily throughout the forest + Did the winds of autumn blow, + And the clouds above were flying, + And Scamander rolled below. + + "Faithless Paris! cruel Paris!" + Thus the poor deserted spake-- + "Wherefore thus so strangely leave me? + Why thy loving bride forsake? + Why no tender word at parting? + Why no kiss, no farewell take? + Would that I could but forget thee-- + Would this throbbing heart might break! + + "Is my face no longer blooming? + Are my eyes no longer bright? + Ah! my tears have made them dimmer, + And my cheeks are pale and white. + I have wept since early morning, + I will weep the livelong night; + Now I long for sullen darkness, + As I once have longed for light. + + "Paris! canst thou then be cruel? + Fair, and young, and brave thou art-- + Can it be that in thy bosom + Lies so cold, so hard a heart? + Children were we bred together-- + She who bore me suckled thee; + I have been thine old companion, + When thou hadst no more but me. + + "I have watched thee in thy slumbers, + When the shadow of a dream + Passed across thy smiling features, + Like the ripple of a stream; + And so sweetly were the visions + Pictured there with lively grace, + That I half could read their import + By the changes on thy face. + + "When I sang of Ariadne, + Sang the old and mournful tale, + How her faithless lover, Theseus, + Left her to lament and wail; + Then thine eyes would fill and glisten, + Her complaint could soften thee: + Thou hast wept for Ariadne-- + Theseus' self might weep for me! + + "Thou may'st find another maiden + With a fairer face than mine-- + With a gayer voice, and sweeter, + And a spirit liker thine: + For if e'er my beauty bound thee, + Lost and broken is the spell; + But thou canst not find another + That will love thee half so well. + + "O thou hollow ship that bearest + Paris o'er the faithless deep, + Wouldst thou leave him on some island, + Where alone the waters weep? + Where no human foot is moulded + In the wet and yellow sand-- + Leave him there, thou hollow vessel! + Leave him on that lonely land! + + "Then his heart will surely soften, + When his foolish hopes decay, + And his older love rekindle, + As the new one dies away. + Visionary hills will haunt him, + Rising from the glassy sea, + And his thoughts will wander homewards + Unto Ida and to me. + + "O! that like a little swallow + I could reach that lonely spot! + All his errors would be pardoned, + All the weary past forgot. + Never should he wander from me-- + Never should he more depart, + For these arms would be his prison, + And his home would be my heart." + + Thus lamented fair Oenone, + Weeping ever, weeping low, + On the holy mount of Ida, + Where the pine and cypress grow. + In the self-same hour Cassandra + Shrieked her prophecy of woe, + And into the Spartan dwelling + Did the faithless Paris go. + + + + +THE BURIED FLOWER + + + In the silence of my chamber, + When the night is still and deep, + And the drowsy heave of ocean + Mutters in its charmed sleep, + + Oft I hear the angel-voices + That have thrilled me long ago,-- + Voices of my lost companions, + Lying deep beneath the snow. + + O, the garden I remember, + In the gay and sunny spring, + When our laughter made the thickets + And the arching alleys ring! + + O the merry burst of gladness! + O the soft and tender tone! + O the whisper never uttered + Save to one fond ear alone! + + O the light of life that sparkled + In those bright and bounteous eyes! + O the blush of happy beauty, + Tell-tale of the heart's surprise: + + O the radiant light that girdled + Field and forest, land and sea, + When we all were young together, + And the earth was new to me: + + Where are now the flowers we tended? + Withered, broken, branch and stem; + Where are now the hopes we cherished? + Scattered to the winds with them. + + For ye, too, were flowers, ye dear ones! + Nursed in hope and reared in love, + Looking fondly ever upward + To the clear blue heaven above: + + Smiling on the sun that cheered us, + Rising lightly from the rain, + Never folding up your freshness + Save to give it forth again: + + Never shaken, save by accents + From a tongue that was not free, + As the modest blossom trembles + At the wooing of the bee. + + O! 'tis sad to lie and reckon + All the days of faded youth, + All the vows that we believed in, + All the words we spoke in truth. + + Severed--were it severed only + By an idle thought of strife, + Such as time might knit together; + Not the broken chord of life! + + O my heart! that once so truly + Kept another's time and tune, + Heart, that kindled in the spring-tide, + Look around thee in the noon. + + Where are they who gave the impulse + To thy earliest thought and flow? + Look around the ruined garden-- + All are withered, dropped, or low! + + Seek the birth-place of the lily, + Dearer to the boyish dream + Than the golden cups of Eden, + Floating on its slumbrous stream; + + Never more shalt thou behold her-- + She, the noblest, fairest, best: + She that rose in fullest beauty, + Like a queen, above the rest. + + Only still I keep her image + As a thought that cannot die; + He who raised the shade of Helen + Had no greater power than I. + + O! I fling my spirit backward, + And I pass o'er years of pain; + All I loved is rising round me, + All the lost returns again. + + Blow, for ever blow, ye breezes, + Warmly as ye did before! + Bloom again, ye happy gardens, + With the radiant tints of yore! + + Warble out in spray and thicket, + All ye choristers unseen; + Let the leafy woodland echo + With an anthem to its queen! + + Lo! she cometh in her beauty, + Stately with a Juno grace, + Raven locks, Madonna-braided + O'er her sweet and blushing face: + + Eyes of deepest violet, beaming + With the love that knows not shame-- + Lips, that thrill my inmost being + With the utterance of a name. + + And I bend the knee before her, + As a captive ought to bow,-- + Pray thee, listen to my pleading, + Sovereign of my soul art thou! + + O my dear and gentle lady, + Let me show thee all my pain, + Ere the words that late were prisoned + Sink into my heart again. + + Love, they say, is very fearful + Ere its curtain be withdrawn, + Trembling at the thought of error + As the shadows scare the fawn. + + Love hath bound me to thee, lady, + Since the well-remembered day + When I first beheld thee coming + In the light of lustrous May. + + Not a word I dared to utter-- + More than he who, long ago, + Saw the heavenly shapes descending + Over Ida's slopes of snow: + + When a low and solemn music + Floated through the listening grove, + And the throstle's song was silenced, + And the doling of the dove: + + When immortal beauty opened + All its grace to mortal sight, + And the awe of worship blended + With the throbbing of delight. + + As the shepherd stood before them + Trembling in the Phrygian dell, + Even so my soul and being + Owned the magic of the spell; + + And I watched thee ever fondly, + Watched thee, dearest! from afar, + With the mute and humble homage + Of the Indian to a star. + + Thou wert still the Lady Flora + In her morning garb of bloom; + Where thou wert was light and glory, + Where thou wert not, dearth and gloom. + + So for many a day I followed + For a long and weary while, + Ere my heart rose up to bless thee + For the yielding of a smile,-- + + Ere thy words were few and broken + As they answered back to mine, + Ere my lips had power to thank thee + For the gift vouchsafed by thine. + + Then a mighty gush of passion + Through my inmost being ran; + Then my older life was ended, + And a dearer course began. + + Dearer!--O, I cannot tell thee + What a load was swept away, + What a world of doubt and darkness + Faded in the dawning day! + + All my error, all my weakness, + All my vain delusions fled: + Hope again revived, and gladness + Waved its wings above my head. + + Like the wanderer of the desert, + When, across the dreary sand, + Breathes the perfume from the thickets + Bordering on the promised land; + + When afar he sees the palm-trees + Cresting o'er the lonely well, + When he hears the pleasant tinkle + Of the distant camel's bell: + + So a fresh and glad emotion + Rose within my swelling breast, + And I hurried swiftly onwards + To the haven of my rest. + + Thou wert there with word and welcome, + With thy smile so purely sweet; + And I laid my heart before thee, + Laid it, darling, at thy feet!-- + + O ye words that sound so hollow + As I now recall your tone! + What are ye but empty echoes + Of a passion crushed and gone? + + Wherefore should I seek to kindle + Light, when all around is gloom? + Wherefore should I raise a phantom + O'er the dark and silent tomb? + + Early wert thou taken, Mary! + In thy fair and glorious prime, + Ere the bees had ceased to murmur + Through the umbrage of the lime. + + Buds were blowing, waters flowing, + Birds were singing on the tree, + Every thing was bright and glowing, + When the angels came for thee. + + Death had laid aside his terror, + And he found thee calm and mild, + Lying in thy robes of whiteness, + Like a pure and stainless child. + + Hardly had the mountain violet + Spread its blossoms on the sod, + Ere they laid the turf above thee, + And thy spirit rose to God. + + Early wert thou taken, Mary! + And I know 'tis vain to weep-- + Tears of mine can never wake thee + From thy sad and silent sleep. + + O away! my thoughts are earthward! + Not asleep, my love, art thou! + Dwelling in the land of glory + With the saints and angels now. + + Brighter, fairer far than living, + With no trace of woe or pain, + Robed in everlasting beauty, + Shall I see thee once again, + + By the light that never fadeth, + Underneath eternal skies, + When the dawn of resurrection + Breaks o'er deathless Paradise. + + + + +THE OLD CAMP + + +WRITTEN IN A ROMAN FORTIFICATION IN BAVARIA + + I. + + There is a cloud before the sun, + The wind is hushed and still, + And silently the waters run + Beneath the sombre hill. + The sky is dark in every place, + As is the earth below: + Methinks it wore the self-same face + Two thousand years ago. + + + II. + + No light is on the ancient wall, + No light upon the mound; + The very trees, so thick and tall, + Cast gloom, not shade, around. + So silent is the place and cold, + So far from human ken, + It hath a look that makes me old, + And spectres time again. + + + III. + + I listen, half in thought to hear + The Roman trumpet blow-- + I search for glint of helm and spear + Amidst the forest bough: + And armour rings, and voices swell-- + I hear the legion's tramp, + And mark the lonely sentinel + Who guards the lonely camp. + + + IV. + + Methinks I have no other home, + No other hearth to find; + For nothing save the thought of Rome + Is stirring in my mind. + And all that I have heard or dreamed, + And all I had forgot, + Are rising up, as though they seemed + The household of the spot. + + + V. + + And all the names that Romans knew + Seem just as known to me, + As if I were a Roman too-- + A Roman born and free: + And I could rise at Cæsar's name, + As though it were a charm + To draw sharp lightning from the tame, + And brace the coward's arm. + + + VI. + + And yet, if yonder sky were blue, + And earth were sunny gay, + If nature wore the summer hue + That decked her yesterday, + The mound, the trench, the rampart's space, + Would move me nothing more + Than many a sweet sequestred place + That I have marked before. + + + VII. + + I could not feel the breezes bring + Rich odours from the trees; + I could not hear the linnets sing, + And think on themes like these. + The painted insects as they pass + In swift and motley strife, + The very lizard in the grass + Would scare me back to life. + + + VIII. + + Then is the past so gloomy now + That it may never bear + The open smile of nature's brow, + Or meet the sunny air? + I know not that--but joy is power, + However short it last; + And joy befits the present hour, + If sadness fits the past. + + + + +DANUBE AND THE EUXINE + + + "Danube, Danube! wherefore com'st thou + Red and raging to my caves? + Wherefore leap thy swollen waters + Madly through the broken waves? + Wherefore is thy tide so sullied + With a hue unknown to me; + Wherefore dost thou bring pollution + To the old and sacred sea?" + + "Ha! rejoice, old Father Euxine! + I am brimming full and red; + Noble tidings do I carry + From my distant channel-bed. + I have been a Christian river + Dull and slow this many a year, + Rolling down my torpid waters + Through a silence morne and drear; + Have not felt the tread of armies + Trampling on my reedy shore; + Have not heard the trumpet calling, + Or the cannon's gladsome roar; + Only listened to the laughter + From the village and the town, + And the church-bells, ever jangling, + As the weary day went down. + So I lay and sorely pondered + On the days long since gone by, + When my old primæval forests + Echoed to the war-man's cry; + When the race of Thor and Odin + Held their battles by my side, + And the blood of man was mingling + Warmly with my chilly tide. + Father Euxine! thou rememb'rest + How I brought thee tribute then-- + Swollen corpses, gashed and gory, + Heads and limbs of slaughter'd men? + Father Euxine! be thou joyful! + I am running red once more-- + Not with heathen blood, as early, + But with gallant Christian gore! + For the old times are returning, + And the Cross is broken down, + And I hear the tocsin sounding + In the village and the town; + And the glare of burning cities + Soon shall light me on my way-- + Ha! my heart is big and jocund + With the draught I drank to-day. + Ha! I feel my strength awakened, + And my brethren shout to me; + Each is leaping red and joyous + To his own awaiting sea. + Rhine and Elbe are plunging downward + Through their wild anarchic land, + Everywhere are Christians falling + By their brother Christians' hand! + Yea, the old times are returning, + And the olden gods are here! + Take my tribute, Father Euxine, + To thy waters dark and drear. + Therefore come I with my torrents, + Shaking castle, crag, and town; + Therefore, with the shout of thunder, + Sweep I herd and herdsman down; + Therefore leap I to thy bosom, + With a loud triumphal roar-- + Greet me, greet me, Father Euxine, + I am Christian stream no more!" + + + + +THE SCHEIK OF SINAI IN 1830 + + +FROM THE GERMAN OF FREILIGRATH + + I. + + "Lift me without the tent, I say,-- + Me and my ottoman,-- + I'll see the messenger myself! + It is the caravan + From Africa, thou sayest, + And they bring us news of war? + Draw me without the tent, and quick! + As at the desert well + The freshness of the purling brook + Delights the tired gazelle, + So pant I for the voice of him + That cometh from afar!" + + + II. + + The Scheik was lifted from his tent, + And thus outspake the Moor:-- + "I saw, old Chief, the Tricolor + On Algiers' topmost tower-- + Upon its battlements the silks + Of Lyons flutter free. + Each morning, in the market-place, + The muster-drum is beat, + And to the war-hymn of Marseilles + The squadrons pace the street. + The armament from Toulon sailed: + The Franks have crossed the sea." + + + III. + + "Towards the south, the columns marched + Beneath a cloudless sky: + Their weapons glittered in the blaze + Of the sun of Barbary; + And with the dusty desert sand + Their horses' manes were white. + The wild marauding tribes dispersed + In terror of their lives; + They fled unto the mountains + With their children and their wives, + And urged the clumsy dromedary + Up the Atlas' height." + + + IV. + + "The Moors have ta'en their vantage-ground, + The volleys thunder fast-- + The dark defile is blazing + Like a heated oven-blast; + The lion hears the strange turmoil, + And leaves his mangled prey-- + No place was that for him to feed; + And thick and loud the cries, + Feu!--Allah! Allah!--En avant! + In mingled discord rise; + The Franks have reached the summit-- + They have won the victory!" + + + V. + + "With bristling steel, upon the top + The victors take their stand: + Beneath their feet, with all its towns, + They see the promised land-- + From Tunis, even unto Fez, + From Atlas to the seas. + The cavaliers alight to gaze, + And gaze full well they may, + Where countless minarets stand up + So solemnly and gray, + Amidst the dark-green masses + Of the flowering myrtle-trees." + + + VI. + + "The almond blossoms in the vale; + The aloe from the rock + Throws out its long and prickly leaves, + Nor dreads the tempest's shock: + A blessed land, I ween, is that, + Though luckless is its Bey. + There lies the sea--beyond lies France! + Her banners in the air + Float proudly and triumphantly-- + A salvo! come, prepare! + And loud and long the mountains rang + With that glad artillery." + + + VII. + + "'Tis they!" exclaimed the aged Scheik. + "I've battled by their side-- + I fought beneath the Pyramids! + That day of deathless pride-- + Red as thy turban, Moor, that eve, + Was every creek in Nile! + But tell me--" and he griped his hand-- + "Their Sultaun. Stranger, say-- + His form--his face--his posture, man? + Thou saw'st him in the fray? + His eye--what wore he?" But the Moor + Sought in his vest awhile. + + + VIII. + + "Their Sultaun, Scheik, remains at home + Within his palace walls: + He sends a Pasha in his stead + To brave the bolts and balls. + He was not there. An Aga burst + For him through Atlas' hold. + Yet I can show thee somewhat too. + A Frankish Cavalier + Told me his effigy was stamped + Upon this medal here-- + He gave me with others + For an Arab steed I sold." + + + IX. + + The old man took the golden coin: + Gazed steadfastly awhile, + If that could be the Sultaun + Whom from the banks of Nile + He guided o'er the desert path-- + Then sighed and thus spake he-- + "'Tis not _his_ eye--'tis not _his_ brow-- + Another face is there: + I never saw this man before-- + His head is like a pear! + Take back thy medal, Moor--'tis not + That which I hoped to see." + + + + +EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS + + +FROM THE GERMAN OF WILHELM MÜLLER + + I am Constantine Kanaris: + I, who lie beneath this stone, + Twice into the air in thunder + Have the Turkish galleys blown. + + In my bed I died--a Christian, + Hoping straight with Christ to be; + Yet one earthly wish is buried + Deep within the grave with me-- + + That upon the open ocean + When the third Armada came, + They and I had died together, + Whirled aloft on wings of flame. + + Yet 'tis something that they've laid me + In a land without a stain: + Keep it thus, my God and Saviour, + Till I rise from earth again! + + + + +THE REFUSAL OF CHARON[4] + + +FROM THE ROMAIC + + Why look the distant mountains + So gloomy and so drear? + Are rain-clouds passing o'er them, + Or is the tempest near? + No shadow of the temptest + Is there, nor wind nor rain-- + 'Tis Charon that is passing by, + With all his gloomy train. + + The young men march before him, + In all their strength and pride; + The tender little infants, + They totter by his side; + The old men walk behind him, + And earnestly they pray-- + Both old and young imploring him + To grant some brief delay. + + "O Charon! halt, we pray thee, + Beside some little town, + Or near some sparkling fountain, + Where the waters wimple down! + The old will drink and be refreshed, + The young the disc will fling, + And the tender little children + Pluck flowers beside the spring." + + "I will not stay my journey, + Nor halt by any town, + Near any sparkling fountain, + Where the waters wimple down: + The mothers coming to the well, + Would know the babes they bore, + The wives would clasp their husbands, + Nor could I part them more." + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 4: According to the superstition of the modern Greeks, Charon +performs the function which their ancestors assigned to Hermes, of +conducting the souls of the dead to the other world.] + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and +Other Poems, by W.E. 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Aytoun.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 12pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 6em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 10em;} + + .poem .caesura {vertical-align: -200%;} + // --> + </style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other +Poems, by W.E. Aytoun + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other Poems + +Author: W.E. Aytoun + +Release Date: February 4, 2004 [EBook #10945] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOTTISH LAYS *** + + + + +Produced by Dave Morgan, Garrett Alley and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <center> + <img src="./images/002.png" height="690" width="450" alt= + "Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers"> + </center> + + <h1>LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS</h1> + + <center> + <b>BY W.E. AYTOUN.</b> + </center> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p><a name="RULE4_1"><!-- RULE4 1 --></a> + + <h2>TO</h2> + + <center> + THE RIGHT HONOURABLE + </center> + + <center> + ARCHIBALD WILLIAM HAMILTON-MONTGOMERIE, + </center> + + <center> + Earl of Eglinton and Winton, + </center> + + <center> + THE PATRIOTIC AND NOBLE REPRESENTATIVE OF + </center> + + <center> + AN ANCIENT SCOTTISH RACE, + </center> + + <center> + THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED + </center> + + <center> + BY + </center> + + <center> + <i>THE AUTHOR.</i> + </center> + + <p><i>This Volume is a verbatim reprint of the first edition</i> + (1849).</p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + + <p></p> + <hr> + <a name="TOC"><!-- TOC --></a> + + <h2>CONTENTS</h2> + <pre> +<a href="#RULE4_2">LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS</a> + + <a href="#RULE4_3">EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_4">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_5">THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_6">Poem</a> | <a href="#RULE4_7">Notes</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_8">THE HEART OF THE BRUCE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_9">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_10">THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_11">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_12">THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_13">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_14">THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_15">Poem</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_16">CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_17">Poem</a> | <a href="#RULE4_18">Notes</a>) + <a href="#RULE4_19">THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER</a> (<a href= +"#RULE4_20">Poem</a>) +</pre> + <pre> +<a href="#RULE4_21">MISCELLANEOUS POEMS</a> + + <a href="#RULE4_22">BLIND OLD MILTON</a> + <a href="#RULE4_23">HERMOTIMUS</a> + <a href="#RULE4_25">OENONE</a> + <a href="#RULE4_26">THE BURIED FLOWER</a> + <a href="#RULE4_27">THE OLD CAMP</a> + <a href="#RULE4_28">DANUBE AND THE EUXINE</a> + <a href="#RULE4_29">THE SCHEIK OF SINAI</a> + <a href="#RULE4_30">EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS</a> + <a href="#RULE4_31">THE REFUSAL OF CHARON</a> +</pre> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_2"><!-- RULE4 2 --></a> + + <h2>LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS</h2> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_3"><!-- RULE4 3 --></a> + + <h2>EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN</h2> + + <p>The great battle of Flodden was fought upon the 9th of + September, 1513. The defeat of the Scottish army, mainly owing to + the fantastic ideas of chivalry entertained by James IV., and his + refusal to avail himself of the natural advantages of his + position, was by far the most disastrous of any recounted in the + history of the northern wars. The whole strength of the kingdom, + both Lowland and Highland, was assembled, and the contest was one + of the sternest and most desperate upon record.</p> + + <p>For several hours the issue seemed doubtful. On the left the + Scots obtained a decided advantage; on the right wing they were + broken and overthrown; and at last the whole weight of the battle + was brought into the centre, where King James and the Earl of + Surrey commanded in person. The determined valour of James, + imprudent as it was, had the effect of rousing to a pitch of + desperation the courage of the meanest soldiers; and the ground + becoming soft and slippery from blood, they pulled off their + boots and shoes, and secured a firmer footing by fighting in + their hose.</p> + + <p>"It is owned," says Abercromby, "that both parties did + wonders, but none on either side performed more than the King + himself. He was again told that by coming to handy blows he could + do no more than another man, whereas, by keeping the post due to + his station, he might be worth many thousands. Yet he would not + only fight in person, but also on foot; for he no sooner saw that + body of the English give way which was defeated by the Earl of + Huntley, but he alighted from his horse, and commanded his guard + of noblemen and gentlemen to do the like and follow him. He had + at first abundance of success; but at length the Lord Thomas + Howard and Sir Edward Stanley, who had defeated their opposites, + coming in with the Lord Dacre's horse, and surrounding the King's + battalion on all sides, the Scots were so distressed that, for + their last defence, they cast themselves into a ring; and being + resolved to die nobly with their sovereign, who scorned to ask + quarter, were altogether cut off. So say the English writers, and + I am apt to believe that they are in the right."</p> + + <p>The battle was maintained with desperate fury until nightfall. + At the close, according to Mr. Tytler, "Surrey was uncertain of + the result of the battle: the remains of the enemy's centre still + held the field; Home, with his Borderers, still hovered on the + left; and the commander wisely allowed neither pursuit nor + plunder, but drew off his men, and kept a strict watch during the + night. When the morning broke, the Scottish artillery were seen + standing deserted on the side of the hill; their defenders had + disappeared; and the Earl ordered thanks to be given for a + victory which was no longer doubtful. Yet, even after all this, a + body of the Scots appeared unbroken upon a hill, and were about + to charge the Lord-Admiral, when they were compelled to leave + their position by a discharge of the English ordnance.</p> + + <p>"The loss of the Scots in this fatal battle amounted to about + ten thousand men. Of these, a great proportion were of high rank; + the remainder being composed of the gentry, the farmers, and + landed yeomanry, who disdained to fly when their sovereign and + his nobles lay stretched in heaps around them." Besides King + James, there fell at Flodden the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, + thirteen earls, two bishops, two abbots, fifteen lords and chiefs + of clans, and five peers' eldest sons, besides La Motte the + French ambassador, and the secretary of the King. The same + historian adds—"The names of the gentry who fell are too + numerous for recapitulation, since there were few families of + note in Scotland which did not lose one relative or another, + whilst some houses had to weep the death of all. It is from this + cause that the sensations of sorrow and national lamentation + occasioned by the defeat were peculiarly poignant and + lasting—so that to this day few Scotsmen can hear the name + of Flodden without a shudder of gloomy regret."</p> + + <p>The loss to Edinburgh on this occasion was peculiarly great. + All the magistrates and able-bodied citizens had followed their + King to Flodden, whence very few of them returned. The office of + Provost or chief magistrate of the capital was at that time an + object of ambition, and was conferred only upon persons of high + rank and station. There seems to be some uncertainty whether the + holder of this dignity at the time of the battle of Flodden was + Sir Alexander Lauder, ancestor of the Fountainhall family, who + was elected in 1511, or that great historical personage, + Archibald Earl of Angus, better known as Archibald Bell-the-Cat, + who was chosen in 1513, the year of the battle. Both of them were + at Flodden. The name of Sir Alexander Lauder appears upon the + list of the slain; Angus was one of the survivors, but his son, + George, Master of Angus, fell fighting gallantly by the side of + King James. The city records of Edinburgh, which commence about + this period, are not clear upon the point, and I am rather + inclined to think that the Earl of Angus was elected to supply + the place of Lauder. But although the actual magistrates were + absent, they had formally nominated deputies in their stead. I + find, on referring to the city records, that "George of Tours" + had been appointed to officiate in the absence of the Provost, + and that four other persons were selected to discharge the office + of bailies until the magistrates should return.</p> + + <p>It is impossible to describe the consternation which pervaded + the whole of Scotland when the intelligence of the defeat became + known. In Edinburgh it was excessive. Mr. Arnot, in the history + of that city, says,—</p> + + <p>"The news of their overthrow in the field of Flodden reached + Edinburgh on the day after the battle, and overwhelmed the + inhabitants with grief and confusion. The streets were crowded + with women seeking intelligence about their friends, clamouring + and weeping. Those who officiated in absence of the magistrates + proved themselves worthy of the trust. They issued a + proclamation, ordering all the inhabitants to assemble in + military array for defence of the city, on the tolling of the + bell; and commanding, 'that all women, and especially strangers, + do repair to their work, and not be seen upon the street + <i>clamorand and cryand</i>; and that women of the better sort do + repair to the church and offer up prayers, at the stated hours, + for our Sovereign Lord and his army, and the townsmen who are + with the army.'"</p> + + <p>Indeed the council records bear ample evidence of the + emergency of that occasion. Throughout the earlier pages, the + word "Flowdoun" frequently occurs on the margin, in reference to + various hurried orders for arming and defence; and there can be + no doubt that, had the English forces attempted to follow up + their victory, and attack the Scottish capital, the citizens + would have resisted to the last. But it soon became apparent that + the loss sustained by the English was so severe, that Surrey was + in no condition to avail himself of the opportunity; and in fact, + shortly afterwards, he was compelled to disband his army.</p> + + <p>The references to the city banner, contained in the following + poem, may require a word of explanation. It is a standard still + held in great honour and reverence by the burghers of Edinburgh, + having been presented to them by James the Third, in return for + their loyal service in 1482. This banner, along with that of the + Earl Marischal, still conspicuous in the Library of the Faculty + of Advocates, was honourably brought back from Flodden, and + certainly never could have been displayed in a more memorable + field. Maitland says, with reference to this very interesting + relic of antiquity,—</p> + + <p>"As a perpetual remembrance of the loyalty and bravery of the + Edinburghers on the aforesaid occasion, the King granted them a + banner or standard, with a power to display the same in defence + of their king, country, and their own rights. This flag is kept + by the Convener of the Trades; at whose appearance therewith, it + is said that not only the artificers of Edinburgh are obliged to + repair to it, but all the artisans or craftsmen within Scotland + are bound to follow it, and fight under the Convener of Edinburgh + as aforesaid."</p> + + <p>No event in Scottish history ever took a more lasting hold of + the public mind than the "woeful fight" of Flodden; and, even + now, the songs and traditions which are current on the Border + recall the memory of a contest unsullied by disgrace, though + terminating in disaster and defeat.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_4"><!-- RULE4 4 --></a> + + <h2>EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>News of battle!—news of battle!</p> + + <p class="i2">Hark! 'tis ringing down the street:</p> + + <p>And the archways and the pavement</p> + + <p class="i2">Bear the clang of hurrying feet.</p> + + <p>News of battle? Who hath brought it?</p> + + <p class="i2">News of triumph? Who should bring</p> + + <p>Tidings from our noble army,</p> + + <p class="i2">Greetings from our gallant King?</p> + + <p>All last night we watched the beacons</p> + + <p class="i2">Blazing on the hills afar,</p> + + <p>Each one bearing, as it kindled,</p> + + <p class="i2">Message of the opened war.</p> + + <p>All night long the northern streamers</p> + + <p class="i2">Shot across the trembling sky:</p> + + <p>Fearful lights, that never beckon</p> + + <p class="i2">Save when kings or heroes die.</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>News of battle! Who hath brought it?</p> + + <p class="i2">All are thronging to the gate;</p> + + <p>"Warder—warder! open quickly!</p> + + <p class="i2">Man—is this a time to wait?"</p> + + <p>And the heavy gates are opened:</p> + + <p class="i2">Then a murmur long and loud,</p> + + <p>And a cry of fear and wonder</p> + + <p class="i2">Bursts from out the bending crowd.</p> + + <p>For they see in battered harness</p> + + <p class="i2">Only one hard-stricken man,</p> + + <p>And his weary steed is wounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his cheek is pale and wan.</p> + + <p>Spearless hangs a bloody banner</p> + + <p class="i2">In his weak and drooping hand—</p> + + <p>God! can that be Randolph Murray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Captain of the city band?</p> + </div> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Round him crush the people, crying,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Tell us all—oh, tell us true!</p> + + <p>Where are they who went to battle,</p> + + <p class="i2">Randolph Murray, sworn to you?</p> + + <p>Where are they, our brothers—children?</p> + + <p class="i2">Have they met the English foe?</p> + + <p>Why art thou alone, unfollowed?</p> + + <p class="i2">Is it weal, or is it woe?"</p> + + <p>Like a corpse the grisly warrior</p> + + <p class="i2">Looks from out his helm of steel;</p> + + <p>But no word he speaks in answer,</p> + + <p class="i2">Only with his armèd heel</p> + + <p>Chides his weary steed, and onward</p> + + <p class="i2">Up the city streets they ride;</p> + + <p>Fathers, sisters, mothers, children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shrieking, praying by his side.</p> + + <p>"By the God that made thee, Randolph!</p> + + <p class="i2">Tell us what mischance hath come!"</p> + + <p>Then he lifts his riven banner,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the asker's voice is dumb.</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The elders of the city</p> + + <p class="i2">Have met within their hall—</p> + + <p>The men whom good King James had charged</p> + + <p class="i2">To watch the tower and wall.</p> + + <p>"Your hands are weak with age," he said,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Your hearts are stout and true;</p> + + <p>So bide ye in the Maiden Town,</p> + + <p class="i2">While others fight for you.</p> + + <p>My trumpet from the Border-side</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall send a blast so clear,</p> + + <p>That all who wait within the gate</p> + + <p class="i2">That stirring sound may hear.</p> + + <p>Or, if it be the will of heaven</p> + + <p class="i2">That back I never come,</p> + + <p>And if, instead of Scottish shouts,</p> + + <p class="i2">Ye hear the English drum,—</p> + + <p>Then let the warning bells ring out,</p> + + <p class="i2">Then gird you to the fray,</p> + + <p>Then man the walls like burghers stout,</p> + + <p class="i2">And fight while fight you may.</p> + + <p>'T were better that in fiery flame</p> + + <p class="i2">The roofs should thunder down,</p> + + <p>Than that the foot of foreign foe</p> + + <p class="i2">Should trample in the town!"</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then in came Randolph Murray,—</p> + + <p class="i2">His step was slow and weak,</p> + + <p>And, as he doffed his dinted helm,</p> + + <p class="i2">The tears ran down his cheek:</p> + + <p>They fell upon his corslet,</p> + + <p class="i2">And on his mailèd hand,</p> + + <p>As he gazed around him wistfully,</p> + + <p class="i2">Leaning sorely on his brand.</p> + + <p>And none who then beheld him</p> + + <p class="i2">But straight were smote with fear,</p> + + <p>For a bolder and a sterner man</p> + + <p class="i2">Had never couched a spear.</p> + + <p>They knew so sad a messenger</p> + + <p class="i2">Some ghastly news must bring:</p> + + <p>And all of them were fathers,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their sons were with the King.</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And up then rose the Provost—</p> + + <p class="i2">A brave old man was he,</p> + + <p>Of ancient name and knightly fame,</p> + + <p class="i2">And chivalrous degree.</p> + + <p>He ruled our city like a Lord</p> + + <p>Who brooked no equal here,</p> + + <p class="i2">And ever for the townsmen's rights</p> + + <p>Stood up 'gainst prince and peer.</p> + + <p class="i2">And he had seen the Scottish host</p> + + <p>March from the Borough-muir,</p> + + <p class="i2">With music-storm and clamorous shout</p> + + <p>And all the din that thunders out,</p> + + <p class="i2">When youth's of victory sure.</p> + + <p>But yet a dearer thought had he,</p> + + <p class="i2">For, with a father's pride,</p> + + <p>He saw his last remaining son</p> + + <p class="i2">Go forth by Randolph's side,</p> + + <p>With casque on head and spur on heel,</p> + + <p class="i2">All keen to do and dare;</p> + + <p>And proudly did that gallant boy</p> + + <p class="i2">Dunedin's banner bear.</p> + + <p>Oh, woeful now was the old man's look,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he spake right heavily—</p> + + <p>"Now, Randolph, tell thy tidings,</p> + + <p class="i2">However sharp they be!</p> + + <p>Woe is written on thy visage,</p> + + <p class="i2">Death is looking from thy face:</p> + + <p>Speak, though it be of overthrow—-</p> + + <p class="i2">It cannot be disgrace!"</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Right bitter was the agony</p> + + <p class="i2">That wrung the soldier proud:</p> + + <p>Thrice did he strive to answer,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thrice he groaned aloud.</p> + + <p>Then he gave the riven banner</p> + + <p class="i2">To the old man's shaking hand,</p> + + <p>Saying—"That is all I bring ye</p> + + <p class="i2">From the bravest of the land!</p> + + <p>Ay! ye may look upon it—</p> + + <p class="i2">It was guarded well and long,</p> + + <p>By your brothers and your children,</p> + + <p class="i2">By the valiant and the strong.</p> + + <p>One by one they fell around it,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the archers laid them low,</p> + + <p>Grimly dying, still unconquered,</p> + + <p class="i2">With their faces to the foe.</p> + + <p>Ay! ye well may look upon it—</p> + + <p class="i2">There is more than honour there,</p> + + <p>Else, be sure, I had not brought it</p> + + <p class="i2">From the field of dark despair.</p> + + <p>Never yet was royal banner</p> + + <p class="i2">Steeped in such a costly dye;</p> + + <p>It hath lain upon a bosom</p> + + <p class="i2">Where no other shroud shall lie.</p> + + <p>Sirs! I charge you keep it holy,</p> + + <p class="i2">Keep it as a sacred thing,</p> + + <p>For the stain you see upon it</p> + + <p class="i2">Was the life-blood of your King!"</p> + </div> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Woe, woe, and lamentation!</p> + + <p class="i2">What a piteous cry was there!</p> + + <p>Widows, maidens, mothers, children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shrieking, sobbing in despair!</p> + + <p>Through the streets the death-word rushes,</p> + + <p class="i2">Spreading terror, sweeping on—</p> + + <p>"Jesu Christ! our King has fallen—</p> + + <p class="i2">O great God, King James is gone!</p> + + <p>Holy Mother Mary, shield us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou who erst did lose thy Son!</p> + + <p>O the blackest day for Scotland</p> + + <p class="i2">That she ever knew before!</p> + + <p>O our King—the good, the noble,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall we see him never more?</p> + + <p>Woe to us and woe to Scotland,</p> + + <p class="i2">O our sons, our sons and men!</p> + + <p>Surely some have 'scaped the Southron,</p> + + <p class="i2">Surely some will come again!"</p> + + <p>Till the oak that fell last winter</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall uprear its shattered stem—</p> + + <p>Wives and mothers of Dunedin—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ye may look in vain for them!</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But within the Council Chamber</p> + + <p class="i2">All was silent as the grave,</p> + + <p>Whilst the tempest of their sorrow</p> + + <p class="i2">Shook the bosoms of the brave.</p> + + <p>Well indeed might they be shaken</p> + + <p class="i2">With the weight of such a blow:</p> + + <p>He was gone—their prince, their idol,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom they loved and worshipped so!</p> + + <p>Like a knell of death and judgment</p> + + <p class="i2">Rung from heaven by angel hand,</p> + + <p>Fell the words of desolation</p> + + <p class="i2">On the elders of the land.</p> + + <p>Hoary heads were bowed and trembling,</p> + + <p class="i2">Withered hands were clasped and wrung:</p> + + <p>God had left the old and feeble,</p> + + <p class="i2">He had ta'en away the young.</p> + </div> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then the Provost he uprose,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his lip was ashen white,</p> + + <p>But a flush was on his brow,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his eye was full of light.</p> + + <p>"Thou hast spoken, Randolph Murray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a soldier stout and true;</p> + + <p>Thou hast done a deed of daring</p> + + <p class="i2">Had been perilled but by few.</p> + + <p>For thou hast not shamed to face us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor to speak thy ghastly tale,</p> + + <p>Standing—thou, a knight and captain—</p> + + <p class="i2">Here, alive within thy mail!</p> + + <p>Now, as my God shall judge me,</p> + + <p class="i2">I hold it braver done,</p> + + <p>Than hadst thou tarried in thy place,</p> + + <p class="i2">And died above my son!</p> + + <p>Thou needst not tell it: he is dead.</p> + + <p class="i2">God help us all this day!</p> + + <p>But speak—how fought the citizens</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the furious fray?</p> + + <p>For, by the might of Mary,</p> + + <p class="i2">'T were something still to tell</p> + + <p>That no Scottish foot went backward</p> + + <p class="i2">When the Royal Lion fell!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"No one failed him! He is keeping</p> + + <p class="i2">Royal state and semblance still;</p> + + <p>Knight and noble lie around him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Cold on Flodden's fatal hill.</p> + + <p>Of the brave and gallant-hearted,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom ye sent with prayers away,</p> + + <p>Not a single man departed</p> + + <p class="i2">From his monarch yesterday.</p> + + <p>Had you seen them, O my masters!</p> + + <p class="i2">When the night began to fall,</p> + + <p>And the English spearmen gathered</p> + + <p class="i2">Round a grim and ghastly wall!</p> + + <p>As the wolves in winter circle</p> + + <p class="i2">Round the leaguer on the heath,</p> + + <p>So the greedy foe glared upward,</p> + + <p class="i2">Panting still for blood and death.</p> + + <p>But a rampart rose before them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Which the boldest dared not scale;</p> + + <p>Every stone a Scottish body,</p> + + <p class="i2">Every step a corpse in mail!</p> + + <p>And behind it lay our monarch</p> + + <p class="i2">Clenching still his shivered sword:</p> + + <p>By his side Montrose and Athole,</p> + + <p class="i2">At his feet a southern lord.</p> + + <p>All so thick they lay together,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the stars lit up the sky,</p> + + <p>That I knew not who were stricken,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or who yet remained to die,</p> + + <p>Few there were when Surrey halted,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his wearied host withdrew;</p> + + <p>None but dying men around me,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the English trumpet blew.</p> + + <p>Then I stooped, and took the banner,</p> + + <p class="i2">As ye see it, from his breast,</p> + + <p>And I closed our hero's eyelids,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I left him to his rest.</p> + + <p>In the mountains growled the thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">As I leaped the woeful wall,</p> + + <p>And the heavy clouds were settling</p> + + <p class="i2">Over Flodden, like a pall."</p> + </div> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So he ended. And the others</p> + + <p class="i2">Cared not any answer then;</p> + + <p>Sitting silent, dumb with sorrow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sitting anguish-struck, like men</p> + + <p>Who have seen the roaring torrent</p> + + <p class="i2">Sweep their happy homes away,</p> + + <p>And yet linger by the margin,</p> + + <p class="i2">Staring idly on the spray.</p> + + <p>But, without, the maddening tumult</p> + + <p class="i2">Waxes ever more and more,</p> + + <p>And the crowd of wailing women</p> + + <p class="i2">Gather round the Council door.</p> + + <p>Every dusky spire is ringing</p> + + <p class="i2">With a dull and hollow knell,</p> + + <p>And the Miserere's singing</p> + + <p class="i2">To the tolling of the bell.</p> + + <p>Through the streets the burghers hurry,</p> + + <p class="i2">Spreading terror as they go;</p> + + <p>And the rampart's thronged with watchers</p> + + <p class="i2">For the coming of the foe.</p> + + <p>From each mountain-top a pillar</p> + + <p class="i2">Streams into the torpid air,</p> + + <p>Bearing token from the Border</p> + + <p class="i2">That the English host is there.</p> + + <p>All without is flight and terror,</p> + + <p class="i2">All within is woe and fear—</p> + + <p>God protect thee, Maiden City,</p> + + <p class="i2">For thy latest hour is near!</p> + </div> + + <p>XIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No! not yet, thou high Dunedin!</p> + + <p class="i2">Shalt thou totter to thy fall;</p> + + <p>Though thy bravest and thy strongest</p> + + <p class="i2">Are not there to man the wall.</p> + + <p>No, not yet! the ancient spirit</p> + + <p class="i2">Of our fathers hath not gone;</p> + + <p>Take it to thee as a buckler</p> + + <p class="i2">Better far than steel or stone.</p> + + <p>Oh, remember those who perished</p> + + <p class="i2">For thy birthright at the time</p> + + <p>When to be a Scot was treason,</p> + + <p class="i2">And to side with Wallace, crime!</p> + + <p>Have they not a voice among us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whilst their hallowed dust is here?</p> + + <p>Hear ye not a summons sounding</p> + + <p class="i2">From each buried warrior's bier?</p> + + <p>"Up!"—they say—"and keep the freedom</p> + + <p class="i2">Which we won you long ago:</p> + + <p>Up! and keep our graves unsullied</p> + + <p class="i2">From the insults of the foe!</p> + + <p>Up! and if ye cannot save them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Come to us in blood and fire:</p> + + <p>Midst the crash of falling turrets,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let the last of Scots expire!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XIV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Still the bells are tolling fiercely,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the cry comes louder in;</p> + + <p>Mothers wailing for their children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sisters for their slaughtered kin.</p> + + <p>All is terror and disorder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till the Provost rises up,</p> + + <p>Calm, as though he had not tasted</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the fell and bitter cup.</p> + + <p>All so stately from his sorrow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose the old undaunted Chief,</p> + + <p>That you had not deemed, to see him,</p> + + <p class="i2">His was more than common grief.</p> + + <p>"Rouse ye, Sirs!" he said; "we may not</p> + + <p class="i2">Longer mourn for what is done:</p> + + <p>If our King be taken from us,</p> + + <p class="i2">We are left to guard his son.</p> + + <p>We have sworn to keep the city</p> + + <p class="i2">From the foe, whate'er they be,</p> + + <p>And the oath that we have taken</p> + + <p class="i2">Never shall be broke by me.</p> + + <p>Death is nearer to us, brethren,</p> + + <p class="i2">Than it seemed to those who died,</p> + + <p>Fighting yesterday at Flodden,</p> + + <p class="i2">By their lord and master's side.</p> + + <p>Let us meet it then in patience,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not in terror or in fear;</p> + + <p>Though our hearts are bleeding yonder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let our souls be steadfast here.</p> + + <p>Up, and rouse ye! Time is fleeting,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we yet have much to do;</p> + + <p>Up! and haste ye through the city,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stir the burghers stout and true!</p> + + <p>Gather all our scattered people,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fling the banner out once more,—</p> + + <p>Randolph Murray! do thou bear it,</p> + + <p class="i2">As it erst was borne before:</p> + + <p>Never Scottish heart will leave it,</p> + + <p class="i2">When they see their monarch's gore!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Let them cease that dismal knelling!</p> + + <p class="i2">It is time enough to ring,</p> + + <p>When the fortress-strength of Scotland</p> + + <p class="i2">Stoops to ruin like its King.</p> + + <p>Let the bells be kept for warning,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not for terror or alarm;</p> + + <p>When they next are heard to thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let each man and stripling arm.</p> + + <p>Bid the women leave their wailing,—</p> + + <p class="i2">Do they think that woeful strain,</p> + + <p>From the bloody heaps of Flodden</p> + + <p class="i2">Can redeem their dearest slain?</p> + + <p>Bid them cease,—or rather hasten</p> + + <p class="i2">To the churches, every one;</p> + + <p>There to pray to Mary Mother,</p> + + <p class="i2">And to her anointed Son,</p> + + <p>That the thunderbolt above us</p> + + <p class="i2">May not fall in ruin yet;</p> + + <p>That in fire, and blood, and rapine,</p> + + <p class="i2">Scotland's glory may not set.</p> + + <p>Let them pray,—for never women</p> + + <p class="i2">Stood in need of such a prayer!</p> + + <p>England's yeomen shall not find them</p> + + <p class="i2">Clinging to the altars there.</p> + + <p>No! if we are doomed to perish,</p> + + <p class="i2">Man and maiden, let us fall;</p> + + <p>And a common gulf of ruin</p> + + <p class="i2">Open wide to whelm us all!</p> + + <p>Never shall the ruthless spoiler</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay his hot insulting hand</p> + + <p>On the sisters of our heroes,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whilst we bear a torch or brand!</p> + + <p>Up! and rouse ye, then, my brothers,</p> + + <p class="i2">But when next ye hear the bell</p> + + <p>Sounding forth the sullen summons</p> + + <p class="i2">That may be our funeral knell,</p> + + <p>Once more let us meet together,</p> + + <p class="i2">Once more see each other's face;</p> + + <p>Then, like men that need not tremble,</p> + + <p class="i2">Go to our appointed place.</p> + + <p>God, our Father, will not fail us</p> + + <p class="i2">In that last tremendous hour,—</p> + + <p>If all other bulwarks crumble,</p> + + <p class="i2">HE will be our strength and tower:</p> + + <p>Though the ramparts rock beneath us,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the walls go crashing down,</p> + + <p>Though the roar of conflagration</p> + + <p class="i2">Bellow o'er the sinking town;</p> + + <p>There is yet one place of shelter,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the foeman cannot come,</p> + + <p>Where the summons never sounded</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the trumpet or the drum.</p> + + <p>There again we'll meet our children,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who, on Flodden's trampled sod,</p> + + <p>For their king and for their country</p> + + <p class="i2">Rendered up their souls to God.</p> + + <p>There shall we find rest and refuge,</p> + + <p class="i2">With our dear departed brave;</p> + + <p>And the ashes of the city</p> + + <p class="i2">Be our universal grave!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_5"><!-- RULE4 5 --></a> + + <h2>THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE</h2> + + <p>The most poetical chronicler would find it impossible to + render the incidents of Montrose's brilliant career more + picturesque than the reality. Among the devoted champions who, + during the wildest and most stormy period of our history, + maintained the cause of Church and King, "the Great Marquis" + undoubtedly is entitled to the foremost place. Even party + malevolence, by no means extinct at the present day, has been + unable to detract from the eulogy pronounced upon him by the + famous Cardinal de Retz, the friend of Condé and Turenne, + when he thus summed up his character:—"Montrose, a Scottish + nobleman, head of the house of Grahame—the only man in the + world that has ever realised to me the ideas of certain heroes, + whom we now discover nowhere but in the lives of + Plutarch—has sustained in his own country the cause of the + King his master, with a greatness of soul that has not found its + equal in our age."</p> + + <p>But the success of the victorious leader and patriot is almost + thrown into the shade by the noble magnanimity and Christian + heroism of the man in the hour of defeat and death. Without + wishing, in any degree, to revive a controversy long maintained + by writers of opposite political and polemical opinions, it may + fairly be stated that Scottish history does not present us with a + tragedy of parallel interest. That the execution of Montrose was + the natural, nay, the inevitable, consequence of his capture, may + be freely admitted even by the fiercest partisan of the cause for + which he staked his life. In those times, neither party was + disposed to lenity; and Montrose was far too conspicuous a + character, and too dangerous a man, to be forgiven. But the + ignominious and savage treatment which he received at the hands + of those whose station and descent should at least have taught + them to respect misfortune, has left an indelible stain upon the + memory of the Covenanting chiefs, and more especially upon that + of Argyle.</p> + + <p>The perfect serenity of the man in the hour of trial and + death, the courage and magnanimity which he displayed to the + last, have been dwelt upon with admiration by writers of every + class. He heard his sentence delivered without any apparent + emotion, and afterwards told the magistrates who waited upon him + in prison, "that he was much indebted to the Parliament for the + great honour they had decreed him"; adding, "that he was prouder + to have his head placed upon the top of the prison, than if they + had decreed a golden statue to be erected to him in the + market-place, or that his picture should be hung in the King's + bedchamber." He said, "he thanked them for their care to preserve + the remembrance of his loyalty, by transmitting such monuments to + the different parts of the kingdom; and only wished that he had + flesh enough to have sent a piece to every city in Christendom, + as a token of his unshaken love and fidelity to his king and + country." On the night before his execution, he inscribed the + following lines with a diamond on the window of his + jail:—</p> + <pre> + "Let them bestow on every airth a limb, + Then, open all my veins, that I may swim + To thee, my Maker! in that crimson lake; + Then place my parboiled head upon a stake— + Scatter my ashes—strew them in the air: + Lord! since thou know'st where all these atoms are, + I'm hopeful thou'lt recover once my dust, + And confident thou'lt raise me with the just." +</pre> + + <p>After the Restoration, the dust <i>was</i> recovered, the + scattered remnants collected, and the bones of the hero conveyed + to their final resting-place by a numerous assemblage of + gentlemen of his family and name.</p> + + <p>There is no ingredient of fiction in the historical incidents + recorded in the following ballad. The indignities that were + heaped upon Montrose during his procession through Edinburgh, his + appearance before the Estates, and his last passage to the + scaffold, as well as his undaunted bearing, have all been spoken + to by eyewitnesses of the scene. A graphic and vivid sketch of + the whole will be found in Mr. Mark Napier's volume, <i>The Life + and Times of Montrose</i>—a work as chivalrous in its tone + as the <i>Chronicles</i> of Froissart, and abounding in original + and most interesting materials; but, in order to satisfy all + scruple, the authorities for each fact are given in the shape of + notes. The ballad may be considered as a narrative of the + transactions, related by an aged Highlander, who had followed + Montrose throughout his campaigns, to his grandson, shortly + before the battle of Killiecrankie.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_6"><!-- RULE4 6 --></a> + + <h2>THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Come hither, Evan Cameron!</p> + + <p class="i2">Come, stand beside my knee—</p> + + <p>I hear the river roaring down</p> + + <p class="i2">Towards the wintry sea.</p> + + <p>There's shouting on the mountain side,</p> + + <p class="i2">There's war within the blast—</p> + + <p>Old faces look upon me,</p> + + <p class="i2">Old forms go trooping past.</p> + + <p>I hear the pibroch wailing</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst the din of fight,</p> + + <p>And my dim spirit wakes again</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon the verge of night!</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Twas I that led the Highland host</p> + + <p class="i2">Through wild Lochaber's snows,</p> + + <p>What time the plaided clans came down</p> + + <p class="i2">To battle with Montrose.</p> + + <p>I've told thee how the Southrons fell</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the broad claymore,</p> + + <p>And how we smote the Campbell clan</p> + + <p class="i2">By Inverlochy's shore.</p> + + <p>I've told thee how we swept Dundee,</p> + + <p class="i2">And tamed the Lindsay's pride;</p> + + <p>But never have I told thee yet</p> + + <p class="i2">How the Great Marquis died!</p> + </div><a name="p36"></a> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A traitor sold him to his foes;</p> + + <p class="i2">O deed of deathless shame!</p> + + <p>I charge thee, boy, if e'er thou meet</p> + + <p class="i2">With one of Assynt's name—</p> + + <p>Be it upon the mountain's side,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or yet within the glen,</p> + + <p>Stand he in martial gear alone,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or backed by armèd men—</p> + + <p>Face him, as thou wouldst face the man</p> + + <p class="i2">Who wronged thy sire's renown;</p> + + <p>Remember of what blood thou art,</p> + + <p class="i2">And strike the caitiff down!</p> + </div><a name="p36-2"></a> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>They brought him to the Watergate,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hard bound with hempen span,</p> + + <p>As though they held a lion there,</p> + + <p class="i2">And not a 'fenceless man.</p> + + <p>They set him high upon a cart—</p> + + <p class="i2">The hangman rode below—</p> + + <p>They drew his hands behind his back,</p> + + <p class="i2">And bared his noble brow.</p> + + <p>Then, as a hound is slipped from leash,</p> + + <p class="i2">They cheered the common throng,</p> + + <p>And blew the note with yell and shout,</p> + + <p class="i2">And bade him pass along.</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It would have made a brave man's heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Grow sad and sick that day,</p> + + <p>To watch the keen malignant eyes</p> + + <p class="i2">Bent down on that array.</p> + + <p>There stood the Whig west-country lords</p> + + <p class="i2">In balcony and bow,</p> + + <p>There sat their gaunt and withered dames,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their daughters all a-row;</p> + + <p>And every open window</p> + + <p class="i2">Was full as full might be,</p> + + <p>With black-robed Covenanting carles,</p> + + <p class="i2">That goodly sport to see!</p> + </div><a name="p37"></a> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But when he came, though pale and wan,</p> + + <p class="i2">He looked so great and high,</p> + + <p>So noble was his manly front,</p> + + <p class="i2">So calm his steadfast eye;—</p> + + <p>The rabble rout forebore to shout,</p> + + <p class="i2">And each man held his breath,</p> + + <p>For well they knew the hero's soul</p> + + <p class="i2">Was face to face with death.</p> + + <p>And then a mournful shudder</p> + + <p class="i2">Through all the people crept,</p> + + <p>And some that came to scoff at him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Now turn'd aside and wept.</p> + </div><a name="p38"></a> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But onwards—always onwards,</p> + + <p class="i2">In silence and in gloom,</p> + + <p>The dreary pageant laboured,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till it reach'd the house of doom:</p> + + <p>Then first a woman's voice was heard</p> + + <p class="i2">In jeer and laughter loud,</p> + + <p>And an angry cry and a hiss arose</p> + + <p class="i2">From the heart of the tossing crowd:</p> + + <p>Then, as the Græme looked upwards,</p> + + <p class="i2">He met the ugly smile</p> + + <p>Of him who sold his King for gold—</p> + + <p class="i2">The master-fiend Argyle!</p> + </div><a name="p39"></a> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The Marquis gazed a moment,</p> + + <p class="i2">And nothing did he say,</p> + + <p>But the cheek of Argyle grew ghastly pale,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he turned his eyes away.</p> + + <p>The painted harlot by his side,</p> + + <p class="i2">She shook through every limb,</p> + + <p>For a roar like thunder swept the street,</p> + + <p class="i2">And hands were clenched at him,</p> + + <p>And a Saxon soldier cried aloud,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Back, coward, from thy place!</p> + + <p>For seven long years thou hast not dared</p> + + <p class="i2">To look him in the face."</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Had I been there with sword in hand,</p> + + <p class="i2">And fifty Camerons by,</p> + + <p>That day through high Dunedin's streets,</p> + + <p class="i2">Had pealed the slogan cry.</p> + + <p>Not all their troops of trampling horse,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor might of mailèd men—</p> + + <p>Not all the rebels of the south</p> + + <p class="i2">Had borne us backwards then!</p> + + <p>Once more his foot on Highland heath</p> + + <p class="i2">Had trod as free as air,</p> + + <p>Or I, and all who bore my name,</p> + + <p class="i2">Been laid around him there!</p> + </div><a name="p40"></a> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It might not be. They placed him next</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the solemn hall,</p> + + <p>Where once the Scottish Kings were throned</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst their nobles all.</p> + + <p>But there was dust of vulgar feet</p> + + <p class="i2">On that polluted floor,</p> + + <p>And perjured traitors filled the place</p> + + <p class="i2">Where good men sate before.</p> + + <p>With savage glee came Warristoun</p> + + <p class="i2">To read the murderous doom,</p> + + <p>And then uprose the great Montrose</p> + + <p class="i2">In the middle of the room.</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now by my faith as belted knight,</p> + + <p class="i2">And by the name I bear,</p> + + <p>And by the bright Saint Andrew's cross</p> + + <p class="i2">That waves above us there—</p> + + <p>Yea, by a greater, mightier oath—</p> + + <p class="i2">And oh, that such should be!—</p> + + <p>By that dark stream of royal blood</p> + + <p class="i2">That lies 'twixt you and me—</p> + + <p>I have not sought in battle-field</p> + + <p class="i2">A wreath of such renown,</p> + + <p>Nor dared I hope, on my dying day,</p> + + <p class="i2">To win the martyr's crown!"</p> + </div><a name="p41"></a> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"There is a chamber far away</p> + + <p class="i2">Where sleep the good and brave,</p> + + <p>But a better place ye have named for me</p> + + <p class="i2">Than by my father's grave.</p> + + <p>For truth and right, 'gainst treason's might,</p> + + <p class="i2">This hand hath always striven,</p> + + <p>And ye raise it up for a witness still</p> + + <p class="i2">In the eye of earth and heaven.</p> + + <p>Then nail my head on yonder tower—</p> + + <p class="i2">Give every town a limb—</p> + + <p>And God who made shall gather them:</p> + + <p class="i2">I go from you to Him!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The morning dawned full darkly,</p> + + <p class="i2">The rain came flashing down,</p> + + <p>And the jagged streak of the levin-bolt</p> + + <p class="i2">Lit up the gloomy town:</p> + + <p>The heavens were thundering out their wrath,</p> + + <p class="i2">The fatal hour was come;</p> + + <p>Yet ever sounded sullenly</p> + + <p class="i2">The trumpet and the drum.</p> + + <p>There was madness on the earth below,</p> + + <p class="i2">And anger in the sky,</p> + + <p>And young and old, and rich and poor,</p> + + <p class="i2">Came forth to see him die.</p> + </div> + + <p>XIV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ah, God! that ghastly gibbet!</p> + + <p class="i2">How dismal 't is to see</p> + + <p>The great tall spectral skeleton,</p> + + <p class="i2">The ladder, and the tree!</p> + + <p>Hark! hark! it is the clash of arms—</p> + + <p class="i2">The bells begin to toll—</p> + + <p>He is coming! he is coming!</p> + + <p class="i2">God's mercy on his soul!</p> + + <p>One last long peal of thunder—</p> + + <p class="i2">The clouds are cleared away,</p> + + <p>And the glorious sun once more looks down</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst the dazzling day.</p> + </div><a name="p42"></a> + + <p>XV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He is coming! he is coming!</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a bridegroom from his room,</p> + + <p>Came the hero from his prison</p> + + <p class="i2">To the scaffold and the doom.</p> + + <p>There was glory on his forehead,</p> + + <p class="i2">There was lustre in his eye,</p> + + <p>And he never walked to battle</p> + + <p class="i2">More proudly than to die:</p> + + <p>There was colour in his visage,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though the cheeks of all were wan,</p> + + <p>And they marvelled as they saw him pass,</p> + + <p class="i2">That great and goodly man!</p> + </div> + + <p>XVI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He mounted up the scaffold,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he turned him to the crowd;</p> + + <p>But they dared not trust the people,</p> + + <p class="i2">So he might not speak aloud.</p> + + <p>But he looked upon the heavens,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they were clear and blue,</p> + + <p>And in the liquid ether</p> + + <p class="i2">The eye of God shone through:</p> + + <p>Yet a black and murky battlement</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay resting on the hill,</p> + + <p>As though the thunder slept within—</p> + + <p class="i2">All else was calm and still.</p> + </div><a name="p43-2"></a> + + <p>XVII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The grim Geneva ministers</p> + + <p class="i2">With anxious scowl drew near,</p> + + <p>As you have seen the ravens flock</p> + + <p class="i2">Around the dying deer.</p> + + <p>He would not deign them word nor sign,</p> + + <p class="i2">But alone he bent the knee;</p> + + <p>And veiled his face for Christ's dear grace</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the gallows-tree.</p> + + <p>Then radiant and serene he rose,</p> + + <p class="i2">And cast his cloak away:</p> + + <p>For he had ta'en his latest look</p> + + <p class="i2">Of earth, and sun, and day.</p> + </div><a name="p43"></a> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>XVIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A beam of light fell o'er him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a glory round the shriven,</p> + + <p>And he climbed the lofty ladder</p> + + <p class="i2">As it were the path to heaven.</p> + + <p>Then came a flash from out the cloud,</p> + + <p class="i2">And a stunning thunder roll,</p> + + <p>And no man dared to look aloft,</p> + + <p class="i2">For fear was on every soul.</p> + + <p>There was another heavy sound,</p> + + <p class="i2">A hush and then a groan;</p> + + <p>And darkness swept across the sky—</p> + + <p class="i2">The work of death was done!</p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_7"><!-- RULE4 7 --></a> + + <h2>NOTES TO "THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE"</h2> + <pre> + "<i>A traitor sold him to his foes</i>,"—<a href= +"#p36">III.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"The contemporary historian of the Earls of Sutherland + records, that (after the defeat of Invercarron) Montrose and + Kinnoul 'wandered up the river Kyle the whole ensuing night, and + the next day, and the third day also, without any food or + sustenance, and at last came within the country of Assynt. The + Earl of Kinnoul, being faint for lack of meat, and not able to + travel any further, was left there among the mountains, where it + was supposed he perished. Montrose had almost famished, but that + he fortuned in his misery to light upon a small cottage in that + wilderness, where he was supplied with some milk and bread.' Not + even the iron frame of Montrose could endure a prolonged + existence under such circumstances. He gave himself up to Macleod + of Assynt, a former adherent, from whom he had reason to expect + assistance in consideration of that circumstance, and, indeed, + from the dictates of honourable feeling and common humanity. As + the Argyle faction had sold the King, so this Highlander rendered + his own name infamous by selling the hero to the Covenanters, for + which 'duty to the public' he was rewarded with four hundred + bolls of meal."—NAPIER'S <i>Life of Montrose</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>They brought him to the Watergate</i>,"—<a href= +"#p36-2">IV.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"<i>Friday, 17th May</i>.—Act ordaining James Grahame to + be brought from the Watergate on a cart, bareheaded, the hangman + in his livery, covered, riding on the horse that draws the + cart—the prisoner to be bound to the cart with a + rope—to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, and from thence to be + brought to the Parliament House, and there, in the place of + delinquents, on his knees, to receive his sentence—viz., to + be hanged on a gibbet at the Cross of Edinburgh, with his book + and declaration tied on a rope about his neck, and there to hang + for the space of three hours until he be dead; and thereafter to + be cut down by the hangman, his head, hands, and legs to be cut + off, and distributed as follows—viz., his head to be + affixed on an iron pin, and set on the pinnacle of the west gavel + of the new prison of Edinburgh; one hand to be set on the port of + Perth, the other on the port of Stirling; one leg and foot on the + port of Aberdeen, the other on the port of Glasgow. If at his + death penitent, and relaxed from excommunication, then the trunk + of his body to be interred, by pioneers, in the Greyfriars; + otherwise, to be interred in the Boroughmuir, by the hangman's + men, under the gallows."—BALFOUR'S <i>Notes of + Parliament</i>.</p> + + <p>It is needless to remark that this inhuman sentence was + executed to the letter. In order that the exposure might be more + complete, the cart was constructed with a high chair in the + centre, having holes behind, through which the ropes that + fastened him were drawn. The author of the <i>Wigton Papers</i>, + recently published by the Maitland Club, says, "The reason of his + being tied to the cart was in hope that the people would have + stoned him, and that he might not be able by his hands to save + his face." His hat was then pulled off by the hangman and the + procession commenced.</p> + <pre> + "<i>But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high</i>,"—<a href= +"#p37">VI.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"In all the way, there appeared in him such majesty, courage, + modesty—and even somewhat more than natural—that + those common women who had lost their husbands and children in + his wars, and who were hired to stone him, were upon the sight of + him so astonished and moved, that their intended curses turned + into tears and prayers; so that next day <i>all the ministers + preached against them for not stoning and reviling + him."—Wigton Papers.</i></p> + <pre> + "<i>Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud</i>,"—<a href= +"#p38">VII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"It is remarkable that, of the many thousand beholders, the + Lady Jean Gordon, Countess of Haddington, did (alone) publicly + insult and laugh at him; which being perceived by a gentleman in + the street, he cried up to her, that it became her better to sit + upon the cart for her adulteries."—<i>Wigton Papers</i>. + This infamous woman was the third daughter of Huntly, and the + niece of Argyle. It will hardly be credited that she was the + sister of that gallant Lord Gordon, who fell fighting by the side + of Montrose, only five years before, at the battle of + Aldford!</p> + <pre> + "<i>For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face</i>,"—<a href= +"#p39">VIII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"The Lord Lorn and his new lady were also sitting on a + balcony, joyful spectators; and the cart being stopped when it + came before the lodging where the Chancellor, Argyle, and + Warristoun sat—that they might have time to + insult—he, suspecting the business, turned his face towards + them, whereupon they presently crept in at the windows; which + being perceived by an Englishman, he cried up, it was no wonder + they started aside at his look, for they durst not look him in + the face these seven years bygone."—<i>Wigton + Papers</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>With savage glee came Warristoun, + To read the murderous doom</i>,"—<a href= +"#p40">X.</a> +</pre> + + <p>Archibald Johnston of Warristoun. This man, who was the + inveterate enemy of Montrose, and who carried the most selfish + spirit into every intrigue of his party, received the punishment + of his treasons about eleven years afterwards. It may be + instructive to learn how he met his doom. The following extract + is from the MSS. of Sir George Mackenzie:—"The Chancellor + and others waited to examine him; he fell upon his face, roaring, + and with tears entreated they would pity a poor creature who had + forgot all that was in the Bible. This moved all the spectators + with a deep melancholy; and the Chancellor, reflecting upon the + man's great parts, former esteem, and the great share he had in + all the late revolutions, could not deny some tears to the + frailty of silly mankind. At his examination, he pretended he had + lost so much blood by the unskilfulness of his chirurgeons, that + he lost his memory with his blood; and I really believe that his + courage had been drawn out with it. Within a few days he was + brought before the parliament, where he discovered nothing but + much weakness, running up and down upon his knees, begging mercy; + but the parliament ordained his former sentence to be put to + execution, and accordingly he was executed at the Cross of + Edinburgh."</p> + <pre> + "<i>And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him</i>!"—<a href="#p41">XII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"He said he was much beholden to the parliament for the honour + they had put on him; 'for,' says he, 'I think it a greater honour + to have my head standing on the port of this town, for this + quarrel, than to have my picture in the king's bedchamber. I am + beholden to you that, lest my loyalty should be forgotten, ye + have appointed five of your most eminent towns to bear witness of + it to posterity.'"—<i>Wigton Papers</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room</i>,"—<a href= +"#p42">XV.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"In his downgoing from the Tolbooth to the place of execution, + he was very richly clad in fine scarlet, laid over with rich + silver lace, his hat in his hand, his bands and cuffs exceeding + rich, his delicate white gloves on his hands, his stockings of + incarnate silk, and his shoes with their ribbands on his feet; + and sarks provided for him with pearling about, above ten pund + the elne. All these were provided for him by his friends, and a + pretty cassock put on upon him, upon the scaffold, wherein he was + hanged. To be short, nothing was here deficient to honour his + poor carcase, more beseeming a bridegroom than a criminal going + to the gallows."—NICHOLL'S <i>Diary</i>.</p> + <pre> + "<i>The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near</i>,"—<a href= +"#p43-2">XVII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>The Presbyterian ministers beset Montrose both in prison and + on the scaffold. The following extracts are from the diary of the + Rev. Robert Traill, one of the persons who were appointed by the + commission of the kirk "to deal with him:"—"By a warrant + from the kirk, we staid a while with him about his soul's + condition. But we found him continuing in his old pride, and + taking very ill what was spoken to him, saying, 'I pray you, + gentlemen, let me die in peace.' It was answered, that he might + die in true peace, being reconciled to the Lord and to His + kirk."—"We returned to the commission, and did show unto + them what had passed amongst us. They, seeing that for the + present he was not desiring relaxation from his censure of + excommunication, did appoint Mr. Mungo Law and me to attend on + the morrow on the scaffold, at the time of his execution, that, + in case he should desire to be relaxed from his excommunication, + we should be allowed to give it unto him in the name of the kirk, + and to pray with him, and for him, <i>that what is loosed on + earth might be loosed in heaven</i>." But this pious intention, + which may appear somewhat strange to the modern Calvinist, when + the prevailing theories of the kirk regarding the efficacy of + absolution are considered, was not destined to be fulfilled. Mr. + Traill goes on to say, "But he did not at all desire to be + relaxed from his excommunication in the name of the kirk, <i>yea, + did not look towards that place on the scaffold where we + stood</i>; only he drew apart some of the magistrates, and spake + a while with them, and then went up the ladder, in his red + scarlet cassock, in a very stately manner."</p> + <pre> + "<i>And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven</i>,"—<a href= +"#p43">XVIII.</a> +</pre> + + <p>"He was very earnest that he might have the liberty to keep on + his hat; it was denied: he requested he might have the privilege + to keep his cloak about him—neither could that be granted. + Then, with a most undaunted courage, he went up to the top of + that prodigious gibbet."—"The whole people gave a general + groan; and it was very observable, that even those who, at his + first appearance, had bitterly inveighed against him, could not + now abstain from tears."—<i>Montrose Redivivus</i>.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_8"><!-- RULE4 8 --></a> + + <h2>THE HEART OF THE BRUCE</h2> + + <p>Hector Boece, in his very delightful, though somewhat + apocryphal Chronicles of Scotland, tells us, that "quhen Schir + James Dowglas was chosin as maist worthy of all Scotland to pass + with King Robertis hart to the Holy Land, he put it in ane cais + of gold, with arromitike and precious unyementis; and tuke with + him Schir William Sinclare and Schir Robert Logan, with mony + othir nobilmen, to the haly graif; quhare he buryit the said + hart, with maist reverence and solempnitie that could be + devisit."</p> + + <p>But no contemporary historian bears out the statement of the + old canon of Aberdeen. Froissart, Fordun, and Barbour all agree + that the devotional pilgrimage of the Good Sir James was not + destined to be accomplished, and that the heart of Scotland's + greatest king and hero was brought back to the land of his + nativity. Mr. Tytler, in few words, has so graphically recounted + the leading events of this expedition, that I do not hesitate to + adopt his narrative:—</p> + + <p>"As soon as the season of the year permitted, Douglas, having + the heart of his beloved master under his charge, set sail from + Scotland, accompanied by a splendid retinue, and anchored off + Sluys in Flanders, at this time the great seaport of the + Netherlands. His object was to find out companions with whom he + might travel to Jerusalem; but he declined landing, and for + twelve days received all visitors on board his ship with a state + almost kingly.</p> + + <p>"At Sluys he heard that Alonzo, the King of Leon and Castile, + was carrying on war with Osmyn, the Moorish governor of Grenada. + The religious mission which he had embraced, and the vows he had + taken before leaving Scotland, induced Douglas to consider + Alonzo's cause as a holy warfare; and, before proceeding to + Jerusalem, he first determined to visit Spain, and to signalise + his prowess against the Saracens. But his first field against the + Infidels proved fatal to him who, in the long English war, had + seen seventy battles. The circumstances of his death were + striking and characteristic. In an action near Theba, on the + borders of Andalusia, the Moorish cavalry were defeated; and, + after their camp had been taken, Douglas, with his companions, + engaged too eagerly in the pursuit, and, being separated from the + main body of the Spanish army, a strong division of the Moors + rallied and surrounded them. The Scottish knight endeavoured to + cut his way through the Infidels, and in all probability would + have succeeded, had he not again turned to rescue Sir William + Saint Clair of Roslin, whom he saw in jeopardy. In attempting + this, he was inextricably involved with the enemy. Taking from + his neck the casket which contained the heart of Bruce, he cast + it before him, and exclaimed with a loud voice, 'Now pass onward + as thou wert wont, and Douglas will follow thee or die!' The + action and the sentiment were heroic, and they were the last + words and deed of a heroic life, for Douglas fell, overpowered by + his enemies; and three of his knights, and many of his + companions, were slain along with their master. On the succeeding + day, the body and the casket were both found on the field, and by + his surviving friends conveyed to Scotland. The heart of Bruce + was deposited at Melrose, and the body of the 'Good Sir + James'—the name by which he is affectionately remembered by + his countrymen—was consigned to the cemetery of his fathers + in the parish church of Douglas."</p> + + <p>A nobler death on the field of battle is not recorded in the + annals of chivalry. In memory of this expedition, the Douglases + have ever since carried the armorial bearings of the Bloody Heart + surmounted by the Crown; and a similar distinction is borne by + another family. Sir Simon of Lee, a distinguished companion of + Douglas, was the person on whom, after the fall of his leader, + the custody of the heart devolved. Hence the name of Lockhart, + and their effigy, the Heart within a Fetterlock.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_9"><!-- RULE4 9 --></a> + + <h2>THE HEART OF THE BRUCE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It was upon an April morn,</p> + + <p class="i2">While yet the frost lay hoar,</p> + + <p>We heard Lord James's bugle-horn</p> + + <p class="i2">Sound by the rocky shore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then down we went, a hundred knights,</p> + + <p class="i2">All in our dark array,</p> + + <p>And flung our armour in the ships</p> + + <p class="i2">That rode within the bay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We spoke not as the shore grew less,</p> + + <p class="i2">But gazed in silence back,</p> + + <p>Where the long billows swept away</p> + + <p class="i2">The foam behind our track.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And aye the purple hues decay'd</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon the fading hill,</p> + + <p>And but one heart in all that ship</p> + + <p class="i2">Was tranquil, cold, and still.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The good Lord Douglas walk'd the deck,</p> + + <p class="i2">And oh, his brow was wan!</p> + + <p>Unlike the flush it used to wear</p> + + <p class="i2">When in the battle van.—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Come hither, come hither, my trusty knight,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sir Simon of the Lee;</p> + + <p>There is a freit lies near my soul</p> + + <p class="i2">I fain would tell to thee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thou know'st the words King Robert spoke</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon his dying day,</p> + + <p>How he bade me take his noble heart</p> + + <p class="i2">And carry it far away;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And lay it in the holy soil</p> + + <p class="i2">Where once the Saviour trod,</p> + + <p>Since he might not bear the blessed Cross,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor strike one blow for God.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Last night as in my bed I lay,</p> + + <p class="i2">I dream'd a dreary dream:—</p> + + <p>Methought I saw a Pilgrim stand</p> + + <p class="i2">In the moonlight's quivering beam.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"His robe was of the azure dye,</p> + + <p class="i2">Snow-white his scatter'd hairs,</p> + + <p>And even such a cross he bore</p> + + <p class="i2">As good Saint Andrew bears.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Why go you forth, Lord James,' he said,</p> + + <p class="i2">'With spear and belted brand?</p> + + <p>Why do you take its dearest pledge</p> + + <p class="i2">From this our Scottish land?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'The sultry breeze of Galilee</p> + + <p class="i2">Creeps through its groves of palm,</p> + + <p>The olives on the Holy Mount</p> + + <p class="i2">Stand glittering in the calm.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'But 'tis not there that Scotland's heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall rest by God's decree,</p> + + <p>Till the great angel calls the dead</p> + + <p class="i2">To rise from earth and sea!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Lord James of Douglas, mark my rede!</p> + + <p class="i2">That heart shall pass once more</p> + + <p>In fiery fight against the foe,</p> + + <p class="i2">As it was wont of yore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'And it shall pass beneath the Cross,</p> + + <p class="i2">And save King Robert's vow,</p> + + <p>But other hands shall bear it back,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not, James of Douglas, thou!'</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now, by thy knightly faith, I pray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sir Simon of the Lee—</p> + + <p>For truer friend had never man</p> + + <p class="i2">Than thou hast been to me—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"If ne'er upon the Holy Land</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis mine in life to tread,</p> + + <p>Bear thou to Scotland's kindly earth</p> + + <p class="i2">The relics of her dead."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The tear was in Sir Simon's eye</p> + + <p class="i2">As he wrung the warrior's hand—</p> + + <p>"Betide me weal, betide me woe,</p> + + <p class="i2">I'll hold by thy command.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"But if in battle front, Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis ours once more to ride,</p> + + <p>No force of man, nor craft of fiend,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall cleave me from thy side!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And aye we sail'd, and aye we sail'd,</p> + + <p class="i2">Across the weary sea,</p> + + <p>Until one morn the coast of Spain</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose grimly on our lee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And as we rounded to the port,</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the watch-tower's wall,</p> + + <p>We heard the clash of the atabals,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the trumpet's wavering call.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Why sounds yon Eastern music here</p> + + <p class="i2">So wantonly and long,</p> + + <p>And whose the crowd of armèd men</p> + + <p class="i2">That round yon standard throng?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The Moors have come from Africa</p> + + <p class="i2">To spoil and waste and slay,</p> + + <p>And King Alonzo of Castile</p> + + <p class="i2">Must fight with them to-day."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now shame it were," cried good Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Shall never be said of me,</p> + + <p>That I and mine have turn'd aside,</p> + + <p class="i2">From the Cross in jeopardie!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Have down, have down, my merry men all—</p> + + <p class="i2">Have down unto the plain;</p> + + <p>We'll let the Scottish lion loose</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the fields of Spain!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now welcome to me, noble lord,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou and thy stalwart power;</p> + + <p>Dear is the sight of a Christian knight</p> + + <p class="i2">Who comes in such an hour!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Is it for bond or faith ye come,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or yet for golden fee?</p> + + <p>Or bring ye France's lilies here,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or the flower of Burgundie?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"God greet thee well, thou valiant King,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thee and thy belted peers—</p> + + <p>Sir James of Douglas am I called,</p> + + <p class="i2">And these are Scottish spears.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"We do not fight for bond or plight,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not yet for golden fee;</p> + + <p>But for the sake of our blessed Lord,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who died upon the tree.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"We bring our great King Robert's heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Across the weltering wave,</p> + + <p>To lay it in the holy soil</p> + + <p class="i2">Hard by the Saviour's grave.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"True pilgrims we, by land or sea,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where danger bars the way;</p> + + <p>And therefore are we here, Lord King,</p> + + <p class="i2">To ride with thee this day!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The King has bent his stately head,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the tears were in his eyne—</p> + + <p>"God's blessing on thee, noble knight,</p> + + <p class="i2">For this brave thought of thine!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I know thy name full well, Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">And honour'd may I be,</p> + + <p>That those who fought beside the Bruce</p> + + <p class="i2">Should fight this day for me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Take thou the leading of the van,</p> + + <p class="i2">And charge the Moors amain;</p> + + <p>There is not such a lance as thine</p> + + <p class="i2">In all the host of Spain!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The Douglas turned towards us then,</p> + + <p class="i2">O but his glance was high!—</p> + + <p>"There is not one of all my men</p> + + <p class="i2">But is as bold as I.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"There is not one of all my knights</p> + + <p class="i2">But bears as true a spear—</p> + + <p>Then onwards! Scottish gentlemen,</p> + + <p class="i2">And think—King Robert's here!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The trumpets blew, the cross-bolts flew,</p> + + <p class="i2">The arrows flashed like flame,</p> + + <p>As spur in side, and spear in rest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Against the foe we came.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And many a bearded Saracen</p> + + <p class="i2">Went down, both horse and man;</p> + + <p>For through their ranks we rode like corn,</p> + + <p class="i2">So furiously we ran!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But in behind our path they closed,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though fain to let us through,</p> + + <p>For they were forty thousand men,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we were wondrous few.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We might not see a lance's length,</p> + + <p class="i2">So dense was their array,</p> + + <p>But the long fell sweep of the Scottish blade</p> + + <p class="i2">Still held them hard at bay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Make in! make in!" Lord Douglas cried,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Make in, my brethren dear!</p> + + <p>Sir William of Saint Clair is down;</p> + + <p class="i2">We may not leave him here!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But thicker, thicker, grew the swarm,</p> + + <p class="i2">And sharper shot the rain,</p> + + <p>And the horses reared amid the press,</p> + + <p class="i2">But they would not charge again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now Jesu help thee," said Lord James,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Thou kind and true St Clair!</p> + + <p>An' if I may not bring thee off,</p> + + <p class="i2">I'll die beside thee there!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then in his stirrups up he stood,</p> + + <p class="i2">So lionlike and bold,</p> + + <p>And held the precious heart aloft</p> + + <p class="i2">All in its case of gold.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He flung it from him, far ahead,</p> + + <p class="i2">And never spake he more,</p> + + <p>But—"Pass thee first, thou dauntless heart,</p> + + <p class="i2">As thou wert wont of yore!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The roar of fight rose fiercer yet,</p> + + <p class="i2">And heavier still the stour,</p> + + <p>Till the spears of Spain came shivering in,</p> + + <p class="i2">And swept away the Moor.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Now praised be God, the day is won!</p> + + <p class="i2">They fly o'er flood and fell—</p> + + <p>Why dost thou draw the rein so hard,</p> + + <p class="i2">Good knight, that fought so well?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Oh, ride ye on, Lord King!" he said,</p> + + <p class="i2">"And leave the dead to me,</p> + + <p>For I must keep the dreariest watch</p> + + <p class="i2">That ever I shall dree!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"There lies, beside his master's heart,</p> + + <p class="i2">The Douglas, stark and grim;</p> + + <p>And woe is me I should be here,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not side by side with him!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The world grows cold, my arm is old,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thin my lyart hair,</p> + + <p>And all that I loved best on earth</p> + + <p class="i2">Is stretch'd before me there.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O Bothwell banks! that bloom so bright,</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the sun of May,</p> + + <p>The heaviest cloud that ever blew</p> + + <p class="i2">Is bound for you this day.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And, Scotland, thou may'st veil thy head</p> + + <p class="i2">In sorrow and in pain;</p> + + <p>The sorest stroke upon thy brow</p> + + <p class="i2">Hath fallen this day in Spain!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"We'll bear them back unto our ship,</p> + + <p class="i2">We'll bear them o'er the sea,</p> + + <p>And lay them in the hallowed earth,</p> + + <p class="i2">Within our own countrie.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And be thou strong of heart, Lord King,</p> + + <p class="i2">For this I tell thee sure,</p> + + <p>The sod that drank the Douglas' blood</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall never bear the Moor!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The King he lighted from his horse,</p> + + <p class="i2">He flung his brand away,</p> + + <p>And took the Douglas by the hand,</p> + + <p class="i2">So stately as he lay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"God give thee rest, thou valiant soul,</p> + + <p class="i2">That fought so well for Spain;</p> + + <p>I'd rather half my land were gone,</p> + + <p class="i2">So thou wert here again!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We bore the good Lord James away,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the priceless heart he bore,</p> + + <p>And heavily we steer'd our ship</p> + + <p class="i2">Towards the Scottish shore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No welcome greeted our return,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor clang of martial tread,</p> + + <p>But all were dumb and hushed as death</p> + + <p class="i2">Before the mighty dead.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We laid our chief in Douglas Kirk,</p> + + <p class="i2">The heart in fair Melrose;</p> + + <p>And woeful men were we that day—</p> + + <p class="i2">God grant their souls repose!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_10"><!-- RULE4 10 --></a> + + <h2>THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE</h2> + + <p>It is very much to be regretted that no competent person has + as yet undertaken the task of compiling a full and authentic + biography of Lord Viscount Dundee. His memory has consequently + been left at the mercy of misrepresentation and malignity; and + the pen of romance has been freely employed to portray, as a + bloody assassin, one of the most accomplished men and gallant + soldiers of his age.</p> + + <p>It was the misfortune of Claverhouse to have lived in so + troublous an age and country. The religious differences of + Scotland were then at their greatest height, and there is hardly + any act of atrocity and rebellion which had not been committed by + the insurgents. The royal authority was openly and publicly + disowned in the western districts: the Archbishop of St. + Andrew's, after more than one hairbreadth escape, was waylaid, + and barbarously murdered by an armed gang of fanatics on Magus + Muir; and his daughter was wounded and maltreated while + interceding for the old man's life. The country was infested by + banditti, who took every possible opportunity of shooting down + and massacring any of the straggling soldiery: the clergy were + attacked and driven from their houses; so that, throughout a + considerable portion of Scotland, there was no security either + for property or for life. It is now the fashion to praise and + magnify the Covenanters as the most innocent and persecuted of + men; but those who are so ready with their sympathy, rarely take + the pains to satisfy themselves, by reference to the annals of + the time, of the true character of those men whom they blindly + venerate as martyrs. They forget, in their zeal for religious + freedom, that even the purest and holiest of causes may be + sullied and disgraced by the deeds of its upholders, and that a + wild and frantic profession of faith is not always a test of + genuine piety. It is not in the slightest degree necessary to + discuss whether the royal prerogative was at that time + arbitrarily used, or whether the religious freedom of the nation + was unduly curtailed. Both points may be, and indeed are, + admitted,—for it is impossible to vindicate the policy of + the measures adopted by the two last monarchs of the house of + Stuart; but neither admission will clear the Covenanters from the + stain of deliberate cruelty.</p> + + <p>After the battle of Philiphaugh, the royalist prisoners were + butchered in cold blood, under the superintendence of a clerical + emissary, who stood by rubbing his hands, and + exclaiming—"The wark gangs bonnily on!" Were I to + transcribe from the pamphlets before me the list of the murders + which were perpetrated by the country people on the soldiery, + officers, and gentlemen of loyal principles, during the reign of + Charles II., I believe that no candid person would be surprised + at the severe retaliation which was made. It must be remembered + that the country was then under military law, and that the + strongest orders had been issued by the Government to the + officers in command of the troops, to use every means in their + power for the effectual repression of the disturbances. The + necessity of such orders will become apparent, when we reflect + that, besides the open actions at Aird's Moss and Drumclog, the + city of Glasgow was attacked, and the royal forces compelled for + a time to fall back upon Stirling.</p> + + <p>Under such circumstances it is no wonder if the soldiery were + severe in their reprisals. Innocent blood may no doubt have been + shed, and in some cases even wantonly; for when rebellion has + grown into civil war, and the ordinary course of the law is put + in abeyance, it is always impossible to restrain military + license. But it is most unfair to lay the whole odium of such + acts upon those who were in command, and to dishonour the fair + name of gentlemen, by attributing to them personally the + commission of deeds of which they were absolutely ignorant. To + this day the peasantry of the western districts of Scotland + entertain the idea that Claverhouse was a sort of fiend in human + shape, tall, muscular, and hideous in aspect, secured by infernal + spells from the chance of perishing by any ordinary weapon, and + mounted upon a huge black horse, the especial gift of Beelzebub! + On this charger it is supposed that he could ride up precipices + as easily as he could traverse the level ground—that he was + constantly accompanied by a body of desperadoes, vulgarly known + by such euphonious titles as "Hell's Tam," and "the De'il's + Jock," and that his whole time was occupied, day and night, in + hunting Covenanters upon the hills! Almost every rebel who was + taken in arms and shot, is supposed to have met his death from + the individual pistol of Claverhouse; and the tales which, from + time to time, have been written by such ingenious persons as the + late Mr. Gait and the Ettrick Shepherd have quietly been assumed + as facts, and added to the store of our traditionary knowledge. + It is in vain to hint that the chief commanders of the forces in + Scotland could have found little leisure, even had they possessed + the taste, for pursuing single insurgents. Such suggestions are + an insult to martyrology; and many a parish of the west would be + indignant were it averred that the tenant of its gray stone had + suffered by a meaner hand.</p> + + <p>When we look at the portrait of Claverhouse, and survey the + calm, melancholy, and beautiful features of the devoted soldier, + it appears almost incredible that he should ever have suffered + under such an overwhelming load of misrepresentation. But + when—discarding modern historians, who in too many + instances do not seem to entertain the slightest scruple in + dealing with the memory of the dead—we turn to the writings + of his contemporaries who knew the man, his character appears in + a very different light. They describe him as one who was + stainless in his honour, pure in his faith, wise in council, + resolute in action, and utterly free from that selfishness which + disgraced the Scottish statesmen of the time. No one dares + question his loyalty, for he sealed that confession with his + blood; and it is universally admitted, that with him fell the + last hopes of the reinstatement of the house of Stuart.</p> + + <p>I may perhaps be permitted here, in the absence of a better + chronicler, to mention a few particulars of his life, which, I + believe, are comparatively unknown. John Graham of Claverhouse + was a cadet of the family of Fintrie, connected by intermarriage + with the blood-royal of Scotland. After completing his studies at + the University of St. Andrew's, he entered, as was the national + custom for gentlemen of good birth and limited means, into + foreign service, served some time in France as a volunteer, and + afterwards went to Holland. He very soon received a commission, + as a cornet in a regiment of horse-guards, from the Prince of + Orange, nephew of Charles II. and James VII., and who afterwards + married the Princess Mary. His manner at that time is thus + described:—"He was then ane esquire, under the title of + John Graham of Claverhouse; but the vivacity of his parts, and + the delicacy and justice of his understanding and judgment, + joyned with a certain vigour of mind and activity of body, + distinguished him in such a manner from all others of his rank, + that though he lived in a superior character, yet he acquired the + love and esteem of all his equals, as well as of those who had + the advantage of him in dignity and estate."</p> + + <p>By one of those singular accidents which we occasionally meet + with in history, Graham, afterwards destined to become his most + formidable opponent, saved the life of the Prince of Orange at + the battle of St. Neff. The Prince's horse had been killed, and + he himself was in the grasp of the enemy, when the young cornet + rode to his rescue, freed him from his assailants, and mounted + him on his own steed. For this service he received a captain's + commission, and the promise of the first regiment that should + fall vacant.</p> + + <p>But even in early life William of Orange was not famous for + keeping his promises. Some years afterwards, a vacancy in one of + the Scottish regiments in the Prince's service occurred, and + Claverhouse, relying upon the previous assurance, preferred his + claim. It was disregarded, and Mr. Collier, afterwards Earl of + Portmore, was appointed over his head. It would seem that Graham + had suspected some foul play on the part of this gentleman, for, + shortly after, they accidentally met and had an angry + altercation. This circumstance having come to the ears of the + Prince, he sent for Captain Graham, and administered a sharp + rebuke. I give the remainder of this incident in the words of the + old writer, because it must be considered a very remarkable one, + as illustrating the fiery spirit and dauntless independence of + Claverhouse.</p> + + <p>"The Captain answered, that he was indeed in the wrong, since + it was more his Highness's business to have resented that quarrel + than his; because Mr. Collier had less injured him in + disappointing him of the regiment, than he had done his Highness + in making him break his word. 'Then,' replied the Prince in an + angry tone, 'I make you full reparation, for I bestow on you what + is more valuable than a regiment when I give you your right arm!' + The Captain subjoined, that since his Highness had the goodness + to give him his liberty, he resolved to employ himself elsewhere, + for he would not longer serve a Prince that had broken his + word.</p> + + <p>"The Captain, having thus thrown up his commission, was + preparing in haste for his voyage, when a messenger arrived from + the Prince, with two hundred guineas for the horse on which he + had saved his life. The Captain sent the horse, but ordered the + gold to be distributed among the grooms of the Prince's stables. + It is said, however, that his Highness had the generosity to + write to the King and the Duke, recommending him as a fine + gentleman and a brave officer, fit for any office, civil or + military."</p> + + <p>On his arrival in Britain he was well received by the court, + and immediately appointed to a high military command in Scotland. + It would be beyond the scope of the present paper to enter + minutely into the details of his service during the stormy period + when Scotland was certainly misgoverned, and when there was + little unity, but much disorder in the land. In whatever point of + view we regard the history of those times, the aspect is a + mournful one indeed. Church and State never was a popular cry in + Scotland, and the peculiar religious tendencies which had been + exhibited by a large portion of the nation, at the time of the + Reformation, rendered the return of tranquillity hopeless until + the hierarchy was displaced, and a humbler form of church + government, more suited to the feelings of the people, + substituted in its stead.</p> + + <p>Three years after the accession of James VII. Claverhouse was + raised to the peerage, by the title of Lord Viscount Dundee. He + was major-general, and second in command of the royal forces, + when the Prince of Orange landed, and earnestly entreated King + James to be allowed to march against him, offering to stake his + head on the successful result of the enterprize. There is little + doubt, from the great popularity of Lord Dundee with the army, + that, had such consent been given, William would have found more + than a match in his old officer; but the King seemed absolutely + infatuated, and refused to allow a drop of blood to be shed in + his quarrel, though the great bulk of the population of England + were clearly and enthusiastically in his favour. One of the most + gifted of our modern poets, the Honourable George Sydney Smythe, + has beautifully illustrated this event.</p> + <pre> + "Then out spake gallant Claverhouse, and his soul thrilled wild and high, + And he showed the King his subjects, and he prayed him not to fly. + O never yet was captain so dauntless as Dundee! + He has sworn to chase the Hollander back to his Zuyder-Zee." +</pre> + + <p>But though James quitted his kingdom, the stern loyalty of + Dundee was nothing moved. Alone, and without escort, he traversed + England, and presented himself at the Convention of Estates, then + assembled at Edinburgh for the purpose of receiving the message + from the Prince of Orange. The meeting was a very strange one. + Many of the nobility and former members of the Scottish + Parliament absolutely declined attending it, some on the ground + that it was not a legal assembly, having been summoned by the + Prince of Orange, and others because, in such a total disruption + of order, they judged it safest to abstain from taking any + prominent part. This gave an immense ascendency to the Revolution + party, who further proceeded to strengthen their position by + inviting to Edinburgh large bodies of the armed population of the + west. After defending for several days the cause of his master + with as much eloquence as vigour, Dundee, finding that the + majority of the Convention were resolved to offer the crown of + Scotland to the Prince, and having moreover received sure + information that some of the wild fanatic Whigs, with Daniel Ker + of Kersland at their head, had formed a plot for his + assassination, quitted Edinburgh with about fifty horsemen, and, + after a short interview—celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in + one of his grandest ballads—with the Duke of Gordon at the + Castle Rock, directed his steps towards the north. After a short + stay at his house of Duddope, during which he received, by order + of the Council, who were thoroughly alarmed at his absence, a + summons through a Lyon herald to return to Edinburgh under pain + of high treason, he passed into the Gordon country, where he was + joined by the Earl of Dunfermline with a small party of about + sixty horse. His retreat was timeous, for General Mackay, who + commanded for the Prince of Orange, had despatched a strong + force, with instructions to make him prisoner. From this time, + until the day of his death, he allowed himself no repose. + Imitating the example, and inheriting the enthusiasm of his great + predecessor Montrose, he invoked the loyalty of the clans to + assist him in the struggle for legitimacy—and he did not + appeal to them in vain. His name was a spell to rouse the ardent + spirits of the mountaineers; and not the Great Marquis himself, + in the height of his renown, was more sincerely welcomed and more + fondly loved than "Ian dhu nan Cath,"—Dark John of the + Battles,—the name by which Lord Dundee is still remembered + in Highland song. In the mean time the Convention, terrified at + their danger, and dreading a Highland inroad, had despatched + Mackay, a military officer of great experience, with a + considerable body of troops, to quell the threatened + insurrection. He was encountered by Dundee, and compelled to + evacuate the high country and fall back upon the Lowlands, where + he subsequently received reinforcements, and again marched + northward. The Highland host was assembled at Blair, though not + in great force, when the news of Mackay's advance arrived; and a + council of the chiefs and officers was summoned, to determine + whether it would be most advisable to fall back upon the glens + and wild fastnesses of the Highlands, or to meet the enemy at + once, though with a force far inferior to his.</p> + + <p>Most of the old officers, who had been trained in the foreign + wars, were of the former opinion—"alleging that it was + neither prudent nor cautious to risk an engagement against an + army of disciplined men, that exceeded theirs in numbers by more + than a half." But both Glengarry and Locheill, to the great + satisfaction of the General, maintained the contrary view, and + argued that neither hunger nor fatigue were so likely to depress + the Highlanders, as a retreat when the enemy was in view. The + account of the discussion is so interesting, and so + characteristic of Dundee, that I shall take leave to quote its + termination in the words of Drummond of Balhaldy:</p> + + <p>"An advice so hardy and resolute could not miss to please the + generous Dundee. His looks seemed to heighten with an air of + delight and satisfaction all the while Locheill was speaking. He + told his council that they had heard his sentiments from the + mouth of a person who had formed his judgment upon infallible + proofs drawn from a long experience, and an intimate acquaintance + with the persons and subject he spoke of. Not one in the company + offering to contradict their general, it was unanimously agreed + to fight.</p> + + <p>"When the news of this vigorous resolution spread through the + army, nothing was heard but acclamations of joy, which + exceedingly pleased their gallant general; but before the council + broke up, Locheill begged to be heard for a few words. 'My Lord' + said he, 'I have just now declared, in the presence of this + honourable company, that I was resolved to give an implicit + obedience to all your Lordship's commands; but I humbly beg + leave, in name of these gentlemen, to give the word of command + for this one time. It is the voice of your council, and their + orders are, that you do not engage personally. Your Lordship's + business is to have an eye on all parts, and to issue out your + commands as you shall think proper; it is ours to execute them + with promptitude and courage. On your Lordship depends the fate, + not only of this little brave army, but also of our king and + country. If your Lordship deny us this reasonable demand, for my + own part I declare, that neither I, nor any I am concerned in, + shall draw a sword on this important occasion, whatever + construction shall be put upon the matter.'</p> + + <p>"Locheill was seconded in this by the whole council; but + Dundee begged leave to be heard in his turn. 'Gentlemen,' said + he, 'as I am absolutely convinced, and have had repeated proofs, + of your zeal for the king's service, and of your affection to me + as his general and your friend, so I am fully sensible that my + engaging personally this day may be of some loss if I shall + chance to be killed. But I beg leave of you, however, to allow me + to give one <i>shear-darg</i> (that is, one harvest-day's work) + to the king, my master, that I may have an opportunity of + convincing the brave clans, that I can hazard my life in that + service as freely as the meanest of them. Ye know their temper, + gentlemen; and if they do not think I have personal courage + enough, they will not esteem me hereafter, nor obey my commands + with cheerfulness. Allow me this single favour, and I here + promise, upon my honour, never again to risk my person while I + have that of commanding you.'</p> + + <p>"The council, finding him inflexible, broke up, and the army + marched directly towards the Pass of Killiecrankie."</p> + + <p>Those who have visited that romantic spot need not be reminded + of its peculiar features, for these, once seen, must dwell for + ever in the memory. The lower part of the Pass is a stupendous + mountain-chasm, scooped out by the waters of the Garry, which + here descend in a succession of roaring cataracts and pools. The + old road, which ran almost parallel to the river and close upon + its edge, was extremely narrow, and wound its way beneath a wall + of enormous crags, surmounted by a natural forest of birch, oak, + and pine. An army cooped up in that gloomy ravine would have as + little chance of escape from the onset of an enterprising + partisan corps, as had the Bavarian troops when attacked by the + Tyrolese in the steep defiles of the Inn. General Mackay, + however, had made his arrangements with consummate tact and + skill, and had calculated his time so well, that he was enabled + to clear the Pass before the Highlanders could reach it from the + other side. Advancing upwards, the passage becomes gradually + broader, until, just below the House of Urrard, there is a + considerable width of meadow-land. It was here that Mackay took + up his position, and arrayed his troops, on observing that the + heights above were occupied by the army of Dundee.</p> + + <p>The forces of the latter scarcely amounted to one-third of + those of his antagonist, which were drawn up in line without any + reserve. He was therefore compelled, in making his dispositions, + to leave considerable gaps in his own line, which gave Mackay a + further advantage. The right of Dundee's army was formed of the + M'Lean, Glengarry, and Clanranald regiments, along with some + Irish levies. In the centre was Dundee himself, at the head of a + small and ill-equipped body of cavalry, composed of Lowland + gentlemen and their followers, and about forty of his old + troopers. The Camerons and Skyemen, under the command of Locheill + and Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat, were stationed on the left. + During the time occupied by these dispositions, a brisk cannonade + was opened by Mackay's artillery, which materially increased the + impatience of the Highlanders to come to close quarters. At last + the word was given to advance, and the whole line rushed forward + with the terrific impetuosity peculiar to a charge of the clans. + They received the fire of the regular troops without flinching, + reserved their own until they were close at hand, poured in a + murderous volley, and then, throwing away their firelocks, + attacked the enemy with the broadsword.</p> + + <p>The victory was almost instantaneous, but it was bought at a + terrible price. Through some mistake or misunderstanding, a + portion of the cavalry, instead of following their general, who + had charged directly for the guns, executed a manoeuvre which + threw them into disorder; and, when last seen in the battle, + Dundee, accompanied only by the Earl of Dunfermline and about + sixteen gentlemen, was entering into the cloud of smoke, standing + up in his stirrups, and waving to the others to come on. It was + in this attitude that he appears to have received his + death-wound. On returning from the pursuit, the Highlanders found + him dying on the field.</p> + + <p>It would he difficult to point out another instance in which + the maintenance of a great cause depended solely upon the life of + a single man. Whilst Dundee survived, Scotland at least was not + lost to the Stuarts, for, shortly before the battle, he had + received assurance that the greater part of the organised troops + in the north were devoted to his person, and ready to join him; + and the victory of Killiecrankie would have been followed by a + general rising of the loyal gentlemen in the Lowlands. But with + his fall the enterprise was over.</p> + + <p>I hope I shall not be accused of exaggerating the importance + of this battle, which, according to the writer I have already + quoted, was best proved by the consternation into which the + opposite party were thrown at the first news of Mackay's defeat. + "The Duke of Hamilton, commissioner for the parliament which then + sat at Edinburgh, and the rest of the ministry, were struck with + such a panic, that some of them were for retiring into England, + others into the western shires of Scotland, where all the people, + almost to a man, befriended them; nor knew they whether to + abandon the government, or to stay a few days until they saw what + use my Lord Dundee would make of his victory. They knew the + rapidity of his motions, and were convinced that he would allow + them no time to deliberate. On this account it was debated, + whether such of the nobility and gentry as were confined for + adhering to their old master, should be immediately set at + liberty or more closely shut up; and though the last was + determined on, yet the greatest revolutionists among them made + private and frequent visits to these prisoners, excusing what was + past, from a fatal necessity of the times, which obliged them to + give a seeming compliance, but protesting that they always wished + well to King James, as they should soon have occasion to show + when my Lord Dundee advanced."</p> + + <p>"The next morning after the battle," says Drummond, "the + Highland army had more the air of the shattered remains of broken + troops than of conquerors; for here it was literally true + that</p> + <pre> + 'The vanquished triumphed, and the victors mourned.' +</pre> + + <p>The death of their brave general, and the loss of so many of + their friends, were inexhaustible fountains of grief and sorrow. + They closed the last scene of this mournful tragedy in obsequies + of their lamented general, and of the other gentlemen who fell + with him, and interred them in the church of Blair of Atholl with + a real funeral solemnity, there not being present one single + person who did not participate in the general affliction."</p> + + <p>I close this notice of a great soldier and devoted loyalist, + by transcribing the beautiful epitaph composed by Dr. + Pitcairn:—</p> + <pre> + "Ultime Scotorum! potuit, quo sospite solo, + Libertas patriæ salva fuisse tuæ: + Te moriente, novos accepit Scotia cives, + Accepitque novos, te moriente, deos. + Illa nequit superesse tibi, tu non potes illi, + Ergo Caledoniæ nomen inane, vale. + Tuque vale, gentis priscæ fortissime ductor, + Ultime Scotorum, ac ultime Grame, vale!" +</pre> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_11"><!-- RULE4 11 --></a> + + <h2>THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sound the fife, and cry the slogan—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let the pibroch shake the air</p> + + <p>With its wild triumphal music,</p> + + <p class="i2">Worthy of the freight we bear.</p> + + <p>Let the ancient hills of Scotland</p> + + <p class="i2">Hear once more the battle-song</p> + + <p>Swell within their glens and valleys</p> + + <p class="i2">As the clansmen march along!</p> + + <p>Never from the field of combat,</p> + + <p class="i2">Never from the deadly fray,</p> + + <p>Was a nobler trophy carried</p> + + <p class="i2">Than we bring with us to-day;</p> + + <p>Never, since the valiant Douglas</p> + + <p class="i2">On his dauntless bosom bore</p> + + <p>Good King Robert's heart—the priceless—</p> + + <p class="i2">To our dear Redeemer's shore!</p> + + <p>Lo! we bring with us the hero—</p> + + <p class="i2">Lo! we bring the conquering Græme,</p> + + <p>Crowned as best beseems a victor</p> + + <p class="i2">From the altar of his fame;</p> + + <p>Fresh and bleeding from the battle</p> + + <p class="i2">Whence his spirit took its flight,</p> + + <p>Midst the crashing charge of squadrons,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the thunder of the fight!</p> + + <p>Strike, I say, the notes of triumph,</p> + + <p class="i2">As we march o'er moor and lea!</p> + + <p>Is there any here will venture</p> + + <p class="i2">To bewail our dead Dundee?</p> + + <p>Let the widows of the traitors</p> + + <p class="i2">Weep until their eyes are dim!</p> + + <p>Wail ye may full well for Scotland—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let none dare to mourn for him!</p> + + <p>See! above his glorious body</p> + + <p class="i2">Lies the royal banner's fold—</p> + + <p>See! his valiant blood is mingled</p> + + <p class="i2">With its crimson and its gold.</p> + + <p>See! how calm he looks and stately,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a warrior on his shield,</p> + + <p>Waiting till the flush of morning</p> + + <p class="i2">Breaks along the battle-field!</p> + + <p>See—Oh never more, my comrades!</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall we see that falcon eye</p> + + <p>Redden with its inward lightning,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the hour of fight drew nigh;</p> + + <p>Never shall we hear the voice that,</p> + + <p class="i2">Clearer than the trumpet's call,</p> + + <p>Bade us strike for King and Country,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bade us win the field or fall!</p> + + <p>On the heights of Killiecrankie</p> + + <p class="i2">Yester-morn our army lay:</p> + + <p>Slowly rose the mist in columns</p> + + <p class="i2">From the river's broken way;</p> + + <p>Hoarsely roared the swollen torrent,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the pass was wrapped in gloom,</p> + + <p>When the clansmen rose together</p> + + <p class="i2">From their lair amidst the broom.</p> + + <p>Then we belted on our tartans,</p> + + <p class="i2">And our bonnets down we drew,</p> + + <p>And we felt our broadswords' edges,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we proved them to be true;</p> + + <p>And we prayed the prayer of soldiers,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we cried the gathering-cry,</p> + + <p>And we clasped the hands of kinsmen,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we swore to do or die!</p> + + <p>Then our leader rode before us</p> + + <p class="i2">On his war-horse black as night—</p> + + <p>Well the Cameronian rebels</p> + + <p class="i2">Knew that charger in the fight!—</p> + + <p>And a cry of exultation</p> + + <p class="i2">From the bearded warriors rose;</p> + + <p>For we loved the house of Claver'se,</p> + + <p class="i2">And we thought of good Montrose.</p> + + <p>But he raised his hand for silence—</p> + + <p class="i2">"Soldiers! I have sworn a vow:</p> + + <p>Ere the evening-star shall glisten</p> + + <p class="i2">On Schehallion's lofty brow,</p> + + <p>Either we shall rest in triumph,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or another of the Graemes</p> + + <p>Shall have died in battle-harness</p> + + <p class="i2">For his Country and King James!</p> + + <p>Think upon the Royal Martyr—</p> + + <p class="i2">Think of what his race endure—</p> + + <p>Think on him whom butchers murder'd</p> + + <p class="i2">On the field of Magus Muir:—</p> + + <p>By his sacred blood I charge ye,</p> + + <p class="i2">By the ruin'd hearth and shrine—</p> + + <p>By the blighted hopes of Scotland,</p> + + <p class="i2">By your injuries and mine—</p> + + <p>Strike this day as if the anvil</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay beneath your blows the while,</p> + + <p>Be they Covenanting traitors,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or the brood of false Argyle!</p> + + <p>Strike! and drive the trembling rebels</p> + + <p class="i2">Backwards o'er the stormy Forth;</p> + + <p>Let them tell their pale Convention</p> + + <p class="i2">How they fared within the North.</p> + + <p>Let them tell that Highland honour</p> + + <p class="i2">Is not to be bought nor sold,</p> + + <p>That we scorn their Prince's anger,</p> + + <p class="i2">As we loathe his foreign gold.</p> + + <p>Strike! and when the fight is over,</p> + + <p class="i2">If ye look in vain for me,</p> + + <p>Where the dead are lying thickest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Search for him that was Dundee!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Loudly then the hills re-echoed</p> + + <p class="i2">With our answer to his call,</p> + + <p>But a deeper echo sounded</p> + + <p class="i2">In the bosoms of us all.</p> + + <p>For the lands of wide Breadalbane,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not a man who heard him speak</p> + + <p>Would that day have left the battle.</p> + + <p class="i2">Burning eye and flushing cheek</p> + + <p>Told the clansmen's fierce emotion,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they harder drew their breath;</p> + + <p>For their souls were strong within them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stronger than the grasp of death.</p> + + <p>Soon we heard a challenge-trumpet</p> + + <p class="i2">Sounding in the pass below,</p> + + <p>And the distant tramp of horses,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the voices of the foe:</p> + + <p>Down we crouched amid the bracken,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till the Lowland ranks drew near,</p> + + <p>Panting like the hounds in summer,</p> + + <p class="i2">When they scent the stately deer.</p> + + <p>From the dark defile emerging,</p> + + <p class="i2">Next we saw the squadrons come,</p> + + <p>Leslie's foot and Leven's troopers</p> + + <p class="i2">Marching to the tuck of drum;</p> + + <p>Through the scattered wood of birches,</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er the broken ground and heath,</p> + + <p>Wound the long battalion slowly,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till they gained the field beneath;</p> + + <p>Then we bounded from our covert.—</p> + + <p class="i2">Judge how looked the Saxons then,</p> + + <p>When they saw the rugged mountain</p> + + <p class="i2">Start to life with armèd men!</p> + + <p>Like a tempest down the ridges,</p> + + <p class="i2">Swept the hurricane of steel,</p> + + <p>Rose the slogan of Macdonald—</p> + + <p class="i2">Flashed the broadsword of Locheill!</p> + + <p>Vainly sped the withering volley</p> + + <p class="i2">'Mongst the foremost of our band—</p> + + <p>On we poured until we met them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Foot to foot, and hand to hand.</p> + + <p>Horse and man went down like drift-wood</p> + + <p class="i2">When the floods are black at Yule,</p> + + <p>And their carcasses are whirling</p> + + <p class="i2">In the Garry's deepest pool.</p> + + <p>Horse and man went down before us—</p> + + <p class="i2">Living foe there tarried none</p> + + <p>On the field of Killiecrankie,</p> + + <p class="i2">When that stubborn fight was done!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And the evening-star was shining</p> + + <p class="i2">On Schehallion's distant head,</p> + + <p>When we wiped our bloody broadswords,</p> + + <p class="i2">And returned to count the dead.</p> + + <p>There we found him, gashed and gory,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stretch'd upon the cumbered plain,</p> + + <p>As he told us where to seek him,</p> + + <p class="i2">In the thickest of the slain.</p> + + <p>And a smile was on his visage,</p> + + <p class="i2">For within his dying ear</p> + + <p>Pealed the joyful note of triumph,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the clansmen's clamorous cheer:</p> + + <p>So, amidst the battle's thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shot, and steel, and scorching flame,</p> + + <p>In the glory of his manhood</p> + + <p class="i2">Passed the spirit of the Græme!</p> + + <p>Open wide the vaults of Athol,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the bones of heroes rest—</p> + + <p>Open wide the hallowed portals</p> + + <p class="i2">To receive another guest!</p> + + <p>Last of Scots, and last of freemen—</p> + + <p class="i2">Last of all that dauntless race</p> + + <p>Who would rather die unsullied</p> + + <p class="i2">Than outlive the land's disgrace!</p> + + <p>O thou lion-hearted warrior!</p> + + <p class="i2">Reck not of the after-time:</p> + + <p>Honour may be deemed dishonour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Loyalty be called a crime.</p> + + <p>Sleep in peace with kindred ashes</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the noble and the true,</p> + + <p>Hands that never failed their country,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hearts that never baseness knew.</p> + + <p>Sleep!—and till the latest trumpet</p> + + <p class="i2">Wakes the dead from earth and sea,</p> + + <p>Scotland shall not boast a braver</p> + + <p class="i2">Chieftain than our own Dundee!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_12"><!-- RULE4 12 --></a> + + <h2>THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE</h2> + + <p>The Massacre of Glencoe is an event which neither can nor + ought to be forgotten. It was a deed of the worst treason and + cruelty—a barbarous infraction of all laws, human and + divine; and it exhibits in their foulest perfidy the true + characters of the authors and abettors of the Revolution.</p> + + <p>After the battle of Killiecrankie the cause of the Scottish + royalists declined, rather from the want of a competent leader + than from any disinclination on the part of a large section of + the nobility and gentry to vindicate the right of King James. No + person of adequate talents or authority was found to supply the + place of the great and gallant Lord Dundee; for General Cannon, + who succeeded in command, was not only deficient in military + skill, but did not possess the confidence, nor understand the + character of the Highland chiefs, who, with their clansmen, + constituted by far the most important section of the army. + Accordingly no enterprise of any importance was attempted; and + the disastrous issue of the battle of the Boyne led to a + negotiation which terminated in the entire disbanding of the + royal forces. By this treaty, which was expressly sanctioned by + William of Orange, a full and unreserved indemnity and pardon was + granted to all of the Highlanders who had taken arms, with a + proviso that they should first subscribe the oath of allegiance + to William and Mary, before the 1st of January, 1692, in presence + of the Lords of the Scottish Council, "or of the Sheriffs or + their deputies of the respective shires wherein they lived." The + letter of William addressed to the Privy Council, and ordering + proclamation to be made to the above effect, contained also the + following significant passage:—"That ye communicate our + pleasure to the Governor of Inverlochy, and other commanders, + that they be exact and diligent in their several posts; but that + they show no more zeal against the Highlanders after their + submission, <i>than they have ever done formerly when these were + in open rebellion</i>."</p> + + <p>This enigmatical sentence, which in reality was intended, as + the sequel will show, to be interpreted in the most cruel manner, + appears to have caused some perplexity in the Council, as that + body deemed it necessary to apply for more distinct and specific + instructions, which, however, were not then issued. It had been + especially stipulated by the chiefs, as an indispensable + preliminary to their treaty, that they should have leave to + communicate with King James, then residing at St. Germains, for + the purpose of obtaining his permission and warrant previous to + submitting themselves to the existing government. That article + had been sanctioned by William before the proclamation was + issued, and a special messenger was despatched to France for that + purpose.</p> + + <p>In the mean time, troops were gradually and cautiously + advanced to the confines of the Highlands, and, in some + instances, actually quartered on the inhabitants. The condition + of the country was perfectly tranquil. No disturbances whatever + occurred in the north or west of Scotland; Locheill and the other + chiefs were awaiting the communication from St. Germains, and + held themselves bound in honour to remain inactive; whilst the + remainder of the royalist forces (for whom separate terms had + been made) were left unmolested at Dunkeld.</p> + + <p>But rumours, which are too clearly traceable to the emissaries + of the new government, asserting the preparation made for an + immediate landing of King James at the head of a large body of + the French, were industriously circulated, and by many were + implicitly believed. The infamous policy which dictated such a + course is now apparent. The term of the amnesty or truce granted + by the proclamation expired with the year 1691, and all who had + not taken the oath of allegiance before that term, were to be + proceeded against with the utmost severity. The proclamation was + issued upon the 29th of August: consequently, only four months + were allowed for the complete submission of the Highlands.</p> + + <p>Not one of the chiefs subscribed until the mandate from King + James arrived. That document, which is dated from St. Germains on + the 12th of December 1691, reached Dunkeld eleven days + afterwards, and, consequently, but a very short time before the + indemnity expired. The bearer, Major Menzies, was so fatigued + that he could proceed no farther on his journey, but forwarded + the mandate by an express to the commander of the royal forces, + who was then at Glengarry. It was therefore impossible that the + document could be circulated through the Highlands within the + prescribed period. Locheill, says Drummond of Balhaldy, did not + receive his copy till about thirty hours before the time was out, + and appeared before the sheriff at Inverara, where he took the + oaths upon the very day on which the indemnity expired.</p> + + <p>That a general massacre throughout the Highlands was + contemplated by the Whig government, is a fact established by + overwhelming evidence. In the course of the subsequent + investigation before the Scots Parliament, letters were produced + from Sir John Dalrymple, then Master of Stair, one of the + secretaries of state in attendance upon the court, which too + clearly indicate the intentions of William. In one of these, + dated 1st December 1694,—<i>a month</i>, be it observed, + before the amnesty expired—and addressed to + Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, there are the following + words:—"The winter is the only season in which we are sure + the Highlanders cannot escape us, <i>nor carry their wives, + bairns</i>, and cattle to the mountains." And in another letter, + written only two days afterwards, he says, "It is the only time + that they cannot escape you, for human constitution cannot endure + to be long out of houses. <i>This is the proper season to maule + them, in the cold long nights</i>." And in January thereafter, he + informed Sir Thomas Livingston that the design was "to destroy + entirely the country of Lochaber, Locheill's lands, Keppoch's, + Glengarry's, Appin, and Glencoe. I assure you," he continues, + "your power shall be full enough, <i>and I hope the soldiers will + not trouble the Government with prisoners</i>."</p> + + <p>Locheill was more fortunate than others of his friends and + neighbours. According to Drummond,—"Major Menzies, who, + upon his arrival, had observed the whole forces of the kingdom + ready to invade the Highlands, as he wrote to General Buchan, + foreseeing the unhappy consequences, not only begged that general + to send expresses to all parts with orders immediately to submit, + but also wrote to Sir Thomas Livingston, praying him to + supplicate the Council for a prorogation of the time, in regard + that he was so excessively fatigued, that he was obliged to stop + some days to repose a little; and that though he should send + expresses, yet it was impossible they could reach the distant + parts in such time as to allow the several persons concerned the + benefit of the indemnity within the space limited; besides, that + some persons having put the Highlanders in a bad temper, he was + confident to persuade them to submit, if a further time were + allowed. Sir Thomas presented this letter to the Council on the + 5th of January, 1692, but they refused to give any answer, and + ordered him to transmit the same to Court."</p> + + <p>The reply of William of Orange was a letter, countersigned by + Dalrymple, in which, upon the recital that "several of the + chieftains and many of their clans had not taken the benefit of + our gracious indemnity," he gave orders for a general massacre. + "To that end, we have given Sir Thomas Livingston orders to + employ our troops (which we have already conveniently posted) to + cut off these obstinate rebels <i>by all manner of hostility</i>; + and we do require you to give him your assistance and concurrence + in all other things that may conduce to that service; and because + these rebels, to avoid our forces, may draw themselves, <i>their + families</i>, goods, or cattle, to lurk or be concealed among + their neighbours: therefore, we require and authorise you to emit + a proclamation to be published at the market-crosses of these or + the adjacent shires where the rebels reside, discharging upon the + highest penalties the law allows, any reset, correspondence, or + intercommuning with these rebels." This monstrous mandate, which + was in fact the death-warrant of many thousand innocent people, + no distinction being made of age or sex, would, in all human + probability, have been put into execution, but for the + remonstrance of one high-minded nobleman. Lord Carmarthen, + afterwards Duke of Leeds, accidentally became aware of the + proposed massacre, and personally remonstrated with the monarch + against a measure which he denounced as at once cruel and + impolitic. After much discussion, William, influenced rather by + an apprehension that so savage and sweeping an act might prove + fatal to his new authority, than by any compunction or impulse of + humanity, agreed to recall the general order, and to limit + himself, in the first instance, to a single deed of butchery, by + way of testing the temper of the nation. Some difficulty seems to + have arisen in the selection of the fittest victim. Both Keppoch + and Glencoe were named, but the personal rancour of Secretary + Dalrymple decided the doom of the latter. The Secretary wrote + thus:—"Argyle tells me that Glencoe hath not taken the + oath, at which I rejoice. It is a great work of charity to be + exact in rooting out that damnable set." The final instructions + regarding Glencoe, which were issued on 16th January, 1692, are + as follows:—</p> + <pre> + "William R.—As for M'Ian of Glencoe, and that tribe, + if they can be well distinguished from the rest of the + Highlanders, it will be proper for public justice to extirpate + that set of thieves." "W.R." +</pre> + + <p>This letter is remarkable as being signed and countersigned by + William alone, contrary to the usual practice. The Secretary was + no doubt desirous to screen himself from after responsibility, + and was further aware that the royal signature would insure a + rigorous execution of the sentence.</p> + + <p>Macdonald, or, as he was more commonly designed, M'Ian of + Glencoe, was the head of a considerable sept or branch of the + great Clan-Coila, and was lineally descended from the ancient + Lords of the Isles, and from the royal family of + Scotland—the common ancestor of the Macdonalds having + espoused a daughter of Robert II. He was, according to a + contemporary testimony, "a person of great integrity, honour, + good nature, and courage; and his loyalty to his old master, King + James, was such, that he continued in arms from Dundee's first + appearing in the Highlands, till the fatal treaty that brought on + his ruin." In common with the other chiefs, he had omitted taking + the benefit of the indemnity until he received the sanction of + King James: but the copy of that document which was forwarded to + him, unfortunately arrived too late. The weather was so + excessively stormy at the time that there was no possibility of + penetrating from Glencoe to Inverara, the place where the sheriff + resided, before the expiry of the stated period; and M'Ian + accordingly adopted the only practicable mode of signifying his + submission, by making his way with great difficulty to + Fort-William, then called Inverlochy, and tendering his signature + to the military Governor there. That officer was not authorised + to receive it, but at the earnest entreaty of the chief, he gave + him a certificate of his appearance and tender, and on New-Year's + day, 1692, M'Ian reached Inverara, where he produced that paper + as evidence of his intentions, and prevailed upon the sheriff, + Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglass, to administer the oaths + required. After that ceremony, which was immediately intimated to + the Privy Council, had been performed, the unfortunate gentleman + returned home, in the full conviction that he had thereby made + peace with government for himself and for his clan. But his doom + was already sealed.</p> + + <p>A company of the Earl of Argyle's regiment had been previously + quartered in Glencoe. These men, though Campbells, and + hereditarily obnoxious to the Macdonalds, Camerons, and other of + the loyal clans, were yet countrymen, and were kindly and + hospitably received. Their captain, Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, + was connected with the family of Glencoe through the marriage of + a niece, and was resident under the roof of the chief. And yet + this was the very troop selected for the horrid service.</p> + + <p>Special instructions were sent to the major of the regiment, + one Duncanson, then quartered at Ballachulish—a morose, + brutal, and savage man—who accordingly wrote to Campbell of + Glenlyon in the following terms:—</p> + <pre> + Ballacholis, 12 <i>February</i>, 1692. + + "SIR,—You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebels, + the M'Donalds of Glencoe, and putt all to the sword under + seventy. You are to have special care that the old fox and + his sons doe upon no account escape your hands. You are + to secure all the avenues, that no man escape. This you + are to put in execution att five o'clock in the morning + precisely, and by that time, or very shortly after it, I'll + strive to be att you with a stronger party. If I doe not + come to you at five, you are not to tarry for me, but to fall + on. This is by the king's speciall command, for the good + and safety of the country, that these miscreants be cutt off + root and branch. See that this be putt in execution without + feud or favour, else you may expect to be treated as not + true to the king's government, nor a man fitt to carry a + commission in the king's service. Expecting you will not + faill in the fulfilling hereof as you love yourself, I subscribe + these with my hand." ROBERT DUNCANSON. +</pre> + <pre> + "<i>For their Majestys' service. + To Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon</i>." +</pre> + + <p>This order was but too literally obeyed. At the appointed + hour, when the whole inhabitants of the glen were asleep, the + work of murder began. M'Ian was one of the first who fell. + Drummond's narrative fills up the remainder of the dreadful + story.</p> + + <p>"They then served all within the family in the same manner, + without distinction of age or person. In a word—for the + horror of that execrable butchery must give pain to the + reader—they left none alive but a young child, who, being + frightened with the noise of the guns, and the dismal shrieks and + cries of its dying parents, whom they were a-murdering, got hold + of Captain Campbell's knees, and wrapt itself within his cloak; + by which, chancing to move compassion, the captain inclined to + have saved it, but one Drummond, an officer, arriving about the + break of day with more troops, commanded it to be shot by a file + of musqueteers. Nothing could be more shocking and horrible than + the prospect of these houses bestrewed with mangled bodies of the + dead, covered with blood, and resounding with the groans of + wretches in the last agonies of life.</p> + + <p>"Two sons of Glencoe's were the only persons that escaped in + that quarter of the country; for, growing jealous of some ill + designs from the behaviour of the soldiers, they stole from their + beds a few minutes before the tragedy began, and, chancing to + overhear two of them discoursing plainly of the matter, they + endeavoured to have advertised their father, but, finding that + impracticable, they ran to the other end of the country and + alarmed the inhabitants. There was another accident that + contributed much to their safety; for the night was so + excessively stormy and tempestuous, that four hundred soldiers, + who were appointed to murder these people, were stopped in their + march from Inverlochy, and could not get up till they had time to + save themselves. To cover the deformity of so dreadful a sight, + the soldiers burned all the houses to the ground, after having + rifled them, carried away nine hundred cows, two hundred horses, + numberless herds of sheep and goats, and every thing else that + belonged to these miserable people. Lamentable was the case of + the women and children that escaped the butchery; the mountains + were covered with a deep snow, the rivers impassable, storm and + tempest filled the air and added to the horrors and darkness of + the night, and there were no houses to shelter them within many + miles."[<a href="#note-1">1</a>]</p> + + <p>Such was the awful massacre of Glencoe, an event which has + left an indelible and execrable stain upon the memory of William + of Orange. The records of Indian warfare can hardly afford a + parallel instance of atrocity: and this deed, coupled with his + deliberate treachery in the Darien scheme, whereby Scotland was + for a time absolutely ruined, is sufficient to account for the + little estimation in which the name of the "great Whig deliverer" + is still regarded in the valleys of the North.</p> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-1"><!-- Note Anchor 1 --></a>[Footnote 1: + <i>Memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Locheill</i>.]</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_13"><!-- RULE4 13 --></a> + + <h2>THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Do not lift him from the bracken,</p> + + <p class="i2">Leave him lying where he fell—</p> + + <p>Better bier ye cannot fashion:</p> + + <p class="i2">None beseems him half so well</p> + + <p>As the bare and broken heather,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the hard and trampled sod,</p> + + <p>Whence his angry soul ascended</p> + + <p class="i2">To the judgment-seat of God!</p> + + <p>Winding-sheet we cannot give him—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seek no mantle for the dead,</p> + + <p>Save the cold and spotless covering</p> + + <p class="i2">Showered from heaven upon his head.</p> + + <p>Leave his broadsword, as we found it,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bent and broken with the blow,</p> + + <p>That, before he died, avenged him</p> + + <p class="i2">On the foremost of the foe.</p> + + <p>Leave the blood upon his bosom—</p> + + <p class="i2">Wash not off that sacred stain:</p> + + <p>Let it stiffen on the tartan,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let his wounds unclosed remain,</p> + + <p>Till the day when he shall show them</p> + + <p class="i2">At the throne of God on high,</p> + + <p>When the murderer and the murdered</p> + + <p class="i2">Meet before their Judge's eye!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nay—ye should not weep, my children!</p> + + <p class="i2">Leave it to the faint and weak;</p> + + <p>Sobs are but a woman's weapon—</p> + + <p class="i2">Tears befit a maiden's cheek.</p> + + <p>Weep not, children of Macdonald!</p> + + <p class="i2">Weep not thou, his orphan heir—</p> + + <p>Not in shame, but stainless honour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lies thy slaughtered father there.</p> + + <p>Weep not—but when years are over,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thine arm is strong and sure,</p> + + <p>And thy foot is swift and steady</p> + + <p class="i2">On the mountain and the muir—</p> + + <p>Let thy heart be hard as iron,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thy wrath as fierce as fire,</p> + + <p>Till the hour when vengeance cometh</p> + + <p class="i2">For the race that slew thy sire;</p> + + <p>Till in deep and dark Glenlyon</p> + + <p class="i2">Rise a louder shriek of woe</p> + + <p>Than at midnight, from their eyrie,</p> + + <p class="i2">Scared the eagles of Glencoe;</p> + + <p>Louder than the screams that mingled</p> + + <p class="i2">With the howling of the blast,</p> + + <p>When the murderer's steel was clashing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the fires were rising fast;</p> + + <p>When thy noble father bounded</p> + + <p class="i2">To the rescue of his men,</p> + + <p>And the slogan of our kindred</p> + + <p class="i2">Pealed throughout the startled glen;</p> + + <p>When the herd of frantic women</p> + + <p class="i2">Stumbled through the midnight snow,</p> + + <p>With their fathers' houses blazing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their dearest dead below.</p> + + <p>Oh, the horror of the tempest,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the flashing drift was blown,</p> + + <p>Crimsoned with the conflagration,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the roofs went thundering down!</p> + + <p>Oh, the prayers—the prayers and curses</p> + + <p class="i2">That together winged their flight</p> + + <p>From the maddened hearts of many</p> + + <p class="i2">Through that long and woeful night!</p> + + <p>Till the fires began to dwindle,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the shots grew faint and few,</p> + + <p>And we heard the foeman's challenge</p> + + <p class="i2">Only in a far halloo;</p> + + <p>Till the silence once more settled</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er the gorges of the glen,</p> + + <p>Broken only by the Cona</p> + + <p class="i2">Plunging through its naked den.</p> + + <p>Slowly from the mountain-summit</p> + + <p class="i2">Was the drifting veil withdrawn,</p> + + <p>And the ghastly valley glimmered</p> + + <p class="i2">In the gray December dawn.</p> + + <p>Better had the morning never</p> + + <p class="i2">Dawned upon our dark despair!</p> + + <p>Black amidst the common whiteness</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose the spectral ruins there:</p> + + <p>But the sight of these was nothing</p> + + <p class="i2">More than wrings the wild dove's breast,</p> + + <p>When she searches for her offspring</p> + + <p class="i2">Round the relics of her nest.</p> + + <p>For in many a spot the tartan</p> + + <p class="i2">Peered above the wintry heap,</p> + + <p>Marking where a dead Macdonald</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay within his frozen sleep.</p> + + <p>Tremblingly we scooped the covering</p> + + <p class="i2">From each kindred victim's head,</p> + + <p>And the living lips were burning</p> + + <p class="i2">On the cold ones of the dead.</p> + + <p>And I left them with their dearest—</p> + + <p class="i2">Dearest charge had everyone—</p> + + <p>Left the maiden with her lover,</p> + + <p class="i2">Left the mother with her son.</p> + + <p>I alone of all was mateless—</p> + + <p class="i2">Far more wretched I than they,</p> + + <p>For the snow would not discover</p> + + <p class="i2">Where my lord and husband lay.</p> + + <p>But I wandered up the valley</p> + + <p class="i2">Till I found him lying low,</p> + + <p>With the gash upon his bosom,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the frown upon his brow—</p> + + <p>Till I found him lying murdered</p> + + <p class="i2">Where he wooed me long ago.</p> + + <p>Woman's weakness shall not shame me;</p> + + <p class="i2">Why should I have tears to shed?</p> + + <p>Could I rain them down like water,</p> + + <p class="i2">O my hero, on thy head,</p> + + <p>Could the cry of lamentation</p> + + <p class="i2">Wake thee from thy silent sleep,</p> + + <p>Could it set thy heart a-throbbing,</p> + + <p class="i2">It were mine to wail and weep.</p> + + <p>But I will not waste my sorrow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lest the Campbell women say</p> + + <p>That the daughters of Clanranald</p> + + <p class="i2">Are as weak and frail as they.</p> + + <p>I had wept thee hadst thou fallen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like our fathers, on thy shield,</p> + + <p>When a host of English foemen</p> + + <p class="i2">Camped upon a Scottish field;</p> + + <p>I had mourned thee hadst thou perished</p> + + <p class="i2">With the foremost of his name,</p> + + <p>When the valiant and the noble</p> + + <p class="i2">Died around the dauntless Græme.</p> + + <p>But I will not wrong thee, husband!</p> + + <p class="i2">With my unavailing cries,</p> + + <p>Whilst thy cold and mangled body,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stricken by the traitor, lies;</p> + + <p>Whilst he counts the gold and glory</p> + + <p class="i2">That this hideous night has won,</p> + + <p>And his heart is big with triumph</p> + + <p class="i2">At the murder he has done.</p> + + <p>Other eyes than mine shall glisten,</p> + + <p class="i2">Other hearts be rent in twain,</p> + + <p>Ere the heathbells on thy hillock</p> + + <p class="i2">Wither in the autumn rain.</p> + + <p>Then I'll seek thee where thou sleepest,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I'll veil my weary head,</p> + + <p>Praying for a place beside thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Dearer than my bridal-bed:</p> + + <p>And I'll give thee tears, my husband,</p> + + <p class="i2">If the tears remain to me,</p> + + <p>When the widows of the foemen</p> + + <p class="i2">Cry the coronach for thee.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_14"><!-- RULE4 14 --></a> + + <h2>THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS</h2> + + <p>In consequence of a capitulation with Government, the regular + troops who had served under Lord Dundee were transhipped to + France, and, immediately upon their landing, the officers and + others had their rank confirmed according to the tenor of the + commissions and characters which they bore in Scotland. They were + distributed throughout the different garrisons in the north of + France, and, though nominally in the service of King James, + derived their whole means of subsistence from the bounty of the + French monarch. So long as it appeared probable that another + descent was meditated, those gentlemen, who were almost without + exception men of considerable family, assented to this + arrangement, but the destruction of the French fleet under + Admiral Tourville, off La Hogue, led to a material change in + their views. After that naval engagement it became obvious that + the cause of the fugitive King was in the mean time desperate, + and the Scottish officers, with no less gallantry than honour, + volunteered a sacrifice which, so far as I know, has hardly been + equalled.</p> + + <p>The old and interesting pamphlet written by one of the + corps,[<a href="#note-2">2</a>] from which I have extracted most + of the following details, but which is seldom perused except by + the antiquary, states that, "The Scottish officers, considering + that, by the loss of the French Fleet, King James's restoration + would be retarded for some time, and that they were burdensome to + the King of France, being entertained in garrisons on whole pay, + without doing duty, when he had almost all Europe in confederacy + against him, therefore humbly entreated King James to have them + reduced into a company of private sentinels, and choose officers + amongst themselves to command them, assuring his majesty that + they would serve in the meanest circumstances, and undergo the + greatest hardships and fatigues that reason could imagine, or + misfortunes inflict, until it pleased God to restore him. King + James commended their generosity and loyalty, but disapproved of + what they proposed, and told them it was impossible that + gentlemen who had served in so honourable posts as formerly they + had enjoyed, and lived in so great plenty and ease, could ever + undergo the fatigue and hardships of private sentinels' duty. + Again, that his own first command was a company of officers, + whereof several died, others, wearied with fatigue, drew their + discharges, till at last it dwindled into nothing, and he got no + reputation by the command: therefore he desired them to insist no + more on that project. The officers (notwithstanding his majesty's + desire to the contrary) made several interests at court, and + harassed him so much, that at last he condescended," and + appointed those who were to command them.</p> + + <p>Shortly afterwards the new corps was reviewed for the first + and last time by the unfortunate James in the gardens of Saint + Germains, and the tears are said to have gushed from his eyes at + the sight of so many brave men, reduced, through their + disinterested and persevering loyalty, to so very humble a + condition. "Gentlemen," said he, "my own misfortunes are not so + nigh my heart as yours. It grieves me beyond what I can express + to see so many brave and worthy gentlemen, who had once the + prospect of being the chief officers in my army, reduced to the + stations of private sentinels. Nothing but your loyalty, and that + of a few of my subjects in Britain, who are forced from their + allegiance by the Prince of Orange, and who, I know, will be + ready on all occasions to serve me and my distressed family, + could make me willing to live. The sense of what all of you have + done and undergone for your loyalty hath made so deep an + impression upon my heart, that, if it ever please God to restore + me, it is impossible I can be forgetful of your services and + sufferings. Neither can there be any posts in the armies of my + dominions but what you have just pretensions to. As for my son, + your Prince, he is of your own blood, a child capable of any + impression, and, as his education will be from you, it is not + supposable that he can forget your merits. At your own desires + you are now going a long march far distant from me. Fear God and + love one another. Write your wants particularly to me, and depend + upon it always to find me your parent and King." The scene bore a + strong resemblance to one which many years afterwards occurred at + Fontainebleau. The company listened to his words with deep + emotion, gathered round him, as if half repentant of their own + desire to go, and so parted, for ever on this earth, the + dethroned monarch and his exiled subjects.</p> + + <p>The number of this company of officers was about one hundred + and twenty: their destination was Perpignan in Rousillon, close + upon the frontier of Spain, where they were to join the army + under the command of the Mareschal de Noailles. Their power of + endurance, though often most severely tested in an unwholesome + climate, seems to have been no less remarkable than their + gallantry, which upon many occasions called forth the warm + acknowledgment of the French commanders. "<i>Le gentilhomme</i>," + said one of the generals, in acknowledgment of their readiness at + a peculiarly critical moment, "<i>est toujours gentilhomme, et se + montre toujours tel dans besoin et dans le danger</i>"—a + eulogy as applicable to them as it was in later days to La Tour + d'Auvergne, styled the first grenadier of France. At Perpignan + they were joined by two other Scottish companies, and the three + seem to have continued to serve together for several + campaigns.</p> + + <p>As a proof of the estimation in which they were held, I shall + merely extract a short account of the taking of Rosas in + Catalonia, before referring to the exploit which forms the + subject of the following ballad. "On the 27th of May, the company + of officers and other Scottish companies, were joined by two + companies of Irish, to make up a battalion in order to mount the + trenches; and the major part of the officers listed themselves in + the company of grenadiers, under the command of the brave Major + Rutherford, who, on his way to the trenches, in sight of + Mareschal de Noailles and his court, marched with his company on + the side of the trench, which exposed him to the fire of a + bastion, where there were two culverins and several other guns + planted; likewise to the fire of two curtins lined with small + shot. Colonel Brown, following with the battalion, was obliged, + in honour, to march the same way Major Rutherford had done; the + danger whereof the Mareschal immediately perceiving, ordered one + of his aides-de-camp to command Rutherford to march under cover + of the trench, which he did; and if he had but delayed six + minutes, the grenadiers and battalion had been cut to pieces. + Rutherford, with his grenadiers, marched to a trench near the + town, and the battalion to a trench on the rear and flank of the + grenadiers, who fired so incessantly on the besieged, that they + thought (the trench being practicable) they were going to make + their attacks, immediately beat a chamade, and were willing to + give up the town upon reasonable terms: but the Mareschal's + demands were so exorbitant, that the Governor could not agree to + them. Then firing began on both sides to be very hot; and they in + the town, seeing how the grenadiers lay, killed eight of them. + When the Governor surrendered the town, he inquired of the + Mareschal what countrymen these grenadiers were; and assured him + it was on their account he delivered up the town, because they + fired so hotly, that he believed they were resolved to attack the + breach. He answered, smiling, <i>'Ces sont mes + enfants</i>—They are my children.' Again; 'they are the + King of Great Britain's Scottish officers, who, to show their + willingness to share of his miseries, have reduced themselves to + the carrying of arms, and chosen to serve under my command.' The + next day, when the Mareschal rode along the front of the camp, he + halted at the company of the officers' piquet, and they all + surrounded him. Then, with his hat in his hand, he thanked them + for their good services in the trenches, and freely acknowledged + it was their conduct and courage which compelled the Governor to + give up the town; and assured them he would acquaint his master + with the same, which he did. For when his son arrived with the + news at Versailles, the King, having read the letter, immediately + took coach to St. Germains; and when he had shown King James the + letter, he thanked him for the services his subjects had done in + taking Rosas in Catalonia; who, with concern, replied, they were + the stock of his British officers, and that he was sorry he could + not make better provision for them."</p> + + <p>And a miserable provision it was! They were gradually + compelled to part with every remnant of the property which they + had secured from the ruins of their fortunes; so that when they + arrived, after various adventures, at Scelestat, in Alsace, they + were literally without the common means of subsistence. Famine + and the sword had, by this time, thinned their ranks, but had not + diminished their spirit, as the following narrative of their last + exploit will show:—</p> + + <p>"In December 1697, General Stirk, who commanded for the + Germans, appeared with 16,000 men on the other side of the Rhine, + which obliged the Marquis de Sell to draw out all the garrisons + in Alsace, who made up about 4000 men; and he encamped on the + other side of the Rhine, over against General Stirk, to prevent + his passing the Rhine and carrying a bridge over into an island + in the middle of it, which the French foresaw would be of great + prejudice to them. For the enemy's guns, placed on that island, + would extremely gall their camp, which they could not hinder for + the deepness of the water and their wanting of boats—for + which the Marquis quickly sent; but arriving too late, the + Germans had carried a bridge over into the island, where they had + posted above five hundred men, who, by order of their engineers, + intrenched themselves: which the company of officers perceiving, + who always grasped after honour, and scorned all thoughts of + danger, resolved to wade the river, and attack the Germans in the + island; and for that effect, desired Captain John Foster, who + then commanded them, to beg of the Marquis that they might have + liberty to attack the Germans in the island; who told Captain + Foster, when the boats came up, they should be the first that + attacked. Foster courteously thanked the Marquis, and told him + they would wade into the island, who shrunk up his shoulders, + prayed God to bless them, and desired them to do what they + pleased." Whereupon the officers, with the other two Scottish + companies, made themselves ready; and having secured their arms + round their necks, waded into the river hand-in-hand, "according + to the Highland fashion," with the water as high as their + breasts; and having crossed the heavy stream, fell upon the + Germans in their intrenchment. These were presently thrown into + confusion, and retreated, breaking down their own bridges, whilst + many of them were drowned. This movement, having been made in the + dusk of the evening, partook of the character of a surprise; but + it appears to me a very remarkable one, as having been effected + under such circumstances, in the dead of winter, and in the face + of an enemy who possessed the advantages both of position and of + numerical superiority. The author of the narrative + adds:—"When the Marquis de Sell heard the firing, and + understood that the Germans were beat out of the island, he made + the sign of the cross on his face and breast, and declared + publicly, that it was the bravest action that ever he saw, and + that his army had no honour by it. As soon as the boats came, the + Marquis sent into the island to acquaint the officers that he + would send them both troops and provisions, who thanked his + Excellency, and desired he should be informed that they wanted no + troops, and could not spare time to make use of provisions, and + only desired spades, shovels, and pickaxes, wherewith they might + intrench themselves—which were immediately sent to them. + The next morning, the Marquis came into the island, and kindly + embraced every officer, and thanked them for the good service + they had done his master, assuring them he would write a true + account of their honour and bravery to the Court of France, + which, at the reading his letters, immediately went to St. + Germains, and thanked King James for the services his subjects + had done on the Rhine."</p> + + <p>The company kept possession of the island for nearly six + weeks, notwithstanding repeated attempts on the part of the + Germans to surprise and dislodge them; but all these having been + defeated by the extreme watchfulness of the Scots, General Stirk + at length drew off his army and retreated. "In consequence of + this action," says the chronicler, "that island is called at + present Isle d'Ecosse, and will in likelihood bear that name + until the general conflagration."</p> + + <p>Two years afterwards, a treaty of peace was concluded; and + this gallant company of soldiers, worthy of a better fate, was + broken up and dispersed. At the time when the narrative, from + which I have quoted so freely, was compiled, not more than + sixteen of Dundee's veterans were alive. The author concludes + thus,—"And thus was dissolved one of the best companies + that ever marched under command! Gentlemen, who, in the midst of + all their pressures and obscurity, never forgot they were + gentlemen; and whom the sweets of a brave, a just, and honourable + conscience, rendered perhaps more happy under those sufferings, + than the most prosperous and triumphant in iniquity, since our + minds stamp our happiness."</p> + + <p>Some years ago, while visiting the ancient Scottish convent at + Ratisbon, my attention was drawn to the monumental inscriptions + on the walls of the dormitory, many of which bear reference to + gentlemen of family and distinction, whose political principles + had involved them in the troubles of 1688, 1715, and 1745. + Whether the cloister which now holds their dust had afforded them + a shelter in the later years of their misfortunes, I know not; + but for one that is so commemorated, hundreds of the exiles must + have passed away in obscurity, buried in the field on which they + fell, or carried from the damp vaults of the military hospital to + the trench, without any token of remembrance, or any other wish + beyond that which the minstrels have ascribed to one of the + greatest of our olden heroes—</p> + <pre> + "Oh bury me by the bracken bush, + Beneath the blooming brier: + Let never living mortal ken + That a kindly Scot lies here!" +</pre> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-2"><!-- Note Anchor 2 --></a>[Footnote 2: <i>An + account of Dundee's Officers after they went to France</i>. By an + Officer of the Army. London, 1714.]</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_15"><!-- RULE4 15 --></a> + + <h2>THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The Rhine is running deep and red,</p> + + <p class="i2">The island lies before—</p> + + <p>"Now is there one of all the host</p> + + <p class="i2">Will dare to venture o'er?</p> + + <p>For not alone the river's sweep</p> + + <p class="i2">Might make a brave man quail:</p> + + <p>The foe are on the further side,</p> + + <p class="i2">Their shot comes fast as hail.</p> + + <p>God help us, if the middle isle</p> + + <p class="i2">We may not hope to win!</p> + + <p>Now, is there any of the host</p> + + <p class="i2">Will dare to venture in?"</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The ford is deep, the banks are steep,</p> + + <p class="i2">The island-shore lies wide:</p> + + <p>Nor man nor horse could stem its force,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or reach the further side.</p> + + <p>See there! amidst the willow boughs</p> + + <p class="i2">The serried bayonets gleam;</p> + + <p>They've flung their bridge—they've won the isle;</p> + + <p class="i2">The foe have crossed the stream!</p> + + <p>Their volley flashes sharp and strong—</p> + + <p class="i2">By all the Saints, I trow,</p> + + <p>There never yet was soldier born</p> + + <p class="i2">Could force that passage now!"</p> + </div> + + <p>III</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So spoke the bold French Mareschal</p> + + <p class="i2">With him who led the van,</p> + + <p>Whilst rough and red before their view</p> + + <p class="i2">The turbid river ran.</p> + + <p>Nor bridge nor boat had they to cross</p> + + <p class="i2">The wild and swollen Rhine,</p> + + <p>And thundering on the other bank</p> + + <p class="i2">Far stretched the German line.</p> + + <p>Hard by there stood a swarthy man</p> + + <p class="i2">Was leaning on his sword,</p> + + <p>And a saddened smile lit up his face</p> + + <p class="i2">As he heard the Captain's word.</p> + + <p>"I've seen a wilder stream ere now</p> + + <p class="i2">Than that which rushes there;</p> + + <p>I've stemmed a heavier torrent yet</p> + + <p class="i2">And never thought to dare.</p> + + <p>If German steel be sharp and keen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Is ours not strong and true?</p> + + <p>There may be danger in the deed,</p> + + <p class="i2">But there is honour too."</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The old lord in his saddle turned,</p> + + <p class="i2">And hastily he said—</p> + + <p>"Hath bold Dugueselin's fiery heart</p> + + <p class="i2">Awakened from the dead?</p> + + <p>Thou art the leader of the Scots—</p> + + <p class="i2">Now well and sure I know,</p> + + <p>That gentle blood in dangerous hour</p> + + <p class="i2">Ne'er yet ran cold nor slow,</p> + + <p>And I have seen ye in the fight</p> + + <p class="i2">Do all that mortal may:</p> + + <p>If honour is the boon ye seek</p> + + <p class="i2">It may be won this day.</p> + + <p>The prize is in the middle isle,</p> + + <p class="i2">There lies the venturous way;</p> + + <p>And armies twain are on the plain,</p> + + <p class="i2">The daring deed to see—</p> + + <p>Now ask thy gallant company</p> + + <p class="i2">If they will follow thee!"</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Right gladsome looked the Captain then,</p> + + <p class="i2">And nothing did he say,</p> + + <p>But he turned him to his little band—</p> + + <p class="i2">Oh few, I ween, were they!</p> + + <p>The relics of the bravest force</p> + + <p class="i2">That ever fought in fray.</p> + + <p>No one of all that company</p> + + <p class="i2">But bore a gentle name,</p> + + <p>Not one whose fathers had not stood</p> + + <p class="i2">In Scotland's fields of fame.</p> + + <p>All they had marched with great Dundee</p> + + <p class="i2">To where he fought and fell,</p> + + <p>And in the deadly battle-strife</p> + + <p class="i2">Had venged their leader well;</p> + + <p>And they had bent the knee to earth</p> + + <p class="i2">When every eye was dim,</p> + + <p>As o'er their hero's buried corpse</p> + + <p class="i2">They sang the funeral hymn;</p> + + <p>And they had trod the Pass once more,</p> + + <p class="i2">And stooped on either side</p> + + <p>To pluck the heather from the spot</p> + + <p class="i2">Where he had dropped and died;</p> + + <p>And they had bound it next their hearts,</p> + + <p class="i2">And ta'en a last farewell</p> + + <p>Of Scottish earth and Scottish sky,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where Scotland's glory fell.</p> + + <p>Then went they forth to foreign lands</p> + + <p class="i2">Like bent and broken men,</p> + + <p>Who leave their dearest hope behind,</p> + + <p class="i2">And may not turn again!</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The stream," he said, "is broad and deep,</p> + + <p class="i2">And stubborn is the foe—</p> + + <p>Yon island-strength is guarded well—</p> + + <p class="i2">Say, brothers, will ye go?</p> + + <p>From home and kin for many a year</p> + + <p class="i2">Our steps have wandered wide,</p> + + <p>And never may our bones be laid</p> + + <p class="i2">Our fathers' graves beside.</p> + + <p>No sisters have we to lament,</p> + + <p class="i2">No wives to wail our fall;</p> + + <p>The traitor's and the spoiler's hand</p> + + <p class="i2">Have reft our hearths of all.</p> + + <p>But we have hearts, and we have arms</p> + + <p class="i2">As strong to will and dare</p> + + <p>As when our ancient banners flew</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the northern air.</p> + + <p>Come, brothers; let me name a spell</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall rouse your souls again,</p> + + <p>And send the old blood bounding free</p> + + <p class="i2">Through pulse, and heart, and vein!</p> + + <p>Call back the days of bygone years—</p> + + <p class="i2">Be young and strong once more;</p> + + <p>Think yonder stream, so stark and red,</p> + + <p class="i2">Is one we've crossed before.</p> + + <p>Rise, hill and glen! rise, crag and wood!</p> + + <p class="i2">Rise up on either hand—</p> + + <p>Again upon the Garry's banks,</p> + + <p class="i2">On Scottish soil we stand!</p> + + <p>Again I see the tartans wave,</p> + + <p class="i2">Again the trumpets ring;</p> + + <p>Again I hear our leader's call—</p> + + <p class="i2">'Upon them, for the King!'</p> + + <p>Stayed we behind that glorious day</p> + + <p class="i2">For roaring flood or linn?</p> + + <p>The soul of Græme is with us still—</p> + + <p class="i2">Now, brothers! will ye in?"</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No stay—no pause. With one accord</p> + + <p class="i2">They grasped each others' hand,</p> + + <p>And plunged into the angry flood,</p> + + <p class="i2">That bold and dauntless band.</p> + + <p>High flew the spray above their heads,</p> + + <p class="i2">Yet onward still they bore,</p> + + <p>Midst cheer, and shout, and answering yell,</p> + + <p class="i2">And shot and cannon roar.</p> + + <p>"Now by the Holy Cross! I swear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Since earth and sea began</p> + + <p>Was never such a daring deed</p> + + <p class="i2">Essayed by mortal man!"</p> + </div> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thick blew the smoke across the stream,</p> + + <p class="i2">And faster flashed the flame:</p> + + <p>The water plashed in hissing jets</p> + + <p class="i2">As ball and bullet came.</p> + + <p>Yet onwards pushed the Cavaliers</p> + + <p class="i2">All stern and undismayed,</p> + + <p>With thousand armèd foes before,</p> + + <p class="i2">And none behind to aid.</p> + + <p>Once, as they neared the middle stream,</p> + + <p class="i2">So strong the torrent swept,</p> + + <p>That scarce that long and living wall,</p> + + <p class="i2">Their dangerous footing kept.</p> + + <p>Then rose a warning cry behind,</p> + + <p class="i2">A joyous shout before:</p> + + <p>"The current's strong—the way is long—</p> + + <p class="i2">They'll never reach the shore!</p> + + <p>See, see! They stagger in the midst,</p> + + <p class="i2">They waver in their line!</p> + + <p>Fire on the madmen! break their ranks,</p> + + <p class="i2">And whelm them in the Rhine!"</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Have you seen the tall trees swaying</p> + + <p class="i2">When the blast is piping shrill,</p> + + <p>And the whirlwind reels in fury</p> + + <p class="i2">Down the gorges of the hill?</p> + + <p>How they toss their mighty branches,</p> + + <p class="i2">Striving with the tempest's shock;</p> + + <p>How they keep their place of vantage,</p> + + <p class="i2">Cleaving firmly to the rock?</p> + + <p>Even so the Scottish warriors</p> + + <p class="i2">Held their own against the river;</p> + + <p>Though the water flashed around them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not an eye was seen to quiver;</p> + + <p>Though the shot flew sharp and deadly,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not a man relaxed his hold:</p> + + <p>For their hearts were big and thrilling</p> + + <p class="i2">With the mighty thoughts of old.</p> + + <p>One word was spoke among them,</p> + + <p class="i2">And through the ranks it spread—</p> + + <p>"Remember our dead Claverhouse!"</p> + + <p class="i2">Was all the Captain said.</p> + + <p>Then, sternly bending forward,</p> + + <p class="i2">They struggled on awhile,</p> + + <p>Until they cleared the heavy stream,</p> + + <p class="i2">Then rushed towards the isle.</p> + </div> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The German heart is stout and true,</p> + + <p class="i2">The German arm is strong;</p> + + <p>The German foot goes seldom back</p> + + <p class="i2">Where armèd foemen throng.</p> + + <p>But never had they faced in field</p> + + <p class="i2">So stern a charge before,</p> + + <p>And never had they felt the sweep</p> + + <p class="i2">Of Scotland's broad claymore.</p> + + <p>Not fiercer pours the avalanche</p> + + <p class="i2">Adown the steep incline,</p> + + <p>That rises o'er the parent springs</p> + + <p class="i2">Of rough and rapid Rhine—</p> + + <p>Scarce swifter shoots the bolt from heaven</p> + + <p class="i2">Than came the Scottish band,</p> + + <p>Right up against the guarded trench,</p> + + <p class="i2">And o'er it, sword in hand.</p> + + <p>In vain their leaders forward press—</p> + + <p class="i2">They meet the deadly brand!</p> + + <p>O lonely island of the Rhine,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where seed was never sown,</p> + + <p>What harvest lay upon thy sands,</p> + + <p class="i2">By those strong reapers thrown?</p> + + <p>What saw the winter moon that night,</p> + + <p class="i2">As, struggling through the rain,</p> + + <p>She poured a wan and fitful light</p> + + <p class="i2">On marsh, and stream, and plain?</p> + + <p>A dreary spot with corpses strewn,</p> + + <p class="i2">And bayonets glistening round;</p> + + <p>A broken bridge, a stranded boat,</p> + + <p class="i2">A bare and battered mound;</p> + + <p>And one huge watch-fire's kindled pile,</p> + + <p class="i2">That sent its quivering glare</p> + + <p>To tell the leaders of the host</p> + + <p class="i2">The conquering Scots were there!</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And did they twine the laurel-wreath</p> + + <p class="i2">For those who fought so well?</p> + + <p>And did they honour those who lived,</p> + + <p class="i2">And weep for those who fell?</p> + + <p>What meed of thanks was given to them</p> + + <p class="i2">Let aged annals tell.</p> + + <p>Why should they twine the laurel-wreath—</p> + + <p class="i2">Why crown the cup with wine?</p> + + <p>It was not Frenchman's blood that flowed</p> + + <p class="i2">So freely on the Rhine—</p> + + <p>A stranger band of beggared men</p> + + <p class="i2">Had done the venturous deed:</p> + + <p>The glory was to France alone,</p> + + <p class="i2">The danger was their meed.</p> + + <p>And what cared they for idle thanks</p> + + <p class="i2">From foreign prince and peer?</p> + + <p>What virtue had such honeyed words</p> + + <p class="i2">The exiles' hearts to cheer?</p> + + <p>What mattered it that men should vaunt,</p> + + <p class="i2">And loud and fondly swear,</p> + + <p>That higher feat of chivalry</p> + + <p class="i2">Was never wrought elsewhere?</p> + + <p>They bore within their breasts the grief</p> + + <p class="i2">That fame can never heal—</p> + + <p>The deep, unutterable woe</p> + + <p class="i2">Which none save exiles feel.</p> + + <p>Their hearts were yearning for the land</p> + + <p class="i2">They ne'er might see again—</p> + + <p>For Scotland's high and heathered hills,</p> + + <p class="i2">For mountain, loch, and glen—</p> + + <p>For those who haply lay at rest</p> + + <p class="i2">Beyond the distant sea,</p> + + <p>Beneath the green and daisied turf</p> + + <p class="i2">Where they would gladly be!</p> + </div> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Long years went by. The lonely isle</p> + + <p class="i2">In Rhine's impetuous flood</p> + + <p>Has ta'en another name from those</p> + + <p class="i2">Who bought it with their blood:</p> + + <p>And though the legend does not live,</p> + + <p class="i2">For legends lightly die,</p> + + <p>The peasant, as he sees the stream</p> + + <p class="i2">In winter rolling by,</p> + + <p>And foaming o'er its channel-bed</p> + + <p class="i2">Between him and the spot</p> + + <p>Won by the warriors of the sword,</p> + + <p>Still calls that deep and dangerous ford</p> + + <p class="i2">The Passage of the Scot.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_16"><!-- RULE4 16 --></a> + + <h2>CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES</h2> + + <p>Though the sceptre had departed from the House of Stuart, it + was reserved for one of its last descendants to prove to the + world, by his personal gallantry and noble spirit of enterprise, + that he at least had not degenerated from his royal line of + ancestors. The daring effort of Charles Edward to recover the + crown of these kingdoms for his father, is to us the most + remarkable incident of the last century. It was honourable alike + to the Prince and to those who espoused his cause; and, even in a + political point of view, the outbreak ought not to be deplored, + since its failure put an end for ever to the dynastical struggle + which, for more than half a century, had agitated the whole of + Britain, established the rule of law and of social order + throughout the mountainous districts of Scotland, and blended + Celt and Saxon into one prosperous and united people. It was + better that the antiquated system of clanship should have expired + in a blaze of glory, than gradually dwindled into contempt; + better that the patriarchal rule should at once have been + extinguished by the dire catastrophe of Culloden, than that it + should have lingered on, the shadow of an old tradition. There is + nothing now to prevent us from dwelling with pride and admiration + on the matchless devotion displayed by the Highlanders, in 1745, + in behalf of the heir of him whom they acknowledged as their + lawful king. No feeling can arise to repress the interest and the + sympathy which is excited by the perusal of the tale narrating + the sufferings of the princely wanderer. That un-bought loyalty + and allegiance of the heart, which would not depart from its + constancy until the tomb of the Vatican had closed upon the last + of the Stuart line, has long since been transferred to the + constitutional sovereign of these realms; and the enthusiastic + welcome which has so often greeted the return of Queen Victoria + to her Highland home, owes its origin to a deeper feeling than + that dull respect which modern liberalism asserts to be the only + tribute due to the first magistrate of the land.</p> + + <p>The campaign of 1745 yields in romantic interest to none which + is written in history. A young and inexperienced prince, whose + person was utterly unknown to any of his adherents, landed on the + west coast of Scotland, not at the head of a foreign force, not + munimented with supplies and arms, but accompanied by a mere + handful of followers, and ignorant of the language of the people + amongst whom he was hazarding his person. His presence in + Scotland had not been urged by the chiefs of the clans, most of + whom were deeply averse to embarking in an enterprise which must + involve them in a war with so powerful an antagonist as England, + and which, if unsuccessful, could only terminate in the utter + ruin of their fortunes. This was not a cause in which the whole + of Scotland was concerned. Although it was well known that many + leading families in the Lowlands entertained Jacobite opinions, + and although a large proportion of the common people had not yet + become reconciled to, or satisfied of, the advantages of the + Union, by which they considered themselves dishonoured and + betrayed, it was hardly to be expected that, without some fair + guarantee for success, the bulk of the Scottish nation would + actively bestir themselves on the side of the exiled family. + Besides this, even amongst the Highlanders there was not + unanimity of opinion. The three northern clans of Sutherland, + Mackay, and Monro, were known to be staunch supporters of the + Government. It was doubtful what part might be taken in the + struggle by those of Mackenzie and Ross. The chiefs of Skye, who + could have brought a large force of armed men into the field, had + declined participating in the attempt. The assistance of Lord + Lovat, upon whom the co-operation of the Frasers might depend, + could not be calculated on with certainty; and nothing but + hostility could be expected from the powerful sept of the + Campbells. Under such circumstances, it is little wonder if + Cameron of Locheill, the most sagacious of all the chieftains who + favoured the Stuart cause, was struck with consternation and + alarm at the news of the Prince's landing, or that he attempted + to persuade him from undertaking an adventure so seemingly + hopeless. Mr. Robert Chambers, in his admirable history of that + period, does not in the least exaggerate the importance of the + interview, on the result of which the prosecution of the war + depended. "On arriving at Borrodale, Locheill had a private + interview with the Prince, in which the probabilities of the + enterprise were anxiously debated. Charles used every argument to + excite the loyalty of Locheill, and the chief exerted all his + eloquence to persuade the Prince to withdraw till a better + opportunity. Charles represented the present as the best possible + opportunity, seeing that the French general kept the British army + completely engaged abroad, while at home there were no troops but + one or two newly-raised regiments. He expressed his confidence + that a small body of Highlanders would be sufficient to gain a + victory over all the force that could now be brought against him; + and he was equally sure that such an advantage was all that was + required to make his friends at home declare in his favour, and + cause those abroad to send him assistance. All he wanted was that + the Highlanders should begin the war. Locheill still resisted, + entreating Charles to be more temperate, and consent to remain + concealed where he was, till his friends should meet together and + concert what was best to be done. Charles, whose mind was wound + up to the utmost pitch of impatience, paid no regard to this + proposal, but answered that he was determined to put all to the + hazard. 'In a few days,' said he, 'with the few friends I have, I + will raise the royal standard, and proclaim to the people of + Britain that Charles Stuart is come over to claim the crown of + his ancestors—to win it, or to perish in the attempt! + Locheill—who, my father has often told me, was our firmest + friend—may stay at home, and learn from the newspapers the + fate of his Prince!' 'No!' said Locheill, stung by so poignant a + reproach, and hurried away by the enthusiasm of the moment; 'I + will share the fate of my Prince, and so shall every man over + whom nature or fortune has given me any power.' Such was the + juncture upon which depended the civil war of 1745; for it is a + point agreed, says Mr. Home, who narrates this conversation, that + if Locheill had persisted in his refusal to take arms, no other + chief would have joined the standard, and the spark of rebellion + must have been instantly extinguished." Not more than twelve + hundred men were assembled in Glenfinnan on the day when the + standard was unfurled by the Marquis of Tullibardine, and, at the + head of this mere handful of followers, Charles Edward commenced + the stupendous enterprise of reconquering the dominions of his + fathers.</p> + + <p>With a force which, at the battle of Preston, did not double + the above numbers, the Prince descended upon the Lowlands, having + baffled the attempts of General Cope to intercept his + march—occupied the city of Perth and the town of Dundee, + and finally, after a faint show of resistance on the part of the + burghers, took possession of the ancient capital of Scotland, and + once more established a court in the halls of Holyrood. His + youth, his gallantry, and the grace and beauty of his person, + added to a most winning and affable address, acquired for him the + sympathy of many who, from political motives, abstained from + becoming his adherents. Possibly certain feelings of nationality, + which no deliberate views of civil or religious policy could + altogether extirpate, led such men to regard, with a sensation + akin to pride, the spectacle of a prince descended from the long + line of Scottish kings, again occupying his ancestral seat, and + restoring to their country, which had been utterly neglected by + the new dynasty, a portion of its former state. No doubt a sense + of pity for the probable fate of one so young and chivalrous was + often present to their minds, for they had thorough confidence in + the intrepidity of the regular troops, and in the capacity of + their commander; and they never for a moment supposed that these + could be successfully encountered by a raw levy of undisciplined + Highlanders, ill-armed and worse equipped, and without the + support of any artillery.</p> + + <p>The issue of the battle of Prestonpans struck Edinburgh with + amazement. In point of numbers the two armies were nearly equal, + but in every thing else, save personal valour, the royal troops + had the advantage. And yet, <i>in four minutes</i>—for the + battle is said not to have lasted longer—the Highlanders + having only made one terrific and impetuous charge—the rout + of the regulars was general. The infantry was broken and cut to + pieces; the dragoons, who behaved shamefully on the occasion, + turned bridle and fled, without having once crossed swords with + the enemy. Mr. Chambers thus terminates his account of the + action: "The general result of the battle of Preston may be + stated as having been the total overthrow and almost entire + destruction of the royal army. Most of the infantry, falling upon + the park walls of Preston, were there huddled together, without + the power of resistance, into a confused drove, and had either to + surrender or to be cut to pieces. Many, in vainly attempting to + climb over the walls, fell an easy prey to the ruthless claymore. + Nearly 400, it is said, were thus slain, 700 taken, while only + about 170 in all succeeded in effecting their escape.</p> + + <p>"The dragoons, with worse conduct, were much more fortunate. + In falling back, they had the good luck to find outlets from + their respective positions by the roads which ran along the + various extremities of the park wall, and they thus got clear + through the village with little slaughter; after which, as the + Highlanders had no horse to pursue them, they were safe. Several + officers, among whom were Fowkes and Lascelles, escaped to + Cockenzie and along Seton Sands, in a direction contrary to the + general flight.</p> + + <p>"The unfortunate Cope had attempted, at the first break of + Gardiner's dragoons, to stop and rally them, but was borne + headlong, with the confused bands, through the narrow road to the + south of the enclosures, notwithstanding all his efforts to the + contrary. On getting beyond the village, where he was joined by + the retreating bands of the other regiment, he made one anxious + effort, with the Earls of Loudoun and Home, to form and bring + them back to charge the enemy, now disordered by the pursuit; but + in vain. They fled on, ducking their heads along their horses' + necks to escape the bullets which the pursuers occasionally sent + after them. By using great exertions, and holding pistols to the + heads of the troopers, Sir John and a few of his officers induced + a small number of them to halt in a field near St. Clement's + Wells, about two miles from the battle-ground. But, after a + momentary delay, the accidental firing of a pistol renewed the + panic, and they rode off once more in great disorder. Sir John + Cope, with a portion of them, reached Channelkirk at an early + hour in the forenoon, and there halted to breakfast, and to write + a brief note to one of the state-officers, relating the fate of + the day. He then resumed his flight, and reached Coldstream that + night. Next morning he proceeded to Berwick, whose fortifications + seemed competent to give the security he required. He everywhere + brought the first tidings of his own defeat."</p> + + <p>This victory operated very much in favour of Prince Charles. + It secured him, for a season, the undisputed possession of + Scotland, and enabled numerous adherents from all parts of the + country to raise such forces as they could command, and to repair + to his banner. His popularity in Edinburgh daily increased, as + the qualities of his person and mind became known; and such + testimony as the following, with respect to his estimation by the + fair sex, and the devotion they exhibited in his cause, is not + overcharged. "His affability and great personal grace wrought him + high favour with the ladies, who, as we learn from, the letters + of President Forbes, became generally so zealous in his cause, as + to have some serious effect in inducing their admirers to declare + for the Prince. There was, we know for certain, a Miss Lumsden, + who plainly told her lover, a young artist, named Robert Strange, + that he might think no more of her unless he should immediately + join Prince Charles, and thus actually prevailed upon him to take + up arms. It may be added that he survived the enterprise, escaped + with great difficulty, and married the lady. He was afterwards + the best line-engraver of his time, and received the honour of + knighthood from George III. White ribbons and breastknots became + at this time conspicuous articles of female attire in private + assemblies. The ladies also showed considerable zeal in + contributing plate and other articles for the use of the + Chevalier at the palace, and in raising pecuniary subsidies for + him. Many a posset-dish and snuff-box, many a treasured necklace + and repeater, many a jewel which had adorned its successive + generations of family beauties, was at this time sold or laid in + pledge, to raise a little money for the service of Prince + Charlie."</p> + + <p>As to the motives and intended policy of this remarkable and + unfortunate young man, it may be interesting to quote the terms + of the proclamation which he issued on the 10th October, 1745, + before commencing his march into England. Let his history be + impartially read, his character, as spoken to by those who knew + him best, fairly noted, and I think there cannot be a doubt that, + had he succeeded in his daring attempt, he would have been true + to the letter of his word, and fulfilled a pledge which Britain + never more required than at the period when that document was + penned:—</p> + + <p>"Do not the pulpits and congregations of the clergy, as well + as your weekly papers, ring with the dreadful threats of popery, + slavery, tyranny, and arbitrary power, which are now ready to be + imposed upon you by the formidable powers of France and Spain? Is + not my royal father represented as a bloodthirsty tyrant, + breathing out nothing but destruction to all who will not + immediately embrace an odious religion? Or have I myself been + better used? But listen only to the naked truth.</p> + + <p>"I, with my own money, hired a small vessel. Ill-supplied with + money, arms, or friends, I arrived in Scotland, attended by seven + persons. I publish the King my father's declaration, and proclaim + his title, with pardon in one hand, and in the other liberty of + conscience, and the most solemn promises to grant whatever a free + Parliament shall propose for the happiness of a people. I have, I + confess, the greatest reason to adore the goodness of Almighty + God, who has in so remarkable a manner protected me and my small + army through the many dangers to which we were at first exposed, + and who has led me in the way to victory, and to the capital of + this ancient kingdom, amidst the acclamations of the King my + father's subjects. Why, then, is so much pains taken to spirit up + the minds of the people against this my undertaking?</p> + + <p>"The reason is obvious; it is, lest the real sense of the + nation's present sufferings should blot out the remembrance of + past misfortunes, and of the outcries formerly raised against the + royal family. Whatever miscarriages might have given occasion to + them, they have been more than atoned for since; and the nation + has now an opportunity of being secured against the like in + future.</p> + + <p>"That our family has suffered exile during these fifty-seven + years everybody knows. Has the nation, during that period of + time, been the more happy and flourishing for it? Have you found + reason to love and cherish your governors as the fathers of the + people of Great Britain and Ireland? Has a family, upon whom a + faction unlawfully bestowed the diadem of a rightful prince, + retained a due sense of so great a trust and favour? Have you + found more humanity and condescension in those who were not born + to a crown, than in my royal forefathers? Have their ears been + open to the cries of the people? Have they, or do they consider + only the interests of these nations? Have you reaped any other + benefit from them than an immense load of debt? If I am answered + in the affirmative, why has their government been so often railed + at in all your public assemblies? Why has the nation been so long + crying out in vain for redress against the abuse of Parliaments, + upon account of their long duration, the multitude of placemen, + which occasions their venality, the introduction of penal laws, + and, in general, against the miserable situation of the kingdom + at home and abroad? All these, and many more inconveniences, must + now be removed, unless the people of Great Britain be already so + far corrupted that they will not accept of freedom when offered + to them, seeing the King, on his restoration, will refuse nothing + that a free Parliament can ask for the security of the religion, + laws, and liberty of his people.</p> + + <p>"It is now time to conclude; and I shall do it with this + reflection. Civil wars are ever attended with rancour and + ill-will, which party rage never fails to produce in the minds of + those whom different interests, principles or views, set in + opposition to one another. I, therefore, earnestly require it of + my friends to give as little loose as possible to such passions: + this will prove the most effectual means to prevent the same in + the enemies of my royal cause. And this my declaration will + vindicate to all posterity the nobleness of my undertaking, and + the generosity of my intentions."</p> + + <p>There was much truth in the open charges preferred in this + declaration against the existing government. The sovereigns of + the house of Hanover had always shown a marked predilection for + their Continental possessions, and had proportionally neglected + the affairs of Britain. Under Walpole's administration the + imperial Parliament had degenerated from an independent assembly + to a junta of placemen, and the most flagitious system of bribery + was openly practised and avowed. It was not without reason that + Charles contrasted the state of the nation then, with its + position when under the rule of the legitimate family; and had + there not been a strong, though, I think, unreasonable suspicion + in the minds of many, that his success would be the prelude to a + vigorous attack upon the established religions of the country, + and that he would be inclined to follow out in this respect the + fatal policy of his grandfather, Charles would in all probability + have received a more active and general support than was accorded + to him. The zeal with which the Episcopalian party in Scotland + espoused his cause, naturally gave rise to the idea that the + attempt of the Prince was of evil omen to Presbytery; and the + settlement of the Church upon its present footing was yet so + recent, that the sores of the old feud were still festering and + green. The established clergy, therefore, were, nearly to a man, + opposed to his pretensions; and one minister of Edinburgh, at the + time when the Highland host was in possession of the city, had + the courage to conclude his prayer nearly in the following + terms—"Bless the king; Thou knows what king I + mean—may his crown long sit easy on his head. And as to + this young man who has come among us to seek an earthly crown, we + beseech Thee in mercy to take him to Thyself, and give him a + crown of glory!" At the same time, it is very curious to observe, + that the most violent sect of Presbyterians, who might be + considered as the representatives of the extreme Cameronian + principle, and who had early seceded from the Church, and + bitterly opposed the union of the kingdoms, were not indisposed, + on certain terms, to coalesce with the Jacobites. It is hardly + possible to understand the motives which actuated these men, who + appear to have regarded each successive government as equally + obnoxious. Some writers go the length of averring that, in 1688, + a negociation was opened by one section of the Covenanters with + Lord Dundee, with the object of resistance to the usurpation of + William of Orange, and that the project was frustrated only by + the death of that heroic nobleman. Sir Walter Scott—a great + authority—seems to have been convinced that such was the + case; but, in the absence of direct proof, I can hardly credit + it. It is perfectly well known that a conspiracy was formed by a + certain section of the Cameronian party to assassinate Lords + Dundee and Dunfermline whilst in attendance at the meeting of + Estates; and, although the recognition of William as king might + not have been palatable to others who held the same opinions, it + would be a strange thing if they had so suddenly resolved to + assist Dundee in his efforts for the exiled family. But the + political changes in Scotland, more especially the union, seem to + have inspired some of these men with a spirit of disaffection to + the government; for, according to Mr. Chambers, the most rigid + sect of Presbyterians had, since the revolution, expressed a + strong desire to coalesce with the Jacobites, with the hope, in + case the house of Stuart were restored, to obtain what they + called a covenanted king. Of this sect one thousand had assembled + in Dumfriesshire at the first intelligence of the insurrection, + bearing arms and colours, and supposed to contemplate a junction + with the Chevalier. But these religionists were now almost as + violently distinct from the Established Church of Scotland as + ever they had been from those of England and Rome, and had long + ceased to play a prominent part in the national disputes. The + Established clergy, and the greater part of their congregations, + were averse to Charles upon considerations perfectly moderate, at + the same time not easy to be shaken.</p> + + <p>On commencing his march into England, Charles found himself at + the head of an army of between five thousand and six thousand + men, which force was considered strong enough, with the + augmentations it might receive on the way, to effect the + occupation of London. Had the English Jacobites performed their + part with the same zeal as the Scots, it is more than probable + that the attempt would have been crowned with success. As it was, + the Prince succeeded in reducing the strong fortified town of + Carlisle, and in marching, without opposition, through the heart + of England, as far as Derby, within one hundred miles of the + metropolis. But here his better genius deserted him. Discord had + crept into his councils; for some of the chiefs became seriously + alarmed at finding that the gentry of England were not prepared + to join the expedition, but preferred remaining at home inactive + spectators of the contest. Except at Manchester, they had + received few or no recruits. No tidings had reached them from + Wales, a country supposed to be devoted to the cause of King + James, whilst it was well known that a large force was already in + arms to oppose the clans. Mr. Chambers gives us the following + details. "At a council of war held on the morning of the 5th + December, Lord George Murray and the other members gave it as + their unanimous opinion that the army ought to return to + Scotland. Lord George pointed out that they were about to be + environed by three armies, amounting collectively to about thirty + thousand men, while their own forces were not above five + thousand, if so many. Supposing an unsuccessful engagement with + any of these armies, it could not be expected that one man would + escape, for the militia would beset every road. The Prince, if + not slain in the battle, must fall into the enemy's hands: the + whole world would blame them as fools for running into such a + risk. Charles answered, that he regarded not his own danger. He + pressed, with all the force of argument, to go forward. He did + not doubt, he said, that the justice of his cause would prevail. + He was hopeful that there might be a defection in the enemy's + army, and that many would declare for him. He was so very bent on + putting all to the risk, that the Duke of Perth was for it, since + his Royal Highness was. At last he proposed going to Wales + instead of returning to Carlisle; but every other officer + declared his opinion for a retreat. These are nearly the words of + Lord George Murray. We are elsewhere told that the Prince + condescended to use entreaties to induce his adherents to alter + their resolution. 'Rather than go back,' he said, 'I would wish + to be twenty feet under ground!' His chagrin, when he found his + councillors obdurate, was beyond all bounds. The council broke + up, on the understanding that the retreat was to commence next + morning, Lord George volunteering to take the place of honour in + the rear, provided only that he should not be troubled with the + baggage."</p> + + <p>This resolution was received by the army with marks of + unequivocal vexation. Retreat, in their estimation, was little + less than overthrow; and it was most galling to find that, after + all their labours, hazards, and toils, they were doomed to + disappointment at the very moment when the prize seemed ready for + their grasp. That the movement was an injudicious one is, I + think, obvious. We are told, upon good authority, "that the very + boldness of the Prince's onward movement, especially taken into + connexion with the expected descent from France, had at length + disposed the English Jacobites to come out; and many were just on + the point of declaring themselves, and marching to join his army, + when the retreat from Derby was determined on. A Mr. Barry + arrived in Derby two days after the Prince left it, with a + message from Sir Watkin William Wynne and Lord Barrymore, to + assure him, in the names of many friends of the cause, that they + were ready to join him in what manner he pleased, either in the + capital, or every one to rise in his own county. I have likewise + been assured that many of the Welsh gentry had actually left + their homes, and were on the way to join Charles, when + intelligence of his retreat at once sent them all back peaceably, + convinced that it was now too late to contribute their + assistance. These men, from the power they had over their + tenantry, could have added materially to his military force. In + fact, from all that appears, we must conclude that the insurgents + had a very considerable chance of success from an onward + movement—also, no doubt, a chance of destruction, and yet + not worse than what ultimately befell many of them—while a + retreat broke in a moment the spell which their gallantry had + conjured up, and gave the enemy a great advantage over them."</p> + + <p>One victory more was accorded to Prince Charles, before his + final overthrow. After successfully conducting his retreat to + Scotland, occupying Glasgow, and strengthening his army by the + accession of new recruits, he gave battle to the royal forces + under General Hawley at Falkirk, and, as at Preston, drove them + from the field. The parties were on this occasion fairly matched, + there being about eight thousand men engaged on either side. The + action was short; and, though not so decisive as the former one, + gave great confidence to the insurgents. It has been thus + picturesquely portrayed by the historian of the enterprise: "Some + individuals, who beheld the battle from the steeple of Falkirk, + used to describe these, its main events, as occupying a + surprisingly brief space of time. They first saw the English army + enter the misty and storm-covered muir at the top of the hill; + then saw the dull atmosphere thickened by a fast-rolling smoke, + and heard the pealing sounds of the discharge; immediately after, + they beheld the discomfited troops burst wildly from the cloud in + which they had been involved, and rush, in far-spread disorder, + over the face of the hill. From the commencement of what they + styled 'the break of the battle,' there did not intervene more + than ten minutes—so soon may an efficient body of men + become, by one transient emotion of cowardice, a feeble and + contemptible rabble.</p> + + <p>"The rout would have been total, but for the three + out-flanking regiments. These not having been opposed by any of + the clans, having a ravine in front, and deriving some support + from a small body of dragoons, stood their ground under the + command of General Huske and Brigadier Cholmondley. When the + Highlanders went past in pursuit, they received a volley from + this part of the English army, which brought them to a pause, and + caused them to draw back to their former ground, their impression + being that some ambuscade was intended. This saved the English + army from destruction. A pause took place, during which the bulk + of the English infantry got back to Falkirk. It was not until + Lord George Murray brought up the second line of his wing and the + pickets, with some others on the other wing, that General Huske + drew off his party, which he did in good order."</p> + + <p>The seat of war was now removed to the North. The month of + April, 1746, found Prince Charles in possession of Inverness, + with an army sorely dwindled in numbers, and in great want of + necessaries and provisions. Many of the Highlanders had retired + for the winter to their native glens, and had not yet rejoined + the standard. The Duke of Cumberland, who now commanded the + English army, with a reputation not diminished by the unfortunate + issue of Fontenoy, was at the head of a large body of tried and + disciplined troops, in the best condition, and supported by the + powerful arm of artillery. He effected the passage of the Spey, a + large and rapid river which intersects the Highlands, without + encountering any opposition, and on the 15th of the month had + arrived at Nairn, about nine miles distant from the position + occupied by his kinsman and opponent. His superiority in point of + strength was so great that the boldest of the insurgent chiefs + hesitated as to the policy of giving immediate battle, and + nothing but the desire of covering Inverness prevented the + council from recommencing a further retreat into the mountains, + where they could not have been easily followed, and where they + were certain to have met with reinforcements. As to the Prince, + his confidence in the prowess of the Highlanders was so + unbounded, that, even with such odds against him, he would not + listen to a proposal for delay.</p> + + <p>There yet remained, says Mr. Chambers, before playing the + great stake of a pitched battle, one chance of success by the + irregular mode of warfare to which the army was accustomed, and + Charles resolved to put it to trial. This was a night-attack upon + the camp of the Duke of Cumberland. He rightly argued that if his + men could approach without being discovered, and make a + simultaneous attack in more than one place, the royal forces, + then probably either engaged in drinking their commander's health + (the 15th happened to be the anniversary of the Duke's birthday, + and was celebrated as such by his army), or sleeping off the + effects of the debauch, must be completely surprised and cut to + pieces, or at least effectually routed. The time appointed for + setting out upon the march was eight in the evening, when + daylight should have completely disappeared, and, in the mean + time, great pains were taken to conceal the secret from the + army.</p> + + <p>This resolution was entered into at three in the afternoon, + and orders were given to collect the men who had gone off in + search of provisions. The officers dispersed themselves to + Inverness and other places, and besought the stragglers to repair + to the muir. But, under the influence of hunger, they told their + commanders to shoot them, if they pleased, rather than compel + them to starve any longer. Charles had previously declared, with + his characteristic fervour, that though only a thousand of his + men should accompany him, he would lead them on to the attack, + and he was not now intimidated when he saw twice that number + ready to assist in the enterprise, though some of his officers + would willingly have made this deficiency of troops an excuse for + abandoning what they esteemed at best a hazardous expedition. + Having given out for watchword the name of his father, he + embraced Lord George Murray, who was to command the foremost + column, and, putting himself at the head of that which followed, + gave the order to march.</p> + + <p>The attempt proved peculiarly unfortunate, and, from the + fatigue which it occasioned to the Highlanders, contributed in a + great degree towards the disaster of the following day. The night + chanced to be uncommonly dark, and as it was well known that + Cumberland had stationed spies on the principal roads, it became + necessary to select a devious route, in order to effect a + surprise. The columns, proceeding over broken and irregular + ground, soon became scattered and dislocated: no exertions of the + officers could keep the men together, so that Lord George Murray + at two o'clock found that he was still distant three miles from + the hostile camp, and that there were no hopes of commencing the + attack before the break of day, when they would be open to the + observation of the enemy. Under these circumstances a retreat was + commenced; and the scheme, which at one time seemed to hold out + every probability of success, was abandoned.</p> + + <p>"The Highlanders returned, fatigued and disconsolate, to their + former position, about seven in the morning, when they + immediately addressed themselves to sleep, or went away in search + of provisions. So scarce was food at this critical juncture, that + the Prince himself, on retiring to Culloden House, could obtain + no better refreshment than a little bread and whisky. He felt the + utmost anxiety regarding his men, among whom the pangs of hunger, + upon bodies exhausted by fatigue, must have been working effects + most unpromising to his success; and he gave orders, before + seeking any repose, that the whole country should now be + mercilessly ransacked for the means of refreshment. His orders + were not without effect. Considerable supplies were procured, and + subjected to the cook's art at Inverness; but the poor famished + clansmen were destined never to taste these provisions, the hour + of battle arriving before they were prepared."</p> + + <p>About eleven in the forenoon, the troops of Cumberland were + observed upon the eastern extremity of the wide muir of Culloden, + and preparations were instantly made for the coming battle. The + army had been strengthened that morning by the arrival of the + Keppoch Macdonalds and a party of the Frasers; but even with + these reinforcements the whole available force which the Prince + could muster was about five thousand men, to oppose at fearful + odds an enemy twice as numerous, and heavily supported by + artillery. Fortune on this day seemed to have deserted the Prince + altogether. In drawing out the line of battle, a most unlucky + arrangement was made by O'Sullivan, who acted as adjutant, + whereby the Macdonald regiments were removed from the right + wing—the place which the great clan Colla has been + privileged to hold in Scottish array ever since the auspicious + battle of Bannockburn. To those who are not acquainted with the + peculiar temper and spirit of the Highlanders, and their + punctilio upon points of honour and precedence, the question of + arrangement will naturally appear a matter of little importance. + But it was not so felt by the Macdonalds, who considered their + change of position as a positive degradation, and who further + looked upon it as an evil omen to the success of the battle. The + results of this mistake will be explained immediately.</p> + + <p>Just before the commencement of the action, the weather, which + had hitherto been fair and sunny, became overcast, and a heavy + blast of rain and sleet beat directly in the faces of the + Highlanders. The English artillery then began to play upon them, + and, being admirably served, every discharge told with fearful + effect upon the ranks. The chief object of either party at the + battle of Culloden seems to have been to force its opponent to + leave his position, and to commence the attack. Cumberland, + finding that his artillery was doing such execution, had no + occasion to move; and Charles appears to have committed a great + error in abandoning a mode of warfare which was peculiarly suited + for his troops, and which, on two previous occasions, had proved + eminently successful. Had he at once ordered a general charge, + and attempted to silence the guns, the issue of the day might + have been otherwise: but his unfortunate star prevailed.</p> + + <p>"It was not," says Mr. Chambers, "till the cannonade had + continued nearly half an hour, and the Highlanders had seen many + of their kindred stretched upon the heath, that Charles at last + gave way to the necessity of ordering a charge. The aide-de-camp + intrusted to carry his message to the Lieutenant-general—a + youth of the name of Maclachlan—was killed by a cannon-ball + before he reached the first line, but the general sentiment of + the army, as reported to Lord George Murray, supplied the want, + and that general took it upon him to order an attack without + Charles's permission having been communicated.</p> + + <p>"Lord George had scarcely determined upon ordering a general + movement, when the Macintoshes, a brave and devoted clan, though + not before engaged in action, unable any longer to brook the + unavenged slaughter made by the cannon, broke from the centre of + the line, and rushed forward through smoke and snow to mingle + with the enemy. The Athole men, Camerons, Stuarts, Frasers, and + Macleans also went on, Lord George Murray heading them with that + rash bravery befitting the commander of such forces. Thus, in the + course of one or two minutes, the charge was general along the + whole line, except at the left extremity, where the Macdonalds, + dissatisfied with their position, hesitated to engage.</p> + + <p>"The action and event of the onset were, throughout, quite as + dreadful as the mental emotion which urged it. Notwithstanding + that the three files of the front line of English poured forth + their incessant fire of musketry—notwithstanding that the + cannon, now loaded with grapeshot, swept the field as with a + hailstorm—notwithstanding the flank fire of Wolfe's + regiment—onward, onward went the headlong Highlanders, + flinging themselves into, rather than rushing upon, the lines of + the enemy, which, indeed, they did not see for smoke, till + involved among the weapons. All that courage, all that despair + could do, was done. It was a moment of dreadful and agonising + suspense, but only a moment—for the whirlwind does not reap + the forest with greater rapidity than the Highlanders cleared the + line. Nevertheless, almost every man in their front rank, chief + and gentleman, fell before the deadly weapons which they had + braved; and, although the enemy gave way, it was not till every + bayonet was bent and bloody with the strife.</p> + + <p>"When the first line had thus been swept aside, the assailants + continued their impetuous advance till they came near the second, + when, being almost annihilated by a profuse and well-directed + fire, the shattered remains of what had been before a numerous + and confident force began to give way. Still a few rushed on, + resolved rather to die than forfeit their well-acquired and + dearly-estimated honour. They rushed on; but not a man ever came + in contact with the enemy. The last survivor perished as he + reached the points of the bayonets."</p> + + <p>Some idea of the determination displayed by the Highlanders in + this terrific charge may be gathered from the fact that, in one + part of the field, their bodies were afterwards found in layers + of three and four deep. The slaughter was fearful, for, out of + the five regiments which charged the English, almost all the + leaders and men in the front rank were killed. So shaken was the + English line, that, had the Macdonald regiments, well-known to + yield in valour to none of the clans, come up, the fortune of the + day might have been altered. But they never made an onset. + Smarting and sullen at the affront which they conceived to have + been put upon their name, they bore the fire of the English + regiments without flinching, and gave way to their rage by hewing + at the heather with their swords. In vain their chiefs exhorted + them to go forward: even at that terrible moment the pride of + clanship prevailed. "My God!" cried Macdonald of Keppoch, "has it + come to this, that the children of my tribe have forsaken me!" + and he rushed forward alone, sword in hand, with the devotion of + an ancient hero, and fell pierced with bullets.</p> + + <p>The Lowland and foreign troops which formed the second line + were powerless to retrieve the disaster. All was over. The rout + became general, and the Prince was forced from the field, which + he would not quit, until dragged from it by his immediate + bodyguard.</p> + + <p>Such was the last battle, the result of civil war, which has + been fought on British soil. Those who were defeated have + acquired as much glory from it as the conquerors—and even + more, for never was a conquest sullied by such deeds of + deliberate cruelty as were perpetrated upon the survivors of the + battle of Culloden. It is not, however, the object of the present + paper to recount these, or even the romantic history or + hairbreadth escapes of the Prince, whilst wandering on the + mainland and through the Hebrides. Although a reward of thirty + thousand pounds—an immense sum for the period—was set + upon his head—although his secret was known to hundreds of + persons in every walk of life, and even to the beggar and the + outlaw—not one attempted to betray him. Not one of all his + followers, in the midst of the misery which overtook them, + regretted having drawn the sword in his cause, or would not again + have gladly imperilled their lives for the sake of their beloved + Chevalier. "He went," says Lord Mahon, "but not with him departed + his remembrance from the Highlanders. For years and years did his + name continue enshrined in their hearts and familiar to their + tongues, their plaintive ditties resounding with his exploits and + inviting his return. Again, in these strains, do they declare + themselves ready to risk life and fortune for his cause; and even + maternal fondness—the strongest, perhaps, of all human + feelings—yields to the passionate devotion to Prince + Charlie."</p> + + <p>The subsequent life of the Prince is a story of melancholy + interest. We find him at first received in France with all the + honours due to one who, though unfortunate, had exhibited a + heroism rarely equalled and never surpassed: gradually he was + neglected and slighted, as one of a doomed and unhappy race, whom + no human exertion could avail to elevate to their former seat of + power; and finally, when his presence in France became an + obstacle to the conclusion of peace, he was violently arrested + and conveyed out of the kingdom. There can be little doubt that + continued misfortune and disappointment had begun very early to + impair his noble mind. For long periods he was a wanderer, lost + sight of by his friends and even by his father and brother. There + are fragments of his writing extant which show how poignantly he + felt the cruelty of his fortune. "De vivre et pas vivre est + beaucoup plus que de mourir!" And again, writing to his father's + secretary, eight years after Culloden, he says—"I am + grieved that our master should think that my silence was either + neglect or want of duty; but, in reality, my situation is such + that I have nothing to say but imprecations against the fatality + of being born in such a detestable age." An unhappy and + uncongenial marriage tended still more to embitter his existence; + and if at last he yielded to frailties, which inevitably insure + degradation, it must be remembered that his lot had been one to + which few men have ever been exposed, and the magnitude of his + sufferings may fairly be admitted as some palliation for his + weakness.</p> + + <p>To the last, his heart was with Scotland. The following + anecdote was related by his brother, Cardinal York, to Bishop + Walker, the late Primus of the Episcopal Church of + Scotland:—"Mr. Greathead, a personal friend of Mr. Fox, + succeeded, when at Rome in 1782 or 1783, in obtaining an + interview with Charles Edward; and, being alone with him for some + time, studiously led the conversation to his enterprise in + Scotland, and to the occurrences which succeeded the failure of + that attempt. The Prince manifested some reluctance to enter upon + these topics, appearing at the same time to undergo so much + mental suffering, that his guest regretted the freedom he had + used in calling up the remembrance of his misfortunes. At length, + however, the Prince seemed to shake off the load which oppressed + him; his eye brightened, his face assumed unwonted animation, and + he entered upon the narrative of his Scottish campaigns with a + distinct but somewhat vehement energy of manner—recounted + his marches, his battles, his victories, his retreats, and his + defeats—detailed his hairbreadth escapes in the Western + Isles, the inviolable and devoted attachment of his Highland + friends, and at length proceeded to allude to the terrible + penalties with which the chiefs among them had been visited. But + here the tide of emotion rose too high to allow him to go + on—his voice faltered, his eyes became fixed, and he fell + convulsed on the floor. The noise brought into his room his + daughter, the Duchess of Albany, who happened to be in an + adjoining apartment. 'Sir,' she exclaimed, 'what is this? You + have been speaking to my father about Scotland and the + Highlanders! No one dares to mention those subjects in his + presence.'"</p> + + <p>He died on the 30th of January, 1788, in the arms of the + Master of Nairn. The monument erected to him, his father, and + brother, in St. Peter's, by desire of George IV., was perhaps the + most graceful tribute ever paid by royalty to + misfortune—REGIO CINERI PIETAS REGIA.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_17"><!-- RULE4 17 --></a> + + <h2>CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES</h2> + + <center> + ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF CULLODEN + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>Take away that star and garter—</p> + + <p class="i2">Hide them from my aching sight:</p> + + <p>Neither king nor prince shall tempt me</p> + + <p class="i2">From my lonely room this night;</p> + + <p>Fitting for the throneless exile</p> + + <p class="i2">Is the atmosphere of pall,</p> + + <p>And the gusty winds that shiver</p> + + <p class="i2">'Neath the tapestry on the wall.</p> + + <p>When the taper faintly dwindles</p> + + <p class="i2">Like the pulse within the vein,</p> + + <p>That to gay and merry measure</p> + + <p class="i2">Ne'er may hope to bound again,</p> + + <p>Let the shadows gather round me</p> + + <p class="i2">While I sit in silence here,</p> + + <p>Broken-hearted, as an orphan</p> + + <p class="i2">Watching by his father's bier.</p> + + <p>Let me hold my still communion</p> + + <p class="i2">Far from every earthly sound—</p> + + <p>Day of penance—day of passion—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ever, as the year comes round;</p> + + <p>Fatal day, whereon the latest</p> + + <p class="i2">Die was cast for me and mine—</p> + + <p>Cruel day, that quelled the fortunes</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the hapless Stuart line!</p> + + <p>Phantom-like, as in a mirror,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rise the griesly scenes of death—</p> + + <p>There before me, in its wildness,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stretches bare Culloden's heath:</p> + + <p>There the broken clans are scattered,</p> + + <p class="i2">Gaunt as wolves, and famine-eyed,</p> + + <p>Hunger gnawing at their vitals,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hope abandoned, all but pride—</p> + + <p>Pride, and that supreme devotion</p> + + <p class="i2">Which the Southron never knew,</p> + + <p>And the hatred, deeply rankling,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Gainst the Hanoverian crew.</p> + + <p>Oh, my God! are these the remnants,</p> + + <p class="i2">These the wrecks of the array</p> + + <p>That around the royal standard</p> + + <p class="i2">Gathered on the glorious day,</p> + + <p>When, in deep Glenfinnan's valley;</p> + + <p class="i2">Thousands, on their bended knees,</p> + + <p>Saw once more that stately ensign</p> + + <p class="i2">Waving in the northern breeze,</p> + + <p>When the noble Tullibardine</p> + + <p class="i2">Stood beneath its weltering fold,</p> + + <p>With the Ruddy Lion ramping</p> + + <p class="i2">In the field of tressured gold,</p> + + <p>When the mighty heart of Scotland,</p> + + <p class="i2">All too big to slumber more,</p> + + <p>Burst in wrath and exultation,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a huge volcano's roar?</p> + + <p>There they stand, the battered columns,</p> + + <p class="i2">Underneath the murky sky,</p> + + <p>In the hush of desperation,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not to conquer, but to die.</p> + + <p>Hark! the bagpipe's fitful wailing:</p> + + <p class="i2">Not the pibroch loud and shrill,</p> + + <p>That, with hope of bloody banquet,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lured the ravens from the hill,</p> + + <p>But a dirge both low and solemn,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fit for ears of dying men,</p> + + <p>Marshalled for their latest battle,</p> + + <p class="i2">Never more to fight again.</p> + + <p>Madness—madness! Why this shrinking?</p> + + <p class="i2">Were we less inured to war</p> + + <p>When our reapers swept the harvest</p> + + <p class="i2">From the field of red Dunbar?</p> + + <p>Bring my horse, and blow the trumpet!</p> + + <p class="i2">Call the riders of Fitz-James:</p> + + <p>Let Lord Lewis head the column!</p> + + <p class="i2">Valiant chiefs of mighty names—</p> + + <p>Trusty Keppoch, stout Glengarry,</p> + + <p class="i2">Gallant Gordon, wise Locheill—</p> + + <p>Bid the clansmen hold together,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fast, and fell, and firm as steel.</p> + + <p>Elcho, never look so gloomy—</p> + + <p class="i2">What avails a saddened brow?</p> + + <p>Heart, man, heart! we need it sorely,</p> + + <p class="i2">Never half so much, as now.</p> + + <p>Had we but a thousand troopers,</p> + + <p class="i2">Had we but a thousand more!</p> + + <p>Noble Perth, I hear them coming!—</p> + + <p class="i2">Hark! the English cannons' roar.</p> + + <p>God! how awful sounds that volley,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bellowing through the mist and rain!</p> + + <p>Was not that the Highland slogan?</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me hear that shout again!</p> + + <p>Oh, for prophet eyes to witness</p> + + <p class="i2">How the desperate battle goes!</p> + + <p>Cumberland! I would not fear thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Could my Camerons see their foes.</p> + + <p>Sound, I say, the charge at venture—</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis not naked steel we fear;</p> + + <p>Better perish in the mêlée</p> + + <p class="i2">Than be shot like driven deer;</p> + + <p>Hold! the mist begins to scatter!</p> + + <p class="i2">There in front 'tis rent asunder,</p> + + <p>And the cloudy bastion crumbles</p> + + <p class="i2">Underneath the deafening thunder;</p> + + <p>There I see the scarlet gleaming!</p> + + <p class="i2">Now, Macdonald—now or never!—</p> + + <p>Woe is me, the clans are broken!</p> + + <p class="i2">Father, thou art lost for ever!</p> + + <p>Chief and vassal, lord and yeoman,</p> + + <p class="i2">There they lie in heaps together,</p> + + <p>Smitten by the deadly volley,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rolled in blood upon the heather;</p> + + <p>And the Hanoverian horsemen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fiercely riding to and fro,</p> + + <p>Deal their murderous strokes at random.—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ah, my God! where am I now?</p> + + <p>Will that baleful vision never</p> + + <p class="i2">Vanish from my aching sight?</p> + + <p>Must those scenes and sounds of terror</p> + + <p class="i2">Haunt me still by day and night?</p> + + <p>Yea, the earth hath no oblivion</p> + + <p class="i2">For the noblest chance it gave,</p> + + <p>None, save in its latest refuge—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seek it only in the grave!</p> + + <p>Love may die, and hatred slumber,</p> + + <p class="i2">And their memory will decay,</p> + + <p>As the watered garden recks not</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the drought of yesterday;</p> + + <p>But the dream of power once broken,</p> + + <p class="i2">What shall give repose again?</p> + + <p>What shall charm the serpent-furies</p> + + <p class="i2">Coiled around the maddening brain?</p> + + <p>What kind draught can nature offer</p> + + <p class="i2">Strong enough to lull their sting?</p> + + <p>Better to be born a peasant</p> + + <p class="i2">Than to live an exiled king!</p> + + <p>Oh, these years of bitter anguish!—</p> + + <p class="i2">What is life to such as me,</p> + + <p>With my very heart as palsied</p> + + <p class="i2">As a wasted cripple's knee!</p> + + <p>Suppliant-like for alms depending</p> + + <p class="i2">On a false and foreign court,</p> + + <p>Jostled by the flouting nobles,</p> + + <p class="i2">Half their pity, half their sport.</p> + + <p>Forced to hold a place in pageant,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a royal prize of war,</p> + + <p>Walking with dejected features</p> + + <p class="i2">Close behind his victor's car,</p> + + <p>Styled an equal—deemed a servant—</p> + + <p class="i2">Fed with hopes of future gain—</p> + + <p>Worse by far is fancied freedom</p> + + <p class="i2">Than the captive's clanking chain!</p><a name= + "p168"></a> + + <p>Could I change this gilded bondage</p> + + <p class="i2">Even for the dusky tower,</p> + + <p>Whence King James beheld his lady</p> + + <p class="i2">Sitting in the castle bower;</p> + + <p>Birds around her sweetly singing,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fluttering on the kindling spray,</p> + + <p>And the comely garden glowing</p> + + <p class="i2">In the light of rosy May.</p> + + <p>Love descended to the window—</p> + + <p class="i2">Love removed the bolt and bar—</p> + + <p>Love was warder to the lovers</p> + + <p class="i2">From the dawn to even-star.</p><a name= + "p168-2"></a> + + <p>Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me?</p> + + <p class="i2">Where is now the tender glance?</p> + + <p>Where the meaning looks once lavished</p> + + <p class="i2">By the dark-eyed Maid of France?</p> + + <p>Where the words of hope she whispered,</p> + + <p class="i2">When around my neck she threw</p> + + <p>That same scarf of broidered tissue,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bade me wear it and be true—</p> + + <p>Bade me send it as a token</p> + + <p class="i2">When my banner waved once more</p> + + <p>On the castled Keep of London,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where my fathers' waved before?</p> + + <p>And I went and did not conquer—</p> + + <p class="i2">But I brought it back again—</p> + + <p>Brought it back from storm and battle—</p> + + <p class="i2">Brought it back without a stain;</p> + + <p>And once more I knelt before her,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I laid it at her feet,</p> + + <p>Saying, "Wilt thou own it, Princess?</p> + + <p class="i2">There at least is no defeat!"</p> + + <p>Scornfully she looked upon me</p> + + <p class="i2">With a measured eye and cold—</p> + + <p>Scornfully she viewed the token,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though her fingers wrought the gold;</p> + + <p>And she answered, faintly flushing,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Hast thou kept it, then, so long?</p> + + <p>Worthy matter for a minstrel</p> + + <p class="i2">To be told in knightly song!</p> + + <p>Worthy of a bold Provençal,</p> + + <p class="i2">Pacing through the peaceful plain,</p> + + <p>Singing of his lady's favour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Boasting of her silken chain,</p> + + <p>Yet scarce worthy of a warrior</p> + + <p class="i2">Sent to wrestle for a crown.</p> + + <p>Is this all that thou hast brought me</p> + + <p class="i2">From thy fields of high renown?</p> + + <p>Is this all the trophy carried</p> + + <p class="i2">From the lands where thou hast been?</p> + + <p>It was broidered by a Princess,</p> + + <p class="i2">Canst thou give it to a Queen?"</p> + + <p>Woman's love is writ in water!</p> + + <p class="i2">Woman's faith is traced in sand!</p> + + <p>Backwards—backwards let me wander</p> + + <p class="i2">To the noble northern land:</p> + + <p>Let me feel the breezes blowing</p> + + <p class="i2">Fresh along the mountain-side;</p> + + <p>Let me see the purple heather,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me hear the thundering tide,</p> + + <p>Be it hoarse as Corrievreckan</p> + + <p class="i2">Spouting when the storm is high—</p> + + <p>Give me but one hour of Scotland—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me see it ere I die!</p> + + <p>Oh, my heart is sick and heavy—</p> + + <p class="i2">Southern gales are not for me;</p> + + <p>Though the glens are white with winter,</p> + + <p class="i2">Place me there, and set me free;</p> + + <p>Give me back my trusty comrades—</p> + + <p class="i2">Give me back my Highland maid—</p> + + <p>Nowhere beats the heart so kindly</p> + + <p class="i2">As beneath the tartan plaid!</p> + + <p>Flora! when thou wert beside me,</p> + + <p class="i2">In the wilds of far Kintail—</p> + + <p>When the cavern gave us shelter</p> + + <p class="i2">From the blinding sleet and hail—</p> + + <p>When we lurked within the thicket,</p> + + <p class="i2">And, beneath the waning moon,</p> + + <p>Saw the sentry's bayonet glimmer,</p> + + <p class="i2">Heard him chant his listless tune—</p> + + <p>When the howling storm o'ertook us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Drifting down the island's lee,</p> + + <p>And our crazy bark was whirling</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a nutshell on the sea—</p> + + <p>When the nights were dark and dreary,</p> + + <p class="i2">And amidst the fern we lay,</p> + + <p>Faint and foodless, sore with travel,</p> + + <p class="i2">Waiting for the streaks of day;</p> + + <p>When thou wert an angel to me,</p> + + <p class="i2">Watching my exhausted sleep—</p> + + <p>Never didst thou hear me murmur—</p> + + <p class="i2">Couldst thou see how now I weep!</p> + + <p>Bitter tears and sobs of anguish,</p> + + <p class="i2">Unavailing though they be:</p> + + <p>Oh, the brave—the brave and noble—</p> + + <p class="i2">That have died in vain for me!</p> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_18"><!-- RULE4 18 --></a> + + <h2>NOTES TO "CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES"</h2> + <pre> + <i>Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower</i>.—<a href= +"#p168">(above)</a>. +</pre> + + <p>James I. of Scotland, one of the most accomplished kings that + ever sate upon a throne, is the person here indicated. His + history is a very strange and romantic one. He was son of Robert + III., and immediate younger brother of that unhappy Duke of + Rothesay who was murdered at Falkland. His father, apprehensive + of the designs and treachery of Albany, had determined to remove + him, when a mere boy, for a season from Scotland; and as France + was then considered the best school for the education of one so + important from his high position, it was resolved to send him + thither, under the care of the Earl of Orkney, and Fleming of + Cumbernauld. He accordingly embarked at North Berwick, with + little escort—as there was a truce for the time between + England and Scotland; and they were under no apprehension of + meeting with any vessels, save those of the former nation. + Notwithstanding this, the ship which carried the Prince was + captured by an armed merchantman, and carried to London, where + Henry IV., the usurping Bolingbroke, utterly regardless of + treaties, committed him and his attendants to the Tower.</p> + + <p>"In vain," says Mr. Tytler, "did the guardians of the young + Prince remonstrate against this cruelty, or present to Henry a + letter from the King his father, which, with much simplicity, + recommended him to the kindness of the English monarch, should he + find it necessary to land in his dominions. In vain did they + represent that the mission to France was perfectly pacific, and + its only object the education of the prince at the French court. + Henry merely answered by a poor witticism, declaring that he + himself knew the French language indifferently well, and that his + father could not have sent him to a better master. So flagrant a + breach of the law of nations, as the seizure and imprisonment of + the heir-apparent, during the time of truce, would have called + for the most violent remonstrances from any government, except + that of Albany. But to this usurper of the supreme power, the + capture of the Prince was the most grateful event which could + have happened; and to detain him in captivity became, from this + moment, one of the principal objects of his future life; we are + not to wonder, then, that the conduct of Henry not only drew + forth no indignation from the governor, but was not even followed + by any request that the prince should be set at liberty.</p> + + <p>"The aged King, already worn out by infirmity, and now broken + by disappointment and sorrow, did not long survive the captivity + of his son. It is said the melancholy news were brought him as he + was sitting down to supper in his palace of Rothesay in Bute, and + that the effect was such upon his affectionate but feeble spirit, + that he drooped from that day forward, refused all sustenance, + and died soon after of a broken heart."</p> + + <p>James was finally incarcerated in Windsor Castle, where he + endured an imprisonment of nineteen years. Henry, though he had + not hesitated to commit a heinous breach of faith, was not so + cruel as to neglect the education of his captive. The young King + was supplied with the best masters; and gradually became an adept + in all the accomplishments of the age. He is a singular exception + from the rule which maintains that monarchs are indifferent + authors. As a poet, he is entitled to a very high rank indeed, + being, I think, in point of sweetness and melody of verse, not + much inferior to Chaucer. From the window of his chamber in the + Tower, he had often seen a young lady, of great beauty and grace, + walking in the garden; and the admiration which at once possessed + him soon ripened into love. This was Lady Jane Beaufort, daughter + of the Earl of Somerset and niece of Henry IV., and who + afterwards became his queen. How he loved and how he wooed her is + told in his own beautiful poem of "The King's Quhair," of which + the following are a few stanzas:—</p> + <pre> + "Now there was made, fast by the towris wall, + A garden fair; and in the corners set + An arbour green, with wandis long and small + Railed about, and so with trees set + Was all the place, and hawthorn hedges knet, + That lyf was none walking there forbye, + That might within scarce any wight espy. + + "So thick the boughis and the leavis greene + Beshaded all the alleys that there were, + And mids of every arbour might be seen + The sharpe, greene, sweete juniper, + Growing so fair, with branches here and there, + That, as it seemed to a lyf without, + The boughis spread the arbour all about. + + "And on the smalle greene twistis sat + The little sweet nightingale, and sung + So loud and clear the hymnis consecrat + Of lovis use, now soft, now loud among, + That all the gardens and the wallis rung + Right of their song. + + "And therewith cast I down mine eyes again, + Where as I saw, walking under the tower, + Full secretly, now comen here to plain, + The fairest or the freshest younge flower + That e'er I saw, methought, before that hour: + For which sudden abate, anon astart + The blood of all my body to my heart. + + "And though I stood abasit for a lite, + No wonder was; for why? my wittis all + Were so o'ercome with pleasance and delight— + Only through letting of my eyen fall— + That suddenly my heart became her thrall + For ever of free will, for of menace + There was no token in her sweete face." + + + + + <i>Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France?</i>—<a href= +"#p168-2">(above)</a>. +</pre> + + <p>There appears to be no doubt that Prince Charles was deeply + attached to one of the princesses of the royal family of France. + In the interesting collection called "Jacobite Memoirs," compiled + by Mr. Chambers from the voluminous MSS. of Bishop Forbes, we + find the following passage from the narrative of Donald Macleod, + who acted as a guide to the wanderer whilst traversing the + Hebrides:—"When Donald was asked, if ever the Prince used + to give any particular toast, when they were taking a cup of cold + water, or the like; he said that the Prince very often drank to + the Black Eye—by which, said Donald, he meant the second + daughter of France, and I never heard him name any particular + health but that alone. When he spoke of that lady—which he + did frequently—he appeared to be more than ordinarily well + pleased."</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_19"><!-- RULE4 19 --></a> + + <h2>THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER</h2> + + <p>The "gentle Locheill" may he considered as the pattern of a + Highland Chief. Others who headed the insurrection may have been + actuated by motives of personal ambition, and by a desire for + aggrandisement; but no such charge can be made against the + generous and devoted Cameron. He was, as we have already seen, + the first who attempted to dissuade the Prince from embarking in + an enterprise which he conscientiously believed to be desperate; + but, having failed in doing so, he nobly stood firm to the cause + which his conscience vindicated as just, and cheerfully + imperilled his life, and sacrificed his fortune, at the bidding + of his master. There was no one, even among those who espoused + the other side, in Scotland, who did not commiserate the + misfortunes of this truly excellent man, whose humanity was not + less conspicuous than his valour throughout the civil war, and + who died in exile of a broken heart.</p> + + <p>Perhaps the best type of the Lowland Cavalier of that period, + may be found in the person of Alexander Forbes, Lord Pitsligo, a + nobleman whose conscientious views impelled him to take a + different side from that adopted by the greater part of his house + and name. Lord Forbes, the head of this very ancient and + honourable family, was one of the first Scottish noblemen who + declared for King William. Lord Pitsligo, on the contrary, having + been educated abroad, and early introduced to the circle at Saint + Germains, conceived a deep personal attachment to the members of + the exiled line. He was anything but an enthusiast, as his + philosophical and religious writings, well worthy of a perusal, + will show. He was the intimate friend of Fénélon, + and throughout his whole life was remarkable rather for his piety + and virtue, than for keenness in political dispute.</p> + + <p>After his return from France, Lord Pitsligo took his seat in + the Scottish Parliament, and his parliamentary career has thus + been characterised by a former writer.[<a href="#note-3">3</a>] + "Here it is no discredit either to his head or heart to say, + that, obliged to become a member of one of the contending + factions of the time, he adopted that which had for its object + the independence of Scotland, and restoration of the ancient race + of monarchs. The advantages which were in future to arise from + the great measure of a national union were so hidden by the mist + of prejudice, that it cannot be wondered at if Lord Pitsligo, + like many a high-spirited man, saw nothing but disgrace in a + measure forced on by such corrupt means, and calling in its + commencement for such mortifying national sacrifices. The English + nation, indeed, with a narrow, yet not unnatural, view of their + own interest, took such pains to encumber and restrict the + Scottish commercial privileges that it was not till the best part + of a century after the event that the inestimable fruits of the + treaty began to be felt and known. This distant period Lord + Pitsligo could not foresee. He beheld his countrymen, like the + Israelites of yore, led into the desert; but his merely human eye + could not foresee that, after the extinction of a whole + race—after a longer pilgrimage than that of the followers + of Moses—the Scottish people should at length arrive at + that promised land, of which the favourers of the Union held + forth so gay a prospect.</p> + + <p>"Looking upon the Act of Settlement of the Crown, and the Act + of Abjuration, as unlawful, Lord Pitsligo retired to his house in + the country, and threw up attendance on Parliament. Upon the + death of Queen Anne he joined himself in arms with a general + insurrection of the Highlanders and Jacobites, headed by his + friend and relative the Earl of Mar.</p> + + <p>"Mar, a versatile statesman and an able intriguer, had + consulted his ambition rather than his talents when he assumed + the command of such an enterprise. He sunk beneath the far + superior genius of the Duke of Argyle; and after the undecisive + battle of Sheriffmuir, the confederacy which he had formed, but + was unable to direct, dissolved like a snow-ball, and the nobles + concerned in it were fain to fly abroad. This exile was Lord + Pitsligo's fate for five or six years. Part of the time he spent + at the Court, if it can be called so, of the old Chevalier de + Saint George, where existed all the petty feuds, chicanery, and + crooked intrigues which subsist in a real scene of the same + character, although the objects of the ambition which prompts + such arts had no existence. Men seemed to play at being courtiers + in that illusory court, as children play at being soldiers."</p> + + <p>It would appear that Lord Pitsligo was not attainted for his + share in Mar's rebellion. He returned to Scotland in 1720, and + resided at his castle in Aberdeenshire, not mingling in public + affairs, but gaining, through his charity, kindness, and + benevolence, the respect and affection of all around him. He was + sixty-seven years of age when Charles Edward landed in Scotland. + The district in which the estates of Lord Pitsligo lay was + essentially Jacobite, and the young cavaliers only waited for a + fitting leader to take up arms in the cause. According to Mr. + Home, his example was decisive of the movement of his neighbours: + "So when he who was so wise and prudent declared his purpose of + joining Charles, most of the gentlemen in that part of the + country who favoured the Pretender's cause, put themselves under + his command, thinking they could not follow a better or safer + guide than Lord Pitsligo." His Lordship's own account of the + motives which urged him on is peculiar:—"I was grown a + little old, and the fear of ridicule stuck to me pretty much. I + have mentioned the weightier considerations of a family, which + would make the censure still the greater, and set the more + tongues agoing. But we are pushed on, I know not how,—I + thought—I weighed—and I weighed again. If there was + any enthusiasm in it, it was of the coldest kind; and there was + as little remorse when the affair miscarried, as there was + eagerness at the beginning."</p> + + <p>The writer whom I have already quoted goes on to say—"To + those friends who recalled his misfortunes of 1715, he replied + gaily, 'Did you ever know me absent at the second day of a + wedding?' meaning, I suppose, that having once contracted an + engagement, he did not feel entitled to quit it while the contest + subsisted. Being invited by the gentlemen of the district to put + himself at their head, and having surmounted his own desires, he + had made a farewell visit at a neighbour's house, where a little + boy, a child of the family, brought out a stool to assist the old + nobleman in remounting his horse. 'My little fellow.' said Lord + Pitsligo, 'this is the severest rebuke I have yet received, for + presuming to go on such an expedition.'</p> + + <p>"The die was however cast, and Lord Pitsligo went to meet his + friends at the rendezvous they had appointed in Aberdeen. They + formed a body of well-armed cavalry, gentlemen and their + servants, to the number of a hundred men. When they were drawn up + in readiness to commence the expedition, the venerable nobleman, + their leader, moved to their front, lifted his hat, and, looking + up to heaven, pronounced, with a solemn voice, the awful + appeal,—'O Lord, thou knowest that our cause is just!' then + added the signal for departure—'March, gentlemen!'</p> + + <p>"Lord Pitsligo, with his followers, found Charles at + Edinburgh, on 8th October 1745, a few days after the Highlanders' + victory at Preston. Their arrival was hailed with enthusiasm, not + only on account of the timely reinforcement, but more especially + from the high character of their leader. Hamilton of Bangour, in + an animated and eloquent eulogium upon Pitsligo, states that + nothing could have fallen out more fortunately for the Prince + than his joining them did—for it seemed as if religion, + virtue, and justice were entering his camp, under the appearance + of this venerable old man; and what would have given sanction to + a cause of the most dubious right, could not fail to render + sacred the very best."</p> + + <p>Although so far advanced in years, he remained in arms during + the whole campaign, and was treated with almost filial tenderness + by the Prince. After Culloden, he became, like many more, a + fugitive and an outlaw, but succeeded, like the Baron of + Bradwardine, in finding a shelter upon the skirts of his own + estate. Disguised as a mendicant, his secret was faithfully kept + by the tenantry; and although it was more than surmised by the + soldiers that he was lurking somewhere in the neighbourhood, they + never were able to detect him. On one occasion he actually guided + a party to a cave on the sea-shore, amidst the rough rocks of + Buchan, where it was rumoured that he was lying in concealment; + and on another, when overtaken by his asthma, and utterly unable + to escape from an approaching patrol of soldiers, he sat down by + the wayside, and acted his assumed character so well, that a + good-natured fellow not only gave him alms, but condoled with him + on the violence of his complaint.</p> + + <p>For ten years he remained concealed, but in the mean time both + title and estate were forfeited by attainder. His last escape was + so very remarkable, that I may be pardoned for giving it in the + language of the author of his memoirs.</p> + + <p>"In March 1756, and of course long after all apprehension of a + search had ceased, information having been given to the + commanding officer at Fraserburgh, that Lord Pitsligo was at that + moment at the house of Auchiries, it was acted upon with so much + promptness and secrecy that the search must have proved + successful but for a very singular occurrence. Mrs. Sophia + Donaldson, a lady who lived much with the family, repeatedly + dreamt, on that particular night, that the house was surrounded + by soldiers. Her mind became so haunted with the idea, that she + got out of bed, and was walking through the room, in hopes of + giving a different current to her thoughts before she lay down + again; when, day beginning to dawn, she accidentally looked out + at the window as she passed it in traversing the room, and was + astonished at actually observing the figures of soldiers among + some trees near the house. So completely had all idea of a search + been by that time laid asleep, that she supposed they had come to + steal poultry—Jacobite poultry-yards affording a safe + object of pillage for the English soldiers in those days. Mrs. + Sophia was proceeding to rouse the servants, when her sister, + having awaked, and inquiring what was the matter, and being told + of soldiers near the house, exclaimed in great alarm, that she + feared they wanted something more than hens. She begged Mrs. + Sophia to look out at a window on the other side of the house, + when not only were soldiers seen in that direction, but also an + officer giving instructions by signal, and frequently putting his + fingers to his lips, as if enjoining silence.</p> + + <p>There was now no time to be lost in rousing the family, and + all the haste that could be made was scarcely sufficient to hurry + the venerable man from his bed into a small recess, behind the + wainscot of an adjoining room, which was concealed by a bed, in + which a lady, Miss Gordon of Towie, who was there on a visit, + lay, before the soldiers obtained admission. A most minute search + took place. The room in which Lord Pitsligo was concealed did not + escape. Miss Gordon's bed was carefully examined, and she was + obliged to suffer the rude scrutiny of one of the party, by + feeling her chin, to ascertain that it was not a man in a lady's + night-dress. Before the soldiers had finished their examination + in this room, the confinement and anxiety increased Lord + Pitsligo's asthma so much, and his breathing became so loud, that + it cost Miss Gordon, lying in bed, much and violent coughing, + which she counterfeited, in order to prevent the high breathings + behind the wainscot from being heard.</p> + + <p>It may be easily conceived what agony she would suffer, lest, + by overdoing her part, she should increase suspicion, and in fact + lead to a discovery. The ruse was fortunately successful. On the + search through the house being given over, Lord Pitsligo was + hastily taken from his confined situation, and again replaced in + bed; and, as soon as he was able to speak, his accustomed + kindness of heart made him say to his servant—'James, go + and see that these poor fellows get some breakfast and a drink of + warm ale, for this is a cold morning; they are only doing their + duty, and cannot bear me any ill-will.' When the family were + felicitating each other on his escape, he pleasantly + observed—'A poor prize, had they obtained it—an old + dying man!'"</p> + + <p>This was the last attempt made on the part of government to + seize on the persons of any of the surviving insurgents. Three + years before, Dr. Archibald Cameron, a brother of Locheill, + having clandestinely revisited Scotland, was arrested, tried, and + executed for high treason at Tyburn. The government was generally + blamed for this act of severity, which was considered rather to + have been dictated by revenge than required for the public + safety. It is, however, probable that they might have had secret + information of certain negotiations which were still conducted in + the Highlands by the agents of the Stuart family, and that they + considered it necessary, by one terrible example, to overawe the + insurrectionary spirit. This I believe to have been the real + motive of an execution which otherwise could not have been + palliated: and, in the case of Lord Pitsligo, it is quite + possible that the zeal of a partisan may have led him to take a + step which would not have been approved of by the ministry. After + the lapse of so many years, and after so many scenes of judicial + bloodshed, the nation would have turned in disgust from the + spectacle of an old man, whose private life was not only + blameless, but exemplary, dragged to the scaffold, and forced to + lay down his head in expiation of a doubtful crime: and this view + derives corroboration from the fact that, shortly afterwards, + Lord Pitsligo was tacitly permitted to return to the society of + his friends, without further notice or persecution.</p> + + <p>Dr. King, the Principal of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, has borne + the following testimony to the character of Lord Pitsligo. + "Whoever is so happy, either from his natural disposition, or his + good judgment, constantly to observe St. Paul's precept, 'to + speak evil of no one' will certainly acquire the love and esteem + of the whole community of which he is a member. But such a man is + the <i>rara avis in terris</i>; and, among all my acquaintance, I + have known only one person to whom I can with truth assign this + character. The person I mean is the present Lord Pitsligo of + Scotland. I not only never heard this gentleman speak an ill word + of any man living, but I always observed him ready to defend any + other person who was ill spoken of in his company. If the person + accused were of his acquaintance, my Lord Pitsligo would always + find something good to say of him as a counterpoise. If he were a + stranger, and quite unknown to him, my lord would urge in his + defence the general corruption of manners, and the frailties and + infirmities of human nature.</p> + + <p>"It is no wonder that such an excellent man, who, besides, is + a polite scholar, and has many other great and good qualities, + should be universally admired and beloved—insomuch, that I + persuade myself he has not one enemy in the world. At least, to + this general esteem and affection for his person, his + preservation must be owing; for since his attainder he has never + removed far from his own house, protected by men of different + principles, and unsought for and unmolested by government." To + which eulogy it might be added, by those who have the good + fortune to know his representatives, that the virtues here + acknowledged seem hereditary in the family of Pitsligo.</p> + + <p>The venerable old nobleman was permitted to remain without + molestation at the residence of his son, during the latter years + of an existence protracted to the extreme verge of human life. + And so, says the author of his memoirs, "In this happy frame of + mind,—calm and full of hope,—the saintly man + continued to the last, with his reason unclouded, able to study + his favourite volume, enjoying the comforts of friendship, and + delighting in the consolations of religion, till he gently 'fell + asleep in Jesus.' He died on the 21st of December, 1762, in the + eighty-fifth year of his age; and to his surviving friends the + recollection of the misfortunes which had accompanied him through + his long life was painfully awakened even in the closing scene of + his mortal career—as his son had the mortification to be + indebted to a stranger, now the proprietor of his ancient + inheritance by purchase from the crown, for permission to lay his + father's honoured remains in the vault which contained the ashes + of his family for many generations."</p> + + <p>Such a character as this is well worthy of remembrance; and + Lord Pitsligo has just title to be called the last of the old + Scottish Cavaliers. I trust that, in adapting the words of the + following little ballad to a well-known English air, I have + committed no unpardonable larceny.</p> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-3"><!-- Note Anchor 3 --></a>[Footnote 3: See + <i>Blackwood's Magazine</i> for May 1829.—Article "Lord + Pitsligo."]</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_20"><!-- RULE4 20 --></a> + + <h2>THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Come listen to another song,</p> + + <p class="i2">Should make your heart beat high,</p> + + <p>Bring crimson to your forehead,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the lustre to your eye;—</p> + + <p>It is a song of olden time,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of days long since gone by,</p> + + <p>And of a Baron stout and bold</p> + + <p class="i2">As e'er wore sword on thigh!</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a brave old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He kept his castle in the north,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hard by the thundering Spey;</p> + + <p>And a thousand vassals dwelt around</p> + + <p class="i2">All of his kindred they.</p> + + <p>And not a man of all that clan</p> + + <p class="i2">Had ever ceased to pray</p> + + <p>For the Royal race they loved so well,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though exiled far away</p> + + <p class="i6">From the steadfast Scottish cavaliers,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>His father drew the righteous sword</p> + + <p class="i2">For Scotland and her claims,</p> + + <p>Among the loyal gentlemen</p> + + <p class="i2">And chiefs of ancient names</p> + + <p>Who swore to fight or fall beneath</p> + + <p class="i2">The standard of King James,</p> + + <p>And died at Killiecrankie pass</p> + + <p class="i2">With the glory of the Graemes;</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a true old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He never owned the foreign rule,</p> + + <p class="i2">No master he obeyed,</p> + + <p>But kept his clan in peace at home,</p> + + <p class="i2">From foray and from raid;</p> + + <p>And when they asked him for his oath,</p> + + <p class="i2">He touched his glittering blade,</p> + + <p>And pointed to his bonnet blue,</p> + + <p class="i2">That bore the white cockade:</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a leal old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>At length the news ran through the land—</p> + + <p class="i2">THE PRINCE had come again!</p> + + <p>That night the fiery cross was sped</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er mountain and through glen;</p> + + <p>And our old Baron rose in might,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a lion from his den,</p> + + <p>And rode away across the hills</p> + + <p class="i2">To Charlie and his men,</p> + + <p class="i6">With the valiant Scottish cavaliers,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He was the first that bent the knee</p> + + <p class="i2">When the STANDARD waved abroad,</p> + + <p>He was the first that charged the foe</p> + + <p class="i2">On Preston's bloody sod;</p> + + <p>And ever, in the van of fight,</p> + + <p class="i2">The foremost still he trod,</p> + + <p>Until, on bleak Culloden's heath,</p> + + <p class="i2">He gave his soul to God,</p> + + <p class="i6">Like a good old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oh! never shall we know again</p> + + <p class="i2">A heart so stout and true—</p> + + <p>The olden times have passed away,</p> + + <p class="i2">And weary are the new:</p> + + <p>The fair White Rose has faded</p> + + <p class="i2">From the garden where it grew,</p> + + <p>And no fond tears save those of heaven</p> + + <p class="i2">The glorious bed bedew</p> + + <p class="i6">Of the last old Scottish cavalier,</p> + + <p class="i10">All of the olden time!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_21"><!-- RULE4 21 --></a> + + <h2>MISCELLANEOUS POEMS</h2> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_22"><!-- RULE4 22 --></a> + + <h2>BLIND OLD MILTON</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Place me once more, my daughter, where the sun</p> + + <p>May shine upon my old and time-worn head,</p> + + <p>For the last time, perchance. My race is run;</p> + + <p>And soon amidst the ever-silent dead</p> + + <p>I must repose, it may be, half forgot.</p> + + <p>Yes! I have broke the hard and bitter bread</p> + + <p>For many a year, with those who trembled not</p> + + <p>To buckle on their armour for the fight,</p> + + <p>And set themselves against the tyrant's lot;</p> + + <p>And I have never bowed me to his might,</p> + + <p>Nor knelt before him—for I bear within</p> + + <p>My heart the sternest consciousness of right,</p> + + <p>And that perpetual hate of gilded sin</p> + + <p>Which made me what I am; and though the stain</p> + + <p>Of poverty be on me, yet I win</p> + + <p>More honour by it, than the blinded train</p> + + <p>Who hug their willing servitude, and bow</p> + + <p>Unto the weakest and the most profane.</p> + + <p>Therefore, with unencumbered soul I go</p> + + <p>Before the footstool of my Maker, where</p> + + <p>I hope to stand as undebased as now!</p> + + <p>Child! is the sun abroad? I feel my hair</p> + + <p>Borne up and wafted by the gentle wind,</p> + + <p>I feel the odours that perfume the air,</p> + + <p>And hear the rustling of the leaves behind.</p> + + <p>Within my heart I picture them, and then</p> + + <p>I almost can forget that I am blind,</p> + + <p>And old, and hated by my fellow-men.</p> + + <p>Yet would I fain once more behold the grace</p> + + <p>Of nature ere I die, and gaze again</p> + + <p>Upon her living and rejoicing face—</p> + + <p>Fain would I see thy countenance, my child,</p> + + <p>My comforter! I feel thy dear embrace—</p> + + <p>I hear thy voice, so musical, and mild,</p> + + <p>The patient, sole interpreter, by whom</p> + + <p>So many years of sadness are beguiled;</p> + + <p>For it hath made my small and scanty room</p> + + <p>Peopled with glowing visions of the past.</p> + + <p>But I will calmly bend me to my doom,</p> + + <p>And wait the hour which is approaching fast,</p> + + <p>When triple light shall stream upon mine eyes,</p> + + <p>And heaven itself be opened up at last</p> + + <p>To him who dared foretell its mysteries.</p> + + <p>I have had visions in this drear eclipse</p> + + <p>Of outward consciousness, and clomb the skies,</p> + + <p>Striving to utter with my earthly lips</p> + + <p>What the diviner soul had half divined,</p> + + <p>Even as the Saint in his Apocalypse</p> + + <p>Who saw the inmost glory, where enshrined</p> + + <p>Sat He who fashioned glory. This hath driven</p> + + <p>All outward strife and tumult from my mind,</p> + + <p>And humbled me, until I have forgiven</p> + + <p>My bitter enemies, and only seek</p> + + <p>To find the straight and narrow path to heaven.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yet I am weak—oh! how entirely weak,</p> + + <p>For one who may not love nor suffer more!</p> + + <p>Sometimes unbidden tears will wet my cheek,</p> + + <p>And my heart bound as keenly as of yore,</p> + + <p>Responsive to a voice, now hushed to rest,</p> + + <p>Which made the beautiful Italian shore,</p> + + <p>In all its pomp of summer vineyards drest,</p> + + <p>An Eden and a Paradise to me.</p> + + <p>Do the sweet breezes from the balmy west</p> + + <p>Still murmur through thy groves, Parthenope,</p> + + <p>In search of odours from the orange bowers?</p> + + <p>Still on thy slopes of verdure does the bee</p> + + <p>Cull her rare honey from the virgin flowers?</p> + + <p>And Philomel her plaintive chaunt prolong</p> + + <p>'Neath skies more calm and more serene than ours,</p> + + <p>Making the summer one perpetual song?</p> + + <p>Art thou the same as when in manhood's pride</p> + + <p>I walked in joy thy grassy meads among,</p> + + <p>With that fair youthful vision by my side,</p> + + <p>In whose bright eyes I looked—and not in vain?</p> + + <p>O my adored angel! O my bride!</p> + + <p>Despite of years, and woe, and want, and pain,</p> + + <p>My soul yearns back towards thee, and I seem</p> + + <p>To wander with thee, hand in hand, again,</p> + + <p>By the bright margin of that flowing stream.</p> + + <p>I hear again thy voice, more silver-sweet</p> + + <p>Than fancied music floating in a dream,</p> + + <p>Possess my being; from afar I greet</p> + + <p>The waving of thy garments in the glade,</p> + + <p>And the light rustling of thy fairy feet—</p> + + <p>What time as one half eager, half afraid,</p> + + <p>Love's burning secret faltered on my tongue,</p> + + <p>And tremulous looks and broken words betrayed</p> + + <p>The secret of the heart from whence they sprung.</p> + + <p>Ah me! the earth that rendered thee to heaven</p> + + <p>Gave up an angel beautiful and young,</p> + + <p>Spotless and pure as snow when freshly driven:</p> + + <p>A bright Aurora for the starry sphere</p> + + <p>Where all is love, and even life forgiven.</p> + + <p>Bride of immortal beauty—ever dear!</p> + + <p>Dost thou await me in thy blest abode?</p> + + <p>While I, Tithonus-like, must linger here,</p> + + <p>And count each step along the rugged road;</p> + + <p>A phantom, tottering to a long-made grave,</p> + + <p>And eager to lay down my weary load!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I, who was fancy's lord, am fancy's slave.</p> + + <p>Like the low murmurs of the Indian shell</p> + + <p>Ta'en from its coral bed beneath the wave,</p> + + <p>Which, unforgetful of the ocean's swell,</p> + + <p>Retains within its mystic urn the hum</p> + + <p>Heard in the sea-grots where the Nereids dwell—</p> + + <p>Old thoughts still haunt me—unawares they come</p> + + <p>Between me and my rest, nor can I make</p> + + <p>Those aged visitors of sorrow dumb.</p> + + <p>Oh, yet awhile, my feeble soul, awake!</p> + + <p>Nor wander back with sullen steps again;</p> + + <p>For neither pleasant pastime canst thou take</p> + + <p>In such a journey, nor endure the pain.</p> + + <p>The phantoms of the past are dead for thee;</p> + + <p>So let them ever uninvoked remain,</p> + + <p>And be thou calm, till death shall set thee free.</p> + + <p>Thy flowers of hope expanded long ago,</p> + + <p>Long since their blossoms withered on the tree:</p> + + <p>No second spring can come to make them blow,</p> + + <p>But in the silent winter of the grave</p> + + <p>They lie with blighted love and buried woe.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I did not waste the gifts which nature gave,</p> + + <p>Nor slothful lay in the Circéan bower;</p> + + <p>Nor did I yield myself the willing slave</p> + + <p>Of lust for pride, for riches, or for power.</p> + + <p>No! in my heart a nobler spirit dwelt;</p> + + <p>For constant was my faith in manhood's dower;</p> + + <p>Man—made in God's own image—and I felt</p> + + <p>How of our own accord we courted shame,</p> + + <p>Until to idols like ourselves we knelt,</p> + + <p>And so renounced the great and glorious claim</p> + + <p>Of freedom, our immortal heritage.</p> + + <p>I saw how bigotry, with spiteful aim,</p> + + <p>Smote at the searching eyesight of the sage,</p> + + <p>How error stole behind the steps of truth,</p> + + <p>And cast delusion on the sacred page.</p> + + <p>So, as a champion, even in early youth</p> + + <p>I waged my battle with a purpose keen;</p> + + <p>Nor feared the hand of terror, nor the tooth</p> + + <p>Of serpent jealousy. And I have been</p> + + <p>With starry Galileo in his cell,</p> + + <p>That wise magician with the brow serene,</p> + + <p>Who fathomed space; and I have seen him tell</p> + + <p>The wonders of the planetary sphere,</p> + + <p>And trace the ramparts of heaven's citadel</p> + + <p>On the cold flag-stones of his dungeon drear.</p> + + <p>And I have walked with Hampden and with Vane—</p> + + <p>Names once so gracious to an English ear—</p> + + <p>In days that never may return again.</p> + + <p>My voice, though not the loudest, hath been heard</p> + + <p>Whenever freedom raised her cry of pain,</p> + + <p>And the faint effort of the humble bard</p> + + <p>Hath roused up thousands from their lethargy,</p> + + <p>To speak in words of thunder. What reward</p> + + <p>Was mine, or theirs? It matters not; for I</p> + + <p>Am but a leaf cast on the whirling tide,</p> + + <p>Without a hope or wish, except to die.</p> + + <p>But truth, asserted once, must still abide,</p> + + <p>Unquenchable, as are those fiery springs</p> + + <p>Which day and night gush from the mountain-side,</p> + + <p>Perpetual meteors girt with lambent wings,</p> + + <p>Which the wild tempest tosses to and fro,</p> + + <p>But cannot conquer with the force it brings.</p> + + <p>Yet I, who ever felt another's woe</p> + + <p>More keenly than my own untold distress;</p> + + <p>I, who have battled with the common foe,</p> + + <p>And broke for years the bread of bitterness;</p> + + <p>Who never yet abandoned or betrayed</p> + + <p>The trust vouchsafed me, nor have ceased to bless,</p> + + <p>Am left alone to wither in the shade,</p> + + <p>A weak old man, deserted by his kind—</p> + + <p>Whom none will comfort in his age, nor aid!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oh! let me not repine! A quiet mind,</p> + + <p>Conscious and upright, needs no other stay;</p> + + <p>Nor can I grieve for what I leave behind,</p> + + <p>In the rich promise of eternal day.</p> + + <p>Henceforth to me the world is dead and gone,</p> + + <p>Its thorns unfelt, its roses cast away:</p> + + <p>And the old pilgrim, weary and alone,</p> + + <p>Bowed down with travel, at his Master's gate</p> + + <p>Now sits, his task of life-long labour done,</p> + + <p>Thankful for rest, although it comes so late,</p> + + <p>After sore journey through this world of sin,</p> + + <p>In hope, and prayer, and wistfulness to wait,</p> + + <p>Until the door shall ope, and let him in.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_23"><!-- RULE4 23 --></a> + + <h2>HERMOTIMUS</h2> + + <p>Hermotimus, the hero of this ballad, was a philosopher, or + rather a prophet, of Clazomenæ, who possessed the faculty, + now claimed by the animal-magnetists, of effecting a voluntary + separation between his soul and body; for the former could wander + to any part of the universe, and even hold intercourse with + supernatural beings, whilst the senseless frame remained at home. + Hermotimus, however, was not insensible to the risk attendant + upon this disunion; since, before attempting any of these aerial + flights, he took the precaution to warn his wife, lest, ere the + return of his soul, the body should be rendered an unfit or + useless receptacle. This accident, which he so much dreaded, at + length occurred; for the lady, wearied out by a succession of + trances, each of longer duration than the preceding, one day + committed his body to the flames, and thus effectually put a stop + to such unconnubial conduct. He received divine honours at + Clazomenæ, but must nevertheless remain as a terrible + example and warning to all husbands who carry their scientific or + spiritual pursuits so far as to neglect their duty to their + wives.</p> + + <p>It is somewhat curious that Hermotimus is not the only person + (putting the disciples of Mesmer and Dupotet altogether out of + the question) who has possessed this miraculous power. Another + and much later instance is recorded by Dr. George Cheyne, in his + work entitled, <i>The English Malady, or a Treatise of Nervous + Diseases</i>, as having come under his own observation; and, as + this case is exactly similar to that of the Prophet, it may amuse + the reader to see how far an ancient fable may be illustrated, + and in part explained, by the records of modern science. Dr. + Cheyne's patient was probably cataleptic; but the worthy + physician must be allowed to tell his own story.</p> + + <p>"Colonel Townshend, a gentleman of honour and integrity, had + for many years been afflicted with a nephritic complaint. His + illness increasing, and his strength decaying, he came from + Bristol to Bath in a litter, in autumn, and lay at the Bell Inn. + Dr. Baynard and I were called to him, and attended him twice + a-day; but his vomitings continuing still incessant and obstinate + against all remedies, we despaired of his recovery. While he was + in this condition, he sent for us one morning; we waited on him + with Mr. Skrine, his apothecary. We found his senses clear, and + his mind calm: his nurse and several servants were about him. He + told us he had sent for us to give him an account of an odd + sensation he had for some time observed and felt in himself; + which was, that, by composing himself, <i>he could die or expire + when he pleased</i>; and yet by an effort, or somehow, he could + come to life again, which he had sometimes tried before he had + sent for us. We heard this with surprise; but, as it was not to + be accounted for upon common principles, we could hardly believe + the fact as he related it, much less give any account of it; + unless he should please to make the experiment before us, which + we were unwilling he should do, lest, in his weak condition, he + might carry it too far. He continued to talk very distinctly and + sensibly above a quarter of an hour about this surprising + sensation, and insisted so much on our seeing the trial made, + that we were at last forced to comply. We all three felt his + pulse first—it was distinct, though small and thready, and + his heart had its usual beating. He composed himself on his back, + and lay in a still posture for some time: while I held his right + hand, Dr. Baynard laid his hand on his heart, and Mr. Skrine held + a clean looking-glass to his mouth. I found his pulse sink + gradually, till at last I could not find any by the most exact + and nice touch. Dr. Baynard could not feel the least motion in + his heart, nor Mr. Skrine the least soil of breath on the bright + mirror he held to his mouth; then each of us by turns examined + his arm, heart, and breath, but could not, by the nicest + scrutiny, discover the least symptom of life in him. We reasoned + a long time about this odd appearance as well as we could, and + all of us judging it inexplicable and unaccountable; and, finding + he still continued in that condition, we began to conclude that + he had indeed carried the experiment too far; and at last were + satisfied he was actually dead, and were just ready to leave him. + This continued about half an hour. As we were going away, we + observed some motion about the body; and, upon examination, found + his pulse and the motion of his heart gradually returning. He + began to breathe gently and speak softly. We were all astonished + to the last degree at this unexpected change; and, after some + further conversation with him, and among ourselves, went away + fully satisfied as to all the particulars of this fact, but + confounded and puzzled, and not able to form any rational scheme + that might account for it."</p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_24"><!-- RULE4 24 --></a> + + <h2>HERMOTIMUS</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>I.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Wilt not lay thee down in quiet slumber?</p> + + <p class="i2">Weary dost thou seem, and ill at rest;</p> + + <p>Sleep will bring thee dreams in starry number—</p> + + <p class="i2">Let him come to thee and be thy guest.</p> + + <p class="i6">Midnight now is past—</p> + + <p class="i6">Husband! come at last—</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay thy throbbing head upon my breast."</p> + </div> + + <p>II.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Weary am I, but my soul is waking;</p> + + <p class="i2">Fain I'd lay me gently by thy side,</p> + + <p>But my spirit then, its home forsaking,</p> + + <p class="i2">Through the realms of space would wander + wide—</p> + + <p class="i6">Everything forgot,</p> + + <p class="i6">What would be thy lot,</p> + + <p class="i2">If I came not back to thee, my bride?"</p> + </div> + + <p>III.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Music, like the lute of young Apollo,</p> + + <p class="i2">Vibrates even now within mine ear;</p> + + <p>Soft and silver voices bid me follow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Yet my soul is dull and will not hear.</p> + + <p class="i6">Waking it will stay:</p> + + <p class="i6">Let me watch till day—</p> + + <p class="i2">Fainter will they come, and disappear."</p> + </div> + + <p>IV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Speak not thus to me, my own—my dearest!</p> + + <p class="i2">These are but the phantoms of thy brain;</p> + + <p>Nothing can befall thee which thou fearest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou shalt wake to love and life again.</p> + + <p class="i6">Were this sleep thy last,</p> + + <p class="i6">I should hold thee fast,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou shouldst strive against me but in + vain."</p> + </div> + + <p>V.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Eros will protect us, and will hover,</p> + + <p class="i2">Guardian-like, above thee all the night,</p> + + <p>Jealous of thee, as of some fond lover</p> + + <p class="i2">Chiding back the rosy-fingered light—</p> + + <p class="i6">He will be thine aid:</p> + + <p class="i6">Canst thou feel afraid</p> + + <p class="i2">When <i>his</i> torch above us burneth + bright?"</p> + </div> + + <p>VI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Lo! the cressets of the night are waning—</p> + + <p class="i2">Old Orion hastens from the sky;</p> + + <p>Only thou of all things art remaining</p> + + <p class="i2">Unrefreshed by slumber—thou and I.</p> + + <p class="i6">Sound and sense are still;</p> + + <p class="i6">Even the distant rill</p> + + <p class="i2">Murmurs fainter now, and languidly."</p> + </div> + + <p>VII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Come and rest thee, husband!"—And no longer</p> + + <p class="i2">Could the young man that fond call resist:</p> + + <p>Vainly was he warned, for love was stronger—</p> + + <p class="i2">Warmly did he press her to his breast.</p> + + <p class="i6">Warmly met she his;</p> + + <p class="i6">Kiss succeeded kiss,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till their eyelids closed with sleep + oppressed.</p> + </div> + + <p>VIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Soon Aurora left her early pillow,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the heavens grew rosy-rich, and rare;</p> + + <p>Laughed the dewy plain and glassy billow,</p> + + <p class="i2">For the Golden God himself was there;</p> + + <p class="i6">And the vapour-screen</p> + + <p class="i6">Rose the hills between,</p> + + <p class="i2">Steaming up, like incense, in the air.</p> + </div> + + <p>IX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O'er her husband sate Ione bending—</p> + + <p class="i2">Marble-like and marble-hued he lay;</p> + + <p>Underneath her raven locks descending,</p> + + <p class="i2">Paler seemed his face, and ashen gray,</p> + + <p class="i6">And so white his brow—</p> + + <p class="i6">White and cold as snow—</p> + + <p class="i2">"Husband! Gods! his soul hath passed away!"</p> + </div> + + <p>X.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Raise ye up the pile with gloomy shadow—</p> + + <p class="i2">Heap it with the mournful + cypress-bough!—</p> + + <p>And they raised the pile upon the meadow,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they heaped the mournful cypress too;</p> + + <p class="i6">And they laid the dead</p> + + <p class="i6">On his funeral bed,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they kindled up the flames below.</p> + </div> + + <p>XI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Swiftly rose they, and the corse surrounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">Spreading out a pall into the air;</p> + + <p>And the sharp and sudden crackling sounded</p> + + <p class="i2">Mournfully to all the watchers there.</p> + + <p class="i6">Soon their force was spent,</p> + + <p class="i6">And the body blent</p> + + <p class="i2">With the embers' slow-expiring glare.</p> + </div> + + <p>XII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Night again was come; but oh, how lonely</p> + + <p class="i2">To the mourner did that night appear!</p> + + <p>Peace nor rest it brought, but sorrow only,</p> + + <p class="i2">Vain repinings and unwonted fear.</p> + + <p class="i6">Dimly burned the lamp—</p> + + <p class="i6">Chill the air and damp—</p> + + <p class="i2">And the winds without were moaning drear.</p> + </div> + + <p>XIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hush! a voice in solemn whispers speaking</p> + + <p class="i2">Breaks within the twilight of the room;</p> + + <p>And Ione, loud and wildly shrieking,</p> + + <p class="i2">Starts and gazes through the ghastly gloom.</p> + + <p class="i6">Nothing sees she there—</p> + + <p class="i6">All is empty air,</p> + + <p class="i2">All is empty as a rifled tomb.</p> + </div> + + <p>XIV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Once again the voice beside her sounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">Low, and faint, and solemn was its + tone—</p> + + <p>"Nor by form nor shade am I surrounded,</p> + + <p class="i2">Fleshly home and dwelling have I none.</p> + + <p class="i6">They are passed away—</p> + + <p class="i6">Woe is me! to-day</p> + + <p class="i2">Hath robbed me of myself, and made me + lone."</p> + </div> + + <p>XV.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Vainly were the words of parting spoken;</p> + + <p class="i2">Evermore must Charon turn from me.</p> + + <p>Still my thread of life remains unbroken,</p> + + <p class="i2">And unbroken ever it must be;</p> + + <p class="i6">Only they may rest</p> + + <p class="i6">Whom the Fates' behest</p> + + <p class="i2">From their mortal mansion setteth free."</p> + </div> + + <p>XVI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I have seen the robes of Hermes glisten—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seen him wave afar his serpent-wand;</p> + + <p>But to me the Herald would not listen—</p> + + <p class="i2">When the dead swept by at his command,</p> + + <p class="i6">Not with that pale crew</p> + + <p class="i6">Durst I venture too—</p> + + <p class="i2">Ever shut for me the quiet land."</p> + </div> + + <p>XVII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Day and night before the dreary portal,</p> + + <p class="i2">Phantom-shapes, the guards of Hades, lie;</p> + + <p>None of heavenly kind, nor yet of mortal,</p> + + <p class="i2">May unchallenged pass the warders by.</p> + + <p class="i6">None that path may go,</p> + + <p class="i6">If he cannot show</p> + + <p class="i2">His last passport to eternity."</p> + </div> + + <p>XVIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Cruel was the spirit-power thou gavest—</p> + + <p class="i2">Fatal, O Apollo, was thy love!</p> + + <p>Pythian! Archer! brightest God and bravest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hear, O hear me from thy throne above!</p> + + <p class="i6">Let me not, I pray,</p> + + <p class="i6">Thus be cast away:</p> + + <p class="i2">Plead for me—thy slave—O plead to + Jove!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XIX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I have heard thee with the Muses singing—</p> + + <p class="i2">Heard that full, melodious voice of thine,</p> + + <p>Silver-clear throughout the ether ringing—</p> + + <p class="i2">Seen thy locks in golden clusters shine;</p> + + <p class="i6">And thine eye, so bright</p> + + <p class="i6">With its innate light,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hath ere now been bent so low as mine."</p> + </div> + + <p>XX.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Hast thou lost the wish—the will—to + cherish</p> + + <p class="i2">Those who trusted in thy godlike power?</p> + + <p>Hyacinthus did not wholly perish;</p> + + <p class="i2">Still he lives, the firstling of thy bower;</p> + + <p class="i6">Still he feels thy rays,</p> + + <p class="i6">Fondly meets thy gaze,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though but now the spirit of a flower."</p> + </div> + + <p>XXI.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Hear me, Phoebus! Hear me and deliver!</p> + + <p class="i2">Lo! the morning breaketh from afar—</p> + + <p>God! thou comest bright and great as ever—</p> + + <p class="i2">Night goes back before thy burning car;</p> + + <p class="i6">All her lamps are gone—</p> + + <p class="i6">Lucifer alone</p> + + <p class="i2">Lingers still for thee—the blessed + star!"</p> + </div> + + <p>XXII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Hear me, Phoebus!"—And therewith descended</p> + + <p class="i2">Through the window-arch a glory-gleam,</p> + + <p>All effulgent—and with music blended,</p> + + <p class="i2">For such solemn sounds arose as stream</p> + + <p class="i6">From the Memnon-lyre,</p> + + <p class="i6">When the morning fire</p> + + <p class="i2">Gilds the giant's forehead with its beam.</p> + </div> + + <p>XXIII.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thou hast heard thy servant's prayer, Apollo;</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou dost call me, mighty God of Day!</p> + + <p>Fare-thee-well, Ione!"—And more hollow</p> + + <p class="i2">Came the phantom-voice, then died away.</p> + + <p class="i6">When the slaves arose,</p> + + <p class="i6">Not in calm repose,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not in sleep, but death, their mistress + lay.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_25"><!-- RULE4 25 --></a> + + <h2>OENONE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>On the holy mount of Ida,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the pine and cypress grow,</p> + + <p>Sate a young and lovely woman,</p> + + <p class="i2">Weeping ever, weeping low.</p> + + <p>Drearily throughout the forest</p> + + <p class="i2">Did the winds of autumn blow,</p> + + <p>And the clouds above were flying,</p> + + <p class="i2">And Scamander rolled below.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Faithless Paris! cruel Paris!"</p> + + <p class="i2">Thus the poor deserted spake—</p> + + <p>"Wherefore thus so strangely leave me?</p> + + <p class="i2">Why thy loving bride forsake?</p> + + <p>Why no tender word at parting?</p> + + <p class="i2">Why no kiss, no farewell take?</p> + + <p>Would that I could but forget thee—</p> + + <p class="i2">Would this throbbing heart might break!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Is my face no longer blooming?</p> + + <p class="i2">Are my eyes no longer bright?</p> + + <p>Ah! my tears have made them dimmer,</p> + + <p class="i2">And my cheeks are pale and white.</p> + + <p>I have wept since early morning,</p> + + <p class="i2">I will weep the livelong night;</p> + + <p>Now I long for sullen darkness,</p> + + <p class="i2">As I once have longed for light.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Paris! canst thou then be cruel?</p> + + <p class="i2">Fair, and young, and brave thou art—</p> + + <p>Can it be that in thy bosom</p> + + <p class="i2">Lies so cold, so hard a heart?</p> + + <p>Children were we bred together—</p> + + <p class="i2">She who bore me suckled thee;</p> + + <p>I have been thine old companion,</p> + + <p class="i2">When thou hadst no more but me.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I have watched thee in thy slumbers,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the shadow of a dream</p> + + <p>Passed across thy smiling features,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like the ripple of a stream;</p> + + <p>And so sweetly were the visions</p> + + <p class="i2">Pictured there with lively grace,</p> + + <p>That I half could read their import</p> + + <p class="i2">By the changes on thy face.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"When I sang of Ariadne,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sang the old and mournful tale,</p> + + <p>How her faithless lover, Theseus,</p> + + <p class="i2">Left her to lament and wail;</p> + + <p>Then thine eyes would fill and glisten,</p> + + <p class="i2">Her complaint could soften thee:</p> + + <p>Thou hast wept for Ariadne—</p> + + <p class="i2">Theseus' self might weep for me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thou may'st find another maiden</p> + + <p class="i2">With a fairer face than mine—</p> + + <p>With a gayer voice, and sweeter,</p> + + <p class="i2">And a spirit liker thine:</p> + + <p>For if e'er my beauty bound thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lost and broken is the spell;</p> + + <p>But thou canst not find another</p> + + <p class="i2">That will love thee half so well.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O thou hollow ship that bearest</p> + + <p class="i2">Paris o'er the faithless deep,</p> + + <p>Wouldst thou leave him on some island,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where alone the waters weep?</p> + + <p>Where no human foot is moulded</p> + + <p class="i2">In the wet and yellow sand—</p> + + <p>Leave him there, thou hollow vessel!</p> + + <p class="i2">Leave him on that lonely land!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Then his heart will surely soften,</p> + + <p class="i2">When his foolish hopes decay,</p> + + <p>And his older love rekindle,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the new one dies away.</p> + + <p>Visionary hills will haunt him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rising from the glassy sea,</p> + + <p>And his thoughts will wander homewards</p> + + <p class="i2">Unto Ida and to me.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O! that like a little swallow</p> + + <p class="i2">I could reach that lonely spot!</p> + + <p>All his errors would be pardoned,</p> + + <p class="i2">All the weary past forgot.</p> + + <p>Never should he wander from me—</p> + + <p class="i2">Never should he more depart,</p> + + <p>For these arms would be his prison,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his home would be my heart."</p> + </div> + + <p class="i2"> </p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <br> + <br> + + <p>Thus lamented fair Oenone,</p> + + <p class="i2">Weeping ever, weeping low,</p> + + <p>On the holy mount of Ida,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the pine and cypress grow.</p> + + <p>In the self-same hour Cassandra</p> + + <p class="i2">Shrieked her prophecy of woe,</p> + + <p>And into the Spartan dwelling</p> + + <p class="i2">Did the faithless Paris go.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_26"><!-- RULE4 26 --></a> + + <h2>THE BURIED FLOWER</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In the silence of my chamber,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the night is still and deep,</p> + + <p>And the drowsy heave of ocean</p> + + <p class="i2">Mutters in its charmed sleep,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Oft I hear the angel-voices</p> + + <p class="i2">That have thrilled me long ago,—</p> + + <p>Voices of my lost companions,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lying deep beneath the snow.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O, the garden I remember,</p> + + <p class="i2">In the gay and sunny spring,</p> + + <p>When our laughter made the thickets</p> + + <p class="i2">And the arching alleys ring!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O the merry burst of gladness!</p> + + <p class="i2">O the soft and tender tone!</p> + + <p>O the whisper never uttered</p> + + <p class="i2">Save to one fond ear alone!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O the light of life that sparkled</p> + + <p class="i2">In those bright and bounteous eyes!</p> + + <p>O the blush of happy beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Tell-tale of the heart's surprise:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O the radiant light that girdled</p> + + <p class="i2">Field and forest, land and sea,</p> + + <p>When we all were young together,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the earth was new to me:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Where are now the flowers we tended?</p> + + <p class="i2">Withered, broken, branch and stem;</p> + + <p>Where are now the hopes we cherished?</p> + + <p class="i2">Scattered to the winds with them.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For ye, too, were flowers, ye dear ones!</p> + + <p class="i2">Nursed in hope and reared in love,</p> + + <p>Looking fondly ever upward</p> + + <p class="i2">To the clear blue heaven above:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Smiling on the sun that cheered us,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rising lightly from the rain,</p> + + <p>Never folding up your freshness</p> + + <p class="i2">Save to give it forth again:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never shaken, save by accents</p> + + <p class="i2">From a tongue that was not free,</p> + + <p>As the modest blossom trembles</p> + + <p class="i2">At the wooing of the bee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O! 'tis sad to lie and reckon</p> + + <p class="i2">All the days of faded youth,</p> + + <p>All the vows that we believed in,</p> + + <p class="i2">All the words we spoke in truth.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Severed—were it severed only</p> + + <p class="i2">By an idle thought of strife,</p> + + <p>Such as time might knit together;</p> + + <p class="i2">Not the broken chord of life!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O my heart! that once so truly</p> + + <p class="i2">Kept another's time and tune,</p> + + <p>Heart, that kindled in the spring-tide,</p> + + <p class="i2">Look around thee in the noon.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Where are they who gave the impulse</p> + + <p class="i2">To thy earliest thought and flow?</p> + + <p>Look around the ruined garden—</p> + + <p class="i2">All are withered, dropped, or low!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Seek the birth-place of the lily,</p> + + <p class="i2">Dearer to the boyish dream</p> + + <p>Than the golden cups of Eden,</p> + + <p class="i2">Floating on its slumbrous stream;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Never more shalt thou behold her—</p> + + <p class="i2">She, the noblest, fairest, best:</p> + + <p>She that rose in fullest beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a queen, above the rest.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Only still I keep her image</p> + + <p class="i2">As a thought that cannot die;</p> + + <p>He who raised the shade of Helen</p> + + <p class="i2">Had no greater power than I.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O! I fling my spirit backward,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I pass o'er years of pain;</p> + + <p>All I loved is rising round me,</p> + + <p class="i2">All the lost returns again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Blow, for ever blow, ye breezes,</p> + + <p class="i2">Warmly as ye did before!</p> + + <p>Bloom again, ye happy gardens,</p> + + <p class="i2">With the radiant tints of yore!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Warble out in spray and thicket,</p> + + <p class="i2">All ye choristers unseen;</p> + + <p>Let the leafy woodland echo</p> + + <p class="i2">With an anthem to its queen!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lo! she cometh in her beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Stately with a Juno grace,</p> + + <p>Raven locks, Madonna-braided</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er her sweet and blushing face:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Eyes of deepest violet, beaming</p> + + <p class="i2">With the love that knows not shame—</p> + + <p>Lips, that thrill my inmost being</p> + + <p class="i2">With the utterance of a name.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And I bend the knee before her,</p> + + <p class="i2">As a captive ought to bow,—</p> + + <p>Pray thee, listen to my pleading,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sovereign of my soul art thou!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O my dear and gentle lady,</p> + + <p class="i2">Let me show thee all my pain,</p> + + <p>Ere the words that late were prisoned</p> + + <p class="i2">Sink into my heart again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Love, they say, is very fearful</p> + + <p class="i2">Ere its curtain be withdrawn,</p> + + <p>Trembling at the thought of error</p> + + <p class="i2">As the shadows scare the fawn.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Love hath bound me to thee, lady,</p> + + <p class="i2">Since the well-remembered day</p> + + <p>When I first beheld thee coming</p> + + <p class="i2">In the light of lustrous May.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Not a word I dared to utter—</p> + + <p class="i2">More than he who, long ago,</p> + + <p>Saw the heavenly shapes descending</p> + + <p class="i2">Over Ida's slopes of snow:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When a low and solemn music</p> + + <p class="i2">Floated through the listening grove,</p> + + <p>And the throstle's song was silenced,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the doling of the dove:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When immortal beauty opened</p> + + <p class="i2">All its grace to mortal sight,</p> + + <p>And the awe of worship blended</p> + + <p class="i2">With the throbbing of delight.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>As the shepherd stood before them</p> + + <p class="i2">Trembling in the Phrygian dell,</p> + + <p>Even so my soul and being</p> + + <p class="i2">Owned the magic of the spell;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And I watched thee ever fondly,</p> + + <p class="i2">Watched thee, dearest! from afar,</p> + + <p>With the mute and humble homage</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the Indian to a star.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou wert still the Lady Flora</p> + + <p class="i2">In her morning garb of bloom;</p> + + <p>Where thou wert was light and glory,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where thou wert not, dearth and gloom.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So for many a day I followed</p> + + <p class="i2">For a long and weary while,</p> + + <p>Ere my heart rose up to bless thee</p> + + <p class="i2">For the yielding of a smile,—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ere thy words were few and broken</p> + + <p class="i2">As they answered back to mine,</p> + + <p>Ere my lips had power to thank thee</p> + + <p class="i2">For the gift vouchsafed by thine.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then a mighty gush of passion</p> + + <p class="i2">Through my inmost being ran;</p> + + <p>Then my older life was ended,</p> + + <p class="i2">And a dearer course began.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Dearer!—O, I cannot tell thee</p> + + <p class="i2">What a load was swept away,</p> + + <p>What a world of doubt and darkness</p> + + <p class="i2">Faded in the dawning day!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>All my error, all my weakness,</p> + + <p class="i2">All my vain delusions fled:</p> + + <p>Hope again revived, and gladness</p> + + <p class="i2">Waved its wings above my head.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Like the wanderer of the desert,</p> + + <p class="i2">When, across the dreary sand,</p> + + <p>Breathes the perfume from the thickets</p> + + <p class="i2">Bordering on the promised land;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When afar he sees the palm-trees</p> + + <p class="i2">Cresting o'er the lonely well,</p> + + <p>When he hears the pleasant tinkle</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the distant camel's bell:</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So a fresh and glad emotion</p> + + <p class="i2">Rose within my swelling breast,</p> + + <p>And I hurried swiftly onwards</p> + + <p class="i2">To the haven of my rest.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou wert there with word and welcome,</p> + + <p class="i2">With thy smile so purely sweet;</p> + + <p>And I laid my heart before thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Laid it, darling, at thy feet!—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O ye words that sound so hollow</p> + + <p class="i2">As I now recall your tone!</p> + + <p>What are ye but empty echoes</p> + + <p class="i2">Of a passion crushed and gone?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Wherefore should I seek to kindle</p> + + <p class="i2">Light, when all around is gloom?</p> + + <p>Wherefore should I raise a phantom</p> + + <p class="i2">O'er the dark and silent tomb?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Early wert thou taken, Mary!</p> + + <p class="i2">In thy fair and glorious prime,</p> + + <p>Ere the bees had ceased to murmur</p> + + <p class="i2">Through the umbrage of the lime.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Buds were blowing, waters flowing,</p> + + <p class="i2">Birds were singing on the tree,</p> + + <p>Every thing was bright and glowing,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the angels came for thee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Death had laid aside his terror,</p> + + <p class="i2">And he found thee calm and mild,</p> + + <p>Lying in thy robes of whiteness,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a pure and stainless child.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hardly had the mountain violet</p> + + <p class="i2">Spread its blossoms on the sod,</p> + + <p>Ere they laid the turf above thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thy spirit rose to God.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Early wert thou taken, Mary!</p> + + <p class="i2">And I know 'tis vain to weep—</p> + + <p>Tears of mine can never wake thee</p> + + <p class="i2">From thy sad and silent sleep.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O away! my thoughts are earthward!</p> + + <p class="i2">Not asleep, my love, art thou!</p> + + <p>Dwelling in the land of glory</p> + + <p class="i2">With the saints and angels now.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Brighter, fairer far than living,</p> + + <p class="i2">With no trace of woe or pain,</p> + + <p>Robed in everlasting beauty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall I see thee once again,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>By the light that never fadeth,</p> + + <p class="i2">Underneath eternal skies,</p> + + <p>When the dawn of resurrection</p> + + <p class="i2">Breaks o'er deathless Paradise.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_27"><!-- RULE4 27 --></a> + + <h2>THE OLD CAMP</h2> + + <center> + WRITTEN IN A ROMAN FORTIFICATION IN BAVARIA + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I.</p> + + <p>There is a cloud before the sun,</p> + + <p class="i2">The wind is hushed and still,</p> + + <p>And silently the waters run</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath the sombre hill.</p> + + <p>The sky is dark in every place,</p> + + <p class="i2">As is the earth below:</p> + + <p>Methinks it wore the self-same face</p> + + <p class="i2">Two thousand years ago.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>II.</p> + + <p>No light is on the ancient wall,</p> + + <p class="i2">No light upon the mound;</p> + + <p>The very trees, so thick and tall,</p> + + <p class="i2">Cast gloom, not shade, around.</p> + + <p>So silent is the place and cold,</p> + + <p class="i2">So far from human ken,</p> + + <p>It hath a look that makes me old,</p> + + <p class="i2">And spectres time again.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>III.</p> + + <p>I listen, half in thought to hear</p> + + <p class="i2">The Roman trumpet blow—</p> + + <p>I search for glint of helm and spear</p> + + <p class="i2">Amidst the forest bough:</p> + + <p>And armour rings, and voices swell—</p> + + <p class="i2">I hear the legion's tramp,</p> + + <p>And mark the lonely sentinel</p> + + <p class="i2">Who guards the lonely camp.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IV.</p> + + <p>Methinks I have no other home,</p> + + <p class="i2">No other hearth to find;</p> + + <p>For nothing save the thought of Rome</p> + + <p class="i2">Is stirring in my mind.</p> + + <p>And all that I have heard or dreamed,</p> + + <p class="i2">And all I had forgot,</p> + + <p>Are rising up, as though they seemed</p> + + <p class="i2">The household of the spot.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>V.</p> + + <p>And all the names that Romans knew</p> + + <p class="i2">Seem just as known to me,</p> + + <p>As if I were a Roman too—</p> + + <p class="i2">A Roman born and free:</p> + + <p>And I could rise at Cæsar's name,</p> + + <p class="i2">As though it were a charm</p> + + <p>To draw sharp lightning from the tame,</p> + + <p class="i2">And brace the coward's arm.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VI.</p> + + <p>And yet, if yonder sky were blue,</p> + + <p class="i2">And earth were sunny gay,</p> + + <p>If nature wore the summer hue</p> + + <p class="i2">That decked her yesterday,</p> + + <p>The mound, the trench, the rampart's space,</p> + + <p class="i2">Would move me nothing more</p> + + <p>Than many a sweet sequestred place</p> + + <p class="i2">That I have marked before.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VII.</p> + + <p>I could not feel the breezes bring</p> + + <p class="i2">Rich odours from the trees;</p> + + <p>I could not hear the linnets sing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And think on themes like these.</p> + + <p>The painted insects as they pass</p> + + <p class="i2">In swift and motley strife,</p> + + <p>The very lizard in the grass</p> + + <p class="i2">Would scare me back to life.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VIII.</p> + + <p>Then is the past so gloomy now</p> + + <p class="i2">That it may never bear</p> + + <p>The open smile of nature's brow,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or meet the sunny air?</p> + + <p>I know not that—but joy is power,</p> + + <p class="i2">However short it last;</p> + + <p>And joy befits the present hour,</p> + + <p class="i2">If sadness fits the past.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_28"><!-- RULE4 28 --></a> + + <h2>DANUBE AND THE EUXINE</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Danube, Danube! wherefore com'st thou</p> + + <p class="i2">Red and raging to my caves?</p> + + <p>Wherefore leap thy swollen waters</p> + + <p class="i2">Madly through the broken waves?</p> + + <p>Wherefore is thy tide so sullied</p> + + <p class="i2">With a hue unknown to me;</p> + + <p>Wherefore dost thou bring pollution</p> + + <p class="i2">To the old and sacred sea?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Ha! rejoice, old Father Euxine!</p> + + <p class="i2">I am brimming full and red;</p> + + <p>Noble tidings do I carry</p> + + <p class="i2">From my distant channel-bed.</p> + + <p>I have been a Christian river</p> + + <p class="i2">Dull and slow this many a year,</p> + + <p>Rolling down my torpid waters</p> + + <p class="i2">Through a silence morne and drear;</p> + + <p>Have not felt the tread of armies</p> + + <p class="i2">Trampling on my reedy shore;</p> + + <p>Have not heard the trumpet calling,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or the cannon's gladsome roar;</p> + + <p>Only listened to the laughter</p> + + <p class="i2">From the village and the town,</p> + + <p>And the church-bells, ever jangling,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the weary day went down.</p> + + <p>So I lay and sorely pondered</p> + + <p class="i2">On the days long since gone by,</p> + + <p>When my old primæval forests</p> + + <p class="i2">Echoed to the war-man's cry;</p> + + <p>When the race of Thor and Odin</p> + + <p class="i2">Held their battles by my side,</p> + + <p>And the blood of man was mingling</p> + + <p class="i2">Warmly with my chilly tide.</p> + + <p>Father Euxine! thou rememb'rest</p> + + <p class="i2">How I brought thee tribute then—</p> + + <p>Swollen corpses, gashed and gory,</p> + + <p class="i2">Heads and limbs of slaughter'd men?</p> + + <p>Father Euxine! be thou joyful!</p> + + <p class="i2">I am running red once more—</p> + + <p>Not with heathen blood, as early,</p> + + <p class="i2">But with gallant Christian gore!</p> + + <p>For the old times are returning,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the Cross is broken down,</p> + + <p>And I hear the tocsin sounding</p> + + <p class="i2">In the village and the town;</p> + + <p>And the glare of burning cities</p> + + <p class="i2">Soon shall light me on my way—</p> + + <p>Ha! my heart is big and jocund</p> + + <p class="i2">With the draught I drank to-day.</p> + + <p>Ha! I feel my strength awakened,</p> + + <p class="i2">And my brethren shout to me;</p> + + <p>Each is leaping red and joyous</p> + + <p class="i2">To his own awaiting sea.</p> + + <p>Rhine and Elbe are plunging downward</p> + + <p class="i2">Through their wild anarchic land,</p> + + <p>Everywhere are Christians falling</p> + + <p class="i2">By their brother Christians' hand!</p> + + <p>Yea, the old times are returning,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the olden gods are here!</p> + + <p>Take my tribute, Father Euxine,</p> + + <p class="i2">To thy waters dark and drear.</p> + + <p>Therefore come I with my torrents,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shaking castle, crag, and town;</p> + + <p>Therefore, with the shout of thunder,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sweep I herd and herdsman down;</p> + + <p>Therefore leap I to thy bosom,</p> + + <p class="i2">With a loud triumphal roar—</p> + + <p>Greet me, greet me, Father Euxine,</p> + + <p class="i2">I am Christian stream no more!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_29"><!-- RULE4 29 --></a> + + <h2>THE SCHEIK OF SINAI IN 1830</h2> + + <center> + FROM THE GERMAN OF FREILIGRATH + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I.</p> + + <p>"Lift me without the tent, I say,—</p> + + <p class="i2">Me and my ottoman,—</p> + + <p>I'll see the messenger myself!</p> + + <p class="i2">It is the caravan</p> + + <p class="i4">From Africa, thou sayest,</p> + + <p class="i6">And they bring us news of war?</p> + + <p>Draw me without the tent, and quick!</p> + + <p class="i2">As at the desert well</p> + + <p>The freshness of the purling brook</p> + + <p class="i2">Delights the tired gazelle,</p> + + <p class="i4">So pant I for the voice of him</p> + + <p class="i6">That cometh from afar!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>II.</p> + + <p>The Scheik was lifted from his tent,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thus outspake the Moor:—</p> + + <p>"I saw, old Chief, the Tricolor</p> + + <p class="i2">On Algiers' topmost tower—</p> + + <p class="i4">Upon its battlements the silks</p> + + <p class="i6">Of Lyons flutter free.</p> + + <p>Each morning, in the market-place,</p> + + <p class="i2">The muster-drum is beat,</p> + + <p>And to the war-hymn of Marseilles</p> + + <p class="i2">The squadrons pace the street.</p> + + <p class="i4">The armament from Toulon sailed:</p> + + <p class="i6">The Franks have crossed the sea."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>III.</p> + + <p>"Towards the south, the columns marched</p> + + <p class="i2">Beneath a cloudless sky:</p> + + <p>Their weapons glittered in the blaze</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the sun of Barbary;</p> + + <p class="i4">And with the dusty desert sand</p> + + <p class="i6">Their horses' manes were white.</p> + + <p>The wild marauding tribes dispersed</p> + + <p class="i2">In terror of their lives;</p> + + <p>They fled unto the mountains</p> + + <p class="i2">With their children and their wives,</p> + + <p class="i4">And urged the clumsy dromedary</p> + + <p class="i6">Up the Atlas' height."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IV.</p> + + <p>"The Moors have ta'en their vantage-ground,</p> + + <p class="i2">The volleys thunder fast—</p> + + <p>The dark defile is blazing</p> + + <p class="i2">Like a heated oven-blast;</p> + + <p class="i4">The lion hears the strange turmoil,</p> + + <p class="i6">And leaves his mangled prey—</p> + + <p>No place was that for him to feed;</p> + + <p class="i2">And thick and loud the cries,</p> + + <p>Feu!—Allah! Allah!—En avant!</p> + + <p class="i2">In mingled discord rise;</p> + + <p class="i4">The Franks have reached the summit—</p> + + <p class="i6">They have won the victory!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>V.</p> + + <p>"With bristling steel, upon the top</p> + + <p class="i2">The victors take their stand:</p> + + <p>Beneath their feet, with all its towns,</p> + + <p class="i2">They see the promised land—</p> + + <p class="i4">From Tunis, even unto Fez,</p> + + <p class="i6">From Atlas to the seas.</p> + + <p>The cavaliers alight to gaze,</p> + + <p class="i2">And gaze full well they may,</p> + + <p>Where countless minarets stand up</p> + + <p class="i2">So solemnly and gray,</p> + + <p class="i4">Amidst the dark-green masses</p> + + <p class="i6">Of the flowering myrtle-trees."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VI.</p> + + <p>"The almond blossoms in the vale;</p> + + <p class="i2">The aloe from the rock</p> + + <p>Throws out its long and prickly leaves,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor dreads the tempest's shock:</p> + + <p class="i4">A blessed land, I ween, is that,</p> + + <p class="i6">Though luckless is its Bey.</p> + + <p>There lies the sea—beyond lies France!</p> + + <p class="i2">Her banners in the air</p> + + <p>Float proudly and triumphantly—</p> + + <p class="i2">A salvo! come, prepare!</p> + + <p class="i4">And loud and long the mountains rang</p> + + <p class="i6">With that glad artillery."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VII.</p> + + <p>"'Tis they!" exclaimed the aged Scheik.</p> + + <p class="i2">"I've battled by their side—</p> + + <p>I fought beneath the Pyramids!</p> + + <p class="i2">That day of deathless pride—</p> + + <p class="i4">Red as thy turban, Moor, that eve,</p> + + <p class="i6">Was every creek in Nile!</p> + + <p>But tell me—" and he griped his hand—</p> + + <p class="i2">"Their Sultaun. Stranger, say—</p> + + <p>His form—his face—his posture, man?</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou saw'st him in the fray?</p> + + <p class="i4">His eye—what wore he?" But the Moor</p> + + <p class="i6">Sought in his vest awhile.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VIII.</p> + + <p>"Their Sultaun, Scheik, remains at home</p> + + <p class="i2">Within his palace walls:</p> + + <p>He sends a Pasha in his stead</p> + + <p class="i2">To brave the bolts and balls.</p> + + <p class="i4">He was not there. An Aga burst</p> + + <p class="i6">For him through Atlas' hold.</p> + + <p>Yet I can show thee somewhat too.</p> + + <p class="i2">A Frankish Cavalier</p> + + <p>Told me his effigy was stamped</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon this medal here—</p> + + <p class="i4">He gave me with others</p> + + <p class="i6">For an Arab steed I sold."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IX.</p> + + <p>The old man took the golden coin:</p> + + <p class="i2">Gazed steadfastly awhile,</p> + + <p>If that could be the Sultaun</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom from the banks of Nile</p> + + <p class="i4">He guided o'er the desert path—</p> + + <p class="i6">Then sighed and thus spake he—</p> + + <p>"'Tis not <i>his</i> eye—'tis not <i>his</i> + brow—</p> + + <p class="i2">Another face is there:</p> + + <p>I never saw this man before—</p> + + <p class="i2">His head is like a pear!</p> + + <p class="i4">Take back thy medal, Moor—'tis not</p> + + <p class="i6">That which I hoped to see."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_30"><!-- RULE4 30 --></a> + + <h2>EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS</h2> + + <center> + FROM THE GERMAN OF WILHELM MÜLLER + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I am Constantine Kanaris:</p> + + <p class="i2">I, who lie beneath this stone,</p> + + <p>Twice into the air in thunder</p> + + <p class="i2">Have the Turkish galleys blown.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In my bed I died—a Christian,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hoping straight with Christ to be;</p> + + <p>Yet one earthly wish is buried</p> + + <p class="i2">Deep within the grave with me—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That upon the open ocean</p> + + <p class="i2">When the third Armada came,</p> + + <p>They and I had died together,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whirled aloft on wings of flame.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yet 'tis something that they've laid me</p> + + <p class="i2">In a land without a stain:</p> + + <p>Keep it thus, my God and Saviour,</p> + + <p class="i2">Till I rise from earth again!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p><a name="RULE4_31"><!-- RULE4 31 --></a> + + <h2>THE REFUSAL OF CHARON[<a href="#note-4">4</a>]</h2> + + <center> + FROM THE ROMAIC + </center> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Why look the distant mountains</p> + + <p class="i2">So gloomy and so drear?</p> + + <p>Are rain-clouds passing o'er them,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or is the tempest near?</p> + + <p>No shadow of the temptest</p> + + <p class="i2">Is there, nor wind nor rain—</p> + + <p>'Tis Charon that is passing by,</p> + + <p class="i2">With all his gloomy train.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The young men march before him,</p> + + <p class="i2">In all their strength and pride;</p> + + <p>The tender little infants,</p> + + <p class="i2">They totter by his side;</p> + + <p>The old men walk behind him,</p> + + <p class="i2">And earnestly they pray—</p> + + <p>Both old and young imploring him</p> + + <p class="i2">To grant some brief delay.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O Charon! halt, we pray thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">Beside some little town,</p> + + <p>Or near some sparkling fountain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the waters wimple down!</p> + + <p>The old will drink and be refreshed,</p> + + <p class="i2">The young the disc will fling,</p> + + <p>And the tender little children</p> + + <p class="i2">Pluck flowers beside the spring."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I will not stay my journey,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor halt by any town,</p> + + <p>Near any sparkling fountain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where the waters wimple down:</p> + + <p>The mothers coming to the well,</p> + + <p class="i2">Would know the babes they bore,</p> + + <p>The wives would clasp their husbands,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor could I part them more."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <center> + FOOTNOTES: + </center> + + <p><a name="note-4"><!-- Note Anchor 4 --></a>[Footnote 4: + According to the superstition of the modern Greeks, Charon + performs the function which their ancestors assigned to Hermes, + of conducting the souls of the dead to the other world.]</p> + + <center> + THE END. + </center> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and +Other Poems, by W.E. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other Poems + +Author: W.E. Aytoun + +Release Date: February 4, 2004 [EBook #10945] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOTTISH LAYS *** + + + + +Produced by Dave Morgan, Garrett Alley and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +[Illustration] + +LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + +BY + +W.E. AYTOUN. + + + + +TO + +THE RIGHT HONOURABLE + +ARCHIBALD WILLIAM HAMILTON-MONTGOMERIE, + +Earl of Eglinton and Winton, + +THE PATRIOTIC AND NOBLE REPRESENTATIVE OF + +AN ANCIENT SCOTTISH RACE, + +THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED + +BY + +_THE AUTHOR._ + + +_This Volume is a verbatim reprint of the first edition_ (1849). + + +CONTENTS + + LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + + MISCELLANEOUS POEMS + BLIND OLD MILTON + HERMOTIMUS + OENONE + THE BURIED FLOWER + THE OLD CAMP + DANUBE AND THE EUXINE + THE SCHEIK OF SINAI + EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS + THE REFUSAL OF CHARON + + + + +LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIERS + + + + +EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + + +The great battle of Flodden was fought upon the 9th of September, 1513. +The defeat of the Scottish army, mainly owing to the fantastic ideas of +chivalry entertained by James IV., and his refusal to avail himself of +the natural advantages of his position, was by far the most disastrous +of any recounted in the history of the northern wars. The whole strength +of the kingdom, both Lowland and Highland, was assembled, and the +contest was one of the sternest and most desperate upon record. + +For several hours the issue seemed doubtful. On the left the Scots +obtained a decided advantage; on the right wing they were broken and +overthrown; and at last the whole weight of the battle was brought into +the centre, where King James and the Earl of Surrey commanded in person. +The determined valour of James, imprudent as it was, had the effect of +rousing to a pitch of desperation the courage of the meanest soldiers; +and the ground becoming soft and slippery from blood, they pulled off +their boots and shoes, and secured a firmer footing by fighting in their +hose. + +"It is owned," says Abercromby, "that both parties did wonders, but none +on either side performed more than the King himself. He was again told +that by coming to handy blows he could do no more than another man, +whereas, by keeping the post due to his station, he might be worth many +thousands. Yet he would not only fight in person, but also on foot; for +he no sooner saw that body of the English give way which was defeated by +the Earl of Huntley, but he alighted from his horse, and commanded his +guard of noblemen and gentlemen to do the like and follow him. He had at +first abundance of success; but at length the Lord Thomas Howard and Sir +Edward Stanley, who had defeated their opposites, coming in with the +Lord Dacre's horse, and surrounding the King's battalion on all sides, +the Scots were so distressed that, for their last defence, they cast +themselves into a ring; and being resolved to die nobly with their +sovereign, who scorned to ask quarter, were altogether cut off. So say +the English writers, and I am apt to believe that they are in the +right." + +The battle was maintained with desperate fury until nightfall. At the +close, according to Mr. Tytler, "Surrey was uncertain of the result of +the battle: the remains of the enemy's centre still held the field; +Home, with his Borderers, still hovered on the left; and the commander +wisely allowed neither pursuit nor plunder, but drew off his men, and +kept a strict watch during the night. When the morning broke, the +Scottish artillery were seen standing deserted on the side of the hill; +their defenders had disappeared; and the Earl ordered thanks to be given +for a victory which was no longer doubtful. Yet, even after all this, a +body of the Scots appeared unbroken upon a hill, and were about to +charge the Lord-Admiral, when they were compelled to leave their +position by a discharge of the English ordnance. + +"The loss of the Scots in this fatal battle amounted to about ten +thousand men. Of these, a great proportion were of high rank; the +remainder being composed of the gentry, the farmers, and landed +yeomanry, who disdained to fly when their sovereign and his nobles lay +stretched in heaps around them." Besides King James, there fell at +Flodden the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, thirteen earls, two bishops, two +abbots, fifteen lords and chiefs of clans, and five peers' eldest sons, +besides La Motte the French ambassador, and the secretary of the King. +The same historian adds--"The names of the gentry who fell are too +numerous for recapitulation, since there were few families of note in +Scotland which did not lose one relative or another, whilst some houses +had to weep the death of all. It is from this cause that the sensations +of sorrow and national lamentation occasioned by the defeat were +peculiarly poignant and lasting--so that to this day few Scotsmen can +hear the name of Flodden without a shudder of gloomy regret." + +The loss to Edinburgh on this occasion was peculiarly great. All the +magistrates and able-bodied citizens had followed their King to Flodden, +whence very few of them returned. The office of Provost or chief +magistrate of the capital was at that time an object of ambition, and +was conferred only upon persons of high rank and station. There seems to +be some uncertainty whether the holder of this dignity at the time of +the battle of Flodden was Sir Alexander Lauder, ancestor of the +Fountainhall family, who was elected in 1511, or that great historical +personage, Archibald Earl of Angus, better known as Archibald +Bell-the-Cat, who was chosen in 1513, the year of the battle. Both of +them were at Flodden. The name of Sir Alexander Lauder appears upon the +list of the slain; Angus was one of the survivors, but his son, George, +Master of Angus, fell fighting gallantly by the side of King James. The +city records of Edinburgh, which commence about this period, are not +clear upon the point, and I am rather inclined to think that the Earl of +Angus was elected to supply the place of Lauder. But although the actual +magistrates were absent, they had formally nominated deputies in their +stead. I find, on referring to the city records, that "George of Tours" +had been appointed to officiate in the absence of the Provost, and that +four other persons were selected to discharge the office of bailies +until the magistrates should return. + +It is impossible to describe the consternation which pervaded the whole +of Scotland when the intelligence of the defeat became known. In +Edinburgh it was excessive. Mr. Arnot, in the history of that city, +says,-- + +"The news of their overthrow in the field of Flodden reached Edinburgh +on the day after the battle, and overwhelmed the inhabitants with grief +and confusion. The streets were crowded with women seeking intelligence +about their friends, clamouring and weeping. Those who officiated in +absence of the magistrates proved themselves worthy of the trust. They +issued a proclamation, ordering all the inhabitants to assemble in +military array for defence of the city, on the tolling of the bell; and +commanding, 'that all women, and especially strangers, do repair to +their work, and not be seen upon the street _clamorand and cryand_; and +that women of the better sort do repair to the church and offer up +prayers, at the stated hours, for our Sovereign Lord and his army, and +the townsmen who are with the army.'" + +Indeed the council records bear ample evidence of the emergency of that +occasion. Throughout the earlier pages, the word "Flowdoun" frequently +occurs on the margin, in reference to various hurried orders for arming +and defence; and there can be no doubt that, had the English forces +attempted to follow up their victory, and attack the Scottish capital, +the citizens would have resisted to the last. But it soon became +apparent that the loss sustained by the English was so severe, that +Surrey was in no condition to avail himself of the opportunity; and in +fact, shortly afterwards, he was compelled to disband his army. + +The references to the city banner, contained in the following poem, may +require a word of explanation. It is a standard still held in great +honour and reverence by the burghers of Edinburgh, having been presented +to them by James the Third, in return for their loyal service in 1482. +This banner, along with that of the Earl Marischal, still conspicuous in +the Library of the Faculty of Advocates, was honourably brought back +from Flodden, and certainly never could have been displayed in a more +memorable field. Maitland says, with reference to this very interesting +relic of antiquity,-- + +"As a perpetual remembrance of the loyalty and bravery of the +Edinburghers on the aforesaid occasion, the King granted them a banner +or standard, with a power to display the same in defence of their king, +country, and their own rights. This flag is kept by the Convener of the +Trades; at whose appearance therewith, it is said that not only the +artificers of Edinburgh are obliged to repair to it, but all the +artisans or craftsmen within Scotland are bound to follow it, and fight +under the Convener of Edinburgh as aforesaid." + +No event in Scottish history ever took a more lasting hold of the public +mind than the "woeful fight" of Flodden; and, even now, the songs and +traditions which are current on the Border recall the memory of a +contest unsullied by disgrace, though terminating in disaster and +defeat. + + + + +EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN + + I. + + News of battle!--news of battle! + Hark! 'tis ringing down the street: + And the archways and the pavement + Bear the clang of hurrying feet. + News of battle? Who hath brought it? + News of triumph? Who should bring + Tidings from our noble army, + Greetings from our gallant King? + All last night we watched the beacons + Blazing on the hills afar, + Each one bearing, as it kindled, + Message of the opened war. + All night long the northern streamers + Shot across the trembling sky: + Fearful lights, that never beckon + Save when kings or heroes die. + + + II. + + News of battle! Who hath brought it? + All are thronging to the gate; + "Warder--warder! open quickly! + Man--is this a time to wait?" + And the heavy gates are opened: + Then a murmur long and loud, + And a cry of fear and wonder + Bursts from out the bending crowd. + For they see in battered harness + Only one hard-stricken man, + And his weary steed is wounded, + And his cheek is pale and wan. + Spearless hangs a bloody banner + In his weak and drooping hand-- + God! can that be Randolph Murray, + Captain of the city band? + + + III. + + Round him crush the people, crying, + "Tell us all--oh, tell us true! + Where are they who went to battle, + Randolph Murray, sworn to you? + Where are they, our brothers--children? + Have they met the English foe? + Why art thou alone, unfollowed? + Is it weal, or is it woe?" + Like a corpse the grisly warrior + Looks from out his helm of steel; + But no word he speaks in answer, + Only with his armed heel + Chides his weary steed, and onward + Up the city streets they ride; + Fathers, sisters, mothers, children, + Shrieking, praying by his side. + "By the God that made thee, Randolph! + Tell us what mischance hath come!" + Then he lifts his riven banner, + And the asker's voice is dumb. + + + IV. + + The elders of the city + Have met within their hall-- + The men whom good King James had charged + To watch the tower and wall. + "Your hands are weak with age," he said, + "Your hearts are stout and true; + So bide ye in the Maiden Town, + While others fight for you. + My trumpet from the Border-side + Shall send a blast so clear, + That all who wait within the gate + That stirring sound may hear. + Or, if it be the will of heaven + That back I never come, + And if, instead of Scottish shouts, + Ye hear the English drum,-- + Then let the warning bells ring out, + Then gird you to the fray, + Then man the walls like burghers stout, + And fight while fight you may. + 'T were better that in fiery flame + The roofs should thunder down, + Than that the foot of foreign foe + Should trample in the town!" + + + V. + + Then in came Randolph Murray,-- + His step was slow and weak, + And, as he doffed his dinted helm, + The tears ran down his cheek: + They fell upon his corslet, + And on his mailed hand, + As he gazed around him wistfully, + Leaning sorely on his brand. + And none who then beheld him + But straight were smote with fear, + For a bolder and a sterner man + Had never couched a spear. + They knew so sad a messenger + Some ghastly news must bring: + And all of them were fathers, + And their sons were with the King. + + + VI. + + And up then rose the Provost-- + A brave old man was he, + Of ancient name and knightly fame, + And chivalrous degree. + He ruled our city like a Lord + Who brooked no equal here, + And ever for the townsmen's rights + Stood up 'gainst prince and peer. + And he had seen the Scottish host + March from the Borough-muir, + With music-storm and clamorous shout + And all the din that thunders out, + When youth's of victory sure. + But yet a dearer thought had he, + For, with a father's pride, + He saw his last remaining son + Go forth by Randolph's side, + With casque on head and spur on heel, + All keen to do and dare; + And proudly did that gallant boy + Dunedin's banner bear. + Oh, woeful now was the old man's look, + And he spake right heavily-- + "Now, Randolph, tell thy tidings, + However sharp they be! + Woe is written on thy visage, + Death is looking from thy face: + Speak, though it be of overthrow-- + It cannot be disgrace!" + + + VII. + + Right bitter was the agony + That wrung the soldier proud: + Thrice did he strive to answer, + And thrice he groaned aloud. + Then he gave the riven banner + To the old man's shaking hand, + Saying--"That is all I bring ye + From the bravest of the land! + Ay! ye may look upon it-- + It was guarded well and long, + By your brothers and your children, + By the valiant and the strong. + One by one they fell around it, + As the archers laid them low, + Grimly dying, still unconquered, + With their faces to the foe. + Ay! ye well may look upon it-- + There is more than honour there, + Else, be sure, I had not brought it + From the field of dark despair. + Never yet was royal banner + Steeped in such a costly dye; + It hath lain upon a bosom + Where no other shroud shall lie. + Sirs! I charge you keep it holy, + Keep it as a sacred thing, + For the stain you see upon it + Was the life-blood of your King!" + + + VIII. + + Woe, woe, and lamentation! + What a piteous cry was there! + Widows, maidens, mothers, children, + Shrieking, sobbing in despair! + Through the streets the death-word rushes, + Spreading terror, sweeping on-- + "Jesu Christ! our King has fallen-- + O great God, King James is gone! + Holy Mother Mary, shield us, + Thou who erst did lose thy Son! + O the blackest day for Scotland + That she ever knew before! + O our King--the good, the noble, + Shall we see him never more? + Woe to us and woe to Scotland, + O our sons, our sons and men! + Surely some have 'scaped the Southron, + Surely some will come again!" + Till the oak that fell last winter + Shall uprear its shattered stem-- + Wives and mothers of Dunedin-- + Ye may look in vain for them! + + + IX. + + But within the Council Chamber + All was silent as the grave, + Whilst the tempest of their sorrow + Shook the bosoms of the brave. + Well indeed might they be shaken + With the weight of such a blow: + He was gone--their prince, their idol, + Whom they loved and worshipped so! + Like a knell of death and judgment + Rung from heaven by angel hand, + Fell the words of desolation + On the elders of the land. + Hoary heads were bowed and trembling, + Withered hands were clasped and wrung: + God had left the old and feeble, + He had ta'en away the young. + + + X. + + Then the Provost he uprose, + And his lip was ashen white, + But a flush was on his brow, + And his eye was full of light. + "Thou hast spoken, Randolph Murray, + Like a soldier stout and true; + Thou hast done a deed of daring + Had been perilled but by few. + For thou hast not shamed to face us, + Nor to speak thy ghastly tale, + Standing--thou, a knight and captain-- + Here, alive within thy mail! + Now, as my God shall judge me, + I hold it braver done, + Than hadst thou tarried in thy place, + And died above my son! + Thou needst not tell it: he is dead. + God help us all this day! + But speak--how fought the citizens + Within the furious fray? + For, by the might of Mary, + 'T were something still to tell + That no Scottish foot went backward + When the Royal Lion fell!" + + + XI. + + "No one failed him! He is keeping + Royal state and semblance still; + Knight and noble lie around him, + Cold on Flodden's fatal hill. + Of the brave and gallant-hearted, + Whom ye sent with prayers away, + Not a single man departed + From his monarch yesterday. + Had you seen them, O my masters! + When the night began to fall, + And the English spearmen gathered + Round a grim and ghastly wall! + As the wolves in winter circle + Round the leaguer on the heath, + So the greedy foe glared upward, + Panting still for blood and death. + But a rampart rose before them, + Which the boldest dared not scale; + Every stone a Scottish body, + Every step a corpse in mail! + And behind it lay our monarch + Clenching still his shivered sword: + By his side Montrose and Athole, + At his feet a southern lord. + All so thick they lay together, + When the stars lit up the sky, + That I knew not who were stricken, + Or who yet remained to die, + Few there were when Surrey halted, + And his wearied host withdrew; + None but dying men around me, + When the English trumpet blew. + Then I stooped, and took the banner, + As ye see it, from his breast, + And I closed our hero's eyelids, + And I left him to his rest. + In the mountains growled the thunder, + As I leaped the woeful wall, + And the heavy clouds were settling + Over Flodden, like a pall." + + + XII. + + So he ended. And the others + Cared not any answer then; + Sitting silent, dumb with sorrow, + Sitting anguish-struck, like men + Who have seen the roaring torrent + Sweep their happy homes away, + And yet linger by the margin, + Staring idly on the spray. + But, without, the maddening tumult + Waxes ever more and more, + And the crowd of wailing women + Gather round the Council door. + Every dusky spire is ringing + With a dull and hollow knell, + And the Miserere's singing + To the tolling of the bell. + Through the streets the burghers hurry, + Spreading terror as they go; + And the rampart's thronged with watchers + For the coming of the foe. + From each mountain-top a pillar + Streams into the torpid air, + Bearing token from the Border + That the English host is there. + All without is flight and terror, + All within is woe and fear-- + God protect thee, Maiden City, + For thy latest hour is near! + + + XIII. + + No! not yet, thou high Dunedin! + Shalt thou totter to thy fall; + Though thy bravest and thy strongest + Are not there to man the wall. + No, not yet! the ancient spirit + Of our fathers hath not gone; + Take it to thee as a buckler + Better far than steel or stone. + Oh, remember those who perished + For thy birthright at the time + When to be a Scot was treason, + And to side with Wallace, crime! + Have they not a voice among us, + Whilst their hallowed dust is here? + Hear ye not a summons sounding + From each buried warrior's bier? + "Up!"--they say--"and keep the freedom + Which we won you long ago: + Up! and keep our graves unsullied + From the insults of the foe! + Up! and if ye cannot save them, + Come to us in blood and fire: + Midst the crash of falling turrets, + Let the last of Scots expire!" + + + XIV. + + Still the bells are tolling fiercely, + And the cry comes louder in; + Mothers wailing for their children, + Sisters for their slaughtered kin. + All is terror and disorder, + Till the Provost rises up, + Calm, as though he had not tasted + Of the fell and bitter cup. + All so stately from his sorrow, + Rose the old undaunted Chief, + That you had not deemed, to see him, + His was more than common grief. + "Rouse ye, Sirs!" he said; "we may not + Longer mourn for what is done: + If our King be taken from us, + We are left to guard his son. + We have sworn to keep the city + From the foe, whate'er they be, + And the oath that we have taken + Never shall be broke by me. + Death is nearer to us, brethren, + Than it seemed to those who died, + Fighting yesterday at Flodden, + By their lord and master's side. + Let us meet it then in patience, + Not in terror or in fear; + Though our hearts are bleeding yonder, + Let our souls be steadfast here. + Up, and rouse ye! Time is fleeting, + And we yet have much to do; + Up! and haste ye through the city, + Stir the burghers stout and true! + Gather all our scattered people, + Fling the banner out once more,-- + Randolph Murray! do thou bear it, + As it erst was borne before: + Never Scottish heart will leave it, + When they see their monarch's gore!" + + + XV. + + "Let them cease that dismal knelling! + It is time enough to ring, + When the fortress-strength of Scotland + Stoops to ruin like its King. + Let the bells be kept for warning, + Not for terror or alarm; + When they next are heard to thunder, + Let each man and stripling arm. + Bid the women leave their wailing,-- + Do they think that woeful strain, + From the bloody heaps of Flodden + Can redeem their dearest slain? + Bid them cease,--or rather hasten + To the churches, every one; + There to pray to Mary Mother, + And to her anointed Son, + That the thunderbolt above us + May not fall in ruin yet; + That in fire, and blood, and rapine, + Scotland's glory may not set. + Let them pray,--for never women + Stood in need of such a prayer! + England's yeomen shall not find them + Clinging to the altars there. + No! if we are doomed to perish, + Man and maiden, let us fall; + And a common gulf of ruin + Open wide to whelm us all! + Never shall the ruthless spoiler + Lay his hot insulting hand + On the sisters of our heroes, + Whilst we bear a torch or brand! + Up! and rouse ye, then, my brothers, + But when next ye hear the bell + Sounding forth the sullen summons + That may be our funeral knell, + Once more let us meet together, + Once more see each other's face; + Then, like men that need not tremble, + Go to our appointed place. + God, our Father, will not fail us + In that last tremendous hour,-- + If all other bulwarks crumble, + HE will be our strength and tower: + Though the ramparts rock beneath us, + And the walls go crashing down, + Though the roar of conflagration + Bellow o'er the sinking town; + There is yet one place of shelter, + Where the foeman cannot come, + Where the summons never sounded + Of the trumpet or the drum. + There again we'll meet our children, + Who, on Flodden's trampled sod, + For their king and for their country + Rendered up their souls to God. + There shall we find rest and refuge, + With our dear departed brave; + And the ashes of the city + Be our universal grave!" + + + + +THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + + +The most poetical chronicler would find it impossible to render the +incidents of Montrose's brilliant career more picturesque than the +reality. Among the devoted champions who, during the wildest and most +stormy period of our history, maintained the cause of Church and King, +"the Great Marquis" undoubtedly is entitled to the foremost place. Even +party malevolence, by no means extinct at the present day, has been +unable to detract from the eulogy pronounced upon him by the famous +Cardinal de Retz, the friend of Conde and Turenne, when he thus summed +up his character:--"Montrose, a Scottish nobleman, head of the house of +Grahame--the only man in the world that has ever realised to me the +ideas of certain heroes, whom we now discover nowhere but in the lives +of Plutarch--has sustained in his own country the cause of the King his +master, with a greatness of soul that has not found its equal in our +age." + +But the success of the victorious leader and patriot is almost thrown +into the shade by the noble magnanimity and Christian heroism of the man +in the hour of defeat and death. Without wishing, in any degree, to +revive a controversy long maintained by writers of opposite political +and polemical opinions, it may fairly be stated that Scottish history +does not present us with a tragedy of parallel interest. That the +execution of Montrose was the natural, nay, the inevitable, consequence +of his capture, may be freely admitted even by the fiercest partisan of +the cause for which he staked his life. In those times, neither party +was disposed to lenity; and Montrose was far too conspicuous a +character, and too dangerous a man, to be forgiven. But the ignominious +and savage treatment which he received at the hands of those whose +station and descent should at least have taught them to respect +misfortune, has left an indelible stain upon the memory of the +Covenanting chiefs, and more especially upon that of Argyle. + +The perfect serenity of the man in the hour of trial and death, the +courage and magnanimity which he displayed to the last, have been dwelt +upon with admiration by writers of every class. He heard his sentence +delivered without any apparent emotion, and afterwards told the +magistrates who waited upon him in prison, "that he was much indebted to +the Parliament for the great honour they had decreed him"; adding, "that +he was prouder to have his head placed upon the top of the prison, than +if they had decreed a golden statue to be erected to him in the +market-place, or that his picture should be hung in the King's +bedchamber." He said, "he thanked them for their care to preserve the +remembrance of his loyalty, by transmitting such monuments to the +different parts of the kingdom; and only wished that he had flesh enough +to have sent a piece to every city in Christendom, as a token of his +unshaken love and fidelity to his king and country." On the night before +his execution, he inscribed the following lines with a diamond on the +window of his jail:-- + + "Let them bestow on every airth a limb, + Then, open all my veins, that I may swim + To thee, my Maker! in that crimson lake; + Then place my parboiled head upon a stake-- + Scatter my ashes--strew them in the air: + Lord! since thou know'st where all these atoms are, + I'm hopeful thou'lt recover once my dust, + And confident thou'lt raise me with the just." + +After the Restoration, the dust _was_ recovered, the scattered remnants +collected, and the bones of the hero conveyed to their final +resting-place by a numerous assemblage of gentlemen of his family and +name. + +There is no ingredient of fiction in the historical incidents recorded +in the following ballad. The indignities that were heaped upon Montrose +during his procession through Edinburgh, his appearance before the +Estates, and his last passage to the scaffold, as well as his undaunted +bearing, have all been spoken to by eyewitnesses of the scene. A graphic +and vivid sketch of the whole will be found in Mr. Mark Napier's +volume, _The Life and Times of Montrose_--a work as chivalrous in its +tone as the _Chronicles_ of Froissart, and abounding in original and +most interesting materials; but, in order to satisfy all scruple, the +authorities for each fact are given in the shape of notes. The ballad +may be considered as a narrative of the transactions, related by an aged +Highlander, who had followed Montrose throughout his campaigns, to his +grandson, shortly before the battle of Killiecrankie. + + + + +THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE + + + I. + + Come hither, Evan Cameron! + Come, stand beside my knee-- + I hear the river roaring down + Towards the wintry sea. + There's shouting on the mountain side, + There's war within the blast-- + Old faces look upon me, + Old forms go trooping past. + I hear the pibroch wailing + Amidst the din of fight, + And my dim spirit wakes again + Upon the verge of night! + + + II. + + 'Twas I that led the Highland host + Through wild Lochaber's snows, + What time the plaided clans came down + To battle with Montrose. + I've told thee how the Southrons fell + Beneath the broad claymore, + And how we smote the Campbell clan + By Inverlochy's shore. + I've told thee how we swept Dundee, + And tamed the Lindsay's pride; + But never have I told thee yet + How the Great Marquis died! + + + III. + + A traitor sold him to his foes; + O deed of deathless shame! + I charge thee, boy, if e'er thou meet + With one of Assynt's name-- + Be it upon the mountain's side, + Or yet within the glen, + Stand he in martial gear alone, + Or backed by armed men-- + Face him, as thou wouldst face the man + Who wronged thy sire's renown; + Remember of what blood thou art, + And strike the caitiff down! + + + IV. + + They brought him to the Watergate, + Hard bound with hempen span, + As though they held a lion there, + And not a 'fenceless man. + They set him high upon a cart-- + The hangman rode below-- + They drew his hands behind his back, + And bared his noble brow. + Then, as a hound is slipped from leash, + They cheered the common throng, + And blew the note with yell and shout, + And bade him pass along. + + + V. + + It would have made a brave man's heart + Grow sad and sick that day, + To watch the keen malignant eyes + Bent down on that array. + There stood the Whig west-country lords + In balcony and bow, + There sat their gaunt and withered dames, + And their daughters all a-row; + And every open window + Was full as full might be, + With black-robed Covenanting carles, + That goodly sport to see! + + + VI. + + But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high, + So noble was his manly front, + So calm his steadfast eye;-- + The rabble rout forebore to shout, + And each man held his breath, + For well they knew the hero's soul + Was face to face with death. + And then a mournful shudder + Through all the people crept, + And some that came to scoff at him, + Now turn'd aside and wept. + + + VII. + + But onwards--always onwards, + In silence and in gloom, + The dreary pageant laboured, + Till it reach'd the house of doom: + Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud, + And an angry cry and a hiss arose + From the heart of the tossing crowd: + Then, as the Graeme looked upwards, + He met the ugly smile + Of him who sold his King for gold-- + The master-fiend Argyle! + + + VIII. + + The Marquis gazed a moment, + And nothing did he say, + But the cheek of Argyle grew ghastly pale, + And he turned his eyes away. + The painted harlot by his side, + She shook through every limb, + For a roar like thunder swept the street, + And hands were clenched at him, + And a Saxon soldier cried aloud, + "Back, coward, from thy place! + For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face." + + + IX. + + Had I been there with sword in hand, + And fifty Camerons by, + That day through high Dunedin's streets, + Had pealed the slogan cry. + Not all their troops of trampling horse, + Nor might of mailed men-- + Not all the rebels of the south + Had borne us backwards then! + Once more his foot on Highland heath + Had trod as free as air, + Or I, and all who bore my name, + Been laid around him there! + + + X. + + It might not be. They placed him next + Within the solemn hall, + Where once the Scottish Kings were throned + Amidst their nobles all. + But there was dust of vulgar feet + On that polluted floor, + And perjured traitors filled the place + Where good men sate before. + With savage glee came Warristoun + To read the murderous doom, + And then uprose the great Montrose + In the middle of the room. + + + XI. + + "Now by my faith as belted knight, + And by the name I bear, + And by the bright Saint Andrew's cross + That waves above us there-- + Yea, by a greater, mightier oath-- + And oh, that such should be!-- + By that dark stream of royal blood + That lies 'twixt you and me-- + I have not sought in battle-field + A wreath of such renown, + Nor dared I hope, on my dying day, + To win the martyr's crown!" + + + XII. + + "There is a chamber far away + Where sleep the good and brave, + But a better place ye have named for me + Than by my father's grave. + For truth and right, 'gainst treason's might, + This hand hath always striven, + And ye raise it up for a witness still + In the eye of earth and heaven. + Then nail my head on yonder tower-- + Give every town a limb-- + And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him!" + + + XIII. + + The morning dawned full darkly, + The rain came flashing down, + And the jagged streak of the levin-bolt + Lit up the gloomy town: + The heavens were thundering out their wrath, + The fatal hour was come; + Yet ever sounded sullenly + The trumpet and the drum. + There was madness on the earth below, + And anger in the sky, + And young and old, and rich and poor, + Came forth to see him die. + + + XIV. + + Ah, God! that ghastly gibbet! + How dismal 't is to see + The great tall spectral skeleton, + The ladder, and the tree! + Hark! hark! it is the clash of arms-- + The bells begin to toll-- + He is coming! he is coming! + God's mercy on his soul! + One last long peal of thunder-- + The clouds are cleared away, + And the glorious sun once more looks down + Amidst the dazzling day. + + + XV. + + He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room, + Came the hero from his prison + To the scaffold and the doom. + There was glory on his forehead, + There was lustre in his eye, + And he never walked to battle + More proudly than to die: + There was colour in his visage, + Though the cheeks of all were wan, + And they marvelled as they saw him pass, + That great and goodly man! + + + XVI. + + He mounted up the scaffold, + And he turned him to the crowd; + But they dared not trust the people, + So he might not speak aloud. + But he looked upon the heavens, + And they were clear and blue, + And in the liquid ether + The eye of God shone through: + Yet a black and murky battlement + Lay resting on the hill, + As though the thunder slept within-- + All else was calm and still. + + + XVII. + + The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near, + As you have seen the ravens flock + Around the dying deer. + He would not deign them word nor sign, + But alone he bent the knee; + And veiled his face for Christ's dear grace + Beneath the gallows-tree. + Then radiant and serene he rose, + And cast his cloak away: + For he had ta'en his latest look + Of earth, and sun, and day. + + + XVIII. + + A beam of light fell o'er him, + Like a glory round the shriven, + And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven. + Then came a flash from out the cloud, + And a stunning thunder roll, + And no man dared to look aloft, + For fear was on every soul. + There was another heavy sound, + A hush and then a groan; + And darkness swept across the sky-- + The work of death was done! + + + + +NOTES TO + + +"THE EXECUTION OF MONTROSE" + +"_A traitor sold him to his foes_,"--p. 36. + +"The contemporary historian of the Earls of Sutherland records, that +(after the defeat of Invercarron) Montrose and Kinnoul 'wandered up the +river Kyle the whole ensuing night, and the next day, and the third day +also, without any food or sustenance, and at last came within the +country of Assynt. The Earl of Kinnoul, being faint for lack of meat, +and not able to travel any further, was left there among the mountains, +where it was supposed he perished. Montrose had almost famished, but +that he fortuned in his misery to light upon a small cottage in that +wilderness, where he was supplied with some milk and bread.' Not even +the iron frame of Montrose could endure a prolonged existence under such +circumstances. He gave himself up to Macleod of Assynt, a former +adherent, from whom he had reason to expect assistance in consideration +of that circumstance, and, indeed, from the dictates of honourable +feeling and common humanity. As the Argyle faction had sold the King, so +this Highlander rendered his own name infamous by selling the hero to +the Covenanters, for which 'duty to the public' he was rewarded with +four hundred bolls of meal."--NAPIER'S _Life of Montrose_. + +"_They brought him to the Watergate_,"--p. 36. + +"_Friday, 17th May_.--Act ordaining James Grahame to be brought from the +Watergate on a cart, bareheaded, the hangman in his livery, covered, +riding on the horse that draws the cart--the prisoner to be bound to the +cart with a rope--to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, and from thence to be +brought to the Parliament House, and there, in the place of delinquents, +on his knees, to receive his sentence--viz., to be hanged on a gibbet at +the Cross of Edinburgh, with his book and declaration tied on a rope +about his neck, and there to hang for the space of three hours until he +be dead; and thereafter to be cut down by the hangman, his head, hands, +and legs to be cut off, and distributed as follows--viz., his head to be +affixed on an iron pin, and set on the pinnacle of the west gavel of the +new prison of Edinburgh; one hand to be set on the port of Perth, the +other on the port of Stirling; one leg and foot on the port of Aberdeen, +the other on the port of Glasgow. If at his death penitent, and relaxed +from excommunication, then the trunk of his body to be interred, by +pioneers, in the Greyfriars; otherwise, to be interred in the +Boroughmuir, by the hangman's men, under the gallows."--BALFOUR'S _Notes +of Parliament_. + +It is needless to remark that this inhuman sentence was executed to the +letter. In order that the exposure might be more complete, the cart was +constructed with a high chair in the centre, having holes behind, +through which the ropes that fastened him were drawn. The author of the +_Wigton Papers_, recently published by the Maitland Club, says, "The +reason of his being tied to the cart was in hope that the people would +have stoned him, and that he might not be able by his hands to save his +face." His hat was then pulled off by the hangman and the procession +commenced. + + "_But when he came, though pale and wan, + He looked so great and high_,"--p. 37. + +"In all the way, there appeared in him such majesty, courage, +modesty--and even somewhat more than natural--that those common women +who had lost their husbands and children in his wars, and who were hired +to stone him, were upon the sight of him so astonished and moved, that +their intended curses turned into tears and prayers; so that next day +_all the ministers preached against them for not stoning and reviling +him."--Wigton Papers._ + + "_Then first a woman's voice was heard + In jeer and laughter loud_,"--p. 38. + +"It is remarkable that, of the many thousand beholders, the Lady Jean +Gordon, Countess of Haddington, did (alone) publicly insult and laugh at +him; which being perceived by a gentleman in the street, he cried up to +her, that it became her better to sit upon the cart for her +adulteries."--_Wigton Papers_. This infamous woman was the third +daughter of Huntly, and the niece of Argyle. It will hardly be credited +that she was the sister of that gallant Lord Gordon, who fell fighting +by the side of Montrose, only five years before, at the battle of +Aldford! + + "_For seven long years thou hast not dared + To look him in the face_,"--p. 39. + +"The Lord Lorn and his new lady were also sitting on a balcony, joyful +spectators; and the cart being stopped when it came before the lodging +where the Chancellor, Argyle, and Warristoun sat--that they might have +time to insult--he, suspecting the business, turned his face towards +them, whereupon they presently crept in at the windows; which being +perceived by an Englishman, he cried up, it was no wonder they started +aside at his look, for they durst not look him in the face these seven +years bygone."--_Wigton Papers_. + + "_With savage glee came Warristoun, + To read the murderous doom_,"--p. 40. + +Archibald Johnston of Warristoun. This man, who was the inveterate enemy +of Montrose, and who carried the most selfish spirit into every intrigue +of his party, received the punishment of his treasons about eleven years +afterwards. It may be instructive to learn how he met his doom. The +following extract is from the MSS. of Sir George Mackenzie:--"The +Chancellor and others waited to examine him; he fell upon his face, +roaring, and with tears entreated they would pity a poor creature who +had forgot all that was in the Bible. This moved all the spectators with +a deep melancholy; and the Chancellor, reflecting upon the man's great +parts, former esteem, and the great share he had in all the late +revolutions, could not deny some tears to the frailty of silly mankind. +At his examination, he pretended he had lost so much blood by the +unskilfulness of his chirurgeons, that he lost his memory with his +blood; and I really believe that his courage had been drawn out with it. +Within a few days he was brought before the parliament, where he +discovered nothing but much weakness, running up and down upon his +knees, begging mercy; but the parliament ordained his former sentence to +be put to execution, and accordingly he was executed at the Cross of +Edinburgh." + + "_And God who made shall gather them: + I go from you to Him_!"--p. 41. + +"He said he was much beholden to the parliament for the honour they had +put on him; 'for,' says he, 'I think it a greater honour to have my head +standing on the port of this town, for this quarrel, than to have my +picture in the king's bedchamber. I am beholden to you that, lest my +loyalty should be forgotten, ye have appointed five of your most eminent +towns to bear witness of it to posterity.'"--_Wigton Papers_. + + "_He is coming! he is coming! + Like a bridegroom from his room_,"--p. 42. + +"In his downgoing from the Tolbooth to the place of execution, he was +very richly clad in fine scarlet, laid over with rich silver lace, his +hat in his hand, his bands and cuffs exceeding rich, his delicate white +gloves on his hands, his stockings of incarnate silk, and his shoes with +their ribbands on his feet; and sarks provided for him with pearling +about, above ten pund the elne. All these were provided for him by his +friends, and a pretty cassock put on upon him, upon the scaffold, +wherein he was hanged. To be short, nothing was here deficient to honour +his poor carcase, more beseeming a bridegroom than a criminal going to +the gallows."--NICHOLL'S _Diary_. + + "_The grim Geneva ministers + With anxious scowl drew near_,"--p. 43. + +The Presbyterian ministers beset Montrose both in prison and on the +scaffold. The following extracts are from the diary of the Rev. Robert +Traill, one of the persons who were appointed by the commission of the +kirk "to deal with him:"--"By a warrant from the kirk, we staid a while +with him about his soul's condition. But we found him continuing in his +old pride, and taking very ill what was spoken to him, saying, 'I pray +you, gentlemen, let me die in peace.' It was answered, that he might die +in true peace, being reconciled to the Lord and to His kirk."--"We +returned to the commission, and did show unto them what had passed +amongst us. They, seeing that for the present he was not desiring +relaxation from his censure of excommunication, did appoint Mr. Mungo +Law and me to attend on the morrow on the scaffold, at the time of his +execution, that, in case he should desire to be relaxed from his +excommunication, we should be allowed to give it unto him in the name of +the kirk, and to pray with him, and for him, _that what is loosed on +earth might be loosed in heaven_." But this pious intention, which may +appear somewhat strange to the modern Calvinist, when the prevailing +theories of the kirk regarding the efficacy of absolution are +considered, was not destined to be fulfilled. Mr. Traill goes on to say, +"But he did not at all desire to be relaxed from his excommunication in +the name of the kirk, _yea, did not look towards that place on the +scaffold where we stood_; only he drew apart some of the magistrates, +and spake a while with them, and then went up the ladder, in his red +scarlet cassock, in a very stately manner." + + "_And he climbed the lofty ladder + As it were the path to heaven_,"--p. 43. + +"He was very earnest that he might have the liberty to keep on his hat; +it was denied: he requested he might have the privilege to keep his +cloak about him--neither could that be granted. Then, with a most +undaunted courage, he went up to the top of that prodigious +gibbet."--"The whole people gave a general groan; and it was very +observable, that even those who, at his first appearance, had bitterly +inveighed against him, could not now abstain from tears."--_Montrose +Redivivus_. + + + + +THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + + +Hector Boece, in his very delightful, though somewhat apocryphal +Chronicles of Scotland, tells us, that "quhen Schir James Dowglas was +chosin as maist worthy of all Scotland to pass with King Robertis hart +to the Holy Land, he put it in ane cais of gold, with arromitike and +precious unyementis; and tuke with him Schir William Sinclare and Schir +Robert Logan, with mony othir nobilmen, to the haly graif; quhare he +buryit the said hart, with maist reverence and solempnitie that could be +devisit." + +But no contemporary historian bears out the statement of the old canon +of Aberdeen. Froissart, Fordun, and Barbour all agree that the +devotional pilgrimage of the Good Sir James was not destined to be +accomplished, and that the heart of Scotland's greatest king and hero +was brought back to the land of his nativity. Mr. Tytler, in few words, +has so graphically recounted the leading events of this expedition, that +I do not hesitate to adopt his narrative:-- + +"As soon as the season of the year permitted, Douglas, having the heart +of his beloved master under his charge, set sail from Scotland, +accompanied by a splendid retinue, and anchored off Sluys in Flanders, +at this time the great seaport of the Netherlands. His object was to +find out companions with whom he might travel to Jerusalem; but he +declined landing, and for twelve days received all visitors on board his +ship with a state almost kingly. + +"At Sluys he heard that Alonzo, the King of Leon and Castile, was +carrying on war with Osmyn, the Moorish governor of Grenada. The +religious mission which he had embraced, and the vows he had taken +before leaving Scotland, induced Douglas to consider Alonzo's cause as a +holy warfare; and, before proceeding to Jerusalem, he first determined +to visit Spain, and to signalise his prowess against the Saracens. But +his first field against the Infidels proved fatal to him who, in the +long English war, had seen seventy battles. The circumstances of his +death were striking and characteristic. In an action near Theba, on the +borders of Andalusia, the Moorish cavalry were defeated; and, after +their camp had been taken, Douglas, with his companions, engaged too +eagerly in the pursuit, and, being separated from the main body of the +Spanish army, a strong division of the Moors rallied and surrounded +them. The Scottish knight endeavoured to cut his way through the +Infidels, and in all probability would have succeeded, had he not again +turned to rescue Sir William Saint Clair of Roslin, whom he saw in +jeopardy. In attempting this, he was inextricably involved with the +enemy. Taking from his neck the casket which contained the heart of +Bruce, he cast it before him, and exclaimed with a loud voice, 'Now pass +onward as thou wert wont, and Douglas will follow thee or die!' The +action and the sentiment were heroic, and they were the last words and +deed of a heroic life, for Douglas fell, overpowered by his enemies; and +three of his knights, and many of his companions, were slain along with +their master. On the succeeding day, the body and the casket were both +found on the field, and by his surviving friends conveyed to Scotland. +The heart of Bruce was deposited at Melrose, and the body of the 'Good +Sir James'--the name by which he is affectionately remembered by his +countrymen--was consigned to the cemetery of his fathers in the parish +church of Douglas." + +A nobler death on the field of battle is not recorded in the annals of +chivalry. In memory of this expedition, the Douglases have ever since +carried the armorial bearings of the Bloody Heart surmounted by the +Crown; and a similar distinction is borne by another family. Sir Simon +of Lee, a distinguished companion of Douglas, was the person on whom, +after the fall of his leader, the custody of the heart devolved. Hence +the name of Lockhart, and their effigy, the Heart within a Fetterlock. + + + + +THE HEART OF THE BRUCE + + + It was upon an April morn, + While yet the frost lay hoar, + We heard Lord James's bugle-horn + Sound by the rocky shore. + + Then down we went, a hundred knights, + All in our dark array, + And flung our armour in the ships + That rode within the bay. + + We spoke not as the shore grew less, + But gazed in silence back, + Where the long billows swept away + The foam behind our track. + + And aye the purple hues decay'd + Upon the fading hill, + And but one heart in all that ship + Was tranquil, cold, and still. + + The good Lord Douglas walk'd the deck, + And oh, his brow was wan! + Unlike the flush it used to wear + When in the battle van.-- + + "Come hither, come hither, my trusty knight, + Sir Simon of the Lee; + There is a freit lies near my soul + I fain would tell to thee. + + "Thou know'st the words King Robert spoke + Upon his dying day, + How he bade me take his noble heart + And carry it far away; + + "And lay it in the holy soil + Where once the Saviour trod, + Since he might not bear the blessed Cross, + Nor strike one blow for God. + + "Last night as in my bed I lay, + I dream'd a dreary dream:-- + Methought I saw a Pilgrim stand + In the moonlight's quivering beam. + + "His robe was of the azure dye, + Snow-white his scatter'd hairs, + And even such a cross he bore + As good Saint Andrew bears. + + "'Why go you forth, Lord James,' he said, + 'With spear and belted brand? + Why do you take its dearest pledge + From this our Scottish land? + + "'The sultry breeze of Galilee + Creeps through its groves of palm, + The olives on the Holy Mount + Stand glittering in the calm. + + "'But 'tis not there that Scotland's heart + Shall rest by God's decree, + Till the great angel calls the dead + To rise from earth and sea! + + "'Lord James of Douglas, mark my rede! + That heart shall pass once more + In fiery fight against the foe, + As it was wont of yore. + + "'And it shall pass beneath the Cross, + And save King Robert's vow, + But other hands shall bear it back, + Not, James of Douglas, thou!' + + "Now, by thy knightly faith, I pray, + Sir Simon of the Lee-- + For truer friend had never man + Than thou hast been to me-- + + "If ne'er upon the Holy Land + 'Tis mine in life to tread, + Bear thou to Scotland's kindly earth + The relics of her dead." + + The tear was in Sir Simon's eye + As he wrung the warrior's hand-- + "Betide me weal, betide me woe, + I'll hold by thy command. + + "But if in battle front, Lord James, + 'Tis ours once more to ride, + No force of man, nor craft of fiend, + Shall cleave me from thy side!" + + And aye we sail'd, and aye we sail'd, + Across the weary sea, + Until one morn the coast of Spain + Rose grimly on our lee. + + And as we rounded to the port, + Beneath the watch-tower's wall, + We heard the clash of the atabals, + And the trumpet's wavering call. + + "Why sounds yon Eastern music here + So wantonly and long, + And whose the crowd of armed men + That round yon standard throng?" + + "The Moors have come from Africa + To spoil and waste and slay, + And King Alonzo of Castile + Must fight with them to-day." + + "Now shame it were," cried good Lord James, + "Shall never be said of me, + That I and mine have turn'd aside, + From the Cross in jeopardie! + + "Have down, have down, my merry men all-- + Have down unto the plain; + We'll let the Scottish lion loose + Within the fields of Spain!" + + "Now welcome to me, noble lord, + Thou and thy stalwart power; + Dear is the sight of a Christian knight + Who comes in such an hour! + + "Is it for bond or faith ye come, + Or yet for golden fee? + Or bring ye France's lilies here, + Or the flower of Burgundie?" + + "God greet thee well, thou valiant King, + Thee and thy belted peers-- + Sir James of Douglas am I called, + And these are Scottish spears. + + "We do not fight for bond or plight, + Not yet for golden fee; + But for the sake of our blessed Lord, + Who died upon the tree. + + "We bring our great King Robert's heart + Across the weltering wave, + To lay it in the holy soil + Hard by the Saviour's grave. + + "True pilgrims we, by land or sea, + Where danger bars the way; + And therefore are we here, Lord King, + To ride with thee this day!" + + The King has bent his stately head, + And the tears were in his eyne-- + "God's blessing on thee, noble knight, + For this brave thought of thine! + + "I know thy name full well, Lord James, + And honour'd may I be, + That those who fought beside the Bruce + Should fight this day for me! + + "Take thou the leading of the van, + And charge the Moors amain; + There is not such a lance as thine + In all the host of Spain!" + + The Douglas turned towards us then, + O but his glance was high!-- + "There is not one of all my men + But is as bold as I. + + "There is not one of all my knights + But bears as true a spear-- + Then onwards! Scottish gentlemen, + And think--King Robert's here!" + + The trumpets blew, the cross-bolts flew, + The arrows flashed like flame, + As spur in side, and spear in rest, + Against the foe we came. + + And many a bearded Saracen + Went down, both horse and man; + For through their ranks we rode like corn, + So furiously we ran! + + But in behind our path they closed, + Though fain to let us through, + For they were forty thousand men, + And we were wondrous few. + + We might not see a lance's length, + So dense was their array, + But the long fell sweep of the Scottish blade + Still held them hard at bay. + + "Make in! make in!" Lord Douglas cried, + "Make in, my brethren dear! + Sir William of Saint Clair is down; + We may not leave him here!" + + But thicker, thicker, grew the swarm, + And sharper shot the rain, + And the horses reared amid the press, + But they would not charge again. + + "Now Jesu help thee," said Lord James, + "Thou kind and true St Clair! + An' if I may not bring thee off, + I'll die beside thee there!" + + Then in his stirrups up he stood, + So lionlike and bold, + And held the precious heart aloft + All in its case of gold. + + He flung it from him, far ahead, + And never spake he more, + But--"Pass thee first, thou dauntless heart, + As thou wert wont of yore!" + + The roar of fight rose fiercer yet, + And heavier still the stour, + Till the spears of Spain came shivering in, + And swept away the Moor. + + "Now praised be God, the day is won! + They fly o'er flood and fell-- + Why dost thou draw the rein so hard, + Good knight, that fought so well?" + + "Oh, ride ye on, Lord King!" he said, + "And leave the dead to me, + For I must keep the dreariest watch + That ever I shall dree! + + "There lies, beside his master's heart, + The Douglas, stark and grim; + And woe is me I should be here, + Not side by side with him! + + "The world grows cold, my arm is old, + And thin my lyart hair, + And all that I loved best on earth + Is stretch'd before me there. + + "O Bothwell banks! that bloom so bright, + Beneath the sun of May, + The heaviest cloud that ever blew + Is bound for you this day. + + "And, Scotland, thou may'st veil thy head + In sorrow and in pain; + The sorest stroke upon thy brow + Hath fallen this day in Spain! + + "We'll bear them back unto our ship, + We'll bear them o'er the sea, + And lay them in the hallowed earth, + Within our own countrie. + + "And be thou strong of heart, Lord King, + For this I tell thee sure, + The sod that drank the Douglas' blood + Shall never bear the Moor!" + + The King he lighted from his horse, + He flung his brand away, + And took the Douglas by the hand, + So stately as he lay. + + "God give thee rest, thou valiant soul, + That fought so well for Spain; + I'd rather half my land were gone, + So thou wert here again!" + + We bore the good Lord James away, + And the priceless heart he bore, + And heavily we steer'd our ship + Towards the Scottish shore. + + No welcome greeted our return, + Nor clang of martial tread, + But all were dumb and hushed as death + Before the mighty dead. + + We laid our chief in Douglas Kirk, + The heart in fair Melrose; + And woeful men were we that day-- + God grant their souls repose! + + + + +THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + +It is very much to be regretted that no competent person has as yet +undertaken the task of compiling a full and authentic biography of Lord +Viscount Dundee. His memory has consequently been left at the mercy of +misrepresentation and malignity; and the pen of romance has been freely +employed to portray, as a bloody assassin, one of the most accomplished +men and gallant soldiers of his age. + +It was the misfortune of Claverhouse to have lived in so troublous an +age and country. The religious differences of Scotland were then at +their greatest height, and there is hardly any act of atrocity and +rebellion which had not been committed by the insurgents. The royal +authority was openly and publicly disowned in the western districts: the +Archbishop of St. Andrew's, after more than one hairbreadth escape, was +waylaid, and barbarously murdered by an armed gang of fanatics on Magus +Muir; and his daughter was wounded and maltreated while interceding for +the old man's life. The country was infested by banditti, who took every +possible opportunity of shooting down and massacring any of the +straggling soldiery: the clergy were attacked and driven from their +houses; so that, throughout a considerable portion of Scotland, there +was no security either for property or for life. It is now the fashion +to praise and magnify the Covenanters as the most innocent and +persecuted of men; but those who are so ready with their sympathy, +rarely take the pains to satisfy themselves, by reference to the annals +of the time, of the true character of those men whom they blindly +venerate as martyrs. They forget, in their zeal for religious freedom, +that even the purest and holiest of causes may be sullied and disgraced +by the deeds of its upholders, and that a wild and frantic profession of +faith is not always a test of genuine piety. It is not in the slightest +degree necessary to discuss whether the royal prerogative was at that +time arbitrarily used, or whether the religious freedom of the nation +was unduly curtailed. Both points may be, and indeed are, admitted,--for +it is impossible to vindicate the policy of the measures adopted by the +two last monarchs of the house of Stuart; but neither admission will +clear the Covenanters from the stain of deliberate cruelty. + +After the battle of Philiphaugh, the royalist prisoners were butchered +in cold blood, under the superintendence of a clerical emissary, who +stood by rubbing his hands, and exclaiming--"The wark gangs bonnily on!" +Were I to transcribe from the pamphlets before me the list of the +murders which were perpetrated by the country people on the soldiery, +officers, and gentlemen of loyal principles, during the reign of Charles +II., I believe that no candid person would be surprised at the severe +retaliation which was made. It must be remembered that the country was +then under military law, and that the strongest orders had been issued +by the Government to the officers in command of the troops, to use every +means in their power for the effectual repression of the disturbances. +The necessity of such orders will become apparent, when we reflect that, +besides the open actions at Aird's Moss and Drumclog, the city of +Glasgow was attacked, and the royal forces compelled for a time to fall +back upon Stirling. + +Under such circumstances it is no wonder if the soldiery were severe in +their reprisals. Innocent blood may no doubt have been shed, and in some +cases even wantonly; for when rebellion has grown into civil war, and +the ordinary course of the law is put in abeyance, it is always +impossible to restrain military license. But it is most unfair to lay +the whole odium of such acts upon those who were in command, and to +dishonour the fair name of gentlemen, by attributing to them personally +the commission of deeds of which they were absolutely ignorant. To this +day the peasantry of the western districts of Scotland entertain the +idea that Claverhouse was a sort of fiend in human shape, tall, +muscular, and hideous in aspect, secured by infernal spells from the +chance of perishing by any ordinary weapon, and mounted upon a huge +black horse, the especial gift of Beelzebub! On this charger it is +supposed that he could ride up precipices as easily as he could traverse +the level ground--that he was constantly accompanied by a body of +desperadoes, vulgarly known by such euphonious titles as "Hell's Tam," +and "the De'il's Jock," and that his whole time was occupied, day and +night, in hunting Covenanters upon the hills! Almost every rebel who was +taken in arms and shot, is supposed to have met his death from the +individual pistol of Claverhouse; and the tales which, from time to +time, have been written by such ingenious persons as the late Mr. Gait +and the Ettrick Shepherd have quietly been assumed as facts, and added +to the store of our traditionary knowledge. It is in vain to hint that +the chief commanders of the forces in Scotland could have found little +leisure, even had they possessed the taste, for pursuing single +insurgents. Such suggestions are an insult to martyrology; and many a +parish of the west would be indignant were it averred that the tenant of +its gray stone had suffered by a meaner hand. + +When we look at the portrait of Claverhouse, and survey the calm, +melancholy, and beautiful features of the devoted soldier, it appears +almost incredible that he should ever have suffered under such an +overwhelming load of misrepresentation. But when--discarding modern +historians, who in too many instances do not seem to entertain the +slightest scruple in dealing with the memory of the dead--we turn to the +writings of his contemporaries who knew the man, his character appears +in a very different light. They describe him as one who was stainless in +his honour, pure in his faith, wise in council, resolute in action, and +utterly free from that selfishness which disgraced the Scottish +statesmen of the time. No one dares question his loyalty, for he sealed +that confession with his blood; and it is universally admitted, that +with him fell the last hopes of the reinstatement of the house of +Stuart. + +I may perhaps be permitted here, in the absence of a better chronicler, +to mention a few particulars of his life, which, I believe, are +comparatively unknown. John Graham of Claverhouse was a cadet of the +family of Fintrie, connected by intermarriage with the blood-royal of +Scotland. After completing his studies at the University of St. +Andrew's, he entered, as was the national custom for gentlemen of good +birth and limited means, into foreign service, served some time in +France as a volunteer, and afterwards went to Holland. He very soon +received a commission, as a cornet in a regiment of horse-guards, from +the Prince of Orange, nephew of Charles II. and James VII., and who +afterwards married the Princess Mary. His manner at that time is thus +described:--"He was then ane esquire, under the title of John Graham of +Claverhouse; but the vivacity of his parts, and the delicacy and justice +of his understanding and judgment, joyned with a certain vigour of mind +and activity of body, distinguished him in such a manner from all others +of his rank, that though he lived in a superior character, yet he +acquired the love and esteem of all his equals, as well as of those who +had the advantage of him in dignity and estate." + +By one of those singular accidents which we occasionally meet with in +history, Graham, afterwards destined to become his most formidable +opponent, saved the life of the Prince of Orange at the battle of St. +Neff. The Prince's horse had been killed, and he himself was in the +grasp of the enemy, when the young cornet rode to his rescue, freed him +from his assailants, and mounted him on his own steed. For this service +he received a captain's commission, and the promise of the first +regiment that should fall vacant. + +But even in early life William of Orange was not famous for keeping his +promises. Some years afterwards, a vacancy in one of the Scottish +regiments in the Prince's service occurred, and Claverhouse, relying +upon the previous assurance, preferred his claim. It was disregarded, +and Mr. Collier, afterwards Earl of Portmore, was appointed over his +head. It would seem that Graham had suspected some foul play on the +part of this gentleman, for, shortly after, they accidentally met and +had an angry altercation. This circumstance having come to the ears of +the Prince, he sent for Captain Graham, and administered a sharp rebuke. +I give the remainder of this incident in the words of the old writer, +because it must be considered a very remarkable one, as illustrating the +fiery spirit and dauntless independence of Claverhouse. + +"The Captain answered, that he was indeed in the wrong, since it was +more his Highness's business to have resented that quarrel than his; +because Mr. Collier had less injured him in disappointing him of the +regiment, than he had done his Highness in making him break his word. +'Then,' replied the Prince in an angry tone, 'I make you full +reparation, for I bestow on you what is more valuable than a regiment +when I give you your right arm!' The Captain subjoined, that since his +Highness had the goodness to give him his liberty, he resolved to employ +himself elsewhere, for he would not longer serve a Prince that had +broken his word. + +"The Captain, having thus thrown up his commission, was preparing in +haste for his voyage, when a messenger arrived from the Prince, with two +hundred guineas for the horse on which he had saved his life. The +Captain sent the horse, but ordered the gold to be distributed among the +grooms of the Prince's stables. It is said, however, that his Highness +had the generosity to write to the King and the Duke, recommending him +as a fine gentleman and a brave officer, fit for any office, civil or +military." + +On his arrival in Britain he was well received by the court, and +immediately appointed to a high military command in Scotland. It would +be beyond the scope of the present paper to enter minutely into the +details of his service during the stormy period when Scotland was +certainly misgoverned, and when there was little unity, but much +disorder in the land. In whatever point of view we regard the history of +those times, the aspect is a mournful one indeed. Church and State never +was a popular cry in Scotland, and the peculiar religious tendencies +which had been exhibited by a large portion of the nation, at the time +of the Reformation, rendered the return of tranquillity hopeless until +the hierarchy was displaced, and a humbler form of church government, +more suited to the feelings of the people, substituted in its stead. + +Three years after the accession of James VII. Claverhouse was raised to +the peerage, by the title of Lord Viscount Dundee. He was major-general, +and second in command of the royal forces, when the Prince of Orange +landed, and earnestly entreated King James to be allowed to march +against him, offering to stake his head on the successful result of the +enterprize. There is little doubt, from the great popularity of Lord +Dundee with the army, that, had such consent been given, William would +have found more than a match in his old officer; but the King seemed +absolutely infatuated, and refused to allow a drop of blood to be shed +in his quarrel, though the great bulk of the population of England were +clearly and enthusiastically in his favour. One of the most gifted of +our modern poets, the Honourable George Sydney Smythe, has beautifully +illustrated this event. + + "Then out spake gallant Claverhouse, and his soul thrilled wild and high, + And he showed the King his subjects, and he prayed him not to fly. + O never yet was captain so dauntless as Dundee! + He has sworn to chase the Hollander back to his Zuyder-Zee." + +But though James quitted his kingdom, the stern loyalty of Dundee was +nothing moved. Alone, and without escort, he traversed England, and +presented himself at the Convention of Estates, then assembled at +Edinburgh for the purpose of receiving the message from the Prince of +Orange. The meeting was a very strange one. Many of the nobility and +former members of the Scottish Parliament absolutely declined attending +it, some on the ground that it was not a legal assembly, having been +summoned by the Prince of Orange, and others because, in such a total +disruption of order, they judged it safest to abstain from taking any +prominent part. This gave an immense ascendency to the Revolution party, +who further proceeded to strengthen their position by inviting to +Edinburgh large bodies of the armed population of the west. After +defending for several days the cause of his master with as much +eloquence as vigour, Dundee, finding that the majority of the Convention +were resolved to offer the crown of Scotland to the Prince, and having +moreover received sure information that some of the wild fanatic Whigs, +with Daniel Ker of Kersland at their head, had formed a plot for his +assassination, quitted Edinburgh with about fifty horsemen, and, after a +short interview--celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in one of his grandest +ballads--with the Duke of Gordon at the Castle Rock, directed his steps +towards the north. After a short stay at his house of Duddope, during +which he received, by order of the Council, who were thoroughly alarmed +at his absence, a summons through a Lyon herald to return to Edinburgh +under pain of high treason, he passed into the Gordon country, where he +was joined by the Earl of Dunfermline with a small party of about sixty +horse. His retreat was timeous, for General Mackay, who commanded for +the Prince of Orange, had despatched a strong force, with instructions +to make him prisoner. From this time, until the day of his death, he +allowed himself no repose. Imitating the example, and inheriting the +enthusiasm of his great predecessor Montrose, he invoked the loyalty of +the clans to assist him in the struggle for legitimacy--and he did not +appeal to them in vain. His name was a spell to rouse the ardent spirits +of the mountaineers; and not the Great Marquis himself, in the height of +his renown, was more sincerely welcomed and more fondly loved than "Ian +dhu nan Cath,"--Dark John of the Battles,--the name by which Lord Dundee +is still remembered in Highland song. In the mean time the Convention, +terrified at their danger, and dreading a Highland inroad, had +despatched Mackay, a military officer of great experience, with a +considerable body of troops, to quell the threatened insurrection. He +was encountered by Dundee, and compelled to evacuate the high country +and fall back upon the Lowlands, where he subsequently received +reinforcements, and again marched northward. The Highland host was +assembled at Blair, though not in great force, when the news of Mackay's +advance arrived; and a council of the chiefs and officers was summoned, +to determine whether it would be most advisable to fall back upon the +glens and wild fastnesses of the Highlands, or to meet the enemy at +once, though with a force far inferior to his. + +Most of the old officers, who had been trained in the foreign wars, were +of the former opinion--"alleging that it was neither prudent nor +cautious to risk an engagement against an army of disciplined men, that +exceeded theirs in numbers by more than a half." But both Glengarry and +Locheill, to the great satisfaction of the General, maintained the +contrary view, and argued that neither hunger nor fatigue were so likely +to depress the Highlanders, as a retreat when the enemy was in view. The +account of the discussion is so interesting, and so characteristic of +Dundee, that I shall take leave to quote its termination in the words of +Drummond of Balhaldy: + +"An advice so hardy and resolute could not miss to please the generous +Dundee. His looks seemed to heighten with an air of delight and +satisfaction all the while Locheill was speaking. He told his council +that they had heard his sentiments from the mouth of a person who had +formed his judgment upon infallible proofs drawn from a long experience, +and an intimate acquaintance with the persons and subject he spoke of. +Not one in the company offering to contradict their general, it was +unanimously agreed to fight. + +"When the news of this vigorous resolution spread through the army, +nothing was heard but acclamations of joy, which exceedingly pleased +their gallant general; but before the council broke up, Locheill begged +to be heard for a few words. 'My Lord' said he, 'I have just now +declared, in the presence of this honourable company, that I was +resolved to give an implicit obedience to all your Lordship's commands; +but I humbly beg leave, in name of these gentlemen, to give the word of +command for this one time. It is the voice of your council, and their +orders are, that you do not engage personally. Your Lordship's business +is to have an eye on all parts, and to issue out your commands as you +shall think proper; it is ours to execute them with promptitude and +courage. On your Lordship depends the fate, not only of this little +brave army, but also of our king and country. If your Lordship deny us +this reasonable demand, for my own part I declare, that neither I, nor +any I am concerned in, shall draw a sword on this important occasion, +whatever construction shall be put upon the matter.' + +"Locheill was seconded in this by the whole council; but Dundee begged +leave to be heard in his turn. 'Gentlemen,' said he, 'as I am absolutely +convinced, and have had repeated proofs, of your zeal for the king's +service, and of your affection to me as his general and your friend, so +I am fully sensible that my engaging personally this day may be of some +loss if I shall chance to be killed. But I beg leave of you, however, to +allow me to give one _shear-darg_ (that is, one harvest-day's work) to +the king, my master, that I may have an opportunity of convincing the +brave clans, that I can hazard my life in that service as freely as the +meanest of them. Ye know their temper, gentlemen; and if they do not +think I have personal courage enough, they will not esteem me hereafter, +nor obey my commands with cheerfulness. Allow me this single favour, and +I here promise, upon my honour, never again to risk my person while I +have that of commanding you.' + +"The council, finding him inflexible, broke up, and the army marched +directly towards the Pass of Killiecrankie." + +Those who have visited that romantic spot need not be reminded of its +peculiar features, for these, once seen, must dwell for ever in the +memory. The lower part of the Pass is a stupendous mountain-chasm, +scooped out by the waters of the Garry, which here descend in a +succession of roaring cataracts and pools. The old road, which ran +almost parallel to the river and close upon its edge, was extremely +narrow, and wound its way beneath a wall of enormous crags, surmounted +by a natural forest of birch, oak, and pine. An army cooped up in that +gloomy ravine would have as little chance of escape from the onset of an +enterprising partisan corps, as had the Bavarian troops when attacked by +the Tyrolese in the steep defiles of the Inn. General Mackay, however, +had made his arrangements with consummate tact and skill, and had +calculated his time so well, that he was enabled to clear the Pass +before the Highlanders could reach it from the other side. Advancing +upwards, the passage becomes gradually broader, until, just below the +House of Urrard, there is a considerable width of meadow-land. It was +here that Mackay took up his position, and arrayed his troops, on +observing that the heights above were occupied by the army of Dundee. + +The forces of the latter scarcely amounted to one-third of those of his +antagonist, which were drawn up in line without any reserve. He was +therefore compelled, in making his dispositions, to leave considerable +gaps in his own line, which gave Mackay a further advantage. The right +of Dundee's army was formed of the M'Lean, Glengarry, and Clanranald +regiments, along with some Irish levies. In the centre was Dundee +himself, at the head of a small and ill-equipped body of cavalry, +composed of Lowland gentlemen and their followers, and about forty of +his old troopers. The Camerons and Skyemen, under the command of +Locheill and Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat, were stationed on the left. +During the time occupied by these dispositions, a brisk cannonade was +opened by Mackay's artillery, which materially increased the impatience +of the Highlanders to come to close quarters. At last the word was given +to advance, and the whole line rushed forward with the terrific +impetuosity peculiar to a charge of the clans. They received the fire of +the regular troops without flinching, reserved their own until they were +close at hand, poured in a murderous volley, and then, throwing away +their firelocks, attacked the enemy with the broadsword. + +The victory was almost instantaneous, but it was bought at a terrible +price. Through some mistake or misunderstanding, a portion of the +cavalry, instead of following their general, who had charged directly +for the guns, executed a manoeuvre which threw them into disorder; and, +when last seen in the battle, Dundee, accompanied only by the Earl of +Dunfermline and about sixteen gentlemen, was entering into the cloud of +smoke, standing up in his stirrups, and waving to the others to come +on. It was in this attitude that he appears to have received his +death-wound. On returning from the pursuit, the Highlanders found him +dying on the field. + +It would he difficult to point out another instance in which the +maintenance of a great cause depended solely upon the life of a single +man. Whilst Dundee survived, Scotland at least was not lost to the +Stuarts, for, shortly before the battle, he had received assurance that +the greater part of the organised troops in the north were devoted to +his person, and ready to join him; and the victory of Killiecrankie +would have been followed by a general rising of the loyal gentlemen in +the Lowlands. But with his fall the enterprise was over. + +I hope I shall not be accused of exaggerating the importance of this +battle, which, according to the writer I have already quoted, was best +proved by the consternation into which the opposite party were thrown at +the first news of Mackay's defeat. "The Duke of Hamilton, commissioner +for the parliament which then sat at Edinburgh, and the rest of the +ministry, were struck with such a panic, that some of them were for +retiring into England, others into the western shires of Scotland, where +all the people, almost to a man, befriended them; nor knew they whether +to abandon the government, or to stay a few days until they saw what use +my Lord Dundee would make of his victory. They knew the rapidity of his +motions, and were convinced that he would allow them no time to +deliberate. On this account it was debated, whether such of the nobility +and gentry as were confined for adhering to their old master, should be +immediately set at liberty or more closely shut up; and though the last +was determined on, yet the greatest revolutionists among them made +private and frequent visits to these prisoners, excusing what was past, +from a fatal necessity of the times, which obliged them to give a +seeming compliance, but protesting that they always wished well to King +James, as they should soon have occasion to show when my Lord Dundee +advanced." + +"The next morning after the battle," says Drummond, "the Highland army +had more the air of the shattered remains of broken troops than of +conquerors; for here it was literally true that + + 'The vanquished triumphed, and the victors mourned.' + +The death of their brave general, and the loss of so many of their +friends, were inexhaustible fountains of grief and sorrow. They closed +the last scene of this mournful tragedy in obsequies of their lamented +general, and of the other gentlemen who fell with him, and interred them +in the church of Blair of Atholl with a real funeral solemnity, there +not being present one single person who did not participate in the +general affliction." + +I close this notice of a great soldier and devoted loyalist, by +transcribing the beautiful epitaph composed by Dr. Pitcairn:-- + + "Ultime Scotorum! potuit, quo sospite solo, + Libertas patriae salva fuisse tuae: + Te moriente, novos accepit Scotia cives, + Accepitque novos, te moriente, deos. + Illa nequit superesse tibi, tu non potes illi, + Ergo Caledoniae nomen inane, vale. + Tuque vale, gentis priscae fortissime ductor, + Ultime Scotorum, ac ultime Grame, vale!" + + + + +THE BURIAL MARCH OF DUNDEE + + + Sound the fife, and cry the slogan-- + Let the pibroch shake the air + With its wild triumphal music, + Worthy of the freight we bear. + Let the ancient hills of Scotland + Hear once more the battle-song + Swell within their glens and valleys + As the clansmen march along! + Never from the field of combat, + Never from the deadly fray, + Was a nobler trophy carried + Than we bring with us to-day; + Never, since the valiant Douglas + On his dauntless bosom bore + Good King Robert's heart--the priceless-- + To our dear Redeemer's shore! + Lo! we bring with us the hero-- + Lo! we bring the conquering Graeme, + Crowned as best beseems a victor + From the altar of his fame; + Fresh and bleeding from the battle + Whence his spirit took its flight, + Midst the crashing charge of squadrons, + And the thunder of the fight! + Strike, I say, the notes of triumph, + As we march o'er moor and lea! + Is there any here will venture + To bewail our dead Dundee? + Let the widows of the traitors + Weep until their eyes are dim! + Wail ye may full well for Scotland-- + Let none dare to mourn for him! + See! above his glorious body + Lies the royal banner's fold-- + See! his valiant blood is mingled + With its crimson and its gold. + See! how calm he looks and stately, + Like a warrior on his shield, + Waiting till the flush of morning + Breaks along the battle-field! + See--Oh never more, my comrades! + Shall we see that falcon eye + Redden with its inward lightning, + As the hour of fight drew nigh; + Never shall we hear the voice that, + Clearer than the trumpet's call, + Bade us strike for King and Country, + Bade us win the field or fall! + On the heights of Killiecrankie + Yester-morn our army lay: + Slowly rose the mist in columns + From the river's broken way; + Hoarsely roared the swollen torrent, + And the pass was wrapped in gloom, + When the clansmen rose together + From their lair amidst the broom. + Then we belted on our tartans, + And our bonnets down we drew, + And we felt our broadswords' edges, + And we proved them to be true; + And we prayed the prayer of soldiers, + And we cried the gathering-cry, + And we clasped the hands of kinsmen, + And we swore to do or die! + Then our leader rode before us + On his war-horse black as night-- + Well the Cameronian rebels + Knew that charger in the fight!-- + And a cry of exultation + From the bearded warriors rose; + For we loved the house of Claver'se, + And we thought of good Montrose. + But he raised his hand for silence-- + "Soldiers! I have sworn a vow: + Ere the evening-star shall glisten + On Schehallion's lofty brow, + Either we shall rest in triumph, + Or another of the Graemes + Shall have died in battle-harness + For his Country and King James! + Think upon the Royal Martyr-- + Think of what his race endure-- + Think on him whom butchers murder'd + On the field of Magus Muir:-- + By his sacred blood I charge ye, + By the ruin'd hearth and shrine-- + By the blighted hopes of Scotland, + By your injuries and mine-- + Strike this day as if the anvil + Lay beneath your blows the while, + Be they Covenanting traitors, + Or the brood of false Argyle! + Strike! and drive the trembling rebels + Backwards o'er the stormy Forth; + Let them tell their pale Convention + How they fared within the North. + Let them tell that Highland honour + Is not to be bought nor sold, + That we scorn their Prince's anger, + As we loathe his foreign gold. + Strike! and when the fight is over, + If ye look in vain for me, + Where the dead are lying thickest, + Search for him that was Dundee!" + + Loudly then the hills re-echoed + With our answer to his call, + But a deeper echo sounded + In the bosoms of us all. + For the lands of wide Breadalbane, + Not a man who heard him speak + Would that day have left the battle. + Burning eye and flushing cheek + Told the clansmen's fierce emotion, + And they harder drew their breath; + For their souls were strong within them, + Stronger than the grasp of death. + Soon we heard a challenge-trumpet + Sounding in the pass below, + And the distant tramp of horses, + And the voices of the foe: + Down we crouched amid the bracken, + Till the Lowland ranks drew near, + Panting like the hounds in summer, + When they scent the stately deer. + From the dark defile emerging, + Next we saw the squadrons come, + Leslie's foot and Leven's troopers + Marching to the tuck of drum; + Through the scattered wood of birches, + O'er the broken ground and heath, + Wound the long battalion slowly, + Till they gained the field beneath; + Then we bounded from our covert.-- + Judge how looked the Saxons then, + When they saw the rugged mountain + Start to life with armed men! + Like a tempest down the ridges, + Swept the hurricane of steel, + Rose the slogan of Macdonald-- + Flashed the broadsword of Locheill! + Vainly sped the withering volley + 'Mongst the foremost of our band-- + On we poured until we met them, + Foot to foot, and hand to hand. + Horse and man went down like drift-wood + When the floods are black at Yule, + And their carcasses are whirling + In the Garry's deepest pool. + Horse and man went down before us-- + Living foe there tarried none + On the field of Killiecrankie, + When that stubborn fight was done! + + And the evening-star was shining + On Schehallion's distant head, + When we wiped our bloody broadswords, + And returned to count the dead. + There we found him, gashed and gory, + Stretch'd upon the cumbered plain, + As he told us where to seek him, + In the thickest of the slain. + And a smile was on his visage, + For within his dying ear + Pealed the joyful note of triumph, + And the clansmen's clamorous cheer: + So, amidst the battle's thunder, + Shot, and steel, and scorching flame, + In the glory of his manhood + Passed the spirit of the Graeme! + Open wide the vaults of Athol, + Where the bones of heroes rest-- + Open wide the hallowed portals + To receive another guest! + Last of Scots, and last of freemen-- + Last of all that dauntless race + Who would rather die unsullied + Than outlive the land's disgrace! + O thou lion-hearted warrior! + Reck not of the after-time: + Honour may be deemed dishonour, + Loyalty be called a crime. + Sleep in peace with kindred ashes + Of the noble and the true, + Hands that never failed their country, + Hearts that never baseness knew. + Sleep!--and till the latest trumpet + Wakes the dead from earth and sea, + Scotland shall not boast a braver + Chieftain than our own Dundee! + + + + +THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + + +The Massacre of Glencoe is an event which neither can nor ought to be +forgotten. It was a deed of the worst treason and cruelty--a barbarous +infraction of all laws, human and divine; and it exhibits in their +foulest perfidy the true characters of the authors and abettors of the +Revolution. + +After the battle of Killiecrankie the cause of the Scottish royalists +declined, rather from the want of a competent leader than from any +disinclination on the part of a large section of the nobility and gentry +to vindicate the right of King James. No person of adequate talents or +authority was found to supply the place of the great and gallant Lord +Dundee; for General Cannon, who succeeded in command, was not only +deficient in military skill, but did not possess the confidence, nor +understand the character of the Highland chiefs, who, with their +clansmen, constituted by far the most important section of the army. +Accordingly no enterprise of any importance was attempted; and the +disastrous issue of the battle of the Boyne led to a negotiation which +terminated in the entire disbanding of the royal forces. By this treaty, +which was expressly sanctioned by William of Orange, a full and +unreserved indemnity and pardon was granted to all of the Highlanders +who had taken arms, with a proviso that they should first subscribe the +oath of allegiance to William and Mary, before the 1st of January, 1692, +in presence of the Lords of the Scottish Council, "or of the Sheriffs or +their deputies of the respective shires wherein they lived." The letter +of William addressed to the Privy Council, and ordering proclamation to +be made to the above effect, contained also the following significant +passage:--"That ye communicate our pleasure to the Governor of +Inverlochy, and other commanders, that they be exact and diligent in +their several posts; but that they show no more zeal against the +Highlanders after their submission, _than they have ever done formerly +when these were in open rebellion_." + +This enigmatical sentence, which in reality was intended, as the sequel +will show, to be interpreted in the most cruel manner, appears to have +caused some perplexity in the Council, as that body deemed it necessary +to apply for more distinct and specific instructions, which, however, +were not then issued. It had been especially stipulated by the chiefs, +as an indispensable preliminary to their treaty, that they should have +leave to communicate with King James, then residing at St. Germains, for +the purpose of obtaining his permission and warrant previous to +submitting themselves to the existing government. That article had been +sanctioned by William before the proclamation was issued, and a special +messenger was despatched to France for that purpose. + +In the mean time, troops were gradually and cautiously advanced to the +confines of the Highlands, and, in some instances, actually quartered on +the inhabitants. The condition of the country was perfectly tranquil. No +disturbances whatever occurred in the north or west of Scotland; +Locheill and the other chiefs were awaiting the communication from St. +Germains, and held themselves bound in honour to remain inactive; whilst +the remainder of the royalist forces (for whom separate terms had been +made) were left unmolested at Dunkeld. + +But rumours, which are too clearly traceable to the emissaries of the +new government, asserting the preparation made for an immediate landing +of King James at the head of a large body of the French, were +industriously circulated, and by many were implicitly believed. The +infamous policy which dictated such a course is now apparent. The term +of the amnesty or truce granted by the proclamation expired with the +year 1691, and all who had not taken the oath of allegiance before that +term, were to be proceeded against with the utmost severity. The +proclamation was issued upon the 29th of August: consequently, only four +months were allowed for the complete submission of the Highlands. + +Not one of the chiefs subscribed until the mandate from King James +arrived. That document, which is dated from St. Germains on the 12th of +December 1691, reached Dunkeld eleven days afterwards, and, +consequently, but a very short time before the indemnity expired. The +bearer, Major Menzies, was so fatigued that he could proceed no farther +on his journey, but forwarded the mandate by an express to the commander +of the royal forces, who was then at Glengarry. It was therefore +impossible that the document could be circulated through the Highlands +within the prescribed period. Locheill, says Drummond of Balhaldy, did +not receive his copy till about thirty hours before the time was out, +and appeared before the sheriff at Inverara, where he took the oaths +upon the very day on which the indemnity expired. + +That a general massacre throughout the Highlands was contemplated by the +Whig government, is a fact established by overwhelming evidence. In the +course of the subsequent investigation before the Scots Parliament, +letters were produced from Sir John Dalrymple, then Master of Stair, one +of the secretaries of state in attendance upon the court, which too +clearly indicate the intentions of William. In one of these, dated 1st +December 1694,--_a month_, be it observed, before the amnesty +expired--and addressed to Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, there are the +following words:--"The winter is the only season in which we are sure +the Highlanders cannot escape us, _nor carry their wives, bairns_, and +cattle to the mountains." And in another letter, written only two days +afterwards, he says, "It is the only time that they cannot escape you, +for human constitution cannot endure to be long out of houses. _This is +the proper season to maule them, in the cold long nights_." And in +January thereafter, he informed Sir Thomas Livingston that the design +was "to destroy entirely the country of Lochaber, Locheill's lands, +Keppoch's, Glengarry's, Appin, and Glencoe. I assure you," he continues, +"your power shall be full enough, _and I hope the soldiers will not +trouble the Government with prisoners_." + +Locheill was more fortunate than others of his friends and neighbours. +According to Drummond,--"Major Menzies, who, upon his arrival, had +observed the whole forces of the kingdom ready to invade the Highlands, +as he wrote to General Buchan, foreseeing the unhappy consequences, not +only begged that general to send expresses to all parts with orders +immediately to submit, but also wrote to Sir Thomas Livingston, praying +him to supplicate the Council for a prorogation of the time, in regard +that he was so excessively fatigued, that he was obliged to stop some +days to repose a little; and that though he should send expresses, yet +it was impossible they could reach the distant parts in such time as to +allow the several persons concerned the benefit of the indemnity within +the space limited; besides, that some persons having put the Highlanders +in a bad temper, he was confident to persuade them to submit, if a +further time were allowed. Sir Thomas presented this letter to the +Council on the 5th of January, 1692, but they refused to give any +answer, and ordered him to transmit the same to Court." + +The reply of William of Orange was a letter, countersigned by Dalrymple, +in which, upon the recital that "several of the chieftains and many of +their clans had not taken the benefit of our gracious indemnity," he +gave orders for a general massacre. "To that end, we have given Sir +Thomas Livingston orders to employ our troops (which we have already +conveniently posted) to cut off these obstinate rebels _by all manner of +hostility_; and we do require you to give him your assistance and +concurrence in all other things that may conduce to that service; and +because these rebels, to avoid our forces, may draw themselves, _their +families_, goods, or cattle, to lurk or be concealed among their +neighbours: therefore, we require and authorise you to emit a +proclamation to be published at the market-crosses of these or the +adjacent shires where the rebels reside, discharging upon the highest +penalties the law allows, any reset, correspondence, or intercommuning +with these rebels." This monstrous mandate, which was in fact the +death-warrant of many thousand innocent people, no distinction being +made of age or sex, would, in all human probability, have been put into +execution, but for the remonstrance of one high-minded nobleman. Lord +Carmarthen, afterwards Duke of Leeds, accidentally became aware of the +proposed massacre, and personally remonstrated with the monarch against +a measure which he denounced as at once cruel and impolitic. After much +discussion, William, influenced rather by an apprehension that so +savage and sweeping an act might prove fatal to his new authority, than +by any compunction or impulse of humanity, agreed to recall the general +order, and to limit himself, in the first instance, to a single deed of +butchery, by way of testing the temper of the nation. Some difficulty +seems to have arisen in the selection of the fittest victim. Both +Keppoch and Glencoe were named, but the personal rancour of Secretary +Dalrymple decided the doom of the latter. The Secretary wrote +thus:--"Argyle tells me that Glencoe hath not taken the oath, at which I +rejoice. It is a great work of charity to be exact in rooting out that +damnable set." The final instructions regarding Glencoe, which were +issued on 16th January, 1692, are as follows:-- + + "William R.--As for M'Ian of Glencoe, and that tribe, + if they can be well distinguished from the rest of the + Highlanders, it will be proper for public justice to extirpate + that set of thieves." "W.R." + +This letter is remarkable as being signed and countersigned by William +alone, contrary to the usual practice. The Secretary was no doubt +desirous to screen himself from after responsibility, and was further +aware that the royal signature would insure a rigorous execution of the +sentence. + +Macdonald, or, as he was more commonly designed, M'Ian of Glencoe, was +the head of a considerable sept or branch of the great Clan-Coila, and +was lineally descended from the ancient Lords of the Isles, and from +the royal family of Scotland--the common ancestor of the Macdonalds +having espoused a daughter of Robert II. He was, according to a +contemporary testimony, "a person of great integrity, honour, good +nature, and courage; and his loyalty to his old master, King James, was +such, that he continued in arms from Dundee's first appearing in the +Highlands, till the fatal treaty that brought on his ruin." In common +with the other chiefs, he had omitted taking the benefit of the +indemnity until he received the sanction of King James: but the copy of +that document which was forwarded to him, unfortunately arrived too +late. The weather was so excessively stormy at the time that there was +no possibility of penetrating from Glencoe to Inverara, the place where +the sheriff resided, before the expiry of the stated period; and M'Ian +accordingly adopted the only practicable mode of signifying his +submission, by making his way with great difficulty to Fort-William, +then called Inverlochy, and tendering his signature to the military +Governor there. That officer was not authorised to receive it, but at +the earnest entreaty of the chief, he gave him a certificate of his +appearance and tender, and on New-Year's day, 1692, M'Ian reached +Inverara, where he produced that paper as evidence of his intentions, +and prevailed upon the sheriff, Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglass, to +administer the oaths required. After that ceremony, which was +immediately intimated to the Privy Council, had been performed, the +unfortunate gentleman returned home, in the full conviction that he had +thereby made peace with government for himself and for his clan. But his +doom was already sealed. + +A company of the Earl of Argyle's regiment had been previously quartered +in Glencoe. These men, though Campbells, and hereditarily obnoxious to +the Macdonalds, Camerons, and other of the loyal clans, were yet +countrymen, and were kindly and hospitably received. Their captain, +Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, was connected with the family of Glencoe +through the marriage of a niece, and was resident under the roof of the +chief. And yet this was the very troop selected for the horrid service. + +Special instructions were sent to the major of the regiment, one +Duncanson, then quartered at Ballachulish--a morose, brutal, and savage +man--who accordingly wrote to Campbell of Glenlyon in the following +terms:-- + + Ballacholis, 12 _February_, 1692. + + "SIR,--You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebels, + the M'Donalds of Glencoe, and putt all to the sword under + seventy. You are to have special care that the old fox and + his sons doe upon no account escape your hands. You are + to secure all the avenues, that no man escape. This you + are to put in execution att five o'clock in the morning + precisely, and by that time, or very shortly after it, I'll + strive to be att you with a stronger party. If I doe not + come to you at five, you are not to tarry for me, but to fall + on. This is by the king's speciall command, for the good + and safety of the country, that these miscreants be cutt off + root and branch. See that this be putt in execution without + feud or favour, else you may expect to be treated as not + true to the king's government, nor a man fitt to carry a + commission in the king's service. Expecting you will not + faill in the fulfilling hereof as you love yourself, I subscribe + these with my hand." ROBERT DUNCANSON. + + + "_For their Majestys' service. + To Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon_." + +This order was but too literally obeyed. At the appointed hour, when the +whole inhabitants of the glen were asleep, the work of murder began. +M'Ian was one of the first who fell. Drummond's narrative fills up the +remainder of the dreadful story. + +"They then served all within the family in the same manner, without +distinction of age or person. In a word--for the horror of that +execrable butchery must give pain to the reader--they left none alive +but a young child, who, being frightened with the noise of the guns, and +the dismal shrieks and cries of its dying parents, whom they were +a-murdering, got hold of Captain Campbell's knees, and wrapt itself +within his cloak; by which, chancing to move compassion, the captain +inclined to have saved it, but one Drummond, an officer, arriving about +the break of day with more troops, commanded it to be shot by a file of +musqueteers. Nothing could be more shocking and horrible than the +prospect of these houses bestrewed with mangled bodies of the dead, +covered with blood, and resounding with the groans of wretches in the +last agonies of life. + +"Two sons of Glencoe's were the only persons that escaped in that +quarter of the country; for, growing jealous of some ill designs from +the behaviour of the soldiers, they stole from their beds a few minutes +before the tragedy began, and, chancing to overhear two of them +discoursing plainly of the matter, they endeavoured to have advertised +their father, but, finding that impracticable, they ran to the other end +of the country and alarmed the inhabitants. There was another accident +that contributed much to their safety; for the night was so excessively +stormy and tempestuous, that four hundred soldiers, who were appointed +to murder these people, were stopped in their march from Inverlochy, and +could not get up till they had time to save themselves. To cover the +deformity of so dreadful a sight, the soldiers burned all the houses to +the ground, after having rifled them, carried away nine hundred cows, +two hundred horses, numberless herds of sheep and goats, and every thing +else that belonged to these miserable people. Lamentable was the case of +the women and children that escaped the butchery; the mountains were +covered with a deep snow, the rivers impassable, storm and tempest +filled the air and added to the horrors and darkness of the night, and +there were no houses to shelter them within many miles."[1] + +Such was the awful massacre of Glencoe, an event which has left an +indelible and execrable stain upon the memory of William of Orange. The +records of Indian warfare can hardly afford a parallel instance of +atrocity: and this deed, coupled with his deliberate treachery in the +Darien scheme, whereby Scotland was for a time absolutely ruined, is +sufficient to account for the little estimation in which the name of the +"great Whig deliverer" is still regarded in the valleys of the North. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: _Memoirs of Sir Ewen Cameron of Locheill_.] + + + + +THE WIDOW OF GLENCOE + + + Do not lift him from the bracken, + Leave him lying where he fell-- + Better bier ye cannot fashion: + None beseems him half so well + As the bare and broken heather, + And the hard and trampled sod, + Whence his angry soul ascended + To the judgment-seat of God! + Winding-sheet we cannot give him-- + Seek no mantle for the dead, + Save the cold and spotless covering + Showered from heaven upon his head. + Leave his broadsword, as we found it, + Bent and broken with the blow, + That, before he died, avenged him + On the foremost of the foe. + Leave the blood upon his bosom-- + Wash not off that sacred stain: + Let it stiffen on the tartan, + Let his wounds unclosed remain, + Till the day when he shall show them + At the throne of God on high, + When the murderer and the murdered + Meet before their Judge's eye! + + Nay--ye should not weep, my children! + Leave it to the faint and weak; + Sobs are but a woman's weapon-- + Tears befit a maiden's cheek. + Weep not, children of Macdonald! + Weep not thou, his orphan heir-- + Not in shame, but stainless honour, + Lies thy slaughtered father there. + Weep not--but when years are over, + And thine arm is strong and sure, + And thy foot is swift and steady + On the mountain and the muir-- + Let thy heart be hard as iron, + And thy wrath as fierce as fire, + Till the hour when vengeance cometh + For the race that slew thy sire; + Till in deep and dark Glenlyon + Rise a louder shriek of woe + Than at midnight, from their eyrie, + Scared the eagles of Glencoe; + Louder than the screams that mingled + With the howling of the blast, + When the murderer's steel was clashing, + And the fires were rising fast; + When thy noble father bounded + To the rescue of his men, + And the slogan of our kindred + Pealed throughout the startled glen; + When the herd of frantic women + Stumbled through the midnight snow, + With their fathers' houses blazing, + And their dearest dead below. + Oh, the horror of the tempest, + As the flashing drift was blown, + Crimsoned with the conflagration, + And the roofs went thundering down! + Oh, the prayers--the prayers and curses + That together winged their flight + From the maddened hearts of many + Through that long and woeful night! + Till the fires began to dwindle, + And the shots grew faint and few, + And we heard the foeman's challenge + Only in a far halloo; + Till the silence once more settled + O'er the gorges of the glen, + Broken only by the Cona + Plunging through its naked den. + Slowly from the mountain-summit + Was the drifting veil withdrawn, + And the ghastly valley glimmered + In the gray December dawn. + Better had the morning never + Dawned upon our dark despair! + Black amidst the common whiteness + Rose the spectral ruins there: + But the sight of these was nothing + More than wrings the wild dove's breast, + When she searches for her offspring + Round the relics of her nest. + For in many a spot the tartan + Peered above the wintry heap, + Marking where a dead Macdonald + Lay within his frozen sleep. + Tremblingly we scooped the covering + From each kindred victim's head, + And the living lips were burning + On the cold ones of the dead. + And I left them with their dearest-- + Dearest charge had everyone-- + Left the maiden with her lover, + Left the mother with her son. + I alone of all was mateless-- + Far more wretched I than they, + For the snow would not discover + Where my lord and husband lay. + But I wandered up the valley + Till I found him lying low, + With the gash upon his bosom, + And the frown upon his brow-- + Till I found him lying murdered + Where he wooed me long ago. + Woman's weakness shall not shame me; + Why should I have tears to shed? + Could I rain them down like water, + O my hero, on thy head, + Could the cry of lamentation + Wake thee from thy silent sleep, + Could it set thy heart a-throbbing, + It were mine to wail and weep. + But I will not waste my sorrow, + Lest the Campbell women say + That the daughters of Clanranald + Are as weak and frail as they. + I had wept thee hadst thou fallen, + Like our fathers, on thy shield, + When a host of English foemen + Camped upon a Scottish field; + I had mourned thee hadst thou perished + With the foremost of his name, + When the valiant and the noble + Died around the dauntless Graeme. + But I will not wrong thee, husband! + With my unavailing cries, + Whilst thy cold and mangled body, + Stricken by the traitor, lies; + Whilst he counts the gold and glory + That this hideous night has won, + And his heart is big with triumph + At the murder he has done. + Other eyes than mine shall glisten, + Other hearts be rent in twain, + Ere the heathbells on thy hillock + Wither in the autumn rain. + Then I'll seek thee where thou sleepest, + And I'll veil my weary head, + Praying for a place beside thee, + Dearer than my bridal-bed: + And I'll give thee tears, my husband, + If the tears remain to me, + When the widows of the foemen + Cry the coronach for thee. + + + + +THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + + +In consequence of a capitulation with Government, the regular troops who +had served under Lord Dundee were transhipped to France, and, +immediately upon their landing, the officers and others had their rank +confirmed according to the tenor of the commissions and characters which +they bore in Scotland. They were distributed throughout the different +garrisons in the north of France, and, though nominally in the service +of King James, derived their whole means of subsistence from the bounty +of the French monarch. So long as it appeared probable that another +descent was meditated, those gentlemen, who were almost without +exception men of considerable family, assented to this arrangement, but +the destruction of the French fleet under Admiral Tourville, off La +Hogue, led to a material change in their views. After that naval +engagement it became obvious that the cause of the fugitive King was in +the mean time desperate, and the Scottish officers, with no less +gallantry than honour, volunteered a sacrifice which, so far as I know, +has hardly been equalled. + +The old and interesting pamphlet written by one of the corps,[2] from +which I have extracted most of the following details, but which is +seldom perused except by the antiquary, states that, "The Scottish +officers, considering that, by the loss of the French Fleet, King +James's restoration would be retarded for some time, and that they were +burdensome to the King of France, being entertained in garrisons on +whole pay, without doing duty, when he had almost all Europe in +confederacy against him, therefore humbly entreated King James to have +them reduced into a company of private sentinels, and choose officers +amongst themselves to command them, assuring his majesty that they would +serve in the meanest circumstances, and undergo the greatest hardships +and fatigues that reason could imagine, or misfortunes inflict, until it +pleased God to restore him. King James commended their generosity and +loyalty, but disapproved of what they proposed, and told them it was +impossible that gentlemen who had served in so honourable posts as +formerly they had enjoyed, and lived in so great plenty and ease, could +ever undergo the fatigue and hardships of private sentinels' duty. +Again, that his own first command was a company of officers, whereof +several died, others, wearied with fatigue, drew their discharges, till +at last it dwindled into nothing, and he got no reputation by the +command: therefore he desired them to insist no more on that project. +The officers (notwithstanding his majesty's desire to the contrary) made +several interests at court, and harassed him so much, that at last he +condescended," and appointed those who were to command them. + +Shortly afterwards the new corps was reviewed for the first and last +time by the unfortunate James in the gardens of Saint Germains, and the +tears are said to have gushed from his eyes at the sight of so many +brave men, reduced, through their disinterested and persevering loyalty, +to so very humble a condition. "Gentlemen," said he, "my own misfortunes +are not so nigh my heart as yours. It grieves me beyond what I can +express to see so many brave and worthy gentlemen, who had once the +prospect of being the chief officers in my army, reduced to the stations +of private sentinels. Nothing but your loyalty, and that of a few of my +subjects in Britain, who are forced from their allegiance by the Prince +of Orange, and who, I know, will be ready on all occasions to serve me +and my distressed family, could make me willing to live. The sense of +what all of you have done and undergone for your loyalty hath made so +deep an impression upon my heart, that, if it ever please God to restore +me, it is impossible I can be forgetful of your services and sufferings. +Neither can there be any posts in the armies of my dominions but what +you have just pretensions to. As for my son, your Prince, he is of your +own blood, a child capable of any impression, and, as his education will +be from you, it is not supposable that he can forget your merits. At +your own desires you are now going a long march far distant from me. +Fear God and love one another. Write your wants particularly to me, and +depend upon it always to find me your parent and King." The scene bore a +strong resemblance to one which many years afterwards occurred at +Fontainebleau. The company listened to his words with deep emotion, +gathered round him, as if half repentant of their own desire to go, and +so parted, for ever on this earth, the dethroned monarch and his exiled +subjects. + +The number of this company of officers was about one hundred and twenty: +their destination was Perpignan in Rousillon, close upon the frontier of +Spain, where they were to join the army under the command of the +Mareschal de Noailles. Their power of endurance, though often most +severely tested in an unwholesome climate, seems to have been no less +remarkable than their gallantry, which upon many occasions called forth +the warm acknowledgment of the French commanders. "_Le gentilhomme_," +said one of the generals, in acknowledgment of their readiness at a +peculiarly critical moment, "_est toujours gentilhomme, et se montre +toujours tel dans besoin et dans le danger_"--a eulogy as applicable to +them as it was in later days to La Tour d'Auvergne, styled the first +grenadier of France. At Perpignan they were joined by two other +Scottish companies, and the three seem to have continued to serve +together for several campaigns. + +As a proof of the estimation in which they were held, I shall merely +extract a short account of the taking of Rosas in Catalonia, before +referring to the exploit which forms the subject of the following +ballad. "On the 27th of May, the company of officers and other Scottish +companies, were joined by two companies of Irish, to make up a battalion +in order to mount the trenches; and the major part of the officers +listed themselves in the company of grenadiers, under the command of the +brave Major Rutherford, who, on his way to the trenches, in sight of +Mareschal de Noailles and his court, marched with his company on the +side of the trench, which exposed him to the fire of a bastion, where +there were two culverins and several other guns planted; likewise to the +fire of two curtins lined with small shot. Colonel Brown, following with +the battalion, was obliged, in honour, to march the same way Major +Rutherford had done; the danger whereof the Mareschal immediately +perceiving, ordered one of his aides-de-camp to command Rutherford to +march under cover of the trench, which he did; and if he had but delayed +six minutes, the grenadiers and battalion had been cut to pieces. +Rutherford, with his grenadiers, marched to a trench near the town, and +the battalion to a trench on the rear and flank of the grenadiers, who +fired so incessantly on the besieged, that they thought (the trench +being practicable) they were going to make their attacks, immediately +beat a chamade, and were willing to give up the town upon reasonable +terms: but the Mareschal's demands were so exorbitant, that the Governor +could not agree to them. Then firing began on both sides to be very hot; +and they in the town, seeing how the grenadiers lay, killed eight of +them. When the Governor surrendered the town, he inquired of the +Mareschal what countrymen these grenadiers were; and assured him it was +on their account he delivered up the town, because they fired so hotly, +that he believed they were resolved to attack the breach. He answered, +smiling, _'Ces sont mes enfants_--They are my children.' Again; 'they +are the King of Great Britain's Scottish officers, who, to show their +willingness to share of his miseries, have reduced themselves to the +carrying of arms, and chosen to serve under my command.' The next day, +when the Mareschal rode along the front of the camp, he halted at the +company of the officers' piquet, and they all surrounded him. Then, with +his hat in his hand, he thanked them for their good services in the +trenches, and freely acknowledged it was their conduct and courage which +compelled the Governor to give up the town; and assured them he would +acquaint his master with the same, which he did. For when his son +arrived with the news at Versailles, the King, having read the letter, +immediately took coach to St. Germains; and when he had shown King James +the letter, he thanked him for the services his subjects had done in +taking Rosas in Catalonia; who, with concern, replied, they were the +stock of his British officers, and that he was sorry he could not make +better provision for them." + +And a miserable provision it was! They were gradually compelled to part +with every remnant of the property which they had secured from the ruins +of their fortunes; so that when they arrived, after various adventures, +at Scelestat, in Alsace, they were literally without the common means of +subsistence. Famine and the sword had, by this time, thinned their +ranks, but had not diminished their spirit, as the following narrative +of their last exploit will show:-- + +"In December 1697, General Stirk, who commanded for the Germans, +appeared with 16,000 men on the other side of the Rhine, which obliged +the Marquis de Sell to draw out all the garrisons in Alsace, who made up +about 4000 men; and he encamped on the other side of the Rhine, over +against General Stirk, to prevent his passing the Rhine and carrying a +bridge over into an island in the middle of it, which the French foresaw +would be of great prejudice to them. For the enemy's guns, placed on +that island, would extremely gall their camp, which they could not +hinder for the deepness of the water and their wanting of boats--for +which the Marquis quickly sent; but arriving too late, the Germans had +carried a bridge over into the island, where they had posted above five +hundred men, who, by order of their engineers, intrenched themselves: +which the company of officers perceiving, who always grasped after +honour, and scorned all thoughts of danger, resolved to wade the river, +and attack the Germans in the island; and for that effect, desired +Captain John Foster, who then commanded them, to beg of the Marquis that +they might have liberty to attack the Germans in the island; who told +Captain Foster, when the boats came up, they should be the first that +attacked. Foster courteously thanked the Marquis, and told him they +would wade into the island, who shrunk up his shoulders, prayed God to +bless them, and desired them to do what they pleased." Whereupon the +officers, with the other two Scottish companies, made themselves ready; +and having secured their arms round their necks, waded into the river +hand-in-hand, "according to the Highland fashion," with the water as +high as their breasts; and having crossed the heavy stream, fell upon +the Germans in their intrenchment. These were presently thrown into +confusion, and retreated, breaking down their own bridges, whilst many +of them were drowned. This movement, having been made in the dusk of the +evening, partook of the character of a surprise; but it appears to me a +very remarkable one, as having been effected under such circumstances, +in the dead of winter, and in the face of an enemy who possessed the +advantages both of position and of numerical superiority. The author of +the narrative adds:--"When the Marquis de Sell heard the firing, and +understood that the Germans were beat out of the island, he made the +sign of the cross on his face and breast, and declared publicly, that it +was the bravest action that ever he saw, and that his army had no honour +by it. As soon as the boats came, the Marquis sent into the island to +acquaint the officers that he would send them both troops and +provisions, who thanked his Excellency, and desired he should be +informed that they wanted no troops, and could not spare time to make +use of provisions, and only desired spades, shovels, and pickaxes, +wherewith they might intrench themselves--which were immediately sent to +them. The next morning, the Marquis came into the island, and kindly +embraced every officer, and thanked them for the good service they had +done his master, assuring them he would write a true account of their +honour and bravery to the Court of France, which, at the reading his +letters, immediately went to St. Germains, and thanked King James for +the services his subjects had done on the Rhine." + +The company kept possession of the island for nearly six weeks, +notwithstanding repeated attempts on the part of the Germans to surprise +and dislodge them; but all these having been defeated by the extreme +watchfulness of the Scots, General Stirk at length drew off his army and +retreated. "In consequence of this action," says the chronicler, "that +island is called at present Isle d'Ecosse, and will in likelihood bear +that name until the general conflagration." + +Two years afterwards, a treaty of peace was concluded; and this gallant +company of soldiers, worthy of a better fate, was broken up and +dispersed. At the time when the narrative, from which I have quoted so +freely, was compiled, not more than sixteen of Dundee's veterans were +alive. The author concludes thus,--"And thus was dissolved one of the +best companies that ever marched under command! Gentlemen, who, in the +midst of all their pressures and obscurity, never forgot they were +gentlemen; and whom the sweets of a brave, a just, and honourable +conscience, rendered perhaps more happy under those sufferings, than the +most prosperous and triumphant in iniquity, since our minds stamp our +happiness." + +Some years ago, while visiting the ancient Scottish convent at Ratisbon, +my attention was drawn to the monumental inscriptions on the walls of +the dormitory, many of which bear reference to gentlemen of family and +distinction, whose political principles had involved them in the +troubles of 1688, 1715, and 1745. Whether the cloister which now holds +their dust had afforded them a shelter in the later years of their +misfortunes, I know not; but for one that is so commemorated, hundreds +of the exiles must have passed away in obscurity, buried in the field on +which they fell, or carried from the damp vaults of the military +hospital to the trench, without any token of remembrance, or any other +wish beyond that which the minstrels have ascribed to one of the +greatest of our olden heroes-- + + "Oh bury me by the bracken bush, + Beneath the blooming brier: + Let never living mortal ken + That a kindly Scot lies here!" + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 2: _An account of Dundee's Officers after they went to +France_. By an Officer of the Army. London, 1714.] + + + + +THE ISLAND OF THE SCOTS + + + I. + + The Rhine is running deep and red, + The island lies before-- + "Now is there one of all the host + Will dare to venture o'er? + For not alone the river's sweep + Might make a brave man quail: + The foe are on the further side, + Their shot comes fast as hail. + God help us, if the middle isle + We may not hope to win! + Now, is there any of the host + Will dare to venture in?" + + + II. + + "The ford is deep, the banks are steep, + The island-shore lies wide: + Nor man nor horse could stem its force, + Or reach the further side. + See there! amidst the willow boughs + The serried bayonets gleam; + They've flung their bridge--they've won the isle; + The foe have crossed the stream! + Their volley flashes sharp and strong-- + By all the Saints, I trow, + There never yet was soldier born + Could force that passage now!" + + + III + + So spoke the bold French Mareschal + With him who led the van, + Whilst rough and red before their view + The turbid river ran. + Nor bridge nor boat had they to cross + The wild and swollen Rhine, + And thundering on the other bank + Far stretched the German line. + Hard by there stood a swarthy man + Was leaning on his sword, + And a saddened smile lit up his face + As he heard the Captain's word. + "I've seen a wilder stream ere now + Than that which rushes there; + I've stemmed a heavier torrent yet + And never thought to dare. + If German steel be sharp and keen, + Is ours not strong and true? + There may be danger in the deed, + But there is honour too." + + + IV. + + The old lord in his saddle turned, + And hastily he said-- + "Hath bold Dugueselin's fiery heart + Awakened from the dead? + Thou art the leader of the Scots-- + Now well and sure I know, + That gentle blood in dangerous hour + Ne'er yet ran cold nor slow, + And I have seen ye in the fight + Do all that mortal may: + If honour is the boon ye seek + It may be won this day. + The prize is in the middle isle, + There lies the venturous way; + And armies twain are on the plain, + The daring deed to see-- + Now ask thy gallant company + If they will follow thee!" + + + V. + + Right gladsome looked the Captain then, + And nothing did he say, + But he turned him to his little band-- + Oh few, I ween, were they! + The relics of the bravest force + That ever fought in fray. + No one of all that company + But bore a gentle name, + Not one whose fathers had not stood + In Scotland's fields of fame. + All they had marched with great Dundee + To where he fought and fell, + And in the deadly battle-strife + Had venged their leader well; + And they had bent the knee to earth + When every eye was dim, + As o'er their hero's buried corpse + They sang the funeral hymn; + And they had trod the Pass once more, + And stooped on either side + To pluck the heather from the spot + Where he had dropped and died; + And they had bound it next their hearts, + And ta'en a last farewell + Of Scottish earth and Scottish sky, + Where Scotland's glory fell. + Then went they forth to foreign lands + Like bent and broken men, + Who leave their dearest hope behind, + And may not turn again! + + + VI. + + "The stream," he said, "is broad and deep, + And stubborn is the foe-- + Yon island-strength is guarded well-- + Say, brothers, will ye go? + From home and kin for many a year + Our steps have wandered wide, + And never may our bones be laid + Our fathers' graves beside. + No sisters have we to lament, + No wives to wail our fall; + The traitor's and the spoiler's hand + Have reft our hearths of all. + But we have hearts, and we have arms + As strong to will and dare + As when our ancient banners flew + Within the northern air. + Come, brothers; let me name a spell + Shall rouse your souls again, + And send the old blood bounding free + Through pulse, and heart, and vein! + Call back the days of bygone years-- + Be young and strong once more; + Think yonder stream, so stark and red, + Is one we've crossed before. + Rise, hill and glen! rise, crag and wood! + Rise up on either hand-- + Again upon the Garry's banks, + On Scottish soil we stand! + Again I see the tartans wave, + Again the trumpets ring; + Again I hear our leader's call-- + 'Upon them, for the King!' + Stayed we behind that glorious day + For roaring flood or linn? + The soul of Graeme is with us still-- + Now, brothers! will ye in?" + + + VII. + + No stay--no pause. With one accord + They grasped each others' hand, + And plunged into the angry flood, + That bold and dauntless band. + High flew the spray above their heads, + Yet onward still they bore, + Midst cheer, and shout, and answering yell, + And shot and cannon roar. + "Now by the Holy Cross! I swear, + Since earth and sea began + Was never such a daring deed + Essayed by mortal man!" + + + VIII. + + Thick blew the smoke across the stream, + And faster flashed the flame: + The water plashed in hissing jets + As ball and bullet came. + Yet onwards pushed the Cavaliers + All stern and undismayed, + With thousand armed foes before, + And none behind to aid. + Once, as they neared the middle stream, + So strong the torrent swept, + That scarce that long and living wall, + Their dangerous footing kept. + Then rose a warning cry behind, + A joyous shout before: + "The current's strong--the way is long-- + They'll never reach the shore! + See, see! They stagger in the midst, + They waver in their line! + Fire on the madmen! break their ranks, + And whelm them in the Rhine!" + + + IX. + + Have you seen the tall trees swaying + When the blast is piping shrill, + And the whirlwind reels in fury + Down the gorges of the hill? + How they toss their mighty branches, + Striving with the tempest's shock; + How they keep their place of vantage, + Cleaving firmly to the rock? + Even so the Scottish warriors + Held their own against the river; + Though the water flashed around them, + Not an eye was seen to quiver; + Though the shot flew sharp and deadly, + Not a man relaxed his hold: + For their hearts were big and thrilling + With the mighty thoughts of old. + One word was spoke among them, + And through the ranks it spread-- + "Remember our dead Claverhouse!" + Was all the Captain said. + Then, sternly bending forward, + They struggled on awhile, + Until they cleared the heavy stream, + Then rushed towards the isle. + + + X. + + The German heart is stout and true, + The German arm is strong; + The German foot goes seldom back + Where armed foemen throng. + But never had they faced in field + So stern a charge before, + And never had they felt the sweep + Of Scotland's broad claymore. + Not fiercer pours the avalanche + Adown the steep incline, + That rises o'er the parent springs + Of rough and rapid Rhine-- + Scarce swifter shoots the bolt from heaven + Than came the Scottish band, + Right up against the guarded trench, + And o'er it, sword in hand. + In vain their leaders forward press-- + They meet the deadly brand! + O lonely island of the Rhine, + Where seed was never sown, + What harvest lay upon thy sands, + By those strong reapers thrown? + What saw the winter moon that night, + As, struggling through the rain, + She poured a wan and fitful light + On marsh, and stream, and plain? + A dreary spot with corpses strewn, + And bayonets glistening round; + A broken bridge, a stranded boat, + A bare and battered mound; + And one huge watch-fire's kindled pile, + That sent its quivering glare + To tell the leaders of the host + The conquering Scots were there! + + + XI. + + And did they twine the laurel-wreath + For those who fought so well? + And did they honour those who lived, + And weep for those who fell? + What meed of thanks was given to them + Let aged annals tell. + Why should they twine the laurel-wreath-- + Why crown the cup with wine? + It was not Frenchman's blood that flowed + So freely on the Rhine-- + A stranger band of beggared men + Had done the venturous deed: + The glory was to France alone, + The danger was their meed. + And what cared they for idle thanks + From foreign prince and peer? + What virtue had such honeyed words + The exiles' hearts to cheer? + What mattered it that men should vaunt, + And loud and fondly swear, + That higher feat of chivalry + Was never wrought elsewhere? + They bore within their breasts the grief + That fame can never heal-- + The deep, unutterable woe + Which none save exiles feel. + Their hearts were yearning for the land + They ne'er might see again-- + For Scotland's high and heathered hills, + For mountain, loch, and glen-- + For those who haply lay at rest + Beyond the distant sea, + Beneath the green and daisied turf + Where they would gladly be! + + + XII. + + Long years went by. The lonely isle + In Rhine's impetuous flood + Has ta'en another name from those + Who bought it with their blood: + And though the legend does not live, + For legends lightly die, + The peasant, as he sees the stream + In winter rolling by, + And foaming o'er its channel-bed + Between him and the spot + Won by the warriors of the sword, + Still calls that deep and dangerous ford + The Passage of the Scot. + + + + +CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + + +Though the sceptre had departed from the House of Stuart, it was +reserved for one of its last descendants to prove to the world, by his +personal gallantry and noble spirit of enterprise, that he at least had +not degenerated from his royal line of ancestors. The daring effort of +Charles Edward to recover the crown of these kingdoms for his father, is +to us the most remarkable incident of the last century. It was +honourable alike to the Prince and to those who espoused his cause; and, +even in a political point of view, the outbreak ought not to be +deplored, since its failure put an end for ever to the dynastical +struggle which, for more than half a century, had agitated the whole of +Britain, established the rule of law and of social order throughout the +mountainous districts of Scotland, and blended Celt and Saxon into one +prosperous and united people. It was better that the antiquated system +of clanship should have expired in a blaze of glory, than gradually +dwindled into contempt; better that the patriarchal rule should at once +have been extinguished by the dire catastrophe of Culloden, than that it +should have lingered on, the shadow of an old tradition. There is +nothing now to prevent us from dwelling with pride and admiration on the +matchless devotion displayed by the Highlanders, in 1745, in behalf of +the heir of him whom they acknowledged as their lawful king. No feeling +can arise to repress the interest and the sympathy which is excited by +the perusal of the tale narrating the sufferings of the princely +wanderer. That un-bought loyalty and allegiance of the heart, which +would not depart from its constancy until the tomb of the Vatican had +closed upon the last of the Stuart line, has long since been transferred +to the constitutional sovereign of these realms; and the enthusiastic +welcome which has so often greeted the return of Queen Victoria to her +Highland home, owes its origin to a deeper feeling than that dull +respect which modern liberalism asserts to be the only tribute due to +the first magistrate of the land. + +The campaign of 1745 yields in romantic interest to none which is +written in history. A young and inexperienced prince, whose person was +utterly unknown to any of his adherents, landed on the west coast of +Scotland, not at the head of a foreign force, not munimented with +supplies and arms, but accompanied by a mere handful of followers, and +ignorant of the language of the people amongst whom he was hazarding his +person. His presence in Scotland had not been urged by the chiefs of the +clans, most of whom were deeply averse to embarking in an enterprise +which must involve them in a war with so powerful an antagonist as +England, and which, if unsuccessful, could only terminate in the utter +ruin of their fortunes. This was not a cause in which the whole of +Scotland was concerned. Although it was well known that many leading +families in the Lowlands entertained Jacobite opinions, and although a +large proportion of the common people had not yet become reconciled to, +or satisfied of, the advantages of the Union, by which they considered +themselves dishonoured and betrayed, it was hardly to be expected that, +without some fair guarantee for success, the bulk of the Scottish nation +would actively bestir themselves on the side of the exiled family. +Besides this, even amongst the Highlanders there was not unanimity of +opinion. The three northern clans of Sutherland, Mackay, and Monro, were +known to be staunch supporters of the Government. It was doubtful what +part might be taken in the struggle by those of Mackenzie and Ross. The +chiefs of Skye, who could have brought a large force of armed men into +the field, had declined participating in the attempt. The assistance of +Lord Lovat, upon whom the co-operation of the Frasers might depend, +could not be calculated on with certainty; and nothing but hostility +could be expected from the powerful sept of the Campbells. Under such +circumstances, it is little wonder if Cameron of Locheill, the most +sagacious of all the chieftains who favoured the Stuart cause, was +struck with consternation and alarm at the news of the Prince's +landing, or that he attempted to persuade him from undertaking an +adventure so seemingly hopeless. Mr. Robert Chambers, in his admirable +history of that period, does not in the least exaggerate the importance +of the interview, on the result of which the prosecution of the war +depended. "On arriving at Borrodale, Locheill had a private interview +with the Prince, in which the probabilities of the enterprise were +anxiously debated. Charles used every argument to excite the loyalty of +Locheill, and the chief exerted all his eloquence to persuade the Prince +to withdraw till a better opportunity. Charles represented the present +as the best possible opportunity, seeing that the French general kept +the British army completely engaged abroad, while at home there were no +troops but one or two newly-raised regiments. He expressed his +confidence that a small body of Highlanders would be sufficient to gain +a victory over all the force that could now be brought against him; and +he was equally sure that such an advantage was all that was required to +make his friends at home declare in his favour, and cause those abroad +to send him assistance. All he wanted was that the Highlanders should +begin the war. Locheill still resisted, entreating Charles to be more +temperate, and consent to remain concealed where he was, till his +friends should meet together and concert what was best to be done. +Charles, whose mind was wound up to the utmost pitch of impatience, paid +no regard to this proposal, but answered that he was determined to put +all to the hazard. 'In a few days,' said he, 'with the few friends I +have, I will raise the royal standard, and proclaim to the people of +Britain that Charles Stuart is come over to claim the crown of his +ancestors--to win it, or to perish in the attempt! Locheill--who, my +father has often told me, was our firmest friend--may stay at home, and +learn from the newspapers the fate of his Prince!' 'No!' said Locheill, +stung by so poignant a reproach, and hurried away by the enthusiasm of +the moment; 'I will share the fate of my Prince, and so shall every man +over whom nature or fortune has given me any power.' Such was the +juncture upon which depended the civil war of 1745; for it is a point +agreed, says Mr. Home, who narrates this conversation, that if Locheill +had persisted in his refusal to take arms, no other chief would have +joined the standard, and the spark of rebellion must have been instantly +extinguished." Not more than twelve hundred men were assembled in +Glenfinnan on the day when the standard was unfurled by the Marquis of +Tullibardine, and, at the head of this mere handful of followers, +Charles Edward commenced the stupendous enterprise of reconquering the +dominions of his fathers. + +With a force which, at the battle of Preston, did not double the above +numbers, the Prince descended upon the Lowlands, having baffled the +attempts of General Cope to intercept his march--occupied the city of +Perth and the town of Dundee, and finally, after a faint show of +resistance on the part of the burghers, took possession of the ancient +capital of Scotland, and once more established a court in the halls of +Holyrood. His youth, his gallantry, and the grace and beauty of his +person, added to a most winning and affable address, acquired for him +the sympathy of many who, from political motives, abstained from +becoming his adherents. Possibly certain feelings of nationality, which +no deliberate views of civil or religious policy could altogether +extirpate, led such men to regard, with a sensation akin to pride, the +spectacle of a prince descended from the long line of Scottish kings, +again occupying his ancestral seat, and restoring to their country, +which had been utterly neglected by the new dynasty, a portion of its +former state. No doubt a sense of pity for the probable fate of one so +young and chivalrous was often present to their minds, for they had +thorough confidence in the intrepidity of the regular troops, and in the +capacity of their commander; and they never for a moment supposed that +these could be successfully encountered by a raw levy of undisciplined +Highlanders, ill-armed and worse equipped, and without the support of +any artillery. + +The issue of the battle of Prestonpans struck Edinburgh with amazement. +In point of numbers the two armies were nearly equal, but in every thing +else, save personal valour, the royal troops had the advantage. And yet, +_in four minutes_--for the battle is said not to have lasted +longer--the Highlanders having only made one terrific and impetuous +charge--the rout of the regulars was general. The infantry was broken +and cut to pieces; the dragoons, who behaved shamefully on the occasion, +turned bridle and fled, without having once crossed swords with the +enemy. Mr. Chambers thus terminates his account of the action: "The +general result of the battle of Preston may be stated as having been the +total overthrow and almost entire destruction of the royal army. Most of +the infantry, falling upon the park walls of Preston, were there huddled +together, without the power of resistance, into a confused drove, and +had either to surrender or to be cut to pieces. Many, in vainly +attempting to climb over the walls, fell an easy prey to the ruthless +claymore. Nearly 400, it is said, were thus slain, 700 taken, while only +about 170 in all succeeded in effecting their escape. + +"The dragoons, with worse conduct, were much more fortunate. In falling +back, they had the good luck to find outlets from their respective +positions by the roads which ran along the various extremities of the +park wall, and they thus got clear through the village with little +slaughter; after which, as the Highlanders had no horse to pursue them, +they were safe. Several officers, among whom were Fowkes and Lascelles, +escaped to Cockenzie and along Seton Sands, in a direction contrary to +the general flight. + +"The unfortunate Cope had attempted, at the first break of Gardiner's +dragoons, to stop and rally them, but was borne headlong, with the +confused bands, through the narrow road to the south of the enclosures, +notwithstanding all his efforts to the contrary. On getting beyond the +village, where he was joined by the retreating bands of the other +regiment, he made one anxious effort, with the Earls of Loudoun and +Home, to form and bring them back to charge the enemy, now disordered by +the pursuit; but in vain. They fled on, ducking their heads along their +horses' necks to escape the bullets which the pursuers occasionally sent +after them. By using great exertions, and holding pistols to the heads +of the troopers, Sir John and a few of his officers induced a small +number of them to halt in a field near St. Clement's Wells, about two +miles from the battle-ground. But, after a momentary delay, the +accidental firing of a pistol renewed the panic, and they rode off once +more in great disorder. Sir John Cope, with a portion of them, reached +Channelkirk at an early hour in the forenoon, and there halted to +breakfast, and to write a brief note to one of the state-officers, +relating the fate of the day. He then resumed his flight, and reached +Coldstream that night. Next morning he proceeded to Berwick, whose +fortifications seemed competent to give the security he required. He +everywhere brought the first tidings of his own defeat." + +This victory operated very much in favour of Prince Charles. It secured +him, for a season, the undisputed possession of Scotland, and enabled +numerous adherents from all parts of the country to raise such forces as +they could command, and to repair to his banner. His popularity in +Edinburgh daily increased, as the qualities of his person and mind +became known; and such testimony as the following, with respect to his +estimation by the fair sex, and the devotion they exhibited in his +cause, is not overcharged. "His affability and great personal grace +wrought him high favour with the ladies, who, as we learn from, the +letters of President Forbes, became generally so zealous in his cause, +as to have some serious effect in inducing their admirers to declare for +the Prince. There was, we know for certain, a Miss Lumsden, who plainly +told her lover, a young artist, named Robert Strange, that he might +think no more of her unless he should immediately join Prince Charles, +and thus actually prevailed upon him to take up arms. It may be added +that he survived the enterprise, escaped with great difficulty, and +married the lady. He was afterwards the best line-engraver of his time, +and received the honour of knighthood from George III. White ribbons and +breastknots became at this time conspicuous articles of female attire in +private assemblies. The ladies also showed considerable zeal in +contributing plate and other articles for the use of the Chevalier at +the palace, and in raising pecuniary subsidies for him. Many a +posset-dish and snuff-box, many a treasured necklace and repeater, many +a jewel which had adorned its successive generations of family +beauties, was at this time sold or laid in pledge, to raise a little +money for the service of Prince Charlie." + +As to the motives and intended policy of this remarkable and unfortunate +young man, it may be interesting to quote the terms of the proclamation +which he issued on the 10th October, 1745, before commencing his march +into England. Let his history be impartially read, his character, as +spoken to by those who knew him best, fairly noted, and I think there +cannot be a doubt that, had he succeeded in his daring attempt, he would +have been true to the letter of his word, and fulfilled a pledge which +Britain never more required than at the period when that document was +penned:-- + +"Do not the pulpits and congregations of the clergy, as well as your +weekly papers, ring with the dreadful threats of popery, slavery, +tyranny, and arbitrary power, which are now ready to be imposed upon you +by the formidable powers of France and Spain? Is not my royal father +represented as a bloodthirsty tyrant, breathing out nothing but +destruction to all who will not immediately embrace an odious religion? +Or have I myself been better used? But listen only to the naked truth. + +"I, with my own money, hired a small vessel. Ill-supplied with money, +arms, or friends, I arrived in Scotland, attended by seven persons. I +publish the King my father's declaration, and proclaim his title, with +pardon in one hand, and in the other liberty of conscience, and the most +solemn promises to grant whatever a free Parliament shall propose for +the happiness of a people. I have, I confess, the greatest reason to +adore the goodness of Almighty God, who has in so remarkable a manner +protected me and my small army through the many dangers to which we were +at first exposed, and who has led me in the way to victory, and to the +capital of this ancient kingdom, amidst the acclamations of the King my +father's subjects. Why, then, is so much pains taken to spirit up the +minds of the people against this my undertaking? + +"The reason is obvious; it is, lest the real sense of the nation's +present sufferings should blot out the remembrance of past misfortunes, +and of the outcries formerly raised against the royal family. Whatever +miscarriages might have given occasion to them, they have been more than +atoned for since; and the nation has now an opportunity of being secured +against the like in future. + +"That our family has suffered exile during these fifty-seven years +everybody knows. Has the nation, during that period of time, been the +more happy and flourishing for it? Have you found reason to love and +cherish your governors as the fathers of the people of Great Britain and +Ireland? Has a family, upon whom a faction unlawfully bestowed the +diadem of a rightful prince, retained a due sense of so great a trust +and favour? Have you found more humanity and condescension in those who +were not born to a crown, than in my royal forefathers? Have their ears +been open to the cries of the people? Have they, or do they consider +only the interests of these nations? Have you reaped any other benefit +from them than an immense load of debt? If I am answered in the +affirmative, why has their government been so often railed at in all +your public assemblies? Why has the nation been so long crying out in +vain for redress against the abuse of Parliaments, upon account of their +long duration, the multitude of placemen, which occasions their +venality, the introduction of penal laws, and, in general, against the +miserable situation of the kingdom at home and abroad? All these, and +many more inconveniences, must now be removed, unless the people of +Great Britain be already so far corrupted that they will not accept of +freedom when offered to them, seeing the King, on his restoration, will +refuse nothing that a free Parliament can ask for the security of the +religion, laws, and liberty of his people. + +"It is now time to conclude; and I shall do it with this reflection. +Civil wars are ever attended with rancour and ill-will, which party rage +never fails to produce in the minds of those whom different interests, +principles or views, set in opposition to one another. I, therefore, +earnestly require it of my friends to give as little loose as possible +to such passions: this will prove the most effectual means to prevent +the same in the enemies of my royal cause. And this my declaration will +vindicate to all posterity the nobleness of my undertaking, and the +generosity of my intentions." + +There was much truth in the open charges preferred in this declaration +against the existing government. The sovereigns of the house of Hanover +had always shown a marked predilection for their Continental +possessions, and had proportionally neglected the affairs of Britain. +Under Walpole's administration the imperial Parliament had degenerated +from an independent assembly to a junta of placemen, and the most +flagitious system of bribery was openly practised and avowed. It was not +without reason that Charles contrasted the state of the nation then, +with its position when under the rule of the legitimate family; and had +there not been a strong, though, I think, unreasonable suspicion in the +minds of many, that his success would be the prelude to a vigorous +attack upon the established religions of the country, and that he would +be inclined to follow out in this respect the fatal policy of his +grandfather, Charles would in all probability have received a more +active and general support than was accorded to him. The zeal with which +the Episcopalian party in Scotland espoused his cause, naturally gave +rise to the idea that the attempt of the Prince was of evil omen to +Presbytery; and the settlement of the Church upon its present footing +was yet so recent, that the sores of the old feud were still festering +and green. The established clergy, therefore, were, nearly to a man, +opposed to his pretensions; and one minister of Edinburgh, at the time +when the Highland host was in possession of the city, had the courage to +conclude his prayer nearly in the following terms--"Bless the king; Thou +knows what king I mean--may his crown long sit easy on his head. And as +to this young man who has come among us to seek an earthly crown, we +beseech Thee in mercy to take him to Thyself, and give him a crown of +glory!" At the same time, it is very curious to observe, that the most +violent sect of Presbyterians, who might be considered as the +representatives of the extreme Cameronian principle, and who had early +seceded from the Church, and bitterly opposed the union of the kingdoms, +were not indisposed, on certain terms, to coalesce with the Jacobites. +It is hardly possible to understand the motives which actuated these +men, who appear to have regarded each successive government as equally +obnoxious. Some writers go the length of averring that, in 1688, a +negociation was opened by one section of the Covenanters with Lord +Dundee, with the object of resistance to the usurpation of William of +Orange, and that the project was frustrated only by the death of that +heroic nobleman. Sir Walter Scott--a great authority--seems to have been +convinced that such was the case; but, in the absence of direct proof, +I can hardly credit it. It is perfectly well known that a conspiracy was +formed by a certain section of the Cameronian party to assassinate Lords +Dundee and Dunfermline whilst in attendance at the meeting of Estates; +and, although the recognition of William as king might not have been +palatable to others who held the same opinions, it would be a strange +thing if they had so suddenly resolved to assist Dundee in his efforts +for the exiled family. But the political changes in Scotland, more +especially the union, seem to have inspired some of these men with a +spirit of disaffection to the government; for, according to Mr. +Chambers, the most rigid sect of Presbyterians had, since the +revolution, expressed a strong desire to coalesce with the Jacobites, +with the hope, in case the house of Stuart were restored, to obtain what +they called a covenanted king. Of this sect one thousand had assembled +in Dumfriesshire at the first intelligence of the insurrection, bearing +arms and colours, and supposed to contemplate a junction with the +Chevalier. But these religionists were now almost as violently distinct +from the Established Church of Scotland as ever they had been from those +of England and Rome, and had long ceased to play a prominent part in the +national disputes. The Established clergy, and the greater part of their +congregations, were averse to Charles upon considerations perfectly +moderate, at the same time not easy to be shaken. + +On commencing his march into England, Charles found himself at the head +of an army of between five thousand and six thousand men, which force +was considered strong enough, with the augmentations it might receive on +the way, to effect the occupation of London. Had the English Jacobites +performed their part with the same zeal as the Scots, it is more than +probable that the attempt would have been crowned with success. As it +was, the Prince succeeded in reducing the strong fortified town of +Carlisle, and in marching, without opposition, through the heart of +England, as far as Derby, within one hundred miles of the metropolis. +But here his better genius deserted him. Discord had crept into his +councils; for some of the chiefs became seriously alarmed at finding +that the gentry of England were not prepared to join the expedition, but +preferred remaining at home inactive spectators of the contest. Except +at Manchester, they had received few or no recruits. No tidings had +reached them from Wales, a country supposed to be devoted to the cause +of King James, whilst it was well known that a large force was already +in arms to oppose the clans. Mr. Chambers gives us the following +details. "At a council of war held on the morning of the 5th December, +Lord George Murray and the other members gave it as their unanimous +opinion that the army ought to return to Scotland. Lord George pointed +out that they were about to be environed by three armies, amounting +collectively to about thirty thousand men, while their own forces were +not above five thousand, if so many. Supposing an unsuccessful +engagement with any of these armies, it could not be expected that one +man would escape, for the militia would beset every road. The Prince, if +not slain in the battle, must fall into the enemy's hands: the whole +world would blame them as fools for running into such a risk. Charles +answered, that he regarded not his own danger. He pressed, with all the +force of argument, to go forward. He did not doubt, he said, that the +justice of his cause would prevail. He was hopeful that there might be a +defection in the enemy's army, and that many would declare for him. He +was so very bent on putting all to the risk, that the Duke of Perth was +for it, since his Royal Highness was. At last he proposed going to Wales +instead of returning to Carlisle; but every other officer declared his +opinion for a retreat. These are nearly the words of Lord George Murray. +We are elsewhere told that the Prince condescended to use entreaties to +induce his adherents to alter their resolution. 'Rather than go back,' +he said, 'I would wish to be twenty feet under ground!' His chagrin, +when he found his councillors obdurate, was beyond all bounds. The +council broke up, on the understanding that the retreat was to commence +next morning, Lord George volunteering to take the place of honour in +the rear, provided only that he should not be troubled with the +baggage." + +This resolution was received by the army with marks of unequivocal +vexation. Retreat, in their estimation, was little less than overthrow; +and it was most galling to find that, after all their labours, hazards, +and toils, they were doomed to disappointment at the very moment when +the prize seemed ready for their grasp. That the movement was an +injudicious one is, I think, obvious. We are told, upon good authority, +"that the very boldness of the Prince's onward movement, especially +taken into connexion with the expected descent from France, had at +length disposed the English Jacobites to come out; and many were just on +the point of declaring themselves, and marching to join his army, when +the retreat from Derby was determined on. A Mr. Barry arrived in Derby +two days after the Prince left it, with a message from Sir Watkin +William Wynne and Lord Barrymore, to assure him, in the names of many +friends of the cause, that they were ready to join him in what manner he +pleased, either in the capital, or every one to rise in his own county. +I have likewise been assured that many of the Welsh gentry had actually +left their homes, and were on the way to join Charles, when intelligence +of his retreat at once sent them all back peaceably, convinced that it +was now too late to contribute their assistance. These men, from the +power they had over their tenantry, could have added materially to his +military force. In fact, from all that appears, we must conclude that +the insurgents had a very considerable chance of success from an onward +movement--also, no doubt, a chance of destruction, and yet not worse +than what ultimately befell many of them--while a retreat broke in a +moment the spell which their gallantry had conjured up, and gave the +enemy a great advantage over them." + +One victory more was accorded to Prince Charles, before his final +overthrow. After successfully conducting his retreat to Scotland, +occupying Glasgow, and strengthening his army by the accession of new +recruits, he gave battle to the royal forces under General Hawley at +Falkirk, and, as at Preston, drove them from the field. The parties were +on this occasion fairly matched, there being about eight thousand men +engaged on either side. The action was short; and, though not so +decisive as the former one, gave great confidence to the insurgents. It +has been thus picturesquely portrayed by the historian of the +enterprise: "Some individuals, who beheld the battle from the steeple of +Falkirk, used to describe these, its main events, as occupying a +surprisingly brief space of time. They first saw the English army enter +the misty and storm-covered muir at the top of the hill; then saw the +dull atmosphere thickened by a fast-rolling smoke, and heard the pealing +sounds of the discharge; immediately after, they beheld the discomfited +troops burst wildly from the cloud in which they had been involved, and +rush, in far-spread disorder, over the face of the hill. From the +commencement of what they styled 'the break of the battle,' there did +not intervene more than ten minutes--so soon may an efficient body of +men become, by one transient emotion of cowardice, a feeble and +contemptible rabble. + +"The rout would have been total, but for the three out-flanking +regiments. These not having been opposed by any of the clans, having a +ravine in front, and deriving some support from a small body of +dragoons, stood their ground under the command of General Huske and +Brigadier Cholmondley. When the Highlanders went past in pursuit, they +received a volley from this part of the English army, which brought them +to a pause, and caused them to draw back to their former ground, their +impression being that some ambuscade was intended. This saved the +English army from destruction. A pause took place, during which the bulk +of the English infantry got back to Falkirk. It was not until Lord +George Murray brought up the second line of his wing and the pickets, +with some others on the other wing, that General Huske drew off his +party, which he did in good order." + +The seat of war was now removed to the North. The month of April, 1746, +found Prince Charles in possession of Inverness, with an army sorely +dwindled in numbers, and in great want of necessaries and provisions. +Many of the Highlanders had retired for the winter to their native +glens, and had not yet rejoined the standard. The Duke of Cumberland, +who now commanded the English army, with a reputation not diminished by +the unfortunate issue of Fontenoy, was at the head of a large body of +tried and disciplined troops, in the best condition, and supported by +the powerful arm of artillery. He effected the passage of the Spey, a +large and rapid river which intersects the Highlands, without +encountering any opposition, and on the 15th of the month had arrived at +Nairn, about nine miles distant from the position occupied by his +kinsman and opponent. His superiority in point of strength was so great +that the boldest of the insurgent chiefs hesitated as to the policy of +giving immediate battle, and nothing but the desire of covering +Inverness prevented the council from recommencing a further retreat into +the mountains, where they could not have been easily followed, and where +they were certain to have met with reinforcements. As to the Prince, his +confidence in the prowess of the Highlanders was so unbounded, that, +even with such odds against him, he would not listen to a proposal for +delay. + +There yet remained, says Mr. Chambers, before playing the great stake of +a pitched battle, one chance of success by the irregular mode of warfare +to which the army was accustomed, and Charles resolved to put it to +trial. This was a night-attack upon the camp of the Duke of Cumberland. +He rightly argued that if his men could approach without being +discovered, and make a simultaneous attack in more than one place, the +royal forces, then probably either engaged in drinking their commander's +health (the 15th happened to be the anniversary of the Duke's birthday, +and was celebrated as such by his army), or sleeping off the effects of +the debauch, must be completely surprised and cut to pieces, or at least +effectually routed. The time appointed for setting out upon the march +was eight in the evening, when daylight should have completely +disappeared, and, in the mean time, great pains were taken to conceal +the secret from the army. + +This resolution was entered into at three in the afternoon, and orders +were given to collect the men who had gone off in search of provisions. +The officers dispersed themselves to Inverness and other places, and +besought the stragglers to repair to the muir. But, under the influence +of hunger, they told their commanders to shoot them, if they pleased, +rather than compel them to starve any longer. Charles had previously +declared, with his characteristic fervour, that though only a thousand +of his men should accompany him, he would lead them on to the attack, +and he was not now intimidated when he saw twice that number ready to +assist in the enterprise, though some of his officers would willingly +have made this deficiency of troops an excuse for abandoning what they +esteemed at best a hazardous expedition. Having given out for watchword +the name of his father, he embraced Lord George Murray, who was to +command the foremost column, and, putting himself at the head of that +which followed, gave the order to march. + +The attempt proved peculiarly unfortunate, and, from the fatigue which +it occasioned to the Highlanders, contributed in a great degree towards +the disaster of the following day. The night chanced to be uncommonly +dark, and as it was well known that Cumberland had stationed spies on +the principal roads, it became necessary to select a devious route, in +order to effect a surprise. The columns, proceeding over broken and +irregular ground, soon became scattered and dislocated: no exertions of +the officers could keep the men together, so that Lord George Murray at +two o'clock found that he was still distant three miles from the hostile +camp, and that there were no hopes of commencing the attack before the +break of day, when they would be open to the observation of the enemy. +Under these circumstances a retreat was commenced; and the scheme, which +at one time seemed to hold out every probability of success, was +abandoned. + +"The Highlanders returned, fatigued and disconsolate, to their former +position, about seven in the morning, when they immediately addressed +themselves to sleep, or went away in search of provisions. So scarce was +food at this critical juncture, that the Prince himself, on retiring to +Culloden House, could obtain no better refreshment than a little bread +and whisky. He felt the utmost anxiety regarding his men, among whom +the pangs of hunger, upon bodies exhausted by fatigue, must have been +working effects most unpromising to his success; and he gave orders, +before seeking any repose, that the whole country should now be +mercilessly ransacked for the means of refreshment. His orders were not +without effect. Considerable supplies were procured, and subjected to +the cook's art at Inverness; but the poor famished clansmen were +destined never to taste these provisions, the hour of battle arriving +before they were prepared." + +About eleven in the forenoon, the troops of Cumberland were observed +upon the eastern extremity of the wide muir of Culloden, and +preparations were instantly made for the coming battle. The army had +been strengthened that morning by the arrival of the Keppoch Macdonalds +and a party of the Frasers; but even with these reinforcements the whole +available force which the Prince could muster was about five thousand +men, to oppose at fearful odds an enemy twice as numerous, and heavily +supported by artillery. Fortune on this day seemed to have deserted the +Prince altogether. In drawing out the line of battle, a most unlucky +arrangement was made by O'Sullivan, who acted as adjutant, whereby the +Macdonald regiments were removed from the right wing--the place which +the great clan Colla has been privileged to hold in Scottish array ever +since the auspicious battle of Bannockburn. To those who are not +acquainted with the peculiar temper and spirit of the Highlanders, and +their punctilio upon points of honour and precedence, the question of +arrangement will naturally appear a matter of little importance. But it +was not so felt by the Macdonalds, who considered their change of +position as a positive degradation, and who further looked upon it as an +evil omen to the success of the battle. The results of this mistake will +be explained immediately. + +Just before the commencement of the action, the weather, which had +hitherto been fair and sunny, became overcast, and a heavy blast of rain +and sleet beat directly in the faces of the Highlanders. The English +artillery then began to play upon them, and, being admirably served, +every discharge told with fearful effect upon the ranks. The chief +object of either party at the battle of Culloden seems to have been to +force its opponent to leave his position, and to commence the attack. +Cumberland, finding that his artillery was doing such execution, had no +occasion to move; and Charles appears to have committed a great error in +abandoning a mode of warfare which was peculiarly suited for his troops, +and which, on two previous occasions, had proved eminently successful. +Had he at once ordered a general charge, and attempted to silence the +guns, the issue of the day might have been otherwise: but his +unfortunate star prevailed. + +"It was not," says Mr. Chambers, "till the cannonade had continued +nearly half an hour, and the Highlanders had seen many of their kindred +stretched upon the heath, that Charles at last gave way to the necessity +of ordering a charge. The aide-de-camp intrusted to carry his message to +the Lieutenant-general--a youth of the name of Maclachlan--was killed by +a cannon-ball before he reached the first line, but the general +sentiment of the army, as reported to Lord George Murray, supplied the +want, and that general took it upon him to order an attack without +Charles's permission having been communicated. + +"Lord George had scarcely determined upon ordering a general movement, +when the Macintoshes, a brave and devoted clan, though not before +engaged in action, unable any longer to brook the unavenged slaughter +made by the cannon, broke from the centre of the line, and rushed +forward through smoke and snow to mingle with the enemy. The Athole men, +Camerons, Stuarts, Frasers, and Macleans also went on, Lord George +Murray heading them with that rash bravery befitting the commander of +such forces. Thus, in the course of one or two minutes, the charge was +general along the whole line, except at the left extremity, where the +Macdonalds, dissatisfied with their position, hesitated to engage. + +"The action and event of the onset were, throughout, quite as dreadful +as the mental emotion which urged it. Notwithstanding that the three +files of the front line of English poured forth their incessant fire of +musketry--notwithstanding that the cannon, now loaded with grapeshot, +swept the field as with a hailstorm--notwithstanding the flank fire of +Wolfe's regiment--onward, onward went the headlong Highlanders, flinging +themselves into, rather than rushing upon, the lines of the enemy, +which, indeed, they did not see for smoke, till involved among the +weapons. All that courage, all that despair could do, was done. It was a +moment of dreadful and agonising suspense, but only a moment--for the +whirlwind does not reap the forest with greater rapidity than the +Highlanders cleared the line. Nevertheless, almost every man in their +front rank, chief and gentleman, fell before the deadly weapons which +they had braved; and, although the enemy gave way, it was not till every +bayonet was bent and bloody with the strife. + +"When the first line had thus been swept aside, the assailants continued +their impetuous advance till they came near the second, when, being +almost annihilated by a profuse and well-directed fire, the shattered +remains of what had been before a numerous and confident force began to +give way. Still a few rushed on, resolved rather to die than forfeit +their well-acquired and dearly-estimated honour. They rushed on; but not +a man ever came in contact with the enemy. The last survivor perished as +he reached the points of the bayonets." + +Some idea of the determination displayed by the Highlanders in this +terrific charge may be gathered from the fact that, in one part of the +field, their bodies were afterwards found in layers of three and four +deep. The slaughter was fearful, for, out of the five regiments which +charged the English, almost all the leaders and men in the front rank +were killed. So shaken was the English line, that, had the Macdonald +regiments, well-known to yield in valour to none of the clans, come up, +the fortune of the day might have been altered. But they never made an +onset. Smarting and sullen at the affront which they conceived to have +been put upon their name, they bore the fire of the English regiments +without flinching, and gave way to their rage by hewing at the heather +with their swords. In vain their chiefs exhorted them to go forward: +even at that terrible moment the pride of clanship prevailed. "My God!" +cried Macdonald of Keppoch, "has it come to this, that the children of +my tribe have forsaken me!" and he rushed forward alone, sword in hand, +with the devotion of an ancient hero, and fell pierced with bullets. + +The Lowland and foreign troops which formed the second line were +powerless to retrieve the disaster. All was over. The rout became +general, and the Prince was forced from the field, which he would not +quit, until dragged from it by his immediate bodyguard. + +Such was the last battle, the result of civil war, which has been fought +on British soil. Those who were defeated have acquired as much glory +from it as the conquerors--and even more, for never was a conquest +sullied by such deeds of deliberate cruelty as were perpetrated upon the +survivors of the battle of Culloden. It is not, however, the object of +the present paper to recount these, or even the romantic history or +hairbreadth escapes of the Prince, whilst wandering on the mainland and +through the Hebrides. Although a reward of thirty thousand pounds--an +immense sum for the period--was set upon his head--although his secret +was known to hundreds of persons in every walk of life, and even to the +beggar and the outlaw--not one attempted to betray him. Not one of all +his followers, in the midst of the misery which overtook them, regretted +having drawn the sword in his cause, or would not again have gladly +imperilled their lives for the sake of their beloved Chevalier. "He +went," says Lord Mahon, "but not with him departed his remembrance from +the Highlanders. For years and years did his name continue enshrined in +their hearts and familiar to their tongues, their plaintive ditties +resounding with his exploits and inviting his return. Again, in these +strains, do they declare themselves ready to risk life and fortune for +his cause; and even maternal fondness--the strongest, perhaps, of all +human feelings--yields to the passionate devotion to Prince Charlie." + +The subsequent life of the Prince is a story of melancholy interest. We +find him at first received in France with all the honours due to one +who, though unfortunate, had exhibited a heroism rarely equalled and +never surpassed: gradually he was neglected and slighted, as one of a +doomed and unhappy race, whom no human exertion could avail to elevate +to their former seat of power; and finally, when his presence in France +became an obstacle to the conclusion of peace, he was violently arrested +and conveyed out of the kingdom. There can be little doubt that +continued misfortune and disappointment had begun very early to impair +his noble mind. For long periods he was a wanderer, lost sight of by his +friends and even by his father and brother. There are fragments of his +writing extant which show how poignantly he felt the cruelty of his +fortune. "De vivre et pas vivre est beaucoup plus que de mourir!" And +again, writing to his father's secretary, eight years after Culloden, he +says--"I am grieved that our master should think that my silence was +either neglect or want of duty; but, in reality, my situation is such +that I have nothing to say but imprecations against the fatality of +being born in such a detestable age." An unhappy and uncongenial +marriage tended still more to embitter his existence; and if at last he +yielded to frailties, which inevitably insure degradation, it must be +remembered that his lot had been one to which few men have ever been +exposed, and the magnitude of his sufferings may fairly be admitted as +some palliation for his weakness. + +To the last, his heart was with Scotland. The following anecdote was +related by his brother, Cardinal York, to Bishop Walker, the late +Primus of the Episcopal Church of Scotland:--"Mr. Greathead, a personal +friend of Mr. Fox, succeeded, when at Rome in 1782 or 1783, in obtaining +an interview with Charles Edward; and, being alone with him for some +time, studiously led the conversation to his enterprise in Scotland, and +to the occurrences which succeeded the failure of that attempt. The +Prince manifested some reluctance to enter upon these topics, appearing +at the same time to undergo so much mental suffering, that his guest +regretted the freedom he had used in calling up the remembrance of his +misfortunes. At length, however, the Prince seemed to shake off the load +which oppressed him; his eye brightened, his face assumed unwonted +animation, and he entered upon the narrative of his Scottish campaigns +with a distinct but somewhat vehement energy of manner--recounted his +marches, his battles, his victories, his retreats, and his +defeats--detailed his hairbreadth escapes in the Western Isles, the +inviolable and devoted attachment of his Highland friends, and at length +proceeded to allude to the terrible penalties with which the chiefs +among them had been visited. But here the tide of emotion rose too high +to allow him to go on--his voice faltered, his eyes became fixed, and he +fell convulsed on the floor. The noise brought into his room his +daughter, the Duchess of Albany, who happened to be in an adjoining +apartment. 'Sir,' she exclaimed, 'what is this? You have been speaking +to my father about Scotland and the Highlanders! No one dares to +mention those subjects in his presence.'" + +He died on the 30th of January, 1788, in the arms of the Master of +Nairn. The monument erected to him, his father, and brother, in St. +Peter's, by desire of George IV., was perhaps the most graceful tribute +ever paid by royalty to misfortune--REGIO CINERI PIETAS REGIA. + + + + +CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES + + +ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF CULLODEN + + + Take away that star and garter-- + Hide them from my aching sight: + Neither king nor prince shall tempt me + From my lonely room this night; + Fitting for the throneless exile + Is the atmosphere of pall, + And the gusty winds that shiver + 'Neath the tapestry on the wall. + When the taper faintly dwindles + Like the pulse within the vein, + That to gay and merry measure + Ne'er may hope to bound again, + Let the shadows gather round me + While I sit in silence here, + Broken-hearted, as an orphan + Watching by his father's bier. + Let me hold my still communion + Far from every earthly sound-- + Day of penance--day of passion-- + Ever, as the year comes round; + Fatal day, whereon the latest + Die was cast for me and mine-- + Cruel day, that quelled the fortunes + Of the hapless Stuart line! + Phantom-like, as in a mirror, + Rise the griesly scenes of death-- + There before me, in its wildness, + Stretches bare Culloden's heath: + There the broken clans are scattered, + Gaunt as wolves, and famine-eyed, + Hunger gnawing at their vitals, + Hope abandoned, all but pride-- + Pride, and that supreme devotion + Which the Southron never knew, + And the hatred, deeply rankling, + 'Gainst the Hanoverian crew. + Oh, my God! are these the remnants, + These the wrecks of the array + That around the royal standard + Gathered on the glorious day, + When, in deep Glenfinnan's valley; + Thousands, on their bended knees, + Saw once more that stately ensign + Waving in the northern breeze, + When the noble Tullibardine + Stood beneath its weltering fold, + With the Ruddy Lion ramping + In the field of tressured gold, + When the mighty heart of Scotland, + All too big to slumber more, + Burst in wrath and exultation, + Like a huge volcano's roar? + There they stand, the battered columns, + Underneath the murky sky, + In the hush of desperation, + Not to conquer, but to die. + Hark! the bagpipe's fitful wailing: + Not the pibroch loud and shrill, + That, with hope of bloody banquet, + Lured the ravens from the hill, + But a dirge both low and solemn, + Fit for ears of dying men, + Marshalled for their latest battle, + Never more to fight again. + Madness--madness! Why this shrinking? + Were we less inured to war + When our reapers swept the harvest + From the field of red Dunbar? + Bring my horse, and blow the trumpet! + Call the riders of Fitz-James: + Let Lord Lewis head the column! + Valiant chiefs of mighty names-- + Trusty Keppoch, stout Glengarry, + Gallant Gordon, wise Locheill-- + Bid the clansmen hold together, + Fast, and fell, and firm as steel. + Elcho, never look so gloomy-- + What avails a saddened brow? + Heart, man, heart! we need it sorely, + Never half so much, as now. + Had we but a thousand troopers, + Had we but a thousand more! + Noble Perth, I hear them coming!-- + Hark! the English cannons' roar. + God! how awful sounds that volley, + Bellowing through the mist and rain! + Was not that the Highland slogan? + Let me hear that shout again! + Oh, for prophet eyes to witness + How the desperate battle goes! + Cumberland! I would not fear thee, + Could my Camerons see their foes. + Sound, I say, the charge at venture-- + 'Tis not naked steel we fear; + Better perish in the melee + Than be shot like driven deer; + Hold! the mist begins to scatter! + There in front 'tis rent asunder, + And the cloudy bastion crumbles + Underneath the deafening thunder; + There I see the scarlet gleaming! + Now, Macdonald--now or never!-- + Woe is me, the clans are broken! + Father, thou art lost for ever! + Chief and vassal, lord and yeoman, + There they lie in heaps together, + Smitten by the deadly volley, + Rolled in blood upon the heather; + And the Hanoverian horsemen, + Fiercely riding to and fro, + Deal their murderous strokes at random.-- + Ah, my God! where am I now? + Will that baleful vision never + Vanish from my aching sight? + Must those scenes and sounds of terror + Haunt me still by day and night? + Yea, the earth hath no oblivion + For the noblest chance it gave, + None, save in its latest refuge-- + Seek it only in the grave! + Love may die, and hatred slumber, + And their memory will decay, + As the watered garden recks not + Of the drought of yesterday; + But the dream of power once broken, + What shall give repose again? + What shall charm the serpent-furies + Coiled around the maddening brain? + What kind draught can nature offer + Strong enough to lull their sting? + Better to be born a peasant + Than to live an exiled king! + Oh, these years of bitter anguish!-- + What is life to such as me, + With my very heart as palsied + As a wasted cripple's knee! + Suppliant-like for alms depending + On a false and foreign court, + Jostled by the flouting nobles, + Half their pity, half their sport. + Forced to hold a place in pageant, + Like a royal prize of war, + Walking with dejected features + Close behind his victor's car, + Styled an equal--deemed a servant-- + Fed with hopes of future gain-- + Worse by far is fancied freedom + Than the captive's clanking chain! + Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower, + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower; + Birds around her sweetly singing, + Fluttering on the kindling spray, + And the comely garden glowing + In the light of rosy May. + Love descended to the window-- + Love removed the bolt and bar-- + Love was warder to the lovers + From the dawn to even-star. + Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France? + Where the words of hope she whispered, + When around my neck she threw + That same scarf of broidered tissue, + Bade me wear it and be true-- + Bade me send it as a token + When my banner waved once more + On the castled Keep of London, + Where my fathers' waved before? + And I went and did not conquer-- + But I brought it back again-- + Brought it back from storm and battle-- + Brought it back without a stain; + And once more I knelt before her, + And I laid it at her feet, + Saying, "Wilt thou own it, Princess? + There at least is no defeat!" + Scornfully she looked upon me + With a measured eye and cold-- + Scornfully she viewed the token, + Though her fingers wrought the gold; + And she answered, faintly flushing, + "Hast thou kept it, then, so long? + Worthy matter for a minstrel + To be told in knightly song! + Worthy of a bold Provencal, + Pacing through the peaceful plain, + Singing of his lady's favour, + Boasting of her silken chain, + Yet scarce worthy of a warrior + Sent to wrestle for a crown. + Is this all that thou hast brought me + From thy fields of high renown? + Is this all the trophy carried + From the lands where thou hast been? + It was broidered by a Princess, + Canst thou give it to a Queen?" + Woman's love is writ in water! + Woman's faith is traced in sand! + Backwards--backwards let me wander + To the noble northern land: + Let me feel the breezes blowing + Fresh along the mountain-side; + Let me see the purple heather, + Let me hear the thundering tide, + Be it hoarse as Corrievreckan + Spouting when the storm is high-- + Give me but one hour of Scotland-- + Let me see it ere I die! + Oh, my heart is sick and heavy-- + Southern gales are not for me; + Though the glens are white with winter, + Place me there, and set me free; + Give me back my trusty comrades-- + Give me back my Highland maid-- + Nowhere beats the heart so kindly + As beneath the tartan plaid! + Flora! when thou wert beside me, + In the wilds of far Kintail-- + When the cavern gave us shelter + From the blinding sleet and hail-- + When we lurked within the thicket, + And, beneath the waning moon, + Saw the sentry's bayonet glimmer, + Heard him chant his listless tune-- + When the howling storm o'ertook us, + Drifting down the island's lee, + And our crazy bark was whirling + Like a nutshell on the sea-- + When the nights were dark and dreary, + And amidst the fern we lay, + Faint and foodless, sore with travel, + Waiting for the streaks of day; + When thou wert an angel to me, + Watching my exhausted sleep-- + Never didst thou hear me murmur-- + Couldst thou see how now I weep! + Bitter tears and sobs of anguish, + Unavailing though they be: + Oh, the brave--the brave and noble-- + That have died in vain for me! + + + + +NOTES TO + + +"CHARLES EDWARD AT VERSAILLES" + + + _Could I change this gilded bondage + Even for the dusky tower + Whence King James beheld his lady + Sitting in the castle bower_.--p. 168. + +James I. of Scotland, one of the most accomplished kings that ever sate +upon a throne, is the person here indicated. His history is a very +strange and romantic one. He was son of Robert III., and immediate +younger brother of that unhappy Duke of Rothesay who was murdered at +Falkland. His father, apprehensive of the designs and treachery of +Albany, had determined to remove him, when a mere boy, for a season from +Scotland; and as France was then considered the best school for the +education of one so important from his high position, it was resolved to +send him thither, under the care of the Earl of Orkney, and Fleming of +Cumbernauld. He accordingly embarked at North Berwick, with little +escort--as there was a truce for the time between England and Scotland; +and they were under no apprehension of meeting with any vessels, save +those of the former nation. Notwithstanding this, the ship which carried +the Prince was captured by an armed merchantman, and carried to London, +where Henry IV., the usurping Bolingbroke, utterly regardless of +treaties, committed him and his attendants to the Tower. + +"In vain," says Mr. Tytler, "did the guardians of the young Prince +remonstrate against this cruelty, or present to Henry a letter from the +King his father, which, with much simplicity, recommended him to the +kindness of the English monarch, should he find it necessary to land in +his dominions. In vain did they represent that the mission to France was +perfectly pacific, and its only object the education of the prince at +the French court. Henry merely answered by a poor witticism, declaring +that he himself knew the French language indifferently well, and that +his father could not have sent him to a better master. So flagrant a +breach of the law of nations, as the seizure and imprisonment of the +heir-apparent, during the time of truce, would have called for the most +violent remonstrances from any government, except that of Albany. But to +this usurper of the supreme power, the capture of the Prince was the +most grateful event which could have happened; and to detain him in +captivity became, from this moment, one of the principal objects of his +future life; we are not to wonder, then, that the conduct of Henry not +only drew forth no indignation from the governor, but was not even +followed by any request that the prince should be set at liberty. + +"The aged King, already worn out by infirmity, and now broken by +disappointment and sorrow, did not long survive the captivity of his +son. It is said the melancholy news were brought him as he was sitting +down to supper in his palace of Rothesay in Bute, and that the effect +was such upon his affectionate but feeble spirit, that he drooped from +that day forward, refused all sustenance, and died soon after of a +broken heart." + +James was finally incarcerated in Windsor Castle, where he endured an +imprisonment of nineteen years. Henry, though he had not hesitated to +commit a heinous breach of faith, was not so cruel as to neglect the +education of his captive. The young King was supplied with the best +masters; and gradually became an adept in all the accomplishments of the +age. He is a singular exception from the rule which maintains that +monarchs are indifferent authors. As a poet, he is entitled to a very +high rank indeed, being, I think, in point of sweetness and melody of +verse, not much inferior to Chaucer. From the window of his chamber in +the Tower, he had often seen a young lady, of great beauty and grace, +walking in the garden; and the admiration which at once possessed him +soon ripened into love. This was Lady Jane Beaufort, daughter of the +Earl of Somerset and niece of Henry IV., and who afterwards became his +queen. How he loved and how he wooed her is told in his own beautiful +poem of "The King's Quhair," of which the following are a few stanzas:-- + + "Now there was made, fast by the towris wall, + A garden fair; and in the corners set + An arbour green, with wandis long and small + Railed about, and so with trees set + Was all the place, and hawthorn hedges knet, + That lyf was none walking there forbye, + That might within scarce any wight espy. + + "So thick the boughis and the leavis greene + Beshaded all the alleys that there were, + And mids of every arbour might be seen + The sharpe, greene, sweete juniper, + Growing so fair, with branches here and there, + That, as it seemed to a lyf without, + The boughis spread the arbour all about. + + "And on the smalle greene twistis sat + The little sweet nightingale, and sung + So loud and clear the hymnis consecrat + Of lovis use, now soft, now loud among, + That all the gardens and the wallis rung + Right of their song. + + "And therewith cast I down mine eyes again, + Where as I saw, walking under the tower, + Full secretly, now comen here to plain, + The fairest or the freshest younge flower + That e'er I saw, methought, before that hour: + For which sudden abate, anon astart + The blood of all my body to my heart. + + "And though I stood abasit for a lite, + No wonder was; for why? my wittis all + Were so o'ercome with pleasance and delight-- + Only through letting of my eyen fall-- + That suddenly my heart became her thrall + For ever of free will, for of menace + There was no token in her sweete face." + + _Wherefore, Love, didst thou betray me? + Where is now the tender glance? + Where the meaning looks once lavished + By the dark-eyed Maid of France?_--p. 168. + +There appears to be no doubt that Prince Charles was deeply attached to +one of the princesses of the royal family of France. In the interesting +collection called "Jacobite Memoirs," compiled by Mr. Chambers from the +voluminous MSS. of Bishop Forbes, we find the following passage from the +narrative of Donald Macleod, who acted as a guide to the wanderer whilst +traversing the Hebrides:--"When Donald was asked, if ever the Prince +used to give any particular toast, when they were taking a cup of cold +water, or the like; he said that the Prince very often drank to the +Black Eye--by which, said Donald, he meant the second daughter of +France, and I never heard him name any particular health but that alone. +When he spoke of that lady--which he did frequently--he appeared to be +more than ordinarily well pleased." + + + + +THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + +The "gentle Locheill" may he considered as the pattern of a Highland +Chief. Others who headed the insurrection may have been actuated by +motives of personal ambition, and by a desire for aggrandisement; but no +such charge can be made against the generous and devoted Cameron. He +was, as we have already seen, the first who attempted to dissuade the +Prince from embarking in an enterprise which he conscientiously believed +to be desperate; but, having failed in doing so, he nobly stood firm to +the cause which his conscience vindicated as just, and cheerfully +imperilled his life, and sacrificed his fortune, at the bidding of his +master. There was no one, even among those who espoused the other side, +in Scotland, who did not commiserate the misfortunes of this truly +excellent man, whose humanity was not less conspicuous than his valour +throughout the civil war, and who died in exile of a broken heart. + +Perhaps the best type of the Lowland Cavalier of that period, may be +found in the person of Alexander Forbes, Lord Pitsligo, a nobleman whose +conscientious views impelled him to take a different side from that +adopted by the greater part of his house and name. Lord Forbes, the head +of this very ancient and honourable family, was one of the first +Scottish noblemen who declared for King William. Lord Pitsligo, on the +contrary, having been educated abroad, and early introduced to the +circle at Saint Germains, conceived a deep personal attachment to the +members of the exiled line. He was anything but an enthusiast, as his +philosophical and religious writings, well worthy of a perusal, will +show. He was the intimate friend of Fenelon, and throughout his whole +life was remarkable rather for his piety and virtue, than for keenness +in political dispute. + +After his return from France, Lord Pitsligo took his seat in the +Scottish Parliament, and his parliamentary career has thus been +characterised by a former writer.[3] "Here it is no discredit either to +his head or heart to say, that, obliged to become a member of one of the +contending factions of the time, he adopted that which had for its +object the independence of Scotland, and restoration of the ancient race +of monarchs. The advantages which were in future to arise from the great +measure of a national union were so hidden by the mist of prejudice, +that it cannot be wondered at if Lord Pitsligo, like many a +high-spirited man, saw nothing but disgrace in a measure forced on by +such corrupt means, and calling in its commencement for such mortifying +national sacrifices. The English nation, indeed, with a narrow, yet not +unnatural, view of their own interest, took such pains to encumber and +restrict the Scottish commercial privileges that it was not till the +best part of a century after the event that the inestimable fruits of +the treaty began to be felt and known. This distant period Lord Pitsligo +could not foresee. He beheld his countrymen, like the Israelites of +yore, led into the desert; but his merely human eye could not foresee +that, after the extinction of a whole race--after a longer pilgrimage +than that of the followers of Moses--the Scottish people should at +length arrive at that promised land, of which the favourers of the Union +held forth so gay a prospect. + +"Looking upon the Act of Settlement of the Crown, and the Act of +Abjuration, as unlawful, Lord Pitsligo retired to his house in the +country, and threw up attendance on Parliament. Upon the death of Queen +Anne he joined himself in arms with a general insurrection of the +Highlanders and Jacobites, headed by his friend and relative the Earl of +Mar. + +"Mar, a versatile statesman and an able intriguer, had consulted his +ambition rather than his talents when he assumed the command of such an +enterprise. He sunk beneath the far superior genius of the Duke of +Argyle; and after the undecisive battle of Sheriffmuir, the confederacy +which he had formed, but was unable to direct, dissolved like a +snow-ball, and the nobles concerned in it were fain to fly abroad. This +exile was Lord Pitsligo's fate for five or six years. Part of the time +he spent at the Court, if it can be called so, of the old Chevalier de +Saint George, where existed all the petty feuds, chicanery, and crooked +intrigues which subsist in a real scene of the same character, although +the objects of the ambition which prompts such arts had no existence. +Men seemed to play at being courtiers in that illusory court, as +children play at being soldiers." + +It would appear that Lord Pitsligo was not attainted for his share in +Mar's rebellion. He returned to Scotland in 1720, and resided at his +castle in Aberdeenshire, not mingling in public affairs, but gaining, +through his charity, kindness, and benevolence, the respect and +affection of all around him. He was sixty-seven years of age when +Charles Edward landed in Scotland. The district in which the estates of +Lord Pitsligo lay was essentially Jacobite, and the young cavaliers only +waited for a fitting leader to take up arms in the cause. According to +Mr. Home, his example was decisive of the movement of his neighbours: +"So when he who was so wise and prudent declared his purpose of joining +Charles, most of the gentlemen in that part of the country who favoured +the Pretender's cause, put themselves under his command, thinking they +could not follow a better or safer guide than Lord Pitsligo." His +Lordship's own account of the motives which urged him on is +peculiar:--"I was grown a little old, and the fear of ridicule stuck to +me pretty much. I have mentioned the weightier considerations of a +family, which would make the censure still the greater, and set the more +tongues agoing. But we are pushed on, I know not how,--I thought--I +weighed--and I weighed again. If there was any enthusiasm in it, it was +of the coldest kind; and there was as little remorse when the affair +miscarried, as there was eagerness at the beginning." + +The writer whom I have already quoted goes on to say--"To those friends +who recalled his misfortunes of 1715, he replied gaily, 'Did you ever +know me absent at the second day of a wedding?' meaning, I suppose, that +having once contracted an engagement, he did not feel entitled to quit +it while the contest subsisted. Being invited by the gentlemen of the +district to put himself at their head, and having surmounted his own +desires, he had made a farewell visit at a neighbour's house, where a +little boy, a child of the family, brought out a stool to assist the old +nobleman in remounting his horse. 'My little fellow.' said Lord +Pitsligo, 'this is the severest rebuke I have yet received, for +presuming to go on such an expedition.' + +"The die was however cast, and Lord Pitsligo went to meet his friends +at the rendezvous they had appointed in Aberdeen. They formed a body of +well-armed cavalry, gentlemen and their servants, to the number of a +hundred men. When they were drawn up in readiness to commence the +expedition, the venerable nobleman, their leader, moved to their front, +lifted his hat, and, looking up to heaven, pronounced, with a solemn +voice, the awful appeal,--'O Lord, thou knowest that our cause is just!' +then added the signal for departure--'March, gentlemen!' + +"Lord Pitsligo, with his followers, found Charles at Edinburgh, on 8th +October 1745, a few days after the Highlanders' victory at Preston. +Their arrival was hailed with enthusiasm, not only on account of the +timely reinforcement, but more especially from the high character of +their leader. Hamilton of Bangour, in an animated and eloquent eulogium +upon Pitsligo, states that nothing could have fallen out more +fortunately for the Prince than his joining them did--for it seemed as +if religion, virtue, and justice were entering his camp, under the +appearance of this venerable old man; and what would have given sanction +to a cause of the most dubious right, could not fail to render sacred +the very best." + +Although so far advanced in years, he remained in arms during the whole +campaign, and was treated with almost filial tenderness by the Prince. +After Culloden, he became, like many more, a fugitive and an outlaw, +but succeeded, like the Baron of Bradwardine, in finding a shelter upon +the skirts of his own estate. Disguised as a mendicant, his secret was +faithfully kept by the tenantry; and although it was more than surmised +by the soldiers that he was lurking somewhere in the neighbourhood, they +never were able to detect him. On one occasion he actually guided a +party to a cave on the sea-shore, amidst the rough rocks of Buchan, +where it was rumoured that he was lying in concealment; and on another, +when overtaken by his asthma, and utterly unable to escape from an +approaching patrol of soldiers, he sat down by the wayside, and acted +his assumed character so well, that a good-natured fellow not only gave +him alms, but condoled with him on the violence of his complaint. + +For ten years he remained concealed, but in the mean time both title and +estate were forfeited by attainder. His last escape was so very +remarkable, that I may be pardoned for giving it in the language of the +author of his memoirs. + +"In March 1756, and of course long after all apprehension of a search +had ceased, information having been given to the commanding officer at +Fraserburgh, that Lord Pitsligo was at that moment at the house of +Auchiries, it was acted upon with so much promptness and secrecy that +the search must have proved successful but for a very singular +occurrence. Mrs. Sophia Donaldson, a lady who lived much with the +family, repeatedly dreamt, on that particular night, that the house was +surrounded by soldiers. Her mind became so haunted with the idea, that +she got out of bed, and was walking through the room, in hopes of giving +a different current to her thoughts before she lay down again; when, day +beginning to dawn, she accidentally looked out at the window as she +passed it in traversing the room, and was astonished at actually +observing the figures of soldiers among some trees near the house. So +completely had all idea of a search been by that time laid asleep, that +she supposed they had come to steal poultry--Jacobite poultry-yards +affording a safe object of pillage for the English soldiers in those +days. Mrs. Sophia was proceeding to rouse the servants, when her sister, +having awaked, and inquiring what was the matter, and being told of +soldiers near the house, exclaimed in great alarm, that she feared they +wanted something more than hens. She begged Mrs. Sophia to look out at a +window on the other side of the house, when not only were soldiers seen +in that direction, but also an officer giving instructions by signal, +and frequently putting his fingers to his lips, as if enjoining silence. + +There was now no time to be lost in rousing the family, and all the +haste that could be made was scarcely sufficient to hurry the venerable +man from his bed into a small recess, behind the wainscot of an +adjoining room, which was concealed by a bed, in which a lady, Miss +Gordon of Towie, who was there on a visit, lay, before the soldiers +obtained admission. A most minute search took place. The room in which +Lord Pitsligo was concealed did not escape. Miss Gordon's bed was +carefully examined, and she was obliged to suffer the rude scrutiny of +one of the party, by feeling her chin, to ascertain that it was not a +man in a lady's night-dress. Before the soldiers had finished their +examination in this room, the confinement and anxiety increased Lord +Pitsligo's asthma so much, and his breathing became so loud, that it +cost Miss Gordon, lying in bed, much and violent coughing, which she +counterfeited, in order to prevent the high breathings behind the +wainscot from being heard. + +It may be easily conceived what agony she would suffer, lest, by +overdoing her part, she should increase suspicion, and in fact lead to a +discovery. The ruse was fortunately successful. On the search through +the house being given over, Lord Pitsligo was hastily taken from his +confined situation, and again replaced in bed; and, as soon as he was +able to speak, his accustomed kindness of heart made him say to his +servant--'James, go and see that these poor fellows get some breakfast +and a drink of warm ale, for this is a cold morning; they are only doing +their duty, and cannot bear me any ill-will.' When the family were +felicitating each other on his escape, he pleasantly observed--'A poor +prize, had they obtained it--an old dying man!'" + +This was the last attempt made on the part of government to seize on the +persons of any of the surviving insurgents. Three years before, Dr. +Archibald Cameron, a brother of Locheill, having clandestinely revisited +Scotland, was arrested, tried, and executed for high treason at Tyburn. +The government was generally blamed for this act of severity, which was +considered rather to have been dictated by revenge than required for the +public safety. It is, however, probable that they might have had secret +information of certain negotiations which were still conducted in the +Highlands by the agents of the Stuart family, and that they considered +it necessary, by one terrible example, to overawe the insurrectionary +spirit. This I believe to have been the real motive of an execution +which otherwise could not have been palliated: and, in the case of Lord +Pitsligo, it is quite possible that the zeal of a partisan may have led +him to take a step which would not have been approved of by the +ministry. After the lapse of so many years, and after so many scenes of +judicial bloodshed, the nation would have turned in disgust from the +spectacle of an old man, whose private life was not only blameless, but +exemplary, dragged to the scaffold, and forced to lay down his head in +expiation of a doubtful crime: and this view derives corroboration from +the fact that, shortly afterwards, Lord Pitsligo was tacitly permitted +to return to the society of his friends, without further notice or +persecution. + +Dr. King, the Principal of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, has borne the +following testimony to the character of Lord Pitsligo. "Whoever is so +happy, either from his natural disposition, or his good judgment, +constantly to observe St. Paul's precept, 'to speak evil of no one' will +certainly acquire the love and esteem of the whole community of which he +is a member. But such a man is the _rara avis in terris_; and, among all +my acquaintance, I have known only one person to whom I can with truth +assign this character. The person I mean is the present Lord Pitsligo of +Scotland. I not only never heard this gentleman speak an ill word of any +man living, but I always observed him ready to defend any other person +who was ill spoken of in his company. If the person accused were of his +acquaintance, my Lord Pitsligo would always find something good to say +of him as a counterpoise. If he were a stranger, and quite unknown to +him, my lord would urge in his defence the general corruption of +manners, and the frailties and infirmities of human nature. + +"It is no wonder that such an excellent man, who, besides, is a polite +scholar, and has many other great and good qualities, should be +universally admired and beloved--insomuch, that I persuade myself he has +not one enemy in the world. At least, to this general esteem and +affection for his person, his preservation must be owing; for since his +attainder he has never removed far from his own house, protected by men +of different principles, and unsought for and unmolested by government." +To which eulogy it might be added, by those who have the good fortune to +know his representatives, that the virtues here acknowledged seem +hereditary in the family of Pitsligo. + +The venerable old nobleman was permitted to remain without molestation +at the residence of his son, during the latter years of an existence +protracted to the extreme verge of human life. And so, says the author +of his memoirs, "In this happy frame of mind,--calm and full of +hope,--the saintly man continued to the last, with his reason unclouded, +able to study his favourite volume, enjoying the comforts of friendship, +and delighting in the consolations of religion, till he gently 'fell +asleep in Jesus.' He died on the 21st of December, 1762, in the +eighty-fifth year of his age; and to his surviving friends the +recollection of the misfortunes which had accompanied him through his +long life was painfully awakened even in the closing scene of his mortal +career--as his son had the mortification to be indebted to a stranger, +now the proprietor of his ancient inheritance by purchase from the +crown, for permission to lay his father's honoured remains in the vault +which contained the ashes of his family for many generations." + +Such a character as this is well worthy of remembrance; and Lord +Pitsligo has just title to be called the last of the old Scottish +Cavaliers. I trust that, in adapting the words of the following little +ballad to a well-known English air, I have committed no unpardonable +larceny. + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 3: See _Blackwood's Magazine_ for May 1829.--Article "Lord +Pitsligo."] + + + + +THE OLD SCOTTISH CAVALIER + + + I. + + Come listen to another song, + Should make your heart beat high, + Bring crimson to your forehead, + And the lustre to your eye;-- + It is a song of olden time, + Of days long since gone by, + And of a Baron stout and bold + As e'er wore sword on thigh! + Like a brave old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + II. + + He kept his castle in the north, + Hard by the thundering Spey; + And a thousand vassals dwelt around + All of his kindred they. + And not a man of all that clan + Had ever ceased to pray + For the Royal race they loved so well, + Though exiled far away + From the steadfast Scottish cavaliers, + All of the olden time! + + + III. + + His father drew the righteous sword + For Scotland and her claims, + Among the loyal gentlemen + And chiefs of ancient names + Who swore to fight or fall beneath + The standard of King James, + And died at Killiecrankie pass + With the glory of the Graemes; + Like a true old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + IV. + + He never owned the foreign rule, + No master he obeyed, + But kept his clan in peace at home, + From foray and from raid; + And when they asked him for his oath, + He touched his glittering blade, + And pointed to his bonnet blue, + That bore the white cockade: + Like a leal old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + V. + + At length the news ran through the land-- + THE PRINCE had come again! + That night the fiery cross was sped + O'er mountain and through glen; + And our old Baron rose in might, + Like a lion from his den, + And rode away across the hills + To Charlie and his men, + With the valiant Scottish cavaliers, + All of the olden time! + + + VI. + + He was the first that bent the knee + When the STANDARD waved abroad, + He was the first that charged the foe + On Preston's bloody sod; + And ever, in the van of fight, + The foremost still he trod, + Until, on bleak Culloden's heath, + He gave his soul to God, + Like a good old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + VII. + + Oh! never shall we know again + A heart so stout and true-- + The olden times have passed away, + And weary are the new: + The fair White Rose has faded + From the garden where it grew, + And no fond tears save those of heaven + The glorious bed bedew + Of the last old Scottish cavalier, + All of the olden time! + + + + +MISCELLANEOUS POEMS + + + + +BLIND OLD MILTON + + + Place me once more, my daughter, where the sun + May shine upon my old and time-worn head, + For the last time, perchance. My race is run; + And soon amidst the ever-silent dead + I must repose, it may be, half forgot. + Yes! I have broke the hard and bitter bread + For many a year, with those who trembled not + To buckle on their armour for the fight, + And set themselves against the tyrant's lot; + And I have never bowed me to his might, + Nor knelt before him--for I bear within + My heart the sternest consciousness of right, + And that perpetual hate of gilded sin + Which made me what I am; and though the stain + Of poverty be on me, yet I win + More honour by it, than the blinded train + Who hug their willing servitude, and bow + Unto the weakest and the most profane. + Therefore, with unencumbered soul I go + Before the footstool of my Maker, where + I hope to stand as undebased as now! + Child! is the sun abroad? I feel my hair + Borne up and wafted by the gentle wind, + I feel the odours that perfume the air, + And hear the rustling of the leaves behind. + Within my heart I picture them, and then + I almost can forget that I am blind, + And old, and hated by my fellow-men. + Yet would I fain once more behold the grace + Of nature ere I die, and gaze again + Upon her living and rejoicing face-- + Fain would I see thy countenance, my child, + My comforter! I feel thy dear embrace-- + I hear thy voice, so musical, and mild, + The patient, sole interpreter, by whom + So many years of sadness are beguiled; + For it hath made my small and scanty room + Peopled with glowing visions of the past. + But I will calmly bend me to my doom, + And wait the hour which is approaching fast, + When triple light shall stream upon mine eyes, + And heaven itself be opened up at last + To him who dared foretell its mysteries. + I have had visions in this drear eclipse + Of outward consciousness, and clomb the skies, + Striving to utter with my earthly lips + What the diviner soul had half divined, + Even as the Saint in his Apocalypse + Who saw the inmost glory, where enshrined + Sat He who fashioned glory. This hath driven + All outward strife and tumult from my mind, + And humbled me, until I have forgiven + My bitter enemies, and only seek + To find the straight and narrow path to heaven. + + Yet I am weak--oh! how entirely weak, + For one who may not love nor suffer more! + Sometimes unbidden tears will wet my cheek, + And my heart bound as keenly as of yore, + Responsive to a voice, now hushed to rest, + Which made the beautiful Italian shore, + In all its pomp of summer vineyards drest, + An Eden and a Paradise to me. + Do the sweet breezes from the balmy west + Still murmur through thy groves, Parthenope, + In search of odours from the orange bowers? + Still on thy slopes of verdure does the bee + Cull her rare honey from the virgin flowers? + And Philomel her plaintive chaunt prolong + 'Neath skies more calm and more serene than ours, + Making the summer one perpetual song? + Art thou the same as when in manhood's pride + I walked in joy thy grassy meads among, + With that fair youthful vision by my side, + In whose bright eyes I looked--and not in vain? + O my adored angel! O my bride! + Despite of years, and woe, and want, and pain, + My soul yearns back towards thee, and I seem + To wander with thee, hand in hand, again, + By the bright margin of that flowing stream. + I hear again thy voice, more silver-sweet + Than fancied music floating in a dream, + Possess my being; from afar I greet + The waving of thy garments in the glade, + And the light rustling of thy fairy feet-- + What time as one half eager, half afraid, + Love's burning secret faltered on my tongue, + And tremulous looks and broken words betrayed + The secret of the heart from whence they sprung. + Ah me! the earth that rendered thee to heaven + Gave up an angel beautiful and young, + Spotless and pure as snow when freshly driven: + A bright Aurora for the starry sphere + Where all is love, and even life forgiven. + Bride of immortal beauty--ever dear! + Dost thou await me in thy blest abode? + While I, Tithonus-like, must linger here, + And count each step along the rugged road; + A phantom, tottering to a long-made grave, + And eager to lay down my weary load! + + I, who was fancy's lord, am fancy's slave. + Like the low murmurs of the Indian shell + Ta'en from its coral bed beneath the wave, + Which, unforgetful of the ocean's swell, + Retains within its mystic urn the hum + Heard in the sea-grots where the Nereids dwell-- + Old thoughts still haunt me--unawares they come + Between me and my rest, nor can I make + Those aged visitors of sorrow dumb. + Oh, yet awhile, my feeble soul, awake! + Nor wander back with sullen steps again; + For neither pleasant pastime canst thou take + In such a journey, nor endure the pain. + The phantoms of the past are dead for thee; + So let them ever uninvoked remain, + And be thou calm, till death shall set thee free. + Thy flowers of hope expanded long ago, + Long since their blossoms withered on the tree: + No second spring can come to make them blow, + But in the silent winter of the grave + They lie with blighted love and buried woe. + + I did not waste the gifts which nature gave, + Nor slothful lay in the Circean bower; + Nor did I yield myself the willing slave + Of lust for pride, for riches, or for power. + No! in my heart a nobler spirit dwelt; + For constant was my faith in manhood's dower; + Man--made in God's own image--and I felt + How of our own accord we courted shame, + Until to idols like ourselves we knelt, + And so renounced the great and glorious claim + Of freedom, our immortal heritage. + I saw how bigotry, with spiteful aim, + Smote at the searching eyesight of the sage, + How error stole behind the steps of truth, + And cast delusion on the sacred page. + So, as a champion, even in early youth + I waged my battle with a purpose keen; + Nor feared the hand of terror, nor the tooth + Of serpent jealousy. And I have been + With starry Galileo in his cell, + That wise magician with the brow serene, + Who fathomed space; and I have seen him tell + The wonders of the planetary sphere, + And trace the ramparts of heaven's citadel + On the cold flag-stones of his dungeon drear. + And I have walked with Hampden and with Vane-- + Names once so gracious to an English ear-- + In days that never may return again. + My voice, though not the loudest, hath been heard + Whenever freedom raised her cry of pain, + And the faint effort of the humble bard + Hath roused up thousands from their lethargy, + To speak in words of thunder. What reward + Was mine, or theirs? It matters not; for I + Am but a leaf cast on the whirling tide, + Without a hope or wish, except to die. + But truth, asserted once, must still abide, + Unquenchable, as are those fiery springs + Which day and night gush from the mountain-side, + Perpetual meteors girt with lambent wings, + Which the wild tempest tosses to and fro, + But cannot conquer with the force it brings. + Yet I, who ever felt another's woe + More keenly than my own untold distress; + I, who have battled with the common foe, + And broke for years the bread of bitterness; + Who never yet abandoned or betrayed + The trust vouchsafed me, nor have ceased to bless, + Am left alone to wither in the shade, + A weak old man, deserted by his kind-- + Whom none will comfort in his age, nor aid! + + Oh! let me not repine! A quiet mind, + Conscious and upright, needs no other stay; + Nor can I grieve for what I leave behind, + In the rich promise of eternal day. + Henceforth to me the world is dead and gone, + Its thorns unfelt, its roses cast away: + And the old pilgrim, weary and alone, + Bowed down with travel, at his Master's gate + Now sits, his task of life-long labour done, + Thankful for rest, although it comes so late, + After sore journey through this world of sin, + In hope, and prayer, and wistfulness to wait, + Until the door shall ope, and let him in. + + + + +HERMOTIMUS + + +Hermotimus, the hero of this ballad, was a philosopher, or rather a +prophet, of Clazomenae, who possessed the faculty, now claimed by the +animal-magnetists, of effecting a voluntary separation between his soul +and body; for the former could wander to any part of the universe, and +even hold intercourse with supernatural beings, whilst the senseless +frame remained at home. Hermotimus, however, was not insensible to the +risk attendant upon this disunion; since, before attempting any of these +aerial flights, he took the precaution to warn his wife, lest, ere the +return of his soul, the body should be rendered an unfit or useless +receptacle. This accident, which he so much dreaded, at length occurred; +for the lady, wearied out by a succession of trances, each of longer +duration than the preceding, one day committed his body to the flames, +and thus effectually put a stop to such unconnubial conduct. He received +divine honours at Clazomenae, but must nevertheless remain as a terrible +example and warning to all husbands who carry their scientific or +spiritual pursuits so far as to neglect their duty to their wives. + +It is somewhat curious that Hermotimus is not the only person (putting +the disciples of Mesmer and Dupotet altogether out of the question) who +has possessed this miraculous power. Another and much later instance is +recorded by Dr. George Cheyne, in his work entitled, _The English +Malady, or a Treatise of Nervous Diseases_, as having come under his own +observation; and, as this case is exactly similar to that of the +Prophet, it may amuse the reader to see how far an ancient fable may be +illustrated, and in part explained, by the records of modern science. +Dr. Cheyne's patient was probably cataleptic; but the worthy physician +must be allowed to tell his own story. + +"Colonel Townshend, a gentleman of honour and integrity, had for many +years been afflicted with a nephritic complaint. His illness increasing, +and his strength decaying, he came from Bristol to Bath in a litter, in +autumn, and lay at the Bell Inn. Dr. Baynard and I were called to him, +and attended him twice a-day; but his vomitings continuing still +incessant and obstinate against all remedies, we despaired of his +recovery. While he was in this condition, he sent for us one morning; we +waited on him with Mr. Skrine, his apothecary. We found his senses +clear, and his mind calm: his nurse and several servants were about him. +He told us he had sent for us to give him an account of an odd sensation +he had for some time observed and felt in himself; which was, that, by +composing himself, _he could die or expire when he pleased_; and yet by +an effort, or somehow, he could come to life again, which he had +sometimes tried before he had sent for us. We heard this with surprise; +but, as it was not to be accounted for upon common principles, we could +hardly believe the fact as he related it, much less give any account of +it; unless he should please to make the experiment before us, which we +were unwilling he should do, lest, in his weak condition, he might carry +it too far. He continued to talk very distinctly and sensibly above a +quarter of an hour about this surprising sensation, and insisted so much +on our seeing the trial made, that we were at last forced to comply. We +all three felt his pulse first--it was distinct, though small and +thready, and his heart had its usual beating. He composed himself on his +back, and lay in a still posture for some time: while I held his right +hand, Dr. Baynard laid his hand on his heart, and Mr. Skrine held a +clean looking-glass to his mouth. I found his pulse sink gradually, till +at last I could not find any by the most exact and nice touch. Dr. +Baynard could not feel the least motion in his heart, nor Mr. Skrine the +least soil of breath on the bright mirror he held to his mouth; then +each of us by turns examined his arm, heart, and breath, but could not, +by the nicest scrutiny, discover the least symptom of life in him. We +reasoned a long time about this odd appearance as well as we could, and +all of us judging it inexplicable and unaccountable; and, finding he +still continued in that condition, we began to conclude that he had +indeed carried the experiment too far; and at last were satisfied he was +actually dead, and were just ready to leave him. This continued about +half an hour. As we were going away, we observed some motion about the +body; and, upon examination, found his pulse and the motion of his heart +gradually returning. He began to breathe gently and speak softly. We +were all astonished to the last degree at this unexpected change; and, +after some further conversation with him, and among ourselves, went away +fully satisfied as to all the particulars of this fact, but confounded +and puzzled, and not able to form any rational scheme that might account +for it." + + + + +HERMOTIMUS + + + I. + + "Wilt not lay thee down in quiet slumber? + Weary dost thou seem, and ill at rest; + Sleep will bring thee dreams in starry number-- + Let him come to thee and be thy guest. + Midnight now is past-- + Husband! come at last-- + Lay thy throbbing head upon my breast." + + + II. + + "Weary am I, but my soul is waking; + Fain I'd lay me gently by thy side, + But my spirit then, its home forsaking, + Through the realms of space would wander wide-- + Everything forgot, + What would be thy lot, + If I came not back to thee, my bride?" + + + III. + + "Music, like the lute of young Apollo, + Vibrates even now within mine ear; + Soft and silver voices bid me follow, + Yet my soul is dull and will not hear. + Waking it will stay: + Let me watch till day-- + Fainter will they come, and disappear." + + + IV. + + "Speak not thus to me, my own--my dearest! + These are but the phantoms of thy brain; + Nothing can befall thee which thou fearest, + Thou shalt wake to love and life again. + Were this sleep thy last, + I should hold thee fast, + Thou shouldst strive against me but in vain." + + + V. + + "Eros will protect us, and will hover, + Guardian-like, above thee all the night, + Jealous of thee, as of some fond lover + Chiding back the rosy-fingered light-- + He will be thine aid: + Canst thou feel afraid + When _his_ torch above us burneth bright?" + + + VI. + + "Lo! the cressets of the night are waning-- + Old Orion hastens from the sky; + Only thou of all things art remaining + Unrefreshed by slumber--thou and I. + Sound and sense are still; + Even the distant rill + Murmurs fainter now, and languidly." + + + VII. + + "Come and rest thee, husband!"--And no longer + Could the young man that fond call resist: + Vainly was he warned, for love was stronger-- + Warmly did he press her to his breast. + Warmly met she his; + Kiss succeeded kiss, + Till their eyelids closed with sleep oppressed. + + + VIII. + + Soon Aurora left her early pillow, + And the heavens grew rosy-rich, and rare; + Laughed the dewy plain and glassy billow, + For the Golden God himself was there; + And the vapour-screen + Rose the hills between, + Steaming up, like incense, in the air. + + + IX. + + O'er her husband sate Ione bending-- + Marble-like and marble-hued he lay; + Underneath her raven locks descending, + Paler seemed his face, and ashen gray, + And so white his brow-- + White and cold as snow-- + "Husband! Gods! his soul hath passed away!" + + + X. + + Raise ye up the pile with gloomy shadow-- + Heap it with the mournful cypress-bough!-- + And they raised the pile upon the meadow, + And they heaped the mournful cypress too; + And they laid the dead + On his funeral bed, + And they kindled up the flames below. + + + XI. + + Swiftly rose they, and the corse surrounded, + Spreading out a pall into the air; + And the sharp and sudden crackling sounded + Mournfully to all the watchers there. + Soon their force was spent, + And the body blent + With the embers' slow-expiring glare. + + + XII. + + Night again was come; but oh, how lonely + To the mourner did that night appear! + Peace nor rest it brought, but sorrow only, + Vain repinings and unwonted fear. + Dimly burned the lamp-- + Chill the air and damp-- + And the winds without were moaning drear. + + + XIII. + + Hush! a voice in solemn whispers speaking + Breaks within the twilight of the room; + And Ione, loud and wildly shrieking, + Starts and gazes through the ghastly gloom. + Nothing sees she there-- + All is empty air, + All is empty as a rifled tomb. + + + XIV. + + Once again the voice beside her sounded, + Low, and faint, and solemn was its tone-- + "Nor by form nor shade am I surrounded, + Fleshly home and dwelling have I none. + They are passed away-- + Woe is me! to-day + Hath robbed me of myself, and made me lone." + + + XV. + + "Vainly were the words of parting spoken; + Evermore must Charon turn from me. + Still my thread of life remains unbroken, + And unbroken ever it must be; + Only they may rest + Whom the Fates' behest + From their mortal mansion setteth free." + + + XVI. + + "I have seen the robes of Hermes glisten-- + Seen him wave afar his serpent-wand; + But to me the Herald would not listen-- + When the dead swept by at his command, + Not with that pale crew + Durst I venture too-- + Ever shut for me the quiet land." + + + XVII. + + "Day and night before the dreary portal, + Phantom-shapes, the guards of Hades, lie; + None of heavenly kind, nor yet of mortal, + May unchallenged pass the warders by. + None that path may go, + If he cannot show + His last passport to eternity." + + + XVIII. + + "Cruel was the spirit-power thou gavest-- + Fatal, O Apollo, was thy love! + Pythian! Archer! brightest God and bravest, + Hear, O hear me from thy throne above! + Let me not, I pray, + Thus be cast away: + Plead for me--thy slave--O plead to Jove!" + + + XIX. + + "I have heard thee with the Muses singing-- + Heard that full, melodious voice of thine, + Silver-clear throughout the ether ringing-- + Seen thy locks in golden clusters shine; + And thine eye, so bright + With its innate light, + Hath ere now been bent so low as mine." + + + XX. + + "Hast thou lost the wish--the will--to cherish + Those who trusted in thy godlike power? + Hyacinthus did not wholly perish; + Still he lives, the firstling of thy bower; + Still he feels thy rays, + Fondly meets thy gaze, + Though but now the spirit of a flower." + + + XXI. + + "Hear me, Phoebus! Hear me and deliver! + Lo! the morning breaketh from afar-- + God! thou comest bright and great as ever-- + Night goes back before thy burning car; + All her lamps are gone-- + Lucifer alone + Lingers still for thee--the blessed star!" + + + XXII. + + "Hear me, Phoebus!"--And therewith descended + Through the window-arch a glory-gleam, + All effulgent--and with music blended, + For such solemn sounds arose as stream + From the Memnon-lyre, + When the morning fire + Gilds the giant's forehead with its beam. + + + XXIII. + + "Thou hast heard thy servant's prayer, Apollo; + Thou dost call me, mighty God of Day! + Fare-thee-well, Ione!"--And more hollow + Came the phantom-voice, then died away. + When the slaves arose, + Not in calm repose, + Not in sleep, but death, their mistress lay. + + + + +OENONE + + On the holy mount of Ida, + Where the pine and cypress grow, + Sate a young and lovely woman, + Weeping ever, weeping low. + Drearily throughout the forest + Did the winds of autumn blow, + And the clouds above were flying, + And Scamander rolled below. + + "Faithless Paris! cruel Paris!" + Thus the poor deserted spake-- + "Wherefore thus so strangely leave me? + Why thy loving bride forsake? + Why no tender word at parting? + Why no kiss, no farewell take? + Would that I could but forget thee-- + Would this throbbing heart might break! + + "Is my face no longer blooming? + Are my eyes no longer bright? + Ah! my tears have made them dimmer, + And my cheeks are pale and white. + I have wept since early morning, + I will weep the livelong night; + Now I long for sullen darkness, + As I once have longed for light. + + "Paris! canst thou then be cruel? + Fair, and young, and brave thou art-- + Can it be that in thy bosom + Lies so cold, so hard a heart? + Children were we bred together-- + She who bore me suckled thee; + I have been thine old companion, + When thou hadst no more but me. + + "I have watched thee in thy slumbers, + When the shadow of a dream + Passed across thy smiling features, + Like the ripple of a stream; + And so sweetly were the visions + Pictured there with lively grace, + That I half could read their import + By the changes on thy face. + + "When I sang of Ariadne, + Sang the old and mournful tale, + How her faithless lover, Theseus, + Left her to lament and wail; + Then thine eyes would fill and glisten, + Her complaint could soften thee: + Thou hast wept for Ariadne-- + Theseus' self might weep for me! + + "Thou may'st find another maiden + With a fairer face than mine-- + With a gayer voice, and sweeter, + And a spirit liker thine: + For if e'er my beauty bound thee, + Lost and broken is the spell; + But thou canst not find another + That will love thee half so well. + + "O thou hollow ship that bearest + Paris o'er the faithless deep, + Wouldst thou leave him on some island, + Where alone the waters weep? + Where no human foot is moulded + In the wet and yellow sand-- + Leave him there, thou hollow vessel! + Leave him on that lonely land! + + "Then his heart will surely soften, + When his foolish hopes decay, + And his older love rekindle, + As the new one dies away. + Visionary hills will haunt him, + Rising from the glassy sea, + And his thoughts will wander homewards + Unto Ida and to me. + + "O! that like a little swallow + I could reach that lonely spot! + All his errors would be pardoned, + All the weary past forgot. + Never should he wander from me-- + Never should he more depart, + For these arms would be his prison, + And his home would be my heart." + + Thus lamented fair Oenone, + Weeping ever, weeping low, + On the holy mount of Ida, + Where the pine and cypress grow. + In the self-same hour Cassandra + Shrieked her prophecy of woe, + And into the Spartan dwelling + Did the faithless Paris go. + + + + +THE BURIED FLOWER + + + In the silence of my chamber, + When the night is still and deep, + And the drowsy heave of ocean + Mutters in its charmed sleep, + + Oft I hear the angel-voices + That have thrilled me long ago,-- + Voices of my lost companions, + Lying deep beneath the snow. + + O, the garden I remember, + In the gay and sunny spring, + When our laughter made the thickets + And the arching alleys ring! + + O the merry burst of gladness! + O the soft and tender tone! + O the whisper never uttered + Save to one fond ear alone! + + O the light of life that sparkled + In those bright and bounteous eyes! + O the blush of happy beauty, + Tell-tale of the heart's surprise: + + O the radiant light that girdled + Field and forest, land and sea, + When we all were young together, + And the earth was new to me: + + Where are now the flowers we tended? + Withered, broken, branch and stem; + Where are now the hopes we cherished? + Scattered to the winds with them. + + For ye, too, were flowers, ye dear ones! + Nursed in hope and reared in love, + Looking fondly ever upward + To the clear blue heaven above: + + Smiling on the sun that cheered us, + Rising lightly from the rain, + Never folding up your freshness + Save to give it forth again: + + Never shaken, save by accents + From a tongue that was not free, + As the modest blossom trembles + At the wooing of the bee. + + O! 'tis sad to lie and reckon + All the days of faded youth, + All the vows that we believed in, + All the words we spoke in truth. + + Severed--were it severed only + By an idle thought of strife, + Such as time might knit together; + Not the broken chord of life! + + O my heart! that once so truly + Kept another's time and tune, + Heart, that kindled in the spring-tide, + Look around thee in the noon. + + Where are they who gave the impulse + To thy earliest thought and flow? + Look around the ruined garden-- + All are withered, dropped, or low! + + Seek the birth-place of the lily, + Dearer to the boyish dream + Than the golden cups of Eden, + Floating on its slumbrous stream; + + Never more shalt thou behold her-- + She, the noblest, fairest, best: + She that rose in fullest beauty, + Like a queen, above the rest. + + Only still I keep her image + As a thought that cannot die; + He who raised the shade of Helen + Had no greater power than I. + + O! I fling my spirit backward, + And I pass o'er years of pain; + All I loved is rising round me, + All the lost returns again. + + Blow, for ever blow, ye breezes, + Warmly as ye did before! + Bloom again, ye happy gardens, + With the radiant tints of yore! + + Warble out in spray and thicket, + All ye choristers unseen; + Let the leafy woodland echo + With an anthem to its queen! + + Lo! she cometh in her beauty, + Stately with a Juno grace, + Raven locks, Madonna-braided + O'er her sweet and blushing face: + + Eyes of deepest violet, beaming + With the love that knows not shame-- + Lips, that thrill my inmost being + With the utterance of a name. + + And I bend the knee before her, + As a captive ought to bow,-- + Pray thee, listen to my pleading, + Sovereign of my soul art thou! + + O my dear and gentle lady, + Let me show thee all my pain, + Ere the words that late were prisoned + Sink into my heart again. + + Love, they say, is very fearful + Ere its curtain be withdrawn, + Trembling at the thought of error + As the shadows scare the fawn. + + Love hath bound me to thee, lady, + Since the well-remembered day + When I first beheld thee coming + In the light of lustrous May. + + Not a word I dared to utter-- + More than he who, long ago, + Saw the heavenly shapes descending + Over Ida's slopes of snow: + + When a low and solemn music + Floated through the listening grove, + And the throstle's song was silenced, + And the doling of the dove: + + When immortal beauty opened + All its grace to mortal sight, + And the awe of worship blended + With the throbbing of delight. + + As the shepherd stood before them + Trembling in the Phrygian dell, + Even so my soul and being + Owned the magic of the spell; + + And I watched thee ever fondly, + Watched thee, dearest! from afar, + With the mute and humble homage + Of the Indian to a star. + + Thou wert still the Lady Flora + In her morning garb of bloom; + Where thou wert was light and glory, + Where thou wert not, dearth and gloom. + + So for many a day I followed + For a long and weary while, + Ere my heart rose up to bless thee + For the yielding of a smile,-- + + Ere thy words were few and broken + As they answered back to mine, + Ere my lips had power to thank thee + For the gift vouchsafed by thine. + + Then a mighty gush of passion + Through my inmost being ran; + Then my older life was ended, + And a dearer course began. + + Dearer!--O, I cannot tell thee + What a load was swept away, + What a world of doubt and darkness + Faded in the dawning day! + + All my error, all my weakness, + All my vain delusions fled: + Hope again revived, and gladness + Waved its wings above my head. + + Like the wanderer of the desert, + When, across the dreary sand, + Breathes the perfume from the thickets + Bordering on the promised land; + + When afar he sees the palm-trees + Cresting o'er the lonely well, + When he hears the pleasant tinkle + Of the distant camel's bell: + + So a fresh and glad emotion + Rose within my swelling breast, + And I hurried swiftly onwards + To the haven of my rest. + + Thou wert there with word and welcome, + With thy smile so purely sweet; + And I laid my heart before thee, + Laid it, darling, at thy feet!-- + + O ye words that sound so hollow + As I now recall your tone! + What are ye but empty echoes + Of a passion crushed and gone? + + Wherefore should I seek to kindle + Light, when all around is gloom? + Wherefore should I raise a phantom + O'er the dark and silent tomb? + + Early wert thou taken, Mary! + In thy fair and glorious prime, + Ere the bees had ceased to murmur + Through the umbrage of the lime. + + Buds were blowing, waters flowing, + Birds were singing on the tree, + Every thing was bright and glowing, + When the angels came for thee. + + Death had laid aside his terror, + And he found thee calm and mild, + Lying in thy robes of whiteness, + Like a pure and stainless child. + + Hardly had the mountain violet + Spread its blossoms on the sod, + Ere they laid the turf above thee, + And thy spirit rose to God. + + Early wert thou taken, Mary! + And I know 'tis vain to weep-- + Tears of mine can never wake thee + From thy sad and silent sleep. + + O away! my thoughts are earthward! + Not asleep, my love, art thou! + Dwelling in the land of glory + With the saints and angels now. + + Brighter, fairer far than living, + With no trace of woe or pain, + Robed in everlasting beauty, + Shall I see thee once again, + + By the light that never fadeth, + Underneath eternal skies, + When the dawn of resurrection + Breaks o'er deathless Paradise. + + + + +THE OLD CAMP + + +WRITTEN IN A ROMAN FORTIFICATION IN BAVARIA + + I. + + There is a cloud before the sun, + The wind is hushed and still, + And silently the waters run + Beneath the sombre hill. + The sky is dark in every place, + As is the earth below: + Methinks it wore the self-same face + Two thousand years ago. + + + II. + + No light is on the ancient wall, + No light upon the mound; + The very trees, so thick and tall, + Cast gloom, not shade, around. + So silent is the place and cold, + So far from human ken, + It hath a look that makes me old, + And spectres time again. + + + III. + + I listen, half in thought to hear + The Roman trumpet blow-- + I search for glint of helm and spear + Amidst the forest bough: + And armour rings, and voices swell-- + I hear the legion's tramp, + And mark the lonely sentinel + Who guards the lonely camp. + + + IV. + + Methinks I have no other home, + No other hearth to find; + For nothing save the thought of Rome + Is stirring in my mind. + And all that I have heard or dreamed, + And all I had forgot, + Are rising up, as though they seemed + The household of the spot. + + + V. + + And all the names that Romans knew + Seem just as known to me, + As if I were a Roman too-- + A Roman born and free: + And I could rise at Caesar's name, + As though it were a charm + To draw sharp lightning from the tame, + And brace the coward's arm. + + + VI. + + And yet, if yonder sky were blue, + And earth were sunny gay, + If nature wore the summer hue + That decked her yesterday, + The mound, the trench, the rampart's space, + Would move me nothing more + Than many a sweet sequestred place + That I have marked before. + + + VII. + + I could not feel the breezes bring + Rich odours from the trees; + I could not hear the linnets sing, + And think on themes like these. + The painted insects as they pass + In swift and motley strife, + The very lizard in the grass + Would scare me back to life. + + + VIII. + + Then is the past so gloomy now + That it may never bear + The open smile of nature's brow, + Or meet the sunny air? + I know not that--but joy is power, + However short it last; + And joy befits the present hour, + If sadness fits the past. + + + + +DANUBE AND THE EUXINE + + + "Danube, Danube! wherefore com'st thou + Red and raging to my caves? + Wherefore leap thy swollen waters + Madly through the broken waves? + Wherefore is thy tide so sullied + With a hue unknown to me; + Wherefore dost thou bring pollution + To the old and sacred sea?" + + "Ha! rejoice, old Father Euxine! + I am brimming full and red; + Noble tidings do I carry + From my distant channel-bed. + I have been a Christian river + Dull and slow this many a year, + Rolling down my torpid waters + Through a silence morne and drear; + Have not felt the tread of armies + Trampling on my reedy shore; + Have not heard the trumpet calling, + Or the cannon's gladsome roar; + Only listened to the laughter + From the village and the town, + And the church-bells, ever jangling, + As the weary day went down. + So I lay and sorely pondered + On the days long since gone by, + When my old primaeval forests + Echoed to the war-man's cry; + When the race of Thor and Odin + Held their battles by my side, + And the blood of man was mingling + Warmly with my chilly tide. + Father Euxine! thou rememb'rest + How I brought thee tribute then-- + Swollen corpses, gashed and gory, + Heads and limbs of slaughter'd men? + Father Euxine! be thou joyful! + I am running red once more-- + Not with heathen blood, as early, + But with gallant Christian gore! + For the old times are returning, + And the Cross is broken down, + And I hear the tocsin sounding + In the village and the town; + And the glare of burning cities + Soon shall light me on my way-- + Ha! my heart is big and jocund + With the draught I drank to-day. + Ha! I feel my strength awakened, + And my brethren shout to me; + Each is leaping red and joyous + To his own awaiting sea. + Rhine and Elbe are plunging downward + Through their wild anarchic land, + Everywhere are Christians falling + By their brother Christians' hand! + Yea, the old times are returning, + And the olden gods are here! + Take my tribute, Father Euxine, + To thy waters dark and drear. + Therefore come I with my torrents, + Shaking castle, crag, and town; + Therefore, with the shout of thunder, + Sweep I herd and herdsman down; + Therefore leap I to thy bosom, + With a loud triumphal roar-- + Greet me, greet me, Father Euxine, + I am Christian stream no more!" + + + + +THE SCHEIK OF SINAI IN 1830 + + +FROM THE GERMAN OF FREILIGRATH + + I. + + "Lift me without the tent, I say,-- + Me and my ottoman,-- + I'll see the messenger myself! + It is the caravan + From Africa, thou sayest, + And they bring us news of war? + Draw me without the tent, and quick! + As at the desert well + The freshness of the purling brook + Delights the tired gazelle, + So pant I for the voice of him + That cometh from afar!" + + + II. + + The Scheik was lifted from his tent, + And thus outspake the Moor:-- + "I saw, old Chief, the Tricolor + On Algiers' topmost tower-- + Upon its battlements the silks + Of Lyons flutter free. + Each morning, in the market-place, + The muster-drum is beat, + And to the war-hymn of Marseilles + The squadrons pace the street. + The armament from Toulon sailed: + The Franks have crossed the sea." + + + III. + + "Towards the south, the columns marched + Beneath a cloudless sky: + Their weapons glittered in the blaze + Of the sun of Barbary; + And with the dusty desert sand + Their horses' manes were white. + The wild marauding tribes dispersed + In terror of their lives; + They fled unto the mountains + With their children and their wives, + And urged the clumsy dromedary + Up the Atlas' height." + + + IV. + + "The Moors have ta'en their vantage-ground, + The volleys thunder fast-- + The dark defile is blazing + Like a heated oven-blast; + The lion hears the strange turmoil, + And leaves his mangled prey-- + No place was that for him to feed; + And thick and loud the cries, + Feu!--Allah! Allah!--En avant! + In mingled discord rise; + The Franks have reached the summit-- + They have won the victory!" + + + V. + + "With bristling steel, upon the top + The victors take their stand: + Beneath their feet, with all its towns, + They see the promised land-- + From Tunis, even unto Fez, + From Atlas to the seas. + The cavaliers alight to gaze, + And gaze full well they may, + Where countless minarets stand up + So solemnly and gray, + Amidst the dark-green masses + Of the flowering myrtle-trees." + + + VI. + + "The almond blossoms in the vale; + The aloe from the rock + Throws out its long and prickly leaves, + Nor dreads the tempest's shock: + A blessed land, I ween, is that, + Though luckless is its Bey. + There lies the sea--beyond lies France! + Her banners in the air + Float proudly and triumphantly-- + A salvo! come, prepare! + And loud and long the mountains rang + With that glad artillery." + + + VII. + + "'Tis they!" exclaimed the aged Scheik. + "I've battled by their side-- + I fought beneath the Pyramids! + That day of deathless pride-- + Red as thy turban, Moor, that eve, + Was every creek in Nile! + But tell me--" and he griped his hand-- + "Their Sultaun. Stranger, say-- + His form--his face--his posture, man? + Thou saw'st him in the fray? + His eye--what wore he?" But the Moor + Sought in his vest awhile. + + + VIII. + + "Their Sultaun, Scheik, remains at home + Within his palace walls: + He sends a Pasha in his stead + To brave the bolts and balls. + He was not there. An Aga burst + For him through Atlas' hold. + Yet I can show thee somewhat too. + A Frankish Cavalier + Told me his effigy was stamped + Upon this medal here-- + He gave me with others + For an Arab steed I sold." + + + IX. + + The old man took the golden coin: + Gazed steadfastly awhile, + If that could be the Sultaun + Whom from the banks of Nile + He guided o'er the desert path-- + Then sighed and thus spake he-- + "'Tis not _his_ eye--'tis not _his_ brow-- + Another face is there: + I never saw this man before-- + His head is like a pear! + Take back thy medal, Moor--'tis not + That which I hoped to see." + + + + +EPITAPH OF CONSTANTINE KANARIS + + +FROM THE GERMAN OF WILHELM MUeLLER + + I am Constantine Kanaris: + I, who lie beneath this stone, + Twice into the air in thunder + Have the Turkish galleys blown. + + In my bed I died--a Christian, + Hoping straight with Christ to be; + Yet one earthly wish is buried + Deep within the grave with me-- + + That upon the open ocean + When the third Armada came, + They and I had died together, + Whirled aloft on wings of flame. + + Yet 'tis something that they've laid me + In a land without a stain: + Keep it thus, my God and Saviour, + Till I rise from earth again! + + + + +THE REFUSAL OF CHARON[4] + + +FROM THE ROMAIC + + Why look the distant mountains + So gloomy and so drear? + Are rain-clouds passing o'er them, + Or is the tempest near? + No shadow of the temptest + Is there, nor wind nor rain-- + 'Tis Charon that is passing by, + With all his gloomy train. + + The young men march before him, + In all their strength and pride; + The tender little infants, + They totter by his side; + The old men walk behind him, + And earnestly they pray-- + Both old and young imploring him + To grant some brief delay. + + "O Charon! halt, we pray thee, + Beside some little town, + Or near some sparkling fountain, + Where the waters wimple down! + The old will drink and be refreshed, + The young the disc will fling, + And the tender little children + Pluck flowers beside the spring." + + "I will not stay my journey, + Nor halt by any town, + Near any sparkling fountain, + Where the waters wimple down: + The mothers coming to the well, + Would know the babes they bore, + The wives would clasp their husbands, + Nor could I part them more." + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 4: According to the superstition of the modern Greeks, Charon +performs the function which their ancestors assigned to Hermes, of +conducting the souls of the dead to the other world.] + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and +Other Poems, by W.E. 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