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diff --git a/6939-h/6939-h.htm b/6939-h/6939-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..04a658f --- /dev/null +++ b/6939-h/6939-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11686 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + +<title>OLD MORTALITY, Volume 1, + by Sir Walter Scott +</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; text-align: center; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; } + .figleft {float: left;} + .figright {float: right;} + .toc {margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;} + .accounts {font-family: Courier New; font-size: 80%; margin-left: 20%} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;} + // --> +</style> + +</head> +<body> + +<h2> + OLD MORTALITY +</h2> +<h2> + by Sir Walter Scott +</h2> +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Mortality, Illustrated, Volume 1. +by Sir Walter Scott + +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: Old Mortality, Illustrated, Volume 1. + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: August 22, 2004 [EBook #6939] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD MORTALITY, ILLUSTRATED, *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger, with assistance from an etext produced by +David Moynihan + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<a name="image-0001"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/bookcover.jpg" height="1061" width="724" +alt="Bookcover +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="image-0002"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/spines.jpg" height="1066" width="457" +alt="Spines +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + + + +<h2> + OLD MORTALITY +</h2><br> +<h2> + by Sir Walter Scott +</h2> +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0002"> +EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION TO OLD MORTALITY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_INTR"> +INTRODUCTION TO THE TALES OF MY LANDLORD. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_INTR"> +INTRODUCTION TO OLD MORTALITY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0005"> +VOLUME I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER IV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER VI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER VII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER VIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER IX. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER X. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0011"> +CHAPTER XI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0012"> +CHAPTER XII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0013"> +CHAPTER XIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0014"> +CHAPTER XIV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0015"> +CHAPTER XV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0016"> +CHAPTER XVI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0017"> +CHAPTER XVII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0018"> +CHAPTER XVIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0019"> +CHAPTER XIX. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0020"> +CHAPTER XX. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0021"> +CHAPTER XXI. +</a></p> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0001"> +Bookcover +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0002"> +Spines +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0003"> +Titlepage +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0004"> +Dedication +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0005"> +First Series +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0006"> +Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0007"> +The Graveyard +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0008"> +Tillietudlem Castle +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0009"> +Edith on the Battlements +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0010"> +Claverhouse +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0011"> +The Duel +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0012"> +Abbotsford +</a></p> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<a name="image-0003"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/titlepage.jpg" height="1002" width="583" +alt="Titlepage +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="image-0004"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/dedication.jpg" height="775" width="570" +alt="Dedication +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="image-0005"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/firstseries.jpg" height="587" width="491" +alt="First Series +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="2H_4_0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION TO OLD MORTALITY. +</h2> +<p> + The origin of "Old Mortality," perhaps the best of Scott's historical + romances, is well known. In May, 1816, Mr. Joseph Train, the gauger from + Galloway, breakfasted with Scott in Castle Street. He brought gifts in + his hand,—a relic of Rob Roy, and a parcel of traditions. Among these + was a letter from Mr. Broadfoot, schoolmaster in Pennington, who + facetiously signed himself "Clashbottom." To cleish, or clash, is to + "flog," in Scots. From Mr. Broadfoot's joke arose Jedediah Cleishbotham, + the dominie of Gandercleugh; the real place of Broadfoot's revels was the + Shoulder of Mutton Inn, at Newton Stewart. Mr. Train, much pleased with + the antiques in "the den" of Castle Street, was particularly charmed by + that portrait of Claverhouse which now hangs on the staircase of the + study at Abbotsford. Scott expressed the Cavalier opinions about Dundee, + which were new to Mr. Train, who had been bred in the rural tradition of + "Bloody Claver'se." +</p> +<pre> + [The Editor's first acquaintance with Claverhouse was obtained + through an old nurse, who had lived on a farm beside a burn where, + she said, the skulls of Covenanters shot by Bloody Claver'se were + still occasionally found. The stream was a tributary of the + Ettrick.] +</pre> +<p> + "Might he not," asked Mr. Train, "be made, in good hands, the hero of a + national romance as interesting as any about either Wallace or Prince + Charlie?" He suggested that the story should be delivered "as if from the + mouth of Old Mortality." This probably recalled to Scott his own meeting + with Old Mortality in Dunnottar Churchyard, as described in the + Introduction to the novel. +</p> +<p> + The account of the pilgrim, as given by Sir Walter from Mr. Train's + memoranda, needs no addition. About Old Mortality's son, John, who went + to America in 1776 (? 1774), and settled in Baltimore, a curious romantic + myth has gathered. Mr. Train told Scott more, as his manuscript at + Abbotsford shows, than Scott printed. According to Mr. Train, John + Paterson, of Baltimore, had a son Robert and a daughter Elizabeth. Robert + married an American lady, who, after his decease, was married to the + Marquis of Wellesley. Elizabeth married Jerome Bonaparte! Sir Walter + distrusted these legends, though derived from a Scotch descendant of Old + Mortality. Mr. Ramage, in March, 1871, wrote to "Notes and Queries" + dispelling the myth. +</p> +<p> + According to Jerome Bonaparte's descendant, Madame Bonaparte, her family + were Pattersons, not Patersons. Her Baltimore ancestor's will is extant, + has been examined by Old Mortality's great-grandson, and announces in a + kind of preamble that the testator was a native of Donegal; his Christian + name was William ("Notes and Queries," Fourth Series, vol. vii. p. 219, + and Fifth Series, August, 1874). This, of course, quite settles the + question; but the legend is still current among American descendants of + the old Roxburghshire wanderer. +</p> +<p> + "Old Mortality," with its companion, "The Black Dwarf," was published on + December 1, 1816, by Mr. Murray in London, and Mr. Blackwood in + Edinburgh. +</p> +<p> + The name of "The Author of 'Waverley'" was omitted on the title-page. The + reason for a change of publisher may have been chiefly financial + (Lockhart, v. 152). Scott may have also thought it amusing to appear as + his own rival in a new field. He had not yet told his secret to Lady + Abercorn, but he seems to reveal it (for who but he could have known so + much about the subject?) in a letter to her, of November 29, 1816. "You + must know the Marquis well,—or rather you must be the Marquis himself!" + quoth Dalgetty. Here follow portions of the letter: +</p> +<pre> + I do not like the first story, "The Black Dwarf," at all; but the + long one which occupies three volumes is a most remarkable + production. . . . I should like to know if you are of my opinion as + to these new volumes coming from the same hand. . . . I wander about + from nine in the morning till five at night with a plaid about my + shoulders and an immensely large bloodhound at my heels, and stick + in sprigs which are to become trees when I shall have no eyes to + look at them. . . . + + I am truly glad that the Tales have amused you. In my poor opinion + they are the best of the four sets, though perhaps I only think so + on account of their opening ground less familiar to me than the + manners of the Highlanders. . . . If Tom—[His brother, Mr. Thomas + Scott.]—wrote those volumes, he has not put me in his secret. . . . + General rumour here attributes them to a very ingenious but most + unhappy man, a clergyman of the Church of Scotland, who, many years + since, was obliged to retire from his profession, and from society, + who hides himself under a borrowed name. This hypothesis seems to + account satisfactorily for the rigid secrecy observed; but from what + I can recollect of the unfortunate individual, these are not the + kind of productions I should expect from him. Burley, if I mistake + not, was on board the Prince of Orange's own vessel at the time of + his death. There was also in the Life Guards such a person as + Francis Stewart, grandson of the last Earl of Bothwell. I have in my + possession various proceedings at his father's instance for + recovering some part of the Earl's large estates which had been + granted to the Earls of Buccleugh and Roxburgh. It would appear that + Charles I. made some attempts to reinstate him in those lands, but, + like most of that poor monarch's measures, the attempt only served + to augment his own enemies, for Buccleugh was one of the first who + declared against him in Scotland, and raised a regiment of twelve + hundred men, of whom my grandfather's grandfather (Sir William Scott + of Harden) was lieutenant-colonel. This regiment was very active at + the destruction of Montrose's Highland army at Philiphaugh. In + Charles the Second's time the old knight suffered as much through + the nonconformity of his wife as Cuddie through that of his mother. + My father's grandmother, who lived to the uncommon age of + ninety-eight years, perfectly remembered being carried, when a + child, to the field-preachings, where the clergyman thundered from + the top of a rock, and the ladies sat upon their side-saddles, which + were placed upon the turf for their accommodation, while the men + stood round, all armed with swords and pistols. . . . Old Mortality + was a living person; I have myself seen him about twenty years ago + repairing the Covenanters' tombs as far north as Dunnottar. +</pre> +<p> + If Lady Abercorn was in any doubt after this ingenuous communication, Mr. + Murray, the publisher, was in none. (Lockhart, v. 169.) He wrote to Scott + on December 14, 1816, rejoicing in the success of the Tales, "which must + be written either by Walter Scott or the Devil. . . . I never experienced + such unmixed pleasure as the reading of this exquisite work has afforded + me; and if you could see me, as the author's literary chamberlain, + receiving the unanimous and vehement praises of those who have read it, + and the curses of those whose needs my scanty supply could not satisfy, + you might judge of the sincerity with which I now entreat you to assure + the Author of the most complete success." Lord Holland had said, when Mr. + Murray asked his opinion, "Opinion! We did not one of us go to bed last + night,—nothing slept but my gout." +</p> +<p> + The very Whigs were conquered. But not the Scottish Whigs, the Auld + Leaven of the Covenant,—they were still dour, and offered many + criticisms. Thereon Scott, by way of disproving his authorship, offered + to review the Tales in the "Quarterly." His true reason for this step was + the wish to reply to Dr. Thomas McCrie, author of the "Life of John + Knox," who had been criticising Scott's historical view of the Covenant, + in the "Edinburgh Christian Instructor." Scott had, perhaps, no better + mode of answering his censor. He was indifferent to reviews, but here his + historical knowledge and his candour had been challenged. Scott always + recognised the national spirit of the Covenanters, which he remarks on in + "The Heart of Mid-Lothian," and now he was treated as a faithless + Scotsman. For these reasons he reviewed himself; but it is probable, as + Lockhart says, that William Erskine wrote the literary or aesthetic part + of the criticism (Lockhart, v.174, note). +</p> +<p> + Dr. McCrie's review may be read, or at least may be found, in the fourth + volume of his collected works (Blackwood, Edinburgh 1857). The critique + amounts to about eighty-five thousand words. Since the "Princesse de + Cleves" was reviewed in a book as long as the original, never was so + lengthy a criticism. As Dr. McCrie's performance scarcely shares the + popularity of "Old Mortality," a note on his ideas may not be + superfluous, though space does not permit a complete statement of his + many objections. The Doctor begins by remarks on novels in general, then + descends to the earlier Waverley romances. "The Antiquary" he pronounces + to be "tame and fatiguing." Acknowledging the merits of the others, he + finds fault with "the foolish lines" (from Burns), "which must have been + foisted without the author's knowledge into the title page," and he + denounces the "bad taste" of the quotation from "Don Quixote." Burns and + Cervantes had done no harm to Dr. McCrie, but his anger was aroused, and + he, like the McCallum More as described by Andrew Fairservice, "got up + wi' an unto' bang, and garr'd them a' look about them." The view of the + Covenanters is "false and distorted." These worthies are not to be + "abused with profane wit or low buffoonery." "Prayers were not read in + the parish churches of Scotland" at that time. As Episcopacy was restored + when Charles II. returned "upon the unanimous petition of the Scottish + Parliament" (Scott's Collected Works, vol. xix. p. 78) it is not + unnatural for the general reader to suppose that prayers would be read by + the curates. Dr. McCrie maintains that "at the Restoration neither the + one nor the other" (neither the Scotch nor English Prayer Books) "was + imposed," and that the Presbyterians repeatedly "admitted they had no + such grievance." No doubt Dr. McCrie is correct. But Mr. James Guthrie, + who was executed on June 1, 1661, said in his last speech, "Oh that there + were not many who study to build again what they did formerly + unwarrantably destroy: I mean Prelacy and the Service Book, a mystery of + iniquity that works amongst us, whose steps lead unto the house of the + great Whore, Babylon, the mother of fornication," and so forth. Either + this mystery of iniquity, the Book of Common Prayer, "was working amongst + us," or it was not. If it was not, of what did Mr. Guthrie complain? If + it was "working," was read by certain curates, as by Burnet, afterwards + Bishop of Salisbury, at Saltoun, Scott is not incorrect. He makes Morton, + in danger of death, pray in the words of the Prayer Book, "a circumstance + which so enraged his murderers that they determined to precipitate his + fate." Dr. McCrie objects to this incident, which is merely borrowed, one + may conjecture, from the death of Archbishop Sharpe. The assassins told + the Archbishop that they would slay him. "Hereupon he began to think of + death. But (here are just the words of the person who related the story) + behold! God did not give him the grace to pray to Him without the help of + a book. But he pulled out of his pocket a small book, and began to read + over some words to himself, which filled us with amazement and + indignation." So they fired their pistols into the old man, and then + chopped him up with their swords, supposing that he had a charm against + bullets! Dr. McCrie seems to have forgotten, or may have disbelieved the + narrative telling how Sharpe's use of the Prayer Book, like Morton's, + "enraged" his murderers. The incident does not occur in the story of the + murder by Russell, one of the murderers, a document published in C. K. + Sharpe's edition of Kirkton. It need not be true, but it may have + suggested the prayer of Morton. +</p> +<p> + If Scott thought that the Prayer Book was ordained to be read in Scotch + churches, he was wrong; if he merely thought that it might have been read + in some churches, was "working amongst us," he was right: at least, + according to Mr. James Guthrie. +</p> +<p> + Dr. McCrie argues that Burley would never have wrestled with a soldier in + an inn, especially in the circumstances. This, he says, was inconsistent + with Balfour's "character." Wodrow remarks, "I cannot hear that this + gentleman had ever any great character for religion among those that knew + him, and such were the accounts of him, when abroad, that the reverend + ministers of the Scots congregation at Rotterdam would never allow him to + communicate with them." In Scott's reading of Burley's character, there + was a great deal of the old Adam. That such a man should so resent the + insolence of a soldier is far from improbable, and our sympathies are + with Burley on this occasion. +</p> +<p> + Mause Headrigg is next criticised. Scott never asserted that she was a + representative of sober Presbyterianism. She had long conducted herself + prudently, but, when she gave way to her indignation, she only used such + language as we find on many pages of Wodrow, in the mouths of many + Covenanters. Indeed, though Manse is undeniably comic, she also commands + as much respect as the Spartan mother when she bids her only son bear + himself boldly in the face of torture. If Scott makes her grotesque, he + also makes her heroic. But Dr. McCrie could not endure the ridiculous + element, which surely no fair critic can fail to observe in the speeches + of the gallant and courageous, but not philosophical, members of the + Covenant's Extreme Left. Dr. McCrie talks of "the creeping loyalty of the + Cavaliers." "Staggering" were a more appropriate epithet. Both sides were + loyal to principle, both courageous; but the inappropriate and + promiscuous scriptural language of many Covenanters was, and remains, + ridiculous. Let us admit that the Covenanters were not averse to all + games. In one or two sermons they illustrate religion by phrases derived + from golf! +</p> +<p> + When Dr. McCrie exclaims, in a rich anger, "Your Fathers!" as if Scott's + must either have been Presbyterians or Cavaliers, the retort is cleverly + put by Sir Walter in the mouth of Jedediah. His ancestors of these days + had been Quakers, and persecuted by both parties. +</p> +<p> + Throughout the novel Scott keeps insisting that the Presbyterians had + been goaded into rebellion, and even into revenge, by cruelty of + persecution, and that excesses and bloodthirstiness were confined to the + "High Flyers," as the milder Covenanters called them. Morton represents + the ideal of a good Scot in the circumstances. He comes to be ashamed of + his passive attitude in the face of oppression. He stands up for "that + freedom from stripes and bondage" which was claimed, as you may read in + Scripture, by the Apostle Paul, and which every man who is free-born is + called upon to defend, for his own sake and that of his countrymen. The + terms demanded by Morton from Monmouth before the battle of Bothwell + Bridge are such as Scott recognises to be fair. Freedom of worship, and a + free Parliament, are included. +</p> +<p> + Dr. McCrie's chief charges are that Scott does not insist enough on the + hardships and brutalities of the persecution, and that the ferocity of + the Covenanters is overstated. He does not admit that the picture drawn + of "the more rigid Presbyterians" is just. But it is almost impossible to + overstate the ferocity of the High Flyers' conduct and creed. Thus + Wodrow, a witness not quite unfriendly to the rigid Presbyterians, though + not high-flying enough for Patrick Walker, writes "Mr. Tate informs me + that he had this account front Mr. Antony Shau, and others of the + Indulged; that at some time, under the Indulgence, there was a meeting of + some people, when they resolved in one night . . . to go to every house + of the Indulged Ministers and kill them, and all in one night." + This anecdote was confirmed by Mr. John Millar, to whose father's house + one of these High Flyers came, on this errand. This massacre was not + aimed at the persecutors, but at the Poundtexts. As to their creed, + Wodrow has an anecdote of one of his own elders, who told a poor woman + with many children that "it would be an uncouth mercy" if they were all + saved. +</p> +<p> + A pleasant evangel was this, and peacefully was it to have been + propagated! +</p> +<p> + Scott was writing a novel, not history. In "The Minstrelsy of the + Scottish Border" (1802-3) Sir Walter gave this account of the + persecutions. "Had the system of coercion been continued until our day, + Blair and Robertson would have preached in the wilderness, and only + discovered their powers of eloquence and composition by rolling along a + deeper torrent of gloomy fanaticism. . . . The genius of the persecuted + became stubborn, obstinate, and ferocious." He did not, in his romance, + draw a complete picture of the whole persecution, but he did show, by + that insolence of Bothwell at Milnwood, which stirs the most sluggish + blood, how the people were misused. This scene, to Dr. McCrie's mind, is + "a mere farce," because it is enlivened by Manse's declamations. Scott + displays the abominable horrors of the torture as forcibly as literature + may dare to do. But Dr. McCrie is not satisfied, because Macbriar, the + tortured man, had been taken in arms. Some innocent person should have + been put in the Boot, to please Dr. McCrie. He never remarks that + Macbriar conquers our sympathy by his fortitude. He complains of what the + Covenanters themselves called "the language of Canaan," which is put into + their mouths, "a strange, ridiculous, and incoherent jargon compounded of + Scripture phrases, and cant terms peculiar to their own party opinions in + ecclesiastical politics." But what other language did many of them speak? + "Oh, all ye that can pray, tell all the Lord's people to try, by mourning + and prayer, if ye can taigle him, taigle him especially in Scotland, for + we fear, he will depart from it." This is the theology of a savage, in + the style of a clown, but it is quoted by Walker as Mr. Alexander + Peden's.' Mr. John Menzie's "Testimony" (1670) is all about "hardened + men, whom though they walk with you for the present with horns of a lamb, + yet afterward ye may hear them speak with the mouth of a dragon, pricks + in your eyes and thorns in your sides." Manse Headrigg scarcely + caricatures this eloquence, or Peden's "many and long seventy-eight years + left-hand defections, and forty-nine years right-hand extremes;" while + "Professor Simson in Glasgow, and Mr. Glass in Tealing, both with Edom's + children cry Raze, raze the very foundation!" Dr. McCrie is reduced to + supposing that some of the more absurd sermons were incorrectly reported. + Very possibly they were, but the reports were in the style which the + people liked. As if to remove all possible charge of partiality, Scott + made the one faultless Christian of his tale a Covenanting widow, the + admirable Bessie McLure. But she, says the doctor, "repeatedly banns and + minces oaths in her conversation." This outrageous conduct of Bessie's + consists in saying "Gude protect us!" and "In Heaven's name, who are ye?" + Next the Doctor congratulates Scott on his talent for buffoonery. "Oh, le + grand homme, rien ne lui peut plaire." Scott is later accused of not + making his peasants sufficiently intelligent. Cuddie Headrigg and Jenny + Dennison suffice as answers to this censure. +</p> +<p> + Probably the best points made by Dr. McCrie are his proof that biblical + names were not common among the Covenanteers and that Episcopal eloquence + and Episcopal superstition were often as tardy and as dark as the + eloquence and superstition of the Presbyterians. He carries the war into + the opposite camp, with considerable success. His best answer to "Old + Mortality" would have been a novel, as good and on the whole as fair, + written from the Covenanting side. Hogg attempted this reply, not to + Scott's pleasure according to the Shepherd, in "The Brownie of Bodsbeck." + The Shepherd says that when Scott remarked that the "Brownie" gave an + untrue description of the age, he replied, "It's a devilish deal truer + than yours!" Scott, in his defence, says that to please the friends of + the Covenanters, "their portraits must be drawn without shadow, and the + objects of their political antipathy be blackened, hooved, and horned ere + they will acknowledge the likeness of either." He gives examples of + clemency, and even considerateness, in Dundee; for example, he did not + bring with him a prisoner, "who laboured under a disease rendering it + painful to him to be on horseback." He examines the story of John Brown, + and disproves the blacker circumstances. Yet he appears to hold that + Dundee should have resigned his commission rather than carry out the + orders of Government? Burley's character for ruthlessness is defended by + the evidence of the "Scottish Worthies." As Dr. McCrie objects to his + "buffoonery," it is odd that he palliates the "strong propensity" of Knox + "to indulge his vein of humour," when describing, with ghoul-like mirth, + the festive circumstances of the murder and burial of Cardinal Beaton. + The odious part of his satire, Scott says, is confined to "the fierce and + unreasonable set of extra-Presbyterians," Wodrow's High Flyers. "We have + no delight to dwell either upon the atrocities or absurdities of a people + whose ignorance and fanaticism were rendered frantic by persecution." + To sum up the controversy, we may say that Scott was unfair, if at all, + in tone rather than in statement. He grants to the Covenanters dauntless + resolution and fortitude; he admits their wrongs; we cannot see, on the + evidence of their literature, that he exaggerates their grotesqueness, + their superstition, their impossible attitude as of Israelites under a + Theocracy, which only existed as an ideal, or their ruthlessness on + certain occasions. The books of Wodrow, Kirkton, and Patrick Walker, the + sermons, the ghost stories, the dying speeches, the direct testimony of + their own historians, prove all that Scott says, a hundred times over. + The facts are correct, the testimony to the presence of another, an + angelic temper, remains immortal in the figure of Bessie McLure. But an + unfairness of tone may be detected in the choice of such names as + Kettledrummle and Poundtext: probably the "jog-trot" friends of the + Indulgence have more right to complain than the "high-flying" friends of + the Covenant. Scott had Cavalier sympathies, as Macaulay had Covenanting + sympathies. That Scott is more unjust to the Covenanters than Macaulay to + Claverhouse historians will scarcely maintain. Neither history or fiction + would be very delightful if they were warless. This must serve as an + apology more needed by Macaulay—than by Sir Walter. His reply to Dr. + McCrie is marked by excellent temper, humour, and good humor. The + "Quarterly Review" ends with the well known reference to his brother + Tom's suspected authorship: "We intended here to conclude this long + article, when a strong report reached us of certain transatlantic + confessions, which, if genuine (though of this we know nothing), assign a + different author to those volumes than the party suspected by our + Scottish correspondents. Yet a critic may be excused for seizing upon the + nearest suspected person, or the principle happily expressed by + Claverhouse in a letter to the Earl of Linlithgow. He had been, it seems, + in search of a gifted weaver who used to hold forth at conventicles: 'I + sent for the webster, they brought in his brother for him: though he, + maybe, cannot preach like his brother, I doubt not but he is as well + principled as he, wherefore I thought it would be no great fault to give + him the trouble to go to jail with the rest.'" +</p> +<p> + Nobody who read this could doubt that Scott was, at least, "art and part" + in the review. His efforts to disguise himself as an Englishman, aided by + a Scotch antiquary, are divertingly futile. He seized the chance of + defending his earlier works from some criticisms on Scotch manners + suggested by the ignorance of Gifford. Nor was it difficult to see that + the author of the review was also the author of the novel. In later years + Lady Louisa Stuart reminded Scott that "Old Mortality," like the Iliad, + had been ascribed by clever critics to several hands working together. On + December 5, 1816, she wrote to him, "I found something you wot of upon my + table; and as I dare not take it with me to a friend's house, for fear of + arousing curiosity"—she read it at once. She could not sleep afterwards, + so much had she been excited. "Manse and Cuddie forced me to laugh out + aloud, which one seldom does when alone." Many of the Scotch words "were + absolutely Hebrew" to her. She not unjustly objected to Claverhouse's use + of the word "sentimental" as an anachronism. Sentiment, like nerves, had + not been invented in Claverhouse's day. +</p> +<p> + The pecuniary success of "Old Mortality" was less, perhaps, than might + have been expected. The first edition was only of two thousand copies. + Two editions of this number were sold in six weeks, and a third was + printed. Constable's gallant enterprise of ten thousand, in "Rob Roy," + throws these figures into the shade. +</p> +<p> + "Old Mortality" is the first of Scott's works in which he invades history + beyond the range of what may be called living oral tradition. In + "Waverley," and even in "Rob Roy," he had the memories of Invernahyle, of + Miss Nairne, of many persons of the last generation for his guides. In + "Old Mortality" his fancy had to wander among the relics of another age, + among the inscribed tombs of the Covenanters, which are common in the + West Country, as in the churchyards of Balmaclellan and Dalry. There the + dust of these enduring and courageous men, like that of Bessie Bell and + Marion Gray in the ballad, "beiks forenenst the sun," which shines on + them from beyond the hills of their wanderings, while the brown waters of + the Ken murmur at their feet. +</p> +<pre> + Here now in peace sweet rest we take, + Once murdered for religion's sake, +</pre> +<p> + says the epitaph on the flat table-stone, beneath the wind tormented + trees of Iron Gray. Concerning these <i>Manes Presbyteriani</i>, "Guthrie's + and Giffan's Passions" and the rest, Scott had a library of rare volumes + full of prophecies, "remarkable Providences," angelic ministrations, + diabolical persecutions by The Accuser of the Brethren,—in fact, all + that Covenanteers had written or that had been written about + Covenanteers. "I'll tickle ye off a Covenanter as readily as old Jack + could do a young Prince; and a rare fellow he is, when brought forth in + his true colours," he says to Terry (November 12, 1816). He certainly was + not an unprejudiced witness, some ten years earlier, when he wrote to + Southey, "You can hardly conceive the perfidy, cruelty, and stupidity of + these people, according to the accounts they have themselves preserved. + But I admit I had many prejudices instilled into me, as my ancestor was a + Killiecrankie man." He used to tease Grahame of "The Sabbath," "but never + out of his good humour, by praising Dundee, and laughing at the + Covenanters." Even as a boy he had been familiar with that godly company + in "the original edition of the lives of Cameron and others, by Patrick + Walker." The more curious parts of those biographies were excised by the + care of later editors, but they may all be found now in the "Biographia + Presbyteriana" (1827), published by True Jock, chief clerk to "Leein' + Johnnie," Mr. John Ballantyne. To this work the inquirer may turn, if he + is anxious to see whether Scott's colouring is correct. The true blue of + the Covenant is not dulled in the "Biographia Presbyteriana." +</p> +<p> + With all these materials at his command, Scott was able almost to dwell + in the age of the Covenant hence the extraordinary life and brilliance of + this, his first essay in fiction dealing with a remote time and obsolete + manners. His opening, though it may seem long and uninviting to modern + readers, is interesting for the sympathetic sketch of the gentle + consumptive dominie. If there was any class of men whom Sir Walter could + not away with, it was the race of schoolmasters, "black cattle" whom he + neither trusted nor respected. But he could make or invent exceptions, as + in the uncomplaining and kindly usher of the verbose Cleishbotham. Once + launched in his legend, with the shooting of the Popinjay, he never + falters. The gallant, dauntless, overbearing Bothwell, the dour Burley, + the handful of Preachers, representing every current of opinion in the + Covenant, the awful figure of Habakkuk Mucklewrath, the charm of goodness + in Bessie McLure, are all immortal, deathless as Shakspeare's men and + women. Indeed here, even more than elsewhere, we admire the life which + Scott breathes into his minor characters, Halliday and Inglis, the + troopers, the child who leads Morton to Burley's retreat in the cave, + that auld Laird Nippy, old Milnwood (a real "Laird Nippy" was a neighbour + of Scott's at Ashiestiel), Ailie Wilson, the kind, crabbed old + housekeeper, generous in great things, though habitually niggardly in + things small. Most of these are persons whom we might still meet in + Scotland, as we might meet Cuddie Headrigg—the shrewd, the blithe, the + faithful and humorous Cuddie. As to Miss Jenny Dennison, we can hardly + forgive Scott for making that gayest of soubrettes hard and selfish in + married life. He is too severe on the harmless and even beneficent race + of coquettes, who brighten life so much, who so rapidly "draw up with the + new pleugh lad," and who do so very little harm when all is said. Jenny + plays the part of a leal and brave lass in the siege of Tillietudlem, + hunger and terror do not subdue her spirit; she is true, in spite of many + temptations, to her Cuddie, and we decline to believe that she was untrue + to his master and friend. Ikuse, no doubt, is a caricature, though Wodrow + makes us acquainted with at least one Mause, Jean Biggart, who "all the + winter over was exceedingly straitened in wrestling and prayer as to the + Parliament, and said that still that place was brought before her, Our + hedges are broken down!" ("Analecta," ii. 173.) Surely even Dr. McCrie + must have laughed out loud, like Lady Louisa Stuart, when Mause exclaims: + "Neither will I peace for the bidding of no earthly potsherd, though it + be painted as red as a brick from the tower o' Babel, and ca' itsel' a + corporal." Manse, as we have said, is not more comic than heroic, a + mother in that Sparta of the Covenant. The figure of Morton, as usual, is + not very attractive. In his review, Scott explains the weakness of his + heroes as usually strangers in the land (Waverley, Lovel, Mannering, + Osbaldistone), who need to have everything explained to them, and who are + less required to move than to be the pivots of the general movement. But + Morton is no stranger in the land. His political position in the juste + milieu is unexciting. A schoolboy wrote to Scott at this time, "Oh, Sir + Walter, how could you take the lady from the gallant Cavalier, and give + her to the crop-eared Covenanter?" Probably Scott sympathised with his + young critic, who longed "to be a feudal chief, and to see his retainers + happy around him." But Edith Bellenden loved Morton, with that love + which, as she said, and thought, "disturbs the repose of the dead." Scott + had no choice. Besides, Dr. McCrie might have disapproved of so fortunate + an arrangement. The heroine herself does not live in the memory like Di + Vernon; she does not even live like Jenny Dennison. We remember Corporal + Raddlebanes better, the stoutest fighting man of Major Bellenden's + acquaintance; and the lady of Tillietudlem has admirers more numerous and + more constant. The lovers of the tale chiefly engage our interest by the + rare constancy of their affections. +</p> +<p> + The most disputed character is, of course, that of Claverhouse. There is + no doubt that, if Claverhouse had been a man of the ordinary mould, he + would never have reckoned so many enthusiastic friends in future ages. + But Beauty, which makes Helen immortal, had put its seal on Bonny Dundee. + With that face "which limners might have loved to paint, and ladies to + look upon," he still conquers hearts from his dark corner above the + private staircase in Sir Walter's deserted study. He was brave, he was + loyal when all the world forsook his master; in that reckless age of + revelry he looks on with the austere and noble contempt which he wears in + Hell among the tippling shades of Cavaliers. He died in the arms of + victory, but he lives among +</p> +<pre> + The chiefs of ancient names + Who swore to fight and die beneath the banner of King James, + And he fell in Killiecrankie Pass, the glory of the Grahames. +</pre> +<p> + Sentiment in romance, not in history, may be excused for pardoning the + rest. +</p> +<p> + Critics of the time, as Lady Louisa Stuart reminds Sir Walter, did not + believe the book was his, because it lacked his "tedious descriptions." + The descriptions, as of the waterfall where Burley had his den, are + indeed far from "tedious." There is a tendency in Scott to exalt into + mountains "his own grey hills," the <i>bosses verdatres</i> as Prosper Merimee + called them, of the Border. But the horrors of such linns as that down + which Hab Dab and Davie Dinn "dang the deil" are not exaggerated. +</p> +<p> + "Old Mortality" was the last novel written by Scott before the malady + which tormented his stoicism in 1817-1820. Every reader has his own + favourite, but few will place this glorious tale lower than second in the + list of his incomparable romances. +</p> +<center> + ANDREW LANG. +</center> +<a name="2H_INTR"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + INTRODUCTION TO THE TALES OF MY LANDLORD. +</h2> +<p> + As I may, without vanity, presume that the name and official description + prefixed to this Proem will secure it, from the sedate and reflecting + part of mankind, to whom only I would be understood to address myself, + such attention as is due to the sedulous instructor of youth, and the + careful performer of my Sabbath duties, I will forbear to hold up a + candle to the daylight, or to point out to the judicious those + recommendations of my labours which they must necessarily anticipate from + the perusal of the title-page. Nevertheless, I am not unaware, that, as + Envy always dogs Merit at the heels, there may be those who will whisper, + that albeit my learning and good principles cannot (lauded be the + heavens) be denied by any one, yet that my situation at Gandercleugh hath + been more favourable to my acquisitions in learning than to the + enlargement of my views of the ways and works of the present generation. + To the which objection, if, peradventure, any such shall be started, my + answer shall be threefold: +</p> +<p> + First, Gandercleugh is, as it were, the central part—the navel (<i>si fas + sit dicere</i>) of this our native realm of Scotland; so that men, from + every corner thereof, when travelling on their concernments of business, + either towards our metropolis of law, by which I mean Edinburgh, or + towards our metropolis and mart of gain, whereby I insinuate Glasgow, are + frequently led to make Gandercleugh their abiding stage and place of rest + for the night. And it must be acknowledged by the most sceptical, that I, + who have sat in the leathern armchair, on the left-hand side of the fire, + in the common room of the Wallace Inn, winter and summer, for every + evening in my life, during forty years bypast, (the Christian Sabbaths + only excepted,) must have seen more of the manners and customs of various + tribes and people, than if I had sought them out by my own painful travel + and bodily labour. Even so doth the tollman at the well-frequented + turnpike on the Wellbrae-head, sitting at his ease in his own dwelling, + gather more receipt of custom, than if, moving forth upon the road, he + were to require a contribution from each person whom he chanced to meet + in his journey, when, according to the vulgar adage, he might possibly be + greeted with more kicks than halfpence. +</p> +<p> + But, secondly, supposing it again urged, that Ithacus, the most wise of + the Greeks, acquired his renown, as the Roman poet hath assured us, by + visiting states and men, I reply to the Zoilus who shall adhere to this + objection, that, <i>de facto</i>, I have seen states and men also; for I have + visited the famous cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the former twice, and + the latter three times, in the course of my earthly pilgrimage. And, + moreover, I had the honour to sit in the General Assembly (meaning, as an + auditor, in the galleries thereof,) and have heard as much goodly + speaking on the law of patronage, as, with the fructification thereof in + mine own understanding, hath made me be considered as an oracle upon that + doctrine ever since my safe and happy return to Gandercleugh. +</p> +<p> + Again,—and thirdly, If it be nevertheless pretended that my information + and knowledge of mankind, however extensive, and however painfully + acquired, by constant domestic enquiry, and by foreign travel, is, + natheless, incompetent to the task of recording the pleasant narratives + of my Landlord, I will let these critics know, to their own eternal shame + and confusion, as well as to the abashment and discomfiture of all who + shall rashly take up a song against me, that I am NOT the writer, + redacter, or compiler, of the "Tales of my Landlord;" nor am I, in one + single iota, answerable for their contents, more or less. And now, ye + generation of critics, who raise yourselves up as if it were brazen + serpents, to hiss with your tongues, and to smite with your stings, bow + yourselves down to your native dust, and acknowledge that yours have been + the thoughts of ignorance, and the words of vain foolishness. Lo! ye are + caught in your own snare, and your own pit hath yawned for you. Turn, + then, aside from the task that is too heavy for you; destroy not your + teeth by gnawing a file; waste not your strength by spurning against a + castle wall; nor spend your breath in contending in swiftness with a + fleet steed; and let those weigh the "Tales of my Landlord," who shall + bring with them the scales of candour cleansed from the rust of prejudice + by the hands of intelligent modesty. For these alone they were compiled, + as will appear from a brief narrative which my zeal for truth compelled + me to make supplementary to the present Proem. +</p> +<p> + It is well known that my Landlord was a pleasing and a facetious man, + acceptable unto all the parish of Gandercleugh, excepting only the Laird, + the Exciseman, and those for whom he refused to draw liquor upon trust. + Their causes of dislike I will touch separately, adding my own refutation + thereof. +</p> +<p> + His honour, the Laird, accused our Landlord, deceased, of having + encouraged, in various times and places, the destruction of hares, + rabbits, fowls black and grey, partridges, moor-pouts, roe-deer, and + other birds and quadrupeds, at unlawful seasons, and contrary to the laws + of this realm, which have secured, in their wisdom, the slaughter of such + animals for the great of the earth, whom I have remarked to take an + uncommon (though to me, an unintelligible) pleasure therein. Now, in + humble deference to his honour, and in justifiable defence of my friend + deceased, I reply to this charge, that howsoever the form of such animals + might appear to be similar to those so protected by the law, yet it was a + mere <i>deceptio visus</i>; for what resembled hares were, in fact, hill-kids, + and those partaking of the appearance of moor-fowl, were truly wood + pigeons, and consumed and eaten <i>eo nomine</i>, and not otherwise. + Again, the Exciseman pretended, that my deceased Landlord did encourage + that species of manufacture called distillation, without having an + especial permission from the Great, technically called a license, for + doing so. Now, I stand up to confront this falsehood; and in defiance of + him, his gauging-stick, and pen and inkhorn, I tell him, that I never + saw, or tasted, a glass of unlawful aqua vitae in the house of my + Landlord; nay, that, on the contrary, we needed not such devices, in + respect of a pleasing and somewhat seductive liquor, which was vended and + consumed at the Wallace Inn, under the name of mountain dew. If there is + a penalty against manufacturing such a liquor, let him show me the + statute; and when he does, I'll tell him if I will obey it or no. + Concerning those who came to my Landlord for liquor, and went thirsty + away, for lack of present coin, or future credit, I cannot but say it has + grieved my bowels as if the case had been mine own. Nevertheless, my + Landlord considered the necessities of a thirsty soul, and would permit + them, in extreme need, and when their soul was impoverished for lack of + moisture, to drink to the full value of their watches and wearing + apparel, exclusively of their inferior habiliments, which he was + uniformly inexorable in obliging them to retain, for the credit of the + house. As to mine own part, I may well say, that he never refused me that + modicum of refreshment with which I am wont to recruit nature after the + fatigues of my school. It is true, I taught his five sons English and + Latin, writing, book-keeping, with a tincture of mathematics, and that I + instructed his daughter in psalmody. Nor do I remember me of any fee or + honorarium received from him on account of these my labours, except the + compotations aforesaid. Nevertheless this compensation suited my humour + well, since it is a hard sentence to bid a dry throat wait till + quarter-day. +</p> +<p> + But, truly, were I to speak my simple conceit and belief, I think my + Landlord was chiefly moved to waive in my behalf the usual requisition of + a symbol, or reckoning, from the pleasure he was wont to take in my + conversation, which, though solid and edifying in the main, was, like a + well-built palace, decorated with facetious narratives and devices, + tending much to the enhancement and ornament thereof. And so pleased was + my Landlord of the Wallace in his replies during such colloquies, that + there was no district in Scotland, yea, and no peculiar, and, as it were, + distinctive custom therein practised, but was discussed betwixt us; + insomuch, that those who stood by were wont to say, it was worth a bottle + of ale to hear us communicate with each other. And not a few travellers, + from distant parts, as well as from the remote districts of our kingdom, + were wont to mingle in the conversation, and to tell news that had been + gathered in foreign lands, or preserved from oblivion in this our own. + Now I chanced to have contracted for teaching the lower classes with a + young person called Peter, or Patrick, Pattieson, who had been educated + for our Holy Kirk, yea, had, by the license of presbytery, his voice + opened therein as a preacher, who delighted in the collection of olden + tales and legends, and in garnishing them with the flowers of poesy, + whereof he was a vain and frivolous professor. For he followed not the + example of those strong poets whom I proposed to him as a pattern, but + formed versification of a flimsy and modern texture, to the compounding + whereof was necessary small pains and less thought. And hence I have chid + him as being one of those who bring forward the fatal revolution + prophesied by Mr. Robert Carey, in his Vaticination on the Death of the + celebrated Dr. John Donne: +</p> +<pre> + Now thou art gone, and thy strict laws will be + Too hard for libertines in poetry; + Till verse (by thee refined) in this last age + Turn ballad rhyme. +</pre> +<p> + I had also disputations with him touching his indulging rather a flowing + and redundant than a concise and stately diction in his prose + exercitations. But notwithstanding these symptoms of inferior taste, and + a humour of contradicting his betters upon passages of dubious + construction in Latin authors, I did grievously lament when Peter + Pattieson was removed from me by death, even as if he had been the + offspring of my own loins. And in respect his papers had been left in my + care, (to answer funeral and death-bed expenses,) I conceived myself + entitled to dispose of one parcel thereof, entitled, "Tales of my + Landlord," to one cunning in the trade (as it is called) of book + selling. He was a mirthful man, of small stature, cunning in + counterfeiting of voices, and in making facetious tales and responses, + and whom I have to laud for the truth of his dealings towards me. + Now, therefore, the world may see the injustice that charges me with + incapacity to write these narratives, seeing, that though I have proved + that I could have written them if I would, yet, not having done so, the + censure will deservedly fall, if at all due, upon the memory of Mr. Peter + Pattieson; whereas I must be justly entitled to the praise, when any is + due, seeing that, as the Dean of St. Patrick's wittily and logically + expresseth it, +</p> +<pre> + That without which a thing is not, + Is Causa sine qua non. +</pre> +<p> + The work, therefore, is unto me as a child is to a parent; in the which + child, if it proveth worthy, the parent hath honour and praise; but, if + otherwise, the disgrace will deservedly attach to itself alone. +</p> +<p> +I have only further to intimate, that Mr. Peter Pattieson, in arranging +these Tales for the press, hath more consulted his own fancy than the +accuracy of the narrative; nay, that he hath sometimes blended two or +three stories together for the mere grace of his plots. Of which +infidelity, although I disapprove and enter my testimony against it, yet +I have not taken upon me to correct the same, in respect it was the will +of the deceased, that his manuscript should be submitted to the press +without diminution or alteration. A fanciful nicety it was on the part of +my deceased friend, who, if thinking wisely, ought rather to have +conjured me, by all the tender ties of our friendship and common +pursuits, to have carefully revised, altered, and augmented, at my +judgment and discretion. But the will of the dead must be scrupulously +obeyed, even when we weep over their pertinacity and self-delusion. So, +gentle reader, I bid you farewell, recommending you to such fare as the +mountains of your own country produce; and I will only farther premise, +that each Tale is preceded by a short introduction, mentioning the +persons by whom, and the circumstances under which, the materials thereof +were collected.<br><br> + JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM. +</p> +<br><br><br><br> + +<h2> + INTRODUCTION TO OLD MORTALITY. +</h2> +<p> + The remarkable person, called by the title of Old Mortality, was we'll + known in Scotland about the end of the last century. His real name was + Robert Paterson. He was a native, it is said, of the parish of Closeburn, + in Dumfries-shire, and probably a mason by profession—at least educated + to the use of the chisel. Whether family dissensions, or the deep and + enthusiastic feeling of supposed duty, drove him to leave his dwelling, + and adopt the singular mode of life in which he wandered, like a palmer, + through Scotland, is not known. It could not be poverty, however, which + prompted his journeys, for he never accepted anything beyond the + hospitality which was willingly rendered him, and when that was not + proffered, he always had money enough to provide for his own humble + wants. His personal appearance, and favourite, or rather sole occupation, + are accurately described in the preliminary chapter of the following + work. +</p> +<p> + It is about thirty years since, or more, that the author met this + singular person in the churchyard of Dunnottar, when spending a day or + two with the late learned and excellent clergyman, Mr. Walker, the + minister of that parish, for the purpose of a close examination of the + ruins of the Castle of Dunnottar, and other subjects of antiquarian + research in that neighbourhood. Old Mortality chanced to be at the same + place, on the usual business of his pilgrimage; for the Castle of + Dunnottar, though lying in the anti-covenanting district of the Mearns, + was, with the parish churchyard, celebrated for the oppressions sustained + there by the Cameronians in the time of James II. +</p> +<p> + It was in 1685, when Argyle was threatening a descent upon Scotland, and + Monmouth was preparing to invade the west of England, that the Privy + Council of Scotland, with cruel precaution, made a general arrest of more + than a hundred persons in the southern and western provinces, supposed, + from their religious principles, to be inimical to Government, together + with many women and children. These captives were driven northward like a + flock of bullocks, but with less precaution to provide for their wants, + and finally penned up in a subterranean dungeon in the Castle of + Dunnottar, having a window opening to the front of a precipice which + overhangs the German Ocean. They had suffered not a little on the + journey, and were much hurt both at the scoffs of the northern + prelatists, and the mocks, gibes, and contemptuous tunes played by the + fiddlers and pipers who had come from every quarter as they passed, to + triumph over the revilers of their calling. The repose which the + melancholy dungeon afforded them, was anything but undisturbed. The + guards made them pay for every indulgence, even that of water; and when + some of the prisoners resisted a demand so unreasonable, and insisted on + their right to have this necessary of life untaxed, their keepers emptied + the water on the prison floor, saying, "If they were obliged to bring + water for the canting whigs, they were not bound to afford them the use + of bowls or pitchers gratis." +</p> +<p> + In this prison, which is still termed the Whig's Vault, several died of + the diseases incidental to such a situation; and others broke their + limbs, and incurred fatal injury, in desperate attempts to escape from + their stern prison-house. Over the graves of these unhappy persons, their + friends, after the Revolution, erected a monument with a suitable + inscription. +</p> +<p> + This peculiar shrine of the Whig martyrs is very much honoured by their + descendants, though residing at a great distance from the land of their + captivity and death. My friend, the Rev. Mr. Walker, told me, that being + once upon a tour in the south of Scotland, probably about forty years + since, he had the bad luck to involve himself in the labyrinth of + passages and tracks which cross, in every direction, the extensive waste + called Lochar Moss, near Dumfries, out of which it is scarcely possible + for a stranger to extricate himself; and there was no small difficulty in + procuring a guide, since such people as he saw were engaged in digging + their peats—a work of paramount necessity, which will hardly brook + interruption. Mr. Walker could, therefore, only procure unintelligible + directions in the southern brogue, which differs widely from that of the + Mearns. He was beginning to think himself in a serious dilemma, when he + stated his case to a farmer of rather the better class, who was employed, + as the others, in digging his winter fuel. The old man at first made the + same excuse with those who had already declined acting as the traveller's + guide; but perceiving him in great perplexity, and paying the respect due + to his profession, "You are a clergyman, sir?" he said. Mr. Walker + assented. "And I observe from your speech, that you are from the + north?"—"You are right, my good friend," was the reply. "And may I ask + if you have ever heard of a place called Dunnottar?"—"I ought to know + something about it, my friend," said Mr. Walker, "since I have been + several years the minister of the parish."—"I am glad to hear it," said + the Dumfriesian, "for one of my near relations lies buried there, and + there is, I believe, a monument over his grave. I would give half of what + I am aught, to know if it is still in existence."—"He was one of those + who perished in the Whig's Vault at the castle?" said the minister; "for + there are few southlanders besides lying in our churchyard, and none, I + think, having monuments."—"Even sae—even sae," said the old Cameronian, + for such was the farmer. He then laid down his spade, cast on his coat, + and heartily offered to see the minister out of the moss, if he should + lose the rest of the <i>day's dargue</i>. Mr. Walker was able to requite him + amply, in his opinion, by reciting the epitaph, which he remembered by + heart. The old man was enchanted with finding the memory of his + grandfather or great-grandfather faithfully recorded amongst the names of + brother sufferers; and rejecting all other offers of recompense, only + requested, after he had guided Mr. Walker to a safe and dry road, that he + would let him have a written copy of the inscription. +</p> +<p> + It was whilst I was listening to this story, and looking at the monument + referred to, that I saw Old Mortality engaged in his daily task of + cleaning and repairing the ornaments and epitaphs upon the tomb. His + appearance and equipment were exactly as described in the Novel. I was + very desirous to see something of a person so singular, and expected to + have done so, as he took up his quarters with the hospitable and + liberal-spirited minister. But though Mr. Walker invited him up after + dinner to partake of a glass of spirits and water, to which he was + supposed not to be very averse, yet he would not speak frankly upon the + subject of his occupation. He was in bad humour, and had, according to + his phrase, no freedom for conversation with us. +</p> +<p> + His spirit had been sorely vexed by hearing, in a certain Aberdonian + kirk, the psalmody directed by a pitch-pipe, or some similar instrument, + which was to Old Mortality the abomination of abominations. Perhaps, + after all, he did not feel himself at ease with his company; he might + suspect the questions asked by a north-country minister and a young + barrister to savour more of idle curiosity than profit. At any rate, in + the phrase of John Bunyan, Old Mortality went on his way, and I saw him + no more. +</p> +<p> + The remarkable figure and occupation of this ancient pilgrim was recalled + to my memory by an account transmitted by my friend Mr. Joseph Train, + supervisor of excise at Dumfries, to whom I owe many obligations of a + similar nature. From this, besides some other circumstances, among which + are those of the old man's death, I learned the particulars described in + the text. I am also informed, that the old palmer's family, in the third + generation, survives, and is highly respected both for talents and worth. + While these sheets were passing through the press, I received the + following communication from Mr. Train, whose undeviating kindness had, + during the intervals of laborious duty, collected its materials from an + indubitable source. +</p> +<pre> + "In the course of my periodical visits to the Glenkens, I have + become intimately acquainted with Robert Paterson, a son of Old + Mortality, who lives in the little village of Balmaclellan; and + although he is now in the 70th year of his age, preserves all the + vivacity of youth—has a most retentive memory, and a mind stored + with information far above what could be expected from a person in + his station of life. To him I am indebted for the following + particulars relative to his father, and his descendants down to the + present time. + + "Robert Paterson, alias Old Mortality, was the son of Walter + Paterson and Margaret Scott, who occupied the farm of Ilaggisha, in + the parish of Hawick, during nearly the first half of the eighteenth + century. Here Robert was born, in the memorable year 1715. + + "Being the youngest son of a numerous family, he, at an early age, + went to serve with an elder brother, named Francis, who rented, from + Sir John Jardine of Applegarth, a small tract in Comcockle Moor, + near Lochmaben. During his residence there, he became acquainted + with Elizabeth Gray, daughter of Robert Gray, gardener to Sir John + Jardine, whom he afterwards married. His wife had been, for a + considerable time, a cook-maid to Sir Thomas Kirkpatrick of + Closeburn, who procured for her husband, from the Duke of + Queensberry, an advantageous lease of the freestone quarry of + Gatelowbrigg, in the parish of Morton. Here he built a house, and + had as much land as kept a horse and cow. My informant cannot say, + with certainty, the year in which his father took up his residence + at Gatelowbrigg, but he is sure it must have been only a short time + prior to the year 1746, as, during the memorable frost in 1740, he + says his mother still resided in the service of Sir Thomas + Kirkpatrick. When the Highlanders were returning from England on + their route to Glasgow, in the year 1745-6, they plundered Mr. + Paterson's house at Gatelowbrigg, and carried him a prisoner as far + as Glenbuck, merely because he said to one of the straggling army, + that their retreat might have been easily foreseen, as the strong + arm of the Lord was evidently raised, not only against the bloody + and wicked house of Stewart, but against all who attempted to + support the abominable heresies of the Church of Rome. From this + circumstance it appears that Old Mortality had, even at that early + period of his life, imbibed the religious enthusiasm by which he + afterwards became so much distinguished. + + "The religious sect called Hill-men, or Cameronians, was at that + time much noted for austerity and devotion, in imitation of Cameron, + their founder, of whose tenets Old Mortality became a most strenuous + supporter. He made frequent journeys into Galloway to attend their + conventicles, and occasionally carried with him gravestones from his + quarry at Gatelowbrigg, to keep in remembrance the righteous whose + dust had been gathered to their fathers. Old Mortality was not one + of those religious devotees, who, although one eye is seemingly + turned towards heaven, keep the other steadfastly fixed on some + sublunary object. As his enthusiasm increased, his journeys into + Galloway became more frequent; and he gradually neglected even the + common prudential duty of providing for his offspring. From about + the year 1758, he neglected wholly to return from Galloway to his + wife and five children at Gatelowbrigg, which induced her to send + her eldest son Walter, then only twelve years of age, to Galloway, + in search of his father. After traversing nearly the whole of that + extensive district, from the Nick of Benncorie to the Fell of + Barullion, he found him at last working on the Cameronian monuments, + in the old kirkyard of Kirkchrist, on the west side of the Dee, + opposite the town of Kirkcudbright. The little wanderer used all the + influence in his power to induce his father to return to his family; + but in vain. Mrs. Paterson sent even some of her female children + into Galloway in search of their father, for the same purpose of + persuading him to return home; but without any success. At last, in + the summer of 1768, she removed to the little upland village of + Balmaclellan, in the Glenkens of Galloway, where, upon the small + pittance derived from keeping a little school, she supported her + numerous family in a respectable manner. + + "There is a small monumental stone in the farm of the Caldon, near + the House of the Hill, in Wigtonshire, which is highly venerated as + being the first erected, by Old Mortality, to the memory of several + persons who fell at that place in defence of their religious tenets + in the civil war, in the reign of Charles Second. + + "From the Caldon, the labours of Old Mortality, in the course of + time, spread over nearly all the Lowlands of Scotland. There are few + churchyards in Ayrshire, Galloway, or Dumfries-shire, where the work + of his chisel is not yet to be seen. It is easily distinguished from + the work of any other artist by the primitive rudeness of the + emblems of death, and of the inscriptions which adorn the ill-formed + blocks of his erection. This task of repairing and erecting + gravestones, practised without fee or reward, was the only + ostensible employment of this singular person for upwards of forty + years. The door of every Cameronian's house was indeed open to him + at all times when he chose to enter, and he was gladly received as + an inmate of the family; but he did not invariably accept of these + civilities, as may be seen by the following account of his frugal + expenses, found, amongst other little papers, (some of which I have + likewise in my possession,) in his pocket-book after his death. +</pre> + <p class="accounts"> + <br> + Gatehouse of Fleet, 4th February, 1796.<br> + ROBERT PATERBON debtor to MARGARET CHRYSTALE.<br> + To drye Lodginge for seven weeks,....... 0 4 1<br> + To Four Auchlet of Ait Meal,............ 0 3 4<br> + To 6 Lippies of Potatoes................ 0 1 3<br> + To Lent Money at the time of Mr. Reid's<br> + Sacrament,......................... 0 6 0<br> + To 3 Chappins of Yell with Sandy the<br> + Keelman,*.......................... 0 0 9<br> +<br> + Total,............................L.0 15 5<br> + Received in part,....................... 0 10 0<br> + Unpaid,............................... L.0 5 5<br> + </p> + +<pre> + *["A well-known humourist, still alive, popularly called by the name + of Old Keelybags, who deals in the keel or chalk with which farmers + mark their flocks."] +</pre> +<p> + "This statement shows the religious wanderer to have been very poor in + his old age; but he was so more by choice than through necessity, as at + the period here alluded to, his children were all comfortably situated, + and were most anxious to keep their father at home, but no entreaty could + induce him to alter his erratic way of life. He travelled from one + churchyard to another, mounted on his old white pony, till the last day + of his existence, and died, as you have described, at Bankhill, near + Lockerby, on the 14th February, 1801, in the 86th year of his age. As + soon as his body was found, intimation was sent to his sons at + Balmaclellan; but from the great depth of the snow at that time, the + letter communicating the particulars of his death was so long detained by + the way, that the remains of the pilgrim were interred before any of his + relations could arrive at Bankhill. +</p> +<p> + "The following is an exact copy of the account of his funeral + expenses,—the original of which I have in my possession:— +</p> +<p class="accounts"> +<br> + "Memorandum of the Funral Charges of Robert Paterson,<br> + who dyed at Bankhill on the 14th day of February, 1801.<br> + To a Coffon................... L.0 12 0<br> + To Munting for do............... 0 2 8<br> + To a Shirt for him.............. 0 5 6<br> + To a pair of Cotten Stockings... 0 2 0<br> + To Bread at the Founral......... 0 2 6<br> + To Chise at ditto............... 0 3 0<br> + To 1 pint Rume.................. 0 4 6<br> + To I pint Whiskie............... 0 4 0<br> + To a man going to Annam......... 0 2 0<br> + To the grave diger.............. 0 1 0<br> + To Linnen for a sheet to him.... 0 2 8<br> + + + L.2 1 10<br> + Taken off him when dead,.........1 7 6<br> + + + L.0 14 4<br> +</p> +<p> + "The above account is authenticated by the son of the deceased. +</p> +<p> + "My friend was prevented by indisposition from even going to Bankhill to + attend the funeral of his father, which I regret very much, as he is not + aware in what churchyard he was interred. +</p> +<p> + "For the purpose of erecting a small monument to his memory, I have made + every possible enquiry, wherever I thought there was the least chance of + finding out where Old Mortality was laid; but I have done so in vain, as + his death is not registered in the session-book of any of the + neighbouring parishes. I am sorry to think, that in all probability, this + singular person, who spent so many years of his lengthened existence in + striving with his chisel and mallet to perpetuate the memory of many less + deserving than himself, must remain even without a single stone to mark + out the resting place of his mortal remains. +</p> +<p> + "Old Mortality had three sons, Robert, Walter, and John; the former, as + has been already mentioned, lives in the village of Balmaclellan, in + comfortable circumstances, and is much respected by his neighbours. + Walter died several years ago, leaving behind him a family now + respectably situated in this point. John went to America in the year + 1776, and, after various turns of fortune, settled at Baltimore." +</p> +<p> + Old Nol himself is said to have loved an innocent jest. (See Captain + Hodgson's Memoirs.) Old Mortality somewhat resembled the Protector in + this turn to festivity. Like Master Silence, he had been merry twice and + once in his time; but even his jests were of a melancholy and sepulchral + nature, and sometimes attended with inconvenience to himself, as will + appear from the following anecdote:— +</p> +<p> + The old man was at one time following his wonted occupation of repairing + the tombs of the martyrs, in the churchyard of Girthon, and the sexton of + the parish was plying his kindred task at no small distance. Some roguish + urchins were sporting near them, and by their noisy gambols disturbing + the old men in their serious occupation. The most petulant of the + juvenile party were two or three boys, grandchildren of a person well + known by the name of Cooper Climent. This artist enjoyed almost a + monopoly in Girthon and the neighbouring parishes, for making and selling + ladles, caups, bickers, bowls, spoons, cogues, and trenchers, formed of + wood, for the use of the country people. It must be noticed, that + notwithstanding the excellence of the Cooper's vessels, they were apt, + when new, to impart a reddish tinge to whatever liquor was put into them, + a circumstance not uncommon in like cases. +</p> +<p> + The grandchildren of this dealer in wooden work took it into their head + to ask the sexton, what use he could possibly make of the numerous + fragments of old coffins which were thrown up in opening new graves. "Do + you not know," said Old Mortality, "that he sells them to your + grandfather, who makes them into spoons, trenchers, bickers, bowies, and + so forth?" At this assertion, the youthful group broke up in great + confusion and disgust, on reflecting how many meals they had eaten out of + dishes which, by Old Mortality's account, were only fit to be used at a + banquet of witches or of ghoules. They carried the tidings home, when + many a dinner was spoiled by the loathing which the intelligence + imparted; for the account of the materials was supposed to explain the + reddish tinge which, even in the days of the Cooper's fame, had seemed + somewhat suspicious. The ware of Cooper Climent was rejected in horror, + much to the benefit of his rivals the muggers, who dealt in earthenware. + The man of cutty-spoon and ladle saw his trade interrupted, and learned + the reason, by his quondam customers coming upon him in wrath to return + the goods which were composed of such unhallowed materials, and demand + repayment of their money. In this disagreeable predicament, the forlorn + artist cited Old Mortality into a court of justice, where he proved that + the wood he used in his trade was that of the staves of old wine-pipes + bought from smugglers, with whom the country then abounded, a + circumstance which fully accounted for their imparting a colour to their + contents. Old Mortality himself made the fullest declaration, that he had + no other purpose in making the assertion, than to check the petulance of + the children. But it is easier to take away a good name than to restore + it. Cooper Climent's business continued to languish, and he died in a + state of poverty. +</p> +<a name="image-0006"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" height="771" width="532" +alt="Frontispiece +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="2H_4_0005"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VOLUME I. +</h2> +<a name="2HCH0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER I. +</h2> +<h3> + Preliminary. +</h3> +<pre> + Why seeks he with unwearied toil + Through death's dim walks to urge his way, + Reclaim his long-asserted spoil, + And lead oblivion into day? + Langhorne. +</pre> +<p> + "Most readers," says the Manuscript of Mr Pattieson, "must have witnessed + with delight the joyous burst which attends the dismissing of a + village-school on a fine summer evening. The buoyant spirit of childhood, + repressed with so much difficulty during the tedious hours of discipline, + may then be seen to explode, as it were, in shout, and song, and frolic, + as the little urchins join in groups on their play-ground, and arrange + their matches of sport for the evening. But there is one individual who + partakes of the relief afforded by the moment of dismission, whose + feelings are not so obvious to the eye of the spectator, or so apt to + receive his sympathy. I mean the teacher himself, who, stunned with the + hum, and suffocated with the closeness of his school-room, has spent the + whole day (himself against a host) in controlling petulance, exciting + indifference to action, striving to enlighten stupidity, and labouring to + soften obstinacy; and whose very powers of intellect have been confounded + by hearing the same dull lesson repeated a hundred times by rote, and + only varied by the various blunders of the reciters. Even the flowers of + classic genius, with which his solitary fancy is most gratified, have + been rendered degraded, in his imagination, by their connexion with + tears, with errors, and with punishment; so that the Eclogues of Virgil + and Odes of Horace are each inseparably allied in association with the + sullen figure and monotonous recitation of some blubbering school-boy. If + to these mental distresses are added a delicate frame of body, and a mind + ambitious of some higher distinction than that of being the tyrant of + childhood, the reader may have some slight conception of the relief which + a solitary walk, in the cool of a fine summer evening, affords to the + head which has ached, and the nerves which have been shattered, for so + many hours, in plying the irksome task of public instruction. +</p> +<p> + "To me these evening strolls have been the happiest hours of an unhappy + life; and if any gentle reader shall hereafter find pleasure in perusing + these lucubrations, I am not unwilling he should know, that the plan of + them has been usually traced in those moments, when relief from toil and + clamour, combined with the quiet scenery around me, has disposed my mind + to the task of composition. +</p> +<p> + "My chief haunt, in these hours of golden leisure, is the banks of the + small stream, which, winding through a 'lone vale of green bracken,' + passes in front of the village school-house of Gandercleugh. For the + first quarter of a mile, perhaps, I may be disturbed from my meditations, + in order to return the scrape, or doffed bonnet, of such stragglers among + my pupils as fish for trouts or minnows in the little brook, or seek + rushes and wild-flowers by its margin. But, beyond the space I have + mentioned, the juvenile anglers do not, after sunset, voluntarily extend + their excursions. The cause is, that farther up the narrow valley, and in + a recess which seems scooped out of the side of the steep heathy bank, + there is a deserted burial-ground, which the little cowards are fearful + of approaching in the twilight. To me, however, the place has an + inexpressible charm. It has been long the favourite termination of my + walks, and, if my kind patron forgets not his promise, will (and probably + at no very distant day) be my final resting-place after my mortal + pilgrimage. [Note: Note, by Mr Jedediah Cleishbotham.—That I kept my + plight in this melancholy matter with my deceased and lamented friend, + appeareth from a handsome headstone, erected at my proper charges in this + spot, bearing the name and calling of Peter Pattieson, with the date of + his nativity and sepulture; together also with a testimony of his merits, + attested by myself, as his superior and patron.—J. C.] +</p> +<p> + "It is a spot which possesses all the solemnity of feeling attached to a + burial-ground, without exciting those of a more unpleasing description. + Having been very little used for many years, the few hillocks which rise + above the level plain are covered with the same short velvet turf. The + monuments, of which there are not above seven or eight, are half sunk in + the ground, and overgrown with moss. No newly-erected tomb disturbs the + sober serenity of our reflections by reminding us of recent calamity, and + no rank-springing grass forces upon our imagination the recollection, + that it owes its dark luxuriance to the foul and festering remnants of + mortality which ferment beneath. The daisy which sprinkles the sod, and + the harebell which hangs over it, derive their pure nourishment from the + dew of heaven, and their growth impresses us with no degrading or + disgusting recollections. Death has indeed been here, and its traces are + before us; but they are softened and deprived of their horror by our + distance from the period when they have been first impressed. Those who + sleep beneath are only connected with us by the reflection, that they + have once been what we now are, and that, as their relics are now + identified with their mother earth, ours shall, at some future period, + undergo the same transformation. +</p> +<p> + "Yet, although the moss has been collected on the most modern of these + humble tombs during four generations of mankind, the memory of some of + those who sleep beneath them is still held in reverent remembrance. It is + true, that, upon the largest, and, to an antiquary, the most interesting + monument of the group, which bears the effigies of a doughty knight in + his hood of mail, with his shield hanging on his breast, the armorial + bearings are defaced by time, and a few worn-out letters may be read at + the pleasure of the decipherer, Dns. Johan—de Hamel,—or Johan—de + Lamel—And it is also true, that of another tomb, richly sculptured with + an ornamental cross, mitre, and pastoral staff, tradition can only aver, + that a certain nameless bishop lies interred there. But upon other two + stones which lie beside, may still be read in rude prose, and ruder + rhyme, the history of those who sleep beneath them. They belong, we are + assured by the epitaph, to the class of persecuted Presbyterians who + afforded a melancholy subject for history in the times of Charles II. and + his successor. [Note: James, Seventh King of Scotland of that name, and + Second according to the numeration of the Kings of England.—J. C.] In + returning from the battle of Pentland Hills, a party of the insurgents + had been attacked in this glen by a small detachment of the King's + troops, and three or four either killed in the skirmish, or shot after + being made prisoners, as rebels taken with arms in their hands. The + peasantry continued to attach to the tombs of those victims of prelacy an + honour which they do not render to more splendid mausoleums; and, when + they point them out to their sons, and narrate the fate of the sufferers, + usually conclude, by exhorting them to be ready, should times call for + it, to resist to the death in the cause of civil and religious liberty, + like their brave forefathers. +</p> +<p> + "Although I am far from venerating the peculiar tenets asserted by those + who call themselves the followers of those men, and whose intolerance and + narrow-minded bigotry are at least as conspicuous as their devotional + zeal, yet it is without depreciating the memory of those sufferers, many + of whom united the independent sentiments of a Hampden with the suffering + zeal of a Hooper or Latimer. On the other hand, it would be unjust to + forget, that many even of those who had been most active in crushing what + they conceived the rebellious and seditious spirit of those unhappy + wanderers, displayed themselves, when called upon to suffer for their + political and religious opinions, the same daring and devoted zeal, + tinctured, in their case, with chivalrous loyalty, as in the former with + republican enthusiasm. It has often been remarked of the Scottish + character, that the stubbornness with which it is moulded shows most to + advantage in adversity, when it seems akin to the native sycamore of + their hills, which scorns to be biassed in its mode of growth even by the + influence of the prevailing wind, but, shooting its branches with equal + boldness in every direction, shows no weather-side to the storm, and may + be broken, but can never be bended. It must be understood that I speak of + my countrymen as they fall under my own observation. When in foreign + countries, I have been informed that they are more docile. But it is time + to return from this digression. +</p> +<p> + "One summer evening, as in a stroll, such as I have described, I + approached this deserted mansion of the dead, I was somewhat surprised to + hear sounds distinct from those which usually soothe its solitude, the + gentle chiding, namely, of the brook, and the sighing of the wind in the + boughs of three gigantic ash-trees, which mark the cemetery. The clink of + a hammer was, on this occasion, distinctly heard; and I entertained some + alarm that a march-dike, long meditated by the two proprietors whose + estates were divided by my favourite brook, was about to be drawn up the + glen, in order to substitute its rectilinear deformity for the graceful + winding of the natural boundary. [Note: I deem it fitting that the reader + should be apprised that this limitary boundary between the conterminous + heritable property of his honour the Laird of Gandercleugh, and his + honour the Laird of Gusedub, was to have been in fashion an agger, or + rather murus of uncemented granite, called by the vulgar a drystane dyke, + surmounted, or coped, <i>cespite viridi</i>, i.e. with a sodturf. Truly their + honours fell into discord concerning two roods of marshy ground, near the + cove called the Bedral's Beild; and the controversy, having some years + bygone been removed from before the judges of the land, (with whom it + abode long,) even unto the Great City of London and the Assembly of the + Nobles therein, is, as I may say, adhuc in pendente.—J. C.] As I + approached, I was agreeably undeceived. An old man was seated upon the + monument of the slaughtered presbyterians, and busily employed in + deepening, with his chisel, the letters of the inscription, which, + announcing, in scriptural language, the promised blessings of futurity to + be the lot of the slain, anathematized the murderers with corresponding + violence. A blue bonnet of unusual dimensions covered the grey hairs of + the pious workman. His dress was a large old-fashioned coat of the coarse + cloth called hoddingrey, usually worn by the elder peasants, with + waistcoat and breeches of the same; and the whole suit, though still in + decent repair, had obviously seen a train of long service. Strong clouted + shoes, studded with hobnails, and gramoches or leggins, made of thick + black cloth, completed his equipment. Beside him, fed among the graves a + pony, the companion of his journey, whose extreme whiteness, as well as + its projecting bones and hollow eyes, indicated its antiquity. It was + harnessed in the most simple manner, with a pair of branks, a hair + tether, or halter, and a sunk, or cushion of straw, instead of bridle and + saddle. A canvass pouch hung around the neck of the animal, for the + purpose, probably, of containing the rider's tools, and any thing else he + might have occasion to carry with him. Although I had never seen the old + man before, yet from the singularity of his employment, and the style of + his equipage, I had no difficulty in recognising a religious itinerant + whom I had often heard talked of, and who was known in various parts of + Scotland by the title of Old Mortality. +</p> +<a name="image-0007"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa006.jpg" height="511" width="754" +alt="The Graveyard +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Where this man was born, or what was his real name, I have never been + able to learn; nor are the motives which made him desert his home, and + adopt the erratic mode of life which he pursued, known to me except very + generally. According to the belief of most people, he was a native of + either the county of Dumfries or Galloway, and lineally descended from + some of those champions of the Covenant, whose deeds and sufferings were + his favourite theme. He is said to have held, at one period of his life, + a small moorland farm; but, whether from pecuniary losses, or domestic + misfortune, he had long renounced that and every other gainful calling. + In the language of Scripture, he left his house, his home, and his + kindred, and wandered about until the day of his death, a period of + nearly thirty years. +</p> +<p> + "During this long pilgrimage, the pious enthusiast regulated his circuit + so as annually to visit the graves of the unfortunate Covenanters, who + suffered by the sword, or by the executioner, during the reigns of the + two last monarchs of the Stewart line. These are most numerous in the + western districts of Ayr, Galloway, and Dumfries; but they are also to be + found in other parts of Scotland, wherever the fugitives had fought, or + fallen, or suffered by military or civil execution. Their tombs are often + apart from all human habitation, in the remote moors and wilds to which + the wanderers had fled for concealment. But wherever they existed, Old + Mortality was sure to visit them when his annual round brought them + within his reach. In the most lonely recesses of the mountains, the + moor-fowl shooter has been often surprised to find him busied in cleaning + the moss from the grey stones, renewing with his chisel the half-defaced + inscriptions, and repairing the emblems of death with which these simple + monuments are usually adorned. Motives of the most sincere, though + fanciful devotion, induced the old man to dedicate so many years of + existence to perform this tribute to the memory of the deceased warriors + of the church. He considered himself as fulfilling a sacred duty, while + renewing to the eyes of posterity the decaying emblems of the zeal and + sufferings of their forefathers, and thereby trimming, as it were, the + beacon-light, which was to warn future generations to defend their + religion even unto blood. +</p> +<p> + "In all his wanderings, the old pilgrim never seemed to need, or was + known to accept, pecuniary assistance. It is true, his wants were very + few; for wherever he went, he found ready quarters in the house of some + Cameronian of his own sect, or of some other religious person. The + hospitality which was reverentially paid to him he always acknowledged, + by repairing the gravestones (if there existed any) belonging to the + family or ancestors of his host. As the wanderer was usually to be seen + bent on this pious task within the precincts of some country churchyard, + or reclined on the solitary tombstone among the heath, disturbing the + plover and the black-cock with the clink of his chisel and mallet, with + his old white pony grazing by his side, he acquired, from his converse + among the dead, the popular appellation of Old Mortality. +</p> +<p> + "The character of such a man could have in it little connexion even with + innocent gaiety. Yet, among those of his own religious persuasion, he is + reported to have been cheerful. The descendants of persecutors, or those + whom he supposed guilty of entertaining similar tenets, and the scoffers + at religion by whom he was sometimes assailed, he usually termed the + generation of vipers. Conversing with others, he was grave and + sententious, not without a cast of severity. But he is said never to have + been observed to give way to violent passion, excepting upon one + occasion, when a mischievous truant-boy defaced with a stone the nose of + a cherub's face, which the old man was engaged in retouching. I am in + general a sparer of the rod, notwithstanding the maxim of Solomon, for + which school-boys have little reason to thank his memory; but on this + occasion I deemed it proper to show that I did not hate the child.—But I + must return to the circumstances attending my first interview with this + interesting enthusiast. +</p> +<p> + "In accosting Old Mortality, I did not fail to pay respect to his years + and his principles, beginning my address by a respectful apology for + interrupting his labours. The old man intermitted the operation of the + chisel, took off his spectacles and wiped them, then, replacing them on + his nose, acknowledged my courtesy by a suitable return. Encouraged by + his affability, I intruded upon him some questions concerning the + sufferers on whose monument he was now employed. To talk of the exploits + of the Covenanters was the delight, as to repair their monuments was the + business, of his life. He was profuse in the communication of all the + minute information which he had collected concerning them, their wars, + and their wanderings. One would almost have supposed he must have been + their contemporary, and have actually beheld the passages which he + related, so much had he identified his feelings and opinions with theirs, + and so much had his narratives the circumstantiality of an eye-witness. +</p> +<p> + "'We,' he said, in a tone of exultation,—'we are the only true whigs. + Carnal men have assumed that triumphant appellation, following him whose + kingdom is of this world. Which of them would sit six hours on a wet + hill-side to hear a godly sermon? I trow an hour o't wad staw them. They + are ne'er a hair better than them that shamena to take upon themsells the + persecuting name of bludethirsty tories. Self-seekers all of them, + strivers after wealth, power, and worldly ambition, and forgetters alike + of what has been dree'd and done by the mighty men who stood in the gap + in the great day of wrath. Nae wonder they dread the accomplishment of + what was spoken by the mouth of the worthy Mr Peden, (that precious + servant of the Lord, none of whose words fell to the ground,) that the + French monzies [Note: Probably monsieurs. It would seem that this was + spoken during the apprehensions of invason from France.—Publishers.] + sall rise as fast in the glens of Ayr, and the kenns of Galloway, as ever + the Highlandmen did in 1677. And now they are gripping to the bow and to + the spear, when they suld be mourning for a sinfu' land and a broken + covenant.' +</p> +<p> + "Soothing the old man by letting his peculiar opinions pass without + contradiction, and anxious to prolong conversation with so singular a + character, I prevailed upon him to accept that hospitality, which Mr + Cleishbotham is always willing to extend to those who need it. In our way + to the schoolmaster's house, we called at the Wallace Inn, where I was + pretty certain I should find my patron about that hour of the evening. + After a courteous interchange of civilities, Old Mortality was, with + difficulty, prevailed upon to join his host in a single glass of liquor, + and that on condition that he should be permitted to name the pledge, + which he prefaced with a grace of about five minutes, and then, with + bonnet doffed and eyes uplifted, drank to the memory of those heroes of + the Kirk who had first uplifted her banner upon the mountains. As no + persuasion could prevail on him to extend his conviviality to a second + cup, my patron accompanied him home, and accommodated him in the + Prophet's Chamber, as it is his pleasure to call the closet which holds a + spare bed, and which is frequently a place of retreat for the poor + traveller. [Note: He might have added, and for the rich also; since, I + laud my stars, the great of the earth have also taken harbourage in my + poor domicile. And, during the service of my hand-maiden, Dorothy, who + was buxom and comely of aspect, his Honour the Laird of Smackawa, in his + peregrinations to and from the metropolis, was wont to prefer my + Prophet's Chamber even to the sanded chamber of dais in the Wallace Inn, + and to bestow a mutchkin, as he would jocosely say, to obtain the freedom + of the house, but, in reality, to assure himself of my company during the + evening.—J. C.] +</p> +<p> + "The next day I took leave of Old Mortality, who seemed affected by the + unusual attention with which I had cultivated his acquaintance and + listened to his conversation. After he had mounted, not without + difficulty, the old white pony, he took me by the hand and said, 'The + blessing of our Master be with you, young man! My hours are like the ears + of the latter harvest, and your days are yet in the spring; and yet you + may be gathered into the garner of mortality before me, for the sickle of + death cuts down the green as oft as the ripe, and there is a colour in + your cheek, that, like the bud of the rose, serveth oft to hide the worm + of corruption. Wherefore labour as one who knoweth not when his master + calleth. And if it be my lot to return to this village after ye are gane + hame to your ain place, these auld withered hands will frame a stane of + memorial, that your name may not perish from among the people.' +</p> +<p> + "I thanked Old Mortality for his kind intentions in my behalf, and heaved + a sigh, not, I think, of regret so much as of resignation, to think of + the chance that I might soon require his good offices. But though, in all + human probability, he did not err in supposing that my span of life may + be abridged in youth, he had over-estimated the period of his own + pilgrimage on earth. It is now some years since he has been missed in all + his usual haunts, while moss, lichen, and deer-hair, are fast covering + those stones, to cleanse which had been the business of his life. About + the beginning of this century he closed his mortal toils, being found on + the highway near Lockerby, in Dumfries-shire, exhausted and just + expiring. The old white pony, the companion of all his wanderings, was + standing by the side of his dying master. There was found about his + person a sum of money sufficient for his decent interment, which serves + to show that his death was in no ways hastened by violence or by want. + The common people still regard his memory with great respect; and many + are of opinion, that the stones which he repaired will not again require + the assistance of the chisel. They even assert, that on the tombs where + the manner of the martyrs' murder is recorded, their names have remained + indelibly legible since the death of Old Mortality, while those of the + persecutors, sculptured on the same monuments, have been entirely + defaced. It is hardly necessary to say that this is a fond imagination, + and that, since the time of the pious pilgrim, the monuments which were + the objects of his care are hastening, like all earthly memorials, into + ruin or decay. +</p> +<p> + "My readers will of course understand, that in embodying into one + compressed narrative many of the anecdotes which I had the advantage of + deriving from Old Mortality, I have been far from adopting either his + style, his opinions, or even his facts, so far as they appear to have + been distorted by party prejudice. I have endeavoured to correct or + verify them from the most authentic sources of tradition, afforded by the + representatives of either party. +</p> +<p> + "On the part of the Presbyterians, I have consulted such moorland farmers + from the western districts, as, by the kindness of their landlords, or + otherwise, have been able, during the late general change of property, to + retain possession of the grazings on which their grandsires fed their + flocks and herds. I must own, that of late days, I have found this a + limited source of information. I have, therefore, called in the + supplementary aid of those modest itinerants, whom the scrupulous + civility of our ancestors denominated travelling merchants, but whom, of + late, accommodating ourselves in this as in more material particulars, to + the feelings and sentiments of our more wealthy neighbours, we have + learned to call packmen or pedlars. To country weavers travelling in + hopes to get rid of their winter web, but more especially to tailors, + who, from their sedentary profession, and the necessity, in our country, + of exercising it by temporary residence in the families by whom they are + employed, may be considered as possessing a complete register of rural + traditions, I have been indebted for many illustrations of the narratives + of Old Mortality, much in the taste and spirit of the original. +</p> +<p> + "I had more difficulty in finding materials for correcting the tone of + partiality which evidently pervaded those stores of traditional learning, + in order that I might be enabled to present an unbiassed picture of the + manners of that unhappy period, and, at the same time, to do justice to + the merits of both parties. But I have been enabled to qualify the + narratives of Old Mortality and his Cameronian friends, by the reports of + more than one descendant of ancient and honourable families, who, + themselves decayed into the humble vale of life, yet look proudly back on + the period when their ancestors fought and fell in behalf of the exiled + house of Stewart. I may even boast right reverend authority on the same + score; for more than one nonjuring bishop, whose authority and income + were upon as apostolical a scale as the greatest abominator of Episcopacy + could well desire, have deigned, while partaking of the humble cheer of + the Wallace Inn, to furnish me with information corrective of the facts + which I learned from others. There are also here and there a laird or + two, who, though they shrug their shoulders, profess no great shame in + their fathers having served in the persecuting squadrons of Earlshall and + Claverhouse. From the gamekeepers of these gentlemen, an office the most + apt of any other to become hereditary in such families, I have also + contrived to collect much valuable information. +</p> +<p> + "Upon the whole, I can hardly fear, that, at this time, in describing the + operation which their opposite principles produced upon the good and bad + men of both parties, I can be suspected of meaning insult or injustice to + either. If recollection of former injuries, extra-loyalty, and contempt + and hatred of their adversaries, produced rigour and tyranny in the one + party, it will hardly be denied, on the other hand, that, if the zeal for + God's house did not eat up the conventiclers, it devoured at least, to + imitate the phrase of Dryden, no small portion of their loyalty, sober + sense, and good breeding. We may safely hope, that the souls of the brave + and sincere on either side have long looked down with surprise and pity + upon the ill-appreciated motives which caused their mutual hatred and + hostility, while in this valley of darkness, blood, and tears. Peace to + their memory! Let us think of them as the heroine of our only Scottish + tragedy entreats her lord to think of her departed sire:— +</p> +<pre> + 'O rake not up the ashes of our fathers! + Implacable resentment was their crime, + And grievous has the expiation been.'" +</pre> +<a name="2HCH0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER II. +</h2> +<pre> + Summon an hundred horse, by break of day, + To wait our pleasure at the castle gates. + Douglas. +</pre> +<p> + Under the reign of the last Stewarts, there was an anxious wish on the + part of government to counteract, by every means in their power, the + strict or puritanical spirit which had been the chief characteristic of + the republican government, and to revive those feudal institutions which + united the vassal to the liege lord, and both to the crown. Frequent + musters and assemblies of the people, both for military exercise and for + sports and pastimes, were appointed by authority. The interference, in + the latter case, was impolitic, to say the least; for, as usual on such + occasions, the consciences which were at first only scrupulous, became + confirmed in their opinions, instead of giving way to the terrors of + authority; and the youth of both sexes, to whom the pipe and tabor in + England, or the bagpipe in Scotland, would have been in themselves an + irresistible temptation, were enabled to set them at defiance, from the + proud consciousness that they were, at the same time, resisting an act of + council. To compel men to dance and be merry by authority, has rarely + succeeded even on board of slave-ships, where it was formerly sometimes + attempted by way of inducing the wretched captives to agitate their limbs + and restore the circulation, during the few minutes they were permitted + to enjoy the fresh air upon deck. The rigour of the strict Calvinists + increased, in proportion to the wishes of the government that it should + be relaxed. A judaical observance of the Sabbath—a supercilious + condemnation of all manly pastimes and harmless recreations, as well as + of the profane custom of promiscuous dancing, that is, of men and women + dancing together in the same party (for I believe they admitted that + the exercise might be inoffensive if practised by the parties + separately)—distinguishing those who professed a more than ordinary + share of sanctity, they discouraged, as far as lay in their power, even + the ancient wappen-schaws, as they were termed, when the feudal array of + the county was called out, and each crown-vassal was required to appear + with such muster of men and armour as he was bound to make by his fief, + and that under high statutory penalties. The Covenanters were the more + jealous of those assemblies, as the lord lieutenants and sheriffs under + whom they were held had instructions from the government to spare no + pains which might render them agreeable to the young men who were thus + summoned together, upon whom the military exercise of the morning, and + the sports which usually closed the evening, might naturally be supposed + to have a seductive effect. +</p> +<p> + The preachers and proselytes of the more rigid presbyterians laboured, + therefore, by caution, remonstrance, and authority, to diminish the + attendance upon these summonses, conscious that in doing so, they + lessened not only the apparent, but the actual strength of the + government, by impeding the extension of that esprit de corps which soon + unites young men who are in the habit of meeting together for manly + sport, or military exercise. They, therefore, exerted themselves + earnestly to prevent attendance on these occasions by those who could + find any possible excuse for absence, and were especially severe upon + such of their hearers as mere curiosity led to be spectators, or love of + exercise to be partakers, of the array and the sports which took place. + Such of the gentry as acceded to these doctrines were not always, + however, in a situation to be ruled by them. The commands of the law were + imperative; and the privy council, who administered the executive power + in Scotland, were severe in enforcing the statutory penalties against the + crown-vassals who did not appear at the periodical wappen-schaw. The + landholders were compelled, therefore, to send their sons, tenants, and + vassals to the rendezvous, to the number of horses, men, and spears, at + which they were rated; and it frequently happened, that notwithstanding + the strict charge of their elders, to return as soon as the formal + inspection was over, the young men-at-arms were unable to resist the + temptation of sharing in the sports which succeeded the muster, or to + avoid listening to the prayers read in the churches on these occasions, + and thus, in the opinion of their repining parents, meddling with the + accursed thing which is an abomination in the sight of the Lord. +</p> +<p> + The sheriff of the county of Lanark was holding the wappen-schaw of a + wild district, called the Upper Ward of Clydesdale, on a haugh or level + plain, near to a royal borough, the name of which is no way essential to + my story, on the morning of the 5th of May, 1679, when our narrative + commences. When the musters had been made, and duly reported, the young + men, as was usual, were to mix in various sports, of which the chief was + to shoot at the popinjay, an ancient game formerly practised with + archery, but at this period with fire-arms. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Festival of the Popinjay. The Festival of the Popinjay is + still, I believe, practised at Maybole, in Ayrshire. The following + passage in the history of the Somerville family, suggested the + scenes in the text. The author of that curious manuscript thus + celebrates his father's demeanour at such an assembly. + + "Having now passed his infancie, in the tenth year of his age, he + was by his grandfather putt to the grammar school, ther being then + att the toune of Delserf a very able master that taught the grammar, + and fitted boyes for the colledge. Dureing his educating in this + place, they had then a custome every year to solemnize the first + Sunday of May with danceing about a May-pole, fyreing of pieces, and + all manner of ravelling then in use. Ther being at that tyme feu or + noe merchants in this pettie village, to furnish necessaries for the + schollars sports, this youth resolves to provide himself elsewhere, + so that he may appear with the bravest. In order to this, by break + of day he ryses and goes to Hamiltoune, and there bestowes all the + money that for a long tyme before he had gotten from his freinds, or + had otherwayes purchased, upon ribbones of diverse coloures, a new + hatt and gloves. But in nothing he bestowed his money more + liberallie than upon gunpowder, a great quantitie whereof he buyes + for his owne use, and to supplie the wantes of his comerades; thus + furnished with these commodities, but ane empty purse, he returnes + to Delserf by seven a clock, (haveing travelled that Sabbath morning + above eight myles,) puttes on his cloathes and new hatt, flying with + ribbones of all culloures; and in this equipage, with his little + phizie (fusee) upon his shoulder, he marches to the church yaird, + where the May-pole was sett up, and the solemnitie of that day was + to be kept. There first at the foot-ball he equalled any one that + played; but in handleing his piece, in chargeing and dischargeing, + he was so ready, and shott so near the marke, that he farre + surpassed all his fellow schollars, and became a teacher of that art + to them before the thretteenth year of his oune age. And really, I + have often admired his dexterity in this, both at the exercizeing of + his soulders, and when for recreatione. I have gone to the gunning + with him when I was but a stripeling myself; and albeit that + passetyme was the exercize I delighted most in, yet could I never + attaine to any perfectione comparable to him. This dayes sport being + over, he had the applause of all the spectatores, the kyndnesse of + his fellow-condisciples, and the favour of the whole inhabitants of + that little village."] +</pre> +<p> + This was the figure of a bird, decked with party-coloured feathers, so as + to resemble a popinjay or parrot. It was suspended to a pole, and served + for a mark, at which the competitors discharged their fusees and + carabines in rotation, at the distance of sixty or seventy paces. He + whose ball brought down the mark, held the proud title of Captain of the + Popinjay for the remainder of the day, and was usually escorted in + triumph to the most reputable change-house in the neighbourhood, where + the evening was closed with conviviality, conducted under his auspices, + and, if he was able to sustain it, at his expense. +</p> +<p> + It will, of course, be supposed, that the ladies of the country assembled + to witness this gallant strife, those excepted who held the stricter + tenets of puritanism, and would therefore have deemed it criminal to + afford countenance to the profane gambols of the malignants. Landaus, + barouches, or tilburies, there were none in those simple days. The lord + lieutenant of the county (a personage of ducal rank) alone pretended to + the magnificence of a wheel-carriage, a thing covered with tarnished + gilding and sculpture, in shape like the vulgar picture of Noah's ark, + dragged by eight long-tailed Flanders mares, bearing eight insides and + six outsides. The insides were their graces in person, two maids of + honour, two children, a chaplain stuffed into a sort of lateral recess, + formed by a projection at the door of the vehicle, and called, from its + appearance, the boot, and an equerry to his Grace ensconced in the + corresponding convenience on the opposite side. A coachman and three + postilions, who wore short swords, and tie-wigs with three tails, had + blunderbusses slung behind them, and pistols at their saddle-bow, + conducted the equipage. On the foot-board, behind this moving + mansion-house, stood, or rather hung, in triple file, six lacqueys in + rich liveries, armed up to the teeth. The rest of the gentry, men and + women, old and young, were on horseback followed by their servants; but + the company, for the reasons already assigned, was rather select than + numerous. +</p> +<p> + Near to the enormous leathern vehicle which we have attempted to + describe, vindicating her title to precedence over the untitled gentry of + the country, might be seen the sober palfrey of Lady Margaret Bellenden, + bearing the erect and primitive form of Lady Margaret herself, decked in + those widow's weeds which the good lady had never laid aside, since the + execution of her husband for his adherence to Montrose. +</p> +<p> + Her grand-daughter, and only earthly care, the fair-haired Edith, who was + generally allowed to be the prettiest lass in the Upper Ward, appeared + beside her aged relative like Spring placed close to Winter. Her black + Spanish jennet, which she managed with much grace, her gay riding-dress, + and laced side-saddle, had been anxiously prepared to set her forth to + the best advantage. But the clustering profusion of ringlets, which, + escaping from under her cap, were only confined by a green ribbon from + wantoning over her shoulders; her cast of features, soft and feminine, + yet not without a certain expression of playful archness, which redeemed + their sweetness from the charge of insipidity, sometimes brought against + blondes and blue-eyed beauties,—these attracted more admiration from the + western youth than either the splendour of her equipments or the figure + of her palfrey. +</p> +<p> + The attendance of these distinguished ladies was rather inferior to their + birth and fashion in those times, as it consisted only of two servants on + horseback. The truth was, that the good old lady had been obliged to make + all her domestic servants turn out to complete the quota which her barony + ought to furnish for the muster, and in which she would not for the + universe have been found deficient. The old steward, who, in steel cap + and jack-boots, led forth her array, had, as he said, sweated blood and + water in his efforts to overcome the scruples and evasions of the + moorland farmers, who ought to have furnished men, horse, and harness, on + these occasions. At last, their dispute came near to an open declaration + of hostilities, the incensed episcopalian bestowing on the recusants the + whole thunders of the commination, and receiving from them, in return, + the denunciations of a Calvinistic excommunication. What was to be done? + To punish the refractory tenants would have been easy enough. The privy + council would readily have imposed fines, and sent a troop of horse to + collect them. But this would have been calling the huntsman and hounds + into the garden to kill the hare. +</p> +<p> + "For," said Harrison to himself, "the carles have little eneugh gear at + ony rate, and if I call in the red-coats and take away what little they + have, how is my worshipful lady to get her rents paid at Candlemas, which + is but a difficult matter to bring round even in the best of times?" +</p> +<p> + So he armed the fowler, and falconer, the footman, and the ploughman, at + the home farm, with an old drunken cavaliering butler, who had served + with the late Sir Richard under Montrose, and stunned the family nightly + with his exploits at Kilsythe and Tippermoor, and who was the only man in + the party that had the smallest zeal for the work in hand. In this + manner, and by recruiting one or two latitudinarian poachers and + black-fishers, Mr Harrison completed the quota of men which fell to the + share of Lady Margaret Bellenden, as life-rentrix of the barony of + Tillietudlem and others. But when the steward, on the morning of the + eventful day, had mustered his <i>troupe dore</i> before the iron gate of the + tower, the mother of Cuddie Headrigg the ploughman appeared, loaded with + the jackboots, buff coat, and other accoutrements which had been issued + forth for the service of the day, and laid them before the steward; + demurely assuring him, that "whether it were the colic, or a qualm of + conscience, she couldna tak upon her to decide, but sure it was, Cuddie + had been in sair straits a' night, and she couldna say he was muckle + better this morning. The finger of Heaven," she said, "was in it, and her + bairn should gang on nae sic errands." Pains, penalties, and threats of + dismission, were denounced in vain; the mother was obstinate, and Cuddie, + who underwent a domiciliary visitation for the purpose of verifying his + state of body, could, or would, answer only by deep groans. Mause, who + had been an ancient domestic in the family, was a sort of favourite with + Lady Margaret, and presumed accordingly. Lady Margaret had herself set + forth, and her authority could not be appealed to. In this dilemma, the + good genius of the old butler suggested an expedient. +</p> +<p> + "He had seen mony a braw callant, far less than Guse Gibbie, fight brawly + under Montrose. What for no tak Guse Gibbie?" +</p> +<p> + This was a half-witted lad, of very small stature, who had a kind of + charge of the poultry under the old henwife; for in a Scottish family of + that day there was a wonderful substitution of labour. This urchin being + sent for from the stubble-field, was hastily muffled in the buff coat, + and girded rather to than with the sword of a full-grown man, his little + legs plunged into jack-boots, and a steel cap put upon his head, which + seemed, from its size, as if it had been intended to extinguish him. Thus + accoutred, he was hoisted, at his own earnest request, upon the quietest + horse of the party; and, prompted and supported by old Gudyill the + butler, as his front file, he passed muster tolerably enough; the sheriff + not caring to examine too closely the recruits of so well-affected a + person as Lady Margaret Bellenden. +</p> +<p> + To the above cause it was owing that the personal retinue of Lady + Margaret, on this eventful day, amounted only to two lacqueys, with which + diminished train she would, on any other occasion, have been much ashamed + to appear in public. But, for the cause of royalty, she was ready at any + time to have made the most unreserved personal sacrifices. She had lost + her husband and two promising sons in the civil wars of that unhappy + period; but she had received her reward, for, on his route through the + west of Scotland to meet Cromwell in the unfortunate field of Worcester, + Charles the Second had actually breakfasted at the Tower of Tillietudlem; + an incident which formed, from that moment, an important era in the life + of Lady Margaret, who seldom afterwards partook of that meal, either at + home or abroad, without detailing the whole circumstances of the royal + visit, not forgetting the salutation which his majesty conferred on each + side of her face, though she sometimes omitted to notice that he bestowed + the same favour on two buxom serving-wenches who appeared at her back, + elevated for the day into the capacity of waiting gentlewomen. +</p> +<a name="image-0008"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa128.jpg" height="802" width="541" +alt="Tillietudlem Castle +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + These instances of royal favour were decisive; and if Lady Margaret had + not been a confirmed royalist already, from sense of high birth, + influence of education, and hatred to the opposite party, through whom + she had suffered such domestic calamity, the having given a breakfast to + majesty, and received the royal salute in return, were honours enough of + themselves to unite her exclusively to the fortunes of the Stewarts. + These were now, in all appearance, triumphant; but Lady Margaret's zeal + had adhered to them through the worst of times, and was ready to sustain + the same severities of fortune should their scale once more kick the + beam. At present she enjoyed, in full extent, the military display of the + force which stood ready to support the crown, and stifled, as well as she + could, the mortification she felt at the unworthy desertion of her own + retainers. +</p> +<p> + Many civilities passed between her ladyship and the representatives of + sundry ancient loyal families who were upon the ground, by whom she was + held in high reverence; and not a young man of rank passed by them in the + course of the muster, but he carried his body more erect in the saddle, + and threw his horse upon its haunches, to display his own horsemanship + and the perfect bitting of his steed to the best advantage in the eyes of + Miss Edith Bellenden. But the young cavaliers, distinguished by high + descent and undoubted loyalty, attracted no more attention from Edith + than the laws of courtesy peremptorily demanded; and she turned an + indifferent ear to the compliments with which she was addressed, most of + which were little the worse for the wear, though borrowed for the nonce + from the laborious and long-winded romances of Calprenede and Scuderi, + the mirrors in which the youth of that age delighted to dress themselves, + ere Folly had thrown her ballast overboard, and cut down her vessels of + the first-rate, such as the romances of Cyrus, Cleopatra, and others, + into small craft, drawing as little water, or, to speak more plainly, + consuming as little time as the little cockboat in which the gentle + reader has deigned to embark. It was, however, the decree of fate that + Miss Bellenden should not continue to evince the same equanimity till the + conclusion of the day. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0003"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER III. +</h2> +<pre> + Horseman and horse confess'd the bitter pang, + And arms and warrior fell with heavy clang. + Pleasures of Hope. +</pre> +<p> + When the military evolutions had been gone through tolerably well, + allowing for the awkwardness of men and of horses, a loud shout announced + that the competitors were about to step forth for the game of the + popinjay already described. The mast, or pole, having a yard extended + across it, from which the mark was displayed, was raised amid the + acclamations of the assembly; and even those who had eyed the evolutions + of the feudal militia with a sort of malignant and sarcastic sneer, from + disinclination to the royal cause in which they were professedly + embodied, could not refrain from taking considerable interest in the + strife which was now approaching. They crowded towards the goal, and + criticized the appearance of each competitor, as they advanced in + succession, discharged their pieces at the mark, and had their good or + bad address rewarded by the laughter or applause of the spectators. But + when a slender young man, dressed with great simplicity, yet not without + a certain air of pretension to elegance and gentility, approached the + station with his fusee in his hand, his dark-green cloak thrown back over + his shoulder, his laced ruff and feathered cap indicating a superior rank + to the vulgar, there was a murmur of interest among the spectators, + whether altogether favourable to the young adventurer, it was difficult + to discover. +</p> +<p> + "Ewhow, sirs, to see his father's son at the like o' thae fearless + follies!" was the ejaculation of the elder and more rigid puritans, whose + curiosity had so far overcome their bigotry as to bring them to the + play-ground. But the generality viewed the strife less morosely, and were + contented to wish success to the son of a deceased presbyterian leader, + without strictly examining the propriety of his being a competitor for + the prize. +</p> +<p> + Their wishes were gratified. At the first discharge of his piece the + green adventurer struck the popinjay, being the first palpable hit of the + day, though several balls had passed very near the mark. A loud shout of + applause ensued. But the success was not decisive, it being necessary + that each who followed should have his chance, and that those who + succeeded in hitting the mark, should renew the strife among themselves, + till one displayed a decided superiority over the others. Two only of + those who followed in order succeeded in hitting the popinjay. The first + was a young man of low rank, heavily built, and who kept his face muffled + in his grey cloak; the second a gallant young cavalier, remarkable for a + handsome exterior, sedulously decorated for the day. He had been since + the muster in close attendance on Lady Margaret and Miss Bellenden, and + had left them with an air of indifference, when Lady Margaret had asked + whether there was no young man of family and loyal principles who would + dispute the prize with the two lads who had been successful. In half a + minute, young Lord Evandale threw himself from his horse, borrowed a gun + from a servant, and, as we have already noticed, hit the mark. Great was + the interest excited by the renewal of the contest between the three + candidates who had been hitherto successful. The state equipage of the + Duke was, with some difficulty, put in motion, and approached more near + to the scene of action. The riders, both male and female, turned their + horses' heads in the same direction, and all eyes were bent upon the + issue of the trial of skill. +</p> +<p> + It was the etiquette in the second contest, that the competitors should + take their turn of firing after drawing lots. The first fell upon the + young plebeian, who, as he took his stand, half-uncloaked his rustic + countenance, and said to the gallant in green, "Ye see, Mr Henry, if it + were ony other day, I could hae wished to miss for your sake; but Jenny + Dennison is looking at us, sae I maun do my best." +</p> +<p> + He took his aim, and his bullet whistled past the mark so nearly, that + the pendulous object at which it was directed was seen to shiver. Still, + however, he had not hit it, and, with a downcast look, he withdrew + himself from further competition, and hastened to disappear from the + assembly, as if fearful of being recognised. The green chasseur next + advanced, and his ball a second time struck the popinjay. All shouted; + and from the outskirts of the assembly arose a cry of, "The good old + cause for ever!" +</p> +<p> + While the dignitaries bent their brows at these exulting shouts of the + disaffected, the young Lord Evandale advanced again to the hazard, and + again was successful. The shouts and congratulations of the well-affected + and aristocratical part of the audience attended his success, but still a + subsequent trial of skill remained. +</p> +<p> + The green marksman, as if determined to bring the affair to a decision, + took his horse from a person who held him, having previously looked + carefully to the security of his girths and the fitting of his saddle, + vaulted on his back, and motioning with his hand for the bystanders to + make way, set spurs, passed the place from which he was to fire at a + gallop, and, as he passed, threw up the reins, turned sideways upon his + saddle, discharged his carabine, and brought down the popinjay. Lord + Evandale imitated his example, although many around him said it was an + innovation on the established practice, which he was not obliged to + follow. But his skill was not so perfect, or his horse was not so well + trained. The animal swerved at the moment his master fired, and the ball + missed the popinjay. Those who had been surprised by the address of the + green marksman were now equally pleased by his courtesy. He disclaimed + all merit from the last shot, and proposed to his antagonist that it + should not be counted as a hit, and that they should renew the contest on + foot. +</p> +<p> + "I would prefer horseback, if I had a horse as well bitted, and, + probably, as well broken to the exercise, as yours," said the young Lord, + addressing his antagonist. +</p> +<p> + "Will you do me the honour to use him for the next trial, on condition + you will lend me yours?" said the young gentleman. +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale was ashamed to accept this courtesy, as conscious how much + it would diminish the value of victory; and yet, unable to suppress his + wish to redeem his reputation as a marksman, he added, "that although he + renounced all pretensions to the honour of the day," (which he said + some-what scornfully,) "yet, if the victor had no particular objection, + he would willingly embrace his obliging offer, and change horses with + him, for the purpose of trying a shot for love." +</p> +<p> + As he said so, he looked boldly towards Miss Bellenden, and tradition + says, that the eyes of the young tirailleur travelled, though more + covertly, in the same direction. The young Lord's last trial was as + unsuccessful as the former, and it was with difficulty that he preserved + the tone of scornful indifference which he had hitherto assumed. But, + conscious of the ridicule which attaches itself to the resentment of a + losing party, he returned to his antagonist the horse on which he had + made his last unsuccessful attempt, and received back his own; giving, at + the same time, thanks to his competitor, who, he said, had re-established + his favourite horse in his good opinion, for he had been in great danger + of transferring to the poor nag the blame of an inferiority, which every + one, as well as himself, must now be satisfied remained with the rider. + Having made this speech in a tone in which mortification assumed the veil + of indifference, he mounted his horse and rode off the ground. +</p> +<p> + As is the usual way of the world, the applause and attention even of + those whose wishes had favoured Lord Evandale, were, upon his decisive + discomfiture, transferred to his triumphant rival. +</p> +<p> + "Who is he? what is his name?" ran from mouth to mouth among the gentry + who were present, to few of whom he was personally known. His style and + title having soon transpired, and being within that class whom a great + man might notice without derogation, four of the Duke's friends, with the + obedient start which poor Malvolio ascribes to his imaginary retinue, + made out to lead the victor to his presence. As they conducted him in + triumph through the crowd of spectators, and stunned him at the same time + with their compliments on his success, he chanced to pass, or rather to + be led, immediately in front of Lady Margaret and her grand-daughter. The + Captain of the popinjay and Miss Bellenden coloured like crimson, as the + latter returned, with embarrassed courtesy, the low inclination which the + victor made, even to the saddle-bow, in passing her. +</p> +<p> + "Do you know that young person?" said Lady Margaret. +</p> +<p> + "I—I—have seen him, madam, at my uncle's, and—and elsewhere + occasionally," stammered Miss Edith Bellenden. +</p> +<p> + "I hear them say around me," said Lady Margaret, "that the young spark is + the nephew of old Milnwood." +</p> +<p> + "The son of the late Colonel Morton of Milnwood, who commanded a regiment + of horse with great courage at Dunbar and Inverkeithing," said a + gentleman who sate on horseback beside Lady Margaret. +</p> +<p> + "Ay, and who, before that, fought for the Covenanters both at + Marston-Moor and Philiphaugh," said Lady Margaret, sighing as she + pronounced the last fatal words, which her husband's death gave her such + sad reason to remember. +</p> +<p> + "Your ladyship's memory is just," said the gentleman, smiling, "but it + were well all that were forgot now." +</p> +<p> + "He ought to remember it, Gilbertscleugh," returned Lady Margaret, "and + dispense with intruding himself into the company of those to whom his + name must bring unpleasing recollections." +</p> +<p> + "You forget, my dear lady," said her nomenclator, "that the young + gentleman comes here to discharge suit and service in name of his uncle. + I would every estate in the country sent out as pretty a fellow." +</p> +<p> + "His uncle, as well as his umquhile father, is a roundhead, I presume," + said Lady Margaret. +</p> +<p> + "He is an old miser," said Gilbertscleugh, "with whom a broad piece would + at any time weigh down political opinions, and, therefore, although + probably somewhat against the grain, he sends the young gentleman to + attend the muster to save pecuniary pains and penalties. As for the rest, + I suppose the youngster is happy enough to escape here for a day from the + dulness of the old house at Milnwood, where he sees nobody but his + hypochondriac uncle and the favourite housekeeper." +</p> +<p> + "Do you know how many men and horse the lands of Milnwood are rated at?" + said the old lady, continuing her enquiry. +</p> +<p> + "Two horsemen with complete harness," answered Gilbertscleugh. +</p> +<p> + "Our land," said Lady Margaret, drawing herself up with dignity, "has + always furnished to the muster eight men, cousin Gilbertscleugh, and + often a voluntary aid of thrice the number. I remember his sacred Majesty + King Charles, when he took his disjune at Tillietudlem, was particular in + enquiring"—"I see the Duke's carriage in motion," said Gilbertscleugh, + partaking at the moment an alarm common to all Lady Margaret's friends, + when she touched upon the topic of the royal visit at the family + mansion,—"I see the Duke's carriage in motion; I presume your ladyship + will take your right of rank in leaving the field. May I be permitted to + convoy your ladyship and Miss Bellenden home?—Parties of the wild whigs + have been abroad, and are said to insult and disarm the well-affected who + travel in small numbers." +</p> +<p> + "We thank you, cousin Gilbertscleugh," said Lady Margaret; "but as we + shall have the escort of my own people, I trust we have less need than + others to be troublesome to our friends. Will you have the goodness to + order Harrison to bring up our people somewhat more briskly; he rides + them towards us as if he were leading a funeral procession." +</p> +<p> + The gentleman in attendance communicated his lady's orders to the trusty + steward. +</p> +<p> + Honest Harrison had his own reasons for doubting the prudence of this + command; but, once issued and received, there was a necessity for obeying + it. He set off, therefore, at a hand-gallop, followed by the butler, in + such a military attitude as became one who had served under Montrose, and + with a look of defiance, rendered sterner and fiercer by the inspiring + fumes of a gill of brandy, which he had snatched a moment to bolt to the + king's health, and confusion to the Covenant, during the intervals of + military duty. Unhappily this potent refreshment wiped away from the + tablets of his memory the necessity of paying some attention to the + distresses and difficulties of his rear-file, Goose Gibbie. No sooner had + the horses struck a canter, than Gibbie's jack-boots, which the poor + boy's legs were incapable of steadying, began to play alternately against + the horse's flanks, and, being armed with long-rowelled spurs, overcame + the patience of the animal, which bounced and plunged, while poor + Gibbie's entreaties for aid never reached the ears of the too heedless + butler, being drowned partly in the concave of the steel cap in which his + head was immersed, and partly in the martial tune of the Gallant Grames, + which Mr Gudyill whistled with all his power of lungs. +</p> +<p> + The upshot was, that the steed speedily took the matter into his own + hands, and having gambolled hither and thither to the great amusement of + all spectators, set off at full speed towards the huge family-coach + already described. Gibbie's pike, escaping from its sling, had fallen to + a level direction across his hands, which, I grieve to say, were seeking + dishonourable safety in as strong a grasp of the mane as their muscles + could manage. His casque, too, had slipped completely over his face, so + that he saw as little in front as he did in rear. Indeed, if he could, it + would have availed him little in the circumstances; for his horse, as if + in league with the disaffected, ran full tilt towards the solemn equipage + of the Duke, which the projecting lance threatened to perforate from + window to window, at the risk of transfixing as many in its passage as + the celebrated thrust of Orlando, which, according to the Italian epic + poet, broached as many Moors as a Frenchman spits frogs. +</p> +<p> + On beholding the bent of this misdirected career, a panic shout of + mingled terror and wrath was set up by the whole equipage, insides and + outsides, at once, which had the happy effect of averting the threatened + misfortune. The capricious horse of Goose Gibbie was terrified by the + noise, and stumbling as he turned short round, kicked and plunged + violently as soon as he recovered. The jack-boots, the original cause of + the disaster, maintaining the reputation they had acquired when worn by + better cavaliers, answered every plunge by a fresh prick of the spurs, + and, by their ponderous weight, kept their place in the stirrups. Not so + Goose Gibbie, who was fairly spurned out of those wide and ponderous + greaves, and precipitated over the horse's head, to the infinite + amusement of all the spectators. His lance and helmet had forsaken him in + his fall, and, for the completion of his disgrace, Lady Margaret + Bellenden, not perfectly aware that it was one of her warriors who was + furnishing so much entertainment, came up in time to see her diminutive + man-at-arms stripped of his lion's hide,—of the buff-coat, that is, in + which he was muffled. +</p> +<p> + As she had not been made acquainted with this metamorphosis, and could + not even guess its cause, her surprise and resentment were extreme, nor + were they much modified by the excuses and explanations of her steward + and butler. She made a hasty retreat homeward, extremely indignant at the + shouts and laughter of the company, and much disposed to vent her + displeasure on the refractory agriculturist whose place Goose Gibbie had + so unhappily supplied. The greater part of the gentry now dispersed, the + whimsical misfortune which had befallen the gens d'armerie of + Tillietudlem furnishing them with huge entertainment on their road + homeward. The horsemen also, in little parties, as their road lay + together, diverged from the place of rendezvous, excepting such as, + having tried their dexterity at the popinjay, were, by ancient custom, + obliged to partake of a grace-cup with their captain before their + departure. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0004"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER IV. +</h2> +<pre> + At fairs he play'd before the spearmen, + And gaily graithed in their gear then, + Steel bonnets, pikes, and swords shone clear then + As ony bead; Now wha sall play before sic weir men, + Since Habbie's dead! + Elegy on Habbie Simpson. +</pre> +<p> + The cavalcade of horsemen on their road to the little borough-town were + preceded by Niel Blane, the town-piper, mounted on his white galloway, + armed with his dirk and broadsword, and bearing a chanter streaming with + as many ribbons as would deck out six country belles for a fair or + preaching. Niel, a clean, tight, well-timbered, long-winded fellow, had + gained the official situation of town-piper of—by his merit, with all + the emoluments thereof; namely, the Piper's Croft, as it is still called, + a field of about an acre in extent, five merks, and a new livery-coat of + the town's colours, yearly; some hopes of a dollar upon the day of the + election of magistrates, providing the provost were able and willing to + afford such a gratuity; and the privilege of paying, at all the + respectable houses in the neighbourhood, an annual visit at spring-time, + to rejoice their hearts with his music, to comfort his own with their ale + and brandy, and to beg from each a modicum of seed-corn. +</p> +<p> + In addition to these inestimable advantages, Niel's personal, or + professional, accomplishments won the heart of a jolly widow, who then + kept the principal change-house in the borough. Her former husband having + been a strict presbyterian, of such note that he usually went among his + sect by the name of Gaius the publican, many of the more rigid were + scandalized by the profession of the successor whom his relict had chosen + for a second helpmate. As the browst (or brewing) of the Howff retained, + nevertheless, its unrivalled reputation, most of the old customers + continued to give it a preference. The character of the new landlord, + indeed, was of that accommodating kind, which enabled him, by close + attention to the helm, to keep his little vessel pretty steady amid the + contending tides of faction. He was a good-humoured, shrewd, selfish sort + of fellow, indifferent alike to the disputes about church and state, and + only anxious to secure the good-will of customers of every description. + But his character, as well as the state of the country, will be best + understood by giving the reader an account of the instructions which he + issued to his daughter, a girl about eighteen, whom he was initiating in + those cares which had been faithfully discharged by his wife, until about + six months before our story commences, when the honest woman had been + carried to the kirkyard. +</p> +<p> + "Jenny," said Niel Blane, as the girl assisted to disencumber him of his + bagpipes, "this is the first day that ye are to take the place of your + worthy mother in attending to the public; a douce woman she was, civil to + the customers, and had a good name wi' Whig and Tory, baith up the street + and down the street. It will be hard for you to fill her place, + especially on sic a thrang day as this; but Heaven's will maun be + obeyed.—Jenny, whatever Milnwood ca's for, be sure he maun hae't, for + he's the Captain o' the Popinjay, and auld customs maun be supported; if + he canna pay the lawing himsell, as I ken he's keepit unco short by the + head, I'll find a way to shame it out o' his uncle.—The curate is + playing at dice wi' Cornet Grahame. Be eident and civil to them + baith—clergy and captains can gie an unco deal o' fash in thae times, + where they take an ill-will.—The dragoons will be crying for ale, and + they wunna want it, and maunna want it—they are unruly chields, but + they pay ane some gate or other. I gat the humle-cow, that's the best in + the byre, frae black Frank Inglis and Sergeant Bothwell, for ten pund + Scots, and they drank out the price at ae downsitting." +</p> +<p> + "But, father," interrupted Jenny, "they say the twa reiving loons drave + the cow frae the gudewife o' Bell's-moor, just because she gaed to hear a + field-preaching ae Sabbath afternoon." +</p> +<p> + "Whisht! ye silly tawpie," said her father, "we have naething to do how + they come by the bestial they sell—be that atween them and their + consciences.—Aweel—Take notice, Jenny, of that dour, stour-looking + carle that sits by the cheek o' the ingle, and turns his back on a' men. + He looks like ane o' the hill-folk, for I saw him start a wee when he saw + the red-coats, and I jalouse he wad hae liked to hae ridden by, but his + horse (it's a gude gelding) was ower sair travailed; he behoved to stop + whether he wad or no. Serve him cannily, Jenny, and wi' little din, and + dinna bring the sodgers on him by speering ony questions at him; but let + na him hae a room to himsell, they wad say we were hiding him.—For + yoursell, Jenny, ye'll be civil to a' the folk, and take nae heed o' ony + nonsense and daffing the young lads may say t'ye. Folk in the hostler + line maun put up wi' muckle. Your mither, rest her saul, could pit up wi' + as muckle as maist women—but aff hands is fair play; and if ony body be + uncivil ye may gie me a cry—Aweel,—when the malt begins to get aboon + the meal, they'll begin to speak about government in kirk and state, and + then, Jenny, they are like to quarrel—let them be doing—anger's a + drouthy passion, and the mair they dispute, the mair ale they'll drink; + but ye were best serve them wi' a pint o' the sma' browst, it will heat + them less, and they'll never ken the difference." +</p> +<p> + "But, father," said Jenny, "if they come to lounder ilk ither, as they + did last time, suldna I cry on you?" +</p> +<p> + "At no hand, Jenny; the redder gets aye the warst lick in the fray. If + the sodgers draw their swords, ye'll cry on the corporal and the guard. + If the country folk tak the tangs and poker, ye'll cry on the bailie and + town-officers. But in nae event cry on me, for I am wearied wi' doudling + the bag o' wind a' day, and I am gaun to eat my dinner quietly in the + spence.—And, now I think on't, the Laird of Lickitup (that's him that + was the laird) was speering for sma' drink and a saut herring—gie him a + pu' be the sleeve, and round into his lug I wad be blithe o' his company + to dine wi' me; he was a gude customer anes in a day, and wants naething + but means to be a gude ane again—he likes drink as weel as e'er he did. + And if ye ken ony puir body o' our acquaintance that's blate for want o' + siller, and has far to gang hame, ye needna stick to gie them a waught o' + drink and a bannock—we'll ne'er miss't, and it looks creditable in a + house like ours. And now, hinny, gang awa', and serve the folk, but first + bring me my dinner, and twa chappins o' yill and the mutchkin stoup o' + brandy." +</p> +<p> + Having thus devolved his whole cares on Jenny as prime minister, Niel + Blane and the ci-devant laird, once his patron, but now glad to be his + trencher-companion, sate down to enjoy themselves for the remainder of + the evening, remote from the bustle of the public room. +</p> +<p> + All in Jenny's department was in full activity. The knights of the + popinjay received and requited the hospitable entertainment of their + captain, who, though he spared the cup himself, took care it should go + round with due celerity among the rest, who might not have otherwise + deemed themselves handsomely treated. Their numbers melted away by + degrees, and were at length diminished to four or five, who began to talk + of breaking up their party. At another table, at some distance, sat two + of the dragoons, whom Niel Blane had mentioned, a sergeant and a private + in the celebrated John Grahame of Claverhouse's regiment of Life-Guards. + Even the non-commissioned officers and privates in these corps were not + considered as ordinary mercenaries, but rather approached to the rank of + the French mousquetaires, being regarded in the light of cadets, who + performed the duties of rank-and-file with the prospect of obtaining + commissions in case of distinguishing themselves. +</p> +<p> + Many young men of good families were to be found in the ranks, a + circumstance which added to the pride and self-consequence of these + troops. A remarkable instance of this occurred in the person of the + non-commissioned officer in question. His real name was Francis Stewart, + but he was universally known by the appellation of Bothwell, being + lineally descended from the last earl of that name; not the infamous + lover of the unfortunate Queen Mary, but Francis Stewart, Earl of + Bothwell, whose turbulence and repeated conspiracies embarrassed the + early part of James Sixth's reign, and who at length died in exile in + great poverty. The son of this Earl had sued to Charles I. for the + restitution of part of his father's forfeited estates, but the grasp of + the nobles to whom they had been allotted was too tenacious to be + unclenched. The breaking out of the civil wars utterly ruined him, by + intercepting a small pension which Charles I. had allowed him, and he + died in the utmost indigence. His son, after having served as a soldier + abroad and in Britain, and passed through several vicissitudes of + fortune, was fain to content himself with the situation of a + non-commissioned officer in the Life-Guards, although lineally descended + from the royal family, the father of the forfeited Earl of Bothwell + having been a natural son of James VI. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Sergeant Bothwell. The history of the restless and ambitious + Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell, makes a considerable figure in + the reign of James VI. of Scotland, and First of England. After + being repeatedly pardoned for acts of treason, he was at length + obliged to retire abroad, where he died in great misery. Great part + of his forfeited estate was bestowed on Walter Scott, first Lord of + Buccleuch, and on the first Earl of Roxburghe. + + Francis Stewart, son of the forfeited Earl, obtained from the favour + of Charles I. a decreet-arbitral, appointing the two noblemen, + grantees of his father's estate, to restore the same, or make some + compensation for retaining it. The barony of Crichton, with its + beautiful castle, was surrendered by the curators of Francis, Earl + of Buccleuch, but he retained the far more extensive property in + Liddesdale. James Stewart also, as appears from writings in the + author's possession, made an advantageous composition with the Earl + of Roxburghe. "But," says the satirical Scotstarvet, "male parta + pejus dilabuntur;" for he never brooked them, (enjoyed them,) nor was + any thing the richer, since they accrued to his creditors, and are + now in the possession of Dr Seaton. His eldest son Francis became a + trooper in the late war; as for the other brother John, who was + Abbot of Coldingham, he also disposed all that estate, and now has + nothing, but lives on the charity of his friends. "The Staggering + State of the Scots Statesmen for One Hundred Years," by Sir John + Scot of Scotstarvet. Edinburgh, 1754. P. 154. + + Francis Stewart, who had been a trooper during the great Civil War, + seems to have received no preferment, after the Restoration, suited + to his high birth, though, in fact, third cousin to Charles II. + Captain Crichton, the friend of Dean Swift, who published his + Memoirs, found him a private gentleman in the King's Life-Guards. At + the same time this was no degrading condition; for Fountainhall + records a duel fought between a Life-Guardsman and an officer in the + militia, because the latter had taken upon him to assume superior + rank as an officer, to a gentleman private in the Life-Guards. The + Life-Guards man was killed in the rencontre, and his antagonist was + executed for murder. + + The character of Bothwell, except in relation to the name, is + entirely ideal.] +</pre> +<p> + Great personal strength, and dexterity in the use of his arms, as well as + the remarkable circumstances of his descent, had recommended this man to + the attention of his officers. But he partook in a great degree of the + licentiousness and oppressive disposition, which the habit of acting as + agents for government in levying fines, exacting free quarters, and + otherwise oppressing the Presbyterian recusants, had rendered too general + among these soldiers. They were so much accustomed to such missions, that + they conceived themselves at liberty to commit all manner of license with + impunity, as if totally exempted from all law and authority, excepting + the command of their officers. On such occasions Bothwell was usually the + most forward. +</p> +<p> + It is probable that Bothwell and his companions would not so long have + remained quiet, but for respect to the presence of their Cornet, who + commanded the small party quartered in the borough, and who was engaged + in a game at dice with the curate of the place. But both of these being + suddenly called from their amusement to speak with the chief magistrate + upon some urgent business, Bothwell was not long of evincing his contempt + for the rest of the company. +</p> +<p> + "Is it not a strange thing, Halliday," he said to his comrade, "to see a + set of bumpkins sit carousing here this whole evening, without having + drank the king's health?" +</p> +<p> + "They have drank the king's health," said Halliday. "I heard that green + kail-worm of a lad name his majesty's health." +</p> +<p> + "Did he?" said Bothwell. "Then, Tom, we'll have them drink the Archbishop + of St Andrew's health, and do it on their knees too." +</p> +<p> + "So we will, by G—," said Halliday; "and he that refuses it, we'll have + him to the guard-house, and teach him to ride the colt foaled of an + acorn, with a brace of carabines at each foot to keep him steady." +</p> +<p> + "Right, Tom," continued Bothwell; "and, to do all things in order, I'll + begin with that sulky blue-bonnet in the ingle-nook." +</p> +<p> + He rose accordingly, and taking his sheathed broadsword under his arm to + support the insolence which he meditated, placed himself in front of the + stranger noticed by Niel Blane, in his admonitions to his daughter, as + being, in all probability, one of the hill-folk, or refractory + presbyterians. +</p> +<p> + "I make so bold as to request of your precision, beloved," said the + trooper, in a tone of affected solemnity, and assuming the snuffle of a + country preacher, "that you will arise from your seat, beloved, and, + having bent your hams until your knees do rest upon the floor, beloved, + that you will turn over this measure (called by the profane a gill) of + the comfortable creature, which the carnal denominate brandy, to the + health and glorification of his Grace the Archbishop of St Andrews, the + worthy primate of all Scotland." +</p> +<p> + All waited for the stranger's answer.—His features, austere even to + ferocity, with a cast of eye, which, without being actually oblique, + approached nearly to a squint, and which gave a very sinister expression + to his countenance, joined to a frame, square, strong, and muscular, + though something under the middle size, seemed to announce a man unlikely + to understand rude jesting, or to receive insults with impunity. +</p> +<p> + "And what is the consequence," said he, "if I should not be disposed to + comply with your uncivil request?" +</p> +<p> + "The consequence thereof, beloved," said Bothwell, in the same tone of + raillery, "will be, firstly, that I will tweak thy proboscis or nose. + Secondly, beloved, that I will administer my fist to thy distorted visual + optics; and will conclude, beloved, with a practical application of the + flat of my sword to the shoulders of the recusant." +</p> +<p> + "Is it even so?" said the stranger; "then give me the cup;" and, taking + it in his hand, he said, with a peculiar expression of voice and manner, + "The Archbishop of St Andrews, and the place he now worthily holds;—may + each prelate in Scotland soon be as the Right Reverend James Sharpe!" +</p> +<p> + "He has taken the test," said Halliday, exultingly. +</p> +<p> + "But with a qualification," said Bothwell; "I don't understand what the + devil the crop-eared whig means." +</p> +<p> + "Come, gentlemen," said Morton, who became impatient of their insolence, + "we are here met as good subjects, and on a merry occasion; and we have a + right to expect we shall not be troubled with this sort of discussion." +</p> +<p> + Bothwell was about to make a surly answer, but Halliday reminded him in a + whisper, that there were strict injunctions that the soldiers should give + no offence to the men who were sent out to the musters agreeably to the + council's orders. So, after honouring Morton with a broad and fierce + stare, he said, "Well, Mr Popinjay, I shall not disturb your reign; I + reckon it will be out by twelve at night.—Is it not an odd thing, + Halliday," he continued, addressing his companion, "that they should make + such a fuss about cracking off their birding-pieces at a mark which any + woman or boy could hit at a day's practice? If Captain Popinjay now, or + any of his troop, would try a bout, either with the broadsword, + backsword, single rapier, or rapier and dagger, for a gold noble, the + first-drawn blood, there would be some soul in it,—or, zounds, would the + bumpkins but wrestle, or pitch the bar, or putt the stone, or throw the + axle-tree, if (touching the end of Morton's sword scornfully with his + toe) they carry things about them that they are afraid to draw." +</p> +<p> + Morton's patience and prudence now gave way entirely, and he was about to + make a very angry answer to Bothwell's insolent observations, when the + stranger stepped forward. +</p> +<p> + "This is my quarrel," he said, "and in the name of the good cause, I will + see it out myself.—Hark thee, friend," (to Bothwell,) "wilt thou wrestle + a fall with me?" +</p> +<p> + "With my whole spirit, beloved," answered Bothwell; "yea I will strive + with thee, to the downfall of one or both." +</p> +<p> + "Then, as my trust is in Him that can help," retorted his antagonist, "I + will forthwith make thee an example to all such railing Rabshakehs" +</p> +<p> + With that he dropped his coarse grey horseman's coat from his shoulders, + and, extending his strong brawny arms with a look of determined + resolution, he offered himself to the contest. The soldier was nothing + abashed by the muscular frame, broad chest, square shoulders, and hardy + look of his antagonist, but, whistling with great composure, unbuckled + his belt, and laid aside his military coat. The company stood round them, + anxious for the event. +</p> +<p> + In the first struggle the trooper seemed to have some advantage, and also + in the second, though neither could be considered as decisive. But it was + plain he had put his whole strength too suddenly forth, against an + antagonist possessed of great endurance, skill, vigour, and length of + wind. In the third close, the countryman lifted his opponent fairly from + the floor, and hurled him to the ground with such violence, that he lay + for an instant stunned and motionless. His comrade Halliday immediately + drew his sword; "You have killed my sergeant," he exclaimed to the + victorious wrestler, "and by all that is sacred you shall answer it!" +</p> +<p> + "Stand back!" cried Morton and his companions, "it was all fair play; + your comrade sought a fall, and he has got it." +</p> +<p> + "That is true enough," said Bothwell, as he slowly rose; "put up your + bilbo, Tom. I did not think there was a crop-ear of them all could have + laid the best cap and feather in the King's Life-Guards on the floor of a + rascally change-house.—Hark ye, friend, give me your hand." The stranger + held out his hand. "I promise you," said Bothwell, squeezing his hand + very hard, "that the time will come when we shall meet again, and try + this game over in a more earnest manner." +</p> +<p> + "And I'll promise you," said the stranger, returning the grasp with equal + firmness, "that when we next meet, I will lay your head as low as it lay + even now, when you shall lack the power to lift it up again." +</p> +<p> + "Well, beloved," answered Bothwell, "if thou be'st a whig, thou art a + stout and a brave one, and so good even to thee—Hadst best take thy nag + before the Cornet makes the round; for, I promise thee, he has stay'd + less suspicious-looking persons." +</p> +<p> + The stranger seemed to think that the hint was not to be neglected; he + flung down his reckoning, and going into the stable, saddled and brought + out a powerful black horse, now recruited by rest and forage, and turning + to Morton, observed, "I ride towards Milnwood, which I hear is your home; + will you give me the advantage and protection of your company?" +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Morton; although there was something of gloomy and + relentless severity in the man's manner from which his mind recoiled. His + companions, after a courteous good-night, broke up and went off in + different directions, some keeping them company for about a mile, until + they dropped off one by one, and the travellers were left alone. +</p> +<p> + The company had not long left the Howff, as Blane's public-house was + called, when the trumpets and kettle-drums sounded. The troopers got + under arms in the market-place at this unexpected summons, while, with + faces of anxiety and earnestness, Cornet Grahame, a kinsman of + Claverhouse, and the Provost of the borough, followed by half-a-dozen + soldiers, and town-officers with halberts, entered the apartment of Niel + Blane. +</p> +<p> + "Guard the doors!" were the first words which the Cornet spoke; "let no + man leave the house.—So, Bothwell, how comes this? Did you not hear them + sound boot and saddle?" +</p> +<p> + "He was just going to quarters, sir," said his comrade; "he has had a bad + fall." +</p> +<p> + "In a fray, I suppose?" said Grahame. "If you neglect duty in this way, + your royal blood will hardly protect you." +</p> +<p> + "How have I neglected duty?" said Bothwell, sulkily. +</p> +<p> + "You should have been at quarters, Sergeant Bothwell," replied the + officer; "you have lost a golden opportunity. Here are news come that the + Archbishop of St Andrews has been strangely and foully assassinated by a + body of the rebel whigs, who pursued and stopped his carriage on + Magus-Muir, near the town of St Andrews, dragged him out, and dispatched + him with their swords and daggers." [Note: The general account of this + act of assassination is to be found in all histories of the period. A + more particular narrative may be found in the words of one of the actors, + James Russell, in the Appendix to Kirkton's History of the Church of + Scotland, published by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esquire. 4to, + Edinburgh, 1817.] +</p> +<p> + All stood aghast at the intelligence. +</p> +<p> + "Here are their descriptions," continued the Cornet, pulling out a + proclamation, "the reward of a thousand merks is on each of their heads." +</p> +<p> + "The test, the test, and the qualification!" said Bothwell to Halliday; + "I know the meaning now—Zounds, that we should not have stopt him! Go + saddle our horses, Halliday.—Was there one of the men, Cornet, very + stout and square-made, double-chested, thin in the flanks, hawk-nosed?" +</p> +<p> + "Stay, stay," said Cornet Grahame, "let me look at the paper.—Hackston + of Rathillet, tall, thin, black-haired." +</p> +<p> + "That is not my man," said Bothwell. +</p> +<p> + "John Balfour, called Burley, aquiline nose, red-haired, five feet + eight inches in height"—"It is he—it is the very man!" said + Bothwell,—"skellies fearfully with one eye?" +</p> +<p> + "Right," continued Grahame, "rode a strong black horse, taken from the + primate at the time of the murder." +</p> +<p> + "The very man," exclaimed Bothwell, "and the very horse! he was in this + room not a quarter of an hour since." +</p> +<p> + A few hasty enquiries tended still more to confirm the opinion, that the + reserved and stern stranger was Balfour of Burley, the actual commander + of the band of assassins, who, in the fury of misguided zeal, had + murdered the primate, whom they accidentally met, as they were searching + for another person against whom they bore enmity. [Note: One Carmichael, + sheriff-depute in Fife, who had been active in enforcing the penal + measures against non-conformists. He was on the moors hunting, but + receiving accidental information that a party was out in quest of him, he + returned home, and escaped the fate designed for him, which befell his + patron the Archbishop.] In their excited imagination the casual + rencounter had the appearance of a providential interference, and they + put to death the archbishop, with circumstances of great and cold-blooded + cruelty, under the belief, that the Lord, as they expressed it, had + delivered him into their hands. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Murderers of Archbishop Sharpe. The leader of this party was + David Hackston, of Rathillet, a gentleman of ancient birth and good + estate. He had been profligate in his younger days, but having been + led from curiosity to attend the conventicles of the nonconforming + clergy, he adopted their principles in the fullest extent. It + appears, that Hackston had some personal quarrel with Archbishop + Sharpe, which induced him to decline the command of the party when + the slaughter was determined upon, fearing his acceptance might be + ascribed to motives of personal enmity. He felt himself free in + conscience, however, to be present; and when the archbishop, dragged + from his carriage, crawled towards him on his knees for protection, + he replied coldly, "Sir, I will never lay a finger on you." It is + remarkable that Hackston, as well as a shepherd who was also + present, but passive, on the occasion, were the only two of the + party of assassins who suffered death by the hands of the + executioner. + + On Hackston refusing the command, it was by universal suffrage + conferred on John Balfour of Kinloch, called Burley, who was + Hackston's brother-in-law. He is described "as a little man, + squint-eyed, and of a very fierce aspect."—"He was," adds the same + author, "by some reckoned none of the most religious; yet he was + always reckoned zealous and honest-hearted, courageous in every + enterprise, and a brave soldier, seldom any escaping that came into + his hands. He was the principal actor in killing that arch-traitor + to the Lord and his church, James Sharpe." See Scottish Worthies. + 8vo. Leith, 1816. Page 522.] +</pre> +<p> + "Horse, horse, and pursue, my lads!" exclaimed Cornet Grahame; "the + murdering dog's head is worth its weight in gold." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0005"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER V. +</h2> +<pre> + Arouse thee, youth!—it is no human call— + God's church is leaguer'd—haste to man the wall; + Haste where the Redcross banners wave on high, + Signal of honour'd death, or victory! + James Duff. +</pre> +<p> + Morton and his companion had attained some distance from the town before + either of them addressed the other. There was something, as we have + observed, repulsive in the manner of the stranger, which prevented Morton + from opening the conversation, and he himself seemed to have no desire to + talk, until, on a sudden, he abruptly demanded, "What has your father's + son to do with such profane mummeries as I find you this day engaged in?" +</p> +<p> + "I do my duty as a subject, and pursue my harmless recreations according + to my own pleasure," replied Morton, somewhat offended. +</p> +<p> + "Is it your duty, think you, or that of any Christian young man, to bear + arms in their cause who have poured out the blood of God's saints in the + wilderness as if it had been water? or is it a lawful recreation to waste + time in shooting at a bunch of feathers, and close your evening with + winebibbing in public-houses and market-towns, when He that is mighty is + come into the land with his fan in his hand, to purge the wheat from the + chaff?" +</p> +<p> + "I suppose from your style of conversation," said Morton, "that you are + one of those who have thought proper to stand out against the government. + I must remind you that you are unnecessarily using dangerous language in + the presence of a mere stranger, and that the times do not render it safe + for me to listen to it." +</p> +<p> + "Thou canst not help it, Henry Morton," said his companion; "thy Master + has his uses for thee, and when he calls, thou must obey. Well wot I thou + hast not heard the call of a true preacher, or thou hadst ere now been + what thou wilt assuredly one day become." +</p> +<p> + "We are of the presbyterian persuasion, like yourself," said Morton; for + his uncle's family attended the ministry of one of those numerous + presbyterian clergymen, who, complying with certain regulations, were + licensed to preach without interruption from the government. This + indulgence, as it was called, made a great schism among the + presbyterians, and those who accepted of it were severely censured by the + more rigid sectaries, who refused the proffered terms. The stranger, + therefore, answered with great disdain to Morton's profession of faith. +</p> +<p> + "That is but an equivocation—a poor equivocation. Ye listen on the + Sabbath to a cold, worldly, time-serving discourse, from one who forgets + his high commission so much as to hold his apostleship by the favour of + the courtiers and the false prelates, and ye call that hearing the word! + Of all the baits with which the devil has fished for souls in these days + of blood and darkness, that Black Indulgence has been the most + destructive. An awful dispensation it has been, a smiting of the shepherd + and a scattering of the sheep upon the mountains—an uplifting of one + Christian banner against another, and a fighting of the wars of darkness + with the swords of the children of light!" +</p> +<p> + "My uncle," said Morton, "is of opinion, that we enjoy a reasonable + freedom of conscience under the indulged clergymen, and I must + necessarily be guided by his sentiments respecting the choice of a place + of worship for his family." +</p> +<p> + "Your uncle," said the horseman, "is one of those to whom the least lamb + in his own folds at Milnwood is dearer than the whole Christian flock. He + is one that could willingly bend down to the golden-calf of Bethel, and + would have fished for the dust thereof when it was ground to powder and + cast upon the waters. Thy father was a man of another stamp." +</p> +<p> + "My father," replied Morton, "was indeed a brave and gallant man. And you + may have heard, sir, that he fought for that royal family in whose name I + was this day carrying arms." +</p> +<p> + "Ay; and had he lived to see these days, he would have cursed the hour he + ever drew sword in their cause. But more of this hereafter—I promise + thee full surely that thy hour will come, and then the words thou hast + now heard will stick in thy bosom like barbed arrows. My road lies + there." +</p> +<p> + He pointed towards a pass leading up into a wild extent of dreary and + desolate hills; but as he was about to turn his horse's head into the + rugged path, which led from the high-road in that direction, an old woman + wrapped in a red cloak, who was sitting by the cross-way, arose, and + approaching him, said, in a mysterious tone of voice, "If ye be of our + ain folk, gangna up the pass the night for your lives. There is a lion in + the path, that is there. The curate of Brotherstane and ten soldiers hae + beset the pass, to hae the lives of ony of our puir wanderers that + venture that gate to join wi' Hamilton and Dingwall." +</p> +<p> + "Have the persecuted folk drawn to any head among themselves?" demanded + the stranger. +</p> +<p> + "About sixty or seventy horse and foot," said the old dame; "but, ewhow! + they are puirly armed, and warse fended wi' victual." +</p> +<p> + "God will help his own," said the horseman. "Which way shall I take to + join them?" +</p> +<p> + "It's a mere impossibility this night," said the woman, "the troopers + keep sae strict a guard; and they say there's strange news come frae the + east, that makes them rage in their cruelty mair fierce than ever—Ye + maun take shelter somegate for the night before ye get to the muirs, and + keep yoursell in hiding till the grey o' the morning, and then you may + find your way through the Drake Moss. When I heard the awfu' threatenings + o' the oppressors, I e'en took my cloak about me, and sate down by the + wayside, to warn ony of our puir scattered remnant that chanced to come + this gate, before they fell into the nets of the spoilers." +</p> +<p> + "Have you a house near this?" said the stranger; "and can you give me + hiding there?" +</p> +<p> + "I have," said the old woman, "a hut by the way-side, it may be a mile + from hence; but four men of Belial, called dragoons, are lodged therein, + to spoil my household goods at their pleasure, because I will not wait + upon the thowless, thriftless, fissenless ministry of that carnal man, + John Halftext, the curate." +</p> +<p> + "Good night, good woman, and thanks for thy counsel," said the stranger, + as he rode away. +</p> +<p> + "The blessings of the promise upon you," returned the old dame; "may He + keep you that can keep you." +</p> +<p> + "Amen!" said the traveller; "for where to hide my head this night, mortal + skill cannot direct me." +</p> +<p> + "I am very sorry for your distress," said Morton; "and had I a house or + place of shelter that could be called my own, I almost think I would risk + the utmost rigour of the law rather than leave you in such a strait. But + my uncle is so alarmed at the pains and penalties denounced by the laws + against such as comfort, receive, or consort with intercommuned persons, + that he has strictly forbidden all of us to hold any intercourse with + them." +</p> +<p> + "It is no less than I expected," said the stranger; "nevertheless, I + might be received without his knowledge;—a barn, a hay-loft, a + cart-shed,—any place where I could stretch me down, would be to my + habits like a tabernacle of silver set about with planks of cedar." +</p> +<p> + "I assure you," said Morton, much embarrassed, "that I have not the means + of receiving you at Milnwood without my uncle's consent and knowledge; + nor, if I could do so, would I think myself justifiable in engaging him + unconsciously in danger, which, most of all others, he fears and + deprecates." +</p> +<p> + "Well," said the traveller, "I have but one word to say. Did you ever + hear your father mention John Balfour of Burley?" +</p> +<p> + "His ancient friend and comrade, who saved his life, with almost the loss + of his own, in the battle of Longmarston-Moor?—Often, very often." +</p> +<p> + "I am that Balfour," said his companion. "Yonder stands thy uncle's + house; I see the light among the trees. The avenger of blood is behind + me, and my death certain unless I have refuge there. Now, make thy + choice, young man; to shrink from the side of thy father's friend, like a + thief in the night, and to leave him exposed to the bloody death from + which he rescued thy father, or to expose thine uncle's wordly goods to + such peril, as, in this perverse generation, attends those who give a + morsel of bread or a draught of cold water to a Christian man, when + perishing for lack of refreshment!" +</p> +<p> + A thousand recollections thronged on the mind of Morton at once. His + father, whose memory he idolized, had often enlarged upon his obligations + to this man, and regretted, that, after having been long comrades, they + had parted in some unkindness at the time when the kingdom of Scotland + was divided into Resolutioners and Protesters; the former of whom adhered + to Charles II. after his father's death upon the scaffold, while the + Protesters inclined rather to a union with the triumphant republicans. + The stern fanaticism of Burley had attached him to this latter party, and + the comrades had parted in displeasure, never, as it happened, to meet + again. These circumstances the deceased Colonel Morton had often + mentioned to his son, and always with an expression of deep regret, that + he had never, in any manner, been enabled to repay the assistance, which, + on more than one occasion, he had received from Burley. +</p> +<p> + To hasten Morton's decision, the night-wind, as it swept along, brought + from a distance the sullen sound of a kettle-drum, which, seeming to + approach nearer, intimated that a body of horse were upon their march + towards them. +</p> +<p> + "It must be Claverhouse, with the rest of his regiment. What can have + occasioned this night-march? If you go on, you fall into their hands—if + you turn back towards the borough-town, you are in no less danger from + Cornet Grahame's party.—The path to the hill is beset. I must shelter + you at Milnwood, or expose you to instant death;—but the punishment of + the law shall fall upon myself, as in justice it should, not upon my + uncle.—Follow me." +</p> +<p> + Burley, who had awaited his resolution with great composure, now followed + him in silence. +</p> +<p> + The house of Milnwood, built by the father of the present proprietor, was + a decent mansion, suitable to the size of the estate, but, since the + accession of this owner, it had been suffered to go considerably into + disrepair. At some little distance from the house stood the court of + offices. Here Morton paused. +</p> +<p> + "I must leave you here for a little while," he whispered, "until I can + provide a bed for you in the house." +</p> +<p> + "I care little for such delicacy," said Burley; "for thirty years this + head has rested oftener on the turf, or on the next grey stone, than upon + either wool or down. A draught of ale, a morsel of bread, to say my + prayers, and to stretch me upon dry hay, were to me as good as a painted + chamber and a prince's table." +</p> +<p> + It occurred to Morton at the same moment, that to attempt to introduce + the fugitive within the house, would materially increase the danger of + detection. Accordingly, having struck a light with implements left in the + stable for that purpose, and having fastened up their horses, he assigned + Burley, for his place of repose, a wooden bed, placed in a loft half-full + of hay, which an out-of-door domestic had occupied until dismissed by his + uncle in one of those fits of parsimony which became more rigid from day + to day. In this untenanted loft Morton left his companion, with a caution + so to shade his light that no reflection might be seen from the window, + and a promise that he would presently return with such refreshments as he + might be able to procure at that late hour. This last, indeed, was a + subject on which he felt by no means confident, for the power of + obtaining even the most ordinary provisions depended entirely upon the + humour in which he might happen to find his uncle's sole confidant, the + old housekeeper. If she chanced to be a-bed, which was very likely, or + out of humour, which was not less so, Morton well knew the case to be at + least problematical. +</p> +<p> + Cursing in his heart the sordid parsimony which pervaded every part of + his uncle's establishment, he gave the usual gentle knock at the bolted + door, by which he was accustomed to seek admittance, when accident had + detained him abroad beyond the early and established hours of rest at the + house of Milnwood. It was a sort of hesitating tap, which carried an + acknowledgment of transgression in its very sound, and seemed rather to + solicit than command attention. After it had been repeated again and + again, the housekeeper, grumbling betwixt her teeth as she rose from the + chimney corner in the hall, and wrapping her checked handkerchief round + her head to secure her from the cold air, paced across the stone-passage, + and repeated a careful "Wha's there at this time o' night?" more than + once before she undid the bolts and bars, and cautiously opened the door. +</p> +<p> + "This is a fine time o' night, Mr Henry," said the old dame, with the + tyrannic insolence of a spoilt and favourite domestic;—"a braw time o' + night and a bonny, to disturb a peaceful house in, and to keep quiet folk + out o' their beds waiting for you. Your uncle's been in his maist three + hours syne, and Robin's ill o' the rheumatize, and he's to his bed too, + and sae I had to sit up for ye mysell, for as sair a hoast as I hae." +</p> +<p> + Here she coughed once or twice, in further evidence of the egregious + inconvenience which she had sustained. +</p> +<p> + "Much obliged to you, Alison, and many kind thanks." +</p> +<p> + "Hegh, sirs, sae fair-fashioned as we are! Mony folk ca' me Mistress + Wilson, and Milnwood himsell is the only ane about this town thinks o' + ca'ing me Alison, and indeed he as aften says Mrs Alison as ony other + thing." +</p> +<p> + "Well, then, Mistress Alison," said Morton, "I really am sorry to have + kept you up waiting till I came in." +</p> +<p> + "And now that you are come in, Mr Henry," said the cross old woman, "what + for do you no tak up your candle and gang to your bed? and mind ye dinna + let the candle sweal as ye gang alang the wainscot parlour, and haud a' + the house scouring to get out the grease again." +</p> +<p> + "But, Alison, I really must have something to eat, and a draught of ale, + before I go to bed." +</p> +<p> + "Eat?—and ale, Mr Henry?—My certie, ye're ill to serve! Do ye think we + havena heard o' your grand popinjay wark yonder, and how ye bleezed away + as muckle pouther as wad hae shot a' the wild-fowl that we'll want atween + and Candlemas—and then ganging majoring to the piper's Howff wi' a' the + idle loons in the country, and sitting there birling, at your poor + uncle's cost, nae doubt, wi' a' the scaff and raff o' the water-side, + till sun-down, and then coming hame and crying for ale, as if ye were + maister and mair!" +</p> +<p> + Extremely vexed, yet anxious, on account of his guest, to procure + refreshments if possible, Morton suppressed his resentment, and + good-humouredly assured Mrs Wilson, that he was really both hungry and + thirsty; "and as for the shooting at the popinjay, I have heard you say + you have been there yourself, Mrs Wilson—I wish you had come to look at + us." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, Maister Henry," said the old dame, "I wish ye binna beginning to + learn the way of blawing in a woman's lug wi' a' your whilly-wha's!— + Aweel, sae ye dinna practise them but on auld wives like me, the less + matter. But tak heed o' the young queans, lad.—Popinjay—ye think + yoursell a braw fellow enow; and troth!" (surveying him with the candle,) + "there's nae fault to find wi' the outside, if the inside be conforming. + But I mind, when I was a gilpy of a lassock, seeing the Duke, that was + him that lost his head at London—folk said it wasna a very gude ane, but + it was aye a sair loss to him, puir gentleman—Aweel, he wan the + popinjay, for few cared to win it ower his Grace's head—weel, he had a + comely presence, and when a' the gentles mounted to show their capers, + his Grace was as near to me as I am to you; and he said to me, 'Tak tent + o' yoursell, my bonny lassie, (these were his very words,) for my horse + is not very chancy.'—And now, as ye say ye had sae little to eat or + drink, I'll let you see that I havena been sae unmindfu' o' you; for I + dinna think it's safe for young folk to gang to their bed on an empty + stamach." +</p> +<p> + To do Mrs Wilson justice, her nocturnal harangues upon such occasions not + unfrequently terminated with this sage apophthegm, which always prefaced + the producing of some provision a little better than ordinary, such as + she now placed before him. In fact, the principal object of her + maundering was to display her consequence and love of power; for Mrs + Wilson was not, at the bottom, an illtempered woman, and certainly loved + her old and young master (both of whom she tormented extremely) better + than any one else in the world. She now eyed Mr Henry, as she called him, + with great complacency, as he partook of her good cheer. +</p> +<p> + "Muckle gude may it do ye, my bonny man. I trow ye dinna get sic a + skirl-in-the-pan as that at Niel Blane's. His wife was a canny body, and + could dress things very weel for ane in her line o' business, but no like + a gentleman's housekeeper, to be sure. But I doubt the daughter's a silly + thing—an unco cockernony she had busked on her head at the kirk last + Sunday. I am doubting that there will be news o' a' thae braws. But my + auld een's drawing thegither—dinna hurry yoursell, my bonny man, tak + mind about the putting out the candle, and there's a horn of ale, and a + glass of clow-gillie-flower water; I dinna gie ilka body that; I keep it + for a pain I hae whiles in my ain stamach, and it's better for your young + blood than brandy. Sae, gude-night to ye, Mr Henry, and see that ye tak + gude care o' the candle." +</p> +<p> + Morton promised to attend punctually to her caution, and requested her + not to be alarmed if she heard the door opened, as she knew he must + again, as usual, look to his horse, and arrange him for the night. Mrs + Wilson then retreated, and Morton, folding up his provisions, was about + to hasten to his guest, when the nodding head of the old housekeeper was + again thrust in at the door, with an admonition, to remember to take an + account of his ways before he laid himself down to rest, and to pray for + protection during the hours of darkness. +</p> +<p> + Such were the manners of a certain class of domestics, once common in + Scotland, and perhaps still to be found in some old manor-houses in its + remote counties. They were fixtures in the family they belonged to; and + as they never conceived the possibility of such a thing as dismissal to + be within the chances of their lives, they were, of course, sincerely + attached to every member of it. [Note: A masculine retainer of this kind, + having offended his master extremely, was commanded to leave his service + instantly. "In troth and that will I not," answered the domestic; "if + your honour disna ken when ye hae a gude servant, I ken when I hae a gude + master, and go away I will not." On another occasion of the same nature, + the master said, "John, you and I shall never sleep under the same roof + again;" to which John replied, with much, "Whare the deil can your honour + be ganging?"] On the other hand, when spoiled by the indulgence or + indolence of their superiors, they were very apt to become ill-tempered, + self-sufficient, and tyrannical; so much so, that a mistress or master + would sometimes almost have wished to exchange their crossgrained + fidelity for the smooth and accommodating duplicity of a modern menial. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VI. +</h2> +<pre> + Yea, this man's brow, like to a tragic leaf, + Foretells the nature of a tragic volume. + Shakspeare. +</pre> +<p> + Being at length rid of the housekeeper's presence, Morton made a + collection of what he had reserved from the provisions set before him, + and prepared to carry them to his concealed guest. He did not think it + necessary to take a light, being perfectly acquainted with every turn of + the road; and it was lucky he did not do so, for he had hardly stepped + beyond the threshold ere a heavy trampling of horses announced, that the + body of cavalry, whose kettle-drums [Note: Regimental music is never + played at night. But who can assure us that such was not the custom in + Charles the Second's time? Till I am well informed on this point, the + kettle-drums shall clash on, as adding something to the picturesque + effect of the night march.] they had before heard, were in the act of + passing along the high-road which winds round the foot of the bank on + which the house of Milnwood was placed. He heard the commanding officer + distinctly give the word halt. A pause of silence followed, interrupted + only by the occasional neighing or pawing of an impatient charger. +</p> +<p> + "Whose house is this?" said a voice, in a tone of authority and command. +</p> +<p> + "Milnwood, if it like your honour," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "Is the owner well affected?" said the enquirer. +</p> +<p> + "He complies with the orders of government, and frequents an indulged + minister," was the response. +</p> +<p> + "Hum! ay! indulged? a mere mask for treason, very impolitically allowed + to those who are too great cowards to wear their principles barefaced.— + Had we not better send up a party and search the house, in case some of + the bloody villains concerned in this heathenish butchery may be + concealed in it?" +</p> +<p> + Ere Morton could recover from the alarm into which this proposal had + thrown him, a third speaker rejoined, "I cannot think it at all + necessary; Milnwood is an infirm, hypochondriac old man, who never + meddles with politics, and loves his moneybags and bonds better than any + thing else in the world. His nephew, I hear, was at the wappenschaw + to-day, and gained the popinjay, which does not look like a fanatic. I + should think they are all gone to bed long since, and an alarm at this + time of night might kill the poor old man." +</p> +<p> + "Well," rejoined the leader, "if that be so, to search the house would be + lost time, of which we have but little to throw away. Gentlemen of the + Life-Guards, forward—March!" +</p> +<p> + A few notes on the trumpet, mingled with the occasional boom of the + kettle-drum, to mark the cadence, joined with the tramp of hoofs and the + clash of arms, announced that the troop had resumed its march. The moon + broke out as the leading files of the column attained a hill up which the + road winded, and showed indistinctly the glittering of the steel-caps; + and the dark figures of the horses and riders might be imperfectly traced + through the gloom. They continued to advance up the hill, and sweep over + the top of it in such long succession, as intimated a considerable + numerical force. +</p> +<p> + When the last of them had disappeared, young Morton resumed his purpose + of visiting his guest. Upon entering the place of refuge, he found him + seated on his humble couch with a pocket Bible open in his hand, which he + seemed to study with intense meditation. His broadsword, which he had + unsheathed in the first alarm at the arrival of the dragoons, lay naked + across his knees, and the little taper that stood beside him upon the old + chest, which served the purpose of a table, threw a partial and imperfect + light upon those stern and harsh features, in which ferocity was rendered + more solemn and dignified by a wild cast of tragic enthusiasm. His brow + was that of one in whom some strong o'ermastering principle has + overwhelmed all other passions and feelings, like the swell of a high + spring-tide, when the usual cliffs and breakers vanish from the eye, and + their existence is only indicated by the chasing foam of the waves that + burst and wheel over them. He raised his head, after Morton had + contemplated him for about a minute. +</p> +<p> + "I perceive," said Morton, looking at his sword, "that you heard the + horsemen ride by; their passage delayed me for some minutes." +</p> +<p> + "I scarcely heeded them," said Balfour; "my hour is not yet come. That I + shall one day fall into their hands, and be honourably associated with + the saints whom they have slaughtered, I am full well aware. And I would, + young man, that the hour were come; it should be as welcome to me as ever + wedding to bridegroom. But if my Master has more work for me on earth, I + must not do his labour grudgingly." +</p> +<p> + "Eat and refresh yourself," said Morton; "tomorrow your safety requires + you should leave this place, in order to gain the hills, so soon as you + can see to distinguish the track through the morasses." +</p> +<p> + "Young man," returned Balfour, "you are already weary of me, and would be + yet more so, perchance, did you know the task upon which I have been + lately put. And I wonder not that it should be so, for there are times + when I am weary of myself. Think you not it is a sore trial for flesh and + blood, to be called upon to execute the righteous judgments of Heaven + while we are yet in the body, and continue to retain that blinded sense + and sympathy for carnal suffering, which makes our own flesh thrill when + we strike a gash upon the body of another? And think you, that when some + prime tyrant has been removed from his place, that the instruments of his + punishment can at all times look back on their share in his downfall with + firm and unshaken nerves? Must they not sometimes even question the truth + of that inspiration which they have felt and acted under? Must they not + sometimes doubt the origin of that strong impulse with which their + prayers for heavenly direction under difficulties have been inwardly + answered and confirmed, and confuse, in their disturbed apprehensions, + the responses of Truth itself with some strong delusion of the enemy?" +</p> +<p> + "These are subjects, Mr Balfour, on which I am ill qualified to converse + with you," answered Morton; "but I own I should strongly doubt the origin + of any inspiration which seemed to dictate a line of conduct contrary to + those feelings of natural humanity, which Heaven has assigned to us as + the general law of our conduct." +</p> +<p> + Balfour seemed somewhat disturbed, and drew himself hastily up, but + immediately composed himself, and answered coolly, "It is natural you + should think so; you are yet in the dungeon-house of the law, a pit + darker than that into which Jeremiah was plunged, even the dungeon of + Malcaiah the son of Hamelmelech, where there was no water but mire. Yet + is the seal of the covenant upon your forehead, and the son of the + righteous, who resisted to blood where the banner was spread on the + mountains, shall not be utterly lost, as one of the children of darkness. + Trow ye, that in this day of bitterness and calamity, nothing is required + at our hands but to keep the moral law as far as our carnal frailty will + permit? Think ye our conquests must be only over our corrupt and evil + affections and passions? No; we are called upon, when we have girded up + our loins, to run the race boldly, and when we have drawn the sword, we + are enjoined to smite the ungodly, though he be our neighbour, and the + man of power and cruelty, though he were of our own kindred, and the + friend of our own bosom." +</p> +<p> + "These are the sentiments," said Morton, "that your enemies impute to + you, and which palliate, if they do not vindicate, the cruel measures + which the council have directed against you. They affirm, that you + pretend to derive your rule of action from what you call an inward light, + rejecting the restraints of legal magistracy, of national law, and even + of common humanity, when in opposition to what you call the spirit within + you." +</p> +<p> + "They do us wrong," answered the Covenanter; "it is they, perjured as + they are, who have rejected all law, both divine and civil, and who now + persecute us for adherence to the Solemn League and Covenant between God + and the kingdom of Scotland, to which all of them, save a few popish + malignants, have sworn in former days, and which they now burn in the + market-places, and tread under foot in derision. When this Charles + Stewart returned to these kingdoms, did the malignants bring him back? + They had tried it with strong hand, but they failed, I trow. Could James + Grahame of Montrose, and his Highland caterans, have put him again in the + place of his father? I think their heads on the Westport told another + tale for many a long day. It was the workers of the glorious work—the + reformers of the beauty of the tabernacle, that called him again to the + high place from which his father fell. And what has been our reward? In + the words of the prophet, 'We looked for peace, but no good came; and for + a time of health, and behold trouble—The snorting of his horses was + heard from Dan; the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of + his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land and all + that is in it.'" +</p> +<p> + "Mr Balfour," answered Morton, "I neither undertake to subscribe to or + refute your complaints against the government. I have endeavoured to + repay a debt due to the comrade of my father, by giving you shelter in + your distress, but you will excuse me from engaging myself either in your + cause, or in controversy. I will leave you to repose, and heartily wish + it were in my power to render your condition more comfortable." +</p> +<p> + "But I shall see you, I trust, in the morning, ere I depart?—I am not a + man whose bowels yearn after kindred and friends of this world. When I + put my hand to the plough, I entered into a covenant with my worldly + affections that I should not look back on the things I left behind me. + Yet the son of mine ancient comrade is to me as mine own, and I cannot + behold him without the deep and firm belief, that I shall one day see him + gird on his sword in the dear and precious cause for which his father + fought and bled." +</p> +<p> + With a promise on Morton's part that he would call the refugee when it + was time for him to pursue his journey, they parted for the night. +</p> +<p> + Morton retired to a few hours' rest; but his imagination, disturbed by + the events of the day, did not permit him to enjoy sound repose. There + was a blended vision of horror before him, in which his new friend seemed + to be a principal actor. The fair form of Edith Bellenden also mingled in + his dream, weeping, and with dishevelled hair, and appearing to call on + him for comfort and assistance, which he had not in his power to render. + He awoke from these unrefreshing slumbers with a feverish impulse, and a + heart which foreboded disaster. There was already a tinge of dazzling + lustre on the verge of the distant hills, and the dawn was abroad in all + the freshness of a summer morning. +</p> +<p> + "I have slept too long," he exclaimed to himself, "and must now hasten to + forward the journey of this unfortunate fugitive." +</p> +<p> + He dressed himself as fast as possible, opened the door of the house with + as little noise as he could, and hastened to the place of refuge occupied + by the Covenanter. Morton entered on tiptoe, for the determined tone and + manner, as well as the unusual language and sentiments of this singular + individual, had struck him with a sensation approaching to awe. Balfour + was still asleep. A ray of light streamed on his uncurtained couch, and + showed to Morton the working of his harsh features, which seemed agitated + by some strong internal cause of disturbance. He had not undressed. Both + his arms were above the bed-cover, the right hand strongly clenched, and + occasionally making that abortive attempt to strike which usually attends + dreams of violence; the left was extended, and agitated, from time to + time, by a movement as if repulsing some one. The perspiration stood on + his brow, "like bubbles in a late disturbed stream," and these marks of + emotion were accompanied with broken words which escaped from him at + intervals—"Thou art taken, Judas—thou art taken—Cling not to my + knees—cling not to my knees—hew him down!—A priest? Ay, a priest of + Baal, to be bound and slain, even at the brook Kishon.—Fire arms will + not prevail against him—Strike—thrust with the cold iron—put him out + of pain—put him out of pain, were it but for the sake of his grey + hairs." +</p> +<p> + Much alarmed at the import of these expressions, which seemed to burst + from him even in sleep with the stern energy accompanying the + perpetration of some act of violence, Morton shook his guest by the + shoulder in order to awake him. The first words he uttered were, "Bear me + where ye will, I will avouch the deed!" +</p> +<p> + His glance around having then fully awakened him, he at once assumed all + the stern and gloomy composure of his ordinary manner, and throwing + himself on his knees, before speaking to Morton, poured forth an + ejaculatory prayer for the suffering Church of Scotland, entreating that + the blood of her murdered saints and martyrs might be precious in the + sight of Heaven, and that the shield of the Almighty might be spread over + the scattered remnant, who, for His name's sake, were abiders in the + wilderness. Vengeance—speedy and ample vengeance on the oppressors, was + the concluding petition of his devotions, which he expressed aloud in + strong and emphatic language, rendered more impressive by the Orientalism + of Scripture. +</p> +<p> + When he had finished his prayer he arose, and, taking Morton by the arm, + they descended together to the stable, where the Wanderer (to give Burley + a title which was often conferred on his sect) began to make his horse + ready to pursue his journey. When the animal was saddled and bridled, + Burley requested Morton to walk with him a gun-shot into the wood, and + direct him to the right road for gaining the moors. Morton readily + complied, and they walked for some time in silence under the shade of + some fine old trees, pursuing a sort of natural path, which, after + passing through woodland for about half a mile, led into the bare and + wild country which extends to the foot of the hills. +</p> +<p> + There was little conversation between them, until at length Burley + suddenly asked Morton, "Whether the words he had spoken over-night had + borne fruit in his mind?" +</p> +<p> + Morton answered, "That he remained of the same opinion which he had + formerly held, and was determined, at least as far and as long as + possible, to unite the duties of a good Christian with those of a + peaceful subject." +</p> +<p> + "In other words," replied Burley, "you are desirous to serve both God and + Mammon—to be one day professing the truth with your lips, and the next + day in arms, at the command of carnal and tyrannic authority, to shed the + blood of those who for the truth have forsaken all things? Think ye," he + continued, "to touch pitch and remain undefiled? to mix in the ranks of + malignants, papists, papa-prelatists, latitudinarians, and scoffers; to + partake of their sports, which are like the meat offered unto idols; to + hold intercourse, perchance, with their daughters, as the sons of God + with the daughters of men in the world before the flood—Think you, I + say, to do all these things, and yet remain free from pollution? I say + unto you, that all communication with the enemies of the Church is the + accursed thing which God hateth! Touch not—taste not—handle not! And + grieve not, young man, as if you alone were called upon to subdue your + carnal affections, and renounce the pleasures which are a snare to your + feet—I say to you, that the Son of David hath denounced no better lot on + the whole generation of mankind." +</p> +<p> + He then mounted his horse, and, turning to Morton, repeated the text of + Scripture, "An heavy yoke was ordained for the sons of Adam from the day + they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the + mother of all things; from him who is clothed in blue silk and weareth a + crown, even to him who weareth simple linen,—wrath, envy, trouble, and + unquietness, rigour, strife, and fear of death in the time of rest." +</p> +<p> + Having uttered these words he set his horse in motion, and soon + disappeared among the boughs of the forest. +</p> +<p> + "Farewell, stern enthusiast," said Morton, looking after him; "in some + moods of my mind, how dangerous would be the society of such a companion! + If I am unmoved by his zeal for abstract doctrines of faith, or rather + for a peculiar mode of worship, (such was the purport of his + reflections,) can I be a man, and a Scotchman, and look with indifference + on that persecution which has made wise men mad? Was not the cause of + freedom, civil and religious, that for which my father fought; and shall + I do well to remain inactive, or to take the part of an oppressive + government, if there should appear any rational prospect of redressing + the insufferable wrongs to which my miserable countrymen are subjected?— + And yet, who shall warrant me that these people, rendered wild by + persecution, would not, in the hour of victory, be as cruel and as + intolerant as those by whom they are now hunted down? What degree of + moderation, or of mercy, can be expected from this Burley, so + distinguished as one of their principal champions, and who seems even now + to be reeking from some recent deed of violence, and to feel stings of + remorse, which even his enthusiasm cannot altogether stifle? I am weary + of seeing nothing but violence and fury around me—now assuming the mask + of lawful authority, now taking that of religious zeal. I am sick of my + country—of myself—of my dependent situation—of my repressed + feelings—of these woods—of that river—of that house—of all + but—Edith, and she can never be mine! Why should I haunt her walks?—Why + encourage my own delusion, and perhaps hers?—She can never be mine. Her + grandmother's pride—the opposite principles of our families—my + wretched state of dependence—a poor miserable slave, for I have not + even the wages of a servant—all circumstances give the lie to the vain + hope that we can ever be united. Why then protract a delusion so + painful? +</p> +<p> + "But I am no slave," he said aloud, and drawing himself up to his full + stature—"no slave, in one respect, surely. I can change my abode—my + father's sword is mine, and Europe lies open before me, as before him and + hundreds besides of my countrymen, who have filled it with the fame of + their exploits. Perhaps some lucky chance may raise me to a rank with our + Ruthvens, our Lesleys, our Monroes, the chosen leaders of the famous + Protestant champion, Gustavus Adolphus, or, if not, a soldier's life or a + soldier's grave." +</p> +<p> + When he had formed this determination, he found himself near the door of + his uncle's house, and resolved to lose no time in making him acquainted + with it. +</p> +<p> + "Another glance of Edith's eye, another walk by Edith's side, and my + resolution would melt away. I will take an irrevocable step, therefore, + and then see her for the last time." +</p> +<p> + In this mood he entered the wainscotted parlour, in which his uncle was + already placed at his morning's refreshment, a huge plate of oatmeal + porridge, with a corresponding allowance of butter-milk. The favourite + housekeeper was in attendance, half standing, half resting on the back of + a chair, in a posture betwixt freedom and respect. The old gentleman had + been remarkably tall in his earlier days, an advantage which he now lost + by stooping to such a degree, that at a meeting, where there was some + dispute concerning the sort of arch which should be thrown over a + considerable brook, a facetious neighbour proposed to offer Milnwood a + handsome sum for his curved backbone, alleging that he would sell any + thing that belonged to him. Splay feet of unusual size, long thin hands, + garnished with nails which seldom felt the steel, a wrinkled and puckered + visage, the length of which corresponded with that of his person, + together with a pair of little sharp bargain-making grey eyes, that + seemed eternally looking out for their advantage, completed the highly + unpromising exterior of Mr Morton of Milnwood. As it would have been very + injudicious to have lodged a liberal or benevolent disposition in such an + unworthy cabinet, nature had suited his person with a mind exactly in + conformity with it, that is to say, mean, selfish, and covetous. +</p> +<p> + When this amiable personage was aware of the presence of his nephew, he + hastened, before addressing him, to swallow the spoonful of porridge + which he was in the act of conveying to his mouth, and, as it chanced to + be scalding hot, the pain occasioned by its descent down his throat and + into his stomach, inflamed the ill-humour with which he was already + prepared to meet his kinsman. +</p> +<p> + "The deil take them that made them!" was his first ejaculation, + apostrophizing his mess of porridge. +</p> +<p> + "They're gude parritch eneugh," said Mrs Wilson, "if ye wad but take time + to sup them. I made them mysell; but if folk winna hae patience, they + should get their thrapples causewayed." +</p> +<p> + "Haud your peace, Alison! I was speaking to my nevoy.—How is this, sir? + And what sort o' scampering gates are these o' going on? Ye were not at + hame last night till near midnight." +</p> +<p> + "Thereabouts, sir, I believe," answered Morton, in an indifferent tone. +</p> +<p> + "Thereabouts, sir?—What sort of an answer is that, sir? Why came ye na + hame when other folk left the grund?" +</p> +<p> + "I suppose you know the reason very well, sir," said Morton; "I had the + fortune to be the best marksman of the day, and remained, as is usual, to + give some little entertainment to the other young men." +</p> +<p> + "The deevil ye did, sir! And ye come to tell me that to my face? You + pretend to gie entertainments, that canna come by a dinner except by + sorning on a carefu' man like me? But if ye put me to charges, I'se work + it out o'ye. I seena why ye shouldna haud the pleugh, now that the + pleughman has left us; it wad set ye better than wearing thae green duds, + and wasting your siller on powther and lead; it wad put ye in an honest + calling, and wad keep ye in bread without being behadden to ony ane." +</p> +<p> + "I am very ambitious of learning such a calling, sir, but I don't + understand driving the plough." +</p> +<p> + "And what for no? It's easier than your gunning and archery that ye like + sae weel. Auld Davie is ca'ing it e'en now, and ye may be goadsman for + the first twa or three days, and tak tent ye dinna o'erdrive the owsen, + and then ye will be fit to gang betweeu the stilts. Ye'll ne'er learn + younger, I'll be your caution. Haggie-holm is heavy land, and Davie is + ower auld to keep the coulter down now." +</p> +<p> + "I beg pardon for interrupting you, sir, but I have formed a scheme for + myself, which will have the same effect of relieving you of the burden + and charge attending my company." +</p> +<p> + "Ay? Indeed? a scheme o' yours? that must be a denty ane!" said the + uncle, with a very peculiar sneer; "let's hear about it, lad." +</p> +<p> + "It is said in two words, sir. I intend to leave this country, and serve + abroad, as my father did before these unhappy troubles broke out at home. + His name will not be so entirely forgotten in the countries where he + served, but that it will procure his son at least the opportunity of + trying his fortune as a soldier." +</p> +<p> + "Gude be gracious to us!" exclaimed the housekeeper; "our young Mr Harry + gang abroad? na, na! eh, na! that maun never be." +</p> +<p> + Milnwood, entertaining no thought or purpose of parting with his nephew, + who was, moreover, very useful to him in many respects, was thunderstruck + at this abrupt declaration of independence from a person whose deference + to him had hitherto been unlimited. He recovered himself, however, + immediately. +</p> +<p> + "And wha do you think is to give you the means, young man, for such a + wild-goose chase? Not I, I am sure. I can hardly support you at hame. And + ye wad be marrying, I'se warrant, as your father did afore ye, too, and + sending your uncle hame a pack o' weans to be fighting and skirling + through the house in my auld days, and to take wing and flee aff like + yoursell, whenever they were asked to serve a turn about the town?" +</p> +<p> + "I have no thoughts of ever marrying," answered Henry. +</p> +<p> + "Hear till him now!" said the housekeeper. "It's a shame to hear a douce + young lad speak in that way, since a' the warld kens that they maun + either marry or do waur." +</p> +<p> + "Haud your peace, Alison," said her master; "and you, Harry," (he added + more mildly,) "put this nonsense out o' your head—this comes o' letting + ye gang a-sodgering for a day—mind ye hae nae siller, lad, for ony sic + nonsense plans." +</p> +<p> + "I beg your pardon, sir, my wants shall be very few; and would you please + to give me the gold chain, which the Margrave gave to my father after the + battle of Lutzen"—"Mercy on us! the gowd chain?" exclaimed his uncle. +</p> +<p> + "The chain of gowd!" re-echoed the housekeeper, both aghast with + astonishment at the audacity of the proposal. +</p> +<p> + —"I will keep a few links," continued the young man, "to remind me of + him by whom it was won, and the place where he won it," continued Morton; + "the rest shall furnish me the means of following the same career in + which my father obtained that mark of distinction." +</p> +<p> + "Mercifu' powers!" exclaimed the governante, "my master wears it every + Sunday!" +</p> +<p> + "Sunday and Saturday," added old Milnwood, "whenever I put on my black + velvet coat; and Wylie Mactrickit is partly of opinion it's a kind of + heir-loom, that rather belangs to the head of the house than to the + immediate descendant. It has three thousand links; I have counted them a + thousand times. It's worth three hundred pounds sterling." +</p> +<p> + "That is more than I want, sir; if you choose to give me the third part + of the money, and five links of the chain, it will amply serve my + purpose, and the rest will be some slight atonement for the expense and + trouble I have put you to." +</p> +<p> + "The laddie's in a creel!" exclaimed his uncle. "O, sirs, what will + become o' the rigs o' Milnwood when I am dead and gane! He would fling + the crown of Scotland awa, if he had it." +</p> +<p> + "Hout, sir," said the old housekeeper, "I maun e'en say it's partly your + ain faut. Ye maunna curb his head ower sair in neither; and, to be sure, + since he has gane doun to the Howff, ye maun just e'en pay the lawing." +</p> +<p> + "If it be not abune twa dollars, Alison," said the old gentleman, very + reluctantly. +</p> +<p> + "I'll settle it myself wi'Niel Blane, the first time I gang down to the + clachan," said Alison, "cheaper than your honour or Mr Harry can do;" and + then whispered to Henry, "Dinna vex him onymair; I'll pay the lave out o' + the butter siller, and nae mair words about it." Then proceeding aloud, + "And ye maunna speak o' the young gentleman hauding the pleugh; there's + puir distressed whigs enow about the country will be glad to do that for + a bite and a soup—it sets them far better than the like o' him." +</p> +<p> + "And then we'll hae the dragoons on us," said Milnwood, "for comforting + and entertaining intercommuned rebels; a bonny strait ye wad put us in!— + But take your breakfast, Harry, and then lay by your new green coat, and + put on your Raploch grey; it's a mair mensfu' and thrifty dress, and a + mair seemly sight, than thae dangling slops and ribbands." +</p> +<p> + Morton left the room, perceiving plainly that he had at present no chance + of gaining his purpose, and, perhaps, not altogether displeased at the + obstacles which seemed to present themselves to his leaving the + neighbourhood of Tillietudlem. The housekeeper followed him into the next + room, patting him on the back, and bidding him "be a gude bairn, and pit + by his braw things." +</p> +<p> + "And I'll loop doun your hat, and lay by the band and ribband," said the + officious dame; "and ye maun never, at no hand, speak o' leaving the + land, or of selling the gowd chain, for your uncle has an unco pleasure + in looking on you, and in counting the links of the chainzie; and ye ken + auld folk canna last for ever; sae the chain, and the lands, and a' will + be your ain ae day; and ye may marry ony leddy in the country-side ye + like, and keep a braw house at Milnwood, for there's enow o' means; and + is not that worth waiting for, my dow?" +</p> +<p> + There was something in the latter part of the prognostic which sounded so + agreeably in the ears of Morton, that he shook the old dame cordially by + the hand, and assured her he was much obliged by her good advice, and + would weigh it carefully before he proceeded to act upon his former + resolution. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0007"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VII. +</h2> +<pre> + From seventeen years till now, almost fourscore, + Here lived I, but now live here no more. + At seventeen years many their fortunes seek, + But at fourscore it is too late a week. + As You Like it. +</pre> +<p> + We must conduct our readers to the Tower of Tillietudlem, to which Lady + Margaret Bellenden had returned, in romantic phrase, malecontent and full + of heaviness, at the unexpected, and, as she deemed it, indelible + affront, which had been brought upon her dignity by the public + miscarriage of Goose Gibbie. That unfortunate man-at-arms was forthwith + commanded to drive his feathered charge to the most remote parts of the + common moor, and on no account to awaken the grief or resentment of his + lady, by appearing in her presence while the sense of the affront was yet + recent. +</p> +<p> + The next proceeding of Lady Margaret was to hold a solemn court of + justice, to which Harrison and the butler were admitted, partly on the + footing of witnesses, partly as assessors, to enquire into the recusancy + of Cuddie Headrigg the ploughman, and the abetment which he had received + from his mother—these being regarded as the original causes of the + disaster which had befallen the chivalry of Tillietudlem. The charge + being fully made out and substantiated, Lady Margaret resolved to + reprimand the culprits in person, and, if she found them impenitent, to + extend the censure into a sentence of expulsion from the barony. Miss + Bellenden alone ventured to say any thing in behalf of the accused, but + her countenance did not profit them as it might have done on any other + occasion. For so soon as Edith had heard it ascertained that the + unfortunate cavalier had not suffered in his person, his disaster had + affected her with an irresistible disposition to laugh, which, in spite + of Lady Margaret's indignation, or rather irritated, as usual, by + restraint, had broke out repeatedly on her return homeward, until her + grandmother, in no shape imposed upon by the several fictitious causes + which the young lady assigned for her ill-timed risibility, upbraided her + in very bitter terms with being insensible to the honour of her family. + Miss Bellenden's intercession, therefore, had, on this occasion, little + or no chance to be listened to. +</p> +<p> + As if to evince the rigour of her disposition, Lady Margaret, on this + solemn occasion, exchanged the ivory-headed cane with which she commonly + walked, for an immense gold-headed staff which had belonged to her + father, the deceased Earl of Torwood, and which, like a sort of mace of + office, she only made use of on occasions of special solemnity. Supported + by this awful baton of command, Lady Margaret Bellenden entered the + cottage of the delinquents. +</p> +<p> + There was an air of consciousness about old Mause, as she rose from her + wicker chair in the chimney-nook, not with the cordial alertness of + visage which used, on other occasions, to express the honour she felt in + the visit of her lady, but with a certain solemnity and embarrassment, + like an accused party on his first appearance in presence of his judge, + before whom he is, nevertheless, determined to assert his innocence. Her + arms were folded, her mouth primmed into an expression of respect, + mingled with obstinacy, her whole mind apparently bent up to the solemn + interview. With her best curtsey to the ground, and a mute motion of + reverence, Mause pointed to the chair, which, on former occasions, Lady + Margaret (for the good lady was somewhat of a gossip) had deigned to + occupy for half an hour sometimes at a time, hearing the news of the + county and of the borough. But at present her mistress was far too + indignant for such condescension. She rejected the mute invitation with a + haughty wave of her hand, and drawing herself up as she spoke, she + uttered the following interrogatory in a tone calculated to overwhelm the + culprit. +</p> +<p> + "Is it true, Mause, as I am informed by Harrison, Gudyill, and others of + my people, that you hae taen it upon you, contrary to the faith you owe + to God and the king, and to me, your natural lady and mistress, to keep + back your son frae the wappen-schaw, held by the order of the sheriff, + and to return his armour and abulyiements at a moment when it was + impossible to find a suitable delegate in his stead, whereby the barony + of Tullietudlem, baith in the person of its mistress and indwellers, has + incurred sic a disgrace and dishonour as hasna befa'en the family since + the days of Malcolm Canmore?" +</p> +<p> + Mause's habitual respect for her mistress was extreme; she hesitated, and + one or two short coughs expressed the difficulty she had in defending + herself. +</p> +<p> + "I am sure—my leddy—hem, hem!—I am sure I am sorry—very sorry that + ony cause of displeasure should hae occurred—but my son's illness"— + "Dinna tell me of your son's illness, Mause! Had he been sincerely + unweel, ye would hae been at the Tower by daylight to get something that + wad do him gude; there are few ailments that I havena medical recipes + for, and that ye ken fu' weel." +</p> +<p> + "O ay, my leddy! I am sure ye hae wrought wonderful cures; the last thing + ye sent Cuddie, when he had the batts, e'en wrought like a charm." +</p> +<p> + "Why, then, woman, did ye not apply to me, if there was only real + need?—but there was none, ye fause-hearted vassal that ye are!" +</p> +<p> + "Your leddyship never ca'd me sic a word as that before. Ohon! that I + suld live to be ca'd sae," she continued, bursting into tears, "and me a + born servant o' the house o' Tillietudlem! I am sure they belie baith + Cuddie and me sair, if they said he wadna fight ower the boots in blude + for your leddyship and Miss Edith, and the auld Tower—ay suld he, and I + would rather see him buried beneath it, than he suld gie way—but thir + ridings and wappenschawings, my leddy, I hae nae broo o' them ava. I can + find nae warrant for them whatsoever." +</p> +<p> + "Nae warrant for them?" cried the high-born dame. "Do ye na ken, woman, + that ye are bound to be liege vassals in all hunting, hosting, watching, + and warding, when lawfully summoned thereto in my name? Your service is + not gratuitous. I trow ye hae land for it.—Ye're kindly tenants; hae a + cot-house, a kale-yard, and a cow's grass on the common.—Few hae been + brought farther ben, and ye grudge your son suld gie me a day's service + in the field?" +</p> +<p> + "Na, my leddy—na, my leddy, it's no that," exclaimed Mause, greatly + embarrassed, "but ane canna serve twa maisters; and, if the truth maun + e'en come out, there's Ane abune whase commands I maun obey before your + leddyship's. I am sure I would put neither king's nor kaisar's, nor ony + earthly creature's, afore them." +</p> +<p> + "How mean ye by that, ye auld fule woman?—D'ye think that I order ony + thing against conscience?" +</p> +<p> + "I dinna pretend to say that, my leddy, in regard o' your leddyship's + conscience, which has been brought up, as it were, wi' prelatic + principles; but ilka ane maun walk by the light o' their ain; and mine," + said Mause, waxing bolder as the conference became animated, "tells me + that I suld leave a'—cot, kale-yard, and cow's grass—and suffer a', + rather than that I or mine should put on harness in an unlawfu' cause," +</p> +<p> + "Unlawfu'!" exclaimed her mistress; "the cause to which you are called by + your lawful leddy and mistress—by the command of the king—by the writ + of the privy council—by the order of the lordlieutenant—by the warrant + of the sheriff?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, my leddy, nae doubt; but no to displeasure your leddyship, ye'll + mind that there was ance a king in Scripture they ca'd Nebuchadnezzar, + and he set up a golden image in the plain o' Dura, as it might be in the + haugh yonder by the water-side, where the array were warned to meet + yesterday; and the princes, and the governors, and the captains, and the + judges themsells, forby the treasurers, the counsellors, and the + sheriffs, were warned to the dedication thereof, and commanded to fall + down and worship at the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, + psaltery, and all kinds of music." +</p> +<p> + "And what o' a' this, ye fule wife? Or what had Nebuchadnezzar to do with + the wappen-schaw of the Upper Ward of Clydesdale?" +</p> +<p> + "Only just thus far, my leddy," continued Mause, firmly, "that prelacy is + like the great golden image in the plain of Dura, and that as Shadrach, + Meshach, and Abednego, were borne out in refusing to bow down and + worship, so neither shall Cuddy Headrigg, your leddyship's poor + pleughman, at least wi' his auld mither's consent, make murgeons or + Jenny-flections, as they ca' them, in the house of the prelates and + curates, nor gird him wi' armour to fight in their cause, either at the + sound of kettle-drums, organs, bagpipes, or ony other kind of music + whatever." +</p> +<p> + Lady Margaret Bellenden heard this exposition of Scripture with the + greatest possible indignation, as well as surprise. +</p> +<p> + "I see which way the wind blaws," she exclaimed, after a pause of + astonishment; "the evil spirit of the year sixteen hundred and forty-twa + is at wark again as merrily as ever, and ilka auld wife in the + chimley-neuck will be for knapping doctrine wi' doctors o' divinity and + the godly fathers o' the church." +</p> +<p> + "If your leddyship means the bishops and curates, I'm sure they hae been + but stepfathers to the Kirk o' Scotland. And, since your leddyship is + pleased to speak o' parting wi' us, I am free to tell you a piece o' my + mind in another article. Your leddyship and the steward hae been pleased + to propose that my son Cuddie suld work in the barn wi' a new-fangled + machine [Note: Probably something similar to the barn-fanners now used + for winnowing corn, which were not, however, used in their present shape + until about 1730. They were objected to by the more rigid sectaries on + their first introduction, upon such reasoning as that of honest Mause in + the text.] for dighting the corn frae the chaff, thus impiously thwarting + the will of Divine Providence, by raising wind for your leddyship's ain + particular use by human art, instead of soliciting it by prayer, or + waiting patiently for whatever dispensation of wind Providence was + pleased to send upon the sheeling-hill. Now, my leddy"—"The woman would + drive ony reasonable being daft!" said Lady Margaret; then resuming her + tone of authority and indifference, she concluded, "Weel, Mause, I'll + just end where I sud hae begun—ye're ower learned and ower godly for me + to dispute wi'; sae I have just this to say,—either Cuddie must attend + musters when he's lawfully warned by the ground officer, or the sooner he + and you flit and quit my bounds the better; there's nae scarcity o' auld + wives or ploughmen; but, if there were, I had rather that the rigs of + Tillietudlem bare naething but windle-straes and sandy lavrocks [Note: + Bent-grass and sand-larks.] than that they were ploughed by rebels to the + king." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, my leddy," said Mause, "I was born here, and thought to die where + my father died; and your leddyship has been a kind mistress, I'll ne'er + deny that, and I'se ne'er cease to pray for you, and for Miss Edith, and + that ye may be brought to see the error of your ways. But still"—"The + error of my ways!" interrupted Lady Margaret, much incensed—"The error + of my ways, ye uncivil woman?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, ay, my leddy, we are blinded that live in this valley of tears and + darkness, and hae a' ower mony errors, grit folks as weel as sma'—but, + as I said, my puir bennison will rest wi' you and yours wherever I am. I + will be wae to hear o' your affliction, and blithe to hear o' your + prosperity, temporal and spiritual. But I canna prefer the commands of an + earthly mistress to those of a heavenly master, and sae I am e'en ready + to suffer for righteousness' sake." +</p> +<p> + "It is very well," said Lady Margaret, turning her back in great + displeasure; "ye ken my will, Mause, in the matter. I'll hae nae whiggery + in the barony of Tillietudlem—the next thing wad be to set up a + conventicle in my very withdrawing room." +</p> +<p> + Having said this, she departed, with an air of great dignity; and Mause, + giving way to feelings which she had suppressed during the + interview,—for she, like her mistress, had her own feeling of + pride,—now lifted up her voice and wept aloud. +</p> +<p> + Cuddie, whose malady, real or pretended, still detained him in bed, lay + perdu during all this conference, snugly ensconced within his boarded + bedstead, and terrified to death lest Lady Margaret, whom he held in + hereditary reverence, should have detected his presence, and bestowed on + him personally some of those bitter reproaches with which she loaded his + mother. But as soon as he thought her ladyship fairly out of hearing, he + bounced up in his nest. +</p> +<p> + "The foul fa' ye, that I suld say sae," he cried out to his mother, "for + a lang-tongued clavering wife, as my father, honest man, aye ca'd ye! + Couldna ye let the leddy alane wi' your whiggery? And I was e'en as great + a gomeral to let ye persuade me to lie up here amang the blankets like a + hurcheon, instead o' gaun to the wappen-schaw like other folk. Odd, but I + put a trick on ye, for I was out at the window-bole when your auld back + was turned, and awa down by to hae a baff at the popinjay, and I shot + within twa on't. I cheated the leddy for your clavers, but I wasna gaun + to cheat my joe. But she may marry whae she likes now, for I'm clean dung + ower. This is a waur dirdum than we got frae Mr Gudyill when ye garr'd me + refuse to eat the plum-porridge on Yule-eve, as if it were ony matter to + God or man whether a pleughman had suppit on minched pies or sour + sowens." +</p> +<p> + "O, whisht, my bairn, whisht," replied Mause; "thou kensna about thae + things—It was forbidden meat, things dedicated to set days and holidays, + which are inhibited to the use of protestant Christians." +</p> +<p> + "And now," continued her son, "ye hae brought the leddy hersell on our + hands!—An I could but hae gotten some decent claes in, I wad hae spanged + out o' bed, and tauld her I wad ride where she liked, night or day, an + she wad but leave us the free house and the yaird, that grew the best + early kale in the haill country, and the cow's grass." +</p> +<p> + "O wow! my winsome bairn, Cuddie," continued the old dame, "murmur not at + the dispensation; never grudge suffering in the gude cause." +</p> +<p> + "But what ken I if the cause is gude or no, mither," rejoined Cuddie, + "for a' ye bleeze out sae muckle doctrine about it? It's clean beyond my + comprehension a'thegither. I see nae sae muckle difference atween the twa + ways o't as a' the folk pretend. It's very true the curates read aye the + same words ower again; and if they be right words, what for no? A gude + tale's no the waur o' being twice tauld, I trow; and a body has aye the + better chance to understand it. Every body's no sae gleg at the uptake as + ye are yoursell, mither." +</p> +<p> + "O, my dear Cuddie, this is the sairest distress of a'," said the anxious + mother—"O, how aften have I shown ye the difference between a pure + evangelical doctrine, and ane that's corrupt wi' human inventions? O, my + bairn, if no for your ain saul's sake, yet for my grey hairs"—"Weel, + mither," said Cuddie, interrupting her, "what need ye mak sae muckle din + about it? I hae aye dune whate'er ye bade me, and gaed to kirk whare'er + ye likit on the Sundays, and fended weel for ye in the ilka days besides. + And that's what vexes me mair than a' the rest, when I think how I am to + fend for ye now in thae brickle times. I am no clear if I can pleugh ony + place but the Mains and Mucklewhame, at least I never tried ony other + grund, and it wadna come natural to me. And nae neighbouring heritors + will daur to take us, after being turned aff thae bounds for + non-enormity." +</p> +<p> + "Non-conformity, hinnie," sighed Mause, "is the name that thae warldly + men gie us." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, aweel—we'll hae to gang to a far country, maybe twall or fifteen + miles aff. I could be a dragoon, nae doubt, for I can ride and play wi' + the broadsword a bit, but ye wad be roaring about your blessing and your + grey hairs." (Here Mause's exclamations became extreme.) "Weel, weel, I + but spoke o't; besides, ye're ower auld to be sitting cocked up on a + baggage-waggon wi' Eppie Dumblane, the corporal's wife. Sae what's to + come o' us I canna weel see—I doubt I'll hae to tak the hills wi' the + wild whigs, as they ca' them, and then it will be my lo to be shot down + like a mawkin at some dikeside, or to be sent to heaven wi' a Saint + Johnstone's tippit about my hause." +</p> +<p> + "O, my bonnie Cuddie," said the zealous Mause, "forbear sic carnal, + self-seeking language, whilk is just a misdoubting o' Providence—I have + not seen the son of the righteous begging his bread, sae says the text; + and your father was a douce honest man, though somewhat warldly in his + dealings, and cumbered about earthly things, e'en like yoursell, my jo!" +</p> +<p> + "Aweel," said Cuddie, after a little consideration, "I see but ae gate + for't, and that's a cauld coal to blaw at, mither. Howsomever, mither, ye + hae some guess o' a wee bit kindness that's atween Miss Edith and young + Mr Henry Morton, that suld be ca'd young Milnwood, and that I hae whiles + carried a bit book, or maybe a bit letter, quietly atween them, and made + believe never to ken wha it cam frae, though I kend brawly. There's + whiles convenience in a body looking a wee stupid—and I have aften seen + them walking at e'en on the little path by Dinglewood-burn; but naebody + ever kend a word about it frae Cuddie; I ken I'm gay thick in the head, + but I'm as honest as our auld fore-hand ox, puir fallow, that I'll ne'er + work ony mair—I hope they'll be as kind to him that come ahint me as I + hae been.—But, as I was saying, we'll awa down to Milnwood and tell Mr + Harry our distress They want a pleughman, and the grund's no unlike our + ain—I am sure Mr Harry will stand my part, for he's a kind-hearted + gentleman.—I'll get but little penny-fee, for his uncle, auld Nippie + Milnwood, has as close a grip as the deil himsell. But we'l, aye win a + bit bread, and a drap kale, and a fire-side and theeking ower our heads, + and that's a' we'll want for a season.—Sae get up, mither, and sort your + things to gang away; for since sae it is that gang we maun, I wad like + ill to wait till Mr Harrison and auld Gudyill cam to pu' us out by the + lug and the horn." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VIII. +</h2> +<pre> + The devil a puritan, or any thing else he is, but a time-server. + Twelfth Night. +</pre> +<p> + It was evening when Mr Henry Morton perceived an old woman, wrapped in + her tartan plaid, supported by a stout, stupid-looking fellow, in + hoddin-grey, approach the house of Milnwood. Old Mause made her courtesy, + but Cuddie took the lead in addressing Morton. Indeed, he had previously + stipulated with his mother that he was to manage matters his own way; for + though he readily allowed his general inferiority of understanding, and + filially submitted to the guidance of his mother on most ordinary + occasions, yet he said, "For getting a service, or getting forward in the + warld, he could somegate gar the wee pickle sense he had gang muckle + farther than hers, though she could crack like ony minister o' them a'." +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, he thus opened the conversation with young Morton: "A braw + night this for the rye, your honour; the west park will be breering + bravely this e'en." +</p> +<p> + "I do not doubt it, Cuddie; but what can have brought your mother—this + is your mother, is it not?" (Cuddie nodded.) "What can have brought your + mother and you down the water so late?" +</p> +<p> + "Troth, stir, just what gars the auld wives trot—neshessity, stir—I'm + seeking for service, stir." +</p> +<p> + "For service, Cuddie, and at this time of the year? how comes that?" +</p> +<p> + Mause could forbear no longer. Proud alike of her cause and her + sufferings, she commenced with an affected humility of tone, "It has + pleased Heaven, an it like your honour, to distinguish us by a + visitation"—"Deil's in the wife and nae gude!" whispered Cuddie to his + mother, "an ye come out wi' your whiggery, they'll no daur open a door to + us through the haill country!" Then aloud and addressing Morton, "My + mother's auld, stir, and she has rather forgotten hersell in speaking to + my leddy, that canna weel bide to be contradickit, (as I ken nae-body + likes it if they could help themsells,) especially by her ain folk,—and + Mr Harrison the steward, and Gudyill the butler, they're no very fond o' + us, and it's ill sitting at Rome and striving wi' the Pope; sae I thought + it best to flit before ill came to waur—and here's a wee bit line to + your honour frae a friend will maybe say some mair about it." +</p> +<p> + Morton took the billet, and crimsoning up to the ears, between joy and + surprise, read these words: "If you can serve these poor helpless people, + you will oblige E. B." +</p> +<p> + It was a few instants before he could attain composure enough to ask, + "And what is your object, Cuddie? and how can I be of use to you?" +</p> +<p> + "Wark, stir, wark, and a service, is my object—a bit beild for my mither + and mysell—we hae gude plenishing o' our ain, if we had the cast o' a + cart to bring it down—and milk and meal, and greens enow, for I'm gay + gleg at meal-time, and sae is my mither, lang may it be sae—And, for the + penny-fee and a' that, I'll just leave it to the laird and you. I ken + ye'll no see a poor lad wranged, if ye can help it." +</p> +<p> + Morton shook his head. "For the meat and lodging, Cuddie, I think I can + promise something; but the penny-fee will be a hard chapter, I doubt." +</p> +<p> + "I'll tak my chance o't, stir," replied the candidate for service, + "rather than gang down about Hamilton, or ony sic far country." +</p> +<p> + "Well; step into the kitchen, Cuddie, and I'll do what I can for you." +</p> +<p> + The negotiation was not without difficulties. Morton had first to bring + over the housekeeper, who made a thousand objections, as usual, in order + to have the pleasure of being besought and entreated; but, when she was + gained over, it was comparatively easy to induce old Milnwood to accept + of a servant, whose wages were to be in his own option. An outhouse was, + therefore, assigned to Mause and her son for their habitation, and it was + settled that they were for the time to be admitted to eat of the frugal + fare provided for the family, until their own establishment should be + completed. As for Morton, he exhausted his own very slender stock of + money in order to make Cuddie such a present, under the name of arles, as + might show his sense of the value of the recommendation delivered to him. +</p> +<p> + "And now we're settled ance mair," said: Cuddie to his mother, "and if + we're no sae bien and comfortable as we were up yonder, yet life's life + ony gate, and we're wi' decent kirk-ganging folk o' your ain persuasion, + mither; there will be nae quarrelling about that." +</p> +<p> + "Of my persuasion, hinnie!" said the too-enlightened Mause; "wae's me for + thy blindness and theirs. O, Cuddie, they are but in the court of the + Gentiles, and will ne'er win farther ben, I doubt; they are but little + better than the prelatists themsells. They wait on the ministry of that + blinded man, Peter Poundtext, ance a precious teacher of the Word, but + now a backsliding pastor, that has, for the sake of stipend and family + maintenance, forsaken the strict path, and gane astray after the black + Indulgence. O, my son, had ye but profited by the gospel doctrines ye hae + heard in the Glen of Bengonnar, frae the dear Richard Rumbleberry, that + sweet youth, who suffered martyrdom in the Grassmarket, afore Candlemas! + Didna ye hear him say, that Erastianism was as bad as Prelacy, and that + the Indulgence was as bad as Erastianism?" +</p> +<p> + "Heard ever ony body the like o' this!" interrupted Cuddie; "we'll be + driven out o' house and ha' again afore we ken where to turn oursells. + Weej, mither, I hae just ae word mair—An I hear ony mair o' your + din—afore folk, that is, for I dinna mind your clavers mysell, they aye + set me sleeping—but if I hear ony mair din afore folk, as I was saying, + about Poundtexts and Rumbleberries, and doctrines and malignants, I'se + e'en turn a single sodger mysell, or maybe a sergeant or a captain, if ye + plague me the mair, and let Rumbleberry and you gang to the deil + thegither. I ne'er gat ony gude by his doctrine, as ye ca't, but a sour + fit o' the batts wi' sitting amang the wat moss-hags for four hours at a + yoking, and the leddy cured me wi' some hickery-pickery; mair by token, + an she had kend how I came by the disorder, she wadna hae been in sic a + hurry to mend it." +</p> +<p> + Although groaning in spirit over the obdurate and impenitent state, as + she thought it, of her son Cuddie, Mause durst neither urge him farther + on the topic, nor altogether neglect the warning he had given her. She + knew the disposition of her deceased helpmate, whom this surviving pledge + of their union greatly resembled, and remembered, that although + submitting implicitly in most things to her boast of superior acuteness, + he used on certain occasions, when driven to extremity, to be seized with + fits of obstinacy, which neither remonstrance, flattery, nor threats, + were capable of overpowering. Trembling, therefore, at the very + possibility of Cuddie's fulfilling his threat, she put a guard over her + tongue, and even when Poundtext was commended in her presence, as an able + and fructifying preacher, she had the good sense to suppress the + contradiction which thrilled upon her tongue, and to express her + sentiments no otherwise than by deep groans, which the hearers charitably + construed to flow from a vivid recollection of the more pathetic parts of + his homilies. How long she could have repressed her feelings it is + difficult to say. An unexpected accident relieved her from the necessity. +</p> +<p> + The Laird of Milnwood kept up all old fashions which were connected with + economy. It was, therefore, still the custom in his house, as it had been + universal in Scotland about fifty years before, that the domestics, after + having placed the dinner on the table, sate down at the lower end of the + board, and partook of the share which was assigned to them, in company + with their masters. On the day, therefore, after Cuddie's arrival, being + the third from the opening of this narrative, old Robin, who was butler, + valet-de-chambre, footman, gardener, and what not, in the house of + Milnwood, placed on the table an immense charger of broth, thickened with + oatmeal and colewort, in which ocean of liquid was indistinctly + discovered, by close observers, two or three short ribs of lean mutton + sailing to and fro. Two huge baskets, one of bread made of barley and + pease, and one of oat-cakes, flanked this standing dish. A large boiled + salmon would now-a-days have indicated more liberal house-keeping; but at + that period salmon was caught in such plenty in the considerable rivers + in Scotland, that instead of being accounted a delicacy, it was generally + applied to feed the servants, who are said sometimes to have stipulated + that they should not be required to eat a food so luscious and surfeiting + in its quality above five times a-week. The large black jack, filled with + very small beer of Milnwood's own brewing, was allowed to the company at + discretion, as were the bannocks, cakes, and broth; but the mutton was + reserved for the heads of the family, Mrs Wilson included: and a measure + of ale, somewhat deserving the name, was set apart in a silver tankard + for their exclusive use. A huge kebbock, (a cheese, that is, made with + ewemilk mixed with cow's milk,) and a jar of salt butter, were in common + to the company. +</p> +<p> + To enjoy this exquisite cheer, was placed, at the head of the table, the + old Laird himself, with his nephew on the one side, and the favourite + housekeeper on the other. At a long interval, and beneath the salt of + course, sate old Robin, a meagre, half-starved serving-man, rendered + cross and cripple by rheumatism, and a dirty drab of a housemaid, whom + use had rendered callous to the daily exercitations which her temper + underwent at the hands of her master and Mrs Wilson. A barnman, a + white-headed cow-herd boy, with Cuddie the new ploughman and his mother, + completed the party. The other labourers belonging to the property + resided in their own houses, happy at least in this, that if their cheer + was not more delicate than that which we have described, they could eat + their fill, unwatched by the sharp, envious grey eyes of Milnwood, which + seemed to measure the quantity that each of his dependents swallowed, as + closely as if their glances attended each mouthful in its progress from + the lips to the stomach. This close inspection was unfavourable to + Cuddie, who sustained much prejudice in his new master's opinion, by the + silent celerity with which he caused the victuals to disappear before + him. And ever and anon Milnwood turned his eyes from the huge feeder to + cast indignant glances upon his nephew, whose repugnance to rustic labour + was the principal cause of his needing a ploughman, and who had been the + direct means of his hiring this very cormorant. +</p> +<p> + "Pay thee wages, quotha?" said Milnwood to himself,—"Thou wilt eat in a + week the value of mair than thou canst work for in a month." +</p> +<p> + These disagreeable ruminations were interrupted by a loud knocking at the + outer-gate. It was a universal custom in Scotland, that, when the family + was at dinner, the outer-gate of the courtyard, if there was one, and if + not, the door of the house itself, was always shut and locked, and only + guests of importance, or persons upon urgent business, sought or received + admittance at that time. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Locking the Door during Dinner. The custom of keeping the + door of a house or chateau locked during the time of dinner, + probably arose from the family being anciently assembled in the hall + at that meal, and liable to surprise. But it was in many instances + continued as a point of high etiquette, of which the following is an + example: + + A considerable landed proprietor in Dumfries-shire, being a + bachelor, without near relations, and determined to make his will, + resolved previously to visit his two nearest kinsmen, and decide + which should be his heir, according to the degree of kindness with + which he should be received. Like a good clansman, he first visited + his own chief, a baronet in rank, descendant and representative of + one of the oldest families in Scotland. Unhappily the dinner-bell + had rung, and the door of the castle had been locked before his + arrival. The visitor in vain announced his name and requested + admittance; but his chief adhered to the ancient etiquette, and + would on no account suffer the doors to be unbarred. Irritated at + this cold reception, the old Laird rode on to Sanquhar Castle, then + the residence of the Duke of Queensberry, who no sooner heard his + name, than, knowing well he had a will to make, the drawbridge + dropped, and the gates flew open—the table was covered anew—his + grace's bachelor and intestate kinsman was received with the utmost + attention and respect; and it is scarcely necessary to add, that + upon his death some years after, the visitor's considerable landed + property went to augment the domains of the Ducal House of + Queensberry. This happened about the end of the seventeenth + century.] +</pre> +<p> + The family of Milnwood were therefore surprised, and, in the unsettled + state of the times, something alarmed, at the earnest and repeated + knocking with which the gate was now assailed. Mrs Wilson ran in person + to the door, and, having reconnoitred those who were so clamorous for + admittance, through some secret aperture with which most Scottish + door-ways were furnished for the express purpose, she returned wringing + her hands in great dismay, exclaiming, "The red-coats! the red-coats!" +</p> +<p> + "Robin—Ploughman—what ca' they ye?—Barnsman—Nevoy Harry—open the + door, open the door!" exclaimed old Milnwood, snatching up and slipping + into his pocket the two or three silver spoons with which the upper end + of the table was garnished, those beneath the salt being of goodly horn. + "Speak them fair, sirs—Lord love ye, speak them fair—they winna bide + thrawing—we're a' harried—we're a' harried!" +</p> +<p> + While the servants admitted the troopers, whose oaths and threats already + indicated resentment at the delay they had been put to, Cuddie took the + opportunity to whisper to his mother, "Now, ye daft auld carline, mak + yoursell deaf—ye hae made us a' deaf ere now—and let me speak for ye. I + wad like ill to get my neck raxed for an auld wife's clashes, though ye + be our mither." +</p> +<p> + "O, hinny, ay; I'se be silent or thou sall come to ill," was the + corresponding whisper of Mause "but bethink ye, my dear, them that deny + the Word, the Word will deny"—Her admonition was cut short by the + entrance of the Life-Guardsmen, a party of four troopers, commanded by + Bothwell. +</p> +<p> + In they tramped, making a tremendous clatter upon the stone-floor with + the iron-shod heels of their large jack-boots, and the clash and clang of + their long, heavy, basket-hilted broadswords. Milnwood and his + housekeeper trembled, from well-grounded apprehensions of the system of + exaction and plunder carried on during these domiciliary visits. Henry + Morton was discomposed with more special cause, for he remembered that he + stood answerable to the laws for having harboured Burley. The widow Mause + Headrigg, between fear for her son's life and an overstrained and + enthusiastic zeal, which reproached her for consenting even tacitly to + belie her religious sentiments, was in a strange quandary. The other + servants quaked for they knew not well what. Cuddie alone, with the look + of supreme indifference and stupidity which a Scottish peasant can at + times assume as a mask for considerable shrewdness and craft, continued + to swallow large spoonfuls of his broth, to command which he had drawn + within his sphere the large vessel that contained it, and helped himself, + amid the confusion, to a sevenfold portion. +</p> +<p> + "What is your pleasure here, gentlemen?" said Milnwood, humbling himself + before the satellites of power. +</p> +<p> + "We come in behalf of the king," answered Bothwell; "why the devil did + you keep us so long standing at the door?" +</p> +<p> + "We were at dinner," answered Milnwood, "and the door was locked, as is + usual in landward towns [Note: The Scots retain the use of the word town + in its comprehensive Saxon meaning, as a place of habitation. A mansion + or a farm house, though solitary, is called the town. A landward town is + a dwelling situated in the country.] in this country. I am sure, + gentlemen, if I had kend ony servants of our gude king had stood at the + door—But wad ye please to drink some ale—or some brandy—or a cup of + canary sack, or claret wine?" making a pause between each offer as long + as a stingy bidder at an auction, who is loath to advance his offer for a + favourite lot. +</p> +<p> + "Claret for me," said one fellow. +</p> +<p> + "I like ale better," said another, "provided it is right juice of John + Barleycorn." +</p> +<p> + "Better never was malted," said Milnwood; "I can hardly say sae muckle + for the claret. It's thin and cauld, gentlemen." +</p> +<p> + "Brandy will cure that," said a third fellow; "a glass of brandy to three + glasses of wine prevents the curmurring in the stomach." +</p> +<p> + "Brandy, ale, sack, and claret?—we'll try them all," said Bothwell, "and + stick to that which is best. There's good sense in that, if the damn'dest + whig in Scotland had said it." +</p> +<p> + Hastily, yet with a reluctant quiver of his muscles, Milnwood lugged out + two ponderous keys, and delivered them to the governante. +</p> +<p> + "The housekeeper," said Bothwell, taking a seat, and throwing himself + upon it, "is neither so young nor so handsome as to tempt a man to follow + her to the gauntrees, and devil a one here is there worth sending in her + place.—What's this?—meat?" (searching with a fork among the broth, and + fishing up a cutlet of mutton)—"I think I could eat a bit—why, it's as + tough as if the devil's dam had hatched it." +</p> +<p> + "If there is any thing better in the house, sir," said Milnwood, alarmed + at these symptoms of disapprobation—"No, no," said Bothwell, "it's not + worth while, I must proceed to business.—You attend Poundtext, the + presbyterian parson, I understand, Mr Morton?" +</p> +<p> + Mr Morton hastened to slide in a confession and apology. +</p> +<p> + "By the indulgence of his gracious majesty and the government, for I wad + do nothing out of law—I hae nae objection whatever to the establishment + of a moderate episcopacy, but only that I am a country-bred man, and the + ministers are a hamelier kind of folk, and I can follow their doctrine + better; and, with reverence, sir, it's a mair frugal establishment for + the country." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I care nothing about that," said Bothwell; "they are indulged, and + there's an end of it; but, for my part, if I were to give the law, never + a crop-ear'd cur of the whole pack should bark in a Scotch pulpit. + However, I am to obey commands.—There comes the liquor; put it down, my + good old lady." +</p> +<p> + He decanted about one-half of a quart bottle of claret into a wooden + quaigh or bicker, and took it off at a draught. +</p> +<p> + "You did your good wine injustice, my friend;—it's better than your + brandy, though that's good too. Will you pledge me to the king's health?" +</p> +<p> + "With pleasure," said Milnwood, "in ale,—but I never drink claret, and + keep only a very little for some honoured friends." +</p> +<p> + "Like me, I suppose," said Bothwell; and then, pushing the bottle to + Henry, he said, "Here, young man, pledge you the king's health." +</p> +<p> + Henry filled a moderate glass in silence, regardless of the hints and + pushes of his uncle, which seemed to indicate that he ought to have + followed his example, in preferring beer to wine. +</p> +<p> + "Well," said Bothwell, "have ye all drank the toast?—What is that old + wife about? Give her a glass of brandy, she shall drink the king's + health, by"—"If your honour pleases," said Cuddie, with great stolidity + of aspect, "this is my mither, stir; and she's as deaf as Corra-linn; we + canna mak her hear day nor door; but if your honour pleases, I am ready + to drink the king's health for her in as mony glasses of brandy as ye + think neshessary." +</p> +<p> + "I dare swear you are," answered Bothwell; "you look like a fellow that + would stick to brandy—help thyself, man; all's free where'er I come.— + Tom, help the maid to a comfortable cup, though she's but a dirty jilt + neither. Fill round once more—Here's to our noble commander, Colonel + Graham of Claverhouse!—What the devil is the old woman groaning for? She + looks as very a whig as ever sate on a hill-side—Do you renounce the + Covenant, good woman?" +</p> +<p> + "Whilk Covenant is your honour meaning? Is it the Covenant of Works, or + the Covenant of Grace?" said Cuddie, interposing. +</p> +<p> + "Any covenant; all covenants that ever were hatched," answered the + trooper. +</p> +<p> + "Mither," cried Cuddie, affecting to speak as to a deaf person, "the + gentleman wants to ken if ye will renunce the Covenant of Works?" +</p> +<p> + "With all my heart, Cuddie," said Mause, "and pray that my feet may be + delivered from the snare thereof." +</p> +<p> + "Come," said Bothwell, "the old dame has come more frankly off than I + expected. Another cup round, and then we'll proceed to business.—You + have all heard, I suppose, of the horrid and barbarous murder committed + upon the person of the Archbishop of St Andrews, by ten or eleven armed + fanatics?" +</p> +<p> + All started and looked at each other; at length Milnwood himself + answered, "They had heard of some such misfortune, but were in hopes it + had not been true." +</p> +<p> + "There is the relation published by government, old gentleman; what do + you think of it?" +</p> +<p> + "Think, sir? Wh—wh—whatever the council please to think of it," + stammered Milnwood. +</p> +<p> + "I desire to have your opinion more explicitly, my friend," said the + dragoon, authoritatively. +</p> +<p> + Milnwood's eyes hastily glanced through the paper to pick out the + strongest expressions of censure with which it abounded, in gleaning + which he was greatly aided by their being printed in italics. +</p> +<p> + "I think it a—bloody and execrable—murder and parricide—devised by + hellish and implacable cruelty—utterly abominable, and a scandal to the + land." +</p> +<p> + "Well said, old gentleman!" said the querist—"Here's to thee, and I wish + you joy of your good principles. You owe me a cup of thanks for having + taught you them; nay, thou shalt pledge me in thine own sack—sour ale + sits ill upon a loyal stomach.—Now comes your turn, young man; what + think you of the matter in hand?" +</p> +<p> + "I should have little objection to answer you," said Henry, "if I knew + what right you had to put the question." +</p> +<p> + "The Lord preserve us!" said the old housekeeper, "to ask the like o' + that at a trooper, when a' folk ken they do whatever they like through + the haill country wi' man and woman, beast and body." +</p> +<p> + The old gentleman exclaimed, in the same horror at his nephew's audacity, + "Hold your peace, sir, or answer the gentleman discreetly. Do you mean to + affront the king's authority in the person of a sergeant of the + Life-Guards?" +</p> +<p> + "Silence, all of you!" exclaimed Bothwell, striking his hand fiercely on + the table—"Silence, every one of you, and hear me!—You ask me for my + right to examine you, sir (to Henry); my cockade and my broadsword are my + commission, and a better one than ever Old Nol gave to his roundheads; + and if you want to know more about it, you may look at the act of council + empowering his majesty's officers and soldiers to search for, examine, + and apprehend suspicious persons; and, therefore, once more, I ask you + your opinion of the death of Archbishop Sharpe—it's a new touch-stone we + have got for trying people's metal." +</p> +<p> + Henry had, by this time, reflected upon the useless risk to which he + would expose the family by resisting the tyrannical power which was + delegated to such rude hands; he therefore read the narrative over, and + replied, composedly, "I have no hesitation to say, that the perpetrators + of this assassination have committed, in my opinion, a rash and wicked + action, which I regret the more, as I foresee it will be made the cause + of proceedings against many who are both innocent of the deed, and as far + from approving it as myself." +</p> +<p> + While Henry thus expressed himself, Bothwell, who bent his eyes keenly + upon him, seemed suddenly to recollect his features. +</p> +<p> + "Aha! my friend Captain Popinjay, I think I have seen you before, and in + very suspicious company." +</p> +<p> + "I saw you once," answered Henry, "in the public-house of the town of—." +</p> +<p> + "And with whom did you leave that public-house, youngster?—Was it not + with John Balfour of Burley, one of the murderers of the Archbishop?" +</p> +<p> + "I did leave the house with the person you have named," answered Henry, + "I scorn to deny it; but, so far from knowing him to be a murderer of the + primate, I did not even know at the time that such a crime had been + committed." +</p> +<p> + "Lord have mercy on me, I am ruined!—utterly ruined and undone!" + exclaimed Milnwood. "That callant's tongue will rin the head aff his ain + shoulders, and waste my gudes to the very grey cloak on my back!" +</p> +<p> + "But you knew Burley," continued Bothwell, still addressing Henry, and + regardless of his uncle's interruption, "to be an intercommuned rebel and + traitor, and you knew the prohibition to deal with such persons. You + knew, that, as a loyal subject, you were prohibited to reset, supply, or + intercommune with this attainted traitor, to correspond with him by word, + writ, or message, or to supply him with meat, drink, house, harbour, or + victual, under the highest pains—you knew all this, and yet you broke + the law." (Henry was silent.) "Where did you part from him?" continued + Bothwell; "was it in the highway, or did you give him harbourage in this + very house?" +</p> +<p> + "In this house!" said his uncle; "he dared not for his neck bring ony + traitor into a house of mine." +</p> +<p> + "Dare he deny that he did so?" said Bothwell. +</p> +<p> + "As you charge it to me as a crime," said Henry, "you will excuse my + saying any thing that will criminate myself." +</p> +<p> + "O, the lands of Milnwood!—the bonny lands of Milnwood, that have been + in the name of Morton twa hundred years!" exclaimed his uncle; "they are + barking and fleeing, outfield and infield, haugh and holme!" +</p> +<p> + "No, sir," said Henry, "you shall not suffer on my account.—I own," he + continued, addressing Bothwell, "I did give this man a night's lodging, + as to an old military comrade of my father. But it was not only without + my uncle's knowledge, but contrary to his express general orders. I + trust, if my evidence is considered as good against myself, it will have + some weight in proving my uncle's innocence." +</p> +<p> + "Come, young man," said the soldier, in a somewhat milder tone, "you're a + smart spark enough, and I am sorry for you; and your uncle here is a fine + old Trojan, kinder, I see, to his guests than himself, for he gives us + wine and drinks his own thin ale—tell me all you know about this Burley, + what he said when you parted from him, where he went, and where he is + likely now to be found; and, d—n it, I'll wink as hard on your share of + the business as my duty will permit. There's a thousand merks on the + murdering whigamore's head, an I could but light on it—Come, out with + it—where did you part with him?" +</p> +<p> + "You will excuse my answering that question, sir," said Morton; "the same + cogent reasons which induced me to afford him hospitality at considerable + risk to myself and my friends, would command me to respect his secret, + if, indeed, he had trusted me with any." +</p> +<p> + "So you refuse to give me an answer?" said Bothwell. +</p> +<p> + "I have none to give," returned Henry. +</p> +<p> + "Perhaps I could teach you to find one, by tying a piece of lighted match + betwixt your fingers," answered Bothwell. +</p> +<p> + "O, for pity's sake, sir," said old Alison apart to her master, "gie them + siller—it's siller they're seeking—they'll murder Mr Henry, and + yoursell next!" +</p> +<p> + Milnwood groaned in perplexity and bitterness of spirit, and, with a tone + as if he was giving up the ghost, exclaimed, "If twenty p—p—punds would + make up this unhappy matter"—"My master," insinuated Alison to the + sergeant, "would gie twenty punds sterling"—"Punds Scotch, ye b—h!" + interrupted Milnwood; for the agony of his avarice overcame alike his + puritanic precision and the habitual respect he entertained for his + housekeeper. +</p> +<p> + "Punds sterling," insisted the housekeeper, "if ye wad hae the gudeness + to look ower the lad's misconduct; he's that dour ye might tear him to + pieces, and ye wad ne'er get a word out o' him; and it wad do ye little + gude, I'm sure, to burn his bonny fingerends." +</p> +<p> + "Why," said Bothwell, hesitating, "I don't know—most of my cloth would + have the money, and take off the prisoner too; but I bear a conscience, + and if your master will stand to your offer, and enter into a bond to + produce his nephew, and if all in the house will take the test-oath, I do + not know but"—"O ay, ay, sir," cried Mrs Wilson, "ony test, ony oaths ye + please!" And then aside to her master, "Haste ye away, sir, and get the + siller, or they will burn the house about our lugs." +</p> +<p> + Old Milnwood cast a rueful look upon his adviser, and moved off, like a + piece of Dutch clockwork, to set at liberty his imprisoned angels in this + dire emergency. Meanwhile, Sergeant Bothwell began to put the test-oath + with such a degree of solemn reverence as might have been expected, being + just about the same which is used to this day in his majesty's + custom-house. +</p> +<p> + "You—what's your name, woman?" +</p> +<p> + "Alison Wilson, sir." +</p> +<p> + "You, Alison Wilson, solemnly swear, certify, and declare, that you judge + it unlawful for subjects, under pretext of reformation, or any other + pretext whatsoever, to enter into Leagues and Covenants"—Here the + ceremony was interrupted by a strife between Cuddie and his mother, + which, long conducted in whispers, now became audible. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, whisht, mither, whisht! they're upon a communing—Oh! whisht, and + they'll agree weel eneuch e'enow." +</p> +<p> + "I will not whisht, Cuddie," replied his mother, "I will uplift my voice + and spare not—I will confound the man of sin, even the scarlet man, and + through my voice shall Mr Henry be freed from the net of the fowler." +</p> +<p> + "She has her leg ower the harrows now," said Cuddie, "stop her wha can—I + see her cocked up behint a dragoon on her way to the Tolbooth—I find my + ain legs tied below a horse's belly—Ay—she has just mustered up her + sermon, and there—wi' that grane—out it comes, and we are a'ruined, + horse and foot!" +</p> +<p> + "And div ye think to come here," said Mause, her withered hand shaking in + concert with her keen, though wrinkled visage, animated by zealous wrath, + and emancipated, by the very mention of the test, from the restraints of + her own prudence, and Cuddie's admonition—"Div ye think to come here, + wi' your soul-killing, saint-seducing, conscience-confounding oaths, and + tests, and bands—your snares, and your traps, and your gins?—Surely it + is in vain that a net is spread in the sight of any bird." +</p> +<p> + "Eh! what, good dame?" said the soldier. "Here's a whig miracle, egad! + the old wife has got both her ears and tongue, and we are like to be + driven deaf in our turn.—Go to, hold your peace, and remember whom you + talk to, you old idiot." +</p> +<p> + "Whae do I talk to! Eh, sirs, ower weel may the sorrowing land ken what + ye are. Malignant adherents ye are to the prelates, foul props to a + feeble and filthy cause, bloody beasts of prey, and burdens to the + earth." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my soul," said Bothwell, astonished as a mastiff-dog might be + should a hen-partridge fly at him in defence of her young, "this is the + finest language I ever heard! Can't you give us some more of it?" +</p> +<p> + "Gie ye some mair o't?" said Mause, clearing her voice with a preliminary + cough, "I will take up my testimony against you ance and again.— + Philistines ye are, and Edomites—leopards are ye, and foxes—evening + wolves, that gnaw not the bones till the morrow—wicked dogs, that + compass about the chosen—thrusting kine, and pushing bulls of + Bashan—piercing serpents ye are, and allied baith in name and nature + with the great Red Dragon; Revelations, twalfth chapter, third and + fourth verses." +</p> +<p> + Here the old lady stopped, apparently much more from lack of breath than + of matter. +</p> +<p> + "Curse the old hag!" said one of the dragoons, "gag her, and take her to + head-quarters." +</p> +<p> + "For shame, Andrews," said Bothwell; "remember the good lady belongs to + the fair sex, and uses only the privilege of her tongue.—But, hark ye, + good woman, every bull of Bashan and Red Dragon will not be so civil as I + am, or be contented to leave you to the charge of the constable and + ducking-stool. In the meantime I must necessarily carry off this young + man to head-quarters. I cannot answer to my commanding-officer to leave + him in a house where I have heard so much treason and fanaticism." +</p> +<p> + "Se now, mither, what ye hae dune," whispered Cuddie; "there's the + Philistines, as ye ca' them, are gaun to whirry awa' Mr Henry, and a' wi' + your nash-gab, deil be on't!" +</p> +<p> + "Haud yere tongue, ye cowardly loon," said the mother, "and layna the + wyte on me; if you and thae thowless gluttons, that are sitting staring + like cows bursting on clover, wad testify wi' your hands as I have + testified wi' my tongue, they should never harle the precious young lad + awa' to captivity." +</p> +<p> + While this dialogue passed, the soldiers had already bound and secured + their prisoner. Milnwood returned at this instant, and, alarmed at the + preparations he beheld, hastened to proffer to Bothwell, though with many + a grievous groan, the purse of gold which he had been obliged to rummage + out as ransom for his nephew. The trooper took the purse with an air of + indifference, weighed it in his hand, chucked it up into the air, and + caught it as it fell, then shook his head, and said, "There's many a + merry night in this nest of yellow boys, but d—n me if I dare venture + for them—that old woman has spoken too loud, and before all the men + too.—Hark ye, old gentleman," to Milnwood, "I must take your nephew to + head-quarters, so I cannot, in conscience, keep more than is my due as + civility-money;" then opening the purse, he gave a gold piece to each of + the soldiers, and took three to himself. "Now," said he, "you have the + comfort to know that your kinsman, young Captain Popinjay, will be + carefully looked after and civilly used; and the rest of the money I + return to you." +</p> +<p> + Milnwood eagerly extended his hand. +</p> +<p> + "Only you know," said Bothwell, still playing with the purse, "that every + landholder is answerable for the conformity and loyalty of his household, + and that these fellows of mine are not obliged to be silent on the + subject of the fine sermon we have had from that old puritan in the + tartan plaid there; and I presume you are aware that the consequences of + delation will be a heavy fine before the council." +</p> +<p> + "Good sergeant,—worthy captain!" exclaimed the terrified miser, "I am + sure there is no person in my house, to my knowledge, would give cause of + offence." +</p> +<p> + "Nay," answered Bothwell, "you shall hear her give her testimony, as she + calls it, herself.—You fellow," (to Cuddie,) "stand back, and let your + mother speak her mind. I see she's primed and loaded again since her + first discharge." +</p> +<p> + "Lord! noble sir," said Cuddie, "an auld wife's tongue's but a feckless + matter to mak sic a fash about. Neither my father nor me ever minded + muckle what our mither said." +</p> +<p> + "Hold your peace, my lad, while you are well," said Bothwell; "I promise + you I think you are slyer than you would like to be supposed.—Come, good + dame, you see your master will not believe that you can give us so bright + a testimony." +</p> +<p> + Mause's zeal did not require this spur to set her again on full career. +</p> +<p> + "Woe to the compliers and carnal self-seekers," she said, "that daub over + and drown their consciences by complying with wicked exactions, and + giving mammon of unrighteousness to the sons of Belial, that it may make + their peace with them! It is a sinful compliance, a base confederacy with + the Enemy. It is the evil that Menahem did in the sight of the Lord, when + he gave a thousand talents to Pul, King of Assyria, that his hand might + be with him; Second Kings, feifteen chapter, nineteen verse. It is the + evil deed of Ahab, when he sent money to Tiglath-Peleser; see the saame + Second Kings, saxteen and aught. And if it was accounted a backsliding + even in godly Hezekiah, that he complied with Sennacherib, giving him + money, and offering to bear that which was put upon him, (see the saame + Second Kings, aughteen chapter, fourteen and feifteen verses,) even so it + is with them that in this contumacious and backsliding generation pays + localities and fees, and cess and fines, to greedy and unrighteous + publicans, and extortions and stipends to hireling curates, (dumb dogs + which bark not, sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber,) and gives gifts + to be helps and hires to our oppressors and destroyers. They are all like + the casters of a lot with them—like the preparing of a table for the + troop, and the furnishing a drink-offering to the number." +</p> +<p> + "There's a fine sound of doctrine for you, Mr Morton! How like you that?" + said Bothwell; "or how do you think the Council will like it? I think we + can carry the greatest part of it in our heads without a kylevine pen and + a pair of tablets, such as you bring to conventicles. She denies paying + cess, I think, Andrews?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, by G—," said Andrews; "and she swore it was a sin to give a + trooper a pot of ale, or ask him to sit down to a table." +</p> +<p> + "You hear," said Bothwell, addressing Milnwood; "but it's your own + affair;" and he proffered back the purse with its diminished contents, + with an air of indifference. +</p> +<p> + Milnwood, whose head seemed stunned by the accumulation of his + misfortunes, extended his hand mechanically to take the purse. +</p> +<p> + "Are ye mad?" said his housekeeper, in a whisper; "tell them to keep + it;—they will keep it either by fair means or foul, and it's our only + chance to make them quiet." +</p> +<p> + "I canna do it, Ailie—I canna do it," said Milnwood, in the bitterness + of his heart. "I canna part wi' the siller I hae counted sae often ower, + to thae blackguards." +</p> +<p> + "Then I maun do it mysell, Milnwood," said the housekeeper, "or see a' + gang wrang thegither.—My master, sir," she said, addressing Bothwell, + "canna think o' taking back ony thing at the hand of an honourable + gentleman like you; he implores ye to pit up the siller, and be as kind + to his nephew as ye can, and be favourable in reporting our dispositions + to government, and let us tak nae wrang for the daft speeches of an auld + jaud," (here she turned fiercely upon Mause, to indulge herself for the + effort which it cost her to assume a mild demeanour to the soldiers,) "a + daft auld whig randy, that ne'er was in the house (foul fa' her) till + yesterday afternoon, and that sall ne'er cross the door-stane again an + anes I had her out o't." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay," whispered Cuddie to his parent, "e'en sae! I kend we wad be put + to our travels again whene'er ye suld get three words spoken to an end. I + was sure that wad be the upshot o't, mither." +</p> +<p> + "Whisht, my bairn," said she, "and dinna murmur at the cross—cross their + door-stane! weel I wot I'll ne'er cross their door-stane. There's nae + mark on their threshold for a signal that the destroying angel should + pass by. They'll get a back-cast o' his hand yet, that think sae muckle + o' the creature and sae little o' the Creator—sae muckle o' warld's gear + and sae little o' a broken covenant—sae muckle about thae wheen pieces + o' yellow muck, and sae little about the pure gold o' the Scripture—sae + muckle about their ain friend and kinsman, and sae little about the + elect, that are tried wi' hornings, harassings, huntings, searchings, + chasings, catchings, imprisonments, torturings, banishments, headings, + hangings, dismemberings, and quarterings quick, forby the hundreds forced + from their ain habitations to the deserts, mountains, muirs, mosses, + moss-flows, and peat-hags, there to hear the word like bread eaten in + secret." +</p> +<p> + "She's at the Covenant now, sergeant, shall we not have her away?" said + one of the soldiers. +</p> +<p> + "You be d—d!" said Bothwell, aside to him; "cannot you see she's better + where she is, so long as there is a respectable, sponsible, money-broking + heritor, like Mr Morton of Milnwood, who has the means of atoning her + trespasses? Let the old mother fly to raise another brood, she's too + tough to be made any thing of herself—Here," he cried, "one other round + to Milnwood and his roof-tree, and to our next merry meeting with + him!—which I think will not be far distant, if he keeps such a fanatical + family." +</p> +<p> + He then ordered the party to take their horses, and pressed the best in + Milnwood's stable into the king's service to carry the prisoner. Mrs + Wilson, with weeping eyes, made up a small parcel of necessaries for + Henry's compelled journey, and as she bustled about, took an opportunity, + unseen by the party, to slip into his hand a small sum of money. Bothwell + and his troopers, in other respects, kept their promise, and were civil. + They did not bind their prisoner, but contented themselves with leading + his horse between a file of men. They then mounted, and marched off with + much mirth and laughter among themselves, leaving the Milnwood family in + great confusion. The old Laird himself, overpowered by the loss of his + nephew, and the unavailing outlay of twenty pounds sterling, did nothing + the whole evening but rock himself backwards and forwards in his great + leathern easy-chair, repeating the same lamentation, of "Ruined on a' + sides, ruined on a' sides—harried and undone—harried and undone—body + and gudes, body and gudes!" +</p> +<p> + Mrs Alison Wilson's grief was partly indulged and partly relieved by the + torrent of invectives with which she accompanied Mause and Cuddie's + expulsion from Milnwood. +</p> +<p> + "Ill luck be in the graning corse o' thee! the prettiest lad in + Clydesdale this day maun be a sufferer, and a' for you and your daft + whiggery!" +</p> +<p> + "Gae wa'," replied Mause; "I trow ye are yet in the bonds of sin, and in + the gall of iniquity, to grudge your bonniest and best in the cause of + Him that gave ye a' ye hae—I promise I hae dune as muckle for Mr Harry + as I wad do for my ain; for if Cuddie was found worthy to bear testimony + in the Grassmarket"—"And there's gude hope o't," said Alison, "unless + you and he change your courses." +</p> +<p> + "—And if," continued Mause, disregarding the interruption, "the bloody + Doegs and the flattering Ziphites were to seek to ensnare me with a + proffer of his remission upon sinful compliances, I wad persevere, + natheless, in lifting my testimony against popery, prelacy, + antinomianism, erastianism, lapsarianism, sublapsarianism, and the sins + and snares of the times—I wad cry as a woman in labour against the black + Indulgence, that has been a stumbling-block to professors—I wad uplift + my voice as a powerful preacher." +</p> +<p> + "Hout tout, mither," cried Cuddie, interfering and dragging her off + forcibly, "dinna deave the gentlewoman wi' your testimony! ye hae + preached eneugh for sax days. Ye preached us out o' our canny free-house + and gude kale-yard, and out o' this new city o' refuge afore our hinder + end was weel hafted in it; and ye hae preached Mr Harry awa to the + prison; and ye hae preached twenty punds out o' the Laird's pocket that + he likes as ill to quit wi'; and sae ye may haud sae for ae wee while, + without preaching me up a ladder and down a tow. Sae, come awa, come awa; + the family hae had eneugh o' your testimony to mind it for ae while." +</p> +<p> + So saying he dragged off Mause, the words, + "Testimony—Covenant—malignants—indulgence," still thrilling upon her + tongue, to make preparations for instantly renewing their travels in + quest of an asylum. +</p> +<p> + "Ill-fard, crazy, crack-brained gowk, that she is!" exclaimed the + housekeeper, as she saw them depart, "to set up to be sae muckle better + than ither folk, the auld besom, and to bring sae muckle distress on a + douce quiet family! If it hadna been that I am mair than half a + gentlewoman by my station, I wad hae tried my ten nails in the wizen'd + hide o' her!" +</p> +<a name="2HCH0009"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER IX. +</h2> +<pre> + I am a son of Mars who have been in many wars, + And show my cuts and scars wherever I come; + This here was for a wench, and that other in a trench, + When welcoming the French at the sound of the drum. + Burns. +</pre> +<p> + "Don't be too much cast down," said Sergeant Bothwell to his prisoner as + they journeyed on towards the head-quarters; "you are a smart pretty lad, + and well connected; the worst that will happen will be strapping up for + it, and that is many an honest fellow's lot. I tell you fairly your + life's within the compass of the law, unless you make submission, and get + off by a round fine upon your uncle's estate; he can well afford it." +</p> +<p> + "That vexes me more than the rest," said Henry. "He parts with his money + with regret; and, as he had no concern whatever with my having given this + person shelter for a night, I wish to Heaven, if I escape a capital + punishment, that the penalty may be of a kind I could bear in my own + person." +</p> +<p> + "Why, perhaps," said Bothwell, "they will propose to you to go into one + of the Scotch regiments that are serving abroad. It's no bad line of + service; if your friends are active, and there are any knocks going, you + may soon get a commission." +</p> +<p> + "I am by no means sure," answered Morton, "that such a sentence is not + the best thing that can happen to me." +</p> +<p> + "Why, then, you are no real whig after all?" said the sergeant. +</p> +<p> + "I have hitherto meddled with no party in the state," said Henry, "but + have remained quietly at home; and sometimes I have had serious thoughts + of joining one of our foreign regiments." +</p> +<p> + "Have you?" replied Bothwell; "why, I honour you for it; I have served in + the Scotch French guards myself many a long day; it's the place for + learning discipline, d—n me. They never mind what you do when you are + off duty; but miss you the roll-call, and see how they'll arrange + you—D—n me, if old Captain Montgomery didn't make me mount guard upon + the arsenal in my steel-back and breast, plate-sleeves and head-piece, + for six hours at once, under so burning a sun, that gad I was baked like + a turtle at Port Royale. I swore never to miss answering to Francis + Stewart again, though I should leave my hand of cards upon the + drum-head—Ah! discipline is a capital thing." +</p> +<p> + "In other respects you liked the service?" said Morton, +</p> +<p> + "Par excellence," said Bothwell; "women, wine, and wassail, all to be had + for little but the asking; and if you find it in your conscience to let a + fat priest think he has some chance to convert you, gad he'll help you to + these comforts himself, just to gain a little ground in your good + affection. Where will you find a crop-eared whig parson will be so + civil?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, nowhere, I agree with you," said Henry; "but what was your chief + duty?" +</p> +<p> + "To guard the king's person," said Bothwell, "to look after the safety of + Louis le Grand, my boy, and now and then to take a turn among the + Huguenots (protestants, that is.) And there we had fine scope; it brought + my hand pretty well in for the service in this country. But, come, as you + are to be a bon camerado, as the Spaniards say, I must put you in cash + with some of your old uncle's broad-pieces. This is cutter's law; we must + not see a pretty fellow want, if we have cash ourselves." +</p> +<p> + Thus speaking, he pulled out his purse, took out some of the contents, + and offered them to Henry without counting them. Young Morton declined + the favour; and, not judging it prudent to acquaint the sergeant, + notwithstanding his apparent generosity, that he was actually in + possession of some money, he assured him he should have no difficulty in + getting a supply from his uncle. +</p> +<p> + "Well," said Bothwell, "in that case these yellow rascals must serve to + ballast my purse a little longer. I always make it a rule never to quit + the tavern (unless ordered on duty) while my purse is so weighty that I + can chuck it over the signpost. [Note: A Highland laird, whose + peculiarities live still in the recollection of his countrymen, used to + regulate his residence at Edinburgh in the following manner: Every day he + visited the Water-gate, as it is called, of the Canongate, over which is + extended a wooden arch. Specie being then the general currency, he threw + his purse over the gate, and as long as it was heavy enough to be thrown + over, he continued his round of pleasure in the metropolis; when it was + too light, he thought it time to retire to the Highlands. Query—How + often would he have repeated this experiment at Temple Bar?] When it is + so light that the wind blows it back, then, boot and saddle,—we must + fall on some way of replenishing.—But what tower is that before us, + rising so high upon the steep bank, out of the woods that surround it on + every side?" +</p> +<p> + "It is the tower of Tillietudlem," said one of the soldiers. "Old Lady + Margaret Bellenden lives there. She's one of the best affected women in + the country, and one that's a soldier's friend. When I was hurt by one of + the d—d whig dogs that shot at me from behind a fauld-dike, I lay a + month there, and would stand such another wound to be in as good quarters + again." +</p> +<p> + "If that be the case," said Bothwell, "I will pay my respects to her as + we pass, and request some refreshment for men and horses; I am as thirsty + already as if I had drunk nothing at Milnwood. But it is a good thing in + these times," he continued, addressing himself to Henry, "that the King's + soldier cannot pass a house without getting a refreshment. In such houses + as Tillie—what d'ye call it? you are served for love; in the houses of + the avowed fanatics you help yourself by force; and among the moderate + presbyterians and other suspicious persons, you are well treated from + fear; so your thirst is always quenched on some terms or other." +</p> +<p> + "And you purpose," said Henry, anxiously, "to go upon that errand up to + the tower younder?" +</p> +<p> + "To be sure I do," answered Bothwell. "How should I be able to report + favourably to my officers of the worthy lady's sound principles, unless I + know the taste of her sack, for sack she will produce—that I take for + granted; it is the favourite consoler of your old dowager of quality, as + small claret is the potation of your country laird." +</p> +<p> + "Then, for heaven's sake," said Henry, "if you are determined to go + there, do not mention my name, or expose me to a family that I am + acquainted with. Let me be muffled up for the time in one of your + soldier's cloaks, and only mention me generally as a prisoner under your + charge." +</p> +<p> + "With all my heart," said Bothwell; "I promised to use you civilly, and I + scorn to break my word.—Here, Andrews, wrap a cloak round the prisoner, + and do not mention his name, nor where we caught him, unless you would + have a trot on a horse of wood." +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Wooden Mare. The punishment of riding the wooden mare was, + in the days of Charles and long after, one of the various and cruel + modes of enforcing military discipline. In front of the old + guard-house in the High Street of Edinburgh, a large horse of this + kind was placed, on which now and then, in the more ancient times, a + veteran might be seen mounted, with a firelock tied to each foot, + atoning for some small offence. + + There is a singular work, entitled Memoirs of Prince William Henry, + Duke of Gloucester, (son of Queen Anne,) from his birth to his ninth + year, in which Jenkin Lewis, an honest Welshman in attendance on the + royal infant's person, is pleased to record that his Royal Highness + laughed, cried, crow'd, and said Gig and Dy, very like a babe of + plebeian descent. He had also a premature taste for the discipline + as well as the show of war, and had a corps of twenty-two boys, + arrayed with paper caps and wooden swords. For the maintenance of + discipline in this juvenile corps, a wooden horse was established in + the Presence-chamber, and was sometimes employed in the punishment + of offences not strictly military. Hughes, the Duke's tailor, having + made him a suit of clothes which were too tight, was appointed, in + an order of the day issued by the young prince, to be placed on this + penal steed. The man of remnants, by dint of supplication and + mediation, escaped from the penance, which was likely to equal the + inconveniences of his brother artist's equestrian trip to Brentford. + But an attendant named Weatherly, who had presumed to bring the + young Prince a toy, (after he had discarded the use of them,) was + actually mounted on the wooden horse without a saddle, with his face + to the tail, while he was plied by four servants of the household + with syringes and squirts, till he had a thorough wetting. "He was a + waggish fellow," says Lewis, "and would not lose any thing for the + joke's sake when he was putting his tricks upon others, so he was + obliged to submit cheerfully to what was inflicted upon him, being + at our mercy to play him off well, which we did accordingly." Amid + much such nonsense, Lewis's book shows that this poor child, the + heir of the British monarchy, who died when he was eleven years old, + was, in truth, of promising parts, and of a good disposition. The + volume, which rarely occurs, is an octavo, published in 1789, the + editor being Dr Philip Hayes of Oxford.] +</pre> +<p> + They were at this moment at an arched gateway, battlemented and flanked + with turrets, one whereof was totally ruinous, excepting the lower story, + which served as a cow-house to the peasant, whose family inhabited the + turret that remained entire. The gate had been broken down by Monk's + soldiers during the civil war, and had never been replaced, therefore + presented no obstacle to Bothwell and his party. The avenue, very steep + and narrow, and causewayed with large round stones, ascended the side of + the precipitous bank in an oblique and zigzag course, now showing now + hiding a view of the tower and its exterior bulwarks, which seemed to + rise almost perpendicularly above their heads. The fragments of Gothic + defences which it exhibited were upon such a scale of strength, as + induced Bothwell to exclaim, "It's well this place is in honest and loyal + hands. Egad, if the enemy had it, a dozen of old whigamore wives with + their distaffs might keep it against a troop of dragoons, at least if + they had half the spunk of the old girl we left at Milnwood. Upon my + life," he continued, as they came in front of the large double tower and + its surrounding defences and flankers, "it is a superb place, founded, + says the worn inscription over the gate—unless the remnant of my Latin + has given me the slip—by Sir Ralph de Bellenden in 1350—a respectable + antiquity. I must greet the old lady with due honour, though it should + put me to the labour of recalling some of the compliments that I used to + dabble in when I was wont to keep that sort of company." +</p> +<p> + As he thus communed with himself, the butler, who had reconnoitred the + soldiers from an arrowslit in the wall, announced to his lady, that a + commanded party of dragoons, or, as he thought, Life-Guardsmen, waited at + the gate with a prisoner under their charge. +</p> +<p> + "I am certain," said Gudyill, "and positive, that the sixth man is a + prisoner; for his horse is led, and the two dragoons that are before have + their carabines out of their budgets, and rested upon their thighs. It + was aye the way we guarded prisoners in the days of the great Marquis." +</p> +<p> + "King's soldiers?" said the lady; "probably in want of refreshment. Go, + Gudyill, make them welcome, and let them be accommodated with what + provision and forage the Tower can afford.—And stay, tell my gentlewoman + to bring my black scarf and manteau. I will go down myself to receive + them; one cannot show the King's Life-Guards too much respect in times + when they are doing so much for royal authority. And d'ye hear, Gudyill, + let Jenny Dennison slip on her pearlings to walk before my niece and me, + and the three women to walk behind; and bid my niece attend me + instantly." +</p> +<p> + Fully accoutred, and attended according to her directions, Lady Margaret + now sailed out into the court-yard of her tower with great courtesy and + dignity. Sergeant Bothwell saluated the grave and reverend lady of the + manor with an assurance which had something of the light and careless + address of the dissipated men of fashion in Charles the Second's time, + and did not at all savour of the awkward or rude manners of a + non-commissioned officer of dragoons. His language, as well as his + manners, seemed also to be refined for the time and occasion; though the + truth was, that, in the fluctuations of an adventurous and profligate + life, Bothwell had sometimes kept company much better suited to his + ancestry than to his present situation of life. To the lady's request to + know whether she could be of service to them, he answered, with a + suitable bow, "That as they had to march some miles farther that night, + they would be much accommodated by permission to rest their horses for an + hour before continuing their journey." +</p> +<p> + "With the greatest pleasure," answered Lady Margaret; "and I trust that + my people will see that neither horse nor men want suitable refreshment." +</p> +<p> + "We are well aware, madam," continued Bothwell, "that such has always + been the reception, within the walls of Tillietudlem, of those who served + the King." +</p> +<p> + "We have studied to discharge our duty faithfully and loyally on all + occasions, sir," answered Lady Margaret, pleased with the compliment, + "both to our monarchs and to their followers, particularly to their + faithful soldiers. It is not long ago, and it probably has not escaped + the recollection of his sacret majesty, now on the throne, since he + himself honoured my poor house with his presence and breakfasted in a + room in this castle, Mr Sergeant, which my waiting-gentlewoman shall show + you; we still call it the King's room." +</p> +<p> + Bothwell had by this time dismounted his party, and committed the horses + to the charge of one file, and the prisoner to that of another; so that + he himself was at liberty to continue the conversation which the lady had + so condescendingly opened. +</p> +<p> + "Since the King, my master, had the honour to experience your + hospitality, I cannot wonder that it is extended to those that serve him, + and whose principal merit is doing it with fidelity. And yet I have a + nearer relation to his majesty than this coarse red coat would seem to + indicate." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed, sir? Probably," said Lady Margaret, "you have belonged to his + household?" +</p> +<p> + "Not exactly, madam, to his household, but rather to his house; a + connexion through which I may claim kindred with most of the best + families in Scotland, not, I believe, exclusive of that of Tillietudlem." +</p> +<p> + "Sir?" said the old lady, drawing herself up with dignity at hearing what + she conceived an impertinent jest, "I do not understand you." +</p> +<p> + "It's but a foolish subject for one in my situation to talk of, madam," + answered the trooper; "but you must have heard of the history and + misfortunes of my grandfather Francis Stewart, to whom James I., his + cousin-german, gave the title of Bothwell, as my comrades give me the + nickname. It was not in the long run more advantageous to him than it is + to me." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?" said Lady Margaret, with much sympathy and surprise; "I have + indeed always understood that the grandson of the last Earl was in + necessitous circumstances, but I should never have expected to see him so + low in the service. With such connexions, what ill fortune could have + reduced you"— +</p> +<p> + "Nothing much out of the ordinary course, I believe, madam," said + Bothwell, interrupting and anticipating the question. "I have had my + moments of good luck like my neighbours—have drunk my bottle with + Rochester, thrown a merry main with Buckingham, and fought at Tangiers + side by side with Sheffield. But my luck never lasted; I could not make + useful friends out of my jolly companions—Perhaps I was not sufficiently + aware," he continued, with some bitterness, "how much the descendant of + the Scottish Stewarts was honoured by being admitted into the + convivialities of Wilmot and Villiers." +</p> +<p> + "But your Scottish friends, Mr Stewart, your relations here, so numerous + and so powerful?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, ay, my lady," replied the sergeant, "I believe some of them might + have made me their gamekeeper, for I am a tolerable shot—some of them + would have entertained me as their bravo, for I can use my sword + well—and here and there was one, who, when better company was not to + be had, would have made me his companion, since I can drink my three + bottles of wine.—But I don't know how it is—between service and + service among my kinsmen, I prefer that of my cousin Charles as the most + creditable of them all, although the pay is but poor, and the livery far + from splendid." +</p> +<p> + "It is a shame, it is a burning scandal!" said Lady Margaret. "Why do you + not apply to his most sacred majesty? he cannot but be surprised to hear + that a scion of his august family"— +</p> +<p> + "I beg your pardon, madam," interrupted the sergeant, "I am but a blunt + soldier, and I trust you will excuse me when I say, his most sacred + majesty is more busy in grafting scions of his own, than with nourishing + those which were planted by his grandfather's grandfather." +</p> +<p> + "Well, Mr Stewart," said Lady Margaret, "one thing you must promise + me—remain at Tillietudlem to-night; to-morrow I expect your + commanding-officer, the gallant Claverhouse, to whom king and country + are so much obliged for his exertions against those who would turn the + world upside down. I will speak to him on the subject of your speedy + promotion; and I am certain he feels too much, both what is due to the + blood which is in your veins, and to the request of a lady so highly + distinguished as myself by his most sacred majesty, not to make better + provision for you than you have yet received." +</p> +<p> + "I am much obliged to your ladyship, and I certainly will remain her with + my prisoner, since you request it, especially as it will be the earliest + way of presenting him to Colonel Grahame, and obtaining his ultimate + orders about the young spark." +</p> +<p> + "Who is your prisoner, pray you?" said Lady Margaret. +</p> +<p> + "A young fellow of rather the better class in this neighbourhood, who has + been so incautious as to give countenance to one of the murderers of the + primate, and to facilitate the dog's escape." +</p> +<p> + "O, fie upon him!" said Lady Margaret; "I am but too apt to forgive the + injuries I have received at the hands of these rogues, though some of + them, Mr Stewart, are of a kind not like to be forgotten; but those who + would abet the perpetrators of so cruel and deliberate a homicide on a + single man, an old man, and a man of the Archbishop's sacred + profession—O fie upon him! If you wish to make him secure, with little + trouble to your people, I will cause Harrison, or Gudyill, look for the + key of our pit, or principal dungeon. It has not been open since the + week after the victory of Kilsythe, when my poor Sir Arthur Bellenden + put twenty whigs into it; but it is not more than two stories beneath + ground, so it cannot be unwholesome, especially as I rather believe + there is somewhere an opening to the outer air." +</p> +<p> + "I beg your pardon, madam," answered the sergeant; "I daresay the dungeon + is a most admirable one; but I have promised to be civil to the lad, and + I will take care he is watched, so as to render escape impossible. I'll + set those to look after him shall keep him as fast as if his legs were in + the boots, or his fingers in the thumbikins." +</p> +<p> + "Well, Mr Stewart," rejoined the lady, "you best know your own duty. I + heartily wish you good evening, and commit you to the care of my steward, + Harrison. I would ask you to keep ourselves company, but a—a—a—" +</p> +<p> + "O, madam, it requires no apology; I am sensible the coarse red coat of + King Charles II. does and ought to annihilate the privileges of the red + blood of King James V." +</p> +<p> + "Not with me, I do assure you, Mr Stewart; you do me injustice if you + think so. I will speak to your officer to-morrow; and I trust you shall + soon find yourself in a rank where there shall be no anomalies to be + reconciled." +</p> +<p> + "I believe, madam," said Bothwell, "your goodness will find itself + deceived; but I am obliged to you for your intention, and, at all events, + I will have a merry night with Mr Harrison." +</p> +<p> + Lady Margaret took a ceremonious leave, with all the respect which she + owed to royal blood, even when flowing in the veins of a sergeant of the + Life-Guards; again assuring Mr Stewart, that whatever was in the Tower of + Tillietudlem was heartily at his service and that of his attendants. +</p> +<p> + Sergeant Bothwell did not fail to take the lady at her word, and readily + forgot the height from which his family had descended, in a joyous + carousal, during which Mr Harrison exerted himself to produce the best + wine in the cellar, and to excite his guest to be merry by that seducing + example, which, in matters of conviviality, goes farther than precept. + Old Gudyill associated himself with a party so much to his taste, pretty + much as Davy, in the Second Part of Henry the Fourth, mingles in the + revels of his master, Justice Shallow. He ran down to the cellar at the + risk of breaking his neck, to ransack some private catacomb, known, as he + boasted, only to himself, and which never either had, or should, during + his superintendence, renden forth a bottle of its contents to any one but + a real king's friend. +</p> +<p> + "When the Duke dined here," said the butler, seating himself at a + distance from the table, being somewhat overawed by Bothwell's genealogy, + but yet hitching his seat half a yard nearer at every clause of his + speech, "my leddy was importunate to have a bottle of that + Burgundy,"—(here he advanced his seat a little,)—"but I dinna ken how + it was, Mr Stewart, I misdoubted him. I jaloused him, sir, no to be the + friend to government he pretends: the family are not to lippen to. That + auld Duke James lost his heart before he lost his head; and the + Worcester man was but wersh parritch, neither gude to fry, boil, nor sup + cauld." (With this witty observation, he completed his first parallel, + and commenced a zigzag after the manner of an experienced engineer, in + order to continue his approaches to the table.) "Sae, sir, the faster my + leddy cried 'Burgundy to his Grace—the auld Burgundy—the choice + Burgundy—the Burgundy that came ower in the thirty-nine'—the mair did + I say to mysell, Deil a drap gangs down his hause unless I was mair + sensible o' his principles; sack and claret may serve him. Na, na, + gentlemen, as lang as I hae the trust o'butler in this house + o'Tillietudlem, I'll tak it upon me to see that nae disloyal or doubtfu' + person is the better o' our binns. But when I can find a true friend to + the king and his cause, and a moderate episcopacy; when I find a man, as + I say, that will stand by church and crown as I did mysell in my + master's life, and all through Montrose's time, I think there's naething + in the cellar ower gude to be spared on him." +</p> +<p> + By this time he had completed a lodgment in the body of the place, or, in + other words, advanced his seat close to the table. +</p> +<p> + "And now, Mr Francis Stewart of Bothwell, I have the honour to drink your + gude health, and a commission t'ye, and much luck may ye have in raking + this country clear o'whigs and roundheads, fanatics and Covenanters." +</p> +<p> + Bothwell, who, it may well be believed, had long ceased to be very + scrupulous in point of society, which he regulated more by his + convenience and station in life than his ancestry, readily answered the + butler's pledge, acknowledging, at the same time, the excellence of the + wine; and Mr Gudyill, thus adopted a regular member of the company, + continued to furnish them with the means of mirth until an early hour in + the next morning. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0010"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER X. +</h2> +<pre> + Did I but purpose to embark with thee + On the smooth surface of a summer sea, + And would forsake the skiff and make the shore + When the winds whistle and the tempests roar? + Prior. +</pre> +<p> + While Lady Margaret held, with the high-descended sergeant of dragoons, + the conference which we have detailed in the preceding pages, her + grand-daughter, partaking in a less degree her ladyship's enthusiasm for + all who were sprung of the blood-royal, did not honour Sergeant Bothwell + with more attention than a single glance, which showed her a tall + powerful person, and a set of hardy weather-beaten features, to which + pride and dissipation had given an air where discontent mingled with the + reckless gaiety of desperation. The other soldiers offered still less to + detach her consideration; but from the prisoner, muffled and disguised as + he was, she found it impossible to withdraw her eyes. Yet she blamed + herself for indulging a curiosity which seemed obviously to give pain to + him who was its object. +</p> +<p> + "I wish," she said to Jenny Dennison, who was the immediate attendant on + her person, "I wish we knew who that poor fellow is." +</p> +<p> + "I was just thinking sae mysell, Miss Edith," said the waiting woman, + "but it canna be Cuddie Headrigg, because he's taller and no sae stout." +</p> +<p> + "Yet," continued Miss Bellenden, "it may be some poor neigbour, for whom + we might have cause to interest ourselves." +</p> +<p> + "I can sune learn wha he is," said the enterprising Jenny, "if the + sodgers were anes settled and at leisure, for I ken ane o' them very + weel—the best-looking and the youngest o' them." +</p> +<p> + "I think you know all the idle young fellows about the country," answered + her mistress. +</p> +<p> + "Na, Miss Edith, I am no sae free o' my acquaintance as that," answered + the fille-de-chambre. "To be sure, folk canna help kenning the folk by + head-mark that they see aye glowring and looking at them at kirk and + market; but I ken few lads to speak to unless it be them o' the family, + and the three Steinsons, and Tam Rand, and the young miller, and the five + Howisons in Nethersheils, and lang Tam Gilry, and"— +</p> +<p> + "Pray cut short a list of exceptions which threatens to be a long one, + and tell me how you come to know this young soldier," said Miss + Bellenden. +</p> +<p> + "Lord, Miss Edith, it's Tam Halliday, Trooper Tam, as they ca' him, that + was wounded by the hill-folk at the conventicle at Outer-side Muir, and + lay here while he was under cure. I can ask him ony thing, and Tam will + no refuse to answer me, I'll be caution for him." +</p> +<p> + "Try, then," said Miss Edith, "if you can find an opportunity to ask him + the name of his prisoner, and come to my room and tell me what he says." +</p> +<p> + Jenny Dennison proceeded on her errand, but soon returned with such a + face of surprise and dismay as evinced a deep interest in the fate of the + prisoner. +</p> +<p> + "What is the matter?" said Edith, anxiously; "does it prove to be Cuddie, + after all, poor fellow?" +</p> +<p> + "Cuddie, Miss Edith? Na! na! it's nae Cuddie," blubbered out the faithful + fille-de-chambre, sensible of the pain which her news were about to + inflict on her young mistress. "O dear, Miss Edith, it's young Milnwood + himsell!" +</p> +<p> + "Young Milnwood!" exclaimed Edith, aghast in her turn; "it is + impossible—totally impossible!—His uncle attends the clergyman + indulged by law, and has no connexion whatever with the refractory + people; and he himself has never interfered in this unhappy dissension; + he must be totally innocent, unless he has been standing up for some + invaded right." +</p> +<p> + "O, my dear Miss Edith," said her attendant, "these are not days to ask + what's right or what's wrang; if he were as innocent as the new-born + infant, they would find some way of making him guilty, if they liked; but + Tam Halliday says it will touch his life, for he has been resetting ane + o' the Fife gentlemen that killed that auld carle of an Archbishop." +</p> +<p> + "His life!" exclaimed Edith, starting hastily up, and speaking with a + hurried and tremulous accent,—"they cannot—they shall not—I will speak + for him—they shall not hurt him!" +</p> +<p> + "O, my dear young leddy, think on your grandmother; think on the danger + and the difficulty," added Jenny; "for he's kept under close confinement + till Claverhouse comes up in the morning, and if he doesna gie him full + satisfaction, Tam Halliday says there will be brief wark wi' him—Kneel + down—mak ready—present—fire—just as they did wi' auld deaf John + Macbriar, that never understood a single question they pat till him, and + sae lost his life for lack o' hearing." +</p> +<p> + "Jenny," said the young lady, "if he should die, I will die with him; + there is no time to talk of danger or difficulty—I will put on a plaid, + and slip down with you to the place where they have kept him—I will + throw myself at the feet of the sentinel, and entreat him, as he has a + soul to be saved"— +</p> +<p> + "Eh, guide us!" interrupted the maid, "our young leddy at the feet o' + Trooper Tam, and speaking to him about his soul, when the puir chield + hardly kens whether he has ane or no, unless that he whiles swears by + it—that will never do; but what maun be maun be, and I'll never desert a + true-love cause—And sae, if ye maun see young Milnwood, though I ken nae + gude it will do, but to make baith your hearts the sairer, I'll e'en tak + the risk o't, and try to manage Tam Halliday; but ye maun let me hae my + ain gate and no speak ae word—he's keeping guard o'er Milnwood in the + easter round of the tower." +</p> +<p> + "Go, go, fetch me a plaid," said Edith. "Let me but see him, and I will + find some remedy for his danger—Haste ye, Jenny, as ever ye hope to have + good at my hands." +</p> +<p> + Jenny hastened, and soon returned with a plaid, in which Edith muffled + herself so as completely to screen her face, and in part to disguise her + person. This was a mode of arranging the plaid very common among the + ladies of that century, and the earlier part of the succeeding one; so + much so, indeed, that the venerable sages of the Kirk, conceiving that + the mode gave tempting facilities for intrigue, directed more than one + act of Assembly against this use of the mantle. But fashion, as usual, + proved too strong for authority, and while plaids continued to be worn, + women of all ranks occasionally employed them as a sort of muffler or + veil. [Note: Concealment of an individual, while in public or promiscuous + society, was then very common. In England, where no plaids were worn, the + ladies used vizard masks for the same purpose, and the gallants drew the + skirts of their cloaks over the right shoulder, so as to cover part of + the face. This is repeatedly alluded to in Pepys's Diary.] Her face and + figure thus concealed, Edith, holding by her attendant's arm, hastened + with trembling steps to the place of Morton's confinement. +</p> +<p> + This was a small study or closet, in one of the turrets, opening upon a + gallery in which the sentinel was pacing to and fro; for Sergeant + Bothwell, scrupulous in observing his word, and perhaps touched with some + compassion for the prisoner's youth and genteel demeanour, had waved the + indignity of putting his guard into the same apartment with him. + Halliday, therefore, with his carabine on his arm, walked up and down the + gallery, occasionally solacing himself with a draught of ale, a huge + flagon of which stood upoon the table at one end of the apartment, and at + other times humming the lively Scottish air, +</p> +<p> + "Between Saint Johnstone and Bonny Dundee, I'll gar ye be fain to follow + me." +</p> +<p> + Jenny Dennison cautioned her mistress once more to let her take her own + way. +</p> +<p> + "I can manage the trooper weel eneugh," she said, "for as rough as he + is—I ken their nature weel; but ye maunna say a single word." +</p> +<p> + She accordingly opened the door of the gallery just as the sentinel had + turned his back from it, and taking up the tune which he hummed, she sung + in a coquettish tone of rustic raillery, +</p> +<p> + "If I were to follow a poor sodger lad, My friends wad be angry, my + minnie be mad; A laird, or a lord, they were fitter for me, Sae I'll + never be fain to follow thee."— +</p> +<p> + "A fair challenge, by Jove," cried the sentinel, turning round, "and from + two at once; but it's not easy to bang the soldier with his bandoleers;" + then taking up the song where the damsel had stopt, +</p> +<p> + "To follow me ye weel may be glad, A share of my supper, a share of my + bed, To the sound of the drum to range fearless and free, I'll gar ye be + fain to follow me."— +</p> +<p> + "Come, my pretty lass, and kiss me for my song." +</p> +<p> + "I should not have thought of that, Mr Halliday," answered Jenny, with a + look and tone expressing just the necessary degree of contempt at the + proposal, "and, I'se assure ye, ye'll hae but little o' my company unless + ye show gentler havings—It wasna to hear that sort o'nonsense that + brought me here wi' my friend, and ye should think shame o' yoursell, 'at + should ye." +</p> +<p> + "Umph! and what sort of nonsense did bring you here then, Mrs Dennison?" +</p> +<p> + "My kinswoman has some particular business with your prisoner, young Mr + Harry Morton, and I am come wi' her to speak till him." +</p> +<p> + "The devil you are!" answered the sentinel; "and pray, Mrs Dennison, how + do your kinswoman and you propose to get in? You are rather too plump to + whisk through a keyhole, and opening the door is a thing not to be spoke + of." +</p> +<p> + "It's no a thing to be spoken o', but a thing to be dune," replied the + persevering damsel. +</p> +<p> + "We'll see about that, my bonny Jenny;" and the soldier resumed his + march, humming, as he walked to and fro along the gallery, +</p> +<p> + "Keek into the draw-well, Janet, Janet, Then ye'll see your bonny sell, + My joe Janet." +</p> +<p> + "So ye're no thinking to let us in, Mr Halliday? Weel, weel; gude e'en to + you—ye hae seen the last o' me, and o' this bonny die too," said Jenny, + holding between her finger and thumb a splendid silver dollar. +</p> +<p> + "Give him gold, give him gold," whispered the agitated young lady. +</p> +<p> + "Silver's e'en ower gude for the like o' him," replied Jenny, "that disna + care for the blink o' a bonny lassie's ee—and what's waur, he wad think + there was something mair in't than a kinswoman o' mine. My certy! + siller's no sae plenty wi' us, let alane gowd." Having addressed this + advice aside to her mistress, she raised her voice, and said, "My cousin + winna stay ony langer, Mr Halliday; sae, if ye please, gude e'en t'ye." +</p> +<p> + "Halt a bit, halt a bit," said the trooper; "rein up and parley, Jenny. + If I let your kinswoman in to speak to my prisoner, you must stay here + and keep me company till she come out again, and then we'll all be well + pleased you know." +</p> +<p> + "The fiend be in my feet then," said Jenny; "d'ye think my kinswoman and + me are gaun to lose our gude name wi' cracking clavers wi' the like o' + you or your prisoner either, without somebody by to see fair play? Hegh, + hegh, sirs, to see sic a difference between folk's promises and + performance! Ye were aye willing to slight puir Cuddie; but an I had + asked him to oblige me in a thing, though it had been to cost his + hanging, he wadna hae stude twice about it." +</p> +<p> + "D—n Cuddie!" retorted the dragoon, "he'll be hanged in good earnest, I + hope. I saw him today at Milnwood with his old puritanical b—of a + mother, and if I had thought I was to have had him cast in my dish, I + would have brought him up at my horse's tail—we had law enough to bear + us out." +</p> +<p> + "Very weel, very weel—See if Cuddie winna hae a lang shot at you ane o' + thae days, if ye gar him tak the muir wi' sae mony honest folk. He can + hit a mark brawly; he was third at the popinjay; and he's as true of his + promise as of ee and hand, though he disna mak sic a phrase about it as + some acquaintance o' yours—But it's a' ane to me—Come, cousin, we'll + awa'." +</p> +<p> + "Stay, Jenny; d—n me, if I hang fire more than another when I have said + a thing," said the soldier, in a hesitating tone. "Where is the + sergeant?" +</p> +<p> + "Drinking and driving ower," quoth Jenny, "wi' the Steward and John + Gudyill." +</p> +<p> + "So, so—he's safe enough—and where are my comrades?" asked Halliday. +</p> +<p> + "Birling the brown bowl wi' the fowler and the falconer, and some o' the + serving folk." +</p> +<p> + "Have they plenty of ale?" +</p> +<p> + "Sax gallons, as gude as e'er was masked," said the maid. +</p> +<p> + "Well, then, my pretty Jenny," said the relenting sentinel, "they are + fast till the hour of relieving guard, and perhaps something later; and + so, if you will promise to come alone the next time"—"Maybe I will, and + maybe I winna," said Jenny; "but if ye get the dollar, ye'll like that + just as weel." +</p> +<p> + "I'll be d—n'd if I do," said Halliday, taking the money, howeve; "but + it's always something for my risk; for, if Claverhouse hears what I have + done, he will build me a horse as high as the Tower of Tillietudlem. But + every one in the regiment takes what they can come by; I am sure Bothwell + and his blood-royal shows us a good example. And if I were trusting to + you, you little jilting devil, I should lose both pains and powder; + whereas this fellow," looking at the piece, "will be good as far as he + goes. So, come, there is the door open for you; do not stay groaning and + praying with the young whig now, but be ready, when I call at the door, + to start, as if they were sounding 'Horse and away.'" +</p> +<p> + So speaking, Halliday unlocked the door of the closet, admitted Jenny and + her pretended kinswoman, locked it behind them, and hastily reassumed the + indifferent measured step and time-killing whistle of a sentinel upon his + regular duty. +</p> +<p> + The door, which slowly opened, discovered Morton with both arms reclined + upon a table, and his head resting upon them in a posture of deep + dejection. He raised his face as the door opened, and, perceiving the + female figures which it admitted, started up in great surprise. Edith, as + if modesty had quelled the courage which despair had bestowed, stood + about a yard from the door without having either the power to speak or to + advance. All the plans of aid, relief, or comfort, which she had proposed + to lay before her lover, seemed at once to have vanished from her + recollection, and left only a painful chaos of ideas, with which was + mingled a fear that she had degraded herself in the eyes of Morton by a + step which might appear precipitate and unfeminine. She hung motionless + and almost powerless upon the arm of her attendant, who in vain + endeavoured to reassure and inspire her with courage, by whispering, "We + are in now, madam, and we maun mak the best o' our time; for, doubtless, + the corporal or the sergeant will gang the rounds, and it wad be a pity + to hae the poor lad Halliday punished for his civility." +</p> +<p> + Morton, in the meantime, was timidly advancing, suspecting the truth; for + what other female in the house, excepting Edith herself, was likely to + take an interest in his misfortunes? and yet afraid, owing to the + doubtful twilight and the muffled dress, of making some mistake which + might be prejudicial to the object of his affections. Jenny, whose ready + wit and forward manners well qualified her for such an office, hastened + to break the ice. +</p> +<p> + "Mr Morton, Miss Edith's very sorry for your present situation, and"— +</p> +<p> + It was needless to say more; he was at her side, almost at her feet, + pressing her unresisting hands, and loading her with a profusion of + thanks and gratitude which would be hardly intelligible from the mere + broken words, unless we could describe the tone, the gesture, the + impassioned and hurried indications of deep and tumultuous feeling, with + which they were accompanied. +</p> +<p> + For two or three minutes, Edith stood as motionless as the statue of a + saint which receives the adoration of a worshipper; and when she + recovered herself sufficiently to withdraw her hands from Henry's grasp, + she could at first only faintly articulate, "I have taken a strange step, + Mr Morton—a step," she continued with more coherence, as her ideas + arranged themselves in consequence of a strong effort, "that perhaps may + expose me to censure in your eyes—But I have long permitted you to use + the language of friendship—perhaps I might say more—too long to leave + you when the world seems to have left you. How, or why, is this + imprisonment? what can be done? can my uncle, who thinks so highly of + you—can your own kinsman, Milnwood, be of no use? are there no means? + and what is likely to be the event?" +</p> +<p> + "Be what it will," answered Henry, contriving to make himself master of + the hand that had escaped from him, but which was now again abandoned to + his clasp, "be what it will, it is to me from this moment the most + welcome incident of a weary life. To you, dearest Edith—forgive me, I + should have said Miss Bellenden, but misfortune claims strange + privileges—to you I have owed the few happy moments which have gilded a + gloomy existence; and if I am now to lay it down, the recollection of + this honour will be my happiness in the last hour of suffering." +</p> +<p> + "But is it even thus, Mr Morton?" said Miss Bellenden. "Have you, who + used to mix so little in these unhappy feuds, become so suddenly and + deeply implicated, that nothing short of"— +</p> +<p> + She paused, unable to bring out the word which should have come next. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing short of my life, you would say?" replied Morton, in a calm, but + melancholy tone; "I believe that will be entirely in the bosoms of my + judges. My guards spoke of a possibility of exchanging the penalty for + entry into foreign service. I thought I could have embraced the + alternative; and yet, Miss Bellenden, since I have seen you once more, I + feel that exile would be more galling than death." +</p> +<p> + "And is it then true," said Edith, "that you have been so desperately + rash as to entertain communication with any of those cruel wretches who + assassinated the primate?" +</p> +<p> + "I knew not even that such a crime had been committed," replied Morton, + "when I gave unhappily a night's lodging and concealment to one of those + rash and cruel men, the ancient friend and comrade of my father. But my + ignorance will avail me little; for who, Miss Bellenden, save you, will + believe it? And, what is worse, I am at least uncertain whether, even if + I had known the crime, I could have brought my mind, under all the + circumstances, to refuse a temporary refuge to the fugitive." +</p> +<p> + "And by whom," said Edith, anxiously, "or under what authority, will the + investigation of your conduct take place?" +</p> +<p> + "Under that of Colonel Grahame of Claverhouse, I am given to understand," + said Morton; "one of the military commission, to whom it has pleased our + king, our privy council, and our parliament, that used to be more + tenacious of our liberties, to commit the sole charge of our goods and of + our lives." +</p> +<p> + "To Claverhouse?" said Edith, faintly; "merciful Heaven, you are lost ere + you are tried! He wrote to my grandmother that he was to be here + to-morrow morning, on his road to the head of the county, where some + desperate men, animated by the presence of two or three of the actors in + the primate's murder, are said to have assembled for the purpose of + making a stand against the government. His expressions made me shudder, + even when I could not guess that—that—a friend"— +</p> +<p> + "Do not be too much alarmed on my account, my dearest Edith," said Henry, + as he supported her in his arms; "Claverhouse, though stern and + relentless, is, by all accounts, brave, fair, and honourable. I am a + soldier's son, and will plead my cause like a soldier. He will perhaps + listen more favourably to a blunt and unvarnished defence than a + truckling and time-serving judge might do. And, indeed, in a time when + justice is, in all its branches, so completely corrupted, I would rather + lose my life by open military violence, than be conjured out of it by the + hocus-pocus of some arbitrary lawyer, who lends the knowledge he has of + the statutes made for our protection, to wrest them to our destruction." +</p> +<p> + "You are lost—you are lost, if you are to plead your cause with + Claverhouse!" sighed Edith; "root and branchwork is the mildest of his + expressions. The unhappy primate was his intimate friend and early + patron. 'No excuse, no subterfuge,' said his letter, 'shall save either + those connected with the deed, or such as have given them countenance and + shelter, from the ample and bitter penalty of the law, until I shall have + taken as many lives in vengeance of this atrocious murder, as the old man + had grey hairs upon his venerable head.' There is neither ruth nor favour + to be found with him." +</p> +<p> + Jenny Dennison, who had hitherto remained silent, now ventured, in the + extremity of distress which the lovers felt, but for which they were + unable to devise a remedy, to offer her own advice. +</p> +<p> + "Wi' your leddyship's pardon, Miss Edith, and young Mr Morton's, we + maunna waste time. Let Milnwood take my plaid and gown; I'll slip them + aff in the dark corner, if he'll promise no to look about, and he may + walk past Tam Halliday, who is half blind with his ale, and I can tell + him a canny way to get out o' the Tower, and your leddyship will gang + quietly to your ain room, and I'll row mysell in his grey cloak, and pit + on his hat, and play the prisoner till the coast's clear, and then I'll + cry in Tam Halliday, and gar him let me out." +</p> +<p> + "Let you out?" said Morton; "they'll make your life answer it." +</p> +<p> + "Ne'er a bit," replied Jenny; "Tam daurna tell he let ony body in, for + his ain sake; and I'll gar him find some other gate to account for the + escape." +</p> +<p> + "Will you, by G—?" said the sentinel, suddenly opening the door of the + apartment; "if I am half blind, I am not deaf, and you should not plan an + escape quite so loud, if you expect to go through with it. Come, come, + Mrs Janet—march, troop—quick time—trot, d—n me!—And you, madam + kinswoman,—I won't ask your real name, though you were going to play me + so rascally a trick,—but I must make a clear garrison; so beat a + retreat, unless you would have me turn out the guard." +</p> +<p> + "I hope," said Morton, very anxiously, "you will not mention this + circumstance, my good friend, and trust to my honour to acknowledge your + civility in keeping the secret. If you overheard our conversation, you + must have observed that we did not accept of, or enter into, the hasty + proposal made by this good-natured girl." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, devilish good-natured, to be sure," said Halliday. "As for the rest, + I guess how it is, and I scorn to bear malice, or tell tales, as much as + another; but no thanks to that little jilting devil, Jenny Dennison, who + deserves a tight skelping for trying to lead an honest lad into a scrape, + just because he was so silly as to like her good-for-little chit face." +</p> +<p> + Jenny had no better means of justification than the last apology to which + her sex trust, and usually not in vain; she pressed her handkerchief to + her face, sobbed with great vehemence, and either wept, or managed, as + Halliday might have said, to go through the motions wonderfully well. +</p> +<p> + "And now," continued the soldier, somewhat mollified, "if you have any + thing to say, say it in two minutes, and let me see your backs turned; + for if Bothwell take it into his drunken head to make the rounds half an + hour too soon, it will be a black business to us all." +</p> +<p> + "Farewell, Edith," whispered Morton, assuming a firmness he was far from + possessing; "do not remain here—leave me to my fate—it cannot be beyond + endurance since you are interested in it.—Good night, good night!—Do + not remain here till you are discovered." +</p> +<p> + Thus saying, he resigned her to her attendant, by whom she was quietly + led and partly supported out of the apartment. +</p> +<p> + "Every one has his taste, to be sure," said Halliday; "but d—n me if I + would have vexed so sweet a girl as that is, for all the whigs that ever + swore the Covenant." +</p> +<p> + When Edith had regained her apartment, she gave way to a burst of grief + which alarmed Jenny Dennison, who hastened to administer such scraps of + consolation as occurred to her. +</p> +<p> + "Dinna vex yoursell sae muckle, Miss Edith," said that faithful + attendant; "wha kens what may happen to help young Milnwood? He's a brave + lad, and a bonny, and a gentleman of a good fortune, and they winna + string the like o' him up as they do the puir whig bodies that they catch + in the muirs, like straps o' onions; maybe his uncle will bring him aff, + or maybe your ain grand-uncle will speak a gude word for him—he's weel + acquent wi' a' the red-coat gentlemen." +</p> +<p> + "You are right, Jenny! you are right," said Edith, recovering herself + from the stupor into which she had sunk; "this is no time for despair, + but for exertion. You must find some one to ride this very night to my + uncle's with a letter." +</p> +<p> + "To Charnwood, madam? It's unco late, and it's sax miles an' a bittock + doun the water; I doubt if we can find man and horse the night, mair + especially as they hae mounted a sentinel before the gate. Puir Cuddie! + he's gane, puir fallow, that wad hae dune aught in the warld I bade him, + and ne'er asked a reason—an' I've had nae time to draw up wi' the new + pleugh-lad yet; forby that, they say he's gaun to be married to Meg + Murdieson, illfaur'd cuttie as she is." +</p> +<p> + "You must find some one to go, Jenny; life and death depend upon it." +</p> +<p> + "I wad gang mysell, my leddy, for I could creep out at the window o' the + pantry, and speel down by the auld yew-tree weel eneugh—I hae played + that trick ere now. But the road's unco wild, and sae mony red-coats + about, forby the whigs, that are no muckle better (the young lads o' + them) if they meet a fraim body their lane in the muirs. I wadna stand + for the walk—I can walk ten miles by moonlight weel eneugh." +</p> +<p> + "Is there no one you can think of, that, for money or favour, would serve + me so far?" asked Edith, in great anxiety. +</p> +<p> + "I dinna ken," said Jenny, after a moment's consideration, "unless it be + Guse Gibbie; and he'll maybe no ken the way, though it's no sae difficult + to hit, if he keep the horse-road, and mind the turn at the Cappercleugh, + and dinna drown himsell in the Whomlekirn-pule, or fa' ower the scaur at + the Deil's Loaning, or miss ony o' the kittle steps at the Pass o' + Walkwary, or be carried to the hills by the whigs, or be taen to the + tolbooth by the red-coats." +</p> +<p> + "All ventures must be run," said Edith, cutting short the list of chances + against Goose Gibbie's safe arrival at the end of his pilgrimage; "all + risks must be run, unless you can find a better messenger.—Go, bid the + boy get ready, and get him out of the Tower as secretly as you can. If he + meets any one, let him say he is carrying a letter to Major Bellenden of + Charnwood, but without mentioning any names." +</p> +<p> + "I understand, madam," said Jenny Dennison; "I warrant the callant will + do weel eneugh, and Tib the hen-wife will tak care o' the geese for a + word o' my mouth; and I'll tell Gibbie your leddyship will mak his peace + wi' Lady Margaret, and we'll gie him a dollar." +</p> +<p> + "Two, if he does his errand well," said Edith. +</p> +<p> + Jenny departed to rouse Goose Gibbie out of his slumbers, to which he was + usually consigned at sundown, or shortly after, he keeping the hours of + the birds under his charge. During her absence, Edith took her writing + materials, and prepared against her return the following letter, + superscribed, For the hands of Major Bellenden of Charnwood, my much + honoured uncle, These: "My dear Uncle—This will serve to inform you I am + desirous to know how your gout is, as we did not see you at the + wappen-schaw, which made both my grandmother and myself very uneasy. And + if it will permit you to travel, we shall be happy to see you at our poor + house to-morrow at the hour of breakfast, as Colonel Grahame of + Claverhouse is to pass this way on his march, and we would willingly have + your assistance to receive and entertain a military man of such + distinction, who, probably, will not be much delighted with the company + of women. Also, my dear uncle, I pray you to let Mrs Carefor't, your + housekeeper, send me my double-trimmed paduasoy with the hanging sleeves, + which she will find in the third drawer of the walnut press in the green + room, which you are so kind as to call mine. Also, my dear uncle, I pray + you to send me the second volume of the Grand Cyrus, as I have only read + as far as the imprisonment of Philidaspes upon the seven hundredth and + thirty-third page; but, above all, I entreat you to come to us to-morrow + before eight of the clock, which, as your pacing nag is so good, you may + well do without rising before your usual hour. So, praying to God to + preserve your health, I rest your dutiful and loving niece, +</p> +<p> + "Edith Bellenden. +</p> +<p> + "Postscriptum. A party of soldiers have last night brought your friend, + young Mr Henry Morton of Milnwood, hither as a prisoner. I conclude you + will be sorry for the young gentleman, and, therefore, let you know this, + in case you may think of speaking to Colonel Grahame in his behalf. I + have not mentioned his name to my grandmother, knowing her prejudice + against the family." +</p> +<p> + This epistle being duly sealed and delivered to Jenny, that faithful + confidant hastened to put the same in the charge of Goose Gibbie, whom + she found in readiness to start from the castle. She then gave him + various instructions touching the road, which she apprehended he was + likely to mistake, not having travelled it above five or six times, and + possessing only the same slender proportion of memory as of judgment. + Lastly, she smuggled him out of the garrison through the pantry window + into the branchy yew-tree which grew close beside it, and had the + satisfaction to see him reach the bottom in safety, and take the right + turn at the commencement of his journey. She then returned to persuade + her young mistress to go to bed, and to lull her to rest, if possible, + with assurances of Gibbie's success in his embassy, only qualified by a + passing regret that the trusty Cuddie, with whom the commission might + have been more safely reposed, was no longer within reach of serving her. +</p> +<p> + More fortunate as a messenger than as a cavalier, it was Gibbie's good + hap rather than his good management, which, after he had gone astray not + oftener than nine times, and given his garments a taste of the variation + of each bog, brook, and slough, between Tillietudlem and Charnwood, + placed him about daybreak before the gate of Major Bellenden's mansion, + having completed a walk of ten miles (for the bittock, as usual, amounted + to four) in little more than the same number of hours. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0011"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XI. +</h2> +<pre> + At last comes the troop, by the word of command + Drawn up in our court, where the Captain cries, + Stand! + Swift +</pre> +<p> + Major Bellenden's ancient valet, Gideon Pike as he adjusted his master's + clothes by his bedside, preparatory to the worthy veteran's toilet, + acquainted him, as an apology for disturbing him an hour earlier than his + usual time of rising, that there was an express from Tillietudlem. +</p> +<p> + "From Tillietudlem?" said the old gentleman, rising hastily in his bed, + and sitting bolt upright,—"Open the shutters, Pike—I hope my + sister-in-law is well—furl up the bed-curtain.—What have we all here?" + (glancing at Edith's note.) "The gout? why, she knows I have not had a + fit since Candlemas.—The wappen-schaw? I told her a month since I was + not to be there.—Paduasoy and hanging sleeves? why, hang the gipsy + herself!—Grand Cyrus and Philipdastus?—Philip Devil!—is the wench gone + crazy all at once? was it worth while to send an express and wake me + at five in the morning for all this trash?—But what says her + postscriptum?—Mercy on us!" he exclaimed on perusing it,—"Pike, saddle + old Kilsythe instantly, and another horse for yourself." +</p> +<p> + "I hope nae ill news frae the Tower, sir?" said Pike, astonished at his + master's sudden emotion. +</p> +<p> + "Yes—no—yes—that is, I must meet Claverhouse there on some express + business; so boot and saddle, Pike, as fast as you can.—O, Lord! what + times are these!—the poor lad—my old cronie's son!—and the silly wench + sticks it into her postscriptum, as she calls it, at the tail of all this + trumpery about old gowns and new romances!" +</p> +<p> + In a few minutes the good old officer was fully equipped; and having + mounted upon his arm-gaunt charger as soberly as Mark Antony himself + could have done, he paced forth his way to the Tower of Tillietudlem. +</p> +<p> + On the road he formed the prudent resolution to say nothing to the old + lady (whose dislike to presbyterians of all kinds he knew to be + inveterate) of the quality and rank of the prisoner detained within her + walls, but to try his own influence with Claverhouse to obtain Morton's + liberation. +</p> +<p> + "Being so loyal as he is, he must do something for so old a cavalier as I + am," said the veteran to himself; "and if he is so good a soldier as the + world speaks of, why, he will be glad to serve an old soldier's son. I + never knew a real soldier that was not a frank-hearted, honest fellow; + and I think the execution of the laws (though it's a pity they find it + necessary to make them so severe) may be a thousand times better + intrusted with them than with peddling lawyers and thick-skulled country + gentlemen." +</p> +<p> + Such were the ruminations of Major Miles Bellenden, which were terminated + by John Gudyill (not more than half-drunk) taking hold of his bridle, and + assisting him to dismount in the roughpaved court of Tillietudlem. +</p> +<p> + "Why, John," said the veteran, "what devil of a discipline is this you + have been keeping? You have been reading Geneva print this morning + already." +</p> +<p> + "I have been reading the Litany," said John, shaking his head with a look + of drunken gravity, and having only caught one word of the Major's + address to him; "life is short, sir; we are flowers of the field, + sir—hiccup—and lilies of the valley." +</p> +<p> + "Flowers and lilies? Why, man, such carles as thou and I can hardly be + called better than old hemlocks, decayed nettles, or withered rag-weed; + but I suppose you think that we are still worth watering." +</p> +<p> + "I am an old soldier, sir, I thank Heaven—hiccup"— +</p> +<p> + "An old skinker, you mean, John. But come, never mind, show me the way to + your mistress, old lad." +</p> +<p> + John Gudyill led the way to the stone hall, where Lady Margaret was + fidgeting about, superintending, arranging, and re-forming the + preparations made for the reception of the celebrated Claverhouse, whom + one party honoured and extolled as a hero, and another execrated as a + bloodthirsty oppressor. +</p> +<p> + "Did I not tell you," said Lady Margaret to her principal female + attendant—"did I not tell you, Mysie, that it was my especial pleasure + on this occasion to have every thing in the precise order wherein it was + upon that famous morning when his most sacred majesty partook of his + disjune at Tillietudlem?" +</p> +<p> + "Doubtless, such were your leddyship's commands, and to the best of my + remembrance"—was Mysie answering, when her ladyship broke in with, "Then + wherefore is the venison pasty placed on the left side of the throne, and + the stoup of claret upon the right, when ye may right weel remember, + Mysie, that his most sacred majesty with his ain hand shifted the pasty + to the same side with the flagon, and said they were too good friends to + be parted?" +</p> +<p> + "I mind that weel, madam," said Mysie; "and if I had forgot, I have heard + your leddyship often speak about that grand morning sin' syne; but I + thought every thing was to be placed just as it was when his majesty, God + bless him, came into this room, looking mair like an angel than a man, if + he hadna been sae black-a-vised." +</p> +<p> + "Then ye thought nonsense, Mysie; for in whatever way his most sacred + majesty ordered the position of the trenchers and flagons, that, as weel + as his royal pleasure in greater matters, should be a law to his + subjects, and shall ever be to those of the house of Tillietudlem." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, madam," said Mysie, making the alterations required, "it's easy + mending the error; but if every thing is just to be as his majesty left + it, there should be an unco hole in the venison pasty." +</p> +<p> + At this moment the door opened. +</p> +<p> + "Who is that, John Gudyill?" exclaimed the old lady. "I can speak to no + one just now.—Is it you, my dear brother?" she continued, in some + surprise, as the Major entered; "this is a right early visit." +</p> +<p> + "Not more early than welcome, I hope," replied Major Bellenden, as he + saluted the widow of his deceased brother; "but I heard by a note which + Edith sent to Charnwood about some of her equipage and books, that you + were to have Claver'se here this morning, so I thought, like an old + firelock as I am, that I should like to have a chat with this rising + soldier. I caused Pike saddle Kilsythe, and here we both are." +</p> +<p> + "And most kindly welcome you are," said the old lady; "it is just what I + should have prayed you to do, if I had thought there was time. You see I + am busy in preparation. All is to be in the same order as when"—"The + king breakfasted at Tillietudlem," said the Major, who, like all Lady + Margaret's friends, dreaded the commencement of that narrative, and was + desirous to cut it short,—"I remember it well; you know I was waiting on + his majesty." +</p> +<p> + "You were, brother," said Lady Margaret; "and perhaps you can help me to + remember the order of the entertainment." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, good sooth," said the Major, "the damnable dinner that Noll gave us + at Worcester a few days afterwards drove all your good cheer out of my + memory.—But how's this?—you have even the great Turkey-leather + elbow-chair, with the tapestry cushions, placed in state." +</p> +<p> + "The throne, brother, if you please," said Lady Margaret, gravely. +</p> +<p> + "Well, the throne be it, then," continued the Major. "Is that to be + Claver'se's post in the attack upon the pasty?" +</p> +<p> + "No, brother," said the lady; "as these cushions have been once honoured + by accommodating the person of our most sacred Monarch, they shall never, + please Heaven, during my life-time, be pressed by any less dignified + weight." +</p> +<p> + "You should not then," said the old soldier, "put them in the way of an + honest old cavalier, who has ridden ten miles before breakfast; for, to + confess the truth, they look very inviting. But where is Edith?" +</p> +<p> + "On the battlements of the warder's turret," answered the old lady, + "looking out for the approach of our guests." +</p> +<p> + "Why, I'll go there too; and so should you, Lady Margaret, as soon as you + have your line of battle properly formed in the hall here. It's a pretty + thing, I can tell you, to see a regiment of horse upon the march." +</p> +<p> + Thus speaking, he offered his arm with an air of old-fashioned gallantry, + which Lady Margaret accepted with such a courtesy of acknowledgment as + ladies were wont to make in Holyroodhouse before the year 1642, which, + for one while, drove both courtesies and courts out of fashion. +</p> +<p> + Upon the bartizan of the turret, to which they ascended by many a winding + passage and uncouth staircase, they found Edith, not in the attitude of a + young lady who watches with fluttering curiosity the approach of a smart + regiment of dragoons, but pale, downcast, and evincing, by her + countenance, that sleep had not, during the preceding night, been the + companion of her pillow. The good old veteran was hurt at her appearance, + which, in the hurry of preparation, her grandmother had omitted to + notice. +</p> +<p> + "What is come over you, you silly girl?" he said; "why, you look like an + officer's wife when she opens the News-letter after an action, and + expects to find her husband among the killed and wounded. But I know the + reason—you will persist in reading these nonsensical romances, day and + night, and whimpering for distresses that never existed. Why, how the + devil can you believe that Artamines, or what d'ye call him, fought + singlehanded with a whole battalion? One to three is as great odds as + ever fought and won, and I never knew any body that cared to take that, + except old Corporal Raddlebanes. But these d—d books put all pretty + men's actions out of countenance. I daresay you would think very little + of Raddlebanes, if he were alongside of Artamines.—I would have the + fellows that write such nonsense brought to the picquet for + leasing-making." +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Romances of the Seventeenth Century. As few, in the present + age, are acquainted with the ponderous folios to which the age of + Louis XIV. gave rise, we need only say, that they combine the + dulness of the metaphysical courtship with all the improbabilities + of the ancient Romance of Chivalry. Their character will be most + easily learned from Boileau's Dramatic Satire, or Mrs Lennox's + Female Quixote.] +</pre> +<p> + Lady Margaret, herself somewhat attached to the perusal of romances, took + up the cudgels. "Monsieur Scuderi," she said, "is a soldier, brother; + and, as I have heard, a complete one, and so is the Sieur d'Urfe." +</p> +<p> + "More shame for them; they should have known better what they were + writing about. For my part, I have not read a book these twenty years + except my Bible, The Whole Duty of Man, and, of late days, Turner's + Pallas Armata, or Treatise on the Ordering of the Pike Exercise, and I + don't like his discipline much neither. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Sir James Turner. Sir James Turner was a soldier of fortune, + bred in the civil wars. He was intrusted with a commission to levy + the fines imposed by the Privy Council for non-conformity, in the + district of Dumfries and Galloway. In this capacity he vexed the + country so much by his exactions, that the people rose and made him + prisoner, and then proceeded in arms towards Mid-Lothian, where they + were defeated at Pentland Hills, in 1666. Besides his treatise on + the Military Art, Sir James Turner wrote several other works; the + most curious of which is his Memoirs of his own Life and Times, + which has just been printed, under the charge of the Bannatyne + Club.] +</pre> +<p> + He wants to draw up the cavalry in front of a stand of pikes, instead of + being upon the wings. Sure am I, if we had done so at Kilsythe, instead + of having our handful of horse on the flanks, the first discharge would + have sent them back among our Highlanders.—But I hear the kettle-drums." +</p> +<p> + All heads were now bent from the battlements of the turret, which + commanded a distant prospect down the vale of the river. The Tower of + Tillietudlem stood, or perhaps yet stands, upon the angle of a very + precipitous bank, formed by the junction of a considerable brook with the + Clyde. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: The Castle of Tillietudlem is imaginary; but the ruins of + Craignethan Castle, situated on the Nethan, about three miles from + its junction with the Clyde, have something of the character of the + description in the text]. +</pre> +<p> + There was a narrow bridge of one steep arch, across the brook near its + mouth, over which, and along the foot of the high and broken bank, winded + the public road; and the fortalice, thus commanding both bridge and pass, + had been, in times of war, a post of considerable importance, the + possession of which was necessary to secure the communication of the + upper and wilder districts of the country with those beneath, where the + valley expands, and is more capable of cultivation. The view downwards is + of a grand woodland character; but the level ground and gentle slopes + near the river form cultivated fields of an irregular shape, interspersed + with hedgerow-trees and copses, the enclosures seeming to have been + individually cleared out of the forest which surrounds them, and which + occupies, in unbroken masses, the steeper declivities and more distant + banks. The stream, in colour a clear and sparkling brown, like the hue of + the Cairngorm pebbles, rushes through this romantic region in bold sweeps + and curves, partly visible and partly concealed by the trees which clothe + its banks. With a providence unknown in other parts of Scotland, the + peasants have, in most places, planted orchards around their cottages, + and the general blossom of the appletrees at this season of the year gave + all the lower part of the view the appearance of a flower-garden. +</p> +<p> + Looking up the river, the character of the scene was varied considerably + for the worse. A hilly, waste, and uncultivated country approached close + to the banks; the trees were few, and limited to the neighbourhood of the + stream, and the rude moors swelled at a little distance into shapeless + and heavy hills, which were again surmounted in their turn by a range of + lofty mountains, dimly seen on the horizon. Thus the tower commanded two + prospects, the one richly cultivated and highly adorned, the other + exhibiting the monotonous and dreary character of a wild and inhospitable + moorland. +</p> +<p> + The eyes of the spectators on the present occasion were attracted to the + downward view, not alone by its superior beauty, but because the distant + sounds of military music began to be heard from the public high-road + which winded up the vale, and announced the approach of the expected body + of cavalry. Their glimmering ranks were shortly afterwards seen in the + distance, appearing and disappearing as the trees and the windings of the + road permitted them to be visible, and distinguished chiefly by the + flashes of light which their arms occasionally reflected against the sun. + The train was long and imposing, for there were about two hundred and + fifty horse upon the march, and the glancing of the swords and waving of + their banners, joined to the clang of their trumpets and kettle-drums, + had at once a lively and awful effect upon the imagination. As they + advanced still nearer and nearer, they could distinctly see the files of + those chosen troops following each other in long succession, completely + equipped and superbly mounted. +</p> +<p> + "It's a sight that makes me thirty years younger," said the old cavalier; + "and yet I do not much like the service that these poor fellows are to be + engaged in. Although I had my share of the civil war, I cannot say I had + ever so much real pleasure in that sort of service as when I was employed + on the Continent, and we were hacking at fellows with foreign faces and + outlandish dialect. It's a hard thing to hear a hamely Scotch tongue cry + quarter, and be obliged to cut him down just the same as if he called out + <i>misricorde</i>.—So, there they come through the Netherwood haugh; upon my + word, fine-looking fellows, and capitally mounted.—He that is gallopping + from the rear of the column must be Claver'se himself;—ay, he gets into + the front as they cross the bridge, and now they will be with us in less + than five minutes." +</p> +<a name="image-0009"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" height="771" width="532" +alt="Edith on the Battlements--Frontispiece +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + At the bridge beneath the tower the cavalry divided, and the greater + part, moving up the left bank of the brook and crossing at a ford a + little above, took the road of the Grange, as it was called, a large set + of farm-offices belonging to the Tower, where Lady Margaret had ordered + preparation to be made for their reception and suitable entertainment. + The officers alone, with their colours and an escort to guard them, were + seen to take the steep road up to the gate of the Tower, appearing by + intervals as they gained the ascent, and again hidden by projections of + the bank and of the huge old trees with which it is covered. When they + emerged from this narrow path, they found themselves in front of the old + Tower, the gates of which were hospitably open for their reception. Lady + Margaret, with Edith and her brother-in-law, having hastily descended + from their post of observation, appeared to meet and to welcome their + guests, with a retinue of domestics in as good order as the orgies of the + preceding evening permitted. The gallant young cornet (a relation as well + as namesake of Claverhouse, with whom the reader has been already made + acquainted) lowered the standard amid the fanfare of the trumpets, in + homage to the rank of Lady Margaret and the charms of her grand-daughter, + and the old walls echoed to the flourish of the instruments, and the + stamp and neigh of the chargers. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: John Grahame of Claverhouse. This remarkable person united + the seemingly inconsistent qualities of courage and cruelty, a + disinterested and devoted loyalty to his prince, with a disregard of + the rights of his fellow-subjects. He was the unscrupulous agent of + the Scottish Privy Council in executing the merciless severities of + the government in Scotland during the reigns of Charles II. and + James II.; but he redeemed his character by the zeal with which he + asserted the cause of the latter monarch after the Revolution, the + military skill with which he supported it at the battle of + Killiecrankie, and by his own death in the arms of victory. + + It is said by tradition, that he was very desirous to see, and be + introduced to, a certain Lady Elphinstoun, who had reached the + advanced age of one hundred years and upwards. The noble matron, + being a stanch whig, was rather unwilling to receive Claver'se, (as + he was called from his title,) but at length consented. After the + usual compliments, the officer observed to the lady, that having + lived so much beyond the usual term of humanity, she must in her + time have seen many strange changes. "Hout na, sir," said Lady + Elphinstoun, "the world is just to end with me as it began. When I + was entering life, there was ane Knox deaving us a' wi' his clavers, + and now I am ganging out, there is ane Claver'se deaving us a' wi' + his knocks." + + Clavers signifying, in common parlance, idle chat, the double pun + does credit to the ingenuity of a lady of a hundred years old.] +</pre> +<p> + Claverhouse himself alighted from a black horse, the most beautiful + perhaps in Scotland. He had not a single white hair upon his whole body, + a circumstance which, joined to his spirit and fleetness, and to his + being so frequently employed in pursuit of the presbyterian recusants, + caused an opinion to prevail among them, that the steed had been + presented to his rider by the great Enemy of Mankind, in order to assist + him in persecuting the fugitive wanderers. When Claverhouse had paid his + respects to the ladies with military politeness, had apologized for the + trouble to which he was putting Lady Margaret's family, and had received + the corresponding assurances that she could not think any thing an + inconvenience which brought within the walls of Tillietudlem so + distinguished a soldier, and so loyal a servant of his sacred majesty; + when, in short, all forms of hospitable and polite ritual had been duly + complied with, the Colonel requested permission to receive the report of + Bothwell, who was now in attendance, and with whom he spoke apart for a + few minutes. Major Bellenden took that opportunity to say to his niece, + without the hearing of her grandmother, "What a trifling foolish girl you + are, Edith, to send me by express a letter crammed with nonsense about + books and gowns, and to slide the only thing I cared a marvedie about + into the postscript!" +</p> +<p> + "I did not know," said Edith, hesitating very much, "whether it would be + quite—quite proper for me to"—"I know what you would say—whether it + would be right to take any interest in a presbyterian. But I knew this + lad's father well. He was a brave soldier; and, if he was once wrong, he + was once right too. I must commend your caution, Edith, for having said + nothing of this young gentleman's affair to your grandmother—you may + rely on it I shall not—I will take an opportunity to speak to Claver'se. + Come, my love, they are going to breakfast. Let us follow them." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0012"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XII. +</h2> +<pre> + Their breakfast so warm to be sure they did eat, + A custom in travellers mighty discreet. + Prior. +</pre> +<p> + The breakfast of Lady Margaret Bellenden no more resembled a modern + <i>dejune</i>, than the great stone-hall at Tillietudlem could brook + comparison with a modern drawing-room. No tea, no coffee, no variety of + rolls, but solid and substantial viands,—the priestly ham, the knightly + sirloin, the noble baron of beef, the princely venison pasty; while + silver flagons, saved with difficulty from the claws of the Covenanters, + now mantled, some with ale, some with mead, and some with generous wine + of various qualities and descriptions. The appetites of the guests were + in correspondence to the magnificence and solidity of the preparation—no + piddling—no boy's-play, but that steady and persevering exercise of the + jaws which is best learned by early morning hours, and by occasional hard + commons. +</p> +<p> + Lady Margaret beheld with delight the cates which she had provided + descending with such alacrity into the persons of her honoured guests, + and had little occasion to exercise, with respect to any of the company + saving Claverhouse himself, the compulsory urgency of pressing to eat, to + which, as to the peine forte et dure, the ladies of that period were in + the custom of subjecting their guests. +</p> +<p> + But the leader himself, more anxious to pay courtesy to Miss Bellenden, + next whom he was placed, than to gratify his appetite, appeared somewhat + negligent of the good cheer set before him. Edith heard, without reply, + many courtly speeches addressed to her, in a tone of voice of that happy + modulation which could alike melt in the low tones of interesting + conversation, and rise amid the din of battle, "loud as a trumpet with a + silver sound." The sense that she was in the presence of the dreadful + chief upon whose fiat the fate of Henry Morton must depend—the + recollection of the terror and awe which were attached to the very name + of the commander, deprived her for some time, not only of the courage to + answer, but even of the power of looking upon him. But when, emboldened + by the soothing tones of his voice, she lifted her eyes to frame some + reply, the person on whom she looked bore, in his appearance at least, + none of the terrible attributes in which her apprehensions had arrayed + him. +</p> +<p> + Grahame of Claverhouse was in the prime of life, rather low of stature, + and slightly, though elegantly, formed; his gesture, language, and + manners, were those of one whose life had been spent among the noble and + the gay. His features exhibited even feminine regularity. An oval face, a + straight and well-formed nose, dark hazel eyes, a complexion just + sufficiently tinged with brown to save it from the charge of effeminacy, + a short upper lip, curved upward like that of a Grecian statue, and + slightly shaded by small mustachios of light brown, joined to a profusion + of long curled locks of the same colour, which fell down on each side of + his face, contributed to form such a countenance as limners love to paint + and ladies to look upon. +</p> +<p> + The severity of his character, as well as the higher attributes of + undaunted and enterprising valour which even his enemies were compelled + to admit, lay concealed under an exterior which seemed adapted to the + court or the saloon rather than to the field. The same gentleness and + gaiety of expression which reigned in his features seemed to inspire his + actions and gestures; and, on the whole, he was generally esteemed, at + first sight, rather qualified to be the votary of pleasure than of + ambition. But under this soft exterior was hidden a spirit unbounded in + daring and in aspiring, yet cautious and prudent as that of Machiavel + himself. Profound in politics, and embued, of course, with that disregard + for individual rights which its intrigues usually generate, this leader + was cool and collected in danger, fierce and ardent in pursuing success, + careless of facing death himself, and ruthless in inflicting it upon + others. Such are the characters formed in times of civil discord, when + the highest qualities, perverted by party spirit, and inflamed by + habitual opposition, are too often combined with vices and excesses which + deprive them at once of their merit and of their lustre. +</p> +<p> + In endeavouring to reply to the polite trifles with which Claverhouse + accosted her, Edith showed so much confusion, that her grandmother + thought it necessary to come to her relief. +</p> +<p> + "Edith Bellenden," said the old lady, "has, from my retired mode of + living, seen so little of those of her own sphere, that truly she can + hardly frame her speech to suitable answers. A soldier is so rare a sight + with us, Colonel Grahame, that unless it be my young Lord Evandale, we + have hardly had an opportunity of receiving a gentleman in uniform. And, + now I talk of that excellent young nobleman, may I enquire if I was not + to have had the honour of seeing him this morning with the regiment?" +</p> +<p> + "Lord Evandale, madam, was on his march with us," answered the leader, + "but I was obliged to detach him with a small party to disperse a + conventicle of those troublesome scoundrels, who have had the impudence + to assemble within five miles of my head-quarters." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed!" said the old lady; "that is a height of presumption to which I + would have thought no rebellious fanatics would have ventured to aspire. + But these are strange times! There is an evil spirit in the land, Colonel + Grahame, that excites the vassals of persons of rank to rebel against the + very house that holds and feeds them. There was one of my able-bodied men + the other day who plainly refused to attend the wappen-schaw at my + bidding. Is there no law for such recusancy, Colonel Grahame?" +</p> +<p> + "I think I could find one," said Claverhouse, with great composure, "if + your ladyship will inform me of the name and residence of the culprit." +</p> +<p> + "His name," said Lady Margaret, "is Cuthbert Headrigg; I can say nothing + of his domicile, for ye may weel believe, Colonel Grahame, he did not + dwell long in Tillietudlem, but was speedily expelled for his contumacy. + I wish the lad no severe bodily injury; but incarceration, or even a few + stripes, would be a good example in this neighbourhood. His mother, under + whose influence I doubt he acted, is an ancient domestic of this family, + which makes me incline to mercy; although," continued the old lady, + looking towards the pictures of her husband and her sons, with which the + wall was hung, and heaving, at the same time, a deep sigh, "I, Colonel + Grahame, have in my ain person but little right to compassionate that + stubborn and rebellious generation. They have made me a childless widow, + and, but for the protection of our sacred sovereign and his gallant + soldiers, they would soon deprive me of lands and goods, of hearth and + altar. Seven of my tenants, whose joint rent-mail may mount to wellnigh a + hundred merks, have already refused to pay either cess or rent, and had + the assurance to tell my steward that they would acknowledge neither king + nor landlord but who should have taken the Covenant." +</p> +<p> + "I will take a course with them—that is, with your ladyship's + permission," answered Claverhouse; "it would ill become me to neglect the + support of lawful authority when it is lodged in such worthy hands as + those of Lady Margaret Bellenden. But I must needs say this country grows + worse and worse daily, and reduces me to the necessity of taking measures + with the recusants that are much more consonant with my duty than with my + inclinations. And, speaking of this, I must not forget that I have to + thank your ladyship for the hospitality you have been pleased to extend + to a party of mine who have brought in a prisoner, charged with having + resetted [Note: Resetted, i.e. received or harboured.] the murdering + villain, Balfour of Burley." +</p> +<p> + "The house of Tillietudlem," answered the lady, "hath ever been open to + the servants of his majesty, and I hope that the stones of it will no + longer rest on each other when it surceases to be as much at their + command as at ours. And this reminds me, Colonel Grahame, that the + gentleman who commands the party can hardly be said to be in his proper + place in the army, considering whose blood flows in his veins; and if I + might flatter myself that any thing would be granted to my request, I + would presume to entreat that he might be promoted on some favourable + opportunity." +</p> +<p> + "Your ladyship means Sergeant Francis Stewart, whom we call Bothwell?" + said Claverhouse, smiling. "The truth is, he is a little too rough in the + country, and has not been uniformly so amenable to discipline as the + rules of the service require. But to instruct me how to oblige Lady + Margaret Bellenden, is to lay down the law to me.—Bothwell," he + continued, addressing the sergeant, who just then appeared at the door, + "go kiss Lady Margaret Bellenden's hand, who interests herself in your + promotion, and you shall have a commission the first vacancy." +</p> +<p> + Bothwell went through the salutation in the manner prescribed, but not + without evident marks of haughty reluctance, and, when he had done so, + said aloud, "To kiss a lady's hand can never disgrace a gentleman; but I + would not kiss a man's, save the king's, to be made a general." +</p> +<p> + "You hear him," said Claverhouse, smiling, "there's the rock he splits + upon; he cannot forget his pedigree." +</p> +<p> + "I know, my noble colonel," said Bothwell, in the same tone, "that you + will not forget your promise; and then, perhaps, you may permit Cornet + Stewart to have some recollection of his grandfather, though the Sergeant + must forget him." +</p> +<p> + "Enough of this, sir," said Claverhouse, in the tone of command which was + familiar to him; "and let me know what you came to report to me just + now." +</p> +<p> + "My Lord Evandale and his party have halted on the high-road with some + prisoners," said Bothwell. +</p> +<p> + "My Lord Evandale?" said Lady Margaret. "Surely, Colonel Grahame, you + will permit him to honour me with his society, and to take his poor + disjune here, especially considering, that even his most sacred Majesty + did not pass the Tower of Tillietudlem without halting to partake of some + refreshment." +</p> +<p> + As this was the third time in the course of the conversation that Lady + Margaret had adverted to this distinguished event, Colonel Grahame, as + speedily as politeness would permit, took advantage of the first pause to + interrupt the farther progress of the narrative, by saying, "We are + already too numerous a party of guests; but as I know what Lord Evandale + will suffer (looking towards Edith) if deprived of the pleasure which we + enjoy, I will run the risk of overburdening your ladyship's + hospitality.—Bothwell, let Lord Evandale know that Lady Margaret + Bellenden requests the honour of his company." +</p> +<p> + "And let Harrison take care," added Lady Margaret, "that the people and + their horses are suitably seen to." +</p> +<p> + Edith's heart sprung to her lips during this conversation; for it + instantly occurred to her, that, through her influence over Lord + Evandale, she might find some means of releasing Morton from his present + state of danger, in case her uncle's intercession with Claverhouse should + prove ineffectual. At any other time she would have been much averse to + exert this influence; for, however inexperienced in the world, her native + delicacy taught her the advantage which a beautiful young woman gives to + a young man when she permits him to lay her under an obligation. And she + would have been the farther disinclined to request any favour of Lord + Evandale, because the voice of the gossips in Clydesdale had, for reasons + hereafter to be made known, assigned him to her as a suitor, and because + she could not disguise from herself that very little encouragement was + necessary to realize conjectures which had hitherto no foundation. This + was the more to be dreaded, that, in the case of Lord Evandale's making a + formal declaration, he had every chance of being supported by the + influence of Lady Margaret and her other friends, and that she would have + nothing to oppose to their solicitations and authority, except a + predilection, to avow which she knew would be equally dangerous and + unavailing. She determined, therefore, to wait the issue of her uncle's + intercession, and, should it fail, which she conjectured she should soon + learn, either from the looks or language of the open-hearted veteran, she + would then, as a last effort, make use in Morton's favour of her interest + with Lord Evandale. Her mind did not long remain in suspense on the + subject of her uncle's application. +</p> +<p> + Major Bellenden, who had done the honours of the table, laughing and + chatting with the military guests who were at that end of the board, was + now, by the conclusion of the repast, at liberty to leave his station, + and accordingly took an opportunity to approach Claverhouse, requesting + from his niece, at the same time, the honour of a particular + introduction. As his name and character were well known, the two military + men met with expressions of mutual regard; and Edith, with a beating + heart, saw her aged relative withdraw from the company, together with his + new acquaintance, into a recess formed by one of the arched windows of + the hall. She watched their conference with eyes almost dazzled by the + eagerness of suspense, and, with observation rendered more acute by the + internal agony of her mind, could guess, from the pantomimic gestures + which accompanied the conversation, the progress and fate of the + intercession in behalf of Henry Morton. +</p> +<p> + The first expression of the countenance of Claverhouse betokened that + open and willing courtesy, which, ere it requires to know the nature of + the favour asked, seems to say, how happy the party will be to confer an + obligation on the suppliant. But as the conversation proceeded, the brow + of that officer became darker and more severe, and his features, though + still retaining the expression of the most perfect politeness, assumed, + at least to Edith's terrified imagination, a harsh and inexorable + character. His lip was now compressed as if with impatience; now curled + slightly upward, as if in civil contempt of the arguments urged by Major + Bellenden. The language of her uncle, as far as expressed in his manner, + appeared to be that of earnest intercession, urged with all the + affectionate simplicity of his character, as well as with the weight + which his age and reputation entitled him to use. But it seemed to have + little impression upon Colonel Grahame, who soon changed his posture, as + if about to cut short the Major's importunity, and to break up their + conference with a courtly expression of regret, calculated to accompany a + positive refusal of the request solicited. This movement brought them so + near Edith, that she could distinctly hear Claverhouse say, "It cannot + be, Major Bellenden; lenity, in his case, is altogether beyond the bounds + of my commission, though in any thing else I am heartily desirous to + oblige you.—And here comes Evandale with news, as I think.—What tidings + do you bring us, Evandale?" he continued, addressing the young lord, who + now entered in complete uniform, but with his dress disordered, and his + boots spattered, as if by riding hard. +</p> +<a name="image-0010"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa176.jpg" height="767" width="524" +alt="Claverhouse +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Unpleasant news, sir," was his reply. "A large body of whigs are in arms + among the hills, and have broken out into actual rebellion. They have + publicly burnt the Act of Supremacy, that which established episcopacy, + that for observing the martyrdom of Charles I., and some others, and have + declared their intention to remain together in arms for furthering the + covenanted work of reformation." +</p> +<p> + This unexpected intelligence struck a sudden and painful surprise into + the minds of all who heard it, excepting Claverhouse. +</p> +<p> + "Unpleasant news call you them?" replied Colonel Grahame, his dark eyes + flashing fire, "they are the best I have heard these six months. Now that + the scoundrels are drawn into a body, we will make short work with them. + When the adder crawls into daylight," he added, striking the heel of his + boot upon the floor, as if in the act of crushing a noxious reptile, "I + can trample him to death; he is only safe when he remains lurking in his + den or morass.—Where are these knaves?" he continued, addressing Lord + Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "About ten miles off among the mountains, at a place called Loudon-hill," + was the young nobleman's reply. "I dispersed the conventicle against + which you sent me, and made prisoner an old trumpeter of rebellion,—an + intercommuned minister, that is to say,—who was in the act of exhorting + his hearers to rise and be doing in the good cause, as well as one or two + of his hearers who seemed to be particularly insolent; and from some + country people and scouts I learned what I now tell you." +</p> +<p> + "What may be their strength?" asked his commander. +</p> +<p> + "Probably a thousand men, but accounts differ widely." +</p> +<p> + "Then," said Claverhouse, "it is time for us to be up and be doing + also—Bothwell, bid them sound to horse." +</p> +<p> + Bothwell, who, like the war-horse of scripture, snuffed the battle afar + off, hastened to give orders to six negroes, in white dresses richly + laced, and having massive silver collars and armlets. These sable + functionaries acted as trumpeters, and speedily made the castle and the + woods around it ring with their summons. +</p> +<p> + "Must you then leave us?" said Lady Margaret, her heart sinking under + recollection of former unhappy times; "had ye not better send to learn + the force of the rebels?—O, how many a fair face hae I heard these + fearfu' sounds call away frae the Tower of Tillietudlem, that my auld een + were ne'er to see return to it!" +</p> +<p> + "It is impossible for me to stop," said Claverhouse; "there are rogues + enough in this country to make the rebels five times their strength, if + they are not checked at once." +</p> +<p> + "Many," said Evandale, "are flocking to them already, and they give out + that they expect a strong body of the indulged presbyterians, headed by + young Milnwood, as they call him, the son of the famous old roundhead, + Colonel Silas Morton." +</p> +<p> + This speech produced a very different effect upon the hearers. Edith + almost sunk from her seat with terror, while Claverhouse darted a glance + of sarcastic triumph at Major Bellenden, which seemed to imply—"You see + what are the principles of the young man you are pleading for." +</p> +<p> + "It's a lie—it's a d—d lie of these rascally fanatics," said the Major + hastily. "I will answer for Henry Morton as I would for my own son. He is + a lad of as good church-principles as any gentleman in the Life-Guards. I + mean no offence to any one. He has gone to church service with me fifty + times, and I never heard him miss one of the responses in my life. Edith + Bellenden can bear witness to it as well as I. He always read on the same + Prayer-book with her, and could look out the lessons as well as the + curate himself. Call him up; let him be heard for himself." +</p> +<p> + "There can be no harm in that," said Claverhouse, "whether he be innocent + or guilty.—Major Allan," he said, turning to the officer next in + command, "take a guide, and lead the regiment forward to Loudon-hill by + the best and shortest road. Move steadily, and do not let the men blow + the horses; Lord Evandale and I will overtake you in a quarter of an + hour. Leave Bothwell with a party to bring up the prisoners." +</p> +<p> + Allan bowed, and left the apartment, with all the officers, excepting + Claverhouse and the young nobleman. In a few minutes the sound of the + military music and the clashing of hoofs announced that the horsemen were + leaving the castle. The sounds were presently heard only at intervals, + and soon died away entirely. +</p> +<p> + While Claverhouse endeavoured to soothe the terrors of Lady Margaret, and + to reconcile the veteran Major to his opinion of Morton, Evandale, + getting the better of that conscious shyness which renders an ingenuous + youth diffident in approaching the object of his affections, drew near to + Miss Bellenden, and accosted her in a tone of mingled respect and + interest. +</p> +<p> + "We are to leave you," he said, taking her hand, which he pressed with + much emotion—"to leave you for a scene which is not without its dangers. + Farewell, dear Miss Bellenden;—let me say for the first, and perhaps the + last time, dear Edith! We part in circumstances so singular as may excuse + some solemnity in bidding farewell to one, whom I have known so long, and + whom I—respect so highly." +</p> +<p> + The manner differing from the words, seemed to express a feeling much + deeper and more agitating than was conveyed in the phrase he made use of. + It was not in woman to be utterly insensible to his modest and deep-felt + expression of tenderness. Although borne down by the misfortunes and + imminent danger of the man she loved, Edith was touched by the hopeless + and reverential passion of the gallant youth, who now took leave of her + to rush into dangers of no ordinary description. +</p> +<p> + "I hope—I sincerely trust," she said, "there is no danger. I hope there + is no occasion for this solemn ceremonial—that these hasty insurgents + will be dispersed rather by fear than force, and that Lord Evandale will + speedily return to be what he must always be, the dear and valued friend + of all in this castle." +</p> +<p> + "Of all," he repeated, with a melancholy emphasis upon the word. "But be + it so—whatever is near you is dear and valued to me, and I value their + approbation accordingly. Of our success I am not sanguine. Our numbers + are so few, that I dare not hope for so speedy, so bloodless, or so safe + an end of this unhappy disturbance. These men are enthusiastic, resolute, + and desperate, and have leaders not altogether unskilled in military + matters. I cannot help thinking that the impetuosity of our Colonel is + hurrying us against them rather prematurely. But there are few that have + less reason to shun danger than I have." +</p> +<p> + Edith had now the opportunity she wished to bespeak the young nobleman's + intercession and protection for Henry Morton, and it seemed the only + remaining channel of interest by which he could be rescued from impending + destruction. Yet she felt at that moment as if, in doing so, she was + abusing the partiality and confidence of the lover, whose heart was as + open before her, as if his tongue had made an express declaration. Could + she with honour engage Lord Evandale in the service of a rival? or could + she with prudence make him any request, or lay herself under any + obligation to him, without affording ground for hopes which she could + never realize? But the moment was too urgent for hesitation, or even for + those explanations with which her request might otherwise have been + qualified. +</p> +<p> + "I will but dispose of this young fellow," said Claverhouse, from the + other side of the hall, "and then, Lord Evandale—I am sorry to interrupt + again your conversation—but then we must mount.—Bothwell, why do not + you bring up the prisoner? and, hark ye, let two files load their + carabines." +</p> +<p> + In these words, Edith conceived she heard the death-warrant of her lover. + She instantly broke through the restraint which had hitherto kept her + silent. +</p> +<p> + "My Lord Evandale," she said, "this young gentleman is a particular + friend of my uncle's—your interest must be great with your colonel—let + me request your intercession in his favour—it will confer on my uncle a + lasting obligation." +</p> +<p> + "You overrate my interest, Miss Bellenden," said Lord Evandale; "I have + been often unsuccessful in such applications, when I have made them on + the mere score of humanity." +</p> +<p> + "Yet try once again for my uncle's sake." +</p> +<p> + "And why not for your own?" said Lord Evandale. "Will you not allow me to + think I am obliging you personally in this matter?—Are you so diffident + of an old friend that you will not allow him even the satisfaction of + thinking that he is gratifying your wishes?" +</p> +<p> + "Surely—surely," replied Edith; "you will oblige me infinitely—I am + interested in the young gentleman on my uncle's account—Lose no time, + for God's sake!" +</p> +<p> + She became bolder and more urgent in her entreaties, for she heard the + steps of the soldiers who were entering with their prisoner. +</p> +<p> + "By heaven! then," said Evandale, "he shall not die, if I should die in + his place!—But will not you," he said, resuming the hand, which in the + hurry of her spirits she had not courage to withdraw, "will not you grant + me one suit, in return for my zeal in your service?" +</p> +<p> + "Any thing you can ask, my Lord Evandale, that sisterly affection can + give." +</p> +<p> + "And is this all," he continued, "all you can grant to my affection + living, or my memory when dead?" +</p> +<p> + "Do not speak thus, my lord," said Edith, "you distress me, and do + injustice to yourself. There is no friend I esteem more highly, or to + whom I would more readily grant every mark of regard—providing—But"—A + deep sigh made her turn her head suddenly, ere she had well uttered the + last word; and, as she hesitated how to frame the exception with which + she meant to close the sentence, she became instantly aware she had been + overheard by Morton, who, heavily ironed and guarded by soldiers, was now + passing behind her in order to be presented to Claverhouse. As their eyes + met each other, the sad and reproachful expression of Morton's glance + seemed to imply that he had partially heard, and altogether + misinterpreted, the conversation which had just passed. There wanted but + this to complete Edith's distress and confusion. Her blood, which rushed + to her brow, made a sudden revulsion to her heart, and left her as pale + as death. This change did not escape the attention of Evandale, whose + quick glance easily discovered that there was between the prisoner and + the object of his own attachment, some singular and uncommon connexion. + He resigned the hand of Miss Bellenden, again surveyed the prisoner with + more attention, again looked at Edith, and plainly observed the confusion + which she could no longer conceal. +</p> +<p> + "This," he said, after a moment's gloomy silence, "is, I believe, the + young gentleman who gained the prize at the shooting match." +</p> +<p> + "I am not sure," hesitated Edith—"yet—I rather think not," scarce + knowing what she replied. +</p> +<p> + "It is he," said Evandale, decidedly; "I know him well. A victor," he + continued, somewhat haughtily, "ought to have interested a fair spectator + more deeply." +</p> +<p> + He then turned from Edith, and advancing towards the table at which + Claverhouse now placed himself, stood at a little distance, resting on + his sheathed broadsword, a silent, but not an unconcerned, spectator of + that which passed. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0013"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XIII. +</h2> +<pre> + O, my Lord, beware of jealousy! + Othello. +</pre> +<p> + To explain the deep effect which the few broken passages of the + conversation we have detailed made upon the unfortunate prisoner by whom + they were overheard, it is necessary to say something of his previous + state of mind, and of the origin of his acquaintance with Edith. +</p> +<p> + Henry Morton was one of those gifted characters, which possess a force of + talent unsuspected by the owner himself. He had inherited from his father + an undaunted courage, and a firm and uncompromising detestation of + oppression, whether in politics or religion. But his enthusiasm was + unsullied by fanatic zeal, and unleavened by the sourness of the + puritanical spirit. From these his mind had been freed, partly by the + active exertions of his own excellent understanding, partly by frequent + and long visits at Major Bellenden's, where he had an opportunity of + meeting with many guests whose conversation taught him, that goodness and + worth were not limited to those of any single form of religious + observance. +</p> +<p> + The base parsimony of his uncle had thrown many obstacles in the way of + his education; but he had so far improved the opportunities which offered + themselves, that his instructors as well as his friends were surprised at + his progress under such disadvantages. Still, however, the current of his + soul was frozen by a sense of dependence, of poverty, above all, of an + imperfect and limited education. These feelings impressed him with a + diffidence and reserve which effectually concealed from all but very + intimate friends, the extent of talent and the firmness of character, + which we have stated him to be possessed of. The circumstances of the + times had added to this reserve an air of indecision and of indifference; + for, being attached to neither of the factions which divided the kingdom, + he passed for dull, insensible, and uninfluenced by the feeling of + religion or of patriotism. No conclusion, however, could be more unjust; + and the reasons of the neutrality which he had hitherto professed had + root in very different and most praiseworthy motives. He had formed few + congenial ties with those who were the objects of persecution, and was + disgusted alike by their narrow-minded and selfish party-spirit, their + gloomy fanaticism, their abhorrent condemnation of all elegant studies or + innocent exercises, and the envenomed rancour of their political hatred. + But his mind was still more revolted by the tyrannical and oppressive + conduct of the government, the misrule, license, and brutality of the + soldiery, the executions on the scaffold, the slaughters in the open + field, the free quarters and exactions imposed by military law, which + placed the lives and fortunes of a free people on a level with Asiatic + slaves. Condemning, therefore, each party as its excesses fell under his + eyes, disgusted with the sight of evils which he had no means of + alleviating, and hearing alternate complaints and exultations with which + he could not sympathize, he would long ere this have left Scotland, had + it not been for his attachment to Edith Bellenden. +</p> +<p> + The earlier meetings of these young people had been at Charnwood, when + Major Bellenden, who was as free from suspicion on such occasions as + Uncle Toby himself, had encouraged their keeping each other constant + company, without entertaining any apprehension of the natural + consequences. Love, as usual in such cases, borrowed the name of + friendship, used her language, and claimed her privileges. When Edith + Bellenden was recalled to her mother's castle, it was astonishing by what + singular and recurring accidents she often met young Morton in her + sequestered walks, especially considering the distance of their places of + abode. Yet it somehow happened that she never expressed the surprise + which the frequency of these rencontres ought naturally to have excited, + and that their intercourse assumed gradually a more delicate character, + and their meetings began to wear the air of appointments. Books, + drawings, letters, were exchanged between them, and every trifling + commission, given or executed, gave rise to a new correspondence. Love + indeed was not yet mentioned between them by name, but each knew the + situation of their own bosom, and could not but guess at that of the + other. Unable to desist from an intercourse which possessed such charms + for both, yet trembling for its too probable consequences, it had been + continued without specific explanation until now, when fate appeared to + have taken the conclusion into its own hands. +</p> +<p> + It followed, as a consequence of this state of things, as well as of the + diffidence of Morton's disposition at this period, that his confidence in + Edith's return of his affection had its occasional cold fits. Her + situations was in every respect so superior to his own, her worth so + eminent, her accomplishments so many, her face so beautiful, and her + manners so bewitching, that he could not but entertain fears that some + suitor more favoured than himself by fortune, and more acceptable to + Edith's family than he durst hope to be, might step in between him and + the object of his affections. Common rumour had raised up such a rival in + Lord Evandale, whom birth, fortune, connexions, and political principles, + as well as his frequent visits at Tillietudlem, and his attendance upon + Lady Bellenden and her niece at all public places, naturally pointed out + as a candidate for her favour. It frequently and inevitably happened, + that engagements to which Lord Evandale was a party, interfered with the + meeting of the lovers, and Henry could not but mark that Edith either + studiously avoided speaking of the young nobleman, or did so with obvious + reserve and hesitation. +</p> +<p> + These symptoms, which, in fact, arose from the delicacy of her own + feelings towards Morton himself, were misconstrued by his diffident + temper, and the jealousy which they excited was fermented by the + occasional observations of Jenny Dennison. This true-bred serving-damsel + was, in her own person, a complete country coquette, and when she had no + opportunity of teasing her own lovers, used to take some occasional + opportunity to torment her young lady's. This arose from no ill-will to + Henry Morton, who, both on her mistress's account and his own handsome + form and countenance, stood high in her esteem. But then Lord Evandale + was also handsome; he was liberal far beyond what Morton's means could + afford, and he was a lord, moreover, and, if Miss Edith Bellenden should + accept his hand, she would become a baron's lady, and, what was more, + little Jenny Dennison, whom the awful housekeeper at Tillietudlem huffed + about at her pleasure, would be then Mrs Dennison, Lady Evandale's own + woman, or perhaps her ladyship's lady-in-waiting. The impartiality of + Jenny Dennison, therefore, did not, like that of Mrs Quickly, extend to a + wish that both the handsome suitors could wed her young lady; for it must + be owned that the scale of her regard was depressed in favour of Lord + Evandale, and her wishes in his favour took many shapes extremely + tormenting to Morton; being now expressed as a friendly caution, now as + an article of intelligence, and anon as a merry jest, but always tending + to confirm the idea, that, sooner or later, his romantic intercourse with + her young mistress must have a close, and that Edith Bellenden would, in + spite of summer walks beneath the greenwood tree, exchange of verses, of + drawings, and of books, end in becoming Lady Evandale. +</p> +<p> + These hints coincided so exactly with the very point of his own + suspicions and fears, that Morton was not long of feeling that jealousy + which every one has felt who has truly loved, but to which those are most + liable whose love is crossed by the want of friends' consent, or some + other envious impediment of fortune. Edith herself, unwittingly, and in + the generosity of her own frank nature, contributed to the error into + which her lover was in danger of falling. Their conversation once chanced + to turn upon some late excesses committed by the soldiery on an occasion + when it was said (inaccurately however) that the party was commanded by + Lord Evandale. Edith, as true in friendship as in love, was somewhat hurt + at the severe strictures which escaped from Morton on this occasion, and + which, perhaps, were not the less strongly expressed on account of their + supposed rivalry. She entered into Lord Evandale's defence with such + spirit as hurt Morton to the very soul, and afforded no small delight to + Jenny Dennison, the usual companion of their walks. Edith perceived her + error, and endeavoured to remedy it; but the impression was not so easily + erased, and it had no small effect in inducing her lover to form that + resolution of going abroad, which was disappointed in the manner we have + already mentioned. +</p> +<p> + The visit which he received from Edith during his confinement, the deep + and devoted interest which she had expressed in his fate, ought of + themselves to have dispelled his suspicions; yet, ingenious in tormenting + himself, even this he thought might be imputed to anxious friendship, or, + at most, to a temporary partiality, which would probably soon give way to + circumstances, the entreaties of her friends, the authority of Lady + Margaret, and the assiduities of Lord Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "And to what do I owe it," he said, "that I cannot stand up like a man, + and plead my interest in her ere I am thus cheated out of it?—to what, + but to the all-pervading and accursed tyranny, which afflicts at once our + bodies, souls, estates, and affections! And is it to one of the pensioned + cut-throats of this oppressive government that I must yield my + pretensions to Edith Bellenden?—I will not, by Heaven!—It is a just + punishment on me for being dead to public wrongs, that they have visited + me with their injuries in a point where they can be least brooked or + borne." +</p> +<p> + As these stormy resolutions boiled in his bosom, and while he ran over + the various kinds of insult and injury which he had sustained in his own + cause and in that of his country, Bothwell entered the tower, followed by + two dragoons, one of whom carried handcuffs. +</p> +<p> + "You must follow me, young man," said he, "but first we must put you in + trim." +</p> +<p> + "In trim!" said Morton. "What do you mean?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, we must put on these rough bracelets. I durst not—nay, d—n it, I + durst do any thing—but I would not for three hours' plunder of a stormed + town bring a whig before my Colonel without his being ironed. Come, come, + young man, don't look sulky about it." +</p> +<p> + He advanced to put on the irons; but, seizing the oaken-seat upon which + he had rested, Morton threatened to dash out the brains of the first who + should approach him. +</p> +<p> + "I could manage you in a moment, my youngster," said Bothwell, "but I had + rather you would strike sail quietly." +</p> +<p> + Here indeed he spoke the truth, not from either fear or reluctance to + adopt force, but because he dreaded the consequences of a noisy scuffle, + through which it might probably be discovered that he had, contrary to + express orders, suffered his prisoner to pass the night without being + properly secured. +</p> +<p> + "You had better be prudent," he continued, in a tone which he meant to be + conciliatory, "and don't spoil your own sport. They say here in the + castle that Lady Margaret's niece is immediately to marry our young + Captain, Lord Evandale. I saw them close together in the hall yonder, and + I heard her ask him to intercede for your pardon. She looked so devilish + handsome and kind upon him, that on my soul—But what the devil's the + matter with you?—You are as pale as a sheet—Will you have some brandy?" +</p> +<p> + "Miss Bellenden ask my life of Lord Evandale?" said the prisoner, + faintly. +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay; there's no friend like the women—their interest carries all in + court and camp.—Come, you are reasonable now—Ay, I thought you would + come round." +</p> +<p> + Here he employed himself in putting on the fetters, against which, + Morton, thunderstruck by this intelligence, no longer offered the least + resistance. +</p> +<p> + "My life begged of him, and by her!—ay—ay—put on the irons—my limbs + shall not refuse to bear what has entered into my very soul—My life + begged by Edith, and begged of Evandale!" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, and he has power to grant it too," said Bothwell—"He can do more + with the Colonel than any man in the regiment." +</p> +<p> + And as he spoke, he and his party led their prisoner towards the hall. In + passing behind the seat of Edith, the unfortunate prisoner heard enough, + as he conceived, of the broken expressions which passed between Edith and + Lord Evandale, to confirm all that the soldier had told him. That moment + made a singular and instantaneous revolution in his character. The depth + of despair to which his love and fortunes were reduced, the peril in + which his life appeared to stand, the transference of Edith's affections, + her intercession in his favour, which rendered her fickleness yet more + galling, seemed to destroy every feeling for which he had hitherto lived, + but, at the same time, awakened those which had hitherto been smothered + by passions more gentle though more selfish. Desperate himself, he + determined to support the rights of his country, insulted in his person. + His character was for the moment as effectually changed as the appearance + of a villa, which, from being the abode of domestic quiet and happiness, + is, by the sudden intrusion of an armed force, converted into a + formidable post of defence. +</p> +<p> + We have already said that he cast upon Edith one glance in which reproach + was mingled with sorrow, as if to bid her farewell for ever; his next + motion was to walk firmly to the table at which Colonel Grahame was + seated. +</p> +<p> + "By what right is it, sir," said he firmly, and without waiting till he + was questioned,—"By what right is it that these soldiers have dragged me + from my family, and put fetters on the limbs of a free man?" +</p> +<p> + "By my commands," answered Claverhouse; "and I now lay my commands on you + to be silent and hear my questions." +</p> +<p> + "I will not," replied Morton, in a determined tone, while his boldness + seemed to electrify all around him. "I will know whether I am in lawful + custody, and before a civil magistrate, ere the charter of my country + shall be forfeited in my person." +</p> +<p> + "A pretty springald this, upon my honour!" said Claverhouse. +</p> +<p> + "Are you mad?" said Major Bellenden to his young friend. "For God's sake, + Henry Morton," he continued, in a tone between rebuke and entreaty, + "remember you are speaking to one of his majesty's officers high in the + service." +</p> +<p> + "It is for that very reason, sir," returned Henry, firmly, "that I desire + to know what right he has to detain me without a legal warrant. Were he a + civil officer of the law I should know my duty was submission." +</p> +<p> + "Your friend, here," said Claverhouse to the veteran, coolly, "is one of + those scrupulous gentlemen, who, like the madman in the play, will not + tie his cravat without the warrant of Mr Justice Overdo; but I will let + him see, before we part, that my shoulder-knot is as legal a badge of + authority as the mace of the Justiciary. So, waving this discussion, you + will be pleased, young man, to tell me directly when you saw Balfour of + Burley." +</p> +<p> + "As I know no right you have to ask such a question," replied Morton, "I + decline replying to it." +</p> +<p> + "You confessed to my sergeant," said Claverhouse, "that you saw and + entertained him, knowing him to be an intercommuned traitor; why are you + not so frank with me?" +</p> +<p> + "Because," replied the prisoner, "I presume you are, from education, + taught to understand the rights upon which you seem disposed to trample; + and I am willing you should be aware there are yet Scotsmen who can + assert the liberties of Scotland." +</p> +<p> + "And these supposed rights you would vindicate with your sword, I + presume?" said Colonel Grahame. +</p> +<p> + "Were I armed as you are, and we were alone upon a hill-side, you should + not ask me the question twice." +</p> +<p> + "It is quite enough," answered Claverhouse, calmly; "your language + corresponds with all I have heard of you;—but you are the son of a + soldier, though a rebellious one, and you shall not die the death of a + dog; I will save you that indignity." +</p> +<p> + "Die in what manner I may," replied Morton, "I will die like the son of a + brave man; and the ignominy you mention shall remain with those who shed + innocent blood." +</p> +<p> + "Make your peace, then, with Heaven, in five minutes' space.—Bothwell, + lead him down to the court-yard, and draw up your party." +</p> +<p> + The appalling nature of this conversation, and of its result, struck the + silence of horror into all but the speakers. But now those who stood + round broke forth into clamour and expostulation. Old Lady Margaret, who, + with all the prejudices of rank and party, had not laid aside the + feelings of her sex, was loud in her intercession. +</p> +<p> + "O, Colonel Grahame," she exclaimed, "spare his young blood! Leave him to + the law—do not repay my hospitality by shedding men's blood on the + threshold of my doors!" +</p> +<p> + "Colonel Grahame," said Major Bellenden, "you must answer this violence. + Don't think, though I am old and feckless, that my friend's son shall be + murdered before my eyes with impunity. I can find friends that shall make + you answer it." +</p> +<p> + "Be satisfied, Major Bellenden, I will answer it," replied Claverhouse, + totally unmoved; "and you, madam, might spare me the pain the resisting + this passionate intercession for a traitor, when you consider the noble + blood your own house has lost by such as he is." +</p> +<p> + "Colonel Grahame," answered the lady, her aged frame trembling with + anxiety, "I leave vengeance to God, who calls it his own. The shedding of + this young man's blood will not call back the lives that were dear to me; + and how can it comfort me to think that there has maybe been another + widowed mother made childless, like mysell, by a deed done at my very + door-stane!" +</p> +<p> + "This is stark madness," said Claverhouse; "I must do my duty to church + and state. Here are a thousand villains hard by in open rebellion, and + you ask me to pardon a young fanatic who is enough of himself to set a + whole kingdom in a blaze! It cannot be—Remove him, Bothwell." +</p> +<p> + She who was most interested in this dreadful decision, had twice strove + to speak, but her voice had totally failed her; her mind refused to + suggest words, and her tongue to utter them. She now sprung up and + attempted to rush forward, but her strength gave way, and she would have + fallen flat upon the pavement had she not been caught by her attendant. +</p> +<p> + "Help!" cried Jenny,—"Help, for God's sake! my young lady is dying." +</p> +<p> + At this exclamation, Evandale, who, during the preceding part of the + scene, had stood motionless, leaning upon his sword, now stepped forward, + and said to his commanding-officer, "Colonel Grahame, before proceeding + in this matter, will you speak a word with me in private?" +</p> +<p> + Claverhouse looked surprised, but instantly rose and withdrew with the + young nobleman into a recess, where the following brief dialogue passed + between them: +</p> +<p> + "I think I need not remind you, Colonel, that when our family interest + was of service to you last year in that affair in the privy-council, you + considered yourself as laid under some obligation to us?" +</p> +<p> + "Certainly, my dear Evandale," answered Claverhouse, "I am not a man who + forgets such debts; you will delight me by showing how I can evince my + gratitude." +</p> +<p> + "I will hold the debt cancelled," said Lord Evandale, "if you will spare + this young man's life." +</p> +<p> + "Evandale," replied Grahame, in great surprise, "you are mad—absolutely + mad—what interest can you have in this young spawn of an old + roundhead?—His father was positively the most dangerous man in all + Scotland, cool, resolute, soliderly, and inflexible in his cursed + principles. His son seems his very model; you cannot conceive the + mischief he may do. I know mankind, Evandale—were he an insignificant, + fanatical, country booby, do you think I would have refused such a + trifle as his life to Lady Margaret and this family? But this is a lad + of fire, zeal, and education—and these knaves want but such a leader to + direct their blind enthusiastic hardiness. I mention this, not as + refusing your request, but to make you fully aware of the possible + consequences—I will never evade a promise, or refuse to return an + obligation—if you ask his life, he shall have it." +</p> +<p> + "Keep him close prisoner," answered Evandale, "but do not be surprised if + I persist in requesting you will not put him to death. I have most urgent + reasons for what I ask." +</p> +<p> + "Be it so then," replied Grahame;—"but, young man, should you wish in + your future life to rise to eminence in the service of your king and + country, let it be your first task to subject to the public interest, and + to the discharge of your duty, your private passions, affections, and + feelings. These are not times to sacrifice to the dotage of greybeards, + or the tears of silly women, the measures of salutary severity which the + dangers around compel us to adopt. And remember, that if I now yield this + point, in compliance with your urgency, my present concession must exempt + me from future solicitations of the same nature." +</p> +<p> + He then stepped forward to the table, and bent his eyes keenly on Morton, + as if to observe what effect the pause of awful suspense between death + and life, which seemed to freeze the bystanders with horror, would + produce upon the prisoner himself. Morton maintained a degree of + firmness, which nothing but a mind that had nothing left upon earth to + love or to hope, could have supported at such a crisis. +</p> +<p> + "You see him?" said Claverhouse, in a half whisper to Lord Evandale; "he + is tottering on the verge between time and eternity, a situation more + appalling than the most hideous certainty; yet his is the only cheek + unblenched, the only eye that is calm, the only heart that keeps its + usual time, the only nerves that are not quivering. Look at him well, + Evandale—If that man shall ever come to head an army of rebels, you will + have much to answer for on account of this morning's work." He then said + aloud, "Young man, your life is for the present safe, through the + intercession of your friends—Remove him, Bothwell, and let him be + properly guarded, and brought along with the other prisoners." +</p> +<p> + "If my life," said Morton, stung with the idea that he owed his respite + to the intercession of a favoured rival, "if my life be granted at Lord + Evandale's request"— +</p> +<p> + "Take the prisoner away, Bothwell," said Colonel Grahame, interrupting + him; "I have neither time to make nor to hear fine speeches." +</p> +<p> + Bothwell forced off Morton, saying, as he conducted him into the + court-yard, "Have you three lives in your pocket, besides the one in your + body, my lad, that you can afford to let your tongue run away with them + at this rate? Come, come, I'll take care to keep you out of the Colonel's + way; for, egad, you will not be five minutes with him before the next + tree or the next ditch will be the word. So, come along to your + companions in bondage." +</p> +<p> + Thus speaking, the sergeant, who, in his rude manner, did not altogether + want sympathy for a gallant young man, hurried Morton down to the + courtyard, where three other prisoners, (two men and a woman,) who had + been taken by Lord Evandale, remained under an escort of dragoons. +</p> +<p> + Meantime, Claverhouse took his leave of Lady Margaret. But it was + difficult for the good lady to forgive his neglect of her intercession. +</p> +<p> + "I have thought till now," she said, "that the Tower of Tillietudlem + might have been a place of succour to those that are ready to perish, + even if they werena sae deserving as they should have been—but I see + auld fruit has little savour—our suffering and our services have been of + an ancient date." +</p> +<p> + "They are never to be forgotten by me, let me assure your ladyship," said + Claverhouse. "Nothing but what seemed my sacred duty could make me + hesitate to grant a favour requested by you and the Major. Come, my good + lady, let me hear you say you have forgiven me, and, as I return + to-night, I will bring a drove of two hundred whigs with me, and pardon + fifty head of them for your sake." +</p> +<p> + "I shall be happy to hear of your success, Colonel," said Major + Bellenden; "but take an old soldier's advice, and spare blood when + battle's over,—and once more let me request to enter bail for young + Morton." +</p> +<p> + "We will settle that when I return," said Claverhouse. "Meanwhile, be + assured his life shall be safe." +</p> +<p> + During this conversation, Evandale looked anxiously around for Edith; but + the precaution of Jenny Dennison had occasioned her mistress being + transported to her own apartment. +</p> +<p> + Slowly and heavily he obeyed the impatient summons of Claverhouse, who, + after taking a courteous leave of Lady Margaret and the Major, had + hastened to the court-yard. The prisoners with their guard were already + on their march, and the officers with their escort mounted and followed. + All pressed forward to overtake the main body, as it was supposed they + would come in sight of the enemy in little more than two hours. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0014"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XIV. +</h2> +<pre> + My hounds may a' rin masterless, + My hawks may fly frae tree to tree, + My lord may grip my vassal lands, + For there again maun I never be! + Old Ballad. +</pre> +<p> + We left Morton, along with three companions in captivity, travelling in + the custody of a small body of soldiers, who formed the rear-guard of the + column under the command of Claverhouse, and were immediately under the + charge of Sergeant Bothwell. Their route lay towards the hills in which + the insurgent presbyterians were reported to be in arms. They had not + prosecuted their march a quarter of a mile ere Claverhouse and Evandale + galloped past them, followed by their orderly-men, in order to take their + proper places in the column which preceded them. No sooner were they past + than Bothwell halted the body which he commanded, and disencumbered + Morton of his irons. +</p> +<p> + "King's blood must keep word," said the dragoon. "I promised you should + be civilly treated as far as rested with me.—Here, Corporal Inglis, let + this gentleman ride alongside of the other young fellow who is prisoner; + and you may permit them to converse together at their pleasure, under + their breath, but take care they are guarded by two files with loaded + carabines. If they attempt an escape, blow their brains out.—You cannot + call that using you uncivilly," he continued, addressing himself to + Morton, "it's the rules of war, you know.—And, Inglis, couple up the + parson and the old woman, they are fittest company for each other, d—n + me; a single file may guard them well enough. If they speak a word of + cant or fanatical nonsense, let them have a strapping with a + shoulder-belt. There's some hope of choking a silenced parson; if he is + not allowed to hold forth, his own treason will burst him." +</p> +<p> + Having made this arrangement, Bothwell placed himself at the head of the + party, and Inglis, with six dragoons, brought up the rear. The whole then + set forward at a trot, with the purpose of overtaking the main body of + the regiment. +</p> +<p> + Morton, overwhelmed with a complication of feelings, was totally + indifferent to the various arrangements made for his secure custody, and + even to the relief afforded him by his release from the fetters. He + experienced that blank and waste of the heart which follows the hurricane + of passion, and, no longer supported by the pride and conscious rectitude + which dictated his answers to Claverhouse, he surveyed with deep + dejection the glades through which he travelled, each turning of which + had something to remind him of past happiness and disappointed love. The + eminence which they now ascended was that from which he used first and + last to behold the ancient tower when approaching or retiring from it; + and, it is needless to add, that there he was wont to pause, and gaze + with a lover's delight on the battlements, which, rising at a distance + out of the lofty wood, indicated the dwelling of her, whom he either + hoped soon to meet or had recently parted from. Instinctively he turned + his head back to take a last look of a scene formerly so dear to him, and + no less instinctively he heaved a deep sigh. It was echoed by a loud + groan from his companion in misfortune, whose eyes, moved, perchance, by + similar reflections, had taken the same direction. This indication of + sympathy, on the part of the captive, was uttered in a tone more coarse + than sentimental; it was, however, the expression of a grieved spirit, + and so far corresponded with the sigh of Morton. In turning their heads + their eyes met, and Morton recognised the stolid countenance of Cuddie + Headrigg, bearing a rueful expression, in which sorrow for his own lot + was mixed with sympathy for the situation of his companion. +</p> +<p> + "Hegh, sirs!" was the expression of the ci-devant ploughman of the mains + of Tillietudlem; "it's an unco thing that decent folk should be harled + through the country this gate, as if they were a warld's wonder." +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry to see you here, Cuddie," said Morton, who, even in his own + distress, did not lose feeling for that of others. +</p> +<p> + "And sae am I, Mr Henry," answered Cuddie, "baith for mysell and you; but + neither of our sorrows will do muckle gude that I can see. To be sure, + for me," continued the captive agriculturist, relieving his heart by + talking, though he well knew it was to little purpose,—"to be sure, for + my part, I hae nae right to be here ava', for I never did nor said a word + against either king or curate; but my mither, puir body, couldna haud the + auld tongue o' her, and we maun baith pay for't, it's like." +</p> +<p> + "Your mother is their prisoner likewise?" said Morton, hardly knowing + what he said. +</p> +<p> + "In troth is she, riding ahint ye there like a bride, wi' that auld carle + o' a minister that they ca' Gabriel Kettledrummle—Deil that he had been + in the inside of a drum or a kettle either, for my share o' him! Ye see, + we were nae sooner chased out o' the doors o' Milnwood, and your uncle + and the housekeeper banging them to and barring them ahint us, as if we + had had the plague on our bodies, that I says to my mother, What are we + to do neist? for every hole and bore in the country will be steekit + against us, now that ye hae affronted my auld leddy, and gar't the + troopers tak up young Milnwood. Sae she says to me, Binna cast doun, but + gird yoursell up to the great task o' the day, and gie your testimony + like a man upon the mount o' the Covenant." +</p> +<p> + "And so I suppose you went to a conventicle?" said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Ye sall hear," continued Cuddie.—"Aweel, I kendna muckle better what to + do, sae I e'en gaed wi' her to an auld daft carline like hersell, and we + got some water-broo and bannocks; and mony a weary grace they said, and + mony a psalm they sang, or they wad let me win to, for I was amaist + famished wi' vexation. Aweel, they had me up in the grey o' the morning, + and I behoved to whig awa wi' them, reason or nane, to a great gathering + o' their folk at the Miry-sikes; and there this chield, Gabriel + Kettledrummle, was blasting awa to them on the hill-side, about lifting + up their testimony, nae doubt, and ganging down to the battle of Roman + Gilead, or some sic place. Eh, Mr Henry! but the carle gae them a screed + o' doctrine! Ye might hae heard him a mile down the wind—He routed like + a cow in a fremd loaning.—Weel, thinks I, there's nae place in this + country they ca' Roman Gilead—it will be some gate in the west + muirlands; and or we win there I'll see to slip awa wi' this mither o' + mine, for I winna rin my neck into a tether for ony Kettledrummle in the + country side—Aweel," continued Cuddie, relieving himself by detailing + his misfortunes, without being scrupulous concerning the degree of + attention which his companion bestowed on his narrative, "just as I was + wearying for the tail of the preaching, cam word that the dragoons were + upon us.—Some ran, and some cried, Stand! and some cried, Down wi' the + Philistines!—I was at my mither to get her awa sting and ling or the + red-coats cam up, but I might as weel hae tried to drive our auld + fore-a-hand ox without the goad—deil a step wad she budge.—Weel, after + a', the cleugh we were in was strait, and the mist cam thick, and there + was good hope the dragoons wad hae missed us if we could hae held our + tongues; but, as if auld Kettledrummle himsell hadna made din eneugh to + waken the very dead, they behoved a' to skirl up a psalm that ye wad hae + heard as far as Lanrick!—Aweel, to mak a lang tale short, up cam my + young Lord Evandale, skelping as fast as his horse could trot, and twenty + red-coats at his back. Twa or three chields wad needs fight, wi' the + pistol and the whinger in the tae hand, and the Bible in the tother, and + they got their crouns weel cloured; but there wasna muckle skaith dune, + for Evandale aye cried to scatter us, but to spare life." +</p> +<p> + "And did you not resist?" said Morton, who probably felt, that, at that + moment, he himself would have encountered Lord Evandale on much slighter + grounds. +</p> +<p> + "Na, truly," answered Cuddie, "I keepit aye before the auld woman, and + cried for mercy to life and limb; but twa o' the red-coats cam up, and + ane o' them was gaun to strike my mither wi' the side o' his + broadsword—So I got up my kebbie at them, and said I wad gie them as + gude. Weel, they turned on me, and clinked at me wi' their swords, and I + garr'd my hand keep my head as weel as I could till Lord Evandale came + up, and then I cried out I was a servant at Tillietudlem—ye ken + yoursell he was aye judged to hae a look after the young leddy—and he + bade me fling down my kent, and sae me and my mither yielded oursells + prisoners. I'm thinking we wad hae been letten slip awa, but + Kettledrummle was taen near us—for Andrew Wilson's naig that he was + riding on had been a dragooner lang syne, and the sairer Kettledrummle + spurred to win awa, the readier the dour beast ran to the dragoons when + he saw them draw up.—Aweel, when my mother and him forgathered, they + set till the sodgers, and I think they gae them their kale through the + reek! Bastards o' the hure o' Babylon was the best words in their wame. + Sae then the kiln was in a bleeze again, and they brought us a' three on + wi' them to mak us an example, as they ca't." +</p> +<p> + "It is most infamous and intolerable oppression!" said Morton, half + speaking to himself; "here is a poor peaceable fellow, whose only motive + for joining the conventicle was a sense of filial piety, and he is + chained up like a thief or murderer, and likely to die the death of one, + but without the privilege of a formal trial, which our laws indulge to + the worst malefactor! Even to witness such tyranny, and still more to + suffer under it, is enough to make the blood of the tamest slave boil + within him." +</p> +<p> + "To be sure," said Cuddie, hearing, and partly understanding, what had + broken from Morton in resentment of his injuries, "it is no right to + speak evil o' dignities—my auld leddy aye said that, as nae doubt she + had a gude right to do, being in a place o' dignity hersell; and troth I + listened to her very patiently, for she aye ordered a dram, or a sowp + kale, or something to us, after she had gien us a hearing on our duties. + But deil a dram, or kale, or ony thing else—no sae muckle as a cup o' + cauld water—do thae lords at Edinburgh gie us; and yet they are heading + and hanging amang us, and trailing us after thae blackguard troopers, and + taking our goods and gear as if we were outlaws. I canna say I tak it + kind at their hands." +</p> +<p> + "It would be very strange if you did," answered Morton, with suppressed + emotion. +</p> +<p> + "And what I like warst o' a'," continued poor Cuddie, "is thae ranting + red-coats coming amang the lasses, and taking awa our joes. I had a sair + heart o' my ain when I passed the Mains down at Tillietudlem this morning + about parritch-time, and saw the reek comin' out at my ain lum-head, and + kend there was some ither body than my auld mither sitting by the + ingle-side. But I think my heart was e'en sairer, when I saw that + hellicat trooper, Tam Halliday, kissing Jenny Dennison afore my face. I + wonder women can hae the impudence to do sic things; but they are a' for + the red-coats. Whiles I hae thought o' being a trooper mysell, when I + thought naething else wad gae down wi' Jenny—and yet I'll no blame her + ower muckle neither, for maybe it was a' for my sake that she loot Tam + touzle her tap-knots that gate." +</p> +<p> + "For your sake?" said Morton, unable to refrain from taking some interest + in a story which seemed to bear a singular coincidence with his own. +</p> +<p> + "E'en sae, Milnwood," replied Cuddie; "for the puir quean gat leave to + come near me wi' speaking the loun fair, (d—n him, that I suld say sae!) + and sae she bade me God speed, and she wanted to stap siller into my + hand;—I'se warrant it was the tae half o' her fee and bountith, for she + wared the ither half on pinners and pearlings to gang to see us shoot yon + day at the popinjay." +</p> +<p> + "And did you take it, Cuddie?" said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Troth did I no, Milnwood; I was sic a fule as to fling it back to + her—my heart was ower grit to be behadden to her, when I had seen that + loon slavering and kissing at her. But I was a great fule for my pains; + it wad hae dune my mither and me some gude, and she'll ware't a' on duds + and nonsense." +</p> +<p> + There was here a deep and long pause. Cuddie was probably engaged in + regretting the rejection of his mistress's bounty, and Henry Morton in + considering from what motives, or upon what conditions, Miss Bellenden + had succeeded in procuring the interference of Lord Evandale in his + favour. +</p> +<p> + Was it not possible, suggested his awakening hopes, that he had construed + her influence over Lord Evandale hastily and unjustly? Ought he to + censure her severely, if, submitting to dissimulation for his sake, she + had permitted the young nobleman to entertain hopes which she had no + intention to realize? Or what if she had appealed to the generosity which + Lord Evandale was supposed to possess, and had engaged his honour to + protect the person of a favoured rival? +</p> +<p> + Still, however, the words which he had overheard recurred ever and anon + to his remembrance, with a pang which resembled the sting of an adder. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing that she could refuse him!—was it possible to make a more + unlimited declaration of predilection? The language of affection has not, + within the limits of maidenly delicacy, a stronger expression. She is + lost to me wholly, and for ever; and nothing remains for me now, but + vengeance for my own wrongs, and for those which are hourly inflicted on + my country." +</p> +<p> + Apparently, Cuddie, though with less refinement, was following out a + similar train of ideas; for he suddenly asked Morton in a low + whisper—"Wad there be ony ill in getting out o' thae chields' hands an + ane could compass it?" +</p> +<p> + "None in the world," said Morton; "and if an opportunity occurs of doing + so, depend on it I for one will not let it slip." +</p> +<p> + "I'm blythe to hear ye say sae," answered Cuddie. "I'm but a puir silly + fallow, but I canna think there wad be muckle ill in breaking out by + strength o' hand, if ye could mak it ony thing feasible. I am the lad + that will ne'er fear to lay on, if it were come to that; but our auld + leddy wad hae ca'd that a resisting o' the king's authority." +</p> +<p> + "I will resist any authority on earth," said Morton, "that invades + tyrannically my chartered rights as a freeman; and I am determined I will + not be unjustly dragged to a jail, or perhaps a gibbet, if I can possibly + make my escape from these men either by address or force." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, that's just my mind too, aye supposing we hae a feasible + opportunity o' breaking loose. But then ye speak o' a charter; now these + are things that only belang to the like o' you that are a gentleman, and + it mightna bear me through that am but a husbandman." +</p> +<p> + "The charter that I speak of," said Morton, "is common to the meanest + Scotchman. It is that freedom from stripes and bondage which was claimed, + as you may read in Scripture, by the Apostle Paul himself, and which + every man who is free-born is called upon to defend, for his own sake and + that of his countrymen." +</p> +<p> + "Hegh, sirs!" replied Cuddie, "it wad hae been lang or my Leddy Margaret, + or my mither either, wad hae fund out sic a wiselike doctrine in the + Bible! The tane was aye graning about giving tribute to Caesar, and the + tither is as daft wi' her whiggery. I hae been clean spoilt, just wi' + listening to twa blethering auld wives; but if I could get a gentleman + that wad let me tak on to be his servant, I am confident I wad be a clean + contrary creature; and I hope your honour will think on what I am saying, + if ye were ance fairly delivered out o' this house of bondage, and just + take me to be your ain wally-de-shamble." +</p> +<p> + "My valet, Cuddie?" answered Morton; "alas! that would be sorry + preferment, even if we were at liberty." +</p> +<p> + "I ken what ye're thinking—that because I am landward-bred, I wad be + bringing ye to disgrace afore folk; but ye maun ken I'm gay gleg at the + uptak; there was never ony thing dune wi' hand but I learned gay readily, + 'septing reading, writing, and ciphering; but there's no the like o' me + at the fit-ba', and I can play wi' the broadsword as weel as Corporal + Inglis there. I hae broken his head or now, for as massy as he's riding + ahint us.—And then ye'll no be gaun to stay in this country?"—said he, + stopping and interrupting himself. +</p> +<p> + "Probably not," replied Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Weel, I carena a boddle. Ye see I wad get my mither bestowed wi' her + auld graning tittie, auntie Meg, in the Gallowgate o' Glasgow, and then I + trust they wad neither burn her for a witch, or let her fail for fau't o' + fude, or hang her up for an auld whig wife; for the provost, they say, is + very regardfu' o' sic puir bodies. And then you and me wad gang and pouss + our fortunes, like the folk i' the daft auld tales about Jock the + Giant-killer and Valentine and Orson; and we wad come back to merry + Scotland, as the sang says, and I wad tak to the stilts again, and turn + sic furs on the bonny rigs o' Milnwood holms, that it wad be worth a pint + but to look at them." +</p> +<p> + "I fear," said Morton, "there is very little chance, my good friend + Cuddie, of our getting back to our old occupation." +</p> +<p> + "Hout, stir—hout, stir," replied Cuddie, "it's aye gude to keep up a + hardy heart—as broken a ship's come to land.—But what's that I hear? + never stir, if my auld mither isna at the preaching again! I ken the + sough o' her texts, that sound just like the wind blawing through the + spence; and there's Kettledrummle setting to wark, too—Lordsake, if the + sodgers anes get angry, they'll murder them baith, and us for company!" +</p> +<p> + Their farther conversation was in fact interrupted by a blatant noise + which rose behind them, in which the voice of the preacher emitted, in + unison with that of the old woman, tones like the grumble of a bassoon + combined with the screaking of a cracked fiddle. At first, the aged pair + of sufferers had been contented to condole with each other in smothered + expressions of complaint and indignation; but the sense of their injuries + became more pungently aggravated as they communicated with each other, + and they became at length unable to suppress their ire. +</p> +<p> + "Woe, woe, and a threefold woe unto you, ye bloody and violent + persecutors!" exclaimed the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle—"Woe, and + threefold woe unto you, even to the breaking of seals, the blowing of + trumpets, and the pouring forth of vials!" +</p> +<p> + "Ay—ay—a black cast to a' their ill-fa'ur'd faces, and the outside o' + the loof to them at the last day!" echoed the shrill counter-tenor of + Mause, falling in like the second part of a catch. +</p> +<p> + "I tell you," continued the divine, "that your rankings and your + ridings—your neighings and your prancings—your bloody, barbarous, + and inhuman cruelties—your benumbing, deadening, and debauching + the conscience of poor creatures by oaths, soul-damning and + self-contradictory, have arisen from earth to Heaven like a foul and + hideous outcry of perjury for hastening the wrath to come—hugh! hugh! + hugh!" +</p> +<p> + "And I say," cried Mause, in the same tune, and nearly at the same time, + "that wi' this auld breath o' mine, and it's sair taen down wi' the + asthmatics and this rough trot"— +</p> +<p> + "Deil gin they would gallop," said Cuddie, "wad it but gar her haud her + tongue!" +</p> +<p> + "—Wi' this auld and brief breath," continued Mause, "will I testify + against the backslidings, defections, defalcations, and declinings of the + land—against the grievances and the causes of wrath!" +</p> +<p> + "Peace, I pr'ythee—Peace, good woman," said the preacher, who had just + recovered from a violent fit of coughing, and found his own anathema + borne down by Mause's better wind; "peace, and take not the word out of + the mouth of a servant of the altar.—I say, I uplift my voice and tell + you, that before the play is played out—ay, before this very sun gaes + down, ye sall learn that neither a desperate Judas, like your prelate + Sharpe that's gane to his place; nor a sanctuary-breaking Holofernes, + like bloody-minded Claverhouse; nor an ambitious Diotrephes, like the lad + Evandale; nor a covetous and warld-following Demas, like him they ca' + Sergeant Bothwell, that makes every wife's plack and her meal-ark his + ain; neither your carabines, nor your pistols, nor your broadswords, nor + your horses, nor your saddles, bridles, surcingles, nose-bags, nor + martingales, shall resist the arrows that are whetted and the bow that is + bent against you!" +</p> +<p> + "That shall they never, I trow," echoed Mause; "castaways are they ilk + ane o' them—besoms of destruction, fit only to be flung into the fire + when they have sweepit the filth out o' the Temple—whips of small cords, + knotted for the chastisement of those wha like their warldly gudes and + gear better than the Cross or the Covenant, but when that wark's done, + only meet to mak latchets to the deil's brogues." +</p> +<p> + "Fiend hae me," said Cuddie, addressing himself to Morton, "if I dinna + think our mither preaches as weel as the minister!—But it's a sair pity + o' his hoast, for it aye comes on just when he's at the best o't, and + that lang routing he made air this morning, is sair again him too—Deil + an I care if he wad roar her dumb, and then he wad hae't a' to answer for + himsell—It's lucky the road's rough, and the troopers are no taking + muckle tent to what they say, wi' the rattling o' the horse's feet; but + an we were anes on saft grund, we'll hear news o' a' this." +</p> +<p> + Cuddie's conjecture were but too true. The words of the prisoners had not + been much attended to while drowned by the clang of horses' hoofs on a + rough and stony road; but they now entered upon the moorlands, where the + testimony of the two zealous captives lacked this saving accompaniment. + And, accordingly, no sooner had their steeds begun to tread heath and + green sward, and Gabriel Kettledrummle had again raised his voice with, + "Also I uplift my voice like that of a pelican in the wilderness"— +</p> +<p> + "And I mine," had issued from Mause, "like a sparrow on the house-tops"— +</p> +<p> + When "Hollo, ho!" cried the corporal from the rear; "rein up your + tongues, the devil blister them, or I'll clap a martingale on them." +</p> +<p> + "I will not peace at the commands of the profane," said Gabriel. +</p> +<p> + "Nor I neither," said Mause, "for the bidding of no earthly potsherd, + though it be painted as red as a brick from the Tower of Babel, and ca' + itsell a corporal." +</p> +<p> + "Halliday," cried the corporal, "hast got never a gag about thee, + man?—We must stop their mouths before they talk us all dead." +</p> +<p> + Ere any answer could be made, or any measure taken in consequence of the + corporal's motion, a dragoon galloped towards Sergeant Bothwell, who was + considerably a-head of the party he commanded. On hearing the orders + which he brought, Bothwell instantly rode back to the head of his party, + ordered them to close their files, to mend their pace, and to move with + silence and precaution, as they would soon be in presence of the enemy. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0015"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XV. +</h2> +<pre> + Quantum in nobis, we've thought good + To save the expense of Christian blood, + And try if we, by mediation + Of treaty, and accommodation, + Can end the quarrel, and compose + This bloody duel without blows. + Butler. +</pre> +<p> + The increased pace of the party of horsemen soon took away from their + zealous captives the breath, if not the inclination, necessary for + holding forth. They had now for more than a mile got free of the + woodlands, whose broken glades had, for some time, accompanied them after + they had left the woods of Tillietudlem. A few birches and oaks still + feathered the narrow ravines, or occupied in dwarf-clusters the hollow + plains of the moor. But these were gradually disappearing; and a wide and + waste country lay before them, swelling into bare hills of dark heath, + intersected by deep gullies; being the passages by which torrents forced + their course in winter, and during summer the disproportioned channels + for diminutive rivulets that winded their puny way among heaps of stones + and gravel, the effects and tokens of their winter fury;—like so many + spendthrifts dwindled down by the consequences of former excesses and + extravagance. This desolate region seemed to extend farther than the eye + could reach, without grandeur, without even the dignity of mountain + wildness, yet striking, from the huge proportion which it seemed to bear + to such more favoured spots of the country as were adapted to + cultivation, and fitted for the support of man; and thereby impressing + irresistibly the mind of the spectator with a sense of the omnipotence of + nature, and the comparative inefficacy of the boasted means of + amelioration which man is capable of opposing to the disadvantages of + climate and soil. +</p> +<p> + It is a remarkable effect of such extensive wastes, that they impose an + idea of solitude even upon those who travel through them in considerable + numbers; so much is the imagination affected by the disproportion between + the desert around and the party who are traversing it. Thus the members + of a caravan of a thousand souls may feel, in the deserts of Africa or + Arabia, a sense of loneliness unknown to the individual traveller, whose + solitary course is through a thriving and cultivated country. +</p> +<p> + It was not, therefore, without a peculiar feeling of emotion, that Morton + beheld, at the distance of about half a mile, the body of the cavalry to + which his escort belonged, creeping up a steep and winding path which + ascended from the more level moor into the hills. Their numbers, which + appeared formidable when they crowded through narrow roads, and seemed + multiplied by appearing partially, and at different points, among the + trees, were now apparently diminished by being exposed at once to view, + and in a landscape whose extent bore such immense proportion to the + columns of horses and men, which, showing more like a drove of black + cattle than a body of soldiers, crawled slowly along the face of the + hill, their force and their numbers seeming trifling and contemptible. +</p> +<p> + "Surely," said Morton to himself, "a handful of resolute men may defend + any defile in these mountains against such a small force as this is, + providing that their bravery is equal to their enthusiasm." +</p> +<p> + While he made these reflections, the rapid movement of the horsemen who + guarded him, soon traversed the space which divided them from their + companions; and ere the front of Claverhouse's column had gained the brow + of the hill which they had been seen ascending, Bothwell, with his + rearguard and prisoners, had united himself, or nearly so, with the main + body led by his commander. The extreme difficulty of the road, which was + in some places steep, and in others boggy, retarded the progress of the + column, especially in the rear; for the passage of the main body, in many + instances, poached up the swamps through which they passed, and rendered + them so deep, that the last of their followers were forced to leave the + beaten path, and find safer passage where they could. +</p> +<p> + On these occasions, the distresses of the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle + and of Mause Headrigg, were considerably augmented, as the brutal + troopers, by whom they were guarded, compelled them, at all risks which + such inexperienced riders were likely to incur, to leap their horses over + drains and gullies, or to push them through morasses and swamps. +</p> +<p> + "Through the help of the Lord I have luppen ower a wall," cried poor + Mause, as her horse was, by her rude attendants, brought up to leap the + turf enclosure of a deserted fold, in which feat her curch flew off, + leaving her grey hairs uncovered. +</p> +<p> + "I am sunk in deep mire where there is no standing—I am come into deep + waters where the floods overflow me," exclaimed Kettledrummle, as the + charger on which he was mounted plunged up to the saddle-girths in a + well-head, as the springs are called which supply the marshes, the sable + streams beneath spouting over the face and person of the captive + preacher. +</p> +<p> + These exclamations excited shouts of laughter among their military + attendants; but events soon occurred which rendered them all sufficiently + serious. +</p> +<p> + The leading files of the regiment had nearly attained the brow of the + steep hill we have mentioned, when two or three horsemen, speedily + discovered to be a part of their own advanced guard, who had acted as a + patrol, appeared returning at full gallop, their horses much blown, and + the men apparently in a disordered flight. They were followed upon the + spur by five or six riders, well armed with sword and pistol, who halted + upon the top of the hill, on observing the approach of the Life-Guards. + One or two who had carabines dismounted, and, taking a leisurely and + deliberate aim at the foremost rank of the regiment, discharged their + pieces, by which two troopers were wounded, one severely. They then + mounted their horses, and disappeared over the ridge of the hill, + retreating with so much coolness as evidently showed, that, on the one + hand, they were undismayed by the approach of so considerable a force as + was moving against them, and conscious, on the other, that they were + supported by numbers sufficient for their protection. This incident + occasioned a halt through the whole body of cavalry; and while + Claverhouse himself received the report of his advanced guard, which had + been thus driven back upon the main body, Lord Evandale advanced to the + top of the ridge over which the enemy's horsemen had retired, and Major + Allan, Cornet Grahame, and the other officers, employed themselves in + extricating the regiment from the broken ground, and drawing them up on + the side of the hill in two lines, the one to support the other. +</p> +<p> + The word was then given to advance; and in a few minutes the first lines + stood on the brow and commanded the prospect on the other side. The + second line closed upon them, and also the rear-guard with the prisoners; + so that Morton and his companions in captivity could, in like manner, see + the form of opposition which was now offered to the farther progress of + their captors. +</p> +<p> + The brow of the hill, on which the royal Life-Guards were now drawn up, + sloped downwards (on the side opposite to that which they had ascended) + with a gentle declivity, for more than a quarter of a mile, and presented + ground, which, though unequal in some places, was not altogether + unfavourable for the manoeuvres of cavalry, until near the bottom, when + the slope terminated in a marshy level, traversed through its whole + length by what seemed either a natural gully, or a deep artificial drain, + the sides of which were broken by springs, trenches filled with water, + out of which peats and turf had been dug, and here and there by some + straggling thickets of alders which loved the moistness so well, that + they continued to live as bushes, although too much dwarfed by the sour + soil and the stagnant bog-water to ascend into trees. Beyond this ditch, + or gully, the ground arose into a second heathy swell, or rather hill, + near to the foot of which, and' as if with the object of defending the + broken ground and ditch that covered their front, the body of insurgents + appeared to be drawn up with the purpose of abiding battle. +</p> +<p> + Their infantry was divided into three lines. The first, tolerably + provided with fire-arms, were advanced almost close to the verge of the + bog, so that their fire must necessarily annoy the royal cavalry as they + descended the opposite hill, the whole front of which was exposed, and + would probably be yet more fatal if they attempted to cross the morass. + Behind this first line was a body of pikemen, designed for their support + in case the dragoons should force the passage of the marsh. In their rear + was their third line, consisting of countrymen armed with scythes set + straight on poles, hay-forks, spits, clubs, goads, fish-spears, and such + other rustic implements as hasty resentment had converted into + instruments of war. On each flank of the infantry, but a little backward + from the bog, as if to allow themselves dry and sound ground whereon to + act in case their enemies should force the pass, there was drawn up a + small body of cavalry, who were, in general, but indifferently armed, and + worse mounted, but full of zeal for the cause, being chiefly either + landholders of small property, or farmers of the better class, whose + means enabled them to serve on horseback. A few of those who had been + engaed in driving back the advanced guard of the royalists, might now be + seen returning slowly towards their own squadrons. These were the only + individuals of the insurgent army which seemed to be in motion. All the + others stood firm and motionless, as the grey stones that lay scattered + on the heath around them. +</p> +<p> + The total number of the insurgents might amount to about a thousand men; + but of these there were scarce a hundred cavalry, nor were the half of + them even tolerably armed. The strength of their position, however, the + sense of their having taken a desperate step, the superiority of their + numbers, but, above all, the ardour of their enthusiasm, were the means + on which their leaders reckoned, for supplying the want of arms, + equipage, and military discipline. +</p> +<p> + On the side of the hill that rose above the array of battle which they + had adopted, were seen the women and even the children, whom zeal, + opposed to persecution, had driven into the wilderness. They seemed + stationed there to be spectators of the engagement, by which their own + fate, as well as that of their parents, husbands, and sons, was to be + decided. Like the females of the ancient German tribes, the shrill cries + which they raised, when they beheld the glittering ranks of their enemy + appear on the brow of the opposing eminence, acted as an incentive to + their relatives to fight to the last in defence of that which was dearest + to them. Such exhortations seemed to have their full and emphatic effect; + for a wild halloo, which went from rank to rank on the appearance of the + soldiers, intimated the resolution of the insurgents to fight to the + uttermost. +</p> +<p> + As the horsemen halted their lines on the ridge of the hill, their + trumpets and kettle-drums sounded a bold and warlike flourish of menace + and defiance, that rang along the waste like the shrill summons of a + destroying angel. The wanderers, in answer, united their voices, and sent + forth, in solemn modulation, the two first verses of the seventy-sixth + Psalm, according to the metrical version of the Scottish Kirk: +</p> +<pre> + "In Judah's land God is well known, + His name's in Israel great: + In Salem is his tabernacle, + In Zion is his seat. + There arrows of the bow he brake, + The shield, the sword, the war. + More glorious thou than hills of prey, + More excellent art far." +</pre> +<p> + A shout, or rather a solemn acclamation, attended the close of the + stanza; and after a dead pause, the second verse was resumed by the + insurgents, who applied the destruction of the Assyrians as prophetical + of the issue of their own impending contest:— +</p> +<pre> + "Those that were stout of heart are spoil'd, + They slept their sleep outright; + And none of those their hands did find, + That were the men of might. + + When thy rebuke, O Jacob's God, + Had forth against them past, + Their horses and their chariots both + Were in a deep sleep cast." +</pre> +<p> + There was another acclamation, which was followed by the most profound + silence. +</p> +<p> + While these solemn sounds, accented by a thousand voices, were prolonged + amongst the waste hills, Claverhouse looked with great attention on the + ground, and on the order of battle which the wanderers had adopted, and + in which they determined to await the assault. +</p> +<p> + "The churls," he said, "must have some old soldiers with them; it was no + rustic that made choice of that ground." +</p> +<p> + "Burley is said to be with them for certain," answered Lord Evandale, + "and also Hackston of Rathillet, Paton of Meadowhead, Cleland, and some + other men of military skill." +</p> +<p> + "I judged as much," said Claverhouse, "from the style in which these + detached horsemen leapt their horses over the ditch, as they returned to + their position. It was easy to see that there were a few roundheaded + troopers amongst them, the true spawn of the old Covenant. We must manage + this matter warily as well as boldly. Evandale, let the officers come to + this knoll." +</p> +<p> + He moved to a small moss-grown cairn, probably the resting-place of some + Celtic chief of other times, and the call of "Officers to the front," + soon brought them around their commander. +</p> +<p> + "I do not call you around me, gentlemen," said Claverhouse, "in the + formal capacity of a council of war, for I will never turn over on others + the responsibility which my rank imposes on myself. I only want the + benefit of your opinions, reserving to myself, as most men do when they + ask advice, the liberty of following my own.—What say you, Cornet + Grahame? Shall we attack these fellows who are bellowing younder? You are + youngest and hottest, and therefore will speak first whether I will or + no." +</p> +<p> + "Then," said Cornet Grahame, "while I have the honour to carry the + standard of the Life-Guards, it shall never, with my will, retreat before + rebels. I say, charge, in God's name and the King's!" +</p> +<p> + "And what say you, Allan?" continued Claverhouse, "for Evandale is so + modest, we shall never get him to speak till you have said what you have + to say." +</p> +<p> + "These fellows," said Major Allan, an old cavalier officer of experience, + "are three or four to one—I should not mind that much upon a fair field, + but they are posted in a very formidable strength, and show no + inclination to quit it. I therefore think, with deference to Cornet + Grahame's opinion, that we should draw back to Tillietudlem, occupy the + pass between the hills and the open country, and send for reinforcements + to my Lord Ross, who is lying at Glasgow with a regiment of infantry. In + this way we should cut them off from the Strath of Clyde, and either + compel them to come out of their stronghold, and give us battle on fair + terms, or, if they remain here, we will attack them so soon as our + infantry has joined us, and enabled us to act with effect among these + ditches, bogs, and quagmires." +</p> +<p> + "Pshaw!" said the young Cornet, "what signifies strong ground, when it is + only held by a crew of canting, psalm-singing old women?" +</p> +<p> + "A man may fight never the worse," retorted Major Allan, "for honouring + both his Bible and Psalter. These fellows will prove as stubborn as + steel; I know them of old." +</p> +<p> + "Their nasal psalmody," said the Cornet, "reminds our Major of the race + of Dunbar." +</p> +<p> + "Had you been at that race, young man," retorted Allan, "you would have + wanted nothing to remind you of it for the longest day you have to live." +</p> +<p> + "Hush, hush, gentlemen," said Claverhouse, "these are untimely + repartees.—I should like your advice well, Major Allan, had our rascally + patrols (whom I will see duly punished) brought us timely notice of the + enemy's numbers and position. But having once presented ourselves before + them in line, the retreat of the Life-Guards would argue gross timidity, + and be the general signal for insurrection throughout the west. In which + case, so far from obtaining any assistance from my Lord Ross, I promise + you I should have great apprehensions of his being cut off before we can + join him, or he us. A retreat would have quite the same fatal effect upon + the king's cause as the loss of a battle—and as to the difference of + risk or of safety it might make with respect to ourselves, that, I am + sure, no gentleman thinks a moment about. There must be some gorges or + passes in the morass through which we can force our way; and, were we + once on firm ground, I trust there is no man in the Life-Guards who + supposes our squadrons, though so weak in numbers, are unable to trample + into dust twice the number of these unpractised clowns.—What say you, my + Lord Evandale?" +</p> +<p> + "I humbly think," said Lord Evandale, "that, go the day how it will, it + must be a bloody one; and that we shall lose many brave fellows, and + probably be obliged to slaughter a great number of these misguided men, + who, after all, are Scotchmen and subjects of King Charles as well as we + are." +</p> +<p> + "Rebels! rebels! and undeserving the name either of Scotchmen or of + subjects," said Claverhouse; "but come, my lord, what does your opinion + point at?" +</p> +<p> + "To enter into a treaty with these ignorant and misled men," said the + young nobleman. +</p> +<p> + "A treaty! and with rebels having arms in their hands? Never while I + live," answered his commander. +</p> +<p> + "At least send a trumpet and flag of truce, summoning them to lay down + their weapons and disperse," said Lord Evandale, "upon promise of a free + pardon—I have always heard, that had that been done before the battle of + Pentland hills, much blood might have been saved." +</p> +<p> + "Well," said Claverhouse, "and who the devil do you think would carry a + summons to these headstrong and desperate fanatics? They acknowledge no + laws of war. Their leaders, who have been all most active in the murder + of the Archbishop of St Andrews, fight with a rope round their necks, and + are likely to kill the messenger, were it but to dip their followers in + loyal blood, and to make them as desperate of pardon as themselves." +</p> +<p> + "I will go myself," said Evandale, "if you will permit me. I have often + risked my blood to spill that of others, let me do so now in order to + save human lives." +</p> +<p> + "You shall not go on such an errand, my lord," said Claverhouse; "your + rank and situation render your safety of too much consequence to the + country in an age when good principles are so rare.—Here's my brother's + son Dick Grahame, who fears shot or steel as little as if the devil had + given him armour of proof against it, as the fanatics say he has given to + his uncle. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Cornet Grahame. There was actually a young cornet of the + Life-Guards named Grahame, and probably some relation of + Claverhouse, slain in the skirmish of Drumclog. In the old ballad on + the Battle of Bothwell Bridge, Claverhouse is said to have continued + the slaughter of the fugitives in revenge of this gentleman's death. + + "Haud up your hand," then Monmouth said; "Gie quarters to these men + for me;" But bloody Claver'se swore an oath, His kinsman's death + avenged should be. + + The body of this young man was found shockingly mangled after the + battle, his eyes pulled out, and his features so much defaced, that + it was impossible to recognise him. The Tory writers say that this + was done by the Whigs; because, finding the name Grahame wrought in + the young gentleman's neckcloth, they took the corpse for that of + Claver'se himself. The Whig authorities give a different account, + from tradition, of the cause of Cornet Grahame's body being thus + mangled. He had, say they, refused his own dog any food on the + morning of the battle, affirming, with an oath, that he should have + no breakfast but upon the flesh of the Whigs. The ravenous animal, + it is said, flew at his master as soon as he fell, and lacerated his + face and throat. + + These two stories are presented to the reader, leaving it to him to + judge whether it is most likely that a party of persecuted and + insurgent fanatics should mangle a body supposed to be that of their + chief enemy, in the same manner as several persons present at + Drumclog had shortly before treated the person of Archbishop Sharpe; + or that a domestic dog should, for want of a single breakfast, + become so ferocious as to feed on his own master, selecting his body + from scores that were lying around, equally accessible to his + ravenous appetite.] +</pre> +<p> + He shall take a flag of truce and a trumpet, and ride down to the edge of + the morass to summon them to lay down their arms and disperse." +</p> +<p> + "With all my soul, Colonel," answered the Cornet; "and I'll tie my cravat + on a pike to serve for a white flag—the rascals never saw such a pennon + of Flanders lace in their lives before." +</p> +<p> + "Colonel Grahame," said Evandale, while the young officer prepared for + his expedition, "this young gentleman is your nephew and your apparent + heir; for God's sake, permit me to go. It was my counsel, and I ought to + stand the risk." +</p> +<p> + "Were he my only son," said Claverhouse, "this is no cause and no time to + spare him. I hope my private affections will never interfere with my + public duty. If Dick Grahame falls, the loss is chiefly mine; were your + lordship to die, the King and country would be the sufferers.—Come, + gentlemen, each to his post. If our summons is unfavourably received, we + will instantly attack; and, as the old Scottish blazon has it, God shaw + the right!" +</p> +<a name="2HCH0016"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XVI. +</h2> +<pre> + With many a stout thwack and many a bang, + Hard crab-tree and old iron rang. + Hudibras. +</pre> +<p> + Cornet Richard Grahame descended the hill, bearing in his hand the + extempore flag of truce, and making his managed horse keep time by bounds + and curvets to the tune which he whistled. The trumpeter followed. Five + or six horsemen, having something the appearance of officers, detached + themselves from each flank of the Presbyterian army, and, meeting in the + centre, approached the ditch which divided the hollow as near as the + morass would permit. Towards this group, but keeping the opposite side of + the swamp, Cornet Grahame directed his horse, his motions being now the + conspicuous object of attention to both armies; and, without + disparagement to the courage of either, it is probable there was a + general wish on both sides that this embassy might save the risks and + bloodshed of the impending conflict. +</p> +<p> + When he had arrived right opposite to those, who, by their advancing to + receive his message, seemed to take upon themselves as the leaders of the + enemy, Cornet Grahame commanded his trumpeter to sound a parley. The + insurgents having no instrument of martial music wherewith to make the + appropriate reply, one of their number called out with a loud, strong + voice, demanding to know why he approached their leaguer. +</p> +<p> + "To summon you in the King's name, and in that of Colonel John Grahame of + Claverhouse, specially commissioned by the right honourable Privy Council + of Scotland," answered the Cornet, "to lay down your arms, and dismiss + the followers whom ye have led into rebellion, contrary to the laws of + God, of the King, and of the country." +</p> +<p> + "Return to them that sent thee," said the insurgent leader, "and tell + them that we are this day in arms for a broken Covenant and a persecuted + Kirk; tell them that we renounce the licentious and perjured Charles + Stewart, whom you call king, even as he renounced the Covenant, after + having once and again sworn to prosecute to the utmost of his power all + the ends thereof, really, constantly, and sincerely, all the days of his + life, having no enemies but the enemies of the Covenant, and no friends + but its friends. Whereas, far from keeping the oath he had called God and + angels to witness, his first step, after his incoming into these + kingdoms, was the fearful grasping at the prerogative of the Almighty, by + that hideous Act of Supremacy, together with his expulsing, without + summons, libel, or process of law, hundreds of famous faithful preachers, + thereby wringing the bread of life out of the mouth of hungry, poor + creatures, and forcibly cramming their throats with the lifeless, + saltless, foisonless, lukewarm drammock of the fourteen false prelates, + and their sycophantic, formal, carnal, scandalous creature-curates." +</p> +<p> + "I did not come to hear you preach," answered the officer, "but to know, + in one word, if you will disperse yourselves, on condition of a free + pardon to all but the murderers of the late Archbishop of St Andrews; or + whether you will abide the attack of his majesty's forces, which will + instantly advance upon you." +</p> +<p> + "In one word, then," answered the spokesman, "we are here with our swords + on our thighs, as men that watch in the night. We will take one part and + portion together, as brethren in righteousness. Whosoever assails us in + our good cause, his blood be on his own head. So return to them that sent + thee, and God give them and thee a sight of the evil of your ways!" +</p> +<p> + "Is not your name," said the Cornet, who began to recollect having seen + the person whom he was now speaking with, "John Balfour of Burley?" +</p> +<p> + "And if it be," said the spokesman, "hast thou aught to say against it?" +</p> +<p> + "Only," said the Cornet, "that, as you are excluded from pardon in the + name of the King and of my commanding officer, it is to these country + people, and not to you, that I offer it; and it is not with you, or such + as you, that I am sent to treat." +</p> +<p> + "Thou art a young soldier, friend," said Burley, "and scant well learned + in thy trade, or thou wouldst know that the bearer of a flag of truce + cannot treat with the army but through their officers; and that if he + presume to do otherwise, he forfeits his safe conduct." +</p> +<p> + While speaking these words, Burley unslung his carabine, and held it in + readiness. +</p> +<p> + "I am not to be intimidated from the discharge of my duty by the menaces + of a murderer," said Cornet Grahame.—"Hear me, good people; I proclaim, + in the name of the King and of my commanding officer, full and free + pardon to all, excepting"— +</p> +<p> + "I give thee fair warning," said Burley, presenting his piece. +</p> +<p> + "A free pardon to all," continued the young officer, still addressing the + body of the insurgents—"to all but"— +</p> +<p> + "Then the Lord grant grace to thy soul—amen!" said Burley. +</p> +<p> + With these words he fired, and Cornet Richard Grahame dropped from his + horse. The shot was mortal. The unfortunate young gentleman had only + strength to turn himself on the ground and mutter forth, "My poor + mother!" when life forsook him in the effort. His startled horse fled + back to the regiment at the gallop, as did his scarce less affrighted + attendant. +</p> +<p> + "What have you done?" said one of Balfour's brother officers. +</p> +<p> + "My duty," said Balfour, firmly. "Is it not written, Thou shalt be + zealous even to slaying? Let those, who dare, now venture to speak of + truce or pardon!" +</p> +<p> + Claverhouse saw his nephew fall. He turned his eye on Evandale, while a + transitory glance of indescribable emotion disturbed, for a second's + space, the serenity of his features, and briefly said, "You see the + event." +</p> +<p> + "I will avenge him, or die!" exclaimed Evandale; and, putting his horse + into motion, rode furiously down the hill, followed by his own troop, and + that of the deceased Cornet, which broke down without orders; and, each + striving to be the foremost to revenge their young officer, their ranks + soon fell into confusion. These forces formed the first line of the + royalists. It was in vain that Claverhouse exclaimed, "Halt! halt! this + rashness will undo us." It was all that he could accomplish, by galloping + along the second line, entreating, commanding, and even menacing the men + with his sword, that he could restrain them from following an example so + contagious. +</p> +<p> + "Allan," he said, as soon as he had rendered the men in some degree more + steady, "lead them slowly down the hill to support Lord Evandale, who is + about to need it very much.—Bothwell, thou art a cool and a daring + fellow"— +</p> +<p> + "Ay," muttered Bothwell, "you can remember that in a moment like this." +</p> +<p> + "Lead ten file up the hollow to the right," continued his commanding + officer, "and try every means to get through the bog; then form and + charge the rebels in flank and rear, while they are engaged with us in + front." +</p> +<p> + Bothwell made a signal of intelligence and obedience, and moved off with + his party at a rapid pace. +</p> +<p> + Meantime, the disaster which Claverhouse had apprehended, did not fail to + take place. The troopers, who, with Lord Evandale, had rushed down upon + the enemy, soon found their disorderly career interrupted by the + impracticable character of the ground. Some stuck fast in the morass as + they attempted to struggle through, some recoiled from the attempt and + remained on the brink, others dispersed to seek a more favourable place + to pass the swamp. In the midst of this confusion, the first line of the + enemy, of which the foremost rank knelt, the second stooped, and the + third stood upright, poured in a close and destructive fire that emptied + at least a score of saddles, and increased tenfold the disorder into + which the horsemen had fallen. Lord Evandale, in the meantime, at the + head of a very few well-mounted men, had been able to clear the ditch, + but was no sooner across than he was charged by the left body of the + enemy's cavalry, who, encouraged by the small number of opponents that + had made their way through the broken ground, set upon them with the + utmost fury, crying, "Woe, woe to the uncircumcised Philistines! down + with Dagon and all his adherents!" +</p> +<p> + The young nobleman fought like a lion; but most of his followers were + killed, and he himself could not have escaped the same fate but for a + heavy fire of carabines, which Claverhouse, who had now advanced with the + second line near to the ditch, poured so effectually upon the enemy, that + both horse and foot for a moment began to shrink, and Lord Evandale, + disengaged from his unequal combat, and finding himself nearly alone, + took the opportunity to effect his retreat through the morass. But + notwithstanding the loss they had sustained by Claverhouse's first fire, + the insurgents became soon aware that the advantage of numbers and of + position were so decidedly theirs, that, if they could but persist in + making a brief but resolute defence, the Life-Guards must necessarily be + defeated. Their leaders flew through their ranks, exhorting them to stand + firm, and pointing out how efficacious their fire must be where both men + and horse were exposed to it; for the troopers, according to custom, + fired without having dismounted. Claverhouse, more than once, when he + perceived his best men dropping by a fire which they could not + effectually return, made desperate efforts to pass the bog at various + points, and renew the battle on firm ground and fiercer terms. But the + close fire of the insurgents, joined to the natural difficulties of the + pass, foiled his attempts in every point. +</p> +<p> + "We must retreat," he said to Evandale, "unless Bothwell can effect a + diversion in our favour. In the meantime, draw the men out of fire, and + leave skirmishers behind these patches of alderbushes to keep the enemy + in check." +</p> +<p> + These directions being accomplished, the appearance of Bothwell with his + party was earnestly expected. But Bothwell had his own disadvantages to + struggle with. His detour to the right had not escaped the penetrating + observation of Burley, who made a corresponding movement with the left + wing of the mounted insurgents, so that when Bothwell, after riding a + considerable way up the valley, found a place at which the bog could be + passed, though with some difficulty, he perceived he was still in front + of a superior enemy. His daring character was in no degree checked by + this unexpected opposition. +</p> +<p> + "Follow me, my lads!" he called to his men; "never let it be said that we + turned our backs before these canting roundheads!" +</p> +<p> + With that, as if inspired by the spirit of his ancestors, he shouted, + "Bothwell! Bothwell!" and throwing himself into the morass, he struggled + through it at the head of his party, and attacked that of Burley with + such fury, that he drove them back above a pistol-shot, killing three men + with his own hand. Burley, perceiving the consequences of a defeat on + this point, and that his men, though more numerous, were unequal to the + regulars in using their arms and managing their horses, threw himself + across Bothwell's way, and attacked him hand to hand. Each of the + combatants was considered as the champion of his respective party, and a + result ensued more usual in romance than in real story. Their followers, + on either side, instantly paused, and looked on as if the fate of the day + were to be decided by the event of the combat between these two redoubted + swordsmen. The combatants themselves seemed of the same opinion; for, + after two or three eager cuts and pushes had been exchanged, they paused, + as if by joint consent, to recover the breath which preceding exertions + had exhausted, and to prepare for a duel in which each seemed conscious + he had met his match. +</p> +<a name="image-0011"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa230.jpg" height="778" width="532" +alt="The Duel +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "You are the murdering villain, Burley," said Bothwell, griping his sword + firmly, and setting his teeth close—"you escaped me once, but"—(he + swore an oath too tremendous to be written down)—"thy head is worth its + weight of silver, and it shall go home at my saddle-bow, or my saddle + shall go home empty for me." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," replied Burley, with stern and gloomy deliberation, "I am that + John Balfour, who promised to lay thy head where thou shouldst never lift + it again; and God do so unto me, and more also, if I do not redeem my + word!" +</p> +<p> + "Then a bed of heather, or a thousand merks!" said Bothwell, striking at + Burley with his full force. +</p> +<p> + "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" answered Balfour, as he parried + and returned the blow. +</p> +<p> + There have seldom met two combatants more equally matched in strength of + body, skill in the management of their weapons and horses, determined + courage, and unrelenting hostility. After exchanging many desperate + blows, each receiving and inflicting several wounds, though of no great + consequence, they grappled together as if with the desperate impatience + of mortal hate, and Bothwell, seizing his enemy by the shoulder-belt, + while the grasp of Balfour was upon his own collar, they came headlong to + the ground. The companions of Burley hastened to his assistance, but were + repelled by the dragoons, and the battle became again general. But + nothing could withdraw the attention of the combatants from each other, + or induce them to unclose the deadly clasp in which they rolled together + on the ground, tearing, struggling, and foaming, with the inveteracy of + thorough-bred bull-dogs. +</p> +<p> + Several horses passed over them in the melee without their quitting hold + of each other, until the sword-arm of Bothwell was broken by the kick of + a charger. He then relinquished his grasp with a deep and suppressed + groan, and both combatants started to their feet. Bothwell's right hand + dropped helpless by his side, but his left griped to the place where his + dagger hung; it had escaped from the sheath in the struggle,—and, with a + look of mingled rage and despair, he stood totally defenceless, as + Balfour, with a laugh of savage joy, flourished his sword aloft, and then + passed it through his adversary's body. Bothwell received the thrust + without falling—it had only grazed on his ribs. He attempted no farther + defence, but, looking at Burley with a grin of deadly hatred, + exclaimed—"Base peasant churl, thou hast spilt the blood of a line + of kings!" +</p> +<p> + "Die, wretch!—die!" said Balfour, redoubling the thrust with better aim; + and, setting his foot on Bothwell's body as he fell, he a third time + transfixed him with his sword.—"Die, bloodthirsty dog! die as thou hast + lived!—die, like the beasts that perish—hoping nothing—believing + nothing—" +</p> +<p> + "And fearing nothing!" said Bothwell, collecting the last effort of + respiration to utter these desperate words, and expiring as soon as they + were spoken. +</p> +<p> + To catch a stray horse by the bridle, throw himself upon it, and rush to + the assistance of his followers, was, with Burley, the affair of a + moment. And as the fall of Bothwell had given to the insurgents all the + courage of which it had deprived his comrades, the issue of this partial + contest did not remain long undecided. Several soldiers were slain, the + rest driven back over the morass and dispersed, and the victorious + Burley, with his party, crossed it in their turn, to direct against + Claverhouse the very manoeuvre which he had instructed Bothwell to + execute. He now put his troop in order, with the view of attacking the + right wing of the royalists; and, sending news of his success to the main + body, exhorted them, in the name of Heaven, to cross the marsh, and work + out the glorious work of the Lord by a general attack upon the enemy. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile, Claverhouse, who had in some degree remedied the confusion + occasioned by the first irregular and unsuccessful attack, and reduced + the combat in front to a distant skirmish with firearms, chiefly + maintained by some dismounted troopers whom he had posted behind the + cover of the shrub-by copses of alders, which in some places covered the + edge of the morass, and whose close, cool, and well-aimed fire + greatly annoyed the enemy, and concealed their own deficiency of + numbers,—Claverhouse, while he maintained the contest in this manner, + still expecting that a diversion by Bothwell and his party might + facilitate a general attack, was accosted by one of the dragoons, whose + bloody face and jaded horse bore witness he was come from hard service. +</p> +<p> + "What is the matter, Halliday?" said Claverhouse, for he knew every man + in his regiment by name—"Where is Bothwell?" +</p> +<p> + "Bothwell is down," replied Halliday, "and many a pretty fellow with + him." +</p> +<p> + "Then the king," said Claverhouse, with his usual composure, "has lost a + stout soldier.—The enemy have passed the marsh, I suppose?" +</p> +<p> + "With a strong body of horse, commanded by the devil incarnate that + killed Bothwell," answered the terrified soldier. +</p> +<p> + "Hush! hush!" said Claverhouse, putting his finger on his lips, "not a + word to any one but me.—Lord Evandale, we must retreat. The fates will + have it so. Draw together the men that are dispersed in the skirmishing + work. Let Allan form the regiment, and do you two retreat up the hill in + two bodies, each halting alternately as the other falls back. I'll keep + the rogues in check with the rear-guard, making a stand and facing from + time to time. They will be over the ditch presently, for I see their + whole line in motion and preparing to cross; therefore lose no time." +</p> +<p> + "Where is Bothwell with his party?" said Lord Evandale, astonished at the + coolness of his commander. +</p> +<p> + "Fairly disposed of," said Claverhouse, in his ear—"the king has lost a + servant, and the devil has got one. But away to business, Evandale—ply + your spurs and get the men together. Allan and you must keep them steady. + This retreating is new work for us all; but our turn will come round + another day." +</p> +<p> + Evandale and Allan betook themselves to their task; but ere they had + arranged the regiment for the purpose of retreating in two alternate + bodies, a considerable number of the enemy had crossed the marsh. + Claverhouse, who had retained immediately around his person a few of his + most active and tried men, charged those who had crossed in person, while + they were yet disordered by the broken ground. Some they killed, others + they repulsed into the morass, and checked the whole so as to enable the + main body, now greatly diminished, as well as disheartened by the loss + they had sustained, to commence their retreat up the hill. +</p> +<p> + But the enemy's van being soon reinforced and supported, compelled + Claverhouse to follow his troops. Never did man, however, better maintain + the character of a soldier than he did that day. Conspicuous by his black + horse and white feather, he was first in the repeated charges which he + made at every favourable opportunity, to arrest the progress of the + pursuers, and to cover the retreat of his regiment. The object of aim to + every one, he seemed as if he were impassive to their shot. The + superstitious fanatics, who looked upon him as a man gifted by the Evil + Spirit with supernatural means of defence, averred that they saw the + bullets recoil from his jack-boots and buff-coat like hailstones from a + rock of granite, as he galloped to and fro amid the storm of the battle. + Many a whig that day loaded his musket with a dollar cut into slugs, in + order that a silver bullet (such was their belief) might bring down the + persecutor of the holy kirk, on whom lead had no power. +</p> +<p> + "Try him with the cold steel," was the cry at every renewed + charge—"powder is wasted on him. Ye might as weel shoot at the Auld + Enemy himsell." +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Proof against Shot given by Satan. The belief of the + Covenanters that their principal enemies, and Claverhouse in + particular, had obtained from the Devil a charm which rendered them + proof against leaden bullets, led them to pervert even the + circumstances of his death. Howie of Lochgoin, after giving some + account of the battle of Killicrankie, adds: + + "The battle was very bloody, and by Mackay's third fire, Claverhouse + fell, of whom historians give little account; but it has been said + for certain, that his own waiting-servant, taking a resolution to + rid the world of this truculent bloody monster, and knowing he had + proof of lead, shot him with a silver button he had before taken off + his own coat for that purpose. However, he fell, and with him + Popery, and King James's interest in Scotland."—God's Judgment on + Persecutors, p. xxxix. + + Original note.—"Perhaps some may think this anent proof of a shot a + paradox, and be ready to object here, as formerly, concerning Bishop + Sharpe and Dalziel—'How can the Devil have or give a power to save + life?' Without entering upon the thing in its reality, I shall only + observe, 1st, That it is neither in his power, or of his nature, to + be a saviour of men's lives; he is called Apollyon the destroyer. + 2d, That even in this case he is said only to give enchantment + against one kind of metal, and this does not save life: for the lead + would not take Sharpe or Claverhouse's lives, yet steel and silver + would do it; and for Dalziel, though he died not on the field, he + did not escape the arrows of the Almighty."—Ibidem.] +</pre> +<p> + But though this was loudly shouted, yet the awe on the insurgents' minds + was such, that they gave way before Claverhouse as before a supernatural + being, and few men ventured to cross swords with him. Still, however, he + was fighting in retreat, and with all the disadvantages attending that + movement. The soldiers behind him, as they beheld the increasing number + of enemies who poured over the morass, became unsteady; and, at every + successive movement, Major Allan and Lord Evandale found it more and more + difficult to bring them to halt and form line regularly, while, on the + other hand, their motions in the act of retreating became, by degrees, + much more rapid than was consistent with good order. As the retiring + soldiers approached nearer to the top of the ridge, from which in so + luckless an hour they had descended, the panic began to increase. Every + one became impatient to place the brow of the hill between him and the + continued fire of the pursuers; nor could any individual think it + reasonable that he should be the last in the retreat, and thus sacrifice + his own safety for that of others. In this mood, several troopers set + spurs to their horses and fled outright, and the others became so + unsteady in their movements and formations, that their officers every + moment feared they would follow the same example. +</p> +<p> + Amid this scene of blood and confusion, the trampling of the horses, the + groans of the wounded, the continued fire of the enemy, which fell in a + succession of unintermitted musketry, while loud shouts accompanied each + bullet which the fall of a trooper showed to have been successfully + aimed—amid all the terrors and disorders of such a scene, and when it + was dubious how soon they might be totally deserted by their dispirited + soldiery, Evandale could not forbear remarking the composure of his + commanding officer. Not at Lady Margaret's breakfast-table that morning + did his eye appear more lively, or his demeanour more composed. He had + closed up to Evandale for the purpose of giving some orders, and picking + out a few men to reinforce his rear-guard. +</p> +<p> + "If this bout lasts five minutes longer," he said, in a whisper, "our + rogues will leave you, my lord, old Allan, and myself, the honour of + fighting this battle with our own hands. I must do something to disperse + the musketeers who annoy them so hard, or we shall be all shamed. Don't + attempt to succour me if you see me go down, but keep at the head of your + men; get off as you can, in God's name, and tell the king and the council + I died in my duty!" +</p> +<p> + So saying, and commanding about twenty stout men to follow him, he gave, + with this small body, a charge so desperate and unexpected, that he drove + the foremost of the pursuers back to some distance. In the confusion of + the assault he singled out Burley, and, desirous to strike terror into + his followers, he dealt him so severe a blow on the head, as cut through + his steel head-piece, and threw him from his horse, stunned for the + moment, though unwounded. A wonderful thing it was afterwards thought, + that one so powerful as Balfour should have sunk under the blow of a man, + to appearance so slightly made as Claverhouse; and the vulgar, of course, + set down to supernatural aid the effect of that energy, which a + determined spirit can give to a feebler arm. Claverhouse had, in this + last charge, however, involved himself too deeply among the insurgents, + and was fairly surrounded. +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale saw the danger of his commander, his body of dragoons being + then halted, while that commanded by Allan was in the act of retreating. + Regardless of Claverhouse's disinterested command to the contrary, he + ordered the party which he headed to charge down hill and extricate their + Colonel. Some advanced with him—most halted and stood uncertain—many + ran away. With those who followed Evandale, he disengaged Claverhouse. + His assistance just came in time, for a rustic had wounded his horse in a + most ghastly manner by the blow of a scythe, and was about to repeat the + stroke when Lord Evandale cut him down. As they got out of the press, + they looked round them. Allan's division had ridden clear over the hill, + that officer's authority having proved altogether unequal to halt them. + Evandale's troop was scattered and in total confusion. +</p> +<p> + "What is to be done, Colonel?" said Lord Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "We are the last men in the field, I think," said Claverhouse; "and when + men fight as long as they can, there is no shame in flying. Hector + himself would say, 'Devil take the hindmost,' when there are but twenty + against a thousand.—Save yourselves, my lads, and rally as soon as you + can.—Come, my lord, we must e'en ride for it." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he put spurs to his wounded horse; and the generous animal, as + if conscious that the life of his rider depended on his exertions, + pressed forward with speed, unabated either by pain or loss of blood. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Claverhouse's Charger. It appears, from the letter of + Claverhouse afterwards quoted, that the horse on which he rode at + Drumclog was not black, but sorrel. The author has been misled as to + the colour by the many extraordinary traditions current in Scotland + concerning Claverhouse's famous black charger, which was generally + believed to have been a gift to its rider from the Author of Evil, + who is said to have performed the Caesarean operation upon its dam. + This horse was so fleet, and its rider so expert, that they are said + to have outstripped and coted, or turned, a hare upon the Bran-Law, + near the head of Moffat Water, where the descent is so precipitous, + that no merely earthly horse could keep its feet, or merely mortal + rider could keep the saddle. + + There is a curious passage in the testimony of John Dick, one of the + suffering Presbyterians, in which the author, by describing each of + the persecutors by their predominant qualities or passions, shows + how little their best-loved attributes would avail them in the great + day of judgment. When he introduces Claverhouse, it is to reproach + him with his passion for horses in general, and for that steed in + particular, which was killed at Drumclog, in the manner described in + the text: + + "As for that bloodthirsty wretch, Claverhouse, how thinks he to + shelter himself that day? Is it possible the pitiful thing can be so + mad as to think to secure himself by the fleetness of his horse, (a + creature he has so much respect for, that he regarded more the loss + of his horse at Drumclog, than all the men that fell there, and sure + there fell prettier men on either side than himself?) No, + sure—could he fall upon a chemist that could extract the spirit + out of all the horses in the world, and infuse them into his one, + though he were on that horse never so well mounted, he need not + dream of escaping."—The Testimony to the Doctrine, Worship, + Discipline, and Government of the Church of Scotland, as it was + left in write by that truly pious and eminently faithful, and now + glorified Martyr, Mr John Dick. To which is added, his last Speech + and Behaviour on the Scaffold, on 5th March, 1684, which day he + sealed this testimony. 57 pp. 4to. No year or place of publication. + + The reader may perhaps receive some farther information on the + subject of Cornet Grahame's death and the flight of Claverhouse, + from the following Latin lines, a part of a poem entitled, Bellum + Bothuellianum, by Andrew Guild, which exists in manuscript in the + Advocates' Library.] +</pre> +<p> + A few officers and soldiers followed him, but in a very irregular and + tumultuary manner. The flight of Claverhouse was the signal for all the + stragglers, who yet offered desultory resistance, to fly as fast as they + could, and yield up the field of battle to the victorious insurgents. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0017"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XVII. +</h2> +<pre> + But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, + What steed to the desert flies frantic and far? + Campbell. +</pre> +<p> + During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, + together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel + Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, + or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of + war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in + the bottom. They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, + as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the + fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed + among their prisoners. +</p> +<p> + "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance + o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them—they + hae little skeel o' arms." +</p> +<p> + "Much is not necessary, Cuddie," answered Morton; "they have a strong + position, and weapons in their hands, and are more than three times the + number of their assailants. If they cannot fight for their freedom now, + they and theirs deserve to lose it for ever." +</p> +<p> + "O, sirs," exclaimed Mause, "here's a goodly spectacle indeed! My spirit + is like that of the blessed Elihu, it burns within me—my bowels are as + wine which lacketh vent—they are ready to burst like new bottles. O, + that He may look after His ain people in this day of judgment and + deliverance!—And now, what ailest thou, precious Mr Gabriel + Kettledrummle? I say, what ailest thou, that wert a Nazarite purer than + snow, whiter than milk, more ruddy than sulphur," (meaning, perhaps, + sapphires,)—"I say, what ails thee now, that thou art blacker than a + coal, that thy beauty is departed, and thy loveliness withered like a dry + potsherd? Surely it is time to be up and be doing, to cry loudly and to + spare not, and to wrestle for the puir lads that are yonder testifying + with their ain blude and that of their enemies." +</p> +<p> + This expostulation implied a reproach on Mr Kettledrummle, who, though an + absolute Boanerges, or son of thunder, in the pulpit, when the enemy were + afar, and indeed sufficiently contumacious, as we have seen, when in + their power, had been struck dumb by the firing, shouts, and shrieks, + which now arose from the valley, and—as many an honest man might have + been, in a situation where he could neither fight nor fly—was too much + dismayed to take so favourable an opportunity to preach the terrors of + presbytery, as the courageous Mause had expected at his hand, or even to + pray for the successful event of the battle. His presence of mind was + not, however, entirely lost, any more than his jealous respect for his + reputation as a pure and powerful preacher of the word. +</p> +<p> + "Hold your peace, woman!" he said, "and do not perturb my inward + meditations and the wrestlings wherewith I wrestle.—But of a verity the + shooting of the foemen doth begin to increase! peradventure, some pellet + may attain unto us even here. Lo! I will ensconce me behind the cairn, as + behind a strong wall of defence." +</p> +<p> + "He's but a coward body after a'," said Cuddie, who was himself by no + means deficient in that sort of courage which consists in insensibility + to danger; "he's but a daidling coward body. He'll never fill + Rumbleberry's bonnet.—Odd! Rumbleberry fought and flyted like a fleeing + dragon. It was a great pity, puir man, he couldna cheat the woodie. But + they say he gaed singing and rejoicing till't, just as I wad gang to a + bicker o' brose, supposing me hungry, as I stand a gude chance to be.— + Eh, sirs! yon's an awfu' sight, and yet ane canna keep their een aff frae + it!" +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, strong curiosity on the part of Morton and Cuddie, together + with the heated enthusiasm of old Mause, detained them on the spot from + which they could best hear and see the issue of the action, leaving to + Kettledrummle to occupy alone his place of security. The vicissitudes of + combat, which we have already described, were witnessed by our spectators + from the top of the eminence, but without their being able positively to + determine to what they tended. That the presbyterians defended themselves + stoutly was evident from the heavy smoke, which, illumined by frequent + flashes of fire, now eddied along the valley, and hid the contending + parties in its sulphureous shade. On the other hand, the continued firing + from the nearer side of the morass indicated that the enemy persevered in + their attack, that the affair was fiercely disputed, and that every thing + was to be apprehended from a continued contest in which undisciplined + rustics had to repel the assaults of regular troops, so completely + officered and armed. +</p> +<p> + At length horses, whose caparisons showed that they belonged to the + Life-Guards, began to fly masterless out of the confusion. Dismounted + soldiers next appeared, forsaking the conflict, and straggling over the + side of the hill, in order to escape from the scene of action. As the + numbers of these fugitives increased, the fate of the day seemed no + longer doubtful. A large body was then seen emerging from the smoke, + forming irregularly on the hill-side, and with difficulty kept stationary + by their officers, until Evandale's corps also appeared in full retreat. + The result of the conflict was then apparent, and the joy of the + prisoners was corresponding to their approaching deliverance. +</p> +<p> + "They hae dune the job for anes," said Cuddie, "an they ne'er do't + again." +</p> +<p> + "They flee!—they flee!" exclaimed Mause, in ecstasy. "O, the truculent + tyrants! they are riding now as they never rode before. O, the false + Egyptians—the proud Assyrians—the Philistines—the Moabites—the + Edomites—the Ishmaelites!—The Lord has brought sharp swords upon them, + to make them food for the fowls of heaven and the beasts of the field. + See how the clouds roll, and the fire flashes ahint them, and goes forth + before the chosen of the Covenant, e'en like the pillar o' cloud and the + pillar o' flame that led the people of Israel out o' the land of Egypt! + This is indeed a day of deliverance to the righteous, a day of pouring + out of wrath to the persecutors and the ungodly!" +</p> +<p> + "Lord save us, mither," said Cuddie, "haud the clavering tongue o' ye, + and lie down ahint the cairn, like Kettledrummle, honest man! The + whigamore bullets ken unco little discretion, and will just as sune knock + out the harns o' a psalm-singing auld wife as a swearing dragoon." +</p> +<p> + "Fear naething for me, Cuddie," said the old dame, transported to ecstasy + by the success of her party; "fear naething for me! I will stand, like + Deborah, on the tap o' the cairn, and tak up my sang o' reproach against + these men of Harosheth of the Gentiles, whose horse-hoofs are broken by + their prancing." +</p> +<p> + The enthusiastic old woman would, in fact, have accomplished her purpose, + of mounting on the cairn, and becoming, as she said, a sign and a banner + to the people, had not Cuddie, with more filial tenderness than respect, + detained her by such force as his shackled arms would permit him to + exert. +</p> +<p> + "Eh, sirs!" he said, having accomplished this task, "look out yonder, + Milnwood; saw ye ever mortal fight like the deevil Claver'se?—Yonder + he's been thrice doun amang them, and thrice cam free aff.—But I think + we'll soon be free oursells, Milnwood. Inglis and his troopers look ower + their shouthers very aften, as if they liked the road ahint them better + than the road afore." +</p> +<p> + Cuddie was not mistaken; for, when the main tide of fugitives passed at a + little distance from the spot where they were stationed, the corporal and + his party fired their carabines at random upon the advancing insurgents, + and, abandoning all charge of their prisoners, joined the retreat of + their comrades. Morton and the old woman, whose hands were at liberty, + lost no time in undoing the bonds of Cuddie and of the clergyman, both of + whom had been secured by a cord tied round their arms above the elbows. + By the time this was accomplished, the rear-guard of the dragoons, which + still preserved some order, passed beneath the hillock or rising ground + which was surmounted by the cairn already repeatedly mentioned. They + exhibited all the hurry and confusion incident to a forced retreat, but + still continued in a body. Claverhouse led the van, his naked sword + deeply dyed with blood, as were his face and clothes. His horse was all + covered with gore, and now reeled with weakness. Lord Evandale, in not + much better plight, brought up the rear, still exhorting the soldiers to + keep together and fear nothing. Several of the men were wounded, and one + or two dropped from their horses as they surmounted the hill. +</p> +<p> + Mause's zeal broke forth once more at this spectacle, while she stood on + the heath with her head uncovered, and her grey hairs streaming in the + wind, no bad representation of a superannuated bacchante, or Thessalian + witch in the agonies of incantation. She soon discovered Claverhouse at + the head of the fugitive party, and exclaimed with bitter irony, "Tarry, + tarry, ye wha were aye sae blithe to be at the meetings of the saints, + and wad ride every muir in Scotland to find a conventicle! Wilt thou not + tarry, now thou hast found ane? Wilt thou not stay for one word mair? + Wilt thou na bide the afternoon preaching?—Wae betide ye!" she said, + suddenly changing her tone, "and cut the houghs of the creature whase + fleetness ye trust in!—Sheugh—sheugh!—awa wi'ye, that hae spilled sae + muckle blude, and now wad save your ain—awa wi'ye for a railing + Rabshakeh, a cursing Shimei, a bloodthirsty Doeg!—The swords drawn now + that winna be lang o' o'ertaking ye, ride as fast as ye will." +</p> +<p> + Claverhouse, it may be easily supposed, was too busy to attend to her + reproaches, but hastened over the hill, anxious to get the remnant of his + men out of gun-shot, in hopes of again collecting the fugitives round his + standard. But as the rear of his followers rode over the ridge, a shot + struck Lord Evandale's horse, which instantly sunk down dead beneath him. + Two of the whig horsemen, who were the foremost in the pursuit, hastened + up with the purpose of killing him, for hitherto there had been no + quarter given. Morton, on the other hand, rushed forward to save his + life, if possible, in order at once to indulge his natural generosity, + and to requite the obligation which Lord Evandale had conferred on him + that morning, and under which circumstances had made him wince so + acutely. Just as he had assisted Evandale, who was much wounded, to + extricate himself from his dying horse, and to gain his feet, the two + horsemen came up, and one of them exclaiming, "Have at the red-coated + tyrant!" made a blow at the young nobleman, which Morton parried with + difficulty, exclaiming to the rider, who was no other than Burley + himself, "Give quarter to this gentleman, for my sake—for the sake," he + added, observing that Burley did not immediately recognise him, "of Henry + Morton, who so lately sheltered you." +</p> +<p> + "Henry Morton?" replied Burley, wiping his bloody brow with his bloodier + hand; "did I not say that the son of Silas Morton would come forth out of + the land of bondage, nor be long an indweller in the tents of Ham? Thou + art a brand snatched out of the burning—But for this booted apostle of + prelacy, he shall die the death!—We must smite them hip and thigh, even + from the rising to the going down of the sun. It is our commission to + slay them like Amalek, and utterly destroy all they have, and spare + neither man nor woman, infant nor suckling; therefore, hinder me not," he + continued, endeavouring again to cut down Lord Evandale, "for this work + must not be wrought negligently." +</p> +<p> + "You must not, and you shall not, slay him, more especially while + incapable of defence," said Morton, planting himself before Lord Evandale + so as to intercept any blow that should be aimed at him; "I owed my life + to him this morning—my life, which was endangered solely by my having + sheltered you; and to shed his blood when he can offer no effectual + resistance, were not only a cruelty abhorrent to God and man, but + detestable ingratitude both to him and to me." +</p> +<p> + Burley paused.—"Thou art yet," he said, "in the court of the Gentiles, + and I compassionate thy human blindness and frailty. Strong meat is not + fit for babes, nor the mighty and grinding dispensation under which I + draw my sword, for those whose hearts are yet dwelling in huts of clay, + whose footsteps are tangled in the mesh of mortal sympathies, and who + clothe themselves in the righteousness that is as filthy rags. But to + gain a soul to the truth is better than to send one to Tophet; therefore + I give quarter to this youth, providing the grant is confirmed by the + general council of God's army, whom he hath this day blessed with so + signal a deliverance.—Thou art unarmed—Abide my return here. I must yet + pursue these sinners, the Amalekites, and destroy them till they be + utterly consumed from the face of the land, even from Havilah unto Shur." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he set spurs to his horse, and continued to pursue the chase. +</p> +<p> + "Cuddie," said Morton, "for God's sake catch a horse as quickly as you + can. I will not trust Lord Evandale's life with these obdurate men.—You + are wounded, my lord.—Are you able to continue your retreat?" he + continued, addressing himself to his prisoner, who, half-stunned by the + fall, was but beginning to recover himself. +</p> +<p> + "I think so," replied Lord Evandale. "But is it possible?—Do I owe my + life to Mr Morton?" +</p> +<p> + "My interference would have been the same from common humanity," replied + Morton; "to your lordship it was a sacred debt of gratitude." +</p> +<p> + Cuddie at this instant returned with a horse. +</p> +<p> + "God-sake, munt—munt, and ride like a fleeing hawk, my lord," said the + good-natured fellow, "for ne'er be in me, if they arena killing every ane + o' the wounded and prisoners!" +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale mounted the horse, while Cuddie officiously held the + stirrup. +</p> +<p> + "Stand off, good fellow, thy courtesy may cost thy life.—Mr Morton," he + continued, addressing Henry, "this makes us more than even—rely on it, I + will never forget your generosity—Farewell." +</p> +<p> + He turned his horse, and rode swiftly away in the direction which seemed + least exposed to pursuit. +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale had just rode off, when several of the insurgents, who were + in the front of the pursuit, came up, denouncing vengeance on Henry + Morton and Cuddie for having aided the escape of a Philistine, as they + called the young nobleman. +</p> +<p> + "What wad ye hae had us to do?" cried Cuddie. "Had we aught to stop a man + wi' that had twa pistols and a sword? Sudna ye hae come faster up + yoursells, instead of flyting at huz?" +</p> +<p> + This excuse would hardly have passed current; but Kettledrummle, who now + awoke from his trance of terror, and was known to, and reverenced by, + most of the wanderers, together with Mause, who possessed their + appropriate language as well as the preacher himself, proved active and + effectual intercessors. +</p> +<p> + "Touch them not, harm them not," exclaimed Kettledrummle, in his very + best double-bass tones; "this is the son of the famous Silas Morton, by + whom the Lord wrought great things in this land at the breaking forth of + the reformation from prelacy, when there was a plentiful pouring forth of + the Word and a renewing of the Covenant; a hero and champion of those + blessed days, when there was power and efficacy, and convincing and + converting of sinners, and heart-exercises, and fellowships of saints, + and a plentiful flowing forth of the spices of the garden of Eden." +</p> +<p> + "And this is my son Cuddie," exclaimed Mause, in her turn, "the son of + his father, Judden Headrigg, wha was a douce honest man, and of me, Mause + Middlemas, an unworthy professor and follower of the pure gospel, and ane + o' your ain folk. Is it not written, 'Cut ye not off the tribe of the + families of the Kohathites from among the Levites?' Numbers, fourth and + aughteenth—O! sirs! dinna be standing here prattling wi' honest folk, + when ye suld be following forth your victory with which Providence has + blessed ye." +</p> +<p> + This party having passed on, they were immediately beset by another, to + whom it was necessary to give the same explanation. Kettledrummle, whose + fear was much dissipated since the firing had ceased, again took upon him + to be intercessor, and grown bold, as he felt his good word necessary for + the protection of his late fellow-captives, he laid claim to no small + share of the merit of the victory, appealing to Morton and Cuddie, + whether the tide of battle had not turned while he prayed on the Mount of + Jehovah-Nissi, like Moses, that Israel might prevail over Amalek; but + granting them, at the same time, the credit of holding up his hands when + they waxed heavy, as those of the prophet were supported by Aaron and + Hur. It seems probable that Kettledrummle allotted this part in the + success to his companions in adversity, lest they should be tempted to + disclose his carnal self-seeking and falling away, in regarding too + closely his own personal safety. These strong testimonies in favour of + the liberated captives quickly flew abroad, with many exaggerations, + among the victorious army. The reports on the subject were various; but + it was universally agreed, that young Morton of Milnwood, the son of the + stout soldier of the Covenant, Silas Morton, together with the precious + Gabriel Kettledrummle, and a singular devout Christian woman, whom many + thought as good as himself at extracting a doctrine or an use, whether of + terror or consolation, had arrived to support the good old cause, with a + reinforcement of a hundred well-armed men from the Middle Ward. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Skirmish at Drumclog. This affair, the only one in which + Claverhouse was defeated, or the insurgent Cameronians successful, + was fought pretty much in the manner mentioned in the text. The + Royalists lost about thirty or forty men. The commander of the + Presbyterian, or rather Convenanting party, was Mr Robert Hamilton, + of the honourable House of Preston, brother of Sir William Hamilton, + to whose title and estate he afterwards succeeded; but, according to + his biographer, Howie of Lochgoin, he never took possession of + either, as he could not do so without acknowledging the right of + King William (an uncovenanted monarch) to the crown. Hamilton had + been bred by Bishop Burnet, while the latter lived at Glasgow; his + brother, Sir Thomas, having married a sister of that historian. "He + was then," says the Bishop, "a lively, hopeful young man; but + getting into that company, and into their notions, he became a + crack-brained enthusiast." + + Several well-meaning persons have been much scandalized at the + manner in which the victors are said to have conducted themselves + towards the prisoners at Drumclog. But the principle of these poor + fanatics, (I mean the high-flying, or Cameronian party,) was to + obtain not merely toleration for their church, but the same + supremacy which Presbytery had acquired in Scotland after the treaty + of Rippon, betwixt Charles I. and his Scottish subjects, in 1640. + + The fact is, that they conceived themselves a chosen people, sent + forth to extirpate the heathen, like the Jews of old, and under a + similar charge to show no quarter. + + The historian of the Insurrection of Bothwell makes the following + explicit avowal of the principles on which their General acted:— + + "Mr Hamilton discovered a great deal of bravery and valour, both in + the conflict with, and pursuit of, the enemy; but when he and some + other were pursuing the enemy, others flew too greedily upon the + spoil, small as it was, instead of pursuing the victory; and some, + without Mr Hamilton's knowledge, and directly contrary to his + express command, gave five of those bloody enemies quarter, and then + let them go; this greatly grieved Mr Hamilton when he saw some of + Babel's brats spared, after that the Lord had delivered them into + their hands, that they might dash them against the stones. Psalm + cxxxvii., 9. In his own account of this, he reckons the sparing of + these enemies, and letting them go, to be among their first + steppings aside, for which he feared that the Lord would not honour + them to do much more for him; and says, that he was neither for + taking favours from, nor giving favours to, the Lord's enemies." See + A true and impartial Account of the persecuted Presbyterians in + Scotland, their being in arms, and defeat at Bothwell Brigg, in + 1679, by William Wilson, late Schoolmaster in the parish of Douglas. + The reader who would authenticate the quotation, must not consult + any other edition than that of 1697; for somehow or other the + publisher of the last edition has omitted this remarkable part of + the narrative. + + Sir Robert Hamilton himself felt neither remorse nor shame for + having put to death one of the prisoners after the battle with his + own hand, which appears to have been a charge against him, by some + whose fanaticism was less exalted than his own. + + "As for that accusation they bring against me of killing that poor + man (as they call him) at Drumclog, I may easily guess that my + accusers can be no other but some of the house of Saul or Shimei, or + some such risen again to espouse that poor gentleman (Saul) his + quarrel against honest Samuel, for his offering to kill that poor + man Agag, after the king's giving him quarter. But I, being to + command that day, gave out the word that no quarter should be given; + and returning from pursuing Claverhouse, one or two of these fellows + were standing in the midst of a company of our friends, and some + were debating for quarter, others against it. None could blame me to + decide the controversy, and I bless the Lord for it to this day. + There were five more that without my knowledge got quarter, who were + brought to me after we were a mile from the place as having got + quarter, which I reckoned among the first steppings aside; and + seeing that spirit amongst us at that time, I then told it to some + that were with me, (to my best remembrance, it was honest old John + Nisbet,) that I feared the Lord would not honour us to do much more + for him. I shall only say this,—I desire to bless his holy name, + that since ever he helped me to set my face to his work, I never + had, nor would take, a favour from enemies, either on right or left + hand, and desired to give as few." + + The preceding passage is extracted from a long vindication of his + own conduct, sent by Sir Robert Hamilton, 7th December, 1685, + addressed to the anti-Popish, anti-Prelatic, anti-Erastian, + anti-sectarian true Presbyterian remnant of the Church of Scotland; + and the substance is to be found in the work or collection, called, + "Faithful Contendings Displayed, collected and transcribed by John + Howie." + + As the skirmish of Drumclog has been of late the subject of some + enquiry, the reader may be curious to see Claverhouse's own account + of the affair, in a letter to the Earl of Linlithgow, written + immediately after the action. This gazette, as it may be called, + occurs in the volume called Dundee's Letters, printed by Mr Smythe + of Methven, as a contribution to the Bannatyne Club. The original is + in the library of the Duke of Buckingham. Claverhouse, it may be + observed, spells like a chambermaid. + + "FOR THE EARLE OF LINLITHGOW. [COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF KING CHARLES + II.'s FORCES IN SCOTLAND.] + + "Glaskow, Jun. the 1, 1679. + + "My Lord,—Upon Saturday's night, when my Lord Rosse came into this + place, I marched out, and because of the insolency that had been + done tue nights before at Ruglen, I went thither and inquyred for + the names. So soon as I got them, I sent our partys to sease on + them, and found not only three of those rogues, but also ane + intercomend minister called King. We had them at Strevan about six + in the morning yesterday, and resolving to convey them to this, I + thought that we might make a little tour to see if we could fall + upon a conventicle; which we did, little to our advantage; for when + we came in sight of them, we found them drawn up in batell, upon a + most adventageous ground, to which there was no coming but through + mosses and lakes. They wer not preaching, and had got away all there + women and shildring. They consisted of four battaillons of foot, and + all well armed with fusils and pitchforks, and three squadrons of + horse. We sent both partys to skirmish, they of foot and we of + dragoons; they run for it, and sent down a battaillon of foot + against them; we sent threescore of dragoons, who made them run + again shamfully; but in end they percaiving that we had the better + of them in skirmish, they resolved a generall engadgment, and + imediately advanced with there foot, the horse folowing; they came + throght the lotche; the greatest body of all made up against my + troupe; we keeped our fyre till they wer within ten pace of us: they + recaived our fyr, and advanced to shok; the first they gave us + broght down the Coronet Mr Crafford and Captain Bleith, besides that + with a pitchfork they made such an openeing in my rone horse's + belly, that his guts hung out half an elle, and yet he caryed me af + an myl; which so discoraged our men, that they sustained not the + shok, but fell into disorder. There horse took the occasion of this, + and purseued us so hotly that we had no tym to rayly. I saved the + standarts, but lost on the place about aight or ten men, besides + wounded; but he dragoons lost many mor. They ar not com esily af on + the other side, for I sawe severall of them fall befor we cam to the + shok. I mad the best retraite the confusion of our people would + suffer, and I am now laying with my Lord Rosse. The toun of Streven + drew up as we was making our retrait, and thoght of a pass to cut us + off, but we took courage and fell to them, made them run, leaving a + dousain on the place. What these rogues will dou yet I know not, but + the contry was flocking to them from all hands. This may be counted + the begining of the rebellion, in my opinion. + + "I am, my lord, + + "Your lordship's most humble servant, + + "J. Grahame. + + "My lord, I am so wearied, and so sleapy, that I have wryton this + very confusedly."] +</pre> +<a name="2HCH0018"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. +</h2> +<pre> + When pulpit, drum ecclesiastic, + Was beat with fist instead of a stick. + Hudibras. +</pre> +<p> + In the meantime, the insurgent cavalry returned from the pursuit, jaded + and worn out with their unwonted efforts, and the infantry assembled on + the ground which they had won, fatigued with toil and hunger. Their + success, however, was a cordial to every bosom, and seemed even to serve + in the stead of food and refreshment. It was, indeed, much more brilliant + than they durst have ventured to anticipate; for, with no great loss on + their part, they had totally routed a regiment of picked men, commanded + by the first officer in Scotland, and one whose very name had long been a + terror to them. Their success seemed even to have upon their spirits the + effect of a sudden and violent surprise, so much had their taking up arms + been a measure of desperation rather than of hope. Their meeting was also + casual, and they had hastily arranged themselves under such commanders as + were remarkable for zeal and courage, without much respect to any other + qualities. It followed, from this state of disorganization, that the + whole army appeared at once to resolve itself into a general committee + for considering what steps were to be taken in consequence of their + success, and no opinion could be started so wild that it had not some + favourers and advocates. Some proposed they should march to Glasgow, some + to Hamilton, some to Edinburgh, some to London. Some were for sending a + deputation of their number to London to convert Charles II. to a sense of + the error of his ways; and others, less charitable, proposed either to + call a new successor to the crown, or to declare Scotland a free + republic. A free parliament of the nation, and a free assembly of the + Kirk, were the objects of the more sensible and moderate of the party. In + the meanwhile, a clamour arose among the soldiers for bread and other + necessaries, and while all complained of hardship and hunger, none took + the necessary measures to procure supplies. In short, the camp of the + Covenanters, even in the very moment of success, seemed about to dissolve + like a rope of sand, from want of the original principles of combination + and union. +</p> +<p> + Burley, who had now returned from the pursuit, found his followers in + this distracted state. With the ready talent of one accustomed to + encounter exigences, he proposed, that one hundred of the freshest men + should be drawn out for duty—that a small number of those who had + hitherto acted as leaders, should constitute a committee of direction + until officers should be regularly chosen—and that, to crown the + victory, Gabriel Kettledrummle should be called upon to improve the + providential success which they had obtained, by a word in season + addressed to the army. He reckoned very much, and not without reason, on + this last expedient, as a means of engaging the attention of the bulk of + the insurgents, while he himself, and two or three of their leaders, held + a private council of war, undisturbed by the discordant opinions, or + senseless clamour, of the general body. +</p> +<p> + Kettledrummle more than answered the expectations of Burley. Two mortal + hours did he preach at a breathing; and certainly no lungs, or doctrine, + excepting his own, could have kept up, for so long a time, the attention + of men in such precarious circumstances. But he possessed in perfection a + sort of rude and familiar eloquence peculiar to the preachers of that + period, which, though it would have been fastidiously rejected by an + audience which possessed any portion of taste, was a cake of the right + leaven for the palates of those whom he now addressed. His text was from + the forty-ninth chapter of Isaiah, "Even the captives of the mighty shall + be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I + will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy + children. +</p> +<p> + "And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they + shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh + shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the Mighty + One of Jacob." +</p> +<p> + The discourse which he pronounced upon this subject was divided into + fifteen heads, each of which was garnished with seven uses of + application, two of consolation, two of terror, two declaring the causes + of backsliding and of wrath, and one announcing the promised and expected + deliverance. The first part of his text he applied to his own deliverance + and that of his companions; and took occasion to speak a few words in + praise of young Milnwood, of whom, as of a champion of the Covenant, he + augured great things. The second part he applied to the punishments which + were about to fall upon the persecuting government. At times he + was familiar and colloquial; now he was loud, energetic, and + boisterous;—some parts of his discourse might be called sublime, and + others sunk below burlesque. Occasionally he vindicated with great + animation the right of every freeman to worship God according to his own + conscience; and presently he charged the guilt and misery of the people + on the awful negligence of their rulers, who had not only failed to + establish presbytery as the national religion, but had tolerated + sectaries of various descriptions, Papists, Prelatists, Erastians, + assuming the name of Presbyterians, Independents, Socinians, and + Quakers: all of whom Kettledrummle proposed, by one sweeping act, to + expel from the land, and thus re-edify in its integrity the beauty of + the sanctuary. He next handled very pithily the doctrine of defensive + arms and of resistance to Charles II., observing, that, instead of a + nursing father to the Kirk, that monarch had been a nursing father to + none but his own bastards. He went at some length through the life and + conversation of that joyous prince, few parts of which, it must be + owned, were qualified to stand the rough handling of so uncourtly an + orator, who conferred on him the hard names of Jeroboam, Omri, Ahab, + Shallum, Pekah, and every other evil monarch recorded in the Chronicles, + and concluded with a round application of the Scripture, "Tophet is + ordained of old; yea, for the King it is provided: he hath made it deep + and large; the pile thereof is fire and much wood: the breath of the + Lord, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it." +</p> +<p> + Kettledrummle had no sooner ended his sermon, and descended from the huge + rock which had served him for a pulpit, than his post was occupied by a + pastor of a very different description. The reverend Gabriel was advanced + in years, somewhat corpulent, with a loud voice, a square face, and a set + of stupid and unanimated features, in which the body seemed more to + predominate over the spirit than was seemly in a sound divine. The youth + who succeeded him in exhorting this extraordinary convocation, Ephraim + Macbriar by name, was hardly twenty years old; yet his thin features + already indicated, that a constitution, naturally hectic, was worn out by + vigils, by fasts, by the rigour of imprisonment, and the fatigues + incident to a fugitive life. Young as he was, he had been twice + imprisoned for several months, and suffered many severities, which gave + him great influence with those of his own sect. He threw his faded eyes + over the multitude and over the scene of battle; and a light of triumph + arose in his glance, his pale yet striking features were coloured with a + transient and hectic blush of joy. He folded his hands, raised his face + to heaven, and seemed lost in mental prayer and thanksgiving ere he + addressed the people. When he spoke, his faint and broken voice seemed at + first inadequate to express his conceptions. But the deep silence of the + assembly, the eagerness with which the ear gathered every word, as the + famished Israelites collected the heavenly manna, had a corresponding + effect upon the preacher himself. His words became more distinct, his + manner more earnest and energetic; it seemed as if religious zeal was + triumphing over bodily weakness and infirmity. His natural eloquence was + not altogether untainted with the coarseness of his sect; and yet, by the + influence of a good natural taste, it was freed from the grosser and more + ludicrous errors of his contemporaries; and the language of Scripture, + which, in their mouths, was sometimes degraded by misapplication, gave, + in Macbriar's exhortation, a rich and solemn effect, like that which is + produced by the beams of the sun streaming through the storied + representation of saints and martyrs on the Gothic window of some ancient + cathedral. +</p> +<p> + He painted the desolation of the church, during the late period of her + distresses, in the most affecting colours. He described her, like Hagar + watching the waning life of her infant amid the fountainless desert; like + Judah, under her palm-tree, mourning for the devastation of her temple; + like Rachel, weeping for her children and refusing comfort. But he + chiefly rose into rough sublimity when addressing the men yet reeking + from battle. He called on them to remember the great things which God had + done for them, and to persevere in the career which their victory had + opened. +</p> +<p> + "Your garments are dyed—but not with the juice of the wine-press; your + swords are filled with blood," he exclaimed, "but not with the blood of + goats or lambs; the dust of the desert on which ye stand is made fat with + gore, but not with the blood of bullocks, for the Lord hath a sacrifice + in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea. These were not + the firstlings of the flock, the small cattle of burnt-offerings, whose + bodies lie like dung on the ploughed field of the husbandman; this is not + the savour of myrrh, of frankincense, or of sweet herbs, that is steaming + in your nostrils; but these bloody trunks are the carcasses of those who + held the bow and the lance, who were cruel and would show no mercy, whose + voice roared like the sea, who rode upon horses, every man in array as if + to battle—they are the carcasses even of the mighty men of war that came + against Jacob in the day of his deliverance, and the smoke is that of the + devouring fires that have consumed them. And those wild hills that + surround you are not a sanctuary planked with cedar and plated with + silver; nor are ye ministering priests at the altar, with censers and + with torches; but ye hold in your hands the sword, and the bow, and the + weapons of death. And yet verily, I say unto you, that not when the + ancient Temple was in its first glory was there offered sacrifice more + acceptable than that which you have this day presented, giving to the + slaughter the tyrant and the oppressor, with the rocks for your altars, + and the sky for your vaulted sanctuary, and your own good swords for the + instruments of sacrifice. Leave not, therefore, the plough in the + furrow—turn not back from the path in which you have entered like the + famous worthies of old, whom God raised up for the glorifying of his + name and the deliverance of his afflicted people—halt not in the race + you are running, lest the latter end should be worse than the beginning. + Wherefore, set up a standard in the land; blow a trumpet upon the + mountains; let not the shepherd tarry by his sheepfold, or the seedsman + continue in the ploughed field; but make the watch strong, sharpen the + arrows, burnish the shields, name ye the captains of thousands, and + captains of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens; call the footmen like the + rushing of winds, and cause the horsemen to come up like the sound of + many waters; for the passages of the destroyers are stopped, their rods + are burned, and the face of their men of battle hath been turned to + flight. Heaven has been with you, and has broken the bow of the mighty; + then let every man's heart be as the heart of the valiant Maccabeus, + every man's hand as the hand of the mighty Sampson, every man's sword as + that of Gideon, which turned not back from the slaughter; for the banner + of Reformation is spread abroad on the mountains in its first + loveliness, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. +</p> +<p> + "Well is he this day that shall barter his house for a helmet, and sell + his garment for a sword, and cast in his lot with the children of the + Covenant, even to the fulfilling of the promise; and woe, woe unto him + who, for carnal ends and self-seeking, shall withhold himself from the + great work, for the curse shall abide with him, even the bitter curse of + Meroz, because he came not to the help of the Lord against the mighty. + Up, then, and be doing; the blood of martyrs, reeking upon scaffolds, is + crying for vengeance; the bones of saints, which lie whitening in the + highways, are pleading for retribution; the groans of innocent captives + from desolate isles of the sea, and from the dungeons of the tyrants' + high places, cry for deliverance; the prayers of persecuted Christians, + sheltering themselves in dens and deserts from the sword of their + persecutors, famished with hunger, starving with cold, lacking fire, + food, shelter, and clothing, because they serve God rather than man—all + are with you, pleading, watching, knocking, storming the gates of heaven + in your behalf. Heaven itself shall fight for you, as the stars in their + courses fought against Sisera. Then whoso will deserve immortal fame in + this world, and eternal happiness in that which is to come, let them + enter into God's service, and take arles at the hand of his servant,—a + blessing, namely, upon him and his household, and his children, to the + ninth generation, even the blessing of the promise, for ever and ever! + Amen." +</p> +<p> + The eloquence of the preacher was rewarded by the deep hum of stern + approbation which resounded through the armed assemblage at the + conclusion of an exhortation, so well suited to that which they had done, + and that which remained for them to do. The wounded forgot their pain, + the faint and hungry their fatigues and privations, as they listened to + doctrines which elevated them alike above the wants and calamities of the + world, and identified their cause with that of the Deity. Many crowded + around the preacher, as he descended from the eminence on which he stood, + and, clasping him with hands on which the gore was not yet hardened, + pledged their sacred vow that they would play the part of Heaven's true + soldiers. Exhausted by his own enthusiasm, and by the animated fervour + which he had exerted in his discourse, the preacher could only reply, in + broken accents,—"God bless you, my brethren—it is his cause.—Stand + strongly up and play the men—the worst that can befall us is but a brief + and bloody passage to heaven." +</p> +<p> + Balfour, and the other leaders, had not lost the time which was employed + in these spiritual exercises. Watch-fires were lighted, sentinels were + posted, and arrangements were made to refresh the army with such + provisions as had been hastily collected from the nearest farm-houses and + villages. The present necessity thus provided for, they turned their + thoughts to the future. They had dispatched parties to spread the news of + their victory, and to obtain, either by force or favour, supplies of what + they stood most in need of. In this they had succeeded beyond their + hopes, having at one village seized a small magazine of provisions, + forage, and ammunition, which had been provided for the royal forces. + This success not only gave them relief at the time, but such hopes for + the future, that whereas formerly some of their number had begun to + slacken in their zeal, they now unanimously resolved to abide together in + arms, and commit themselves and their cause to the event of war. +</p> +<p> + And whatever may be thought of the extravagance or narrow-minded bigotry + of many of their tenets, it is impossible to deny the praise of devoted + courage to a few hundred peasants, who, without leaders, without money, + without magazines, without any fixed plan of action, and almost without + arms, borne out only by their innate zeal, and a detestation of the + oppression of their rulers, ventured to declare open war against an + established government, supported by a regular army and the whole force + of three kingdoms. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0019"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XIX. +</h2> +<pre> + Why, then, say an old man can do somewhat. + Henry IV. Part II. +</pre> +<p> + We must now return to the tower of Tillietudlem, which the march of the + Life-Guards, on the morning of this eventful day, had left to silence and + anxiety. The assurances of Lord Evandale had not succeeded in quelling + the apprehensions of Edith. She knew him generous, and faithful to his + word; but it seemed too plain that he suspected the object of her + intercession to be a successful rival; and was it not expecting from him + an effort above human nature, to suppose that he was to watch over + Morton's safety, and rescue him from all the dangers to which his state + of imprisonment, and the suspicions which he had incurred, must + repeatedly expose him? She therefore resigned herself to the most + heart-rending apprehensions, without admitting, and indeed almost without + listening to, the multifarious grounds of consolation which Jenny + Dennison brought forward, one after another, like a skilful general who + charges with the several divisions of his troops in regular succession. +</p> +<p> + First, Jenny was morally positive that young Milnwood would come to no + harm—then, if he did, there was consolation in the reflection, that Lord + Evandale was the better and more appropriate match of the two—then, + there was every chance of a battle, in which the said Lord Evandale might + be killed, and there wad be nae mair fash about that job—then, if the + whigs gat the better, Milnwood and Cuddie might come to the Castle, and + carry off the beloved of their hearts by the strong hand. +</p> +<p> + "For I forgot to tell ye, madam," continued the damsel, putting her + handkerchief to her eyes, "that puir Cuddie's in the hands of the + Philistines as weel as young Milnwood, and he was brought here a prisoner + this morning, and I was fain to speak Tam Halliday fair, and fleech him + to let me near the puir creature; but Cuddie wasna sae thankfu' as he + needed till hae been neither," she added, and at the same time changed + her tone, and briskly withdrew the handkerchief from her face; "so I will + ne'er waste my een wi' greeting about the matter. There wad be aye enow + o' young men left, if they were to hang the tae half o' them." +</p> +<p> + The other inhabitants of the Castle were also in a state of + dissatisfaction and anxiety. Lady Margaret thought that Colonel Grahame, + in commanding an execution at the door of her house, and refusing to + grant a reprieve at her request, had fallen short of the deference due to + her rank, and had even encroached on her seignorial rights. +</p> +<p> + "The Colonel," she said, "ought to have remembered, brother, that the + barony of Tillietudlem has the baronial privilege of pit and gallows; and + therefore, if the lad was to be executed on my estate, (which I consider + as an unhandsome thing, seeing it is in the possession of females, to + whom such tragedies cannot be acceptable,) he ought, at common law, to + have been delivered up to my bailie, and justified at his sight." +</p> +<p> + "Martial law, sister," answered Major Bellenden, "supersedes every other. + But I must own I think Colonel Grahame rather deficient in attention to + you; and I am not over and above pre-eminently flattered by his granting + to young Evandale (I suppose because he is a lord, and has interest with + the privy-council) a request which he refused to so old a servant of the + king as I am. But so long as the poor young fellow's life is saved, I can + comfort myself with the fag-end of a ditty as old as myself." And + therewithal, he hummed a stanza: +</p> +<p> + 'And what though winter will pinch severe Through locks of grey and a + cloak that's old? Yet keep up thy heart, bold cavalier, For a cup of sack + shall fence the cold.' +</p> +<p> + "I must be your guest here to-day, sister. I wish to hear the issue of + this gathering on Loudon-hill, though I cannot conceive their standing a + body of horse appointed like our guests this morning.—Woe's me, the time + has been that I would have liked ill to have sate in biggit wa's waiting + for the news of a skirmish to be fought within ten miles of me! But, as + the old song goes, +</p> +<pre> + 'For time will rust the brightest blade, + And years will break the strongest bow; + Was ever wight so starkly made, + But time and years would overthrow?'" +</pre> +<p> + "We are well pleased you will stay, brother," said Lady Margaret; "I will + take my old privilege to look after my household, whom this collation has + thrown into some disorder, although it is uncivil to leave you alone." +</p> +<p> + "O, I hate ceremony as I hate a stumbling horse," replied the Major. + "Besides, your person would be with me, and your mind with the cold meat + and reversionary pasties.—Where is Edith?" +</p> +<p> + "Gone to her room a little evil-disposed, I am informed, and laid down in + her bed for a gliff," said her grandmother; "as soon as she wakes, she + shall take some drops." +</p> +<p> + "Pooh! pooh! she's only sick of the soldiers," answered Major Bellenden. + "She's not accustomed to see one acquaintance led out to be shot, and + another marching off to actual service, with some chance of not finding + his way back again. She would soon be used to it, if the civil war were + to break out again." +</p> +<p> + "God forbid, brother!" said Lady Margaret. +</p> +<p> + "Ay, Heaven forbid, as you say—and, in the meantime, I'll take a hit at + trick-track with Harrison." +</p> +<p> + "He has ridden out, sir," said Gudyill, "to try if he can hear any + tidings of the battle." +</p> +<p> + "D—n the battle," said the Major; "it puts this family as much out of + order as if there had never been such a thing in the country before—and + yet there was such a place as Kilsythe, John." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, and as Tippermuir, your honour," replied Gudyill, "where I was his + honour my late master's rear-rank man." +</p> +<p> + "And Alford, John," pursued the Major, "where I commanded the horse; and + Innerlochy, where I was the Great Marquis's aid-de-camp; and Auld Earn, + and Brig o' Dee." +</p> +<p> + "And Philiphaugh, your honour," said John. +</p> +<p> + "Umph!" replied the Major; "the less, John, we say about that matter, the + better." +</p> +<p> + However, being once fairly embarked on the subject of Montrose's + campaigns, the Major and John Gudyill carried on the war so stoutly, as + for a considerable time to keep at bay the formidable enemy called Time, + with whom retired veterans, during the quiet close of a bustling life, + usually wage an unceasing hostility. +</p> +<p> + It has been frequently remarked, that the tidings of important events fly + with a celerity almost beyond the power of credibility, and that reports, + correct in the general point, though inaccurate in details, precede the + certain intelligence, as if carried by the birds of the air. Such rumours + anticipate the reality, not unlike to the "shadows of coming events," + which occupy the imagination of the Highland Seer. Harrison, in his ride, + encountered some such report concerning the event of the battle, and + turned his horse back to Tillietudlem in great dismay. He made it his + first business to seek out the Major, and interrupted him in the midst of + a prolix account of the siege and storm of Dundee, with the ejaculation, + "Heaven send, Major, that we do not see a siege of Tillietudlem before we + are many days older!" +</p> +<p> + "How is that, Harrison?—what the devil do you mean?" exclaimed the + astonished veteran. +</p> +<p> + "Troth, sir, there is strong and increasing belief that Claver'se is + clean broken, some say killed; that the soldiers are all dispersed, and + that the rebels are hastening this way, threatening death and devastation + to a' that will not take the Covenant." +</p> +<p> + "I will never believe that," said the Major, starting on his feet—"I + will never believe that the Life-Guards would retreat before rebels;—and + yet why need I say that," he continued, checking himself, "when I have + seen such sights myself?—Send out Pike, and one or two of the servants, + for intelligence, and let all the men in the Castle and in the village + that can be trusted take up arms. This old tower may hold them play a + bit, if it were but victualled and garrisoned, and it commands the pass + between the high and low countries.—It's lucky I chanced to be + here.—Go, muster men, Harrison.—You, Gudyill, look what provisions you + have, or can get brought in, and be ready, if the news be confirmed, to + knock down as many bullocks as you have salt for.—The well never goes + dry.—There are some old-fashioned guns on the battlements; if we had + but ammunition, we should do well enough." +</p> +<p> + "The soldiers left some casks of ammunition at the Grange this morning, + to bide their return," said Harrison. +</p> +<p> + "Hasten, then," said the Major, "and bring it into the Castle, with every + pike, sword, pistol, or gun, that is within our reach; don't leave so + much as a bodkin—Lucky that I was here!—I will speak to my sister + instantly." +</p> +<p> + Lady Margaret Bellenden was astounded at intelligence so unexpected and + so alarming. It had seemed to her that the imposing force which had that + morning left her walls, was sufficient to have routed all the disaffected + in Scotland, if collected in a body; and now her first reflection was + upon the inadequacy of their own means of resistance, to an army strong + enough to have defeated Claverhouse and such select troops. "Woe's me! + woe's me!" said she; "what will all that we can do avail us, brother?— + What will resistance do but bring sure destruction on the house, and on + the bairn Edith! for, God knows, I thinkna on my ain auld life." +</p> +<p> + "Come, sister," said the Major, "you must not be cast down; the place is + strong, the rebels ignorant and ill-provided: my brother's house shall + not be made a den of thieves and rebels while old Miles Bellenden is in + it. My hand is weaker than it was, but I thank my old grey hairs that I + have some knowledge of war yet. Here comes Pike with intelligence.—What + news, Pike? Another Philiphaugh job, eh?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay," said Pike, composedly; "a total scattering.—I thought this + morning little gude would come of their newfangled gate of slinging their + carabines." +</p> +<p> + "Whom did you see?—Who gave you the news?" asked the Major. +</p> +<p> + "O, mair than half-a-dozen dragoon fellows that are a' on the spur whilk + to get first to Hamilton. They'll win the race, I warrant them, win the + battle wha like." +</p> +<p> + "Continue your preparations, Harrison," said the alert veteran; "get your + ammunition in, and the cattle killed. Send down to the borough-town for + what meal you can gather. We must not lose an instant.—Had not Edith and + you, sister, better return to Charnwood, while we have the means of + sending you there?" +</p> +<p> + "No, brother," said Lady Margaret, looking very pale, but speaking with + the greatest composure; "since the auld house is to be held out, I will + take my chance in it. I have fled twice from it in my days, and I have + aye found it desolate of its bravest and its bonniest when I returned; + sae that I will e'en abide now, and end my pilgrimage in it." +</p> +<p> + "It may, on the whole, be the safest course both for Edith and you," said + the Major; "for the whigs will rise all the way between this and Glasgow, + and make your travelling there, or your dwelling at Charnwood, very + unsafe." +</p> +<p> + "So be it then," said Lady Margaret; "and, dear brother, as the nearest + blood-relation of my deceased husband, I deliver to you, by this + symbol,"—(here she gave into his hand the venerable goldheaded staff of + the deceased Earl of Torwood,)—"the keeping and government and + seneschalship of my Tower of Tillietudlem, and the appurtenances thereof, + with full power to kill, slay, and damage those who shall assail the + same, as freely as I might do myself. And I trust you will so defend it, + as becomes a house in which his most sacred majesty has not disdained"— +</p> +<p> + "Pshaw! sister," interrupted the Major, "we have no time to speak about + the king and his breakfast just now." +</p> +<p> + And, hastily leaving the room, he hurried, with all the alertness of a + young man of twenty-five, to examine the state of his garrison, and + superintend the measures which were necessary for defending the place. +</p> +<p> + The Tower of Tillietudlem, having very thick walls, and very narrow + windows, having also a very strong court-yard wall, with flanking turrets + on the only accessible side, and rising on the other from the very verge + of a precipice, was fully capable of defence against any thing but a + train of heavy artillery. +</p> +<p> + Famine or escalade was what the garrison had chiefly to fear. For + artillery, the top of the Tower was mounted with some antiquated + wall-pieces, and small cannons, which bore the old-fashioned names of + culverins, sakers, demi-sakers, falcons, and falconets. These, the Major, + with the assistance of John Gudyill, caused to be scaled and loaded, and + pointed them so as to command the road over the brow of the opposite hill + by which the rebels must advance, causing, at the same time, two or three + trees to be cut down, which would have impeded the effect of the + artillery when it should be necessary to use it. With the trunks of these + trees, and other materials, he directed barricades to be constructed upon + the winding avenue which rose to the Tower along the high-road, taking + care that each should command the other. The large gate of the court-yard + he barricadoed yet more strongly, leaving only a wicket open for the + convenience of passage. What he had most to apprehend, was the + slenderness of his garrison; for all the efforts of the steward were + unable to get more than nine men under arms, himself and Gudyill + included, so much more popular was the cause of the insurgents than that + of the government Major Bellenden, and his trusty servant Pike, made the + garrison eleven in number, of whom one-half were old men. The round dozen + might indeed have been made up, would Lady Margaret have consented that + Goose Gibbie should again take up arms. But she recoiled from the + proposal, when moved by Gudyill, with such abhorrent recollection of the + former achievements of that luckless cavalier, that she declared she + would rather the Castle were lost than that he were to be enrolled in the + defence of it. With eleven men, however, himself included, Major + Bellenden determined to hold out the place to the uttermost. +</p> +<p> + The arrangements for defence were not made without the degree of fracas + incidental to such occasions. Women shrieked, cattle bellowed, dogs + howled, men ran to and fro, cursing and swearing without intermission, + the lumbering of the old guns backwards and forwards shook the + battlements, the court resounded with the hasty gallop of messengers who + went and returned upon errands of importance, and the din of warlike + preparation was mingled with the sound of female laments. +</p> +<p> + Such a Babel of discord might have awakened the slumbers of the very + dead, and, therefore, was not long ere it dispelled the abstracted + reveries of Edith Bellenden. She sent out Jenny to bring her the cause of + the tumult which shook the castle to its very basis; but Jenny, once + engaged in the bustling tide, found so much to ask and to hear, that she + forgot the state of anxious uncertainty in which she had left her young + mistress. Having no pigeon to dismiss in pursuit of information when her + raven messenger had failed to return with it, Edith was compelled to + venture in quest of it out of the ark of her own chamber into the deluge + of confusion which overflowed the rest of the Castle. Six voices speaking + at once, informed her, in reply to her first enquiry, that Claver'se and + all his men were killed, and that ten thousand whigs were marching to + besiege the castle, headed by John Balfour of Burley, young Milnwood, and + Cuddie Headrigg. This strange association of persons seemed to infer the + falsehood of the whole story, and yet the general bustle in the Castle + intimated that danger was certainly apprehended. +</p> +<p> + "Where is Lady Margaret?" was Edith's second question. +</p> +<p> + "In her oratory," was the reply: a cell adjoining to the chapel, in which + the good old lady was wont to spend the greater part of the days destined + by the rules of the Episcopal Church to devotional observances, as also + the anniversaries of those on which she had lost her husband and her + children, and, finally, those hours, in which a deeper and more solemn + address to Heaven was called for, by national or domestic calamity. +</p> +<p> + "Where, then," said Edith, much alarmed, "is Major Bellenden?" +</p> +<p> + "On the battlements of the Tower, madam, pointing the cannon," was the + reply. +</p> +<p> + To the battlements, therefore, she made her way, impeded by a thousand + obstacles, and found the old gentleman in the midst of his natural + military element, commanding, rebuking, encouraging, instructing, and + exercising all the numerous duties of a good governor. +</p> +<p> + "In the name of God, what is the matter, uncle?" exclaimed Edith. +</p> +<p> + "The matter, my love?" answered the Major coolly, as, with spectacles on + his nose, he examined the position of a gun—"The matter? Why,—raise her + breech a thought more, John Gudyill—the matter? Why, Claver'se is + routed, my dear, and the whigs are coming down upon us in force, that's + all the matter." +</p> +<p> + "Gracious powers!" said Edith, whose eye at that instant caught a glance + of the road which ran up the river, "and yonder they come!" +</p> +<p> + "Yonder? where?" said the veteran; and, his eyes taking the same + direction, he beheld a large body of horsemen coming down the path. + "Stand to your guns, my lads!" was the first exclamation; "we'll make + them pay toll as they pass the heugh.—But stay, stay, these are + certainly the Life-Guards." +</p> +<p> + "O no, uncle, no," replied Edith; "see how disorderly they ride, and how + ill they keep their ranks; these cannot be the fine soldiers who left us + this morning." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, my dear girl!" answered the Major, "you do not know the difference + between men before a battle and after a defeat; but the Life-Guards it + is, for I see the red and blue and the King's colours. I am glad they + have brought them off, however." +</p> +<p> + His opinion was confirmed as the troopers approached nearer, and finally + halted on the road beneath the Tower; while their commanding officer, + leaving them to breathe and refresh their horses, hastily rode up the + hill. +</p> +<p> + "It is Claverhouse, sure enough," said the Major; "I am glad he has + escaped, but he has lost his famous black horse. Let Lady Margaret know, + John Gudyill; order some refreshments; get oats for the soldiers' horses; + and let us to the hall, Edith, to meet him. I surmise we shall hear but + indifferent news." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0020"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XX. +</h2> +<pre> + With careless gesture, mind unmoved, + On rade he north the plain, + His seem in thrang of fiercest strife, + When winner aye the same. + Hardyknute. +</pre> +<p> + Colonel Grahame of Claverhouse met the family, assembled in the hall of + the Tower, with the same serenity and the same courtesy which had graced + his manners in the morning. He had even had the composure to rectify in + part the derangement of his dress, to wash the signs of battle from his + face and hands, and did not appear more disordered in his exterior than + if returned from a morning ride. +</p> +<p> + "I am grieved, Colonel Grahame," said the reverend old lady, the tears + trickling down her face, "deeply grieved." +</p> +<p> + "And I am grieved, my dear Lady Margaret," replied Claverhouse, "that + this misfortune may render your remaining at Tillietudlem dangerous for + you, especially considering your recent hospitality to the King's troops, + and your well-known loyalty. And I came here chiefly to request Miss + Bellenden and you to accept my escort (if you will not scorn that of a + poor runaway) to Glasgow, from whence I will see you safely sent either + to Edinburgh or to Dunbarton Castle, as you shall think best." +</p> +<p> + "I am much obliged to you, Colonel Grahame," replied Lady Margaret; "but + my brother, Major Bellenden, has taken on him the responsibility of + holding out this house against the rebels; and, please God, they shall + never drive Margaret Bellenden from her ain hearth-stane while there's a + brave man that says he can defend it." +</p> +<p> + "And will Major Bellenden undertake this?" said Claverhouse hastily, a + joyful light glancing from his dark eye as he turned it on the + veteran,—"Yet why should I question it? it is of a piece with the rest + of his life.—But have you the means, Major?" +</p> +<p> + "All, but men and provisions, with which we are ill supplied," answered + the Major. +</p> +<p> + "As for men," said Claverhouse, "I will leave you a dozen or twenty + fellows who will make good a breach against the devil. It will be of the + utmost service, if you can defend the place but a week, and by that time + you must surely be relieved." +</p> +<p> + "I will make it good for that space, Colonel," replied the Major, "with + twenty-five good men and store of ammunition, if we should gnaw the soles + of our shoes for hunger; but I trust we shall get in provisions from the + country." +</p> +<p> + "And, Colonel Grahame, if I might presume a request," said Lady Margaret, + "I would entreat that Sergeant Francis Stewart might command the + auxiliaries whom you are so good as to add to the garrison of our people; + it may serve to legitimate his promotion, and I have a prejudice in + favour of his noble birth." +</p> +<p> + "The sergeant's wars are ended, madam," said Grahame, in an unaltered + tone, "and he now needs no promotion that an earthly master can give." +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me," said Major Bellenden, taking Claverhouse by the arm, and + turning him away from the ladies, "but I am anxious for my friends; I + fear you have other and more important loss. I observe another officer + carries your nephew's standard." +</p> +<p> + "You are right, Major Bellenden," answered Claverhouse firmly; "my nephew + is no more. He has died in his duty, as became him." +</p> +<p> + "Great God!" exclaimed the Major, "how unhappy!—the handsome, gallant, + high-spirited youth!" +</p> +<p> + "He was indeed all you say," answered Claverhouse; "poor Richard was to + me as an eldest son, the apple of my eye, and my destined heir; but he + died in his duty, and I—I—Major Bellenden"—(he wrung the Major's hand + hard as he spoke)—"I live to avenge him." +</p> +<p> + "Colonel Grahame," said the affectionate veteran, his eyes filling with + tears, "I am glad to see you bear this misfortune with such fortitude." +</p> +<p> + "I am not a selfish man," replied Claverhouse, "though the world will + tell you otherwise; I am not selfish either in my hopes or fears, my joys + or sorrows. I have not been severe for myself, or grasping for myself, or + ambitious for myself. The service of my master and the good of the + country are what I have tried to aim at. I may, perhaps, have driven + severity into cruelty, but I acted for the best; and now I will not yield + to my own feelings a deeper sympathy than I have given to those of + others." +</p> +<p> + "I am astonished at your fortitude under all the unpleasant circumstances + of this affair," pursued the Major. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," replied Claverhouse, "my enemies in the council will lay this + misfortune to my charge—I despise their accusations. They will + calumniate me to my sovereign—I can repel their charge. The public enemy + will exult in my flight—I shall find a time to show them that they exult + too early. This youth that has fallen stood betwixt a grasping kinsman + and my inheritance, for you know that my marriage-bed is barren; yet, + peace be with him! the country can better spare him than your friend Lord + Evandale, who, after behaving very gallantly, has, I fear, also fallen." +</p> +<p> + "What a fatal day!" ejaculated the Major. "I heard a report of this, but + it was again contradicted; it was added, that the poor young nobleman's + impetuosity had occasioned the loss of this unhappy field." +</p> +<p> + "Not so, Major," said Grahame; "let the living officers bear the blame, + if there be any; and let the laurels flourish untarnished on the grave of + the fallen. I do not, however, speak of Lord Evandale's death as certain; + but killed, or prisoner, I fear he must be. Yet he was extricated from + the tumult the last time we spoke together. We were then on the point of + leaving the field with a rear-guard of scarce twenty men; the rest of the + regiment were almost dispersed." +</p> +<p> + "They have rallied again soon," said the Major, looking from the window + on the dragoons, who were feeding their horses and refreshing themselves + beside the brook. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," answered Claverhouse, "my blackguards had little temptation either + to desert, or to straggle farther than they were driven by their first + panic. There is small friendship and scant courtesy between them and the + boors of this country; every village they pass is likely to rise on them, + and so the scoundrels are driven back to their colours by a wholesome + terror of spits, pike-staves, hay-forks, and broomsticks.—But now let us + talk about your plans and wants, and the means of corresponding with you. + To tell you the truth, I doubt being able to make a long stand at + Glasgow, even when I have joined my Lord Ross; for this transient and + accidental success of the fanatics will raise the devil through all the + western counties." +</p> +<p> + They then discussed Major Bellenden's means of defence, and settled a + plan of correspondence, in case a general insurrection took place, as was + to be expected. Claverhouse renewed his offer to escort the ladies to a + place of safety; but, all things considered, Major Bellenden thought they + would be in equal safety at Tillietudlem. +</p> +<p> + The Colonel then took a polite leave of Lady Margaret and Miss Bellenden, + assuring them, that, though he was reluctantly obliged to leave them for + the present in dangerous circumstances, yet his earliest means should be + turned to the redemption of his character as a good knight and true, and + that they might speedily rely on hearing from or seeing him. +</p> +<p> + Full of doubt and apprehension, Lady Margaret was little able to reply to + a speech so much in unison with her usual expressions and feelings, but + contented herself with bidding Claverhouse farewell, and thanking him for + the succours which he had promised to leave them. Edith longed to enquire + the fate of Henry Morton, but could find no pretext for doing so, and + could only hope that it had made a subject of some part of the long + private communication which her uncle had held with Claverhouse. On this + subject, however, she was disappointed; for the old cavalier was so + deeply immersed in the duties of his own office, that he had scarce said + a single word to Claverhouse, excepting upon military matters, and most + probably would have been equally forgetful, had the fate of his own son, + instead of his friend's, lain in the balance. +</p> +<p> + Claverhouse now descended the bank on which the castle is founded, in + order to put his troops again in motion, and Major Bellenden accompanied + him to receive the detachment who were to be left in the tower. +</p> +<p> + "I shall leave Inglis with you," said Claverhouse, "for, as I am + situated, I cannot spare an officer of rank; it is all we can do, by our + joint efforts, to keep the men together. But should any of our missing + officers make their appearance, I authorize you to detain them; for my + fellows can with difficulty be subjected to any other authority." +</p> +<p> + His troops being now drawn up, he picked out sixteen men by name, and + committed them to the command of Corporal Inglis, whom he promoted to the + rank of sergeant on the spot. +</p> +<p> + "And hark ye, gentlemen," was his concluding harangue, "I leave you to + defend the house of a lady, and under the command of her brother, Major + Bellenden, a faithful servant to the king. You are to behave bravely, + soberly, regularly, and obediently, and each of you shall be handsomely + rewarded on my return to relieve the garrison. In case of mutiny, + cowardice, neglect of duty, or the slightest excess in the family, the + provost-marshal and cord—you know I keep my word for good and evil." +</p> +<p> + He touched his hat as he bade them farewell, and shook hands cordially + with Major Bellenden. +</p> +<p> + "Adieu," he said, "my stout-hearted old friend! Good luck be with you, + and better times to us both." +</p> +<p> + The horsemen whom he commanded had been once more reduced to tolerable + order by the exertions of Major Allan; and, though shorn of their + splendour, and with their gilding all besmirched, made a much more + regular and military appearance on leaving, for the second time, the + tower of Tillietudlem, than when they returned to it after their rout. +</p> +<p> + Major Bellenden, now left to his own resources sent out several videttes, + both to obtain supplies of provisions, and especially of meal, and to get + knowledge of the motions of the enemy. All the news he could collect on + the second subject tended to prove that the insurgents meant to remain on + the field of battle for that night. But they, also, had abroad their + detachments and advanced guards to collect supplies, and great was the + doubt and distress of those who received contrary orders, in the name of + the King and in that of the Kirk; the one commanding them to send + provisions to victual the Castle of Tillietudlem, and the other enjoining + them to forward supplies to the camp of the godly professors of true + religion, now in arms for the cause of covenanted reformation, presently + pitched at Drumclog, nigh to Loudon-hill. Each summons closed with a + denunciation of fire and sword if it was neglected; for neither party + could confide so far in the loyalty or zeal of those whom they addressed, + as to hope they would part with their property upon other terms. So that + the poor people knew not what hand to turn themselves to; and, to say + truth, there were some who turned themselves to more than one. +</p> +<p> + "Thir kittle times will drive the wisest o' us daft," said Niel Blane, + the prudent host of the Howff; "but I'se aye keep a calm sough.—Jenny, + what meal is in the girnel?" +</p> +<p> + "Four bows o' aitmeal, twa bows o' bear, and twa bows o' pease," was + Jenny's reply. +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, hinny," continued Niel Blane, sighing deeply, "let Bauldy drive + the pease and bear meal to the camp at Drumclog—he's a whig, and was the + auld gudewife's pleughman—the mashlum bannocks will suit their muirland + stamachs weel. He maun say it's the last unce o' meal in the house, or, + if he scruples to tell a lie, (as it's no likely he will when it's for + the gude o' the house,) he may wait till Duncan Glen, the auld drucken + trooper, drives up the aitmeal to Tillietudlem, wi' my dutifu' service to + my Leddy and the Major, and I haena as muckle left as will mak my + parritch; and if Duncan manage right, I'll gie him a tass o' whisky shall + mak the blue low come out at his mouth." +</p> +<p> + "And what are we to eat oursells then, father," asked Jenny, "when we hae + sent awa the haill meal in the ark and the girnel?" +</p> +<p> + "We maun gar wheat-flour serve us for a blink," said Niel, in a tone of + resignation; "it's no that ill food, though far frae being sae hearty or + kindly to a Scotchman's stamach as the curney aitmeal is; the Englishers + live amaist upon't; but, to be sure, the pock-puddings ken nae better." +</p> +<p> + While the prudent and peaceful endeavoured, like Niel Blane, to make fair + weather with both parties, those who had more public (or party) spirit + began to take arms on all sides. The royalists in the country were not + numerous, but were respectable from their fortune and influence, being + chiefly landed proprietors of ancient descent, who, with their brothers, + cousins, and dependents to the ninth generation, as well as their + domestic servants, formed a sort of militia, capable of defending their + own peel-houses against detached bodies of the insurgents, of resisting + their demand of supplies, and intercepting those which were sent to the + presbyterian camp by others. The news that the Tower of Tillietudlem was + to be defended against the insurgents, afforded great courage and support + to these feudal volunteers, who considered it as a stronghold to which + they might retreat, in case it should become impossible for them to + maintain the desultory war they were now about to wage. +</p> +<p> + On the other hand, the towns, the villages, the farm-houses, the + properties of small heritors, sent forth numerous recruits to the + presbyterian interest. These men had been the principal sufferers during + the oppression of the time. Their minds were fretted, soured, and driven + to desperation, by the various exactions and cruelties to which they had + been subjected; and, although by no means united among themselves, either + concerning the purpose of this formidable insurrection, or the means by + which that purpose was to be obtained, most of them considered it as a + door opened by Providence to obtain the liberty of conscience of which + they had been long deprived, and to shake themselves free of a tyranny, + directed both against body and soul. Numbers of these men, therefore, + took up arms; and, in the phrase of their time and party, prepared to + cast in their lot with the victors of Loudon-hill. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0021"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XXI. +</h2> +<pre> + Ananias. I do not like the man: He is a heathen, + And speaks the language of Canaan truly. + + Tribulation. You must await his calling, and the coming + Of the good spirit. You did ill to upbraid him. + The Alchemist. +</pre> +<p> + We return to Henry Morton, whom we left on the field of battle. He was + eating, by one of the watch-fires, his portion of the provisions which + had been distributed to the army, and musing deeply on the path which he + was next to pursue, when Burley suddenly came up to him, accompanied by + the young minister, whose exhortation after the victory had produced such + a powerful effect. +</p> +<p> + "Henry Morton," said Balfour abruptly, "the council of the army of the + Covenant, confiding that the son of Silas Morton can never prove a + lukewarm Laodicean, or an indifferent Gallio, in this great day, have + nominated you to be a captain of their host, with the right of a vote in + their council, and all authority fitting for an officer who is to command + Christian men." +</p> +<p> + "Mr Balfour," replied Morton, without hesitation, "I feel this mark of + confidence, and it is not surprising that a natural sense of the injuries + of my country, not to mention those I have sustained in my own person, + should make me sufficiently willing to draw my sword for liberty and + freedom of conscience. But I will own to you, that I must be better + satisfied concerning the principles on which you bottom your cause ere I + can agree to take a command amongst you." +</p> +<p> + "And can you doubt of our principles," answered Burley, "since we have + stated them to be the reformation both of church and state, the + rebuilding of the decayed sanctuary, the gathering of the dispersed + saints, and the destruction of the man of sin?" +</p> +<p> + "I will own frankly, Mr Balfour," replied Morton, "much of this sort of + language, which, I observe, is so powerful with others, is entirely lost + on me. It is proper you should be aware of this before we commune further + together." (The young clergyman here groaned deeply.) "I distress you, + sir," said Morton; "but, perhaps, it is because you will not hear me out. + I revere the Scriptures as deeply as you or any Christian can do. I look + into them with humble hope of extracting a rule of conduct and a law of + salvation. But I expect to find this by an examination of their general + tenor, and of the spirit which they uniformly breathe, and not by + wresting particular passages from their context, or by the application of + Scriptural phrases to circumstances and events with which they have often + very slender relation." +</p> +<p> + The young divine seemed shocked and thunderstruck with this declaration, + and was about to remonstrate. +</p> +<p> + "Hush, Ephraim!" said Burley, "remember he is but as a babe in swaddling + clothes.—Listen to me, Morton. I will speak to thee in the worldly + language of that carnal reason, which is, for the present, thy blind and + imperfect guide. What is the object for which thou art content to draw + thy sword? Is it not that the church and state should be reformed by the + free voice of a free parliament, with such laws as shall hereafter + prevent the executive government from spilling the blood, torturing and + imprisoning the persons, exhausting the estates, and trampling upon the + consciences of men, at their own wicked pleasure?" +</p> +<p> + "Most certainly," said Morton; "such I esteem legitimate causes of + warfare, and for such I will fight while I can wield a sword." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, but," said Macbriar, "ye handle this matter too tenderly; nor will + my conscience permit me to fard or daub over the causes of divine wrath." +</p> +<p> + "Peace, Ephraim Macbriar!" again interrupted Burley. +</p> +<p> + "I will not peace," said the young man. "Is it not the cause of my Master + who hath sent me? Is it not a profane and Erastian destroying of his + authority, usurpation of his power, denial of his name, to place either + King or Parliament in his place as the master and governor of his + household, the adulterous husband of his spouse?" +</p> +<p> + "You speak well," said Burley, dragging him aside, "but not wisely; your + own ears have heard this night in council how this scattered remnant are + broken and divided, and would ye now make a veil of separation between + them? Would ye build a wall with unslaked mortar?—if a fox go up, it + will breach it." +</p> +<p> + "I know," said the young clergyman, in reply, "that thou art faithful, + honest, and zealous, even unto slaying; but, believe me, this worldly + craft, this temporizing with sin and with infirmity, is in itself a + falling away; and I fear me Heaven will not honour us to do much more for + His glory, when we seek to carnal cunning and to a fleshly arm. The + sanctified end must be wrought by sanctified means." +</p> +<p> + "I tell thee," answered Balfour, "thy zeal is too rigid in this matter; + we cannot yet do without the help of the Laodiceans and the Erastians; we + must endure for a space the indulged in the midst of the council—the + sons of Zeruiah are yet too strong for us." +</p> +<p> + "I tell thee I like it not," said Macbriar; "God can work deliverance by + a few as well as by a multitude. The host of the faithful that was broken + upon Pentland-hills, paid but the fitting penalty of acknowledging the + carnal interest of that tyrant and oppressor, Charles Stewart." +</p> +<p> + "Well, then," said Balfour, "thou knowest the healing resolution that the + council have adopted,—to make a comprehending declaration, that may suit + the tender consciences of all who groan under the yoke of our present + oppressors. Return to the council if thou wilt, and get them to recall + it, and send forth one upon narrower grounds. But abide not here to + hinder my gaining over this youth, whom my soul travails for; his name + alone will call forth hundreds to our banners." +</p> +<p> + "Do as thou wilt, then," said Macbriar; "but I will not assist to mislead + the youth, nor bring him into jeopardy of life, unless upon such grounds + as will ensure his eternal reward." +</p> +<p> + The more artful Balfour then dismissed the impatient preacher, and + returned to his proselyte. +</p> +<p> + That we may be enabled to dispense with detailing at length the arguments + by which he urged Morton to join the insurgents, we shall take this + opportunity to give a brief sketch of the person by whom they were used, + and the motives which he had for interesting himself so deeply in the + conversion of young Morton to his cause. +</p> +<p> + John Balfour of Kinloch, or Burley, for he is designated both ways in the + histories and proclamations of that melancholy period, was a gentleman of + some fortune, and of good family, in the county of Fife, and had been a + soldier from his youth upwards. In the younger part of his life he had + been wild and licentious, but had early laid aside open profligacy, and + embraced the strictest tenets of Calvinism. Unfortunately, habits of + excess and intemperance were more easily rooted out of his dark, + saturnine, and enterprising spirit, than the vices of revenge and + ambition, which continued, notwithstanding his religious professions, to + exercise no small sway over his mind. Daring in design, precipitate and + violent in execution, and going to the very extremity of the most rigid + recusancy, it was his ambition to place himself at the head of the + presbyterian interest. +</p> +<p> + To attain this eminence among the whigs, he had been active in attending + their conventicles, and more than once had commanded them when they + appeared in arms, and beaten off the forces sent to disperse them. At + length, the gratification of his own fierce enthusiasm, joined, as some + say, with motives of private revenge, placed him at the head of that + party who assassinated the Primate of Scotland, as the author of the + sufferings of the presbyterians. The violent measures adopted by + government to revenge this deed, not on the perpetrators only, but on the + whole professors of the religion to which they belonged, together with + long previous sufferings, without any prospect of deliverance, except by + force of arms, occasioned the insurrection, which, as we have already + seen, commenced by the defeat of Claverhouse in the bloody skirmish of + Loudon-hill. +</p> +<p> + But Burley, notwithstanding the share he had in the victory, was far from + finding himself at the summit which his ambition aimed at. This was + partly owing to the various opinions entertained among the insurgents + concerning the murder of Archbishop Sharpe. The more violent among them + did, indeed, approve of this act as a deed of justice, executed upon a + persecutor of God's church through the immediate inspiration of the + Deity; but the greater part of the presbyterians disowned the deed as a + crime highly culpable, although they admitted, that the Archbishop's + punishment had by no means exceeded his deserts. The insurgents differed + in another main point, which has been already touched upon. The more warm + and extravagant fanatics condemned, as guilty of a pusillanimous + abandonment of the rights of the church, those preachers and + congregations who were contented, in any manner, to exercise their + religion through the permission of the ruling government. This, they + said, was absolute Erastianism, or subjection of the church of God to the + regulations of an earthly government, and therefore but one degree better + than prelacy or popery.—Again, the more moderate party were content to + allow the king's title to the throne, and in secular affairs to + acknowledge his authority, so long as it was exercised with due regard to + the liberties of the subject, and in conformity to the laws of the realm. + But the tenets of the wilder sect, called, from their leader Richard + Cameron, by the name of Cameronians, went the length of disowning the + reigning monarch, and every one of his successors, who should not + acknowledge the Solemn League and Covenant. The seeds of disunion were, + therefore, thickly sown in this ill-fated party; and Balfour, however + enthusiastic, and however much attached to the most violent of those + tenets which we have noticed, saw nothing but ruin to the general cause, + if they were insisted on during this crisis, when unity was of so much + consequence. Hence he disapproved, as we have seen, of the honest, + downright, and ardent zeal of Macbriar, and was extremely desirous to + receive the assistance of the moderate party of presbyterians in the + immediate overthrow of the government, with the hope of being hereafter + able to dictate to them what should be substituted in its place. +</p> +<p> + He was, on this account, particularly anxious to secure the accession of + Henry Morton to the cause of the insurgents. The memory of his father was + generally esteemed among the presbyterians; and as few persons of any + decent quality had joined the insurgents, this young man's family and + prospects were such as almost ensured his being chosen a leader. Through + Morton's means, as being the son of his ancient comrade, Burley conceived + he might exercise some influence over the more liberal part of the army, + and ultimately, perhaps, ingratiate himself so far with them, as to be + chosen commander-in-chief, which was the mark at which his ambition + aimed. He had, therefore, without waiting till any other person took up + the subject, exalted to the council the talents and disposition of + Morton, and easily obtained his elevation to the painful rank of a leader + in this disunited and undisciplined army. +</p> +<p> + The arguments by which Balfour pressed Morton to accept of this dangerous + promotion, as soon as he had gotten rid of his less wary and + uncompromising companion, Macbriar, were sufficiently artful and urgent. + He did not affect either to deny or to disguise that the sentiments which + he himself entertained concerning church government, went as far as those + of the preacher who had just left them; but he argued, that when the + affairs of the nation were at such a desperate crisis, minute difference + of opinion should not prevent those who, in general, wished well to their + oppressed country, from drawing their swords in its behalf. Many of the + subjects of division, as, for example, that concerning the Indulgence + itself, arose, he observed, out of circumstances which would cease to + exist, provided their attempt to free the country should be successful, + seeing that the presbytery, being in that case triumphant, would need to + make no such compromise with the government, and, consequently, with the + abolition of the Indulgence all discussion of its legality would be at + once ended. He insisted much and strongly upon the necessity of taking + advantage of this favourable crisis, upon the certainty of their being + joined by the force of the whole western shires, and upon the gross guilt + which those would incur, who, seeing the distress of the country, and the + increasing tyranny with which it was governed, should, from fear or + indifference, withhold their active aid from the good cause. +</p> +<p> + Morton wanted not these arguments to induce him to join in any + insurrection, which might appear to have a feasible prospect of freedom + to the country. He doubted, indeed, greatly, whether the present attempt + was likely to be supported by the strength sufficient to ensure success, + or by the wisdom and liberality of spirit necessary to make a good use of + the advantages that might be gained. Upon the whole, however, considering + the wrongs he had personally endured, and those which he had seen daily + inflicted on his fellow-subjects; meditating also upon the precarious and + dangerous situation in which he already stood with relation to the + government, he conceived himself, in every point of view, called upon to + join the body of presbyterians already in arms. +</p> +<p> + But while he expressed to Burley his acquiescence in the vote which had + named him a leader among the insurgents, and a member of their council of + war, it was not without a qualification. +</p> +<p> + "I am willing," he said, "to contribute every thing within my limited + power to effect the emancipation of my country. But do not mistake me. I + disapprove, in the utmost degree, of the action in which this rising + seems to have originated; and no arguments should induce me to join it, + if it is to be carried on by such measures as that with which it has + commenced." +</p> +<p> + Burley's blood rushed to his face, giving a ruddy and dark glow to his + swarthy brow. +</p> +<p> + "You mean," he said, in a voice which he designed should not betray any + emotion—"You mean the death of James Sharpe?" +</p> +<p> + "Frankly," answered Morton, "such is my meaning." +</p> +<p> + "You imagine, then," said Burley, "that the Almighty, in times of + difficulty, does not raise up instruments to deliver his church from her + oppressors? You are of opinion that the justice of an execution consists, + not in the extent of the sufferer's crime, or in his having merited + punishment, or in the wholesome and salutary effect which that example is + likely to produce upon other evil-doers, but hold that it rests solely in + the robe of the judge, the height of the bench, and the voice of the + doomster? Is not just punishment justly inflicted, whether on the + scaffold or the moor? And where constituted judges, from cowardice, or + from having cast in their lot with transgressors, suffer them not only to + pass at liberty through the land, but to sit in the high places, and dye + their garments in the blood of the saints, is it not well done in any + brave spirits who shall draw their private swords in the public cause?" +</p> +<p> + "I have no wish to judge this individual action," replied Morton, + "further than is necessary to make you fully aware of my principles. I + therefore repeat, that the case you have supposed does not satisfy my + judgment. That the Almighty, in his mysterious providence, may bring a + bloody man to an end deservedly bloody, does not vindicate those who, + without authority of any kind, take upon themselves to be the instruments + of execution, and presume to call them the executors of divine + vengeance." +</p> +<p> + "And were we not so?" said Burley, in a tone of fierce enthusiasm. "Were + not we—was not every one who owned the interest of the Covenanted Church + of Scotland, bound by that covenant to cut off the Judas who had sold the + cause of God for fifty thousand merks a-year? Had we met him by the way + as he came down from London, and there smitten him with the edge of the + sword, we had done but the duty of men faithful to our cause, and to our + oaths recorded in heaven. Was not the execution itself a proof of our + warrant? Did not the Lord deliver him into our hands, when we looked out + but for one of his inferior tools of persecution? Did we not pray to be + resolved how we should act, and was it not borne in on our hearts as if + it had been written on them with the point of a diamond, 'Ye shall surely + take him and slay him?'—Was not the tragedy full half an hour in acting + ere the sacrifice was completed, and that in an open heath, and within + the patrols of their garrisons—and yet who interrupted the great work?— + What dog so much as bayed us during the pursuit, the taking, the slaying, + and the dispersing? Then, who will say—who dare say, that a mightier arm + than ours was not herein revealed?" +</p> +<p> + "You deceive yourself, Mr Balfour," said Morton; "such circumstances of + facility of execution and escape have often attended the commission of + the most enormous crimes.—But it is not mine to judge you. I have not + forgotten that the way was opened to the former liberation of Scotland by + an act of violence which no man can justify,—the slaughter of Cumming by + the hand of Robert Bruce; and, therefore, condemning this action, as I do + and must, I am not unwilling to suppose that you may have motives + vindicating it in your own eyes, though not in mine, or in those of sober + reason. I only now mention it, because I desire you to understand, that I + join a cause supported by men engaged in open war, which it is proposed + to carry on according to the rules of civilized nations, without, in any + respect, approving of the act of violence which gave immediate rise to + it." +</p> +<p> + Balfour bit his lip, and with difficulty suppressed a violent answer. He + perceived, with disappointment, that, upon points of principle, his young + brother-in-arms possessed a clearness of judgment, and a firmness of + mind, which afforded but little hope of his being able to exert that + degree of influence over him which he had expected to possess. After a + moment's pause, however, he said, with coolness, "My conduct is open to + men and angels. The deed was not done in a corner; I am here in arms to + avow it, and care not where, or by whom, I am called on to do so; whether + in the council, the field of battle, the place of execution, or the day + of the last great trial. I will not now discuss it further with one who + is yet on the other side of the veil. But if you will cast in your lot + with us as a brother, come with me to the council, who are still sitting, + to arrange the future march of the army, and the means of improving our + victory." +</p> +<p> + Morton arose and followed him in silence; not greatly delighted with his + associate, and better satisfied with the general justice of the cause + which he had espoused, than either with the measures or the motives of + many of those who were embarked in it. +</p> +<a name="image-0012"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa295.jpg" height="578" width="874" +alt="Abbotsford +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Mortality, Illustrated, Volume 1. +by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD MORTALITY, ILLUSTRATED, *** + +***** This file should be named 6939-h.htm or 6939-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/6/9/3/6939/ + +Produced by David Widger, with assistance from an etext produced by +David Moynihan + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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