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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/6940-h.zip b/6940-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..76e217f --- /dev/null +++ b/6940-h.zip diff --git a/6940-h/6940-h.htm b/6940-h/6940-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f2b5006 --- /dev/null +++ b/6940-h/6940-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11021 @@ +<!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"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary v0.16)" + name="generator"> +<title>OLD MORTALITY, Volume 2, + by 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;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;} + // --> +</style> + +</head> +<body> + +<h2> + OLD MORTALITY, Volume 2 +</h2> + +<h2> + By Walter Scott +</h2> +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Mortality, Illustrated, Volume 2. +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 2. + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: August 22, 2004 [EBook #6940] + +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 Walter Scott +</h2> + +<br><br><br> +<h3> + VOLUME II. +</h3> +<br><br> +<br><br><br><br> + +<a name="image-0003"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/titlepage2.jpg" height="1006" width="575" +alt="Titlepage +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<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> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0022"> +CHAPTER XXII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0023"> +CHAPTER XXIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_GLOS"> +GLOSSARY. +</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"> +Jenny Dennison +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0005"> +The Battle of Bothwell Bridge +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0006"> +"Whiles—at Brose-time" +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0007"> +Morton Awaiting Death—Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0008"> +Uttered a Dismal Shriek, and Fainted +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0009"> +Morton and Black Linn +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0010"> +Interior of Abbotsford +</a></p> + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + + +<br><br><br><br> + +<a name="2HCH0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + + +<h2> + CHAPTER I. +</h2> +<pre> + And look how many Grecian tents do stand + Hollow upon this plain—so many hollow factions. + Troilus and Cressida. +</pre> +<p> + In a hollow of the hill, about a quarter of a mile from the field of + battle, was a shepherd's hut; a miserable cottage, which, as the only + enclosed spot within a moderate distance, the leaders of the presbyterian + army had chosen for their council-house. Towards this spot Burley guided + Morton, who was surprised, as he approached it, at the multifarious + confusion of sounds which issued from its precincts. The calm and anxious + gravity which it might be supposed would have presided in councils held + on such important subjects, and at a period so critical, seemed to have + given place to discord wild, and loud uproar, which fell on the ear of + their new ally as an evil augury of their future measures. As they + approached the door, they found it open indeed, but choked up with the + bodies and heads of countrymen, who, though no members of the council, + felt no scruple in intruding themselves upon deliberations in which they + were so deeply interested. By expostulation, by threats, and even by some + degree of violence, Burley, the sternness of whose character maintained a + sort of superiority over these disorderly forces, compelled the intruders + to retire, and, introducing Morton into the cottage, secured the door + behind them against impertinent curiosity. At a less agitating moment, + the young man might have been entertained with the singular scene of + which he now found himself an auditor and a spectator. +</p> +<p> + The precincts of the gloomy and ruinous hut were enlightened partly by + some furze which blazed on the hearth, the smoke whereof, having no legal + vent, eddied around, and formed over the heads of the assembled council a + clouded canopy, as opake as their metaphysical theology, through which, + like stars through mist, were dimly seen to twinkle a few blinking + candles, or rather rushes dipped in tallow, the property of the poor + owner of the cottage, which were stuck to the walls by patches of wet + clay. This broken and dusky light showed many a countenance elated with + spiritual pride, or rendered dark by fierce enthusiasm; and some whose + anxious, wandering, and uncertain looks, showed they felt themselves + rashly embarked in a cause which they had neither courage nor conduct to + bring to a good issue, yet knew not how to abandon, for very shame. They + were, indeed, a doubtful and disunited body. The most active of their + number were those concerned with Burley in the death of the Primate, four + or five of whom had found their way to Loudon-hill, together with other + men of the same relentless and uncompromising zeal, who had, in various + ways, given desperate and unpardonable offence to the government. +</p> +<p> + With them were mingled their preachers, men who had spurned at the + indulgence offered by government, and preferred assembling their flocks + in the wilderness, to worshipping in temples built by human hands, if + their doing the latter should be construed to admit any right on the part + of their rulers to interfere with the supremacy of the Kirk. The other + class of counsellors were such gentlemen of small fortune, and + substantial farmers, as a sense of intolerable oppression had induced to + take arms and join the insurgents. These also had their clergymen with + them, and such divines, having many of them taken advantage of the + indulgence, were prepared to resist the measures of their more violent + brethren, who proposed a declaration in which they should give testimony + against the warrants and instructions for indulgence as sinful and + unlawful acts. This delicate question had been passed over in silence in + the first draught of the manifestos which they intended to publish, of + the reasons of their gathering in arms; but it had been stirred anew + during Balfour's absence, and, to his great vexation, he now found that + both parties had opened upon it in full cry, Macbriar, Kettledrummle, and + other teachers of the wanderers, being at the very spring-tide of + polemical discussion with Peter Poundtext, the indulged pastor of + Milnwood's parish, who, it seems, had e'en girded himself with a + broadsword, but, ere he was called upon to fight for the good cause of + presbytery in the field, was manfully defending his own dogmata in the + council. It was the din of this conflict, maintained chiefly between + Poundtext and Kettledrummle, together with the clamour of their + adherents, which had saluted Morton's ears upon approaching the cottage. + Indeed, as both the divines were men well gifted with words and lungs, + and each fierce, ardent, and intolerant in defence of his own doctrine, + prompt in the recollection of texts wherewith they battered each other + without mercy, and deeply impressed with the importance of the subject of + discussion, the noise of the debate betwixt them fell little short of + that which might have attended an actual bodily conflict. +</p> +<p> + Burley, scandalized at the disunion implied in this virulent strife of + tongues, interposed between the disputants, and, by some general remarks + on the unseasonableness of discord, a soothing address to the vanity of + each party, and the exertion of the authority which his services in that + day's victory entitled him to assume, at length succeeded in prevailing + upon them to adjourn farther discussion of the controversy. But although + Kettledrummle and Poundtext were thus for the time silenced, they + continued to eye each other like two dogs, who, having been separated by + the authority of their masters while fighting, have retreated, each + beneath the chair of his owner, still watching each other's motions, and + indicating, by occasional growls, by the erected bristles of the back and + ears, and by the red glance of the eye, that their discord is unappeased, + and that they only wait the first opportunity afforded by any general + movement or commotion in the company, to fly once more at each other's + throats. +</p> +<p> + Balfour took advantage of the momentary pause to present to the council + Mr Henry Morton of Milnwood, as one touched with a sense of the evils of + the times, and willing to peril goods and life in the precious cause for + which his father, the renowned Silas Morton, had given in his time a + soul-stirring testimony. Morton was instantly received with the right + hand of fellowship by his ancient pastor, Poundtext, and by those among + the insurgents who supported the more moderate principles. The others + muttered something about Erastianism, and reminded each other in + whispers, that Silas Morton, once a stout and worthy servant of the + Covenant, had been a backslider in the day when the resolutioners had led + the way in owning the authority of Charles Stewart, thereby making a gap + whereat the present tyrant was afterwards brought in, to the oppression + both of Kirk and country. They added, however, that, on this great day of + calling, they would not refuse society with any who should put hand to + the plough; and so Morton was installed in his office of leader and + counsellor, if not with the full approbation of his colleagues, at least + without any formal or avowed dissent. They proceeded, on Burley's motion, + to divide among themselves the command of the men who had assembled, and + whose numbers were daily increasing. In this partition, the insurgents of + Poundtext's parish and congregation were naturally placed under the + command of Morton; an arrangement mutually agreeable to both parties, as + he was recommended to their confidence, as well by his personal qualities + as his having been born among them. +</p> +<p> + When this task was accomplished, it became necessary to determine what + use was to be made of their victory. Morton's heart throbbed high when he + heard the Tower of Tillietudlem named as one of the most important + positions to be seized upon. It commanded, as we have often noticed, the + pass between the more wild and the more fertile country, and must + furnish, it was plausibly urged, a stronghold and place of rendezvous to + the cavaliers and malignants of the district, supposing the insurgents + were to march onward and leave it uninvested. This measure was + particularly urged as necessary by Poundtext and those of his immediate + followers, whose habitations and families might be exposed to great + severities, if this strong place were permitted to remain in possession + of the royalists. +</p> +<p> + "I opine," said Poundtext,—for, like the other divines of the period, he + had no hesitation in offering his advice upon military matters of which + he was profoundly ignorant,—"I opine, that we should take in and raze + that stronghold of the woman Lady Margaret Bellenden, even though we + should build a fort and raise a mount against it; for the race is a + rebellious and a bloody race, and their hand has been heavy on the + children of the Covenant, both in the former and the latter times. Their + hook hath been in our noses, and their bridle betwixt our jaws." +</p> +<p> + "What are their means and men of defence?" said Burley. "The place is + strong; but I cannot conceive that two women can make it good against a + host." +</p> +<p> + "There is also," said Poundtext, "Harrison the steward, and John Gudyill, + even the lady's chief butler, who boasteth himself a man of war from his + youth upward, and who spread the banner against the good cause with that + man of Belial, James Grahame of Montrose." +</p> +<p> + "Pshaw!" returned Burley, scornfully, "a butler!" +</p> +<p> + "Also, there is that ancient malignant," replied Poundtext, "Miles + Bellenden of Charnwood, whose hands have been dipped in the blood of the + saints." +</p> +<p> + "If that," said Burley, "be Miles Bellenden, the brother of Sir Arthur, + he is one whose sword will not turn back from battle; but he must now be + stricken in years." +</p> +<p> + "There was word in the country as I rode along," said another of the + council, "that so soon as they heard of the victory which has been given + to us, they caused shut the gates of the tower, and called in men, and + collected ammunition. They were ever a fierce and a malignant house." +</p> +<p> + "We will not, with my consent," said Burley, "engage in a siege which may + consume time. We must rush forward, and follow our advantage by occupying + Glasgow; for I do not fear that the troops we have this day beaten, even + with the assistance of my Lord Ross's regiment, will judge it safe to + await our coming." +</p> +<p> + "Howbeit," said Poundtext, "we may display a banner before the Tower, and + blow a trumpet, and summon them to come forth. It may be that they will + give over the place into our mercy, though they be a rebellious people. + And we will summon the women to come forth of their stronghold, that is, + Lady Margaret Bellenden and her grand-daughter, and Jenny Dennison, which + is a girl of an ensnaring eye, and the other maids, and we will give them + a safe conduct, and send them in peace to the city, even to the town of + Edinburgh. But John Gudyill, and Hugh Harrison, and Miles Bellenden, we + will restrain with fetters of iron, even as they, in times bypast, have + done to the martyred saints." +</p> +<p> + "Who talks of safe conduct and of peace?" said a shrill, broken, and + overstrained voice, from the crowd. +</p> +<p> + "Peace, brother Habakkuk," said Macbriar, in a soothing tone, to the + speaker. +</p> +<p> + "I will not hold my peace," reiterated the strange and unnatural voice; + "is this a time to speak of peace, when the earth quakes, and the + mountains are rent, and the rivers are changed into blood, and the + two-edged sword is drawn from the sheath to drink gore as if it were + water, and devour flesh as the fire devours dry stubble?" +</p> +<p> + While he spoke thus, the orator struggled forward to the inner part of + the circle, and presented to Morton's wondering eyes a figure worthy of + such a voice and such language. The rags of a dress which had once been + black, added to the tattered fragments of a shepherd's plaid, composed a + covering scarce fit for the purposes of decency, much less for those of + warmth or comfort. A long beard, as white as snow, hung down on his + breast, and mingled with bushy, uncombed, grizzled hair, which hung in + elf-locks around his wild and staring visage. The features seemed to be + extenuated by penury and famine, until they hardly retained the likeness + of a human aspect. The eyes, grey, wild, and wandering, evidently + betokened a bewildered imagination. He held in his hand a rusty sword, + clotted with blood, as were his long lean hands, which were garnished at + the extremity with nails like eagle's claws. +</p> +<p> + "In the name of Heaven! who is he?" said Morton, in a whisper to + Poundtext, surprised, shocked, and even startled, at this ghastly + apparition, which looked more like the resurrection of some cannibal + priest, or druid red from his human sacrifice, than like an earthly + mortal. +</p> +<p> + "It is Habakkuk Mucklewrath," answered Poundtext, in the same tone, "whom + the enemy have long detained in captivity in forts and castles, until his + understanding hath departed from him, and, as I fear, an evil demon hath + possessed him. Nevertheless, our violent brethren will have it, that he + speaketh of the spirit, and that they fructify by his pouring forth." +</p> +<p> + Here he was interrupted by Mucklewrath, who cried in a voice that made + the very beams of the roof quiver—"Who talks of peace and safe conduct? + who speaks of mercy to the bloody house of the malignants? I say take the + infants and dash them against the stones; take the daughters and the + mothers of the house and hurl them from the battlements of their trust, + that the dogs may fatten on their blood as they did on that of Jezabel, + the spouse of Ahab, and that their carcasses may be dung to the face of + the field even in the portion of their fathers!" +</p> +<p> + "He speaks right," said more than one sullen voice from behind; "we will + be honoured with little service in the great cause, if we already make + fair weather with Heaven's enemies." +</p> +<p> + "This is utter abomination and daring impiety," said Morton, unable to + contain his indignation. +</p> +<p> + "What blessing can you expect in a cause, in which you listen to the + mingled ravings of madness and atrocity?" +</p> +<p> + "Hush, young man!" said Kettledrummle, "and reserve thy censure for that + for which thou canst render a reason. It is not for thee to judge into + what vessels the spirit may be poured." +</p> +<p> + "We judge of the tree by the fruit," said Poundtext, "and allow not that + to be of divine inspiration that contradicts the divine laws." +</p> +<p> + "You forget, brother Poundtext," said Macbriar, "that these are the + latter days, when signs and wonders shall be multiplied." +</p> +<p> + Poundtext stood forward to reply; but, ere he could articulate a word, + the insane preacher broke in with a scream that drowned all competition. +</p> +<p> + "Who talks of signs and wonders? Am not I Habakkuk Mucklewrath, whose + name is changed to Magor-Missabib, because I am made a terror unto myself + and unto all that are around me?—I heard it—When did I hear it?—Was it + not in the Tower of the Bass, that overhangeth the wide wild sea?—And it + howled in the winds, and it roared in the billows, and it screamed, and + it whistled, and it clanged, with the screams and the clang and the + whistle of the sea-birds, as they floated, and flew, and dropped, and + dived, on the bosom of the waters. I saw it—Where did I see it?—Was it + not from the high peaks of Dunbarton, when I looked westward upon the + fertile land, and northward on the wild Highland hills; when the clouds + gathered and the tempest came, and the lightnings of heaven flashed in + sheets as wide as the banners of an host?—What did I see?—Dead corpses + and wounded horses, the rushing together of battle, and garments rolled + in blood.—What heard I?—The voice that cried, Slay, slay—smite—slay + utterly—let not your eye have pity! slay utterly, old and young, the + maiden, the child, and the woman whose head is grey—Defile the house and + fill the courts with the slain!" +</p> +<p> + "We receive the command," exclaimed more than one of the company. "Six + days he hath not spoken nor broken bread, and now his tongue is + unloosed:—We receive the command; as he hath said, so will we do." +</p> +<p> + Astonished, disgusted, and horror-struck, at what he had seen and heard, + Morton turned away from the circle and left the cottage. He was followed + by Burley, who had his eye on his motions. +</p> +<p> + "Whither are you going?" said the latter, taking him by the arm. +</p> +<p> + "Any where,—I care not whither; but here I will abide no longer." +</p> +<p> + "Art thou so soon weary, young man?" answered Burley. "Thy hand is but + now put to the plough, and wouldst thou already abandon it? Is this thy + adherence to the cause of thy father?" +</p> +<p> + "No cause," replied Morton, indignantly—"no cause can prosper, so + conducted. One party declares for the ravings of a bloodthirsty madman; + another leader is an old scholastic pedant; a third"—he stopped, and his + companion continued the sentence—"Is a desperate homicide, thou wouldst + say, like John Balfour of Burley?—I can bear thy misconstruction without + resentment. Thou dost not consider, that it is not men of sober and + self-seeking minds, who arise in these days of wrath to execute judgment + and to accomplish deliverance. Hadst thou but seen the armies of England, + during her Parliament of 1640, whose ranks were filled with sectaries and + enthusiasts, wilder than the anabaptists of Munster, thou wouldst have + had more cause to marvel; and yet these men were unconquered on the + field, and their hands wrought marvellous things for the liberties of the + land." +</p> +<p> + "But their affairs," replied Morton, "were wisely conducted, and the + violence of their zeal expended itself in their exhortations and sermons, + without bringing divisions into their counsels, or cruelty into their + conduct. I have often heard my father say so, and protest, that he + wondered at nothing so much as the contrast between the extravagance of + their religious tenets, and the wisdom and moderation with which they + conducted their civil and military affairs. But our councils seem all one + wild chaos of confusion." +</p> +<p> + "Thou must have patience, Henry Morton," answered Balfour; "thou must not + leave the cause of thy religion and country either for one wild word, or + one extravagant action. Hear me. I have already persuaded the wiser of + our friends, that the counsellors are too numerous, and that we cannot + expect that the Midianites shall, by so large a number, be delivered into + our hands. They have hearkened to my voice, and our assemblies will be + shortly reduced within such a number as can consult and act together; and + in them thou shalt have a free voice, as well as in ordering our affairs + of war, and protecting those to whom mercy should be shown—Art thou now + satisfied?" +</p> +<p> + "It will give me pleasure, doubtless," answered Morton, "to be the means + of softening the horrors of civil war; and I will not leave the post I + have taken, unless I see measures adopted at which my conscience revolts. + But to no bloody executions after quarter asked, or slaughter without + trial, will I lend countenance or sanction; and you may depend on my + opposing them, with both heart and hand, as constantly and resolutely, if + attempted by our own followers, as when they are the work of the enemy." +</p> +<p> + Balfour waved his hand impatiently. +</p> +<p> + "Thou wilt find," he said, "that the stubborn and hard-hearted generation + with whom we deal, must be chastised with scorpions ere their hearts be + humbled, and ere they accept the punishment of their iniquity. The word + is gone forth against them, 'I will bring a sword upon you that shall + avenge the quarrel of my Covenant.' But what is done shall be done + gravely, and with discretion, like that of the worthy James Melvin, who + executed judgment on the tyrant and oppressor, Cardinal Beaton." +</p> +<p> + "I own to you," replied Morton, "that I feel still more abhorrent at + cold-blooded and premeditated cruelty, than at that which is practised in + the heat of zeal and resentment." +</p> +<p> + "Thou art yet but a youth," replied Balfour, "and hast not learned how + light in the balance are a few drops of blood in comparison to the weight + and importance of this great national testimony. But be not afraid; + thyself shall vote and judge in these matters; it may be we shall see + little cause to strive together anent them." +</p> +<p> + With this concession Morton was compelled to be satisfied for the + present; and Burley left him, advising him to lie down and get some rest, + as the host would probably move in the morning. +</p> +<p> + "And you," answered Morton, "do not you go to rest also?" +</p> +<p> + "No," said Burley; "my eyes must not yet know slumber. This is no work to + be done lightly; I have yet to perfect the choosing of the committee of + leaders, and I will call you by times in the morning to be present at + their consultation." +</p> +<p> + He turned away, and left Morton to his repose. +</p> +<p> + The place in which he found himself was not ill adapted for the purpose, + being a sheltered nook, beneath a large rock, well protected from the + prevailing wind. A quantity of moss with which the ground was overspread, + made a couch soft enough for one who had suffered so much hardship and + anxiety. Morton wrapped himself in the horse-man's cloak which he had + still retained, stretched himself on the ground, and had not long + indulged in melancholy reflections on the state of the country, and upon + his own condition, ere he was relieved from them by deep and sound + slumber. +</p> +<p> + The rest of the army slept on the ground, dispersed in groups, which + chose their beds on the fields as they could best find shelter and + convenience. A few of the principal leaders held wakeful conference with + Burley on the state of their affairs, and some watchmen were appointed + who kept themselves on the alert by chanting psalms, or listening to the + exercises of the more gifted of their number. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER II. +</h2> +<pre> + Got with much ease—now merrily to horse. + Henry IV. Part I. +</pre> +<p> + With the first peep of day Henry awoke, and found the faithful Cuddie + standing beside him with a portmanteau in his hand. +</p> +<p> + "I hae been just putting your honour's things in readiness again ye were + waking," said Cuddie, "as is my duty, seeing ye hae been sae gude as to + tak me into your service." +</p> +<p> + "I take you into my service, Cuddie?" said Morton, "you must be + dreaming." +</p> +<p> + "Na, na, stir," answered Cuddie; "didna I say when I was tied on the + horse yonder, that if ever ye gat loose I would be your servant, and ye + didna say no? and if that isna hiring, I kenna what is. Ye gae me nae + arles, indeed, but ye had gien me eneugh before at Milnwood." +</p> +<p> + "Well, Cuddie, if you insist on taking the chance of my unprosperous + fortunes"— +</p> +<p> + "Ou ay, I'se warrant us a' prosper weel eneugh," answered Cuddie, + cheeringly, "an anes my auld mither was weel putten up. I hae begun the + campaigning trade at an end that is easy eneugh to learn." +</p> +<p> + "Pillaging, I suppose?" said Morton, "for how else could you come by that + portmanteau?" +</p> +<p> + "I wotna if it's pillaging, or how ye ca't," said Cuddie, "but it comes + natural to a body, and it's a profitable trade. Our folk had tirled the + dead dragoons as bare as bawbees before we were loose amaist.—But when I + saw the Whigs a' weel yokit by the lugs to Kettledrummle and the other + chield, I set off at the lang trot on my ain errand and your honour's. + Sae I took up the syke a wee bit, away to the right, where I saw the + marks o'mony a horsefoot, and sure eneugh I cam to a place where there + had been some clean leatherin', and a' the puir chields were lying there + buskit wi' their claes just as they had put them on that morning—naebody + had found out that pose o' carcages—and wha suld be in the midst thereof + (as my mither says) but our auld acquaintance, Sergeant Bothwell?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, has that man fallen?" said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Troth has he," answered Cuddie; "and his een were open and his brow + bent, and his teeth clenched thegither, like the jaws of a trap for + foumarts when the spring's doun—I was amaist feared to look at him; + however, I thought to hae turn about wi' him, and sae I e'en riped his + pouches, as he had dune mony an honester man's; and here's your ain + siller again (or your uncle's, which is the same) that he got at Milnwood + that unlucky night that made us a' sodgers thegither." +</p> +<p> + "There can be no harm, Cuddie," said Morton, "in making use of this + money, since we know how he came by it; but you must divide with me." +</p> +<p> + "Bide a wee, bide a wee," said Cuddie. "Weel, and there's a bit ring he + had hinging in a black ribbon doun on his breast. I am thinking it has + been a love-token, puir fallow—there's naebody sae rough but they hae + aye a kind heart to the lasses—and there's a book wi'a wheen papers, and + I got twa or three odd things, that I'll keep to mysell, forby." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word, you have made a very successful foray for a beginner," + said his new master. +</p> +<p> + "Haena I e'en now?" said Cuddie, with great exultation. "I tauld ye I + wasna that dooms stupid, if it cam to lifting things.—And forby, I hae + gotten twa gude horse. A feckless loon of a Straven weaver, that has left + his loom and his bein house to sit skirling on a cauld hill-side, had + catched twa dragoon naigs, and he could neither gar them hup nor wind, + sae he took a gowd noble for them baith—I suld hae tried him wi' half + the siller, but it's an unco ill place to get change in—Ye'll find the + siller's missing out o' Bothwell's purse." +</p> +<p> + "You have made a most excellent and useful purchase, Cuddie; but what is + that portmanteau?" +</p> +<p> + "The pockmantle?" answered Cuddie, "it was Lord Evandale's yesterday, and + it's yours the day. I fand it ahint the bush o' broom yonder—ilka dog + has its day—Ye ken what the auld sang says, +</p> +<pre> + 'Take turn about, mither, quo' Tam o' the Linn.' +</pre> +<p> + "And, speaking o' that, I maun gang and see about my mither, puir auld + body, if your honour hasna ony immediate commands." +</p> +<p> + "But, Cuddie," said Morton, "I really cannot take these things from you + without some recompense." +</p> +<p> + "Hout fie, stir," answered Cuddie, "ye suld aye be taking,—for + recompense, ye may think about that some other time—I hae seen gay weel + to mysell wi' some things that fit me better. What could I do wi' Lord + Evandale's braw claes? Sergeant Bothwell's will serve me weel eneugh." +</p> +<p> + Not being able to prevail on the self-constituted and disinterested + follower to accept of any thing for himself out of these warlike spoils, + Morton resolved to take the first opportunity of returning Lord + Evandale's property, supposing him yet to be alive; and, in the + meanwhile, did not hesitate to avail himself of Cuddie's prize, so far as + to appropriate some changes of linen and other triffling articles amongst + those of more value which the portmanteau contained. +</p> +<p> + He then hastily looked over the papers which were found in Bothwell's + pocket-book. These were of a miscellaneous description. The roll of his + troop, with the names of those absent on furlough, memorandums of + tavern-bills, and lists of delinquents who might be made subjects of fine + and persecution, first presented themselves, along with a copy of a + warrant from the Privy Council to arrest certain persons of distinction + therein named. In another pocket of the book were one or two commissions + which Bothwell had held at different times, and certificates of his + services abroad, in which his courage and military talents were highly + praised. But the most remarkable paper was an accurate account of his + genealogy, with reference to many documents for establishment of its + authenticity; subjoined was a list of the ample possessions of the + forfeited Earls of Bothwell, and a particular account of the proportions + in which King James VI. had bestowed them on the courtiers and nobility + by whose descendants they were at present actually possessed; beneath + this list was written, in red letters, in the hand of the deceased, Haud + Immemor, F. S. E. B. the initials probably intimating Francis Stewart, + Earl of Bothwell. To these documents, which strongly painted the + character and feelings of their deceased proprietor, were added some + which showed him in a light greatly different from that in which we have + hitherto presented him to the reader. +</p> +<p> + In a secret pocket of the book, which Morton did not discover without + some trouble, were one or two letters, written in a beautiful female + hand. They were dated about twenty years back, bore no address, and were + subscribed only by initials. Without having time to peruse them + accurately, Morton perceived that they contained the elegant yet fond + expressions of female affection directed towards an object whose jealousy + they endeavoured to soothe, and of whose hasty, suspicious, and impatient + temper, the writer seemed gently to complain. The ink of these + manuscripts had faded by time, and, notwithstanding the great care which + had obviously been taken for their preservation, they were in one or two + places chafed so as to be illegible. +</p> +<p> + "It matters not," these words were written on the envelope of that which + had suffered most, "I have them by heart." +</p> +<p> + With these letters was a lock of hair wrapped in a copy of verses, + written obviously with a feeling, which atoned, in Morton's opinion, for + the roughness of the poetry, and the conceits with which it abounded, + according to the taste of the period: +</p> +<p> + Thy hue, dear pledge, is pure and bright, As in that well-remember'd + night, When first thy mystic braid was wove, And first my Agnes whisper'd + love. Since then, how often hast thou press'd The torrid zone of this + wild breast, Whose wrath and hate have sworn to dwell With the first sin + which peopled hell; A breast whose blood's a troubled ocean, Each throb + the earthquake's wild commotion!—O, if such clime thou canst endure, Yet + keep thy hue unstain'd and pure, What conquest o'er each erring thought + Of that fierce realm had Agnes wrought! I had not wander'd wild and wide, + With such an angel for my guide; Nor heaven nor earth could then reprove + me, If she had lived, and lived to love me. Not then this world's wild + joys had been To me one savage hunting-scene, My sole delight the + headlong race, And frantic hurry of the chase, To start, pursue, and + bring to bay, Rush in, drag down, and rend my prey, Then from the carcass + turn away; Mine ireful mood had sweetness tamed, And soothed each wound + which pride inflamed;—Yes, God and man might now approve me, If thou + hadst lived, and lived to love me! +</p> +<p> + As he finished reading these lines, Morton could not forbear reflecting + with compassion on the fate of this singular and most unhappy being, who, + it appeared, while in the lowest state of degradation, and almost of + contempt, had his recollections continually fixed on the high station to + which his birth seemed to entitle him; and, while plunged in gross + licentiousness, was in secret looking back with bitter remorse to the + period of his youth, during which he had nourished a virtuous, though + unfortunate attachment. +</p> +<p> + "Alas! what are we," said Morton, "that our best and most praiseworthy + feelings can be thus debased and depraved—that honourable pride can sink + into haughty and desperate indifference for general opinion, and the + sorrow of blighted affection inhabit the same bosom which license, + revenge, and rapine, have chosen for their citadel? But it is the same + throughout; the liberal principles of one man sink into cold and + unfeeling indifference, the religious zeal of another hurries him into + frantic and savage enthusiasm. Our resolutions, our passions, are like + the waves of the sea, and, without the aid of Him who formed the human + breast, we cannot say to its tides, 'Thus far shall ye come, and no + farther."' +</p> +<p> + While he thus moralized, he raised his eyes, and observed that Burley + stood before him. +</p> +<p> + "Already awake?" said that leader—"It is well, and shows zeal to tread + the path before you.—What papers are these?" he continued. +</p> +<p> + Morton gave him some brief account of Cuddie's successful marauding + party, and handed him the pocket-book of Bothwell, with its contents. The + Cameronian leader looked with some attention on such of the papers as + related to military affairs, or public business; but when he came to the + verses, he threw them from him with contempt. +</p> +<p> + "I little thought," he said, "when, by the blessing of God, I passed my + sword three times through the body of that arch tool of cruelty and + persecution, that a character so desperate and so dangerous could have + stooped to an art as trifling as it is profane. But I see that Satan can + blend the most different qualities in his well-beloved and chosen agents, + and that the same hand which can wield a club or a slaughter-weapon + against the godly in the valley of destruction, can touch a tinkling + lute, or a gittern, to soothe the ears of the dancing daughters of + perdition in their Vanity Fair." +</p> +<p> + "Your ideas of duty, then," said Morton, "exclude love of the fine arts, + which have been supposed in general to purify and to elevate the mind?" +</p> +<p> + "To me, young man," answered Burley, "and to those who think as I do, the + pleasures of this world, under whatever name disguised, are vanity, as + its grandeur and power are a snare. We have but one object on earth, and + that is to build up the temple of the Lord." +</p> +<p> + "I have heard my father observe," replied Morton, "that many who assumed + power in the name of Heaven, were as severe in its exercise, and as + unwilling to part with it, as if they had been solely moved by the + motives of worldly ambition—But of this another time. Have you succeeded + in obtaining a committee of the council to be nominated?" +</p> +<p> + "I have," answered Burley. "The number is limited to six, of which you + are one, and I come to call you to their deliberations." +</p> +<p> + Morton accompanied him to a sequestered grassplot, where their colleagues + awaited them. In this delegation of authority, the two principal factions + which divided the tumultuary army had each taken care to send three of + their own number. On the part of the Cameronians, were Burley, Macbriar, + and Kettledrummle; and on that of the moderate party, Poundtext, Henry + Morton, and a small proprietor, called the Laird of Langcale. Thus the + two parties were equally balanced by their representatives in the + committee of management, although it seemed likely that those of the most + violent opinions were, as is usual in such cases, to possess and exert + the greater degree of energy. Their debate, however, was conducted more + like men of this world than could have been expected from their conduct + on the preceding evening. After maturely considering their means and + situation, and the probable increase of their numbers, they agreed that + they would keep their position for that day, in order to refresh their + men, and give time to reinforcements to join them, and that, on the next + morning, they would direct their march towards Tillietudlem, and summon + that stronghold, as they expressed it, of malignancy. If it was not + surrendered to their summons, they resolved to try the effect of a brisk + assault; and, should that miscarry, it was settled that they should leave + a part of their number to blockade the place, and reduce it, if possible, + by famine, while their main body should march forward to drive + Claverhouse and Lord Ross from the town of Glasgow. Such was the + determination of the council of management; and thus Morton's first + enterprise in active life was likely to be the attack of a castle + belonging to the parent of his mistress, and defended by her relative, + Major Bellenden, to whom he personally owed many obligations! He felt + fully the embarrassment of his situation, yet consoled himself with the + reflection, that his newly-acquired power in the insurgent army would + give him, at all events, the means of extending to the inmates of + Tillietudlem a protection which no other circumstance could have afforded + them; and he was not without hope that he might be able to mediate such + an accommodation betwixt them and the presbyterian army, as should secure + them a safe neutrality during the war which was about to ensue. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0003"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER III. +</h2> +<pre> + There came a knight from the field of slain, + His steed was drench'd in blood and rain. + Finlay. +</pre> +<p> + We must now return to the fortress of Tillietudlem and its inhabitants. + The morning, being the first after the battle of Loudon-hill, had dawned + upon its battlements, and the defenders had already resumed the labours + by which they proposed to render the place tenable, when the watchman, + who was placed in a high turret, called the Warder's Tower, gave the + signal that a horseman was approaching. As he came nearer, his dress + indicated an officer of the Life-Guards; and the slowness of his horse's + pace, as well as the manner in which the rider stooped on the saddle-bow, + plainly showed that he was sick or wounded. The wicket was instantly + opened to receive him, and Lord Evandale rode into the court-yard, so + reduced by loss of blood, that he was unable to dismount without + assistance. As he entered the hall, leaning upon a servant, the ladies + shrieked with surprise and terror; for, pale as death, stained with + blood, his regimentals soiled and torn, and his hair matted and + disordered, he resembled rather a spectre than a human being. But their + next exclamation was that of joy at his escape. +</p> +<p> + "Thank God!" exclaimed Lady Margaret, "that you are here, and have + escaped the hands of the bloodthirsty murderers who have cut off so many + of the king's loyal servants!" +</p> +<p> + "Thank God!" added Edith, "that you are here and in safety! We have + dreaded the worst. But you are wounded, and I fear we have little the + means of assisting you." +</p> +<p> + "My wounds are only sword-cuts," answered the young nobleman, as he + reposed himself on a seat; "the pain is not worth mentioning, and I + should not even feel exhausted but for the loss of blood. But it was not + my purpose to bring my weakness to add to your danger and distress, but + to relieve them, if possible. What can I do for you?—Permit me," he + added, addressing Lady Margaret—"permit me to think and act as your son, + my dear madam—as your brother, Edith!" +</p> +<p> + He pronounced the last part of the sentence with some emphasis, as if he + feared that the apprehension of his pretensions as a suitor might render + his proffered services unacceptable to Miss Bellenden. She was not + insensible to his delicacy, but there was no time for exchange of + sentiments. +</p> +<p> + "We are preparing for our defence," said the old lady with great dignity; + "my brother has taken charge of our garrison, and, by the grace of God, + we will give the rebels such a reception as they deserve." +</p> +<p> + "How gladly," said Evandale, "would I share in the defence of the Castle! + But in my present state, I should be but a burden to you, nay, something + worse; for, the knowledge that an officer of the Life-Guards was in the + Castle would be sufficient to make these rogues more desperately earnest + to possess themselves of it. If they find it defended only by the family, + they may possibly march on to Glasgow rather than hazard an assault." +</p> +<p> + "And can you think so meanly of us, my lord," said Edith, with the + generous burst of feeling which woman so often evinces, and which becomes + her so well, her voice faltering through eagerness, and her brow + colouring with the noble warmth which dictated her language—"Can you + think so meanly of your friends, as that they would permit such + considerations to interfere with their sheltering and protecting you at a + moment when you are unable to defend yourself, and when the whole country + is filled with the enemy? Is there a cottage in Scotland whose owners + would permit a valued friend to leave it in such circumstances? And can + you think we will allow you to go from a castle which we hold to be + strong enough for our own defence?" +</p> +<p> + "Lord Evandale need never think of it," said Lady Margaret. "I will dress + his wounds myself; it is all an old wife is fit for in war time; but to + quit the Castle of Tillietudlem when the sword of the enemy is drawn to + slay him,—the meanest trooper that ever wore the king's coat on his back + should not do so, much less my young Lord Evandale.—Ours is not a house + that ought to brook such dishonour. The tower of Tillietudlem has been + too much distinguished by the visit of his most sacred"— +</p> +<p> + Here she was interrupted by the entrance of the Major. +</p> +<p> + "We have taken a prisoner, my dear uncle," said Edith—"a wounded + prisoner, and he wants to escape from us. You must help us to keep him by + force." +</p> +<p> + "Lord Evandale!" exclaimed the veteran. "I am as much pleased as when I + got my first commission. Claverhouse reported you were killed, or missing + at least." +</p> +<p> + "I should have been slain, but for a friend of yours," said Lord + Evandale, speaking with some emotion, and bending his eyes on the ground, + as if he wished to avoid seeing the impression that what he was about to + say would make upon Miss Bellenden. "I was unhorsed and defenceless, and + the sword raised to dispatch me, when young Mr Morton, the prisoner for + whom you interested yourself yesterday morning, interposed in the most + generous manner, preserved my life, and furnished me with the means of + escaping." +</p> +<p> + As he ended the sentence, a painful curiosity overcame his first + resolution; he raised his eyes to Edith's face, and imagined he could + read in the glow of her cheek and the sparkle of her eye, joy at hearing + of her lover's safety and freedom, and triumph at his not having been + left last in the race of generosity. Such, indeed, were her feelings; but + they were also mingled with admiration of the ready frankness with which + Lord Evandale had hastened to bear witness to the merit of a favoured + rival, and to acknowledge an obligation which, in all probability, he + would rather have owed to any other individual in the world. +</p> +<p> + Major Bellenden, who would never have observed the emotions of either + party, even had they been much more markedly expressed, contented himself + with saying, "Since Henry Morton has influence with these rascals, I am + glad he has so exerted it; but I hope he will get clear of them as soon + as he can. Indeed, I cannot doubt it. I know his principles, and that he + detests their cant and hypocrisy. I have heard him laugh a thousand times + at the pedantry of that old presbyterian scoundrel, Poundtext, who, after + enjoying the indulgence of the government for so many years, has now, + upon the very first ruffle, shown himself in his own proper colours, and + set off, with three parts of his cropeared congregation, to join the host + of the fanatics.—But how did you escape after leaving the field, my + lord?" +</p> +<p> + "I rode for my life, as a recreant knight must," answered Lord Evandale, + smiling. "I took the route where I thought I had least chance of meeting + with any of the enemy, and I found shelter for several hours—you will + hardly guess where." +</p> +<p> + "At Castle Bracklan, perhaps," said Lady Margaret, "or in the house of + some other loyal gentleman?" +</p> +<p> + "No, madam. I was repulsed, under one mean pretext or another, from more + than one house of that description, for fear of the enemy following my + traces; but I found refuge in the cottage of a poor widow, whose husband + had been shot within these three months by a party of our corps, and + whose two sons are at this very moment with the insurgents." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?" said Lady Margaret Bellenden; "and was a fanatic woman capable + of such generosity?—but she disapproved, I suppose, of the tenets of her + family?" +</p> +<p> + "Far from it, madam," continued the young nobleman; "she was in principle + a rigid recusant, but she saw my danger and distress, considered me as a + fellow-creature, and forgot that I was a cavalier and a soldier. She + bound my wounds, and permitted me to rest upon her bed, concealed me from + a party of the insurgents who were seeking for stragglers, supplied me + with food, and did not suffer me to leave my place of refuge until she + had learned that I had every chance of getting to this tower without + danger." +</p> +<p> + "It was nobly done," said Miss Bellenden; "and I trust you will have an + opportunity of rewarding her generosity." +</p> +<p> + "I am running up an arrear of obligation on all sides, Miss Bellenden, + during these unfortunate occurrences," replied Lord Evandale; "but when I + can attain the means of showing my gratitude, the will shall not be + wanting." +</p> +<p> + All now joined in pressing Lord Evandale to relinquish his intention of + leaving the Castle; but the argument of Major Bellenden proved the most + effectual. +</p> +<p> + "Your presence in the Castle will be most useful, if not absolutely + necessary, my lord, in order to maintain, by your authority, proper + discipline among the fellows whom Claverhouse has left in garrison here, + and who do not prove to be of the most orderly description of inmates; + and, indeed, we have the Colonel's authority, for that very purpose, to + detain any officer of his regiment who might pass this way." +</p> +<p> + "That," said Lord Evandale, "is an unanswerable argument, since it shows + me that my residence here may be useful, even in my present disabled + state." +</p> +<p> + "For your wounds, my lord," said the Major, "if my sister, Lady + Bellenden, will undertake to give battle to any feverish symptom, if such + should appear, I will answer that my old campaigner, Gideon Pike, shall + dress a flesh-wound with any of the incorporation of Barber-Surgeons. He + had enough of practice in Montrose's time, for we had few regularly-bred + army chirurgeons, as you may well suppose.—You agree to stay with us, + then?" +</p> +<p> + "My reasons for leaving the Castle," said Lord Evandale, glancing a look + towards Edith, "though they evidently seemed weighty, must needs give way + to those which infer the power of serving you. May I presume, Major, to + enquire into the means and plan of defence which you have prepared? or + can I attend you to examine the works?" +</p> +<p> + It did not escape Miss Bellenden, that Lord Evandale seemed much + exhausted both in body and mind. "I think, sir," she said, addressing the + Major, "that since Lord Evandale condescends to become an officer of our + garrison, you should begin by rendering him amenable to your authority, + and ordering him to his apartment, that he may take some refreshment ere + he enters on military discussions." +</p> +<p> + "Edith is right," said the old lady; "you must go instantly to bed, my + lord, and take some febrifuge, which I will prepare with my own hand; and + my lady-in-waiting, Mistress Martha Weddell, shall make some friar's + chicken, or something very light. I would not advise wine.—John Gudyill, + let the housekeeper make ready the chamber of dais. Lord Evandale must + lie down instantly. Pike will take off the dressings, and examine the + state of the wounds." +</p> +<p> + "These are melancholy preparations, madam," said Lord Evandale, as he + returned thanks to Lady Margaret, and was about to leave the hall,—"but + I must submit to your ladyship's directions; and I trust that your skill + will soon make me a more able defender of your castle than I am at + present. You must render my body serviceable as soon as you can, for you + have no use for my head while you have Major Bellenden." +</p> +<p> + With these words he left the apartment. +</p> +<p> + "An excellent young man, and a modest," said the Major. +</p> +<p> + "None of that conceit," said Lady Margaret, "that often makes young folk + suppose they know better how their complaints should be treated than + people that have had experience." +</p> +<p> + "And so generous and handsome a young nobleman," said Jenny Dennison, who + had entered during the latter part of this conversation, and was now left + alone with her mistress in the hall, the Major returning to his military + cares, and Lady Margaret to her medical preparations. +</p> +<p> + Edith only answered these encomiums with a sigh; but, although silent, + she felt and knew better than any one how much they were merited by the + person on whom they were bestowed. Jenny, however, failed not to follow + up her blow. +</p> +<p> + "After a', it's true that my lady says—there's nae trusting a + presbyterian; they are a' faithless man-sworn louns. Whae wad hae thought + that young Milnwood and Cuddie Headrigg wad hae taen on wi' thae rebel + blackguards?" +</p> +<p> + "What do you mean by such improbable nonsense, Jenny?" said her young + mistress, very much displeased. +</p> +<p> + "I ken it's no pleasing for you to hear, madam," answered Jenny hardily; + "and it's as little pleasant for me to tell; but as gude ye suld ken a' + about it sune as syne, for the haill Castle's ringing wi't." +</p> +<p> + "Ringing with what, Jenny? Have you a mind to drive me mad?" answered + Edith, impatiently. +</p> +<p> + "Just that Henry Morton of Milnwood is out wi' the rebels, and ane o' + their chief leaders." +</p> +<p> + "It is a falsehood!" said Edith—"a most base calumny! and you are very + bold to dare to repeat it to me. Henry Morton is incapable of such + treachery to his king and country—such cruelty to me—to—to all the + innocent and defenceless victims, I mean, who must suffer in a civil + war—I tell you he is utterly incapable of it, in every sense." +</p> +<p> + "Dear! dear! Miss Edith," replied Jenny, still constant to her text, + "they maun be better acquainted wi' young men than I am, or ever wish to + be, that can tell preceesely what they're capable or no capable o'. But + there has been Trooper Tam, and another chield, out in bonnets and grey + plaids, like countrymen, to recon—reconnoitre—I think John Gudyill ca'd + it; and they hae been amang the rebels, and brought back word that they + had seen young Milnwood mounted on ane o' the dragoon horses that was + taen at Loudon-hill, armed wi' swords and pistols, like wha but him, and + hand and glove wi' the foremost o' them, and dreeling and commanding the + men; and Cuddie at the heels o' him, in ane o' Sergeant Bothwell's laced + waistcoats, and a cockit hat with a bab o' blue ribbands at it for the + auld cause o' the Covenant, (but Cuddie aye liked a blue ribband,) and a + ruffled sark, like ony lord o' the land—it sets the like o' him, + indeed!" +</p> +<p> + "Jenny," said her young mistress hastily, "it is impossible these men's + report can be true; my uncle has heard nothing of it at this instant." +</p> +<p> + "Because Tam Halliday," answered the handmaiden, "came in just five + minutes after Lord Evandale; and when he heard his lordship was in the + Castle, he swore (the profane loon!) he would be d—d ere he would make + the report, as he ca'd it, of his news to Major Bellenden, since there + was an officer of his ain regiment in the garrison. Sae he wad have said + naething till Lord Evandale wakened the next morning; only he tauld me + about it," (here Jenny looked a little down,) "just to vex me about + Cuddie." +</p> +<p> + "Poh, you silly girl," said Edith, assuming some courage, "it is all a + trick of that fellow to teaze you." +</p> +<p> + "Na, madam, it canna be that, for John Gudyill took the other dragoon + (he's an auld hard-favoured man, I wotna his name) into the cellar, and + gae him a tass o' brandy to get the news out o' him, and he said just the + same as Tam Halliday, word for word; and Mr Gudyill was in sic a rage, + that he tauld it a' ower again to us, and says the haill rebellion is + owing to the nonsense o' my Leddy and the Major, and Lord Evandale, that + begged off young Milnwood and Cuddie yesterday morning, for that, if they + had suffered, the country wad hae been quiet—and troth I am muckle o' + that opinion mysell." +</p> +<p> + This last commentary Jenny added to her tale, in resentment of her + mistress's extreme and obstinate incredulity. She was instantly alarmed, + however, by the effect which her news produced upon her young lady, an + effect rendered doubly violent by the High-church principles and + prejudices in which Miss Bellenden had been educated. Her complexion + became as pale as a corpse, her respiration so difficult that it was on + the point of altogether failing her, and her limbs so incapable of + supporting her, that she sunk, rather than sat, down upon one of the + seats in the hall, and seemed on the eve of fainting. Jenny tried cold + water, burnt feathers, cutting of laces, and all other remedies usual in + hysterical cases, but without any immediate effect. +</p> +<p> + "God forgie me! what hae I done?" said the repentant fille-de-chambre. "I + wish my tongue had been cuttit out!—Wha wad hae thought o' her taking on + that way, and a' for a young lad?—O, Miss Edith—dear Miss Edith, haud + your heart up about it, it's maybe no true for a' that I hae said—O, I + wish my mouth had been blistered! A' body tells me my tongue will do me a + mischief some day. What if my Leddy comes? or the Major?—and she's + sitting in the throne, too, that naebody has sate in since that weary + morning the King was here!—O, what will I do! O, what will become o' + us!" +</p> +<p> + While Jenny Dennison thus lamented herself and her mistress, Edith slowly + returned from the paroxysm into which she had been thrown by this + unexpected intelligence. +</p> +<p> + "If he had been unfortunate," she said, "I never would have deserted him. + I never did so, even when there was danger and disgrace in pleading his + cause. If he had died, I would have mourned him—if he had been + unfaithful, I would have forgiven him; but a rebel to his King,—a + traitor to his country,—the associate and colleague of cut-throats and + common stabbers,—the persecutor of all that is noble,—the professed and + blasphemous enemy of all that is sacred,—I will tear him from my heart, + if my life-blood should ebb in the effort!" +</p> +<p> + She wiped her eyes, and rose hastily from the great chair, (or throne, as + Lady Margaret used to call it,) while the terrified damsel hastened to + shake up the cushion, and efface the appearance of any one having + occupied that sacred seat; although King Charles himself, considering the + youth and beauty as well as the affliction of the momentary usurper of + his hallowed chair, would probably have thought very little of the + profanation. She then hastened officiously to press her support on Edith, + as she paced the hall apparently in deep meditation. +</p> +<p> + "Tak my arm, madam; better just tak my arm; sorrow maun hae its vent, and + doubtless"— +</p> +<p> + "No, Jenny," said Edith, with firmness; "you have seen my weakness, and + you shall see my strength." +</p> +<p> + "But ye leaned on me the other morning. Miss Edith, when ye were sae sair + grieved." +</p> +<p> + "Misplaced and erring affection may require support, Jenny—duty can + support itself; yet I will do nothing rashly. I will be aware of the + reasons of his conduct—and then—cast him off for ever," was the firm + and determined answer of her young lady. +</p> +<p> + Overawed by a manner of which she could neither conceive the motive, nor + estimate the merit, Jenny muttered between her teeth, "Odd, when the + first flight's ower, Miss Edith taks it as easy as I do, and muckle + easier, and I'm sure I ne'er cared half sae muckle about Cuddie Headrigg + as she did about young Milnwood. Forby that, it's maybe as weel to hae a + friend on baith sides; for, if the whigs suld come to tak the Castle, as + it's like they may, when there's sae little victual, and the dragoons + wasting what's o't, ou, in that case, Milnwood and Cuddie wad hae the + upper hand, and their freendship wad be worth siller—I was thinking sae + this morning or I heard the news." +</p> +<p> + With this consolatory reflection the damsel went about her usual + occupations, leaving her mistress to school her mind as she best might, + for eradicating the sentiments which she had hitherto entertained towards + Henry Morton. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0004"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER IV. +</h2> +<pre> + Once more into the breach—dear friends, once more! + Henry V. +</pre> +<p> + On the evening of this day, all the information which they could procure + led them to expect, that the insurgent army would be with early dawn on + their march against Tillietudlem. Lord Evandale's wounds had been + examined by Pike, who reported them in a very promising state. They were + numerous, but none of any consequence; and the loss of blood, as much + perhaps as the boasted specific of Lady Margaret, had prevented any + tendency to fever; so that, notwithstanding he felt some pain and great + weakness, the patient maintained that he was able to creep about with the + assistance of a stick. In these circumstances he refused to be confined + to his apartment, both that he might encourage the soldiers by his + presence, and suggest any necessary addition to the plan of defence, + which the Major might be supposed to have arranged upon something of an + antiquated fashion of warfare. Lord Evandale was well qualified to give + advice on such subjects, having served, during his early youth, both in + France and in the Low Countries. There was little or no occasion, + however, for altering the preparations already made; and, excepting on + the article of provisions, there seemed no reason to fear for the defence + of so strong a place against such assailants as those by whom it was + threatened. +</p> +<p> + With the peep of day, Lord Evandale and Major Bellenden were on the + battlements again, viewing and re-viewing the state of their + preparations, and anxiously expecting the approach of the enemy. I ought + to observe, that the report of the spies had now been regularly made and + received; but the Major treated the report that Morton was in arms + against the government with the most scornful incredulity. +</p> +<p> + "I know the lad better," was the only reply he deigned to make; "the + fellows have not dared to venture near enough, and have been deceived by + some fanciful resemblance, or have picked up some story." +</p> +<p> + "I differ from you, Major," answered Lord Evandale; "I think you will see + that young gentleman at the head of the insurgents; and, though I shall + be heartily sorry for it, I shall not be greatly surprised." +</p> +<p> + "You are as bad as Claverhouse," said the Major, "who contended yesterday + morning down my very throat, that this young fellow, who is as + high-spirited and gentleman-like a boy as I have ever known, wanted but + an opportunity to place himself at the head of the rebels." +</p> +<p> + "And considering the usage which he has received, and the suspicions + under which he lies," said Lord Evandale, "what other course is open to + him? For my own part, I should hardly know whether he deserved most blame + or pity." +</p> +<p> + "Blame, my lord?—Pity!" echoed the Major, astonished at hearing such + sentiments; "he would deserve to be hanged, that's all; and, were he my + own son, I should see him strung up with pleasure—Blame, indeed! But + your lordship cannot think as you are pleased to speak?" +</p> +<p> + "I give you my honour, Major Bellenden, that I have been for some time of + opinion, that our politicians and prelates have driven matters to a + painful extremity in this country, and have alienated, by violence of + various kinds, not only the lower classes, but all those in the upper + ranks, whom strong party-feeling, or a desire of court-interest, does not + attach to their standard." +</p> +<p> + "I am no politician," answered the Major, "and I do not understand nice + distinctions. My sword is the King's, and when he commands, I draw it in + his cause." +</p> +<p> + "I trust," replied the young lord, "you will not find me more backward + than yourself, though I heartily wish that the enemy were foreigners. It + is, however, no time to debate that matter, for yonder they come, and we + must defend ourselves as well as we can." +</p> +<p> + As Lord Evandale spoke, the van of the insurgents began to make their + appearance on the road which crossed the top of the hill, and thence + descended opposite to the Tower. They did not, however, move downwards, + as if aware that, in doing so, their columns would be exposed to the fire + of the artillery of the place. But their numbers, which at first seemed + few, appeared presently so to deepen and concentrate themselves, that, + judging of the masses which occupied the road behind the hill from the + closeness of the front which they presented on the top of it, their force + appeared very considerable. There was a pause of anxiety on both sides; + and, while the unsteady ranks of the Covenanters were agitated, as if by + pressure behind, or uncertainty as to their next movement, their arms, + picturesque from their variety, glanced in the morning sun, whose beams + were reflected from a grove of pikes, muskets, halberds, and battle-axes. + The armed mass occupied, for a few minutes, this fluctuating position, + until three or four horsemen, who seemed to be leaders, advanced from the + front, and occupied the height a little nearer to the Castle. John + Gudyill, who was not without some skill as an artilleryman, brought a gun + to bear on this detached group. +</p> +<p> + "I'll flee the falcon,"—(so the small cannon was called,)—"I'll flee + the falcon whene'er your honour gies command; my certie, she'll ruffle + their feathers for them!" +</p> +<p> + The Major looked at Lord Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "Stay a moment," said the young nobleman, "they send us a flag of truce." +</p> +<p> + In fact, one of the horsemen at that moment dismounted, and, displaying a + white cloth on a pike, moved forward towards the Tower, while the Major + and Lord Evandale, descending from the battlement of the main fortress, + advanced to meet him as far as the barricade, judging it unwise to admit + him within the precincts which they designed to defend. At the same time + that the ambassador set forth, the group of horsemen, as if they had + anticipated the preparations of John Gudyill for their annoyance, + withdrew from the advanced station which they had occupied, and fell back + to the main body. +</p> +<p> + The envoy of the Covenanters, to judge by his mien and manner, seemed + fully imbued with that spiritual pride which distinguished his sect. His + features were drawn up to a contemptuous primness, and his half-shut eyes + seemed to scorn to look upon the terrestial objects around, while, at + every solemn stride, his toes were pointed outwards with an air that + appeared to despise the ground on which they trode. Lord Evandale could + not suppress a smile at this singular figure. +</p> +<p> + "Did you ever," said he to Major Bellenden, "see such an absurd + automaton? One would swear it moves upon springs—Can it speak, think + you?" +</p> +<p> + "O, ay," said the Major; "that seems to be one of my old acquaintance, a + genuine puritan of the right pharisaical leaven.—Stay—he coughs and + hems; he is about to summon the Castle with the but-end of a sermon, + instead of a parley on the trumpet." +</p> +<p> + The veteran, who in his day had had many an opportunity to become + acquainted with the manners of these religionists, was not far mistaken + in his conjecture; only that, instead of a prose exordium, the Laird of + Langcale—for it was no less a personage—uplifted, with a Stentorian + voice, a verse of the twenty-fourth Psalm: +</p> +<p> + "Ye gates lift up your heads! ye doors, Doors that do last for aye, Be + lifted up"— +</p> +<p> + "I told you so," said the Major to Evandale, and then presented himself + at the entrance of the barricade, demanding to know for what purpose or + intent he made that doleful noise, like a hog in a high wind, beneath the + gates of the Castle. +</p> +<p> + "I come," replied the ambassador, in a high and shrill voice, and without + any of the usual salutations or deferences,—"I come from the godly army + of the Solemn League and Covenant, to speak with two carnal malignants, + William Maxwell, called Lord Evandale, and Miles Bellenden of Charnwood." +</p> +<p> + "And what have you to say to Miles Bellenden and Lord Evandale?" answered + the Major. +</p> +<p> + "Are you the parties?" said the Laird of Langcale, in the same sharp, + conceited, disrespectful tone of voice. +</p> +<p> + "Even so, for fault of better," said the Major. +</p> +<p> + "Then there is the public summons," said the envoy, putting a paper into + Lord Evandale's hand, "and there is a private letter for Miles Bellenden + from a godly youth, who is honoured with leading a part of our host. Read + them quickly, and God give you grace to fructify by the contents, though + it is muckle to be doubted." +</p> +<p> + The summons ran thus: "We, the named and constituted leaders of the + gentlemen, ministers, and others, presently in arms for the cause of + liberty and true religion, do warn and summon William Lord Evandale and + Miles Bellenden of Charnwood, and others presently in arms, and keeping + garrison in the Tower of Tillietudlem, to surrender the said Tower upon + fair conditions of quarter, and license to depart with bag and baggage, + otherwise to suffer such extremity of fire and sword as belong by the + laws of war to those who hold out an untenable post. And so may God + defend his own good cause!" +</p> +<p> + This summons was signed by John Balfour of Burley, as quarter-master + general of the army of the Covenant, for himself, and in name of the + other leaders. +</p> +<p> + The letter to Major Bellenden was from Henry Morton. It was couched in + the following language: +</p> +<p> + "I have taken a step, my venerable friend, which, among many painful + consequences, will, I am afraid, incur your very decided disapprobation. + But I have taken my resolution in honour and good faith, and with the + full approval of my own conscience. I can no longer submit to have my own + rights and those of my fellow-subjects trampled upon, our freedom + violated, our persons insulted, and our blood spilt, without just cause + or legal trial. Providence, through the violence of the oppressors + themselves, seems now to have opened a way of deliverance from this + intolerable tyranny, and I do not hold him deserving of the name and + rights of a freeman, who, thinking as I do, shall withold his arm from + the cause of his country. But God, who knows my heart, be my witness, + that I do not share the angry or violent passions of the oppressed and + harassed sufferers with whom I am now acting. My most earnest and anxious + desire is, to see this unnatural war brought to a speedy end, by the + union of the good, wise, and moderate of all parties, and a peace + restored, which, without injury to the King's constitutional rights, may + substitute the authority of equal laws to that of military violence, and, + permitting to all men to worship God according to their own consciences, + may subdue fanatical enthusiasm by reason and mildness, instead of + driving it to frenzy by persecution and intolerance. +</p> +<p> + "With these sentiments, you may conceive with what pain I appear in arms + before the house of your venerable relative, which we understand you + propose to hold out against us. Permit me to press upon you the + assurance, that such a measure will only lead to the effusion of + blood—that, if repulsed in the assault, we are yet strong enough to + invest the place, and reduce it by hunger, being aware of your + indifferent preparations to sustain a protracted siege. It would grieve + me to the heart to think what would be the sufferings in such a case, + and upon whom they would chiefly fall. +</p> +<pre> +"Do not suppose, my respected friend, that I would propose to you any +terms which could compromise the high and honourable character which you +have so deservedly won, and so long borne. If the regular soldiers (to +whom I will ensure a safe retreat) are dismissed from the place, I trust +no more will be required than your parole to remain neuter during this +unhappy contest; and I will take care that Lady Margaret's property, as +well as yours, shall be duly respected, and no garrison intruded upon +you. I could say much in favour of this proposal; but I fear, as I must +in the present instance appear criminal in your eyes, good arguments +would lose their influence when coming from an unwelcome quarter. I will, +therefore, break off with assuring you, that whatever your sentiments may +be hereafter towards me, my sense of gratitude to you can never be +diminished or erased; and it would be the happiest moment of my life that +should give me more effectual means than mere words to assure you of it. +Therefore, although in the first moment of resentment you may reject the +proposal I make to you, let not that prevent you from resuming the topic, +if future events should render it more acceptable; for whenever, or +howsoever, I can be of service to you, it will always afford the greatest +satisfaction to + "Henry Morton." +</pre> +<p> + Having read this long letter with the most marked indignation, Major + Bellenden put it into the hands of Lord Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "I would not have believed this," he said, "of Henry Morton, if half + mankind had sworn it! The ungrateful, rebellious traitor! rebellious in + cold blood, and without even the pretext of enthusiasm, that warms the + liver of such a crack-brained fop as our friend the envoy there. But I + should have remembered he was a presbyterian—I ought to have been aware + that I was nursing a wolf-cub, whose diabolical nature would make him + tear and snatch at me on the first opportunity. Were Saint Paul on earth + again, and a presbyterian, he would be a rebel in three months—it is in + the very blood of them." +</p> +<p> + "Well," said Lord Evandale, "I will be the last to recommend surrender; + but, if our provisions fail, and we receive no relief from Edinburgh or + Glasgow, I think we ought to avail ourselves of this opening, to get the + ladies, at least, safe out of the Castle." +</p> +<p> + "They will endure all, ere they would accept the protection of such a + smooth-tongued hypocrite," answered the Major indignantly; "I would + renounce them for relatives were it otherwise. But let us dismiss the + worthy ambassador.—My friend," he said, turning to Langcale, "tell your + leaders, and the mob they have gathered yonder, that, if they have not a + particular opinion of the hardness of their own skulls, I would advise + them to beware how they knock them against these old walls. And let them + send no more flags of truce, or we will hang up the messenger in + retaliation of the murder of Cornet Grahame." +</p> +<p> + With this answer the ambassador returned to those by whom he had been + sent. He had no sooner reached the main body than a murmur was heard + amongst the multitude, and there was raised in front of their ranks an + ample red flag, the borders of which were edged with blue. As the signal + of war and defiance spread out its large folds upon the morning wind, the + ancient banner of Lady Margaret's family, together with the royal ensign, + were immediately hoisted on the walls of the Tower, and at the same time, + a round of artillery was discharged against the foremost ranks of the + insurgents, by which they sustained some loss. Their leaders instantly + withdrew them to the shelter of the brow of the hill. +</p> +<p> + "I think," said John Gudyill, while he busied himself in re-charging his + guns, "they hae fund the falcon's neb a bit ower hard for them—It's no + for nought that the hawk whistles." +</p> +<p> + But as he uttered these words, the ridge was once more crowded with the + ranks of the enemy. A general discharge of their fire-arms was directed + against the defenders upon the battlements. Under cover of the smoke, a + column of picked men rushed down the road with determined courage, and, + sustaining with firmness a heavy fire from the garrison, they forced + their way, in spite of opposition, to the first barricade by which the + avenue was defended. They were led on by Balfour in person, who displayed + courage equal to his enthusiasm; and, in spite of every opposition, + forced the barricade, killing and wounding several of the defenders, and + compelling the rest to retreat to their second position. The precautions, + however, of Major Bellenden rendered this success unavailing; for no + sooner were the Covenanters in possession of the post, than a close and + destructive fire was poured into it from the Castle, and from those + stations which commanded it in the rear. Having no means of protecting + themselves from this fire, or of returning it with effect against men who + were under cover of their barricades and defences, the Covenanters were + obliged to retreat; but not until they had, with their axes, destroyed + the stockade, so as to render it impossible for the defenders to + re-occupy it. +</p> +<p> + Balfour was the last man that retired. He even remained for a short space + almost alone, with an axe in his hand, labouring like a pioneer amid the + storm of balls, many of which were specially aimed against him. The + retreat of the party he commanded was not effected without heavy loss, + and served as a severe lesson concerning the local advantages possessed + by the garrison. +</p> +<p> + The next attack of the Covenanters was made with more caution. A strong + party of marksmen, (many of them competitors at the game of the + popinjay,) under the command of Henry Morton, glided through the woods + where they afforded them the best shelter, and, avoiding the open road, + endeavoured, by forcing their way through the bushes and trees, and up + the rocks which surrounded it on either side, to gain a position, from + which, without being exposed in an intolerable degree, they might annoy + the flank of the second barricade, while it was menaced in front by a + second attack from Burley. The besieged saw the danger of this movement, + and endeavoured to impede the approach of the marksmen, by firing upon + them at every point where they showed themselves. The assailants, on the + other hand, displayed great coolness, spirit, and judgment, in the manner + in which they approached the defences. This was, in a great measure, to + be ascribed to the steady and adroit manner in which they were conducted + by their youthful leader, who showed as much skill in protecting his own + followers as spirit in annnoying the enemy. +</p> +<p> + He repeatedly enjoined his marksmen to direct their aim chiefly upon the + red-coats, and to save the others engaged in the defence of the Castle; + and, above all, to spare the life of the old Major, whose anxiety made + him more than once expose himself in a manner, that, without such + generosity on the part of the enemy, might have proved fatal. A dropping + fire of musketry now glanced from every part of the precipitous mount on + which the Castle was founded. From bush to bush—from crag to crag—from + tree to tree, the marksmen continued to advance, availing themselves of + branches and roots to assist their ascent, and contending at once with + the disadvantages of the ground and the fire of the enemy. At length they + got so high on the ascent, that several of them possessed an opportunity + of firing into the barricade against the defenders, who then lay exposed + to their aim, and Burley, profiting by the confusion of the moment, moved + forward to the attack in front. His onset was made with the same + desperation and fury as before, and met with less resistance, the + defenders being alarmed at the progress which the sharp-shooters had made + in turning the flank of their position. Determined to improve his + advantage, Burley, with his axe in his hand, pursued the party whom he + had dislodged even to the third and last barricade, and entered it along + with them. +</p> +<p> + "Kill, kill—down with the enemies of God and his people!—No + quarter—The Castle is ours!" were the cries by which he animated his + friends; the most undaunted of whom followed him close, whilst the + others, with axes, spades, and other implements, threw up earth, cut + down trees, hastily labouring to establish such a defensive cover in the + rear of the second barricade as might enable them to retain possession + of it, in case the Castle was not carried by this coup-de-main. +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale could no longer restrain his impatience. He charged with a + few soldiers who had been kept in reserve in the court-yard of the + Castle; and, although his arm was in a sling, encouraged them, by voice + and gesture, to assist their companions who were engaged with Burley. The + combat now assumed an air of desperation. The narrow road was crowded + with the followers of Burley, who pressed forward to support their + companions. The soldiers, animated by the voice and presence of Lord + Evandale, fought with fury, their small numbers being in some measure + compensated by their greater skill, and by their possessing the upper + ground, which they defended desperately with pikes and halberds, as well + as with the but of the carabines and their broadswords. Those within the + Castle endeavoured to assist their companions, whenever they could so + level their guns as to fire upon the enemy without endangering their + friends. The sharp-shooters, dispersed around, were firing incessantly on + each object that was exposed upon the battlement. The Castle was + enveloped with smoke, and the rocks rang to the cries of the combatants. + In the midst of this scene of confusion, a singular accident had nearly + given the besiegers possession of the fortress. +</p> +<p> + Cuddie Headrigg, who had advanced among the marksmen, being well + acquainted with every rock and bush in the vicinity of the Castle, where + he had so often gathered nuts with Jenny Dennison, was enabled, by such + local knowledge, to advance farther, and with less danger, than most of + his companions, excepting some three or four who had followed him close. + Now Cuddie, though a brave enough fellow upon the whole, was by no means + fond of danger, either for its own sake, or for that of the glory which + attends it. In his advance, therefore, he had not, as the phrase goes, + taken the bull by the horns, or advanced in front of the enemy's fire. On + the contrary, he had edged gradually away from the scene of action, and, + turning his line of ascent rather to the left, had pursued it until it + brought him under a front of the Castle different from that before which + the parties were engaged, and to which the defenders had given no + attention, trusting to the steepness of the precipice. There was, + however, on this point, a certain window belonging to a certain pantry, + and communicating with a certain yew-tree, which grew out of a steep + cleft of the rock, being the very pass through which Goose Gibbie was + smuggled out of the Castle in order to carry Edith's express to + Charnwood, and which had probably, in its day, been used for other + contraband purposes. Cuddie, resting upon the but of his gun, and looking + up at this window, observed to one of his companions,—"There's a place I + ken weel; mony a time I hae helped Jenny Dennison out o' the winnock, + forby creeping in whiles mysell to get some daffin, at e'en after the + pleugh was loosed." +</p> +<p> + "And what's to hinder us to creep in just now?" said the other, who was a + smart enterprising young fellow. +</p> +<p> + "There's no muckle to hinder us, an that were a'," answered Cuddie; "but + what were we to do neist?" +</p> +<p> + "We'll take the Castle," cried the other; "here are five or six o' us, + and a' the sodgers are engaged at the gate." +</p> +<p> + "Come awa wi' you, then," said Cuddie; "but mind, deil a finger ye maun + lay on Lady Margaret, or Miss Edith, or the auld Major, or, aboon a', on + Jenny Dennison, or ony body but the sodgers—cut and quarter amang them + as ye like, I carena." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay," said the other, "let us once in, and we will make our ain terms + with them a'." +</p> +<p> + Gingerly, and as if treading upon eggs, Cuddie began to ascend the + well-known pass, not very willingly; for, besides that he was something + apprehensive of the reception he might meet with in the inside, his + conscience insisted that he was making but a shabby requital for Lady + Margaret's former favours and protection. He got up, however, into the + yew-tree, followed by his companions, one after another. The window was + small, and had been secured by stancheons of iron; but these had been + long worn away by time, or forced out by the domestics to possess a free + passage for their own occasional convenience. Entrance was therefore + easy, providing there was no one in the pantry, a point which Cuddie + endeavoured to discover before he made the final and perilous step. While + his companions, therefore, were urging and threatening him behind, and he + was hesitating and stretching his neck to look into the apartment, his + head became visible to Jenny Dennison, who had ensconced herself in said + pantry as the safest place in which to wait the issue of the assault. So + soon as this object of terror caught her eye, she set up a hysteric + scream, flew to the adjacent kitchen, and, in the desperate agony of + fear, seized on a pot of kailbrose which she herself had hung on the fire + before the combat began, having promised to Tam Halliday to prepare his + breakfast for him. Thus burdened, she returned to the window of the + pantry, and still exclaiming, "Murder! murder!—we are a' harried and + ravished—the Castle's taen—tak it amang ye!" she discharged the whole + scalding contents of the pot, accompanied with a dismal yell, upon the + person of the unfortunate Cuddie. However welcome the mess might have + been, if Cuddie and it had become acquainted in a regular manner, the + effects, as administered by Jenny, would probably have cured him of + soldiering for ever, had he been looking upwards when it was thrown upon + him. But, fortunately for our man of war, he had taken the alarm upon + Jenny's first scream, and was in the act of looking down, expostulating + with his comrades, who impeded the retreat which he was anxious to + commence; so that the steel cap and buff coat which formerly belonged to + Sergeant Bothwell, being garments of an excellent endurance, protected + his person against the greater part of the scalding brose. Enough, + however, reached him to annoy him severely, so that in the pain and + surprise he jumped hastily out of the tree, oversetting his followers, to + the manifest danger of their limbs, and, without listening to arguments, + entreaties, or authority, made the best of his way by the most safe road + to the main body of the army whereunto he belonged, and could neither by + threats nor persuasion be prevailed upon to return to the attack. +</p> +<a name="image-0004"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb050.jpg" height="803" width="553" +alt="Jenny Dennison +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + As for Jenny, when she had thus conferred upon one admirer's outward man + the viands which her fair hands had so lately been in the act of + preparing for the stomach of another, she continued her song of alarm, + running a screaming division upon all those crimes, which the lawyers + call the four pleas of the crown, namely, murder, fire, rape, and + robbery. These hideous exclamations gave so much alarm, and created such + confusion within the Castle, that Major Bellenden and Lord Evandale + judged it best to draw off from the conflict without the gates, and, + abandoning to the enemy all the exterior defences of the avenue, confine + themselves to the Castle itself, for fear of its being surprised on some + unguarded point. Their retreat was unmolested; for the panic of Cuddie + and his companions had occasioned nearly as much confusion on the side + of the besiegers, as the screams of Jenny had caused to the defenders. +</p> +<p> + There was no attempt on either side to renew the action that day. The + insurgents had suffered most severely; and, from the difficulty which + they had experienced in carrying the barricadoed positions without the + precincts of the Castle, they could have but little hope of storming the + place itself. On the other hand, the situation of the besieged was + dispiriting and gloomy. In the skirmishing they had lost two or three + men, and had several wounded; and though their loss was in proportion + greatly less than that of the enemy, who had left twenty men dead on the + place, yet their small number could much worse spare it, while the + desperate attacks of the opposite party plainly showed how serious the + leaders were in the purpose of reducing the place, and how well seconded + by the zeal of their followers. But, especially, the garrison had to fear + for hunger, in case blockade should be resorted to as the means of + reducing them. The Major's directions had been imperfectly obeyed in + regard to laying in provisions; and the dragoons, in spite of all warning + and authority, were likely to be wasteful in using them. It was, + therefore, with a heavy heart, that Major Bellenden gave directions for + guarding the window through which the Castle had so nearly been + surprised, as well as all others which offered the most remote facility + for such an enterprise. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0005"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER V. +</h2> +<pre> + The King hath drawn + The special head of all the land together. + Henry IV. Part II. +</pre> +<p> + The leaders of the presbyterian army had a serious consultation upon the + evening of the day in which they had made the attack on Tillietudlem. + They could not but observe that their followers were disheartened by the + loss which they had sustained, and which, as usual in such cases, had + fallen upon the bravest and most forward. It was to be feared, that if + they were suffered to exhaust their zeal and efforts in an object so + secondary as the capture of this petty fort, their numbers would melt + away by degrees, and they would lose all the advantages arising out of + the present unprepared state of the government. Moved by these arguments, + it was agreed that the main body of the army should march against + Glasgow, and dislodge the soldiers who were lying in that town. The + council nominated Henry Morton, with others, to this last service, and + appointed Burley to the command of a chosen body of five hundred men, who + were to remain behind, for the purpose of blockading the Tower of + Tillietudlem. Morton testified the greatest repugnance to this + arrangement. +</p> +<p> + "He had the strongest personal motives," he said, "for desiring to remain + near Tillietudlem; and if the management of the siege were committed to + him, he had little doubt but that he would bring it to such an + accommodation, as, without being rigorous to the besieged, would fully + answer the purpose of the besiegers." +</p> +<p> + Burley readily guessed the cause of his young colleague's reluctance to + move with the army; for, interested as he was in appreciating the + characters with whom he had to deal, he had contrived, through the + simplicity of Cuddie, and the enthusiasm of old Mause, to get much + information concerning Morton's relations with the family of + Tillietudlem. He therefore took the advantage of Poundtext's arising to + speak to business, as he said, for some short space of time, (which + Burley rightly interpreted to mean an hour at the very least), and seized + that moment to withdraw Morton from the hearing of their colleagues, and + to hold the following argument with him: +</p> +<p> + "Thou art unwise, Henry Morton, to desire to sacrifice this holy cause to + thy friendship for an uncircumcised Philistine, or thy lust for a + Moabitish woman." +</p> +<p> + "I neither understand your meaning, Mr Balfour, nor relish your + allusions," replied Morton, indignantly; "and I know no reason you have + to bring so gross a charge, or to use such uncivil language." +</p> +<p> + "Confess, however, the truth," said Balfour, "and own that there are + those within yon dark Tower, over whom thou wouldst rather be watching + like a mother over her little ones, than thou wouldst bear the banner of + the Church of Scotland over the necks of her enemies." +</p> +<p> + "If you mean, that I would willingly terminate this war without any + bloody victory, and that I am more anxious to do this than to acquire any + personal fame or power, you may be," replied Morton, "perfectly right." +</p> +<p> + "And not wholly wrong," answered Burley, "in deeming that thou wouldst + not exclude from so general a pacification thy friends in the garrison of + Tillietudlem." +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," replied Morton; "I am too much obliged to Major Bellenden + not to wish to be of service to him, as far as the interest of the cause + I have espoused will permit. I never made a secret of my regard for him." +</p> +<p> + "I am aware of that," said Burley; "but, if thou hadst concealed it, I + should, nevertheless, have found out thy riddle. Now, hearken to my + words. This Miles Bellenden hath means to subsist his garrison for a + month." +</p> +<p> + "This is not the case," answered Morton; "we know his stores are hardly + equal to a week's consumption." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, but," continued Burley, "I have since had proof, of the strongest + nature, that such a report was spread in the garrison by that wily and + grey-headed malignant, partly to prevail on the soldiers to submit to a + diminution of their daily food, partly to detain us before the walls of + his fortress until the sword should be whetted to smite and destroy us." +</p> +<p> + "And why was not the evidence of this laid before the council of war?" + said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "To what purpose?" said Balfour. "Why need we undeceive Kettledrummle, + Macbriar, Poundtext, and Langcale, upon such a point? Thyself must own, + that whatever is told to them escapes to the host out of the mouth of the + preachers at their next holding-forth. They are already discouraged by + the thoughts of lying before the fort a week. What would be the + consequence were they ordered to prepare for the leaguer of a month?" +</p> +<p> + "But why conceal it, then, from me? or why tell it me now? and, above + all, what proofs have you got of the fact?" continued Morton. +</p> +<p> + "There are many proofs," replied Burley; and he put into his hands a + number of requisitions sent forth by Major Bellenden, with receipts on + the back to various proprietors, for cattle, corn, meal, to such an + amount, that the sum total seemed to exclude the possibility of the + garrison being soon distressed for provisions. But Burley did not inform + Morton of a fact which he himself knew full well, namely, that most of + these provisions never reached the garrison, owing to the rapacity of the + dragoons sent to collect them, who readily sold to one man what they took + from another, and abused the Major's press for stores, pretty much as Sir + John Falstaff did that of the King for men. +</p> +<p> + "And now," continued Balfour, observing that he had made the desired + impression, "I have only to say, that I concealed this from thee no + longer than it was concealed from myself, for I have only received these + papers this morning; and I tell it unto thee now, that thou mayest go on + thy way rejoicing, and work the great work willingly at Glasgow, being + assured that no evil can befall thy friends in the malignant party, since + their fort is abundantly victualled, and I possess not numbers sufficient + to do more against them than to prevent their sallying forth." +</p> +<p> + "And why," continued Morton, who felt an inexpressible reluctance to + acquiesce in Balfour's reasoning—"why not permit me to remain in the + command of this smaller party, and march forward yourself to Glasgow? It + is the more honourable charge." +</p> +<p> + "And therefore, young man," answered Burley, "have I laboured that it + should be committed to the son of Silas Morton. I am waxing old, and this + grey head has had enough of honour where it could be gathered by danger. + I speak not of the frothy bubble which men call earthly fame, but the + honour belonging to him that doth not the work negligently. But thy + career is yet to run. Thou hast to vindicate the high trust which has + been bestowed on thee through my assurance that it was dearly + well-merited. At Loudon-hill thou wert a captive, and at the last assault + it was thy part to fight under cover, whilst I led the more open and + dangerous attack; and, shouldst thou now remain before these walls when + there is active service elsewhere, trust me, that men will say, that the + son of Silas Morton hath fallen away from the paths of his father." +</p> +<p> + Stung by this last observation, to which, as a gentleman and soldier, he + could offer no suitable reply, Morton hastily acquiesced in the proposed + arrangement. Yet he was unable to divest himself of certain feelings of + distrust which he involuntarily attached to the quarter from which he + received this information. +</p> +<p> + "Mr Balfour," he said, "let us distinctly understand each other. You have + thought it worth your while to bestow particular attention upon my + private affairs and personal attachments; be so good as to understand, + that I am as constant to them as to my political principles. It is + possible, that, during my absence, you may possess the power of soothing + or of wounding those feelings. Be assured, that whatever may be the + consequences to the issue of our present adventure, my eternal gratitude, + or my persevering resentment, will attend the line of conduct you may + adopt on such an occasion; and, however young and inexperienced I am, I + have no doubt of finding friends to assist me in expressing my sentiments + in either case." +</p> +<p> + "If there be a threat implied in that denunciation," replied Burley, + coldly and haughtily, "it had better have been spared. I know how to + value the regard of my friends, and despise, from my soul, the threats of + my enemies. But I will not take occasion of offence. Whatever happens + here in your absence shall be managed with as much deference to your + wishes, as the duty I owe to a higher power can possibly permit." +</p> +<p> + With this qualified promise Morton was obliged to rest satisfied. +</p> +<p> + "Our defeat will relieve the garrison," said he, internally, "ere they + can be reduced to surrender at discretion; and, in case of victory, I + already see, from the numbers of the moderate party, that I shall have a + voice as powerful as Burley's in determining the use which shall be made + of it." +</p> +<p> + He therefore followed Balfour to the council, where they found + Kettledrummle adding to his lastly a few words of practical application. + When these were expended, Morton testified his willingness to accompany + the main body of the army, which was destined to drive the regular troops + from Glasgow. His companions in command were named, and the whole + received a strengthening exhortation from the preachers who were present. + Next morning, at break of day, the insurgent army broke up from their + encampment, and marched towards Glasgow. +</p> +<p> + It is not our intention to detail at length incidents which may be found + in the history of the period. It is sufficient to say, that Claverhouse + and Lord Ross, learning the superior force which was directed against + them, intrenched, or rather barricadoed themselves, in the centre of the + city, where the town-house and old jail were situated, with the + determination to stand the assault of the insurgents rather than to + abandon the capital of the west of Scotland. The presbyterians made their + attack in two bodies, one of which penetrated into the city in the line + of the College and Cathedral Church, while the other marched up the + Gallowgate, or principal access from the south-east. Both divisions were + led by men of resolution, and behaved with great spirit. But the + advantages of military skill and situation were too great for their + undisciplined valour. +</p> +<p> + Ross and Claverhouse had carefully disposed parties of their soldiers in + houses, at the heads of the streets, and in the entrances of closes, as + they are called, or lanes, besides those who were intrenched behind + breast-works which reached across the streets. The assailants found their + ranks thinned by a fire from invisible opponents, which they had no means + of returning with effect. It was in vain that Morton and other leaders + exposed their persons with the utmost gallantry, and endeavoured to bring + their antagonists to a close action; their followers shrunk from them in + every direction. And yet, though Henry Morton was one of the very last to + retire, and exerted himself in bringing up the rear, maintaining order in + the retreat, and checking every attempt which the enemy made to improve + the advantage they had gained by the repulse, he had still the + mortification to hear many of those in his ranks muttering to each other, + that "this came of trusting to latitudinarian boys; and that, had honest, + faithful Burley led the attack, as he did that of the barricades of + Tillietudlem, the issue would have been as different as might be." +</p> +<p> + It was with burning resentment that Morton heard these reflections thrown + out by the very men who had soonest exhibited signs of discouragement. + The unjust reproach, however, had the effect of firing his emulation, and + making him sensible that, engaged as he was in a perilous cause, it was + absolutely necessary that he should conquer or die. +</p> +<p> + "I have no retreat," he said to himself. "All shall allow—even Major + Bellenden—even Edith—that in courage, at least, the rebel Morton was + not inferior to his father." +</p> +<p> + The condition of the army after the repulse was so undisciplined, and in + such disorganization, that the leaders thought it prudent to draw off + some miles from the city to gain time for reducing them once more into + such order as they were capable of adopting. Recruits, in the meanwhile, + came fast in, more moved by the extreme hardships of their own condition, + and encouraged by the advantage obtained at Loudon-hill, than deterred by + the last unfortunate enterprise. Many of these attached themselves + particularly to Morton's division. He had, however, the mortification to + see that his unpopularity among the more intolerant part of the + Covenanters increased rapidly. The prudence beyond his years, which he + exhibited in improving the discipline and arrangement of his followers, + they termed a trusting in the arm of flesh, and his avowed tolerance for + those of religious sentiments and observances different from his own, + obtained him, most unjustly, the nickname of Gallio, who cared for none + of those things. What was worse than these misconceptions, the mob of the + insurgents, always loudest in applause of those who push political or + religious opinions to extremity, and disgusted with such as endeavour to + reduce them to the yoke of discipline, preferred avowedly the more + zealous leaders, in whose ranks enthusiasm in the cause supplied the want + of good order and military subjection, to the restraints which Morton + endeavoured to bring them under. In short, while bearing the principal + burden of command, (for his colleagues willingly relinquished in his + favour every thing that was troublesome and obnoxious in the office of + general,) Morton found himself without that authority, which alone could + render his regulations effectual. [Note: These feuds, which tore to + pieces the little army of insurgents, turned merely on the point whether + the king's interest or royal authority was to be owned or not, and + whether the party in arms were to be contented with a free exercise of + their own religion, or insist upon the re-establishment of Presbytery in + its supreme authority, and with full power to predominate over all other + forms of worship. The few country gentlemen who joined the insurrection, + with the most sensible part of the clergy, thought it best to limit their + demands to what it might be possible to attain. But the party who urged + these moderate views were termed by the more zealous bigots, the Erastian + party, men, namely, who were willing to place the church under the + influence of the civil government, and therefore they accounted them, "a + snare upon Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor." See the Life of Sir + Robert Hamilton in the Scottish Worthies, and his account of the Battle + of Both-well-bridge, passim.] +</p> +<p> + Yet, notwithstanding these obstacles, he had, during the course of a few + days, laboured so hard to introduce some degree of discipline into the + army, that he thought he might hazard a second attack upon Glasgow with + every prospect of success. +</p> +<p> + It cannot be doubted that Morton's anxiety to measure himself with + Colonel Grahame of Claverhouse, at whose hands he had sustained such + injury, had its share in giving motive to his uncommon exertions. But + Claverhouse disappointed his hopes; for, satisfied with having the + advantage in repulsing the first attack upon Glasgow, he determined that + he would not, with the handful of troops under his command, await a + second assault from the insurgents, with more numerous and better + disciplined forces than had supported their first enterprise. He + therefore evacuated the place, and marched at the head of his troops + towards Edinburgh. The insurgents of course entered Glasgow without + resistance, and without Morton having the opportunity, which he so deeply + coveted, of again encountering Claverhouse personally. But, although he + had not an opportunity of wiping away the disgrace which had befallen his + division of the army of the Covenant, the retreat of Claverhouse, and the + possession of Glasgow, tended greatly to animate the insurgent army, and + to increase its numbers. The necessity of appointing new officers, of + organizing new regiments and squadrons, of making them acquainted with at + least the most necessary points of military discipline, were labours, + which, by universal consent, seemed to be devolved upon Henry Morton, and + which he the more readily undertook, because his father had made him + acquainted with the theory of the military art, and because he plainly + saw, that, unless he took this ungracious but absolutely necessary + labour, it was vain to expect any other to engage in it. +</p> +<p> + In the meanwhile, fortune appeared to favour the enterprise of the + insurgents more than the most sanguine durst have expected. The Privy + Council of Scotland, astonished at the extent of resistance which their + arbitrary measures had provoked, seemed stupified with terror, and + incapable of taking active steps to subdue the resentment which these + measures had excited. There were but very few troops in Scotland, and + these they drew towards Edinburgh, as if to form an army for protection + of the metropolis. The feudal array of the crown vassals in the various + counties, was ordered to take the field, and render to the King the + military service due for their fiefs. But the summons was very slackly + obeyed. The quarrel was not generally popular among the gentry; and even + those who were not unwilling themselves to have taken arms, were deterred + by the repugnance of their wives, mothers, and sisters, to their engaging + in such a cause. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile, the inadequacy of the Scottish government to provide for their + own defence, or to put down a rebellion of which the commencement seemed + so trifling, excited at the English court doubts at once of their + capacity, and of the prudence of the severities they had exerted against + the oppressed presbyterians. It was, therefore, resolved to nominate to + the command of the army of Scotland, the unfortunate Duke of Monmouth, + who had by marriage a great interest, large estate, and a numerous + following, as it was called, in the southern parts of that kingdom. The + military skill which he had displayed on different occasions abroad, was + supposed more than adequate to subdue the insurgents in the field; while + it was expected that his mild temper, and the favourable disposition + which he showed to presbyterians in general, might soften men's minds, + and tend to reconcile them to the government. The Duke was, therefore, + invested with a commission, containing high powers for settling the + distracted affairs of Scotland, and dispatched from London with strong + succours to take the principal military command in that country. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VI. +</h2> +<pre> + I am bound to Bothwell-hill, + Where I maun either do or die. + Old Ballad. +</pre> +<a name="image-0005"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb128.jpg" height="519" width="824" +alt="The Battle of Bothwell Bridge--128 +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + There was now a pause in the military movements on both sides. The + government seemed contented to prevent the rebels advancing towards the + capital, while the insurgents were intent upon augmenting and + strengthening their forces. For this purpose, they established a sort of + encampment in the park belonging to the ducal residence at Hamilton, a + centrical situation for receiving their recruits, and where they were + secured from any sudden attack, by having the Clyde, a deep and rapid + river, in front of their position, which is only passable by a long and + narrow bridge, near the castle and village of Bothwell. +</p> +<p> + Morton remained here for about a fortnight after the attack on Glasgow, + actively engaged in his military duties. He had received more than one + communication from Burley, but they only stated, in general, that the + Castle of Tillietudlem continued to hold out. Impatient of suspense upon + this most interesting subject, he at length intimated to his colleagues + in command his desire, or rather his intention,—for he saw no reason why + he should not assume a license which was taken by every one else in this + disorderly army,—to go to Milnwood for a day or two to arrange some + private affairs of consequence. The proposal was by no means approved of; + for the military council of the insurgents were sufficiently sensible of + the value of his services to fear to lose them, and felt somewhat + conscious of their own inability to supply his place. They could not, + however, pretend to dictate to him laws more rigid than they submitted to + themselves, and he was suffered to depart on his journey without any + direct objection being stated. The Reverend Mr Poundtext took the same + opportunity to pay a visit to his own residence in the neighbourhood of + Milnwood, and favoured Morton with his company on the journey. As the + country was chiefly friendly to their cause, and in possession of their + detached parties, excepting here and there the stronghold of some old + cavaliering Baron, they travelled without any other attendant than the + faithful Cuddie. +</p> +<p> + It was near sunset when they reached Milnwood, where Poundtext bid adieu + to his companions, and travelled forward alone to his own manse, which + was situated half a mile's march beyond Tillietudlem. When Morton was + left alone to his own reflections, with what a complication of feelings + did he review the woods, banks, and fields, that had been familiar to + him! His character, as well as his habits, thoughts, and occupations, had + been entirely changed within the space of little more than a fortnight, + and twenty days seemed to have done upon him the work of as many years. A + mild, romantic, gentle-tempered youth, bred up in dependence, and + stooping patiently to the control of a sordid and tyrannical relation, + had suddenly, by the rod of oppression and the spur of injured feeling, + been compelled to stand forth a leader of armed men, was earnestly + engaged in affairs of a public nature, had friends to animate and enemies + to contend with, and felt his individual fate bound up in that of a + national insurrection and revolution. It seemed as if he had at once + experienced a transition from the romantic dreams of youth to the labours + and cares of active manhood. All that had formerly interested him was + obliterated from his memory, excepting only his attachment to Edith; and + even his love seemed to have assumed a character more manly and + disinterested, as it had become mingled and contrasted with other duties + and feelings. As he revolved the particulars of this sudden change, the + circumstances in which it originated, and the possible consequences of + his present career, the thrill of natural anxiety which passed along his + mind was immediately banished by a glow of generous and high-spirited + confidence. +</p> +<p> + "I shall fall young," he said, "if fall I must, my motives misconstrued, + and my actions condemned, by those whose approbation is dearest to me. + But the sword of liberty and patriotism is in my hand, and I will neither + fall meanly nor unavenged. They may expose my body, and gibbet my limbs; + but other days will come, when the sentence of infamy will recoil against + those who may pronounce it. And that Heaven, whose name is so often + profaned during this unnatural war, will bear witness to the purity of + the motives by which I have been guided." +</p> +<p> + Upon approaching Milnwood, Henry's knock upon the gate no longer + intimated the conscious timidity of a stripling who has been out of + bounds, but the confidence of a man in full possession of his own rights, + and master of his own actions,—bold, free, and decided. The door was + cautiously opened by his old acquaintance, Mrs Alison Wilson, who started + back when she saw the steel cap and nodding plume of the martial visitor. +</p> +<p> + "Where is my uncle, Alison?" said Morton, smiling at her alarm. +</p> +<p> + "Lordsake, Mr Harry! is this you?" returned the old lady. "In troth, ye + garr'd my heart loup to my very mouth—But it canna be your ainsell, for + ye look taller and mair manly-like than ye used to do." +</p> +<p> + "It is, however, my own self," said Henry, sighing and smiling at the + same time; "I believe this dress may make me look taller, and these + times, Ailie, make men out of boys." +</p> +<p> + "Sad times indeed!" echoed the old woman; "and O that you suld be + endangered wi'them! but wha can help it?—ye were ill eneugh guided, and, + as I tell your uncle, if ye tread on a worm it will turn." +</p> +<p> + "You were always my advocate, Ailie," said he, and the housekeeper no + longer resented the familiar epithet, "and would let no one blame me but + yourself, I am aware of that,—Where is my uncle?" +</p> +<p> + "In Edinburgh," replied Alison; "the honest man thought it was best to + gang and sit by the chimley when the reek rase—a vex'd man he's been and + a feared—but ye ken the Laird as weel as I do." +</p> +<p> + "I hope he has suffered nothing in health?" said Henry. +</p> +<p> + "Naething to speak of," answered the housekeeper, "nor in gudes + neither—we fended as weel as we could; and, though the troopers of + Tillietudlem took the red cow and auld Hackie, (ye'll mind them weel;) + yet they sauld us a gude bargain o' four they were driving to the + Castle." +</p> +<p> + "Sold you a bargain?" said Morton; "how do you mean?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, they cam out to gather marts for the garrison," answered the + housekeeper; "but they just fell to their auld trade, and rade through + the country couping and selling a' that they gat, like sae mony + west-country drovers. My certie, Major Bellenden was laird o' the least + share o' what they lifted, though it was taen in his name." +</p> +<p> + "Then," said Morton, hastily, "the garrison must be straitened for + provisions?" +</p> +<p> + "Stressed eneugh," replied Ailie—"there's little doubt o' that." +</p> +<p> + A light instantly glanced on Morton's mind. +</p> +<p> + "Burley must have deceived me—craft as well as cruelty is permitted by + his creed." Such was his inward thought; he said aloud, "I cannot stay, + Mrs Wilson, I must go forward directly." +</p> +<p> + "But, oh! bide to eat a mouthfu'," entreated the affectionate + housekeeper, "and I'll mak it ready for you as I used to do afore thae + sad days," "It is impossible," answered Morton.—"Cuddie, get our horses + ready." +</p> +<p> + "They're just eating their corn," answered the attendant. +</p> +<p> + "Cuddie!" exclaimed Ailie; "what garr'd ye bring that ill-faur'd, unlucky + loon alang wi' ye?—It was him and his randie mother began a' the + mischief in this house." +</p> +<p> + "Tut, tut," replied Cuddie, "ye should forget and forgie, mistress. + Mither's in Glasgow wi' her tittie, and sall plague ye nae mair; and I'm + the Captain's wallie now, and I keep him tighter in thack and rape than + ever ye did;—saw ye him ever sae weel put on as he is now?" +</p> +<p> + "In troth and that's true," said the old housekeeper, looking with great + complacency at her young master, whose mien she thought much improved by + his dress. "I'm sure ye ne'er had a laced cravat like that when ye were + at Milnwood; that's nane o' my sewing." +</p> +<p> + "Na, na, mistress," replied Cuddie, "that's a cast o' my hand—that's ane + o' Lord Evandale's braws." +</p> +<p> + "Lord Evandale?" answered the old lady, "that's him that the whigs are + gaun to hang the morn, as I hear say." +</p> +<p> + "The whigs about to hang Lord Evandale?" said Morton, in the greatest + surprise. +</p> +<p> + "Ay, troth are they," said the housekeeper. "Yesterday night he made a + sally, as they ca't, (my mother's name was Sally—I wonder they gie + Christian folk's names to sic unchristian doings,)—but he made an + outbreak to get provisions, and his men were driven back and he was taen, + 'an' the whig Captain Balfour garr'd set up a gallows, and swore, (or + said upon his conscience, for they winna swear,) that if the garrison was + not gien ower the morn by daybreak, he would hing up the young lord, poor + thing, as high as Haman.—These are sair times!—but folk canna help + them—sae do ye sit down and tak bread and cheese until better meat's + made ready. Ye suldna hae kend a word about it, an I had thought it was + to spoil your dinner, hinny." +</p> +<p> + "Fed, or unfed," exclaimed Morton, "saddle the horses instantly, Cuddie. + We must not rest until we get before the Castle." +</p> +<p> + And, resisting all Ailie's entreaties, they instantly resumed their + journey. +</p> +<p> + Morton failed not to halt at the dwelling of Poundtext, and summon him to + attend him to the camp. That honest divine had just resumed for an + instant his pacific habits, and was perusing an ancient theological + treatise, with a pipe in his mouth, and a small jug of ale beside him, to + assist his digestion of the argument. It was with bitter ill-will that he + relinquished these comforts (which he called his studies) in order to + recommence a hard ride upon a high-trotting horse. However, when he knew + the matter in hand, he gave up, with a deep groan, the prospect of + spending a quiet evening in his own little parlour; for he entirely + agreed with Morton, that whatever interest Burley might have in rendering + the breach between the presbyterians and the government irreconcilable, + by putting the young nobleman to death, it was by no means that of the + moderate party to permit such an act of atrocity. And it is but doing + justice to Mr Poundtext to add, that, like most of his own persuasion, he + was decidedly adverse to any such acts of unnecessary violence; besides, + that his own present feelings induced him to listen with much complacence + to the probability held out by Morton, of Lord Evandale's becoming a + mediator for the establishment of peace upon fair and moderate terms. + With this similarity of views, they hastened their journey, and arrived + about eleven o'clock at night at a small hamlet adjacent to the Castle at + Tillietudlem, where Burley had established his head-quarters. +</p> +<p> + They were challenged by the sentinel, who made his melancholy walk at the + entrance of the hamlet, and admitted upon declaring their names and + authority in the army. Another soldier kept watch before a house, which + they conjectured to be the place of Lord Evandale's confinement, for a + gibbet of such great height as to be visible from the battlements of the + Castle, was erected before it, in melancholy confirmation of the truth of + Mrs Wilson's report. [Note: The Cameronians had suffered persecution, but + it was without learning mercy. We are informed by Captain Crichton, that + they had set up in their camp a huge gibbet, or gallows, having many + hooks upon it, with a coil of new ropes lying beside it, for the + execution of such royalists as they might make prisoners. Guild, in his + Bellum Bothuellianum, describes this machine particularly.] Morton + instantly demanded to speak with Burley, and was directed to his + quarters. They found him reading the Scriptures, with his arms lying + beside him, as if ready for any sudden alarm. He started upon the + entrance of his colleagues in office. +</p> +<p> + "What has brought ye hither?" said Burley, hastily. "Is there bad news + from the army?" +</p> +<p> + "No," replied Morton; "but we understand that there are measures adopted + here in which the safety of the army is deeply concerned—Lord Evandale + is your prisoner?" +</p> +<p> + "The Lord," replied Burley, "hath delivered him into our hands." +</p> +<p> + "And you will avail yourself of that advantage, granted you by Heaven, to + dishonour our cause in the eyes of all the world, by putting a prisoner + to an ignominious death?" +</p> +<p> + "If the house of Tillietudlem be not surrendered by daybreak," replied + Burley, "God do so to me and more also, if he shall not die that death to + which his leader and patron, John Grahame of Claverhouse, hath put so + many of God's saints." +</p> +<p> + "We are in arms," replied Morton, "to put down such cruelties, and not to + imitate them, far less to avenge upon the innocent the acts of the + guilty. By what law can you justify the atrocity you would commit?" +</p> +<p> + "If thou art ignorant of it," replied Burley, "thy companion is well + aware of the law which gave the men of Jericho to the sword of Joshua, + the son of Nun." +</p> +<p> + "But we," answered the divine, "live under a better dispensation, which + instructeth us to return good for evil, and to pray for those who + despitefully use us and persecute us." +</p> +<p> + "That is to say," said Burley, "that thou wilt join thy grey hairs to his + green youth to controvert me in this matter?" +</p> +<p> + "We are," rejoined Poundtext, "two of those to whom, jointly with + thyself, authority is delegated over this host, and we will not permit + thee to hurt a hair of the prisoner's head. It may please God to make him + a means of healing these unhappy breaches in our Israel." +</p> +<p> + "I judged it would come to this," answered Burley, "when such as thou + wert called into the council of the elders." +</p> +<p> + "Such as I?" answered Poundtext,—"And who am I, that you should name me + with such scorn?—Have I not kept the flock of this sheep-fold from the + wolves for thirty years? Ay, even while thou, John Balfour, wert fighting + in the ranks of uncircumcision, a Philistine of hardened brow and bloody + hand—Who am I, say'st thou?" +</p> +<p> + "I will tell thee what thou art, since thou wouldst so fain know," said + Burley. "Thou art one of those, who would reap where thou hast not sowed, + and divide the spoil while others fight the battle—thou art one of those + that follow the gospel for the loaves and for the fishes—that love their + own manse better than the Church of God, and that would rather draw their + stipends under prelatists or heathens, than be a partaker with those + noble spirits who have cast all behind them for the sake of the + Covenant." +</p> +<p> + "And I will tell thee, John Balfour," returned Poundtext, deservedly + incensed, "I will tell thee what thou art. Thou art one of those, for + whose bloody and merciless disposition a reproach is flung upon the whole + church of this suffering kingdom, and for whose violence and + blood-guiltiness, it is to be feared, this fair attempt to recover our + civil and religious rights will never be honoured by Providence with the + desired success." +</p> +<p> + "Gentlemen," said Morton, "cease this irritating and unavailing + recrimination; and do you, Mr Balfour, inform us, whether it is your + purpose to oppose the liberation of Lord Evandale, which appears to us a + profitable measure in the present position of our affairs?" +</p> +<p> + "You are here," answered Burley, "as two voices against one; but you will + not refuse to tarry until the united council shall decide upon this + matter?" +</p> +<p> + "This," said Morton, "we would not decline, if we could trust the hands + in whom we are to leave the prisoner.—But you know well," he added, + looking sternly at Burley, "that you have already deceived me in this + matter." +</p> +<p> + "Go to," said Burley, disdainfully,—"thou art an idle inconsiderate boy, + who, for the black eyebrows of a silly girl, would barter thy own faith + and honour, and the cause of God and of thy country." +</p> +<p> + "Mr Balfour," said Morton, laying his hand on his sword, "this language + requires satisfaction." +</p> +<p> + "And thou shalt have it, stripling, when and where thou darest," said + Burley; "I plight thee my good word on it." +</p> +<p> + Poundtext, in his turn, interfered to remind them of the madness of + quarrelling, and effected with difficulty a sort of sullen + reconciliation. +</p> +<p> + "Concerning the prisoner," said Burley, "deal with him as ye think fit. I + wash my hands free from all consequences. He is my prisoner, made by my + sword and spear, while you, Mr Morton, were playing the adjutant at + drills and parades, and you, Mr Poundtext, were warping the Scriptures + into Erastianism. Take him unto you, nevertheless, and dispose of him as + ye think meet.—Dingwall," he continued, calling a sort of aid-de-camp, + who slept in the next apartment, "let the guard posted on the malignant + Evandale give up their post to those whom Captain Morton shall appoint to + relieve them.—The prisoner," he said, again addressing Poundtext and + Morton, "is now at your disposal, gentlemen. But remember, that for all + these things there will one day come a term of heavy accounting." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he turned abruptly into an inner apartment, without bidding + them good evening. His two visitors, after a moment's consideration, + agreed it would be prudent to ensure the prisoner's personal safety, by + placing over him an additional guard, chosen from their own parishioners. + A band of them happened to be stationed in the hamlet, having been + attached, for the time, to Burley's command, in order that the men might + be gratified by remaining as long as possible near to their own homes. + They were, in general, smart, active young fellows, and were usually + called by their companions, the Marksmen of Milnwood. By Morton's desire, + four of these lads readily undertook the task of sentinels, and he left + with them Headrigg, on whose fidelity he could depend, with instructions + to call him, if any thing remarkable happened. +</p> +<p> + This arrangement being made, Morton and his colleague took possession, + for the night, of such quarters as the over-crowded and miserable hamlet + could afford them. They did not, however, separate for repose till they + had drawn up a memorial of the grievances of the moderate presbyterians, + which was summed up with a request of free toleration for their religion + in future, and that they should be permitted to attend gospel ordinances + as dispensed by their own clergymen, without oppression or molestation. + Their petition proceeded to require that a free parliament should be + called for settling the affairs of church and state, and for redressing + the injuries sustained by the subject; and that all those who either now + were, or had been, in arms, for obtaining these ends, should be + indemnified. Morton could not but strongly hope that these terms, which + comprehended all that was wanted, or wished for, by the moderate party + among the insurgents, might, when thus cleared of the violence of + fanaticism, find advocates even among the royalists, as claiming only the + ordinary rights of Scottish freemen. +</p> +<p> + He had the more confidence of a favourable reception, that the Duke of + Monmouth, to whom Charles had intrusted the charge of subduing this + rebellion, was a man of gentle, moderate, and accessible disposition, + well known to be favourable to the presbyterians, and invested by the + king with full powers to take measures for quieting the disturbances in + Scotland. It seemed to Morton, that all that was necessary for + influencing him in their favour was to find a fit and sufficiently + respectable channel of communication, and such seemed to be opened + through the medium of Lord Evandale. He resolved, therefore, to visit the + prisoner early in the morning, in order to sound his dispositions to + undertake the task of mediator; but an accident happened which led him to + anticipate his purpose. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0007"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VII. +</h2> +<pre> + Gie ower your house, lady, he said,— + Gie ower your house to me. + Edom of Gordon. +</pre> +<p> + Morton had finished the revisal and the making out of a fair copy of the + paper on which he and Poundtext had agreed to rest as a full statement of + the grievances of their party, and the conditions on which the greater + part of the insurgents would be contented to lay down their arms; and he + was about to betake himself to repose, when there was a knocking at the + door of his apartment. +</p> +<p> + "Enter," said Morton; and the round bullethead of Cuddie Headrigg was + thrust into the room. "Come in," said Morton, "and tell me what you want. + Is there any alarm?" +</p> +<p> + "Na, stir; but I hae brought ane to speak wi' you." +</p> +<p> + "Who is that, Cuddie?" enquired Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Ane o' your auld acquaintance," said Cuddie; and, opening the door more + fully, he half led, half dragged in a woman, whose face was muffled in + her plaid.—"Come, come, ye needna be sae bashfu' before auld + acquaintance, Jenny," said Cuddie, pulling down the veil, and discovering + to his master the well-remembered countenance of Jenny Dennison. "Tell + his honour, now—there's a braw lass—tell him what ye were wanting to + say to Lord Evandale, mistress." +</p> +<p> + "What was I wanting to say," answered Jenny, "to his honour himsell the + other morning, when I visited him in captivity, ye muckle hash?—D'ye + think that folk dinna want to see their friends in adversity, ye dour + crowdy-eater?" +</p> +<p> + This reply was made with Jenny's usual volubility; but her voice + quivered, her cheek was thin and pale, the tears stood in her eyes, her + hand trembled, her manner was fluttered, and her whole presence bore + marks of recent suffering and privation, as well as nervous and + hysterical agitation. +</p> +<p> + "What is the matter, Jenny?" said Morton, kindly. "You know how much I + owe you in many respects, and can hardly make a request that I will not + grant, if in my power." +</p> +<p> + "Many thanks, Milnwood," said the weeping damsel; "but ye were aye a kind + gentleman, though folk say ye hae become sair changed now." +</p> +<p> + "What do they say of me?" answered Morton. +</p> +<p> + "A' body says," replied Jenny, "that you and the whigs hae made a vow to + ding King Charles aff the throne, and that neither he, nor his posteriors + from generation to generation, shall sit upon it ony mair; and John + Gudyill threeps ye're to gie a' the church organs to the pipers, and burn + the Book o' Common-prayer by the hands of the common hangman, in revenge + of the Covenant that was burnt when the king cam hame." +</p> +<p> + "My friends at Tillietudlem judge too hastily and too ill of me," + answered Morton. "I wish to have free exercise of my own religion, + without insulting any other; and as to your family, I only desire an + opportunity to show them I have the same friendship and kindness as + ever." +</p> +<p> + "Bless your kind heart for saying sae," said Jenny, bursting into a flood + of tears; "and they never needed kindness or friendship mair, for they + are famished for lack o' food." +</p> +<p> + "Good God!" replied Morton, "I have heard of scarcity, but not of famine! + It is possible?—Have the ladies and the Major"— +</p> +<p> + "They hae suffered like the lave o' us," replied Jenny; "for they shared + every bit and sup wi' the whole folk in the Castle—I'm sure my poor een + see fifty colours wi' faintness, and my head's sae dizzy wi' the + mirligoes that I canna stand my lane." +</p> +<p> + The thinness of the poor girl's cheek, and the sharpness of her features, + bore witness to the truth of what she said. Morton was greatly shocked. +</p> +<p> + "Sit down," he said, "for God's sake!" forcing her into the only chair + the apartment afforded, while he himself strode up and down the room in + horror and impatience. "I knew not of this," he exclaimed in broken + ejaculations,—"I could not know of it.—Cold-blooded, iron-hearted + fanatic—deceitful villain!—Cuddie, fetch refreshments—food—wine, if + possible—whatever you can find." +</p> +<p> + "Whisky is gude eneugh for her," muttered Cuddie; "ane wadna hae thought + that gude meal was sae scant amang them, when the quean threw sae muckle + gude kail-brose scalding het about my lugs." +</p> +<p> + Faint and miserable as Jenny seemed to be, she could not hear the + allusion to her exploit during the storm of the Castle, without bursting + into a laugh which weakness soon converted into a hysterical giggle. + Confounded at her state, and reflecting with horror on the distress which + must have been in the Castle, Morton repeated his commands to Headrigg in + a peremptory manner; and when he had departed, endeavoured to soothe his + visitor. +</p> +<p> + "You come, I suppose, by the orders of your mistress, to visit Lord + Evandale?—Tell me what she desires; her orders shall be my law." +</p> +<p> + Jenny appeared to reflect a moment, and then said, "Your honour is sae + auld a friend, I must needs trust to you, and tell the truth." +</p> +<p> + "Be assured, Jenny," said Morton, observing that she hesitated, "that you + will best serve your mistress by dealing sincerely with me." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, then, ye maun ken we're starving, as I said before, and have been + mair days than ane; and the Major has sworn that he expects relief daily, + and that he will not gie ower the house to the enemy till we have eaten + up his auld boots,—and they are unco thick in the soles, as ye may weel + mind, forby being teugh in the upper-leather. The dragoons, again, they + think they will be forced to gie up at last, and they canna bide hunger + weel, after the life they led at free quarters for this while bypast; and + since Lord Evandale's taen, there's nae guiding them; and Inglis says + he'll gie up the garrison to the whigs, and the Major and the leddies + into the bargain, if they will but let the troopers gang free themsells." +</p> +<p> + "Scoundrels!" said Morton; "why do they not make terms for all in the + Castle?" +</p> +<p> + "They are fear'd for denial o' quarter to themsells, having dune sae + muckle mischief through the country; and Burley has hanged ane or twa o' + them already—sae they want to draw their ain necks out o' the collar at + hazard o' honest folk's." +</p> +<p> + "And you were sent," continued Morton, "to carry to Lord Evandale the + unpleasant news of the men's mutiny?" +</p> +<p> + "Just e'en sae," said Jenny; "Tam Halliday took the rue, and tauld me a' + about it, and gat me out o' the Castle to tell Lord Evandale, if possibly + I could win at him." +</p> +<p> + "But how can he help you?" said Morton; "he is a prisoner." +</p> +<p> + "Well-a-day, ay," answered the afflicted damsel; "but maybe he could mak + fair terms for us—or, maybe, he could gie us some good advice—or, + maybe, he might send his orders to the dragoons to be civil—or"— +</p> +<p> + "Or, maybe," said Morton, "you were to try if it were possible to set him + at liberty?" +</p> +<p> + "If it were sae," answered Jenny with spirit, "it wadna be the first time + I hae done my best to serve a friend in captivity." +</p> +<p> + "True, Jenny," replied Morton, "I were most ungrateful to forget it. But + here comes Cuddie with refreshments—I will go and do your errand to Lord + Evandale, while you take some food and wine." +</p> +<p> + "It willna be amiss ye should ken," said Cuddie to his master, "that this + Jenny—this Mrs Dennison, was trying to cuittle favour wi' Tam Rand, the + miller's man, to win into Lord Evandale's room without ony body kennin'. + She wasna thinking, the gipsy, that I was at her elbow." +</p> +<p> + "And an unco fright ye gae me when ye cam ahint and took a grip o' me," + said Jenny, giving him a sly twitch with her finger and her thumb—"if ye + hadna been an auld acquaintance, ye daft gomeril"— +</p> +<p> + Cuddie, somewhat relenting, grinned a smile on his artful mistress, while + Morton wrapped himself up in his cloak, took his sword under his arm, and + went straight to the place of the young nobleman's confinement. He asked + the sentinels if any thing extraordinary had occurred. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing worth notice," they said, "excepting the lass that Cuddie took + up, and two couriers that Captain Balfour had dispatched, one to the + Reverend Ephraim Macbriar, another to Kettledrummle," both of whom were + beating the drum ecclesiastic in different towns between the position of + Burley and the head-quarters of the main army near Hamilton. +</p> +<p> + "The purpose, I presume," said Morton, with an affectation of + indifference, "was to call them hither." +</p> +<p> + "So I understand," answered the sentinel, who had spoke with the + messengers. +</p> +<p> + He is summoning a triumphant majority of the council, thought Morton to + himself, for the purpose of sanctioning whatever action of atrocity he + may determine upon, and thwarting opposition by authority. I must be + speedy, or I shall lose my opportunity. +</p> +<p> + When he entered the place of Lord Evandale's confinement, he found him + ironed, and reclining on a flock bed in the wretched garret of a + miserable cottage. He was either in a slumber, or in deep meditation, + when Morton entered, and turned on him, when aroused, a countenance so + much reduced by loss of blood, want of sleep, and scarcity of food, that + no one could have recognised in it the gallant soldier who had behaved + with so much spirit at the skirmish of Loudon-hill. He displayed some + surprise at the sudden entrance of Morton. +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry to see you thus, my lord," said that youthful leader. +</p> +<p> + "I have heard you are an admirer of poetry," answered the prisoner; "in + that case, Mr Morton, you may remember these lines,— +</p> +<pre> + 'Stone walls do not a prison make, + Or iron bars a cage; + A free and quiet mind can take + These for a hermitage.' +</pre> +<p> + But, were my imprisonment less endurable, I am given to expect to-morrow + a total enfranchisement." +</p> +<p> + "By death?" said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Surely," answered Lord Evandale; "I have no other prospect. Your + comrade, Burley, has already dipped his hand in the blood of men whose + meanness of rank and obscurity of extraction might have saved them. I + cannot boast such a shield from his vengeance, and I expect to meet its + extremity." +</p> +<p> + "But Major Bellenden," said Morton, "may surrender, in order to preserve + your life." +</p> +<p> + "Never, while there is one man to defend the battlement, and that man has + one crust to eat. I know his gallant resolution, and grieved should I be + if he changed it for my sake." +</p> +<p> + Morton hastened to acquaint him with the mutiny among the dragoons, and + their resolution to surrender the Castle, and put the ladies of the + family, as well as the Major, into the hands of the enemy. Lord Evandale + seemed at first surprised, and something incredulous, but immediately + afterwards deeply affected. +</p> +<p> + "What is to be done?" he said—"How is this misfortune to be averted?" +</p> +<p> + "Hear me, my lord," said Morton. "I believe you may not be unwilling to + bear the olive branch between our master the King, and that part of his + subjects which is now in arms, not from choice, but necessity." +</p> +<p> + "You construe me but justly," said Lord Evandale; "but to what does this + tend?" +</p> +<p> + "Permit me, my lord"—continued Morton. "I will set you at liberty upon + parole; nay, you may return to the Castle, and shall have a safe conduct + for the ladies, the Major, and all who leave it, on condition of its + instant surrender. In contributing to bring this about you will only + submit to circumstances; for, with a mutiny in the garrison, and without + provisions, it will be found impossible to defend the place twenty-four + hours longer. Those, therefore, who refuse to accompany your lordship, + must take their fate. You and your followers shall have a free pass to + Edinburgh, or where-ever the Duke of Monmouth may be. In return for your + liberty, we hope that you will recommend to the notice of his Grace, as + Lieutenant-General of Scotland, this humble petition and remonstrance, + containing the grievances which have occasioned this insurrection, a + redress of which being granted, I will answer with my head, that the + great body of the insurgents will lay down their arms." +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale read over the paper with attention. +</p> +<p> + "Mr Morton," he said, "in my simple judgment, I see little objection that + can be made to the measure here recommended; nay, farther, I believe, in + many respects, they may meet the private sentiments of the Duke of + Monmouth: and yet, to deal frankly with you, I have no hopes of their + being granted, unless, in the first place, you were to lay down your + arms." +</p> +<p> + "The doing so," answered Morton, "would be virtually conceding that we + had no right to take them up; and that, for one, I will never agree to." +</p> +<p> + "Perhaps it is hardly to be expected you should," said Lord Evandale; + "and yet on that point I am certain the negotiations will be wrecked. I + am willing, however, having frankly told you my opinion, to do all in my + power to bring about a reconciliation." +</p> +<p> + "It is all we can wish or expect," replied Morton; "the issue is in God's + hands, who disposes the hearts of princes.—You accept, then, the safe + conduct?" +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," answered Lord Evandale; "and if I do not enlarge upon the + obligation incurred by your having saved my life a second time, believe + that I do not feel it the less." +</p> +<p> + "And the garrison of Tillietudlem?" said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Shall be withdrawn as you propose," answered the young nobleman. "I am + sensible the Major will be unable to bring the mutineers to reason; and I + tremble to think of the consequences, should the ladies and the brave old + man be delivered up to this bloodthirsty ruffian, Burley." +</p> +<p> + "You are in that case free," said Morton. "Prepare to mount on horseback; + a few men whom I can trust shall attend you till you are in safety from + our parties." +</p> +<p> + Leaving Lord Evandale in great surprise and joy at this unexpected + deliverance, Morton hastened to get a few chosen men under arms and on + horseback, each rider holding the rein of a spare horse. Jenny, who, + while she partook of her refreshment, had contrived to make up her breach + with Cuddie, rode on the left hand of that valiant cavalier. The tramp of + their horses was soon heard under the window of Lord Evandale's prison. + Two men, whom he did not know, entered the apartment, disencumbered him + of his fetters, and, conducting him down stairs, mounted him in the + centre of the detachment. They set out at a round trot towards + Tillietudlem. +</p> +<p> + The moonlight was giving way to the dawn when they approached that + ancient fortress, and its dark massive tower had just received the first + pale colouring of the morning. The party halted at the Tower barrier, not + venturing to approach nearer for fear of the fire of the place. Lord + Evandale alone rode up to the gate, followed at a distance by Jenny + Dennison. As they approached the gate, there was heard to arise in the + court-yard a tumult, which accorded ill with the quiet serenity of a + summer dawn. Cries and oaths were heard, a pistol-shot or two were + discharged, and every thing announced that the mutiny had broken out. At + this crisis Lord Evandale arrived at the gate where Halliday was + sentinel. On hearing Lord Evandale's voice, he instantly and gladly + admitted him, and that nobleman arrived among the mutinous troopers like + a man dropped from the clouds. They were in the act of putting their + design into execution, of seizing the place into their own hands, and + were about to disarm and overpower Major Bellenden and Harrison, and + others of the Castle, who were offering the best resistance in their + power. +</p> +<p> + The appearance of Lord Evandale changed the scene. He seized Inglis by + the collar, and, upbraiding him with his villainy, ordered two of his + comrades to seize and bind him, assuring the others, that their only + chance of impunity consisted in instant submission. He then ordered the + men into their ranks. They obeyed. He commanded them to ground their + arms. They hesitated; but the instinct of discipline, joined to their + persuasion that the authority of their officer, so boldly exerted, must + be supported by some forces without the gate, induced them to submit. +</p> +<p> + "Take away those arms," said Lord Evandale to the people of the Castle; + "they shall not be restored until these men know better the use for which + they are intrusted with them.—And now," he continued, addressing the + mutineers, "begone!—Make the best use of your time, and of a truce of + three hours, which the enemy are contented to allow you. Take the road to + Edinburgh, and meet me at the House-of-Muir. I need not bid you beware of + committing violence by the way; you will not, in your present condition, + provoke resentment for your own sakes. Let your punctuality show that you + mean to atone for this morning's business." +</p> +<p> + The disarmed soldiers shrunk in silence from the presence of their + officer, and, leaving the Castle, took the road to the place of + rendezvous, making such haste as was inspired by the fear of meeting with + some detached party of the insurgents, whom their present defenceless + condition, and their former violence, might inspire with thoughts of + revenge. Inglis, whom Evandale destined for punishment, remained in + custody. Halliday was praised for his conduct, and assured of succeeding + to the rank of the culprit. These arrangements being hastily made, Lord + Evandale accosted the Major, before whose eyes the scene had seemed to + pass like the change of a dream. +</p> +<p> + "My dear Major, we must give up the place." +</p> +<p> + "Is it even so?" said Major Bellenden. "I was in hopes you had brought + reinforcements and supplies." +</p> +<p> + "Not a man—not a pound of meal," answered Lord Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "Yet I am blithe to see you," returned the honest Major; "we were + informed yesterday that these psalm-singing rascals had a plot on your + life, and I had mustered the scoundrelly dragoons ten minutes ago in + order to beat up Burley's quarters and get you out of limbo, when the dog + Inglis, instead of obeying me, broke out into open mutiny.—But what is + to be done now?" +</p> +<p> + "I have, myself, no choice," said Lord Evandale; "I am a prisoner, + released on parole, and bound for Edinburgh. You and the ladies must take + the same route. I have, by the favour of a friend, a safe conduct and + horses for you and your retinue—for God's sake make haste—you cannot + propose to hold out with seven or eight men, and without provisions— + Enough has been done for honour, and enough to render the defence of the + highest consequence to government. More were needless, as well as + desperate. The English troops are arrived at Edinburgh, and will speedily + move upon Hamilton. The possession of Tillietudlem by the rebels will be + but temporary." +</p> +<p> + "If you think so, my lord," said the veteran, with a reluctant sigh,—"I + know you only advise what is honourable—if, then, you really think the + case inevitable, I must submit; for the mutiny of these scoundrels would + render it impossible to man the walls.—Gudyill, let the women call up + their mistresses, and all be ready to march—But if I could believe that + my remaining in these old walls, till I was starved to a mummy, could do + the King's cause the least service, old Miles Bellenden would not leave + them while there was a spark of life in his body!" +</p> +<p> + The ladies, already alarmed by the mutiny, now heard the determination of + the Major, in which they readily acquiesced, though not without some + groans and sighs on the part of Lady Margaret, which referred, as usual, + to the /dejeune/; of his Most Sacred Majesty in the halls which were now + to be abandoned to rebels. Hasty preparations were made for evacuating + the Castle; and long ere the dawn was distinct enough for discovering + objects with precision, the ladies, with Major Bellenden, Harrison, + Gudyill, and the other domestics, were mounted on the led horses, and + others which had been provided in the neighbourhood, and proceeded + towards the north, still escorted by four of the insurgent horsemen. The + rest of the party who had accompanied Lord Evandale from the hamlet, took + possession of the deserted Castle, carefully forbearing all outrage or + acts of plunder. And when the sun arose, the scarlet and blue colours of + the Scottish Covenant floated from the Keep of Tillietudlem. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VIII. +</h2> +<pre> + And, to my breast, a bodkin in her hand + Were worth a thousand daggers. + Marlow. +</pre> +<p> + The cavalcade which left the Castle of Tillietudlem, halted for a few + minutes at the small town of Bothwell, after passing the outposts of the + insurgents, to take some slight refreshments which their attendants had + provided, and which were really necessary to persons who had suffered + considerably by want of proper nourishment. They then pressed forward + upon the road towards Edinburgh, amid the lights of dawn which were now + rising on the horizon. It might have been expected, during the course of + the journey, that Lord Evandale would have been frequently by the side of + Miss Edith Bellenden. Yet, after his first salutations had been + exchanged, and every precaution solicitously adopted which could serve + for her accommodation, he rode in the van of the party with Major + Bellenden, and seemed to abandon the charge of immediate attendance upon + his lovely niece to one of the insurgent cavaliers, whose dark military + cloak, with the large flapped hat and feather, which drooped over his + face, concealed at once his figure and his features. They rode side by + side in silence for more than two miles, when the stranger addressed Miss + Bellenden in a tremulous and suppressed voice. +</p> +<p> + "Miss Bellenden," he said, "must have friends wherever she is known; even + among those whose conduct she now disapproves. Is there any thing that + such can do to show their respect for her, and their regret for her + sufferings?" +</p> +<p> + "Let them learn for their own sakes," replied Edith, "to venerate the + laws, and to spare innocent blood. Let them return to their allegiance, + and I can forgive them all that I have suffered, were it ten times more." +</p> +<p> + "You think it impossible, then," rejoined the cavalier, "for any one to + serve in our ranks, having the weal of his country sincerely at heart, + and conceiving himself in the discharge of a patriotic duty?" +</p> +<p> + "It might be imprudent, while so absolutely in your power," replied Miss + Bellenden, "to answer that question." +</p> +<p> + "Not in the present instance, I plight you the word of a soldier," + replied the horseman. +</p> +<p> + "I have been taught candour from my birth," said Edith; "and, if I am to + speak at all, I must utter my real sentiments. God only can judge the + heart—men must estimate intentions by actions. Treason, murder by the + sword and by gibbet, the oppression of a private family such as ours, who + were only in arms for the defence of the established government, and of + our own property, are actions which must needs sully all that have + accession to them, by whatever specious terms they may be gilded over." +</p> +<p> + "The guilt of civil war," rejoined the horseman—"the miseries which it + brings in its train, lie at the door of those who provoked it by illegal + oppression, rather than of such as are driven to arms in order to assert + their natural rights as freemen." +</p> +<p> + "That is assuming the question," replied Edith, "which ought to be + proved. Each party contends that they are right in point of principle, + and therefore the guilt must lie with them who first drew the sword; as, + in an affray, law holds those to be the criminals who are the first to + have recourse to violence." +</p> +<p> + "Alas!" said the horseman, "were our vindication to rest there, how easy + would it be to show that we have suffered with a patience which almost + seemed beyond the power of humanity, ere we were driven by oppression + into open resistance!—But I perceive," he continued, sighing deeply, + "that it is vain to plead before Miss Bellenden a cause which she has + already prejudged, perhaps as much from her dislike of the persons as of + the principles of those engaged in it." +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me," answered Edith; "I have stated with freedom my opinion + of the principles of the insurgents; of their persons I know + nothing—excepting in one solitary instance." +</p> +<p> + "And that instance," said the horseman, "has influenced your opinion of + the whole body?" +</p> +<p> + "Far from it," said Edith; "he is—at least I once thought him—one in + whose scale few were fit to be weighed—he is—or he seemed—one of early + talent, high faith, pure morality, and warm affections. Can I approve of + a rebellion which has made such a man, formed to ornament, to enlighten, + and to defend his country, the companion of gloomy and ignorant fanatics, + or canting hypocrites,—the leader of brutal clowns,—the brother-in-arms + to banditti and highway murderers?—Should you meet such an one in your + camp, tell him that Edith Bellenden has wept more over his fallen + character, blighted prospects, and dishonoured name, than over the + distresses of her own house,—and that she has better endured that famine + which has wasted her cheek and dimmed her eye, than the pang of heart + which attended the reflection by and through whom these calamities were + inflicted." +</p> +<p> + As she thus spoke, she turned upon her companion a countenance, whose + faded cheek attested the reality of her sufferings, even while it glowed + with the temporary animation which accompanied her language. The horseman + was not insensible to the appeal; he raised his hand to his brow with the + sudden motion of one who feels a pang shoot along his brain, passed it + hastily over his face, and then pulled the shadowing hat still deeper on + his forehead. The movement, and the feelings which it excited, did not + escape Edith, nor did she remark them without emotion. +</p> +<p> + "And yet," she said, "should the person of whom I speak seem to you too + deeply affected by the hard opinion of—of—an early friend, say to him, + that sincere repentance is next to innocence;—that, though fallen from a + height not easily recovered, and the author of much mischief, because + gilded by his example, he may still atone in some measure for the evil he + has done." +</p> +<p> + "And in what manner?" asked the cavalier, in the same suppressed, and + almost choked voice. +</p> +<p> + "By lending his efforts to restore the blessings of peace to his + distracted countrymen, and to induce the deluded rebels to lay down their + arms. By saving their blood, he may atone for that which has been already + spilt;—and he that shall be most active in accomplishing this great end, + will best deserve the thanks of this age, and an honoured remembrance in + the next." +</p> +<p> + "And in such a peace," said her companion, with a firm voice, "Miss + Bellenden would not wish, I think, that the interests of the people were + sacrificed unreservedly to those of the crown?" +</p> +<p> + "I am but a girl," was the young lady's reply; "and I scarce can speak on + the subject without presumption. But, since I have gone so far, I will + fairly add, I would wish to see a peace which should give rest to all + parties, and secure the subjects from military rapine, which I detest as + much as I do the means now adopted to resist it." +</p> +<p> + "Miss Bellenden," answered Henry Morton, raising his face, and speaking + in his natural tone, "the person who has lost such a highly-valued place + in your esteem, has yet too much spirit to plead his cause as a criminal; + and, conscious that he can no longer claim a friend's interest in your + bosom, he would be silent under your hard censure, were it not that he + can refer to the honoured testimony of Lord Evandale, that his earnest + wishes and most active exertions are, even now, directed to the + accomplishment of such a peace as the most loyal cannot censure." +</p> +<p> + He bowed with dignity to Miss Bellenden, who, though her language + intimated that she well knew to whom she had been speaking, probably had + not expected that he would justify himself with so much animation. She + returned his salute, confused and in silence. Morton then rode forward to + the head of the party. +</p> +<p> + "Henry Morton!" exclaimed Major Bellenden, surprised at the sudden + apparition. +</p> +<p> + "The same," answered Morton; "who is sorry that he labours under the + harsh construction of Major Bellenden and his family. He commits to my + Lord Evandale," he continued, turning towards the young nobleman, and + bowing to him, "the charge of undeceiving his friends, both regarding the + particulars of his conduct and the purity of his motives. Farewell, Major + Bellenden—All happiness attend you and yours—May we meet again in + happier and better times!" +</p> +<p> + "Believe me," said Lord Evandale, "your confidence, Mr Morton, is not + misplaced; I will endeavour to repay the great services I have received + from you by doing my best to place your character on its proper footing + with Major Bellenden, and all whose esteem you value." +</p> +<p> + "I expected no less from your generosity, my lord," said Morton. +</p> +<p> + He then called his followers, and rode off along the heath in the + direction of Hamilton, their feathers waving and their steel caps + glancing in the beams of the rising sun. Cuddie Headrigg alone remained + an instant behind his companions to take an affectionate farewell of + Jenny Dennison, who had contrived, during this short morning's ride, to + re-establish her influence over his susceptible bosom. A straggling tree + or two obscured, rather than concealed, their /tete-a-tete/, as they + halted their horses to bid adieu. +</p> +<p> + "Fare ye weel, Jenny," said Cuddie, with a loud exertion of his lungs, + intended perhaps to be a sigh, but rather resembling the intonation of a + groan,—"Ye'll think o' puir Cuddie sometimes—an honest lad that lo'es + ye, Jenny; ye'll think o' him now and then?" +</p> +<p> + "Whiles—at brose-time," answered the malicious damsel, unable either to + suppress the repartee, or the arch smile which attended it. +</p> +<a name="image-0006"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa098.jpg" height="462" width="734" +alt="'Whiles--at Brose-time' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Cuddie took his revenge as rustic lovers are wont, and as Jenny probably + expected,—caught his mistress round the neck, kissed her cheeks and lips + heartily, and then turned his horse and trotted after his master. +</p> +<p> + "Deil's in the fallow," said Jenny, wiping her lips and adjusting her + head-dress, "he has twice the spunk o' Tam Halliday, after a'.—Coming, + my leddy, coming—Lord have a care o' us, I trust the auld leddy didna + see us!" +</p> +<p> + "Jenny," said Lady Margaret, as the damsel came up, "was not that young + man who commanded the party the same that was captain of the popinjay, + and who was afterwards prisoner at Tillietudlem on the morning + Claverhouse came there?" +</p> +<p> + Jenny, happy that the query had no reference to her own little matters, + looked at her young mistress, to discover, if possible, whether it was + her cue to speak truth or not. Not being able to catch any hint to guide + her, she followed her instinct as a lady's maid, and lied. +</p> +<p> + "I dinna believe it was him, my leddy," said Jenny, as confidently as if + she had been saying her catechism; "he was a little black man, that." +</p> +<p> + "You must have been blind, Jenny," said the Major: "Henry Morton is tall + and fair, and that youth is the very man." +</p> +<p> + "I had ither thing ado than be looking at him," said Jenny, tossing her + head; "he may be as fair as a farthing candle, for me." +</p> +<p> + "Is it not," said Lady Margaret, "a blessed escape which we have made, + out of the hands of so desperate and bloodthirsty a fanatic?" +</p> +<p> + "You are deceived, madam," said Lord Evandale; "Mr Morton merits such a + title from no one, but least from us. That I am now alive, and that you + are now on your safe retreat to your friends, instead of being prisoners + to a real fanatical homicide, is solely and entirely owing to the prompt, + active, and energetic humanity of this young gentleman." +</p> +<p> + He then went into a particular narrative of the events with which the + reader is acquainted, dwelling upon the merits of Morton, and expatiating + on the risk at which he had rendered them these important services, as if + he had been a brother instead of a rival. +</p> +<p> + "I were worse than ungrateful," he said, "were I silent on the merits of + the man who has twice saved my life." +</p> +<p> + "I would willingly think well of Henry Morton, my lord," replied Major + Bellenden; "and I own he has behaved handsomely to your lordship and to + us; but I cannot have the same allowances which it pleases your lordship + to entertain for his present courses." +</p> +<p> + "You are to consider," replied Lord Evandale, "that he has been partly + forced upon them by necessity; and I must add, that his principles, + though differing in some degree from my own, are such as ought to command + respect. Claverhouse, whose knowledge of men is not to be disputed, spoke + justly of him as to his extraordinary qualities, but with prejudice, and + harshly, concerning his principles and motives." +</p> +<p> + "You have not been long in learning all his extraordinary qualities, my + lord," answered Major Bellenden. "I, who have known him from boyhood, + could, before this affair, have said much of his good principles and + good-nature; but as to his high talents"— +</p> +<p> + "They were probably hidden, Major," replied the generous Lord Evandale, + "even from himself, until circumstances called them forth; and, if I have + detected them, it was only because our intercourse and conversation + turned on momentous and important subjects. He is now labouring to bring + this rebellion to an end, and the terms he has proposed are so moderate, + that they shall not want my hearty recommendation." +</p> +<p> + "And have you hopes," said Lady Margaret, "to accomplish a scheme so + comprehensive?" +</p> +<p> + "I should have, madam, were every whig as moderate as Morton, and every + loyalist as disinterested as Major Bellenden. But such is the fanaticism + and violent irritation of both parties, that I fear nothing will end this + civil war save the edge of the sword." +</p> +<p> + It may be readily supposed, that Edith listened with the deepest interest + to this conversation. While she regretted that she had expressed herself + harshly and hastily to her lover, she felt a conscious and proud + satisfaction that his character was, even in the judgment of his + noble-minded rival, such as her own affection had once spoke it. +</p> +<p> + "Civil feuds and domestic prejudices," she said, "may render it necessary + for me to tear his remembrance from my heart; but it is not small relief + to know assuredly, that it is worthy of the place it has so long retained + there." +</p> +<p> + While Edith was thus retracting her unjust resentment, her lover arrived + at the camp of the insurgents, near Hamilton, which he found in + considerable confusion. Certain advices had arrived that the royal army, + having been recruited from England by a large detachment of the King's + Guards, were about to take the field. Fame magnified their numbers and + their high state of equipment and discipline, and spread abroad other + circumstances, which dismayed the courage of the insurgents. What favour + they might have expected from Monmouth, was likely to be intercepted by + the influence of those associated with him in command. His + lieutenant-general was the celebrated General Thomas Dalzell, who, having + practised the art of war in the then barbarous country of Russia, was as + much feared for his cruelty and indifference to human life and human + sufferings, as respected for his steady loyalty and undaunted valour. + This man was second in command to Monmouth, and the horse were commanded + by Claverhouse, burning with desire to revenge the death of his nephew, + and his defeat at Drumclog. To these accounts was added the most + formidable and terrific description of the train of artillery and the + cavalry force with which the royal army took the field. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Royal Army at Bothwell Bridge. A Cameronian muse was + awakened from slumber on this doleful occasion, and gave the + following account of the muster of the royal forces, in poetry + nearly as melancholy as the subject:— + + They marched east through Lithgow-town + For to enlarge their forces; + And sent for all the north-country + To come, both foot and horses. + + Montrose did come and Athole both, + And with them many more; + And all the Highland Amorites + That had been there before. + + The Lowdien Mallisha—Lothian Militia they + Came with their coats of blew; + Five hundred men from London came, + Claid in a reddish hue. + + When they were assembled one and all, + A full brigade were they; + Like to a pack of hellish hounds, + Roreing after their prey. + + When they were all provided well, + In armour and amonition, + Then thither wester did they come, + Most cruel of intention. + + The royalists celebrated their victory in stanzas of equal merit. + Specimens of both may be found in the curious collection of Fugitive + Scottish Poetry, principally of the Seventeenth Century, printed for + the Messrs Laing, Edinburgh.] +</pre> +<p> + Large bodies, composed of the Highland clans, having in language, + religion, and manners, no connexion with the insurgents, had been + summoned to join the royal army under their various chieftains; and these + Amorites, or Philistines, as the insurgents termed them, came like eagles + to the slaughter. In fact, every person who could ride or run at the + King's command, was summoned to arms, apparently with the purpose of + forfeiting and fining such men of property whom their principles might + deter from joining the royal standard, though prudence prevented them + from joining that of the insurgent Presbyterians. In short, everyrumour + tended to increase the apprehension among the insurgents, that the King's + vengeance had only been delayed in order that it might fall more certain + and more heavy. +</p> +<p> + Morton endeavoured to fortify the minds of the common people by pointing + out the probable exaggeration of these reports, and by reminding them of + the strength of their own situation, with an unfordable river in front, + only passable by a long and narrow bridge. He called to their remembrance + their victory over Claverhouse when their numbers were few, and then much + worse disciplined and appointed for battle than now; showed them that the + ground on which they lay afforded, by its undulation, and the thickets + which intersected it, considerable protection against artillery, and even + against cavalry, if stoutly defended; and that their safety, in fact, + depended on their own spirit and resolution. +</p> +<p> + But while Morton thus endeavoured to keep up the courage of the army at + large, he availed himself of those discouraging rumours to endeavour to + impress on the minds of the leaders the necessity of proposing to the + government moderate terms of accommodation, while they were still + formidable as commanding an unbroken and numerous army. He pointed out to + them, that, in the present humour of their followers, it could hardly be + expected that they would engage, with advantage, the well-appointed and + regular force of the Duke of Monmouth; and that if they chanced, as was + most likely, to be defeated and dispersed, the insurrection in which they + had engaged, so far from being useful to the country, would be rendered + the apology for oppressing it more severely. +</p> +<p> + Pressed by these arguments, and feeling it equally dangerous to remain + together, or to dismiss their forces, most of the leaders readily agreed, + that if such terms could be obtained as had been transmitted to the Duke + of Monmouth by the hands of Lord Evandale, the purpose for which they had + taken up arms would be, in a great measure, accomplished. They then + entered into similar resolutions, and agreed to guarantee the petition + and remonstrance which had been drawn up by Morton. On the contrary, + there were still several leaders, and those men whose influence with the + people exceeded that of persons of more apparent consequence, who + regarded every proposal of treaty which did not proceed on the basis of + the Solemn League and Covenant of 1640, as utterly null and void, + impious, and unchristian. These men diffused their feelings among the + multitude, who had little foresight, and nothing to lose, and persuaded + many that the timid counsellors who recommended peace upon terms short of + the dethronement of the royal family, and the declared independence of + the church with respect to the state, were cowardly labourers, who were + about to withdraw their hands from the plough, and despicable trimmers, + who sought only a specious pretext for deserting their brethren in arms. + These contradictory opinions were fiercely argued in each tent of the + insurgent army, or rather in the huts or cabins which served in the place + of tents. Violence in language often led to open quarrels and blows, and + the divisions into which the army of sufferers was rent served as too + plain a presage of their future fate. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0009"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER IX. +</h2> +<pre> + The curse of growing factions and divisions + Still vex your councils! + Venice Preserved. +</pre> +<p> + The prudence of Morton found sufficient occupation in stemming the + furious current of these contending parties, when, two days after his + return to Hamilton, he was visited by his friend and colleague, the + Reverend Mr Poundtext, flying, as he presently found, from the face of + John Balfour of Burley, whom he left not a little incensed at the share + he had taken in the liberation of Lord Evandale. When the worthy divine + had somewhat recruited his spirits, after the hurry and fatigue of his + journey, he proceeded to give Morton an account of what had passed in the + vicinity of Tillietudlem after the memorable morning of his departure. +</p> +<p> + The night march of Morton had been accomplished with such dexterity, + and the men were so faithful to their trust, that Burley received no + intelligence of what had happened until the morning was far advanced. + His first enquiry was, whether Macbriar and Kettledrummle had arrived, + agreeably to the summons which he had dispatched at midnight. Macbriar + had come, and Kettledrummle, though a heavy traveller, might, he was + informed, be instantly expected. Burley then dispatched a messenger to + Morton's quarters to summon him to an immediate council. The messenger + returned with news that he had left the place. Poundtext was next + summoned; but he thinking, as he said himself, that it was ill dealing + with fractious folk, had withdrawn to his own quiet manse, preferring a + dark ride, though he had been on horseback the whole preceding day, to a + renewal in the morning of a controversy with Burley, whose ferocity + overawed him when unsupported by the firmness of Morton. Burley's next + enquiries were directed after Lord Evandale; and great was his rage when + he learned that he had been conveyed away over night by a party of the + marksmen of Milnwood, under the immediate command of Henry Morton + himself. +</p> +<p> + "The villain!" exclaimed Burley, addressing himself to Macbriar; "the + base, mean-spirited traitor, to curry favour for himself with the + government, hath set at liberty the prisoner taken by my own right hand, + through means of whom, I have little doubt, the possession of the place + of strength which hath wrought us such trouble, might now have been in + our hands!" +</p> +<p> + "But is it not in our hands?" said Macbriar, looking up towards the Keep + of the Castle; "and are not these the colours of the Covenant that float + over its walls?" +</p> +<p> + "A stratagem—a mere trick," said Burley, "an insult over our + disappointment, intended to aggravate and embitter our spirits." +</p> +<p> + He was interrupted by the arrival of one of Morton's followers, sent to + report to him the evacuation of the place, and its occupation by the + insurgent forces. Burley was rather driven to fury than reconciled by the + news of this success. +</p> +<p> + "I have watched," he said—"I have fought—I have plotted—I have striven + for the reduction of this place—I have forborne to seek to head + enterprises of higher command and of higher honour—I have narrowed their + outgoings, and cut off the springs, and broken the staff of bread within + their walls; and when the men were about to yield themselves to my hand, + that their sons might be bondsmen, and their daughters a laughing-stock + to our whole camp, cometh this youth, without a beard on his chin, and + takes it on him to thrust his sickle into the harvest, and to rend the + prey from the spoiler! Surely the labourer is worthy of his hire, and the + city, with its captives, should be given to him that wins it?" +</p> +<p> + "Nay," said Macbriar, who was surprised at the degree of agitation which + Balfour displayed, "chafe not thyself because of the ungodly. Heaven will + use its own instruments; and who knows but this youth"— +</p> +<p> + "Hush! hush!" said Burley; "do not discredit thine own better judgment. + It was thou that first badest me beware of this painted sepulchre—this + lacquered piece of copper, that passed current with me for gold. It fares + ill, even with the elect, when they neglect the guidance of such pious + pastors as thou. But our carnal affections will mislead us—this + ungrateful boy's father was mine ancient friend. They must be as earnest + in their struggles as thou, Ephraim Macbriar, that would shake themselves + clear of the clogs and chains of humanity." +</p> +<p> + This compliment touched the preacher in the most sensible part; and + Burley deemed, therefore, he should find little difficulty in moulding + his opinions to the support of his own views, more especially as they + agreed exactly in their high-strained opinions of church government. +</p> +<p> + "Let us instantly," he said, "go up to the Tower; there is that among the + records in yonder fortress, which, well used as I can use it, shall be + worth to us a valiant leader and an hundred horsemen." +</p> +<p> + "But will such be the fitting aids of the children of the Covenant?" said + the preacher. "We have already among us too many who hunger after lands, + and silver and gold, rather than after the Word; it is not by such that + our deliverance shall be wrought out." +</p> +<p> + "Thou errest," said Burley; "we must work by means, and these worldly men + shall be our instruments. At all events, the Moabitish woman shall be + despoiled of her inheritance, and neither the malignant Evandale, nor the + erastian Morton, shall possess yonder castle and lands, though they may + seek in marriage the daughter thereof." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he led the way to Tillietudlem, where he seized upon the plate + and other valuables for the use of the army, ransacked the charter-room, + and other receptacles for family papers, and treated with contempt the + remonstrances of those who reminded him, that the terms granted to the + garrison had guaranteed respect to private property. +</p> +<p> + Burley and Macbriar, having established themselves in their new + acquisition, were joined by Kettledrummle in the course of the day, and + also by the Laird of Langcale, whom that active divine had contrived to + seduce, as Poundtext termed it, from the pure light in which he had been + brought up. Thus united, they sent to the said Poundtext an invitation, + or rather a summons, to attend a council at Tillietudlem. He remembered, + however, that the door had an iron grate, and the Keep a dungeon, and + resolved not to trust himself with his incensed colleagues. He therefore + retreated, or rather fled, to Hamilton, with the tidings, that Burley, + Macbriar, and Kettledrummle, were coming to Hamilton as soon as they + could collect a body of Cameronians sufficient to overawe the rest of the + army. +</p> +<p> + "And ye see," concluded Poundtext, with a deep sigh, "that they will then + possess a majority in the council; for Langcale, though he has always + passed for one of the honest and rational party, cannot be suitably or + preceesely termed either fish, or flesh, or gude red-herring—whoever has + the stronger party has Langcale." +</p> +<p> + Thus concluded the heavy narrative of honest Poundtext, who sighed + deeply, as he considered the danger in which he was placed betwixt + unreasonable adversaries amongst themselves and the common enemy from + without. Morton exhorted him to patience, temper, and composure; informed + him of the good hope he had of negotiating for peace and indemnity + through means of Lord Evandale, and made out to him a very fair prospect + that he should again return to his own parchment-bound Calvin, his + evening pipe of tobacco, and his noggin of inspiring ale, providing + always he would afford his effectual support and concurrence to the + measures which he, Morton, had taken for a general pacification. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Moderate Presbyterians. The author does not, by any means, + desire that Poundtext should be regarded as a just representation of + the moderate presbyterians, among whom were many ministers whose + courage was equal to their good sense and sound views of religion. + Were he to write the tale anew, he would probably endeavour to give + the character a higher turn. It is certain, however, that the + Cameronians imputed to their opponents in opinion concerning the + Indulgence, or others of their strained and fanatical notions, a + disposition not only to seek their own safety, but to enjoy + themselves. Hamilton speaks of three clergymen of this description + as follows:— + + "They pretended great zeal against the Indulgence; but alas! that + was all their practice, otherwise being but very gross, which I + shall but hint at in short. When great Cameron and those with him + were taking many a cold blast and storm in the fields and among the + cot-houses in Scotland, these three had for the most part their + residence in Glasgow, where they found good quarter and a full + table, which I doubt not but some bestowed upon them from real + affection to the Lord's cause; and when these three were together, + their greatest work was who should make the finest and sharpest + roundel, and breathe the quickest jests upon one another, and to + tell what valiant acts they were to do, and who could laugh loudest + and most heartily among them; and when at any time they came out to + the country, whatever other things they had, they were careful each + of them to have a great flask of brandy with them, which was very + heavy to some, particularly to Mr Cameron, Mr Cargill, and Henry + Hall—I shall name no more."—Faithful Contendings, p. 198.] +</pre> +<p> + Thus backed and comforted, Poundtext resolved magnanimously to await the + coming of the Cameronians to the general rendezvous. +</p> +<p> + Burley and his confederates had drawn together a considerable body of + these sectaries, amounting to a hundred horse and about fifteen hundred + foot, clouded and severe in aspect, morose and jealous in communication, + haughty of heart, and confident, as men who believed that the pale of + salvation was open for them exclusively; while all other Christians, + however slight were the shades of difference of doctrine from their own, + were in fact little better than outcasts or reprobates. These men entered + the presbyterian camp, rather as dubious and suspicious allies, or + possibly antagonists, than as men who were heartily embarked in the same + cause, and exposed to the same dangers, with their more moderate brethren + in arms. Burley made no private visits to his colleagues, and held no + communication with them on the subject of the public affairs, otherwise + than by sending a dry invitation to them to attend a meeting of the + general council for that evening. +</p> +<p> + On the arrival of Morton and Poundtext at the place of assembly, they + found their brethren already seated. Slight greeting passed between them, + and it was easy to see that no amicable conference was intended by those + who convoked the council. The first question was put by Macbriar, the + sharp eagerness of whose zeal urged him to the van on all occasions. He + desired to know by whose authority the malignant, called Lord Evandale, + had been freed from the doom of death, justly denounced against him. +</p> +<p> + "By my authority and Mr Morton's," replied Poundtext; who, besides being + anxious to give his companion a good opinion of his courage, confided + heartily in his support, and, moreover, had much less fear of + encountering one of his own profession, and who confined himself to the + weapons of theological controversy, in which Poundtext feared no man, + than of entering into debate with the stern homicide Balfour. +</p> +<p> + "And who, brother," said Kettledrummle, "who gave you authority to + interpose in such a high matter?" +</p> +<p> + "The tenor of our commission," answered Poundtext, "gives us authority to + bind and to loose. If Lord Evandale was justly doomed to die by the voice + of one of our number, he was of a surety lawfully redeemed from death by + the warrant of two of us." +</p> +<p> + "Go to, go to," said Burley; "we know your motives; it was to send that + silkworm—that gilded trinket—that embroidered trifle of a lord, to bear + terms of peace to the tyrant." +</p> +<p> + "It was so," replied Morton, who saw his companion begin to flinch before + the fierce eye of Balfour—"it was so; and what then?—Are we to plunge + the nation in endless war, in order to pursue schemes which are equally + wild, wicked, and unattainable?" +</p> +<p> + "Hear him!" said Balfour; "he blasphemeth." +</p> +<p> + "It is false," said Morton; "they blaspheme who pretend to expect + miracles, and neglect the use of the human means with which Providence + has blessed them. I repeat it—Our avowed object is the re-establishment + of peace on fair and honourable terms of security to our religion and our + liberty. We disclaim any desire to tyrannize over those of others." +</p> +<p> + The debate would now have run higher than ever, but they were interrupted + by intelligence that the Duke of Monmouth had commenced his march towards + the west, and was already advanced half way from Edinburgh. This news + silenced their divisions for the moment, and it was agreed that the next + day should be held as a fast of general humiliation for the sins of the + land; that the Reverend Mr Poundtext should preach to the army in the + morning, and Kettledrummle in the afternoon; that neither should touch + upon any topics of schism or of division, but animate the soldiers to + resist to the blood, like brethren in a good cause. This healing overture + having been agreed to, the moderate party ventured upon another proposal, + confiding that it would have the support of Langcale, who looked + extremely blank at the news which they had just received, and might be + supposed reconverted to moderate measures. It was to be presumed, they + said, that since the King had not intrusted the command of his forces + upon the present occasion to any of their active oppressors, but, on the + contrary, had employed a nobleman distinguished by gentleness of temper, + and a disposition favourable to their cause, there must be some better + intention entertained towards them than they had yet experienced. They + contended, that it was not only prudent but necessary to ascertain, from + a communication with the Duke of Monmouth, whether he was not charged + with some secret instructions in their favour. This could only be learned + by dispatching an envoy to his army. +</p> +<p> + "And who will undertake the task?" said Burley, evading a proposal too + reasonable to be openly resisted—"Who will go up to their camp, knowing + that John Grahame of Claverhouse hath sworn to hang up whomsoever we + shall dispatch towards them, in revenge of the death of the young man his + nephew?" +</p> +<p> + "Let that be no obstacle," said Morton; "I will with pleasure encounter + any risk attached to the bearer of your errand." +</p> +<p> + "Let him go," said Balfour, apart to Macbriar; "our councils will be well + rid of his presence." +</p> +<p> + The motion, therefore, received no contradiction even from those who were + expected to have been most active in opposing it; and it was agreed that + Henry Morton should go to the camp of the Duke of Monmouth, in order to + discover upon what terms the insurgents would be admitted to treat with + him. As soon as his errand was made known, several of the more moderate + party joined in requesting him to make terms upon the footing of the + petition intrusted to Lord Evandale's hands; for the approach of the + King's army spread a general trepidation, by no means allayed by the high + tone assumed by the Cameronians, which had so little to support it, + excepting their own headlong zeal. With these instructions, and with + Cuddie as his attendant, Morton set forth towards the royal camp, at all + the risks which attend those who assume the office of mediator during the + heat of civil discord. +</p> +<p> + Morton had not proceeded six or seven miles, before he perceived that he + was on the point of falling in with the van of the royal forces; and, as + he ascended a height, saw all the roads in the neighbourhood occupied by + armed men marching in great order towards Bothwell-muir, an open common, + on which they proposed to encamp for that evening, at the distance of + scarcely two miles from the Clyde, on the farther side of which river the + army of the insurgents was encamped. He gave himself up to the first + advanced-guard of cavalry which he met, as bearer of a flag of truce, and + communicated his desire to obtain access to the Duke of Monmouth. The + non-commissioned officer who commanded the party made his report to his + superior, and he again to another in still higher command, and both + immediately rode to the spot where Morton was detained. +</p> +<p> + "You are but losing your time, my friend, and risking your life," said + one of them, addressing Morton; "the Duke of Monmouth will receive no + terms from traitors with arms in their hands, and your cruelties have + been such as to authorize retaliation of every kind. Better trot your nag + back and save his mettle to-day, that he may save your life to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot think," said Morton, "that even if the Duke of Monmouth should + consider us as criminals, he would condemn so large a body of his + fellow-subjects without even hearing what they have to plead for + themselves. On my part I fear nothing. I am conscious of having consented + to, or authorized, no cruelty, and the fear of suffering innocently for + the crimes of others shall not deter me from executing my commission." +</p> +<p> + The two officers looked at each other. +</p> +<p> + "I have an idea," said the younger, "that this is the young man of whom + Lord Evandale spoke." +</p> +<p> + "Is my Lord Evandale in the army?" said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "He is not," replied the officer; "we left him at Edinburgh, too much + indisposed to take the field.—Your name, sir, I presume, is Henry + Morton?" +</p> +<p> + "It is, sir," answered Morton. +</p> +<p> + "We will not oppose your seeing the Duke, sir," said the officer, with + more civility of manner; "but you may assure yourself it will be to no + purpose; for, were his Grace disposed to favour your people, others are + joined in commission with him who will hardly consent to his doing so." +</p> +<p> + "I shall be sorry to find it thus," said Morton; "but my duty requires + that I should persevere in my desire to have an interview with him." +</p> +<p> + "Lumley," said the superior officer, "let the Duke know of Mr Morton's + arrival, and remind his Grace that this is the person of whom Lord + Evandale spoke so highly." +</p> +<p> + The officer returned with a message that the General could not see Mr + Morton that evening, but would receive him by times in the ensuing + morning. He was detained in a neighbouring cottage all night, but treated + with civility, and every thing provided for his accommodation. Early on + the next morning the officer he had first seen came to conduct him to his + audience. +</p> +<p> + The army was drawn out, and in the act of forming column for march, or + attack. The Duke was in the centre, nearly a mile from the place where + Morton had passed the night. In riding towards the General, he had an + opportunity of estimating the force which had been assembled for the + suppression of the hasty and ill-concerted insurrection. There were three + or four regiments of English, the flower of Charles's army—there were + the Scottish Life-Guards, burning with desire to revenge their late + defeat—other Scottish regiments of regulars were also assembled, and a + large body of cavalry, consisting partly of gentlemen-volunteers, partly + of the tenants of the crown who did military duty for their fiefs. Morton + also observed several strong parties of Highlanders drawn from the points + nearest to the Lowland frontiers, a people, as already mentioned, + particularly obnoxious to the western whigs, and who hated and despised + them in the same proportion. These were assembled under their chiefs, and + made part of this formidable array. A complete train of field-artillery + accompanied these troops; and the whole had an air so imposing, that it + seemed nothing short of an actual miracle could prevent the ill-equipped, + ill-modelled, and tumultuary army of the insurgents from being utterly + destroyed. The officer who accompanied Morton endeavoured to gather from + his looks the feelings with which this splendid and awful parade of + military force had impressed him. But, true to the cause he had espoused, + he laboured successfully to prevent the anxiety which he felt from + appearing in his countenance, and looked around him on the warlike + display as on a sight which he expected, and to which he was indifferent. +</p> +<p> + "You see the entertainment prepared for you," said the officers. +</p> +<p> + "If I had no appetite for it," replied Morton, "I should not have been + accompanying you at this moment. But I shall be better pleased with a + more peaceful regale, for the sake of all parties." +</p> +<p> + As they spoke thus, they approached the commander-in-chief, who, + surrounded by several officers, was seated upon a knoll commanding an + extensive prospect of the distant country, and from which could be easily + discovered the windings of the majestic Clyde, and the distant camp of + the insurgents on the opposite bank. The officers of the royal army + appeared to be surveying the ground, with the purpose of directing an + immediate attack. When Captain Lumley, the officer who accompanied + Morton, had whispered in Monmouth's ear his name and errand, the Duke + made a signal for all around him to retire, excepting only two general + officers of distinction. While they spoke together in whispers for a few + minutes before Morton was permitted to advance, he had time to study the + appearance of the persons with whom he was to treat. +</p> +<p> + It was impossible for any one to look upon the Duke of Monmouth without + being captivated by his personal graces and accomplishments, of which the + great High-Priest of all the Nine afterwards recorded— +</p> +<p> + "Whate'er he did was done with so much ease, In him alone 'twas natural + to please; His motions all accompanied with grace, And Paradise was + open'd in his face." Yet to a strict observer, the manly beauty of + Monmouth's face was occasionally rendered less striking by an air of + vacillation and uncertainty, which seemed to imply hesitation and doubt + at moments when decisive resolution was most necessary. +</p> +<p> + Beside him stood Claverhouse, whom we have already fully described, and + another general officer whose appearance was singularly striking. His + dress was of the antique fashion of Charles the First's time, and + composed of shamoy leather, curiously slashed, and covered with antique + lace and garniture. His boots and spurs might be referred to the same + distant period. He wore a breastplate, over which descended a grey beard + of venerable length, which he cherished as a mark of mourning for Charles + the First, having never shaved since that monarch was brought to the + scaffold. His head was uncovered, and almost perfectly bald. His high and + wrinkled forehead, piercing grey eyes, and marked features, evinced age + unbroken by infirmity, and stern resolution unsoftened by humanity. Such + is the outline, however feebly expressed, of the celebrated General + Thomas Dalzell, +</p> +<pre> + [Note: Usually called Tom Dalzell. In Crichton's Memoirs, edited by + Swift, where a particular account of this remarkable person's dress + and habits is given, he is said never to have worn boots. The + following account of his rencounter with John Paton of Meadowhead, + showed, that in action at least he wore pretty stout ones, unless + the reader be inclined to believe in the truth of his having a + charm, which made him proof against lead. + + "Dalzell," says Paton's biographer, "advanced the whole left wing of + his army on Colonel Wallace's right. Here Captain Paton behaved with + great courage and gallantry. Dalzell, knowing him in the former + wars, advanced upon him himself, thinking to take him prisoner. Upon + his approach, each presented his pistol. On their first discharge, + Captain Paton, perceiving his pistol ball to hop upon Dalzell's + boots, and knowing what was the cause, (he having proof,) put his + hand in his pocket for some small pieces of silver he had there for + the purpose, and put one of them into his other pistol. But Dalzell, + having his eye upon him in the meanwhile, retired behind his own + man, who by that means was slain."] +</pre> +<p> + a man more feared and hated by the whigs than even Claverhouse himself, + and who executed the same violences against them out of a detestation of + their persons, or perhaps an innate severity of temper, which Grahame + only resorted to on political accounts, as the best means of intimidating + the followers of presbytery, and of destroying that sect entirely. +</p> +<p> + The presence of these two generals, one of whom he knew by person, and + the other by description, seemed to Morton decisive of the fate of his + embassy. But, notwithstanding his youth and inexperience, and the + unfavourable reception which his proposals seemed likely to meet with, he + advanced boldly towards them upon receiving a signal to that purpose, + determined that the cause of his country, and of those with whom he had + taken up arms, should suffer nothing from being intrusted to him. + Monmouth received him with the graceful courtesy which attended even his + slightest actions; Dalzell regarded him with a stern, gloomy, and + impatient frown; and Claverhouse, with a sarcastic smile and inclination + of his head, seemed to claim him as an old acquaintance. +</p> +<p> + "You come, sir, from these unfortunate people, now assembled in arms," + said the Duke of Monmouth, "and your name, I believe, is Morton; will you + favour us with the pupport of your errand?" +</p> +<p> + "It is contained, my lord," answered Morton, "in a paper, termed a + Remonstrance and Supplication, which my Lord Evandale has placed, I + presume, in your Grace's hands?" +</p> +<p> + "He has done so, sir," answered the Duke; "and I understand, from Lord + Evandale, that Mr Morton has behaved in these unhappy matters with much + temperance and generosity, for which I have to request his acceptance of + my thanks." +</p> +<p> + Here Morton observed Dalzell shake his head indignantly, and whisper + something into Claverhouse's ear, who smiled in return, and elevated his + eyebrows, but in a degree so slight as scarce to be perceptible. The + Duke, taking the petition from his pocket, proceeded, obviously + struggling between the native gentleness of his own disposition, and + perhaps his conviction that the petitioners demanded no more than their + rights, and the desire, on the other hand, of enforcing the king's + authority, and complying with the sterner opinions of the colleagues in + office, who had been assigned for the purpose of controlling as well as + advising him. +</p> +<p> + "There are, Mr Morton, in this paper, proposals, as to the abstract + propriety of which I must now waive delivering any opinion. Some of them + appear to me reasonable and just; and, although I have no express + instructions from the King upon the subject, yet I assure you, Mr Morton, + and I pledge my honour, that I will interpose in your behalf, and use my + utmost influence to procure you satisfaction from his Majesty. But you + must distinctly understand, that I can only treat with supplicants, not + with rebels; and, as a preliminary to every act of favour on my side, I + must insist upon your followers laying down their arms and dispersing + themselves." +</p> +<p> + "To do so, my Lord Duke," replied Morton, undauntedly, "were to + acknowledge ourselves the rebels that our enemies term us. Our swords are + drawn for recovery of a birthright wrested from us; your Grace's + moderation and good sense has admitted the general justice of our + demand,—a demand which would never have been listened to had it not been + accompanied with the sound of the trumpet. We cannot, therefore, and dare + not, lay down our arms, even on your Grace's assurance of indemnity, + unless it were accompanied with some reasonable prospect of the redress + of the wrongs which we complain of." +</p> +<p> + "Mr Morton," replied the Duke, "you are young, but you must have seen + enough of the world to perceive, that requests, by no means dangerous or + unreasonable in themselves, may become so by the way in which they are + pressed and supported." +</p> +<p> + "We may reply, my lord," answered Morton, "that this disagreeable mode + has not been resorted to until all others have failed." +</p> +<p> + "Mr Morton," said the Duke, "I must break this conference short. We are + in readiness to commence the attack; yet I will suspend it for an hour, + until you can communicate my answer to the insurgents. If they please to + disperse their followers, lay down their arms, and send a peaceful + deputation to me, I will consider myself bound in honour to do all I can + to procure redress of their grievances; if not, let them stand on their + guard and expect the consequences.—I think, gentlemen," he added, + turning to his two colleagues, "this is the utmost length to which I can + stretch my instructions in favour of these misguided persons?" +</p> +<p> + "By my faith," answered Dalzell, suddenly, "and it is a length to which + my poor judgment durst not have stretched them, considering I had both + the King and my conscience to answer to! But, doubtless, your Grace knows + more of the King's private mind than we, who have only the letter of our + instructions to look to." +</p> +<p> + Monmouth blushed deeply. "You hear," he said, addressing Morton, "General + Dalzell blames me for the length which I am disposed to go in your + favour." +</p> +<p> + "General Dalzell's sentiments, my lord," replied Morton, "are such as we + expected from him; your Grace's such as we were prepared to hope you + might please to entertain. Indeed I cannot help adding, that, in the case + of the absolute submission upon which you are pleased to insist, it might + still remain something less than doubtful how far, with such counsellors + around the King, even your Grace's intercession might procure us + effectual relief. But I will communicate to our leaders your Grace's + answer to our supplication; and, since we cannot obtain peace, we must + bid war welcome as well as we may." +</p> +<p> + "Good morning, sir," said the Duke; "I suspend the movements of attack + for one hour, and for one hour only. If you have an answer to return + within that space of time, I will receive it here, and earnestly entreat + it may be such as to save the effusion of blood." +</p> +<p> + At this moment another smile of deep meaning passed between Dalzell and + Claverhouse. The Duke observed it, and repeated his words with great + dignity. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, gentlemen, I said I trusted the answer might be such as would save + the effusion of blood. I hope the sentiment neither needs your scorn, nor + incurs your displeasure." +</p> +<p> + Dalzell returned the Duke's frown with a stern glance, but made no + answer. Claverhouse, his lip just curled with an ironical smile, bowed, + and said, "It was not for him to judge the propriety of his Grace's + sentiments." +</p> +<p> + The Duke made a signal to Morton to withdraw. He obeyed; and, accompanied + by his former escort, rode slowly through the army to return to the camp + of the non-conformists. As he passed the fine corps of Life-Guards, he + found Claverhouse was already at their head. That officer no sooner saw + Morton, than he advanced and addressed him with perfect politeness of + manner. +</p> +<p> + "I think this is not the first time I have seen Mr Morton of Milnwood?" +</p> +<p> + "It is not Colonel Grahame's fault," said Morton, smiling sternly, "that + he or any one else should be now incommoded by my presence." +</p> +<p> + "Allow me at least to say," replied Claverhouse, "that Mr Morton's + present situation authorizes the opinion I have entertained of him, and + that my proceedings at our last meeting only squared to my duty." +</p> +<p> + "To reconcile your actions to your duty, and your duty to your + conscience, is your business, Colonel Grahame, not mine," said Morton, + justly offended at being thus, in a manner, required to approve of the + sentence under which he had so nearly suffered. +</p> +<p> + "Nay, but stay an instant," said Claverhouse; "Evandale insists that I + have some wrongs to acquit myself of in your instance. I trust I shall + always make some difference between a high-minded gentleman, who, though + misguided, acts upon generous principles, and the crazy fanatical clowns + yonder, with the bloodthirsty assassins who head them. Therefore, if they + do not disperse upon your return, let me pray you instantly come over to + our army and surrender yourself, for, be assured, they cannot stand our + assault for half an hour. If you will be ruled and do this, be sure to + enquire for me. Monmouth, strange as it may seem, cannot protect + you—Dalzell will not—I both can and will; and I have promised to + Evandale to do so if you will give me an opportunity." +</p> +<p> + "I should owe Lord Evandale my thanks," answered Morton, coldly, "did not + his scheme imply an opinion that I might be prevailed on to desert those + with whom I am engaged. For you, Colonel Grahame, if you will honour me + with a different species of satisfaction, it is probable, that, in an + hour's time, you will find me at the west end of Bothwell Bridge with my + sword in my hand." +</p> +<p> + "I shall be happy to meet you there," said Claverhouse, "but still more + so should you think better on my first proposal." +</p> +<p> + They then saluted and parted. +</p> +<p> + "That is a pretty lad, Lumley," said Claverhouse, addressing himself to + the other officer; "but he is a lost man—his blood be upon his head." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he addressed himself to the task of preparation for instant + battle. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0010"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER X. +</h2> +<pre> + But, hark! the tent has changed its voice, + There's peace and rest nae langer. + Burns. + + The Lowdien Mallisha they + Came with their coats of blew; + Five hundred men from London came, + Claid in a reddish hue. + Bothwell Lines. +</pre> +<p> + When Morton had left the well-ordered outposts of the regular army, and + arrived at those which were maintained by his own party, he could not but + be peculiarly sensible of the difference of discipline, and entertain a + proportional degree of fear for the consequences. The same discords which + agitated the counsels of the insurgents, raged even among their meanest + followers; and their picquets and patrols were more interested and + occupied in disputing the true occasion and causes of wrath, and defining + the limits of Erastian heresy, than in looking out for and observing the + motions of their enemies, though within hearing of the royal drums and + trumpets. +</p> +<p> + There was a guard, however, of the insurgent army, posted at the long and + narrow bridge of Bothwell, over which the enemy must necessarily advance + to the attack; but, like the others, they were divided and disheartened; + and, entertaining the idea that they were posted on a desperate service, + they even meditated withdrawing themselves to the main body. This would + have been utter ruin; for, on the defence or loss of this pass the + fortune of the day was most likely to depend. All beyond the bridge was a + plain open field, excepting a few thickets of no great depth, and, + consequently, was ground on which the undisciplined forces of the + insurgents, deficient as they were in cavalry, and totally unprovided + with artillery, were altogether unlikely to withstand the shock of + regular troops. +</p> +<p> + Morton, therefore, viewed the pass carefully, and formed the hope, that + by occupying two or three houses on the left bank of the river, with the + copse and thickets of alders and hazels that lined its side, and by + blockading the passage itself, and shutting the gates of a portal, which, + according to the old fashion, was built on the central arch of the bridge + of Bothwell, it might be easily defended against a very superior force. + He issued directions accordingly, and commanded the parapets of the + bridge, on the farther side of the portal, to be thrown down, that they + might afford no protection to the enemy when they should attempt the + passage. Morton then conjured the party at this important post to be + watchful and upon their guard, and promised them a speedy and strong + reinforcement. He caused them to advance videttes beyond the river to + watch the progress of the enemy, which outposts he directed should be + withdrawn to the left bank as soon as they approached; finally, he + charged them to send regular information to the main body of all that + they should observe. Men under arms, and in a situation of danger, are + usually sufficiently alert in appreciating the merit of their officers. + Morton's intelligence and activity gained the confidence of these men, + and with better hope and heart than before, they began to fortify their + position in the manner he recommended, and saw him depart with three loud + cheers. +</p> +<p> + Morton now galloped hastily towards the main body of the insurgents, but + was surprised and shocked at the scene of confusion and clamour which it + exhibited, at the moment when good order and concord were of such + essential consequence. Instead of being drawn up in line of battle, and + listening to the commands of their officers, they were crowding together + in a confused mass, that rolled and agitated itself like the waves of the + sea, while a thousand tongues spoke, or rather vociferated, and not a + single ear was found to listen. Scandalized at a scene so extraordinary, + Morton endeavoured to make his way through the press to learn, and, if + possible, to remove, the cause of this so untimely disorder. While he is + thus engaged, we shall make the reader acquainted with that which he was + some time in discovering. +</p> +<p> + The insurgents had proceeded to hold their day of humiliation, which, + agreeably to the practice of the puritans during the earlier civil war, + they considered as the most effectual mode of solving all difficulties, + and waiving all discussions. It was usual to name an ordinary week-day + for this purpose, but on this occasion the Sabbath itself was adopted, + owing to the pressure of the time and the vicinity of the enemy. A + temporary pulpit, or tent, was erected in the middle of the encampment; + which, according to the fixed arrangement, was first to be occupied by + the Reverend Peter Poundtext, to whom the post of honour was assigned, as + the eldest clergyman present. But as the worthy divine, with slow and + stately steps, was advancing towards the rostrum which had been prepared + for him, he was prevented by the unexpected apparition of Habakkuk + Mucklewrath, the insane preacher, whose appearance had so much startled + Morton at the first council of the insurgents after their victory at + Loudon-hill. It is not known whether he was acting under the influence + and instigation of the Cameronians, or whether he was merely compelled by + his own agitated imagination, and the temptation of a vacant pulpit + before him, to seize the opportunity of exhorting so respectable a + congregation. It is only certain that he took occasion by the forelock, + sprung into the pulpit, cast his eyes wildly round him, and, undismayed + by the murmurs of many of the audience, opened the Bible, read forth as + his text from the thirteenth chapter of Deuteronomy, "Certain men, the + children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the + inhabitants of their city, saying, let us go and serve other gods, which + you have not known;" and then rushed at once into the midst of his + subject. +</p> +<p> + The harangue of Mucklewrath was as wild and extravagant as his intrusion + was unauthorized and untimely; but it was provokingly coherent, in so far + as it turned entirely upon the very subjects of discord, of which it had + been agreed to adjourn the consideration until some more suitable + opportunity. Not a single topic did he omit which had offence in it; and, + after charging the moderate party with heresy, with crouching to tyranny, + with seeking to be at peace with God's enemies, he applied to Morton, by + name, the charge that he had been one of those men of Belial, who, in the + words of his text, had gone out from amongst them, to withdraw the + inhabitants of his city, and to go astray after false gods. To him, and + all who followed him, or approved of his conduct, Mucklewrath denounced + fury and vengeance, and exhorted those who would hold themselves pure and + undefiled to come up from the midst of them. +</p> +<p> + "Fear not," he said, "because of the neighing of horses, or the + glittering of breastplates. Seek not aid of the Egyptians, because of the + enemy, though they may be numerous as locusts, and fierce as dragons. + Their trust is not as our trust, nor their rock as our rock; how else + shall a thousand fly before one, and two put ten thousand to the flight! + I dreamed it in the visions of the night, and the voice said, 'Habakkuk, + take thy fan and purge the wheat from the chaff, that they be not both + consumed with the fire of indignation and the lightning of fury.' + Wherefore, I say, take this Henry Morton—this wretched Achan, who hath + brought the accursed thing among ye, and made himself brethren in the + camp of the enemy—take him and stone him with stones, and thereafter + burn him with fire, that the wrath may depart from the children of the + Covenant. He hath not taken a Babylonish garment, but he hath sold the + garment of righteousness to the woman of Babylon—he hath not taken two + hundred shekels of fine silver, but he hath bartered the truth, which is + more precious than shekels of silver or wedges of gold." +</p> +<p> + At this furious charge, brought so unexpectedly against one of their most + active commanders, the audience broke out into open tumult, some + demanding that there should instantly be a new election of officers, into + which office none should hereafter be admitted who had, in their phrase, + touched of that which was accursed, or temporized more or less with the + heresies and corruptions of the times. While such was the demand of the + Cameronians, they vociferated loudly, that those who were not with them + were against them,—that it was no time to relinquish the substantial + part of the covenanted testimony of the Church, if they expected a + blessing on their arms and their cause; and that, in their eyes, a + lukewarm Presbyterian was little better than a Prelatist, an + Anti-Covenanter, and a Nullifidian. +</p> +<p> + The parties accused repelled the charge of criminal compliance and + defection from the truth with scorn and indignation, and charged their + accusers with breach of faith, as well as with wrong-headed and + extravagant zeal in introducing such divisions into an army, the joint + strength of which could not, by the most sanguine, be judged more than + sufficient to face their enemies. Poundtext, and one or two others, made + some faint efforts to stem the increasing fury of the factious, + exclaiming to those of the other party, in the words of the + Patriarch,—"Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, + and between thy herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we be brethren." No + pacific overture could possibly obtain audience. It was in vain that + even Burley himself, when he saw the dissension proceed to such ruinous + lengths, exerted his stern and deep voice, commanding silence and + obedience to discipline. The spirit of insubordination had gone forth, + and it seemed as if the exhortation of Habakkuk Mucklewrath had + communicated a part of his frenzy to all who heard him. The wiser, or + more timid part of the assembly, were already withdrawing themselves + from the field, and giving up their cause as lost. Others were + moderating a harmonious call, as they somewhat improperly termed it, to + new officers, and dismissing those formerly chosen, and that with a + tumult and clamour worthy of the deficiency of good sense and good order + implied in the whole transaction. It was at this moment when Morton + arrived in the field and joined the army, in total confusion, and on the + point of dissolving itself. His arrival occasioned loud exclamations of + applause on the one side, and of imprecation on the other. +</p> +<p> + "What means this ruinous disorder at such a moment?" he exclaimed to + Burley, who, exhausted with his vain exertions to restore order, was now + leaning on his sword, and regarding the confusion with an eye of resolute + despair. +</p> +<p> + "It means," he replied, "that God has delivered us into the hands of our + enemies." +</p> +<p> + "Not so," answered Morton, with a voice and gesture which compelled many + to listen; "it is not God who deserts us, it is we who desert him, and + dishonour ourselves by disgracing and betraying the cause of freedom and + religion.—Hear me," he exclaimed, springing to the pulpit which + Mucklewrath had been compelled to evacuate by actual exhaustion—"I bring + from the enemy an offer to treat, if you incline to lay down your arms. I + can assure you the means of making an honourable defence, if you are of + more manly tempers. The time flies fast on. Let us resolve either for + peace or war; and let it not be said of us in future days, that six + thousand Scottish men in arms had neither courage to stand their ground + and fight it out, nor prudence to treat for peace, nor even the coward's + wisdom to retreat in good time and with safety. What signifies + quarrelling on minute points of church-discipline, when the whole edifice + is threatened with total destruction? O, remember, my brethren, that the + last and worst evil which God brought upon the people whom he had once + chosen—the last and worst punishment of their blindness and hardness of + heart, was the bloody dissensions which rent asunder their city, even + when the enemy were thundering at its gates!" +</p> +<p> + Some of the audience testified their feeling of this exhortation, by loud + exclamations of applause; others by hooting, and exclaiming—"To your + tents, O Israel!" +</p> +<p> + Morton, who beheld the columns of the enemy already beginning to appear + on the right bank, and directing their march upon the bridge, raised his + voice to its utmost pitch, and, pointing at the same time with his hand, + exclaimed,—"Silence your senseless clamours, yonder is the enemy! On + maintaining the bridge against him depend our lives, as well as our hope + to reclaim our laws and liberties.—There shall at least one Scottishman + die in their defence.—Let any one who loves his country follow me!" +</p> +<p> + The multitude had turned their heads in the direction to which he + pointed. The sight of the glittering files of the English Foot-Guards, + supported by several squadrons of horse, of the cannon which the + artillerymen were busily engaged in planting against the bridge, of the + plaided clans who seemed to search for a ford, and of the long succession + of troops which were destined to support the attack, silenced at once + their clamorous uproar, and struck them with as much consternation as if + it were an unexpected apparition, and not the very thing which they ought + to have been looking out for. They gazed on each other, and on their + leaders, with looks resembling those that indicate the weakness of a + patient when exhausted by a fit of frenzy. Yet when Morton, springing + from the rostrum, directed his steps towards the bridge, he was followed + by about an hundred of the young men who were particularly attached to + his command. +</p> +<p> + Burley turned to Macbriar—"Ephraim," he said, "it is Providence points + us the way, through the worldly wisdom of this latitudinarian youth.—He + that loves the light, let him follow Burley!" +</p> +<p> + "Tarry," replied Macbriar; "it is not by Henry Morton, or such as he, + that our goings-out and our comings-in are to be meted; therefore tarry + with us. I fear treachery to the host from this nullifidian Achan—Thou + shalt not go with him. Thou art our chariots and our horsemen." +</p> +<p> + "Hinder me not," replied Burley; "he hath well said that all is lost, if + the enemy win the bridge—therefore let me not. Shall the children of + this generation be called wiser or braver than the children of the + sanctuary?—Array yourselves under your leaders—let us not lack supplies + of men and ammunition; and accursed be he who turneth back from the work + on this great day!" +</p> +<p> + Having thus spoken, he hastily marched towards the bridge, and was + followed by about two hundred of the most gallant and zealous of his + party. There was a deep and disheartened pause when Morton and Burley + departed. The commanders availed themselves of it to display their lines + in some sort of order, and exhorted those who were most exposed to throw + themselves upon their faces to avoid the cannonade which they might + presently expect. The insurgents ceased to resist or to remonstrate; but + the awe which had silenced their discords had dismayed their courage. + They suffered themselves to be formed into ranks with the docility of a + flock of sheep, but without possessing, for the time, more resolution or + energy; for they experienced a sinking of the heart, imposed by the + sudden and imminent approach of the danger which they had neglected to + provide against while it was yet distant. They were, however, drawn out + with some regularity; and as they still possessed the appearance of an + army, their leaders had only to hope that some favourable circumstance + would restore their spirits and courage. +</p> +<p> + Kettledrummle, Poundtext, Macbriar, and other preachers, busied + themselves in their ranks, and prevailed on them to raise a psalm. But + the superstitious among them observed, as an ill omen, that their song of + praise and triumph sunk into "a quaver of consternation," and resembled + rather a penitentiary stave sung on the scaffold of a condemned criminal, + than the bold strain which had resounded along the wild heath of + Loudon-hill, in anticipation of that day's victory. The melancholy melody + soon received a rough accompaniment; the royal soldiers shouted, the + Highlanders yelled, the cannon began to fire on one side, and the + musketry on both, and the bridge of Bothwell, with the banks adjacent, + were involved in wreaths of smoke. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0011"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XI. +</h2> +<pre> + As e'er ye saw the rain doun fa', + Or yet the arrow from the bow, + Sae our Scots lads fell even down, + And they lay slain on every knowe. + Old Ballad. +</pre> +<p> + Ere Morton or Burley had reached the post to be defended, the enemy had + commenced an attack upon it with great spirit. The two regiments of + Foot-Guards, formed into a close column, rushed forward to the river; one + corps, deploying along the right bank, commenced a galling fire on the + defenders of the pass, while the other pressed on to occupy the bridge. + The insurgents sustained the attack with great constancy and courage; and + while part of their number returned the fire across the river, the rest + maintained a discharge of musketry upon the further end of the bridge + itself, and every avenue by which the soldiers endeavoured to approach + it. The latter suffered severely, but still gained ground, and the head + of their column was already upon the bridge, when the arrival of Morton + changed the scene; and his marksmen, commencing upon the pass a fire as + well aimed as it was sustained and regular, compelled the assailants to + retire with much loss. They were a second time brought up to the charge, + and a second time repulsed with still greater loss, as Burley had now + brought his party into action. The fire was continued with the utmost + vehemence on both sides, and the issue of the action seemed very dubious. +</p> +<p> + Monmouth, mounted on a superb white charger, might be discovered on the + top of the right bank of the river, urging, entreating, and animating the + exertions of his soldiers. By his orders, the cannon, which had hitherto + been employed in annoying the distant main body of the presbyterians, + were now turned upon the defenders of the bridge. But these tremendous + engines, being wrought much more slowly than in modern times, did not + produce the effect of annoying or terrifying the enemy to the extent + proposed. The insurgents, sheltered by copsewood along the bank of the + river, or stationed in the houses already mentioned, fought under cover, + while the royalists, owing to the precautions of Morton, were entirely + exposed. The defence was so protracted and obstinate, that the royal + generals began to fear it might be ultimately successful. While Monmouth + threw himself from his horse, and, rallying the Foot-Guards, brought them + on to another close and desperate attack, he was warmly seconded + by Dalzell, who, putting himself at the head of a body of + Lennox-Highlanders, rushed forward with their tremendous war-cry of + Loch-sloy. +</p> +<pre> + [Note: This was the slogan or war-cry of the MacFarlanes, taken from + a lake near the head of Loch Lomond, in the centre of their ancient + possessions on the western banks of that beautiful inland sea.] +</pre> +<p> + The ammunition of the defenders of the bridge began to fail at this + important crisis; messages, commanding and imploring succours and + supplies, were in vain dispatched, one after the other, to the main body + of the presbyterian army, which remained inactively drawn up on the open + fields in the rear. Fear, consternation, and misrule, had gone abroad + among them, and while the post on which their safety depended required + to be instantly and powerfully reinforced, there remained none either to + command or to obey. +</p> +<p> + As the fire of the defenders of the bridge began to slacken, that of the + assailants increased, and in its turn became more fatal. Animated by the + example and exhortations of their generals, they obtained a footing upon + the bridge itself, and began to remove the obstacles by which it was + blockaded. The portal-gate was broke open, the beams, trunks of trees, + and other materials of the barricade, pulled down and thrown into the + river. This was not accomplished without opposition. Morton and Burley + fought in the very front of their followers, and encouraged them with + their pikes, halberds, and partisans, to encounter the bayonets of the + Guards, and the broadswords of the Highlanders. But those behind the + leaders began to shrink from the unequal combat, and fly singly, or in + parties of two or three, towards the main body, until the remainder were, + by the mere weight of the hostile column as much as by their weapons, + fairly forced from the bridge. The passage being now open, the enemy + began to pour over. But the bridge was long and narrow, which rendered + the manoeuvre slow as well as dangerous; and those who first passed had + still to force the houses, from the windows of which the Covenanters + continued to fire. Burley and Morton were near each other at this + critical moment. +</p> +<p> + "There is yet time," said the former, "to bring down horse to attack + them, ere they can get into order; and, with the aid of God, we may thus + regain the bridge—hasten thou to bring them down, while I make the + defence good with this old and wearied body." +</p> +<p> + Morton saw the importance of the advice, and, throwing himself on the + horse which cuddie held in readiness for him behind the thicket, galloped + towards a body of cavalry which chanced to be composed entirely of + Cameronians. Ere he could speak his errand, or utter his orders, he was + saluted by the execrations of the whole body. +</p> +<p> + "He flies!" they exclaimed—"the cowardly traitor flies like a hart from + the hunters, and hath left valiant Burley in the midst of the slaughter!" +</p> +<p> + "I do not fly," said Morton. "I come to lead you to the attack. Advance + boldly, and we shall yet do well." +</p> +<p> + "Follow him not!—Follow him not!"—such were the tumultuous exclamations + which resounded from the ranks;—"he hath sold you to the sword of the + enemy!" +</p> +<p> + And while Morton argued, entreated, and commanded in vain, the moment was + lost in which the advance might have been useful; and the outlet from the + bridge, with all its defences, being in complete possession of the enemy, + Burley and his remaining followers were driven back upon the main body, + to whom the spectacle of their hurried and harassed retreat was far from + restoring the confidence which they so much wanted. +</p> +<p> + In the meanwhile, the forces of the King crossed the bridge at their + leisure, and, securing the pass, formed in line of battle; while + Claverhouse, who, like a hawk perched on a rock, and eyeing the time to + pounce on its prey, had watched the event of the action from the opposite + bank, now passed the bridge at the head of his cavalry, at full trot, + and, leading them in squadrons through the intervals and round the flanks + of the royal infantry, formed them in line on the moor, and led them to + the charge, advancing in front with one large body, while other two + divisions threatened the flanks of the Covenanters. Their devoted army + was now in that situation when the slightest demonstration towards an + attack was certain to inspire panic. Their broken spirits and + disheartened courage were unable to endure the charge of the cavalry, + attended with all its terrible accompaniments of sight and sound;—the + rush of the horses at full speed, the shaking of the earth under their + feet, the glancing of the swords, the waving of the plumes, and the + fierce shouts of the cavaliers. The front ranks hardly attempted one + ill-directed and disorderly fire, and their rear were broken and flying + in confusion ere the charge had been completed; and in less than five + minutes the horsemen were mixed with them, cutting and hewing without + mercy. The voice of Claverhouse was heard, even above the din of + conflict, exclaiming to his soldiers—"Kill, kill—no quarter—think on + Richard Grahame!" The dragoons, many of whom had shared the disgrace of + Loudon-hill, required no exhortations to vengeance as easy as it was + complete. Their swords drank deep of slaughter among the unresisting + fugitives. Screams for quarter were only answered by the shouts with + which the pursuers accompanied their blows, and the whole field presented + one general scene of confused slaughter, flight, and pursuit. +</p> +<p> + About twelve hundred of the insurgents who remained in a body a little + apart from the rest, and out of the line of the charge of cavalry, threw + down their arms and surrendered at discretion, upon the approach of the + Duke of Monmouth at the head of the infantry. That mild-tempered nobleman + instantly allowed them the quarter which they prayed for; and, galloping + about through the field, exerted himself as much to stop the slaughter as + he had done to obtain the victory. While busied in this humane task he + met with General Dalzell, who was encouraging the fierce Highlanders and + royal volunteers to show their zeal for King and country, by quenching + the flame of the rebellion with the blood of the rebels. +</p> +<p> + "Sheathe your sword, I command you, General!" exclaimed the Duke, "and + sound the retreat. Enough of blood has been shed; give quarter to the + King's misguided subjects." +</p> +<p> + "I obey your Grace," said the old man, wiping his bloody sword and + returning it to the scabbard; "but I warn you, at the same time, that + enough has not been done to intimidate these desperate rebels. Has not + your Grace heard that Basil Olifant has collected several gentlemen and + men of substance in the west, and is in the act of marching to join + them?" +</p> +<p> + "Basil Olifant?" said the Duke; "who, or what is he?" +</p> +<p> + "The next male heir to the last Earl of Torwood. He is disaffected to + government from his claim to the estate being set aside in favour of Lady + Margaret Bellenden; and I suppose the hope of getting the inheritance has + set him in motion." +</p> +<p> + "Be his motives what they will," replied Monmouth, "he must soon disperse + his followers, for this army is too much broken to rally again. + Therefore, once more, I command that the pursuit be stopped." +</p> +<p> + "It is your Grace's province to command, and to be responsible for your + commands," answered Dalzell, as he gave reluctant orders for checking the + pursuit. +</p> +<p> + But the fiery and vindictive Grahame was already far out of hearing of + the signal of retreat, and continued with his cavalry an unwearied and + bloody pursuit, breaking, dispersing, and cutting to pieces all the + insurgents whom they could come up with. +</p> +<p> + Burley and Morton were both hurried off the field by the confused tide of + fugitives. They made some attempt to defend the streets of the town of + Hamilton; but, while labouring to induce the fliers to face about and + stand to their weapons. Burley received a bullet which broke his + sword-arm. +</p> +<p> + "May the hand be withered that shot the shot!" he exclaimed, as the sword + which he was waving over his head fell powerless to his side. "I can + fight no longer." [Note: This incident, and Burley's exclamation, are + taken from the records.] +</p> +<p> + Then turning his horse's head, he retreated out of the confusion. Morton + also now saw that the continuing his unavailing efforts to rally the + fliers could only end in his own death or captivity, and, followed by the + faithful Cuddie, he extricated himself from the press, and, being well + mounted, leaped his horse over one or two enclosures, and got into the + open country. +</p> +<p> + From the first hill which they gained in their flight, they looked back, + and beheld the whole country covered with their fugitive companions, and + with the pursuing dragoons, whose wild shouts and halloo, as they did + execution on the groups whom they overtook, mingled with the groans and + screams of their victims, rose shrilly up the hill. +</p> +<p> + "It is impossible they can ever make head again," said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "The head's taen aff them, as clean as I wad bite it aff a sybo!" + rejoined Cuddie. "Eh, Lord! see how the broadswords are flashing! war's + a fearsome thing. They'll be cunning that catches me at this wark + again.—But, for God's sake, sir, let us mak for some strength!" +</p> +<p> + Morton saw the necessity of following the advice of his trusty squire. + They resumed a rapid pace, and continued it without intermission, + directing their course towards the wild and mountainous country, where + they thought it likely some part of the fugitives might draw together, + for the sake either of making defence, or of obtaining terms. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0012"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XII. +</h2> +<pre> + They require + Of Heaven the hearts of lions, breath of tigers, + Yea and the fierceness too. + Fletcher. +</pre> +<p> + Evening had fallen; and, for the last two hours, they had seen none of + their ill-fated companions, when Morton and his faithful attendant gained + the moorland, and approached a large and solitary farmhouse, situated in + the entrance of a wild glen, far remote from any other habitation. +</p> +<p> + "Our horses," said Morton, "will carry us no farther without rest or + food, and we must try to obtain them here, if possible." +</p> +<p> + So speaking, he led the way to the house. The place had every appearance + of being inhabited. There was smoke issuing from the chimney in a + considerable volume, and the marks of recent hoofs were visible around + the door. They could even hear the murmuring of human voices within the + house. But all the lower windows were closely secured; and when they + knocked at the door, no answer was returned. After vainly calling and + entreating admittance, they withdrew to the stable, or shed, in order to + accommodate their horses, ere they used farther means of gaining + admission. In this place they found ten or twelve horses, whose state of + fatigue, as well as the military yet disordered appearance of their + saddles and accoutrements, plainly indicated that their owners were + fugitive insurgents in their own circumstances. +</p> +<p> + "This meeting bodes luck," said Cuddie; "and they hae walth o' beef, + that's ae thing certain, for here's a raw hide that has been about the + hurdies o' a stot not half an hour syne—it's warm yet." +</p> +<p> + Encouraged by these appearances, they returned again to the house, and, + announcing themselves as men in the same predicament with the inmates, + clamoured loudly for admittance. +</p> +<p> + "Whoever ye be," answered a stern voice from the window, after a long and + obdurate silence, "disturb not those who mourn for the desolation and + captivity of the land, and search out the causes of wrath and of + defection, that the stumbling-blocks may be removed over which we have + stumbled." +</p> +<p> + "They are wild western whigs," said Cuddie, in a whisper to his master, + "I ken by their language. Fiend hae me, if I like to venture on them!" +</p> +<p> + Morton, however, again called to the party within, and insisted on + admittance; but, finding his entreaties still disregarded, he opened one + of the lower windows, and pushing asunder the shutters, which were but + slightly secured, stepped into the large kitchen from which the voice had + issued. Cuddie followed him, muttering betwixt his teeth, as he put his + head within the window, "That he hoped there was nae scalding brose on + the fire;" and master and servant both found themselves in the company of + ten or twelve armed men, seated around the fire, on which refreshments + were preparing, and busied apparently in their devotions. +</p> +<p> + In the gloomy countenances, illuminated by the fire-light, Morton had no + difficulty in recognising several of those zealots who had most + distinguished themselves by their intemperate opposition to all moderate + measures, together with their noted pastor, the fanatical Ephraim + Macbriar, and the maniac, Habakkuk Mucklewrath. The Cameronians neither + stirred tongue nor hand to welcome their brethren in misfortune, but + continued to listen to the low murmured exercise of Macbriar, as he + prayed that the Almighty would lift up his hand from his people, and not + make an end in the day of his anger. That they were conscious of the + presence of the intruders only appeared from the sullen and indignant + glances which they shot at them, from time to time, as their eyes + encountered. +</p> +<p> + Morton, finding into what unfriendly society he had unwittingly intruded, + began to think of retreating; but, on turning his head, observed with + some alarm, that two strong men had silently placed themselves beside the + window, through which they had entered. One of these ominous sentinels + whispered to Cuddie, "Son of that precious woman, Mause Headrigg, do not + cast thy lot farther with this child of treachery and perdition—Pass on + thy way, and tarry not, for the avenger of blood is behind thee." +</p> +<p> + With this he pointed to the window, out of which Cuddie jumped without + hesitation; for the intimation he had received plainly implied the + personal danger he would otherwise incur. +</p> +<p> + "Winnocks are no lucky wi' me," was his first reflection when he was in + the open air; his next was upon the probable fate of his master. "They'll + kill him, the murdering loons, and think they're doing a gude turn! but + I'se tak the back road for Hamilton, and see if I canna get some o' our + ain folk to bring help in time of needcessity." +</p> +<p> + So saying, Cuddie hastened to the stable, and taking the best horse he + could find instead of his own tired animal, he galloped off in the + direction he proposed. +</p> +<p> + The noise of his horse's tread alarmed for an instant the devotion of the + fanatics. As it died in the distance, Macbriar brought his exercise to a + conclusion, and his audience raised themselves from the stooping posture, + and louring downward look, with which they had listened to it, and all + fixed their eyes sternly on Henry Morton. +</p> +<p> + "You bend strange countenances on me, gentlemen," said he, addressing + them. "I am totally ignorant in what manner I can have deserved them." +</p> +<p> + "Out upon thee! out upon thee!" exclaimed Mucklewrath, starting up: "the + word that thou hast spurned shall become a rock to crush and to bruise + thee; the spear which thou wouldst have broken shall pierce thy side; we + have prayed, and wrestled, and petitioned for an offering to atone the + sins of the congregation, and lo! the very head of the offence is + delivered into our hand. He hath burst in like a thief through the + window; he is a ram caught in the thicket, whose blood shall be a + drink-offering to redeem vengeance from the church, and the place shall + from henceforth be called Jehovah-Jireh, for the sacrifice is provided. + Up then, and bind the victim with cords to the horns of the altar!" +</p> +<p> + There was a movement among the party; and deeply did Morton regret at + that moment the incautious haste with which he had ventured into their + company. He was armed only with his sword, for he had left his pistols at + the bow of his saddle; and, as the whigs were all provided with + fire-arms, there was little or no chance of escaping from them by + resistance. The interposition, however, of Macbriar protected him for the + moment. +</p> +<p> + "Tarry yet a while, brethren—let us not use the sword rashly, lest the + load of innocent blood lie heavy on us.—Come," he said, addressing + himself to Morton, "we will reckon with thee ere we avenge the cause thou + hast betrayed.—Hast thou not," he continued, "made thy face as hard as + flint against the truth in all the assemblies of the host?" +</p> +<p> + "He has—he has," murmured the deep voices of the assistants. +</p> +<p> + "He hath ever urged peace with the malignants," said one. +</p> +<p> + "And pleaded for the dark and dismal guilt of the Indulgence," said + another. +</p> +<p> + "And would have surrendered the host into the hands of Monmouth," echoed + a third; "and was the first to desert the honest and manly Burley, while + he yet resisted at the pass. I saw him on the moor, with his horse bloody + with spurring, long ere the firing had ceased at the bridge." +</p> +<p> + "Gentlemen," said Morton, "if you mean to bear me down by clamour, and + take my life without hearing me, it is perhaps a thing in your power; but + you will sin before God and man by the commission of such a murder." +</p> +<p> + "I say, hear the youth," said Macbriar; "for Heaven knows our bowels have + yearned for him, that he might be brought to see the truth, and exert his + gifts in its defence. But he is blinded by his carnal knowledge, and has + spurned the light when it blazed before him." +</p> +<p> + Silence being obtained, Morton proceeded to assert the good faith which + he had displayed in the treaty with Monmouth, and the active part he had + borne in the subsequent action. +</p> +<p> + "I may not, gentlemen," he said, "be fully able to go the lengths you + desire, in assigning to those of my own religion the means of tyrannizing + over others; but none shall go farther in asserting our own lawful + freedom. And I must needs aver, that had others been of my mind in + counsel, or disposed to stand by my side in battle, we should this + evening, instead of being a defeated and discordant remnant, have + sheathed our weapons in an useful and honourable peace, or brandished + them triumphantly after a decisive victory." +</p> +<p> + "He hath spoken the word," said one of the assembly—"he hath avowed his + carnal self-seeking and Erastianism; let him die the death!" +</p> +<p> + "Peace yet again," said Macbriar, "for I will try him further.—Was it + not by thy means that the malignant Evandale twice escaped from death and + captivity? Was it not through thee that Miles Bellenden and his garrison + of cut-throats were saved from the edge of the sword?" +</p> +<p> + "I am proud to say, that you have spoken the truth in both instances," + replied Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Lo! you see," said Macbriar, "again hath his mouth spoken it.—And didst + thou not do this for the sake of a Midianitish woman, one of the spawn of + prelacy, a toy with which the arch-enemy's trap is baited? Didst thou not + do all this for the sake of Edith Bellenden?" +</p> +<p> + "You are incapable," answered Morton, boldly, "of appreciating my + feelings towards that young lady; but all that I have done I would have + done had she never existed." +</p> +<p> + "Thou art a hardy rebel to the truth," said another dark-brow'd man; "and + didst thou not so act, that, by conveying away the aged woman, Margaret + Bellenden, and her grand-daughter, thou mightest thwart the wise and + godly project of John Balfour of Burley for bringing forth to battle + Basil Olifant, who had agreed to take the field if he were insured + possession of these women's worldly endowments?" +</p> +<p> + "I never heard of such a scheme," said Morton, "and therefore I could not + thwart it.—But does your religion permit you to take such uncreditable + and immoral modes of recruiting?" +</p> +<p> + "Peace," said Macbriar, somewhat disconcerted; "it is not for thee to + instruct tender professors, or to construe Covenant obligations. For the + rest, you have acknowledged enough of sin and sorrowful defection, to + draw down defeat on a host, were it as numerous as the sands on the + sea-shore. And it is our judgment, that we are not free to let you pass + from us safe and in life, since Providence hath given you into our hands + at the moment that we prayed with godly Joshua, saying, 'What shall we + say when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies?'—Then camest + thou, delivered to us as it were by lot, that thou mightest sustain the + punishment of one that hath wrought folly in Israel. Therefore, mark my + words. This is the Sabbath, and our hand shall not be on thee to spill + thy blood upon this day; but, when the twelfth hour shall strike, it is a + token that thy time on earth hath run! Wherefore improve thy span, for it + flitteth fast away.—Seize on the prisoner, brethren, and take his + weapon." +</p> +<p> + The command was so unexpectedly given, and so suddenly executed by those + of the party who had gradually closed behind and around Morton, that he + was overpowered, disarmed, and a horse-girth passed round his arms, + before he could offer any effectual resistance. When this was + accomplished, a dead and stern silence took place. The fanatics ranged + themselves around a large oaken table, placing Morton amongst them bound + and helpless, in such a manner as to be opposite to the clock which was + to strike his knell. Food was placed before them, of which they offered + their intended victim a share; but, it will readily be believed, he had + little appetite. When this was removed, the party resumed their + devotions. Macbriar, whose fierce zeal did not perhaps exclude some + feelings of doubt and compunction, began to expostulate in prayer, as if + to wring from the Deity a signal that the bloody sacrifice they proposed + was an acceptable service. The eyes and ears of his hearers were + anxiously strained, as if to gain some sight or sound which might be + converted or wrested into a type of approbation, and ever and anon dark + looks were turned on the dial-plate of the time-piece, to watch its + progress towards the moment of execution. +</p> +<p> + Morton's eye frequently took the same course, with the sad reflection, + that there appeared no posibility of his life being expanded beyond the + narrow segment which the index had yet to travel on the circle until it + arrived at the fatal hour. Faith in his religion, with a constant + unyielding principle of honour, and the sense of conscious innocence, + enabled him to pass through this dreadful interval with less agitation + than he himself could have expected, had the situation been prophesied to + him. Yet there was a want of that eager and animating sense of right + which supported him in similar circumstances, when in the power of + Claverhouse. Then he was conscious, that, amid the spectators, were many + who were lamenting his condition, and some who applauded his conduct. But + now, among these pale-eyed and ferocious zealots, whose hardened brows + were soon to be bent, not merely with indifference, but with triumph, + upon his execution,—without a friend to speak a kindly word, or give a + look either of sympathy or encouragement,—awaiting till the sword + destined to slay him crept out of the scabbard gradually, and as it were + by strawbreadths, and condemned to drink the bitterness of death drop by + drop,—it is no wonder that his feelings were less composed than they had + been on any former occasion of danger. His destined executioners, as he + gazed around them, seemed to alter their forms and features, like + spectres in a feverish dream; their figures became larger, and their + faces more disturbed; and, as an excited imagination predominated over + the realities which his eyes received, he could have thought himself + surrounded rather by a band of demons than of human beings; the walls + seemed to drop with blood, and the light tick of the clock thrilled on + his ear with such loud, painful distinctness, as if each sound were the + prick of a bodkin inflicted on the naked nerve of the organ. +</p> +<a name="image-0007"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/frontispiece2.jpg" height="801" width="531" +alt="Morton Awaiting Death +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + It was with pain that he felt his mind wavering, while on the brink + between this and the future world. He made a strong effort to compose + himself to devotional exercises, and unequal, during that fearful strife + of nature, to arrange his own thoughts into suitable expressions, he had, + instinctively, recourse to the petition for deliverance and for composure + of spirit which is to be found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Church + of England. Macbriar, whose family were of that persuasion, instantly + recognised the words, which the unfortunate prisoner pronounced half + aloud. +</p> +<p> + "There lacked but this," he said, his pale cheek kindling with + resentment, "to root out my carnal reluctance to see his blood spilt. He + is a prelatist, who has sought the camp under the disguise of an + Erastian, and all, and more than all, that has been said of him must + needs be verity. His blood be on his head, the deceiver!—let him go down + to Tophet, with the ill-mumbled mass which he calls a prayer-book, in his + right hand!" +</p> +<p> + "I take up my song against him!" exclaimed the maniac. "As the sun went + back on the dial ten degrees for intimating the recovery of holy + Hezekiah, so shall it now go forward, that the wicked may be taken away + from among the people, and the Covenant established in its purity." +</p> +<p> + He sprang to a chair with an attitude of frenzy, in order to anticipate + the fatal moment by putting the index forward; and several of the party + began to make ready their slaughter-weapons for immediate execution, when + Mucklewrath's hand was arrested by one of his companions. +</p> +<p> + "Hist!" he said—"I hear a distant noise." +</p> +<p> + "It is the rushing of the brook over the pebbles," said one. +</p> +<p> + "It is the sough of the wind among the bracken," said another. +</p> +<p> + "It is the galloping of horse," said Morton to himself, his sense of + hearing rendered acute by the dreadful situation in which he stood; "God + grant they may come as my deliverers!" +</p> +<p> + The noise approached rapidly, and became more and more distinct. +</p> +<p> + "It is horse," cried Macbriar. "Look out and descry who they are." +</p> +<p> + "The enemy are upon us!" cried one who had opened the window, in + obedience to his order. +</p> +<p> + A thick trampling and loud voices were heard immediately round the house. + Some rose to resist, and some to escape; the doors and windows were + forced at once, and the red coats of the troopers appeared in the + apartment. +</p> +<p> + "Have at the bloody rebels!—Remember Cornet Grahame!" was shouted on + every side. +</p> +<p> + The lights were struck down, but the dubious glare of the fire enabled + them to continue the fray. Several pistol-shots were fired; the whig who + stood next to Morton received a shot as he was rising, stumbled against + the prisoner, whom he bore down with his weight, and lay stretched above + him a dying man. This accident probably saved Morton from the damage he + might otherwise have received in so close a struggle, where fire-arms + were discharged and sword-blows given for upwards of five minutes. +</p> +<p> + "Is the prisoner safe?" exclaimed the well-known voice of Claverhouse; + "look about for him, and dispatch the whig dog who is groaning there." +</p> +<p> + Both orders were executed. The groans of the wounded man were silenced by + a thrust with a rapier, and Morton, disencumbered of his weight, was + speedily raised and in the arms of the faithful Cuddie, who blubbered for + joy when he found that the blood with which his master was covered had + not flowed from his own veins. A whisper in Morton's ear, while his + trusty follower relieved him from his bonds, explained the secret of the + very timely appearance of the soldiers. +</p> +<pre> +"I fell into Claverhouse's party when I was seeking for some o' our ain +folk to help ye out o' the hands of the whigs, sae being atween the deil +and the deep sea, I e'en thought it best to bring him on wi' me, for +he'll be wearied wi' felling folk the night, and the morn's a new day, +and Lord Evandale awes ye a day in ha'arst; and Monmouth gies quarter, +the dragoons tell me, for the asking. Sae haud up your heart, an' I'se +warrant we'll do a' weel eneugh yet." + + [Note: NOTE TO CHAPTER XII. The principal incident of the foregoing + Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by + a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the + Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions + in an inferior department. When employed as a supervisor on the + coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man + rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman + had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the + contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue. + + This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one + occasion, placed his life in jeopardy. At one time in particular, as + he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly + upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the + country. They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner + as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, + and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, + since they had met so happily. The officer did not attempt + opposition, but only asked leave to send a country lad to tell his + wife and family that he should be detained later than he expected. + As he had to charge the boy with this message in the presence of the + smugglers, he could found no hope of deliverance from it, save what + might arise from the sharpness of the lad's observation, and the + natural anxiety and affection of his wife. But if his errand should + be delivered and received literally, as he was conscious the + smugglers expected, it was likely that it might, by suspending alarm + about his absence from home, postpone all search after him till it + might be useless. Making a merit of necessity, therefore, he + instructed and dispatched his messenger, and went with the + contraband traders, with seeming willingness, to one of their + ordinary haunts. He sat down at table with them, and they began to + drink and indulge themselves in gross jokes, while, like Mirabel in + the "Inconstant," their prisoner had the heavy task of receiving + their insolence as wit, answering their insults with good-humour, + and withholding from them the opportunity which they sought of + engaging him in a quarrel, that they might have a pretence for + misusing him. He succeeded for some time, but soon became satisfied + it was their purpose to murder him out-right, or else to beat him in + such a manner as scarce to leave him with life. A regard for the + sanctity of the Sabbath evening, which still oddly subsisted among + these ferocious men, amidst their habitual violation of divine and + social law, prevented their commencing their intended cruelty until + the Sabbath should be terminated. They were sitting around their + anxious prisoner, muttering to each other words of terrible import, + and watching the index of a clock, which was shortly to strike the + hour at which, in their apprehension, murder would become lawful, + when their intended victim heard a distant rustling like the wind + among withered leaves. It came nearer, and resembled the sound of a + brook in flood chafing within its banks; it came nearer yet, and was + plainly distinguished as the galloping of a party of horse. The + absence of her husband, and the account given by the boy of the + suspicious appearance of those with whom he had remained, had + induced Mrs—to apply to the neighbouring town for a party of + dragoons, who thus providentially arrived in time to save him from + extreme violence, if not from actual destruction.] +</pre> +<a name="2HCH0013"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XIII. +</h2> +<pre> + Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife! + To all the sensual world proclaim, + One crowded hour of glorious life + Is worth an age without a name. + Anonymous. +</pre> +<p> + When the desperate affray had ceased, Claverhouse commanded his soldiers + to remove the dead bodies, to refresh themselves and their horses, and + prepare for passing the night at the farm-house, and for marching early + in the ensuing morning. He then turned his attention to Morton, and there + was politeness, and even kindness, in the manner in which he addressed + him. +</p> +<p> + "You would have saved yourself risk from both sides, Mr Morton, if you + had honoured my counsel yesterday morning with some attention; but I + respect your motives. You are a prisoner-of-war at the disposal of the + king and council, but you shall be treated with no incivility; and I will + be satisfied with your parole that you will not attempt an escape." +</p> +<p> + When Morton had passed his word to that effect, Claverhouse bowed + civilly, and, turning away from him, called for his sergeant-major. +</p> +<p> + "How many prisoners, Halliday, and how many killed?" +</p> +<p> + "Three killed in the house, sir, two cut down in the court, and one in + the garden—six in all; four prisoners." +</p> +<p> + "Armed or unarmed?" said Claverhouse. +</p> +<p> + "Three of them armed to the teeth," answered Halliday; "one without + arms—he seems to be a preacher." +</p> +<p> + "Ay—the trumpeter to the long-ear'd rout, I suppose," replied + Claverhouse, glancing slightly round upon his victims, "I will talk with + him tomorrow. Take the other three down to the yard, draw out two files, + and fire upon them; and, d'ye hear, make a memorandum in the orderly book + of three rebels taken in arms and shot, with the date and name of the + place—Drumshinnel, I think, they call it.—Look after the preacher till + to-morrow; as he was not armed, he must undergo a short examination. Or + better, perhaps, take him before the Privy Council; I think they should + relieve me of a share of this disgusting drudgery.—Let Mr Morton be + civilly used, and see that the men look well after their horses; and let + my groom wash Wild-blood's shoulder with some vinegar, the saddle has + touched him a little." +</p> +<p> + All these various orders,—for life and death, the securing of his + prisoners, and the washing his charger's shoulder,—were given in the + same unmoved and equable voice, of which no accent or tone intimated that + the speaker considered one direction as of more importance than another. +</p> +<p> + The Cameronians, so lately about to be the willing agents of a bloody + execution, were now themselves to undergo it. They seemed prepared alike + for either extremity, nor did any of them show the least sign of fear, + when ordered to leave the room for the purpose of meeting instant death. + Their severe enthusiasm sustained them in that dreadful moment, and they + departed with a firm look and in silence, excepting that one of them, as + he left the apartment, looked Claverhouse full in the face, and + pronounced, with a stern and steady voice,—"Mischief shall haunt the + violent man!" to which Grahame only answered by a smile of contempt. +</p> +<p> + They had no sooner left the room than Claverhouse applied himself to some + food, which one or two of his party had hastily provided, and invited + Morton to follow his example, observing, it had been a busy day for them + both. Morton declined eating; for the sudden change of circumstances—the + transition from the verge of the grave to a prospect of life, had + occasioned a dizzy revulsion in his whole system. But the same confused + sensation was accompanied by a burning thirst, and he expressed his wish + to drink. +</p> +<p> + "I will pledge you, with all my heart," said Claverhouse; "for here is a + black jack full of ale, and good it must be, if there be good in the + country, for the whigs never miss to find it out.—My service to you, Mr + Morton," he said, filling one horn of ale for himself, and handing + another to his prisoner. +</p> +<p> + Morton raised it to his head, and was just about to drink, when the + discharge of carabines beneath the window, followed by a deep and hollow + groan, repeated twice or thrice, and more faint at each interval, + announced the fate of the three men who had just left them. Morton + shuddered, and set down the untasted cup. +</p> +<p> + "You are but young in these matters, Mr Morton," said Claverhouse, after + he had very composedly finished his draught; "and I do not think the + worse of you as a young soldier for appearing to feel them acutely. But + habit, duty, and necessity, reconcile men to every thing." +</p> +<p> + "I trust," said Morton, "they will never reconcile me to such scenes as + these." +</p> +<p> + "You would hardly believe," said Claverhouse in reply, "that, in the + beginning of my military career, I had as much aversion to seeing blood + spilt as ever man felt; it seemed to me to be wrung from my own heart; + and yet, if you trust one of those whig fellows, he will tell you I drink + a warm cup of it every morning before I breakfast. [Note: The author is + uncertain whether this was ever said of Claverhouse. But it was currently + reported of Sir Robert Grierson of Lagg, another of the persecutors, that + a cup of wine placed in his hand turned to clotted blood.] But in truth, + Mr Morton, why should we care so much for death, light upon us or around + us whenever it may? Men die daily—not a bell tolls the hour but it is + the death-note of some one or other; and why hesitate to shorten the span + of others, or take over-anxious care to prolong our own? It is all a + lottery—when the hour of midnight came, you were to die—it has struck, + you are alive and safe, and the lot has fallen on those fellows who were + to murder you. It is not the expiring pang that is worth thinking of in + an event that must happen one day, and may befall us on any given + moment—it is the memory which the soldier leaves behind him, like the + long train of light that follows the sunken sun—that is all which is + worth caring for, which distinguishes the death of the brave or the + ignoble. When I think of death, Mr Morton, as a thing worth thinking of, + it is in the hope of pressing one day some well-fought and hard-won + field of battle, and dying with the shout of victory in my ear—that + would be worth dying for, and more, it would be worth having lived for!" +</p> +<p> + At the moment when Grahame delivered these sentiments, his eye glancing + with the martial enthusiasm which formed such a prominent feature in his + character, a gory figure, which seemed to rise out of the floor of the + apartment, stood upright before him, and presented the wild person and + hideous features of the maniac so often mentioned. His face, where it was + not covered with blood-streaks, was ghastly pale, for the hand of death + was on him. He bent upon Claverhouse eyes, in which the grey light of + insanity still twinkled, though just about to flit for ever, and + exclaimed, with his usual wildness of ejaculation, "Wilt thou trust in + thy bow and in thy spear, in thy steed and in thy banner? And shall not + God visit thee for innocent blood?—Wilt thou glory in thy wisdom, and in + thy courage, and in thy might? And shall not the Lord judge thee?—Behold + the princes, for whom thou hast sold thy soul to the destroyer, shall be + removed from their place, and banished to other lands, and their names + shall be a desolation, and an astonishment, and a hissing, and a curse. + And thou, who hast partaken of the wine-cup of fury, and hast been + drunken and mad because thereof, the wish of thy heart shall be granted + to thy loss, and the hope of thine own pride shall destroy thee. I summon + thee, John Grahame, to appear before the tribunal of God, to answer for + this innocent blood, and the seas besides which thou hast shed." +</p> +<p> + He drew his right hand across his bleeding face, and held it up to heaven + as he uttered these words, which he spoke very loud, and then added more + faintly, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge + the blood of thy saints!" +</p> +<p> + As he uttered the last word, he fell backwards without an attempt to save + himself, and was a dead man ere his head touched the floor. +</p> +<p> + Morton was much shocked at this extraordinary scene, and the prophecy of + the dying man, which tallied so strangely with the wish which Claverhouse + had just expressed; and he often thought of it afterwards when that wish + seemed to be accomplished. Two of the dragoons who were in the apartment, + hardened as they were, and accustomed to such scenes, showed great + consternation at the sudden apparition, the event, and the words which + preceded it. Claverhouse alone was unmoved. At the first instant of + Mucklewrath's appearance, he had put his hand to his pistol, but on + seeing the situation of the wounded wretch, he immediately withdrew it, + and listened with great composure to his dying exclamation. +</p> +<p> + When he dropped, Claverhouse asked, in an unconcerned tone of voice—"How + came the fellow here?—Speak, you staring fool!" he added, addressing the + nearest dragoon, "unless you would have me think you such a poltroon as + to fear a dying man." +</p> +<p> + The dragoon crossed himself, and replied with a faltering voice,—"That + the dead fellow had escaped their notice when they removed the other + bodies, as he chanced to have fallen where a cloak or two had been flung + aside, and covered him." +</p> +<p> + "Take him away now, then, you gaping idiot, and see that he does not bite + you, to put an old proverb to shame.—This is a new incident, Mr. Morton, + that dead men should rise and push us from our stools. I must see that my + blackguards grind their swords sharper; they used not to do their work so + slovenly.—But we have had a busy day; they are tired, and their blades + blunted with their bloody work; and I suppose you, Mr Morton, as well as + I, are well disposed for a few hours' repose." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he yawned, and taking a candle which a soldier had placed + ready, saluted Morton courteously, and walked to the apartment which had + been prepared for him. +</p> +<p> + Morton was also accommodated, for the evening, with a separate room. + Being left alone, his first occupation was the returning thanks to Heaven + for redeeming him from danger, even through the instrumentality of those + who seemed his most dangerous enemies; he also prayed sincerely for the + Divine assistance in guiding his course through times which held out so + many dangers and so many errors. And having thus poured out his spirit in + prayer before the Great Being who gave it, he betook himself to the + repose which he so much required. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0014"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XIV. +</h2> +<pre> + The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met, + The judges all ranged—a terrible show! + Beggar's Opera. +</pre> +<p> + So deep was the slumber which succeeded the agitation and embarrassment + of the preceding day, that Morton hardly knew where he was when it was + broken by the tramp of horses, the hoarse voice of men, and the wild + sound of the trumpets blowing the /reveille/. The sergeant-major + immediately afterwards came to summon him, which he did in a very + respectful manner, saying the General (for Claverhouse now held that + rank) hoped for the pleasure of his company upon the road. In some + situations an intimation is a command, and Morton considered that the + present occasion was one of these. He waited upon Claverhouse as speedily + as he could, found his own horse saddled for his use, and Cuddie in + attendance. Both were deprived of their fire-arms, though they seemed, + otherwise, rather to make part of the troop than of the prisoners; and + Morton was permitted to retain his sword, the wearing which was, in those + days, the distinguishing mark of a gentleman. Claverhouse seemed also to + take pleasure in riding beside him, in conversing with him, and in + confounding his ideas when he attempted to appreciate his real character. + The gentleness and urbanity of that officer's general manners, the high + and chivalrous sentiments of military devotion which he occasionally + expressed, his deep and accurate insight into the human bosom, demanded + at once the approbation and the wonder of those who conversed with him; + while, on the other hand, his cold indifference to military violence and + cruelty seemed altogether inconsistent with the social, and even + admirable qualities which he displayed. Morton could not help, in his + heart, contrasting him with Balfour of Burley; and so deeply did the idea + impress him, that he dropped a hint of it as they rode together at some + distance from the troop. +</p> +<p> + "You are right," said Claverhouse, with a smile; "you are very right—we + are both fanatics; but there is some distinction between the fanaticism + of honour and that of dark and sullen superstition." +</p> +<p> + "Yet you both shed blood without mercy or remorse," said Morton, who + could not suppress his feelings. +</p> +<p> + "Surely," said Claverhouse, with the same composure; "but of what + kind?—There is a difference, I trust, between the blood of learned and + reverend prelates and scholars, of gallant soldiers and noble gentlemen, + and the red puddle that stagnates in the veins of psalm-singing + mechanics, crackbrained demagogues, and sullen boors;—some distinction, + in short, between spilling a flask of generous wine, and dashing down a + can full of base muddy ale?" +</p> +<p> + "Your distinction is too nice for my comprehension," replied Morton. "God + gives every spark of life—that of the peasant as well as of the prince; + and those who destroy his work recklessly or causelessly, must answer in + either case. What right, for example, have I to General Grahame's + protection now, more than when I first met him?" +</p> +<p> + "And narrowly escaped the consequences, you would say?" answered + Claverhouse—"why, I will answer you frankly. Then I thought I had to do + with the son of an old roundheaded rebel, and the nephew of a sordid + presbyterian laird; now I know your points better, and there is that + about you which I respect in an enemy as much as I like in a friend. I + have learned a good deal concerning you since our first meeting, and I + trust that you have found that my construction of the information has not + been unfavourable to you." +</p> +<p> + "But yet," said Morton— +</p> +<p> + "But yet," interrupted Grahame, taking up the word, "you would say you + were the same when I first met you that you are now? True; but then, how + could I know that? though, by the by, even my reluctance to suspend your + execution may show you how high your abilities stood in my estimation." +</p> +<p> + "Do you expect, General," said Morton, "that I ought to be particularly + grateful for such a mark of your esteem?" +</p> +<p> + "Poh! poh! you are critical," returned Claverhouse. "I tell you I thought + you a different sort of person. Did you ever read Froissart?" +</p> +<p> + "No," was Morton's answer. +</p> +<p> + "I have half a mind," said Claverhouse, "to contrive you should have six + months' imprisonment in order to procure you that pleasure. His chapters + inspire me with more enthusiasm than even poetry itself. And the noble + canon, with what true chivalrous feeling he confines his beautiful + expressions of sorrow to the death of the gallant and high-bred knight, + of whom it was a pity to see the fall, such was his loyalty to his king, + pure faith to his religion, hardihood towards his enemy, and fidelity to + his lady-love!—Ah, benedicite! how he will mourn over the fall of such a + pearl of knighthood, be it on the side he happens to favour, or on the + other. But, truly, for sweeping from the face of the earth some few + hundreds of villain churls, who are born but to plough it, the high-born + and inquisitive historian has marvellous little sympathy,—as little, or + less, perhaps, than John Grahame of Claverhouse." +</p> +<p> + "There is one ploughman in your possession, General, for whom," said + Morton, "in despite of the contempt in which you hold a profession which + some philosophers have considered as useful as that of a soldier, I would + humbly request your favour." +</p> +<p> + "You mean," said Claverhouse, looking at a memorandum book, "one + Hatherick—Hedderick—or—or—Headrigg. Ay, Cuthbert, or Cuddie + Headrigg—here I have him. O, never fear him, if he will be but + tractable. The ladies of Tillietudlem made interest with me on his + account some time ago. He is to marry their waiting-maid, I think. He + will be allowed to slip off easy, unless his obstinacy spoils his good + fortune." +</p> +<p> + "He has no ambition to be a martyr, I believe," said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "'Tis the better for him," said Claverhouse. "But, besides, although the + fellow had more to answer for, I should stand his friend, for the sake of + the blundering gallantry which threw him into the midst of our ranks last + night, when seeking assistance for you. I never desert any man who trusts + me with such implicit confidence. But, to deal sincerely with you, he has + been long in our eye.—Here, Halliday; bring me up the black book." +</p> +<p> + The sergeant, having committed to his commander this ominous record of + the disaffected, which was arranged in alphabetical order, Claverhouse, + turning over the leaves as he rode on, began to read names as they + occurred. +</p> +<p> + "Gumblegumption, a minister, aged 50, indulged, close, sly, and so + forth—Pooh! pooh!—He—He—I have him here—Heathercat; outlawed—a + preacher—a zealous Cameronian—keeps a conventicle among the Campsie + hills—Tush!—O, here is Headrigg—Cuthbert; his mother a bitter + puritan—himself a simple fellow—like to be forward in action, but of + no genius for plots—more for the hand than the head, and might be drawn + to the right side, but for his attachment to"—(Here Claverhouse looked + at Morton, and then shut the book and changed his tone.) "Faithful and + true are words never thrown away upon me, Mr Morton. You may depend on + the young man's safety." +</p> +<p> + "Does it not revolt a mind like yours," said Morton, "to follow a system + which is to be supported by such minute enquiries after obscure + individuals?" +</p> +<p> + "You do not suppose we take the trouble?" said the General, haughtily. + "The curates, for their own sakes, willingly collect all these materials + for their own regulation in each parish; they know best the black sheep + of the flock. I have had your picture for three years." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?" replied Morton. "Will you favour me by imparting it?" +</p> +<p> + "Willingly," said Claverhouse; "it can signify little, for you cannot + avenge yourself on the curate, as you will probably leave Scotland for + some time." +</p> +<p> + This was spoken in an indifferent tone. Morton felt an involuntary + shudder at hearing words which implied a banishment from his native land; + but ere he answered, Claverhouse proceeded to read, "Henry Morton, son of + Silas Morton, Colonel of horse for the Scottish Parliament, nephew and + apparent heir of Morton of Milnwood—imperfectly educated, but with + spirit beyond his years—excellent at all exercises—indifferent to forms + of religion, but seems to incline to the presbyterian—has high-flown and + dangerous notions about liberty of thought and speech, and hovers between + a latitudinarian and an enthusiast. Much admired and followed by the + youth of his own age—modest, quiet, and unassuming in manner, but in his + heart peculiarly bold and intractable. He is—Here follow three red + crosses, Mr Morton, which signify triply dangerous. You see how important + a person you are.—But what does this fellow want?" +</p> +<p> + A horseman rode up as he spoke, and gave a letter. Claverhouse glanced it + over, laughed scornfully, bade him tell his master to send his prisoners + to Edinburgh, for there was no answer; and, as the man turned back, said + contemptuously to Morton—"Here is an ally of yours deserted from you, or + rather, I should say, an ally of your good friend Burley—Hear how he + sets forth—'Dear Sir,' (I wonder when we were such intimates,) 'may it + please your Excellency to accept my humble congratulations on the + victory'—hum—hum—'blessed his Majesty's army. I pray you to understand + I have my people under arms to take and intercept all fugitives, and have + already several prisoners,' and so forth. Subscribed Basil Olifant—You + know the fellow by name, I suppose?" +</p> +<p> + "A relative of Lady Margaret Bellenden," replied Morton, "is he not?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay," replied Grahame, "and heir-male of her father's family, though a + distant one, and moreover a suitor to the fair Edith, though discarded as + an unworthy one; but, above all, a devoted admirer of the estate of + Tillietudlem, and all thereunto belonging." +</p> +<p> + "He takes an ill mode of recommending himself," said Morton, suppressing + his feelings, "to the family at Tillietudlem, by corresponding with our + unhappy party." +</p> +<p> + "O, this precious Basil will turn cat in pan with any man!" replied + Claverhouse. "He was displeased with the government, because they would + not overturn in his favour a settlement of the late Earl of Torwood, by + which his lordship gave his own estate to his own daughter; he was + displeased with Lady Margaret, because she avowed no desire for his + alliance, and with the pretty Edith, because she did not like his tall + ungainly person. So he held a close correspondence with Burley, and + raised his followers with the purpose of helping him, providing always he + needed no help, that is, if you had beat us yesterday. And now the rascal + pretends he was all the while proposing the King's service, and, for + aught I know, the council will receive his pretext for current coin, for + he knows how to make friends among them—and a dozen scores of poor + vagabond fanatics will be shot, or hanged, while this cunning scoundrel + lies hid under the double cloak of loyalty, well-lined with the fox-fur + of hypocrisy." +</p> +<p> + With conversation on this and other matters they beguiled the way, + Claverhouse all the while speaking with great frankness to Morton, and + treating him rather as a friend and companion than as a prisoner; so + that, however uncertain of his fate, the hours he passed in the company + of this remarkable man were so much lightened by the varied play of his + imagination, and the depth of his knowledge of human nature, that since + the period of his becoming a prisoner of war, which relieved him at once + from the cares of his doubtful and dangerous station among the + insurgents, and from the consequences of their suspicious resentment, his + hours flowed on less anxiously than at any time since his having + commenced actor in public life. He was now, with respect to his fortune, + like a rider who has flung his reins on the horse's neck, and, while he + abandoned himself to circumstances, was at least relieved from the task + of attempting to direct them. In this mood he journeyed on, the number of + his companions being continually augmented by detached parties of horse + who came in from every quarter of the country, bringing with them, for + the most part, the unfortunate persons who had fallen into their power. + At length they approached Edinburgh. +</p> +<p> + "Our council," said Claverhouse, "being resolved, I suppose, to testify + by their present exultation the extent of their former terror, have + decreed a kind of triumphal entry to us victors and our captives; but as + I do not quite approve the taste of it, I am willing to avoid my own part + in the show, and, at the same time, to save you from yours." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he gave up the command of the forces to Allan, (now a + Lieutenant-colonel,) and, turning his horse into a by-lane, rode into the + city privately, accompanied by Morton and two or three servants. When + Claverhouse arrived at the quarters which he usually occupied in the + Canongate, he assigned to his prisoner a small apartment, with an + intimation, that his parole confined him to it for the present. +</p> +<p> + After about a quarter of an hour spent in solitary musing on the strange + vicissitudes of his late life, the attention of Morton was summoned to + the window by a great noise in the street beneath. Trumpets, drums, and + kettle-drums, contended in noise with the shouts of a numerous rabble, + and apprised him that the royal cavalry were passing in the triumphal + attitude which Claverhouse had mentioned. The magistrates of the city, + attended by their guard of halberds, had met the victors with their + welcome at the gate of the city, and now preceded them as a part of the + procession. The next object was two heads borne upon pikes; and before + each bloody head were carried the hands of the dismembered sufferers, + which were, by the brutal mockery of those who bore them, often + approached towards each other as if in the attitude of exhortation or + prayer. These bloody trophies belonged to two preachers who had fallen at + Bothwell Bridge. After them came a cart led by the executioner's + assistant, in which were placed Macbriar, and other two prisoners, who + seemed of the same profession. They were bareheaded, and strongly bound, + yet looked around them with an air rather of triumph than dismay, and + appeared in no respect moved either by the fate of their companions, of + which the bloody evidences were carried before them, or by dread of their + own approaching execution, which these preliminaries so plainly + indicated. +</p> +<p> + Behind these prisoners, thus held up to public infamy and derision, came + a body of horse, brandishing their broadswords, and filling the wide + street with acclamations, which were answered by the tumultuous outcries + and shouts of the rabble, who, in every considerable town, are too happy + in being permitted to huzza for any thing whatever which calls them + together. In the rear of these troopers came the main body of the + prisoners, at the head of whom were some of their leaders, who were + treated with every circumstance of inventive mockery and insult. Several + were placed on horseback with their faces to the animal's tail; others + were chained to long bars of iron, which they were obliged to support in + their hands, like the galleyslaves in Spain when travelling to the port + where they are to be put on shipboard. The heads of others who had fallen + were borne in triumph before the survivors, some on pikes and halberds, + some in sacks, bearing the names of the slaughtered persons labelled on + the outside. Such were the objects who headed the ghastly procession, who + seemed as effectually doomed to death as if they wore the sanbenitos of + the condemned heretics in an auto-da-fe. [Note: David Hackston of + Rathillet, who was wounded and made prisoner in the skirmish of + Air's-Moss, in which the celebrated Cameron fell, was, on entering + Edinburgh, "by order of the Council, received by the Magistrates at the + Watergate, and set on a horse's bare back with his face to the tail, and + the other three laid on a goad of iron, and carried up the street, Mr + Cameron's head being on a halberd before them."] +</p> +<p> + Behind them came on the nameless crowd to the number of several hundreds, + some retaining under their misfortunes a sense of confidence in the cause + for which they suffered captivity, and were about to give a still more + bloody testimony; others seemed pale, dispirited, dejected, questioning + in their own minds their prudence in espousing a cause which Providence + seemed to have disowned, and looking about for some avenue through which + they might escape from the consequences of their rashness. Others there + were who seemed incapable of forming an opinion on the subject, or of + entertaining either hope, confidence, or fear, but who, foaming with + thirst and fatigue, stumbled along like over-driven oxen, lost to every + thing but their present sense of wretchedness, and without having any + distinct idea whether they were led to the shambles or to the pasture. + These unfortunate men were guarded on each hand by troopers, and behind + them came the main body of the cavalry, whose military music resounded + back from the high houses on each side of the street, and mingled with + their own songs of jubilee and triumph, and the wild shouts of the + rabble. +</p> +<p> + Morton felt himself heart-sick while he gazed on the dismal spectacle, + and recognised in the bloody heads, and still more miserable and agonized + features of the living sufferers, faces which had been familiar to him + during the brief insurrection. He sunk down in a chair in a bewildered + and stupified state, from which he was awakened by the voice of Cuddie. +</p> +<p> + "Lord forgie us, sir!" said the poor fellow, his teeth chattering like a + pair of nut-crackers, his hair erect like boar's bristles, and his face + as pale as that of a corpse—"Lord forgie us, sir! we maun instantly gang + before the Council!—O Lord, what made them send for a puir bodie like + me, sae mony braw lords and gentles!—and there's my mither come on the + lang tramp frae Glasgow to see to gar me testify, as she ca's it, that is + to say, confess and be hanged; but deil tak me if they mak sic a guse o' + Cuddie, if I can do better. But here's Claverhouse himsell—the Lord + preserve and forgie us, I say anes mair!" +</p> +<p> + "You must immediately attend the Council Mr Morton," said Claverhouse, + who entered while Cuddie spoke, "and your servant must go with you. You + need be under no apprehension for the consequences to yourself + personally. But I warn you that you will see something that will give you + much pain, and from which I would willingly have saved you, if I had + possessed the power. My carriage waits us—shall we go?" +</p> +<p> + It will be readily supposed that Morton did not venture to dispute this + invitation, however unpleasant. He rose and accompanied Claverhouse. +</p> +<p> + "I must apprise you," said the latter, as he led the way down stairs, + "that you will get off cheap; and so will your servant, provided he can + keep his tongue quiet." +</p> +<p> + Cuddie caught these last words to his exceeding joy. +</p> +<p> + "Deil a fear o' me," said he, "an my mither disna pit her finger in the + pie." +</p> +<p> + At that moment his shoulder was seized by old Mause, who had contrived to + thrust herself forward into the lobby of the apartment. +</p> +<p> + "O, hinny, hinny!" said she to Cuddie, hanging upon his neck, "glad and + proud, and sorry and humbled am I, a'in ane and the same instant, to see + my bairn ganging to testify for the truth gloriously with his mouth in + council, as he did with his weapon in the field!" +</p> +<p> + "Whisht, whisht, mither!" cried Cuddie impatiently. "Odd, ye daft wife, + is this a time to speak o' thae things? I tell ye I'll testify naething + either ae gate or another. I hae spoken to Mr Poundtext, and I'll tak the + declaration, or whate'er they ca'it, and we're a' to win free off if we + do that—he's gotten life for himsell and a' his folk, and that's a + minister for my siller; I like nane o' your sermons that end in a psalm + at the Grassmarket." [Note: Then the place of public execution.] +</p> +<p> + "O, Cuddie, man, laith wad I be they suld hurt ye," said old Mause, + divided grievously between the safety of her son's soul and that of his + body; "but mind, my bonny bairn, ye hae battled for the faith, and dinna + let the dread o' losing creature-comforts withdraw ye frae the gude + fight." +</p> +<p> + "Hout tout, mither," replied Cuddie, "I hae fought e'en ower muckle + already, and, to speak plain, I'm wearied o'the trade. I hae swaggered + wi' a' thae arms, and muskets, and pistols, buffcoats, and bandoliers, + lang eneugh, and I like the pleughpaidle a hantle better. I ken naething + suld gar a man fight, (that's to say, when he's no angry,) by and + out-taken the dread o'being hanged or killed if he turns back." +</p> +<p> + "But, my dear Cuddie," continued the persevering Mause, "your bridal + garment—Oh, hinny, dinna sully the marriage garment!" +</p> +<p> + "Awa, awa, mither," replied. Cuddie; "dinna ye see the folks waiting for + me?—Never fear me—I ken how to turn this far better than ye do—for + ye're bleezing awa about marriage, and the job is how we are to win by + hanging." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he extricated himself out of his mother's embraces, and + requested the soldiers who took him in charge to conduct him to the place + of examination without delay. He had been already preceded by Claverhouse + and Morton. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0015"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XV. +</h2> +<pre> + My native land, good night! + Lord Byron. +</pre> +<p> + The Privy Council of Scotland, in whom the practice since the union of + the crowns vested great judicial powers, as well as the general + superintendence of the executive department, was met in the ancient dark + Gothic room, adjoining to the House of Parliament in Edinburgh, when + General Grahame entered and took his place amongst the members at the + council table. +</p> +<p> + "You have brought us a leash of game to-day, General," said a nobleman of + high place amongst them. "Here is a craven to confess—a cock of the game + to stand at bay—and what shall I call the third, General?" +</p> +<p> + "Without further metaphor, I will entreat your Grace to call him a person + in whom I am specially interested," replied Claverhouse. +</p> +<p> + "And a whig into the bargain?" said the nobleman, lolling out a tongue + which was at all times too big for his mouth, and accommodating his + coarse features to a sneer, to which they seemed to be familiar. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, please your Grace, a whig; as your Grace was in 1641," replied + Claverhouse, with his usual appearance of imperturbable civility. +</p> +<p> + "He has you there, I think, my Lord Duke," said one of the Privy + Councillors. +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay," returned the Duke, laughing, "there's no speaking to him since + Drumclog—but come, bring in the prisoners—and do you, Mr Clerk, read + the record." +</p> +<p> + The clerk read forth a bond, in which General Grahame of Claverhouse and + Lord Evandale entered themselves securities, that Henry Morton, younger + of Milnwood, should go abroad and remain in foreign parts, until his + Majesty's pleasure was further known, in respect of the said Henry + Morton's accession to the late rebellion, and that under penalty of life + and limb to the said Henry Morton, and of ten thousand marks to each of + his securities. +</p> +<p> + "Do you accept of the King's mercy upon these terms, Mr Morton?" said the + Duke of Lauderdale, who presided in the Council. +</p> +<p> + "I have no other choice, my lord," replied Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Then subscribe your name in the record." +</p> +<p> + Morton did so without reply, conscious that, in the circumstances of his + case, it was impossible for him to have escaped more easily. Macbriar, + who was at the same instant brought to the foot of the council-table, + bound upon a chair, for his weakness prevented him from standing, beheld + Morton in the act of what he accounted apostasy. +</p> +<p> + "He hath summed his defection by owning the carnal power of the tyrant!" + he exclaimed, with a deep groan—"A fallen star!—a fallen star!" +</p> +<p> + "Hold your peace, sir," said the Duke, "and keep your ain breath to cool + your ain porridge—ye'll find them scalding hot, I promise you.—Call in + the other fellow, who has some common sense. One sheep will leap the + ditch when another goes first." +</p> +<p> + Cuddie was introduced unbound, but under the guard of two halberdiers, + and placed beside Macbriar at the foot of the table. The poor fellow cast + a piteous look around him, in which were mingled awe for the great men in + whose presence he stood, and compassion for his fellow-sufferers, with no + small fear of the personal consequences which impended over himself. He + made his clownish obeisances with a double portion of reverence, and then + awaited the opening of the awful scene. +</p> +<p> + "Were you at the battle of Bothwell Brigg?" was the first question which + was thundered in his ears. +</p> +<p> + Cuddie meditated a denial, but had sense enough, upon reflection, to + discover that the truth would be too strong for him; so he replied, with + true Caledonian indirectness of response, "I'll no say but it may be + possible that I might hae been there." +</p> +<p> + "Answer directly, you knave—yes, or no?—You know you were there." +</p> +<p> + "It's no for me to contradict your Lordship's Grace's honour," said + Cuddie. +</p> +<p> + "Once more, sir, were you there?—yes, or no?" said the Duke, + impatiently. +</p> +<p> + "Dear stir," again replied Cuddie, "how can ane mind preceesely where + they hae been a' the days o' their life?" +</p> +<p> + "Speak out, you scoundrel," said General Dalzell, "or I'll dash your + teeth out with my dudgeonhaft!—Do you think we can stand here all day to + be turning and dodging with you, like greyhounds after a hare?" [Note: + The General is said to have struck one of the captive whigs, when under + examination, with the hilt of his sabre, so that the blood gushed out. + The provocation for this unmanly violence was, that the prisoner had + called the fierce veteran "a Muscovy beast, who used to roast men." + Dalzell had been long in the Russian service, which in those days was no + school of humanity.] +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, then," said Cuddie, "since naething else will please ye, write + down that I cannot deny but I was there." +</p> +<p> + "Well, sir," said the Duke, "and do you think that the rising upon that + occasion was rebellion or not?" +</p> +<p> + "I'm no just free to gie my opinion, stir," said the cautious captive, + "on what might cost my neck; but I doubt it will be very little better." +</p> +<p> + "Better than what?" +</p> +<p> + "Just than rebellion, as your honour ca's it," replied Cuddie. +</p> +<p> + "Well, sir, that's speaking to the purpose," replied his Grace. "And are + you content to accept of the King's pardon for your guilt as a rebel, and + to keep the church, and pray for the King?" +</p> +<p> + "Blithely, stir," answered the unscrupulous Cuddie; "and drink his health + into the bargain, when the ale's gude." +</p> +<p> + "Egad," said the Duke, "this is a hearty cock.—What brought you into + such a scrape, mine honest friend?" +</p> +<p> + "Just ill example, stir," replied the prisoner, "and a daft auld jaud of + a mither, wi' reverence to your Grace's honour." +</p> +<p> + "Why, God-a-mercy, my friend," replied the Duke, "take care of bad advice + another time; I think you are not likely to commit treason on your own + score.—Make out his free pardon, and bring forward the rogue in the + chair." +</p> +<p> + Macbriar was then moved forward to the post of examination. +</p> +<p> + "Were you at the battle of Bothwell Bridge?" was, in like manner, + demanded of him. +</p> +<p> + "I was," answered the prisoner, in a bold and resolute tone. +</p> +<p> + "Were you armed?" +</p> +<p> + "I was not—I went in my calling as a preacher of God's word, to + encourage them that drew the sword in His cause." +</p> +<p> + "In other words, to aid and abet the rebels?" said the Duke. +</p> +<p> + "Thou hast spoken it," replied the prisoner. +</p> +<p> + "Well, then," continued the interrogator, "let us know if you saw John + Balfour of Burley among the party?—I presume you know him?" +</p> +<p> + "I bless God that I do know him," replied Macbriar; "he is a zealous and + a sincere Christian." +</p> +<p> + "And when and where did you last see this pious personage?" was the query + which immediately followed. +</p> +<p> + "I am here to answer for myself," said Macbriar, in the same dauntless + manner, "and not to endanger others." +</p> +<p> + "We shall know," said Dalzell, "how to make you find your tongue." +</p> +<p> + "If you can make him fancy himself in a conventicle," answered + Lauderdale, "he will find it without you.—Come, laddie, speak while the + play is good—you're too young to bear the burden will be laid on you + else." +</p> +<p> + "I defy you," retorted Macbriar. "This has not been the first of my + imprisonments or of my sufferings; and, young as I may be, I have lived + long enough to know how to die when I am called upon." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, but there are some things which must go before an easy death, if you + continue obstinate," said Lauderdale, and rung a small silver bell which + was placed before him on the table. +</p> +<p> + A dark crimson curtain, which covered a sort of niche, or Gothic recess + in the wall, rose at the signal, and displayed the public executioner, a + tall, grim, and hideous man, having an oaken table before him, on which + lay thumb-screws, and an iron case, called the Scottish boot, used in + those tyrannical days to torture accused persons. Morton, who was + unprepared for this ghastly apparition, started when the curtain arose, + but Macbriar's nerves were more firm. He gazed upon the horrible + apparatus with much composure; and if a touch of nature called the blood + from his cheek for a second, resolution sent it back to his brow with + greater energy. +</p> +<p> + "Do you know who that man is?" said Lauderdale, in a low, stern voice, + almost sinking into a whisper. +</p> +<p> + "He is, I suppose," replied Macbriar, "the infamous executioner of your + bloodthirsty commands upon the persons of God's people. He and you are + equally beneath my regard; and, I bless God, I no more fear what he can + inflict than what you can command. Flesh and blood may shrink under the + sufferings you can doom me to, and poor frail nature may shed tears, or + send forth cries; but I trust my soul is anchored firmly on the rock of + ages." +</p> +<p> + "Do your duty," said the Duke to the executioner. +</p> +<p> + The fellow advanced, and asked, with a harsh and discordant voice, upon + which of the prisoner's limbs he should first employ his engine. +</p> +<p> + "Let him choose for himself," said the Duke; "I should like to oblige him + in any thing that is reasonable." +</p> +<p> + "Since you leave it to me," said the prisoner, stretching forth his right + leg, "take the best—I willingly bestow it in the cause for which I + suffer." [Note: This was the reply actually made by James Mitchell when + subjected to the torture of the boot, for an attempt to assassinate + Archbishop Sharpe.] +</p> +<p> + The executioner, with the help of his assistants, enclosed the leg and + knee within the tight iron boot, or case, and then placing a wedge of the + same metal between the knee and the edge of the machine, took a mallet in + his hand, and stood waiting for farther orders. A well-dressed man, by + profession a surgeon, placed himself by the other side of the prisoner's + chair, bared the prisoner's arm, and applied his thumb to the pulse in + order to regulate the torture according to the strength of the patient. + When these preparations were made, the President of the Council repeated + with the same stern voice the question, "When and where did you last see + John Balfour of Burley?" +</p> +<p> + The prisoner, instead of replying to him, turned his eyes to heaven as if + imploring Divine strength, and muttered a few words, of which the last + were distinctly audible, "Thou hast said thy people shall be willing in + the day of thy power!" +</p> +<p> + The Duke of Lauderdale glanced his eye around the council as if to + collect their suffrages, and, judging from their mute signs, gave on his + own part a nod to the executioner, whose mallet instantly descended on + the wedge, and, forcing it between the knee and the iron boot, occasioned + the most exquisite pain, as was evident from the flush which instantly + took place on the brow and on the cheeks of the sufferer. The fellow then + again raised his weapon, and stood prepared to give a second blow. +</p> +<p> + "Will you yet say," repeated the Duke of Lauderdale, "where and when you + last parted from Balfour of Burley?" +</p> +<p> + "You have my answer," said the sufferer resolutely, and the second blow + fell. The third and fourth succeeded; but at the fifth, when a larger + wedge had been introduced, the prisoner set up a scream of agony. +</p> +<p> + Morton, whose blood boiled within him at witnessing such cruelty, could + bear no longer, and, although unarmed and himself in great danger, was + springing forward, when Claverhouse, who observed his emotion, withheld + him by force, laying one hand on his arm and the other on his mouth, + while he whispered, "For God's sake, think where you are!" +</p> +<p> + This movement, fortunately for him, was observed by no other of the + councillors, whose attention was engaged with the dreadful scene before + them. +</p> +<p> + "He is gone," said the surgeon—"he has fainted, my Lords, and human + nature can endure no more." +</p> +<p> + "Release him," said the Duke; and added, turning to Dalzell, "He will + make an old proverb good, for he'll scarce ride to-day, though he has had + his boots on. I suppose we must finish with him?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, dispatch his sentence, and have done with him; we have plenty of + drudgery behind." +</p> +<p> + Strong waters and essences were busily employed to recall the senses of + the unfortunate captive; and, when his first faint gasps intimated a + return of sensation, the Duke pronounced sentence of death upon him, as a + traitor taken in the act of open rebellion, and adjudged him to be + carried from the bar to the common place of execution, and there hanged + by the neck; his head and hands to be stricken off after death, and + disposed of according to the pleasure of the Council, [Note: The pleasure + of the Council respecting the relics of their victims was often as savage + as the rest of their conduct. The heads of the preachers were frequently + exposed on pikes between their two hands, the palms displayed as in the + attitude of prayer. When the celebrated Richard Cameron's head was + exposed in this manner, a spectator bore testimony to it as that of one + who lived praying and preaching, and died praying and fighting.] and all + and sundry his movable goods and gear escheat and inbrought to his + Majesty's use. +</p> +<p> + "Doomster," he continued, "repeat the sentence to the prisoner." +</p> +<p> + The office of Doomster was in those days, and till a much later period, + held by the executioner in commendam, with his ordinary functions. [Note: + See a note on the subject of this office in the Heart of Mid-Lothian.] + The duty consisted in reciting to the unhappy criminal the sentence of + the law as pronounced by the judge, which acquired an additional and + horrid emphasis from the recollection, that the hateful personage by whom + it was uttered was to be the agent of the cruelties he denounced. + Macbriar had scarce understood the purport of the words as first + pronounced by the Lord President of the Council; but he was sufficiently + recovered to listen and to reply to the sentence when uttered by the + harsh and odious voice of the ruffian who was to execute it, and at the + last awful words, "And this I pronounce for doom," he answered boldly—" + My Lords, I thank you for the only favour I looked for, or would accept + at your hands, namely, that you have sent the crushed and maimed carcass, + which has this day sustained your cruelty, to this hasty end. It were + indeed little to me whether I perish on the gallows or in the + prison-house; but if death, following close on what I have this day + suffered, had found me in my cell of darkness and bondage, many might + have lost the sight how a Christian man can suffer in the good cause. For + the rest, I forgive you, my Lords, for what you have appointed and I have + sustained—And why should I not?—Ye send me to a happy exchange—to the + company of angels and the spirits of the just, for that of frail dust + and ashes—Ye send me from darkness into day—from mortality to + immortality—and, in a word, from earth to heaven!—If the thanks, + therefore, and pardon of a dying man can do you good, take them at my + hand, and may your last moments be as happy as mine!" +</p> +<p> + As he spoke thus, with a countenance radiant with joy and triumph, he was + withdrawn by those who had brought him into the apartment, and executed + within half an hour, dying with the same enthusiastic firmness which his + whole life had evinced. +</p> +<p> + The Council broke up, and Morton found himself again in the carriage with + General Grahame. +</p> +<p> + "Marvellous firmness and gallantry!" said Morton, as he reflected upon + Macbriar's conduct; "what a pity it is that with such self-devotion and + heroism should have been mingled the fiercer features of his sect!" +</p> +<p> + "You mean," said Claverhouse, "his resolution to condemn you to death?— + To that he would have reconciled himself by a single text; for example, + 'And Phinehas arose and executed judgment,' or something to the same + purpose.—But wot ye where you are now bound, Mr Morton?" +</p> +<p> + "We are on the road to Leith, I observe," answered Morton. "Can I not be + permitted to see my friends ere I leave my native land?" +</p> +<p> + "Your uncle," replied Grahame, "has been spoken to, and declines visiting + you. The good gentleman is terrified, and not without some reason, that + the crime of your treason may extend itself over his lands and + tenements—he sends you, however, his blessing, and a small sum of money. + Lord Evandale continues extremely indisposed. Major Bellenden is at + Tillietudlem putting matters in order. The scoundrels have made great + havoc there with Lady Margaret's muniments of antiquity, and have + desecrated and destroyed what the good lady called the Throne of his most + Sacred Majesty. Is there any one else whom you would wish to see?" +</p> +<p> + Morton sighed deeply as he answered, "No—it would avail nothing.—But my + preparations,—small as they are, some must be necessary." +</p> +<p> + "They are all ready for you," said the General. "Lord Evandale has + anticipated all you wish. Here is a packet from him with letters of + recommendation for the court of the Stadtholder Prince of Orange, to + which I have added one or two. I made my first campaigns under him, and + first saw fire at the battle of Seneff. [Note: August 1674. Claverhouse + greatly distinguished himself in this action, and was made Captain.] + There are also bills of exchange for your immediate wants, and more will + be sent when you require it." +</p> +<p> + Morton heard all this and received the parcel with an astounded and + confused look, so sudden was the execution of the sentence of banishment. +</p> +<p> + "And my servant?" he said. +</p> +<p> + "He shall be taken care of, and replaced, if it be practicable, in the + service of Lady Margaret Bellenden; I think he will hardly neglect the + parade of the feudal retainers, or go a-whigging a second time.—But here + we are upon the quay, and the boat waits you." +</p> +<p> + It was even as Claverhouse said. A boat waited for Captain Morton, with + the trunks and baggage belonging to his rank. Claverhouse shook him by + the hand, and wished him good fortune, and a happy return to Scotland in + quieter times. +</p> +<p> + "I shall never forget," he said, "the gallantry of your behaviour to my + friend Evandale, in circumstances when many men would have sought to rid + him out of their way." +</p> +<p> + Another friendly pressure, and they parted. As Morton descended the pier + to get into the boat, a hand placed in his a letter folded up in very + small space. He looked round. The person who gave it seemed much muffled + up; he pressed his finger upon his lip, and then disappeared among the + crowd. The incident awakened Morton's curiosity; and when he found + himself on board of a vessel bound for Rotterdam, and saw all his + companions of the voyage busy making their own arrangements, he took an + opportunity to open the billet thus mysteriously thrust upon him. It ran + thus:—"Thy courage on the fatal day when Israel fled before his + enemies, hath, in some measure, atoned for thy unhappy owning of the + Erastian interest. These are not days for Ephraim to strive with Israel. + —I know thy heart is with the daughter of the stranger. But turn from + that folly; for in exile, and in flight, and even in death itself, shall + my hand be heavy against that bloody and malignant house, and Providence + hath given me the means of meting unto them with their own measure of + ruin and confiscation. The resistance of their stronghold was the main + cause of our being scattered at Bothwell Bridge, and I have bound it upon + my soul to visit it upon them. Wherefore, think of her no more, but join + with our brethren in banishment, whose hearts are still towards this + miserable land to save and to relieve her. There is an honest remnant in + Holland whose eyes are looking out for deliverance. Join thyself unto + them like the true son of the stout and worthy Silas Morton, and thou + wilt have good acceptance among them for his sake and for thine own + working. Shouldst thou be found worthy again to labour in the vineyard, + thou wilt at all times hear of my in-comings and out-goings, by enquiring + after Quintin Mackell of Irongray, at the house of that singular + Christian woman, Bessie Maclure, near to the place called the Howff, + where Niel Blane entertaineth guests. So much from him who hopes to hear + again from thee in brotherhood, resisting unto blood, and striving + against sin. Meanwhile, possess thyself in patience. Keep thy sword + girded, and thy lamp burning, as one that wakes in the night; for He who + shall judge the Mount of Esau, and shall make false professors as straw, + and malignants as stubble, will come in the fourth watch with garments + dyed in blood, and the house of Jacob shall be for spoil, and the house + of Joseph for fire. I am he that hath written it, whose hand hath been on + the mighty in the waste field." +</p> +<p> + This extraordinary letter was subscribed J. B. of B.; but the signature + of these initials was not necessary for pointing out to Morton that it + could come from no other than Burley. It gave him new occasion to admire + the indomitable spirit of this man, who, with art equal to his courage + and obstinacy, was even now endeavouring to re-establish the web of + conspiracy which had been so lately torn to pieces. But he felt no sort + of desire, in the present moment, to sustain a correspondence which must + be perilous, or to renew an association, which, in so many ways, had been + nearly fatal to him. The threats which Burley held out against the family + of Bellenden, he considered as a mere expression of his spleen on account + of their defence of Tillietudlem; and nothing seemed less likely than + that, at the very moment of their party being victorious, their fugitive + and distressed adversary could exercise the least influence over their + fortunes. +</p> +<p> + Morton, however, hesitated for an instant, whether he should not send + the Major or Lord Evandale intimation of Burley's threats. Upon + consideration, he thought he could not do so without betraying his + confidential correspondence; for to warn them of his menaces would have + served little purpose, unless he had given them a clew to prevent them, + by apprehending his person; while, by doing so, he deemed he should + commit an ungenerous breach of trust to remedy an evil which seemed + almost imaginary. Upon mature consideration, therefore, he tore the + letter, having first made a memorandum of the name and place where the + writer was to be heard of, and threw the fragments into the sea. +</p> +<p> + While Morton was thus employed the vessel was unmoored, and the white + sails swelled out before a favourable north-west wind. The ship leaned + her side to the gale, and went roaring through the waves, leaving a long + and rippling furrow to track her course. The city and port from which he + had sailed became undistinguishable in the distance; the hills by which + they were surrounded melted finally into the blue sky, and Morton was + separated for several years from the land of his nativity. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0016"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XVI. +</h2> +<pre> + Whom does time gallop withal? + As You Like It. +</pre> +<p> + It is fortunate for tale-tellers that they are not tied down like + theatrical writers to the unities of time and place, but may conduct + their personages to Athens and Thebes at their pleasure, and bring them + back at their convenience. Time, to use Rosalind's simile, has hitherto + paced with the hero of our tale; for betwixt Morton's first appearance as + a competitor for the popinjay and his final departure for Holland hardly + two months elapsed. Years, however, glided away ere we find it possible + to resume the thread of our narrative, and Time must be held to have + galloped over the interval. Craving, therefore, the privilege of my cast, + I entreat the reader's attention to the continuation of the narrative, as + it starts from a new era, being the year immediately subsequent to the + British Revolution. +</p> +<p> + Scotland had just begun to repose from the convulsion occasioned by a + change of dynasty, and, through the prudent tolerance of King William, + had narrowly escaped the horrors of a protracted civil war. Agriculture + began to revive, and men, whose minds had been disturbed by the violent + political concussions, and the general change of government in Church and + State, had begun to recover their ordinary temper, and to give the usual + attention to their own private affairs, in lieu of discussing those of + the public. The Highlanders alone resisted the newly established order of + things, and were in arms in a considerable body under the Viscount of + Dundee, whom our readers have hitherto known by the name of Grahame of + Claverhouse. But the usual state of the Highlands was so unruly that + their being more or less disturbed was not supposed greatly to affect the + general tranquillity of the country, so long as their disorders were + confined within their own frontiers. In the Lowlands, the Jacobites, now + the undermost party, had ceased to expect any immediate advantage by open + resistance, and were, in their turn, driven to hold private meetings, and + form associations for mutual defence, which the government termed + treason, while they cried out persecution. +</p> +<p> + The triumphant Whigs, while they re-established Presbytery as the + national religion, and assigned to the General Assemblies of the Kirk + their natural influence, were very far from going the lengths which the + Cameronians and more extravagant portion of the nonconformists under + Charles and James loudly demanded. They would listen to no proposal for + re-establishing the Solemn League and Covenant; and those who had + expected to find in King William a zealous Covenanted Monarch, were + grievously disappointed when he intimated, with the phlegm peculiar to + his country, his intention to tolerate all forms of religion which were + consistent with the safety of the State. The principles of indulgence + thus espoused and gloried in by the Government gave great offence to the + more violent party, who condemned them as diametrically contrary to + Scripture,—for which narrow-spirited doctrine they cited various texts, + all, as it may well be supposed, detached from their context, and most of + them derived from the charges given to the Jews in the Old Testament + dispensation to extirpate idolaters out of the Promised Land. They also + murmured highly against the influence assumed by secular persons in + exercising the rights of patronage, which they termed a rape upon the + chastity of the Church. They censured and condemned as Erastian many of + the measures by which Government after the Revolution showed an + inclination to interfere with the management of the Church, and they + positively refused to take the oath of allegiance to King William and + Queen Mary until they should, on their part, have sworn to the Solemn + League—and Covenant, the Magna Charta, as they termed it, of the + Presbyterian Church. +</p> +<p> + This party, therefore, remained grumbling and dissatisfied, and made + repeated declarations against defections and causes of wrath, which, had + they been prosecuted as in the two former reigns, would have led to the + same consequence of open rebellion. But as the murmurers were allowed to + hold their meetings uninterrupted, and to testify as much as they pleased + against Socinianism, Erastianism, and all the compliances and defections + of the time, their zeal, unfanned by persecution, died gradually away, + their numbers became diminished, and they sunk into the scattered remnant + of serious, scrupulous, and harmless enthusiasts, of whom Old Mortality, + whose legends have afforded the groundwork of my tale, may be taken as no + bad representative. But in the years which immediately succeeded the + Revolution, the Cameronians continued a sect strong in numbers and + vehement in their political opinions, whom Government wished to + discourage, while they prudently temporised with them. These men formed + one violent party in the State; and the Episcopalian and Jacobite + interest, notwithstanding their ancient and national animosity, yet + repeatedly endeavoured to intrigue among them, and avail themselves of + their discontents, to obtain their assistance in recalling the Stewart + family. The Revolutionary Government in the mean while, was supported by + the great bulk of the Lowland interest, who were chiefly disposed to a + moderate Presbytery, and formed in a great measure the party who in the + former oppressive reigns were stigmatized by the Cameronians for having + exercised that form of worship under the declaration of Indulgence issued + by Charles II. Such was the state of parties in Scotland immediately + subsequent to the Revolution. +</p> +<p> + It was on a delightful summer evening that a stranger, well mounted, and + having the appearance of a military man of rank, rode down a winding + descent which terminated in view of the romantic ruins of Bothwell Castle + and the river Clyde, which winds so beautifully between rocks and woods + to sweep around the towers formerly built by Aymer de Valence. Bothwell + Bridge was at a little distance, and also in sight. The opposite field, + once the scene of slaughter and conflict, now lay as placid and quiet as + the surface of a summer lake. The trees and bushes, which grew around in + romantic variety of shade, were hardly seen to stir under the influence + of the evening breeze. The very murmur of the river seemed to soften + itself into unison with the stillness of the scene around. +</p> +<p> + The path through which the traveller descended was occasionally shaded by + detached trees of great size, and elsewhere by the hedges and boughs of + flourishing orchards, now laden with summer fruits. +</p> +<p> + The nearest object of consequence was a farmhouse, or, it might be, the + abode of a small proprietor, situated on the side of a sunny bank which + was covered by apple and pear trees. At the foot of the path which led up + to this modest mansion was a small cottage, pretty much in the situation + of a porter's lodge, though obviously not designed for such a purpose. + The hut seemed comfortable, and more neatly arranged than is usual in + Scotland. It had its little garden, where some fruit-trees and bushes + were mingled with kitchen herbs; a cow and six sheep fed in a paddock + hard by; the cock strutted and crowed, and summoned his family around him + before the door; a heap of brushwood and turf, neatly made up, indicated + that the winter fuel was provided; and the thin blue smoke which ascended + from the straw-bound chimney, and winded slowly out from among the green + trees, showed that the evening meal was in the act of being made ready. + To complete the little scene of rural peace and comfort, a girl of about + five years old was fetching water in a pitcher from a beautiful fountain + of the purest transparency, which bubbled up at the root of a decayed old + oak-tree about twenty yards from the end of the cottage. +</p> +<p> + The stranger reined up his horse and called to the little nymph, desiring + to know the way to Fairy Knowe. The child set down her water-pitcher, + hardly understanding what was said to her, put her fair flaxen hair apart + on her brows, and opened her round blue eyes with the wondering "What's + your wull?" which is usually a peasant's first answer, if it can be + called one, to all questions whatever. +</p> +<p> + "I wish to know the way to Fairy Knowe." +</p> +<p> + "Mammie, mammie," exclaimed the little rustic, running towards the door + of the hut, "come out and speak to the gentleman." +</p> +<p> + Her mother appeared,—a handsome young country-woman, to whose features, + originally sly and espiegle in expression, matrimony had given that + decent matronly air which peculiarly marks the peasant's wife of + Scotland. She had an infant in one arm, and with the other she smoothed + down her apron, to which hung a chubby child of two years old. The elder + girl, whom the traveller had first seen, fell back behind her mother as + soon as she appeared, and kept that station, occasionally peeping out to + look at the stranger. +</p> +<p> + "What was your pleasure, sir?" said the woman, with an air of respectful + breeding not quite common in her rank of life, but without anything + resembling forwardness. +</p> +<p> + The stranger looked at her with great earnestness for a moment, and then + replied, "I am seeking a place called Fairy Knowe, and a man called + Cuthbert Headrigg. You can probably direct me to him?" +</p> +<p> + "It's my gudeman, sir," said the young woman, with a smile of welcome. + "Will you alight, sir, and come into our puir dwelling?—Cuddie, + Cuddie,"—a white-headed rogue of four years appeared at the door of the + hut—"rin awa, my bonny man, and tell your father a gentleman wants him. + Or, stay,—Jenny, ye'll hae mair sense: rin ye awa and tell him; he's + down at the Four-acres Park.—Winna ye light down and bide a blink, sir? + Or would ye take a mouthfu' o' bread and cheese, or a drink o' ale, till + our gudeman comes. It's gude ale, though I shouldna say sae that brews + it; but ploughmanlads work hard, and maun hae something to keep their + hearts abune by ordinar, sae I aye pit a gude gowpin o' maut to the + browst." +</p> +<p> + As the stranger declined her courteous offers, Cuddie, the reader's old + acquaintance, made his appearance in person. His countenance still + presented the same mixture of apparent dulness with occasional sparkles, + which indicated the craft so often found in the clouted shoe. He looked + on the rider as on one whom he never had before seen, and, like his + daughter and wife, opened the conversation with the regular query, + "What's your wull wi' me, sir?" +</p> +<p> + "I have a curiosity to ask some questions about this country," said the + traveller, "and I was directed to you as an intelligent man who can + answer them." +</p> +<p> + "Nae doubt, sir," said Cuddie, after a moment's hesitation. "But I would + first like to ken what sort of questions they are. I hae had sae mony + questions speered at me in my day, and in sic queer ways, that if ye kend + a', ye wadna wonder at my jalousing a' thing about them. My mother gar 'd + me learn the Single Carritch, whilk was a great vex; then I behoved to + learn about my godfathers and godmothers to please the auld leddy; and + whiles I jumbled them thegether and pleased nane o' them; and when I cam + to man's yestate, cam another kind o' questioning in fashion that I liked + waur than Effectual Calling; and the 'did promise and vow' of the tape + were yokit to the end o' the tother. Sae ye see, sir, I aye like to hear + questions asked befor I answer them." +</p> +<p> + "You have nothing to apprehend from mine, my good friend; they only + relate to the state of the country." +</p> +<p> + "Country?" replied Cuddie; "ou, the country's weel eneugh, an it werena + that dour deevil, Claver'se (they ca' him Dundee now), that's stirring + about yet in the Highlands, they say, wi' a' the Donalds and Duncans and + Dugalds, that ever wore bottomless breeks, driving about wi' him, to set + things asteer again, now we hae gotten them a' reasonably weel settled. + But Mackay will pit him down, there's little doubt o' that; he'll gie him + his fairing, I'll be caution for it." +</p> +<p> + "What makes you so positive of that, my friend?" asked the horseman. +</p> +<p> + "I heard it wi' my ain lugs," answered Cuddie, foretauld to him by a man + that had been three hours stane dead, and came back to this earth again + just to tell him his mind. It was at a place they ca' Drumshinnel." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?" said the stranger. "I can hardly believe you, my friend." +</p> +<p> + "Ye might ask my mither, then, if she were in life," said Cuddie; "it was + her explained it a' to me, for I thought the man had only been wounded. + At ony rate, he spake of the casting out of the Stewarts by their very + names, and the vengeance that was brewing for Claver'se and his dragoons. + They ca'd the man Habakkuk Mucklewrath; his brain was a wee ajee, but he + was a braw preacher for a' that." +</p> +<p> + "You seem," said the stranger, "to live in a rich and peaceful country." +</p> +<p> + "It's no to compleen o', sir, an we get the crap weel in," quoth Cuddie; + "but if ye had seen the blude rinnin' as fast on the tap o' that brigg + yonder as ever the water ran below it, ye wadna hae thought it sae bonnie + a spectacle." +</p> +<p> + "You mean the battle some years since? I was waiting upon Monmouth that + morning, my good friend, and did see some part of the action," said the + stranger. +</p> +<p> + "Then ye saw a bonny stour," said Cuddie, "that sail serve me for + fighting a' the days o' my life. I judged ye wad be a trooper, by your + red scarlet lace-coat and your looped hat." +</p> +<p> + "And which side were you upon, my friend?" continued the inquisitive + stranger. +</p> +<p> + "Aha, lad?" retorted Cuddie, with a knowing look, or what he designed for + such,—"there 's nae use in telling that, unless I kend wha was asking + me." +</p> +<p> + "I commend your prudence, but it is unnecessary; I know you acted on that + occasion as servant to Henry Morton." +</p> +<p> + "Ay!" said Cuddie, in surprise, "how came ye by that secret? No that I + need care a bodee about it, for the sun's on our side o' the hedge now. I + wish my master were living to get a blink o't" +</p> +<p> + "And what became of him?" said the rider. +</p> +<p> + "He was lost in the vessel gaun to that weary Holland,—clean lost; and + a' body perished, and my poor master amang them. Neither man nor mouse + was ever heard o' mair." Then Cuddie uttered a groan. +</p> +<p> + "You had some regard for him, then?" continued the stranger. +</p> +<p> + "How could I help it? His face was made of a fiddle, as they say, for a' + body that looked on him liked him. And a braw soldier he was. Oh, an ye + had but seen him down at the brigg there, fleeing about like a fleeing + dragon to gar folk fight that had unto little will till 't! There was he + and that sour Whigamore they ca'd Burley: if twa men could hae won a + field, we wadna hae gotten our skins paid that day." +</p> +<p> + "You mention Burley: do you know if he yet lives?" +</p> +<p> + "I kenna muckle about him. Folk say he was abroad, and our sufferers wad + hold no communion wi' him, because o' his having murdered the archbishop. + Sae he cam hame ten times dourer than ever, and broke aff wi' mony o' the + Presbyterians; and at this last coming of the Prince of Orange he could + get nae countenance nor command for fear of his deevilish temper, and he + hasna been heard of since; only some folk say that pride and anger hae + driven him clean wud." +</p> +<p> + "And—and," said the traveller, after considerable hesitation,—"do you + know anything of Lord Evan dale?" +</p> +<p> + "Div I ken onything o' Lord Evandale? Div I no? Is not my young leddy up + by yonder at the house, that's as gude as married to him?" +</p> +<p> + "And are they not married, then?" said the rider, hastily. +</p> +<p> + "No, only what they ca' betrothed,—me and my wife were witnesses. It's + no mony months bypast; it was a lang courtship,—few folk kend the reason + by Jenny and mysell. But will ye no light down? I downa bide to see ye + sitting up there, and the clouds are casting up thick in the west ower + Glasgow-ward, and maist skeily folk think that bodes rain." +</p> +<p> + In fact, a deep black cloud had already surmounted the setting sun; a few + large drops of rain fell, and the murmurs of distant thunder were heard. +</p> +<p> + "The deil's in this man," said Cuddie to himself; "I wish he would either + light aff or ride on, that he may quarter himsell in Hamilton or the + shower begin." +</p> +<p> + But the rider sate motionless on his horse for two or three moments after + his last question, like one exhausted by some uncommon effort. At length, + recovering himself as if with a sudden and painful effort, he asked + Cuddie "if Lady Margaret Bellenden still lived." +</p> +<p> + "She does," replied Cuddie, "but in a very sma' way. They hae been a sad + changed family since thae rough times began; they hae suffered eneugh + first and last,—and to lose the auld Tower and a' the bonny barony and + the holms that I hae pleughed sae often, and the Mains, and my kale-yard, + that I suld hae gotten back again, and a' for naething, as 'a body may + say, but just the want o' some bits of sheep-skin that were lost in the + confusion of the taking of Tillietudlem." +</p> +<p> + "I have heard something of this," said the stranger, deepening his voice + and averting his head. "I have some interest in the family, and would + willingly help them if I could. Can you give me a bed in your house + to-night, my friend?" +</p> +<p> + "It's but a corner of a place, sir," said Cuddie, "but we'se try, rather + than ye suld ride on in the rain and thunner; for, to be free wi' ye, + sir, I think ye seem no that ower weel." +</p> +<p> + "I am liable to a dizziness," said the stranger, but it will soon wear + off." +</p> +<p> + "I ken we can gie ye a decent supper, sir," said Cuddie; "and we'll see + about a bed as weel as we can. We wad be laith a stranger suld lack what + we have, though we are jimply provided for in beds rather; for Jenny has + sae mony bairns (God bless them and her) that troth I maun speak to Lord + Evandale to gie us a bit eik, or outshot o' some sort, to the onstead." +</p> +<p> + "I shall be easily accommodated," said the stranger, as he entered the + house. +</p> +<p> + "And ye may rely on your naig being weel sorted," said Cuddie; "I ken + weel what belangs to suppering a horse, and this is a very gude ane." + Cuddie took the horse to the little cow-house, and called to his wife to + attend in the mean while to the stranger's accommodation. The officer + entered, and threw himself on a settle at some distance from the fire, + and carefully turning his back to the little lattice window. Jenny, or + Mrs. Headrigg, if the reader pleases, requested him to lay aside the + cloak, belt, and flapped hat which he wore upon his journey, but he + excused himself under pretence of feeling cold, and, to divert the time + till Cuddie's return, he entered into some chat with the children, + carefully avoiding, during the interval, the inquisitive glances of his + landlady. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0017"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XVII. +</h2> +<pre> + What tragic tears bedim the eye! + What deaths we suffer ere we die! + Our broken friendships we deplore, + And loves of youth that are no more. + LOGAN. +</pre> +<p> + Cuddie soon returned, assuring the stranger, with a cheerful voice, "that + the horse was properly suppered up, and that the gudewife should make a + bed up for him at the house, mair purpose-like and comfortable than the + like o' them could gie him." +</p> +<p> + "Are the family at the house?" said the stranger, with an interrupted and + broken voice. +</p> +<p> + "No, stir, they're awa wi' a' the servants,—they keep only twa nowadays, + and my gudewife there has the keys and the charge, though she's no a + fee'd servant. She has been born and bred in the family, and has a' trust + and management. If they were there, we behovedna to take sic freedom + without their order; but when they are awa, they will be weel pleased we + serve a stranger gentleman. Miss Bellenden wad help a' the haill warld, + an her power were as gude as her will; and her grandmother, Leddy + Margaret, has an unto respect for the gentry, and she's no ill to the + poor bodies neither.—And now, wife, what for are ye no getting forrit + wi' the sowens?" +</p> +<p> + "Never mind, lad," rejoined Jenny, "ye sall hae them in gude time; I ken + weel that ye like your brose het." +</p> +<p> + Cuddie fidgeted and laughed with a peculiar expression of intelligence at + this repartee, which was followed by a dialogue of little consequence + betwixt his wife and him, in which the stranger took no share. At length + he suddenly interrupted them by the question: "Can you tell me when Lord + Evandale's marriage takes place?" +</p> +<p> + "Very soon, we expect," answered Jenny, before it was possible for her + husband to reply; "it wad hae been ower afore now, but for the death o' + auld Major Bellenden." +</p> +<p> + "The excellent old man!" said the stranger; "I heard at Edinburgh he was + no more. Was he long ill?" +</p> +<p> + "He couldna be said to haud up his head after his brother's wife and his + niece were turned out o' their ain house; and he had himsell sair + borrowing siller to stand the law,—but it was in the latter end o' King + James's days; and Basil Olifant, who claimed the estate, turned a papist + to please the managers, and then naething was to be refused him. Sae the + law gaed again the leddies at last, after they had fought a weary sort o' + years about it; and, as I said before, the major ne'er held up his head + again. And then cam the pitting awa o' the Stewart line; and, though he + had but little reason to like them, he couldna brook that, and it clean + broke the heart o' him; and creditors cam to Charnwood and cleaned out a' + that was there,—he was never rich, the gude auld man, for he dow'd na + see onybody want." +</p> +<p> + "He was indeed," said the stranger, with a faltering voice, "an admirable + man,—that is, I have heard that he was so. So the ladies were left + without fortune, as well as without a protector?" +</p> +<p> + "They will neither want the tane nor the tother while Lord Evandale + lives," said Jenny; "he has been a true friend in their griefs. E'en to + the house they live in is his lordship's; and never man, as my auld + gudemother used to say, since the days of the Patriarch Jacob, served sae + lang and sae sair for a wife as gude Lord Evandale has dune." +</p> +<p> + "And why," said the stranger, with a voice that quivered with emotion, + "why was he not sooner rewarded by the object of his attachment?" +</p> +<p> + "There was the lawsuit to be ended," said Jenny readily, "forby many + other family arrangements." +</p> +<p> + "Na, but," said Cuddie, "there was another reason forby; for the young + leddy—" +</p> +<p> + "Whisht, hand your tongue, and sup your sowens," said his wife; "I see + the gentleman's far frae weel, and downa eat our coarse supper. I wad + kill him a chicken in an instant." +</p> +<p> + "There is no occasion," said the stranger; "I shall want only a glass of + water, and to be left alone." +</p> +<p> + "You'll gie yoursell the trouble then to follow me," said Jenny, lighting + a small lantern, "and I'll show you the way." +</p> +<p> + Cuddie also proffered his assistance; but his wife reminded him, "That + the bairns would be left to fight thegither, and coup ane anither into + the fire," so that he remained to take charge of the menage. + His wife led the way up a little winding path, which, after threading + some thickets of sweetbrier and honeysuckle, conducted to the back-door + of a small garden. Jenny undid the latch, and they passed through an + old-fashioned flower-garden, with its clipped yew hedges and formal + parterres, to a glass-sashed door, which she opened with a master-key, + and lighting a candle, which she placed upon a small work-table, asked + pardon for leaving him there for a few minutes, until she prepared his + apartment. She did not exceed five minutes in these preparations; but + when she returned, was startled to find that the stranger had sunk + forward with his head upon the table, in what she at first apprehended to + be a swoon. As she advanced to him, however, she could discover by his + short-drawn sobs that it was a paroxysm of mental agony. She prudently + drew back until he raised his head, and then showing herself, without + seeming to have observed his agitation, informed him that his bed was + prepared. The stranger gazed at her a moment, as if to collect the sense + of her words. She repeated them; and only bending his head, as an + indication that he understood her, he entered the apartment, the door of + which she pointed out to him. It was a small bedchamber, used, as she + informed him, by Lord Evandale when a guest at Fairy Knowe, connecting, + on one side, with a little china-cabinet which opened to the garden, and + on the other, with a saloon, from which it was only separated by a thin + wainscot partition. Having wished the stranger better health and good + rest, Jenny descended as speedily as she could to her own mansion. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Cuddie!" she exclaimed to her helpmate as she entered, "I doubt + we're ruined folk!" +</p> +<p> + "How can that be? What's the matter wi' ye?" returned the imperturbed + Cuddie, who was one of those persons who do not easily take alarm at + anything. +</p> +<p> + "Wha d' ye think yon gentleman is? Oh that ever ye suld hae asked him to + light here!" exclaimed Jenny. +</p> +<p> + "Why, wha the muckle deil d'ye say he is? There's nae law against + harbouring and intercommunicating now," said Cuddie; "sae, Whig or Tory, + what need we care wha he be?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, but it's ane will ding Lord Evandale's marriage ajee yet, if it 's + no the better looked to," said Jenny; "it's Miss Edith's first joe, your + ain auld maister, Cuddie." +</p> +<p> + "The deil, woman!" exclaimed Cuddie, starting up, "Crow ye that I am + blind? I wad hae kend Mr. Harry Morton amang a hunder." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, but, Cuddie lad," replied Jenny, "though ye are no blind, ye are no + sae notice-taking as I am." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, what for needs ye cast that up to me just now; or what did ye see + about the man that was like our Maister Harry?" +</p> +<p> + "I will tell ye," said Jenny. "I jaloused his keeping his face frae us, + and speaking wi' a madelike voice, sae I e'en tried him wi' some tales o" + lang syne; and when I spake o' the brose, ye ken, he didna just + laugh,—he's ower grave for that nowadays, but he gae a gledge wi' his + ee that I kend he took up what I said. And a' his distress is about Miss + Edith's marriage; and I ne'er saw a man mair taen down wi' true love in + my days,—I might say man or woman, only I mind how ill Miss Edith was + when she first gat word that him and you (ye muckle graceless loon) were + coming against Tillietudlem wi' the rebels.—But what's the matter wi' + the man now?" +</p> +<p> + "What's the matter wi' me indeed!" said Cuddie, who was again hastily + putting on some of the garments he had stripped himself of; "am I no gaun + up this instant to see my maister?" +</p> +<p> + "Atweel, Cuddie, ye are gaun nae sic gate," said Jenny, coolly and + resolutely. +</p> +<p> + "The deil's in the wife!" said Cuddie. "D 'ye think I am to be John + Tamson's man, and maistered by women a' the days o' my life?" +</p> +<p> + "And whase man wad ye be? And wha wad ye hae to maister ye but me, + Cuddie, lad?" answered Jenny. "I'll gar ye comprehend in the making of a + hay-band. Naebody kens that this young gentleman is living but oursells; + and frae that he keeps himsell up sae close, I am judging that he's + purposing, if he fand Miss Edith either married, or just gaun to be + married, he wad just slide awa easy, and gie them nae mair trouble. But + if Miss Edith kend that he was living, and if she were standing before + the very minister wi' Lord Evandale when it was tauld to her, I'se + warrant she wad say No when she suld say Yes." +</p> +<p> + "Weel," replied Cuddie, "and what's my business wi' that? If Miss Edith + likes her auld joe better than her new ane, what for suld she no be free + to change her mind like other folk? Ye ken, Jenny, Halliday aye threeps + he had a promise frae yoursell." +</p> +<p> + "Halliday's a liar, and ye're naething but a gomeril to hearken till him, + Cuddie. And then for this leddy's choice, lack-a-day! ye may be sure a' + the gowd Mr. Morton has is on the outside o' his coat; and how can he + keep Leddy Margaret and the young leddy?" +</p> +<p> + "Isna there Milnwood?" said Cuddie. "Nae doubt the auld laird left his + housekeeper the liferent, as he heard nought o' his nephew; but it's but + speaking the auld wife fair, and they may a' live brawly thegither, Leddy + Margaret and a'." +</p> +<p> + "Rout tout, lad," replied Jenny; "ye ken them little to think leddies o' + their rank wad set up house wi' auld Ailie Wilson, when they're maist + ower proud to take favours frae Lord Evandale himsell. Na, na, they maun + follow the camp, if she tak Morton." +</p> +<p> + "That wad sort ill wi' the auld leddy, to be sure," said Cuddie; "she wad + hardly win ower a lang day in the baggage-wain." +</p> +<p> + "Then sic a flyting as there wad be between them, a' about Whig and + Tory," continued Jenny. +</p> +<p> + "To be sure," said Cuddie, "the auld leddy 's unto kittle in thae + points." +</p> +<p> + "And then, Cuddie," continued his helpmate, who had reserved her + strongest argument to the last, "if this marriage wi' Lord Evandale is + broken off, what comes o' our ain bit free house, and the kale-yard, and + the cow's grass? I trow that baith us and thae bonny bairns will be + turned on the wide warld!" +</p> +<p> + Here Jenny began to whimper; Cuddie writhed himself this way and that + way, the very picture of indecision. At length he broke out, "Weel, + woman, canna ye tell us what we suld do, without a' this din about it?" +</p> +<p> + "Just do naething at a'," said Jenny. "Never seem to ken onything about + this gentleman, and for your life say a word that he suld hae been here, + or up at the house! An I had kend, I wad hae gien him my ain bed, and + sleepit in the byre or he had gane up by; but it canna be helpit now. The + neist thing's to get him cannily awa the morn, and I judge he'll be in + nae hurry to come back again." +</p> +<p> + "My puir maister!" said Cuddie; "and maun I no speak to him, then?" +</p> +<p> + "For your life, no," said Jenny. "Ye're no obliged to ken him; and I + wadna hae tauld ye, only I feared ye wad ken him in the morning." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel," said Cuddie, sighing heavily, "I 'se awa to pleugh the outfield + then; for if I am no to speak to him, I wad rather be out o' the gate." +</p> +<p> + "Very right, my dear hinny," replied Jenny. Naebody has better sense than + you when ye crack a bit wi' me ower your affairs; but ye suld ne'er do + onything aff hand out o' your ain head." +</p> +<p> + "Ane wad think it's true," quoth Cuddie; "for I hae aye had some carline + or quean or another to gar me gang their gate instead o' my ain. There + was first my mither," he continued, as he undressed and tumbled himself + into bed; "then there was Leddy Margaret didna let me ca' my soul my ain; + then my mither and her quarrelled, and pu'ed me twa ways at anes, as if + ilk ane had an end o' me, like Punch and the Deevil rugging about the + Baker at the fair; and now I hae gotten a wife," he murmured in + continuation, as he stowed the blankets around his person, "and she's + like to tak the guiding o' me a' thegither." +</p> +<p> + "And amna I the best guide ye ever had in a' your life?" said Jenny, as + she closed the conversation by assuming her place beside her husband and + extinguishing the candle. +</p> +<p> + Leaving this couple to their repose, we have next to inform the reader + that, early on the next morning, two ladies on horseback, attended by + their servants, arrived at the house of Fairy Knowe, whom, to Jenny's + utter confusion, she instantly recognised as Miss Bellenden and Lady + Emily Hamilton, a sister of Lord Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "Had I no better gang to the house to put things to rights?" said Jenny, + confounded with this unexpected apparition. +</p> +<p> + "We want nothing but the pass-key," said Miss Bellenden; "Gudyill will + open the windows of the little parlour." +</p> +<p> + "The little parlour's locked, and the lock's, spoiled," answered Jenny, + who recollected the local spmpathy between that apartment and the + bedchamber of her guest. +</p> +<p> + "In the red parlour, then," said Miss Bellenden, and rode up to the front + of the house, but by an approach different from that through which Morton + had been conducted. +</p> +<p> + "All will be out," thought Jenny, "unless I can get him smuggled out of + the house the back way." +</p> +<p> + So saying, she sped up the bank in great tribulation and uncertainty. +</p> +<p> + "I had better hae said at ante there was a stranger there," was her next + natural reflection. "But then they wad hae been for asking him to + breakfast. Oh, safe us! what will I do?—And there's Gudyill walking in + the garden too!" she exclaimed internally on approaching the wicket; "and + I daurna gang in the back way till he's aff the coast. Oh, sirs! what + will become of us?" +</p> +<p> + In this state of perplexity she approached the cidevant butler, with the + purpose of decoying him out of the garden. But John Gudyill's temper was + not improved by his decline in rank and increase in years. Like many + peevish people, too, he seemed to have an intuitive perception as to what + was most likely to teaze those whom he conversed with; and, on the + present occasion, all Jenny's efforts to remove him from the garden + served only to root him in it as fast as if he had been one of the + shrubs. +</p> +<p> + Unluckily, also, he had commenced florist during his residence at Fairy + Knowe; and, leaving all other things to the charge of Lady Emily's + servant, his first care was dedicated to the flowers, which he had taken + under his special protection, and which he propped, dug, and watered, + prosing all the while upon their respective merits to poor Jenny, who + stood by him trembling and almost crying with anxiety, fear, and + impatience. +</p> +<p> + Fate seemed determined to win a match against Jenny this unfortunate + morning. As soon as the ladies entered the house, they observed that the + door of the little parlour—the very apartment out of which she was + desirous of excluding them on account of its contiguity to the room in + which Morton slept—was not only unlocked, but absolutely ajar. Miss + Bellenden was too much engaged with her own immediate subjects of + reflection to take much notice of the circumstance, but, desiring the + servant to open the window-shutters, walked into the room along with her + friend. +</p> +<p> + "He is not yet come," she said. "What can your brother possibly mean? Why + express so anxious a wish that we should meet him here? And why not come + to Castle Dinnan, as he proposed? I own, my dear Emily, that, even + engaged as we are to each other, and with the sanction of your presence, + I do not feel that I have done quite right in indulging him." +</p> +<p> + "Evandale was never capricious," answered his sister; "I am sure he will + satisfy us with his reasons, and if he does not, I will help you to scold + him." +</p> +<p> + "What I chiefly fear," said Edith, "is his having engaged in some of the + plots of this fluctuating and unhappy time. I know his heart is with that + dreadful Claverhouse and his army, and I believe he would have joined + them ere now but for my uncle's death, which gave him so much additional + trouble on our account. How singular that one so rational and so deeply + sensible of the errors of the exiled family should be ready to risk all + for their restoration!" +</p> +<p> + "What can I say?" answered Lady Emily,—"it is a point of honour with + Evandale. Our family have always been loyal; he served long in the + Guards; the Viscount of Dundee was his commander and his friend for + years; he is looked on with an evil eye by many of his own relations, who + set down his inactivity to the score of want of spirit. You must be + aware, my dear Edith, how often family connections and early + predilections influence our actions more than abstract arguments. But I + trust Evandale will continue quiet,—though, to tell you truth, I believe + you are the only one who can keep him so." +</p> +<p> + "And how is it in my power?" said Miss Bellenden. +</p> +<p> + "You can furnish him with the Scriptural apology for not going forth with + the host,—'he has married a wife, and therefore cannot come.'" +</p> +<p> + "I have promised," said Edith, in a faint voice; "but I trust I shall not + be urged on the score of time." +</p> +<p> + "Nay," said Lady Emily, "I will leave Evandale (and here he comes) to + plead his own cause." +</p> +<p> + "Stay, stay, for God's sake!" said Edith, endeavouring to detain her. +</p> +<p> + "Not I, not I," said the young lady, making her escape; "the third person + makes a silly figure on such occasions. When you want me for breakfast, I + will be found in the willow-walk by the river." +</p> +<p> + As she tripped out of the room, Lord Evandale entered. "Good-morrow, + Brother, and good-by till breakfast-time," said the lively young lady; + "I trust you will give Miss Bellenden some good reasons for disturbing + her rest so early in the morning." +</p> +<p> + And so saying, she left them together, without waiting a reply. +</p> +<p> + "And now, my lord," said Edith, "may I desire to know the meaning of your + singular request to meet you here at so early an hour?" +</p> +<p> + She was about to add that she hardly felt herself excusable in having + complied with it; but upon looking at the person whom she addressed, she + was struck dumb by the singular and agitated expression of his + countenance, and interrupted herself to exclaim, "For God's sake, what is + the matter?" +</p> +<p> + "His Majesty's faithful subjects have gained a great and most decisive + victory near Blair of Athole; but, alas! my gallant friend Lord Dundee—" +</p> +<p> + "Has fallen?" said Edith, anticipating the rest of his tidings. +</p> +<p> + "True, most true: he has fallen in the arms of victory, and not a man + remains of talents and influence sufficient to fill up his loss in King + James's service. This, Edith, is no time for temporizing with our duty. I + have given directions to raise my followers, and I must take leave of you + this evening." +</p> +<p> + "Do not think of it, my lord," answered Edith; "your life is—essential + to your friends,—do not throw it away in an adventure so rash. What can + your single arm, and the few tenants or servants who might follow you, do + against the force of almost all Scotland, the Highland clans only + excepted?" +</p> +<p> + "Listen to me, Edith," said Lord Evandale. "I am not so rash as you may + suppose me, nor are my present motives of such light importance as to + affect only those personally dependent on myself. The Life Guards, with + whom I served so long, although new-modelled and new-officered by the + Prince of Orange, retain a predilection for the cause of their rightful + master; and "—and here he whispered as if he feared even the walls of + the apartment had ears—"when my foot is known to be in the stirrup, two + regiments of cavalry have sworn to renounce the usurper's service, and + fight under my orders. They delayed only till Dundee should descend into + the Lowlands; but since he is no more, which of his successors dare take + that decisive step, unless encouraged by the troops declaring themselves! + Meantime, the zeal of the soldiers will die away. I must bring them to a + decision while their hearts are glowing with the victory their old leader + has obtained, and burning to avenge his untimely death." +</p> +<p> + "And will you, on the faith of such men as you know these soldiers to + be," said Edith, "take a part of such dreadful moment?" +</p> +<p> + "I will," said Lord Evandale,—"I must; my honour and loyalty are both + pledged for it." +</p> +<p> + "And all for the sake," continued Miss Bellenden, "of a prince whose + measures, while he was on the throne, no one could condemn more than Lord + Evandale?" +</p> +<p> + "Most true," replied Lord Evandale; "and as I resented, even during the + plenitude of his power, his innovations on Church and State, like a + freeborn subject, I am determined I will assert his real rights, when he + is in adversity, like a loyal one. Let courtiers and sycophants flatter + power and desert misfortune; I will neither do the one nor the other." +</p> +<p> + "And if you are determined to act what my feeble judgment must still term + rashly, why give yourself the pain of this untimely meeting?" +</p> +<p> + "Were it not enough to answer," said Lord Evandale, "that, ere rushing on + battle, I wished to bid adieu to my betrothed bride? Surely it is judging + coldly of my feelings, and showing too plainly the indifference of your + own, to question my motive for a request so natural." +</p> +<p> + "But why in this place, my lord," said Edith; and why with such peculiar + circumstances of mystery?" +</p> +<p> + "Because," he replied, putting a letter into her hand, "I have yet + another request, which I dare hardly proffer, even when prefaced by these + credentials." +</p> +<p> + In haste and terror, Edith glanced over the letter, which was from her + grandmother. +</p> +<pre> + "My dearest childe," such was its tenor in style and spelling, "I + never more deeply regretted the reumatizm, which disqualified me + from riding on horseback, than at this present writing, when I would + most have wished to be where this paper will soon be, that is at + Fairy Knowe, with my poor dear Willie's only child. But it is the + will of God I should not be with her, which I conclude to be the + case, as much for the pain I now suffer, as because it hath now not + given way either to cammomile poultices or to decoxion of wild + mustard, wherewith I have often relieved others. Therefore, I must + tell you, by writing instead of word of mouth, that, as my young + Lord Evandale is called to the present campaign, both by his honour + and his duty, he hath earnestly solicited me that the bonds of holy + matrimony be knitted before his departure to the wars between you + and him, in implement of the indenture formerly entered into for + that effeck, whereuntill, as I see no raisonable objexion, so I + trust that you, who have been always a good and obedient childe, + will not devize any which has less than raison. It is trew that the + contrax of our house have heretofore been celebrated in a manner + more befitting our Rank, and not in private, and with few witnesses, + as a thing done in a corner. But it has been Heaven's own free will, + as well as those of the kingdom where we live, to take away from us + our estate, and from the King his throne. Yet I trust He will yet + restore the rightful heir to the throne, and turn his heart to the + true Protestant Episcopal faith, which I have the better right to + expect to see even with my old eyes, as I have beheld the royal + family when they were struggling as sorely with masterful usurpers + and rebels as they are now; that is to say, when his most sacred + Majesty, Charles the Second of happy memory, honoured our poor house + of Tillietudlem by taking his /disjune/ therein," etc., etc., etc. +</pre> +<p> + We will not abuse the reader's patience by quoting more of Lady + Margaret's prolix epistle. Suffice it to say that it closed by laying her + commands on her grandchild to consent to the solemnization of her + marriage without loss of time. +</p> +<p> + "I never thought till this instant," said Edith, dropping the letter from + her hand, "that Lord Evandale would have acted ungenerously." +</p> +<p> + "Ungenerously, Edith!" replied her lover. "And how can you apply such a + term to my desire to call you mine, ere I part from you, perhaps for + ever?" +</p> +<p> + "Lord Evandale ought to have remembered," said Edith, "that when his + perseverance, and, I must add, a due sense of his merit and of the + obligations we owed him, wrung from me a slow consent that I would one + day comply with his wishes, I made it my condition that I should not be + pressed to a hasty accomplishment of my promise; and now he avails + himself of his interest with my only remaining relative to hurry me with + precipitate and even indelicate importunity. There is more selfishness + than generosity, my lord, in such eager and urgent solicitation." +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale, evidently much hurt, took two or three turns through the + apartment ere he replied to this accusation; at length he spoke: "I + should have escaped this painful charge, durst I at once have mentioned + to Miss Bellendon my principal reason for urging this request. It is one + which she will probably despise on her own account, but which ought to + weigh with her for the sake of Lady Margaret. My death in battle must + give my whole estate to my heirs of entail; my forfeiture as a traitor, + by the usurping Government, may vest it in the Prince of Orange or some + Dutch favourite. In either case, my venerable friend and betrothed bride + must remain unprotected and in poverty. Vested with the rights and + provisions of Lady Evandale, Edith will find, in the power of supporting + her aged parent, some consolation for having condescended to share the + titles and fortunes of one who does not pretend to be worthy of her." +</p> +<p> + Edith was struck dumb by an argument which she had not expected, and was + compelled to acknowledge that Lord Evandale's suit was urged with + delicacy as well as with consideration. +</p> +<p> + "And yet," she said, "such is the waywardness with which my heart reverts + to former times that I cannot," she burst into tears, "suppress a degree + of ominous reluctance at fulfilling my engagement upon such a brief + summons." +</p> +<p> + "We have already fully considered this painful subject," said Lord + Evandale; "and I hoped, my dear Edith, your own inquiries, as well as + mine, had fully convinced you that these regrets were fruitless." +</p> +<p> + "Fruitless indeed!" said Edith, with a deep sigh, which, as if by an + unexpected echo, was repeated from the adjoining apartment. Miss + Bellenden started at the sound, and scarcely composed herself upon Lord + Evandale's assurances that she had heard but the echo of her own + respiration. +</p> +<p> + "It sounded strangely distinct," she said, "and almost ominous; but my + feelings are so harassed that the slightest trifle agitates them." +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale eagerly attempted to soothe her alarm, and reconcile her to + a measure which, however hasty, appeared to him the only means by which + he could secure her independence. He urged his claim in virtue of the + contract, her grandmother's wish and command, the propriety of insuring + her comfort and independence, and touched lightly on his own long + attachment, which he had evinced by so many and such various services. + These Edith felt the more, the less they were insisted upon; and at + length, as she had nothing to oppose to his ardour, excepting a causeless + reluctance which she herself was ashamed to oppose against so much + generosity, she was compelled to rest upon the impossibility of having + the ceremony performed upon such hasty notice, at such a time and place. + But for all this Lord Evandale was prepared, and he explained, with + joyful alacrity, that the former chaplain of his regiment was in + attendance at the Lodge with a faithful domestic, once a non-commissioned + officer in the same corps; that his sister was also possessed of the + secret; and that Headrigg and his wife might be added to the list of + witnesses, if agreeable to Miss Bellenden. As to the place, he had chosen + it on very purpose. The marriage was to remain a secret, since Lord + Evandale was to depart in disguise very soon after it was solemnized,—a + circumstance which, had their union been public, must have drawn upon him + the attention of the Government, as being altogether unaccountable, + unless from his being engaged in some dangerous design. Having hastily + urged these motives and explained his arrangements, he ran, without + waiting for an answer, to summon his sister to attend his bride, while he + went in search of the other persons whose presence was necessary. + When Lady Emily arrived, she found her friend in an agony of tears, of + which she was at some loss to comprehend the reason, being one of those + damsels who think there is nothing either wonderful or terrible in + matrimony, and joining with most who knew him in thinking that it could + not be rendered peculiarly alarming by Lord Evandale being the + bridegroom. Influenced by these feelings, she exhausted in succession all + the usual arguments for courage, and all the expressions of sympathy and + condolence ordinarily employed on such occasions. But when Lady Emily + beheld her future sister-in-law deaf to all those ordinary topics of + consolation; when she beheld tears follow fast and without intermission + down cheeks as pale as marble; when she felt that the hand which she + pressed in order to enforce her arguments turned cold within her grasp, + and lay, like that of a corpse, insensible and unresponsive to her + caresses, her feelings of sympathy gave way to those of hurt pride and + pettish displeasure. +</p> +<p> + "I must own," she said, "that I am something at a loss to understand all + this, Miss Bellenden. Months have passed since you agreed to marry my + brother, and you have postponed the fulfilment of your engagement from + one period to another, as if you had to avoid some dishonourable or + highly disagreeable connection. I think I can answer for Lord Evandale + that he will seek no woman's hand against her inclination; and, though + his sister, I may boldly say that he does not need to urge any lady + further than her inclinations carry her. You will forgive me, Miss + Bellenden; but your present distress augurs ill for my brother's future + happiness, and I must needs say that he does not merit all these + expressions of dislike and dolour, and that they seem an odd return for + an attachment which he has manifested so long, and in so many ways." +</p> +<p> + "You are right, Lady Emily," said Edith, drying her eyes and endeavouring + to resume her natural manner, though still betrayed by her faltering + voice and the paleness of her cheeks,—"you are quite right; Lord + Evandale merits such usage from no one, least of all from her whom he has + honoured with his regard. But if I have given way, for the last time, to + a sudden and irresistible burst of feeling, it is my consolation, Lady + Emily, that your brother knows the cause, that I have hid nothing from + him, and that he at least is not apprehensive of finding in Edith + Bellenden a wife undeserving of his affection. But still you are right, + and I merit your censure for indulging for a moment fruitless regret and + painful remembrances. It shall be so no longer; my lot is cast with + Evandale, and with him I am resolved to bear it. Nothing shall in future + occur to excite his complaints or the resentment of his relations; no + idle recollections of other days shall intervene to prevent the zealous + and affectionate discharge of my duty; no vain illusions recall the + memory of other days—" +</p> +<p> + As she spoke these words, she slowly raised her eyes, which had before + been hidden by her hand, to the latticed window of her apartment, which + was partly open, uttered a dismal shriek, and fainted. Lady Emily turned + her eyes in the same direction, but saw only the shadow of a man, which + seemed to disappear from the window, and, terrified more by the state of + Edith than by the apparition she had herself witnessed, she uttered + shriek upon shriek for assistance. Her brother soon arrived, with the + chaplain and Jenny Dennison; but strong and vigorous remedies were + necessary ere they could recall Miss Bellenden to sense and motion. Even + then her language was wild and incoherent. +</p> +<a name="image-0008"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb224.jpg" height="797" width="533" +alt="Uttered a Dismal Shriek, and Fainted +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Press me no farther," she said to Lord Evandale,—"it cannot be; Heaven + and earth, the living and the dead, have leagued themselves against this + ill-omened union. Take all I can give,—my sisterly regard, my devoted + friendship. I will love you as a sister and serve you as a bondswoman, + but never speak to me more of marriage." +</p> +<p> + The astonishment of Lord Evandale may easily be conceived. + "Emily," he said to his sister, "this is your doing. I was accursed when + I thought of bringing you here; some of your confounded folly has driven + her mad!" +</p> +<p> + "On my word, Brother," answered Lady Emily, "you're sufficient to drive + all the women in Scotland mad. Because your mistress seems much disposed + to jilt you, you quarrel with your sister, who has been arguing in your + cause, and had brought her to a quiet hearing, when, all of a sudden, a + man looked in at a window, whom her crazed sensibility mistook either for + you or some one else, and has treated us gratis with an excellent tragic + scene." +</p> +<p> + "What man? What window?" said Lord Evandale, in impatient displeasure. + "Miss Bellenden is incapable of trifling with me; and yet what else could + have—" +</p> +<p> + "Hush! hush!" said Jenny, whose interest lay particularly in shifting + further inquiry; "for Heaven's sake, my lord, speak low, for my lady + begins to recover." +</p> +<p> + Edith was no sooner somewhat restored to herself than she begged, in a + feeble voice, to be left alone with Lord Evandale. All retreated,—Jenny + with her usual air of officious simplicity, Lady Emily and the chaplain + with that of awakened curiosity. No sooner had they left the apartment + than Edith beckoned Lord Evandale to sit beside her on the couch; her + next motion was to take his hand, in spite of his surprised resistance, + to her lips; her last was to sink from her seat and to clasp his knees. + "Forgive me, my lord!" she exclaimed, "forgive me! I must deal most + untruly by you, and break a solemn engagement. You have my friendship, my + highest regard, my most sincere gratitude; you have more,—you have my + word and my faith; but—oh, forgive me, for the fault is not mine—you + have not my love, and I cannot marry you without a sin!" +</p> +<p> + "You dream, my dearest Edith!" said Evandale, perplexed in the utmost + degree, "you let your imagination beguile you; this is but some delusion + of an over-sensitive mind. The person whom you preferred to me has been + long in a better world, where your unavailing regret cannot follow him, + or, if it could, would only diminish his happiness." +</p> +<p> + "You are mistaken, Lord Evandale," said Edith, solemnly; "I am not a + sleep-walker or a madwoman. No, I could not have believed from any one + what I have seen. But, having seen him, I must believe mine own eyes." +</p> +<p> + "Seen him,—seen whom?" asked Lord Evandale, in great anxiety. +</p> +<p> + "Henry Morton," replied Edith, uttering these two words as if they were + her last, and very nearly fainting when she had done so. +</p> +<p> + "Miss Bellenden," said Lord Evandale, "you treat me like a fool or a + child. If you repent your engagement to me," he continued, indignantly, + "I am not a man to enforce it against your inclination; but deal with me + as a man, and forbear this trifling." +</p> +<p> + He was about to go on, when he perceived, from her quivering eye and + pallid cheek, that nothing less than imposture was intended, and that by + whatever means her imagination had been so impressed, it was really + disturbed by unaffected awe and terror. He changed his tone, and exerted + all his eloquence in endeavouring to soothe and extract from her the + secret cause of such terror. +</p> +<p> + "I saw him!" she repeated,—"I saw Henry Morton stand at that window, and + look into the apartment at the moment I was on the point of abjuring him + for ever. His face was darker, thinner, and paler than it was wont to be; + his dress was a horseman's cloak, and hat looped down over his face; his + expression was like that he wore on that dreadful morning when he was + examined by Claverhouse at Tillietudlem. Ask your sister, ask Lady Emily, + if she did not see him as well as I. I know what has called him up,—he + came to upbraid me, that, while my heart was with him in the deep and + dead sea, I was about to give my hand to another. My lord, it is ended + between you and me; be the consequences what they will, she cannot marry + whose union disturbs the repose of the dead." +</p> +<p> + "Good Heaven!" said Evandale, as he paced the room, half mad himself with + surprise and vexation, "her fine understanding must be totally + overthrown, and that by the effort which she has made to comply with my + ill-timed, though well-meant, request. Without rest and attention her + health is ruined for ever." +</p> +<p> + At this moment the door opened, and Halliday, who had been Lord + Evandale's principal personal attendant since they both left the Guards + on the Revolution, stumbled into the room with a countenance as pale and + ghastly as terror could paint it. +</p> +<p> + "What is the matter next, Halliday?" cried his master, starting up. "Any + discovery of the—" +</p> +<p> + He had just recollection sufficient to stop short in the midst of the + dangerous sentence. +</p> +<p> + "No, sir," said Halliday, "it is not that, nor anything like that; but I + have seen a ghost!" +</p> +<p> + "A ghost, you eternal idiot!" said Lord Evandale, forced altogether out + of his patience. "Has all mankind sworn to go mad in order to drive me + so? What ghost, you simpleton?" +</p> +<p> + "The ghost of Henry Morton, the Whig captain at Bothwell Bridge," replied + Halliday. "He passed by me like a fire-flaught when I was in the garden!" +</p> +<p> + "This is midsummer madness," said Lord Evandale, "or there is some + strange villainy afloat. Jenny, attend your lady to her chamber, while I + endeavour to find a clue to all this." +</p> +<p> + But Lord Evandale's inquiries were in vain. Jenny, who might have given + (had she chosen) a very satisfactory explanation, had an interest to + leave the matter in darkness; and interest was a matter which now weighed + principally with Jenny, since the possession of an active and + affectionate husband in her own proper right had altogether allayed her + spirit of coquetry. She had made the best use of the first moments of + confusion hastily to remove all traces of any one having slept in the + apartment adjoining to the parlour, and even to erase the mark of + footsteps beneath the window, through which she conjectured Morton's face + had been seen, while attempting, ere he left the garden, to gain one look + at her whom he had so long loved, and was now on the point of losing for + ever. That he had passed Halliday in the garden was equally clear; and + she learned from her elder boy, whom she had employed to have the + stranger's horse saddled and ready for his departure, that he had rushed + into the stable, thrown the child a broad gold piece, and, mounting his + horse, had ridden with fearful rapidity down towards the Clyde. The + secret was, therefore, in their own family, and Jenny was resolved it + should remain so. +</p> +<p> + "For, to be sure," she said, "although her lady and Halliday kend Mr. + Morton by broad daylight, that was nae reason I suld own to kenning him + in the gloaming and by candlelight, and him keeping his face frae Cuddie + and me a' the time." +</p> +<p> + So she stood resolutely upon the negative when examined by Lord Evandale. + As for Halliday, he could only say that as he entered the garden-door, + the supposed apparition met him, walking swiftly, and with a visage on + which anger and grief appeared to be contending. +</p> +<p> + "He knew him well," he said, "having been repeatedly guard upon him, and + obliged to write down his marks of stature and visage in case of escape. + And there were few faces like Mr. Morton's." But what should make him + haunt the country where he was neither hanged nor shot, he, the said + Halliday, did not pretend to conceive. +</p> +<p> + Lady Emily confessed she had seen the face of a man at the window, but + her evidence went no farther. John Gudyill deponed /nil novit in causa/. + He had left his gardening to get his morning dram just at the time when + the apparition had taken place. Lady Emily's servant was waiting orders + in the kitchen, and there was not another being within a quarter of a + mile of the house. +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale returned perplexed and dissatisfied in the highest degree + at beholding a plan which he thought necessary not less for the + protection of Edith in contingent circumstances, than for the assurance + of his own happiness, and which he had brought so very near perfection, + thus broken off without any apparent or rational cause. His knowledge of + Edith's character set her beyond the suspicion of covering any capricious + change of determination by a pretended vision. But he would have set the + apparition down to the influence of an overstrained imagination, agitated + by the circumstances in which she had so suddenly been placed, had it not + been for the coinciding testimony of Halliday, who had no reason for + thinking of Morton more than any other person, and knew nothing of Miss + Bellenden's vision when he promulgated his own. On the other hand, it + seemed in the highest degree improbable that Morton, so long and so + vainly sought after, and who was, with such good reason, supposed to be + lost when the "Vryheid" of Rotterdam went down with crew and passengers, + should be alive and lurking in this country, where there was no longer + any reason why he should not openly show himself, since the present + Government favoured his party in politics. When Lord Evandale reluctantly + brought himself to communicate these doubts to the chaplain, in order to + obtain his opinion, he could only obtain a long lecture on demonology, in + which, after quoting Delrio and Burthoog and De L'Ancre on the subject of + apparitions, together with sundry civilians and common lawyers on the + nature of testimony, the learned gentleman expressed his definite and + determined opinion to be, either that there had been an actual apparition + of the deceased Henry Morton's spirit, the possibility of which he was, + as a divine and a philosopher, neither fully prepared to admit or to + deny; or else that the said Henry Morton, being still in /rerum natura/, + had appeared in his proper person that morning; or, finally, that some + strong /deceptio visus/, or striking similitude of person, had deceived + the eyes of Miss Bellenden and of Thomas Halliday. Which of these was the + most probable hypothesis, the doctor declined to pronounce, but expressed + himself ready to die in the opinion that one or other of them had + occasioned that morning's disturbance. +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale soon had additional cause for distressful anxiety. Miss + Bellenden was declared to be dangerously ill. +</p> +<p> + "I will not leave this place," he exclaimed, "till she is pronounced to + be in safety. I neither can nor ought to do so; for whatever may have + been the immediate occasion of her illness, I gave the first cause for it + by my unhappy solicitation." +</p> +<p> + He established himself, therefore, as a guest in the family, which the + presence of his sister, as well as of Lady Margaret Bellenden (who, in + despite of her rheumatism, caused herself to be transported thither when + she heard of her granddaughter's illness), rendered a step equally + natural and delicate. And thus he anxiously awaited until, without injury + to her health, Edith could sustain a final explanation ere his departure + on his expedition. +</p> +<p> + "She shall never," said the generous young man, "look on her engagement + with me as the means of fettering her to a union, the idea of which seems + almost to unhinge her understanding." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0018"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. +</h2> +<pre> + Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shades! + Ah, fields beloved in vain! + Where once my careless childhood strayed, + A stranger yet to pain. + Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College. +</pre> +<p> + It is not by corporal wants and infirmities only that men of the most + distinguished talents are levelled, during their lifetime, with the + common mass of mankind. There are periods of mental agitation when the + firmest of mortals must be ranked with the weakest of his brethren, and + when, in paying the general tax of humanity, his distresses are even + aggravated by feeling that he transgresses, in the indulgence of his + grief, the rules of religion and philosophy by which he endeavours in + general to regulate his passions and his actions. It was during such a + paroxysm that the unfortunate Morton left Fairy Knowe. To know that his + long-loved and still-beloved Edith, whose image had filled his mind for + so many years, was on the point of marriage to his early rival, who had + laid claim to her heart by so many services as hardly left her a title to + refuse his addresses, bitter as the intelligence was, yet came not as an + unexpected blow. +</p> +<p> + During his residence abroad he had once written to Edith. It was to bid + her farewell for ever, and to conjure her to forget him. He had requested + her not to answer his letter; yet he half hoped, for many a day, that she + might transgress his injunction. The letter never reached her to whom it + was addressed, and Morton, ignorant of its miscarriage, could only + conclude himself laid aside and forgotten, according to his own + self-denying request. All that he had heard of their mutual relations + since his return to Scotland prepared him to expect that he could only + look upon Miss Bellenden as the betrothed bride of Lord Evandale; and + even if freed from the burden of obligation to the latter, it would still + have been inconsistent with Morton's generosity of disposition to disturb + their arrangements, by attempting the assertion of a claim proscribed by + absence, never sanctioned by the consent of friends, and barred by a + thousand circumstances of difficulty. Why then did he seek the cottage + which their broken fortunes had now rendered the retreat of Lady Margaret + Bellenden and her granddaughter? He yielded, we are under the necessity + of acknowledging, to the impulse of an inconsistent wish which many might + have felt in his situation. +</p> +<p> + Accident apprised him, while travelling towards his native district, that + the ladies, near whose mansion he must necessarily pass, were absent; and + learning that Cuddie and his wife acted as their principal domestics, he + could not resist pausing at their cottage to learn, if possible, the real + progress which Lord Evandale had made in the affections of Miss Bellen + den—alas! no longer his Edith. This rash experiment ended as we have + related, and he parted from the house of Fairy Knowe, conscious that he + was still beloved by Edith, yet compelled, by faith and honour, to + relinquish her for ever. With what feelings he must have listened to the + dialogue between Lord Evandale and Edith, the greater part of which he + involuntarily overheard, the reader must conceive, for we dare not + attempt to describe them. An hundred times he was tempted to burst upon + their interview, or to exclaim aloud, "Edith, I yet live!" and as often + the recollection of her plighted troth, and of the debt of gratitude + which he owed Lord Evandale (to whose influence with Claverhouse he + justly ascribed his escape from torture and from death), withheld him + from a rashness which might indeed have involved all in further distress, + but gave little prospect of forwarding his own happiness. He repressed + forcibly these selfish emotions, though with an agony which thrilled his + every nerve. +</p> +<p> + "No, Edith!" was his internal oath, "never will I add a thorn to thy + pillow. That which Heaven has ordained, let it be; and let me not add, by + my selfish sorrows, one atom's weight to the burden thou hast to bear. I + was dead to thee when thy resolution was adopted; and never, never shalt + thou know that Henry Morton still lives!" +</p> +<p> + As he formed this resolution, diffident of his own power to keep it, and + seeking that firmness in flight which was every moment shaken by his + continuing within hearing of Edith's voice, he hastily rushed from his + apartment by the little closet and the sashed door which led to the + garden. +</p> +<p> + But firmly as he thought his resolution was fixed, he could not leave the + spot where the last tones of a voice so beloved still vibrated on his + ear, without endeavouring to avail himself of the opportunity which the + parlour window afforded to steal one last glance at the lovely speaker. + It was in this attempt, made while Edith seemed to have her eyes + unalterably bent upon the ground, that Morton's presence was detected by + her raising them suddenly. So soon as her wild scream made this known to + the unfortunate object of a passion so constant, and which seemed so + ill-fated, he hurried from the place as if pursued by the furies. He + passed Halliday in the garden without recognising or even being sensible + that he had seen him, threw himself on his horse, and, by a sort of + instinct rather than recollection, took the first by-road in preference + to the public route to Hamilton. +</p> +<p> + In all probability this prevented Lord Evandale from learning that he was + actually in existence; for the news that the Highlanders had obtained a + decisive victory at Killiecrankie had occasioned an accurate look-out to + be kept, by order of the Government, on all the passes, for fear of some + commotion among the Lowland Jacobites. They did not omit to post + sentinels on Bothwell Bridge; and as these men had not seen any traveller + pass westward in that direction, and as, besides, their comrades + stationed in the village of Bothwell were equally positive that none had + gone eastward, the apparition, in the existence of which Edith and + Halliday were equally positive, became yet more mysterious in the + judgment of Lord Evandale, who was finally inclined to settle in the + belief that the heated and disturbed imagination of Edith had summoned up + the phantom she stated herself to have seen, and that Halliday had, in + some unaccountable manner, been infected by the same superstition. + Meanwhile, the by-path which Morton pursued, with all the speed which his + vigorous horse could exert, brought him in a very few seconds to the + brink of the Clyde, at a spot marked with the feet of horses, who were + conducted to it as a watering-place. The steed, urged as he was to the + gallop, did not pause a single instant, but, throwing himself into the + river, was soon beyond his depth. The plunge which the animal made as his + feet quitted the ground, with the feeling that the cold water rose above + his swordbelt, were the first incidents which recalled Morton, whose + movements had been hitherto mechanical, to the necessity of taking + measures for preserving himself and the noble animal which he bestrode. A + perfect master of all manly exercises, the management of a horse in water + was as familiar to him as when upon a meadow. He directed the animal's + course somewhat down the stream towards a low plain, or holm, which + seemed to promise an easy egress from the river. In the first and second + attempt to get on shore, the horse was frustrated by the nature of the + ground, and nearly fell backwards on his rider. The instinct of + self-preservation seldom fails, even in the most desperate circumstances, + to recall the human mind to some degree of equipoise, unless when + altogether distracted by terror, and Morton was obliged to the danger in + which he was placed for complete recovery of his self-possession. A third + attempt, at a spot more carefully and judiciously selected, succeeded + better than the former, and placed the horse and his rider in safety upon + the farther and left-hand bank of the Clyde. +</p> +<p> + "But whither," said Morton, in the bitterness of his heart, "am I now to + direct my course? or rather, what does it signify to which point of the + compass a wretch so forlorn betakes himself? I would to God, could the + wish be without a sin, that these dark waters had flowed over me, and + drowned my recollection of that which was, and that which is!" + The sense of impatience, which the disturbed state of his feelings had + occasioned, scarcely had vented itself in these violent expressions, ere + he was struck with shame at having given way to such a paroxysm. He + remembered how signally the life which he now held so lightly in the + bitterness of his disappointment had been preserved through the almost + incessant perils which had beset him since he entered upon his public + career. +</p> +<p> + "I am a fool!" he said, "and worse than a fool, to set light by that + existence which Heaven has so often preserved in the most marvellous + manner. Something there yet remains for me in this world, were it only to + bear my sorrows like a man, and to aid those who need my assistance. What + have I seen, what have I heard, but the very conclusion of that which I + knew was to happen? They"—he durst not utter their names even in + soliloquy—"they are embarrassed and in difficulties. She is stripped of + her inheritance, and he seems rushing on some dangerous career, with + which, but for the low voice in which he spoke, I might have become + acquainted. Are there no means to aid or to warn them?" +</p> +<p> + As he pondered upon this topic, forcibly withdrawing his mind from his + own disappointment, and compelling his attention to the affairs of Edith + and her betrothed husband, the letter of Burley, long forgotten, suddenly + rushed on his memory, like a ray of light darting through a mist. + "Their ruin must have been his work," was his internal conclusion. "If it + can be repaired, it must be through his means, or by information obtained + from him. I will search him out. Stern, crafty, and enthusiastic as he + is, my plain and downright rectitude of purpose has more than once + prevailed with him. I will seek him out, at least; and who knows what + influence the information I may acquire from him may have on the fortunes + of those whom I shall never see more, and who will probably never learn + that I am now suppressing my own grief, to add, if possible, to their + happiness." +</p> +<p> + Animated by these hopes, though the foundation was but slight, he sought + the nearest way to the high-road; and as all the tracks through the + valley were known to him since he hunted through them in youth, he had no + other difficulty than that of surmounting one or two enclosures, ere he + found himself on the road to the small burgh where the feast of the + popinjay had been celebrated. He journeyed in a state of mind sad indeed + and dejected, yet relieved from its earlier and more intolerable state of + anguish; for virtuous resolution and manly disinterestedness seldom fail + to restore tranquillity even where they cannot create happiness. He + turned his thoughts with strong effort upon the means of discovering + Burley, and the chance there was of extracting from him any knowledge + which he might possess favourable to her in whose cause he interested + himself; and at length formed the resolution of guiding himself by the + circumstances in which he might discover the object of his quest, + trusting that, from Cuddie's account of a schism betwixt Burley and his + brethren of the Presbyterian persuasion, he might find him less + rancorously disposed against Miss Bellenden, and inclined to exert the + power which he asserted himself to possess over her fortunes, more + favourably than heretofore. +</p> +<p> + Noontide had passed away when our traveller found himself in the + neighbourhood of his deceased uncle's habitation of Milnwood. It rose + among glades and groves that were chequered with a thousand early + recollections of joy and sorrow, and made upon Morton that mournful + impression, soft and affecting, yet, withal, soothing, which the + sensitive mind usually receives from a return to the haunts of childhood + and early youth, after having experienced the vicissitudes and tempests + of public life. A strong desire came upon him to visit the house itself. + "Old Alison," he thought, "will not know me, more than the honest couple + whom I saw yesterday. I may indulge my curiosity, and proceed on my + journey, without her having any knowledge of my existence. I think they + said my uncle had bequeathed to her my family mansion,—well, be it so. I + have enough to sorrow for, to enable me to dispense with lamenting such a + disappointment as that; and yet methinks he has chosen an odd successor + in my grumbling old dame, to a line of respectable, if not distinguished, + ancestry. Let it be as it may, I will visit the old mansion at least once + more." +</p> +<p> + The house of Milnwood, even in its best days, had nothing cheerful about + it; but its gloom appeared to be doubled under the auspices of the old + housekeeper. Everything, indeed, was in repair; there were no slates + deficient upon the steep grey roof, and no panes broken in the narrow + windows. But the grass in the court-yard looked as if the foot of man had + not been there for years; the doors were carefully locked, and that which + admitted to the hall seemed to have been shut for a length of time, since + the spiders had fairly drawn their webs over the door-way and the + staples. Living sight or sound there was none, until, after much + knocking, Morton heard the little window, through which it was + usual to reconnoitre visitors, open with much caution. The face of + Alison, puckered with some score of wrinkles in addition to those with + which it was furrowed when Morton left Scotland, now presented itself, + enveloped in a /toy/, from under the protection of which some of her grey + tresses had escaped in a manner more picturesque than beautiful, while + her shrill, tremulous voice demanded the cause of the knocking. + "I wish to speak an instant with one Alison Wilson, who resides here," + said Henry. +</p> +<p> + "She's no at hame the day," answered Mrs. Wilson, /in propria persona/, + the state of whose headdress, perhaps, inspired her with this direct mode + of denying herself; "and ye are but a mislear'd person to speer for her + in sic a manner. Ye might hae had an M under your belt for Mistress + Wilson of Milnwood." +</p> +<p> + "I beg pardon," said Morton, internally smiling at finding in old Ailie + the same jealousy of disrespect which she used to exhibit upon former + occasions,—"I beg pardon; I am but a stranger in this country, and have + been so long abroad that I have almost forgotten my own language." + "Did ye come frae foreign parts?" said Ailie; "then maybe ye may hae + heard of a young gentleman of this country that they ca' Henry Morton?" +</p> +<p> + "I have heard," said Morton, "of such a name in Germany." +</p> +<p> + "Then bide a wee bit where ye are, friend; or stay,—gang round by the + back o' the house, and ye'll find a laigh door; it's on the latch, for + it's never barred till sunset. Ye 'll open 't,—and tak care ye dinna fa' + ower the tub, for the entry's dark,—and then ye'll turn to the right, + and then ye'll hand straught forward, and then ye'll turn to the right + again, and ye 'll tak heed o' the cellarstairs, and then ye 'll be at the + door o' the little kitchen,—it's a' the kitchen that's at Milnwood + now,—and I'll come down t'ye, and whate'er ye wad say to Mistress + Wilson ye may very safely tell it to me." +</p> +<p> + A stranger might have had some difficulty, notwithstanding the minuteness + of the directions supplied by Ailie, to pilot himself in safety through + the dark labyrinth of passages that led from the back-door to the little + kitchen; but Henry was too well acquainted with the navigation of these + straits to experience danger, either from the Scylla which lurked on one + side in shape of a bucking tub, or the Charybdis which yawned on the + other in the profundity of a winding cellar-stair. His only impediment + arose from the snarling and vehement barking of a small cocking spaniel, + once his own property, but which, unlike to the faithful Argus, saw his + master return from his wanderings without any symptom of recognition. +</p> +<p> + "The little dogs and all!" said Morton to himself, on being disowned by + his former favourite. "I am so changed that no breathing creature that I + have known and loved will now acknowledge me!" +</p> +<p> + At this moment he had reached the kitchen; and soon after, the tread of + Alison's high heels, and the pat of the crutch-handled cane which served + at once to prop and to guide her footsteps, were heard upon the + stairs,—an annunciation which continued for some time ere she fairly + reached the kitchen. +</p> +<p> + Morton had, therefore, time to survey the slender preparations for + housekeeping which were now sufficient in the house of his ancestors. The + fire, though coals are plenty in that neighbourhood, was husbanded with + the closest attention to economy of fuel, and the small pipkin, in which + was preparing the dinner of the old woman and her maid-of-all-work, a + girl of twelve years old, intimated, by its thin and watery vapour, that + Ailie had not mended her cheer with her improved fortune. +</p> +<p> + When she entered, the head, which nodded with self-importance; the + features, in which an irritable peevishness, acquired by habit and + indulgence, strove with a temper naturally affectionate and good-natured; + the coif; the apron; the blue-checked gown,—were all those of old Ailie; + but laced pinners, hastily put on to meet the stranger, with some other + trifling articles of decoration, marked the difference between Mrs. + Wilson, life-rentrix of Milnwood, and the housekeeper of the late + proprietor. +</p> +<p> + "What were ye pleased to want wi' Mrs. Wilson, sir? I am Mrs. Wilson," + was her first address; for the five minutes time which she had gained for + the business of the toilet entitled her, she conceived, to assume the + full merit of her illustrious name, and shine forth on her guest in + unchastened splendour. Morton's sensations, confounded between the past + and present, fairly confused him so much that he would have had + difficulty in answering her, even if he had known well what to say. But + as he had not determined what character he was to adopt while concealing + that which was properly his own, he had an additional reason for + remaining silent. Mrs. Wilson, in perplexity, and with some apprehension, + repeated her question. +</p> +<p> + "What were ye pleased to want wi' me, sir? Ye said ye kend Mr. Harry + Morton?" +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me, madam," answered Henry, "it was of one Silas Morton I spoke." + The old woman's countenance fell. +</p> +<p> + "It was his father, then, ye kent o', the brother o' the late Milnwood? + Ye canna mind him abroad, I wad think,—he was come hame afore ye were + born. I thought ye had brought me news of poor Maister Harry." +</p> +<p> + "It was from my father I learned to know Colonel Morton," said Henry; "of + the son I know little or nothing,—rumour says he died abroad on his + passage to Holland." +</p> +<p> + "That's ower like to be true," said the old woman with a sigh, "and mony + a tear it's cost my auld een. His uncle, poor gentleman, just sough'd awa + wi' it in his mouth. He had been gieing me preceeze directions anent the + bread and the wine and the brandy at his burial, and how often it was to + be handed round the company (for, dead or alive, he was a prudent, + frugal, painstaking man), and then he said, said he, 'Ailie,' (he aye + ca'd me Ailie; we were auld acquaintance), 'Ailie, take ye care and haud + the gear weel thegither; for the name of Morton of Milnwood 's gane out + like the last sough of an auld sang.' And sae he fell out o' ae dwam into + another, and ne'er spak a word mair, unless it were something we cou'dna + mak out, about a dipped candle being gude eneugh to see to dee wi'. He + cou'd ne'er bide to see a moulded ane, and there was ane, by ill luck, on + the table." +</p> +<p> + While Mrs. Wilson was thus detailing the last moments of the old miser, + Morton was pressingly engaged in diverting the assiduous curiosity of the + dog, which, recovered from his first surprise, and combining former + recollections, had, after much snuffing and examination, begun a course + of capering and jumping upon the stranger which threatened every instant + to betray him. At length, in the urgency of his impatience, Morton could + not forbear exclaiming, in a tone of hasty impatience, "Down, Elphin! + down, sir!" +</p> +<p> + "Ye ken our dog's name," said the old lady, struck with great and sudden + surprise,—"ye ken our dog's name, and it's no a common ane. And the + creature kens you too," she continued, in a more agitated and shriller + tone,—"God guide us! it's my ain bairn!" +</p> +<p> + So saying, the poor old woman threw herself around Morton's neck, cling + to him, kissed him as if he had been actually her child, and wept for + joy. There was no parrying the discovery, if he could have had the heart + to attempt any further disguise. He returned the embrace with the most + grateful warmth, and answered,— +</p> +<p> + "I do indeed live, dear Ailie, to thank you for all your kindness, past + and present, and to rejoice that there is at least one friend to welcome + me to my native country." +</p> +<p> + "Friends!" exclaimed Ailie, "ye'll hae mony friends,—ye 'll hae mony + friends; for ye will hae gear, hinny,—ye will hae gear. Heaven mak ye a + gude guide o't! But eh, sirs!" she continued, pushing him back from her + with her trembling hand and shrivelled arm, and gazing in his face as if + to read, at more convenient distance, the ravages which sorrow rather + than time had made on his face,—"Eh, sirs! ye're sair altered, hinny; + your face is turned pale, and your een are sunken, and your bonny + red-and-white cheeks are turned a' dark and sun-burnt. Oh, weary on the + wars! mony 's the comely face they destroy.—And when cam ye here, hinny? + And where hae ye been? And what hae ye been doing? And what for did ye na + write to us? And how cam ye to pass yoursell for dead? And what for did + ye come creepin' to your ain house as if ye had been an unto body, to gie + poor auld Ailie sic a start?" she concluded, smiling through her tears. + It was some time ere Morton could overcome his own emotion so as to give + the kind old woman the information which we shall communicate to our + readers in the next chapter. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0019"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XIX. +</h2> +<pre> + Aumerle that was, + But that is gone for being Richard's friend; + And, madam, you must call him Rutland now. + Richard II. +</pre> +<p> + The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to + Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,—the very same which she had occupied as + housekeeper, and which she continued to retain. "It was," she said, + "better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found + dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than + the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" + and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, + washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, + unless upon their most solemn festivals. In the matted room, therefore, + they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, + which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, + although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the + comfits which she so regularly prepared. +</p> +<p> + Morton, adapting his narrative to the comprehension of his auditor, + informed her briefly of the wreck of the vessel and the loss of all + hands, excepting two or three common seamen who had early secured the + skiff, and were just putting off from the vessel when he leaped from the + deck into their boat, and unexpectedly, as well as contrary to their + inclination, made himself partner of their voyage and of their safety. + Landed at Flushing, he was fortunate enough to meet with an old officer + who had been in service with his father. By his advice, he shunned going + immediately to the Hague, but forwarded his letters to the court of the + Stadtholder. +</p> +<p> + "Our prince," said the veteran, "must as yet keep terms with his + father-in-law and with your King Charles; and to approach him in the + character of a Scottish malecontent would render it imprudent for him to + distinguish you by his favour. Wait, therefore, his orders, without + forcing yourself on his notice; observe the strictest prudence and + retirement; assume for the present a different name; shun the company of + the British exiles; and, depend upon it, you will not repent your + prudence." +</p> +<p> + The old friend of Silas Morton argued justly. After a considerable time + had elapsed, the Prince of Orange, in a progress through the United + States, came to the town where Morton, impatient at his situation and the + incognito which he was obliged to observe, still continued, nevertheless, + to be a resident. He had an hour of private interview assigned, in which + the prince expressed himself highly pleased with his intelligence, his + prudence, and the liberal view which he seemed to take of the factions of + his native country, their motives and their purposes. +</p> +<p> + "I would gladly," said William, "attach you to my own person; but that + cannot be without giving offence in England. But I will do as much for + you, as well out of respect for the sentiments you have expressed, as for + the recommendations you have brought me. Here is a commission in a Swiss + regiment at present in garrison in a distant province, where you will + meet few or none of your countrymen. Continue to be Captain Melville, and + let the name of Morton sleep till better days." +</p> +<p> + "Thus began my fortune," continued Morton; "and my services have, on + various occasions, been distinguished by his Royal Highness, until the + moment that brought him to Britain as our political deliverer. His + commands must excuse my silence to my few friends in Scotland; and I + wonder not at the report of my death, considering the wreck of the + vessel, and that I found no occasion to use the letters of exchange with + which I was furnished by the liberality of some of them,—a circumstance + which must have confirmed the belief that I had perished." +</p> +<p> + "But, dear hinny," asked Mrs. Wilson, "did ye find nae Scotch body at the + Prince of Oranger's court that kend ye? I wad hae thought Morton o' + Milnwood was kend a' through the country." +</p> +<p> + "I was purposely engaged in distant service," said Morton, "until a + period when few, without as deep and kind a motive of interest as yours, + Ailie, would have known the stripling Morton in Major-General Melville." +</p> +<p> + "Malville was your mother's name," said Mrs. Wilson; "but Morton sounds + far bonnier in my auld lugs. And when ye tak up the lairdship, ye maun + tak the auld name and designation again." +</p> +<p> + "I am like to be in no haste to do either the one or the other, Ailie, + for I have some reasons for the present to conceal my being alive from + every one but you; and as for the lairdship of Milnwood, it is in as good + hands." +</p> +<p> + "As gude hands, hinny!" re-echoed Ailie; "I'm hopefu' ye are no meaning + mine? The rents and the lands are but a sair fash to me. And I'm ower + failed to tak a helpmate, though Wylie Mactrickit the writer was very + pressing, and spak very civilly; but I 'm ower auld a cat to draw that + strae before me. He canna whilliwhaw me as he's dune mony a ane. And then + I thought aye ye wad come back, and I wad get my pickle meal and my soup + milk, and keep a' things right about ye as I used to do in your puir + uncle's time, and it wad be just pleasure eneugh for me to see ye thrive + and guide the gear canny. Ye'll hae learned that in Holland, I'se + warrant, for they're thrifty folk there, as I hear tell.—But ye'll be + for keeping rather a mair house than puir auld Milnwood that's gave; and, + indeed, I would approve o' your eating butchermeat maybe as aften as + three times a-week,—it keeps the wind out o' the stamack." +</p> +<p> + "We will talk of all this another time," said Morton, surprised at the + generosity upon a large scale which mingled in Ailie's thoughts and + actions with habitual and sordid parsimony, and at the odd contrast + between her love of saving and indifference to self-acquisition. "You + must know," he continued, "that I am in this country only for a few days + on some special business of importance to the Government, and therefore, + Ailie, not a word of having seen me. At some other time I will acquaint + you fully with my motives and intentions." +</p> +<p> + "E'en be it sae, my jo," replied Ailie, "I can keep a secret like my + neighbours; and weel auld Milnwood kend it, honest man, for he tauld me + where he keepit his gear, and that's what maist folk like to hae as + private as possibly may be.—But come awa wi' me, hinny, till I show ye + the oak-parlour how grandly it's keepit, just as if ye had been expected + haine every day,—I loot naebody sort it but my ain hands. It was a kind + o' divertisement to me, though whiles the tear wan into my ee, and I said + to mysell, What needs I fash wi' grates and carpets and cushions and the + muckle brass candlesticks ony mair? for they'll ne'er come hame that + aught it rightfully." +</p> +<p> + With these words she hauled him away to this sanctum sanctorum, the + scrubbing and cleaning whereof was her daily employment, as its high + state of good order constituted the very pride of her heart. Morton, as + he followed her into the room, underwent a rebuke for not "dighting his + shune," which showed that Ailie had not relinquished her habits of + authority. On entering the oak-parlour he could not but recollect the + feelings of solemn awe with which, when a boy, he had been affected at + his occasional and rare admission to an apartment which he then supposed + had not its equal save in the halls of princes. It may be readily + supposed that the worked-worsted chairs, with their short ebony legs and + long upright backs, had lost much of their influence over his mind; that + the large brass andirons seemed diminished in splendour; that the green + worsted tapestry appeared no masterpiece of the Arras loom; and that the + room looked, on the whole, dark, gloomy, and disconsolate. Yet there were + two objects, "The counterfeit presentment of two brothers," which, + dissimilar as those described by Hamlet, affected his mind with a variety + of sensations. One full-length portrait represented his father in + complete armour, with a countenance indicating his masculine and + determined character; and the other set forth his uncle, in velvet and + brocade, looking as if he were ashamed of his own finery, though entirely + indebted for it to the liberality of the painter. +</p> +<p> + "It was an idle fancy," Ailie said, "to dress the honest auld man in thae + expensive fal-lalls that he ne'er wore in his life, instead o' his douce + Raploch grey, and his band wi' the narrow edging." +</p> +<p> + In private, Morton could not help being much of her opinion; for anything + approaching to the dress of a gentleman sate as ill on the ungainly + person of his relative as an open or generous expression would have done + on his mean and money-making features. He now extricated himself from + Ailie to visit some of his haunts in the neighbouring wood, while her own + hands made an addition to the dinner she was preparing,—an incident no + otherwise remarkable than as it cost the life of a fowl, which, for any + event of less importance than the arrival of Henry Morton, might have + cackled on to a good old age ere Ailie could have been guilty of the + extravagance of killing and dressing it. The meal was seasoned by talk of + old times and by the plans which Ailie laid out for futurity, in which + she assigned her young master all the prudential habits of her old one, + and planned out the dexterity with which she was to exercise her duty as + governante. Morton let the old woman enjoy her day-dreams and + castle-building during moments of such pleasure, and deferred till some + fitter occasion the communication of his purpose again to return and + spend his life upon the Continent. +</p> +<p> + His next care was to lay aside his military dress, which he considered + likely to render more difficult his researches after Burley. He exchanged + it—for a grey doublet and cloak, formerly his usual attire at Milnwood, + and which Mrs. Wilson produced from a chest of walnut-tree, wherein she + had laid them aside, without forgetting carefully to brush and air them + from time to time. Morton retained his sword and fire-arms, without which + few persons travelled in those unsettled times. When he appeared in his + new attire, Mrs. Wilson was first thankful "that they fitted him sae + decently, since, though he was nae fatter, yet he looked mair manly than + when he was taen frae Milnwood." +</p> +<p> + Next she enlarged on the advantage of saving old clothes to be what she + called "beet-masters to the new," and was far advanced in the history of + a velvet cloak belonging to the late Milnwood, which had first been + converted to a velvet doublet, and then into a pair of breeches, and + appeared each time as good as new, when Morton interrupted her account of + its transmigration to bid her good-by. +</p> +<p> + He gave, indeed, a sufficient shock to her feelings, by expressing the + necessity he was under of proceeding on his journey that evening. +</p> +<p> + "And where are ye gaun? And what wad ye do that for? And whar wad ye + sleep but in your ain house, after ye hae been sae mony years frae hame?" +</p> +<p> + "I feel all the unkindness of it, Ailie, but it must be so; and that was + the reason that I attempted to conceal myself from you, as I suspected + you would not let me part from you so easily." +</p> +<p> + "But whar are ye gaun, then?" said Ailie, once more. "Saw e'er mortal een + the like o' you, just to come ae moment, and flee awa like an arrow out + of a bow the neist?" +</p> +<p> + "I must go down," replied Morton, "to Niel Blane the Piper's Howff; he + can give me a bed, I suppose?" +</p> +<p> + "A bed? I'se warrant can he," replied Ailie, "and gar ye pay weel for 't + into the bargain. Laddie, I daresay ye hae lost your wits in thae foreign + parts, to gang and gie siller for a supper and a bed, and might hae baith + for naething, and thanks t' ye for accepting them." +</p> +<p> + "I assure you, Ailie," said Morton, desirous to silence her + remonstrances, "that this is a business of great importance, in which I + may be a great gainer, and cannot possibly be a loser." +</p> +<p> + "I dinna see how that can be, if ye begin by gieing maybe the feck o' + twal shillings Scots for your supper; but young folks are aye + venturesome, and think to get siller that way. My puir auld master took + a surer gate, and never parted wi' it when he had anes gotten 't." +</p> +<p> + Persevering in his desperate resolution, Morton took leave of Ailie, and + mounted his horse to proceed to the little town, after exacting a solemn + promise that she would conceal his return until she again saw or heard + from him. +</p> +<p> + "I am not very extravagant," was his natural reflection, as he trotted + slowly towards the town; "but were Ailie and I to set up house together, + as she proposes, I think my profusion would break the good old creature's + heart before a week were out." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0020"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XX. +</h2> +<pre> + Where's the jolly host + You told me of? 'T has been my custom ever + To parley with mine host. + Lover's Progress. +</pre> +<p> + Morton reached the borough town without meeting with any remarkable + adventure, and alighted at the little inn. It had occurred to him more + than once, while upon his journey, that his resumption of the dress which + he had worn while a youth, although favourable to his views in other + respects, might render it more difficult for him to remain incognito. But + a few years of campaigns and wandering had so changed his appearance that + he had great confidence that in the grown man, whose brows exhibited the + traces of resolution and considerate thought, none would recognise the + raw and bashful stripling who won the game of the popinjay. The only + chance was that here and there some Whig, whom he had led to battle, + might remember the Captain of the Milnwood Marksmen; but the risk, if + there was any, could not be guarded against. +</p> +<p> + The Howff seemed full and frequented as if possessed of all its old + celebrity. The person and demeanour of Niel Blane, more fat and less + civil than of yore, intimated that he had increased as well in purse as + in corpulence; for in Scotland a landlord's complaisance for his guests + decreases in exact proportion to his rise in the world. His daughter had + acquired the air of a dexterous barmaid, undisturbed by the circumstances + of love and war, so apt to perplex her in the exercise of her vocation. + Both showed Morton the degree of attention which could have been expected + by a stranger travelling without attendants, at a time when they were + particularly the badges of distinction. He took upon himself exactly the + character his appearance presented, went to the stable and saw his horse + accommodated, then returned to the house, and seating himself in the + public room (for to request one to himself would, in those days, have + been thought an overweening degree of conceit), he found himself in the + very apartment in which he had some years before celebrated his victory + at the game of the popinjay,—a jocular preferment which led to so many + serious consequences. +</p> +<p> + He felt himself, as may well be supposed, a much changed man since that + festivity; and yet, to look around him, the groups assembled in the Howff + seemed not dissimilar to those which the same scene had formerly + presented. Two or three burghers husbanded their "dribbles o' brandy;" + two or three dragoons lounged over their muddy ale, and cursed the + inactive times that allowed them no better cheer. Their cornet did not, + indeed, play at backgammon with the curate in his cassock, but he drank + a little modicum of /aqua mirabilis/ with the grey-cloaked Presbyterian + minister. The scene was another, and yet the same, differing only in + persons, but corresponding in general character. +</p> +<p> + Let the tide of the world wax or wane as it will, Morton thought as he + looked around him, enough will be found to fill the places which chance + renders vacant; and in the usual occupations and amusements of life, + human beings will succeed each other as leaves upon the same tree, with + the same individual difference and the same general resemblance. +</p> +<p> + After pausing a few minutes, Morton, whose experience had taught him the + readiest mode of securing attention, ordered a pint of claret; and as the + smiling landlord appeared with the pewter measure foaming fresh from the + tap (for bottling wine was not then in fashion), he asked him to sit down + and take a share of the good cheer. This invitation was peculiarly + acceptable to Niel Blane, who, if he did not positively expect it from + every guest not provided with better company, yet received it from many, + and was not a whit abashed or surprised at the summons. He sat down, + along with his guest, in a secluded nook near the chimney; and while he + received encouragement to drink by far the greater share of the liquor + before them, he entered at length, as a part of his expected functions, + upon the news of the country,—the births, deaths, and marriages; the + change of property; the downfall of old families, and the rise of new. + But politics, now the fertile source of eloquence, mine host did not care + to mingle in his theme; and it was only in answer to a question of Morton + that he replied, with an air of indifference, "Um! ay! we aye hae sodgers + amang us, mair or less. There's a wheen German horse down at Glasgow + yonder; they ca' their commander Wittybody, or some sic name, though he's + as grave and grewsome an auld Dutchman as e'er I saw." +</p> +<p> + "Wittenbold, perhaps?" said Morton,—"an old man, with grey hair and + short black moustaches; speaks seldom?" +</p> +<p> + "And smokes for ever," replied Niel Blane. "I see your honour kens the + man. He may be a very gude man too, for aught I see,—that is, + considering he is a sodger and a Dutchman; but if he were ten generals, + and as mony Wittybodies, he has nae skill in the pipes; he gar'd me stop + in the middle of Torphichen's Rant,—the best piece o' music that ever + bag gae wind to." +</p> +<p> + "But these fellows," said Morton, glancing his eye towards the soldiers + that were in the apartment, are not of his corps?" +</p> +<p> + "Na, na, these are Scotch dragoons," said mine host,—"our ain auld + caterpillars; these were Claver'se's lads a while syne, and wad be again, + maybe, if he had the lang ten in his hand." +</p> +<p> + "Is there not a report of his death?" inquired Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Troth is there," said the landlord; "your honour is right,—there is sic + a fleeing rumour; but, in my puir opinion, it's lang or the deil die. I + wad hae the folks here look to themsells. If he makes an outbreak, he'll + be doun frae the Hielands or I could drink this glass,—and whare are + they then? A' thae hell-rakers o' dragoons wad be at his whistle in a + moment. Nae doubt they're Willie's men e'en now, as they were James's a + while syne; and reason good,—they fight for their pay; what else hae + they to fight for? They hae neither lands nor houses, I trow. There's ae + gude thing o' the change, or the Revolution, as they ca' it,—folks may + speak out afore thae birkies now, and nae fear o' being hauled awa to the + guard-house, or having the thumikins screwed on your finger-ends, just as + I wad drive the screw through a cork." +</p> +<p> + There was a little pause, when Morton, feeling confident in the progress + he had made in mine host's familiarity, asked, though with the hesitation + proper to one who puts a question on the answer to which rests something + of importance, "Whether Blane knew a woman in that neighbourhood called + Elizabeth Maclure?" +</p> +<p> + "Whether I ken Bessie Maclure?" answered the landlord, with a landlord's + laugh,—"How can I but ken my ain wife's (haly be her rest!)—my ain + wife's first gudeman's sister, Bessie Maclure? An honest wife she is, but + sair she's been trysted wi' misfortunes,—the loss o' twa decent lads o' + sons, in the time o' the persecution, as they ca' it nowadays; and + doucely and decently she has borne her burden, blaming nane and + condemning nane. If there's an honest woman in the world, it's Bessie + Maclure. And to lose her twa sons, as I was saying, and to hae dragoons + clinked down on her for a month bypast,—for, be Whig or Tory uppermost, + they aye quarter thae loons on victuallers,—to lose, as I was saying—" +</p> +<p> + "This woman keeps an inn, then?" interrupted Morton. +</p> +<p> + "A public, in a puir way," replied Blane, looking round at his own + superior accommodations,—"a sour browst o' sma' ale that she sells to + folk that are over drouthy wi' travel to be nice; but naething to ca' a + stirring trade or a thriving changehouse." +</p> +<p> + "Can you get me a guide there?" said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "Your honour will rest here a' the night? Ye'll hardly get accommodation + at Bessie's," said Niel, whose regard for his deceased wife's relative by + no means extended to sending company from his own house to hers. +</p> +<p> + "There is a friend," answered Morton, "whom I am to meet with there, and + I only called here to take a stirrup-cup and inquire the way." +</p> +<p> + "Your honour had better," answerd the landlord, with the perseverance of + his calling, "send some ane to warn your friend to come on here." +</p> +<p> + "I tell you, landlord," answered Morton, impatiently, "that will not + serve my purpose; I must go straight to this woman Maclure's house, and + I desire you to find me a guide." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, sir, ye'll choose for yoursell, to be sure," said Niel Blane, + somewhat disconcerted; "but deil a guide ye'll need if ye gae doun the + water for twa mile or sae, as gin ye were bound for Milnwoodhouse, and + then tak the first broken disjasked-looking road that makes for the + hills,—ye'll ken 't by a broken ash-tree that stands at the side o' a + burn just where the roads meet; and then travel out the path,—ye canna + miss Widow Maclure's public, for deil another house or hauld is on the + road for ten lang Scots miles, and that's worth twenty English. I am + sorry your honour would think o' gaun out o' my house the night. But my + wife's gude-sister is a decent woman, and it's no lost that a friend + gets." +</p> +<p> + Morton accordingly paid his reckoning and departed. The sunset of the + summer day placed him at the ash-tree, where the path led up towards the + moors. +</p> +<p> + "Here," he said to himself, "my misfortunes commenced; for just here, + when Burley and I were about to separate on the first night we ever met, + he was alarmed by the intelligence that the passes were secured by + soldiers lying in wait for him. Beneath that very ash sate the old woman + who apprised him of his danger. How strange that my whole fortunes should + have become inseparably interwoven with that man's, without anything more + on my part than the discharge of an ordinary duty of humanity! Would to + Heaven it were possible I could find my humble quiet and tranquillity of + mind upon the spot where I lost them!" +</p> +<p> + Thus arranging his reflections betwixt speech and thought, he turned his + horse's head up the path. +</p> +<p> + Evening lowered around him as he advanced up the narrow dell which had + once been a wood, but was now a ravine divested of trees, unless where a + few, from their inaccessible situation on the edge of precipitous banks, + or clinging among rocks and huge stones, defied the invasion of men and + of cattle, like the scattered tribes of a conquered country, driven to + take refuge in the barren strength of its mountains. These too, wasted + and decayed, seemed rather to exist than to flourish, and only served to + indicate what the landscape had once been. But the stream brawled down + among them in all its freshness and vivacity, giving the life and + animation which a mountain rivulet alone can confer on the barest and + most savage scenes, and which the inhabitants of such a country miss when + gazing even upon the tranquil winding of a majestic stream through plains + of fertility, and beside palaces of splendour. The track of the road + followed the course of the brook, which was now visible, and now only to + be distinguished by its brawling heard among the stones or in the clefts + of the rock that occasionally interrupted its course. +</p> +<p> + "Murmurer that thou art," said Morton, in the enthusiasm of his reverie, + "why chafe with the rocks that stop thy course for a moment? There is a + sea to receive thee in its bosom; and there is an eternity for man when + his fretful and hasty course through the vale of time shall be ceased and + over. What thy petty fuming is to the deep and vast billows of a + shoreless ocean, are our cares, hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows to the + objects which must occupy us through the awful and boundless succession + of ages!" +</p> +<p> + Thus moralizing, our traveller passed on till the dell opened, and the + banks, receding from the brook, left a little green vale, exhibiting a + croft, or small field, on which some corn was growing, and a cottage, + whose walls were not above five feet high, and whose thatched roof, green + with moisture, age, houseleek, and grass, had in some places suffered + damage from the encroachment of two cows, whose appetite this appearance + of verdure had diverted from their more legitimate pasture. An ill-spelt + and worse-written inscription intimated to the traveller that he might + here find refreshment for man and horse,—no unacceptable intimation, + rude as the hut appeared to be, considering the wild path he had trod in + approaching it, and the high and waste mountains which rose in desolate + dignity behind this humble asylum. +</p> +<p> + It must indeed have been, thought Morton, in some such spot as this that + Burley was likely to find a congenial confident. +</p> +<p> + As he approached, he observed the good dame of the house herself, seated + by the door; she had hitherto been concealed from him by a huge + alder-bush. +</p> +<p> + "Good evening, Mother," said the traveller. "Your name is Mistress + Maclure?" +</p> +<p> + "Elizabeth Maclure, sir, a poor widow," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "Can you lodge a stranger for a night?" +</p> +<p> + "I can, sir, if he will be pleased with the widow's cake and the widow's + cruse." +</p> +<p> + "I have been a soldier, good dame," answered Morton, "and nothing can + come amiss to me in the way of entertainment." +</p> +<p> + "A sodger, sir?" said the old woman, with a sigh,—"God send ye a better + trade!" +</p> +<p> + "It is believed to be an honourable profession, my good dame; I hope you + do not think the worse of me for having belonged to it?" +</p> +<p> + "I judge no one, sir," replied the woman, "and your voice sounds like + that of a civil gentleman; but I hae witnessed sae muckle ill wi' + sodgering in this puir land that I am e'en content that I can see nae + mair o't wi' these sightless organs." +</p> +<p> + As she spoke thus, Morton observed that she was blind. +</p> +<p> + "Shall I not be troublesome to you, my good dame?" said he, + compassionately; "your infirmity seems ill calculated for your + profession." +</p> +<p> + "Na, sir," answered the old woman, "I can gang about the house readily + eneugh; and I hae a bit lassie to help me, and the dragoon lads will look + after your horse when they come hame frae their patrol, for a sma' + matter; they are civiller now than lang syne." +</p> +<p> + Upon these assurances, Morton alighted. +</p> +<p> + "Peggy, my bonny bird," continued the hostess, addressing a little girl + of twelve years old, who had by this time appeared, "tak the gentleman's + horse to the stable, and slack his girths, and tak aff the bridle, and + shake down a lock o' hay before him, till the dragoons come back.—Come + this way, sir," she continued; "ye'll find my house clean, though it's a + puir ane." +</p> +<p> + Morton followed her into the cottage accordingly. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0021"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XXI. +</h2> +<pre> + Then out and spake the auld mother, + And fast her tears did fa + "Ye wadna be warn'd, my son Johnie, + Frae the hunting to bide awa!" + Old Ballad. +</pre> +<p> + When he entered the cottage, Morton perceived that the old hostess had + spoken truth. The inside of the hut belied its outward appearance, and + was neat, and even comfortable, especially the inner apartment, in which + the hostess informed her guest that he was to sup and sleep. Refreshments + were placed before him such as the little inn afforded; and though he had + small occasion for them, he accepted the offer, as the means of + maintaining some discourse with the landlady. Notwithstanding her + blindness, she was assiduous in her attendance, and seemed, by a sort of + instinct, to find her way to what she wanted. +</p> +<p> + "Have you no one but this pretty little girl to assist you in waiting on + your guests?" was the natural question. +</p> +<p> + "None, sir," replied his old hostess; "I dwell alone, like the widow of + Zarephath. Few guests come to this puir place, and I haena custom eneugh + to hire servants. I had anes twa fine sons that lookit after a' thing. + —But God gives and takes away,—His name be praised!" she continued, + turning her clouded eyes towards Heaven.—"I was anes better off, that + is, waridly speaking, even since I lost them; but that was before this + last change." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed!" said Morton; "and yet you are a Presbyterian, my good mother?" +</p> +<p> + "I am, sir; praised be the light that showed me the right way," replied + the landlady. +</p> +<p> + "Then I should have thought," continued the guest, the Revolution would + have brought you nothing but good." +</p> +<p> + "If," said the old woman, "it has brought the land gude, and freedom of + worship to tender consciences, it's little matter what it has brought to + a puir blind worm like me." +</p> +<p> + "Still," replied Morton, "I cannot see how it could possibly injure you." +</p> +<p> + "It's a lang story, sir," answered his hostess, with a sigh. "But ae + night, sax weeks or thereby afore Bothwell Brigg, a young gentleman + stopped at this puir cottage, stiff and bloody with wounds, pale and dune + out wi' riding, and his horse sae weary he couldna drag ae foot after the + other, and his foes were close ahint him, and he was ane o' our enemies. + What could I do, sir? You that's a sodger will think me but a silly auld + wife; but I fed him, and relieved him, and keepit him hidden till the + pursuit was ower." +</p> +<p> + "And who," said Morton, "dares disapprove of your having done so?" +</p> +<p> + "I kenna," answered the blind woman; "I gat ill-will about it amang some + o' our ain folk. They said I should hae been to him what Jael was to + Sisera. But weel I wot I had nae divine command to shed blood, and to + save it was baith like a woman and a Christian. And then they said I + wanted natural affection, to relieve ane that belanged to the band that + murdered my twa sons." +</p> +<p> + "That murdered your two sons?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, sir; though maybe ye'll gie their deaths another name. The tane fell + wi' sword in hand, fighting for a broken national Covenant; the + tother,—oh, they took him and shot him dead on the green before his + mother's face! My auld een dazzled when the shots were looten off, and, + to my thought, they waxed weaker and weaker ever since that weary day; + and sorrow, and heart-break, and tears that would not be dried, might + help on the disorder. But, alas! betraying Lord Evandale's young blood + to his enemies' sword wad ne'er hae brought my Ninian and Johnie alive + again." +</p> +<p> + "Lord Evandale?" said Morton, in surprise. "Was it Lord Evandale whose + life you saved?" +</p> +<p> + "In troth, even his," she replied. "And kind he was to me after, and gae + me a cow and calf, malt, meal, and siller, and nane durst steer me when + he was in power. But we live on an outside bit of Tillietudlem land, and + the estate was sair plea'd between Leddy Margaret Bellenden and the + present laird, Basil Olifant, and Lord Evandale backed the auld leddy for + love o' her daughter Miss Edith, as the country said, ane o' the best and + bonniest lassies in Scotland. But they behuved to gie way, and Basil gat + the Castle and land, and on the back o' that came the Revolution, and wha + to turn coat faster than the laird? for he said he had been a true Whig + a' the time, and turned papist only for fashion's sake. And then he got + favour, and Lord Evandale's head was under water; for he was ower proud + and manfu' to bend to every blast o' wind, though mony a ane may ken as + weel as me that be his ain principles as they might, he was nae ill + friend to our folk when he could protect us, and far kinder than Basil + Olifant, that aye keepit the cobble head doun the stream. But he was set + by and ill looked on, and his word ne'er asked; and then Basil, wha's a + revengefu' man, set himsell to vex him in a' shapes, and especially by + oppressing and despoiling the auld blind widow, Bessie Maclure, that + saved Lord Evandale's life, and that he was sae kind to. But he's mistaen + if that's his end; for it will be lang or Lord Evandale hears a word frae + me about the selling my kye for rent or e'er it was due, or the putting + the dragoons on me when the country's quiet, or onything else that will + vex him,—I can bear my ain burden patiently, and warld's loss is the + least part o't." +</p> +<p> + Astonished and interested at this picture of patient, grateful, and + high-minded resignation, Morton could not help bestowing an execration + upon the poor-spirited rascal who had taken such a dastardly course of + vengeance. +</p> +<p> + "Dinna curse him, sir," said the old woman; "I have heard a good man say + that a curse was like a stone flung up to the heavens, and maist like to + return on the head that sent it. But if ye ken Lord Evandale, bid him + look to himsell, for I hear strange words pass atween the sodgers that + are lying here, and his name is often mentioned; and the tane o' them has + been twice up at Tillietudlem. He's a kind of favourite wi' the laird, + though he was in former times ane o' the maist cruel oppressors ever rade + through a country (out-taken Sergeant Bothwell),—they ca' him Inglis." +</p> +<p> + "I have the deepest interest in Lord Evandale's safety," said Morton, + "and you may depend on my finding some mode to apprise him of these + suspicious circumstances. And, in return, my good friend, will you + indulge me with another question? Do you know anything of Quintin Mackell + of Irongray?" +</p> +<p> + "Do I know whom?" echoed the blind woman, in a tone of great surprise and + alarm. +</p> +<p> + "Quintin Mackell of Irongray," repeated Morton. "Is there anything so + alarming in the sound of that name?" +</p> +<p> + "Na, na," answered the woman, with hesitation; "but to hear him asked + after by a stranger and a sodger,—Gude protect us, what mischief is + to come next!" +</p> +<p> + "None by my means, I assure you," said Morton; "the subject of my inquiry + has nothing to fear from me if, as I suppose, this Quintin Mackell is the + same with John Bal——-." +</p> +<p> + "Do not mention his name," said the widow, pressing his lips with her + fingers. "I see you have his secret and his pass-word, and I'll be free + wi' you. But, for God's sake, speak lound and low. In the name of Heaven, + I trust ye seek him not to his hurt! Ye said ye were a sodger?" +</p> +<p> + "I said truly; but one he has nothing to fear from. I commanded a party + at Bothwell Bridge." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?" said the woman. "And verily there is something in your voice I + can trust. Ye speak prompt and readily, and like an honest man." +</p> +<p> + "I trust I am so," said Morton. +</p> +<p> + "But nae displeasure to you, sir, in thae waefu' times," continued Mrs. + Maclure, "the hand of brother is against brother, and he fears as mickle + almaist frae this Government as e'er he did frae the auld persecutors." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?" said Morton, in a tone of inquiry; I was not aware of that. But + I am only just now returned from abroad." +</p> +<p> + "I'll tell ye," said the blind woman, first assuming an attitude of + listening that showed how effectually her powers of collecting + intelligence had been transferred from the eye to the ear; for, instead + of casting a glance of circumspection around, she stooped her face, and + turned her head slowly around, in such a manner as to insure that there + was not the slightest sound stirring in the neighbourhood, and then + continued,—"I'll tell ye. Ye ken how he has laboured to raise up again + the Covenant, burned, broken, and buried in the hard hearts and selfish + devices of this stubborn people. Now, when he went to Holland, far from + the countenance and thanks of the great, and the comfortable fellowship + of the godly, both whilk he was in right to expect, the Prince of Orange + wad show him no favour, and the ministers no godly communion. This was + hard to bide for ane that had suffered and done mickle,—ower mickle, it + may be; but why suld I be a judge? He came back to me and to the auld + place o' refuge that had often received him in his distresses, mair + especially before the great day of victory at Drumclog, for I sail ne'er + forget how he was bending hither of a' nights in the year on that e'ening + after the play when young Milnwood wan the popinjay; but I warned him off + for that time." +</p> +<p> + "What!" exclaimed Morton, "it was you that sat in your red cloak by the + high-road, and told him there was a lion in the path?" +</p> +<p> + "In the name of Heaven! wha are ye?" said the old woman, breaking off her + narrative in astonishment. "But be wha ye may," she continued, resuming + it with tranquillity, "ye can ken naething waur o' me than that I hae + been willing to save the life o' friend and foe." +</p> +<p> + "I know no ill of you, Mrs. Maclure, and I mean no ill by you; I only + wished to show you that I know so much of this person's affairs that I + might be safely intrusted with the rest. Proceed, if you please, in your + narrative." +</p> +<p> + "There is a strange command in your voice," said the blind woman, "though + its tones are sweet. I have little mair to say. The Stewarts hae been + dethroned, and William and Mary reign in their stead; but nae mair word + of the Covenant than if it were a dead letter. They hae taen the indulged + clergy, and an Erastian General Assembly of the ante pure and triumphant + Kirk of Scotland, even into their very arms and bosoms. Our faithfu' + champions o' the testimony agree e'en waur wi' this than wi' the open + tyranny and apostasy of the persecuting times, for souls are hardened and + deadened, and the mouths of fasting multitudes are crammed wi' fizenless + bran instead of the sweet word in season; and mony an hungry, starving + creature, when he sits down on a Sunday forenoon to get something that + might warm him to the great work, has a dry clatter o' morality driven + about his lugs, and—" +</p> +<p> + "In short," said Morton, desirous to stop a discussion which the good old + woman, as enthusiastically attached to her religious profession as to the + duties of humanity, might probably have indulged longer,—"In short, you + are not disposed to acquiesce in this new government, and Burley is of + the same opinion?" +</p> +<p> + "Many of our brethren, sir, are of belief we fought for the Covenant, and + fasted and prayed and suffered for that grand national league, and now we + are like neither to see nor hear tell of that which we suffered and + fought and fasted and prayed for. And anes it was thought something might + be made by bringing back the auld family on a new bargain and a new + bottom, as, after a', when King James went awa, I understand the great + quarrel of the English against him was in behalf of seven unhallowed + prelates; and sae, though ae part of our people were free to join wi' the + present model, and levied an armed regiment under the Yerl of Angus, yet + our honest friend, and others that stude up for purity of doctrine and + freedom of conscience, were determined to hear the breath o' the + Jacobites before they took part again them, fearing to fa' to the ground + like a wall built with unslaked mortar, or from sitting between twa + stools." +</p> +<p> + "They chose an odd quarter," said Morton, "from which to expect freedom + of conscience and purity of doctrine." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, dear sir!" said the landlady, "the natural day-spring rises in the + east, but the spiritual dayspring may rise in the north, for what we + blinded mortals ken." +</p> +<p> + "And Burley went to the north to seek it?" replied the guest. +</p> +<p> + "Truly ay, sir; and he saw Claver'se himsell, that they ca' Dundee now." +</p> +<p> + "What!" exclaimed Morton, in amazement; "I would have sworn that meeting + would have been the last of one of their lives." +</p> +<p> + "Na, na, sir; in troubled times, as I understand," said Mrs. Maclure, + "there's sudden changes,—Montgomery and Ferguson and mony ane mair that + were King James's greatest faes are on his side now. Claver'se spake our + friend fair, and sent him to consult with Lord Evandale. But then there + was a break-off, for Lord Evandale wadna look at, hear, or speak wi' him; + and now he's anes wud and aye waur, and roars for revenge again Lord + Evandale, and will hear nought of onything but burn and slay. And oh, + thae starts o' passion! they unsettle his mind, and gie the Enemy sair + advantages." +</p> +<p> + "The enemy?" said Morton; "What enemy?" +</p> +<p> + "What enemy? Are ye acquainted familiarly wi' John Balfour o' Burley, and + dinna ken that he has had sair and frequent combats to sustain against + the Evil One? Did ye ever see him alone but the Bible was in his hand, + and the drawn sword on his knee? Did ye never sleep in the same room wi' + him, and hear him strive in his dreams with the delusions of Satan? Oh, + ye ken little o' him if ye have seen him only in fair daylight; for nae + man can put the face upon his doleful visits and strifes that he can do. + I hae seen him, after sic a strife of agony, tremble that an infant might + hae held him, while the hair on his brow was drapping as fast as ever my + puir thatched roof did in a heavy rain." As she spoke, Morton began to + recollect the appearance of Burley during his sleep in the hay-loft at + Milnwood, the report of Cuddie that his senses had become impaired, and + some whispers current among the Cameronians, who boasted frequently of + Burley's soul-exercises and his strifes with the foul fiend,—which + several circumstances led him to conclude that this man himself was a + victim to those delusions, though his mind, naturally acute and forcible, + not only disguised his superstition from those in whose opinion it might + have discredited his judgment, but by exerting such a force as is said to + be proper to those afflicted with epilepsy, could postpone the fits which + it occasioned until he was either freed from superintendence, or + surrounded by such as held him more highly on account of these + visitations. It was natural to suppose, and could easily be inferred from + the narrative of Mrs. Maclure, that disappointed ambition, wrecked hopes, + and the downfall of the party which he had served with such desperate + fidelity, were likely to aggravate enthusiasm into temporary insanity. It + was, indeed, no uncommon circumstance in those singular times that men + like Sir Harry Vane, Harrison, Overton, and others, themselves slaves to + the wildest and most enthusiastic dreams, could, when mingling with the + world, conduct themselves not only with good sense in difficulties, and + courage in dangers, but with the most acute sagacity and determined + valour. The subsequent part of Mrs. Maclure's information confirmed + Morton in these impressions. +</p> +<p> + "In the grey of the morning," she said, "my little Peggy sail show ye the + gate to him before the sodgers are up. But ye maun let his hour of + danger, as he ca's it, be ower, afore ye venture on him in his place of + refuge. Peggy will tell ye when to venture in. She kens his ways weel, + for whiles she carries him some little helps that he canna do + without to sustain life." +</p> +<p> + "And in what retreat, then," said Morton, "has this unfortunate person + found refuge?" +</p> +<p> + "An awsome place," answered the blind woman, "as ever living creature + took refuge in; they ca it the Black Linn of Linklater. It's a doleful + place, but he loves it abune a' others, because he has sae often been in + safe hiding there; and it's my belief he prefers it to a tapestried + chamber and a down bed. But ye'll see 't. I hae seen it mysell mony a day + syne. I was a daft hempie lassie then, and little thought what was to + come o't.—Wad ye choose ony thing, sir, ere ye betake yoursell to your + rest, for ye maun stir wi' the first dawn o' the grey light?" +</p> +<p> + "Nothing more, my good mother," said Morton; and they parted for the + evening. +</p> +<p> + Morton recommended himself to Heaven, threw himself on the bed, heard, + between sleeping and waking, the trampling of the dragoon horses at the + riders' return from their patrol, and then slept soundly after such + painful agitation. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0022"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XXII. +</h2> +<pre> + The darksome cave they enter, where they found + The accursed man low sitting on the ground, + Musing full sadly in his sullen mind. + SPENSER. +</pre> +<p> + As the morning began to appear on the mountains, a gentle knock was heard + at the door of the humble apartment in which Morton slept, and a girlish + treble voice asked him, from without, "If he wad please gang to the Linn + or the folk raise?" +</p> +<p> + He arose upon the invitation, and, dressing himself hastily, went forth + and joined his little guide. The mountain maid tript lightly before him, + through the grey haze, over hill and moor. It was a wild and varied walk, + unmarked by any regular or distinguishable track, and keeping, upon the + whole, the direction of the ascent of the brook, though without tracing + its windings. The landscape, as they advanced, became waster and more + wild, until nothing but heath and rock encumbered the side of the valley. +</p> +<p> + "Is the place still distant?" said Morton. "Nearly a mile off," answered + the girl. "We'll be there belive." +</p> +<p> + "And do you often go this wild journey, my little maid?" +</p> +<p> + "When grannie sends me wi' milk and meal to the Linn," answered the + child. +</p> +<p> + "And are you not afraid to travel so wild a road alone?" +</p> +<p> + "Hout na, sir," replied the guide; "nae living creature wad touch sic a + bit thing as I am, and grannie says we need never fear onything else when + we are doing a gude turn." +</p> +<p> + "Strong in innocence as in triple mail!" said Morton to himself, and + followed her steps in silence. +</p> +<p> + They soon came to a decayed thicket, where brambles and thorns supplied + the room of the oak and birches of which it had once consisted. Here the + guide turned short off the open heath, and, by a sheep-track, conducted + Morton to the brook. A hoarse and sullen roar had in part prepared him + for the scene which presented itself, yet it was not to be viewed without + surprise and even terror. When he emerged from the devious path which + conducted him through the thicket, he found himself placed on a ledge of + flat rock projecting over one side of a chasm not less than a hundred + feet deep, where the dark mountain-stream made a decided and rapid shoot + over the precipice, and was swallowed up by a deep, black, yawning gulf. + The eye in vain strove to see the bottom of the fall; it could catch but + one sheet of foaming uproar and sheer descent, until the view was + obstructed by the proecting crags which enclosed the bottom of the + waterfall, and hid from sight the dark pool which received its tortured + waters; far beneath, at the distance of perhaps a quarter of a mile, the + eye caught the winding of the stream as it emerged into a more open + course. But, for that distance, they were lost to sight as much as if a + cavern had been arched over them; and indeed the steep and projecting + ledges of rock through which they wound their way in darkness were very + nearly closing and over-roofing their course. +</p> +<p> + While Morton gazed at this scene of tumult, which seemed, by the + surrounding thickets and the clefts into which the waters descended, to + seek to hide itself from every eye, his little attendant as she stood + beside him on the platform of rock which commanded the best view of the + fall, pulled him by the sleeve, and said, in a tone which he could not + hear without stooping his ear near the speaker, "Hear till him! Eh! hear + till him!" +</p> +<p> + Morton listened more attentively; and out of the very abyss into which + the brook fell, and amidst the turnultuary sounds of the cataract, + thought he could distinguish shouts, screams, and even articulate words, + as if the tortured demon of the stream had been mingling his complaints + with the roar of his broken waters. +</p> +<p> + "This is the way," said the little girl; "follow me, gin ye please, sir, + but tak tent to your feet;" and, with the daring agility which custom had + rendered easy, she vanished from the platform on which she stood, and, by + notches and slight projections in the rock, scrambled down its face into + the chasm which it overhung. Steady, bold, and active, Morton hesitated + not to follow her; but the necessary attention to secure his hold and + footing in a descent where both foot and hand were needful for security, + prevented him from looking around him, till, having descended nigh twenty + feet, and being sixty or seventy above the pool which received the fall, + his guide made a pause, and he again found himself by her side in a + situation that appeared equally romantic and precarious. They were nearly + opposite to the waterfall, and in point of level situated at about + one-quarter's depth from the point of the cliff over which it thundered, + and three-fourths of the height above the dark, deep, and restless pool + which received its fall. Both these tremendous points—the first shoot, + namely, of the yet unbroken stream, and the deep and sombre abyss into + which it was emptied—were full before him, as well as the whole + continuous stream of billowy froth, which, dashing from the one, was + eddying and boiling in the other. They were so near this grand phenomenon + that they were covered with its spray, and well-nigh deafened by the + incessant roar. But crossing in the very front of the fall, and at scarce + three yards distance from the cataract, an old oak-tree, flung across the + chasm in a manner that seemed accidental, formed a bridge of fearfully + narrow dimensions and uncertain footing. The upper end of the tree rested + on the platform on which they stood; the lower or uprooted extremity + extended behind a projection on the opposite side, and was secured, + Morton's eye could not discover where. From behind the same projection + glimmered a strong red light, which, glancing in the waves of the falling + water, and tinging them partially with crimson, had a strange + preternatural and sinister effect when contrasted with the beams of the + rising sun, which glanced on the first broken waves of the fall, though + even its meridian splendour could not gain the third of its full depth. + When he had looked around him for a moment, the girl again pulled his + sleeve, and, pointing to the oak and the projecting point beyond it (for + hearing speech was now out of the question), indicated that there lay his + farther passage. +</p> +<p> + Morton gazed at her with surprise; for although he well knew that the + persecuted Presbyterians had in the preceding reigns sought refuge among + dells and thickets, caves and cataracts, in spots the most extraordinary + and secluded; although he had heard of the champions of the Covenant, who + had long abidden beside Dobs-lien on the wild heights of Polmoodie, and + others who had been concealed in the yet more terrific cavern called + Creehope-linn, in the parish of Closeburn,—yet his imagination had never + exactly figured out the horrors of such a residence, and he was surprised + how the strange and romantic scene which he now saw had remained + concealed from him, while a curious investigator of such natural + phenomena. But he readily conceived that, lying in a remote and wild + district, and being destined as a place of concealment to the persecuted + preachers and professors of nonconformity, the secret of its existence + was carefully preserved by the few shepherds to whom it might be known. + As, breaking from these meditations, he began to consider how he should + traverse the doubtful and terrific bridge, which, skirted by the cascade, + and rendered wet and slippery by its constant drizzle, traversed the + chasm above sixty feet from the bottom of the fall, his guide, as if to + give him courage, tript over and back without the least hesitation. + Envying for a moment the little bare feet which caught a safer hold of + the rugged side of the oak than he could pretend to with his heavy boots, + Morton nevertheless resolved to attempt the passage, and, fixing his eye + firm on a stationary object on the other side, without allowing his head + to become giddy, or his attention to be distracted by the flash, the + foam, and the roar of the waters around him, he strode steadily and + safely along the uncertain bridge, and reached the mouth of a small + cavern on the farther side of the torrent. Here he paused; for a light, + proceeding from a fire of red-hot charcoal, permitted him to see the + interior of the cave, and enabled him to contemplate the appearance of + its inhabitant, by whom he himself could not be so readily distinguished, + being concealed by the shadow of the rock. What he observed would by no + means have encouraged a less determined man to proceed with the task + which he had undertaken. +</p> +<p> + Burley, only altered from what he had been formerly by the addition of a + grisly beard, stood in the midst of the cave, with his clasped Bible in + one hand, and his drawn sword in the other. His figure, dimly ruddied by + the light of the red charcoal, seemed that of a fiend in the lurid + atmosphere of Pandemonium, and his gestures and words, as far as they + could be heard, seemed equally violent and irregular. All alone, and in a + place of almost unapproachable seclusion, his demeanour was that of + a man who strives for life and death with a mortal enemy. "Ha! + ha!—there—there!" he exclaimed, accompanying each word with a thrust, + urged with his whole force against the impassible and empty air, "Did I + not tell thee so?—I have resisted, and thou fleest from me!—Coward as + thou art, come in all thy terrors; come with mine own evil deeds, which + render thee most terrible of all,—there is enough betwixt the boards of + this book to rescue me!—What mutterest thou of grey hairs? It was well + done to slay him,—the more ripe the corn, the readier for the sickle.— + Art gone? Art gone?—I have ever known thee but a coward—ha! ha! ha!" +</p> +<p> + With these wild exclamations he sunk the point of his sword, and remained + standing still in the same posture, like a maniac whose fit is over. +</p> +<p> + "The dangerous time is by now," said the little girl who had followed; + "it seldom lasts beyond the time that the sun's ower the hill; ye may + gang in and speak wi' him now. I'll wait for you at the other side of the + linn; he canna bide to see twa folk at anes." +</p> +<p> + Slowly and cautiously, and keeping constantly upon his guard, Morton + presented himself to the view of his old associate in command. +</p> +<p> + "What! comest thou again when thine hour is over?" was his first + exclamation; and flourishing his sword aloft, his countenance assumed an + expression in which ghastly terror seemed mingled with the rage of a + demoniac. +</p> +<p> + "I am come, Mr. Balfour," said Morton, in a steady and composed tone, + "to renew an acquaintance which has been broken off since the fight of + Bothwell Bridge." +</p> +<p> + As soon as Burley became aware that Morton was before him in person,—an + idea which he caught with marvellous celerity,—he at once exerted that + mastership over his heated and enthusiastic imagination, the power of + enforcing which was a most striking part of his extraordinary character. + He sunk his sword-point at once, and as he stole it composedly into the + scabbard, he muttered something of the damp and cold which sent an old + soldier to his fencing exercise, to prevent his blood from chilling. This + done, he proceeded in the cold, determined manner which was peculiar to + his ordinary discourse:— +</p> +<p> + "Thou hast tarried long, Henry Morton, and hast not come to the vintage + before the twelfth hour has struck. Art thou yet willing to take the + right hand of fellowship, and be one with those who look not to thrones + or dynasties, but to the rule of Scripture, for their directions?" +</p> +<a name="image-0009"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb272.jpg" height="762" width="528" +alt="Morton and Black Linn +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "I am surprised," said Morton, evading the direct answer to his question, + "that you should have known me after so many years." +</p> +<p> + "The features of those who ought to act with me are engraved on my + heart," answered Burley; "and few but Silas Morton's son durst have + followed me into this my castle of retreat. Seest thou that drawbridge of + Nature's own construction?" he added, pointing to the prostrate + oak-tree,—"one spurn of my foot, and it is overwhelmed in the abyss + below, bidding foeman on the farther side stand at defiance, and leaving + enemies on this at the mercy of one who never yet met his equal in single + fight." +</p> +<p> + "Of such defences," said Morton, "I should have thought you would now + have had little need." +</p> +<p> + "Little need?" said Burley impatiently. "What little need, when incarnate + fiends are combined against me on earth, and Sathan himself—But it + matters not," added he, checking himself. "Enough that I like my place + of refuge, my cave of Adullam, and would not change its rude ribs of + limestone rock for the fair chambers of the castle of the earls of + Torwood, with their broad bounds and barony. Thou, unless the foolish + fever-fit be over, mayst think differently." +</p> +<p> + "It was of those very possessions I came to speak," said Morton; "and I + doubt not to find Mr. Balfour the same rational and reflecting person + which I knew him to be in times when zeal disunited brethren." +</p> +<p> + "Ay?" said Burley; "indeed? Is such truly your hope? Wilt thou express it + more plainly?" +</p> +<p> + "In a word, then," said Morton, "you have exercised, by means at which I + can guess, a secret, but most prejudicial, influence over the fortunes of + Lady Margaret Bellenden and her granddaughter, and in favour of that + base, oppressive apostate, Basil Olifant, whom the law, deceived by thy + operations, has placed in possession of their lawful property." +</p> +<p> + "Sayest thou?" said Balfour. +</p> +<p> + "I do say so," replied Morton; "and face to face you will not deny what + you have vouched by your handwriting." +</p> +<p> + "And suppose I deny it not," said Balfour; "and suppose that + thy—eloquence were found equal to persuade me to retrace the steps I + have taken on matured resolve,—what will be thy meed? Dost thou still + hope to possess the fair-haired girl, with her wide and rich + inheritance?" +</p> +<p> + "I have no such hope," answered Morton, calmly. +</p> +<p> + "And for whom, then, hast thou ventured to do this great thing,—to seek + to rend the prey from the valiant, to bring forth food from the den of + the lion, and to extract sweetness from the maw of the devourer? For + whose sake hast thou undertaken to read this riddle, more hard than + Samson's?" +</p> +<p> + "For Lord Evandale's and that of his bride," replied Morton, firmly. + "Think better of mankind, Mr. Balfour, and believe there are some who are + willing to sacrifice their happiness to that of others." +</p> +<p> + "Then, as my soul liveth," replied Balfour, "thou art, to wear beard and + back a horse and draw a sword, the tamest and most gall-less puppet that + ever sustained injury unavenged. What! thou wouldst help that accursed + Evandale to the arms of the woman that thou lovest; thou wouldst endow + them with wealth and with heritages, and thou think'st that there lives + another man, offended even more deeply than thou, yet equally + cold-livered and mean-spirited, crawling upon the face of the earth, + and hast dared to suppose that one other to be John Balfour?" +</p> +<p> + "For my own feelings," said Morton, composedly, "I am answerable to none + but Heaven; to you, Mr. Balfour, I should suppose it of little + consequence whether Basil Olifant or Lord Evandale possess these + estates." +</p> +<p> + "Thou art deceived," said Burley; "both are indeed in outer darkness, + and strangers to the light, as he whose eyes have never been opened to + the day. But this Basil Olifant is a Nabal, a Demas, a base churl whose + wealth and power are at the disposal of him who can threaten to deprive + him of them. He became a professor because he was deprived of these lands + of Tillietudlem; he turned a papist to obtain possession of them; he + called himself an Erastian, that he might not again lose them; and he + will become what I list while I have in my power the document that may + deprive him of them. These lands are a bit between his jaws and a hook in + his nostrils, and the rein and the line are in my hands to guide them as + I think meet; and his they shall therefore be, unless I had assurance of + bestowing them on a sure and sincere friend. But Lord Evandale is a + malignant, of heart like flint, and brow like adamant; the goods of the + world fall on him like leaves on the frost-bound earth, and unmoved he + will see them whirled off by the first wind. The heathen virtues of such + as he are more dangerous to us than the sordid cupidity of those who, + governed by their interest, must follow where it leads, and who, + therefore, themselves the slaves of avarice, may be compelled to work + in the vineyard, were it but to earn the wages of sin." +</p> +<p> + "This might have been all well some years since," replied Morton, "and I + could understand your argument, although I could never acquiesce in its + justice. But at this crisis it seems useless to you to persevere in + keeping up an influence which can no longer be directed to an useful + purpose. The land has peace, liberty, and freedom of conscience,—and + what would you more?" +</p> +<p> + "More!" exclaimed Burley, again unsheathing his sword, with a vivacity + which nearly made Morton start. "Look at the notches upon that weapon + they are three in number, are they not?" +</p> +<p> + "It seems so," answered Morton; "but what of that?" +</p> +<p> + "The fragment of steel that parted from this first gap rested on the + skull of the perjured traitor who first introduced Episcopacy into + Scotland; this second notch was made in the rib-bone of an impious + villain, the boldest and best soldier that upheld the prelatic cause at + Drumclog; this third was broken on the steel head-piece of the captain + who defended the Chapel of Holyrood when the people rose at the + Revolution. I cleft him to the teeth, through steel and bone. It has done + great deeds, this little weapon, and each of these blows was a + deliverance to the Church. This sword," he said, again sheathing it, + "has yet more to do,—to weed out this base and pestilential heresy of + Erastianism; to vindicate the true liberty of the Kirk in her purity; + to restore the Covenant in its glory,—then let it moulder and rust + beside the bones of its master." +</p> +<p> + "You have neither men nor means, Mr. Balfour, to disturb the Government + as now settled," argued Morton; "the people are in general satisfied, + excepting only the gentlemen of the Jacobite interest; and surely you + would not join with those who would only use you for their own purposes?" +</p> +<p> + "It is they," answered Burley, "that should serve ours. I went to the + camp of the malignant Claver'se, as the future King of Israel sought the + land of the Philistines; I arranged with him a rising; and but for the + villain Evandale, the Erastians ere now had been driven from the West.— + I could slay him," he added, with a vindictive scowl, "were he grasping + the horns of the altar!" He then proceeded in a calmer tone: "If thou, + son of mine ancient comrade, were suitor for thyself to this Edith + Bellenden, and wert willing to put thy hand to the great work with zeal + equal to thy courage, think not I would prefer the friendship of Basil + Olifant to thine; thou shouldst then have the means that this document + [he produced a parchment] affords to place her in possession of the lands + of her fathers. This have I longed to say to thee ever since I saw thee + fight the good fight so strongly at the fatal Bridge. The maiden loved + thee, and thou her." +</p> +<p> + Morton replied firmly, "I will not dissemble with you, Mr. Balfour, even + to gain a good end. I came in hopes to persuade you to do a deed of + justice to others, not to gain any selfish end of my own. I have failed; + I grieve for your sake more than for the loss which others will sustain + by your injustice." +</p> +<p> + "You refuse my proffer, then?" said Burley, with kindling eyes. +</p> +<p> + "I do," said Morton. "Would you be really, as you are desirous to be + thought, a man of honour and conscience, you would, regardless of all + other considerations, restore that parchment to Lord Evandale, to be used + for the advantage of the lawful heir." +</p> +<p> + "Sooner shall it perish!" said Balfour; and, casting the deed into the + heap of red charcoal beside him, pressed it down with the heel of his + boot. +</p> +<p> + While it smoked, shrivelled, and crackled in the flames, Morton sprung + forward to snatch it, and Burley catching hold of him, a struggle ensued. + Both were strong men; but although Morton was much the more active and + younger of the two, yet Balfour was the most powerful, and effectually + prevented him from rescuing the deed until it was fairly reduced to a + cinder. They then quitted hold of each other, and the enthusiast, + rendered fiercer by the contest, glared on Morton with an eye expressive + of frantic revenge. +</p> +<p> + "Thou hast my secret," he exclaimed; "thou must be mine, or die!" +</p> +<p> + "I contemn your threats," said Morton; "I pity you, and leave you." + But as he turned to retire, Burley stept before him, pushed the oak-trunk + from its resting place, and as it fell thundering and crashing into the + abyss beneath, drew his sword, and cried out, with a voice that rivalled + the roar of the cataract and the thunder of the falling oak, "Now thou + art at bay! Fight,—yield, or die!" and standing in the mouth of the + cavern, he flourished his naked sword. +</p> +<p> + "I will not fight with the man that preserved my father's life," said + Morton. "I have not yet learned to say the words, 'I yield;' and my life + I will rescue as I best can." +</p> +<p> + So speaking, and ere Balfour was aware of his purpose, he sprung past + him, and exerting that youthful agility of which he possessed an uncommon + share, leaped clear across the fearful chasm which divided the mouth of + the cave from the projecting rock on the opposite side, and stood there + safe and free from his incensed enemy. He immediately ascended the + ravine, and, as he turned, saw Burley stand for an instant aghast with + astonishment, and then, with the frenzy of disappointed rage, rush into + the interior of his cavern. +</p> +<p> + It was not difficult for him to perceive that this unhappy man's mind had + been so long agitated by desperate schemes and sudden disappointments + that it had lost its equipoise, and that there was now in his conduct a + shade of lunacy, not the less striking, from the vigour and craft with + which he pursued his wild designs. Morton soon joined his guide, who had + been terrified by the fall of the oak. This he represented as accidental; + and she assured him, in return, that the inhabitant of the cave would + experience no inconvenience from it, being always provided with materials + to construct another bridge. +</p> +<p> + The adventures of the morning were not yet ended. As they approached the + hut, the little girl made an exclamation of surprise at seeing her + grandmother groping her way towards them, at a greater distance from her + home than she could have been supposed capable of travelling. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, sir, sir!" said the old woman, when she heard them approach, "gin + e'er ye loved Lord Evandale, help now, or never! God be praised that left + my hearing when he took my poor eyesight! Come this way,—this way. And + oh, tread lightly. Peggy, hinny, gang saddle the gentleman's horse, and + lead him cannily ahint the thorny shaw, and bide him there." +</p> +<p> + She conducted him to a small window, through which, himself unobserved, + he could see two dragoons seated at their morning draught of ale, and + conversing earnestly together. +</p> +<p> + "The more I think of it," said the one, "the less I like it, Inglis; + Evandale was a good officer and the soldier's friend; and though we were + punished for the mutiny at Tillietudlem, yet, by —-, Frank, you must own + we deserved it." +</p> +<p> + "D—n seize me if I forgive him for it, though!" replied the other; "and + I think I can sit in his skirts now." +</p> +<p> + "Why, man, you should forget and forgive. Better take the start with him + along with the rest, and join the ranting Highlanders. We have all eat + King James's bread." +</p> +<p> + "Thou art an ass; the start, as you call it, will never happen,—the + day's put off. Halliday's seen a ghost, or Miss Bellenden's fallen sick + of the pip, or some blasted nonsense or another; the thing will never + keep two days longer, and the first bird that sings out will get the + reward." +</p> +<p> + "That's true too," answered his comrade; "and will this fellow—this + Basil Olifant—pay handsomely?" +</p> +<p> + "Like a prince, man," said Inglis. "Evandale is the man on earth whom he + hates worst, and he fears him, besides, about some law business; and were + he once rubbed out of the way, all, he thinks, will be his own." +</p> +<p> + "But shall we have warrants and force enough?" said the other fellow. + "Few people here will stir against my lord, and we may find him with some + of our own fellows at his back." +</p> +<p> + "Thou 'rt a cowardly fool, Dick," returned Inglis; he is living quietly + down at Fairy Knowe to avoid suspicion. Olifant is a magistrate, and will + have some of his own people that he can trust along with him. There are + us two, and the laird says he can get a desperate fighting Whig fellow, + called Quintin Mackell, that has an old grudge at Evandale." +</p> +<p> + "Well, well, you are my officer, you know," said the private, with true + military conscience, "and if anything is wrong—" +</p> +<p> + "I'll take the blame," said Inglis. "Come, another pot of ale, and let us + to Tillietudlem.—Here, blind Bess!—Why, where the devil has the old hag + crept to?" +</p> +<p> + "Delay them as long as you can," whispered Morton, as he thrust his purse + into the hostess's hand; "all depends on gaining time." +</p> +<p> + Then, walking swiftly to the place where the girl held his horse ready, + "To Fairy Knowe? No; alone I could not protect them. I must instantly to + Glasgow. Wittenbold, the commandant there, will readily give me the + support of a troop, and procure me the countenance of the civil power. I + must drop a caution as I pass.—Come, Moorkopf," he said, addressing his + horse as he mounted him, "this day must try your breath and speed." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0023"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. +</h2> +<pre> + Yet could he not his closing eyes withdraw, + Though less and less of Emily he saw; + So, speechless for a little space he lay, + Then grasp'd the hand he held, and sigh'd his soul away. + Palamon and Acite. +</pre> +<p> + The indisposition of Edith confined her to bed during the eventful day on + which she had received such an unexpected shock from the sudden + apparition of Morton. Next morning, however, she was reported to be so + much better that Lord Evandale resumed his purpose of leaving Fairy + Knowe. At a late hour in the forenoon Lady Emily entered the apartment of + Edith with a peculiar gravity of manner. Having received and paid the + compliments of the day, she observed it would be a sad one for her, + though it would relieve Miss Bellenden of an encumbrance: "My brother + leaves us today, Miss Bellenden." +</p> +<p> + "Leaves us!" exclaimed Edith, in surprise; "for his own house, I trust?" +</p> +<p> + "I have reason to think he meditates a more distant journey," answered + Lady Emily; "he has little to detain him in this country." +</p> +<p> + "Good Heaven!" exclaimed Edith, "why was I born to become the wreck of + all that is manly and noble! What can be done to stop him from running + headlong on ruin? I will come down instantly.—Say that I implore he will + not depart until I speak with him." +</p> +<p> + "It will be in vain, Miss Bellenden; but I will execute your commission;" + and she left the room as formally as she had entered it, and informed her + brother Miss Bellenden was so much recovered as to propose coming + downstairs ere he went away. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose," she added pettishly, "the prospect of being speedily + released from our company has wrought a cure on her shattered nerves." +</p> +<p> + "Sister," said Lord Evandale, "you are unjust, if not envious." +</p> +<p> + "Unjust I maybe, Evandale, but I should not have dreamt," glancing her + eye at a mirror, "of being thought envious without better cause. But let + us go to the old lady; she is making a feast in the other room which + might have dined all your troop when you had one." +</p> +<p> + Lord Evandale accompanied her in silence to the parlour, for he knew it + was in vain to contend with her prepossessions and offended pride. They + found the table covered with refreshments, arranged under the careful + inspection of Lady Margaret. +</p> +<p> + "Ye could hardly weel be said to breakfast this morning, my Lord + Evandale, and ye maun e'en partake of a small collation before ye ride, + such as this poor house, whose inmates are so much indebted to you, can + provide in their present circumstances. For my ain part, I like to see + young folk take some refection before they ride out upon their sports or + their affairs, and I said as much to his most sacred Majesty when he + breakfasted at Tillietudlem in the year of grace sixteen hundred and + fifty-one; and his most sacred Majesty was pleased to reply, drinking to + my health at the same time in a flagon of Rhenish wine, 'Lady Margaret, + ye speak like a Highland oracle.' These were his Majesty's very words; + so that your lordship may judge whether I have not good authority to + press young folk to partake of their vivers." +</p> +<p> + It may be well supposed that much of the good lady's speech failed Lord + Evandale's ears, which were then employed in listening for the light step + of Edith. His absence of mind on this occasion, however natural, cost him + very dear. While Lady Margaret was playing the kind hostess,—a part she + delighted and excelled in,—she was interrupted by John Gudyill, who, in + the natural phrase for announcing an inferior to the mistress of a + family, said, "There was ane wanting to speak to her leddyship." +</p> +<p> + "Ane! what ane? Has he nae name? Ye speak as if I kept a shop, and was to + come at everybody's whistle." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, he has a name," answered John, "but your leddyship likes ill to + hear't." What is it, you fool?" +</p> +<p> + "It's Calf-Gibbie, my leddy," said John, in a tone rather above the pitch + of decorous respect, on which he occasionally trespassed, confiding in + his merit as an ancient servant of the family and a faithful follower of + their humble fortunes,—"It's Calf-Gibbie, an your leddyship will hae't, + that keeps Edie Henshaw's kye down yonder at the Brigg-end,—that's him + that was Guse-Gibbie at Tillietudlem, and gaed to the wappinshaw, and + that—" +</p> +<p> + "Hold your peace, John," said the old lady, rising in dignity; "you are + very insolent to think I wad speak wi' a person like that. Let him tell + his business to you or Mrs. Headrigg." +</p> +<p> + "He'll no hear o' that, my leddy; he says them that sent him bade him gie + the thing to your leddyship's ain hand direct, or to Lord Evandale's, he + wots na whilk. But, to say the truth, he's far frae fresh, and he's but + an idiot an he were." +</p> +<p> + "Then turn him out," said Lady Margaret, "and tell him to come back + to-morrow when he is sober. I suppose he comes to crave some benevolence, + as an ancient follower o' the house." +</p> +<p> + "Like eneugh, my leddy, for he's a' in rags, poor creature." +</p> +<p> + Gudyill made another attempt to get at Gibbie's commission, which was + indeed of the last importance, being a few lines from Morton to Lord + Evandale, acquainting him with the danger in which he stood from the + practices of Olifant, and exhorting him either to instant flight, or else + to come to Glasgow and surrender himself, where he could assure him of + protection. This billet, hastily written, he intrusted to Gibbie, whom he + saw feeding his herd beside the bridge, and backed with a couple of + dollars his desire that it might instantly be delivered into the hand to + which it was addressed. +</p> +<p> + But it was decreed that Goose-Gibbie's intermediation, whether as an + emissary or as a man-at-arms, should be unfortunate to the family of + Tillietudlem. He unluckily tarried so long at the ale-house to prove if + his employer's coin was good that, when he appeared at Fairy Knowe, the + little sense which nature had given him was effectually drowned in ale + and brandy; and instead of asking for Lord Evandale, he demanded to speak + with Lady Margaret, whose name was more familiar to his ear. Being + refused admittance to her presence, he staggered away with the letter + undelivered, perversely faithful to Morton's instructions in the only + point in which it would have been well had he departed from them. + A few minutes after he was gone, Edith entered the apartment. Lord + Evandale and she met with mutual embarrassment, which Lady Margaret, who + only knew in general that their union had been postponed by her + granddaughter's indisposition, set down to the bashfulness of a bride and + bridegroom, and, to place them at ease, began to talk to Lady Emily on + indifferent topics. At this moment Edith, with a countenance as pale as + death, muttered, rather than whispered, to Lord Evandale a request to + speak with him. He offered his arm, and supported her into the small + ante-room, which, as we have noticed before, opened from the parlour. He + placed her in a chair, and, taking one himself, awaited the opening of + the conversation. +</p> +<p> + "I am distressed, my lord," were the first words she was able to + articulate, and those with difficulty; "I scarce know what I would say, + nor how to speak it." +</p> +<p> + "If I have any share in occasioning your uneasiness," said Lord Evandale, + mildly, "you will soon, Edith, be released from it." +</p> +<p> + "You are determined then, my lord," she replied, "to run this desperate + course with desperate men, in spite of your own better reason, in spite + of your friends' entreaties, in spite of the almost inevitable ruin which + yawns before you?" +</p> +<p> + "Forgive me, Miss Bellenden; even your solicitude on my account must not + detain me when my honour calls. My horses stand ready saddled, my + servants are prepared, the signal for rising will be given so soon as I + reach Kilsyth. If it is my fate that calls me, I will not shun meeting + it. It will be something," he said, taking her hand, "to die deserving + your compassion, since I cannot gain your love." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, my lord, remain!" said Edith, in a tone which went to his heart; + "time may explain the strange circumstance which has shocked me so much; + my agitated nerves may recover their tranquillity. Oh, do not rush on + death and ruin! remain to be our prop and stay, and hope everything from + time!" +</p> +<p> + "It is too late, Edith," answered Lord Evandale; "and I were most + ungenerous could I practise on the warmth and kindliness of your feelings + towards me. I know you cannot love me; nervous distress, so strong as to + conjure up the appearance of the dead or absent, indicates a predilection + too powerful to give way to friendship and gratitude alone. But were it + otherwise, the die is now cast." +</p> +<p> + As he spoke thus, Cuddie burst into the room, terror and haste in his + countenance. "Oh, my lord, hide yoursell! they hae beset the outlets o' + the house," was his first exclamation. +</p> +<p> + "They? Who?" said Lord Evandale. +</p> +<p> + "A party of horse, headed by Basil Olifant," answered Cuddie. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, hide yourself, my lord!" echoed Edith, in an agony of terror. +</p> +<p> + "I will not, by Heaven!" answered Lord Evandale. "What right has the + villain to assail me or stop my passage? I will make my way, were he + backed by a regiment; tell Halliday and Hunter to get out the horses.— + And now, farewell, Edith!" He clasped her in his arms, and kissed her + tenderly; then, bursting from his sister, who, with Lady Margaret, + endeavoured to detain him, rushed out and mounted his horse. +</p> +<p> + All was in confusion; the women shrieked and hurried in consternation to + the front windows of the house, from which they could see a small party + of horsemen, of whom two only seemed soldiers. They were on the open + ground before Cuddie's cottage, at the bottom of the descent from the + house, and showed caution in approaching it, as if uncertain of the + strength within. +</p> +<p> + "He may escape, he may escape!" said Edith; "oh, would he but take the + by-road!" +</p> +<p> + But Lord Evandale, determined to face a danger which his high spirit + undervalued, commanded his servants to follow him, and rode composedly + down the avenue. Old Gudyill ran to arm himself, and Cuddie snatched down + a gun which was kept for the protection of the house, and, although on + foot, followed Lord Evandale. It was in vain his wife, who had hurried up + on the alarm, hung by his skirts, threatening him with death by the sword + or halter for meddling with other folk's matters. +</p> +<p> + "Hand your peace, ye b——," said Cuddie; "and that's braid Scotch, or I + wotna what is. Is it ither folk's matters to see Lord Evandale murdered + before my face?" and down the avenue he marched. But considering on the + way that he composed the whole infantry, as John Gudyill had not + appeared, he took his vantage ground behind the hedge, hammered his + flint, cocked his piece, and, taking a long aim at Laird Basil, as he was + called, stood prompt for action. +</p> +<p> + As soon as Lord Evandale appeared, Olifant's party spread themselves a + little, as if preparing to enclose him. Their leader stood fast, + supported by three men, two of whom were dragoons, the third in dress and + appearance a countryman, all well armed. But the strong figure, stern + features, and resolved manner of the third attendant made him seem the + most formidable of the party; and whoever had before seen him could have + no difficulty in recognising Balfour of Burley. +</p> +<p> + "Follow me," said Lord Evandale to his servants, "and if we are forcibly + opposed, do as I do." He advanced at a hand gallop towards Olifant, and + was in the act of demanding why he had thus beset the road, when Olifant + called out, "Shoot the traitor!" and the whole four fired their carabines + upon the unfortunate nobleman. He reeled in the, saddle, advanced his + hand to the holster, and drew a pistol, but, unable to discharge it, fell + from his horse mortally wounded. His servants had presented their + carabines. Hunter fired at random; but Halliday, who was an intrepid + fellow, took aim at Inglis, and shot him dead on the spot. At the same + instant a shot from behind the hedge still more effectually avenged Lord + Evandale, for the ball took place in the very midst of Basil Olifant's + forehead, and stretched him lifeless on the ground. His followers, + astonished at the execution done in so short a time, seemed rather + disposed to stand inactive, when Burley, whose blood was up with the + contest, exclaimed, "Down with the Midianites!" and attacked Halliday + sword in hand. At this instant the clatter of horses' hoofs was heard, + and a party of horse, rapidly advancing on the road from Glasgow, + appeared on the fatal field. They were foreign dragoons, led by the Dutch + commandant Wittenbold, accompanied by Morton and a civil magistrate. +</p> +<p> + A hasty call to surrender, in the name of God and King William, was + obeyed by all except Burley, who turned his horse and attempted to + escape. Several soldiers pursued him by command of their officer, but, + being well mounted, only the two headmost seemed likely to gain on him. + He turned deliberately twice, and discharging first one of his pistols, + and then the other, rid himself of the one pursuer by mortally wounding + him, and of the other by shooting his horse, and then continued his + flight to Bothwell Bridge, where, for his misfortune, he found the gates + shut and guarded. Turning from thence, he made for a place where the + river seemed passable, and plunged into the stream, the bullets from the + pistols and carabines of his pursuers whizzing around him. Two balls took + effect when he was past the middle of the stream, and he felt himself + dangerously wounded. He reined his horse round in the midst of the river, + and returned towards the bank he had left, waving his hand, as if with + the purpose of intimating that he surrendered. The troopers ceased firing + at him accordingly, and awaited his return, two of them riding a little + way into the river to seize and disarm him. But it presently appeared + that his purpose was revenge, not safety. As he approached the two + soldiers, he collected his remaining strength, and discharged a blow on + the head of one, which tumbled him from his horse. The other dragoon, a + strong, muscular man, had in the mean while laid hands on him. Burley, in + requital, grasped his throat, as a dying tiger seizes his prey, and both, + losing the saddle in the struggle, came headlong into the river, and were + swept down the stream. Their course might be traced by the blood which + bubbled up to the surface. They were twice seen to rise, the Dutchman + striving to swim, and Burley clinging to him in a manner that showed his + desire that both should perish. Their corpses were taken out about a + quarter of a mile down the river. As Balfour's grasp could not have been + unclenched without cutting off his hands, both were thrown into a hasty + grave, still marked by a rude stone and a ruder epitaph. +</p> +<pre> + [Gentle reader, I did request of mine honest friend Peter Proudfoot, + travelling merchant, known to many of this land for his faithful and + just dealings, as well in muslins and cambrics as in small wares, to + procure me on his next peregrinations to that vicinage, a copy of + the Epitaphion alluded to. And, according to his report, which I see + no ground to discredit, it runneth thus:— + + Here lyes ane saint to prelates surly, + Being John Balfour, sometime of Burley, + Who stirred up to vengeance take, + For Solemn League and Cov'nant's sake, + Upon the Magus-Moor in Fife, + Did tak James Sharpe the apostate's life; + By Dutchman's hands was hacked and shot, + Then drowned in Clyde near this saam spot.] +</pre> +<p> + While the soul of this stern enthusiast flitted to its account, that of + the brave and generous Lord Evandale was also released. Morton had flung + himself from his horse upon perceiving his situation, to render his dying + friend all the aid in his power. He knew him, for he pressed his hand, + and, being unable to speak, intimated by signs his wish to be conveyed to + the house. This was done with all the care possible, and he was soon + surrounded by his lamenting friends. But the clamorous grief of Lady + Emily was far exceeded in intensity by the silent agony of Edith. +</p> +<p> + Unconscious even of the presence of Morton, she hung over the dying man; + nor was she aware that Fate, who was removing one faithful lover, had + restored another as if from the grave, until Lord Evandale, taking their + hands in his, pressed them both affectionately, united them together, + raised his face as if to pray for a blessing on them, and sunk back and + expired in the next moment. +</p> +<pre> + CONCLUSION. +</pre> +<p> + I had determined to waive the task of a concluding chapter, leaving to + the reader's imagination the arrangements which must necessarily take + place after Lord Evandale's death. But as I was aware that precedents are + wanting for a practice which might be found convenient both to readers + and compilers, I confess myself to have been in a considerable dilemma, + when fortunately I was honoured with an invitation to drink tea with Miss + Martha Buskbody, a young lady who has carried on the profession of + mantua-making at Ganderscleugh and in the neighbourhood, with great + success, for about forty years. Knowing her taste for narratives of this + description, I requested her to look over the loose sheets the morning + before I waited on her, and enlighten me by the experience which she must + have acquired in reading through the whole stock of three circulating + libraries, in Ganderscleugh and the two next market-towns. When, with a + palpitating heart, I appeared before her in the evening, I found her much + disposed to be complimentary. +</p> +<p> + "I have not been more affected," said she, wiping the glasses of her + spectacles, "by any novel, excepting the 'Tale of Jemmy and Jenny + Jessamy', which is indeed pathos itself; but your plan of omitting a + formal conclusion will never do. You may be as harrowing to our nerves as + you will in the course of your story, but, unless you had the genius + of the author of 'Julia de Roubignd,' never let the end be altogether + overclouded. Let us see a glimpse of sunshine in the last chapter; it is + quite essential." +</p> +<p> + "Nothing would be more easy for me, madam, than to comply with your + injunctions; for, in truth, the parties in whom you have had the goodness + to be interested, did live long and happily, and begot sons and + daughters." +</p> +<p> + "It is unnecessary, sir," she said, with a slight nod of reprimand, "to + be particular concerning their matrimonial comforts. But what is your + objection to let us have, in a general way, a glimpse of their future + felicity?" +</p> +<p> + "Really, madam," said I, "you must be aware that every volume of a + narrative turns less and less interesting as the author draws to a + conclusion,—just like your tea, which, though excellent hyson, is + necessarily weaker and more insipid in the last cup. Now, as I think the + one is by no means improved by the luscious lump of half-dissolved sugar + usually found at the bottom of it, so I am of opinion that a history, + growing already vapid, is but dully crutched up by a detail of + circumstances which every reader must have anticipated, even though the + author exhaust on them every flowery epithet in the language." +</p> +<p> + "This will not do, Mr. Pattieson," continued the lady; "you have, as I + may say, basted up your first story very hastily and clumsily at the + conclusion; and, in my trade, I would have cuffed the youngest apprentice + who had put such a horrid and bungled spot of work out of her hand. And + if you do not redeem this gross error by telling us all about the + marriage of Morton and Edith, and what became of the other personages of + the story, from Lady Margaret down to Goose-Gibbie, I apprise you that + you will not be held to have accomplished your task handsomely." +</p> +<p> + "Well, madam," I replied, "my materials are so ample that I think I can + satisfy your curiosity, unless it descend to very minute circumstances + indeed." +</p> +<p> + "First, then," said she, "for that is most essential,—Did Lady Margaret + get back her fortune and her castle?" +</p> +<p> + "She did, madam, and in the easiest way imaginable, as heir, namely, to + her worthy cousin, Basil Olifant, who died without a will; and thus, by + his death, not only restored, but even augmented, the fortune of her, + whom, during his life, he had pursued with the most inveterate malice. + John Gudyill, reinstated in his dignity, was more important than ever; + and Cuddie, with rapturous delight, entered upon the cultivation of the + mains of Tillietudlem, and the occupation of his original cottage. But, + with the shrewd caution of his character, he was never heard to boast of + having fired the lucky shot which repossessed his lady and himself in + their original habitations. 'After a',' he said to Jenny, who was his + only confidant, 'auld Basil Olifant was my leddy's cousin and a grand + gentleman; and though he was acting again the law, as I understand, for + he ne'er showed ony warrant, or required Lord Evandale to surrender, and + though I mind killing him nae mair than I wad do a muircock, yet it 's + just as weel to keep a calm sough about it.' He not only did so, but + ingeniously enough countenanced a report that old Gudyill had done the + deed,—which was worth many a gill of brandy to him from the old butler, + who, far different in disposition from Cuddie, was much more inclined to + exaggerate than suppress his exploits of manhood. The blind widow was + provided for in the most comfortable manner, as well as the little guide + to the Linn; and—" +</p> +<p> + "But what is all this to the marriage,—the marriage of the principal + personages?" interrupted Miss Buskbody, impatiently tapping her + snuff-box. +</p> +<p> + "The marriage of Morton and Miss Bellenden was delayed for several + months, as both went into deep mourning on account of Lord Evandale's + death. They were then wedded." +</p> +<p> + "I hope not without Lady Margaret's consent, sir?" said my fair critic. + "I love books which teach a proper deference in young persons to their + parents. In a novel the young people may fall in love without their + countenance, because it is essential to the necessary intricacy of the + story; but they must always have the benefit of their consent at last. + Even old Delville received Cecilia, though the daughter of a man of low + birth." +</p> +<p> + "And even so, madam," replied I, "Lady Margaret was prevailed on to + countenance Morton, although the old Covenanter, his father, stuck sorely + with her for some time. Edith was her only hope, and she wished to see + her happy; Morton, or Melville Morton, as he was more generally called, + stood so high in the reputation of the world, and was in every other + respect such an eligible match, that she put her prejudice aside, and + consoled herself with the recollection that marriage went by destiny, as + was observed to her, she said, by his most sacred Majesty, Charles the + Second of happy memory, when she showed him the portrait of her + grand-father Fergus, third Earl of Torwood, the handsomest man of his + time, and that of Countess Jane, his second lady, who had a hump-back + and only one. eye. This was his Majesty's observation, she said, on one + remarkable morning when he deigned to take his /disjune/—" +</p> +<p> + "Nay," said Miss Buskbody, again interrupting me, "if she brought such + authority to countenance her acquiescing in a misalliance, there was no + more to be said.—And what became of old Mrs. What's her name, the + housekeeper?" +</p> +<p> + "Mrs. Wilson, madam?" answered I. "She was perhaps the happiest of the + party; for once a year, and not oftener, Mr. and Mrs. Melville Morton + dined in the great wainscotted chamber in solemn state, the hangings + being all displayed, the carpet laid down, and the huge brass candlestick + set on the table, stuck round with leaves of laurel. The preparing the + room for this yearly festival employed her mind for six months before it + came about, and the putting matters to rights occupied old Alison the + other six, so that a single day of rejoicing found her business for all + the year round." +</p> +<p> + "And Niel Blane?" said Miss Buskbody. +</p> +<p> + "Lived to a good old age, drank ale and brandy with guests of all + persuasions, played Whig or Jacobite tunes as best pleased his customers, + and died worth as much money as married Jenny to a cock laird. I hope, + ma'am, you have no other inquiries to make, for really—" +</p> +<p> + "Goose-Gibbie, sir?" said my persevering friend,—"Goose-Gibbie, whose + ministry was fraught with such consequences to the personages of the + narrative?" +</p> +<p> + "Consider, my dear Miss Buskbody, (I beg pardon for the + familiarity),—but pray consider, even the memory of the renowned + Scheherazade, that Empress of Tale-tellers, could not preserve every + circumstance. I am not quite positive as to the fate of Goose-Gibbie, + but am inclined to think him the same with one Gilbert Dudden, alias + Calf-Gibbie, who was whipped through Hamilton for stealing poultry." +</p> +<p> + Miss Buskbody now placed her left foot on the fender, crossed her right + leg over her knee, lay back on the chair, and looked towards the ceiling. + When I observed her assume this contemplative mood, I concluded she was + studying some farther cross-examination, and therefore took my hat and + wished her a hasty good-night, ere the Demon of Criticism had supplied + her with any more queries. In like manner, gentle Reader, returning you + my thanks for the patience which has conducted you thus far, I take the + liberty to withdraw myself from you for the present. +</p> +<pre> + PERORATION. +</pre> +<p> + It was mine earnest wish, most courteous Reader, that the "Tales of my + Landlord" should have reached thine hands in one entire succession of + tomes, or volumes. But as I sent some few more manuscript quires, + containing the continuation of these most pleasing narratives, I was + apprised, somewhat unceremoniously, by my publisher that he did not + approve of novels (as he injuriously called these real histories) + extending beyond four volumes, and if I did not agree to the first four + being published separately, he threatened to decline the article. (Oh, + ignorance! as if the vernacular article of our mother English were + capable of declension.) Whereupon, somewhat moved by his remonstrances, + and more by heavy charges for print and paper, which he stated to have + been already incurred, I have resolved that these four volumes shall be + the heralds or avant-couriers of the Tales which are yet in my + possession, nothing doubting that they will be eagerly devoured, and the + remainder anxiously demanded, by the unanimous voice of a discerning + public. I rest, esteemed Reader, thine as thou shalt construe me, +</p> +<p> + JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM. + GANDERCLEUGH, Nov. 15, 1816. +</p> +<a name="image-0010"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb302.jpg" height="506" width="788" +alt="Interior of Abbotsford +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="2H_GLOS"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + GLOSSARY. +</h2> +<pre> + A', all. + A'body, everybody. + Aboon, abune, above. + Ae, one. + Aff, off. + Afore, before. + Again, against, until. + Ahint, behind. + Ain, own. + Ajee, awry. + Amaist, almost. + Amna, am not. + An, if, suppose. + Ane, one. + Anent, regarding. + Anes, once. + Anither, another. + Arles, earnest money. + Asteer, in confusion. + Atweel, aweel, well. + Aught, own, possessed of; also, eight. + Auld, old. + Awa', away. + Awe, to owe. "Awe a day in har'st," to owe a good turn. + Awsome, awful, terrible. + + Bab, a bunch. + Back-cast, back-stroke. + Baith, both. + Bang, to beat. + Bannock, a scone. + Bawbee, a halfpenny. + Beild, shelter. + Bein, bien, well provided. + Belive, directly. + Bide, to wait, to suffer. "Bide a blink," stay a minute. + Birky, a lively young fellow. + Birl, to toss, to drink. + Bleeze, a blaze; also, to brag, to talk ostentatiously. + Blithe, happy. + Blude, bluid, blood. + Boddle, a small copper coin. + Branks, a kind of bridle. + Braw, fine, brave. + Brawly, cleverly. + Braws, fine clothes. + Breeks, breeches. + Brigg, a bridge. + Brogue, the Highland shoe. + Browst, a brewing. + Budget, a carabine-socket. + Busk, to deck up. + "By and out-taken," over and above and excepting. + + Ca', to call. "Ca' the pleugh," to work the plough. + Canna, cannot. "Canna hear day nor door," as deaf as a post. + Canny, quiet, cautious, snug. + Carcage, a carcass. + Carena, care not. + Carline, an old woman, a witch. + Cast, chance, opportunity, fate. + "Cast o' a cart," chance use of a cart. + Certie! conscience! + Change-house, a small inn or alehouse. + Chield, a fellow. + Chimley, a chimney. + Claes, clothes. + Clatter, tattle. + "Clinked down," quartered. + "Cock laird," a small land holder who cultivates his estate himself. + Copleen, to complain. + Coup, to barter; also, to turn over. + Crap, the produce of the ground. + Crowdy, meal and milk mixed in a cold state. + Cuittle, to wheedle, to curry favour. + + Daft, crazy. + Daur, to dare. + Daurna, dare not. + Deil, the devil. "Deil gin," the devil may care if. + Didna, did not. + Dighting, separating, wiping. + Ding, to knock. + Dinna, disna, do not. + Disjasked-looking, decayed looking. + Disjune, breakfast. + Div, do. + Dooms, very, confoundedly. + Douce, douse, quiet, sensible. + Doun, down. + Dour, stubborn. + "Dow'd na," did not like. + Downa, cannot. + "Downs bide," cannot bear, don't like. + Drouthy, dry, thirsty. + Dwam, a swoon. + + Ee, an eye. + Een, eyes. + E'en, evening; even. + E'enow, presently, at present. + Eik, an addition. + Eneuch, eneugh, enow, enough. + + Fa', fall. + Fairing "gie him a fairing," settle him. + Fallow, a fellow. + Fand, found. + Fash, trouble. + Faured, favoured. + Feared, afraid. + Fearsome, frightful. + Feck, part of a thing. + Feckless, harmless. + Fend, to provide. + Fire-flaught, flash. + Fizenless, tasteless. + Flyte, to scold. + Forby, besides. + Forgie, forgive. + Forrit, forward. + Foumart, a pole-cat. + Frae, from. + Fund, found. + + Gae, to go; also, gave. + Gang, go. + Ganging, going. + Gar, to make, to oblige. + Gat, got. + Gate, way, mode, direction. + Gaun, going. + Gay, gey, very. "Gey thick," pretty thick. + Gear, property. + Gentles, aristocracy. + Gie, give. + Gin, if. + Gledge, a side-glance. + Gomeril, a fool, a simpleton. + Gowd, gold. + Gowpen, a handful. + Grewsome, sullen, stern, forbidding. + Gude, God; good. + Gudeman, a husband; head of the household. + Gude-sister, a sister-in-law. + Gudewife, a wife, a spouse. + Guide, to manage. + + Ha'arst, harvest. + Hae, have. + Haena, have not. + "Hae 't," have it. + Haill, whole. + Hantle, a great deal. + Harry, to rob, to break in upon. + Hash, a clumsy lout. + Hand, to hold, to have. + Hauld, a habitation. + Hempie, giddy. + Heugh, a dell; also, a crag. + Hinny, a term of endearment=honey. + Holme, a hollow, level low ground. + "Horse of wood, foaled of an acorn," a form of punishment. + Howf, a retreat. + Hunder, a hundred. + Hup! used to a horse in order to make him quicken his pace. + "Hup nor wind," quite unmanageable. + Hurdies, the buttocks. + + Ilk, ilka, each, every. + Ill-fard, ill-favoured. + Ill-guide, to ill-treat. + I' se, I shall. + Isna, is not. + + Jalouse, to suspect. + Jimply, barely, scantily. + Jo, joe, a sweetheart. + "John Thomson's man," a husband who yields to the influence of his wife. + Justify, to punish with death. + + Kail, kale, cabbage greens; broth. "Kail through the reek," to give one a + severe reproof. + Kail-brose, pottage of meal made with the scum of broth. + Kale-yard, a vegetable garden. + Ken, to know. + Kend, knew. + Kenna, kensna, know not. + Kittle, ticklish. + Kye, kine. + + Lane, lone, alone. By a peculiar idiom in the Scotch this is frequently + conjoined with the pronoun: as, "his lane," "my lane," "their lane," + i. e., "by himself," "by myself," "by themselves." + "Lang ten," the ten of trumps in Scotch whist. + Lassie, lassock, a little girl. + Lave, the remainder. + Leatherin', beating, drubbing. + Letten, allowed. + Lift, to carry off by theft. + Linn, a cataract. + Lippie, the fourth part of a peck. + Loon, a fellow. + Loot, looten, let, allowed. + Lound, quiet. + Loup, to leap. + Lug, the ear. + + Mains, demesne. + Mair, more. + Maist, most. + Mart, a fatted cow. + Mann, must. + Maunder, palaver. + Maut, malt. + Mensfu', modest, mindful. + Mickle, much. + Mind, to remember. + Mirligoes, dizziness. + Mislear'd, unmannerly. + Mistaen, mistaken. + Many, many. + "Morn, the," to-morrow. + Muckle, much. + Muir, a moor. + + Na, no, not. + Naething, nothing. + Naig, a nag. + Neb, the nose, the beak. + Neist, next. + Neuk, a nook, a corner. + + Onstead, a farm-steading. + Ony, any. + Or, before. + "Ordinar, by," in an uncommon way. + O 't, of it. + Outshot, a projection in a building. + Out-taken, excepting. + Ower, over. + + Peat-hag, a hollow in moss left after digging peats. + Penny-fee, wages. + Dinners, a cap with lappets, formerly worn by women of rank. + Pit, to put. + Pleugh, plough. + Pleugh-paidle, a plough-staff. + Pockmantle, a portmanteau. + Pose, deposit. + Puir, poor. + Putten, put. "Putten up," provided for. + + Quean, a flirt, a young woman. + + Rade, rode. + Randy, a scold. + Raploch, coarse, undyed homespun. + Rase, rose. + Rax, to stretch, to reach. + Redd, to clear up. + Reek, smoke. + Rin, to run. + Ripe, to rake, to search. + Rue "to take the rue," to repent of a proposal or bargain. + Rugging, pulling roughly. + + Sae, so. + "St. Johnstone's tippet," a halter for execution. + Sair, sore. + "Sair travailed," worn out, wearied. + Sark, a shirt. + Sauld, sold. + Set, to suit, to become one; also, to beset. + Shaw, a wood; flat ground at the foot of a hill. + Shune, shoes. + Sic, such. + Siller, money. + Skeily, skilful. + Skellie, to squint. + Skirl, to scream. + Sort, to arrange, to supply. + Sort, a term applied to persons or things when the number is small. + Sough, a sigh, a breath. "Calm sough," an easy mind, a still tongue. + "Sough'd awa," died gently. + Soup, "a bite and a soup," slender support, both as to meat and drink. + Sowens, a sort of gruel. + Spak, spoke. + Speer, to inquire, to ask. + Spunk, fire, activity, spirit. + Stamach, stomach. + Steer, to disturb. + Stir, sir. + Stot, a bullock. + Stour, a battle, a fight. + Strae, straw. + Stressed, distressed, inconvenienced. + Stude, hesitated. + Sud, suld, should. + Sune, soon. "Sune as syne," soon as late. + Sybo, an onion or radish. + Syke, a streamlet dry in summer. + Syne, since, afterwards. + + Tae, tane, the one. + Ta'en, taken. + "Tak on," to engage. + Tauld, told. + Tent, care. + Teugh, tough. + "Thack and rape," snug and comfortable. + Thae, these, those. + Thegither, together. + Threep, to aver strongly. + Till, to. + "Till 't," to it. + "Tippet, St. Johnstone's," a halter for execution. + Tirl, to uncover, to strip. + Tittie, a sister. + Tother, the other. + Toy, a close linen cap. + Troth! sure! + Trow, to believe, to think, to guess. + Trysted, overtaken. + + Unco, very, particularly, prodigious, terrible; also, strange. + + Vivers, victuals. + + Wad, would. + Wadna, would not. + Wallie, a valet. + Walth, plenty, abundance. + Wan, got, reached. + Waur, worse. + Wee, little. + Weel, well. + We'se, we shall. + Wha, whae, who. + Whase, whose. + "What for," why. + Wheen, a few. + Whiles, sometimes. + Wi', with. + Win, to get. "To win by," to escape. + "To win ower," to get over. + Winna, will not. + Winnock, a window. + Wotna, know not. + Wud, mad. + Wull, will. + "What's yer wull?" what is your pleasure? + + Yerl, earl. + Yestate, estate. + Yokit. + yoked. +</pre> +<center> + THE END. +</center> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Mortality, Illustrated, Volume 2. +by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD MORTALITY, ILLUSTRATED, *** + +***** This file should be named 6940-h.htm or 6940-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/6/9/4/6940/ + +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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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 2. + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: August 22, 2004 [EBook #6940] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD MORTALITY, ILLUSTRATED, *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger, with assistance from an etext produced by +David Moynihan + + + + + +[Illustration: Bookcover] + + +[Illustration: Spines] + + + + +OLD MORTALITY + +By Walter Scott + + +[Illustration: Titlepage] + + + +VOLUME II. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + And look how many Grecian tents do stand + Hollow upon this plain--so many hollow factions. + Troilus and Cressida. + +In a hollow of the hill, about a quarter of a mile from the field of +battle, was a shepherd's hut; a miserable cottage, which, as the only +enclosed spot within a moderate distance, the leaders of the presbyterian +army had chosen for their council-house. Towards this spot Burley guided +Morton, who was surprised, as he approached it, at the multifarious +confusion of sounds which issued from its precincts. The calm and anxious +gravity which it might be supposed would have presided in councils held +on such important subjects, and at a period so critical, seemed to have +given place to discord wild, and loud uproar, which fell on the ear of +their new ally as an evil augury of their future measures. As they +approached the door, they found it open indeed, but choked up with the +bodies and heads of countrymen, who, though no members of the council, +felt no scruple in intruding themselves upon deliberations in which they +were so deeply interested. By expostulation, by threats, and even by some +degree of violence, Burley, the sternness of whose character maintained a +sort of superiority over these disorderly forces, compelled the intruders +to retire, and, introducing Morton into the cottage, secured the door +behind them against impertinent curiosity. At a less agitating moment, +the young man might have been entertained with the singular scene of +which he now found himself an auditor and a spectator. + +The precincts of the gloomy and ruinous hut were enlightened partly by +some furze which blazed on the hearth, the smoke whereof, having no legal +vent, eddied around, and formed over the heads of the assembled council a +clouded canopy, as opake as their metaphysical theology, through which, +like stars through mist, were dimly seen to twinkle a few blinking +candles, or rather rushes dipped in tallow, the property of the poor +owner of the cottage, which were stuck to the walls by patches of wet +clay. This broken and dusky light showed many a countenance elated with +spiritual pride, or rendered dark by fierce enthusiasm; and some whose +anxious, wandering, and uncertain looks, showed they felt themselves +rashly embarked in a cause which they had neither courage nor conduct to +bring to a good issue, yet knew not how to abandon, for very shame. They +were, indeed, a doubtful and disunited body. The most active of their +number were those concerned with Burley in the death of the Primate, four +or five of whom had found their way to Loudon-hill, together with other +men of the same relentless and uncompromising zeal, who had, in various +ways, given desperate and unpardonable offence to the government. + +With them were mingled their preachers, men who had spurned at the +indulgence offered by government, and preferred assembling their flocks +in the wilderness, to worshipping in temples built by human hands, if +their doing the latter should be construed to admit any right on the part +of their rulers to interfere with the supremacy of the Kirk. The other +class of counsellors were such gentlemen of small fortune, and +substantial farmers, as a sense of intolerable oppression had induced to +take arms and join the insurgents. These also had their clergymen with +them, and such divines, having many of them taken advantage of the +indulgence, were prepared to resist the measures of their more violent +brethren, who proposed a declaration in which they should give testimony +against the warrants and instructions for indulgence as sinful and +unlawful acts. This delicate question had been passed over in silence in +the first draught of the manifestos which they intended to publish, of +the reasons of their gathering in arms; but it had been stirred anew +during Balfour's absence, and, to his great vexation, he now found that +both parties had opened upon it in full cry, Macbriar, Kettledrummle, and +other teachers of the wanderers, being at the very spring-tide of +polemical discussion with Peter Poundtext, the indulged pastor of +Milnwood's parish, who, it seems, had e'en girded himself with a +broadsword, but, ere he was called upon to fight for the good cause of +presbytery in the field, was manfully defending his own dogmata in the +council. It was the din of this conflict, maintained chiefly between +Poundtext and Kettledrummle, together with the clamour of their +adherents, which had saluted Morton's ears upon approaching the cottage. +Indeed, as both the divines were men well gifted with words and lungs, +and each fierce, ardent, and intolerant in defence of his own doctrine, +prompt in the recollection of texts wherewith they battered each other +without mercy, and deeply impressed with the importance of the subject of +discussion, the noise of the debate betwixt them fell little short of +that which might have attended an actual bodily conflict. + +Burley, scandalized at the disunion implied in this virulent strife of +tongues, interposed between the disputants, and, by some general remarks +on the unseasonableness of discord, a soothing address to the vanity of +each party, and the exertion of the authority which his services in that +day's victory entitled him to assume, at length succeeded in prevailing +upon them to adjourn farther discussion of the controversy. But although +Kettledrummle and Poundtext were thus for the time silenced, they +continued to eye each other like two dogs, who, having been separated by +the authority of their masters while fighting, have retreated, each +beneath the chair of his owner, still watching each other's motions, and +indicating, by occasional growls, by the erected bristles of the back and +ears, and by the red glance of the eye, that their discord is unappeased, +and that they only wait the first opportunity afforded by any general +movement or commotion in the company, to fly once more at each other's +throats. + +Balfour took advantage of the momentary pause to present to the council +Mr Henry Morton of Milnwood, as one touched with a sense of the evils of +the times, and willing to peril goods and life in the precious cause for +which his father, the renowned Silas Morton, had given in his time a +soul-stirring testimony. Morton was instantly received with the right +hand of fellowship by his ancient pastor, Poundtext, and by those among +the insurgents who supported the more moderate principles. The others +muttered something about Erastianism, and reminded each other in +whispers, that Silas Morton, once a stout and worthy servant of the +Covenant, had been a backslider in the day when the resolutioners had led +the way in owning the authority of Charles Stewart, thereby making a gap +whereat the present tyrant was afterwards brought in, to the oppression +both of Kirk and country. They added, however, that, on this great day of +calling, they would not refuse society with any who should put hand to +the plough; and so Morton was installed in his office of leader and +counsellor, if not with the full approbation of his colleagues, at least +without any formal or avowed dissent. They proceeded, on Burley's motion, +to divide among themselves the command of the men who had assembled, and +whose numbers were daily increasing. In this partition, the insurgents of +Poundtext's parish and congregation were naturally placed under the +command of Morton; an arrangement mutually agreeable to both parties, as +he was recommended to their confidence, as well by his personal qualities +as his having been born among them. + +When this task was accomplished, it became necessary to determine what +use was to be made of their victory. Morton's heart throbbed high when he +heard the Tower of Tillietudlem named as one of the most important +positions to be seized upon. It commanded, as we have often noticed, the +pass between the more wild and the more fertile country, and must +furnish, it was plausibly urged, a stronghold and place of rendezvous to +the cavaliers and malignants of the district, supposing the insurgents +were to march onward and leave it uninvested. This measure was +particularly urged as necessary by Poundtext and those of his immediate +followers, whose habitations and families might be exposed to great +severities, if this strong place were permitted to remain in possession +of the royalists. + +"I opine," said Poundtext,--for, like the other divines of the period, he +had no hesitation in offering his advice upon military matters of which +he was profoundly ignorant,--"I opine, that we should take in and raze +that stronghold of the woman Lady Margaret Bellenden, even though we +should build a fort and raise a mount against it; for the race is a +rebellious and a bloody race, and their hand has been heavy on the +children of the Covenant, both in the former and the latter times. Their +hook hath been in our noses, and their bridle betwixt our jaws." + +"What are their means and men of defence?" said Burley. "The place is +strong; but I cannot conceive that two women can make it good against a +host." + +"There is also," said Poundtext, "Harrison the steward, and John Gudyill, +even the lady's chief butler, who boasteth himself a man of war from his +youth upward, and who spread the banner against the good cause with that +man of Belial, James Grahame of Montrose." + +"Pshaw!" returned Burley, scornfully, "a butler!" + +"Also, there is that ancient malignant," replied Poundtext, "Miles +Bellenden of Charnwood, whose hands have been dipped in the blood of the +saints." + +"If that," said Burley, "be Miles Bellenden, the brother of Sir Arthur, +he is one whose sword will not turn back from battle; but he must now be +stricken in years." + +"There was word in the country as I rode along," said another of the +council, "that so soon as they heard of the victory which has been given +to us, they caused shut the gates of the tower, and called in men, and +collected ammunition. They were ever a fierce and a malignant house." + +"We will not, with my consent," said Burley, "engage in a siege which may +consume time. We must rush forward, and follow our advantage by occupying +Glasgow; for I do not fear that the troops we have this day beaten, even +with the assistance of my Lord Ross's regiment, will judge it safe to +await our coming." + +"Howbeit," said Poundtext, "we may display a banner before the Tower, and +blow a trumpet, and summon them to come forth. It may be that they will +give over the place into our mercy, though they be a rebellious people. +And we will summon the women to come forth of their stronghold, that is, +Lady Margaret Bellenden and her grand-daughter, and Jenny Dennison, which +is a girl of an ensnaring eye, and the other maids, and we will give them +a safe conduct, and send them in peace to the city, even to the town of +Edinburgh. But John Gudyill, and Hugh Harrison, and Miles Bellenden, we +will restrain with fetters of iron, even as they, in times bypast, have +done to the martyred saints." + +"Who talks of safe conduct and of peace?" said a shrill, broken, and +overstrained voice, from the crowd. + +"Peace, brother Habakkuk," said Macbriar, in a soothing tone, to the +speaker. + +"I will not hold my peace," reiterated the strange and unnatural voice; +"is this a time to speak of peace, when the earth quakes, and the +mountains are rent, and the rivers are changed into blood, and the +two-edged sword is drawn from the sheath to drink gore as if it were +water, and devour flesh as the fire devours dry stubble?" + +While he spoke thus, the orator struggled forward to the inner part of +the circle, and presented to Morton's wondering eyes a figure worthy of +such a voice and such language. The rags of a dress which had once been +black, added to the tattered fragments of a shepherd's plaid, composed a +covering scarce fit for the purposes of decency, much less for those of +warmth or comfort. A long beard, as white as snow, hung down on his +breast, and mingled with bushy, uncombed, grizzled hair, which hung in +elf-locks around his wild and staring visage. The features seemed to be +extenuated by penury and famine, until they hardly retained the likeness +of a human aspect. The eyes, grey, wild, and wandering, evidently +betokened a bewildered imagination. He held in his hand a rusty sword, +clotted with blood, as were his long lean hands, which were garnished at +the extremity with nails like eagle's claws. + +"In the name of Heaven! who is he?" said Morton, in a whisper to +Poundtext, surprised, shocked, and even startled, at this ghastly +apparition, which looked more like the resurrection of some cannibal +priest, or druid red from his human sacrifice, than like an earthly +mortal. + +"It is Habakkuk Mucklewrath," answered Poundtext, in the same tone, "whom +the enemy have long detained in captivity in forts and castles, until his +understanding hath departed from him, and, as I fear, an evil demon hath +possessed him. Nevertheless, our violent brethren will have it, that he +speaketh of the spirit, and that they fructify by his pouring forth." + +Here he was interrupted by Mucklewrath, who cried in a voice that made +the very beams of the roof quiver--"Who talks of peace and safe conduct? +who speaks of mercy to the bloody house of the malignants? I say take the +infants and dash them against the stones; take the daughters and the +mothers of the house and hurl them from the battlements of their trust, +that the dogs may fatten on their blood as they did on that of Jezabel, +the spouse of Ahab, and that their carcasses may be dung to the face of +the field even in the portion of their fathers!" + +"He speaks right," said more than one sullen voice from behind; "we will +be honoured with little service in the great cause, if we already make +fair weather with Heaven's enemies." + +"This is utter abomination and daring impiety," said Morton, unable to +contain his indignation. + +"What blessing can you expect in a cause, in which you listen to the +mingled ravings of madness and atrocity?" + +"Hush, young man!" said Kettledrummle, "and reserve thy censure for that +for which thou canst render a reason. It is not for thee to judge into +what vessels the spirit may be poured." + +"We judge of the tree by the fruit," said Poundtext, "and allow not that +to be of divine inspiration that contradicts the divine laws." + +"You forget, brother Poundtext," said Macbriar, "that these are the +latter days, when signs and wonders shall be multiplied." + +Poundtext stood forward to reply; but, ere he could articulate a word, +the insane preacher broke in with a scream that drowned all competition. + +"Who talks of signs and wonders? Am not I Habakkuk Mucklewrath, whose +name is changed to Magor-Missabib, because I am made a terror unto myself +and unto all that are around me?--I heard it--When did I hear it?--Was it +not in the Tower of the Bass, that overhangeth the wide wild sea?--And it +howled in the winds, and it roared in the billows, and it screamed, and +it whistled, and it clanged, with the screams and the clang and the +whistle of the sea-birds, as they floated, and flew, and dropped, and +dived, on the bosom of the waters. I saw it--Where did I see it?--Was it +not from the high peaks of Dunbarton, when I looked westward upon the +fertile land, and northward on the wild Highland hills; when the clouds +gathered and the tempest came, and the lightnings of heaven flashed in +sheets as wide as the banners of an host?--What did I see?--Dead corpses +and wounded horses, the rushing together of battle, and garments rolled +in blood.--What heard I?--The voice that cried, Slay, slay--smite--slay +utterly--let not your eye have pity! slay utterly, old and young, the +maiden, the child, and the woman whose head is grey--Defile the house and +fill the courts with the slain!" + +"We receive the command," exclaimed more than one of the company. "Six +days he hath not spoken nor broken bread, and now his tongue is +unloosed:--We receive the command; as he hath said, so will we do." + +Astonished, disgusted, and horror-struck, at what he had seen and heard, +Morton turned away from the circle and left the cottage. He was followed +by Burley, who had his eye on his motions. + +"Whither are you going?" said the latter, taking him by the arm. + +"Any where,--I care not whither; but here I will abide no longer." + +"Art thou so soon weary, young man?" answered Burley. "Thy hand is but +now put to the plough, and wouldst thou already abandon it? Is this thy +adherence to the cause of thy father?" + +"No cause," replied Morton, indignantly--"no cause can prosper, so +conducted. One party declares for the ravings of a bloodthirsty madman; +another leader is an old scholastic pedant; a third"--he stopped, and his +companion continued the sentence--"Is a desperate homicide, thou wouldst +say, like John Balfour of Burley?--I can bear thy misconstruction without +resentment. Thou dost not consider, that it is not men of sober and +self-seeking minds, who arise in these days of wrath to execute judgment +and to accomplish deliverance. Hadst thou but seen the armies of England, +during her Parliament of 1640, whose ranks were filled with sectaries and +enthusiasts, wilder than the anabaptists of Munster, thou wouldst have +had more cause to marvel; and yet these men were unconquered on the +field, and their hands wrought marvellous things for the liberties of the +land." + +"But their affairs," replied Morton, "were wisely conducted, and the +violence of their zeal expended itself in their exhortations and sermons, +without bringing divisions into their counsels, or cruelty into their +conduct. I have often heard my father say so, and protest, that he +wondered at nothing so much as the contrast between the extravagance of +their religious tenets, and the wisdom and moderation with which they +conducted their civil and military affairs. But our councils seem all one +wild chaos of confusion." + +"Thou must have patience, Henry Morton," answered Balfour; "thou must not +leave the cause of thy religion and country either for one wild word, or +one extravagant action. Hear me. I have already persuaded the wiser of +our friends, that the counsellors are too numerous, and that we cannot +expect that the Midianites shall, by so large a number, be delivered into +our hands. They have hearkened to my voice, and our assemblies will be +shortly reduced within such a number as can consult and act together; and +in them thou shalt have a free voice, as well as in ordering our affairs +of war, and protecting those to whom mercy should be shown--Art thou now +satisfied?" + +"It will give me pleasure, doubtless," answered Morton, "to be the means +of softening the horrors of civil war; and I will not leave the post I +have taken, unless I see measures adopted at which my conscience revolts. +But to no bloody executions after quarter asked, or slaughter without +trial, will I lend countenance or sanction; and you may depend on my +opposing them, with both heart and hand, as constantly and resolutely, if +attempted by our own followers, as when they are the work of the enemy." + +Balfour waved his hand impatiently. + +"Thou wilt find," he said, "that the stubborn and hard-hearted generation +with whom we deal, must be chastised with scorpions ere their hearts be +humbled, and ere they accept the punishment of their iniquity. The word +is gone forth against them, 'I will bring a sword upon you that shall +avenge the quarrel of my Covenant.' But what is done shall be done +gravely, and with discretion, like that of the worthy James Melvin, who +executed judgment on the tyrant and oppressor, Cardinal Beaton." + +"I own to you," replied Morton, "that I feel still more abhorrent at +cold-blooded and premeditated cruelty, than at that which is practised in +the heat of zeal and resentment." + +"Thou art yet but a youth," replied Balfour, "and hast not learned how +light in the balance are a few drops of blood in comparison to the weight +and importance of this great national testimony. But be not afraid; +thyself shall vote and judge in these matters; it may be we shall see +little cause to strive together anent them." + +With this concession Morton was compelled to be satisfied for the +present; and Burley left him, advising him to lie down and get some rest, +as the host would probably move in the morning. + +"And you," answered Morton, "do not you go to rest also?" + +"No," said Burley; "my eyes must not yet know slumber. This is no work to +be done lightly; I have yet to perfect the choosing of the committee of +leaders, and I will call you by times in the morning to be present at +their consultation." + +He turned away, and left Morton to his repose. + +The place in which he found himself was not ill adapted for the purpose, +being a sheltered nook, beneath a large rock, well protected from the +prevailing wind. A quantity of moss with which the ground was overspread, +made a couch soft enough for one who had suffered so much hardship and +anxiety. Morton wrapped himself in the horse-man's cloak which he had +still retained, stretched himself on the ground, and had not long +indulged in melancholy reflections on the state of the country, and upon +his own condition, ere he was relieved from them by deep and sound +slumber. + +The rest of the army slept on the ground, dispersed in groups, which +chose their beds on the fields as they could best find shelter and +convenience. A few of the principal leaders held wakeful conference with +Burley on the state of their affairs, and some watchmen were appointed +who kept themselves on the alert by chanting psalms, or listening to the +exercises of the more gifted of their number. + + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + Got with much ease--now merrily to horse. + Henry IV. Part I. + +With the first peep of day Henry awoke, and found the faithful Cuddie +standing beside him with a portmanteau in his hand. + +"I hae been just putting your honour's things in readiness again ye were +waking," said Cuddie, "as is my duty, seeing ye hae been sae gude as to +tak me into your service." + +"I take you into my service, Cuddie?" said Morton, "you must be +dreaming." + +"Na, na, stir," answered Cuddie; "didna I say when I was tied on the +horse yonder, that if ever ye gat loose I would be your servant, and ye +didna say no? and if that isna hiring, I kenna what is. Ye gae me nae +arles, indeed, but ye had gien me eneugh before at Milnwood." + +"Well, Cuddie, if you insist on taking the chance of my unprosperous +fortunes"-- + +"Ou ay, I'se warrant us a' prosper weel eneugh," answered Cuddie, +cheeringly, "an anes my auld mither was weel putten up. I hae begun the +campaigning trade at an end that is easy eneugh to learn." + +"Pillaging, I suppose?" said Morton, "for how else could you come by that +portmanteau?" + +"I wotna if it's pillaging, or how ye ca't," said Cuddie, "but it comes +natural to a body, and it's a profitable trade. Our folk had tirled the +dead dragoons as bare as bawbees before we were loose amaist.--But when I +saw the Whigs a' weel yokit by the lugs to Kettledrummle and the other +chield, I set off at the lang trot on my ain errand and your honour's. +Sae I took up the syke a wee bit, away to the right, where I saw the +marks o'mony a horsefoot, and sure eneugh I cam to a place where there +had been some clean leatherin', and a' the puir chields were lying there +buskit wi' their claes just as they had put them on that morning--naebody +had found out that pose o' carcages--and wha suld be in the midst thereof +(as my mither says) but our auld acquaintance, Sergeant Bothwell?" + +"Ay, has that man fallen?" said Morton. + +"Troth has he," answered Cuddie; "and his een were open and his brow +bent, and his teeth clenched thegither, like the jaws of a trap for +foumarts when the spring's doun--I was amaist feared to look at him; +however, I thought to hae turn about wi' him, and sae I e'en riped his +pouches, as he had dune mony an honester man's; and here's your ain +siller again (or your uncle's, which is the same) that he got at Milnwood +that unlucky night that made us a' sodgers thegither." + +"There can be no harm, Cuddie," said Morton, "in making use of this +money, since we know how he came by it; but you must divide with me." + +"Bide a wee, bide a wee," said Cuddie. "Weel, and there's a bit ring he +had hinging in a black ribbon doun on his breast. I am thinking it has +been a love-token, puir fallow--there's naebody sae rough but they hae +aye a kind heart to the lasses--and there's a book wi'a wheen papers, and +I got twa or three odd things, that I'll keep to mysell, forby." + +"Upon my word, you have made a very successful foray for a beginner," +said his new master. + +"Haena I e'en now?" said Cuddie, with great exultation. "I tauld ye I +wasna that dooms stupid, if it cam to lifting things.--And forby, I hae +gotten twa gude horse. A feckless loon of a Straven weaver, that has left +his loom and his bein house to sit skirling on a cauld hill-side, had +catched twa dragoon naigs, and he could neither gar them hup nor wind, +sae he took a gowd noble for them baith--I suld hae tried him wi' half +the siller, but it's an unco ill place to get change in--Ye'll find the +siller's missing out o' Bothwell's purse." + +"You have made a most excellent and useful purchase, Cuddie; but what is +that portmanteau?" + +"The pockmantle?" answered Cuddie, "it was Lord Evandale's yesterday, and +it's yours the day. I fand it ahint the bush o' broom yonder--ilka dog +has its day--Ye ken what the auld sang says, + + 'Take turn about, mither, quo' Tam o' the Linn.' + +"And, speaking o' that, I maun gang and see about my mither, puir auld +body, if your honour hasna ony immediate commands." + +"But, Cuddie," said Morton, "I really cannot take these things from you +without some recompense." + +"Hout fie, stir," answered Cuddie, "ye suld aye be taking,--for +recompense, ye may think about that some other time--I hae seen gay weel +to mysell wi' some things that fit me better. What could I do wi' Lord +Evandale's braw claes? Sergeant Bothwell's will serve me weel eneugh." + +Not being able to prevail on the self-constituted and disinterested +follower to accept of any thing for himself out of these warlike spoils, +Morton resolved to take the first opportunity of returning Lord +Evandale's property, supposing him yet to be alive; and, in the +meanwhile, did not hesitate to avail himself of Cuddie's prize, so far as +to appropriate some changes of linen and other triffling articles amongst +those of more value which the portmanteau contained. + +He then hastily looked over the papers which were found in Bothwell's +pocket-book. These were of a miscellaneous description. The roll of his +troop, with the names of those absent on furlough, memorandums of +tavern-bills, and lists of delinquents who might be made subjects of fine +and persecution, first presented themselves, along with a copy of a +warrant from the Privy Council to arrest certain persons of distinction +therein named. In another pocket of the book were one or two commissions +which Bothwell had held at different times, and certificates of his +services abroad, in which his courage and military talents were highly +praised. But the most remarkable paper was an accurate account of his +genealogy, with reference to many documents for establishment of its +authenticity; subjoined was a list of the ample possessions of the +forfeited Earls of Bothwell, and a particular account of the proportions +in which King James VI. had bestowed them on the courtiers and nobility +by whose descendants they were at present actually possessed; beneath +this list was written, in red letters, in the hand of the deceased, Haud +Immemor, F. S. E. B. the initials probably intimating Francis Stewart, +Earl of Bothwell. To these documents, which strongly painted the +character and feelings of their deceased proprietor, were added some +which showed him in a light greatly different from that in which we have +hitherto presented him to the reader. + +In a secret pocket of the book, which Morton did not discover without +some trouble, were one or two letters, written in a beautiful female +hand. They were dated about twenty years back, bore no address, and were +subscribed only by initials. Without having time to peruse them +accurately, Morton perceived that they contained the elegant yet fond +expressions of female affection directed towards an object whose jealousy +they endeavoured to soothe, and of whose hasty, suspicious, and impatient +temper, the writer seemed gently to complain. The ink of these +manuscripts had faded by time, and, notwithstanding the great care which +had obviously been taken for their preservation, they were in one or two +places chafed so as to be illegible. + +"It matters not," these words were written on the envelope of that which +had suffered most, "I have them by heart." + +With these letters was a lock of hair wrapped in a copy of verses, +written obviously with a feeling, which atoned, in Morton's opinion, for +the roughness of the poetry, and the conceits with which it abounded, +according to the taste of the period: + +Thy hue, dear pledge, is pure and bright, As in that well-remember'd +night, When first thy mystic braid was wove, And first my Agnes whisper'd +love. Since then, how often hast thou press'd The torrid zone of this +wild breast, Whose wrath and hate have sworn to dwell With the first sin +which peopled hell; A breast whose blood's a troubled ocean, Each throb +the earthquake's wild commotion!--O, if such clime thou canst endure, Yet +keep thy hue unstain'd and pure, What conquest o'er each erring thought +Of that fierce realm had Agnes wrought! I had not wander'd wild and wide, +With such an angel for my guide; Nor heaven nor earth could then reprove +me, If she had lived, and lived to love me. Not then this world's wild +joys had been To me one savage hunting-scene, My sole delight the +headlong race, And frantic hurry of the chase, To start, pursue, and +bring to bay, Rush in, drag down, and rend my prey, Then from the carcass +turn away; Mine ireful mood had sweetness tamed, And soothed each wound +which pride inflamed;--Yes, God and man might now approve me, If thou +hadst lived, and lived to love me! + +As he finished reading these lines, Morton could not forbear reflecting +with compassion on the fate of this singular and most unhappy being, who, +it appeared, while in the lowest state of degradation, and almost of +contempt, had his recollections continually fixed on the high station to +which his birth seemed to entitle him; and, while plunged in gross +licentiousness, was in secret looking back with bitter remorse to the +period of his youth, during which he had nourished a virtuous, though +unfortunate attachment. + +"Alas! what are we," said Morton, "that our best and most praiseworthy +feelings can be thus debased and depraved--that honourable pride can sink +into haughty and desperate indifference for general opinion, and the +sorrow of blighted affection inhabit the same bosom which license, +revenge, and rapine, have chosen for their citadel? But it is the same +throughout; the liberal principles of one man sink into cold and +unfeeling indifference, the religious zeal of another hurries him into +frantic and savage enthusiasm. Our resolutions, our passions, are like +the waves of the sea, and, without the aid of Him who formed the human +breast, we cannot say to its tides, 'Thus far shall ye come, and no +farther."' + +While he thus moralized, he raised his eyes, and observed that Burley +stood before him. + +"Already awake?" said that leader--"It is well, and shows zeal to tread +the path before you.--What papers are these?" he continued. + +Morton gave him some brief account of Cuddie's successful marauding +party, and handed him the pocket-book of Bothwell, with its contents. The +Cameronian leader looked with some attention on such of the papers as +related to military affairs, or public business; but when he came to the +verses, he threw them from him with contempt. + +"I little thought," he said, "when, by the blessing of God, I passed my +sword three times through the body of that arch tool of cruelty and +persecution, that a character so desperate and so dangerous could have +stooped to an art as trifling as it is profane. But I see that Satan can +blend the most different qualities in his well-beloved and chosen agents, +and that the same hand which can wield a club or a slaughter-weapon +against the godly in the valley of destruction, can touch a tinkling +lute, or a gittern, to soothe the ears of the dancing daughters of +perdition in their Vanity Fair." + +"Your ideas of duty, then," said Morton, "exclude love of the fine arts, +which have been supposed in general to purify and to elevate the mind?" + +"To me, young man," answered Burley, "and to those who think as I do, the +pleasures of this world, under whatever name disguised, are vanity, as +its grandeur and power are a snare. We have but one object on earth, and +that is to build up the temple of the Lord." + +"I have heard my father observe," replied Morton, "that many who assumed +power in the name of Heaven, were as severe in its exercise, and as +unwilling to part with it, as if they had been solely moved by the +motives of worldly ambition--But of this another time. Have you succeeded +in obtaining a committee of the council to be nominated?" + +"I have," answered Burley. "The number is limited to six, of which you +are one, and I come to call you to their deliberations." + +Morton accompanied him to a sequestered grassplot, where their colleagues +awaited them. In this delegation of authority, the two principal factions +which divided the tumultuary army had each taken care to send three of +their own number. On the part of the Cameronians, were Burley, Macbriar, +and Kettledrummle; and on that of the moderate party, Poundtext, Henry +Morton, and a small proprietor, called the Laird of Langcale. Thus the +two parties were equally balanced by their representatives in the +committee of management, although it seemed likely that those of the most +violent opinions were, as is usual in such cases, to possess and exert +the greater degree of energy. Their debate, however, was conducted more +like men of this world than could have been expected from their conduct +on the preceding evening. After maturely considering their means and +situation, and the probable increase of their numbers, they agreed that +they would keep their position for that day, in order to refresh their +men, and give time to reinforcements to join them, and that, on the next +morning, they would direct their march towards Tillietudlem, and summon +that stronghold, as they expressed it, of malignancy. If it was not +surrendered to their summons, they resolved to try the effect of a brisk +assault; and, should that miscarry, it was settled that they should leave +a part of their number to blockade the place, and reduce it, if possible, +by famine, while their main body should march forward to drive +Claverhouse and Lord Ross from the town of Glasgow. Such was the +determination of the council of management; and thus Morton's first +enterprise in active life was likely to be the attack of a castle +belonging to the parent of his mistress, and defended by her relative, +Major Bellenden, to whom he personally owed many obligations! He felt +fully the embarrassment of his situation, yet consoled himself with the +reflection, that his newly-acquired power in the insurgent army would +give him, at all events, the means of extending to the inmates of +Tillietudlem a protection which no other circumstance could have afforded +them; and he was not without hope that he might be able to mediate such +an accommodation betwixt them and the presbyterian army, as should secure +them a safe neutrality during the war which was about to ensue. + + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + There came a knight from the field of slain, + His steed was drench'd in blood and rain. + Finlay. + +We must now return to the fortress of Tillietudlem and its inhabitants. +The morning, being the first after the battle of Loudon-hill, had dawned +upon its battlements, and the defenders had already resumed the labours +by which they proposed to render the place tenable, when the watchman, +who was placed in a high turret, called the Warder's Tower, gave the +signal that a horseman was approaching. As he came nearer, his dress +indicated an officer of the Life-Guards; and the slowness of his horse's +pace, as well as the manner in which the rider stooped on the saddle-bow, +plainly showed that he was sick or wounded. The wicket was instantly +opened to receive him, and Lord Evandale rode into the court-yard, so +reduced by loss of blood, that he was unable to dismount without +assistance. As he entered the hall, leaning upon a servant, the ladies +shrieked with surprise and terror; for, pale as death, stained with +blood, his regimentals soiled and torn, and his hair matted and +disordered, he resembled rather a spectre than a human being. But their +next exclamation was that of joy at his escape. + +"Thank God!" exclaimed Lady Margaret, "that you are here, and have +escaped the hands of the bloodthirsty murderers who have cut off so many +of the king's loyal servants!" + +"Thank God!" added Edith, "that you are here and in safety! We have +dreaded the worst. But you are wounded, and I fear we have little the +means of assisting you." + +"My wounds are only sword-cuts," answered the young nobleman, as he +reposed himself on a seat; "the pain is not worth mentioning, and I +should not even feel exhausted but for the loss of blood. But it was not +my purpose to bring my weakness to add to your danger and distress, but +to relieve them, if possible. What can I do for you?--Permit me," he +added, addressing Lady Margaret--"permit me to think and act as your son, +my dear madam--as your brother, Edith!" + +He pronounced the last part of the sentence with some emphasis, as if he +feared that the apprehension of his pretensions as a suitor might render +his proffered services unacceptable to Miss Bellenden. She was not +insensible to his delicacy, but there was no time for exchange of +sentiments. + +"We are preparing for our defence," said the old lady with great dignity; +"my brother has taken charge of our garrison, and, by the grace of God, +we will give the rebels such a reception as they deserve." + +"How gladly," said Evandale, "would I share in the defence of the Castle! +But in my present state, I should be but a burden to you, nay, something +worse; for, the knowledge that an officer of the Life-Guards was in the +Castle would be sufficient to make these rogues more desperately earnest +to possess themselves of it. If they find it defended only by the family, +they may possibly march on to Glasgow rather than hazard an assault." + +"And can you think so meanly of us, my lord," said Edith, with the +generous burst of feeling which woman so often evinces, and which becomes +her so well, her voice faltering through eagerness, and her brow +colouring with the noble warmth which dictated her language--"Can you +think so meanly of your friends, as that they would permit such +considerations to interfere with their sheltering and protecting you at a +moment when you are unable to defend yourself, and when the whole country +is filled with the enemy? Is there a cottage in Scotland whose owners +would permit a valued friend to leave it in such circumstances? And can +you think we will allow you to go from a castle which we hold to be +strong enough for our own defence?" + +"Lord Evandale need never think of it," said Lady Margaret. "I will dress +his wounds myself; it is all an old wife is fit for in war time; but to +quit the Castle of Tillietudlem when the sword of the enemy is drawn to +slay him,--the meanest trooper that ever wore the king's coat on his back +should not do so, much less my young Lord Evandale.--Ours is not a house +that ought to brook such dishonour. The tower of Tillietudlem has been +too much distinguished by the visit of his most sacred"-- + +Here she was interrupted by the entrance of the Major. + +"We have taken a prisoner, my dear uncle," said Edith--"a wounded +prisoner, and he wants to escape from us. You must help us to keep him by +force." + +"Lord Evandale!" exclaimed the veteran. "I am as much pleased as when I +got my first commission. Claverhouse reported you were killed, or missing +at least." + +"I should have been slain, but for a friend of yours," said Lord +Evandale, speaking with some emotion, and bending his eyes on the ground, +as if he wished to avoid seeing the impression that what he was about to +say would make upon Miss Bellenden. "I was unhorsed and defenceless, and +the sword raised to dispatch me, when young Mr Morton, the prisoner for +whom you interested yourself yesterday morning, interposed in the most +generous manner, preserved my life, and furnished me with the means of +escaping." + +As he ended the sentence, a painful curiosity overcame his first +resolution; he raised his eyes to Edith's face, and imagined he could +read in the glow of her cheek and the sparkle of her eye, joy at hearing +of her lover's safety and freedom, and triumph at his not having been +left last in the race of generosity. Such, indeed, were her feelings; but +they were also mingled with admiration of the ready frankness with which +Lord Evandale had hastened to bear witness to the merit of a favoured +rival, and to acknowledge an obligation which, in all probability, he +would rather have owed to any other individual in the world. + +Major Bellenden, who would never have observed the emotions of either +party, even had they been much more markedly expressed, contented himself +with saying, "Since Henry Morton has influence with these rascals, I am +glad he has so exerted it; but I hope he will get clear of them as soon +as he can. Indeed, I cannot doubt it. I know his principles, and that he +detests their cant and hypocrisy. I have heard him laugh a thousand times +at the pedantry of that old presbyterian scoundrel, Poundtext, who, after +enjoying the indulgence of the government for so many years, has now, +upon the very first ruffle, shown himself in his own proper colours, and +set off, with three parts of his cropeared congregation, to join the host +of the fanatics.--But how did you escape after leaving the field, my +lord?" + +"I rode for my life, as a recreant knight must," answered Lord Evandale, +smiling. "I took the route where I thought I had least chance of meeting +with any of the enemy, and I found shelter for several hours--you will +hardly guess where." + +"At Castle Bracklan, perhaps," said Lady Margaret, "or in the house of +some other loyal gentleman?" + +"No, madam. I was repulsed, under one mean pretext or another, from more +than one house of that description, for fear of the enemy following my +traces; but I found refuge in the cottage of a poor widow, whose husband +had been shot within these three months by a party of our corps, and +whose two sons are at this very moment with the insurgents." + +"Indeed?" said Lady Margaret Bellenden; "and was a fanatic woman capable +of such generosity?--but she disapproved, I suppose, of the tenets of her +family?" + +"Far from it, madam," continued the young nobleman; "she was in principle +a rigid recusant, but she saw my danger and distress, considered me as a +fellow-creature, and forgot that I was a cavalier and a soldier. She +bound my wounds, and permitted me to rest upon her bed, concealed me from +a party of the insurgents who were seeking for stragglers, supplied me +with food, and did not suffer me to leave my place of refuge until she +had learned that I had every chance of getting to this tower without +danger." + +"It was nobly done," said Miss Bellenden; "and I trust you will have an +opportunity of rewarding her generosity." + +"I am running up an arrear of obligation on all sides, Miss Bellenden, +during these unfortunate occurrences," replied Lord Evandale; "but when I +can attain the means of showing my gratitude, the will shall not be +wanting." + +All now joined in pressing Lord Evandale to relinquish his intention of +leaving the Castle; but the argument of Major Bellenden proved the most +effectual. + +"Your presence in the Castle will be most useful, if not absolutely +necessary, my lord, in order to maintain, by your authority, proper +discipline among the fellows whom Claverhouse has left in garrison here, +and who do not prove to be of the most orderly description of inmates; +and, indeed, we have the Colonel's authority, for that very purpose, to +detain any officer of his regiment who might pass this way." + +"That," said Lord Evandale, "is an unanswerable argument, since it shows +me that my residence here may be useful, even in my present disabled +state." + +"For your wounds, my lord," said the Major, "if my sister, Lady +Bellenden, will undertake to give battle to any feverish symptom, if such +should appear, I will answer that my old campaigner, Gideon Pike, shall +dress a flesh-wound with any of the incorporation of Barber-Surgeons. He +had enough of practice in Montrose's time, for we had few regularly-bred +army chirurgeons, as you may well suppose.--You agree to stay with us, +then?" + +"My reasons for leaving the Castle," said Lord Evandale, glancing a look +towards Edith, "though they evidently seemed weighty, must needs give way +to those which infer the power of serving you. May I presume, Major, to +enquire into the means and plan of defence which you have prepared? or +can I attend you to examine the works?" + +It did not escape Miss Bellenden, that Lord Evandale seemed much +exhausted both in body and mind. "I think, sir," she said, addressing the +Major, "that since Lord Evandale condescends to become an officer of our +garrison, you should begin by rendering him amenable to your authority, +and ordering him to his apartment, that he may take some refreshment ere +he enters on military discussions." + +"Edith is right," said the old lady; "you must go instantly to bed, my +lord, and take some febrifuge, which I will prepare with my own hand; and +my lady-in-waiting, Mistress Martha Weddell, shall make some friar's +chicken, or something very light. I would not advise wine.--John Gudyill, +let the housekeeper make ready the chamber of dais. Lord Evandale must +lie down instantly. Pike will take off the dressings, and examine the +state of the wounds." + +"These are melancholy preparations, madam," said Lord Evandale, as he +returned thanks to Lady Margaret, and was about to leave the hall,--"but +I must submit to your ladyship's directions; and I trust that your skill +will soon make me a more able defender of your castle than I am at +present. You must render my body serviceable as soon as you can, for you +have no use for my head while you have Major Bellenden." + +With these words he left the apartment. + +"An excellent young man, and a modest," said the Major. + +"None of that conceit," said Lady Margaret, "that often makes young folk +suppose they know better how their complaints should be treated than +people that have had experience." + +"And so generous and handsome a young nobleman," said Jenny Dennison, who +had entered during the latter part of this conversation, and was now left +alone with her mistress in the hall, the Major returning to his military +cares, and Lady Margaret to her medical preparations. + +Edith only answered these encomiums with a sigh; but, although silent, +she felt and knew better than any one how much they were merited by the +person on whom they were bestowed. Jenny, however, failed not to follow +up her blow. + +"After a', it's true that my lady says--there's nae trusting a +presbyterian; they are a' faithless man-sworn louns. Whae wad hae thought +that young Milnwood and Cuddie Headrigg wad hae taen on wi' thae rebel +blackguards?" + +"What do you mean by such improbable nonsense, Jenny?" said her young +mistress, very much displeased. + +"I ken it's no pleasing for you to hear, madam," answered Jenny hardily; +"and it's as little pleasant for me to tell; but as gude ye suld ken a' +about it sune as syne, for the haill Castle's ringing wi't." + +"Ringing with what, Jenny? Have you a mind to drive me mad?" answered +Edith, impatiently. + +"Just that Henry Morton of Milnwood is out wi' the rebels, and ane o' +their chief leaders." + +"It is a falsehood!" said Edith--"a most base calumny! and you are very +bold to dare to repeat it to me. Henry Morton is incapable of such +treachery to his king and country--such cruelty to me--to--to all the +innocent and defenceless victims, I mean, who must suffer in a civil +war--I tell you he is utterly incapable of it, in every sense." + +"Dear! dear! Miss Edith," replied Jenny, still constant to her text, +"they maun be better acquainted wi' young men than I am, or ever wish to +be, that can tell preceesely what they're capable or no capable o'. But +there has been Trooper Tam, and another chield, out in bonnets and grey +plaids, like countrymen, to recon--reconnoitre--I think John Gudyill ca'd +it; and they hae been amang the rebels, and brought back word that they +had seen young Milnwood mounted on ane o' the dragoon horses that was +taen at Loudon-hill, armed wi' swords and pistols, like wha but him, and +hand and glove wi' the foremost o' them, and dreeling and commanding the +men; and Cuddie at the heels o' him, in ane o' Sergeant Bothwell's laced +waistcoats, and a cockit hat with a bab o' blue ribbands at it for the +auld cause o' the Covenant, (but Cuddie aye liked a blue ribband,) and a +ruffled sark, like ony lord o' the land--it sets the like o' him, +indeed!" + +"Jenny," said her young mistress hastily, "it is impossible these men's +report can be true; my uncle has heard nothing of it at this instant." + +"Because Tam Halliday," answered the handmaiden, "came in just five +minutes after Lord Evandale; and when he heard his lordship was in the +Castle, he swore (the profane loon!) he would be d--d ere he would make +the report, as he ca'd it, of his news to Major Bellenden, since there +was an officer of his ain regiment in the garrison. Sae he wad have said +naething till Lord Evandale wakened the next morning; only he tauld me +about it," (here Jenny looked a little down,) "just to vex me about +Cuddie." + +"Poh, you silly girl," said Edith, assuming some courage, "it is all a +trick of that fellow to teaze you." + +"Na, madam, it canna be that, for John Gudyill took the other dragoon +(he's an auld hard-favoured man, I wotna his name) into the cellar, and +gae him a tass o' brandy to get the news out o' him, and he said just the +same as Tam Halliday, word for word; and Mr Gudyill was in sic a rage, +that he tauld it a' ower again to us, and says the haill rebellion is +owing to the nonsense o' my Leddy and the Major, and Lord Evandale, that +begged off young Milnwood and Cuddie yesterday morning, for that, if they +had suffered, the country wad hae been quiet--and troth I am muckle o' +that opinion mysell." + +This last commentary Jenny added to her tale, in resentment of her +mistress's extreme and obstinate incredulity. She was instantly alarmed, +however, by the effect which her news produced upon her young lady, an +effect rendered doubly violent by the High-church principles and +prejudices in which Miss Bellenden had been educated. Her complexion +became as pale as a corpse, her respiration so difficult that it was on +the point of altogether failing her, and her limbs so incapable of +supporting her, that she sunk, rather than sat, down upon one of the +seats in the hall, and seemed on the eve of fainting. Jenny tried cold +water, burnt feathers, cutting of laces, and all other remedies usual in +hysterical cases, but without any immediate effect. + +"God forgie me! what hae I done?" said the repentant fille-de-chambre. "I +wish my tongue had been cuttit out!--Wha wad hae thought o' her taking on +that way, and a' for a young lad?--O, Miss Edith--dear Miss Edith, haud +your heart up about it, it's maybe no true for a' that I hae said--O, I +wish my mouth had been blistered! A' body tells me my tongue will do me a +mischief some day. What if my Leddy comes? or the Major?--and she's +sitting in the throne, too, that naebody has sate in since that weary +morning the King was here!--O, what will I do! O, what will become o' +us!" + +While Jenny Dennison thus lamented herself and her mistress, Edith slowly +returned from the paroxysm into which she had been thrown by this +unexpected intelligence. + +"If he had been unfortunate," she said, "I never would have deserted him. +I never did so, even when there was danger and disgrace in pleading his +cause. If he had died, I would have mourned him--if he had been +unfaithful, I would have forgiven him; but a rebel to his King,--a +traitor to his country,--the associate and colleague of cut-throats and +common stabbers,--the persecutor of all that is noble,--the professed and +blasphemous enemy of all that is sacred,--I will tear him from my heart, +if my life-blood should ebb in the effort!" + +She wiped her eyes, and rose hastily from the great chair, (or throne, as +Lady Margaret used to call it,) while the terrified damsel hastened to +shake up the cushion, and efface the appearance of any one having +occupied that sacred seat; although King Charles himself, considering the +youth and beauty as well as the affliction of the momentary usurper of +his hallowed chair, would probably have thought very little of the +profanation. She then hastened officiously to press her support on Edith, +as she paced the hall apparently in deep meditation. + +"Tak my arm, madam; better just tak my arm; sorrow maun hae its vent, and +doubtless"-- + +"No, Jenny," said Edith, with firmness; "you have seen my weakness, and +you shall see my strength." + +"But ye leaned on me the other morning. Miss Edith, when ye were sae sair +grieved." + +"Misplaced and erring affection may require support, Jenny--duty can +support itself; yet I will do nothing rashly. I will be aware of the +reasons of his conduct--and then--cast him off for ever," was the firm +and determined answer of her young lady. + +Overawed by a manner of which she could neither conceive the motive, nor +estimate the merit, Jenny muttered between her teeth, "Odd, when the +first flight's ower, Miss Edith taks it as easy as I do, and muckle +easier, and I'm sure I ne'er cared half sae muckle about Cuddie Headrigg +as she did about young Milnwood. Forby that, it's maybe as weel to hae a +friend on baith sides; for, if the whigs suld come to tak the Castle, as +it's like they may, when there's sae little victual, and the dragoons +wasting what's o't, ou, in that case, Milnwood and Cuddie wad hae the +upper hand, and their freendship wad be worth siller--I was thinking sae +this morning or I heard the news." + +With this consolatory reflection the damsel went about her usual +occupations, leaving her mistress to school her mind as she best might, +for eradicating the sentiments which she had hitherto entertained towards +Henry Morton. + + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + Once more into the breach--dear friends, once more! + Henry V. + +On the evening of this day, all the information which they could procure +led them to expect, that the insurgent army would be with early dawn on +their march against Tillietudlem. Lord Evandale's wounds had been +examined by Pike, who reported them in a very promising state. They were +numerous, but none of any consequence; and the loss of blood, as much +perhaps as the boasted specific of Lady Margaret, had prevented any +tendency to fever; so that, notwithstanding he felt some pain and great +weakness, the patient maintained that he was able to creep about with the +assistance of a stick. In these circumstances he refused to be confined +to his apartment, both that he might encourage the soldiers by his +presence, and suggest any necessary addition to the plan of defence, +which the Major might be supposed to have arranged upon something of an +antiquated fashion of warfare. Lord Evandale was well qualified to give +advice on such subjects, having served, during his early youth, both in +France and in the Low Countries. There was little or no occasion, +however, for altering the preparations already made; and, excepting on +the article of provisions, there seemed no reason to fear for the defence +of so strong a place against such assailants as those by whom it was +threatened. + +With the peep of day, Lord Evandale and Major Bellenden were on the +battlements again, viewing and re-viewing the state of their +preparations, and anxiously expecting the approach of the enemy. I ought +to observe, that the report of the spies had now been regularly made and +received; but the Major treated the report that Morton was in arms +against the government with the most scornful incredulity. + +"I know the lad better," was the only reply he deigned to make; "the +fellows have not dared to venture near enough, and have been deceived by +some fanciful resemblance, or have picked up some story." + +"I differ from you, Major," answered Lord Evandale; "I think you will see +that young gentleman at the head of the insurgents; and, though I shall +be heartily sorry for it, I shall not be greatly surprised." + +"You are as bad as Claverhouse," said the Major, "who contended yesterday +morning down my very throat, that this young fellow, who is as +high-spirited and gentleman-like a boy as I have ever known, wanted but +an opportunity to place himself at the head of the rebels." + +"And considering the usage which he has received, and the suspicions +under which he lies," said Lord Evandale, "what other course is open to +him? For my own part, I should hardly know whether he deserved most blame +or pity." + +"Blame, my lord?--Pity!" echoed the Major, astonished at hearing such +sentiments; "he would deserve to be hanged, that's all; and, were he my +own son, I should see him strung up with pleasure--Blame, indeed! But +your lordship cannot think as you are pleased to speak?" + +"I give you my honour, Major Bellenden, that I have been for some time of +opinion, that our politicians and prelates have driven matters to a +painful extremity in this country, and have alienated, by violence of +various kinds, not only the lower classes, but all those in the upper +ranks, whom strong party-feeling, or a desire of court-interest, does not +attach to their standard." + +"I am no politician," answered the Major, "and I do not understand nice +distinctions. My sword is the King's, and when he commands, I draw it in +his cause." + +"I trust," replied the young lord, "you will not find me more backward +than yourself, though I heartily wish that the enemy were foreigners. It +is, however, no time to debate that matter, for yonder they come, and we +must defend ourselves as well as we can." + +As Lord Evandale spoke, the van of the insurgents began to make their +appearance on the road which crossed the top of the hill, and thence +descended opposite to the Tower. They did not, however, move downwards, +as if aware that, in doing so, their columns would be exposed to the fire +of the artillery of the place. But their numbers, which at first seemed +few, appeared presently so to deepen and concentrate themselves, that, +judging of the masses which occupied the road behind the hill from the +closeness of the front which they presented on the top of it, their force +appeared very considerable. There was a pause of anxiety on both sides; +and, while the unsteady ranks of the Covenanters were agitated, as if by +pressure behind, or uncertainty as to their next movement, their arms, +picturesque from their variety, glanced in the morning sun, whose beams +were reflected from a grove of pikes, muskets, halberds, and battle-axes. +The armed mass occupied, for a few minutes, this fluctuating position, +until three or four horsemen, who seemed to be leaders, advanced from the +front, and occupied the height a little nearer to the Castle. John +Gudyill, who was not without some skill as an artilleryman, brought a gun +to bear on this detached group. + +"I'll flee the falcon,"--(so the small cannon was called,)--"I'll flee +the falcon whene'er your honour gies command; my certie, she'll ruffle +their feathers for them!" + +The Major looked at Lord Evandale. + +"Stay a moment," said the young nobleman, "they send us a flag of truce." + +In fact, one of the horsemen at that moment dismounted, and, displaying a +white cloth on a pike, moved forward towards the Tower, while the Major +and Lord Evandale, descending from the battlement of the main fortress, +advanced to meet him as far as the barricade, judging it unwise to admit +him within the precincts which they designed to defend. At the same time +that the ambassador set forth, the group of horsemen, as if they had +anticipated the preparations of John Gudyill for their annoyance, +withdrew from the advanced station which they had occupied, and fell back +to the main body. + +The envoy of the Covenanters, to judge by his mien and manner, seemed +fully imbued with that spiritual pride which distinguished his sect. His +features were drawn up to a contemptuous primness, and his half-shut eyes +seemed to scorn to look upon the terrestial objects around, while, at +every solemn stride, his toes were pointed outwards with an air that +appeared to despise the ground on which they trode. Lord Evandale could +not suppress a smile at this singular figure. + +"Did you ever," said he to Major Bellenden, "see such an absurd +automaton? One would swear it moves upon springs--Can it speak, think +you?" + +"O, ay," said the Major; "that seems to be one of my old acquaintance, a +genuine puritan of the right pharisaical leaven.--Stay--he coughs and +hems; he is about to summon the Castle with the but-end of a sermon, +instead of a parley on the trumpet." + +The veteran, who in his day had had many an opportunity to become +acquainted with the manners of these religionists, was not far mistaken +in his conjecture; only that, instead of a prose exordium, the Laird of +Langcale--for it was no less a personage--uplifted, with a Stentorian +voice, a verse of the twenty-fourth Psalm: + +"Ye gates lift up your heads! ye doors, Doors that do last for aye, Be +lifted up"-- + +"I told you so," said the Major to Evandale, and then presented himself +at the entrance of the barricade, demanding to know for what purpose or +intent he made that doleful noise, like a hog in a high wind, beneath the +gates of the Castle. + +"I come," replied the ambassador, in a high and shrill voice, and without +any of the usual salutations or deferences,--"I come from the godly army +of the Solemn League and Covenant, to speak with two carnal malignants, +William Maxwell, called Lord Evandale, and Miles Bellenden of Charnwood." + +"And what have you to say to Miles Bellenden and Lord Evandale?" answered +the Major. + +"Are you the parties?" said the Laird of Langcale, in the same sharp, +conceited, disrespectful tone of voice. + +"Even so, for fault of better," said the Major. + +"Then there is the public summons," said the envoy, putting a paper into +Lord Evandale's hand, "and there is a private letter for Miles Bellenden +from a godly youth, who is honoured with leading a part of our host. Read +them quickly, and God give you grace to fructify by the contents, though +it is muckle to be doubted." + +The summons ran thus: "We, the named and constituted leaders of the +gentlemen, ministers, and others, presently in arms for the cause of +liberty and true religion, do warn and summon William Lord Evandale and +Miles Bellenden of Charnwood, and others presently in arms, and keeping +garrison in the Tower of Tillietudlem, to surrender the said Tower upon +fair conditions of quarter, and license to depart with bag and baggage, +otherwise to suffer such extremity of fire and sword as belong by the +laws of war to those who hold out an untenable post. And so may God +defend his own good cause!" + +This summons was signed by John Balfour of Burley, as quarter-master +general of the army of the Covenant, for himself, and in name of the +other leaders. + +The letter to Major Bellenden was from Henry Morton. It was couched in +the following language: + +"I have taken a step, my venerable friend, which, among many painful +consequences, will, I am afraid, incur your very decided disapprobation. +But I have taken my resolution in honour and good faith, and with the +full approval of my own conscience. I can no longer submit to have my own +rights and those of my fellow-subjects trampled upon, our freedom +violated, our persons insulted, and our blood spilt, without just cause +or legal trial. Providence, through the violence of the oppressors +themselves, seems now to have opened a way of deliverance from this +intolerable tyranny, and I do not hold him deserving of the name and +rights of a freeman, who, thinking as I do, shall withold his arm from +the cause of his country. But God, who knows my heart, be my witness, +that I do not share the angry or violent passions of the oppressed and +harassed sufferers with whom I am now acting. My most earnest and anxious +desire is, to see this unnatural war brought to a speedy end, by the +union of the good, wise, and moderate of all parties, and a peace +restored, which, without injury to the King's constitutional rights, may +substitute the authority of equal laws to that of military violence, and, +permitting to all men to worship God according to their own consciences, +may subdue fanatical enthusiasm by reason and mildness, instead of +driving it to frenzy by persecution and intolerance. + +"With these sentiments, you may conceive with what pain I appear in arms +before the house of your venerable relative, which we understand you +propose to hold out against us. Permit me to press upon you the +assurance, that such a measure will only lead to the effusion of +blood--that, if repulsed in the assault, we are yet strong enough to +invest the place, and reduce it by hunger, being aware of your +indifferent preparations to sustain a protracted siege. It would grieve +me to the heart to think what would be the sufferings in such a case, +and upon whom they would chiefly fall. + +"Do not suppose, my respected friend, that I would propose to you any +terms which could compromise the high and honourable character which you +have so deservedly won, and so long borne. If the regular soldiers (to +whom I will ensure a safe retreat) are dismissed from the place, I trust +no more will be required than your parole to remain neuter during this +unhappy contest; and I will take care that Lady Margaret's property, as +well as yours, shall be duly respected, and no garrison intruded upon +you. I could say much in favour of this proposal; but I fear, as I must +in the present instance appear criminal in your eyes, good arguments +would lose their influence when coming from an unwelcome quarter. I will, +therefore, break off with assuring you, that whatever your sentiments may +be hereafter towards me, my sense of gratitude to you can never be +diminished or erased; and it would be the happiest moment of my life that +should give me more effectual means than mere words to assure you of it. +Therefore, although in the first moment of resentment you may reject the +proposal I make to you, let not that prevent you from resuming the topic, +if future events should render it more acceptable; for whenever, or +howsoever, I can be of service to you, it will always afford the greatest +satisfaction to + "Henry Morton." + +Having read this long letter with the most marked indignation, Major +Bellenden put it into the hands of Lord Evandale. + +"I would not have believed this," he said, "of Henry Morton, if half +mankind had sworn it! The ungrateful, rebellious traitor! rebellious in +cold blood, and without even the pretext of enthusiasm, that warms the +liver of such a crack-brained fop as our friend the envoy there. But I +should have remembered he was a presbyterian--I ought to have been aware +that I was nursing a wolf-cub, whose diabolical nature would make him +tear and snatch at me on the first opportunity. Were Saint Paul on earth +again, and a presbyterian, he would be a rebel in three months--it is in +the very blood of them." + +"Well," said Lord Evandale, "I will be the last to recommend surrender; +but, if our provisions fail, and we receive no relief from Edinburgh or +Glasgow, I think we ought to avail ourselves of this opening, to get the +ladies, at least, safe out of the Castle." + +"They will endure all, ere they would accept the protection of such a +smooth-tongued hypocrite," answered the Major indignantly; "I would +renounce them for relatives were it otherwise. But let us dismiss the +worthy ambassador.--My friend," he said, turning to Langcale, "tell your +leaders, and the mob they have gathered yonder, that, if they have not a +particular opinion of the hardness of their own skulls, I would advise +them to beware how they knock them against these old walls. And let them +send no more flags of truce, or we will hang up the messenger in +retaliation of the murder of Cornet Grahame." + +With this answer the ambassador returned to those by whom he had been +sent. He had no sooner reached the main body than a murmur was heard +amongst the multitude, and there was raised in front of their ranks an +ample red flag, the borders of which were edged with blue. As the signal +of war and defiance spread out its large folds upon the morning wind, the +ancient banner of Lady Margaret's family, together with the royal ensign, +were immediately hoisted on the walls of the Tower, and at the same time, +a round of artillery was discharged against the foremost ranks of the +insurgents, by which they sustained some loss. Their leaders instantly +withdrew them to the shelter of the brow of the hill. + +"I think," said John Gudyill, while he busied himself in re-charging his +guns, "they hae fund the falcon's neb a bit ower hard for them--It's no +for nought that the hawk whistles." + +But as he uttered these words, the ridge was once more crowded with the +ranks of the enemy. A general discharge of their fire-arms was directed +against the defenders upon the battlements. Under cover of the smoke, a +column of picked men rushed down the road with determined courage, and, +sustaining with firmness a heavy fire from the garrison, they forced +their way, in spite of opposition, to the first barricade by which the +avenue was defended. They were led on by Balfour in person, who displayed +courage equal to his enthusiasm; and, in spite of every opposition, +forced the barricade, killing and wounding several of the defenders, and +compelling the rest to retreat to their second position. The precautions, +however, of Major Bellenden rendered this success unavailing; for no +sooner were the Covenanters in possession of the post, than a close and +destructive fire was poured into it from the Castle, and from those +stations which commanded it in the rear. Having no means of protecting +themselves from this fire, or of returning it with effect against men who +were under cover of their barricades and defences, the Covenanters were +obliged to retreat; but not until they had, with their axes, destroyed +the stockade, so as to render it impossible for the defenders to +re-occupy it. + +Balfour was the last man that retired. He even remained for a short space +almost alone, with an axe in his hand, labouring like a pioneer amid the +storm of balls, many of which were specially aimed against him. The +retreat of the party he commanded was not effected without heavy loss, +and served as a severe lesson concerning the local advantages possessed +by the garrison. + +The next attack of the Covenanters was made with more caution. A strong +party of marksmen, (many of them competitors at the game of the +popinjay,) under the command of Henry Morton, glided through the woods +where they afforded them the best shelter, and, avoiding the open road, +endeavoured, by forcing their way through the bushes and trees, and up +the rocks which surrounded it on either side, to gain a position, from +which, without being exposed in an intolerable degree, they might annoy +the flank of the second barricade, while it was menaced in front by a +second attack from Burley. The besieged saw the danger of this movement, +and endeavoured to impede the approach of the marksmen, by firing upon +them at every point where they showed themselves. The assailants, on the +other hand, displayed great coolness, spirit, and judgment, in the manner +in which they approached the defences. This was, in a great measure, to +be ascribed to the steady and adroit manner in which they were conducted +by their youthful leader, who showed as much skill in protecting his own +followers as spirit in annnoying the enemy. + +He repeatedly enjoined his marksmen to direct their aim chiefly upon the +red-coats, and to save the others engaged in the defence of the Castle; +and, above all, to spare the life of the old Major, whose anxiety made +him more than once expose himself in a manner, that, without such +generosity on the part of the enemy, might have proved fatal. A dropping +fire of musketry now glanced from every part of the precipitous mount on +which the Castle was founded. From bush to bush--from crag to crag--from +tree to tree, the marksmen continued to advance, availing themselves of +branches and roots to assist their ascent, and contending at once with +the disadvantages of the ground and the fire of the enemy. At length they +got so high on the ascent, that several of them possessed an opportunity +of firing into the barricade against the defenders, who then lay exposed +to their aim, and Burley, profiting by the confusion of the moment, moved +forward to the attack in front. His onset was made with the same +desperation and fury as before, and met with less resistance, the +defenders being alarmed at the progress which the sharp-shooters had made +in turning the flank of their position. Determined to improve his +advantage, Burley, with his axe in his hand, pursued the party whom he +had dislodged even to the third and last barricade, and entered it along +with them. + +"Kill, kill--down with the enemies of God and his people!--No +quarter--The Castle is ours!" were the cries by which he animated his +friends; the most undaunted of whom followed him close, whilst the +others, with axes, spades, and other implements, threw up earth, cut +down trees, hastily labouring to establish such a defensive cover in the +rear of the second barricade as might enable them to retain possession +of it, in case the Castle was not carried by this coup-de-main. + +Lord Evandale could no longer restrain his impatience. He charged with a +few soldiers who had been kept in reserve in the court-yard of the +Castle; and, although his arm was in a sling, encouraged them, by voice +and gesture, to assist their companions who were engaged with Burley. The +combat now assumed an air of desperation. The narrow road was crowded +with the followers of Burley, who pressed forward to support their +companions. The soldiers, animated by the voice and presence of Lord +Evandale, fought with fury, their small numbers being in some measure +compensated by their greater skill, and by their possessing the upper +ground, which they defended desperately with pikes and halberds, as well +as with the but of the carabines and their broadswords. Those within the +Castle endeavoured to assist their companions, whenever they could so +level their guns as to fire upon the enemy without endangering their +friends. The sharp-shooters, dispersed around, were firing incessantly on +each object that was exposed upon the battlement. The Castle was +enveloped with smoke, and the rocks rang to the cries of the combatants. +In the midst of this scene of confusion, a singular accident had nearly +given the besiegers possession of the fortress. + +Cuddie Headrigg, who had advanced among the marksmen, being well +acquainted with every rock and bush in the vicinity of the Castle, where +he had so often gathered nuts with Jenny Dennison, was enabled, by such +local knowledge, to advance farther, and with less danger, than most of +his companions, excepting some three or four who had followed him close. +Now Cuddie, though a brave enough fellow upon the whole, was by no means +fond of danger, either for its own sake, or for that of the glory which +attends it. In his advance, therefore, he had not, as the phrase goes, +taken the bull by the horns, or advanced in front of the enemy's fire. On +the contrary, he had edged gradually away from the scene of action, and, +turning his line of ascent rather to the left, had pursued it until it +brought him under a front of the Castle different from that before which +the parties were engaged, and to which the defenders had given no +attention, trusting to the steepness of the precipice. There was, +however, on this point, a certain window belonging to a certain pantry, +and communicating with a certain yew-tree, which grew out of a steep +cleft of the rock, being the very pass through which Goose Gibbie was +smuggled out of the Castle in order to carry Edith's express to +Charnwood, and which had probably, in its day, been used for other +contraband purposes. Cuddie, resting upon the but of his gun, and looking +up at this window, observed to one of his companions,--"There's a place I +ken weel; mony a time I hae helped Jenny Dennison out o' the winnock, +forby creeping in whiles mysell to get some daffin, at e'en after the +pleugh was loosed." + +"And what's to hinder us to creep in just now?" said the other, who was a +smart enterprising young fellow. + +"There's no muckle to hinder us, an that were a'," answered Cuddie; "but +what were we to do neist?" + +"We'll take the Castle," cried the other; "here are five or six o' us, +and a' the sodgers are engaged at the gate." + +"Come awa wi' you, then," said Cuddie; "but mind, deil a finger ye maun +lay on Lady Margaret, or Miss Edith, or the auld Major, or, aboon a', on +Jenny Dennison, or ony body but the sodgers--cut and quarter amang them +as ye like, I carena." + +"Ay, ay," said the other, "let us once in, and we will make our ain terms +with them a'." + +Gingerly, and as if treading upon eggs, Cuddie began to ascend the +well-known pass, not very willingly; for, besides that he was something +apprehensive of the reception he might meet with in the inside, his +conscience insisted that he was making but a shabby requital for Lady +Margaret's former favours and protection. He got up, however, into the +yew-tree, followed by his companions, one after another. The window was +small, and had been secured by stancheons of iron; but these had been +long worn away by time, or forced out by the domestics to possess a free +passage for their own occasional convenience. Entrance was therefore +easy, providing there was no one in the pantry, a point which Cuddie +endeavoured to discover before he made the final and perilous step. While +his companions, therefore, were urging and threatening him behind, and he +was hesitating and stretching his neck to look into the apartment, his +head became visible to Jenny Dennison, who had ensconced herself in said +pantry as the safest place in which to wait the issue of the assault. So +soon as this object of terror caught her eye, she set up a hysteric +scream, flew to the adjacent kitchen, and, in the desperate agony of +fear, seized on a pot of kailbrose which she herself had hung on the fire +before the combat began, having promised to Tam Halliday to prepare his +breakfast for him. Thus burdened, she returned to the window of the +pantry, and still exclaiming, "Murder! murder!--we are a' harried and +ravished--the Castle's taen--tak it amang ye!" she discharged the whole +scalding contents of the pot, accompanied with a dismal yell, upon the +person of the unfortunate Cuddie. However welcome the mess might have +been, if Cuddie and it had become acquainted in a regular manner, the +effects, as administered by Jenny, would probably have cured him of +soldiering for ever, had he been looking upwards when it was thrown upon +him. But, fortunately for our man of war, he had taken the alarm upon +Jenny's first scream, and was in the act of looking down, expostulating +with his comrades, who impeded the retreat which he was anxious to +commence; so that the steel cap and buff coat which formerly belonged to +Sergeant Bothwell, being garments of an excellent endurance, protected +his person against the greater part of the scalding brose. Enough, +however, reached him to annoy him severely, so that in the pain and +surprise he jumped hastily out of the tree, oversetting his followers, to +the manifest danger of their limbs, and, without listening to arguments, +entreaties, or authority, made the best of his way by the most safe road +to the main body of the army whereunto he belonged, and could neither by +threats nor persuasion be prevailed upon to return to the attack. + + +[Illustration: Jenny Dennison--050] + + +As for Jenny, when she had thus conferred upon one admirer's outward man +the viands which her fair hands had so lately been in the act of +preparing for the stomach of another, she continued her song of alarm, +running a screaming division upon all those crimes, which the lawyers +call the four pleas of the crown, namely, murder, fire, rape, and +robbery. These hideous exclamations gave so much alarm, and created such +confusion within the Castle, that Major Bellenden and Lord Evandale +judged it best to draw off from the conflict without the gates, and, +abandoning to the enemy all the exterior defences of the avenue, confine +themselves to the Castle itself, for fear of its being surprised on some +unguarded point. Their retreat was unmolested; for the panic of Cuddie +and his companions had occasioned nearly as much confusion on the side +of the besiegers, as the screams of Jenny had caused to the defenders. + +There was no attempt on either side to renew the action that day. The +insurgents had suffered most severely; and, from the difficulty which +they had experienced in carrying the barricadoed positions without the +precincts of the Castle, they could have but little hope of storming the +place itself. On the other hand, the situation of the besieged was +dispiriting and gloomy. In the skirmishing they had lost two or three +men, and had several wounded; and though their loss was in proportion +greatly less than that of the enemy, who had left twenty men dead on the +place, yet their small number could much worse spare it, while the +desperate attacks of the opposite party plainly showed how serious the +leaders were in the purpose of reducing the place, and how well seconded +by the zeal of their followers. But, especially, the garrison had to fear +for hunger, in case blockade should be resorted to as the means of +reducing them. The Major's directions had been imperfectly obeyed in +regard to laying in provisions; and the dragoons, in spite of all warning +and authority, were likely to be wasteful in using them. It was, +therefore, with a heavy heart, that Major Bellenden gave directions for +guarding the window through which the Castle had so nearly been +surprised, as well as all others which offered the most remote facility +for such an enterprise. + + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + The King hath drawn + The special head of all the land together. + Henry IV. Part II. + +The leaders of the presbyterian army had a serious consultation upon the +evening of the day in which they had made the attack on Tillietudlem. +They could not but observe that their followers were disheartened by the +loss which they had sustained, and which, as usual in such cases, had +fallen upon the bravest and most forward. It was to be feared, that if +they were suffered to exhaust their zeal and efforts in an object so +secondary as the capture of this petty fort, their numbers would melt +away by degrees, and they would lose all the advantages arising out of +the present unprepared state of the government. Moved by these arguments, +it was agreed that the main body of the army should march against +Glasgow, and dislodge the soldiers who were lying in that town. The +council nominated Henry Morton, with others, to this last service, and +appointed Burley to the command of a chosen body of five hundred men, who +were to remain behind, for the purpose of blockading the Tower of +Tillietudlem. Morton testified the greatest repugnance to this +arrangement. + +"He had the strongest personal motives," he said, "for desiring to remain +near Tillietudlem; and if the management of the siege were committed to +him, he had little doubt but that he would bring it to such an +accommodation, as, without being rigorous to the besieged, would fully +answer the purpose of the besiegers." + +Burley readily guessed the cause of his young colleague's reluctance to +move with the army; for, interested as he was in appreciating the +characters with whom he had to deal, he had contrived, through the +simplicity of Cuddie, and the enthusiasm of old Mause, to get much +information concerning Morton's relations with the family of +Tillietudlem. He therefore took the advantage of Poundtext's arising to +speak to business, as he said, for some short space of time, (which +Burley rightly interpreted to mean an hour at the very least), and seized +that moment to withdraw Morton from the hearing of their colleagues, and +to hold the following argument with him: + +"Thou art unwise, Henry Morton, to desire to sacrifice this holy cause to +thy friendship for an uncircumcised Philistine, or thy lust for a +Moabitish woman." + +"I neither understand your meaning, Mr Balfour, nor relish your +allusions," replied Morton, indignantly; "and I know no reason you have +to bring so gross a charge, or to use such uncivil language." + +"Confess, however, the truth," said Balfour, "and own that there are +those within yon dark Tower, over whom thou wouldst rather be watching +like a mother over her little ones, than thou wouldst bear the banner of +the Church of Scotland over the necks of her enemies." + +"If you mean, that I would willingly terminate this war without any +bloody victory, and that I am more anxious to do this than to acquire any +personal fame or power, you may be," replied Morton, "perfectly right." + +"And not wholly wrong," answered Burley, "in deeming that thou wouldst +not exclude from so general a pacification thy friends in the garrison of +Tillietudlem." + +"Certainly," replied Morton; "I am too much obliged to Major Bellenden +not to wish to be of service to him, as far as the interest of the cause +I have espoused will permit. I never made a secret of my regard for him." + +"I am aware of that," said Burley; "but, if thou hadst concealed it, I +should, nevertheless, have found out thy riddle. Now, hearken to my +words. This Miles Bellenden hath means to subsist his garrison for a +month." + +"This is not the case," answered Morton; "we know his stores are hardly +equal to a week's consumption." + +"Ay, but," continued Burley, "I have since had proof, of the strongest +nature, that such a report was spread in the garrison by that wily and +grey-headed malignant, partly to prevail on the soldiers to submit to a +diminution of their daily food, partly to detain us before the walls of +his fortress until the sword should be whetted to smite and destroy us." + +"And why was not the evidence of this laid before the council of war?" +said Morton. + +"To what purpose?" said Balfour. "Why need we undeceive Kettledrummle, +Macbriar, Poundtext, and Langcale, upon such a point? Thyself must own, +that whatever is told to them escapes to the host out of the mouth of the +preachers at their next holding-forth. They are already discouraged by +the thoughts of lying before the fort a week. What would be the +consequence were they ordered to prepare for the leaguer of a month?" + +"But why conceal it, then, from me? or why tell it me now? and, above +all, what proofs have you got of the fact?" continued Morton. + +"There are many proofs," replied Burley; and he put into his hands a +number of requisitions sent forth by Major Bellenden, with receipts on +the back to various proprietors, for cattle, corn, meal, to such an +amount, that the sum total seemed to exclude the possibility of the +garrison being soon distressed for provisions. But Burley did not inform +Morton of a fact which he himself knew full well, namely, that most of +these provisions never reached the garrison, owing to the rapacity of the +dragoons sent to collect them, who readily sold to one man what they took +from another, and abused the Major's press for stores, pretty much as Sir +John Falstaff did that of the King for men. + +"And now," continued Balfour, observing that he had made the desired +impression, "I have only to say, that I concealed this from thee no +longer than it was concealed from myself, for I have only received these +papers this morning; and I tell it unto thee now, that thou mayest go on +thy way rejoicing, and work the great work willingly at Glasgow, being +assured that no evil can befall thy friends in the malignant party, since +their fort is abundantly victualled, and I possess not numbers sufficient +to do more against them than to prevent their sallying forth." + +"And why," continued Morton, who felt an inexpressible reluctance to +acquiesce in Balfour's reasoning--"why not permit me to remain in the +command of this smaller party, and march forward yourself to Glasgow? It +is the more honourable charge." + +"And therefore, young man," answered Burley, "have I laboured that it +should be committed to the son of Silas Morton. I am waxing old, and this +grey head has had enough of honour where it could be gathered by danger. +I speak not of the frothy bubble which men call earthly fame, but the +honour belonging to him that doth not the work negligently. But thy +career is yet to run. Thou hast to vindicate the high trust which has +been bestowed on thee through my assurance that it was dearly +well-merited. At Loudon-hill thou wert a captive, and at the last assault +it was thy part to fight under cover, whilst I led the more open and +dangerous attack; and, shouldst thou now remain before these walls when +there is active service elsewhere, trust me, that men will say, that the +son of Silas Morton hath fallen away from the paths of his father." + +Stung by this last observation, to which, as a gentleman and soldier, he +could offer no suitable reply, Morton hastily acquiesced in the proposed +arrangement. Yet he was unable to divest himself of certain feelings of +distrust which he involuntarily attached to the quarter from which he +received this information. + +"Mr Balfour," he said, "let us distinctly understand each other. You have +thought it worth your while to bestow particular attention upon my +private affairs and personal attachments; be so good as to understand, +that I am as constant to them as to my political principles. It is +possible, that, during my absence, you may possess the power of soothing +or of wounding those feelings. Be assured, that whatever may be the +consequences to the issue of our present adventure, my eternal gratitude, +or my persevering resentment, will attend the line of conduct you may +adopt on such an occasion; and, however young and inexperienced I am, I +have no doubt of finding friends to assist me in expressing my sentiments +in either case." + +"If there be a threat implied in that denunciation," replied Burley, +coldly and haughtily, "it had better have been spared. I know how to +value the regard of my friends, and despise, from my soul, the threats of +my enemies. But I will not take occasion of offence. Whatever happens +here in your absence shall be managed with as much deference to your +wishes, as the duty I owe to a higher power can possibly permit." + +With this qualified promise Morton was obliged to rest satisfied. + +"Our defeat will relieve the garrison," said he, internally, "ere they +can be reduced to surrender at discretion; and, in case of victory, I +already see, from the numbers of the moderate party, that I shall have a +voice as powerful as Burley's in determining the use which shall be made +of it." + +He therefore followed Balfour to the council, where they found +Kettledrummle adding to his lastly a few words of practical application. +When these were expended, Morton testified his willingness to accompany +the main body of the army, which was destined to drive the regular troops +from Glasgow. His companions in command were named, and the whole +received a strengthening exhortation from the preachers who were present. +Next morning, at break of day, the insurgent army broke up from their +encampment, and marched towards Glasgow. + +It is not our intention to detail at length incidents which may be found +in the history of the period. It is sufficient to say, that Claverhouse +and Lord Ross, learning the superior force which was directed against +them, intrenched, or rather barricadoed themselves, in the centre of the +city, where the town-house and old jail were situated, with the +determination to stand the assault of the insurgents rather than to +abandon the capital of the west of Scotland. The presbyterians made their +attack in two bodies, one of which penetrated into the city in the line +of the College and Cathedral Church, while the other marched up the +Gallowgate, or principal access from the south-east. Both divisions were +led by men of resolution, and behaved with great spirit. But the +advantages of military skill and situation were too great for their +undisciplined valour. + +Ross and Claverhouse had carefully disposed parties of their soldiers in +houses, at the heads of the streets, and in the entrances of closes, as +they are called, or lanes, besides those who were intrenched behind +breast-works which reached across the streets. The assailants found their +ranks thinned by a fire from invisible opponents, which they had no means +of returning with effect. It was in vain that Morton and other leaders +exposed their persons with the utmost gallantry, and endeavoured to bring +their antagonists to a close action; their followers shrunk from them in +every direction. And yet, though Henry Morton was one of the very last to +retire, and exerted himself in bringing up the rear, maintaining order in +the retreat, and checking every attempt which the enemy made to improve +the advantage they had gained by the repulse, he had still the +mortification to hear many of those in his ranks muttering to each other, +that "this came of trusting to latitudinarian boys; and that, had honest, +faithful Burley led the attack, as he did that of the barricades of +Tillietudlem, the issue would have been as different as might be." + +It was with burning resentment that Morton heard these reflections thrown +out by the very men who had soonest exhibited signs of discouragement. +The unjust reproach, however, had the effect of firing his emulation, and +making him sensible that, engaged as he was in a perilous cause, it was +absolutely necessary that he should conquer or die. + +"I have no retreat," he said to himself. "All shall allow--even Major +Bellenden--even Edith--that in courage, at least, the rebel Morton was +not inferior to his father." + +The condition of the army after the repulse was so undisciplined, and in +such disorganization, that the leaders thought it prudent to draw off +some miles from the city to gain time for reducing them once more into +such order as they were capable of adopting. Recruits, in the meanwhile, +came fast in, more moved by the extreme hardships of their own condition, +and encouraged by the advantage obtained at Loudon-hill, than deterred by +the last unfortunate enterprise. Many of these attached themselves +particularly to Morton's division. He had, however, the mortification to +see that his unpopularity among the more intolerant part of the +Covenanters increased rapidly. The prudence beyond his years, which he +exhibited in improving the discipline and arrangement of his followers, +they termed a trusting in the arm of flesh, and his avowed tolerance for +those of religious sentiments and observances different from his own, +obtained him, most unjustly, the nickname of Gallio, who cared for none +of those things. What was worse than these misconceptions, the mob of the +insurgents, always loudest in applause of those who push political or +religious opinions to extremity, and disgusted with such as endeavour to +reduce them to the yoke of discipline, preferred avowedly the more +zealous leaders, in whose ranks enthusiasm in the cause supplied the want +of good order and military subjection, to the restraints which Morton +endeavoured to bring them under. In short, while bearing the principal +burden of command, (for his colleagues willingly relinquished in his +favour every thing that was troublesome and obnoxious in the office of +general,) Morton found himself without that authority, which alone could +render his regulations effectual. [Note: These feuds, which tore to +pieces the little army of insurgents, turned merely on the point whether +the king's interest or royal authority was to be owned or not, and +whether the party in arms were to be contented with a free exercise of +their own religion, or insist upon the re-establishment of Presbytery in +its supreme authority, and with full power to predominate over all other +forms of worship. The few country gentlemen who joined the insurrection, +with the most sensible part of the clergy, thought it best to limit their +demands to what it might be possible to attain. But the party who urged +these moderate views were termed by the more zealous bigots, the Erastian +party, men, namely, who were willing to place the church under the +influence of the civil government, and therefore they accounted them, "a +snare upon Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor." See the Life of Sir +Robert Hamilton in the Scottish Worthies, and his account of the Battle +of Both-well-bridge, passim.] + +Yet, notwithstanding these obstacles, he had, during the course of a few +days, laboured so hard to introduce some degree of discipline into the +army, that he thought he might hazard a second attack upon Glasgow with +every prospect of success. + +It cannot be doubted that Morton's anxiety to measure himself with +Colonel Grahame of Claverhouse, at whose hands he had sustained such +injury, had its share in giving motive to his uncommon exertions. But +Claverhouse disappointed his hopes; for, satisfied with having the +advantage in repulsing the first attack upon Glasgow, he determined that +he would not, with the handful of troops under his command, await a +second assault from the insurgents, with more numerous and better +disciplined forces than had supported their first enterprise. He +therefore evacuated the place, and marched at the head of his troops +towards Edinburgh. The insurgents of course entered Glasgow without +resistance, and without Morton having the opportunity, which he so deeply +coveted, of again encountering Claverhouse personally. But, although he +had not an opportunity of wiping away the disgrace which had befallen his +division of the army of the Covenant, the retreat of Claverhouse, and the +possession of Glasgow, tended greatly to animate the insurgent army, and +to increase its numbers. The necessity of appointing new officers, of +organizing new regiments and squadrons, of making them acquainted with at +least the most necessary points of military discipline, were labours, +which, by universal consent, seemed to be devolved upon Henry Morton, and +which he the more readily undertook, because his father had made him +acquainted with the theory of the military art, and because he plainly +saw, that, unless he took this ungracious but absolutely necessary +labour, it was vain to expect any other to engage in it. + +In the meanwhile, fortune appeared to favour the enterprise of the +insurgents more than the most sanguine durst have expected. The Privy +Council of Scotland, astonished at the extent of resistance which their +arbitrary measures had provoked, seemed stupified with terror, and +incapable of taking active steps to subdue the resentment which these +measures had excited. There were but very few troops in Scotland, and +these they drew towards Edinburgh, as if to form an army for protection +of the metropolis. The feudal array of the crown vassals in the various +counties, was ordered to take the field, and render to the King the +military service due for their fiefs. But the summons was very slackly +obeyed. The quarrel was not generally popular among the gentry; and even +those who were not unwilling themselves to have taken arms, were deterred +by the repugnance of their wives, mothers, and sisters, to their engaging +in such a cause. + +Meanwhile, the inadequacy of the Scottish government to provide for their +own defence, or to put down a rebellion of which the commencement seemed +so trifling, excited at the English court doubts at once of their +capacity, and of the prudence of the severities they had exerted against +the oppressed presbyterians. It was, therefore, resolved to nominate to +the command of the army of Scotland, the unfortunate Duke of Monmouth, +who had by marriage a great interest, large estate, and a numerous +following, as it was called, in the southern parts of that kingdom. The +military skill which he had displayed on different occasions abroad, was +supposed more than adequate to subdue the insurgents in the field; while +it was expected that his mild temper, and the favourable disposition +which he showed to presbyterians in general, might soften men's minds, +and tend to reconcile them to the government. The Duke was, therefore, +invested with a commission, containing high powers for settling the +distracted affairs of Scotland, and dispatched from London with strong +succours to take the principal military command in that country. + + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + I am bound to Bothwell-hill, + Where I maun either do or die. + Old Ballad. + + +[Illustration: The Battle of Bothwell Bridge--128 + + +There was now a pause in the military movements on both sides. The +government seemed contented to prevent the rebels advancing towards the +capital, while the insurgents were intent upon augmenting and +strengthening their forces. For this purpose, they established a sort of +encampment in the park belonging to the ducal residence at Hamilton, a +centrical situation for receiving their recruits, and where they were +secured from any sudden attack, by having the Clyde, a deep and rapid +river, in front of their position, which is only passable by a long and +narrow bridge, near the castle and village of Bothwell. + +Morton remained here for about a fortnight after the attack on Glasgow, +actively engaged in his military duties. He had received more than one +communication from Burley, but they only stated, in general, that the +Castle of Tillietudlem continued to hold out. Impatient of suspense upon +this most interesting subject, he at length intimated to his colleagues +in command his desire, or rather his intention,--for he saw no reason why +he should not assume a license which was taken by every one else in this +disorderly army,--to go to Milnwood for a day or two to arrange some +private affairs of consequence. The proposal was by no means approved of; +for the military council of the insurgents were sufficiently sensible of +the value of his services to fear to lose them, and felt somewhat +conscious of their own inability to supply his place. They could not, +however, pretend to dictate to him laws more rigid than they submitted to +themselves, and he was suffered to depart on his journey without any +direct objection being stated. The Reverend Mr Poundtext took the same +opportunity to pay a visit to his own residence in the neighbourhood of +Milnwood, and favoured Morton with his company on the journey. As the +country was chiefly friendly to their cause, and in possession of their +detached parties, excepting here and there the stronghold of some old +cavaliering Baron, they travelled without any other attendant than the +faithful Cuddie. + +It was near sunset when they reached Milnwood, where Poundtext bid adieu +to his companions, and travelled forward alone to his own manse, which +was situated half a mile's march beyond Tillietudlem. When Morton was +left alone to his own reflections, with what a complication of feelings +did he review the woods, banks, and fields, that had been familiar to +him! His character, as well as his habits, thoughts, and occupations, had +been entirely changed within the space of little more than a fortnight, +and twenty days seemed to have done upon him the work of as many years. A +mild, romantic, gentle-tempered youth, bred up in dependence, and +stooping patiently to the control of a sordid and tyrannical relation, +had suddenly, by the rod of oppression and the spur of injured feeling, +been compelled to stand forth a leader of armed men, was earnestly +engaged in affairs of a public nature, had friends to animate and enemies +to contend with, and felt his individual fate bound up in that of a +national insurrection and revolution. It seemed as if he had at once +experienced a transition from the romantic dreams of youth to the labours +and cares of active manhood. All that had formerly interested him was +obliterated from his memory, excepting only his attachment to Edith; and +even his love seemed to have assumed a character more manly and +disinterested, as it had become mingled and contrasted with other duties +and feelings. As he revolved the particulars of this sudden change, the +circumstances in which it originated, and the possible consequences of +his present career, the thrill of natural anxiety which passed along his +mind was immediately banished by a glow of generous and high-spirited +confidence. + +"I shall fall young," he said, "if fall I must, my motives misconstrued, +and my actions condemned, by those whose approbation is dearest to me. +But the sword of liberty and patriotism is in my hand, and I will neither +fall meanly nor unavenged. They may expose my body, and gibbet my limbs; +but other days will come, when the sentence of infamy will recoil against +those who may pronounce it. And that Heaven, whose name is so often +profaned during this unnatural war, will bear witness to the purity of +the motives by which I have been guided." + +Upon approaching Milnwood, Henry's knock upon the gate no longer +intimated the conscious timidity of a stripling who has been out of +bounds, but the confidence of a man in full possession of his own rights, +and master of his own actions,--bold, free, and decided. The door was +cautiously opened by his old acquaintance, Mrs Alison Wilson, who started +back when she saw the steel cap and nodding plume of the martial visitor. + +"Where is my uncle, Alison?" said Morton, smiling at her alarm. + +"Lordsake, Mr Harry! is this you?" returned the old lady. "In troth, ye +garr'd my heart loup to my very mouth--But it canna be your ainsell, for +ye look taller and mair manly-like than ye used to do." + +"It is, however, my own self," said Henry, sighing and smiling at the +same time; "I believe this dress may make me look taller, and these +times, Ailie, make men out of boys." + +"Sad times indeed!" echoed the old woman; "and O that you suld be +endangered wi'them! but wha can help it?--ye were ill eneugh guided, and, +as I tell your uncle, if ye tread on a worm it will turn." + +"You were always my advocate, Ailie," said he, and the housekeeper no +longer resented the familiar epithet, "and would let no one blame me but +yourself, I am aware of that,--Where is my uncle?" + +"In Edinburgh," replied Alison; "the honest man thought it was best to +gang and sit by the chimley when the reek rase--a vex'd man he's been and +a feared--but ye ken the Laird as weel as I do." + +"I hope he has suffered nothing in health?" said Henry. + +"Naething to speak of," answered the housekeeper, "nor in gudes +neither--we fended as weel as we could; and, though the troopers of +Tillietudlem took the red cow and auld Hackie, (ye'll mind them weel;) +yet they sauld us a gude bargain o' four they were driving to the +Castle." + +"Sold you a bargain?" said Morton; "how do you mean?" + +"Ou, they cam out to gather marts for the garrison," answered the +housekeeper; "but they just fell to their auld trade, and rade through +the country couping and selling a' that they gat, like sae mony +west-country drovers. My certie, Major Bellenden was laird o' the least +share o' what they lifted, though it was taen in his name." + +"Then," said Morton, hastily, "the garrison must be straitened for +provisions?" + +"Stressed eneugh," replied Ailie--"there's little doubt o' that." + +A light instantly glanced on Morton's mind. + +"Burley must have deceived me--craft as well as cruelty is permitted by +his creed." Such was his inward thought; he said aloud, "I cannot stay, +Mrs Wilson, I must go forward directly." + +"But, oh! bide to eat a mouthfu'," entreated the affectionate +housekeeper, "and I'll mak it ready for you as I used to do afore thae +sad days," "It is impossible," answered Morton.--"Cuddie, get our horses +ready." + +"They're just eating their corn," answered the attendant. + +"Cuddie!" exclaimed Ailie; "what garr'd ye bring that ill-faur'd, unlucky +loon alang wi' ye?--It was him and his randie mother began a' the +mischief in this house." + +"Tut, tut," replied Cuddie, "ye should forget and forgie, mistress. +Mither's in Glasgow wi' her tittie, and sall plague ye nae mair; and I'm +the Captain's wallie now, and I keep him tighter in thack and rape than +ever ye did;--saw ye him ever sae weel put on as he is now?" + +"In troth and that's true," said the old housekeeper, looking with great +complacency at her young master, whose mien she thought much improved by +his dress. "I'm sure ye ne'er had a laced cravat like that when ye were +at Milnwood; that's nane o' my sewing." + +"Na, na, mistress," replied Cuddie, "that's a cast o' my hand--that's ane +o' Lord Evandale's braws." + +"Lord Evandale?" answered the old lady, "that's him that the whigs are +gaun to hang the morn, as I hear say." + +"The whigs about to hang Lord Evandale?" said Morton, in the greatest +surprise. + +"Ay, troth are they," said the housekeeper. "Yesterday night he made a +sally, as they ca't, (my mother's name was Sally--I wonder they gie +Christian folk's names to sic unchristian doings,)--but he made an +outbreak to get provisions, and his men were driven back and he was taen, +'an' the whig Captain Balfour garr'd set up a gallows, and swore, (or +said upon his conscience, for they winna swear,) that if the garrison was +not gien ower the morn by daybreak, he would hing up the young lord, poor +thing, as high as Haman.--These are sair times!--but folk canna help +them--sae do ye sit down and tak bread and cheese until better meat's +made ready. Ye suldna hae kend a word about it, an I had thought it was +to spoil your dinner, hinny." + +"Fed, or unfed," exclaimed Morton, "saddle the horses instantly, Cuddie. +We must not rest until we get before the Castle." + +And, resisting all Ailie's entreaties, they instantly resumed their +journey. + +Morton failed not to halt at the dwelling of Poundtext, and summon him to +attend him to the camp. That honest divine had just resumed for an +instant his pacific habits, and was perusing an ancient theological +treatise, with a pipe in his mouth, and a small jug of ale beside him, to +assist his digestion of the argument. It was with bitter ill-will that he +relinquished these comforts (which he called his studies) in order to +recommence a hard ride upon a high-trotting horse. However, when he knew +the matter in hand, he gave up, with a deep groan, the prospect of +spending a quiet evening in his own little parlour; for he entirely +agreed with Morton, that whatever interest Burley might have in rendering +the breach between the presbyterians and the government irreconcilable, +by putting the young nobleman to death, it was by no means that of the +moderate party to permit such an act of atrocity. And it is but doing +justice to Mr Poundtext to add, that, like most of his own persuasion, he +was decidedly adverse to any such acts of unnecessary violence; besides, +that his own present feelings induced him to listen with much complacence +to the probability held out by Morton, of Lord Evandale's becoming a +mediator for the establishment of peace upon fair and moderate terms. +With this similarity of views, they hastened their journey, and arrived +about eleven o'clock at night at a small hamlet adjacent to the Castle at +Tillietudlem, where Burley had established his head-quarters. + +They were challenged by the sentinel, who made his melancholy walk at the +entrance of the hamlet, and admitted upon declaring their names and +authority in the army. Another soldier kept watch before a house, which +they conjectured to be the place of Lord Evandale's confinement, for a +gibbet of such great height as to be visible from the battlements of the +Castle, was erected before it, in melancholy confirmation of the truth of +Mrs Wilson's report. [Note: The Cameronians had suffered persecution, but +it was without learning mercy. We are informed by Captain Crichton, that +they had set up in their camp a huge gibbet, or gallows, having many +hooks upon it, with a coil of new ropes lying beside it, for the +execution of such royalists as they might make prisoners. Guild, in his +Bellum Bothuellianum, describes this machine particularly.] Morton +instantly demanded to speak with Burley, and was directed to his +quarters. They found him reading the Scriptures, with his arms lying +beside him, as if ready for any sudden alarm. He started upon the +entrance of his colleagues in office. + +"What has brought ye hither?" said Burley, hastily. "Is there bad news +from the army?" + +"No," replied Morton; "but we understand that there are measures adopted +here in which the safety of the army is deeply concerned--Lord Evandale +is your prisoner?" + +"The Lord," replied Burley, "hath delivered him into our hands." + +"And you will avail yourself of that advantage, granted you by Heaven, to +dishonour our cause in the eyes of all the world, by putting a prisoner +to an ignominious death?" + +"If the house of Tillietudlem be not surrendered by daybreak," replied +Burley, "God do so to me and more also, if he shall not die that death to +which his leader and patron, John Grahame of Claverhouse, hath put so +many of God's saints." + +"We are in arms," replied Morton, "to put down such cruelties, and not to +imitate them, far less to avenge upon the innocent the acts of the +guilty. By what law can you justify the atrocity you would commit?" + +"If thou art ignorant of it," replied Burley, "thy companion is well +aware of the law which gave the men of Jericho to the sword of Joshua, +the son of Nun." + +"But we," answered the divine, "live under a better dispensation, which +instructeth us to return good for evil, and to pray for those who +despitefully use us and persecute us." + +"That is to say," said Burley, "that thou wilt join thy grey hairs to his +green youth to controvert me in this matter?" + +"We are," rejoined Poundtext, "two of those to whom, jointly with +thyself, authority is delegated over this host, and we will not permit +thee to hurt a hair of the prisoner's head. It may please God to make him +a means of healing these unhappy breaches in our Israel." + +"I judged it would come to this," answered Burley, "when such as thou +wert called into the council of the elders." + +"Such as I?" answered Poundtext,--"And who am I, that you should name me +with such scorn?--Have I not kept the flock of this sheep-fold from the +wolves for thirty years? Ay, even while thou, John Balfour, wert fighting +in the ranks of uncircumcision, a Philistine of hardened brow and bloody +hand--Who am I, say'st thou?" + +"I will tell thee what thou art, since thou wouldst so fain know," said +Burley. "Thou art one of those, who would reap where thou hast not sowed, +and divide the spoil while others fight the battle--thou art one of those +that follow the gospel for the loaves and for the fishes--that love their +own manse better than the Church of God, and that would rather draw their +stipends under prelatists or heathens, than be a partaker with those +noble spirits who have cast all behind them for the sake of the +Covenant." + +"And I will tell thee, John Balfour," returned Poundtext, deservedly +incensed, "I will tell thee what thou art. Thou art one of those, for +whose bloody and merciless disposition a reproach is flung upon the whole +church of this suffering kingdom, and for whose violence and +blood-guiltiness, it is to be feared, this fair attempt to recover our +civil and religious rights will never be honoured by Providence with the +desired success." + +"Gentlemen," said Morton, "cease this irritating and unavailing +recrimination; and do you, Mr Balfour, inform us, whether it is your +purpose to oppose the liberation of Lord Evandale, which appears to us a +profitable measure in the present position of our affairs?" + +"You are here," answered Burley, "as two voices against one; but you will +not refuse to tarry until the united council shall decide upon this +matter?" + +"This," said Morton, "we would not decline, if we could trust the hands +in whom we are to leave the prisoner.--But you know well," he added, +looking sternly at Burley, "that you have already deceived me in this +matter." + +"Go to," said Burley, disdainfully,--"thou art an idle inconsiderate boy, +who, for the black eyebrows of a silly girl, would barter thy own faith +and honour, and the cause of God and of thy country." + +"Mr Balfour," said Morton, laying his hand on his sword, "this language +requires satisfaction." + +"And thou shalt have it, stripling, when and where thou darest," said +Burley; "I plight thee my good word on it." + +Poundtext, in his turn, interfered to remind them of the madness of +quarrelling, and effected with difficulty a sort of sullen +reconciliation. + +"Concerning the prisoner," said Burley, "deal with him as ye think fit. I +wash my hands free from all consequences. He is my prisoner, made by my +sword and spear, while you, Mr Morton, were playing the adjutant at +drills and parades, and you, Mr Poundtext, were warping the Scriptures +into Erastianism. Take him unto you, nevertheless, and dispose of him as +ye think meet.--Dingwall," he continued, calling a sort of aid-de-camp, +who slept in the next apartment, "let the guard posted on the malignant +Evandale give up their post to those whom Captain Morton shall appoint to +relieve them.--The prisoner," he said, again addressing Poundtext and +Morton, "is now at your disposal, gentlemen. But remember, that for all +these things there will one day come a term of heavy accounting." + +So saying, he turned abruptly into an inner apartment, without bidding +them good evening. His two visitors, after a moment's consideration, +agreed it would be prudent to ensure the prisoner's personal safety, by +placing over him an additional guard, chosen from their own parishioners. +A band of them happened to be stationed in the hamlet, having been +attached, for the time, to Burley's command, in order that the men might +be gratified by remaining as long as possible near to their own homes. +They were, in general, smart, active young fellows, and were usually +called by their companions, the Marksmen of Milnwood. By Morton's desire, +four of these lads readily undertook the task of sentinels, and he left +with them Headrigg, on whose fidelity he could depend, with instructions +to call him, if any thing remarkable happened. + +This arrangement being made, Morton and his colleague took possession, +for the night, of such quarters as the over-crowded and miserable hamlet +could afford them. They did not, however, separate for repose till they +had drawn up a memorial of the grievances of the moderate presbyterians, +which was summed up with a request of free toleration for their religion +in future, and that they should be permitted to attend gospel ordinances +as dispensed by their own clergymen, without oppression or molestation. +Their petition proceeded to require that a free parliament should be +called for settling the affairs of church and state, and for redressing +the injuries sustained by the subject; and that all those who either now +were, or had been, in arms, for obtaining these ends, should be +indemnified. Morton could not but strongly hope that these terms, which +comprehended all that was wanted, or wished for, by the moderate party +among the insurgents, might, when thus cleared of the violence of +fanaticism, find advocates even among the royalists, as claiming only the +ordinary rights of Scottish freemen. + +He had the more confidence of a favourable reception, that the Duke of +Monmouth, to whom Charles had intrusted the charge of subduing this +rebellion, was a man of gentle, moderate, and accessible disposition, +well known to be favourable to the presbyterians, and invested by the +king with full powers to take measures for quieting the disturbances in +Scotland. It seemed to Morton, that all that was necessary for +influencing him in their favour was to find a fit and sufficiently +respectable channel of communication, and such seemed to be opened +through the medium of Lord Evandale. He resolved, therefore, to visit the +prisoner early in the morning, in order to sound his dispositions to +undertake the task of mediator; but an accident happened which led him to +anticipate his purpose. + + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + Gie ower your house, lady, he said,-- + Gie ower your house to me. + Edom of Gordon. + +Morton had finished the revisal and the making out of a fair copy of the +paper on which he and Poundtext had agreed to rest as a full statement of +the grievances of their party, and the conditions on which the greater +part of the insurgents would be contented to lay down their arms; and he +was about to betake himself to repose, when there was a knocking at the +door of his apartment. + +"Enter," said Morton; and the round bullethead of Cuddie Headrigg was +thrust into the room. "Come in," said Morton, "and tell me what you want. +Is there any alarm?" + +"Na, stir; but I hae brought ane to speak wi' you." + +"Who is that, Cuddie?" enquired Morton. + +"Ane o' your auld acquaintance," said Cuddie; and, opening the door more +fully, he half led, half dragged in a woman, whose face was muffled in +her plaid.--"Come, come, ye needna be sae bashfu' before auld +acquaintance, Jenny," said Cuddie, pulling down the veil, and discovering +to his master the well-remembered countenance of Jenny Dennison. "Tell +his honour, now--there's a braw lass--tell him what ye were wanting to +say to Lord Evandale, mistress." + +"What was I wanting to say," answered Jenny, "to his honour himsell the +other morning, when I visited him in captivity, ye muckle hash?--D'ye +think that folk dinna want to see their friends in adversity, ye dour +crowdy-eater?" + +This reply was made with Jenny's usual volubility; but her voice +quivered, her cheek was thin and pale, the tears stood in her eyes, her +hand trembled, her manner was fluttered, and her whole presence bore +marks of recent suffering and privation, as well as nervous and +hysterical agitation. + +"What is the matter, Jenny?" said Morton, kindly. "You know how much I +owe you in many respects, and can hardly make a request that I will not +grant, if in my power." + +"Many thanks, Milnwood," said the weeping damsel; "but ye were aye a kind +gentleman, though folk say ye hae become sair changed now." + +"What do they say of me?" answered Morton. + +"A' body says," replied Jenny, "that you and the whigs hae made a vow to +ding King Charles aff the throne, and that neither he, nor his posteriors +from generation to generation, shall sit upon it ony mair; and John +Gudyill threeps ye're to gie a' the church organs to the pipers, and burn +the Book o' Common-prayer by the hands of the common hangman, in revenge +of the Covenant that was burnt when the king cam hame." + +"My friends at Tillietudlem judge too hastily and too ill of me," +answered Morton. "I wish to have free exercise of my own religion, +without insulting any other; and as to your family, I only desire an +opportunity to show them I have the same friendship and kindness as +ever." + +"Bless your kind heart for saying sae," said Jenny, bursting into a flood +of tears; "and they never needed kindness or friendship mair, for they +are famished for lack o' food." + +"Good God!" replied Morton, "I have heard of scarcity, but not of famine! +It is possible?--Have the ladies and the Major"-- + +"They hae suffered like the lave o' us," replied Jenny; "for they shared +every bit and sup wi' the whole folk in the Castle--I'm sure my poor een +see fifty colours wi' faintness, and my head's sae dizzy wi' the +mirligoes that I canna stand my lane." + +The thinness of the poor girl's cheek, and the sharpness of her features, +bore witness to the truth of what she said. Morton was greatly shocked. + +"Sit down," he said, "for God's sake!" forcing her into the only chair +the apartment afforded, while he himself strode up and down the room in +horror and impatience. "I knew not of this," he exclaimed in broken +ejaculations,--"I could not know of it.--Cold-blooded, iron-hearted +fanatic--deceitful villain!--Cuddie, fetch refreshments--food--wine, if +possible--whatever you can find." + +"Whisky is gude eneugh for her," muttered Cuddie; "ane wadna hae thought +that gude meal was sae scant amang them, when the quean threw sae muckle +gude kail-brose scalding het about my lugs." + +Faint and miserable as Jenny seemed to be, she could not hear the +allusion to her exploit during the storm of the Castle, without bursting +into a laugh which weakness soon converted into a hysterical giggle. +Confounded at her state, and reflecting with horror on the distress which +must have been in the Castle, Morton repeated his commands to Headrigg in +a peremptory manner; and when he had departed, endeavoured to soothe his +visitor. + +"You come, I suppose, by the orders of your mistress, to visit Lord +Evandale?--Tell me what she desires; her orders shall be my law." + +Jenny appeared to reflect a moment, and then said, "Your honour is sae +auld a friend, I must needs trust to you, and tell the truth." + +"Be assured, Jenny," said Morton, observing that she hesitated, "that you +will best serve your mistress by dealing sincerely with me." + +"Weel, then, ye maun ken we're starving, as I said before, and have been +mair days than ane; and the Major has sworn that he expects relief daily, +and that he will not gie ower the house to the enemy till we have eaten +up his auld boots,--and they are unco thick in the soles, as ye may weel +mind, forby being teugh in the upper-leather. The dragoons, again, they +think they will be forced to gie up at last, and they canna bide hunger +weel, after the life they led at free quarters for this while bypast; and +since Lord Evandale's taen, there's nae guiding them; and Inglis says +he'll gie up the garrison to the whigs, and the Major and the leddies +into the bargain, if they will but let the troopers gang free themsells." + +"Scoundrels!" said Morton; "why do they not make terms for all in the +Castle?" + +"They are fear'd for denial o' quarter to themsells, having dune sae +muckle mischief through the country; and Burley has hanged ane or twa o' +them already--sae they want to draw their ain necks out o' the collar at +hazard o' honest folk's." + +"And you were sent," continued Morton, "to carry to Lord Evandale the +unpleasant news of the men's mutiny?" + +"Just e'en sae," said Jenny; "Tam Halliday took the rue, and tauld me a' +about it, and gat me out o' the Castle to tell Lord Evandale, if possibly +I could win at him." + +"But how can he help you?" said Morton; "he is a prisoner." + +"Well-a-day, ay," answered the afflicted damsel; "but maybe he could mak +fair terms for us--or, maybe, he could gie us some good advice--or, +maybe, he might send his orders to the dragoons to be civil--or"-- + +"Or, maybe," said Morton, "you were to try if it were possible to set him +at liberty?" + +"If it were sae," answered Jenny with spirit, "it wadna be the first time +I hae done my best to serve a friend in captivity." + +"True, Jenny," replied Morton, "I were most ungrateful to forget it. But +here comes Cuddie with refreshments--I will go and do your errand to Lord +Evandale, while you take some food and wine." + +"It willna be amiss ye should ken," said Cuddie to his master, "that this +Jenny--this Mrs Dennison, was trying to cuittle favour wi' Tam Rand, the +miller's man, to win into Lord Evandale's room without ony body kennin'. +She wasna thinking, the gipsy, that I was at her elbow." + +"And an unco fright ye gae me when ye cam ahint and took a grip o' me," +said Jenny, giving him a sly twitch with her finger and her thumb--"if ye +hadna been an auld acquaintance, ye daft gomeril"-- + +Cuddie, somewhat relenting, grinned a smile on his artful mistress, while +Morton wrapped himself up in his cloak, took his sword under his arm, and +went straight to the place of the young nobleman's confinement. He asked +the sentinels if any thing extraordinary had occurred. + +"Nothing worth notice," they said, "excepting the lass that Cuddie took +up, and two couriers that Captain Balfour had dispatched, one to the +Reverend Ephraim Macbriar, another to Kettledrummle," both of whom were +beating the drum ecclesiastic in different towns between the position of +Burley and the head-quarters of the main army near Hamilton. + +"The purpose, I presume," said Morton, with an affectation of +indifference, "was to call them hither." + +"So I understand," answered the sentinel, who had spoke with the +messengers. + +He is summoning a triumphant majority of the council, thought Morton to +himself, for the purpose of sanctioning whatever action of atrocity he +may determine upon, and thwarting opposition by authority. I must be +speedy, or I shall lose my opportunity. + +When he entered the place of Lord Evandale's confinement, he found him +ironed, and reclining on a flock bed in the wretched garret of a +miserable cottage. He was either in a slumber, or in deep meditation, +when Morton entered, and turned on him, when aroused, a countenance so +much reduced by loss of blood, want of sleep, and scarcity of food, that +no one could have recognised in it the gallant soldier who had behaved +with so much spirit at the skirmish of Loudon-hill. He displayed some +surprise at the sudden entrance of Morton. + +"I am sorry to see you thus, my lord," said that youthful leader. + +"I have heard you are an admirer of poetry," answered the prisoner; "in +that case, Mr Morton, you may remember these lines,-- + + 'Stone walls do not a prison make, + Or iron bars a cage; + A free and quiet mind can take + These for a hermitage.' + +But, were my imprisonment less endurable, I am given to expect to-morrow +a total enfranchisement." + +"By death?" said Morton. + +"Surely," answered Lord Evandale; "I have no other prospect. Your +comrade, Burley, has already dipped his hand in the blood of men whose +meanness of rank and obscurity of extraction might have saved them. I +cannot boast such a shield from his vengeance, and I expect to meet its +extremity." + +"But Major Bellenden," said Morton, "may surrender, in order to preserve +your life." + +"Never, while there is one man to defend the battlement, and that man has +one crust to eat. I know his gallant resolution, and grieved should I be +if he changed it for my sake." + +Morton hastened to acquaint him with the mutiny among the dragoons, and +their resolution to surrender the Castle, and put the ladies of the +family, as well as the Major, into the hands of the enemy. Lord Evandale +seemed at first surprised, and something incredulous, but immediately +afterwards deeply affected. + +"What is to be done?" he said--"How is this misfortune to be averted?" + +"Hear me, my lord," said Morton. "I believe you may not be unwilling to +bear the olive branch between our master the King, and that part of his +subjects which is now in arms, not from choice, but necessity." + +"You construe me but justly," said Lord Evandale; "but to what does this +tend?" + +"Permit me, my lord"--continued Morton. "I will set you at liberty upon +parole; nay, you may return to the Castle, and shall have a safe conduct +for the ladies, the Major, and all who leave it, on condition of its +instant surrender. In contributing to bring this about you will only +submit to circumstances; for, with a mutiny in the garrison, and without +provisions, it will be found impossible to defend the place twenty-four +hours longer. Those, therefore, who refuse to accompany your lordship, +must take their fate. You and your followers shall have a free pass to +Edinburgh, or where-ever the Duke of Monmouth may be. In return for your +liberty, we hope that you will recommend to the notice of his Grace, as +Lieutenant-General of Scotland, this humble petition and remonstrance, +containing the grievances which have occasioned this insurrection, a +redress of which being granted, I will answer with my head, that the +great body of the insurgents will lay down their arms." + +Lord Evandale read over the paper with attention. + +"Mr Morton," he said, "in my simple judgment, I see little objection that +can be made to the measure here recommended; nay, farther, I believe, in +many respects, they may meet the private sentiments of the Duke of +Monmouth: and yet, to deal frankly with you, I have no hopes of their +being granted, unless, in the first place, you were to lay down your +arms." + +"The doing so," answered Morton, "would be virtually conceding that we +had no right to take them up; and that, for one, I will never agree to." + +"Perhaps it is hardly to be expected you should," said Lord Evandale; +"and yet on that point I am certain the negotiations will be wrecked. I +am willing, however, having frankly told you my opinion, to do all in my +power to bring about a reconciliation." + +"It is all we can wish or expect," replied Morton; "the issue is in God's +hands, who disposes the hearts of princes.--You accept, then, the safe +conduct?" + +"Certainly," answered Lord Evandale; "and if I do not enlarge upon the +obligation incurred by your having saved my life a second time, believe +that I do not feel it the less." + +"And the garrison of Tillietudlem?" said Morton. + +"Shall be withdrawn as you propose," answered the young nobleman. "I am +sensible the Major will be unable to bring the mutineers to reason; and I +tremble to think of the consequences, should the ladies and the brave old +man be delivered up to this bloodthirsty ruffian, Burley." + +"You are in that case free," said Morton. "Prepare to mount on horseback; +a few men whom I can trust shall attend you till you are in safety from +our parties." + +Leaving Lord Evandale in great surprise and joy at this unexpected +deliverance, Morton hastened to get a few chosen men under arms and on +horseback, each rider holding the rein of a spare horse. Jenny, who, +while she partook of her refreshment, had contrived to make up her breach +with Cuddie, rode on the left hand of that valiant cavalier. The tramp of +their horses was soon heard under the window of Lord Evandale's prison. +Two men, whom he did not know, entered the apartment, disencumbered him +of his fetters, and, conducting him down stairs, mounted him in the +centre of the detachment. They set out at a round trot towards +Tillietudlem. + +The moonlight was giving way to the dawn when they approached that +ancient fortress, and its dark massive tower had just received the first +pale colouring of the morning. The party halted at the Tower barrier, not +venturing to approach nearer for fear of the fire of the place. Lord +Evandale alone rode up to the gate, followed at a distance by Jenny +Dennison. As they approached the gate, there was heard to arise in the +court-yard a tumult, which accorded ill with the quiet serenity of a +summer dawn. Cries and oaths were heard, a pistol-shot or two were +discharged, and every thing announced that the mutiny had broken out. At +this crisis Lord Evandale arrived at the gate where Halliday was +sentinel. On hearing Lord Evandale's voice, he instantly and gladly +admitted him, and that nobleman arrived among the mutinous troopers like +a man dropped from the clouds. They were in the act of putting their +design into execution, of seizing the place into their own hands, and +were about to disarm and overpower Major Bellenden and Harrison, and +others of the Castle, who were offering the best resistance in their +power. + +The appearance of Lord Evandale changed the scene. He seized Inglis by +the collar, and, upbraiding him with his villainy, ordered two of his +comrades to seize and bind him, assuring the others, that their only +chance of impunity consisted in instant submission. He then ordered the +men into their ranks. They obeyed. He commanded them to ground their +arms. They hesitated; but the instinct of discipline, joined to their +persuasion that the authority of their officer, so boldly exerted, must +be supported by some forces without the gate, induced them to submit. + +"Take away those arms," said Lord Evandale to the people of the Castle; +"they shall not be restored until these men know better the use for which +they are intrusted with them.--And now," he continued, addressing the +mutineers, "begone!--Make the best use of your time, and of a truce of +three hours, which the enemy are contented to allow you. Take the road to +Edinburgh, and meet me at the House-of-Muir. I need not bid you beware of +committing violence by the way; you will not, in your present condition, +provoke resentment for your own sakes. Let your punctuality show that you +mean to atone for this morning's business." + +The disarmed soldiers shrunk in silence from the presence of their +officer, and, leaving the Castle, took the road to the place of +rendezvous, making such haste as was inspired by the fear of meeting with +some detached party of the insurgents, whom their present defenceless +condition, and their former violence, might inspire with thoughts of +revenge. Inglis, whom Evandale destined for punishment, remained in +custody. Halliday was praised for his conduct, and assured of succeeding +to the rank of the culprit. These arrangements being hastily made, Lord +Evandale accosted the Major, before whose eyes the scene had seemed to +pass like the change of a dream. + +"My dear Major, we must give up the place." + +"Is it even so?" said Major Bellenden. "I was in hopes you had brought +reinforcements and supplies." + +"Not a man--not a pound of meal," answered Lord Evandale. + +"Yet I am blithe to see you," returned the honest Major; "we were +informed yesterday that these psalm-singing rascals had a plot on your +life, and I had mustered the scoundrelly dragoons ten minutes ago in +order to beat up Burley's quarters and get you out of limbo, when the dog +Inglis, instead of obeying me, broke out into open mutiny.--But what is +to be done now?" + +"I have, myself, no choice," said Lord Evandale; "I am a prisoner, +released on parole, and bound for Edinburgh. You and the ladies must take +the same route. I have, by the favour of a friend, a safe conduct and +horses for you and your retinue--for God's sake make haste--you cannot +propose to hold out with seven or eight men, and without provisions-- +Enough has been done for honour, and enough to render the defence of the +highest consequence to government. More were needless, as well as +desperate. The English troops are arrived at Edinburgh, and will speedily +move upon Hamilton. The possession of Tillietudlem by the rebels will be +but temporary." + +"If you think so, my lord," said the veteran, with a reluctant sigh,--"I +know you only advise what is honourable--if, then, you really think the +case inevitable, I must submit; for the mutiny of these scoundrels would +render it impossible to man the walls.--Gudyill, let the women call up +their mistresses, and all be ready to march--But if I could believe that +my remaining in these old walls, till I was starved to a mummy, could do +the King's cause the least service, old Miles Bellenden would not leave +them while there was a spark of life in his body!" + +The ladies, already alarmed by the mutiny, now heard the determination of +the Major, in which they readily acquiesced, though not without some +groans and sighs on the part of Lady Margaret, which referred, as usual, +to the /dejeune/; of his Most Sacred Majesty in the halls which were now +to be abandoned to rebels. Hasty preparations were made for evacuating +the Castle; and long ere the dawn was distinct enough for discovering +objects with precision, the ladies, with Major Bellenden, Harrison, +Gudyill, and the other domestics, were mounted on the led horses, and +others which had been provided in the neighbourhood, and proceeded +towards the north, still escorted by four of the insurgent horsemen. The +rest of the party who had accompanied Lord Evandale from the hamlet, took +possession of the deserted Castle, carefully forbearing all outrage or +acts of plunder. And when the sun arose, the scarlet and blue colours of +the Scottish Covenant floated from the Keep of Tillietudlem. + + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + And, to my breast, a bodkin in her hand + Were worth a thousand daggers. + Marlow. + +The cavalcade which left the Castle of Tillietudlem, halted for a few +minutes at the small town of Bothwell, after passing the outposts of the +insurgents, to take some slight refreshments which their attendants had +provided, and which were really necessary to persons who had suffered +considerably by want of proper nourishment. They then pressed forward +upon the road towards Edinburgh, amid the lights of dawn which were now +rising on the horizon. It might have been expected, during the course of +the journey, that Lord Evandale would have been frequently by the side of +Miss Edith Bellenden. Yet, after his first salutations had been +exchanged, and every precaution solicitously adopted which could serve +for her accommodation, he rode in the van of the party with Major +Bellenden, and seemed to abandon the charge of immediate attendance upon +his lovely niece to one of the insurgent cavaliers, whose dark military +cloak, with the large flapped hat and feather, which drooped over his +face, concealed at once his figure and his features. They rode side by +side in silence for more than two miles, when the stranger addressed Miss +Bellenden in a tremulous and suppressed voice. + +"Miss Bellenden," he said, "must have friends wherever she is known; even +among those whose conduct she now disapproves. Is there any thing that +such can do to show their respect for her, and their regret for her +sufferings?" + +"Let them learn for their own sakes," replied Edith, "to venerate the +laws, and to spare innocent blood. Let them return to their allegiance, +and I can forgive them all that I have suffered, were it ten times more." + +"You think it impossible, then," rejoined the cavalier, "for any one to +serve in our ranks, having the weal of his country sincerely at heart, +and conceiving himself in the discharge of a patriotic duty?" + +"It might be imprudent, while so absolutely in your power," replied Miss +Bellenden, "to answer that question." + +"Not in the present instance, I plight you the word of a soldier," +replied the horseman. + +"I have been taught candour from my birth," said Edith; "and, if I am to +speak at all, I must utter my real sentiments. God only can judge the +heart--men must estimate intentions by actions. Treason, murder by the +sword and by gibbet, the oppression of a private family such as ours, who +were only in arms for the defence of the established government, and of +our own property, are actions which must needs sully all that have +accession to them, by whatever specious terms they may be gilded over." + +"The guilt of civil war," rejoined the horseman--"the miseries which it +brings in its train, lie at the door of those who provoked it by illegal +oppression, rather than of such as are driven to arms in order to assert +their natural rights as freemen." + +"That is assuming the question," replied Edith, "which ought to be +proved. Each party contends that they are right in point of principle, +and therefore the guilt must lie with them who first drew the sword; as, +in an affray, law holds those to be the criminals who are the first to +have recourse to violence." + +"Alas!" said the horseman, "were our vindication to rest there, how easy +would it be to show that we have suffered with a patience which almost +seemed beyond the power of humanity, ere we were driven by oppression +into open resistance!--But I perceive," he continued, sighing deeply, +"that it is vain to plead before Miss Bellenden a cause which she has +already prejudged, perhaps as much from her dislike of the persons as of +the principles of those engaged in it." + +"Pardon me," answered Edith; "I have stated with freedom my opinion +of the principles of the insurgents; of their persons I know +nothing--excepting in one solitary instance." + +"And that instance," said the horseman, "has influenced your opinion of +the whole body?" + +"Far from it," said Edith; "he is--at least I once thought him--one in +whose scale few were fit to be weighed--he is--or he seemed--one of early +talent, high faith, pure morality, and warm affections. Can I approve of +a rebellion which has made such a man, formed to ornament, to enlighten, +and to defend his country, the companion of gloomy and ignorant fanatics, +or canting hypocrites,--the leader of brutal clowns,--the brother-in-arms +to banditti and highway murderers?--Should you meet such an one in your +camp, tell him that Edith Bellenden has wept more over his fallen +character, blighted prospects, and dishonoured name, than over the +distresses of her own house,--and that she has better endured that famine +which has wasted her cheek and dimmed her eye, than the pang of heart +which attended the reflection by and through whom these calamities were +inflicted." + +As she thus spoke, she turned upon her companion a countenance, whose +faded cheek attested the reality of her sufferings, even while it glowed +with the temporary animation which accompanied her language. The horseman +was not insensible to the appeal; he raised his hand to his brow with the +sudden motion of one who feels a pang shoot along his brain, passed it +hastily over his face, and then pulled the shadowing hat still deeper on +his forehead. The movement, and the feelings which it excited, did not +escape Edith, nor did she remark them without emotion. + +"And yet," she said, "should the person of whom I speak seem to you too +deeply affected by the hard opinion of--of--an early friend, say to him, +that sincere repentance is next to innocence;--that, though fallen from a +height not easily recovered, and the author of much mischief, because +gilded by his example, he may still atone in some measure for the evil he +has done." + +"And in what manner?" asked the cavalier, in the same suppressed, and +almost choked voice. + +"By lending his efforts to restore the blessings of peace to his +distracted countrymen, and to induce the deluded rebels to lay down their +arms. By saving their blood, he may atone for that which has been already +spilt;--and he that shall be most active in accomplishing this great end, +will best deserve the thanks of this age, and an honoured remembrance in +the next." + +"And in such a peace," said her companion, with a firm voice, "Miss +Bellenden would not wish, I think, that the interests of the people were +sacrificed unreservedly to those of the crown?" + +"I am but a girl," was the young lady's reply; "and I scarce can speak on +the subject without presumption. But, since I have gone so far, I will +fairly add, I would wish to see a peace which should give rest to all +parties, and secure the subjects from military rapine, which I detest as +much as I do the means now adopted to resist it." + +"Miss Bellenden," answered Henry Morton, raising his face, and speaking +in his natural tone, "the person who has lost such a highly-valued place +in your esteem, has yet too much spirit to plead his cause as a criminal; +and, conscious that he can no longer claim a friend's interest in your +bosom, he would be silent under your hard censure, were it not that he +can refer to the honoured testimony of Lord Evandale, that his earnest +wishes and most active exertions are, even now, directed to the +accomplishment of such a peace as the most loyal cannot censure." + +He bowed with dignity to Miss Bellenden, who, though her language +intimated that she well knew to whom she had been speaking, probably had +not expected that he would justify himself with so much animation. She +returned his salute, confused and in silence. Morton then rode forward to +the head of the party. + +"Henry Morton!" exclaimed Major Bellenden, surprised at the sudden +apparition. + +"The same," answered Morton; "who is sorry that he labours under the +harsh construction of Major Bellenden and his family. He commits to my +Lord Evandale," he continued, turning towards the young nobleman, and +bowing to him, "the charge of undeceiving his friends, both regarding the +particulars of his conduct and the purity of his motives. Farewell, Major +Bellenden--All happiness attend you and yours--May we meet again in +happier and better times!" + +"Believe me," said Lord Evandale, "your confidence, Mr Morton, is not +misplaced; I will endeavour to repay the great services I have received +from you by doing my best to place your character on its proper footing +with Major Bellenden, and all whose esteem you value." + +"I expected no less from your generosity, my lord," said Morton. + +He then called his followers, and rode off along the heath in the +direction of Hamilton, their feathers waving and their steel caps +glancing in the beams of the rising sun. Cuddie Headrigg alone remained +an instant behind his companions to take an affectionate farewell of +Jenny Dennison, who had contrived, during this short morning's ride, to +re-establish her influence over his susceptible bosom. A straggling tree +or two obscured, rather than concealed, their /tete-a-tete/, as they +halted their horses to bid adieu. + +"Fare ye weel, Jenny," said Cuddie, with a loud exertion of his lungs, +intended perhaps to be a sigh, but rather resembling the intonation of a +groan,--"Ye'll think o' puir Cuddie sometimes--an honest lad that lo'es +ye, Jenny; ye'll think o' him now and then?" + +"Whiles--at brose-time," answered the malicious damsel, unable either to +suppress the repartee, or the arch smile which attended it. + + +[Illustration: Whiles--at Brose-Time--pa098] + + +Cuddie took his revenge as rustic lovers are wont, and as Jenny probably +expected,--caught his mistress round the neck, kissed her cheeks and lips +heartily, and then turned his horse and trotted after his master. + +"Deil's in the fallow," said Jenny, wiping her lips and adjusting her +head-dress, "he has twice the spunk o' Tam Halliday, after a'.--Coming, +my leddy, coming--Lord have a care o' us, I trust the auld leddy didna +see us!" + +"Jenny," said Lady Margaret, as the damsel came up, "was not that young +man who commanded the party the same that was captain of the popinjay, +and who was afterwards prisoner at Tillietudlem on the morning +Claverhouse came there?" + +Jenny, happy that the query had no reference to her own little matters, +looked at her young mistress, to discover, if possible, whether it was +her cue to speak truth or not. Not being able to catch any hint to guide +her, she followed her instinct as a lady's maid, and lied. + +"I dinna believe it was him, my leddy," said Jenny, as confidently as if +she had been saying her catechism; "he was a little black man, that." + +"You must have been blind, Jenny," said the Major: "Henry Morton is tall +and fair, and that youth is the very man." + +"I had ither thing ado than be looking at him," said Jenny, tossing her +head; "he may be as fair as a farthing candle, for me." + +"Is it not," said Lady Margaret, "a blessed escape which we have made, +out of the hands of so desperate and bloodthirsty a fanatic?" + +"You are deceived, madam," said Lord Evandale; "Mr Morton merits such a +title from no one, but least from us. That I am now alive, and that you +are now on your safe retreat to your friends, instead of being prisoners +to a real fanatical homicide, is solely and entirely owing to the prompt, +active, and energetic humanity of this young gentleman." + +He then went into a particular narrative of the events with which the +reader is acquainted, dwelling upon the merits of Morton, and expatiating +on the risk at which he had rendered them these important services, as if +he had been a brother instead of a rival. + +"I were worse than ungrateful," he said, "were I silent on the merits of +the man who has twice saved my life." + +"I would willingly think well of Henry Morton, my lord," replied Major +Bellenden; "and I own he has behaved handsomely to your lordship and to +us; but I cannot have the same allowances which it pleases your lordship +to entertain for his present courses." + +"You are to consider," replied Lord Evandale, "that he has been partly +forced upon them by necessity; and I must add, that his principles, +though differing in some degree from my own, are such as ought to command +respect. Claverhouse, whose knowledge of men is not to be disputed, spoke +justly of him as to his extraordinary qualities, but with prejudice, and +harshly, concerning his principles and motives." + +"You have not been long in learning all his extraordinary qualities, my +lord," answered Major Bellenden. "I, who have known him from boyhood, +could, before this affair, have said much of his good principles and +good-nature; but as to his high talents"-- + +"They were probably hidden, Major," replied the generous Lord Evandale, +"even from himself, until circumstances called them forth; and, if I have +detected them, it was only because our intercourse and conversation +turned on momentous and important subjects. He is now labouring to bring +this rebellion to an end, and the terms he has proposed are so moderate, +that they shall not want my hearty recommendation." + +"And have you hopes," said Lady Margaret, "to accomplish a scheme so +comprehensive?" + +"I should have, madam, were every whig as moderate as Morton, and every +loyalist as disinterested as Major Bellenden. But such is the fanaticism +and violent irritation of both parties, that I fear nothing will end this +civil war save the edge of the sword." + +It may be readily supposed, that Edith listened with the deepest interest +to this conversation. While she regretted that she had expressed herself +harshly and hastily to her lover, she felt a conscious and proud +satisfaction that his character was, even in the judgment of his +noble-minded rival, such as her own affection had once spoke it. + +"Civil feuds and domestic prejudices," she said, "may render it necessary +for me to tear his remembrance from my heart; but it is not small relief +to know assuredly, that it is worthy of the place it has so long retained +there." + +While Edith was thus retracting her unjust resentment, her lover arrived +at the camp of the insurgents, near Hamilton, which he found in +considerable confusion. Certain advices had arrived that the royal army, +having been recruited from England by a large detachment of the King's +Guards, were about to take the field. Fame magnified their numbers and +their high state of equipment and discipline, and spread abroad other +circumstances, which dismayed the courage of the insurgents. What favour +they might have expected from Monmouth, was likely to be intercepted by +the influence of those associated with him in command. His +lieutenant-general was the celebrated General Thomas Dalzell, who, having +practised the art of war in the then barbarous country of Russia, was as +much feared for his cruelty and indifference to human life and human +sufferings, as respected for his steady loyalty and undaunted valour. +This man was second in command to Monmouth, and the horse were commanded +by Claverhouse, burning with desire to revenge the death of his nephew, +and his defeat at Drumclog. To these accounts was added the most +formidable and terrific description of the train of artillery and the +cavalry force with which the royal army took the field. + + [Note: Royal Army at Bothwell Bridge. A Cameronian muse was + awakened from slumber on this doleful occasion, and gave the + following account of the muster of the royal forces, in poetry + nearly as melancholy as the subject:-- + + They marched east through Lithgow-town + For to enlarge their forces; + And sent for all the north-country + To come, both foot and horses. + + Montrose did come and Athole both, + And with them many more; + And all the Highland Amorites + That had been there before. + + The Lowdien Mallisha--Lothian Militia they + Came with their coats of blew; + Five hundred men from London came, + Claid in a reddish hue. + + When they were assembled one and all, + A full brigade were they; + Like to a pack of hellish hounds, + Roreing after their prey. + + When they were all provided well, + In armour and amonition, + Then thither wester did they come, + Most cruel of intention. + + The royalists celebrated their victory in stanzas of equal merit. + Specimens of both may be found in the curious collection of Fugitive + Scottish Poetry, principally of the Seventeenth Century, printed for + the Messrs Laing, Edinburgh.] + +Large bodies, composed of the Highland clans, having in language, +religion, and manners, no connexion with the insurgents, had been +summoned to join the royal army under their various chieftains; and these +Amorites, or Philistines, as the insurgents termed them, came like eagles +to the slaughter. In fact, every person who could ride or run at the +King's command, was summoned to arms, apparently with the purpose of +forfeiting and fining such men of property whom their principles might +deter from joining the royal standard, though prudence prevented them +from joining that of the insurgent Presbyterians. In short, everyrumour +tended to increase the apprehension among the insurgents, that the King's +vengeance had only been delayed in order that it might fall more certain +and more heavy. + +Morton endeavoured to fortify the minds of the common people by pointing +out the probable exaggeration of these reports, and by reminding them of +the strength of their own situation, with an unfordable river in front, +only passable by a long and narrow bridge. He called to their remembrance +their victory over Claverhouse when their numbers were few, and then much +worse disciplined and appointed for battle than now; showed them that the +ground on which they lay afforded, by its undulation, and the thickets +which intersected it, considerable protection against artillery, and even +against cavalry, if stoutly defended; and that their safety, in fact, +depended on their own spirit and resolution. + +But while Morton thus endeavoured to keep up the courage of the army at +large, he availed himself of those discouraging rumours to endeavour to +impress on the minds of the leaders the necessity of proposing to the +government moderate terms of accommodation, while they were still +formidable as commanding an unbroken and numerous army. He pointed out to +them, that, in the present humour of their followers, it could hardly be +expected that they would engage, with advantage, the well-appointed and +regular force of the Duke of Monmouth; and that if they chanced, as was +most likely, to be defeated and dispersed, the insurrection in which they +had engaged, so far from being useful to the country, would be rendered +the apology for oppressing it more severely. + +Pressed by these arguments, and feeling it equally dangerous to remain +together, or to dismiss their forces, most of the leaders readily agreed, +that if such terms could be obtained as had been transmitted to the Duke +of Monmouth by the hands of Lord Evandale, the purpose for which they had +taken up arms would be, in a great measure, accomplished. They then +entered into similar resolutions, and agreed to guarantee the petition +and remonstrance which had been drawn up by Morton. On the contrary, +there were still several leaders, and those men whose influence with the +people exceeded that of persons of more apparent consequence, who +regarded every proposal of treaty which did not proceed on the basis of +the Solemn League and Covenant of 1640, as utterly null and void, +impious, and unchristian. These men diffused their feelings among the +multitude, who had little foresight, and nothing to lose, and persuaded +many that the timid counsellors who recommended peace upon terms short of +the dethronement of the royal family, and the declared independence of +the church with respect to the state, were cowardly labourers, who were +about to withdraw their hands from the plough, and despicable trimmers, +who sought only a specious pretext for deserting their brethren in arms. +These contradictory opinions were fiercely argued in each tent of the +insurgent army, or rather in the huts or cabins which served in the place +of tents. Violence in language often led to open quarrels and blows, and +the divisions into which the army of sufferers was rent served as too +plain a presage of their future fate. + + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + The curse of growing factions and divisions + Still vex your councils! + Venice Preserved. + +The prudence of Morton found sufficient occupation in stemming the +furious current of these contending parties, when, two days after his +return to Hamilton, he was visited by his friend and colleague, the +Reverend Mr Poundtext, flying, as he presently found, from the face of +John Balfour of Burley, whom he left not a little incensed at the share +he had taken in the liberation of Lord Evandale. When the worthy divine +had somewhat recruited his spirits, after the hurry and fatigue of his +journey, he proceeded to give Morton an account of what had passed in the +vicinity of Tillietudlem after the memorable morning of his departure. + +The night march of Morton had been accomplished with such dexterity, +and the men were so faithful to their trust, that Burley received no +intelligence of what had happened until the morning was far advanced. +His first enquiry was, whether Macbriar and Kettledrummle had arrived, +agreeably to the summons which he had dispatched at midnight. Macbriar +had come, and Kettledrummle, though a heavy traveller, might, he was +informed, be instantly expected. Burley then dispatched a messenger to +Morton's quarters to summon him to an immediate council. The messenger +returned with news that he had left the place. Poundtext was next +summoned; but he thinking, as he said himself, that it was ill dealing +with fractious folk, had withdrawn to his own quiet manse, preferring a +dark ride, though he had been on horseback the whole preceding day, to a +renewal in the morning of a controversy with Burley, whose ferocity +overawed him when unsupported by the firmness of Morton. Burley's next +enquiries were directed after Lord Evandale; and great was his rage when +he learned that he had been conveyed away over night by a party of the +marksmen of Milnwood, under the immediate command of Henry Morton +himself. + +"The villain!" exclaimed Burley, addressing himself to Macbriar; "the +base, mean-spirited traitor, to curry favour for himself with the +government, hath set at liberty the prisoner taken by my own right hand, +through means of whom, I have little doubt, the possession of the place +of strength which hath wrought us such trouble, might now have been in +our hands!" + +"But is it not in our hands?" said Macbriar, looking up towards the Keep +of the Castle; "and are not these the colours of the Covenant that float +over its walls?" + +"A stratagem--a mere trick," said Burley, "an insult over our +disappointment, intended to aggravate and embitter our spirits." + +He was interrupted by the arrival of one of Morton's followers, sent to +report to him the evacuation of the place, and its occupation by the +insurgent forces. Burley was rather driven to fury than reconciled by the +news of this success. + +"I have watched," he said--"I have fought--I have plotted--I have striven +for the reduction of this place--I have forborne to seek to head +enterprises of higher command and of higher honour--I have narrowed their +outgoings, and cut off the springs, and broken the staff of bread within +their walls; and when the men were about to yield themselves to my hand, +that their sons might be bondsmen, and their daughters a laughing-stock +to our whole camp, cometh this youth, without a beard on his chin, and +takes it on him to thrust his sickle into the harvest, and to rend the +prey from the spoiler! Surely the labourer is worthy of his hire, and the +city, with its captives, should be given to him that wins it?" + +"Nay," said Macbriar, who was surprised at the degree of agitation which +Balfour displayed, "chafe not thyself because of the ungodly. Heaven will +use its own instruments; and who knows but this youth"-- + +"Hush! hush!" said Burley; "do not discredit thine own better judgment. +It was thou that first badest me beware of this painted sepulchre--this +lacquered piece of copper, that passed current with me for gold. It fares +ill, even with the elect, when they neglect the guidance of such pious +pastors as thou. But our carnal affections will mislead us--this +ungrateful boy's father was mine ancient friend. They must be as earnest +in their struggles as thou, Ephraim Macbriar, that would shake themselves +clear of the clogs and chains of humanity." + +This compliment touched the preacher in the most sensible part; and +Burley deemed, therefore, he should find little difficulty in moulding +his opinions to the support of his own views, more especially as they +agreed exactly in their high-strained opinions of church government. + +"Let us instantly," he said, "go up to the Tower; there is that among the +records in yonder fortress, which, well used as I can use it, shall be +worth to us a valiant leader and an hundred horsemen." + +"But will such be the fitting aids of the children of the Covenant?" said +the preacher. "We have already among us too many who hunger after lands, +and silver and gold, rather than after the Word; it is not by such that +our deliverance shall be wrought out." + +"Thou errest," said Burley; "we must work by means, and these worldly men +shall be our instruments. At all events, the Moabitish woman shall be +despoiled of her inheritance, and neither the malignant Evandale, nor the +erastian Morton, shall possess yonder castle and lands, though they may +seek in marriage the daughter thereof." + +So saying, he led the way to Tillietudlem, where he seized upon the plate +and other valuables for the use of the army, ransacked the charter-room, +and other receptacles for family papers, and treated with contempt the +remonstrances of those who reminded him, that the terms granted to the +garrison had guaranteed respect to private property. + +Burley and Macbriar, having established themselves in their new +acquisition, were joined by Kettledrummle in the course of the day, and +also by the Laird of Langcale, whom that active divine had contrived to +seduce, as Poundtext termed it, from the pure light in which he had been +brought up. Thus united, they sent to the said Poundtext an invitation, +or rather a summons, to attend a council at Tillietudlem. He remembered, +however, that the door had an iron grate, and the Keep a dungeon, and +resolved not to trust himself with his incensed colleagues. He therefore +retreated, or rather fled, to Hamilton, with the tidings, that Burley, +Macbriar, and Kettledrummle, were coming to Hamilton as soon as they +could collect a body of Cameronians sufficient to overawe the rest of the +army. + +"And ye see," concluded Poundtext, with a deep sigh, "that they will then +possess a majority in the council; for Langcale, though he has always +passed for one of the honest and rational party, cannot be suitably or +preceesely termed either fish, or flesh, or gude red-herring--whoever has +the stronger party has Langcale." + +Thus concluded the heavy narrative of honest Poundtext, who sighed +deeply, as he considered the danger in which he was placed betwixt +unreasonable adversaries amongst themselves and the common enemy from +without. Morton exhorted him to patience, temper, and composure; informed +him of the good hope he had of negotiating for peace and indemnity +through means of Lord Evandale, and made out to him a very fair prospect +that he should again return to his own parchment-bound Calvin, his +evening pipe of tobacco, and his noggin of inspiring ale, providing +always he would afford his effectual support and concurrence to the +measures which he, Morton, had taken for a general pacification. + + [Note: Moderate Presbyterians. The author does not, by any means, + desire that Poundtext should be regarded as a just representation of + the moderate presbyterians, among whom were many ministers whose + courage was equal to their good sense and sound views of religion. + Were he to write the tale anew, he would probably endeavour to give + the character a higher turn. It is certain, however, that the + Cameronians imputed to their opponents in opinion concerning the + Indulgence, or others of their strained and fanatical notions, a + disposition not only to seek their own safety, but to enjoy + themselves. Hamilton speaks of three clergymen of this description + as follows:-- + + "They pretended great zeal against the Indulgence; but alas! that + was all their practice, otherwise being but very gross, which I + shall but hint at in short. When great Cameron and those with him + were taking many a cold blast and storm in the fields and among the + cot-houses in Scotland, these three had for the most part their + residence in Glasgow, where they found good quarter and a full + table, which I doubt not but some bestowed upon them from real + affection to the Lord's cause; and when these three were together, + their greatest work was who should make the finest and sharpest + roundel, and breathe the quickest jests upon one another, and to + tell what valiant acts they were to do, and who could laugh loudest + and most heartily among them; and when at any time they came out to + the country, whatever other things they had, they were careful each + of them to have a great flask of brandy with them, which was very + heavy to some, particularly to Mr Cameron, Mr Cargill, and Henry + Hall--I shall name no more."--Faithful Contendings, p. 198.] + +Thus backed and comforted, Poundtext resolved magnanimously to await the +coming of the Cameronians to the general rendezvous. + +Burley and his confederates had drawn together a considerable body of +these sectaries, amounting to a hundred horse and about fifteen hundred +foot, clouded and severe in aspect, morose and jealous in communication, +haughty of heart, and confident, as men who believed that the pale of +salvation was open for them exclusively; while all other Christians, +however slight were the shades of difference of doctrine from their own, +were in fact little better than outcasts or reprobates. These men entered +the presbyterian camp, rather as dubious and suspicious allies, or +possibly antagonists, than as men who were heartily embarked in the same +cause, and exposed to the same dangers, with their more moderate brethren +in arms. Burley made no private visits to his colleagues, and held no +communication with them on the subject of the public affairs, otherwise +than by sending a dry invitation to them to attend a meeting of the +general council for that evening. + +On the arrival of Morton and Poundtext at the place of assembly, they +found their brethren already seated. Slight greeting passed between them, +and it was easy to see that no amicable conference was intended by those +who convoked the council. The first question was put by Macbriar, the +sharp eagerness of whose zeal urged him to the van on all occasions. He +desired to know by whose authority the malignant, called Lord Evandale, +had been freed from the doom of death, justly denounced against him. + +"By my authority and Mr Morton's," replied Poundtext; who, besides being +anxious to give his companion a good opinion of his courage, confided +heartily in his support, and, moreover, had much less fear of +encountering one of his own profession, and who confined himself to the +weapons of theological controversy, in which Poundtext feared no man, +than of entering into debate with the stern homicide Balfour. + +"And who, brother," said Kettledrummle, "who gave you authority to +interpose in such a high matter?" + +"The tenor of our commission," answered Poundtext, "gives us authority to +bind and to loose. If Lord Evandale was justly doomed to die by the voice +of one of our number, he was of a surety lawfully redeemed from death by +the warrant of two of us." + +"Go to, go to," said Burley; "we know your motives; it was to send that +silkworm--that gilded trinket--that embroidered trifle of a lord, to bear +terms of peace to the tyrant." + +"It was so," replied Morton, who saw his companion begin to flinch before +the fierce eye of Balfour--"it was so; and what then?--Are we to plunge +the nation in endless war, in order to pursue schemes which are equally +wild, wicked, and unattainable?" + +"Hear him!" said Balfour; "he blasphemeth." + +"It is false," said Morton; "they blaspheme who pretend to expect +miracles, and neglect the use of the human means with which Providence +has blessed them. I repeat it--Our avowed object is the re-establishment +of peace on fair and honourable terms of security to our religion and our +liberty. We disclaim any desire to tyrannize over those of others." + +The debate would now have run higher than ever, but they were interrupted +by intelligence that the Duke of Monmouth had commenced his march towards +the west, and was already advanced half way from Edinburgh. This news +silenced their divisions for the moment, and it was agreed that the next +day should be held as a fast of general humiliation for the sins of the +land; that the Reverend Mr Poundtext should preach to the army in the +morning, and Kettledrummle in the afternoon; that neither should touch +upon any topics of schism or of division, but animate the soldiers to +resist to the blood, like brethren in a good cause. This healing overture +having been agreed to, the moderate party ventured upon another proposal, +confiding that it would have the support of Langcale, who looked +extremely blank at the news which they had just received, and might be +supposed reconverted to moderate measures. It was to be presumed, they +said, that since the King had not intrusted the command of his forces +upon the present occasion to any of their active oppressors, but, on the +contrary, had employed a nobleman distinguished by gentleness of temper, +and a disposition favourable to their cause, there must be some better +intention entertained towards them than they had yet experienced. They +contended, that it was not only prudent but necessary to ascertain, from +a communication with the Duke of Monmouth, whether he was not charged +with some secret instructions in their favour. This could only be learned +by dispatching an envoy to his army. + +"And who will undertake the task?" said Burley, evading a proposal too +reasonable to be openly resisted--"Who will go up to their camp, knowing +that John Grahame of Claverhouse hath sworn to hang up whomsoever we +shall dispatch towards them, in revenge of the death of the young man his +nephew?" + +"Let that be no obstacle," said Morton; "I will with pleasure encounter +any risk attached to the bearer of your errand." + +"Let him go," said Balfour, apart to Macbriar; "our councils will be well +rid of his presence." + +The motion, therefore, received no contradiction even from those who were +expected to have been most active in opposing it; and it was agreed that +Henry Morton should go to the camp of the Duke of Monmouth, in order to +discover upon what terms the insurgents would be admitted to treat with +him. As soon as his errand was made known, several of the more moderate +party joined in requesting him to make terms upon the footing of the +petition intrusted to Lord Evandale's hands; for the approach of the +King's army spread a general trepidation, by no means allayed by the high +tone assumed by the Cameronians, which had so little to support it, +excepting their own headlong zeal. With these instructions, and with +Cuddie as his attendant, Morton set forth towards the royal camp, at all +the risks which attend those who assume the office of mediator during the +heat of civil discord. + +Morton had not proceeded six or seven miles, before he perceived that he +was on the point of falling in with the van of the royal forces; and, as +he ascended a height, saw all the roads in the neighbourhood occupied by +armed men marching in great order towards Bothwell-muir, an open common, +on which they proposed to encamp for that evening, at the distance of +scarcely two miles from the Clyde, on the farther side of which river the +army of the insurgents was encamped. He gave himself up to the first +advanced-guard of cavalry which he met, as bearer of a flag of truce, and +communicated his desire to obtain access to the Duke of Monmouth. The +non-commissioned officer who commanded the party made his report to his +superior, and he again to another in still higher command, and both +immediately rode to the spot where Morton was detained. + +"You are but losing your time, my friend, and risking your life," said +one of them, addressing Morton; "the Duke of Monmouth will receive no +terms from traitors with arms in their hands, and your cruelties have +been such as to authorize retaliation of every kind. Better trot your nag +back and save his mettle to-day, that he may save your life to-morrow." + +"I cannot think," said Morton, "that even if the Duke of Monmouth should +consider us as criminals, he would condemn so large a body of his +fellow-subjects without even hearing what they have to plead for +themselves. On my part I fear nothing. I am conscious of having consented +to, or authorized, no cruelty, and the fear of suffering innocently for +the crimes of others shall not deter me from executing my commission." + +The two officers looked at each other. + +"I have an idea," said the younger, "that this is the young man of whom +Lord Evandale spoke." + +"Is my Lord Evandale in the army?" said Morton. + +"He is not," replied the officer; "we left him at Edinburgh, too much +indisposed to take the field.--Your name, sir, I presume, is Henry +Morton?" + +"It is, sir," answered Morton. + +"We will not oppose your seeing the Duke, sir," said the officer, with +more civility of manner; "but you may assure yourself it will be to no +purpose; for, were his Grace disposed to favour your people, others are +joined in commission with him who will hardly consent to his doing so." + +"I shall be sorry to find it thus," said Morton; "but my duty requires +that I should persevere in my desire to have an interview with him." + +"Lumley," said the superior officer, "let the Duke know of Mr Morton's +arrival, and remind his Grace that this is the person of whom Lord +Evandale spoke so highly." + +The officer returned with a message that the General could not see Mr +Morton that evening, but would receive him by times in the ensuing +morning. He was detained in a neighbouring cottage all night, but treated +with civility, and every thing provided for his accommodation. Early on +the next morning the officer he had first seen came to conduct him to his +audience. + +The army was drawn out, and in the act of forming column for march, or +attack. The Duke was in the centre, nearly a mile from the place where +Morton had passed the night. In riding towards the General, he had an +opportunity of estimating the force which had been assembled for the +suppression of the hasty and ill-concerted insurrection. There were three +or four regiments of English, the flower of Charles's army--there were +the Scottish Life-Guards, burning with desire to revenge their late +defeat--other Scottish regiments of regulars were also assembled, and a +large body of cavalry, consisting partly of gentlemen-volunteers, partly +of the tenants of the crown who did military duty for their fiefs. Morton +also observed several strong parties of Highlanders drawn from the points +nearest to the Lowland frontiers, a people, as already mentioned, +particularly obnoxious to the western whigs, and who hated and despised +them in the same proportion. These were assembled under their chiefs, and +made part of this formidable array. A complete train of field-artillery +accompanied these troops; and the whole had an air so imposing, that it +seemed nothing short of an actual miracle could prevent the ill-equipped, +ill-modelled, and tumultuary army of the insurgents from being utterly +destroyed. The officer who accompanied Morton endeavoured to gather from +his looks the feelings with which this splendid and awful parade of +military force had impressed him. But, true to the cause he had espoused, +he laboured successfully to prevent the anxiety which he felt from +appearing in his countenance, and looked around him on the warlike +display as on a sight which he expected, and to which he was indifferent. + +"You see the entertainment prepared for you," said the officers. + +"If I had no appetite for it," replied Morton, "I should not have been +accompanying you at this moment. But I shall be better pleased with a +more peaceful regale, for the sake of all parties." + +As they spoke thus, they approached the commander-in-chief, who, +surrounded by several officers, was seated upon a knoll commanding an +extensive prospect of the distant country, and from which could be easily +discovered the windings of the majestic Clyde, and the distant camp of +the insurgents on the opposite bank. The officers of the royal army +appeared to be surveying the ground, with the purpose of directing an +immediate attack. When Captain Lumley, the officer who accompanied +Morton, had whispered in Monmouth's ear his name and errand, the Duke +made a signal for all around him to retire, excepting only two general +officers of distinction. While they spoke together in whispers for a few +minutes before Morton was permitted to advance, he had time to study the +appearance of the persons with whom he was to treat. + +It was impossible for any one to look upon the Duke of Monmouth without +being captivated by his personal graces and accomplishments, of which the +great High-Priest of all the Nine afterwards recorded-- + +"Whate'er he did was done with so much ease, In him alone 'twas natural +to please; His motions all accompanied with grace, And Paradise was +open'd in his face." Yet to a strict observer, the manly beauty of +Monmouth's face was occasionally rendered less striking by an air of +vacillation and uncertainty, which seemed to imply hesitation and doubt +at moments when decisive resolution was most necessary. + +Beside him stood Claverhouse, whom we have already fully described, and +another general officer whose appearance was singularly striking. His +dress was of the antique fashion of Charles the First's time, and +composed of shamoy leather, curiously slashed, and covered with antique +lace and garniture. His boots and spurs might be referred to the same +distant period. He wore a breastplate, over which descended a grey beard +of venerable length, which he cherished as a mark of mourning for Charles +the First, having never shaved since that monarch was brought to the +scaffold. His head was uncovered, and almost perfectly bald. His high and +wrinkled forehead, piercing grey eyes, and marked features, evinced age +unbroken by infirmity, and stern resolution unsoftened by humanity. Such +is the outline, however feebly expressed, of the celebrated General +Thomas Dalzell, + + [Note: Usually called Tom Dalzell. In Crichton's Memoirs, edited by + Swift, where a particular account of this remarkable person's dress + and habits is given, he is said never to have worn boots. The + following account of his rencounter with John Paton of Meadowhead, + showed, that in action at least he wore pretty stout ones, unless + the reader be inclined to believe in the truth of his having a + charm, which made him proof against lead. + + "Dalzell," says Paton's biographer, "advanced the whole left wing of + his army on Colonel Wallace's right. Here Captain Paton behaved with + great courage and gallantry. Dalzell, knowing him in the former + wars, advanced upon him himself, thinking to take him prisoner. Upon + his approach, each presented his pistol. On their first discharge, + Captain Paton, perceiving his pistol ball to hop upon Dalzell's + boots, and knowing what was the cause, (he having proof,) put his + hand in his pocket for some small pieces of silver he had there for + the purpose, and put one of them into his other pistol. But Dalzell, + having his eye upon him in the meanwhile, retired behind his own + man, who by that means was slain."] + +a man more feared and hated by the whigs than even Claverhouse himself, +and who executed the same violences against them out of a detestation of +their persons, or perhaps an innate severity of temper, which Grahame +only resorted to on political accounts, as the best means of intimidating +the followers of presbytery, and of destroying that sect entirely. + +The presence of these two generals, one of whom he knew by person, and +the other by description, seemed to Morton decisive of the fate of his +embassy. But, notwithstanding his youth and inexperience, and the +unfavourable reception which his proposals seemed likely to meet with, he +advanced boldly towards them upon receiving a signal to that purpose, +determined that the cause of his country, and of those with whom he had +taken up arms, should suffer nothing from being intrusted to him. +Monmouth received him with the graceful courtesy which attended even his +slightest actions; Dalzell regarded him with a stern, gloomy, and +impatient frown; and Claverhouse, with a sarcastic smile and inclination +of his head, seemed to claim him as an old acquaintance. + +"You come, sir, from these unfortunate people, now assembled in arms," +said the Duke of Monmouth, "and your name, I believe, is Morton; will you +favour us with the pupport of your errand?" + +"It is contained, my lord," answered Morton, "in a paper, termed a +Remonstrance and Supplication, which my Lord Evandale has placed, I +presume, in your Grace's hands?" + +"He has done so, sir," answered the Duke; "and I understand, from Lord +Evandale, that Mr Morton has behaved in these unhappy matters with much +temperance and generosity, for which I have to request his acceptance of +my thanks." + +Here Morton observed Dalzell shake his head indignantly, and whisper +something into Claverhouse's ear, who smiled in return, and elevated his +eyebrows, but in a degree so slight as scarce to be perceptible. The +Duke, taking the petition from his pocket, proceeded, obviously +struggling between the native gentleness of his own disposition, and +perhaps his conviction that the petitioners demanded no more than their +rights, and the desire, on the other hand, of enforcing the king's +authority, and complying with the sterner opinions of the colleagues in +office, who had been assigned for the purpose of controlling as well as +advising him. + +"There are, Mr Morton, in this paper, proposals, as to the abstract +propriety of which I must now waive delivering any opinion. Some of them +appear to me reasonable and just; and, although I have no express +instructions from the King upon the subject, yet I assure you, Mr Morton, +and I pledge my honour, that I will interpose in your behalf, and use my +utmost influence to procure you satisfaction from his Majesty. But you +must distinctly understand, that I can only treat with supplicants, not +with rebels; and, as a preliminary to every act of favour on my side, I +must insist upon your followers laying down their arms and dispersing +themselves." + +"To do so, my Lord Duke," replied Morton, undauntedly, "were to +acknowledge ourselves the rebels that our enemies term us. Our swords are +drawn for recovery of a birthright wrested from us; your Grace's +moderation and good sense has admitted the general justice of our +demand,--a demand which would never have been listened to had it not been +accompanied with the sound of the trumpet. We cannot, therefore, and dare +not, lay down our arms, even on your Grace's assurance of indemnity, +unless it were accompanied with some reasonable prospect of the redress +of the wrongs which we complain of." + +"Mr Morton," replied the Duke, "you are young, but you must have seen +enough of the world to perceive, that requests, by no means dangerous or +unreasonable in themselves, may become so by the way in which they are +pressed and supported." + +"We may reply, my lord," answered Morton, "that this disagreeable mode +has not been resorted to until all others have failed." + +"Mr Morton," said the Duke, "I must break this conference short. We are +in readiness to commence the attack; yet I will suspend it for an hour, +until you can communicate my answer to the insurgents. If they please to +disperse their followers, lay down their arms, and send a peaceful +deputation to me, I will consider myself bound in honour to do all I can +to procure redress of their grievances; if not, let them stand on their +guard and expect the consequences.--I think, gentlemen," he added, +turning to his two colleagues, "this is the utmost length to which I can +stretch my instructions in favour of these misguided persons?" + +"By my faith," answered Dalzell, suddenly, "and it is a length to which +my poor judgment durst not have stretched them, considering I had both +the King and my conscience to answer to! But, doubtless, your Grace knows +more of the King's private mind than we, who have only the letter of our +instructions to look to." + +Monmouth blushed deeply. "You hear," he said, addressing Morton, "General +Dalzell blames me for the length which I am disposed to go in your +favour." + +"General Dalzell's sentiments, my lord," replied Morton, "are such as we +expected from him; your Grace's such as we were prepared to hope you +might please to entertain. Indeed I cannot help adding, that, in the case +of the absolute submission upon which you are pleased to insist, it might +still remain something less than doubtful how far, with such counsellors +around the King, even your Grace's intercession might procure us +effectual relief. But I will communicate to our leaders your Grace's +answer to our supplication; and, since we cannot obtain peace, we must +bid war welcome as well as we may." + +"Good morning, sir," said the Duke; "I suspend the movements of attack +for one hour, and for one hour only. If you have an answer to return +within that space of time, I will receive it here, and earnestly entreat +it may be such as to save the effusion of blood." + +At this moment another smile of deep meaning passed between Dalzell and +Claverhouse. The Duke observed it, and repeated his words with great +dignity. + +"Yes, gentlemen, I said I trusted the answer might be such as would save +the effusion of blood. I hope the sentiment neither needs your scorn, nor +incurs your displeasure." + +Dalzell returned the Duke's frown with a stern glance, but made no +answer. Claverhouse, his lip just curled with an ironical smile, bowed, +and said, "It was not for him to judge the propriety of his Grace's +sentiments." + +The Duke made a signal to Morton to withdraw. He obeyed; and, accompanied +by his former escort, rode slowly through the army to return to the camp +of the non-conformists. As he passed the fine corps of Life-Guards, he +found Claverhouse was already at their head. That officer no sooner saw +Morton, than he advanced and addressed him with perfect politeness of +manner. + +"I think this is not the first time I have seen Mr Morton of Milnwood?" + +"It is not Colonel Grahame's fault," said Morton, smiling sternly, "that +he or any one else should be now incommoded by my presence." + +"Allow me at least to say," replied Claverhouse, "that Mr Morton's +present situation authorizes the opinion I have entertained of him, and +that my proceedings at our last meeting only squared to my duty." + +"To reconcile your actions to your duty, and your duty to your +conscience, is your business, Colonel Grahame, not mine," said Morton, +justly offended at being thus, in a manner, required to approve of the +sentence under which he had so nearly suffered. + +"Nay, but stay an instant," said Claverhouse; "Evandale insists that I +have some wrongs to acquit myself of in your instance. I trust I shall +always make some difference between a high-minded gentleman, who, though +misguided, acts upon generous principles, and the crazy fanatical clowns +yonder, with the bloodthirsty assassins who head them. Therefore, if they +do not disperse upon your return, let me pray you instantly come over to +our army and surrender yourself, for, be assured, they cannot stand our +assault for half an hour. If you will be ruled and do this, be sure to +enquire for me. Monmouth, strange as it may seem, cannot protect +you--Dalzell will not--I both can and will; and I have promised to +Evandale to do so if you will give me an opportunity." + +"I should owe Lord Evandale my thanks," answered Morton, coldly, "did not +his scheme imply an opinion that I might be prevailed on to desert those +with whom I am engaged. For you, Colonel Grahame, if you will honour me +with a different species of satisfaction, it is probable, that, in an +hour's time, you will find me at the west end of Bothwell Bridge with my +sword in my hand." + +"I shall be happy to meet you there," said Claverhouse, "but still more +so should you think better on my first proposal." + +They then saluted and parted. + +"That is a pretty lad, Lumley," said Claverhouse, addressing himself to +the other officer; "but he is a lost man--his blood be upon his head." + +So saying, he addressed himself to the task of preparation for instant +battle. + + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + But, hark! the tent has changed its voice, + There's peace and rest nae langer. + Burns. + + The Lowdien Mallisha they + Came with their coats of blew; + Five hundred men from London came, + Claid in a reddish hue. + Bothwell Lines. + +When Morton had left the well-ordered outposts of the regular army, and +arrived at those which were maintained by his own party, he could not but +be peculiarly sensible of the difference of discipline, and entertain a +proportional degree of fear for the consequences. The same discords which +agitated the counsels of the insurgents, raged even among their meanest +followers; and their picquets and patrols were more interested and +occupied in disputing the true occasion and causes of wrath, and defining +the limits of Erastian heresy, than in looking out for and observing the +motions of their enemies, though within hearing of the royal drums and +trumpets. + +There was a guard, however, of the insurgent army, posted at the long and +narrow bridge of Bothwell, over which the enemy must necessarily advance +to the attack; but, like the others, they were divided and disheartened; +and, entertaining the idea that they were posted on a desperate service, +they even meditated withdrawing themselves to the main body. This would +have been utter ruin; for, on the defence or loss of this pass the +fortune of the day was most likely to depend. All beyond the bridge was a +plain open field, excepting a few thickets of no great depth, and, +consequently, was ground on which the undisciplined forces of the +insurgents, deficient as they were in cavalry, and totally unprovided +with artillery, were altogether unlikely to withstand the shock of +regular troops. + +Morton, therefore, viewed the pass carefully, and formed the hope, that +by occupying two or three houses on the left bank of the river, with the +copse and thickets of alders and hazels that lined its side, and by +blockading the passage itself, and shutting the gates of a portal, which, +according to the old fashion, was built on the central arch of the bridge +of Bothwell, it might be easily defended against a very superior force. +He issued directions accordingly, and commanded the parapets of the +bridge, on the farther side of the portal, to be thrown down, that they +might afford no protection to the enemy when they should attempt the +passage. Morton then conjured the party at this important post to be +watchful and upon their guard, and promised them a speedy and strong +reinforcement. He caused them to advance videttes beyond the river to +watch the progress of the enemy, which outposts he directed should be +withdrawn to the left bank as soon as they approached; finally, he +charged them to send regular information to the main body of all that +they should observe. Men under arms, and in a situation of danger, are +usually sufficiently alert in appreciating the merit of their officers. +Morton's intelligence and activity gained the confidence of these men, +and with better hope and heart than before, they began to fortify their +position in the manner he recommended, and saw him depart with three loud +cheers. + +Morton now galloped hastily towards the main body of the insurgents, but +was surprised and shocked at the scene of confusion and clamour which it +exhibited, at the moment when good order and concord were of such +essential consequence. Instead of being drawn up in line of battle, and +listening to the commands of their officers, they were crowding together +in a confused mass, that rolled and agitated itself like the waves of the +sea, while a thousand tongues spoke, or rather vociferated, and not a +single ear was found to listen. Scandalized at a scene so extraordinary, +Morton endeavoured to make his way through the press to learn, and, if +possible, to remove, the cause of this so untimely disorder. While he is +thus engaged, we shall make the reader acquainted with that which he was +some time in discovering. + +The insurgents had proceeded to hold their day of humiliation, which, +agreeably to the practice of the puritans during the earlier civil war, +they considered as the most effectual mode of solving all difficulties, +and waiving all discussions. It was usual to name an ordinary week-day +for this purpose, but on this occasion the Sabbath itself was adopted, +owing to the pressure of the time and the vicinity of the enemy. A +temporary pulpit, or tent, was erected in the middle of the encampment; +which, according to the fixed arrangement, was first to be occupied by +the Reverend Peter Poundtext, to whom the post of honour was assigned, as +the eldest clergyman present. But as the worthy divine, with slow and +stately steps, was advancing towards the rostrum which had been prepared +for him, he was prevented by the unexpected apparition of Habakkuk +Mucklewrath, the insane preacher, whose appearance had so much startled +Morton at the first council of the insurgents after their victory at +Loudon-hill. It is not known whether he was acting under the influence +and instigation of the Cameronians, or whether he was merely compelled by +his own agitated imagination, and the temptation of a vacant pulpit +before him, to seize the opportunity of exhorting so respectable a +congregation. It is only certain that he took occasion by the forelock, +sprung into the pulpit, cast his eyes wildly round him, and, undismayed +by the murmurs of many of the audience, opened the Bible, read forth as +his text from the thirteenth chapter of Deuteronomy, "Certain men, the +children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the +inhabitants of their city, saying, let us go and serve other gods, which +you have not known;" and then rushed at once into the midst of his +subject. + +The harangue of Mucklewrath was as wild and extravagant as his intrusion +was unauthorized and untimely; but it was provokingly coherent, in so far +as it turned entirely upon the very subjects of discord, of which it had +been agreed to adjourn the consideration until some more suitable +opportunity. Not a single topic did he omit which had offence in it; and, +after charging the moderate party with heresy, with crouching to tyranny, +with seeking to be at peace with God's enemies, he applied to Morton, by +name, the charge that he had been one of those men of Belial, who, in the +words of his text, had gone out from amongst them, to withdraw the +inhabitants of his city, and to go astray after false gods. To him, and +all who followed him, or approved of his conduct, Mucklewrath denounced +fury and vengeance, and exhorted those who would hold themselves pure and +undefiled to come up from the midst of them. + +"Fear not," he said, "because of the neighing of horses, or the +glittering of breastplates. Seek not aid of the Egyptians, because of the +enemy, though they may be numerous as locusts, and fierce as dragons. +Their trust is not as our trust, nor their rock as our rock; how else +shall a thousand fly before one, and two put ten thousand to the flight! +I dreamed it in the visions of the night, and the voice said, 'Habakkuk, +take thy fan and purge the wheat from the chaff, that they be not both +consumed with the fire of indignation and the lightning of fury.' +Wherefore, I say, take this Henry Morton--this wretched Achan, who hath +brought the accursed thing among ye, and made himself brethren in the +camp of the enemy--take him and stone him with stones, and thereafter +burn him with fire, that the wrath may depart from the children of the +Covenant. He hath not taken a Babylonish garment, but he hath sold the +garment of righteousness to the woman of Babylon--he hath not taken two +hundred shekels of fine silver, but he hath bartered the truth, which is +more precious than shekels of silver or wedges of gold." + +At this furious charge, brought so unexpectedly against one of their most +active commanders, the audience broke out into open tumult, some +demanding that there should instantly be a new election of officers, into +which office none should hereafter be admitted who had, in their phrase, +touched of that which was accursed, or temporized more or less with the +heresies and corruptions of the times. While such was the demand of the +Cameronians, they vociferated loudly, that those who were not with them +were against them,--that it was no time to relinquish the substantial +part of the covenanted testimony of the Church, if they expected a +blessing on their arms and their cause; and that, in their eyes, a +lukewarm Presbyterian was little better than a Prelatist, an +Anti-Covenanter, and a Nullifidian. + +The parties accused repelled the charge of criminal compliance and +defection from the truth with scorn and indignation, and charged their +accusers with breach of faith, as well as with wrong-headed and +extravagant zeal in introducing such divisions into an army, the joint +strength of which could not, by the most sanguine, be judged more than +sufficient to face their enemies. Poundtext, and one or two others, made +some faint efforts to stem the increasing fury of the factious, +exclaiming to those of the other party, in the words of the +Patriarch,--"Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, +and between thy herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we be brethren." No +pacific overture could possibly obtain audience. It was in vain that +even Burley himself, when he saw the dissension proceed to such ruinous +lengths, exerted his stern and deep voice, commanding silence and +obedience to discipline. The spirit of insubordination had gone forth, +and it seemed as if the exhortation of Habakkuk Mucklewrath had +communicated a part of his frenzy to all who heard him. The wiser, or +more timid part of the assembly, were already withdrawing themselves +from the field, and giving up their cause as lost. Others were +moderating a harmonious call, as they somewhat improperly termed it, to +new officers, and dismissing those formerly chosen, and that with a +tumult and clamour worthy of the deficiency of good sense and good order +implied in the whole transaction. It was at this moment when Morton +arrived in the field and joined the army, in total confusion, and on the +point of dissolving itself. His arrival occasioned loud exclamations of +applause on the one side, and of imprecation on the other. + +"What means this ruinous disorder at such a moment?" he exclaimed to +Burley, who, exhausted with his vain exertions to restore order, was now +leaning on his sword, and regarding the confusion with an eye of resolute +despair. + +"It means," he replied, "that God has delivered us into the hands of our +enemies." + +"Not so," answered Morton, with a voice and gesture which compelled many +to listen; "it is not God who deserts us, it is we who desert him, and +dishonour ourselves by disgracing and betraying the cause of freedom and +religion.--Hear me," he exclaimed, springing to the pulpit which +Mucklewrath had been compelled to evacuate by actual exhaustion--"I bring +from the enemy an offer to treat, if you incline to lay down your arms. I +can assure you the means of making an honourable defence, if you are of +more manly tempers. The time flies fast on. Let us resolve either for +peace or war; and let it not be said of us in future days, that six +thousand Scottish men in arms had neither courage to stand their ground +and fight it out, nor prudence to treat for peace, nor even the coward's +wisdom to retreat in good time and with safety. What signifies +quarrelling on minute points of church-discipline, when the whole edifice +is threatened with total destruction? O, remember, my brethren, that the +last and worst evil which God brought upon the people whom he had once +chosen--the last and worst punishment of their blindness and hardness of +heart, was the bloody dissensions which rent asunder their city, even +when the enemy were thundering at its gates!" + +Some of the audience testified their feeling of this exhortation, by loud +exclamations of applause; others by hooting, and exclaiming--"To your +tents, O Israel!" + +Morton, who beheld the columns of the enemy already beginning to appear +on the right bank, and directing their march upon the bridge, raised his +voice to its utmost pitch, and, pointing at the same time with his hand, +exclaimed,--"Silence your senseless clamours, yonder is the enemy! On +maintaining the bridge against him depend our lives, as well as our hope +to reclaim our laws and liberties.--There shall at least one Scottishman +die in their defence.--Let any one who loves his country follow me!" + +The multitude had turned their heads in the direction to which he +pointed. The sight of the glittering files of the English Foot-Guards, +supported by several squadrons of horse, of the cannon which the +artillerymen were busily engaged in planting against the bridge, of the +plaided clans who seemed to search for a ford, and of the long succession +of troops which were destined to support the attack, silenced at once +their clamorous uproar, and struck them with as much consternation as if +it were an unexpected apparition, and not the very thing which they ought +to have been looking out for. They gazed on each other, and on their +leaders, with looks resembling those that indicate the weakness of a +patient when exhausted by a fit of frenzy. Yet when Morton, springing +from the rostrum, directed his steps towards the bridge, he was followed +by about an hundred of the young men who were particularly attached to +his command. + +Burley turned to Macbriar--"Ephraim," he said, "it is Providence points +us the way, through the worldly wisdom of this latitudinarian youth.--He +that loves the light, let him follow Burley!" + +"Tarry," replied Macbriar; "it is not by Henry Morton, or such as he, +that our goings-out and our comings-in are to be meted; therefore tarry +with us. I fear treachery to the host from this nullifidian Achan--Thou +shalt not go with him. Thou art our chariots and our horsemen." + +"Hinder me not," replied Burley; "he hath well said that all is lost, if +the enemy win the bridge--therefore let me not. Shall the children of +this generation be called wiser or braver than the children of the +sanctuary?--Array yourselves under your leaders--let us not lack supplies +of men and ammunition; and accursed be he who turneth back from the work +on this great day!" + +Having thus spoken, he hastily marched towards the bridge, and was +followed by about two hundred of the most gallant and zealous of his +party. There was a deep and disheartened pause when Morton and Burley +departed. The commanders availed themselves of it to display their lines +in some sort of order, and exhorted those who were most exposed to throw +themselves upon their faces to avoid the cannonade which they might +presently expect. The insurgents ceased to resist or to remonstrate; but +the awe which had silenced their discords had dismayed their courage. +They suffered themselves to be formed into ranks with the docility of a +flock of sheep, but without possessing, for the time, more resolution or +energy; for they experienced a sinking of the heart, imposed by the +sudden and imminent approach of the danger which they had neglected to +provide against while it was yet distant. They were, however, drawn out +with some regularity; and as they still possessed the appearance of an +army, their leaders had only to hope that some favourable circumstance +would restore their spirits and courage. + +Kettledrummle, Poundtext, Macbriar, and other preachers, busied +themselves in their ranks, and prevailed on them to raise a psalm. But +the superstitious among them observed, as an ill omen, that their song of +praise and triumph sunk into "a quaver of consternation," and resembled +rather a penitentiary stave sung on the scaffold of a condemned criminal, +than the bold strain which had resounded along the wild heath of +Loudon-hill, in anticipation of that day's victory. The melancholy melody +soon received a rough accompaniment; the royal soldiers shouted, the +Highlanders yelled, the cannon began to fire on one side, and the +musketry on both, and the bridge of Bothwell, with the banks adjacent, +were involved in wreaths of smoke. + + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + As e'er ye saw the rain doun fa', + Or yet the arrow from the bow, + Sae our Scots lads fell even down, + And they lay slain on every knowe. + Old Ballad. + +Ere Morton or Burley had reached the post to be defended, the enemy had +commenced an attack upon it with great spirit. The two regiments of +Foot-Guards, formed into a close column, rushed forward to the river; one +corps, deploying along the right bank, commenced a galling fire on the +defenders of the pass, while the other pressed on to occupy the bridge. +The insurgents sustained the attack with great constancy and courage; and +while part of their number returned the fire across the river, the rest +maintained a discharge of musketry upon the further end of the bridge +itself, and every avenue by which the soldiers endeavoured to approach +it. The latter suffered severely, but still gained ground, and the head +of their column was already upon the bridge, when the arrival of Morton +changed the scene; and his marksmen, commencing upon the pass a fire as +well aimed as it was sustained and regular, compelled the assailants to +retire with much loss. They were a second time brought up to the charge, +and a second time repulsed with still greater loss, as Burley had now +brought his party into action. The fire was continued with the utmost +vehemence on both sides, and the issue of the action seemed very dubious. + +Monmouth, mounted on a superb white charger, might be discovered on the +top of the right bank of the river, urging, entreating, and animating the +exertions of his soldiers. By his orders, the cannon, which had hitherto +been employed in annoying the distant main body of the presbyterians, +were now turned upon the defenders of the bridge. But these tremendous +engines, being wrought much more slowly than in modern times, did not +produce the effect of annoying or terrifying the enemy to the extent +proposed. The insurgents, sheltered by copsewood along the bank of the +river, or stationed in the houses already mentioned, fought under cover, +while the royalists, owing to the precautions of Morton, were entirely +exposed. The defence was so protracted and obstinate, that the royal +generals began to fear it might be ultimately successful. While Monmouth +threw himself from his horse, and, rallying the Foot-Guards, brought them +on to another close and desperate attack, he was warmly seconded +by Dalzell, who, putting himself at the head of a body of +Lennox-Highlanders, rushed forward with their tremendous war-cry of +Loch-sloy. + + [Note: This was the slogan or war-cry of the MacFarlanes, taken from + a lake near the head of Loch Lomond, in the centre of their ancient + possessions on the western banks of that beautiful inland sea.] + +The ammunition of the defenders of the bridge began to fail at this +important crisis; messages, commanding and imploring succours and +supplies, were in vain dispatched, one after the other, to the main body +of the presbyterian army, which remained inactively drawn up on the open +fields in the rear. Fear, consternation, and misrule, had gone abroad +among them, and while the post on which their safety depended required +to be instantly and powerfully reinforced, there remained none either to +command or to obey. + +As the fire of the defenders of the bridge began to slacken, that of the +assailants increased, and in its turn became more fatal. Animated by the +example and exhortations of their generals, they obtained a footing upon +the bridge itself, and began to remove the obstacles by which it was +blockaded. The portal-gate was broke open, the beams, trunks of trees, +and other materials of the barricade, pulled down and thrown into the +river. This was not accomplished without opposition. Morton and Burley +fought in the very front of their followers, and encouraged them with +their pikes, halberds, and partisans, to encounter the bayonets of the +Guards, and the broadswords of the Highlanders. But those behind the +leaders began to shrink from the unequal combat, and fly singly, or in +parties of two or three, towards the main body, until the remainder were, +by the mere weight of the hostile column as much as by their weapons, +fairly forced from the bridge. The passage being now open, the enemy +began to pour over. But the bridge was long and narrow, which rendered +the manoeuvre slow as well as dangerous; and those who first passed had +still to force the houses, from the windows of which the Covenanters +continued to fire. Burley and Morton were near each other at this +critical moment. + +"There is yet time," said the former, "to bring down horse to attack +them, ere they can get into order; and, with the aid of God, we may thus +regain the bridge--hasten thou to bring them down, while I make the +defence good with this old and wearied body." + +Morton saw the importance of the advice, and, throwing himself on the +horse which cuddie held in readiness for him behind the thicket, galloped +towards a body of cavalry which chanced to be composed entirely of +Cameronians. Ere he could speak his errand, or utter his orders, he was +saluted by the execrations of the whole body. + +"He flies!" they exclaimed--"the cowardly traitor flies like a hart from +the hunters, and hath left valiant Burley in the midst of the slaughter!" + +"I do not fly," said Morton. "I come to lead you to the attack. Advance +boldly, and we shall yet do well." + +"Follow him not!--Follow him not!"--such were the tumultuous exclamations +which resounded from the ranks;--"he hath sold you to the sword of the +enemy!" + +And while Morton argued, entreated, and commanded in vain, the moment was +lost in which the advance might have been useful; and the outlet from the +bridge, with all its defences, being in complete possession of the enemy, +Burley and his remaining followers were driven back upon the main body, +to whom the spectacle of their hurried and harassed retreat was far from +restoring the confidence which they so much wanted. + +In the meanwhile, the forces of the King crossed the bridge at their +leisure, and, securing the pass, formed in line of battle; while +Claverhouse, who, like a hawk perched on a rock, and eyeing the time to +pounce on its prey, had watched the event of the action from the opposite +bank, now passed the bridge at the head of his cavalry, at full trot, +and, leading them in squadrons through the intervals and round the flanks +of the royal infantry, formed them in line on the moor, and led them to +the charge, advancing in front with one large body, while other two +divisions threatened the flanks of the Covenanters. Their devoted army +was now in that situation when the slightest demonstration towards an +attack was certain to inspire panic. Their broken spirits and +disheartened courage were unable to endure the charge of the cavalry, +attended with all its terrible accompaniments of sight and sound;--the +rush of the horses at full speed, the shaking of the earth under their +feet, the glancing of the swords, the waving of the plumes, and the +fierce shouts of the cavaliers. The front ranks hardly attempted one +ill-directed and disorderly fire, and their rear were broken and flying +in confusion ere the charge had been completed; and in less than five +minutes the horsemen were mixed with them, cutting and hewing without +mercy. The voice of Claverhouse was heard, even above the din of +conflict, exclaiming to his soldiers--"Kill, kill--no quarter--think on +Richard Grahame!" The dragoons, many of whom had shared the disgrace of +Loudon-hill, required no exhortations to vengeance as easy as it was +complete. Their swords drank deep of slaughter among the unresisting +fugitives. Screams for quarter were only answered by the shouts with +which the pursuers accompanied their blows, and the whole field presented +one general scene of confused slaughter, flight, and pursuit. + +About twelve hundred of the insurgents who remained in a body a little +apart from the rest, and out of the line of the charge of cavalry, threw +down their arms and surrendered at discretion, upon the approach of the +Duke of Monmouth at the head of the infantry. That mild-tempered nobleman +instantly allowed them the quarter which they prayed for; and, galloping +about through the field, exerted himself as much to stop the slaughter as +he had done to obtain the victory. While busied in this humane task he +met with General Dalzell, who was encouraging the fierce Highlanders and +royal volunteers to show their zeal for King and country, by quenching +the flame of the rebellion with the blood of the rebels. + +"Sheathe your sword, I command you, General!" exclaimed the Duke, "and +sound the retreat. Enough of blood has been shed; give quarter to the +King's misguided subjects." + +"I obey your Grace," said the old man, wiping his bloody sword and +returning it to the scabbard; "but I warn you, at the same time, that +enough has not been done to intimidate these desperate rebels. Has not +your Grace heard that Basil Olifant has collected several gentlemen and +men of substance in the west, and is in the act of marching to join +them?" + +"Basil Olifant?" said the Duke; "who, or what is he?" + +"The next male heir to the last Earl of Torwood. He is disaffected to +government from his claim to the estate being set aside in favour of Lady +Margaret Bellenden; and I suppose the hope of getting the inheritance has +set him in motion." + +"Be his motives what they will," replied Monmouth, "he must soon disperse +his followers, for this army is too much broken to rally again. +Therefore, once more, I command that the pursuit be stopped." + +"It is your Grace's province to command, and to be responsible for your +commands," answered Dalzell, as he gave reluctant orders for checking the +pursuit. + +But the fiery and vindictive Grahame was already far out of hearing of +the signal of retreat, and continued with his cavalry an unwearied and +bloody pursuit, breaking, dispersing, and cutting to pieces all the +insurgents whom they could come up with. + +Burley and Morton were both hurried off the field by the confused tide of +fugitives. They made some attempt to defend the streets of the town of +Hamilton; but, while labouring to induce the fliers to face about and +stand to their weapons. Burley received a bullet which broke his +sword-arm. + +"May the hand be withered that shot the shot!" he exclaimed, as the sword +which he was waving over his head fell powerless to his side. "I can +fight no longer." [Note: This incident, and Burley's exclamation, are +taken from the records.] + +Then turning his horse's head, he retreated out of the confusion. Morton +also now saw that the continuing his unavailing efforts to rally the +fliers could only end in his own death or captivity, and, followed by the +faithful Cuddie, he extricated himself from the press, and, being well +mounted, leaped his horse over one or two enclosures, and got into the +open country. + +From the first hill which they gained in their flight, they looked back, +and beheld the whole country covered with their fugitive companions, and +with the pursuing dragoons, whose wild shouts and halloo, as they did +execution on the groups whom they overtook, mingled with the groans and +screams of their victims, rose shrilly up the hill. + +"It is impossible they can ever make head again," said Morton. + +"The head's taen aff them, as clean as I wad bite it aff a sybo!" +rejoined Cuddie. "Eh, Lord! see how the broadswords are flashing! war's +a fearsome thing. They'll be cunning that catches me at this wark +again.--But, for God's sake, sir, let us mak for some strength!" + +Morton saw the necessity of following the advice of his trusty squire. +They resumed a rapid pace, and continued it without intermission, +directing their course towards the wild and mountainous country, where +they thought it likely some part of the fugitives might draw together, +for the sake either of making defence, or of obtaining terms. + + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + They require + Of Heaven the hearts of lions, breath of tigers, + Yea and the fierceness too. + Fletcher. + +Evening had fallen; and, for the last two hours, they had seen none of +their ill-fated companions, when Morton and his faithful attendant gained +the moorland, and approached a large and solitary farmhouse, situated in +the entrance of a wild glen, far remote from any other habitation. + +"Our horses," said Morton, "will carry us no farther without rest or +food, and we must try to obtain them here, if possible." + +So speaking, he led the way to the house. The place had every appearance +of being inhabited. There was smoke issuing from the chimney in a +considerable volume, and the marks of recent hoofs were visible around +the door. They could even hear the murmuring of human voices within the +house. But all the lower windows were closely secured; and when they +knocked at the door, no answer was returned. After vainly calling and +entreating admittance, they withdrew to the stable, or shed, in order to +accommodate their horses, ere they used farther means of gaining +admission. In this place they found ten or twelve horses, whose state of +fatigue, as well as the military yet disordered appearance of their +saddles and accoutrements, plainly indicated that their owners were +fugitive insurgents in their own circumstances. + +"This meeting bodes luck," said Cuddie; "and they hae walth o' beef, +that's ae thing certain, for here's a raw hide that has been about the +hurdies o' a stot not half an hour syne--it's warm yet." + +Encouraged by these appearances, they returned again to the house, and, +announcing themselves as men in the same predicament with the inmates, +clamoured loudly for admittance. + +"Whoever ye be," answered a stern voice from the window, after a long and +obdurate silence, "disturb not those who mourn for the desolation and +captivity of the land, and search out the causes of wrath and of +defection, that the stumbling-blocks may be removed over which we have +stumbled." + +"They are wild western whigs," said Cuddie, in a whisper to his master, +"I ken by their language. Fiend hae me, if I like to venture on them!" + +Morton, however, again called to the party within, and insisted on +admittance; but, finding his entreaties still disregarded, he opened one +of the lower windows, and pushing asunder the shutters, which were but +slightly secured, stepped into the large kitchen from which the voice had +issued. Cuddie followed him, muttering betwixt his teeth, as he put his +head within the window, "That he hoped there was nae scalding brose on +the fire;" and master and servant both found themselves in the company of +ten or twelve armed men, seated around the fire, on which refreshments +were preparing, and busied apparently in their devotions. + +In the gloomy countenances, illuminated by the fire-light, Morton had no +difficulty in recognising several of those zealots who had most +distinguished themselves by their intemperate opposition to all moderate +measures, together with their noted pastor, the fanatical Ephraim +Macbriar, and the maniac, Habakkuk Mucklewrath. The Cameronians neither +stirred tongue nor hand to welcome their brethren in misfortune, but +continued to listen to the low murmured exercise of Macbriar, as he +prayed that the Almighty would lift up his hand from his people, and not +make an end in the day of his anger. That they were conscious of the +presence of the intruders only appeared from the sullen and indignant +glances which they shot at them, from time to time, as their eyes +encountered. + +Morton, finding into what unfriendly society he had unwittingly intruded, +began to think of retreating; but, on turning his head, observed with +some alarm, that two strong men had silently placed themselves beside the +window, through which they had entered. One of these ominous sentinels +whispered to Cuddie, "Son of that precious woman, Mause Headrigg, do not +cast thy lot farther with this child of treachery and perdition--Pass on +thy way, and tarry not, for the avenger of blood is behind thee." + +With this he pointed to the window, out of which Cuddie jumped without +hesitation; for the intimation he had received plainly implied the +personal danger he would otherwise incur. + +"Winnocks are no lucky wi' me," was his first reflection when he was in +the open air; his next was upon the probable fate of his master. "They'll +kill him, the murdering loons, and think they're doing a gude turn! but +I'se tak the back road for Hamilton, and see if I canna get some o' our +ain folk to bring help in time of needcessity." + +So saying, Cuddie hastened to the stable, and taking the best horse he +could find instead of his own tired animal, he galloped off in the +direction he proposed. + +The noise of his horse's tread alarmed for an instant the devotion of the +fanatics. As it died in the distance, Macbriar brought his exercise to a +conclusion, and his audience raised themselves from the stooping posture, +and louring downward look, with which they had listened to it, and all +fixed their eyes sternly on Henry Morton. + +"You bend strange countenances on me, gentlemen," said he, addressing +them. "I am totally ignorant in what manner I can have deserved them." + +"Out upon thee! out upon thee!" exclaimed Mucklewrath, starting up: "the +word that thou hast spurned shall become a rock to crush and to bruise +thee; the spear which thou wouldst have broken shall pierce thy side; we +have prayed, and wrestled, and petitioned for an offering to atone the +sins of the congregation, and lo! the very head of the offence is +delivered into our hand. He hath burst in like a thief through the +window; he is a ram caught in the thicket, whose blood shall be a +drink-offering to redeem vengeance from the church, and the place shall +from henceforth be called Jehovah-Jireh, for the sacrifice is provided. +Up then, and bind the victim with cords to the horns of the altar!" + +There was a movement among the party; and deeply did Morton regret at +that moment the incautious haste with which he had ventured into their +company. He was armed only with his sword, for he had left his pistols at +the bow of his saddle; and, as the whigs were all provided with +fire-arms, there was little or no chance of escaping from them by +resistance. The interposition, however, of Macbriar protected him for the +moment. + +"Tarry yet a while, brethren--let us not use the sword rashly, lest the +load of innocent blood lie heavy on us.--Come," he said, addressing +himself to Morton, "we will reckon with thee ere we avenge the cause thou +hast betrayed.--Hast thou not," he continued, "made thy face as hard as +flint against the truth in all the assemblies of the host?" + +"He has--he has," murmured the deep voices of the assistants. + +"He hath ever urged peace with the malignants," said one. + +"And pleaded for the dark and dismal guilt of the Indulgence," said +another. + +"And would have surrendered the host into the hands of Monmouth," echoed +a third; "and was the first to desert the honest and manly Burley, while +he yet resisted at the pass. I saw him on the moor, with his horse bloody +with spurring, long ere the firing had ceased at the bridge." + +"Gentlemen," said Morton, "if you mean to bear me down by clamour, and +take my life without hearing me, it is perhaps a thing in your power; but +you will sin before God and man by the commission of such a murder." + +"I say, hear the youth," said Macbriar; "for Heaven knows our bowels have +yearned for him, that he might be brought to see the truth, and exert his +gifts in its defence. But he is blinded by his carnal knowledge, and has +spurned the light when it blazed before him." + +Silence being obtained, Morton proceeded to assert the good faith which +he had displayed in the treaty with Monmouth, and the active part he had +borne in the subsequent action. + +"I may not, gentlemen," he said, "be fully able to go the lengths you +desire, in assigning to those of my own religion the means of tyrannizing +over others; but none shall go farther in asserting our own lawful +freedom. And I must needs aver, that had others been of my mind in +counsel, or disposed to stand by my side in battle, we should this +evening, instead of being a defeated and discordant remnant, have +sheathed our weapons in an useful and honourable peace, or brandished +them triumphantly after a decisive victory." + +"He hath spoken the word," said one of the assembly--"he hath avowed his +carnal self-seeking and Erastianism; let him die the death!" + +"Peace yet again," said Macbriar, "for I will try him further.--Was it +not by thy means that the malignant Evandale twice escaped from death and +captivity? Was it not through thee that Miles Bellenden and his garrison +of cut-throats were saved from the edge of the sword?" + +"I am proud to say, that you have spoken the truth in both instances," +replied Morton. + +"Lo! you see," said Macbriar, "again hath his mouth spoken it.--And didst +thou not do this for the sake of a Midianitish woman, one of the spawn of +prelacy, a toy with which the arch-enemy's trap is baited? Didst thou not +do all this for the sake of Edith Bellenden?" + +"You are incapable," answered Morton, boldly, "of appreciating my +feelings towards that young lady; but all that I have done I would have +done had she never existed." + +"Thou art a hardy rebel to the truth," said another dark-brow'd man; "and +didst thou not so act, that, by conveying away the aged woman, Margaret +Bellenden, and her grand-daughter, thou mightest thwart the wise and +godly project of John Balfour of Burley for bringing forth to battle +Basil Olifant, who had agreed to take the field if he were insured +possession of these women's worldly endowments?" + +"I never heard of such a scheme," said Morton, "and therefore I could not +thwart it.--But does your religion permit you to take such uncreditable +and immoral modes of recruiting?" + +"Peace," said Macbriar, somewhat disconcerted; "it is not for thee to +instruct tender professors, or to construe Covenant obligations. For the +rest, you have acknowledged enough of sin and sorrowful defection, to +draw down defeat on a host, were it as numerous as the sands on the +sea-shore. And it is our judgment, that we are not free to let you pass +from us safe and in life, since Providence hath given you into our hands +at the moment that we prayed with godly Joshua, saying, 'What shall we +say when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies?'--Then camest +thou, delivered to us as it were by lot, that thou mightest sustain the +punishment of one that hath wrought folly in Israel. Therefore, mark my +words. This is the Sabbath, and our hand shall not be on thee to spill +thy blood upon this day; but, when the twelfth hour shall strike, it is a +token that thy time on earth hath run! Wherefore improve thy span, for it +flitteth fast away.--Seize on the prisoner, brethren, and take his +weapon." + +The command was so unexpectedly given, and so suddenly executed by those +of the party who had gradually closed behind and around Morton, that he +was overpowered, disarmed, and a horse-girth passed round his arms, +before he could offer any effectual resistance. When this was +accomplished, a dead and stern silence took place. The fanatics ranged +themselves around a large oaken table, placing Morton amongst them bound +and helpless, in such a manner as to be opposite to the clock which was +to strike his knell. Food was placed before them, of which they offered +their intended victim a share; but, it will readily be believed, he had +little appetite. When this was removed, the party resumed their +devotions. Macbriar, whose fierce zeal did not perhaps exclude some +feelings of doubt and compunction, began to expostulate in prayer, as if +to wring from the Deity a signal that the bloody sacrifice they proposed +was an acceptable service. The eyes and ears of his hearers were +anxiously strained, as if to gain some sight or sound which might be +converted or wrested into a type of approbation, and ever and anon dark +looks were turned on the dial-plate of the time-piece, to watch its +progress towards the moment of execution. + +Morton's eye frequently took the same course, with the sad reflection, +that there appeared no posibility of his life being expanded beyond the +narrow segment which the index had yet to travel on the circle until it +arrived at the fatal hour. Faith in his religion, with a constant +unyielding principle of honour, and the sense of conscious innocence, +enabled him to pass through this dreadful interval with less agitation +than he himself could have expected, had the situation been prophesied to +him. Yet there was a want of that eager and animating sense of right +which supported him in similar circumstances, when in the power of +Claverhouse. Then he was conscious, that, amid the spectators, were many +who were lamenting his condition, and some who applauded his conduct. But +now, among these pale-eyed and ferocious zealots, whose hardened brows +were soon to be bent, not merely with indifference, but with triumph, +upon his execution,--without a friend to speak a kindly word, or give a +look either of sympathy or encouragement,--awaiting till the sword +destined to slay him crept out of the scabbard gradually, and as it were +by strawbreadths, and condemned to drink the bitterness of death drop by +drop,--it is no wonder that his feelings were less composed than they had +been on any former occasion of danger. His destined executioners, as he +gazed around them, seemed to alter their forms and features, like +spectres in a feverish dream; their figures became larger, and their +faces more disturbed; and, as an excited imagination predominated over +the realities which his eyes received, he could have thought himself +surrounded rather by a band of demons than of human beings; the walls +seemed to drop with blood, and the light tick of the clock thrilled on +his ear with such loud, painful distinctness, as if each sound were the +prick of a bodkin inflicted on the naked nerve of the organ. + + +[Illustration: Morton Awaiting Death--frontispiece2] + + +It was with pain that he felt his mind wavering, while on the brink +between this and the future world. He made a strong effort to compose +himself to devotional exercises, and unequal, during that fearful strife +of nature, to arrange his own thoughts into suitable expressions, he had, +instinctively, recourse to the petition for deliverance and for composure +of spirit which is to be found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Church +of England. Macbriar, whose family were of that persuasion, instantly +recognised the words, which the unfortunate prisoner pronounced half +aloud. + +"There lacked but this," he said, his pale cheek kindling with +resentment, "to root out my carnal reluctance to see his blood spilt. He +is a prelatist, who has sought the camp under the disguise of an +Erastian, and all, and more than all, that has been said of him must +needs be verity. His blood be on his head, the deceiver!--let him go down +to Tophet, with the ill-mumbled mass which he calls a prayer-book, in his +right hand!" + +"I take up my song against him!" exclaimed the maniac. "As the sun went +back on the dial ten degrees for intimating the recovery of holy +Hezekiah, so shall it now go forward, that the wicked may be taken away +from among the people, and the Covenant established in its purity." + +He sprang to a chair with an attitude of frenzy, in order to anticipate +the fatal moment by putting the index forward; and several of the party +began to make ready their slaughter-weapons for immediate execution, when +Mucklewrath's hand was arrested by one of his companions. + +"Hist!" he said--"I hear a distant noise." + +"It is the rushing of the brook over the pebbles," said one. + +"It is the sough of the wind among the bracken," said another. + +"It is the galloping of horse," said Morton to himself, his sense of +hearing rendered acute by the dreadful situation in which he stood; "God +grant they may come as my deliverers!" + +The noise approached rapidly, and became more and more distinct. + +"It is horse," cried Macbriar. "Look out and descry who they are." + +"The enemy are upon us!" cried one who had opened the window, in +obedience to his order. + +A thick trampling and loud voices were heard immediately round the house. +Some rose to resist, and some to escape; the doors and windows were +forced at once, and the red coats of the troopers appeared in the +apartment. + +"Have at the bloody rebels!--Remember Cornet Grahame!" was shouted on +every side. + +The lights were struck down, but the dubious glare of the fire enabled +them to continue the fray. Several pistol-shots were fired; the whig who +stood next to Morton received a shot as he was rising, stumbled against +the prisoner, whom he bore down with his weight, and lay stretched above +him a dying man. This accident probably saved Morton from the damage he +might otherwise have received in so close a struggle, where fire-arms +were discharged and sword-blows given for upwards of five minutes. + +"Is the prisoner safe?" exclaimed the well-known voice of Claverhouse; +"look about for him, and dispatch the whig dog who is groaning there." + +Both orders were executed. The groans of the wounded man were silenced by +a thrust with a rapier, and Morton, disencumbered of his weight, was +speedily raised and in the arms of the faithful Cuddie, who blubbered for +joy when he found that the blood with which his master was covered had +not flowed from his own veins. A whisper in Morton's ear, while his +trusty follower relieved him from his bonds, explained the secret of the +very timely appearance of the soldiers. + +"I fell into Claverhouse's party when I was seeking for some o' our ain +folk to help ye out o' the hands of the whigs, sae being atween the deil +and the deep sea, I e'en thought it best to bring him on wi' me, for +he'll be wearied wi' felling folk the night, and the morn's a new day, +and Lord Evandale awes ye a day in ha'arst; and Monmouth gies quarter, +the dragoons tell me, for the asking. Sae haud up your heart, an' I'se +warrant we'll do a' weel eneugh yet." + + [Note: NOTE TO +CHAPTER XII. The principal incident of the foregoing + Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by + a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the + Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions + in an inferior department. When employed as a supervisor on the + coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man + rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman + had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the + contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue. + + This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one + occasion, placed his life in jeopardy. At one time in particular, as + he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly + upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the + country. They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner + as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, + and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, + since they had met so happily. The officer did not attempt + opposition, but only asked leave to send a country lad to tell his + wife and family that he should be detained later than he expected. + As he had to charge the boy with this message in the presence of the + smugglers, he could found no hope of deliverance from it, save what + might arise from the sharpness of the lad's observation, and the + natural anxiety and affection of his wife. But if his errand should + be delivered and received literally, as he was conscious the + smugglers expected, it was likely that it might, by suspending alarm + about his absence from home, postpone all search after him till it + might be useless. Making a merit of necessity, therefore, he + instructed and dispatched his messenger, and went with the + contraband traders, with seeming willingness, to one of their + ordinary haunts. He sat down at table with them, and they began to + drink and indulge themselves in gross jokes, while, like Mirabel in + the "Inconstant," their prisoner had the heavy task of receiving + their insolence as wit, answering their insults with good-humour, + and withholding from them the opportunity which they sought of + engaging him in a quarrel, that they might have a pretence for + misusing him. He succeeded for some time, but soon became satisfied + it was their purpose to murder him out-right, or else to beat him in + such a manner as scarce to leave him with life. A regard for the + sanctity of the Sabbath evening, which still oddly subsisted among + these ferocious men, amidst their habitual violation of divine and + social law, prevented their commencing their intended cruelty until + the Sabbath should be terminated. They were sitting around their + anxious prisoner, muttering to each other words of terrible import, + and watching the index of a clock, which was shortly to strike the + hour at which, in their apprehension, murder would become lawful, + when their intended victim heard a distant rustling like the wind + among withered leaves. It came nearer, and resembled the sound of a + brook in flood chafing within its banks; it came nearer yet, and was + plainly distinguished as the galloping of a party of horse. The + absence of her husband, and the account given by the boy of the + suspicious appearance of those with whom he had remained, had + induced Mrs--to apply to the neighbouring town for a party of + dragoons, who thus providentially arrived in time to save him from + extreme violence, if not from actual destruction.] + + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife! + To all the sensual world proclaim, + One crowded hour of glorious life + Is worth an age without a name. + Anonymous. + +When the desperate affray had ceased, Claverhouse commanded his soldiers +to remove the dead bodies, to refresh themselves and their horses, and +prepare for passing the night at the farm-house, and for marching early +in the ensuing morning. He then turned his attention to Morton, and there +was politeness, and even kindness, in the manner in which he addressed +him. + +"You would have saved yourself risk from both sides, Mr Morton, if you +had honoured my counsel yesterday morning with some attention; but I +respect your motives. You are a prisoner-of-war at the disposal of the +king and council, but you shall be treated with no incivility; and I will +be satisfied with your parole that you will not attempt an escape." + +When Morton had passed his word to that effect, Claverhouse bowed +civilly, and, turning away from him, called for his sergeant-major. + +"How many prisoners, Halliday, and how many killed?" + +"Three killed in the house, sir, two cut down in the court, and one in +the garden--six in all; four prisoners." + +"Armed or unarmed?" said Claverhouse. + +"Three of them armed to the teeth," answered Halliday; "one without +arms--he seems to be a preacher." + +"Ay--the trumpeter to the long-ear'd rout, I suppose," replied +Claverhouse, glancing slightly round upon his victims, "I will talk with +him tomorrow. Take the other three down to the yard, draw out two files, +and fire upon them; and, d'ye hear, make a memorandum in the orderly book +of three rebels taken in arms and shot, with the date and name of the +place--Drumshinnel, I think, they call it.--Look after the preacher till +to-morrow; as he was not armed, he must undergo a short examination. Or +better, perhaps, take him before the Privy Council; I think they should +relieve me of a share of this disgusting drudgery.--Let Mr Morton be +civilly used, and see that the men look well after their horses; and let +my groom wash Wild-blood's shoulder with some vinegar, the saddle has +touched him a little." + +All these various orders,--for life and death, the securing of his +prisoners, and the washing his charger's shoulder,--were given in the +same unmoved and equable voice, of which no accent or tone intimated that +the speaker considered one direction as of more importance than another. + +The Cameronians, so lately about to be the willing agents of a bloody +execution, were now themselves to undergo it. They seemed prepared alike +for either extremity, nor did any of them show the least sign of fear, +when ordered to leave the room for the purpose of meeting instant death. +Their severe enthusiasm sustained them in that dreadful moment, and they +departed with a firm look and in silence, excepting that one of them, as +he left the apartment, looked Claverhouse full in the face, and +pronounced, with a stern and steady voice,--"Mischief shall haunt the +violent man!" to which Grahame only answered by a smile of contempt. + +They had no sooner left the room than Claverhouse applied himself to some +food, which one or two of his party had hastily provided, and invited +Morton to follow his example, observing, it had been a busy day for them +both. Morton declined eating; for the sudden change of circumstances--the +transition from the verge of the grave to a prospect of life, had +occasioned a dizzy revulsion in his whole system. But the same confused +sensation was accompanied by a burning thirst, and he expressed his wish +to drink. + +"I will pledge you, with all my heart," said Claverhouse; "for here is a +black jack full of ale, and good it must be, if there be good in the +country, for the whigs never miss to find it out.--My service to you, Mr +Morton," he said, filling one horn of ale for himself, and handing +another to his prisoner. + +Morton raised it to his head, and was just about to drink, when the +discharge of carabines beneath the window, followed by a deep and hollow +groan, repeated twice or thrice, and more faint at each interval, +announced the fate of the three men who had just left them. Morton +shuddered, and set down the untasted cup. + +"You are but young in these matters, Mr Morton," said Claverhouse, after +he had very composedly finished his draught; "and I do not think the +worse of you as a young soldier for appearing to feel them acutely. But +habit, duty, and necessity, reconcile men to every thing." + +"I trust," said Morton, "they will never reconcile me to such scenes as +these." + +"You would hardly believe," said Claverhouse in reply, "that, in the +beginning of my military career, I had as much aversion to seeing blood +spilt as ever man felt; it seemed to me to be wrung from my own heart; +and yet, if you trust one of those whig fellows, he will tell you I drink +a warm cup of it every morning before I breakfast. [Note: The author is +uncertain whether this was ever said of Claverhouse. But it was currently +reported of Sir Robert Grierson of Lagg, another of the persecutors, that +a cup of wine placed in his hand turned to clotted blood.] But in truth, +Mr Morton, why should we care so much for death, light upon us or around +us whenever it may? Men die daily--not a bell tolls the hour but it is +the death-note of some one or other; and why hesitate to shorten the span +of others, or take over-anxious care to prolong our own? It is all a +lottery--when the hour of midnight came, you were to die--it has struck, +you are alive and safe, and the lot has fallen on those fellows who were +to murder you. It is not the expiring pang that is worth thinking of in +an event that must happen one day, and may befall us on any given +moment--it is the memory which the soldier leaves behind him, like the +long train of light that follows the sunken sun--that is all which is +worth caring for, which distinguishes the death of the brave or the +ignoble. When I think of death, Mr Morton, as a thing worth thinking of, +it is in the hope of pressing one day some well-fought and hard-won +field of battle, and dying with the shout of victory in my ear--that +would be worth dying for, and more, it would be worth having lived for!" + +At the moment when Grahame delivered these sentiments, his eye glancing +with the martial enthusiasm which formed such a prominent feature in his +character, a gory figure, which seemed to rise out of the floor of the +apartment, stood upright before him, and presented the wild person and +hideous features of the maniac so often mentioned. His face, where it was +not covered with blood-streaks, was ghastly pale, for the hand of death +was on him. He bent upon Claverhouse eyes, in which the grey light of +insanity still twinkled, though just about to flit for ever, and +exclaimed, with his usual wildness of ejaculation, "Wilt thou trust in +thy bow and in thy spear, in thy steed and in thy banner? And shall not +God visit thee for innocent blood?--Wilt thou glory in thy wisdom, and in +thy courage, and in thy might? And shall not the Lord judge thee?--Behold +the princes, for whom thou hast sold thy soul to the destroyer, shall be +removed from their place, and banished to other lands, and their names +shall be a desolation, and an astonishment, and a hissing, and a curse. +And thou, who hast partaken of the wine-cup of fury, and hast been +drunken and mad because thereof, the wish of thy heart shall be granted +to thy loss, and the hope of thine own pride shall destroy thee. I summon +thee, John Grahame, to appear before the tribunal of God, to answer for +this innocent blood, and the seas besides which thou hast shed." + +He drew his right hand across his bleeding face, and held it up to heaven +as he uttered these words, which he spoke very loud, and then added more +faintly, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge +the blood of thy saints!" + +As he uttered the last word, he fell backwards without an attempt to save +himself, and was a dead man ere his head touched the floor. + +Morton was much shocked at this extraordinary scene, and the prophecy of +the dying man, which tallied so strangely with the wish which Claverhouse +had just expressed; and he often thought of it afterwards when that wish +seemed to be accomplished. Two of the dragoons who were in the apartment, +hardened as they were, and accustomed to such scenes, showed great +consternation at the sudden apparition, the event, and the words which +preceded it. Claverhouse alone was unmoved. At the first instant of +Mucklewrath's appearance, he had put his hand to his pistol, but on +seeing the situation of the wounded wretch, he immediately withdrew it, +and listened with great composure to his dying exclamation. + +When he dropped, Claverhouse asked, in an unconcerned tone of voice--"How +came the fellow here?--Speak, you staring fool!" he added, addressing the +nearest dragoon, "unless you would have me think you such a poltroon as +to fear a dying man." + +The dragoon crossed himself, and replied with a faltering voice,--"That +the dead fellow had escaped their notice when they removed the other +bodies, as he chanced to have fallen where a cloak or two had been flung +aside, and covered him." + +"Take him away now, then, you gaping idiot, and see that he does not bite +you, to put an old proverb to shame.--This is a new incident, Mr. Morton, +that dead men should rise and push us from our stools. I must see that my +blackguards grind their swords sharper; they used not to do their work so +slovenly.--But we have had a busy day; they are tired, and their blades +blunted with their bloody work; and I suppose you, Mr Morton, as well as +I, are well disposed for a few hours' repose." + +So saying, he yawned, and taking a candle which a soldier had placed +ready, saluted Morton courteously, and walked to the apartment which had +been prepared for him. + +Morton was also accommodated, for the evening, with a separate room. +Being left alone, his first occupation was the returning thanks to Heaven +for redeeming him from danger, even through the instrumentality of those +who seemed his most dangerous enemies; he also prayed sincerely for the +Divine assistance in guiding his course through times which held out so +many dangers and so many errors. And having thus poured out his spirit in +prayer before the Great Being who gave it, he betook himself to the +repose which he so much required. + + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met, + The judges all ranged--a terrible show! + Beggar's Opera. + +So deep was the slumber which succeeded the agitation and embarrassment +of the preceding day, that Morton hardly knew where he was when it was +broken by the tramp of horses, the hoarse voice of men, and the wild +sound of the trumpets blowing the /reveille/. The sergeant-major +immediately afterwards came to summon him, which he did in a very +respectful manner, saying the General (for Claverhouse now held that +rank) hoped for the pleasure of his company upon the road. In some +situations an intimation is a command, and Morton considered that the +present occasion was one of these. He waited upon Claverhouse as speedily +as he could, found his own horse saddled for his use, and Cuddie in +attendance. Both were deprived of their fire-arms, though they seemed, +otherwise, rather to make part of the troop than of the prisoners; and +Morton was permitted to retain his sword, the wearing which was, in those +days, the distinguishing mark of a gentleman. Claverhouse seemed also to +take pleasure in riding beside him, in conversing with him, and in +confounding his ideas when he attempted to appreciate his real character. +The gentleness and urbanity of that officer's general manners, the high +and chivalrous sentiments of military devotion which he occasionally +expressed, his deep and accurate insight into the human bosom, demanded +at once the approbation and the wonder of those who conversed with him; +while, on the other hand, his cold indifference to military violence and +cruelty seemed altogether inconsistent with the social, and even +admirable qualities which he displayed. Morton could not help, in his +heart, contrasting him with Balfour of Burley; and so deeply did the idea +impress him, that he dropped a hint of it as they rode together at some +distance from the troop. + +"You are right," said Claverhouse, with a smile; "you are very right--we +are both fanatics; but there is some distinction between the fanaticism +of honour and that of dark and sullen superstition." + +"Yet you both shed blood without mercy or remorse," said Morton, who +could not suppress his feelings. + +"Surely," said Claverhouse, with the same composure; "but of what +kind?--There is a difference, I trust, between the blood of learned and +reverend prelates and scholars, of gallant soldiers and noble gentlemen, +and the red puddle that stagnates in the veins of psalm-singing +mechanics, crackbrained demagogues, and sullen boors;--some distinction, +in short, between spilling a flask of generous wine, and dashing down a +can full of base muddy ale?" + +"Your distinction is too nice for my comprehension," replied Morton. "God +gives every spark of life--that of the peasant as well as of the prince; +and those who destroy his work recklessly or causelessly, must answer in +either case. What right, for example, have I to General Grahame's +protection now, more than when I first met him?" + +"And narrowly escaped the consequences, you would say?" answered +Claverhouse--"why, I will answer you frankly. Then I thought I had to do +with the son of an old roundheaded rebel, and the nephew of a sordid +presbyterian laird; now I know your points better, and there is that +about you which I respect in an enemy as much as I like in a friend. I +have learned a good deal concerning you since our first meeting, and I +trust that you have found that my construction of the information has not +been unfavourable to you." + +"But yet," said Morton-- + +"But yet," interrupted Grahame, taking up the word, "you would say you +were the same when I first met you that you are now? True; but then, how +could I know that? though, by the by, even my reluctance to suspend your +execution may show you how high your abilities stood in my estimation." + +"Do you expect, General," said Morton, "that I ought to be particularly +grateful for such a mark of your esteem?" + +"Poh! poh! you are critical," returned Claverhouse. "I tell you I thought +you a different sort of person. Did you ever read Froissart?" + +"No," was Morton's answer. + +"I have half a mind," said Claverhouse, "to contrive you should have six +months' imprisonment in order to procure you that pleasure. His chapters +inspire me with more enthusiasm than even poetry itself. And the noble +canon, with what true chivalrous feeling he confines his beautiful +expressions of sorrow to the death of the gallant and high-bred knight, +of whom it was a pity to see the fall, such was his loyalty to his king, +pure faith to his religion, hardihood towards his enemy, and fidelity to +his lady-love!--Ah, benedicite! how he will mourn over the fall of such a +pearl of knighthood, be it on the side he happens to favour, or on the +other. But, truly, for sweeping from the face of the earth some few +hundreds of villain churls, who are born but to plough it, the high-born +and inquisitive historian has marvellous little sympathy,--as little, or +less, perhaps, than John Grahame of Claverhouse." + +"There is one ploughman in your possession, General, for whom," said +Morton, "in despite of the contempt in which you hold a profession which +some philosophers have considered as useful as that of a soldier, I would +humbly request your favour." + +"You mean," said Claverhouse, looking at a memorandum book, "one +Hatherick--Hedderick--or--or--Headrigg. Ay, Cuthbert, or Cuddie +Headrigg--here I have him. O, never fear him, if he will be but +tractable. The ladies of Tillietudlem made interest with me on his +account some time ago. He is to marry their waiting-maid, I think. He +will be allowed to slip off easy, unless his obstinacy spoils his good +fortune." + +"He has no ambition to be a martyr, I believe," said Morton. + +"'Tis the better for him," said Claverhouse. "But, besides, although the +fellow had more to answer for, I should stand his friend, for the sake of +the blundering gallantry which threw him into the midst of our ranks last +night, when seeking assistance for you. I never desert any man who trusts +me with such implicit confidence. But, to deal sincerely with you, he has +been long in our eye.--Here, Halliday; bring me up the black book." + +The sergeant, having committed to his commander this ominous record of +the disaffected, which was arranged in alphabetical order, Claverhouse, +turning over the leaves as he rode on, began to read names as they +occurred. + +"Gumblegumption, a minister, aged 50, indulged, close, sly, and so +forth--Pooh! pooh!--He--He--I have him here--Heathercat; outlawed--a +preacher--a zealous Cameronian--keeps a conventicle among the Campsie +hills--Tush!--O, here is Headrigg--Cuthbert; his mother a bitter +puritan--himself a simple fellow--like to be forward in action, but of +no genius for plots--more for the hand than the head, and might be drawn +to the right side, but for his attachment to"--(Here Claverhouse looked +at Morton, and then shut the book and changed his tone.) "Faithful and +true are words never thrown away upon me, Mr Morton. You may depend on +the young man's safety." + +"Does it not revolt a mind like yours," said Morton, "to follow a system +which is to be supported by such minute enquiries after obscure +individuals?" + +"You do not suppose we take the trouble?" said the General, haughtily. +"The curates, for their own sakes, willingly collect all these materials +for their own regulation in each parish; they know best the black sheep +of the flock. I have had your picture for three years." + +"Indeed?" replied Morton. "Will you favour me by imparting it?" + +"Willingly," said Claverhouse; "it can signify little, for you cannot +avenge yourself on the curate, as you will probably leave Scotland for +some time." + +This was spoken in an indifferent tone. Morton felt an involuntary +shudder at hearing words which implied a banishment from his native land; +but ere he answered, Claverhouse proceeded to read, "Henry Morton, son of +Silas Morton, Colonel of horse for the Scottish Parliament, nephew and +apparent heir of Morton of Milnwood--imperfectly educated, but with +spirit beyond his years--excellent at all exercises--indifferent to forms +of religion, but seems to incline to the presbyterian--has high-flown and +dangerous notions about liberty of thought and speech, and hovers between +a latitudinarian and an enthusiast. Much admired and followed by the +youth of his own age--modest, quiet, and unassuming in manner, but in his +heart peculiarly bold and intractable. He is--Here follow three red +crosses, Mr Morton, which signify triply dangerous. You see how important +a person you are.--But what does this fellow want?" + +A horseman rode up as he spoke, and gave a letter. Claverhouse glanced it +over, laughed scornfully, bade him tell his master to send his prisoners +to Edinburgh, for there was no answer; and, as the man turned back, said +contemptuously to Morton--"Here is an ally of yours deserted from you, or +rather, I should say, an ally of your good friend Burley--Hear how he +sets forth--'Dear Sir,' (I wonder when we were such intimates,) 'may it +please your Excellency to accept my humble congratulations on the +victory'--hum--hum--'blessed his Majesty's army. I pray you to understand +I have my people under arms to take and intercept all fugitives, and have +already several prisoners,' and so forth. Subscribed Basil Olifant--You +know the fellow by name, I suppose?" + +"A relative of Lady Margaret Bellenden," replied Morton, "is he not?" + +"Ay," replied Grahame, "and heir-male of her father's family, though a +distant one, and moreover a suitor to the fair Edith, though discarded as +an unworthy one; but, above all, a devoted admirer of the estate of +Tillietudlem, and all thereunto belonging." + +"He takes an ill mode of recommending himself," said Morton, suppressing +his feelings, "to the family at Tillietudlem, by corresponding with our +unhappy party." + +"O, this precious Basil will turn cat in pan with any man!" replied +Claverhouse. "He was displeased with the government, because they would +not overturn in his favour a settlement of the late Earl of Torwood, by +which his lordship gave his own estate to his own daughter; he was +displeased with Lady Margaret, because she avowed no desire for his +alliance, and with the pretty Edith, because she did not like his tall +ungainly person. So he held a close correspondence with Burley, and +raised his followers with the purpose of helping him, providing always he +needed no help, that is, if you had beat us yesterday. And now the rascal +pretends he was all the while proposing the King's service, and, for +aught I know, the council will receive his pretext for current coin, for +he knows how to make friends among them--and a dozen scores of poor +vagabond fanatics will be shot, or hanged, while this cunning scoundrel +lies hid under the double cloak of loyalty, well-lined with the fox-fur +of hypocrisy." + +With conversation on this and other matters they beguiled the way, +Claverhouse all the while speaking with great frankness to Morton, and +treating him rather as a friend and companion than as a prisoner; so +that, however uncertain of his fate, the hours he passed in the company +of this remarkable man were so much lightened by the varied play of his +imagination, and the depth of his knowledge of human nature, that since +the period of his becoming a prisoner of war, which relieved him at once +from the cares of his doubtful and dangerous station among the +insurgents, and from the consequences of their suspicious resentment, his +hours flowed on less anxiously than at any time since his having +commenced actor in public life. He was now, with respect to his fortune, +like a rider who has flung his reins on the horse's neck, and, while he +abandoned himself to circumstances, was at least relieved from the task +of attempting to direct them. In this mood he journeyed on, the number of +his companions being continually augmented by detached parties of horse +who came in from every quarter of the country, bringing with them, for +the most part, the unfortunate persons who had fallen into their power. +At length they approached Edinburgh. + +"Our council," said Claverhouse, "being resolved, I suppose, to testify +by their present exultation the extent of their former terror, have +decreed a kind of triumphal entry to us victors and our captives; but as +I do not quite approve the taste of it, I am willing to avoid my own part +in the show, and, at the same time, to save you from yours." + +So saying, he gave up the command of the forces to Allan, (now a +Lieutenant-colonel,) and, turning his horse into a by-lane, rode into the +city privately, accompanied by Morton and two or three servants. When +Claverhouse arrived at the quarters which he usually occupied in the +Canongate, he assigned to his prisoner a small apartment, with an +intimation, that his parole confined him to it for the present. + +After about a quarter of an hour spent in solitary musing on the strange +vicissitudes of his late life, the attention of Morton was summoned to +the window by a great noise in the street beneath. Trumpets, drums, and +kettle-drums, contended in noise with the shouts of a numerous rabble, +and apprised him that the royal cavalry were passing in the triumphal +attitude which Claverhouse had mentioned. The magistrates of the city, +attended by their guard of halberds, had met the victors with their +welcome at the gate of the city, and now preceded them as a part of the +procession. The next object was two heads borne upon pikes; and before +each bloody head were carried the hands of the dismembered sufferers, +which were, by the brutal mockery of those who bore them, often +approached towards each other as if in the attitude of exhortation or +prayer. These bloody trophies belonged to two preachers who had fallen at +Bothwell Bridge. After them came a cart led by the executioner's +assistant, in which were placed Macbriar, and other two prisoners, who +seemed of the same profession. They were bareheaded, and strongly bound, +yet looked around them with an air rather of triumph than dismay, and +appeared in no respect moved either by the fate of their companions, of +which the bloody evidences were carried before them, or by dread of their +own approaching execution, which these preliminaries so plainly +indicated. + +Behind these prisoners, thus held up to public infamy and derision, came +a body of horse, brandishing their broadswords, and filling the wide +street with acclamations, which were answered by the tumultuous outcries +and shouts of the rabble, who, in every considerable town, are too happy +in being permitted to huzza for any thing whatever which calls them +together. In the rear of these troopers came the main body of the +prisoners, at the head of whom were some of their leaders, who were +treated with every circumstance of inventive mockery and insult. Several +were placed on horseback with their faces to the animal's tail; others +were chained to long bars of iron, which they were obliged to support in +their hands, like the galleyslaves in Spain when travelling to the port +where they are to be put on shipboard. The heads of others who had fallen +were borne in triumph before the survivors, some on pikes and halberds, +some in sacks, bearing the names of the slaughtered persons labelled on +the outside. Such were the objects who headed the ghastly procession, who +seemed as effectually doomed to death as if they wore the sanbenitos of +the condemned heretics in an auto-da-fe. [Note: David Hackston of +Rathillet, who was wounded and made prisoner in the skirmish of +Air's-Moss, in which the celebrated Cameron fell, was, on entering +Edinburgh, "by order of the Council, received by the Magistrates at the +Watergate, and set on a horse's bare back with his face to the tail, and +the other three laid on a goad of iron, and carried up the street, Mr +Cameron's head being on a halberd before them."] + +Behind them came on the nameless crowd to the number of several hundreds, +some retaining under their misfortunes a sense of confidence in the cause +for which they suffered captivity, and were about to give a still more +bloody testimony; others seemed pale, dispirited, dejected, questioning +in their own minds their prudence in espousing a cause which Providence +seemed to have disowned, and looking about for some avenue through which +they might escape from the consequences of their rashness. Others there +were who seemed incapable of forming an opinion on the subject, or of +entertaining either hope, confidence, or fear, but who, foaming with +thirst and fatigue, stumbled along like over-driven oxen, lost to every +thing but their present sense of wretchedness, and without having any +distinct idea whether they were led to the shambles or to the pasture. +These unfortunate men were guarded on each hand by troopers, and behind +them came the main body of the cavalry, whose military music resounded +back from the high houses on each side of the street, and mingled with +their own songs of jubilee and triumph, and the wild shouts of the +rabble. + +Morton felt himself heart-sick while he gazed on the dismal spectacle, +and recognised in the bloody heads, and still more miserable and agonized +features of the living sufferers, faces which had been familiar to him +during the brief insurrection. He sunk down in a chair in a bewildered +and stupified state, from which he was awakened by the voice of Cuddie. + +"Lord forgie us, sir!" said the poor fellow, his teeth chattering like a +pair of nut-crackers, his hair erect like boar's bristles, and his face +as pale as that of a corpse--"Lord forgie us, sir! we maun instantly gang +before the Council!--O Lord, what made them send for a puir bodie like +me, sae mony braw lords and gentles!--and there's my mither come on the +lang tramp frae Glasgow to see to gar me testify, as she ca's it, that is +to say, confess and be hanged; but deil tak me if they mak sic a guse o' +Cuddie, if I can do better. But here's Claverhouse himsell--the Lord +preserve and forgie us, I say anes mair!" + +"You must immediately attend the Council Mr Morton," said Claverhouse, +who entered while Cuddie spoke, "and your servant must go with you. You +need be under no apprehension for the consequences to yourself +personally. But I warn you that you will see something that will give you +much pain, and from which I would willingly have saved you, if I had +possessed the power. My carriage waits us--shall we go?" + +It will be readily supposed that Morton did not venture to dispute this +invitation, however unpleasant. He rose and accompanied Claverhouse. + +"I must apprise you," said the latter, as he led the way down stairs, +"that you will get off cheap; and so will your servant, provided he can +keep his tongue quiet." + +Cuddie caught these last words to his exceeding joy. + +"Deil a fear o' me," said he, "an my mither disna pit her finger in the +pie." + +At that moment his shoulder was seized by old Mause, who had contrived to +thrust herself forward into the lobby of the apartment. + +"O, hinny, hinny!" said she to Cuddie, hanging upon his neck, "glad and +proud, and sorry and humbled am I, a'in ane and the same instant, to see +my bairn ganging to testify for the truth gloriously with his mouth in +council, as he did with his weapon in the field!" + +"Whisht, whisht, mither!" cried Cuddie impatiently. "Odd, ye daft wife, +is this a time to speak o' thae things? I tell ye I'll testify naething +either ae gate or another. I hae spoken to Mr Poundtext, and I'll tak the +declaration, or whate'er they ca'it, and we're a' to win free off if we +do that--he's gotten life for himsell and a' his folk, and that's a +minister for my siller; I like nane o' your sermons that end in a psalm +at the Grassmarket." [Note: Then the place of public execution.] + +"O, Cuddie, man, laith wad I be they suld hurt ye," said old Mause, +divided grievously between the safety of her son's soul and that of his +body; "but mind, my bonny bairn, ye hae battled for the faith, and dinna +let the dread o' losing creature-comforts withdraw ye frae the gude +fight." + +"Hout tout, mither," replied Cuddie, "I hae fought e'en ower muckle +already, and, to speak plain, I'm wearied o'the trade. I hae swaggered +wi' a' thae arms, and muskets, and pistols, buffcoats, and bandoliers, +lang eneugh, and I like the pleughpaidle a hantle better. I ken naething +suld gar a man fight, (that's to say, when he's no angry,) by and +out-taken the dread o'being hanged or killed if he turns back." + +"But, my dear Cuddie," continued the persevering Mause, "your bridal +garment--Oh, hinny, dinna sully the marriage garment!" + +"Awa, awa, mither," replied. Cuddie; "dinna ye see the folks waiting for +me?--Never fear me--I ken how to turn this far better than ye do--for +ye're bleezing awa about marriage, and the job is how we are to win by +hanging." + +So saying, he extricated himself out of his mother's embraces, and +requested the soldiers who took him in charge to conduct him to the place +of examination without delay. He had been already preceded by Claverhouse +and Morton. + + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + My native land, good night! + Lord Byron. + +The Privy Council of Scotland, in whom the practice since the union of +the crowns vested great judicial powers, as well as the general +superintendence of the executive department, was met in the ancient dark +Gothic room, adjoining to the House of Parliament in Edinburgh, when +General Grahame entered and took his place amongst the members at the +council table. + +"You have brought us a leash of game to-day, General," said a nobleman of +high place amongst them. "Here is a craven to confess--a cock of the game +to stand at bay--and what shall I call the third, General?" + +"Without further metaphor, I will entreat your Grace to call him a person +in whom I am specially interested," replied Claverhouse. + +"And a whig into the bargain?" said the nobleman, lolling out a tongue +which was at all times too big for his mouth, and accommodating his +coarse features to a sneer, to which they seemed to be familiar. + +"Yes, please your Grace, a whig; as your Grace was in 1641," replied +Claverhouse, with his usual appearance of imperturbable civility. + +"He has you there, I think, my Lord Duke," said one of the Privy +Councillors. + +"Ay, ay," returned the Duke, laughing, "there's no speaking to him since +Drumclog--but come, bring in the prisoners--and do you, Mr Clerk, read +the record." + +The clerk read forth a bond, in which General Grahame of Claverhouse and +Lord Evandale entered themselves securities, that Henry Morton, younger +of Milnwood, should go abroad and remain in foreign parts, until his +Majesty's pleasure was further known, in respect of the said Henry +Morton's accession to the late rebellion, and that under penalty of life +and limb to the said Henry Morton, and of ten thousand marks to each of +his securities. + +"Do you accept of the King's mercy upon these terms, Mr Morton?" said the +Duke of Lauderdale, who presided in the Council. + +"I have no other choice, my lord," replied Morton. + +"Then subscribe your name in the record." + +Morton did so without reply, conscious that, in the circumstances of his +case, it was impossible for him to have escaped more easily. Macbriar, +who was at the same instant brought to the foot of the council-table, +bound upon a chair, for his weakness prevented him from standing, beheld +Morton in the act of what he accounted apostasy. + +"He hath summed his defection by owning the carnal power of the tyrant!" +he exclaimed, with a deep groan--"A fallen star!--a fallen star!" + +"Hold your peace, sir," said the Duke, "and keep your ain breath to cool +your ain porridge--ye'll find them scalding hot, I promise you.--Call in +the other fellow, who has some common sense. One sheep will leap the +ditch when another goes first." + +Cuddie was introduced unbound, but under the guard of two halberdiers, +and placed beside Macbriar at the foot of the table. The poor fellow cast +a piteous look around him, in which were mingled awe for the great men in +whose presence he stood, and compassion for his fellow-sufferers, with no +small fear of the personal consequences which impended over himself. He +made his clownish obeisances with a double portion of reverence, and then +awaited the opening of the awful scene. + +"Were you at the battle of Bothwell Brigg?" was the first question which +was thundered in his ears. + +Cuddie meditated a denial, but had sense enough, upon reflection, to +discover that the truth would be too strong for him; so he replied, with +true Caledonian indirectness of response, "I'll no say but it may be +possible that I might hae been there." + +"Answer directly, you knave--yes, or no?--You know you were there." + +"It's no for me to contradict your Lordship's Grace's honour," said +Cuddie. + +"Once more, sir, were you there?--yes, or no?" said the Duke, +impatiently. + +"Dear stir," again replied Cuddie, "how can ane mind preceesely where +they hae been a' the days o' their life?" + +"Speak out, you scoundrel," said General Dalzell, "or I'll dash your +teeth out with my dudgeonhaft!--Do you think we can stand here all day to +be turning and dodging with you, like greyhounds after a hare?" [Note: +The General is said to have struck one of the captive whigs, when under +examination, with the hilt of his sabre, so that the blood gushed out. +The provocation for this unmanly violence was, that the prisoner had +called the fierce veteran "a Muscovy beast, who used to roast men." +Dalzell had been long in the Russian service, which in those days was no +school of humanity.] + +"Aweel, then," said Cuddie, "since naething else will please ye, write +down that I cannot deny but I was there." + +"Well, sir," said the Duke, "and do you think that the rising upon that +occasion was rebellion or not?" + +"I'm no just free to gie my opinion, stir," said the cautious captive, +"on what might cost my neck; but I doubt it will be very little better." + +"Better than what?" + +"Just than rebellion, as your honour ca's it," replied Cuddie. + +"Well, sir, that's speaking to the purpose," replied his Grace. "And are +you content to accept of the King's pardon for your guilt as a rebel, and +to keep the church, and pray for the King?" + +"Blithely, stir," answered the unscrupulous Cuddie; "and drink his health +into the bargain, when the ale's gude." + +"Egad," said the Duke, "this is a hearty cock.--What brought you into +such a scrape, mine honest friend?" + +"Just ill example, stir," replied the prisoner, "and a daft auld jaud of +a mither, wi' reverence to your Grace's honour." + +"Why, God-a-mercy, my friend," replied the Duke, "take care of bad advice +another time; I think you are not likely to commit treason on your own +score.--Make out his free pardon, and bring forward the rogue in the +chair." + +Macbriar was then moved forward to the post of examination. + +"Were you at the battle of Bothwell Bridge?" was, in like manner, +demanded of him. + +"I was," answered the prisoner, in a bold and resolute tone. + +"Were you armed?" + +"I was not--I went in my calling as a preacher of God's word, to +encourage them that drew the sword in His cause." + +"In other words, to aid and abet the rebels?" said the Duke. + +"Thou hast spoken it," replied the prisoner. + +"Well, then," continued the interrogator, "let us know if you saw John +Balfour of Burley among the party?--I presume you know him?" + +"I bless God that I do know him," replied Macbriar; "he is a zealous and +a sincere Christian." + +"And when and where did you last see this pious personage?" was the query +which immediately followed. + +"I am here to answer for myself," said Macbriar, in the same dauntless +manner, "and not to endanger others." + +"We shall know," said Dalzell, "how to make you find your tongue." + +"If you can make him fancy himself in a conventicle," answered +Lauderdale, "he will find it without you.--Come, laddie, speak while the +play is good--you're too young to bear the burden will be laid on you +else." + +"I defy you," retorted Macbriar. "This has not been the first of my +imprisonments or of my sufferings; and, young as I may be, I have lived +long enough to know how to die when I am called upon." + +"Ay, but there are some things which must go before an easy death, if you +continue obstinate," said Lauderdale, and rung a small silver bell which +was placed before him on the table. + +A dark crimson curtain, which covered a sort of niche, or Gothic recess +in the wall, rose at the signal, and displayed the public executioner, a +tall, grim, and hideous man, having an oaken table before him, on which +lay thumb-screws, and an iron case, called the Scottish boot, used in +those tyrannical days to torture accused persons. Morton, who was +unprepared for this ghastly apparition, started when the curtain arose, +but Macbriar's nerves were more firm. He gazed upon the horrible +apparatus with much composure; and if a touch of nature called the blood +from his cheek for a second, resolution sent it back to his brow with +greater energy. + +"Do you know who that man is?" said Lauderdale, in a low, stern voice, +almost sinking into a whisper. + +"He is, I suppose," replied Macbriar, "the infamous executioner of your +bloodthirsty commands upon the persons of God's people. He and you are +equally beneath my regard; and, I bless God, I no more fear what he can +inflict than what you can command. Flesh and blood may shrink under the +sufferings you can doom me to, and poor frail nature may shed tears, or +send forth cries; but I trust my soul is anchored firmly on the rock of +ages." + +"Do your duty," said the Duke to the executioner. + +The fellow advanced, and asked, with a harsh and discordant voice, upon +which of the prisoner's limbs he should first employ his engine. + +"Let him choose for himself," said the Duke; "I should like to oblige him +in any thing that is reasonable." + +"Since you leave it to me," said the prisoner, stretching forth his right +leg, "take the best--I willingly bestow it in the cause for which I +suffer." [Note: This was the reply actually made by James Mitchell when +subjected to the torture of the boot, for an attempt to assassinate +Archbishop Sharpe.] + +The executioner, with the help of his assistants, enclosed the leg and +knee within the tight iron boot, or case, and then placing a wedge of the +same metal between the knee and the edge of the machine, took a mallet in +his hand, and stood waiting for farther orders. A well-dressed man, by +profession a surgeon, placed himself by the other side of the prisoner's +chair, bared the prisoner's arm, and applied his thumb to the pulse in +order to regulate the torture according to the strength of the patient. +When these preparations were made, the President of the Council repeated +with the same stern voice the question, "When and where did you last see +John Balfour of Burley?" + +The prisoner, instead of replying to him, turned his eyes to heaven as if +imploring Divine strength, and muttered a few words, of which the last +were distinctly audible, "Thou hast said thy people shall be willing in +the day of thy power!" + +The Duke of Lauderdale glanced his eye around the council as if to +collect their suffrages, and, judging from their mute signs, gave on his +own part a nod to the executioner, whose mallet instantly descended on +the wedge, and, forcing it between the knee and the iron boot, occasioned +the most exquisite pain, as was evident from the flush which instantly +took place on the brow and on the cheeks of the sufferer. The fellow then +again raised his weapon, and stood prepared to give a second blow. + +"Will you yet say," repeated the Duke of Lauderdale, "where and when you +last parted from Balfour of Burley?" + +"You have my answer," said the sufferer resolutely, and the second blow +fell. The third and fourth succeeded; but at the fifth, when a larger +wedge had been introduced, the prisoner set up a scream of agony. + +Morton, whose blood boiled within him at witnessing such cruelty, could +bear no longer, and, although unarmed and himself in great danger, was +springing forward, when Claverhouse, who observed his emotion, withheld +him by force, laying one hand on his arm and the other on his mouth, +while he whispered, "For God's sake, think where you are!" + +This movement, fortunately for him, was observed by no other of the +councillors, whose attention was engaged with the dreadful scene before +them. + +"He is gone," said the surgeon--"he has fainted, my Lords, and human +nature can endure no more." + +"Release him," said the Duke; and added, turning to Dalzell, "He will +make an old proverb good, for he'll scarce ride to-day, though he has had +his boots on. I suppose we must finish with him?" + +"Ay, dispatch his sentence, and have done with him; we have plenty of +drudgery behind." + +Strong waters and essences were busily employed to recall the senses of +the unfortunate captive; and, when his first faint gasps intimated a +return of sensation, the Duke pronounced sentence of death upon him, as a +traitor taken in the act of open rebellion, and adjudged him to be +carried from the bar to the common place of execution, and there hanged +by the neck; his head and hands to be stricken off after death, and +disposed of according to the pleasure of the Council, [Note: The pleasure +of the Council respecting the relics of their victims was often as savage +as the rest of their conduct. The heads of the preachers were frequently +exposed on pikes between their two hands, the palms displayed as in the +attitude of prayer. When the celebrated Richard Cameron's head was +exposed in this manner, a spectator bore testimony to it as that of one +who lived praying and preaching, and died praying and fighting.] and all +and sundry his movable goods and gear escheat and inbrought to his +Majesty's use. + +"Doomster," he continued, "repeat the sentence to the prisoner." + +The office of Doomster was in those days, and till a much later period, +held by the executioner in commendam, with his ordinary functions. [Note: +See a note on the subject of this office in the Heart of Mid-Lothian.] +The duty consisted in reciting to the unhappy criminal the sentence of +the law as pronounced by the judge, which acquired an additional and +horrid emphasis from the recollection, that the hateful personage by whom +it was uttered was to be the agent of the cruelties he denounced. +Macbriar had scarce understood the purport of the words as first +pronounced by the Lord President of the Council; but he was sufficiently +recovered to listen and to reply to the sentence when uttered by the +harsh and odious voice of the ruffian who was to execute it, and at the +last awful words, "And this I pronounce for doom," he answered boldly--" +My Lords, I thank you for the only favour I looked for, or would accept +at your hands, namely, that you have sent the crushed and maimed carcass, +which has this day sustained your cruelty, to this hasty end. It were +indeed little to me whether I perish on the gallows or in the +prison-house; but if death, following close on what I have this day +suffered, had found me in my cell of darkness and bondage, many might +have lost the sight how a Christian man can suffer in the good cause. For +the rest, I forgive you, my Lords, for what you have appointed and I have +sustained--And why should I not?--Ye send me to a happy exchange--to the +company of angels and the spirits of the just, for that of frail dust +and ashes--Ye send me from darkness into day--from mortality to +immortality--and, in a word, from earth to heaven!--If the thanks, +therefore, and pardon of a dying man can do you good, take them at my +hand, and may your last moments be as happy as mine!" + +As he spoke thus, with a countenance radiant with joy and triumph, he was +withdrawn by those who had brought him into the apartment, and executed +within half an hour, dying with the same enthusiastic firmness which his +whole life had evinced. + +The Council broke up, and Morton found himself again in the carriage with +General Grahame. + +"Marvellous firmness and gallantry!" said Morton, as he reflected upon +Macbriar's conduct; "what a pity it is that with such self-devotion and +heroism should have been mingled the fiercer features of his sect!" + +"You mean," said Claverhouse, "his resolution to condemn you to death?-- +To that he would have reconciled himself by a single text; for example, +'And Phinehas arose and executed judgment,' or something to the same +purpose.--But wot ye where you are now bound, Mr Morton?" + +"We are on the road to Leith, I observe," answered Morton. "Can I not be +permitted to see my friends ere I leave my native land?" + +"Your uncle," replied Grahame, "has been spoken to, and declines visiting +you. The good gentleman is terrified, and not without some reason, that +the crime of your treason may extend itself over his lands and +tenements--he sends you, however, his blessing, and a small sum of money. +Lord Evandale continues extremely indisposed. Major Bellenden is at +Tillietudlem putting matters in order. The scoundrels have made great +havoc there with Lady Margaret's muniments of antiquity, and have +desecrated and destroyed what the good lady called the Throne of his most +Sacred Majesty. Is there any one else whom you would wish to see?" + +Morton sighed deeply as he answered, "No--it would avail nothing.--But my +preparations,--small as they are, some must be necessary." + +"They are all ready for you," said the General. "Lord Evandale has +anticipated all you wish. Here is a packet from him with letters of +recommendation for the court of the Stadtholder Prince of Orange, to +which I have added one or two. I made my first campaigns under him, and +first saw fire at the battle of Seneff. [Note: August 1674. Claverhouse +greatly distinguished himself in this action, and was made Captain.] +There are also bills of exchange for your immediate wants, and more will +be sent when you require it." + +Morton heard all this and received the parcel with an astounded and +confused look, so sudden was the execution of the sentence of banishment. + +"And my servant?" he said. + +"He shall be taken care of, and replaced, if it be practicable, in the +service of Lady Margaret Bellenden; I think he will hardly neglect the +parade of the feudal retainers, or go a-whigging a second time.--But here +we are upon the quay, and the boat waits you." + +It was even as Claverhouse said. A boat waited for Captain Morton, with +the trunks and baggage belonging to his rank. Claverhouse shook him by +the hand, and wished him good fortune, and a happy return to Scotland in +quieter times. + +"I shall never forget," he said, "the gallantry of your behaviour to my +friend Evandale, in circumstances when many men would have sought to rid +him out of their way." + +Another friendly pressure, and they parted. As Morton descended the pier +to get into the boat, a hand placed in his a letter folded up in very +small space. He looked round. The person who gave it seemed much muffled +up; he pressed his finger upon his lip, and then disappeared among the +crowd. The incident awakened Morton's curiosity; and when he found +himself on board of a vessel bound for Rotterdam, and saw all his +companions of the voyage busy making their own arrangements, he took an +opportunity to open the billet thus mysteriously thrust upon him. It ran +thus:--"Thy courage on the fatal day when Israel fled before his +enemies, hath, in some measure, atoned for thy unhappy owning of the +Erastian interest. These are not days for Ephraim to strive with Israel. +--I know thy heart is with the daughter of the stranger. But turn from +that folly; for in exile, and in flight, and even in death itself, shall +my hand be heavy against that bloody and malignant house, and Providence +hath given me the means of meting unto them with their own measure of +ruin and confiscation. The resistance of their stronghold was the main +cause of our being scattered at Bothwell Bridge, and I have bound it upon +my soul to visit it upon them. Wherefore, think of her no more, but join +with our brethren in banishment, whose hearts are still towards this +miserable land to save and to relieve her. There is an honest remnant in +Holland whose eyes are looking out for deliverance. Join thyself unto +them like the true son of the stout and worthy Silas Morton, and thou +wilt have good acceptance among them for his sake and for thine own +working. Shouldst thou be found worthy again to labour in the vineyard, +thou wilt at all times hear of my in-comings and out-goings, by enquiring +after Quintin Mackell of Irongray, at the house of that singular +Christian woman, Bessie Maclure, near to the place called the Howff, +where Niel Blane entertaineth guests. So much from him who hopes to hear +again from thee in brotherhood, resisting unto blood, and striving +against sin. Meanwhile, possess thyself in patience. Keep thy sword +girded, and thy lamp burning, as one that wakes in the night; for He who +shall judge the Mount of Esau, and shall make false professors as straw, +and malignants as stubble, will come in the fourth watch with garments +dyed in blood, and the house of Jacob shall be for spoil, and the house +of Joseph for fire. I am he that hath written it, whose hand hath been on +the mighty in the waste field." + +This extraordinary letter was subscribed J. B. of B.; but the signature +of these initials was not necessary for pointing out to Morton that it +could come from no other than Burley. It gave him new occasion to admire +the indomitable spirit of this man, who, with art equal to his courage +and obstinacy, was even now endeavouring to re-establish the web of +conspiracy which had been so lately torn to pieces. But he felt no sort +of desire, in the present moment, to sustain a correspondence which must +be perilous, or to renew an association, which, in so many ways, had been +nearly fatal to him. The threats which Burley held out against the family +of Bellenden, he considered as a mere expression of his spleen on account +of their defence of Tillietudlem; and nothing seemed less likely than +that, at the very moment of their party being victorious, their fugitive +and distressed adversary could exercise the least influence over their +fortunes. + +Morton, however, hesitated for an instant, whether he should not send +the Major or Lord Evandale intimation of Burley's threats. Upon +consideration, he thought he could not do so without betraying his +confidential correspondence; for to warn them of his menaces would have +served little purpose, unless he had given them a clew to prevent them, +by apprehending his person; while, by doing so, he deemed he should +commit an ungenerous breach of trust to remedy an evil which seemed +almost imaginary. Upon mature consideration, therefore, he tore the +letter, having first made a memorandum of the name and place where the +writer was to be heard of, and threw the fragments into the sea. + +While Morton was thus employed the vessel was unmoored, and the white +sails swelled out before a favourable north-west wind. The ship leaned +her side to the gale, and went roaring through the waves, leaving a long +and rippling furrow to track her course. The city and port from which he +had sailed became undistinguishable in the distance; the hills by which +they were surrounded melted finally into the blue sky, and Morton was +separated for several years from the land of his nativity. + + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Whom does time gallop withal? + As You Like It. + +It is fortunate for tale-tellers that they are not tied down like +theatrical writers to the unities of time and place, but may conduct +their personages to Athens and Thebes at their pleasure, and bring them +back at their convenience. Time, to use Rosalind's simile, has hitherto +paced with the hero of our tale; for betwixt Morton's first appearance as +a competitor for the popinjay and his final departure for Holland hardly +two months elapsed. Years, however, glided away ere we find it possible +to resume the thread of our narrative, and Time must be held to have +galloped over the interval. Craving, therefore, the privilege of my cast, +I entreat the reader's attention to the continuation of the narrative, as +it starts from a new era, being the year immediately subsequent to the +British Revolution. + +Scotland had just begun to repose from the convulsion occasioned by a +change of dynasty, and, through the prudent tolerance of King William, +had narrowly escaped the horrors of a protracted civil war. Agriculture +began to revive, and men, whose minds had been disturbed by the violent +political concussions, and the general change of government in Church and +State, had begun to recover their ordinary temper, and to give the usual +attention to their own private affairs, in lieu of discussing those of +the public. The Highlanders alone resisted the newly established order of +things, and were in arms in a considerable body under the Viscount of +Dundee, whom our readers have hitherto known by the name of Grahame of +Claverhouse. But the usual state of the Highlands was so unruly that +their being more or less disturbed was not supposed greatly to affect the +general tranquillity of the country, so long as their disorders were +confined within their own frontiers. In the Lowlands, the Jacobites, now +the undermost party, had ceased to expect any immediate advantage by open +resistance, and were, in their turn, driven to hold private meetings, and +form associations for mutual defence, which the government termed +treason, while they cried out persecution. + +The triumphant Whigs, while they re-established Presbytery as the +national religion, and assigned to the General Assemblies of the Kirk +their natural influence, were very far from going the lengths which the +Cameronians and more extravagant portion of the nonconformists under +Charles and James loudly demanded. They would listen to no proposal for +re-establishing the Solemn League and Covenant; and those who had +expected to find in King William a zealous Covenanted Monarch, were +grievously disappointed when he intimated, with the phlegm peculiar to +his country, his intention to tolerate all forms of religion which were +consistent with the safety of the State. The principles of indulgence +thus espoused and gloried in by the Government gave great offence to the +more violent party, who condemned them as diametrically contrary to +Scripture,--for which narrow-spirited doctrine they cited various texts, +all, as it may well be supposed, detached from their context, and most of +them derived from the charges given to the Jews in the Old Testament +dispensation to extirpate idolaters out of the Promised Land. They also +murmured highly against the influence assumed by secular persons in +exercising the rights of patronage, which they termed a rape upon the +chastity of the Church. They censured and condemned as Erastian many of +the measures by which Government after the Revolution showed an +inclination to interfere with the management of the Church, and they +positively refused to take the oath of allegiance to King William and +Queen Mary until they should, on their part, have sworn to the Solemn +League--and Covenant, the Magna Charta, as they termed it, of the +Presbyterian Church. + +This party, therefore, remained grumbling and dissatisfied, and made +repeated declarations against defections and causes of wrath, which, had +they been prosecuted as in the two former reigns, would have led to the +same consequence of open rebellion. But as the murmurers were allowed to +hold their meetings uninterrupted, and to testify as much as they pleased +against Socinianism, Erastianism, and all the compliances and defections +of the time, their zeal, unfanned by persecution, died gradually away, +their numbers became diminished, and they sunk into the scattered remnant +of serious, scrupulous, and harmless enthusiasts, of whom Old Mortality, +whose legends have afforded the groundwork of my tale, may be taken as no +bad representative. But in the years which immediately succeeded the +Revolution, the Cameronians continued a sect strong in numbers and +vehement in their political opinions, whom Government wished to +discourage, while they prudently temporised with them. These men formed +one violent party in the State; and the Episcopalian and Jacobite +interest, notwithstanding their ancient and national animosity, yet +repeatedly endeavoured to intrigue among them, and avail themselves of +their discontents, to obtain their assistance in recalling the Stewart +family. The Revolutionary Government in the mean while, was supported by +the great bulk of the Lowland interest, who were chiefly disposed to a +moderate Presbytery, and formed in a great measure the party who in the +former oppressive reigns were stigmatized by the Cameronians for having +exercised that form of worship under the declaration of Indulgence issued +by Charles II. Such was the state of parties in Scotland immediately +subsequent to the Revolution. + +It was on a delightful summer evening that a stranger, well mounted, and +having the appearance of a military man of rank, rode down a winding +descent which terminated in view of the romantic ruins of Bothwell Castle +and the river Clyde, which winds so beautifully between rocks and woods +to sweep around the towers formerly built by Aymer de Valence. Bothwell +Bridge was at a little distance, and also in sight. The opposite field, +once the scene of slaughter and conflict, now lay as placid and quiet as +the surface of a summer lake. The trees and bushes, which grew around in +romantic variety of shade, were hardly seen to stir under the influence +of the evening breeze. The very murmur of the river seemed to soften +itself into unison with the stillness of the scene around. + +The path through which the traveller descended was occasionally shaded by +detached trees of great size, and elsewhere by the hedges and boughs of +flourishing orchards, now laden with summer fruits. + +The nearest object of consequence was a farmhouse, or, it might be, the +abode of a small proprietor, situated on the side of a sunny bank which +was covered by apple and pear trees. At the foot of the path which led up +to this modest mansion was a small cottage, pretty much in the situation +of a porter's lodge, though obviously not designed for such a purpose. +The hut seemed comfortable, and more neatly arranged than is usual in +Scotland. It had its little garden, where some fruit-trees and bushes +were mingled with kitchen herbs; a cow and six sheep fed in a paddock +hard by; the cock strutted and crowed, and summoned his family around him +before the door; a heap of brushwood and turf, neatly made up, indicated +that the winter fuel was provided; and the thin blue smoke which ascended +from the straw-bound chimney, and winded slowly out from among the green +trees, showed that the evening meal was in the act of being made ready. +To complete the little scene of rural peace and comfort, a girl of about +five years old was fetching water in a pitcher from a beautiful fountain +of the purest transparency, which bubbled up at the root of a decayed old +oak-tree about twenty yards from the end of the cottage. + +The stranger reined up his horse and called to the little nymph, desiring +to know the way to Fairy Knowe. The child set down her water-pitcher, +hardly understanding what was said to her, put her fair flaxen hair apart +on her brows, and opened her round blue eyes with the wondering "What's +your wull?" which is usually a peasant's first answer, if it can be +called one, to all questions whatever. + +"I wish to know the way to Fairy Knowe." + +"Mammie, mammie," exclaimed the little rustic, running towards the door +of the hut, "come out and speak to the gentleman." + +Her mother appeared,--a handsome young country-woman, to whose features, +originally sly and espiegle in expression, matrimony had given that +decent matronly air which peculiarly marks the peasant's wife of +Scotland. She had an infant in one arm, and with the other she smoothed +down her apron, to which hung a chubby child of two years old. The elder +girl, whom the traveller had first seen, fell back behind her mother as +soon as she appeared, and kept that station, occasionally peeping out to +look at the stranger. + +"What was your pleasure, sir?" said the woman, with an air of respectful +breeding not quite common in her rank of life, but without anything +resembling forwardness. + +The stranger looked at her with great earnestness for a moment, and then +replied, "I am seeking a place called Fairy Knowe, and a man called +Cuthbert Headrigg. You can probably direct me to him?" + +"It's my gudeman, sir," said the young woman, with a smile of welcome. +"Will you alight, sir, and come into our puir dwelling?--Cuddie, +Cuddie,"--a white-headed rogue of four years appeared at the door of the +hut--"rin awa, my bonny man, and tell your father a gentleman wants him. +Or, stay,--Jenny, ye'll hae mair sense: rin ye awa and tell him; he's +down at the Four-acres Park.--Winna ye light down and bide a blink, sir? +Or would ye take a mouthfu' o' bread and cheese, or a drink o' ale, till +our gudeman comes. It's gude ale, though I shouldna say sae that brews +it; but ploughmanlads work hard, and maun hae something to keep their +hearts abune by ordinar, sae I aye pit a gude gowpin o' maut to the +browst." + +As the stranger declined her courteous offers, Cuddie, the reader's old +acquaintance, made his appearance in person. His countenance still +presented the same mixture of apparent dulness with occasional sparkles, +which indicated the craft so often found in the clouted shoe. He looked +on the rider as on one whom he never had before seen, and, like his +daughter and wife, opened the conversation with the regular query, +"What's your wull wi' me, sir?" + +"I have a curiosity to ask some questions about this country," said the +traveller, "and I was directed to you as an intelligent man who can +answer them." + +"Nae doubt, sir," said Cuddie, after a moment's hesitation. "But I would +first like to ken what sort of questions they are. I hae had sae mony +questions speered at me in my day, and in sic queer ways, that if ye kend +a', ye wadna wonder at my jalousing a' thing about them. My mother gar 'd +me learn the Single Carritch, whilk was a great vex; then I behoved to +learn about my godfathers and godmothers to please the auld leddy; and +whiles I jumbled them thegether and pleased nane o' them; and when I cam +to man's yestate, cam another kind o' questioning in fashion that I liked +waur than Effectual Calling; and the 'did promise and vow' of the tape +were yokit to the end o' the tother. Sae ye see, sir, I aye like to hear +questions asked befor I answer them." + +"You have nothing to apprehend from mine, my good friend; they only +relate to the state of the country." + +"Country?" replied Cuddie; "ou, the country's weel eneugh, an it werena +that dour deevil, Claver'se (they ca' him Dundee now), that's stirring +about yet in the Highlands, they say, wi' a' the Donalds and Duncans and +Dugalds, that ever wore bottomless breeks, driving about wi' him, to set +things asteer again, now we hae gotten them a' reasonably weel settled. +But Mackay will pit him down, there's little doubt o' that; he'll gie him +his fairing, I'll be caution for it." + +"What makes you so positive of that, my friend?" asked the horseman. + +"I heard it wi' my ain lugs," answered Cuddie, foretauld to him by a man +that had been three hours stane dead, and came back to this earth again +just to tell him his mind. It was at a place they ca' Drumshinnel." + +"Indeed?" said the stranger. "I can hardly believe you, my friend." + +"Ye might ask my mither, then, if she were in life," said Cuddie; "it was +her explained it a' to me, for I thought the man had only been wounded. +At ony rate, he spake of the casting out of the Stewarts by their very +names, and the vengeance that was brewing for Claver'se and his dragoons. +They ca'd the man Habakkuk Mucklewrath; his brain was a wee ajee, but he +was a braw preacher for a' that." + +"You seem," said the stranger, "to live in a rich and peaceful country." + +"It's no to compleen o', sir, an we get the crap weel in," quoth Cuddie; +"but if ye had seen the blude rinnin' as fast on the tap o' that brigg +yonder as ever the water ran below it, ye wadna hae thought it sae bonnie +a spectacle." + +"You mean the battle some years since? I was waiting upon Monmouth that +morning, my good friend, and did see some part of the action," said the +stranger. + +"Then ye saw a bonny stour," said Cuddie, "that sail serve me for +fighting a' the days o' my life. I judged ye wad be a trooper, by your +red scarlet lace-coat and your looped hat." + +"And which side were you upon, my friend?" continued the inquisitive +stranger. + +"Aha, lad?" retorted Cuddie, with a knowing look, or what he designed for +such,--"there 's nae use in telling that, unless I kend wha was asking +me." + +"I commend your prudence, but it is unnecessary; I know you acted on that +occasion as servant to Henry Morton." + +"Ay!" said Cuddie, in surprise, "how came ye by that secret? No that I +need care a bodee about it, for the sun's on our side o' the hedge now. I +wish my master were living to get a blink o't" + +"And what became of him?" said the rider. + +"He was lost in the vessel gaun to that weary Holland,--clean lost; and +a' body perished, and my poor master amang them. Neither man nor mouse +was ever heard o' mair." Then Cuddie uttered a groan. + +"You had some regard for him, then?" continued the stranger. + +"How could I help it? His face was made of a fiddle, as they say, for a' +body that looked on him liked him. And a braw soldier he was. Oh, an ye +had but seen him down at the brigg there, fleeing about like a fleeing +dragon to gar folk fight that had unto little will till 't! There was he +and that sour Whigamore they ca'd Burley: if twa men could hae won a +field, we wadna hae gotten our skins paid that day." + +"You mention Burley: do you know if he yet lives?" + +"I kenna muckle about him. Folk say he was abroad, and our sufferers wad +hold no communion wi' him, because o' his having murdered the archbishop. +Sae he cam hame ten times dourer than ever, and broke aff wi' mony o' the +Presbyterians; and at this last coming of the Prince of Orange he could +get nae countenance nor command for fear of his deevilish temper, and he +hasna been heard of since; only some folk say that pride and anger hae +driven him clean wud." + +"And--and," said the traveller, after considerable hesitation,--"do you +know anything of Lord Evan dale?" + +"Div I ken onything o' Lord Evandale? Div I no? Is not my young leddy up +by yonder at the house, that's as gude as married to him?" + +"And are they not married, then?" said the rider, hastily. + +"No, only what they ca' betrothed,--me and my wife were witnesses. It's +no mony months bypast; it was a lang courtship,--few folk kend the reason +by Jenny and mysell. But will ye no light down? I downa bide to see ye +sitting up there, and the clouds are casting up thick in the west ower +Glasgow-ward, and maist skeily folk think that bodes rain." + +In fact, a deep black cloud had already surmounted the setting sun; a few +large drops of rain fell, and the murmurs of distant thunder were heard. + +"The deil's in this man," said Cuddie to himself; "I wish he would either +light aff or ride on, that he may quarter himsell in Hamilton or the +shower begin." + +But the rider sate motionless on his horse for two or three moments after +his last question, like one exhausted by some uncommon effort. At length, +recovering himself as if with a sudden and painful effort, he asked +Cuddie "if Lady Margaret Bellenden still lived." + +"She does," replied Cuddie, "but in a very sma' way. They hae been a sad +changed family since thae rough times began; they hae suffered eneugh +first and last,--and to lose the auld Tower and a' the bonny barony and +the holms that I hae pleughed sae often, and the Mains, and my kale-yard, +that I suld hae gotten back again, and a' for naething, as 'a body may +say, but just the want o' some bits of sheep-skin that were lost in the +confusion of the taking of Tillietudlem." + +"I have heard something of this," said the stranger, deepening his voice +and averting his head. "I have some interest in the family, and would +willingly help them if I could. Can you give me a bed in your house +to-night, my friend?" + +"It's but a corner of a place, sir," said Cuddie, "but we'se try, rather +than ye suld ride on in the rain and thunner; for, to be free wi' ye, +sir, I think ye seem no that ower weel." + +"I am liable to a dizziness," said the stranger, but it will soon wear +off." + +"I ken we can gie ye a decent supper, sir," said Cuddie; "and we'll see +about a bed as weel as we can. We wad be laith a stranger suld lack what +we have, though we are jimply provided for in beds rather; for Jenny has +sae mony bairns (God bless them and her) that troth I maun speak to Lord +Evandale to gie us a bit eik, or outshot o' some sort, to the onstead." + +"I shall be easily accommodated," said the stranger, as he entered the +house. + +"And ye may rely on your naig being weel sorted," said Cuddie; "I ken +weel what belangs to suppering a horse, and this is a very gude ane." +Cuddie took the horse to the little cow-house, and called to his wife to +attend in the mean while to the stranger's accommodation. The officer +entered, and threw himself on a settle at some distance from the fire, +and carefully turning his back to the little lattice window. Jenny, or +Mrs. Headrigg, if the reader pleases, requested him to lay aside the +cloak, belt, and flapped hat which he wore upon his journey, but he +excused himself under pretence of feeling cold, and, to divert the time +till Cuddie's return, he entered into some chat with the children, +carefully avoiding, during the interval, the inquisitive glances of his +landlady. + + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + What tragic tears bedim the eye! + What deaths we suffer ere we die! + Our broken friendships we deplore, + And loves of youth that are no more. + LOGAN. + +Cuddie soon returned, assuring the stranger, with a cheerful voice, "that +the horse was properly suppered up, and that the gudewife should make a +bed up for him at the house, mair purpose-like and comfortable than the +like o' them could gie him." + +"Are the family at the house?" said the stranger, with an interrupted and +broken voice. + +"No, stir, they're awa wi' a' the servants,--they keep only twa nowadays, +and my gudewife there has the keys and the charge, though she's no a +fee'd servant. She has been born and bred in the family, and has a' trust +and management. If they were there, we behovedna to take sic freedom +without their order; but when they are awa, they will be weel pleased we +serve a stranger gentleman. Miss Bellenden wad help a' the haill warld, +an her power were as gude as her will; and her grandmother, Leddy +Margaret, has an unto respect for the gentry, and she's no ill to the +poor bodies neither.--And now, wife, what for are ye no getting forrit +wi' the sowens?" + +"Never mind, lad," rejoined Jenny, "ye sall hae them in gude time; I ken +weel that ye like your brose het." + +Cuddie fidgeted and laughed with a peculiar expression of intelligence at +this repartee, which was followed by a dialogue of little consequence +betwixt his wife and him, in which the stranger took no share. At length +he suddenly interrupted them by the question: "Can you tell me when Lord +Evandale's marriage takes place?" + +"Very soon, we expect," answered Jenny, before it was possible for her +husband to reply; "it wad hae been ower afore now, but for the death o' +auld Major Bellenden." + +"The excellent old man!" said the stranger; "I heard at Edinburgh he was +no more. Was he long ill?" + +"He couldna be said to haud up his head after his brother's wife and his +niece were turned out o' their ain house; and he had himsell sair +borrowing siller to stand the law,--but it was in the latter end o' King +James's days; and Basil Olifant, who claimed the estate, turned a papist +to please the managers, and then naething was to be refused him. Sae the +law gaed again the leddies at last, after they had fought a weary sort o' +years about it; and, as I said before, the major ne'er held up his head +again. And then cam the pitting awa o' the Stewart line; and, though he +had but little reason to like them, he couldna brook that, and it clean +broke the heart o' him; and creditors cam to Charnwood and cleaned out a' +that was there,--he was never rich, the gude auld man, for he dow'd na +see onybody want." + +"He was indeed," said the stranger, with a faltering voice, "an admirable +man,--that is, I have heard that he was so. So the ladies were left +without fortune, as well as without a protector?" + +"They will neither want the tane nor the tother while Lord Evandale +lives," said Jenny; "he has been a true friend in their griefs. E'en to +the house they live in is his lordship's; and never man, as my auld +gudemother used to say, since the days of the Patriarch Jacob, served sae +lang and sae sair for a wife as gude Lord Evandale has dune." + +"And why," said the stranger, with a voice that quivered with emotion, +"why was he not sooner rewarded by the object of his attachment?" + +"There was the lawsuit to be ended," said Jenny readily, "forby many +other family arrangements." + +"Na, but," said Cuddie, "there was another reason forby; for the young +leddy--" + +"Whisht, hand your tongue, and sup your sowens," said his wife; "I see +the gentleman's far frae weel, and downa eat our coarse supper. I wad +kill him a chicken in an instant." + +"There is no occasion," said the stranger; "I shall want only a glass of +water, and to be left alone." + +"You'll gie yoursell the trouble then to follow me," said Jenny, lighting +a small lantern, "and I'll show you the way." + +Cuddie also proffered his assistance; but his wife reminded him, "That +the bairns would be left to fight thegither, and coup ane anither into +the fire," so that he remained to take charge of the menage. +His wife led the way up a little winding path, which, after threading +some thickets of sweetbrier and honeysuckle, conducted to the back-door +of a small garden. Jenny undid the latch, and they passed through an +old-fashioned flower-garden, with its clipped yew hedges and formal +parterres, to a glass-sashed door, which she opened with a master-key, +and lighting a candle, which she placed upon a small work-table, asked +pardon for leaving him there for a few minutes, until she prepared his +apartment. She did not exceed five minutes in these preparations; but +when she returned, was startled to find that the stranger had sunk +forward with his head upon the table, in what she at first apprehended to +be a swoon. As she advanced to him, however, she could discover by his +short-drawn sobs that it was a paroxysm of mental agony. She prudently +drew back until he raised his head, and then showing herself, without +seeming to have observed his agitation, informed him that his bed was +prepared. The stranger gazed at her a moment, as if to collect the sense +of her words. She repeated them; and only bending his head, as an +indication that he understood her, he entered the apartment, the door of +which she pointed out to him. It was a small bedchamber, used, as she +informed him, by Lord Evandale when a guest at Fairy Knowe, connecting, +on one side, with a little china-cabinet which opened to the garden, and +on the other, with a saloon, from which it was only separated by a thin +wainscot partition. Having wished the stranger better health and good +rest, Jenny descended as speedily as she could to her own mansion. + +"Oh, Cuddie!" she exclaimed to her helpmate as she entered, "I doubt +we're ruined folk!" + +"How can that be? What's the matter wi' ye?" returned the imperturbed +Cuddie, who was one of those persons who do not easily take alarm at +anything. + +"Wha d' ye think yon gentleman is? Oh that ever ye suld hae asked him to +light here!" exclaimed Jenny. + +"Why, wha the muckle deil d'ye say he is? There's nae law against +harbouring and intercommunicating now," said Cuddie; "sae, Whig or Tory, +what need we care wha he be?" + +"Ay, but it's ane will ding Lord Evandale's marriage ajee yet, if it 's +no the better looked to," said Jenny; "it's Miss Edith's first joe, your +ain auld maister, Cuddie." + +"The deil, woman!" exclaimed Cuddie, starting up, "Crow ye that I am +blind? I wad hae kend Mr. Harry Morton amang a hunder." + +"Ay, but, Cuddie lad," replied Jenny, "though ye are no blind, ye are no +sae notice-taking as I am." + +"Weel, what for needs ye cast that up to me just now; or what did ye see +about the man that was like our Maister Harry?" + +"I will tell ye," said Jenny. "I jaloused his keeping his face frae us, +and speaking wi' a madelike voice, sae I e'en tried him wi' some tales o" +lang syne; and when I spake o' the brose, ye ken, he didna just +laugh,--he's ower grave for that nowadays, but he gae a gledge wi' his +ee that I kend he took up what I said. And a' his distress is about Miss +Edith's marriage; and I ne'er saw a man mair taen down wi' true love in +my days,--I might say man or woman, only I mind how ill Miss Edith was +when she first gat word that him and you (ye muckle graceless loon) were +coming against Tillietudlem wi' the rebels.--But what's the matter wi' +the man now?" + +"What's the matter wi' me indeed!" said Cuddie, who was again hastily +putting on some of the garments he had stripped himself of; "am I no gaun +up this instant to see my maister?" + +"Atweel, Cuddie, ye are gaun nae sic gate," said Jenny, coolly and +resolutely. + +"The deil's in the wife!" said Cuddie. "D 'ye think I am to be John +Tamson's man, and maistered by women a' the days o' my life?" + +"And whase man wad ye be? And wha wad ye hae to maister ye but me, +Cuddie, lad?" answered Jenny. "I'll gar ye comprehend in the making of a +hay-band. Naebody kens that this young gentleman is living but oursells; +and frae that he keeps himsell up sae close, I am judging that he's +purposing, if he fand Miss Edith either married, or just gaun to be +married, he wad just slide awa easy, and gie them nae mair trouble. But +if Miss Edith kend that he was living, and if she were standing before +the very minister wi' Lord Evandale when it was tauld to her, I'se +warrant she wad say No when she suld say Yes." + +"Weel," replied Cuddie, "and what's my business wi' that? If Miss Edith +likes her auld joe better than her new ane, what for suld she no be free +to change her mind like other folk? Ye ken, Jenny, Halliday aye threeps +he had a promise frae yoursell." + +"Halliday's a liar, and ye're naething but a gomeril to hearken till him, +Cuddie. And then for this leddy's choice, lack-a-day! ye may be sure a' +the gowd Mr. Morton has is on the outside o' his coat; and how can he +keep Leddy Margaret and the young leddy?" + +"Isna there Milnwood?" said Cuddie. "Nae doubt the auld laird left his +housekeeper the liferent, as he heard nought o' his nephew; but it's but +speaking the auld wife fair, and they may a' live brawly thegither, Leddy +Margaret and a'." + +"Rout tout, lad," replied Jenny; "ye ken them little to think leddies o' +their rank wad set up house wi' auld Ailie Wilson, when they're maist +ower proud to take favours frae Lord Evandale himsell. Na, na, they maun +follow the camp, if she tak Morton." + +"That wad sort ill wi' the auld leddy, to be sure," said Cuddie; "she wad +hardly win ower a lang day in the baggage-wain." + +"Then sic a flyting as there wad be between them, a' about Whig and +Tory," continued Jenny. + +"To be sure," said Cuddie, "the auld leddy 's unto kittle in thae +points." + +"And then, Cuddie," continued his helpmate, who had reserved her +strongest argument to the last, "if this marriage wi' Lord Evandale is +broken off, what comes o' our ain bit free house, and the kale-yard, and +the cow's grass? I trow that baith us and thae bonny bairns will be +turned on the wide warld!" + +Here Jenny began to whimper; Cuddie writhed himself this way and that +way, the very picture of indecision. At length he broke out, "Weel, +woman, canna ye tell us what we suld do, without a' this din about it?" + +"Just do naething at a'," said Jenny. "Never seem to ken onything about +this gentleman, and for your life say a word that he suld hae been here, +or up at the house! An I had kend, I wad hae gien him my ain bed, and +sleepit in the byre or he had gane up by; but it canna be helpit now. The +neist thing's to get him cannily awa the morn, and I judge he'll be in +nae hurry to come back again." + +"My puir maister!" said Cuddie; "and maun I no speak to him, then?" + +"For your life, no," said Jenny. "Ye're no obliged to ken him; and I +wadna hae tauld ye, only I feared ye wad ken him in the morning." + +"Aweel," said Cuddie, sighing heavily, "I 'se awa to pleugh the outfield +then; for if I am no to speak to him, I wad rather be out o' the gate." + +"Very right, my dear hinny," replied Jenny. Naebody has better sense than +you when ye crack a bit wi' me ower your affairs; but ye suld ne'er do +onything aff hand out o' your ain head." + +"Ane wad think it's true," quoth Cuddie; "for I hae aye had some carline +or quean or another to gar me gang their gate instead o' my ain. There +was first my mither," he continued, as he undressed and tumbled himself +into bed; "then there was Leddy Margaret didna let me ca' my soul my ain; +then my mither and her quarrelled, and pu'ed me twa ways at anes, as if +ilk ane had an end o' me, like Punch and the Deevil rugging about the +Baker at the fair; and now I hae gotten a wife," he murmured in +continuation, as he stowed the blankets around his person, "and she's +like to tak the guiding o' me a' thegither." + +"And amna I the best guide ye ever had in a' your life?" said Jenny, as +she closed the conversation by assuming her place beside her husband and +extinguishing the candle. + +Leaving this couple to their repose, we have next to inform the reader +that, early on the next morning, two ladies on horseback, attended by +their servants, arrived at the house of Fairy Knowe, whom, to Jenny's +utter confusion, she instantly recognised as Miss Bellenden and Lady +Emily Hamilton, a sister of Lord Evandale. + +"Had I no better gang to the house to put things to rights?" said Jenny, +confounded with this unexpected apparition. + +"We want nothing but the pass-key," said Miss Bellenden; "Gudyill will +open the windows of the little parlour." + +"The little parlour's locked, and the lock's, spoiled," answered Jenny, +who recollected the local spmpathy between that apartment and the +bedchamber of her guest. + +"In the red parlour, then," said Miss Bellenden, and rode up to the front +of the house, but by an approach different from that through which Morton +had been conducted. + +"All will be out," thought Jenny, "unless I can get him smuggled out of +the house the back way." + +So saying, she sped up the bank in great tribulation and uncertainty. + +"I had better hae said at ante there was a stranger there," was her next +natural reflection. "But then they wad hae been for asking him to +breakfast. Oh, safe us! what will I do?--And there's Gudyill walking in +the garden too!" she exclaimed internally on approaching the wicket; "and +I daurna gang in the back way till he's aff the coast. Oh, sirs! what +will become of us?" + +In this state of perplexity she approached the cidevant butler, with the +purpose of decoying him out of the garden. But John Gudyill's temper was +not improved by his decline in rank and increase in years. Like many +peevish people, too, he seemed to have an intuitive perception as to what +was most likely to teaze those whom he conversed with; and, on the +present occasion, all Jenny's efforts to remove him from the garden +served only to root him in it as fast as if he had been one of the +shrubs. + +Unluckily, also, he had commenced florist during his residence at Fairy +Knowe; and, leaving all other things to the charge of Lady Emily's +servant, his first care was dedicated to the flowers, which he had taken +under his special protection, and which he propped, dug, and watered, +prosing all the while upon their respective merits to poor Jenny, who +stood by him trembling and almost crying with anxiety, fear, and +impatience. + +Fate seemed determined to win a match against Jenny this unfortunate +morning. As soon as the ladies entered the house, they observed that the +door of the little parlour--the very apartment out of which she was +desirous of excluding them on account of its contiguity to the room in +which Morton slept--was not only unlocked, but absolutely ajar. Miss +Bellenden was too much engaged with her own immediate subjects of +reflection to take much notice of the circumstance, but, desiring the +servant to open the window-shutters, walked into the room along with her +friend. + +"He is not yet come," she said. "What can your brother possibly mean? Why +express so anxious a wish that we should meet him here? And why not come +to Castle Dinnan, as he proposed? I own, my dear Emily, that, even +engaged as we are to each other, and with the sanction of your presence, +I do not feel that I have done quite right in indulging him." + +"Evandale was never capricious," answered his sister; "I am sure he will +satisfy us with his reasons, and if he does not, I will help you to scold +him." + +"What I chiefly fear," said Edith, "is his having engaged in some of the +plots of this fluctuating and unhappy time. I know his heart is with that +dreadful Claverhouse and his army, and I believe he would have joined +them ere now but for my uncle's death, which gave him so much additional +trouble on our account. How singular that one so rational and so deeply +sensible of the errors of the exiled family should be ready to risk all +for their restoration!" + +"What can I say?" answered Lady Emily,--"it is a point of honour with +Evandale. Our family have always been loyal; he served long in the +Guards; the Viscount of Dundee was his commander and his friend for +years; he is looked on with an evil eye by many of his own relations, who +set down his inactivity to the score of want of spirit. You must be +aware, my dear Edith, how often family connections and early +predilections influence our actions more than abstract arguments. But I +trust Evandale will continue quiet,--though, to tell you truth, I believe +you are the only one who can keep him so." + +"And how is it in my power?" said Miss Bellenden. + +"You can furnish him with the Scriptural apology for not going forth with +the host,--'he has married a wife, and therefore cannot come.'" + +"I have promised," said Edith, in a faint voice; "but I trust I shall not +be urged on the score of time." + +"Nay," said Lady Emily, "I will leave Evandale (and here he comes) to +plead his own cause." + +"Stay, stay, for God's sake!" said Edith, endeavouring to detain her. + +"Not I, not I," said the young lady, making her escape; "the third person +makes a silly figure on such occasions. When you want me for breakfast, I +will be found in the willow-walk by the river." + +As she tripped out of the room, Lord Evandale entered. "Good-morrow, +Brother, and good-by till breakfast-time," said the lively young lady; +"I trust you will give Miss Bellenden some good reasons for disturbing +her rest so early in the morning." + +And so saying, she left them together, without waiting a reply. + +"And now, my lord," said Edith, "may I desire to know the meaning of your +singular request to meet you here at so early an hour?" + +She was about to add that she hardly felt herself excusable in having +complied with it; but upon looking at the person whom she addressed, she +was struck dumb by the singular and agitated expression of his +countenance, and interrupted herself to exclaim, "For God's sake, what is +the matter?" + +"His Majesty's faithful subjects have gained a great and most decisive +victory near Blair of Athole; but, alas! my gallant friend Lord Dundee--" + +"Has fallen?" said Edith, anticipating the rest of his tidings. + +"True, most true: he has fallen in the arms of victory, and not a man +remains of talents and influence sufficient to fill up his loss in King +James's service. This, Edith, is no time for temporizing with our duty. I +have given directions to raise my followers, and I must take leave of you +this evening." + +"Do not think of it, my lord," answered Edith; "your life is--essential +to your friends,--do not throw it away in an adventure so rash. What can +your single arm, and the few tenants or servants who might follow you, do +against the force of almost all Scotland, the Highland clans only +excepted?" + +"Listen to me, Edith," said Lord Evandale. "I am not so rash as you may +suppose me, nor are my present motives of such light importance as to +affect only those personally dependent on myself. The Life Guards, with +whom I served so long, although new-modelled and new-officered by the +Prince of Orange, retain a predilection for the cause of their rightful +master; and "--and here he whispered as if he feared even the walls of +the apartment had ears--"when my foot is known to be in the stirrup, two +regiments of cavalry have sworn to renounce the usurper's service, and +fight under my orders. They delayed only till Dundee should descend into +the Lowlands; but since he is no more, which of his successors dare take +that decisive step, unless encouraged by the troops declaring themselves! +Meantime, the zeal of the soldiers will die away. I must bring them to a +decision while their hearts are glowing with the victory their old leader +has obtained, and burning to avenge his untimely death." + +"And will you, on the faith of such men as you know these soldiers to +be," said Edith, "take a part of such dreadful moment?" + +"I will," said Lord Evandale,--"I must; my honour and loyalty are both +pledged for it." + +"And all for the sake," continued Miss Bellenden, "of a prince whose +measures, while he was on the throne, no one could condemn more than Lord +Evandale?" + +"Most true," replied Lord Evandale; "and as I resented, even during the +plenitude of his power, his innovations on Church and State, like a +freeborn subject, I am determined I will assert his real rights, when he +is in adversity, like a loyal one. Let courtiers and sycophants flatter +power and desert misfortune; I will neither do the one nor the other." + +"And if you are determined to act what my feeble judgment must still term +rashly, why give yourself the pain of this untimely meeting?" + +"Were it not enough to answer," said Lord Evandale, "that, ere rushing on +battle, I wished to bid adieu to my betrothed bride? Surely it is judging +coldly of my feelings, and showing too plainly the indifference of your +own, to question my motive for a request so natural." + +"But why in this place, my lord," said Edith; and why with such peculiar +circumstances of mystery?" + +"Because," he replied, putting a letter into her hand, "I have yet +another request, which I dare hardly proffer, even when prefaced by these +credentials." + +In haste and terror, Edith glanced over the letter, which was from her +grandmother. + + "My dearest childe," such was its tenor in style and spelling, "I + never more deeply regretted the reumatizm, which disqualified me + from riding on horseback, than at this present writing, when I would + most have wished to be where this paper will soon be, that is at + Fairy Knowe, with my poor dear Willie's only child. But it is the + will of God I should not be with her, which I conclude to be the + case, as much for the pain I now suffer, as because it hath now not + given way either to cammomile poultices or to decoxion of wild + mustard, wherewith I have often relieved others. Therefore, I must + tell you, by writing instead of word of mouth, that, as my young + Lord Evandale is called to the present campaign, both by his honour + and his duty, he hath earnestly solicited me that the bonds of holy + matrimony be knitted before his departure to the wars between you + and him, in implement of the indenture formerly entered into for + that effeck, whereuntill, as I see no raisonable objexion, so I + trust that you, who have been always a good and obedient childe, + will not devize any which has less than raison. It is trew that the + contrax of our house have heretofore been celebrated in a manner + more befitting our Rank, and not in private, and with few witnesses, + as a thing done in a corner. But it has been Heaven's own free will, + as well as those of the kingdom where we live, to take away from us + our estate, and from the King his throne. Yet I trust He will yet + restore the rightful heir to the throne, and turn his heart to the + true Protestant Episcopal faith, which I have the better right to + expect to see even with my old eyes, as I have beheld the royal + family when they were struggling as sorely with masterful usurpers + and rebels as they are now; that is to say, when his most sacred + Majesty, Charles the Second of happy memory, honoured our poor house + of Tillietudlem by taking his /disjune/ therein," etc., etc., etc. + +We will not abuse the reader's patience by quoting more of Lady +Margaret's prolix epistle. Suffice it to say that it closed by laying her +commands on her grandchild to consent to the solemnization of her +marriage without loss of time. + +"I never thought till this instant," said Edith, dropping the letter from +her hand, "that Lord Evandale would have acted ungenerously." + +"Ungenerously, Edith!" replied her lover. "And how can you apply such a +term to my desire to call you mine, ere I part from you, perhaps for +ever?" + +"Lord Evandale ought to have remembered," said Edith, "that when his +perseverance, and, I must add, a due sense of his merit and of the +obligations we owed him, wrung from me a slow consent that I would one +day comply with his wishes, I made it my condition that I should not be +pressed to a hasty accomplishment of my promise; and now he avails +himself of his interest with my only remaining relative to hurry me with +precipitate and even indelicate importunity. There is more selfishness +than generosity, my lord, in such eager and urgent solicitation." + +Lord Evandale, evidently much hurt, took two or three turns through the +apartment ere he replied to this accusation; at length he spoke: "I +should have escaped this painful charge, durst I at once have mentioned +to Miss Bellendon my principal reason for urging this request. It is one +which she will probably despise on her own account, but which ought to +weigh with her for the sake of Lady Margaret. My death in battle must +give my whole estate to my heirs of entail; my forfeiture as a traitor, +by the usurping Government, may vest it in the Prince of Orange or some +Dutch favourite. In either case, my venerable friend and betrothed bride +must remain unprotected and in poverty. Vested with the rights and +provisions of Lady Evandale, Edith will find, in the power of supporting +her aged parent, some consolation for having condescended to share the +titles and fortunes of one who does not pretend to be worthy of her." + +Edith was struck dumb by an argument which she had not expected, and was +compelled to acknowledge that Lord Evandale's suit was urged with +delicacy as well as with consideration. + +"And yet," she said, "such is the waywardness with which my heart reverts +to former times that I cannot," she burst into tears, "suppress a degree +of ominous reluctance at fulfilling my engagement upon such a brief +summons." + +"We have already fully considered this painful subject," said Lord +Evandale; "and I hoped, my dear Edith, your own inquiries, as well as +mine, had fully convinced you that these regrets were fruitless." + +"Fruitless indeed!" said Edith, with a deep sigh, which, as if by an +unexpected echo, was repeated from the adjoining apartment. Miss +Bellenden started at the sound, and scarcely composed herself upon Lord +Evandale's assurances that she had heard but the echo of her own +respiration. + +"It sounded strangely distinct," she said, "and almost ominous; but my +feelings are so harassed that the slightest trifle agitates them." + +Lord Evandale eagerly attempted to soothe her alarm, and reconcile her to +a measure which, however hasty, appeared to him the only means by which +he could secure her independence. He urged his claim in virtue of the +contract, her grandmother's wish and command, the propriety of insuring +her comfort and independence, and touched lightly on his own long +attachment, which he had evinced by so many and such various services. +These Edith felt the more, the less they were insisted upon; and at +length, as she had nothing to oppose to his ardour, excepting a causeless +reluctance which she herself was ashamed to oppose against so much +generosity, she was compelled to rest upon the impossibility of having +the ceremony performed upon such hasty notice, at such a time and place. +But for all this Lord Evandale was prepared, and he explained, with +joyful alacrity, that the former chaplain of his regiment was in +attendance at the Lodge with a faithful domestic, once a non-commissioned +officer in the same corps; that his sister was also possessed of the +secret; and that Headrigg and his wife might be added to the list of +witnesses, if agreeable to Miss Bellenden. As to the place, he had chosen +it on very purpose. The marriage was to remain a secret, since Lord +Evandale was to depart in disguise very soon after it was solemnized,--a +circumstance which, had their union been public, must have drawn upon him +the attention of the Government, as being altogether unaccountable, +unless from his being engaged in some dangerous design. Having hastily +urged these motives and explained his arrangements, he ran, without +waiting for an answer, to summon his sister to attend his bride, while he +went in search of the other persons whose presence was necessary. +When Lady Emily arrived, she found her friend in an agony of tears, of +which she was at some loss to comprehend the reason, being one of those +damsels who think there is nothing either wonderful or terrible in +matrimony, and joining with most who knew him in thinking that it could +not be rendered peculiarly alarming by Lord Evandale being the +bridegroom. Influenced by these feelings, she exhausted in succession all +the usual arguments for courage, and all the expressions of sympathy and +condolence ordinarily employed on such occasions. But when Lady Emily +beheld her future sister-in-law deaf to all those ordinary topics of +consolation; when she beheld tears follow fast and without intermission +down cheeks as pale as marble; when she felt that the hand which she +pressed in order to enforce her arguments turned cold within her grasp, +and lay, like that of a corpse, insensible and unresponsive to her +caresses, her feelings of sympathy gave way to those of hurt pride and +pettish displeasure. + +"I must own," she said, "that I am something at a loss to understand all +this, Miss Bellenden. Months have passed since you agreed to marry my +brother, and you have postponed the fulfilment of your engagement from +one period to another, as if you had to avoid some dishonourable or +highly disagreeable connection. I think I can answer for Lord Evandale +that he will seek no woman's hand against her inclination; and, though +his sister, I may boldly say that he does not need to urge any lady +further than her inclinations carry her. You will forgive me, Miss +Bellenden; but your present distress augurs ill for my brother's future +happiness, and I must needs say that he does not merit all these +expressions of dislike and dolour, and that they seem an odd return for +an attachment which he has manifested so long, and in so many ways." + +"You are right, Lady Emily," said Edith, drying her eyes and endeavouring +to resume her natural manner, though still betrayed by her faltering +voice and the paleness of her cheeks,--"you are quite right; Lord +Evandale merits such usage from no one, least of all from her whom he has +honoured with his regard. But if I have given way, for the last time, to +a sudden and irresistible burst of feeling, it is my consolation, Lady +Emily, that your brother knows the cause, that I have hid nothing from +him, and that he at least is not apprehensive of finding in Edith +Bellenden a wife undeserving of his affection. But still you are right, +and I merit your censure for indulging for a moment fruitless regret and +painful remembrances. It shall be so no longer; my lot is cast with +Evandale, and with him I am resolved to bear it. Nothing shall in future +occur to excite his complaints or the resentment of his relations; no +idle recollections of other days shall intervene to prevent the zealous +and affectionate discharge of my duty; no vain illusions recall the +memory of other days--" + +As she spoke these words, she slowly raised her eyes, which had before +been hidden by her hand, to the latticed window of her apartment, which +was partly open, uttered a dismal shriek, and fainted. Lady Emily turned +her eyes in the same direction, but saw only the shadow of a man, which +seemed to disappear from the window, and, terrified more by the state of +Edith than by the apparition she had herself witnessed, she uttered +shriek upon shriek for assistance. Her brother soon arrived, with the +chaplain and Jenny Dennison; but strong and vigorous remedies were +necessary ere they could recall Miss Bellenden to sense and motion. Even +then her language was wild and incoherent. + + +[Illustration: Uttered A Dismal Shriek, And Fainted--224] + + +"Press me no farther," she said to Lord Evandale,--"it cannot be; Heaven +and earth, the living and the dead, have leagued themselves against this +ill-omened union. Take all I can give,--my sisterly regard, my devoted +friendship. I will love you as a sister and serve you as a bondswoman, +but never speak to me more of marriage." + +The astonishment of Lord Evandale may easily be conceived. +"Emily," he said to his sister, "this is your doing. I was accursed when +I thought of bringing you here; some of your confounded folly has driven +her mad!" + +"On my word, Brother," answered Lady Emily, "you're sufficient to drive +all the women in Scotland mad. Because your mistress seems much disposed +to jilt you, you quarrel with your sister, who has been arguing in your +cause, and had brought her to a quiet hearing, when, all of a sudden, a +man looked in at a window, whom her crazed sensibility mistook either for +you or some one else, and has treated us gratis with an excellent tragic +scene." + +"What man? What window?" said Lord Evandale, in impatient displeasure. +"Miss Bellenden is incapable of trifling with me; and yet what else could +have--" + +"Hush! hush!" said Jenny, whose interest lay particularly in shifting +further inquiry; "for Heaven's sake, my lord, speak low, for my lady +begins to recover." + +Edith was no sooner somewhat restored to herself than she begged, in a +feeble voice, to be left alone with Lord Evandale. All retreated,--Jenny +with her usual air of officious simplicity, Lady Emily and the chaplain +with that of awakened curiosity. No sooner had they left the apartment +than Edith beckoned Lord Evandale to sit beside her on the couch; her +next motion was to take his hand, in spite of his surprised resistance, +to her lips; her last was to sink from her seat and to clasp his knees. +"Forgive me, my lord!" she exclaimed, "forgive me! I must deal most +untruly by you, and break a solemn engagement. You have my friendship, my +highest regard, my most sincere gratitude; you have more,--you have my +word and my faith; but--oh, forgive me, for the fault is not mine--you +have not my love, and I cannot marry you without a sin!" + +"You dream, my dearest Edith!" said Evandale, perplexed in the utmost +degree, "you let your imagination beguile you; this is but some delusion +of an over-sensitive mind. The person whom you preferred to me has been +long in a better world, where your unavailing regret cannot follow him, +or, if it could, would only diminish his happiness." + +"You are mistaken, Lord Evandale," said Edith, solemnly; "I am not a +sleep-walker or a madwoman. No, I could not have believed from any one +what I have seen. But, having seen him, I must believe mine own eyes." + +"Seen him,--seen whom?" asked Lord Evandale, in great anxiety. + +"Henry Morton," replied Edith, uttering these two words as if they were +her last, and very nearly fainting when she had done so. + +"Miss Bellenden," said Lord Evandale, "you treat me like a fool or a +child. If you repent your engagement to me," he continued, indignantly, +"I am not a man to enforce it against your inclination; but deal with me +as a man, and forbear this trifling." + +He was about to go on, when he perceived, from her quivering eye and +pallid cheek, that nothing less than imposture was intended, and that by +whatever means her imagination had been so impressed, it was really +disturbed by unaffected awe and terror. He changed his tone, and exerted +all his eloquence in endeavouring to soothe and extract from her the +secret cause of such terror. + +"I saw him!" she repeated,--"I saw Henry Morton stand at that window, and +look into the apartment at the moment I was on the point of abjuring him +for ever. His face was darker, thinner, and paler than it was wont to be; +his dress was a horseman's cloak, and hat looped down over his face; his +expression was like that he wore on that dreadful morning when he was +examined by Claverhouse at Tillietudlem. Ask your sister, ask Lady Emily, +if she did not see him as well as I. I know what has called him up,--he +came to upbraid me, that, while my heart was with him in the deep and +dead sea, I was about to give my hand to another. My lord, it is ended +between you and me; be the consequences what they will, she cannot marry +whose union disturbs the repose of the dead." + +"Good Heaven!" said Evandale, as he paced the room, half mad himself with +surprise and vexation, "her fine understanding must be totally +overthrown, and that by the effort which she has made to comply with my +ill-timed, though well-meant, request. Without rest and attention her +health is ruined for ever." + +At this moment the door opened, and Halliday, who had been Lord +Evandale's principal personal attendant since they both left the Guards +on the Revolution, stumbled into the room with a countenance as pale and +ghastly as terror could paint it. + +"What is the matter next, Halliday?" cried his master, starting up. "Any +discovery of the--" + +He had just recollection sufficient to stop short in the midst of the +dangerous sentence. + +"No, sir," said Halliday, "it is not that, nor anything like that; but I +have seen a ghost!" + +"A ghost, you eternal idiot!" said Lord Evandale, forced altogether out +of his patience. "Has all mankind sworn to go mad in order to drive me +so? What ghost, you simpleton?" + +"The ghost of Henry Morton, the Whig captain at Bothwell Bridge," replied +Halliday. "He passed by me like a fire-flaught when I was in the garden!" + +"This is midsummer madness," said Lord Evandale, "or there is some +strange villainy afloat. Jenny, attend your lady to her chamber, while I +endeavour to find a clue to all this." + +But Lord Evandale's inquiries were in vain. Jenny, who might have given +(had she chosen) a very satisfactory explanation, had an interest to +leave the matter in darkness; and interest was a matter which now weighed +principally with Jenny, since the possession of an active and +affectionate husband in her own proper right had altogether allayed her +spirit of coquetry. She had made the best use of the first moments of +confusion hastily to remove all traces of any one having slept in the +apartment adjoining to the parlour, and even to erase the mark of +footsteps beneath the window, through which she conjectured Morton's face +had been seen, while attempting, ere he left the garden, to gain one look +at her whom he had so long loved, and was now on the point of losing for +ever. That he had passed Halliday in the garden was equally clear; and +she learned from her elder boy, whom she had employed to have the +stranger's horse saddled and ready for his departure, that he had rushed +into the stable, thrown the child a broad gold piece, and, mounting his +horse, had ridden with fearful rapidity down towards the Clyde. The +secret was, therefore, in their own family, and Jenny was resolved it +should remain so. + +"For, to be sure," she said, "although her lady and Halliday kend Mr. +Morton by broad daylight, that was nae reason I suld own to kenning him +in the gloaming and by candlelight, and him keeping his face frae Cuddie +and me a' the time." + +So she stood resolutely upon the negative when examined by Lord Evandale. +As for Halliday, he could only say that as he entered the garden-door, +the supposed apparition met him, walking swiftly, and with a visage on +which anger and grief appeared to be contending. + +"He knew him well," he said, "having been repeatedly guard upon him, and +obliged to write down his marks of stature and visage in case of escape. +And there were few faces like Mr. Morton's." But what should make him +haunt the country where he was neither hanged nor shot, he, the said +Halliday, did not pretend to conceive. + +Lady Emily confessed she had seen the face of a man at the window, but +her evidence went no farther. John Gudyill deponed /nil novit in causa/. +He had left his gardening to get his morning dram just at the time when +the apparition had taken place. Lady Emily's servant was waiting orders +in the kitchen, and there was not another being within a quarter of a +mile of the house. + +Lord Evandale returned perplexed and dissatisfied in the highest degree +at beholding a plan which he thought necessary not less for the +protection of Edith in contingent circumstances, than for the assurance +of his own happiness, and which he had brought so very near perfection, +thus broken off without any apparent or rational cause. His knowledge of +Edith's character set her beyond the suspicion of covering any capricious +change of determination by a pretended vision. But he would have set the +apparition down to the influence of an overstrained imagination, agitated +by the circumstances in which she had so suddenly been placed, had it not +been for the coinciding testimony of Halliday, who had no reason for +thinking of Morton more than any other person, and knew nothing of Miss +Bellenden's vision when he promulgated his own. On the other hand, it +seemed in the highest degree improbable that Morton, so long and so +vainly sought after, and who was, with such good reason, supposed to be +lost when the "Vryheid" of Rotterdam went down with crew and passengers, +should be alive and lurking in this country, where there was no longer +any reason why he should not openly show himself, since the present +Government favoured his party in politics. When Lord Evandale reluctantly +brought himself to communicate these doubts to the chaplain, in order to +obtain his opinion, he could only obtain a long lecture on demonology, in +which, after quoting Delrio and Burthoog and De L'Ancre on the subject of +apparitions, together with sundry civilians and common lawyers on the +nature of testimony, the learned gentleman expressed his definite and +determined opinion to be, either that there had been an actual apparition +of the deceased Henry Morton's spirit, the possibility of which he was, +as a divine and a philosopher, neither fully prepared to admit or to +deny; or else that the said Henry Morton, being still in /rerum natura/, +had appeared in his proper person that morning; or, finally, that some +strong /deceptio visus/, or striking similitude of person, had deceived +the eyes of Miss Bellenden and of Thomas Halliday. Which of these was the +most probable hypothesis, the doctor declined to pronounce, but expressed +himself ready to die in the opinion that one or other of them had +occasioned that morning's disturbance. + +Lord Evandale soon had additional cause for distressful anxiety. Miss +Bellenden was declared to be dangerously ill. + +"I will not leave this place," he exclaimed, "till she is pronounced to +be in safety. I neither can nor ought to do so; for whatever may have +been the immediate occasion of her illness, I gave the first cause for it +by my unhappy solicitation." + +He established himself, therefore, as a guest in the family, which the +presence of his sister, as well as of Lady Margaret Bellenden (who, in +despite of her rheumatism, caused herself to be transported thither when +she heard of her granddaughter's illness), rendered a step equally +natural and delicate. And thus he anxiously awaited until, without injury +to her health, Edith could sustain a final explanation ere his departure +on his expedition. + +"She shall never," said the generous young man, "look on her engagement +with me as the means of fettering her to a union, the idea of which seems +almost to unhinge her understanding." + + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shades! + Ah, fields beloved in vain! + Where once my careless childhood strayed, + A stranger yet to pain. + Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College. + +It is not by corporal wants and infirmities only that men of the most +distinguished talents are levelled, during their lifetime, with the +common mass of mankind. There are periods of mental agitation when the +firmest of mortals must be ranked with the weakest of his brethren, and +when, in paying the general tax of humanity, his distresses are even +aggravated by feeling that he transgresses, in the indulgence of his +grief, the rules of religion and philosophy by which he endeavours in +general to regulate his passions and his actions. It was during such a +paroxysm that the unfortunate Morton left Fairy Knowe. To know that his +long-loved and still-beloved Edith, whose image had filled his mind for +so many years, was on the point of marriage to his early rival, who had +laid claim to her heart by so many services as hardly left her a title to +refuse his addresses, bitter as the intelligence was, yet came not as an +unexpected blow. + +During his residence abroad he had once written to Edith. It was to bid +her farewell for ever, and to conjure her to forget him. He had requested +her not to answer his letter; yet he half hoped, for many a day, that she +might transgress his injunction. The letter never reached her to whom it +was addressed, and Morton, ignorant of its miscarriage, could only +conclude himself laid aside and forgotten, according to his own +self-denying request. All that he had heard of their mutual relations +since his return to Scotland prepared him to expect that he could only +look upon Miss Bellenden as the betrothed bride of Lord Evandale; and +even if freed from the burden of obligation to the latter, it would still +have been inconsistent with Morton's generosity of disposition to disturb +their arrangements, by attempting the assertion of a claim proscribed by +absence, never sanctioned by the consent of friends, and barred by a +thousand circumstances of difficulty. Why then did he seek the cottage +which their broken fortunes had now rendered the retreat of Lady Margaret +Bellenden and her granddaughter? He yielded, we are under the necessity +of acknowledging, to the impulse of an inconsistent wish which many might +have felt in his situation. + +Accident apprised him, while travelling towards his native district, that +the ladies, near whose mansion he must necessarily pass, were absent; and +learning that Cuddie and his wife acted as their principal domestics, he +could not resist pausing at their cottage to learn, if possible, the real +progress which Lord Evandale had made in the affections of Miss Bellen +den--alas! no longer his Edith. This rash experiment ended as we have +related, and he parted from the house of Fairy Knowe, conscious that he +was still beloved by Edith, yet compelled, by faith and honour, to +relinquish her for ever. With what feelings he must have listened to the +dialogue between Lord Evandale and Edith, the greater part of which he +involuntarily overheard, the reader must conceive, for we dare not +attempt to describe them. An hundred times he was tempted to burst upon +their interview, or to exclaim aloud, "Edith, I yet live!" and as often +the recollection of her plighted troth, and of the debt of gratitude +which he owed Lord Evandale (to whose influence with Claverhouse he +justly ascribed his escape from torture and from death), withheld him +from a rashness which might indeed have involved all in further distress, +but gave little prospect of forwarding his own happiness. He repressed +forcibly these selfish emotions, though with an agony which thrilled his +every nerve. + +"No, Edith!" was his internal oath, "never will I add a thorn to thy +pillow. That which Heaven has ordained, let it be; and let me not add, by +my selfish sorrows, one atom's weight to the burden thou hast to bear. I +was dead to thee when thy resolution was adopted; and never, never shalt +thou know that Henry Morton still lives!" + +As he formed this resolution, diffident of his own power to keep it, and +seeking that firmness in flight which was every moment shaken by his +continuing within hearing of Edith's voice, he hastily rushed from his +apartment by the little closet and the sashed door which led to the +garden. + +But firmly as he thought his resolution was fixed, he could not leave the +spot where the last tones of a voice so beloved still vibrated on his +ear, without endeavouring to avail himself of the opportunity which the +parlour window afforded to steal one last glance at the lovely speaker. +It was in this attempt, made while Edith seemed to have her eyes +unalterably bent upon the ground, that Morton's presence was detected by +her raising them suddenly. So soon as her wild scream made this known to +the unfortunate object of a passion so constant, and which seemed so +ill-fated, he hurried from the place as if pursued by the furies. He +passed Halliday in the garden without recognising or even being sensible +that he had seen him, threw himself on his horse, and, by a sort of +instinct rather than recollection, took the first by-road in preference +to the public route to Hamilton. + +In all probability this prevented Lord Evandale from learning that he was +actually in existence; for the news that the Highlanders had obtained a +decisive victory at Killiecrankie had occasioned an accurate look-out to +be kept, by order of the Government, on all the passes, for fear of some +commotion among the Lowland Jacobites. They did not omit to post +sentinels on Bothwell Bridge; and as these men had not seen any traveller +pass westward in that direction, and as, besides, their comrades +stationed in the village of Bothwell were equally positive that none had +gone eastward, the apparition, in the existence of which Edith and +Halliday were equally positive, became yet more mysterious in the +judgment of Lord Evandale, who was finally inclined to settle in the +belief that the heated and disturbed imagination of Edith had summoned up +the phantom she stated herself to have seen, and that Halliday had, in +some unaccountable manner, been infected by the same superstition. +Meanwhile, the by-path which Morton pursued, with all the speed which his +vigorous horse could exert, brought him in a very few seconds to the +brink of the Clyde, at a spot marked with the feet of horses, who were +conducted to it as a watering-place. The steed, urged as he was to the +gallop, did not pause a single instant, but, throwing himself into the +river, was soon beyond his depth. The plunge which the animal made as his +feet quitted the ground, with the feeling that the cold water rose above +his swordbelt, were the first incidents which recalled Morton, whose +movements had been hitherto mechanical, to the necessity of taking +measures for preserving himself and the noble animal which he bestrode. A +perfect master of all manly exercises, the management of a horse in water +was as familiar to him as when upon a meadow. He directed the animal's +course somewhat down the stream towards a low plain, or holm, which +seemed to promise an easy egress from the river. In the first and second +attempt to get on shore, the horse was frustrated by the nature of the +ground, and nearly fell backwards on his rider. The instinct of +self-preservation seldom fails, even in the most desperate circumstances, +to recall the human mind to some degree of equipoise, unless when +altogether distracted by terror, and Morton was obliged to the danger in +which he was placed for complete recovery of his self-possession. A third +attempt, at a spot more carefully and judiciously selected, succeeded +better than the former, and placed the horse and his rider in safety upon +the farther and left-hand bank of the Clyde. + +"But whither," said Morton, in the bitterness of his heart, "am I now to +direct my course? or rather, what does it signify to which point of the +compass a wretch so forlorn betakes himself? I would to God, could the +wish be without a sin, that these dark waters had flowed over me, and +drowned my recollection of that which was, and that which is!" +The sense of impatience, which the disturbed state of his feelings had +occasioned, scarcely had vented itself in these violent expressions, ere +he was struck with shame at having given way to such a paroxysm. He +remembered how signally the life which he now held so lightly in the +bitterness of his disappointment had been preserved through the almost +incessant perils which had beset him since he entered upon his public +career. + +"I am a fool!" he said, "and worse than a fool, to set light by that +existence which Heaven has so often preserved in the most marvellous +manner. Something there yet remains for me in this world, were it only to +bear my sorrows like a man, and to aid those who need my assistance. What +have I seen, what have I heard, but the very conclusion of that which I +knew was to happen? They"--he durst not utter their names even in +soliloquy--"they are embarrassed and in difficulties. She is stripped of +her inheritance, and he seems rushing on some dangerous career, with +which, but for the low voice in which he spoke, I might have become +acquainted. Are there no means to aid or to warn them?" + +As he pondered upon this topic, forcibly withdrawing his mind from his +own disappointment, and compelling his attention to the affairs of Edith +and her betrothed husband, the letter of Burley, long forgotten, suddenly +rushed on his memory, like a ray of light darting through a mist. +"Their ruin must have been his work," was his internal conclusion. "If it +can be repaired, it must be through his means, or by information obtained +from him. I will search him out. Stern, crafty, and enthusiastic as he +is, my plain and downright rectitude of purpose has more than once +prevailed with him. I will seek him out, at least; and who knows what +influence the information I may acquire from him may have on the fortunes +of those whom I shall never see more, and who will probably never learn +that I am now suppressing my own grief, to add, if possible, to their +happiness." + +Animated by these hopes, though the foundation was but slight, he sought +the nearest way to the high-road; and as all the tracks through the +valley were known to him since he hunted through them in youth, he had no +other difficulty than that of surmounting one or two enclosures, ere he +found himself on the road to the small burgh where the feast of the +popinjay had been celebrated. He journeyed in a state of mind sad indeed +and dejected, yet relieved from its earlier and more intolerable state of +anguish; for virtuous resolution and manly disinterestedness seldom fail +to restore tranquillity even where they cannot create happiness. He +turned his thoughts with strong effort upon the means of discovering +Burley, and the chance there was of extracting from him any knowledge +which he might possess favourable to her in whose cause he interested +himself; and at length formed the resolution of guiding himself by the +circumstances in which he might discover the object of his quest, +trusting that, from Cuddie's account of a schism betwixt Burley and his +brethren of the Presbyterian persuasion, he might find him less +rancorously disposed against Miss Bellenden, and inclined to exert the +power which he asserted himself to possess over her fortunes, more +favourably than heretofore. + +Noontide had passed away when our traveller found himself in the +neighbourhood of his deceased uncle's habitation of Milnwood. It rose +among glades and groves that were chequered with a thousand early +recollections of joy and sorrow, and made upon Morton that mournful +impression, soft and affecting, yet, withal, soothing, which the +sensitive mind usually receives from a return to the haunts of childhood +and early youth, after having experienced the vicissitudes and tempests +of public life. A strong desire came upon him to visit the house itself. +"Old Alison," he thought, "will not know me, more than the honest couple +whom I saw yesterday. I may indulge my curiosity, and proceed on my +journey, without her having any knowledge of my existence. I think they +said my uncle had bequeathed to her my family mansion,--well, be it so. I +have enough to sorrow for, to enable me to dispense with lamenting such a +disappointment as that; and yet methinks he has chosen an odd successor +in my grumbling old dame, to a line of respectable, if not distinguished, +ancestry. Let it be as it may, I will visit the old mansion at least once +more." + +The house of Milnwood, even in its best days, had nothing cheerful about +it; but its gloom appeared to be doubled under the auspices of the old +housekeeper. Everything, indeed, was in repair; there were no slates +deficient upon the steep grey roof, and no panes broken in the narrow +windows. But the grass in the court-yard looked as if the foot of man had +not been there for years; the doors were carefully locked, and that which +admitted to the hall seemed to have been shut for a length of time, since +the spiders had fairly drawn their webs over the door-way and the +staples. Living sight or sound there was none, until, after much +knocking, Morton heard the little window, through which it was +usual to reconnoitre visitors, open with much caution. The face of +Alison, puckered with some score of wrinkles in addition to those with +which it was furrowed when Morton left Scotland, now presented itself, +enveloped in a /toy/, from under the protection of which some of her grey +tresses had escaped in a manner more picturesque than beautiful, while +her shrill, tremulous voice demanded the cause of the knocking. +"I wish to speak an instant with one Alison Wilson, who resides here," +said Henry. + +"She's no at hame the day," answered Mrs. Wilson, /in propria persona/, +the state of whose headdress, perhaps, inspired her with this direct mode +of denying herself; "and ye are but a mislear'd person to speer for her +in sic a manner. Ye might hae had an M under your belt for Mistress +Wilson of Milnwood." + +"I beg pardon," said Morton, internally smiling at finding in old Ailie +the same jealousy of disrespect which she used to exhibit upon former +occasions,--"I beg pardon; I am but a stranger in this country, and have +been so long abroad that I have almost forgotten my own language." +"Did ye come frae foreign parts?" said Ailie; "then maybe ye may hae +heard of a young gentleman of this country that they ca' Henry Morton?" + +"I have heard," said Morton, "of such a name in Germany." + +"Then bide a wee bit where ye are, friend; or stay,--gang round by the +back o' the house, and ye'll find a laigh door; it's on the latch, for +it's never barred till sunset. Ye 'll open 't,--and tak care ye dinna fa' +ower the tub, for the entry's dark,--and then ye'll turn to the right, +and then ye'll hand straught forward, and then ye'll turn to the right +again, and ye 'll tak heed o' the cellarstairs, and then ye 'll be at the +door o' the little kitchen,--it's a' the kitchen that's at Milnwood +now,--and I'll come down t'ye, and whate'er ye wad say to Mistress +Wilson ye may very safely tell it to me." + +A stranger might have had some difficulty, notwithstanding the minuteness +of the directions supplied by Ailie, to pilot himself in safety through +the dark labyrinth of passages that led from the back-door to the little +kitchen; but Henry was too well acquainted with the navigation of these +straits to experience danger, either from the Scylla which lurked on one +side in shape of a bucking tub, or the Charybdis which yawned on the +other in the profundity of a winding cellar-stair. His only impediment +arose from the snarling and vehement barking of a small cocking spaniel, +once his own property, but which, unlike to the faithful Argus, saw his +master return from his wanderings without any symptom of recognition. + +"The little dogs and all!" said Morton to himself, on being disowned by +his former favourite. "I am so changed that no breathing creature that I +have known and loved will now acknowledge me!" + +At this moment he had reached the kitchen; and soon after, the tread of +Alison's high heels, and the pat of the crutch-handled cane which served +at once to prop and to guide her footsteps, were heard upon the +stairs,--an annunciation which continued for some time ere she fairly +reached the kitchen. + +Morton had, therefore, time to survey the slender preparations for +housekeeping which were now sufficient in the house of his ancestors. The +fire, though coals are plenty in that neighbourhood, was husbanded with +the closest attention to economy of fuel, and the small pipkin, in which +was preparing the dinner of the old woman and her maid-of-all-work, a +girl of twelve years old, intimated, by its thin and watery vapour, that +Ailie had not mended her cheer with her improved fortune. + +When she entered, the head, which nodded with self-importance; the +features, in which an irritable peevishness, acquired by habit and +indulgence, strove with a temper naturally affectionate and good-natured; +the coif; the apron; the blue-checked gown,--were all those of old Ailie; +but laced pinners, hastily put on to meet the stranger, with some other +trifling articles of decoration, marked the difference between Mrs. +Wilson, life-rentrix of Milnwood, and the housekeeper of the late +proprietor. + +"What were ye pleased to want wi' Mrs. Wilson, sir? I am Mrs. Wilson," +was her first address; for the five minutes time which she had gained for +the business of the toilet entitled her, she conceived, to assume the +full merit of her illustrious name, and shine forth on her guest in +unchastened splendour. Morton's sensations, confounded between the past +and present, fairly confused him so much that he would have had +difficulty in answering her, even if he had known well what to say. But +as he had not determined what character he was to adopt while concealing +that which was properly his own, he had an additional reason for +remaining silent. Mrs. Wilson, in perplexity, and with some apprehension, +repeated her question. + +"What were ye pleased to want wi' me, sir? Ye said ye kend Mr. Harry +Morton?" + +"Pardon me, madam," answered Henry, "it was of one Silas Morton I spoke." +The old woman's countenance fell. + +"It was his father, then, ye kent o', the brother o' the late Milnwood? +Ye canna mind him abroad, I wad think,--he was come hame afore ye were +born. I thought ye had brought me news of poor Maister Harry." + +"It was from my father I learned to know Colonel Morton," said Henry; "of +the son I know little or nothing,--rumour says he died abroad on his +passage to Holland." + +"That's ower like to be true," said the old woman with a sigh, "and mony +a tear it's cost my auld een. His uncle, poor gentleman, just sough'd awa +wi' it in his mouth. He had been gieing me preceeze directions anent the +bread and the wine and the brandy at his burial, and how often it was to +be handed round the company (for, dead or alive, he was a prudent, +frugal, painstaking man), and then he said, said he, 'Ailie,' (he aye +ca'd me Ailie; we were auld acquaintance), 'Ailie, take ye care and haud +the gear weel thegither; for the name of Morton of Milnwood 's gane out +like the last sough of an auld sang.' And sae he fell out o' ae dwam into +another, and ne'er spak a word mair, unless it were something we cou'dna +mak out, about a dipped candle being gude eneugh to see to dee wi'. He +cou'd ne'er bide to see a moulded ane, and there was ane, by ill luck, on +the table." + +While Mrs. Wilson was thus detailing the last moments of the old miser, +Morton was pressingly engaged in diverting the assiduous curiosity of the +dog, which, recovered from his first surprise, and combining former +recollections, had, after much snuffing and examination, begun a course +of capering and jumping upon the stranger which threatened every instant +to betray him. At length, in the urgency of his impatience, Morton could +not forbear exclaiming, in a tone of hasty impatience, "Down, Elphin! +down, sir!" + +"Ye ken our dog's name," said the old lady, struck with great and sudden +surprise,--"ye ken our dog's name, and it's no a common ane. And the +creature kens you too," she continued, in a more agitated and shriller +tone,--"God guide us! it's my ain bairn!" + +So saying, the poor old woman threw herself around Morton's neck, cling +to him, kissed him as if he had been actually her child, and wept for +joy. There was no parrying the discovery, if he could have had the heart +to attempt any further disguise. He returned the embrace with the most +grateful warmth, and answered,-- + +"I do indeed live, dear Ailie, to thank you for all your kindness, past +and present, and to rejoice that there is at least one friend to welcome +me to my native country." + +"Friends!" exclaimed Ailie, "ye'll hae mony friends,--ye 'll hae mony +friends; for ye will hae gear, hinny,--ye will hae gear. Heaven mak ye a +gude guide o't! But eh, sirs!" she continued, pushing him back from her +with her trembling hand and shrivelled arm, and gazing in his face as if +to read, at more convenient distance, the ravages which sorrow rather +than time had made on his face,--"Eh, sirs! ye're sair altered, hinny; +your face is turned pale, and your een are sunken, and your bonny +red-and-white cheeks are turned a' dark and sun-burnt. Oh, weary on the +wars! mony 's the comely face they destroy.--And when cam ye here, hinny? +And where hae ye been? And what hae ye been doing? And what for did ye na +write to us? And how cam ye to pass yoursell for dead? And what for did +ye come creepin' to your ain house as if ye had been an unto body, to gie +poor auld Ailie sic a start?" she concluded, smiling through her tears. +It was some time ere Morton could overcome his own emotion so as to give +the kind old woman the information which we shall communicate to our +readers in the next chapter. + + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + Aumerle that was, + But that is gone for being Richard's friend; + And, madam, you must call him Rutland now. + Richard II. + +The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to +Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as +housekeeper, and which she continued to retain. "It was," she said, +"better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found +dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than +the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" +and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, +washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, +unless upon their most solemn festivals. In the matted room, therefore, +they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, +which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, +although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the +comfits which she so regularly prepared. + +Morton, adapting his narrative to the comprehension of his auditor, +informed her briefly of the wreck of the vessel and the loss of all +hands, excepting two or three common seamen who had early secured the +skiff, and were just putting off from the vessel when he leaped from the +deck into their boat, and unexpectedly, as well as contrary to their +inclination, made himself partner of their voyage and of their safety. +Landed at Flushing, he was fortunate enough to meet with an old officer +who had been in service with his father. By his advice, he shunned going +immediately to the Hague, but forwarded his letters to the court of the +Stadtholder. + +"Our prince," said the veteran, "must as yet keep terms with his +father-in-law and with your King Charles; and to approach him in the +character of a Scottish malecontent would render it imprudent for him to +distinguish you by his favour. Wait, therefore, his orders, without +forcing yourself on his notice; observe the strictest prudence and +retirement; assume for the present a different name; shun the company of +the British exiles; and, depend upon it, you will not repent your +prudence." + +The old friend of Silas Morton argued justly. After a considerable time +had elapsed, the Prince of Orange, in a progress through the United +States, came to the town where Morton, impatient at his situation and the +incognito which he was obliged to observe, still continued, nevertheless, +to be a resident. He had an hour of private interview assigned, in which +the prince expressed himself highly pleased with his intelligence, his +prudence, and the liberal view which he seemed to take of the factions of +his native country, their motives and their purposes. + +"I would gladly," said William, "attach you to my own person; but that +cannot be without giving offence in England. But I will do as much for +you, as well out of respect for the sentiments you have expressed, as for +the recommendations you have brought me. Here is a commission in a Swiss +regiment at present in garrison in a distant province, where you will +meet few or none of your countrymen. Continue to be Captain Melville, and +let the name of Morton sleep till better days." + +"Thus began my fortune," continued Morton; "and my services have, on +various occasions, been distinguished by his Royal Highness, until the +moment that brought him to Britain as our political deliverer. His +commands must excuse my silence to my few friends in Scotland; and I +wonder not at the report of my death, considering the wreck of the +vessel, and that I found no occasion to use the letters of exchange with +which I was furnished by the liberality of some of them,--a circumstance +which must have confirmed the belief that I had perished." + +"But, dear hinny," asked Mrs. Wilson, "did ye find nae Scotch body at the +Prince of Oranger's court that kend ye? I wad hae thought Morton o' +Milnwood was kend a' through the country." + +"I was purposely engaged in distant service," said Morton, "until a +period when few, without as deep and kind a motive of interest as yours, +Ailie, would have known the stripling Morton in Major-General Melville." + +"Malville was your mother's name," said Mrs. Wilson; "but Morton sounds +far bonnier in my auld lugs. And when ye tak up the lairdship, ye maun +tak the auld name and designation again." + +"I am like to be in no haste to do either the one or the other, Ailie, +for I have some reasons for the present to conceal my being alive from +every one but you; and as for the lairdship of Milnwood, it is in as good +hands." + +"As gude hands, hinny!" re-echoed Ailie; "I'm hopefu' ye are no meaning +mine? The rents and the lands are but a sair fash to me. And I'm ower +failed to tak a helpmate, though Wylie Mactrickit the writer was very +pressing, and spak very civilly; but I 'm ower auld a cat to draw that +strae before me. He canna whilliwhaw me as he's dune mony a ane. And then +I thought aye ye wad come back, and I wad get my pickle meal and my soup +milk, and keep a' things right about ye as I used to do in your puir +uncle's time, and it wad be just pleasure eneugh for me to see ye thrive +and guide the gear canny. Ye'll hae learned that in Holland, I'se +warrant, for they're thrifty folk there, as I hear tell.--But ye'll be +for keeping rather a mair house than puir auld Milnwood that's gave; and, +indeed, I would approve o' your eating butchermeat maybe as aften as +three times a-week,--it keeps the wind out o' the stamack." + +"We will talk of all this another time," said Morton, surprised at the +generosity upon a large scale which mingled in Ailie's thoughts and +actions with habitual and sordid parsimony, and at the odd contrast +between her love of saving and indifference to self-acquisition. "You +must know," he continued, "that I am in this country only for a few days +on some special business of importance to the Government, and therefore, +Ailie, not a word of having seen me. At some other time I will acquaint +you fully with my motives and intentions." + +"E'en be it sae, my jo," replied Ailie, "I can keep a secret like my +neighbours; and weel auld Milnwood kend it, honest man, for he tauld me +where he keepit his gear, and that's what maist folk like to hae as +private as possibly may be.--But come awa wi' me, hinny, till I show ye +the oak-parlour how grandly it's keepit, just as if ye had been expected +haine every day,--I loot naebody sort it but my ain hands. It was a kind +o' divertisement to me, though whiles the tear wan into my ee, and I said +to mysell, What needs I fash wi' grates and carpets and cushions and the +muckle brass candlesticks ony mair? for they'll ne'er come hame that +aught it rightfully." + +With these words she hauled him away to this sanctum sanctorum, the +scrubbing and cleaning whereof was her daily employment, as its high +state of good order constituted the very pride of her heart. Morton, as +he followed her into the room, underwent a rebuke for not "dighting his +shune," which showed that Ailie had not relinquished her habits of +authority. On entering the oak-parlour he could not but recollect the +feelings of solemn awe with which, when a boy, he had been affected at +his occasional and rare admission to an apartment which he then supposed +had not its equal save in the halls of princes. It may be readily +supposed that the worked-worsted chairs, with their short ebony legs and +long upright backs, had lost much of their influence over his mind; that +the large brass andirons seemed diminished in splendour; that the green +worsted tapestry appeared no masterpiece of the Arras loom; and that the +room looked, on the whole, dark, gloomy, and disconsolate. Yet there were +two objects, "The counterfeit presentment of two brothers," which, +dissimilar as those described by Hamlet, affected his mind with a variety +of sensations. One full-length portrait represented his father in +complete armour, with a countenance indicating his masculine and +determined character; and the other set forth his uncle, in velvet and +brocade, looking as if he were ashamed of his own finery, though entirely +indebted for it to the liberality of the painter. + +"It was an idle fancy," Ailie said, "to dress the honest auld man in thae +expensive fal-lalls that he ne'er wore in his life, instead o' his douce +Raploch grey, and his band wi' the narrow edging." + +In private, Morton could not help being much of her opinion; for anything +approaching to the dress of a gentleman sate as ill on the ungainly +person of his relative as an open or generous expression would have done +on his mean and money-making features. He now extricated himself from +Ailie to visit some of his haunts in the neighbouring wood, while her own +hands made an addition to the dinner she was preparing,--an incident no +otherwise remarkable than as it cost the life of a fowl, which, for any +event of less importance than the arrival of Henry Morton, might have +cackled on to a good old age ere Ailie could have been guilty of the +extravagance of killing and dressing it. The meal was seasoned by talk of +old times and by the plans which Ailie laid out for futurity, in which +she assigned her young master all the prudential habits of her old one, +and planned out the dexterity with which she was to exercise her duty as +governante. Morton let the old woman enjoy her day-dreams and +castle-building during moments of such pleasure, and deferred till some +fitter occasion the communication of his purpose again to return and +spend his life upon the Continent. + +His next care was to lay aside his military dress, which he considered +likely to render more difficult his researches after Burley. He exchanged +it--for a grey doublet and cloak, formerly his usual attire at Milnwood, +and which Mrs. Wilson produced from a chest of walnut-tree, wherein she +had laid them aside, without forgetting carefully to brush and air them +from time to time. Morton retained his sword and fire-arms, without which +few persons travelled in those unsettled times. When he appeared in his +new attire, Mrs. Wilson was first thankful "that they fitted him sae +decently, since, though he was nae fatter, yet he looked mair manly than +when he was taen frae Milnwood." + +Next she enlarged on the advantage of saving old clothes to be what she +called "beet-masters to the new," and was far advanced in the history of +a velvet cloak belonging to the late Milnwood, which had first been +converted to a velvet doublet, and then into a pair of breeches, and +appeared each time as good as new, when Morton interrupted her account of +its transmigration to bid her good-by. + +He gave, indeed, a sufficient shock to her feelings, by expressing the +necessity he was under of proceeding on his journey that evening. + +"And where are ye gaun? And what wad ye do that for? And whar wad ye +sleep but in your ain house, after ye hae been sae mony years frae hame?" + +"I feel all the unkindness of it, Ailie, but it must be so; and that was +the reason that I attempted to conceal myself from you, as I suspected +you would not let me part from you so easily." + +"But whar are ye gaun, then?" said Ailie, once more. "Saw e'er mortal een +the like o' you, just to come ae moment, and flee awa like an arrow out +of a bow the neist?" + +"I must go down," replied Morton, "to Niel Blane the Piper's Howff; he +can give me a bed, I suppose?" + +"A bed? I'se warrant can he," replied Ailie, "and gar ye pay weel for 't +into the bargain. Laddie, I daresay ye hae lost your wits in thae foreign +parts, to gang and gie siller for a supper and a bed, and might hae baith +for naething, and thanks t' ye for accepting them." + +"I assure you, Ailie," said Morton, desirous to silence her +remonstrances, "that this is a business of great importance, in which I +may be a great gainer, and cannot possibly be a loser." + +"I dinna see how that can be, if ye begin by gieing maybe the feck o' +twal shillings Scots for your supper; but young folks are aye +venturesome, and think to get siller that way. My puir auld master took +a surer gate, and never parted wi' it when he had anes gotten 't." + +Persevering in his desperate resolution, Morton took leave of Ailie, and +mounted his horse to proceed to the little town, after exacting a solemn +promise that she would conceal his return until she again saw or heard +from him. + +"I am not very extravagant," was his natural reflection, as he trotted +slowly towards the town; "but were Ailie and I to set up house together, +as she proposes, I think my profusion would break the good old creature's +heart before a week were out." + + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + Where's the jolly host + You told me of? 'T has been my custom ever + To parley with mine host. + Lover's Progress. + +Morton reached the borough town without meeting with any remarkable +adventure, and alighted at the little inn. It had occurred to him more +than once, while upon his journey, that his resumption of the dress which +he had worn while a youth, although favourable to his views in other +respects, might render it more difficult for him to remain incognito. But +a few years of campaigns and wandering had so changed his appearance that +he had great confidence that in the grown man, whose brows exhibited the +traces of resolution and considerate thought, none would recognise the +raw and bashful stripling who won the game of the popinjay. The only +chance was that here and there some Whig, whom he had led to battle, +might remember the Captain of the Milnwood Marksmen; but the risk, if +there was any, could not be guarded against. + +The Howff seemed full and frequented as if possessed of all its old +celebrity. The person and demeanour of Niel Blane, more fat and less +civil than of yore, intimated that he had increased as well in purse as +in corpulence; for in Scotland a landlord's complaisance for his guests +decreases in exact proportion to his rise in the world. His daughter had +acquired the air of a dexterous barmaid, undisturbed by the circumstances +of love and war, so apt to perplex her in the exercise of her vocation. +Both showed Morton the degree of attention which could have been expected +by a stranger travelling without attendants, at a time when they were +particularly the badges of distinction. He took upon himself exactly the +character his appearance presented, went to the stable and saw his horse +accommodated, then returned to the house, and seating himself in the +public room (for to request one to himself would, in those days, have +been thought an overweening degree of conceit), he found himself in the +very apartment in which he had some years before celebrated his victory +at the game of the popinjay,--a jocular preferment which led to so many +serious consequences. + +He felt himself, as may well be supposed, a much changed man since that +festivity; and yet, to look around him, the groups assembled in the Howff +seemed not dissimilar to those which the same scene had formerly +presented. Two or three burghers husbanded their "dribbles o' brandy;" +two or three dragoons lounged over their muddy ale, and cursed the +inactive times that allowed them no better cheer. Their cornet did not, +indeed, play at backgammon with the curate in his cassock, but he drank +a little modicum of /aqua mirabilis/ with the grey-cloaked Presbyterian +minister. The scene was another, and yet the same, differing only in +persons, but corresponding in general character. + +Let the tide of the world wax or wane as it will, Morton thought as he +looked around him, enough will be found to fill the places which chance +renders vacant; and in the usual occupations and amusements of life, +human beings will succeed each other as leaves upon the same tree, with +the same individual difference and the same general resemblance. + +After pausing a few minutes, Morton, whose experience had taught him the +readiest mode of securing attention, ordered a pint of claret; and as the +smiling landlord appeared with the pewter measure foaming fresh from the +tap (for bottling wine was not then in fashion), he asked him to sit down +and take a share of the good cheer. This invitation was peculiarly +acceptable to Niel Blane, who, if he did not positively expect it from +every guest not provided with better company, yet received it from many, +and was not a whit abashed or surprised at the summons. He sat down, +along with his guest, in a secluded nook near the chimney; and while he +received encouragement to drink by far the greater share of the liquor +before them, he entered at length, as a part of his expected functions, +upon the news of the country,--the births, deaths, and marriages; the +change of property; the downfall of old families, and the rise of new. +But politics, now the fertile source of eloquence, mine host did not care +to mingle in his theme; and it was only in answer to a question of Morton +that he replied, with an air of indifference, "Um! ay! we aye hae sodgers +amang us, mair or less. There's a wheen German horse down at Glasgow +yonder; they ca' their commander Wittybody, or some sic name, though he's +as grave and grewsome an auld Dutchman as e'er I saw." + +"Wittenbold, perhaps?" said Morton,--"an old man, with grey hair and +short black moustaches; speaks seldom?" + +"And smokes for ever," replied Niel Blane. "I see your honour kens the +man. He may be a very gude man too, for aught I see,--that is, +considering he is a sodger and a Dutchman; but if he were ten generals, +and as mony Wittybodies, he has nae skill in the pipes; he gar'd me stop +in the middle of Torphichen's Rant,--the best piece o' music that ever +bag gae wind to." + +"But these fellows," said Morton, glancing his eye towards the soldiers +that were in the apartment, are not of his corps?" + +"Na, na, these are Scotch dragoons," said mine host,--"our ain auld +caterpillars; these were Claver'se's lads a while syne, and wad be again, +maybe, if he had the lang ten in his hand." + +"Is there not a report of his death?" inquired Morton. + +"Troth is there," said the landlord; "your honour is right,--there is sic +a fleeing rumour; but, in my puir opinion, it's lang or the deil die. I +wad hae the folks here look to themsells. If he makes an outbreak, he'll +be doun frae the Hielands or I could drink this glass,--and whare are +they then? A' thae hell-rakers o' dragoons wad be at his whistle in a +moment. Nae doubt they're Willie's men e'en now, as they were James's a +while syne; and reason good,--they fight for their pay; what else hae +they to fight for? They hae neither lands nor houses, I trow. There's ae +gude thing o' the change, or the Revolution, as they ca' it,--folks may +speak out afore thae birkies now, and nae fear o' being hauled awa to the +guard-house, or having the thumikins screwed on your finger-ends, just as +I wad drive the screw through a cork." + +There was a little pause, when Morton, feeling confident in the progress +he had made in mine host's familiarity, asked, though with the hesitation +proper to one who puts a question on the answer to which rests something +of importance, "Whether Blane knew a woman in that neighbourhood called +Elizabeth Maclure?" + +"Whether I ken Bessie Maclure?" answered the landlord, with a landlord's +laugh,--"How can I but ken my ain wife's (haly be her rest!)--my ain +wife's first gudeman's sister, Bessie Maclure? An honest wife she is, but +sair she's been trysted wi' misfortunes,--the loss o' twa decent lads o' +sons, in the time o' the persecution, as they ca' it nowadays; and +doucely and decently she has borne her burden, blaming nane and +condemning nane. If there's an honest woman in the world, it's Bessie +Maclure. And to lose her twa sons, as I was saying, and to hae dragoons +clinked down on her for a month bypast,--for, be Whig or Tory uppermost, +they aye quarter thae loons on victuallers,--to lose, as I was saying--" + +"This woman keeps an inn, then?" interrupted Morton. + +"A public, in a puir way," replied Blane, looking round at his own +superior accommodations,--"a sour browst o' sma' ale that she sells to +folk that are over drouthy wi' travel to be nice; but naething to ca' a +stirring trade or a thriving changehouse." + +"Can you get me a guide there?" said Morton. + +"Your honour will rest here a' the night? Ye'll hardly get accommodation +at Bessie's," said Niel, whose regard for his deceased wife's relative by +no means extended to sending company from his own house to hers. + +"There is a friend," answered Morton, "whom I am to meet with there, and +I only called here to take a stirrup-cup and inquire the way." + +"Your honour had better," answerd the landlord, with the perseverance of +his calling, "send some ane to warn your friend to come on here." + +"I tell you, landlord," answered Morton, impatiently, "that will not +serve my purpose; I must go straight to this woman Maclure's house, and +I desire you to find me a guide." + +"Aweel, sir, ye'll choose for yoursell, to be sure," said Niel Blane, +somewhat disconcerted; "but deil a guide ye'll need if ye gae doun the +water for twa mile or sae, as gin ye were bound for Milnwoodhouse, and +then tak the first broken disjasked-looking road that makes for the +hills,--ye'll ken 't by a broken ash-tree that stands at the side o' a +burn just where the roads meet; and then travel out the path,--ye canna +miss Widow Maclure's public, for deil another house or hauld is on the +road for ten lang Scots miles, and that's worth twenty English. I am +sorry your honour would think o' gaun out o' my house the night. But my +wife's gude-sister is a decent woman, and it's no lost that a friend +gets." + +Morton accordingly paid his reckoning and departed. The sunset of the +summer day placed him at the ash-tree, where the path led up towards the +moors. + +"Here," he said to himself, "my misfortunes commenced; for just here, +when Burley and I were about to separate on the first night we ever met, +he was alarmed by the intelligence that the passes were secured by +soldiers lying in wait for him. Beneath that very ash sate the old woman +who apprised him of his danger. How strange that my whole fortunes should +have become inseparably interwoven with that man's, without anything more +on my part than the discharge of an ordinary duty of humanity! Would to +Heaven it were possible I could find my humble quiet and tranquillity of +mind upon the spot where I lost them!" + +Thus arranging his reflections betwixt speech and thought, he turned his +horse's head up the path. + +Evening lowered around him as he advanced up the narrow dell which had +once been a wood, but was now a ravine divested of trees, unless where a +few, from their inaccessible situation on the edge of precipitous banks, +or clinging among rocks and huge stones, defied the invasion of men and +of cattle, like the scattered tribes of a conquered country, driven to +take refuge in the barren strength of its mountains. These too, wasted +and decayed, seemed rather to exist than to flourish, and only served to +indicate what the landscape had once been. But the stream brawled down +among them in all its freshness and vivacity, giving the life and +animation which a mountain rivulet alone can confer on the barest and +most savage scenes, and which the inhabitants of such a country miss when +gazing even upon the tranquil winding of a majestic stream through plains +of fertility, and beside palaces of splendour. The track of the road +followed the course of the brook, which was now visible, and now only to +be distinguished by its brawling heard among the stones or in the clefts +of the rock that occasionally interrupted its course. + +"Murmurer that thou art," said Morton, in the enthusiasm of his reverie, +"why chafe with the rocks that stop thy course for a moment? There is a +sea to receive thee in its bosom; and there is an eternity for man when +his fretful and hasty course through the vale of time shall be ceased and +over. What thy petty fuming is to the deep and vast billows of a +shoreless ocean, are our cares, hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows to the +objects which must occupy us through the awful and boundless succession +of ages!" + +Thus moralizing, our traveller passed on till the dell opened, and the +banks, receding from the brook, left a little green vale, exhibiting a +croft, or small field, on which some corn was growing, and a cottage, +whose walls were not above five feet high, and whose thatched roof, green +with moisture, age, houseleek, and grass, had in some places suffered +damage from the encroachment of two cows, whose appetite this appearance +of verdure had diverted from their more legitimate pasture. An ill-spelt +and worse-written inscription intimated to the traveller that he might +here find refreshment for man and horse,--no unacceptable intimation, +rude as the hut appeared to be, considering the wild path he had trod in +approaching it, and the high and waste mountains which rose in desolate +dignity behind this humble asylum. + +It must indeed have been, thought Morton, in some such spot as this that +Burley was likely to find a congenial confident. + +As he approached, he observed the good dame of the house herself, seated +by the door; she had hitherto been concealed from him by a huge +alder-bush. + +"Good evening, Mother," said the traveller. "Your name is Mistress +Maclure?" + +"Elizabeth Maclure, sir, a poor widow," was the reply. + +"Can you lodge a stranger for a night?" + +"I can, sir, if he will be pleased with the widow's cake and the widow's +cruse." + +"I have been a soldier, good dame," answered Morton, "and nothing can +come amiss to me in the way of entertainment." + +"A sodger, sir?" said the old woman, with a sigh,--"God send ye a better +trade!" + +"It is believed to be an honourable profession, my good dame; I hope you +do not think the worse of me for having belonged to it?" + +"I judge no one, sir," replied the woman, "and your voice sounds like +that of a civil gentleman; but I hae witnessed sae muckle ill wi' +sodgering in this puir land that I am e'en content that I can see nae +mair o't wi' these sightless organs." + +As she spoke thus, Morton observed that she was blind. + +"Shall I not be troublesome to you, my good dame?" said he, +compassionately; "your infirmity seems ill calculated for your +profession." + +"Na, sir," answered the old woman, "I can gang about the house readily +eneugh; and I hae a bit lassie to help me, and the dragoon lads will look +after your horse when they come hame frae their patrol, for a sma' +matter; they are civiller now than lang syne." + +Upon these assurances, Morton alighted. + +"Peggy, my bonny bird," continued the hostess, addressing a little girl +of twelve years old, who had by this time appeared, "tak the gentleman's +horse to the stable, and slack his girths, and tak aff the bridle, and +shake down a lock o' hay before him, till the dragoons come back.--Come +this way, sir," she continued; "ye'll find my house clean, though it's a +puir ane." + +Morton followed her into the cottage accordingly. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + Then out and spake the auld mother, + And fast her tears did fa + "Ye wadna be warn'd, my son Johnie, + Frae the hunting to bide awa!" + Old Ballad. + +When he entered the cottage, Morton perceived that the old hostess had +spoken truth. The inside of the hut belied its outward appearance, and +was neat, and even comfortable, especially the inner apartment, in which +the hostess informed her guest that he was to sup and sleep. Refreshments +were placed before him such as the little inn afforded; and though he had +small occasion for them, he accepted the offer, as the means of +maintaining some discourse with the landlady. Notwithstanding her +blindness, she was assiduous in her attendance, and seemed, by a sort of +instinct, to find her way to what she wanted. + +"Have you no one but this pretty little girl to assist you in waiting on +your guests?" was the natural question. + +"None, sir," replied his old hostess; "I dwell alone, like the widow of +Zarephath. Few guests come to this puir place, and I haena custom eneugh +to hire servants. I had anes twa fine sons that lookit after a' thing. +--But God gives and takes away,--His name be praised!" she continued, +turning her clouded eyes towards Heaven.--"I was anes better off, that +is, waridly speaking, even since I lost them; but that was before this +last change." + +"Indeed!" said Morton; "and yet you are a Presbyterian, my good mother?" + +"I am, sir; praised be the light that showed me the right way," replied +the landlady. + +"Then I should have thought," continued the guest, the Revolution would +have brought you nothing but good." + +"If," said the old woman, "it has brought the land gude, and freedom of +worship to tender consciences, it's little matter what it has brought to +a puir blind worm like me." + +"Still," replied Morton, "I cannot see how it could possibly injure you." + +"It's a lang story, sir," answered his hostess, with a sigh. "But ae +night, sax weeks or thereby afore Bothwell Brigg, a young gentleman +stopped at this puir cottage, stiff and bloody with wounds, pale and dune +out wi' riding, and his horse sae weary he couldna drag ae foot after the +other, and his foes were close ahint him, and he was ane o' our enemies. +What could I do, sir? You that's a sodger will think me but a silly auld +wife; but I fed him, and relieved him, and keepit him hidden till the +pursuit was ower." + +"And who," said Morton, "dares disapprove of your having done so?" + +"I kenna," answered the blind woman; "I gat ill-will about it amang some +o' our ain folk. They said I should hae been to him what Jael was to +Sisera. But weel I wot I had nae divine command to shed blood, and to +save it was baith like a woman and a Christian. And then they said I +wanted natural affection, to relieve ane that belanged to the band that +murdered my twa sons." + +"That murdered your two sons?" + +"Ay, sir; though maybe ye'll gie their deaths another name. The tane fell +wi' sword in hand, fighting for a broken national Covenant; the +tother,--oh, they took him and shot him dead on the green before his +mother's face! My auld een dazzled when the shots were looten off, and, +to my thought, they waxed weaker and weaker ever since that weary day; +and sorrow, and heart-break, and tears that would not be dried, might +help on the disorder. But, alas! betraying Lord Evandale's young blood +to his enemies' sword wad ne'er hae brought my Ninian and Johnie alive +again." + +"Lord Evandale?" said Morton, in surprise. "Was it Lord Evandale whose +life you saved?" + +"In troth, even his," she replied. "And kind he was to me after, and gae +me a cow and calf, malt, meal, and siller, and nane durst steer me when +he was in power. But we live on an outside bit of Tillietudlem land, and +the estate was sair plea'd between Leddy Margaret Bellenden and the +present laird, Basil Olifant, and Lord Evandale backed the auld leddy for +love o' her daughter Miss Edith, as the country said, ane o' the best and +bonniest lassies in Scotland. But they behuved to gie way, and Basil gat +the Castle and land, and on the back o' that came the Revolution, and wha +to turn coat faster than the laird? for he said he had been a true Whig +a' the time, and turned papist only for fashion's sake. And then he got +favour, and Lord Evandale's head was under water; for he was ower proud +and manfu' to bend to every blast o' wind, though mony a ane may ken as +weel as me that be his ain principles as they might, he was nae ill +friend to our folk when he could protect us, and far kinder than Basil +Olifant, that aye keepit the cobble head doun the stream. But he was set +by and ill looked on, and his word ne'er asked; and then Basil, wha's a +revengefu' man, set himsell to vex him in a' shapes, and especially by +oppressing and despoiling the auld blind widow, Bessie Maclure, that +saved Lord Evandale's life, and that he was sae kind to. But he's mistaen +if that's his end; for it will be lang or Lord Evandale hears a word frae +me about the selling my kye for rent or e'er it was due, or the putting +the dragoons on me when the country's quiet, or onything else that will +vex him,--I can bear my ain burden patiently, and warld's loss is the +least part o't." + +Astonished and interested at this picture of patient, grateful, and +high-minded resignation, Morton could not help bestowing an execration +upon the poor-spirited rascal who had taken such a dastardly course of +vengeance. + +"Dinna curse him, sir," said the old woman; "I have heard a good man say +that a curse was like a stone flung up to the heavens, and maist like to +return on the head that sent it. But if ye ken Lord Evandale, bid him +look to himsell, for I hear strange words pass atween the sodgers that +are lying here, and his name is often mentioned; and the tane o' them has +been twice up at Tillietudlem. He's a kind of favourite wi' the laird, +though he was in former times ane o' the maist cruel oppressors ever rade +through a country (out-taken Sergeant Bothwell),--they ca' him Inglis." + +"I have the deepest interest in Lord Evandale's safety," said Morton, +"and you may depend on my finding some mode to apprise him of these +suspicious circumstances. And, in return, my good friend, will you +indulge me with another question? Do you know anything of Quintin Mackell +of Irongray?" + +"Do I know whom?" echoed the blind woman, in a tone of great surprise and +alarm. + +"Quintin Mackell of Irongray," repeated Morton. "Is there anything so +alarming in the sound of that name?" + +"Na, na," answered the woman, with hesitation; "but to hear him asked +after by a stranger and a sodger,--Gude protect us, what mischief is +to come next!" + +"None by my means, I assure you," said Morton; "the subject of my inquiry +has nothing to fear from me if, as I suppose, this Quintin Mackell is the +same with John Bal-----." + +"Do not mention his name," said the widow, pressing his lips with her +fingers. "I see you have his secret and his pass-word, and I'll be free +wi' you. But, for God's sake, speak lound and low. In the name of Heaven, +I trust ye seek him not to his hurt! Ye said ye were a sodger?" + +"I said truly; but one he has nothing to fear from. I commanded a party +at Bothwell Bridge." + +"Indeed?" said the woman. "And verily there is something in your voice I +can trust. Ye speak prompt and readily, and like an honest man." + +"I trust I am so," said Morton. + +"But nae displeasure to you, sir, in thae waefu' times," continued Mrs. +Maclure, "the hand of brother is against brother, and he fears as mickle +almaist frae this Government as e'er he did frae the auld persecutors." + +"Indeed?" said Morton, in a tone of inquiry; I was not aware of that. But +I am only just now returned from abroad." + +"I'll tell ye," said the blind woman, first assuming an attitude of +listening that showed how effectually her powers of collecting +intelligence had been transferred from the eye to the ear; for, instead +of casting a glance of circumspection around, she stooped her face, and +turned her head slowly around, in such a manner as to insure that there +was not the slightest sound stirring in the neighbourhood, and then +continued,--"I'll tell ye. Ye ken how he has laboured to raise up again +the Covenant, burned, broken, and buried in the hard hearts and selfish +devices of this stubborn people. Now, when he went to Holland, far from +the countenance and thanks of the great, and the comfortable fellowship +of the godly, both whilk he was in right to expect, the Prince of Orange +wad show him no favour, and the ministers no godly communion. This was +hard to bide for ane that had suffered and done mickle,--ower mickle, it +may be; but why suld I be a judge? He came back to me and to the auld +place o' refuge that had often received him in his distresses, mair +especially before the great day of victory at Drumclog, for I sail ne'er +forget how he was bending hither of a' nights in the year on that e'ening +after the play when young Milnwood wan the popinjay; but I warned him off +for that time." + +"What!" exclaimed Morton, "it was you that sat in your red cloak by the +high-road, and told him there was a lion in the path?" + +"In the name of Heaven! wha are ye?" said the old woman, breaking off her +narrative in astonishment. "But be wha ye may," she continued, resuming +it with tranquillity, "ye can ken naething waur o' me than that I hae +been willing to save the life o' friend and foe." + +"I know no ill of you, Mrs. Maclure, and I mean no ill by you; I only +wished to show you that I know so much of this person's affairs that I +might be safely intrusted with the rest. Proceed, if you please, in your +narrative." + +"There is a strange command in your voice," said the blind woman, "though +its tones are sweet. I have little mair to say. The Stewarts hae been +dethroned, and William and Mary reign in their stead; but nae mair word +of the Covenant than if it were a dead letter. They hae taen the indulged +clergy, and an Erastian General Assembly of the ante pure and triumphant +Kirk of Scotland, even into their very arms and bosoms. Our faithfu' +champions o' the testimony agree e'en waur wi' this than wi' the open +tyranny and apostasy of the persecuting times, for souls are hardened and +deadened, and the mouths of fasting multitudes are crammed wi' fizenless +bran instead of the sweet word in season; and mony an hungry, starving +creature, when he sits down on a Sunday forenoon to get something that +might warm him to the great work, has a dry clatter o' morality driven +about his lugs, and--" + +"In short," said Morton, desirous to stop a discussion which the good old +woman, as enthusiastically attached to her religious profession as to the +duties of humanity, might probably have indulged longer,--"In short, you +are not disposed to acquiesce in this new government, and Burley is of +the same opinion?" + +"Many of our brethren, sir, are of belief we fought for the Covenant, and +fasted and prayed and suffered for that grand national league, and now we +are like neither to see nor hear tell of that which we suffered and +fought and fasted and prayed for. And anes it was thought something might +be made by bringing back the auld family on a new bargain and a new +bottom, as, after a', when King James went awa, I understand the great +quarrel of the English against him was in behalf of seven unhallowed +prelates; and sae, though ae part of our people were free to join wi' the +present model, and levied an armed regiment under the Yerl of Angus, yet +our honest friend, and others that stude up for purity of doctrine and +freedom of conscience, were determined to hear the breath o' the +Jacobites before they took part again them, fearing to fa' to the ground +like a wall built with unslaked mortar, or from sitting between twa +stools." + +"They chose an odd quarter," said Morton, "from which to expect freedom +of conscience and purity of doctrine." + +"Oh, dear sir!" said the landlady, "the natural day-spring rises in the +east, but the spiritual dayspring may rise in the north, for what we +blinded mortals ken." + +"And Burley went to the north to seek it?" replied the guest. + +"Truly ay, sir; and he saw Claver'se himsell, that they ca' Dundee now." + +"What!" exclaimed Morton, in amazement; "I would have sworn that meeting +would have been the last of one of their lives." + +"Na, na, sir; in troubled times, as I understand," said Mrs. Maclure, +"there's sudden changes,--Montgomery and Ferguson and mony ane mair that +were King James's greatest faes are on his side now. Claver'se spake our +friend fair, and sent him to consult with Lord Evandale. But then there +was a break-off, for Lord Evandale wadna look at, hear, or speak wi' him; +and now he's anes wud and aye waur, and roars for revenge again Lord +Evandale, and will hear nought of onything but burn and slay. And oh, +thae starts o' passion! they unsettle his mind, and gie the Enemy sair +advantages." + +"The enemy?" said Morton; "What enemy?" + +"What enemy? Are ye acquainted familiarly wi' John Balfour o' Burley, and +dinna ken that he has had sair and frequent combats to sustain against +the Evil One? Did ye ever see him alone but the Bible was in his hand, +and the drawn sword on his knee? Did ye never sleep in the same room wi' +him, and hear him strive in his dreams with the delusions of Satan? Oh, +ye ken little o' him if ye have seen him only in fair daylight; for nae +man can put the face upon his doleful visits and strifes that he can do. +I hae seen him, after sic a strife of agony, tremble that an infant might +hae held him, while the hair on his brow was drapping as fast as ever my +puir thatched roof did in a heavy rain." As she spoke, Morton began to +recollect the appearance of Burley during his sleep in the hay-loft at +Milnwood, the report of Cuddie that his senses had become impaired, and +some whispers current among the Cameronians, who boasted frequently of +Burley's soul-exercises and his strifes with the foul fiend,--which +several circumstances led him to conclude that this man himself was a +victim to those delusions, though his mind, naturally acute and forcible, +not only disguised his superstition from those in whose opinion it might +have discredited his judgment, but by exerting such a force as is said to +be proper to those afflicted with epilepsy, could postpone the fits which +it occasioned until he was either freed from superintendence, or +surrounded by such as held him more highly on account of these +visitations. It was natural to suppose, and could easily be inferred from +the narrative of Mrs. Maclure, that disappointed ambition, wrecked hopes, +and the downfall of the party which he had served with such desperate +fidelity, were likely to aggravate enthusiasm into temporary insanity. It +was, indeed, no uncommon circumstance in those singular times that men +like Sir Harry Vane, Harrison, Overton, and others, themselves slaves to +the wildest and most enthusiastic dreams, could, when mingling with the +world, conduct themselves not only with good sense in difficulties, and +courage in dangers, but with the most acute sagacity and determined +valour. The subsequent part of Mrs. Maclure's information confirmed +Morton in these impressions. + +"In the grey of the morning," she said, "my little Peggy sail show ye the +gate to him before the sodgers are up. But ye maun let his hour of +danger, as he ca's it, be ower, afore ye venture on him in his place of +refuge. Peggy will tell ye when to venture in. She kens his ways weel, +for whiles she carries him some little helps that he canna do +without to sustain life." + +"And in what retreat, then," said Morton, "has this unfortunate person +found refuge?" + +"An awsome place," answered the blind woman, "as ever living creature +took refuge in; they ca it the Black Linn of Linklater. It's a doleful +place, but he loves it abune a' others, because he has sae often been in +safe hiding there; and it's my belief he prefers it to a tapestried +chamber and a down bed. But ye'll see 't. I hae seen it mysell mony a day +syne. I was a daft hempie lassie then, and little thought what was to +come o't.--Wad ye choose ony thing, sir, ere ye betake yoursell to your +rest, for ye maun stir wi' the first dawn o' the grey light?" + +"Nothing more, my good mother," said Morton; and they parted for the +evening. + +Morton recommended himself to Heaven, threw himself on the bed, heard, +between sleeping and waking, the trampling of the dragoon horses at the +riders' return from their patrol, and then slept soundly after such +painful agitation. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + The darksome cave they enter, where they found + The accursed man low sitting on the ground, + Musing full sadly in his sullen mind. + SPENSER. + +As the morning began to appear on the mountains, a gentle knock was heard +at the door of the humble apartment in which Morton slept, and a girlish +treble voice asked him, from without, "If he wad please gang to the Linn +or the folk raise?" + +He arose upon the invitation, and, dressing himself hastily, went forth +and joined his little guide. The mountain maid tript lightly before him, +through the grey haze, over hill and moor. It was a wild and varied walk, +unmarked by any regular or distinguishable track, and keeping, upon the +whole, the direction of the ascent of the brook, though without tracing +its windings. The landscape, as they advanced, became waster and more +wild, until nothing but heath and rock encumbered the side of the valley. + +"Is the place still distant?" said Morton. "Nearly a mile off," answered +the girl. "We'll be there belive." + +"And do you often go this wild journey, my little maid?" + +"When grannie sends me wi' milk and meal to the Linn," answered the +child. + +"And are you not afraid to travel so wild a road alone?" + +"Hout na, sir," replied the guide; "nae living creature wad touch sic a +bit thing as I am, and grannie says we need never fear onything else when +we are doing a gude turn." + +"Strong in innocence as in triple mail!" said Morton to himself, and +followed her steps in silence. + +They soon came to a decayed thicket, where brambles and thorns supplied +the room of the oak and birches of which it had once consisted. Here the +guide turned short off the open heath, and, by a sheep-track, conducted +Morton to the brook. A hoarse and sullen roar had in part prepared him +for the scene which presented itself, yet it was not to be viewed without +surprise and even terror. When he emerged from the devious path which +conducted him through the thicket, he found himself placed on a ledge of +flat rock projecting over one side of a chasm not less than a hundred +feet deep, where the dark mountain-stream made a decided and rapid shoot +over the precipice, and was swallowed up by a deep, black, yawning gulf. +The eye in vain strove to see the bottom of the fall; it could catch but +one sheet of foaming uproar and sheer descent, until the view was +obstructed by the proecting crags which enclosed the bottom of the +waterfall, and hid from sight the dark pool which received its tortured +waters; far beneath, at the distance of perhaps a quarter of a mile, the +eye caught the winding of the stream as it emerged into a more open +course. But, for that distance, they were lost to sight as much as if a +cavern had been arched over them; and indeed the steep and projecting +ledges of rock through which they wound their way in darkness were very +nearly closing and over-roofing their course. + +While Morton gazed at this scene of tumult, which seemed, by the +surrounding thickets and the clefts into which the waters descended, to +seek to hide itself from every eye, his little attendant as she stood +beside him on the platform of rock which commanded the best view of the +fall, pulled him by the sleeve, and said, in a tone which he could not +hear without stooping his ear near the speaker, "Hear till him! Eh! hear +till him!" + +Morton listened more attentively; and out of the very abyss into which +the brook fell, and amidst the turnultuary sounds of the cataract, +thought he could distinguish shouts, screams, and even articulate words, +as if the tortured demon of the stream had been mingling his complaints +with the roar of his broken waters. + +"This is the way," said the little girl; "follow me, gin ye please, sir, +but tak tent to your feet;" and, with the daring agility which custom had +rendered easy, she vanished from the platform on which she stood, and, by +notches and slight projections in the rock, scrambled down its face into +the chasm which it overhung. Steady, bold, and active, Morton hesitated +not to follow her; but the necessary attention to secure his hold and +footing in a descent where both foot and hand were needful for security, +prevented him from looking around him, till, having descended nigh twenty +feet, and being sixty or seventy above the pool which received the fall, +his guide made a pause, and he again found himself by her side in a +situation that appeared equally romantic and precarious. They were nearly +opposite to the waterfall, and in point of level situated at about +one-quarter's depth from the point of the cliff over which it thundered, +and three-fourths of the height above the dark, deep, and restless pool +which received its fall. Both these tremendous points--the first shoot, +namely, of the yet unbroken stream, and the deep and sombre abyss into +which it was emptied--were full before him, as well as the whole +continuous stream of billowy froth, which, dashing from the one, was +eddying and boiling in the other. They were so near this grand phenomenon +that they were covered with its spray, and well-nigh deafened by the +incessant roar. But crossing in the very front of the fall, and at scarce +three yards distance from the cataract, an old oak-tree, flung across the +chasm in a manner that seemed accidental, formed a bridge of fearfully +narrow dimensions and uncertain footing. The upper end of the tree rested +on the platform on which they stood; the lower or uprooted extremity +extended behind a projection on the opposite side, and was secured, +Morton's eye could not discover where. From behind the same projection +glimmered a strong red light, which, glancing in the waves of the falling +water, and tinging them partially with crimson, had a strange +preternatural and sinister effect when contrasted with the beams of the +rising sun, which glanced on the first broken waves of the fall, though +even its meridian splendour could not gain the third of its full depth. +When he had looked around him for a moment, the girl again pulled his +sleeve, and, pointing to the oak and the projecting point beyond it (for +hearing speech was now out of the question), indicated that there lay his +farther passage. + +Morton gazed at her with surprise; for although he well knew that the +persecuted Presbyterians had in the preceding reigns sought refuge among +dells and thickets, caves and cataracts, in spots the most extraordinary +and secluded; although he had heard of the champions of the Covenant, who +had long abidden beside Dobs-lien on the wild heights of Polmoodie, and +others who had been concealed in the yet more terrific cavern called +Creehope-linn, in the parish of Closeburn,--yet his imagination had never +exactly figured out the horrors of such a residence, and he was surprised +how the strange and romantic scene which he now saw had remained +concealed from him, while a curious investigator of such natural +phenomena. But he readily conceived that, lying in a remote and wild +district, and being destined as a place of concealment to the persecuted +preachers and professors of nonconformity, the secret of its existence +was carefully preserved by the few shepherds to whom it might be known. +As, breaking from these meditations, he began to consider how he should +traverse the doubtful and terrific bridge, which, skirted by the cascade, +and rendered wet and slippery by its constant drizzle, traversed the +chasm above sixty feet from the bottom of the fall, his guide, as if to +give him courage, tript over and back without the least hesitation. +Envying for a moment the little bare feet which caught a safer hold of +the rugged side of the oak than he could pretend to with his heavy boots, +Morton nevertheless resolved to attempt the passage, and, fixing his eye +firm on a stationary object on the other side, without allowing his head +to become giddy, or his attention to be distracted by the flash, the +foam, and the roar of the waters around him, he strode steadily and +safely along the uncertain bridge, and reached the mouth of a small +cavern on the farther side of the torrent. Here he paused; for a light, +proceeding from a fire of red-hot charcoal, permitted him to see the +interior of the cave, and enabled him to contemplate the appearance of +its inhabitant, by whom he himself could not be so readily distinguished, +being concealed by the shadow of the rock. What he observed would by no +means have encouraged a less determined man to proceed with the task +which he had undertaken. + +Burley, only altered from what he had been formerly by the addition of a +grisly beard, stood in the midst of the cave, with his clasped Bible in +one hand, and his drawn sword in the other. His figure, dimly ruddied by +the light of the red charcoal, seemed that of a fiend in the lurid +atmosphere of Pandemonium, and his gestures and words, as far as they +could be heard, seemed equally violent and irregular. All alone, and in a +place of almost unapproachable seclusion, his demeanour was that of +a man who strives for life and death with a mortal enemy. "Ha! +ha!--there--there!" he exclaimed, accompanying each word with a thrust, +urged with his whole force against the impassible and empty air, "Did I +not tell thee so?--I have resisted, and thou fleest from me!--Coward as +thou art, come in all thy terrors; come with mine own evil deeds, which +render thee most terrible of all,--there is enough betwixt the boards of +this book to rescue me!--What mutterest thou of grey hairs? It was well +done to slay him,--the more ripe the corn, the readier for the sickle.-- +Art gone? Art gone?--I have ever known thee but a coward--ha! ha! ha!" + +With these wild exclamations he sunk the point of his sword, and remained +standing still in the same posture, like a maniac whose fit is over. + +"The dangerous time is by now," said the little girl who had followed; +"it seldom lasts beyond the time that the sun's ower the hill; ye may +gang in and speak wi' him now. I'll wait for you at the other side of the +linn; he canna bide to see twa folk at anes." + +Slowly and cautiously, and keeping constantly upon his guard, Morton +presented himself to the view of his old associate in command. + +"What! comest thou again when thine hour is over?" was his first +exclamation; and flourishing his sword aloft, his countenance assumed an +expression in which ghastly terror seemed mingled with the rage of a +demoniac. + +"I am come, Mr. Balfour," said Morton, in a steady and composed tone, +"to renew an acquaintance which has been broken off since the fight of +Bothwell Bridge." + +As soon as Burley became aware that Morton was before him in person,--an +idea which he caught with marvellous celerity,--he at once exerted that +mastership over his heated and enthusiastic imagination, the power of +enforcing which was a most striking part of his extraordinary character. +He sunk his sword-point at once, and as he stole it composedly into the +scabbard, he muttered something of the damp and cold which sent an old +soldier to his fencing exercise, to prevent his blood from chilling. This +done, he proceeded in the cold, determined manner which was peculiar to +his ordinary discourse:-- + +"Thou hast tarried long, Henry Morton, and hast not come to the vintage +before the twelfth hour has struck. Art thou yet willing to take the +right hand of fellowship, and be one with those who look not to thrones +or dynasties, but to the rule of Scripture, for their directions?" + + +[Illustration: Morton and Black Linn--272] + + +"I am surprised," said Morton, evading the direct answer to his question, +"that you should have known me after so many years." + +"The features of those who ought to act with me are engraved on my +heart," answered Burley; "and few but Silas Morton's son durst have +followed me into this my castle of retreat. Seest thou that drawbridge of +Nature's own construction?" he added, pointing to the prostrate +oak-tree,--"one spurn of my foot, and it is overwhelmed in the abyss +below, bidding foeman on the farther side stand at defiance, and leaving +enemies on this at the mercy of one who never yet met his equal in single +fight." + +"Of such defences," said Morton, "I should have thought you would now +have had little need." + +"Little need?" said Burley impatiently. "What little need, when incarnate +fiends are combined against me on earth, and Sathan himself--But it +matters not," added he, checking himself. "Enough that I like my place +of refuge, my cave of Adullam, and would not change its rude ribs of +limestone rock for the fair chambers of the castle of the earls of +Torwood, with their broad bounds and barony. Thou, unless the foolish +fever-fit be over, mayst think differently." + +"It was of those very possessions I came to speak," said Morton; "and I +doubt not to find Mr. Balfour the same rational and reflecting person +which I knew him to be in times when zeal disunited brethren." + +"Ay?" said Burley; "indeed? Is such truly your hope? Wilt thou express it +more plainly?" + +"In a word, then," said Morton, "you have exercised, by means at which I +can guess, a secret, but most prejudicial, influence over the fortunes of +Lady Margaret Bellenden and her granddaughter, and in favour of that +base, oppressive apostate, Basil Olifant, whom the law, deceived by thy +operations, has placed in possession of their lawful property." + +"Sayest thou?" said Balfour. + +"I do say so," replied Morton; "and face to face you will not deny what +you have vouched by your handwriting." + +"And suppose I deny it not," said Balfour; "and suppose that +thy--eloquence were found equal to persuade me to retrace the steps I +have taken on matured resolve,--what will be thy meed? Dost thou still +hope to possess the fair-haired girl, with her wide and rich +inheritance?" + +"I have no such hope," answered Morton, calmly. + +"And for whom, then, hast thou ventured to do this great thing,--to seek +to rend the prey from the valiant, to bring forth food from the den of +the lion, and to extract sweetness from the maw of the devourer? For +whose sake hast thou undertaken to read this riddle, more hard than +Samson's?" + +"For Lord Evandale's and that of his bride," replied Morton, firmly. +"Think better of mankind, Mr. Balfour, and believe there are some who are +willing to sacrifice their happiness to that of others." + +"Then, as my soul liveth," replied Balfour, "thou art, to wear beard and +back a horse and draw a sword, the tamest and most gall-less puppet that +ever sustained injury unavenged. What! thou wouldst help that accursed +Evandale to the arms of the woman that thou lovest; thou wouldst endow +them with wealth and with heritages, and thou think'st that there lives +another man, offended even more deeply than thou, yet equally +cold-livered and mean-spirited, crawling upon the face of the earth, +and hast dared to suppose that one other to be John Balfour?" + +"For my own feelings," said Morton, composedly, "I am answerable to none +but Heaven; to you, Mr. Balfour, I should suppose it of little +consequence whether Basil Olifant or Lord Evandale possess these +estates." + +"Thou art deceived," said Burley; "both are indeed in outer darkness, +and strangers to the light, as he whose eyes have never been opened to +the day. But this Basil Olifant is a Nabal, a Demas, a base churl whose +wealth and power are at the disposal of him who can threaten to deprive +him of them. He became a professor because he was deprived of these lands +of Tillietudlem; he turned a papist to obtain possession of them; he +called himself an Erastian, that he might not again lose them; and he +will become what I list while I have in my power the document that may +deprive him of them. These lands are a bit between his jaws and a hook in +his nostrils, and the rein and the line are in my hands to guide them as +I think meet; and his they shall therefore be, unless I had assurance of +bestowing them on a sure and sincere friend. But Lord Evandale is a +malignant, of heart like flint, and brow like adamant; the goods of the +world fall on him like leaves on the frost-bound earth, and unmoved he +will see them whirled off by the first wind. The heathen virtues of such +as he are more dangerous to us than the sordid cupidity of those who, +governed by their interest, must follow where it leads, and who, +therefore, themselves the slaves of avarice, may be compelled to work +in the vineyard, were it but to earn the wages of sin." + +"This might have been all well some years since," replied Morton, "and I +could understand your argument, although I could never acquiesce in its +justice. But at this crisis it seems useless to you to persevere in +keeping up an influence which can no longer be directed to an useful +purpose. The land has peace, liberty, and freedom of conscience,--and +what would you more?" + +"More!" exclaimed Burley, again unsheathing his sword, with a vivacity +which nearly made Morton start. "Look at the notches upon that weapon +they are three in number, are they not?" + +"It seems so," answered Morton; "but what of that?" + +"The fragment of steel that parted from this first gap rested on the +skull of the perjured traitor who first introduced Episcopacy into +Scotland; this second notch was made in the rib-bone of an impious +villain, the boldest and best soldier that upheld the prelatic cause at +Drumclog; this third was broken on the steel head-piece of the captain +who defended the Chapel of Holyrood when the people rose at the +Revolution. I cleft him to the teeth, through steel and bone. It has done +great deeds, this little weapon, and each of these blows was a +deliverance to the Church. This sword," he said, again sheathing it, +"has yet more to do,--to weed out this base and pestilential heresy of +Erastianism; to vindicate the true liberty of the Kirk in her purity; +to restore the Covenant in its glory,--then let it moulder and rust +beside the bones of its master." + +"You have neither men nor means, Mr. Balfour, to disturb the Government +as now settled," argued Morton; "the people are in general satisfied, +excepting only the gentlemen of the Jacobite interest; and surely you +would not join with those who would only use you for their own purposes?" + +"It is they," answered Burley, "that should serve ours. I went to the +camp of the malignant Claver'se, as the future King of Israel sought the +land of the Philistines; I arranged with him a rising; and but for the +villain Evandale, the Erastians ere now had been driven from the West.-- +I could slay him," he added, with a vindictive scowl, "were he grasping +the horns of the altar!" He then proceeded in a calmer tone: "If thou, +son of mine ancient comrade, were suitor for thyself to this Edith +Bellenden, and wert willing to put thy hand to the great work with zeal +equal to thy courage, think not I would prefer the friendship of Basil +Olifant to thine; thou shouldst then have the means that this document +[he produced a parchment] affords to place her in possession of the lands +of her fathers. This have I longed to say to thee ever since I saw thee +fight the good fight so strongly at the fatal Bridge. The maiden loved +thee, and thou her." + +Morton replied firmly, "I will not dissemble with you, Mr. Balfour, even +to gain a good end. I came in hopes to persuade you to do a deed of +justice to others, not to gain any selfish end of my own. I have failed; +I grieve for your sake more than for the loss which others will sustain +by your injustice." + +"You refuse my proffer, then?" said Burley, with kindling eyes. + +"I do," said Morton. "Would you be really, as you are desirous to be +thought, a man of honour and conscience, you would, regardless of all +other considerations, restore that parchment to Lord Evandale, to be used +for the advantage of the lawful heir." + +"Sooner shall it perish!" said Balfour; and, casting the deed into the +heap of red charcoal beside him, pressed it down with the heel of his +boot. + +While it smoked, shrivelled, and crackled in the flames, Morton sprung +forward to snatch it, and Burley catching hold of him, a struggle ensued. +Both were strong men; but although Morton was much the more active and +younger of the two, yet Balfour was the most powerful, and effectually +prevented him from rescuing the deed until it was fairly reduced to a +cinder. They then quitted hold of each other, and the enthusiast, +rendered fiercer by the contest, glared on Morton with an eye expressive +of frantic revenge. + +"Thou hast my secret," he exclaimed; "thou must be mine, or die!" + +"I contemn your threats," said Morton; "I pity you, and leave you." +But as he turned to retire, Burley stept before him, pushed the oak-trunk +from its resting place, and as it fell thundering and crashing into the +abyss beneath, drew his sword, and cried out, with a voice that rivalled +the roar of the cataract and the thunder of the falling oak, "Now thou +art at bay! Fight,--yield, or die!" and standing in the mouth of the +cavern, he flourished his naked sword. + +"I will not fight with the man that preserved my father's life," said +Morton. "I have not yet learned to say the words, 'I yield;' and my life +I will rescue as I best can." + +So speaking, and ere Balfour was aware of his purpose, he sprung past +him, and exerting that youthful agility of which he possessed an uncommon +share, leaped clear across the fearful chasm which divided the mouth of +the cave from the projecting rock on the opposite side, and stood there +safe and free from his incensed enemy. He immediately ascended the +ravine, and, as he turned, saw Burley stand for an instant aghast with +astonishment, and then, with the frenzy of disappointed rage, rush into +the interior of his cavern. + +It was not difficult for him to perceive that this unhappy man's mind had +been so long agitated by desperate schemes and sudden disappointments +that it had lost its equipoise, and that there was now in his conduct a +shade of lunacy, not the less striking, from the vigour and craft with +which he pursued his wild designs. Morton soon joined his guide, who had +been terrified by the fall of the oak. This he represented as accidental; +and she assured him, in return, that the inhabitant of the cave would +experience no inconvenience from it, being always provided with materials +to construct another bridge. + +The adventures of the morning were not yet ended. As they approached the +hut, the little girl made an exclamation of surprise at seeing her +grandmother groping her way towards them, at a greater distance from her +home than she could have been supposed capable of travelling. + +"Oh, sir, sir!" said the old woman, when she heard them approach, "gin +e'er ye loved Lord Evandale, help now, or never! God be praised that left +my hearing when he took my poor eyesight! Come this way,--this way. And +oh, tread lightly. Peggy, hinny, gang saddle the gentleman's horse, and +lead him cannily ahint the thorny shaw, and bide him there." + +She conducted him to a small window, through which, himself unobserved, +he could see two dragoons seated at their morning draught of ale, and +conversing earnestly together. + +"The more I think of it," said the one, "the less I like it, Inglis; +Evandale was a good officer and the soldier's friend; and though we were +punished for the mutiny at Tillietudlem, yet, by ---, Frank, you must own +we deserved it." + +"D--n seize me if I forgive him for it, though!" replied the other; "and +I think I can sit in his skirts now." + +"Why, man, you should forget and forgive. Better take the start with him +along with the rest, and join the ranting Highlanders. We have all eat +King James's bread." + +"Thou art an ass; the start, as you call it, will never happen,--the +day's put off. Halliday's seen a ghost, or Miss Bellenden's fallen sick +of the pip, or some blasted nonsense or another; the thing will never +keep two days longer, and the first bird that sings out will get the +reward." + +"That's true too," answered his comrade; "and will this fellow--this +Basil Olifant--pay handsomely?" + +"Like a prince, man," said Inglis. "Evandale is the man on earth whom he +hates worst, and he fears him, besides, about some law business; and were +he once rubbed out of the way, all, he thinks, will be his own." + +"But shall we have warrants and force enough?" said the other fellow. +"Few people here will stir against my lord, and we may find him with some +of our own fellows at his back." + +"Thou 'rt a cowardly fool, Dick," returned Inglis; he is living quietly +down at Fairy Knowe to avoid suspicion. Olifant is a magistrate, and will +have some of his own people that he can trust along with him. There are +us two, and the laird says he can get a desperate fighting Whig fellow, +called Quintin Mackell, that has an old grudge at Evandale." + +"Well, well, you are my officer, you know," said the private, with true +military conscience, "and if anything is wrong--" + +"I'll take the blame," said Inglis. "Come, another pot of ale, and let us +to Tillietudlem.--Here, blind Bess!--Why, where the devil has the old hag +crept to?" + +"Delay them as long as you can," whispered Morton, as he thrust his purse +into the hostess's hand; "all depends on gaining time." + +Then, walking swiftly to the place where the girl held his horse ready, +"To Fairy Knowe? No; alone I could not protect them. I must instantly to +Glasgow. Wittenbold, the commandant there, will readily give me the +support of a troop, and procure me the countenance of the civil power. I +must drop a caution as I pass.--Come, Moorkopf," he said, addressing his +horse as he mounted him, "this day must try your breath and speed." + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + + Yet could he not his closing eyes withdraw, + Though less and less of Emily he saw; + So, speechless for a little space he lay, + Then grasp'd the hand he held, and sigh'd his soul away. + Palamon and Acite. + +The indisposition of Edith confined her to bed during the eventful day on +which she had received such an unexpected shock from the sudden +apparition of Morton. Next morning, however, she was reported to be so +much better that Lord Evandale resumed his purpose of leaving Fairy +Knowe. At a late hour in the forenoon Lady Emily entered the apartment of +Edith with a peculiar gravity of manner. Having received and paid the +compliments of the day, she observed it would be a sad one for her, +though it would relieve Miss Bellenden of an encumbrance: "My brother +leaves us today, Miss Bellenden." + +"Leaves us!" exclaimed Edith, in surprise; "for his own house, I trust?" + +"I have reason to think he meditates a more distant journey," answered +Lady Emily; "he has little to detain him in this country." + +"Good Heaven!" exclaimed Edith, "why was I born to become the wreck of +all that is manly and noble! What can be done to stop him from running +headlong on ruin? I will come down instantly.--Say that I implore he will +not depart until I speak with him." + +"It will be in vain, Miss Bellenden; but I will execute your commission;" +and she left the room as formally as she had entered it, and informed her +brother Miss Bellenden was so much recovered as to propose coming +downstairs ere he went away. + +"I suppose," she added pettishly, "the prospect of being speedily +released from our company has wrought a cure on her shattered nerves." + +"Sister," said Lord Evandale, "you are unjust, if not envious." + +"Unjust I maybe, Evandale, but I should not have dreamt," glancing her +eye at a mirror, "of being thought envious without better cause. But let +us go to the old lady; she is making a feast in the other room which +might have dined all your troop when you had one." + +Lord Evandale accompanied her in silence to the parlour, for he knew it +was in vain to contend with her prepossessions and offended pride. They +found the table covered with refreshments, arranged under the careful +inspection of Lady Margaret. + +"Ye could hardly weel be said to breakfast this morning, my Lord +Evandale, and ye maun e'en partake of a small collation before ye ride, +such as this poor house, whose inmates are so much indebted to you, can +provide in their present circumstances. For my ain part, I like to see +young folk take some refection before they ride out upon their sports or +their affairs, and I said as much to his most sacred Majesty when he +breakfasted at Tillietudlem in the year of grace sixteen hundred and +fifty-one; and his most sacred Majesty was pleased to reply, drinking to +my health at the same time in a flagon of Rhenish wine, 'Lady Margaret, +ye speak like a Highland oracle.' These were his Majesty's very words; +so that your lordship may judge whether I have not good authority to +press young folk to partake of their vivers." + +It may be well supposed that much of the good lady's speech failed Lord +Evandale's ears, which were then employed in listening for the light step +of Edith. His absence of mind on this occasion, however natural, cost him +very dear. While Lady Margaret was playing the kind hostess,--a part she +delighted and excelled in,--she was interrupted by John Gudyill, who, in +the natural phrase for announcing an inferior to the mistress of a +family, said, "There was ane wanting to speak to her leddyship." + +"Ane! what ane? Has he nae name? Ye speak as if I kept a shop, and was to +come at everybody's whistle." + +"Yes, he has a name," answered John, "but your leddyship likes ill to +hear't." What is it, you fool?" + +"It's Calf-Gibbie, my leddy," said John, in a tone rather above the pitch +of decorous respect, on which he occasionally trespassed, confiding in +his merit as an ancient servant of the family and a faithful follower of +their humble fortunes,--"It's Calf-Gibbie, an your leddyship will hae't, +that keeps Edie Henshaw's kye down yonder at the Brigg-end,--that's him +that was Guse-Gibbie at Tillietudlem, and gaed to the wappinshaw, and +that--" + +"Hold your peace, John," said the old lady, rising in dignity; "you are +very insolent to think I wad speak wi' a person like that. Let him tell +his business to you or Mrs. Headrigg." + +"He'll no hear o' that, my leddy; he says them that sent him bade him gie +the thing to your leddyship's ain hand direct, or to Lord Evandale's, he +wots na whilk. But, to say the truth, he's far frae fresh, and he's but +an idiot an he were." + +"Then turn him out," said Lady Margaret, "and tell him to come back +to-morrow when he is sober. I suppose he comes to crave some benevolence, +as an ancient follower o' the house." + +"Like eneugh, my leddy, for he's a' in rags, poor creature." + +Gudyill made another attempt to get at Gibbie's commission, which was +indeed of the last importance, being a few lines from Morton to Lord +Evandale, acquainting him with the danger in which he stood from the +practices of Olifant, and exhorting him either to instant flight, or else +to come to Glasgow and surrender himself, where he could assure him of +protection. This billet, hastily written, he intrusted to Gibbie, whom he +saw feeding his herd beside the bridge, and backed with a couple of +dollars his desire that it might instantly be delivered into the hand to +which it was addressed. + +But it was decreed that Goose-Gibbie's intermediation, whether as an +emissary or as a man-at-arms, should be unfortunate to the family of +Tillietudlem. He unluckily tarried so long at the ale-house to prove if +his employer's coin was good that, when he appeared at Fairy Knowe, the +little sense which nature had given him was effectually drowned in ale +and brandy; and instead of asking for Lord Evandale, he demanded to speak +with Lady Margaret, whose name was more familiar to his ear. Being +refused admittance to her presence, he staggered away with the letter +undelivered, perversely faithful to Morton's instructions in the only +point in which it would have been well had he departed from them. +A few minutes after he was gone, Edith entered the apartment. Lord +Evandale and she met with mutual embarrassment, which Lady Margaret, who +only knew in general that their union had been postponed by her +granddaughter's indisposition, set down to the bashfulness of a bride and +bridegroom, and, to place them at ease, began to talk to Lady Emily on +indifferent topics. At this moment Edith, with a countenance as pale as +death, muttered, rather than whispered, to Lord Evandale a request to +speak with him. He offered his arm, and supported her into the small +ante-room, which, as we have noticed before, opened from the parlour. He +placed her in a chair, and, taking one himself, awaited the opening of +the conversation. + +"I am distressed, my lord," were the first words she was able to +articulate, and those with difficulty; "I scarce know what I would say, +nor how to speak it." + +"If I have any share in occasioning your uneasiness," said Lord Evandale, +mildly, "you will soon, Edith, be released from it." + +"You are determined then, my lord," she replied, "to run this desperate +course with desperate men, in spite of your own better reason, in spite +of your friends' entreaties, in spite of the almost inevitable ruin which +yawns before you?" + +"Forgive me, Miss Bellenden; even your solicitude on my account must not +detain me when my honour calls. My horses stand ready saddled, my +servants are prepared, the signal for rising will be given so soon as I +reach Kilsyth. If it is my fate that calls me, I will not shun meeting +it. It will be something," he said, taking her hand, "to die deserving +your compassion, since I cannot gain your love." + +"Oh, my lord, remain!" said Edith, in a tone which went to his heart; +"time may explain the strange circumstance which has shocked me so much; +my agitated nerves may recover their tranquillity. Oh, do not rush on +death and ruin! remain to be our prop and stay, and hope everything from +time!" + +"It is too late, Edith," answered Lord Evandale; "and I were most +ungenerous could I practise on the warmth and kindliness of your feelings +towards me. I know you cannot love me; nervous distress, so strong as to +conjure up the appearance of the dead or absent, indicates a predilection +too powerful to give way to friendship and gratitude alone. But were it +otherwise, the die is now cast." + +As he spoke thus, Cuddie burst into the room, terror and haste in his +countenance. "Oh, my lord, hide yoursell! they hae beset the outlets o' +the house," was his first exclamation. + +"They? Who?" said Lord Evandale. + +"A party of horse, headed by Basil Olifant," answered Cuddie. + +"Oh, hide yourself, my lord!" echoed Edith, in an agony of terror. + +"I will not, by Heaven!" answered Lord Evandale. "What right has the +villain to assail me or stop my passage? I will make my way, were he +backed by a regiment; tell Halliday and Hunter to get out the horses.-- +And now, farewell, Edith!" He clasped her in his arms, and kissed her +tenderly; then, bursting from his sister, who, with Lady Margaret, +endeavoured to detain him, rushed out and mounted his horse. + +All was in confusion; the women shrieked and hurried in consternation to +the front windows of the house, from which they could see a small party +of horsemen, of whom two only seemed soldiers. They were on the open +ground before Cuddie's cottage, at the bottom of the descent from the +house, and showed caution in approaching it, as if uncertain of the +strength within. + +"He may escape, he may escape!" said Edith; "oh, would he but take the +by-road!" + +But Lord Evandale, determined to face a danger which his high spirit +undervalued, commanded his servants to follow him, and rode composedly +down the avenue. Old Gudyill ran to arm himself, and Cuddie snatched down +a gun which was kept for the protection of the house, and, although on +foot, followed Lord Evandale. It was in vain his wife, who had hurried up +on the alarm, hung by his skirts, threatening him with death by the sword +or halter for meddling with other folk's matters. + +"Hand your peace, ye b----," said Cuddie; "and that's braid Scotch, or I +wotna what is. Is it ither folk's matters to see Lord Evandale murdered +before my face?" and down the avenue he marched. But considering on the +way that he composed the whole infantry, as John Gudyill had not +appeared, he took his vantage ground behind the hedge, hammered his +flint, cocked his piece, and, taking a long aim at Laird Basil, as he was +called, stood prompt for action. + +As soon as Lord Evandale appeared, Olifant's party spread themselves a +little, as if preparing to enclose him. Their leader stood fast, +supported by three men, two of whom were dragoons, the third in dress and +appearance a countryman, all well armed. But the strong figure, stern +features, and resolved manner of the third attendant made him seem the +most formidable of the party; and whoever had before seen him could have +no difficulty in recognising Balfour of Burley. + +"Follow me," said Lord Evandale to his servants, "and if we are forcibly +opposed, do as I do." He advanced at a hand gallop towards Olifant, and +was in the act of demanding why he had thus beset the road, when Olifant +called out, "Shoot the traitor!" and the whole four fired their carabines +upon the unfortunate nobleman. He reeled in the, saddle, advanced his +hand to the holster, and drew a pistol, but, unable to discharge it, fell +from his horse mortally wounded. His servants had presented their +carabines. Hunter fired at random; but Halliday, who was an intrepid +fellow, took aim at Inglis, and shot him dead on the spot. At the same +instant a shot from behind the hedge still more effectually avenged Lord +Evandale, for the ball took place in the very midst of Basil Olifant's +forehead, and stretched him lifeless on the ground. His followers, +astonished at the execution done in so short a time, seemed rather +disposed to stand inactive, when Burley, whose blood was up with the +contest, exclaimed, "Down with the Midianites!" and attacked Halliday +sword in hand. At this instant the clatter of horses' hoofs was heard, +and a party of horse, rapidly advancing on the road from Glasgow, +appeared on the fatal field. They were foreign dragoons, led by the Dutch +commandant Wittenbold, accompanied by Morton and a civil magistrate. + +A hasty call to surrender, in the name of God and King William, was +obeyed by all except Burley, who turned his horse and attempted to +escape. Several soldiers pursued him by command of their officer, but, +being well mounted, only the two headmost seemed likely to gain on him. +He turned deliberately twice, and discharging first one of his pistols, +and then the other, rid himself of the one pursuer by mortally wounding +him, and of the other by shooting his horse, and then continued his +flight to Bothwell Bridge, where, for his misfortune, he found the gates +shut and guarded. Turning from thence, he made for a place where the +river seemed passable, and plunged into the stream, the bullets from the +pistols and carabines of his pursuers whizzing around him. Two balls took +effect when he was past the middle of the stream, and he felt himself +dangerously wounded. He reined his horse round in the midst of the river, +and returned towards the bank he had left, waving his hand, as if with +the purpose of intimating that he surrendered. The troopers ceased firing +at him accordingly, and awaited his return, two of them riding a little +way into the river to seize and disarm him. But it presently appeared +that his purpose was revenge, not safety. As he approached the two +soldiers, he collected his remaining strength, and discharged a blow on +the head of one, which tumbled him from his horse. The other dragoon, a +strong, muscular man, had in the mean while laid hands on him. Burley, in +requital, grasped his throat, as a dying tiger seizes his prey, and both, +losing the saddle in the struggle, came headlong into the river, and were +swept down the stream. Their course might be traced by the blood which +bubbled up to the surface. They were twice seen to rise, the Dutchman +striving to swim, and Burley clinging to him in a manner that showed his +desire that both should perish. Their corpses were taken out about a +quarter of a mile down the river. As Balfour's grasp could not have been +unclenched without cutting off his hands, both were thrown into a hasty +grave, still marked by a rude stone and a ruder epitaph. + + [Gentle reader, I did request of mine honest friend Peter Proudfoot, + travelling merchant, known to many of this land for his faithful and + just dealings, as well in muslins and cambrics as in small wares, to + procure me on his next peregrinations to that vicinage, a copy of + the Epitaphion alluded to. And, according to his report, which I see + no ground to discredit, it runneth thus:-- + + Here lyes ane saint to prelates surly, + Being John Balfour, sometime of Burley, + Who stirred up to vengeance take, + For Solemn League and Cov'nant's sake, + Upon the Magus-Moor in Fife, + Did tak James Sharpe the apostate's life; + By Dutchman's hands was hacked and shot, + Then drowned in Clyde near this saam spot.] + +While the soul of this stern enthusiast flitted to its account, that of +the brave and generous Lord Evandale was also released. Morton had flung +himself from his horse upon perceiving his situation, to render his dying +friend all the aid in his power. He knew him, for he pressed his hand, +and, being unable to speak, intimated by signs his wish to be conveyed to +the house. This was done with all the care possible, and he was soon +surrounded by his lamenting friends. But the clamorous grief of Lady +Emily was far exceeded in intensity by the silent agony of Edith. + +Unconscious even of the presence of Morton, she hung over the dying man; +nor was she aware that Fate, who was removing one faithful lover, had +restored another as if from the grave, until Lord Evandale, taking their +hands in his, pressed them both affectionately, united them together, +raised his face as if to pray for a blessing on them, and sunk back and +expired in the next moment. + + + + + CONCLUSION. + +I had determined to waive the task of a concluding chapter, leaving to +the reader's imagination the arrangements which must necessarily take +place after Lord Evandale's death. But as I was aware that precedents are +wanting for a practice which might be found convenient both to readers +and compilers, I confess myself to have been in a considerable dilemma, +when fortunately I was honoured with an invitation to drink tea with Miss +Martha Buskbody, a young lady who has carried on the profession of +mantua-making at Ganderscleugh and in the neighbourhood, with great +success, for about forty years. Knowing her taste for narratives of this +description, I requested her to look over the loose sheets the morning +before I waited on her, and enlighten me by the experience which she must +have acquired in reading through the whole stock of three circulating +libraries, in Ganderscleugh and the two next market-towns. When, with a +palpitating heart, I appeared before her in the evening, I found her much +disposed to be complimentary. + +"I have not been more affected," said she, wiping the glasses of her +spectacles, "by any novel, excepting the 'Tale of Jemmy and Jenny +Jessamy', which is indeed pathos itself; but your plan of omitting a +formal conclusion will never do. You may be as harrowing to our nerves as +you will in the course of your story, but, unless you had the genius +of the author of 'Julia de Roubignd,' never let the end be altogether +overclouded. Let us see a glimpse of sunshine in the last chapter; it is +quite essential." + +"Nothing would be more easy for me, madam, than to comply with your +injunctions; for, in truth, the parties in whom you have had the goodness +to be interested, did live long and happily, and begot sons and +daughters." + +"It is unnecessary, sir," she said, with a slight nod of reprimand, "to +be particular concerning their matrimonial comforts. But what is your +objection to let us have, in a general way, a glimpse of their future +felicity?" + +"Really, madam," said I, "you must be aware that every volume of a +narrative turns less and less interesting as the author draws to a +conclusion,--just like your tea, which, though excellent hyson, is +necessarily weaker and more insipid in the last cup. Now, as I think the +one is by no means improved by the luscious lump of half-dissolved sugar +usually found at the bottom of it, so I am of opinion that a history, +growing already vapid, is but dully crutched up by a detail of +circumstances which every reader must have anticipated, even though the +author exhaust on them every flowery epithet in the language." + +"This will not do, Mr. Pattieson," continued the lady; "you have, as I +may say, basted up your first story very hastily and clumsily at the +conclusion; and, in my trade, I would have cuffed the youngest apprentice +who had put such a horrid and bungled spot of work out of her hand. And +if you do not redeem this gross error by telling us all about the +marriage of Morton and Edith, and what became of the other personages of +the story, from Lady Margaret down to Goose-Gibbie, I apprise you that +you will not be held to have accomplished your task handsomely." + +"Well, madam," I replied, "my materials are so ample that I think I can +satisfy your curiosity, unless it descend to very minute circumstances +indeed." + +"First, then," said she, "for that is most essential,--Did Lady Margaret +get back her fortune and her castle?" + +"She did, madam, and in the easiest way imaginable, as heir, namely, to +her worthy cousin, Basil Olifant, who died without a will; and thus, by +his death, not only restored, but even augmented, the fortune of her, +whom, during his life, he had pursued with the most inveterate malice. +John Gudyill, reinstated in his dignity, was more important than ever; +and Cuddie, with rapturous delight, entered upon the cultivation of the +mains of Tillietudlem, and the occupation of his original cottage. But, +with the shrewd caution of his character, he was never heard to boast of +having fired the lucky shot which repossessed his lady and himself in +their original habitations. 'After a',' he said to Jenny, who was his +only confidant, 'auld Basil Olifant was my leddy's cousin and a grand +gentleman; and though he was acting again the law, as I understand, for +he ne'er showed ony warrant, or required Lord Evandale to surrender, and +though I mind killing him nae mair than I wad do a muircock, yet it 's +just as weel to keep a calm sough about it.' He not only did so, but +ingeniously enough countenanced a report that old Gudyill had done the +deed,--which was worth many a gill of brandy to him from the old butler, +who, far different in disposition from Cuddie, was much more inclined to +exaggerate than suppress his exploits of manhood. The blind widow was +provided for in the most comfortable manner, as well as the little guide +to the Linn; and--" + +"But what is all this to the marriage,--the marriage of the principal +personages?" interrupted Miss Buskbody, impatiently tapping her +snuff-box. + +"The marriage of Morton and Miss Bellenden was delayed for several +months, as both went into deep mourning on account of Lord Evandale's +death. They were then wedded." + +"I hope not without Lady Margaret's consent, sir?" said my fair critic. +"I love books which teach a proper deference in young persons to their +parents. In a novel the young people may fall in love without their +countenance, because it is essential to the necessary intricacy of the +story; but they must always have the benefit of their consent at last. +Even old Delville received Cecilia, though the daughter of a man of low +birth." + +"And even so, madam," replied I, "Lady Margaret was prevailed on to +countenance Morton, although the old Covenanter, his father, stuck sorely +with her for some time. Edith was her only hope, and she wished to see +her happy; Morton, or Melville Morton, as he was more generally called, +stood so high in the reputation of the world, and was in every other +respect such an eligible match, that she put her prejudice aside, and +consoled herself with the recollection that marriage went by destiny, as +was observed to her, she said, by his most sacred Majesty, Charles the +Second of happy memory, when she showed him the portrait of her +grand-father Fergus, third Earl of Torwood, the handsomest man of his +time, and that of Countess Jane, his second lady, who had a hump-back +and only one. eye. This was his Majesty's observation, she said, on one +remarkable morning when he deigned to take his /disjune/--" + +"Nay," said Miss Buskbody, again interrupting me, "if she brought such +authority to countenance her acquiescing in a misalliance, there was no +more to be said.--And what became of old Mrs. What's her name, the +housekeeper?" + +"Mrs. Wilson, madam?" answered I. "She was perhaps the happiest of the +party; for once a year, and not oftener, Mr. and Mrs. Melville Morton +dined in the great wainscotted chamber in solemn state, the hangings +being all displayed, the carpet laid down, and the huge brass candlestick +set on the table, stuck round with leaves of laurel. The preparing the +room for this yearly festival employed her mind for six months before it +came about, and the putting matters to rights occupied old Alison the +other six, so that a single day of rejoicing found her business for all +the year round." + +"And Niel Blane?" said Miss Buskbody. + +"Lived to a good old age, drank ale and brandy with guests of all +persuasions, played Whig or Jacobite tunes as best pleased his customers, +and died worth as much money as married Jenny to a cock laird. I hope, +ma'am, you have no other inquiries to make, for really--" + +"Goose-Gibbie, sir?" said my persevering friend,--"Goose-Gibbie, whose +ministry was fraught with such consequences to the personages of the +narrative?" + +"Consider, my dear Miss Buskbody, (I beg pardon for the +familiarity),--but pray consider, even the memory of the renowned +Scheherazade, that Empress of Tale-tellers, could not preserve every +circumstance. I am not quite positive as to the fate of Goose-Gibbie, +but am inclined to think him the same with one Gilbert Dudden, alias +Calf-Gibbie, who was whipped through Hamilton for stealing poultry." + +Miss Buskbody now placed her left foot on the fender, crossed her right +leg over her knee, lay back on the chair, and looked towards the ceiling. +When I observed her assume this contemplative mood, I concluded she was +studying some farther cross-examination, and therefore took my hat and +wished her a hasty good-night, ere the Demon of Criticism had supplied +her with any more queries. In like manner, gentle Reader, returning you +my thanks for the patience which has conducted you thus far, I take the +liberty to withdraw myself from you for the present. + + + + + PERORATION. + +It was mine earnest wish, most courteous Reader, that the "Tales of my +Landlord" should have reached thine hands in one entire succession of +tomes, or volumes. But as I sent some few more manuscript quires, +containing the continuation of these most pleasing narratives, I was +apprised, somewhat unceremoniously, by my publisher that he did not +approve of novels (as he injuriously called these real histories) +extending beyond four volumes, and if I did not agree to the first four +being published separately, he threatened to decline the article. (Oh, +ignorance! as if the vernacular article of our mother English were +capable of declension.) Whereupon, somewhat moved by his remonstrances, +and more by heavy charges for print and paper, which he stated to have +been already incurred, I have resolved that these four volumes shall be +the heralds or avant-couriers of the Tales which are yet in my +possession, nothing doubting that they will be eagerly devoured, and the +remainder anxiously demanded, by the unanimous voice of a discerning +public. I rest, esteemed Reader, thine as thou shalt construe me, + +JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM. +GANDERCLEUGH, Nov. 15, 1816. + + +[Illustration: Interior of Abbotsford--302] + + + + +GLOSSARY. + +A', all. +A'body, everybody. +Aboon, abune, above. +Ae, one. +Aff, off. +Afore, before. +Again, against, until. +Ahint, behind. +Ain, own. +Ajee, awry. +Amaist, almost. +Amna, am not. +An, if, suppose. +Ane, one. +Anent, regarding. +Anes, once. +Anither, another. +Arles, earnest money. +Asteer, in confusion. +Atweel, aweel, well. +Aught, own, possessed of; also, eight. +Auld, old. +Awa', away. +Awe, to owe. "Awe a day in har'st," to owe a good turn. +Awsome, awful, terrible. + +Bab, a bunch. +Back-cast, back-stroke. +Baith, both. +Bang, to beat. +Bannock, a scone. +Bawbee, a halfpenny. +Beild, shelter. +Bein, bien, well provided. +Belive, directly. +Bide, to wait, to suffer. "Bide a blink," stay a minute. +Birky, a lively young fellow. +Birl, to toss, to drink. +Bleeze, a blaze; also, to brag, to talk ostentatiously. +Blithe, happy. +Blude, bluid, blood. +Boddle, a small copper coin. +Branks, a kind of bridle. +Braw, fine, brave. +Brawly, cleverly. +Braws, fine clothes. +Breeks, breeches. +Brigg, a bridge. +Brogue, the Highland shoe. +Browst, a brewing. +Budget, a carabine-socket. +Busk, to deck up. +"By and out-taken," over and above and excepting. + +Ca', to call. "Ca' the pleugh," to work the plough. +Canna, cannot. "Canna hear day nor door," as deaf as a post. +Canny, quiet, cautious, snug. +Carcage, a carcass. +Carena, care not. +Carline, an old woman, a witch. +Cast, chance, opportunity, fate. +"Cast o' a cart," chance use of a cart. +Certie! conscience! +Change-house, a small inn or alehouse. +Chield, a fellow. +Chimley, a chimney. +Claes, clothes. +Clatter, tattle. +"Clinked down," quartered. +"Cock laird," a small land holder who cultivates his estate himself. +Copleen, to complain. +Coup, to barter; also, to turn over. +Crap, the produce of the ground. +Crowdy, meal and milk mixed in a cold state. +Cuittle, to wheedle, to curry favour. +Daft, crazy. +Daur, to dare. +Daurna, dare not. +Deil, the devil. "Deil gin," the devil may care if. +Didna, did not. +Dighting, separating, wiping. +Ding, to knock. +Dinna, disna, do not. +Disjasked-looking, decayed looking. +Disjune, breakfast. +Div, do. +Dooms, very, confoundedly. +Douce, douse, quiet, sensible. +Doun, down. +Dour, stubborn. +"Dow'd na," did not like. +Downa, cannot. +"Downs bide," cannot bear, don't like. +Drouthy, dry, thirsty. +Dwam, a swoon. + +Ee, an eye. +Een, eyes. +E'en, evening; even. +E'enow, presently, at present. +Eik, an addition. +Eneuch, eneugh, enow, enough. + +Fa', fall. +Fairing "gie him a fairing," settle him. +Fallow, a fellow. +Fand, found. +Fash, trouble. +Faured, favoured. +Feared, afraid. +Fearsome, frightful. +Feck, part of a thing. +Feckless, harmless. +Fend, to provide. +Fire-flaught, flash. +Fizenless, tasteless. +Flyte, to scold. +Forby, besides. +Forgie, forgive. +Forrit, forward. +Foumart, a pole-cat. +Frae, from. +Fund, found. +Gae, to go; also, gave. +Gang, go. +Ganging, going. +Gar, to make, to oblige. +Gat, got. +Gate, way, mode, direction. +Gaun, going. +Gay, gey, very. "Gey thick," pretty thick. +Gear, property. +Gentles, aristocracy. +Gie, give. +Gin, if. +Gledge, a side-glance. +Gomeril, a fool, a simpleton. +Gowd, gold. +Gowpen, a handful. +Grewsome, sullen, stern, forbidding. +Gude, God; good. +Gudeman, a husband; head of the household. +Gude-sister, a sister-in-law. +Gudewife, a wife, a spouse. +Guide, to manage. + +Ha'arst, harvest. +Hae, have. +Haena, have not. +"Hae 't," have it. +Haill, whole. +Hantle, a great deal. +Harry, to rob, to break in upon. +Hash, a clumsy lout. +Hand, to hold, to have. +Hauld, a habitation. +Hempie, giddy. +Heugh, a dell; also, a crag. +Hinny, a term of endearment=honey. +Holme, a hollow, level low ground. +"Horse of wood, foaled of an acorn," a form of punishment. +Howf, a retreat. +Hunder, a hundred. +Hup! used to a horse in order to make him quicken his pace. +"Hup nor wind," quite unmanageable. +Hurdies, the buttocks. + +Ilk, ilka, each, every. +Ill-fard, ill-favoured. +Ill-guide, to ill-treat. +I' se, I shall. +Isna, is not. + +Jalouse, to suspect. +Jimply, barely, scantily. +Jo, joe, a sweetheart. +"John Thomson's man," a husband who yields to the influence of his wife. +Justify, to punish with death. + +Kail, kale, cabbage greens; broth. "Kail through the reek," to give one a + severe reproof. +Kail-brose, pottage of meal made with the scum of broth. +Kale-yard, a vegetable garden. +Ken, to know. +Kend, knew. +Kenna, kensna, know not. +Kittle, ticklish. +Kye, kine. + +Lane, lone, alone. By a peculiar idiom in the Scotch this is frequently + conjoined with the pronoun: as, "his lane," "my lane," "their lane," + i. e., "by himself," "by myself," "by themselves." +"Lang ten," the ten of trumps in Scotch whist. +Lassie, lassock, a little girl. +Lave, the remainder. +Leatherin', beating, drubbing. +Letten, allowed. +Lift, to carry off by theft. +Linn, a cataract. +Lippie, the fourth part of a peck. +Loon, a fellow. +Loot, looten, let, allowed. +Lound, quiet. +Loup, to leap. +Lug, the ear. + +Mains, demesne. +Mair, more. +Maist, most. +Mart, a fatted cow. +Mann, must. +Maunder, palaver. +Maut, malt. +Mensfu', modest, mindful. +Mickle, much. +Mind, to remember. +Mirligoes, dizziness. +Mislear'd, unmannerly. +Mistaen, mistaken. +Many, many. +"Morn, the," to-morrow. +Muckle, much. +Muir, a moor. + +Na, no, not. +Naething, nothing. +Naig, a nag. +Neb, the nose, the beak. +Neist, next. +Neuk, a nook, a corner. + +Onstead, a farm-steading. +Ony, any. +Or, before. +"Ordinar, by," in an uncommon way. +O 't, of it. +Outshot, a projection in a building. +Out-taken, excepting. +Ower, over. + +Peat-hag, a hollow in moss left after digging peats. +Penny-fee, wages. +Dinners, a cap with lappets, formerly worn by women of rank. +Pit, to put. +Pleugh, plough. +Pleugh-paidle, a plough-staff. +Pockmantle, a portmanteau. +Pose, deposit. +Puir, poor. +Putten, put. "Putten up," provided for. +Quean, a flirt, a young woman. + +Rade, rode. +Randy, a scold. +Raploch, coarse, undyed homespun. +Rase, rose. +Rax, to stretch, to reach. +Redd, to clear up. +Reek, smoke. +Rin, to run. +Ripe, to rake, to search. +Rue "to take the rue," to repent of a proposal or bargain. +Rugging, pulling roughly. + +Sae, so. +"St. Johnstone's tippet," a halter for execution. +Sair, sore. +"Sair travailed," worn out, wearied. +Sark, a shirt. +Sauld, sold. +Set, to suit, to become one; also, to beset. +Shaw, a wood; flat ground at the foot of a hill. +Shune, shoes. +Sic, such. +Siller, money. +Skeily, skilful. +Skellie, to squint. +Skirl, to scream. +Sort, to arrange, to supply. +Sort, a term applied to persons or things when the number is small. +Sough, a sigh, a breath. "Calm sough," an easy mind, a still tongue. +"Sough'd awa," died gently. +Soup, "a bite and a soup," slender support, both as to meat and drink. +Sowens, a sort of gruel. +Spak, spoke. +Speer, to inquire, to ask. +Spunk, fire, activity, spirit. +Stamach, stomach. +Steer, to disturb. +Stir, sir. +Stot, a bullock. +Stour, a battle, a fight. +Strae, straw. +Stressed, distressed, inconvenienced. +Stude, hesitated. +Sud, suld, should. +Sune, soon. "Sune as syne," soon as late. +Sybo, an onion or radish. +Syke, a streamlet dry in summer. +Syne, since, afterwards. + +Tae, tane, the one. +Ta'en, taken. +"Tak on," to engage. +Tauld, told. +Tent, care. +Teugh, tough. +"Thack and rape," snug and comfortable. +Thae, these, those. +Thegither, together. +Threep, to aver strongly. +Till, to. +"Till 't," to it. +"Tippet, St. Johnstone's," a halter for execution. +Tirl, to uncover, to strip. +Tittie, a sister. +Tother, the other. +Toy, a close linen cap. +Troth! sure! +Trow, to believe, to think, to guess. +Trysted, overtaken. + +Unco, very, particularly, prodigious, terrible; also, strange. + +Vivers, victuals. + +Wad, would. +Wadna, would not. +Wallie, a valet. +Walth, plenty, abundance. +Wan, got, reached. +Waur, worse. +Wee, little. +Weel, well. +We'se, we shall. +Wha, whae, who. +Whase, whose. +"What for," why. +Wheen, a few. +Whiles, sometimes. +Wi', with. +Win, to get. "To win by," to escape. +"To win ower," to get over. +Winna, will not. +Winnock, a window. +Wotna, know not. +Wud, mad. +Wull, will. +"What's yer wull?" what is your pleasure? + +Yerl, earl. +Yestate, estate. +Yokit. +yoked. + + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Mortality, Illustrated, Volume 2. +by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD MORTALITY, ILLUSTRATED, *** + +***** This file should be named 6940.txt or 6940.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/6/9/4/6940/ + +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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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers***** + + +Title: Old Mortality, Volume 2. + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: November 2004 [EBook #6940] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on February 16, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + + + + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD MORTALITY, BY SCOTT, V2 *** + + + +This eBook was produced by David Widger, widger@cecomet.net +with help from an etext produced by David Moynihan + + + + + + OLD MORTALITY + + By Walter Scott + + + + + VOLUME II. + + + CHAPTER I. + + And look how many Grecian tents do stand + Hollow upon this plain--so many hollow factions. + Troilus and Cressida. + +In a hollow of the hill, about a quarter of a mile from the field of +battle, was a shepherd's hut; a miserable cottage, which, as the only +enclosed spot within a moderate distance, the leaders of the presbyterian +army had chosen for their council-house. Towards this spot Burley guided +Morton, who was surprised, as he approached it, at the multifarious +confusion of sounds which issued from its precincts. The calm and anxious +gravity which it might be supposed would have presided in councils held +on such important subjects, and at a period so critical, seemed to have +given place to discord wild, and loud uproar, which fell on the ear of +their new ally as an evil augury of their future measures. As they +approached the door, they found it open indeed, but choked up with the +bodies and heads of countrymen, who, though no members of the council, +felt no scruple in intruding themselves upon deliberations in which they +were so deeply interested. By expostulation, by threats, and even by some +degree of violence, Burley, the sternness of whose character maintained a +sort of superiority over these disorderly forces, compelled the intruders +to retire, and, introducing Morton into the cottage, secured the door +behind them against impertinent curiosity. At a less agitating moment, +the young man might have been entertained with the singular scene of +which he now found himself an auditor and a spectator. + +The precincts of the gloomy and ruinous hut were enlightened partly by +some furze which blazed on the hearth, the smoke whereof, having no legal +vent, eddied around, and formed over the heads of the assembled council a +clouded canopy, as opake as their metaphysical theology, through which, +like stars through mist, were dimly seen to twinkle a few blinking +candles, or rather rushes dipped in tallow, the property of the poor +owner of the cottage, which were stuck to the walls by patches of wet +clay. This broken and dusky light showed many a countenance elated with +spiritual pride, or rendered dark by fierce enthusiasm; and some whose +anxious, wandering, and uncertain looks, showed they felt themselves +rashly embarked in a cause which they had neither courage nor conduct to +bring to a good issue, yet knew not how to abandon, for very shame. They +were, indeed, a doubtful and disunited body. The most active of their +number were those concerned with Burley in the death of the Primate, four +or five of whom had found their way to Loudon-hill, together with other +men of the same relentless and uncompromising zeal, who had, in various +ways, given desperate and unpardonable offence to the government. + +With them were mingled their preachers, men who had spurned at the +indulgence offered by government, and preferred assembling their flocks +in the wilderness, to worshipping in temples built by human hands, if +their doing the latter should be construed to admit any right on the part +of their rulers to interfere with the supremacy of the Kirk. The other +class of counsellors were such gentlemen of small fortune, and +substantial farmers, as a sense of intolerable oppression had induced to +take arms and join the insurgents. These also had their clergymen with +them, and such divines, having many of them taken advantage of the +indulgence, were prepared to resist the measures of their more violent +brethren, who proposed a declaration in which they should give testimony +against the warrants and instructions for indulgence as sinful and +unlawful acts. This delicate question had been passed over in silence in +the first draught of the manifestos which they intended to publish, of +the reasons of their gathering in arms; but it had been stirred anew +during Balfour's absence, and, to his great vexation, he now found that +both parties had opened upon it in full cry, Macbriar, Kettledrummle, and +other teachers of the wanderers, being at the very spring-tide of +polemical discussion with Peter Poundtext, the indulged pastor of +Milnwood's parish, who, it seems, had e'en girded himself with a +broadsword, but, ere he was called upon to fight for the good cause of +presbytery in the field, was manfully defending his own dogmata in the +council. It was the din of this conflict, maintained chiefly between +Poundtext and Kettledrummle, together with the clamour of their +adherents, which had saluted Morton's ears upon approaching the cottage. +Indeed, as both the divines were men well gifted with words and lungs, +and each fierce, ardent, and intolerant in defence of his own doctrine, +prompt in the recollection of texts wherewith they battered each other +without mercy, and deeply impressed with the importance of the subject of +discussion, the noise of the debate betwixt them fell little short of +that which might have attended an actual bodily conflict. + +Burley, scandalized at the disunion implied in this virulent strife of +tongues, interposed between the disputants, and, by some general remarks +on the unseasonableness of discord, a soothing address to the vanity of +each party, and the exertion of the authority which his services in that +day's victory entitled him to assume, at length succeeded in prevailing +upon them to adjourn farther discussion of the controversy. But although +Kettledrummle and Poundtext were thus for the time silenced, they +continued to eye each other like two dogs, who, having been separated by +the authority of their masters while fighting, have retreated, each +beneath the chair of his owner, still watching each other's motions, and +indicating, by occasional growls, by the erected bristles of the back and +ears, and by the red glance of the eye, that their discord is unappeased, +and that they only wait the first opportunity afforded by any general +movement or commotion in the company, to fly once more at each other's +throats. + +Balfour took advantage of the momentary pause to present to the council +Mr Henry Morton of Milnwood, as one touched with a sense of the evils of +the times, and willing to peril goods and life in the precious cause for +which his father, the renowned Silas Morton, had given in his time a +soul-stirring testimony. Morton was instantly received with the right +hand of fellowship by his ancient pastor, Poundtext, and by those among +the insurgents who supported the more moderate principles. The others +muttered something about Erastianism, and reminded each other in +whispers, that Silas Morton, once a stout and worthy servant of the +Covenant, had been a backslider in the day when the resolutioners had led +the way in owning the authority of Charles Stewart, thereby making a gap +whereat the present tyrant was afterwards brought in, to the oppression +both of Kirk and country. They added, however, that, on this great day of +calling, they would not refuse society with any who should put hand to +the plough; and so Morton was installed in his office of leader and +counsellor, if not with the full approbation of his colleagues, at least +without any formal or avowed dissent. They proceeded, on Burley's motion, +to divide among themselves the command of the men who had assembled, and +whose numbers were daily increasing. In this partition, the insurgents of +Poundtext's parish and congregation were naturally placed under the +command of Morton; an arrangement mutually agreeable to both parties, as +he was recommended to their confidence, as well by his personal qualities +as his having been born among them. + +When this task was accomplished, it became necessary to determine what +use was to be made of their victory. Morton's heart throbbed high when he +heard the Tower of Tillietudlem named as one of the most important +positions to be seized upon. It commanded, as we have often noticed, the +pass between the more wild and the more fertile country, and must +furnish, it was plausibly urged, a stronghold and place of rendezvous to +the cavaliers and malignants of the district, supposing the insurgents +were to march onward and leave it uninvested. This measure was +particularly urged as necessary by Poundtext and those of his immediate +followers, whose habitations and families might be exposed to great +severities, if this strong place were permitted to remain in possession +of the royalists. + +"I opine," said Poundtext,--for, like the other divines of the period, he +had no hesitation in offering his advice upon military matters of which +he was profoundly ignorant,--"I opine, that we should take in and raze +that stronghold of the woman Lady Margaret Bellenden, even though we +should build a fort and raise a mount against it; for the race is a +rebellious and a bloody race, and their hand has been heavy on the +children of the Covenant, both in the former and the latter times. Their +hook hath been in our noses, and their bridle betwixt our jaws." + +"What are their means and men of defence?" said Burley. "The place is +strong; but I cannot conceive that two women can make it good against a +host." + +"There is also," said Poundtext, "Harrison the steward, and John Gudyill, +even the lady's chief butler, who boasteth himself a man of war from his +youth upward, and who spread the banner against the good cause with that +man of Belial, James Grahame of Montrose." + +"Pshaw!" returned Burley, scornfully, "a butler!" + +"Also, there is that ancient malignant," replied Poundtext, "Miles +Bellenden of Charnwood, whose hands have been dipped in the blood of the +saints." + +"If that," said Burley, "be Miles Bellenden, the brother of Sir Arthur, +he is one whose sword will not turn back from battle; but he must now be +stricken in years." + +"There was word in the country as I rode along," said another of the +council, "that so soon as they heard of the victory which has been given +to us, they caused shut the gates of the tower, and called in men, and +collected ammunition. They were ever a fierce and a malignant house." + +"We will not, with my consent," said Burley, "engage in a siege which may +consume time. We must rush forward, and follow our advantage by occupying +Glasgow; for I do not fear that the troops we have this day beaten, even +with the assistance of my Lord Ross's regiment, will judge it safe to +await our coming." + +"Howbeit," said Poundtext, "we may display a banner before the Tower, and +blow a trumpet, and summon them to come forth. It may be that they will +give over the place into our mercy, though they be a rebellious people. +And we will summon the women to come forth of their stronghold, that is, +Lady Margaret Bellenden and her grand-daughter, and Jenny Dennison, which +is a girl of an ensnaring eye, and the other maids, and we will give them +a safe conduct, and send them in peace to the city, even to the town of +Edinburgh. But John Gudyill, and Hugh Harrison, and Miles Bellenden, we +will restrain with fetters of iron, even as they, in times bypast, have +done to the martyred saints." + +"Who talks of safe conduct and of peace?" said a shrill, broken, and +overstrained voice, from the crowd. + +"Peace, brother Habakkuk," said Macbriar, in a soothing tone, to the +speaker. + +"I will not hold my peace," reiterated the strange and unnatural voice; +"is this a time to speak of peace, when the earth quakes, and the +mountains are rent, and the rivers are changed into blood, and the +two-edged sword is drawn from the sheath to drink gore as if it were +water, and devour flesh as the fire devours dry stubble?" + +While he spoke thus, the orator struggled forward to the inner part of +the circle, and presented to Morton's wondering eyes a figure worthy of +such a voice and such language. The rags of a dress which had once been +black, added to the tattered fragments of a shepherd's plaid, composed a +covering scarce fit for the purposes of decency, much less for those of +warmth or comfort. A long beard, as white as snow, hung down on his +breast, and mingled with bushy, uncombed, grizzled hair, which hung in +elf-locks around his wild and staring visage. The features seemed to be +extenuated by penury and famine, until they hardly retained the likeness +of a human aspect. The eyes, grey, wild, and wandering, evidently +betokened a bewildered imagination. He held in his hand a rusty sword, +clotted with blood, as were his long lean hands, which were garnished at +the extremity with nails like eagle's claws. + +"In the name of Heaven! who is he?" said Morton, in a whisper to +Poundtext, surprised, shocked, and even startled, at this ghastly +apparition, which looked more like the resurrection of some cannibal +priest, or druid red from his human sacrifice, than like an earthly +mortal. + +"It is Habakkuk Mucklewrath," answered Poundtext, in the same tone, "whom +the enemy have long detained in captivity in forts and castles, until his +understanding hath departed from him, and, as I fear, an evil demon hath +possessed him. Nevertheless, our violent brethren will have it, that he +speaketh of the spirit, and that they fructify by his pouring forth." + +Here he was interrupted by Mucklewrath, who cried in a voice that made +the very beams of the roof quiver--"Who talks of peace and safe conduct? +who speaks of mercy to the bloody house of the malignants? I say take the +infants and dash them against the stones; take the daughters and the +mothers of the house and hurl them from the battlements of their trust, +that the dogs may fatten on their blood as they did on that of Jezabel, +the spouse of Ahab, and that their carcasses may be dung to the face of +the field even in the portion of their fathers!" + +"He speaks right," said more than one sullen voice from behind; "we will +be honoured with little service in the great cause, if we already make +fair weather with Heaven's enemies." + +"This is utter abomination and daring impiety," said Morton, unable to +contain his indignation. + +"What blessing can you expect in a cause, in which you listen to the +mingled ravings of madness and atrocity?" + +"Hush, young man!" said Kettledrummle, "and reserve thy censure for that +for which thou canst render a reason. It is not for thee to judge into +what vessels the spirit may be poured." + +"We judge of the tree by the fruit," said Poundtext, "and allow not that +to be of divine inspiration that contradicts the divine laws." + +"You forget, brother Poundtext," said Macbriar, "that these are the +latter days, when signs and wonders shall be multiplied." + +Poundtext stood forward to reply; but, ere he could articulate a word, +the insane preacher broke in with a scream that drowned all competition. + +"Who talks of signs and wonders? Am not I Habakkuk Mucklewrath, whose +name is changed to Magor-Missabib, because I am made a terror unto myself +and unto all that are around me?--I heard it--When did I hear it?--Was it +not in the Tower of the Bass, that overhangeth the wide wild sea?--And it +howled in the winds, and it roared in the billows, and it screamed, and +it whistled, and it clanged, with the screams and the clang and the +whistle of the sea-birds, as they floated, and flew, and dropped, and +dived, on the bosom of the waters. I saw it--Where did I see it?--Was it +not from the high peaks of Dunbarton, when I looked westward upon the +fertile land, and northward on the wild Highland hills; when the clouds +gathered and the tempest came, and the lightnings of heaven flashed in +sheets as wide as the banners of an host?--What did I see?--Dead corpses +and wounded horses, the rushing together of battle, and garments rolled +in blood.--What heard I?--The voice that cried, Slay, slay--smite--slay +utterly--let not your eye have pity! slay utterly, old and young, the +maiden, the child, and the woman whose head is grey--Defile the house and +fill the courts with the slain!" + +"We receive the command," exclaimed more than one of the company. "Six +days he hath not spoken nor broken bread, and now his tongue is +unloosed:--We receive the command; as he hath said, so will we do." + +Astonished, disgusted, and horror-struck, at what he had seen and heard, +Morton turned away from the circle and left the cottage. He was followed +by Burley, who had his eye on his motions. + +"Whither are you going?" said the latter, taking him by the arm. + +"Any where,--I care not whither; but here I will abide no longer." + +"Art thou so soon weary, young man?" answered Burley. "Thy hand is but +now put to the plough, and wouldst thou already abandon it? Is this thy +adherence to the cause of thy father?" + +"No cause," replied Morton, indignantly--"no cause can prosper, so +conducted. One party declares for the ravings of a bloodthirsty madman; +another leader is an old scholastic pedant; a third"--he stopped, and his +companion continued the sentence--"Is a desperate homicide, thou wouldst +say, like John Balfour of Burley?--I can bear thy misconstruction without +resentment. Thou dost not consider, that it is not men of sober and +self-seeking minds, who arise in these days of wrath to execute judgment +and to accomplish deliverance. Hadst thou but seen the armies of England, +during her Parliament of 1640, whose ranks were filled with sectaries and +enthusiasts, wilder than the anabaptists of Munster, thou wouldst have +had more cause to marvel; and yet these men were unconquered on the +field, and their hands wrought marvellous things for the liberties of the +land." + +"But their affairs," replied Morton, "were wisely conducted, and the +violence of their zeal expended itself in their exhortations and sermons, +without bringing divisions into their counsels, or cruelty into their +conduct. I have often heard my father say so, and protest, that he +wondered at nothing so much as the contrast between the extravagance of +their religious tenets, and the wisdom and moderation with which they +conducted their civil and military affairs. But our councils seem all one +wild chaos of confusion." + +"Thou must have patience, Henry Morton," answered Balfour; "thou must not +leave the cause of thy religion and country either for one wild word, or +one extravagant action. Hear me. I have already persuaded the wiser of +our friends, that the counsellors are too numerous, and that we cannot +expect that the Midianites shall, by so large a number, be delivered into +our hands. They have hearkened to my voice, and our assemblies will be +shortly reduced within such a number as can consult and act together; and +in them thou shalt have a free voice, as well as in ordering our affairs +of war, and protecting those to whom mercy should be shown--Art thou now +satisfied?" + +"It will give me pleasure, doubtless," answered Morton, "to be the means +of softening the horrors of civil war; and I will not leave the post I +have taken, unless I see measures adopted at which my conscience revolts. +But to no bloody executions after quarter asked, or slaughter without +trial, will I lend countenance or sanction; and you may depend on my +opposing them, with both heart and hand, as constantly and resolutely, if +attempted by our own followers, as when they are the work of the enemy." + +Balfour waved his hand impatiently. + +"Thou wilt find," he said, "that the stubborn and hard-hearted generation +with whom we deal, must be chastised with scorpions ere their hearts be +humbled, and ere they accept the punishment of their iniquity. The word +is gone forth against them, 'I will bring a sword upon you that shall +avenge the quarrel of my Covenant.' But what is done shall be done +gravely, and with discretion, like that of the worthy James Melvin, who +executed judgment on the tyrant and oppressor, Cardinal Beaton." + +"I own to you," replied Morton, "that I feel still more abhorrent at +cold-blooded and premeditated cruelty, than at that which is practised in +the heat of zeal and resentment." + +"Thou art yet but a youth," replied Balfour, "and hast not learned how +light in the balance are a few drops of blood in comparison to the weight +and importance of this great national testimony. But be not afraid; +thyself shall vote and judge in these matters; it may be we shall see +little cause to strive together anent them." + +With this concession Morton was compelled to be satisfied for the +present; and Burley left him, advising him to lie down and get some rest, +as the host would probably move in the morning. + +"And you," answered Morton, "do not you go to rest also?" + +"No," said Burley; "my eyes must not yet know slumber. This is no work to +be done lightly; I have yet to perfect the choosing of the committee of +leaders, and I will call you by times in the morning to be present at +their consultation." + +He turned away, and left Morton to his repose. + +The place in which he found himself was not ill adapted for the purpose, +being a sheltered nook, beneath a large rock, well protected from the +prevailing wind. A quantity of moss with which the ground was overspread, +made a couch soft enough for one who had suffered so much hardship and +anxiety. Morton wrapped himself in the horse-man's cloak which he had +still retained, stretched himself on the ground, and had not long +indulged in melancholy reflections on the state of the country, and upon +his own condition, ere he was relieved from them by deep and sound +slumber. + +The rest of the army slept on the ground, dispersed in groups, which +chose their beds on the fields as they could best find shelter and +convenience. A few of the principal leaders held wakeful conference with +Burley on the state of their affairs, and some watchmen were appointed +who kept themselves on the alert by chanting psalms, or listening to the +exercises of the more gifted of their number. + + + + + CHAPTER II. + + Got with much ease--now merrily to horse. + Henry IV. Part I. + +With the first peep of day Henry awoke, and found the faithful Cuddie +standing beside him with a portmanteau in his hand. + +"I hae been just putting your honour's things in readiness again ye were +waking," said Cuddie, "as is my duty, seeing ye hae been sae gude as to +tak me into your service." + +"I take you into my service, Cuddie?" said Morton, "you must be +dreaming." + +"Na, na, stir," answered Cuddie; "didna I say when I was tied on the +horse yonder, that if ever ye gat loose I would be your servant, and ye +didna say no? and if that isna hiring, I kenna what is. Ye gae me nae +arles, indeed, but ye had gien me eneugh before at Milnwood." + +"Well, Cuddie, if you insist on taking the chance of my unprosperous +fortunes"-- + +"Ou ay, I'se warrant us a' prosper weel eneugh," answered Cuddie, +cheeringly, "an anes my auld mither was weel putten up. I hae begun the +campaigning trade at an end that is easy eneugh to learn." + +"Pillaging, I suppose?" said Morton, "for how else could you come by that +portmanteau?" + +"I wotna if it's pillaging, or how ye ca't," said Cuddie, "but it comes +natural to a body, and it's a profitable trade. Our folk had tirled the +dead dragoons as bare as bawbees before we were loose amaist.--But when I +saw the Whigs a' weel yokit by the lugs to Kettledrummle and the other +chield, I set off at the lang trot on my ain errand and your honour's. +Sae I took up the syke a wee bit, away to the right, where I saw the +marks o'mony a horsefoot, and sure eneugh I cam to a place where there +had been some clean leatherin', and a' the puir chields were lying there +buskit wi' their claes just as they had put them on that morning--naebody +had found out that pose o' carcages--and wha suld be in the midst thereof +(as my mither says) but our auld acquaintance, Sergeant Bothwell?" + +"Ay, has that man fallen?" said Morton. + +"Troth has he," answered Cuddie; "and his een were open and his brow +bent, and his teeth clenched thegither, like the jaws of a trap for +foumarts when the spring's doun--I was amaist feared to look at him; +however, I thought to hae turn about wi' him, and sae I e'en riped his +pouches, as he had dune mony an honester man's; and here's your ain +siller again (or your uncle's, which is the same) that he got at Milnwood +that unlucky night that made us a' sodgers thegither." + +"There can be no harm, Cuddie," said Morton, "in making use of this +money, since we know how he came by it; but you must divide with me." + +"Bide a wee, bide a wee," said Cuddie. "Weel, and there's a bit ring he +had hinging in a black ribbon doun on his breast. I am thinking it has +been a love-token, puir fallow--there's naebody sae rough but they hae +aye a kind heart to the lasses--and there's a book wi'a wheen papers, and +I got twa or three odd things, that I'll keep to mysell, forby." + +"Upon my word, you have made a very successful foray for a beginner," +said his new master. + +"Haena I e'en now?" said Cuddie, with great exultation. "I tauld ye I +wasna that dooms stupid, if it cam to lifting things.--And forby, I hae +gotten twa gude horse. A feckless loon of a Straven weaver, that has left +his loom and his bein house to sit skirling on a cauld hill-side, had +catched twa dragoon naigs, and he could neither gar them hup nor wind, +sae he took a gowd noble for them baith--I suld hae tried him wi' half +the siller, but it's an unco ill place to get change in--Ye'll find the +siller's missing out o' Bothwell's purse." + +"You have made a most excellent and useful purchase, Cuddie; but what is +that portmanteau?" + +"The pockmantle?" answered Cuddie, "it was Lord Evandale's yesterday, and +it's yours the day. I fand it ahint the bush o' broom yonder--ilka dog +has its day--Ye ken what the auld sang says, + + 'Take turn about, mither, quo' Tam o' the Linn.' + +"And, speaking o' that, I maun gang and see about my mither, puir auld +body, if your honour hasna ony immediate commands." + +"But, Cuddie," said Morton, "I really cannot take these things from you +without some recompense." + +"Hout fie, stir," answered Cuddie, "ye suld aye be taking,--for +recompense, ye may think about that some other time--I hae seen gay weel +to mysell wi' some things that fit me better. What could I do wi' Lord +Evandale's braw claes? Sergeant Bothwell's will serve me weel eneugh." + +Not being able to prevail on the self-constituted and disinterested +follower to accept of any thing for himself out of these warlike spoils, +Morton resolved to take the first opportunity of returning Lord +Evandale's property, supposing him yet to be alive; and, in the +meanwhile, did not hesitate to avail himself of Cuddie's prize, so far as +to appropriate some changes of linen and other triffling articles amongst +those of more value which the portmanteau contained. + +He then hastily looked over the papers which were found in Bothwell's +pocket-book. These were of a miscellaneous description. The roll of his +troop, with the names of those absent on furlough, memorandums of +tavern-bills, and lists of delinquents who might be made subjects of fine +and persecution, first presented themselves, along with a copy of a +warrant from the Privy Council to arrest certain persons of distinction +therein named. In another pocket of the book were one or two commissions +which Bothwell had held at different times, and certificates of his +services abroad, in which his courage and military talents were highly +praised. But the most remarkable paper was an accurate account of his +genealogy, with reference to many documents for establishment of its +authenticity; subjoined was a list of the ample possessions of the +forfeited Earls of Bothwell, and a particular account of the proportions +in which King James VI. had bestowed them on the courtiers and nobility +by whose descendants they were at present actually possessed; beneath +this list was written, in red letters, in the hand of the deceased, Haud +Immemor, F. S. E. B. the initials probably intimating Francis Stewart, +Earl of Bothwell. To these documents, which strongly painted the +character and feelings of their deceased proprietor, were added some +which showed him in a light greatly different from that in which we have +hitherto presented him to the reader. + +In a secret pocket of the book, which Morton did not discover without +some trouble, were one or two letters, written in a beautiful female +hand. They were dated about twenty years back, bore no address, and were +subscribed only by initials. Without having time to peruse them +accurately, Morton perceived that they contained the elegant yet fond +expressions of female affection directed towards an object whose jealousy +they endeavoured to soothe, and of whose hasty, suspicious, and impatient +temper, the writer seemed gently to complain. The ink of these +manuscripts had faded by time, and, notwithstanding the great care which +had obviously been taken for their preservation, they were in one or two +places chafed so as to be illegible. + +"It matters not," these words were written on the envelope of that which +had suffered most, "I have them by heart." + +With these letters was a lock of hair wrapped in a copy of verses, +written obviously with a feeling, which atoned, in Morton's opinion, for +the roughness of the poetry, and the conceits with which it abounded, +according to the taste of the period: + +Thy hue, dear pledge, is pure and bright, As in that well-remember'd +night, When first thy mystic braid was wove, And first my Agnes whisper'd +love. Since then, how often hast thou press'd The torrid zone of this +wild breast, Whose wrath and hate have sworn to dwell With the first sin +which peopled hell; A breast whose blood's a troubled ocean, Each throb +the earthquake's wild commotion!--O, if such clime thou canst endure, Yet +keep thy hue unstain'd and pure, What conquest o'er each erring thought +Of that fierce realm had Agnes wrought! I had not wander'd wild and wide, +With such an angel for my guide; Nor heaven nor earth could then reprove +me, If she had lived, and lived to love me. Not then this world's wild +joys had been To me one savage hunting-scene, My sole delight the +headlong race, And frantic hurry of the chase, To start, pursue, and +bring to bay, Rush in, drag down, and rend my prey, Then from the carcass +turn away; Mine ireful mood had sweetness tamed, And soothed each wound +which pride inflamed;--Yes, God and man might now approve me, If thou +hadst lived, and lived to love me! + +As he finished reading these lines, Morton could not forbear reflecting +with compassion on the fate of this singular and most unhappy being, who, +it appeared, while in the lowest state of degradation, and almost of +contempt, had his recollections continually fixed on the high station to +which his birth seemed to entitle him; and, while plunged in gross +licentiousness, was in secret looking back with bitter remorse to the +period of his youth, during which he had nourished a virtuous, though +unfortunate attachment. + +"Alas! what are we," said Morton, "that our best and most praiseworthy +feelings can be thus debased and depraved--that honourable pride can sink +into haughty and desperate indifference for general opinion, and the +sorrow of blighted affection inhabit the same bosom which license, +revenge, and rapine, have chosen for their citadel? But it is the same +throughout; the liberal principles of one man sink into cold and +unfeeling indifference, the religious zeal of another hurries him into +frantic and savage enthusiasm. Our resolutions, our passions, are like +the waves of the sea, and, without the aid of Him who formed the human +breast, we cannot say to its tides, 'Thus far shall ye come, and no +farther."' + +While he thus moralized, he raised his eyes, and observed that Burley +stood before him. + +"Already awake?" said that leader--"It is well, and shows zeal to tread +the path before you.--What papers are these?" he continued. + +Morton gave him some brief account of Cuddie's successful marauding +party, and handed him the pocket-book of Bothwell, with its contents. The +Cameronian leader looked with some attention on such of the papers as +related to military affairs, or public business; but when he came to the +verses, he threw them from him with contempt. + +"I little thought," he said, "when, by the blessing of God, I passed my +sword three times through the body of that arch tool of cruelty and +persecution, that a character so desperate and so dangerous could have +stooped to an art as trifling as it is profane. But I see that Satan can +blend the most different qualities in his well-beloved and chosen agents, +and that the same hand which can wield a club or a slaughter-weapon +against the godly in the valley of destruction, can touch a tinkling +lute, or a gittern, to soothe the ears of the dancing daughters of +perdition in their Vanity Fair." + +"Your ideas of duty, then," said Morton, "exclude love of the fine arts, +which have been supposed in general to purify and to elevate the mind?" + +"To me, young man," answered Burley, "and to those who think as I do, the +pleasures of this world, under whatever name disguised, are vanity, as +its grandeur and power are a snare. We have but one object on earth, and +that is to build up the temple of the Lord." + +"I have heard my father observe," replied Morton, "that many who assumed +power in the name of Heaven, were as severe in its exercise, and as +unwilling to part with it, as if they had been solely moved by the +motives of worldly ambition--But of this another time. Have you succeeded +in obtaining a committee of the council to be nominated?" + +"I have," answered Burley. "The number is limited to six, of which you +are one, and I come to call you to their deliberations." + +Morton accompanied him to a sequestered grassplot, where their colleagues +awaited them. In this delegation of authority, the two principal factions +which divided the tumultuary army had each taken care to send three of +their own number. On the part of the Cameronians, were Burley, Macbriar, +and Kettledrummle; and on that of the moderate party, Poundtext, Henry +Morton, and a small proprietor, called the Laird of Langcale. Thus the +two parties were equally balanced by their representatives in the +committee of management, although it seemed likely that those of the most +violent opinions were, as is usual in such cases, to possess and exert +the greater degree of energy. Their debate, however, was conducted more +like men of this world than could have been expected from their conduct +on the preceding evening. After maturely considering their means and +situation, and the probable increase of their numbers, they agreed that +they would keep their position for that day, in order to refresh their +men, and give time to reinforcements to join them, and that, on the next +morning, they would direct their march towards Tillietudlem, and summon +that stronghold, as they expressed it, of malignancy. If it was not +surrendered to their summons, they resolved to try the effect of a brisk +assault; and, should that miscarry, it was settled that they should leave +a part of their number to blockade the place, and reduce it, if possible, +by famine, while their main body should march forward to drive +Claverhouse and Lord Ross from the town of Glasgow. Such was the +determination of the council of management; and thus Morton's first +enterprise in active life was likely to be the attack of a castle +belonging to the parent of his mistress, and defended by her relative, +Major Bellenden, to whom he personally owed many obligations! He felt +fully the embarrassment of his situation, yet consoled himself with the +reflection, that his newly-acquired power in the insurgent army would +give him, at all events, the means of extending to the inmates of +Tillietudlem a protection which no other circumstance could have afforded +them; and he was not without hope that he might be able to mediate such +an accommodation betwixt them and the presbyterian army, as should secure +them a safe neutrality during the war which was about to ensue. + + + + + CHAPTER III. + + There came a knight from the field of slain, + His steed was drench'd in blood and rain. + Finlay. + +We must now return to the fortress of Tillietudlem and its inhabitants. +The morning, being the first after the battle of Loudon-hill, had dawned +upon its battlements, and the defenders had already resumed the labours +by which they proposed to render the place tenable, when the watchman, +who was placed in a high turret, called the Warder's Tower, gave the +signal that a horseman was approaching. As he came nearer, his dress +indicated an officer of the Life-Guards; and the slowness of his horse's +pace, as well as the manner in which the rider stooped on the saddle-bow, +plainly showed that he was sick or wounded. The wicket was instantly +opened to receive him, and Lord Evandale rode into the court-yard, so +reduced by loss of blood, that he was unable to dismount without +assistance. As he entered the hall, leaning upon a servant, the ladies +shrieked with surprise and terror; for, pale as death, stained with +blood, his regimentals soiled and torn, and his hair matted and +disordered, he resembled rather a spectre than a human being. But their +next exclamation was that of joy at his escape. + +"Thank God!" exclaimed Lady Margaret, "that you are here, and have +escaped the hands of the bloodthirsty murderers who have cut off so many +of the king's loyal servants!" + +"Thank God!" added Edith, "that you are here and in safety! We have +dreaded the worst. But you are wounded, and I fear we have little the +means of assisting you." + +"My wounds are only sword-cuts," answered the young nobleman, as he +reposed himself on a seat; "the pain is not worth mentioning, and I +should not even feel exhausted but for the loss of blood. But it was not +my purpose to bring my weakness to add to your danger and distress, but +to relieve them, if possible. What can I do for you?--Permit me," he +added, addressing Lady Margaret--"permit me to think and act as your son, +my dear madam--as your brother, Edith!" + +He pronounced the last part of the sentence with some emphasis, as if he +feared that the apprehension of his pretensions as a suitor might render +his proffered services unacceptable to Miss Bellenden. She was not +insensible to his delicacy, but there was no time for exchange of +sentiments. + +"We are preparing for our defence," said the old lady with great dignity; +"my brother has taken charge of our garrison, and, by the grace of God, +we will give the rebels such a reception as they deserve." + +"How gladly," said Evandale, "would I share in the defence of the Castle! +But in my present state, I should be but a burden to you, nay, something +worse; for, the knowledge that an officer of the Life-Guards was in the +Castle would be sufficient to make these rogues more desperately earnest +to possess themselves of it. If they find it defended only by the family, +they may possibly march on to Glasgow rather than hazard an assault." + +"And can you think so meanly of us, my lord," said Edith, with the +generous burst of feeling which woman so often evinces, and which becomes +her so well, her voice faltering through eagerness, and her brow +colouring with the noble warmth which dictated her language--"Can you +think so meanly of your friends, as that they would permit such +considerations to interfere with their sheltering and protecting you at a +moment when you are unable to defend yourself, and when the whole country +is filled with the enemy? Is there a cottage in Scotland whose owners +would permit a valued friend to leave it in such circumstances? And can +you think we will allow you to go from a castle which we hold to be +strong enough for our own defence?" + +"Lord Evandale need never think of it," said Lady Margaret. "I will dress +his wounds myself; it is all an old wife is fit for in war time; but to +quit the Castle of Tillietudlem when the sword of the enemy is drawn to +slay him,--the meanest trooper that ever wore the king's coat on his back +should not do so, much less my young Lord Evandale.--Ours is not a house +that ought to brook such dishonour. The tower of Tillietudlem has been +too much distinguished by the visit of his most sacred"-- + +Here she was interrupted by the entrance of the Major. + +"We have taken a prisoner, my dear uncle," said Edith--"a wounded +prisoner, and he wants to escape from us. You must help us to keep him by +force." + +"Lord Evandale!" exclaimed the veteran. "I am as much pleased as when I +got my first commission. Claverhouse reported you were killed, or missing +at least." + +"I should have been slain, but for a friend of yours," said Lord +Evandale, speaking with some emotion, and bending his eyes on the ground, +as if he wished to avoid seeing the impression that what he was about to +say would make upon Miss Bellenden. "I was unhorsed and defenceless, and +the sword raised to dispatch me, when young Mr Morton, the prisoner for +whom you interested yourself yesterday morning, interposed in the most +generous manner, preserved my life, and furnished me with the means of +escaping." + +As he ended the sentence, a painful curiosity overcame his first +resolution; he raised his eyes to Edith's face, and imagined he could +read in the glow of her cheek and the sparkle of her eye, joy at hearing +of her lover's safety and freedom, and triumph at his not having been +left last in the race of generosity. Such, indeed, were her feelings; but +they were also mingled with admiration of the ready frankness with which +Lord Evandale had hastened to bear witness to the merit of a favoured +rival, and to acknowledge an obligation which, in all probability, he +would rather have owed to any other individual in the world. + +Major Bellenden, who would never have observed the emotions of either +party, even had they been much more markedly expressed, contented himself +with saying, "Since Henry Morton has influence with these rascals, I am +glad he has so exerted it; but I hope he will get clear of them as soon +as he can. Indeed, I cannot doubt it. I know his principles, and that he +detests their cant and hypocrisy. I have heard him laugh a thousand times +at the pedantry of that old presbyterian scoundrel, Poundtext, who, after +enjoying the indulgence of the government for so many years, has now, +upon the very first ruffle, shown himself in his own proper colours, and +set off, with three parts of his cropeared congregation, to join the host +of the fanatics.--But how did you escape after leaving the field, my +lord?" + +"I rode for my life, as a recreant knight must," answered Lord Evandale, +smiling. "I took the route where I thought I had least chance of meeting +with any of the enemy, and I found shelter for several hours--you will +hardly guess where." + +"At Castle Bracklan, perhaps," said Lady Margaret, "or in the house of +some other loyal gentleman?" + +"No, madam. I was repulsed, under one mean pretext or another, from more +than one house of that description, for fear of the enemy following my +traces; but I found refuge in the cottage of a poor widow, whose husband +had been shot within these three months by a party of our corps, and +whose two sons are at this very moment with the insurgents." + +"Indeed?" said Lady Margaret Bellenden; "and was a fanatic woman capable +of such generosity?--but she disapproved, I suppose, of the tenets of her +family?" + +"Far from it, madam," continued the young nobleman; "she was in principle +a rigid recusant, but she saw my danger and distress, considered me as a +fellow-creature, and forgot that I was a cavalier and a soldier. She +bound my wounds, and permitted me to rest upon her bed, concealed me from +a party of the insurgents who were seeking for stragglers, supplied me +with food, and did not suffer me to leave my place of refuge until she +had learned that I had every chance of getting to this tower without +danger." + +"It was nobly done," said Miss Bellenden; "and I trust you will have an +opportunity of rewarding her generosity." + +"I am running up an arrear of obligation on all sides, Miss Bellenden, +during these unfortunate occurrences," replied Lord Evandale; "but when I +can attain the means of showing my gratitude, the will shall not be +wanting." + +All now joined in pressing Lord Evandale to relinquish his intention of +leaving the Castle; but the argument of Major Bellenden proved the most +effectual. + +"Your presence in the Castle will be most useful, if not absolutely +necessary, my lord, in order to maintain, by your authority, proper +discipline among the fellows whom Claverhouse has left in garrison here, +and who do not prove to be of the most orderly description of inmates; +and, indeed, we have the Colonel's authority, for that very purpose, to +detain any officer of his regiment who might pass this way." + +"That," said Lord Evandale, "is an unanswerable argument, since it shows +me that my residence here may be useful, even in my present disabled +state." + +"For your wounds, my lord," said the Major, "if my sister, Lady +Bellenden, will undertake to give battle to any feverish symptom, if such +should appear, I will answer that my old campaigner, Gideon Pike, shall +dress a flesh-wound with any of the incorporation of Barber-Surgeons. He +had enough of practice in Montrose's time, for we had few regularly-bred +army chirurgeons, as you may well suppose.--You agree to stay with us, +then?" + +"My reasons for leaving the Castle," said Lord Evandale, glancing a look +towards Edith, "though they evidently seemed weighty, must needs give way +to those which infer the power of serving you. May I presume, Major, to +enquire into the means and plan of defence which you have prepared? or +can I attend you to examine the works?" + +It did not escape Miss Bellenden, that Lord Evandale seemed much +exhausted both in body and mind. "I think, sir," she said, addressing the +Major, "that since Lord Evandale condescends to become an officer of our +garrison, you should begin by rendering him amenable to your authority, +and ordering him to his apartment, that he may take some refreshment ere +he enters on military discussions." + +"Edith is right," said the old lady; "you must go instantly to bed, my +lord, and take some febrifuge, which I will prepare with my own hand; and +my lady-in-waiting, Mistress Martha Weddell, shall make some friar's +chicken, or something very light. I would not advise wine.--John Gudyill, +let the housekeeper make ready the chamber of dais. Lord Evandale must +lie down instantly. Pike will take off the dressings, and examine the +state of the wounds." + +"These are melancholy preparations, madam," said Lord Evandale, as he +returned thanks to Lady Margaret, and was about to leave the hall,--"but +I must submit to your ladyship's directions; and I trust that your skill +will soon make me a more able defender of your castle than I am at +present. You must render my body serviceable as soon as you can, for you +have no use for my head while you have Major Bellenden." + +With these words he left the apartment. + +"An excellent young man, and a modest," said the Major. + +"None of that conceit," said Lady Margaret, "that often makes young folk +suppose they know better how their complaints should be treated than +people that have had experience." + +"And so generous and handsome a young nobleman," said Jenny Dennison, who +had entered during the latter part of this conversation, and was now left +alone with her mistress in the hall, the Major returning to his military +cares, and Lady Margaret to her medical preparations. + +Edith only answered these encomiums with a sigh; but, although silent, +she felt and knew better than any one how much they were merited by the +person on whom they were bestowed. Jenny, however, failed not to follow +up her blow. + +"After a', it's true that my lady says--there's nae trusting a +presbyterian; they are a' faithless man-sworn louns. Whae wad hae thought +that young Milnwood and Cuddie Headrigg wad hae taen on wi' thae rebel +blackguards?" + +"What do you mean by such improbable nonsense, Jenny?" said her young +mistress, very much displeased. + +"I ken it's no pleasing for you to hear, madam," answered Jenny hardily; +"and it's as little pleasant for me to tell; but as gude ye suld ken a' +about it sune as syne, for the haill Castle's ringing wi't." + +"Ringing with what, Jenny? Have you a mind to drive me mad?" answered +Edith, impatiently. + +"Just that Henry Morton of Milnwood is out wi' the rebels, and ane o' +their chief leaders." + +"It is a falsehood!" said Edith--"a most base calumny! and you are very +bold to dare to repeat it to me. Henry Morton is incapable of such +treachery to his king and country--such cruelty to me--to--to all the +innocent and defenceless victims, I mean, who must suffer in a civil war +--I tell you he is utterly incapable of it, in every sense." + +"Dear! dear! Miss Edith," replied Jenny, still constant to her text, +"they maun be better acquainted wi' young men than I am, or ever wish to +be, that can tell preceesely what they're capable or no capable o'. But +there has been Trooper Tam, and another chield, out in bonnets and grey +plaids, like countrymen, to recon--reconnoitre--I think John Gudyill ca'd +it; and they hae been amang the rebels, and brought back word that they +had seen young Milnwood mounted on ane o' the dragoon horses that was +taen at Loudon-hill, armed wi' swords and pistols, like wha but him, and +hand and glove wi' the foremost o' them, and dreeling and commanding the +men; and Cuddie at the heels o' him, in ane o' Sergeant Bothwell's laced +waistcoats, and a cockit hat with a bab o' blue ribbands at it for the +auld cause o' the Covenant, (but Cuddie aye liked a blue ribband,) and a +ruffled sark, like ony lord o' the land--it sets the like o' him, +indeed!" + +"Jenny," said her young mistress hastily, "it is impossible these men's +report can be true; my uncle has heard nothing of it at this instant." + +"Because Tam Halliday," answered the handmaiden, "came in just five +minutes after Lord Evandale; and when he heard his lordship was in the +Castle, he swore (the profane loon!) he would be d--d ere he would make +the report, as he ca'd it, of his news to Major Bellenden, since there +was an officer of his ain regiment in the garrison. Sae he wad have said +naething till Lord Evandale wakened the next morning; only he tauld me +about it," (here Jenny looked a little down,) "just to vex me about +Cuddie." + +"Poh, you silly girl," said Edith, assuming some courage, "it is all a +trick of that fellow to teaze you." + +"Na, madam, it canna be that, for John Gudyill took the other dragoon +(he's an auld hard-favoured man, I wotna his name) into the cellar, and +gae him a tass o' brandy to get the news out o' him, and he said just the +same as Tam Halliday, word for word; and Mr Gudyill was in sic a rage, +that he tauld it a' ower again to us, and says the haill rebellion is +owing to the nonsense o' my Leddy and the Major, and Lord Evandale, that +begged off young Milnwood and Cuddie yesterday morning, for that, if they +had suffered, the country wad hae been quiet--and troth I am muckle o' +that opinion mysell." + +This last commentary Jenny added to her tale, in resentment of her +mistress's extreme and obstinate incredulity. She was instantly alarmed, +however, by the effect which her news produced upon her young lady, an +effect rendered doubly violent by the High-church principles and +prejudices in which Miss Bellenden had been educated. Her complexion +became as pale as a corpse, her respiration so difficult that it was on +the point of altogether failing her, and her limbs so incapable of +supporting her, that she sunk, rather than sat, down upon one of the +seats in the hall, and seemed on the eve of fainting. Jenny tried cold +water, burnt feathers, cutting of laces, and all other remedies usual in +hysterical cases, but without any immediate effect. + +"God forgie me! what hae I done?" said the repentant fille-de-chambre. "I +wish my tongue had been cuttit out!--Wha wad hae thought o' her taking on +that way, and a' for a young lad?--O, Miss Edith--dear Miss Edith, haud +your heart up about it, it's maybe no true for a' that I hae said--O, I +wish my mouth had been blistered! A' body tells me my tongue will do me a +mischief some day. What if my Leddy comes? or the Major?--and she's +sitting in the throne, too, that naebody has sate in since that weary +morning the King was here!--O, what will I do! O, what will become o' +us!" + +While Jenny Dennison thus lamented herself and her mistress, Edith slowly +returned from the paroxysm into which she had been thrown by this +unexpected intelligence. + +"If he had been unfortunate," she said, "I never would have deserted him. +I never did so, even when there was danger and disgrace in pleading his +cause. If he had died, I would have mourned him--if he had been +unfaithful, I would have forgiven him; but a rebel to his King,--a +traitor to his country,--the associate and colleague of cut-throats and +common stabbers,--the persecutor of all that is noble,--the professed and +blasphemous enemy of all that is sacred,--I will tear him from my heart, +if my life-blood should ebb in the effort!" + +She wiped her eyes, and rose hastily from the great chair, (or throne, as +Lady Margaret used to call it,) while the terrified damsel hastened to +shake up the cushion, and efface the appearance of any one having +occupied that sacred seat; although King Charles himself, considering the +youth and beauty as well as the affliction of the momentary usurper of +his hallowed chair, would probably have thought very little of the +profanation. She then hastened officiously to press her support on Edith, +as she paced the hall apparently in deep meditation. + +"Tak my arm, madam; better just tak my arm; sorrow maun hae its vent, and +doubtless"-- + +"No, Jenny," said Edith, with firmness; "you have seen my weakness, and +you shall see my strength." + +"But ye leaned on me the other morning. Miss Edith, when ye were sae sair +grieved." + +"Misplaced and erring affection may require support, Jenny--duty can +support itself; yet I will do nothing rashly. I will be aware of the +reasons of his conduct--and then--cast him off for ever," was the firm +and determined answer of her young lady. + +Overawed by a manner of which she could neither conceive the motive, nor +estimate the merit, Jenny muttered between her teeth, "Odd, when the +first flight's ower, Miss Edith taks it as easy as I do, and muckle +easier, and I'm sure I ne'er cared half sae muckle about Cuddie Headrigg +as she did about young Milnwood. Forby that, it's maybe as weel to hae a +friend on baith sides; for, if the whigs suld come to tak the Castle, as +it's like they may, when there's sae little victual, and the dragoons +wasting what's o't, ou, in that case, Milnwood and Cuddie wad hae the +upper hand, and their freendship wad be worth siller--I was thinking sae +this morning or I heard the news." + +With this consolatory reflection the damsel went about her usual +occupations, leaving her mistress to school her mind as she best might, +for eradicating the sentiments which she had hitherto entertained towards +Henry Morton. + + + + + CHAPTER IV. + + Once more into the breach--dear friends, once more! + Henry V. + +On the evening of this day, all the information which they could procure +led them to expect, that the insurgent army would be with early dawn on +their march against Tillietudlem. Lord Evandale's wounds had been +examined by Pike, who reported them in a very promising state. They were +numerous, but none of any consequence; and the loss of blood, as much +perhaps as the boasted specific of Lady Margaret, had prevented any +tendency to fever; so that, notwithstanding he felt some pain and great +weakness, the patient maintained that he was able to creep about with the +assistance of a stick. In these circumstances he refused to be confined +to his apartment, both that he might encourage the soldiers by his +presence, and suggest any necessary addition to the plan of defence, +which the Major might be supposed to have arranged upon something of an +antiquated fashion of warfare. Lord Evandale was well qualified to give +advice on such subjects, having served, during his early youth, both in +France and in the Low Countries. There was little or no occasion, +however, for altering the preparations already made; and, excepting on +the article of provisions, there seemed no reason to fear for the defence +of so strong a place against such assailants as those by whom it was +threatened. + +With the peep of day, Lord Evandale and Major Bellenden were on the +battlements again, viewing and re-viewing the state of their +preparations, and anxiously expecting the approach of the enemy. I ought +to observe, that the report of the spies had now been regularly made and +received; but the Major treated the report that Morton was in arms +against the government with the most scornful incredulity. + +"I know the lad better," was the only reply he deigned to make; "the +fellows have not dared to venture near enough, and have been deceived by +some fanciful resemblance, or have picked up some story." + +"I differ from you, Major," answered Lord Evandale; "I think you will see +that young gentleman at the head of the insurgents; and, though I shall +be heartily sorry for it, I shall not be greatly surprised." + +"You are as bad as Claverhouse," said the Major, "who contended yesterday +morning down my very throat, that this young fellow, who is as +high-spirited and gentleman-like a boy as I have ever known, wanted but +an opportunity to place himself at the head of the rebels." + +"And considering the usage which he has received, and the suspicions +under which he lies," said Lord Evandale, "what other course is open to +him? For my own part, I should hardly know whether he deserved most blame +or pity." + +"Blame, my lord?--Pity!" echoed the Major, astonished at hearing such +sentiments; "he would deserve to be hanged, that's all; and, were he my +own son, I should see him strung up with pleasure--Blame, indeed! But +your lordship cannot think as you are pleased to speak?" + +"I give you my honour, Major Bellenden, that I have been for some time of +opinion, that our politicians and prelates have driven matters to a +painful extremity in this country, and have alienated, by violence of +various kinds, not only the lower classes, but all those in the upper +ranks, whom strong party-feeling, or a desire of court-interest, does not +attach to their standard." + +"I am no politician," answered the Major, "and I do not understand nice +distinctions. My sword is the King's, and when he commands, I draw it in +his cause." + +"I trust," replied the young lord, "you will not find me more backward +than yourself, though I heartily wish that the enemy were foreigners. It +is, however, no time to debate that matter, for yonder they come, and we +must defend ourselves as well as we can." + +As Lord Evandale spoke, the van of the insurgents began to make their +appearance on the road which crossed the top of the hill, and thence +descended opposite to the Tower. They did not, however, move downwards, +as if aware that, in doing so, their columns would be exposed to the fire +of the artillery of the place. But their numbers, which at first seemed +few, appeared presently so to deepen and concentrate themselves, that, +judging of the masses which occupied the road behind the hill from the +closeness of the front which they presented on the top of it, their force +appeared very considerable. There was a pause of anxiety on both sides; +and, while the unsteady ranks of the Covenanters were agitated, as if by +pressure behind, or uncertainty as to their next movement, their arms, +picturesque from their variety, glanced in the morning sun, whose beams +were reflected from a grove of pikes, muskets, halberds, and battle-axes. +The armed mass occupied, for a few minutes, this fluctuating position, +until three or four horsemen, who seemed to be leaders, advanced from the +front, and occupied the height a little nearer to the Castle. John +Gudyill, who was not without some skill as an artilleryman, brought a gun +to bear on this detached group. + +"I'll flee the falcon,"--(so the small cannon was called,)--"I'll flee +the falcon whene'er your honour gies command; my certie, she'll ruffle +their feathers for them!" + +The Major looked at Lord Evandale. + +"Stay a moment," said the young nobleman, "they send us a flag of truce." + +In fact, one of the horsemen at that moment dismounted, and, displaying a +white cloth on a pike, moved forward towards the Tower, while the Major +and Lord Evandale, descending from the battlement of the main fortress, +advanced to meet him as far as the barricade, judging it unwise to admit +him within the precincts which they designed to defend. At the same time +that the ambassador set forth, the group of horsemen, as if they had +anticipated the preparations of John Gudyill for their annoyance, +withdrew from the advanced station which they had occupied, and fell back +to the main body. + +The envoy of the Covenanters, to judge by his mien and manner, seemed +fully imbued with that spiritual pride which distinguished his sect. His +features were drawn up to a contemptuous primness, and his half-shut eyes +seemed to scorn to look upon the terrestial objects around, while, at +every solemn stride, his toes were pointed outwards with an air that +appeared to despise the ground on which they trode. Lord Evandale could +not suppress a smile at this singular figure. + +"Did you ever," said he to Major Bellenden, "see such an absurd +automaton? One would swear it moves upon springs--Can it speak, think +you?" + +"O, ay," said the Major; "that seems to be one of my old acquaintance, a +genuine puritan of the right pharisaical leaven.--Stay--he coughs and +hems; he is about to summon the Castle with the but-end of a sermon, +instead of a parley on the trumpet." + +The veteran, who in his day had had many an opportunity to become +acquainted with the manners of these religionists, was not far mistaken +in his conjecture; only that, instead of a prose exordium, the Laird of +Langcale--for it was no less a personage--uplifted, with a Stentorian +voice, a verse of the twenty-fourth Psalm: + +"Ye gates lift up your heads! ye doors, Doors that do last for aye, Be +lifted up"-- + +"I told you so," said the Major to Evandale, and then presented himself +at the entrance of the barricade, demanding to know for what purpose or +intent he made that doleful noise, like a hog in a high wind, beneath the +gates of the Castle. + +"I come," replied the ambassador, in a high and shrill voice, and without +any of the usual salutations or deferences,--"I come from the godly army +of the Solemn League and Covenant, to speak with two carnal malignants, +William Maxwell, called Lord Evandale, and Miles Bellenden of Charnwood." + +"And what have you to say to Miles Bellenden and Lord Evandale?" answered +the Major. + +"Are you the parties?" said the Laird of Langcale, in the same sharp, +conceited, disrespectful tone of voice. + +"Even so, for fault of better," said the Major. + +"Then there is the public summons," said the envoy, putting a paper into +Lord Evandale's hand, "and there is a private letter for Miles Bellenden +from a godly youth, who is honoured with leading a part of our host. Read +them quickly, and God give you grace to fructify by the contents, though +it is muckle to be doubted." + +The summons ran thus: "We, the named and constituted leaders of the +gentlemen, ministers, and others, presently in arms for the cause of +liberty and true religion, do warn and summon William Lord Evandale and +Miles Bellenden of Charnwood, and others presently in arms, and keeping +garrison in the Tower of Tillietudlem, to surrender the said Tower upon +fair conditions of quarter, and license to depart with bag and baggage, +otherwise to suffer such extremity of fire and sword as belong by the +laws of war to those who hold out an untenable post. And so may God +defend his own good cause!" + +This summons was signed by John Balfour of Burley, as quarter-master +general of the army of the Covenant, for himself, and in name of the +other leaders. + +The letter to Major Bellenden was from Henry Morton. It was couched in +the following language: + +"I have taken a step, my venerable friend, which, among many painful +consequences, will, I am afraid, incur your very decided disapprobation. +But I have taken my resolution in honour and good faith, and with the +full approval of my own conscience. I can no longer submit to have my own +rights and those of my fellow-subjects trampled upon, our freedom +violated, our persons insulted, and our blood spilt, without just cause +or legal trial. Providence, through the violence of the oppressors +themselves, seems now to have opened a way of deliverance from this +intolerable tyranny, and I do not hold him deserving of the name and +rights of a freeman, who, thinking as I do, shall withold his arm from +the cause of his country. But God, who knows my heart, be my witness, +that I do not share the angry or violent passions of the oppressed and +harassed sufferers with whom I am now acting. My most earnest and anxious +desire is, to see this unnatural war brought to a speedy end, by the +union of the good, wise, and moderate of all parties, and a peace +restored, which, without injury to the King's constitutional rights, may +substitute the authority of equal laws to that of military violence, and, +permitting to all men to worship God according to their own consciences, +may subdue fanatical enthusiasm by reason and mildness, instead of +driving it to frenzy by persecution and intolerance. + +"With these sentiments, you may conceive with what pain I appear in arms +before the house of your venerable relative, which we understand you +propose to hold out against us. Permit me to press upon you the +assurance, that such a measure will only lead to the effusion of blood-- +that, if repulsed in the assault, we are yet strong enough to invest the +place, and reduce it by hunger, being aware of your indifferent +preparations to sustain a protracted siege. It would grieve me to the +heart to think what would be the sufferings in such a case, and upon whom +they would chiefly fall. + +"Do not suppose, my respected friend, that I would propose to you any +terms which could compromise the high and honourable character which you +have so deservedly won, and so long borne. If the regular soldiers (to +whom I will ensure a safe retreat) are dismissed from the place, I trust +no more will be required than your parole to remain neuter during this +unhappy contest; and I will take care that Lady Margaret's property, as +well as yours, shall be duly respected, and no garrison intruded upon +you. I could say much in favour of this proposal; but I fear, as I must +in the present instance appear criminal in your eyes, good arguments +would lose their influence when coming from an unwelcome quarter. I will, +therefore, break off with assuring you, that whatever your sentiments may +be hereafter towards me, my sense of gratitude to you can never be +diminished or erased; and it would be the happiest moment of my life that +should give me more effectual means than mere words to assure you of it. +Therefore, although in the first moment of resentment you may reject the +proposal I make to you, let not that prevent you from resuming the topic, +if future events should render it more acceptable; for whenever, or +howsoever, I can be of service to you, it will always afford the greatest +satisfaction to + "Henry Morton." + +Having read this long letter with the most marked indignation, Major +Bellenden put it into the hands of Lord Evandale. + +"I would not have believed this," he said, "of Henry Morton, if half +mankind had sworn it! The ungrateful, rebellious traitor! rebellious in +cold blood, and without even the pretext of enthusiasm, that warms the +liver of such a crack-brained fop as our friend the envoy there. But I +should have remembered he was a presbyterian--I ought to have been aware +that I was nursing a wolf-cub, whose diabolical nature would make him +tear and snatch at me on the first opportunity. Were Saint Paul on earth +again, and a presbyterian, he would be a rebel in three months--it is in +the very blood of them." + +"Well," said Lord Evandale, "I will be the last to recommend surrender; +but, if our provisions fail, and we receive no relief from Edinburgh or +Glasgow, I think we ought to avail ourselves of this opening, to get the +ladies, at least, safe out of the Castle." + +"They will endure all, ere they would accept the protection of such a +smooth-tongued hypocrite," answered the Major indignantly; "I would +renounce them for relatives were it otherwise. But let us dismiss the +worthy ambassador.--My friend," he said, turning to Langcale, "tell your +leaders, and the mob they have gathered yonder, that, if they have not a +particular opinion of the hardness of their own skulls, I would advise +them to beware how they knock them against these old walls. And let them +send no more flags of truce, or we will hang up the messenger in +retaliation of the murder of Cornet Grahame." + +With this answer the ambassador returned to those by whom he had been +sent. He had no sooner reached the main body than a murmur was heard +amongst the multitude, and there was raised in front of their ranks an +ample red flag, the borders of which were edged with blue. As the signal +of war and defiance spread out its large folds upon the morning wind, the +ancient banner of Lady Margaret's family, together with the royal ensign, +were immediately hoisted on the walls of the Tower, and at the same time, +a round of artillery was discharged against the foremost ranks of the +insurgents, by which they sustained some loss. Their leaders instantly +withdrew them to the shelter of the brow of the hill. + +"I think," said John Gudyill, while he busied himself in re-charging his +guns, "they hae fund the falcon's neb a bit ower hard for them--It's no +for nought that the hawk whistles." + +But as he uttered these words, the ridge was once more crowded with the +ranks of the enemy. A general discharge of their fire-arms was directed +against the defenders upon the battlements. Under cover of the smoke, a +column of picked men rushed down the road with determined courage, and, +sustaining with firmness a heavy fire from the garrison, they forced +their way, in spite of opposition, to the first barricade by which the +avenue was defended. They were led on by Balfour in person, who displayed +courage equal to his enthusiasm; and, in spite of every opposition, +forced the barricade, killing and wounding several of the defenders, and +compelling the rest to retreat to their second position. The precautions, +however, of Major Bellenden rendered this success unavailing; for no +sooner were the Covenanters in possession of the post, than a close and +destructive fire was poured into it from the Castle, and from those +stations which commanded it in the rear. Having no means of protecting +themselves from this fire, or of returning it with effect against men who +were under cover of their barricades and defences, the Covenanters were +obliged to retreat; but not until they had, with their axes, destroyed +the stockade, so as to render it impossible for the defenders to +re-occupy it. + +Balfour was the last man that retired. He even remained for a short space +almost alone, with an axe in his hand, labouring like a pioneer amid the +storm of balls, many of which were specially aimed against him. The +retreat of the party he commanded was not effected without heavy loss, +and served as a severe lesson concerning the local advantages possessed +by the garrison. + +The next attack of the Covenanters was made with more caution. A strong +party of marksmen, (many of them competitors at the game of the +popinjay,) under the command of Henry Morton, glided through the woods +where they afforded them the best shelter, and, avoiding the open road, +endeavoured, by forcing their way through the bushes and trees, and up +the rocks which surrounded it on either side, to gain a position, from +which, without being exposed in an intolerable degree, they might annoy +the flank of the second barricade, while it was menaced in front by a +second attack from Burley. The besieged saw the danger of this movement, +and endeavoured to impede the approach of the marksmen, by firing upon +them at every point where they showed themselves. The assailants, on the +other hand, displayed great coolness, spirit, and judgment, in the manner +in which they approached the defences. This was, in a great measure, to +be ascribed to the steady and adroit manner in which they were conducted +by their youthful leader, who showed as much skill in protecting his own +followers as spirit in annnoying the enemy. + +He repeatedly enjoined his marksmen to direct their aim chiefly upon the +red-coats, and to save the others engaged in the defence of the Castle; +and, above all, to spare the life of the old Major, whose anxiety made +him more than once expose himself in a manner, that, without such +generosity on the part of the enemy, might have proved fatal. A dropping +fire of musketry now glanced from every part of the precipitous mount on +which the Castle was founded. From bush to bush--from crag to crag--from +tree to tree, the marksmen continued to advance, availing themselves of +branches and roots to assist their ascent, and contending at once with +the disadvantages of the ground and the fire of the enemy. At length they +got so high on the ascent, that several of them possessed an opportunity +of firing into the barricade against the defenders, who then lay exposed +to their aim, and Burley, profiting by the confusion of the moment, moved +forward to the attack in front. His onset was made with the same +desperation and fury as before, and met with less resistance, the +defenders being alarmed at the progress which the sharp-shooters had made +in turning the flank of their position. Determined to improve his +advantage, Burley, with his axe in his hand, pursued the party whom he +had dislodged even to the third and last barricade, and entered it along +with them. + +"Kill, kill--down with the enemies of God and his people!--No quarter-- +The Castle is ours!" were the cries by which he animated his friends; the +most undaunted of whom followed him close, whilst the others, with axes, +spades, and other implements, threw up earth, cut down trees, hastily +labouring to establish such a defensive cover in the rear of the second +barricade as might enable them to retain possession of it, in case the +Castle was not carried by this coup-de-main. + +Lord Evandale could no longer restrain his impatience. He charged with a +few soldiers who had been kept in reserve in the court-yard of the +Castle; and, although his arm was in a sling, encouraged them, by voice +and gesture, to assist their companions who were engaged with Burley. The +combat now assumed an air of desperation. The narrow road was crowded +with the followers of Burley, who pressed forward to support their +companions. The soldiers, animated by the voice and presence of Lord +Evandale, fought with fury, their small numbers being in some measure +compensated by their greater skill, and by their possessing the upper +ground, which they defended desperately with pikes and halberds, as well +as with the but of the carabines and their broadswords. Those within the +Castle endeavoured to assist their companions, whenever they could so +level their guns as to fire upon the enemy without endangering their +friends. The sharp-shooters, dispersed around, were firing incessantly on +each object that was exposed upon the battlement. The Castle was +enveloped with smoke, and the rocks rang to the cries of the combatants. +In the midst of this scene of confusion, a singular accident had nearly +given the besiegers possession of the fortress. + +Cuddie Headrigg, who had advanced among the marksmen, being well +acquainted with every rock and bush in the vicinity of the Castle, where +he had so often gathered nuts with Jenny Dennison, was enabled, by such +local knowledge, to advance farther, and with less danger, than most of +his companions, excepting some three or four who had followed him close. +Now Cuddie, though a brave enough fellow upon the whole, was by no means +fond of danger, either for its own sake, or for that of the glory which +attends it. In his advance, therefore, he had not, as the phrase goes, +taken the bull by the horns, or advanced in front of the enemy's fire. On +the contrary, he had edged gradually away from the scene of action, and, +turning his line of ascent rather to the left, had pursued it until it +brought him under a front of the Castle different from that before which +the parties were engaged, and to which the defenders had given no +attention, trusting to the steepness of the precipice. There was, +however, on this point, a certain window belonging to a certain pantry, +and communicating with a certain yew-tree, which grew out of a steep +cleft of the rock, being the very pass through which Goose Gibbie was +smuggled out of the Castle in order to carry Edith's express to +Charnwood, and which had probably, in its day, been used for other +contraband purposes. Cuddie, resting upon the but of his gun, and looking +up at this window, observed to one of his companions,--"There's a place I +ken weel; mony a time I hae helped Jenny Dennison out o' the winnock, +forby creeping in whiles mysell to get some daffin, at e'en after the +pleugh was loosed." + +"And what's to hinder us to creep in just now?" said the other, who was a +smart enterprising young fellow. + +"There's no muckle to hinder us, an that were a'," answered Cuddie; "but +what were we to do neist?" + +"We'll take the Castle," cried the other; "here are five or six o' us, +and a' the sodgers are engaged at the gate." + +"Come awa wi' you, then," said Cuddie; "but mind, deil a finger ye maun +lay on Lady Margaret, or Miss Edith, or the auld Major, or, aboon a', on +Jenny Dennison, or ony body but the sodgers--cut and quarter amang them +as ye like, I carena." + +"Ay, ay," said the other, "let us once in, and we will make our ain terms +with them a'." + +Gingerly, and as if treading upon eggs, Cuddie began to ascend the +well-known pass, not very willingly; for, besides that he was something +apprehensive of the reception he might meet with in the inside, his +conscience insisted that he was making but a shabby requital for Lady +Margaret's former favours and protection. He got up, however, into the +yew-tree, followed by his companions, one after another. The window was +small, and had been secured by stancheons of iron; but these had been +long worn away by time, or forced out by the domestics to possess a free +passage for their own occasional convenience. Entrance was therefore +easy, providing there was no one in the pantry, a point which Cuddie +endeavoured to discover before he made the final and perilous step. While +his companions, therefore, were urging and threatening him behind, and he +was hesitating and stretching his neck to look into the apartment, his +head became visible to Jenny Dennison, who had ensconced herself in said +pantry as the safest place in which to wait the issue of the assault. So +soon as this object of terror caught her eye, she set up a hysteric +scream, flew to the adjacent kitchen, and, in the desperate agony of +fear, seized on a pot of kailbrose which she herself had hung on the fire +before the combat began, having promised to Tam Halliday to prepare his +breakfast for him. Thus burdened, she returned to the window of the +pantry, and still exclaiming, "Murder! murder!--we are a' harried and +ravished--the Castle's taen--tak it amang ye!" she discharged the whole +scalding contents of the pot, accompanied with a dismal yell, upon the +person of the unfortunate Cuddie. However welcome the mess might have +been, if Cuddie and it had become acquainted in a regular manner, the +effects, as administered by Jenny, would probably have cured him of +soldiering for ever, had he been looking upwards when it was thrown upon +him. But, fortunately for our man of war, he had taken the alarm upon +Jenny's first scream, and was in the act of looking down, expostulating +with his comrades, who impeded the retreat which he was anxious to +commence; so that the steel cap and buff coat which formerly belonged to +Sergeant Bothwell, being garments of an excellent endurance, protected +his person against the greater part of the scalding brose. Enough, +however, reached him to annoy him severely, so that in the pain and +surprise he jumped hastily out of the tree, oversetting his followers, to +the manifest danger of their limbs, and, without listening to arguments, +entreaties, or authority, made the best of his way by the most safe road +to the main body of the army whereunto he belonged, and could neither by +threats nor persuasion be prevailed upon to return to the attack. + +As for Jenny, when she had thus conferred upon one admirer's outward man +the viands which her fair hands had so lately been in the act of +preparing for the stomach of another, she continued her song of alarm, +running a screaming division upon all those crimes, which the lawyers +call the four pleas of the crown, namely, murder, fire, rape, and +robbery. These hideous exclamations gave so much alarm, and created such +confusion within the Castle, that Major Bellenden and Lord Evandale +judged it best to draw off from the conflict without the gates, and, +abandoning to the enemy all the exterior defences of the avenue, confine +themselves to the Castle itself, for fear of its being surprised on some +unguarded point. Their retreat was unmolested; for the panic of Cuddie +and his companinons had occasioned nearly as much confusion on the side +of the besiegers, as the screams of Jenny had caused to the defenders. + +There was no attempt on either side to renew the action that day. The +insurgents had suffered most severely; and, from the difficulty which +they had experienced in carrying the barricadoed positions without the +precincts of the Castle, they could have but little hope of storming the +place itself. On the other hand, the situation of the besieged was +dispiriting and gloomy. In the skirmishing they had lost two or three +men, and had several wounded; and though their loss was in proportion +greatly less than that of the enemy, who had left twenty men dead on the +place, yet their small number could much worse spare it, while the +desperate attacks of the opposite party plainly showed how serious the +leaders were in the purpose of reducing the place, and how well seconded +by the zeal of their followers. But, especially, the garrison had to fear +for hunger, in case blockade should be resorted to as the means of +reducing them. The Major's directions had been imperfectly obeyed in +regard to laying in provisions; and the dragoons, in spite of all warning +and authority, were likely to be wasteful in using them. It was, +therefore, with a heavy heart, that Major Bellenden gave directions for +guarding the window through which the Castle had so nearly been +surprised, as well as all others which offered the most remote facility +for such an enterprise. + + + + + CHAPTER V. + + The King hath drawn + The special head of all the land together. + Henry IV. Part II. + +The leaders of the presbyterian army had a serious consultation upon the +evening of the day in which they had made the attack on Tillietudlem. +They could not but observe that their followers were disheartened by the +loss which they had sustained, and which, as usual in such cases, had +fallen upon the bravest and most forward. It was to be feared, that if +they were suffered to exhaust their zeal and efforts in an object so +secondary as the capture of this petty fort, their numbers would melt +away by degrees, and they would lose all the advantages arising out of +the present unprepared state of the government. Moved by these arguments, +it was agreed that the main body of the army should march against +Glasgow, and dislodge the soldiers who were lying in that town. The +council nominated Henry Morton, with others, to this last service, and +appointed Burley to the command of a chosen body of five hundred men, who +were to remain behind, for the purpose of blockading the Tower of +Tillietudlem. Morton testified the greatest repugnance to this +arrangement. + +"He had the strongest personal motives," he said, "for desiring to remain +near Tillietudlem; and if the management of the siege were committed to +him, he had little doubt but that he would bring it to such an +accommodation, as, without being rigorous to the besieged, would fully +answer the purpose of the besiegers." + +Burley readily guessed the cause of his young colleague's reluctance to +move with the army; for, interested as he was in appreciating the +characters with whom he had to deal, he had contrived, through the +simplicity of Cuddie, and the enthusiasm of old Mause, to get much +information concerning Morton's relations with the family of +Tillietudlem. He therefore took the advantage of Poundtext's arising to +speak to business, as he said, for some short space of time, (which +Burley rightly interpreted to mean an hour at the very least), and seized +that moment to withdraw Morton from the hearing of their colleagues, and +to hold the following argument with him: + +"Thou art unwise, Henry Morton, to desire to sacrifice this holy cause to +thy friendship for an uncircumcised Philistine, or thy lust for a +Moabitish woman." + +"I neither understand your meaning, Mr Balfour, nor relish your +allusions," replied Morton, indignantly; "and I know no reason you have +to bring so gross a charge, or to use such uncivil language." + +"Confess, however, the truth," said Balfour, "and own that there are +those within yon dark Tower, over whom thou wouldst rather be watching +like a mother over her little ones, than thou wouldst bear the banner of +the Church of Scotland over the necks of her enemies." + +"If you mean, that I would willingly terminate this war without any +bloody victory, and that I am more anxious to do this than to acquire any +personal fame or power, you may be," replied Morton, "perfectly right." + +"And not wholly wrong," answered Burley, "in deeming that thou wouldst +not exclude from so general a pacification thy friends in the garrison of +Tillietudlem." + +"Certainly," replied Morton; "I am too much obliged to Major Bellenden +not to wish to be of service to him, as far as the interest of the cause +I have espoused will permit. I never made a secret of my regard for him." + +"I am aware of that," said Burley; "but, if thou hadst concealed it, I +should, nevertheless, have found out thy riddle. Now, hearken to my +words. This Miles Bellenden hath means to subsist his garrison for a +month." + +"This is not the case," answered Morton; "we know his stores are hardly +equal to a week's consumption." + +"Ay, but," continued Burley, "I have since had proof, of the strongest +nature, that such a report was spread in the garrison by that wily and +grey-headed malignant, partly to prevail on the soldiers to submit to a +diminution of their daily food, partly to detain us before the walls of +his fortress until the sword should be whetted to smite and destroy us." + +"And why was not the evidence of this laid before the council of war?" +said Morton. + +"To what purpose?" said Balfour. "Why need we undeceive Kettledrummle, +Macbriar, Poundtext, and Langcale, upon such a point? Thyself must own, +that whatever is told to them escapes to the host out of the mouth of the +preachers at their next holding-forth. They are already discouraged by +the thoughts of lying before the fort a week. What would be the +consequence were they ordered to prepare for the leaguer of a month?" + +"But why conceal it, then, from me? or why tell it me now? and, above +all, what proofs have you got of the fact?" continued Morton. + +"There are many proofs," replied Burley; and he put into his hands a +number of requisitions sent forth by Major Bellenden, with receipts on +the back to various proprietors, for cattle, corn, meal, to such an +amount, that the sum total seemed to exclude the possibility of the +garrison being soon distressed for provisions. But Burley did not inform +Morton of a fact which he himself knew full well, namely, that most of +these provisions never reached the garrison, owing to the rapacity of the +dragoons sent to collect them, who readily sold to one man what they took +from another, and abused the Major's press for stores, pretty much as Sir +John Falstaff did that of the King for men. + +"And now," continued Balfour, observing that he had made the desired +impression, "I have only to say, that I concealed this from thee no +longer than it was concealed from myself, for I have only received these +papers this morning; and I tell it unto thee now, that thou mayest go on +thy way rejoicing, and work the great work willingly at Glasgow, being +assured that no evil can befall thy friends in the malignant party, since +their fort is abundantly victualled, and I possess not numbers sufficient +to do more against them than to prevent their sallying forth." + +"And why," continued Morton, who felt an inexpressible reluctance to +acquiesce in Balfour's reasoning--"why not permit me to remain in the +command of this smaller party, and march forward yourself to Glasgow? It +is the more honourable charge." + +"And therefore, young man," answered Burley, "have I laboured that it +should be committed to the son of Silas Morton. I am waxing old, and this +grey head has had enough of honour where it could be gathered by danger. +I speak not of the frothy bubble which men call earthly fame, but the +honour belonging to him that doth not the work negligently. But thy +career is yet to run. Thou hast to vindicate the high trust which has +been bestowed on thee through my assurance that it was dearly +well-merited. At Loudon-hill thou wert a captive, and at the last assault +it was thy part to fight under cover, whilst I led the more open and +dangerous attack; and, shouldst thou now remain before these walls when +there is active service elsewhere, trust me, that men will say, that the +son of Silas Morton hath fallen away from the paths of his father." + +Stung by this last observation, to which, as a gentleman and soldier, he +could offer no suitable reply, Morton hastily acquiesced in the proposed +arrangement. Yet he was unable to divest himself of certain feelings of +distrust which he involuntarily attached to the quarter from which he +received this information. + +"Mr Balfour," he said, "let us distinctly understand each other. You have +thought it worth your while to bestow particular attention upon my +private affairs and personal attachments; be so good as to understand, +that I am as constant to them as to my political principles. It is +possible, that, during my absence, you may possess the power of soothing +or of wounding those feelings. Be assured, that whatever may be the +consequences to the issue of our present adventure, my eternal gratitude, +or my persevering resentment, will attend the line of conduct you may +adopt on such an occasion; and, however young and inexperienced I am, I +have no doubt of finding friends to assist me in expressing my sentiments +in either case." + +"If there be a threat implied in that denunciation," replied Burley, +coldly and haughtily, "it had better have been spared. I know how to +value the regard of my friends, and despise, from my soul, the threats of +my enemies. But I will not take occasion of offence. Whatever happens +here in your absence shall be managed with as much deference to your +wishes, as the duty I owe to a higher power can possibly permit." + +With this qualified promise Morton was obliged to rest satisfied. + +"Our defeat will relieve the garrison," said he, internally, "ere they +can be reduced to surrender at discretion; and, in case of victory, I +already see, from the numbers of the moderate party, that I shall have a +voice as powerful as Burley's in determining the use which shall be made +of it." + +He therefore followed Balfour to the council, where they found +Kettledrummle adding to his lastly a few words of practical application. +When these were expended, Morton testified his willingness to accompany +the main body of the army, which was destined to drive the regular troops +from Glasgow. His companions in command were named, and the whole +received a strengthening exhortation from the preachers who were present. +Next morning, at break of day, the insurgent army broke up from their +encampment, and marched towards Glasgow. + +It is not our intention to detail at length incidents which may be found +in the history of the period. It is sufficient to say, that Claverhouse +and Lord Ross, learning the superior force which was directed against +them, intrenched, or rather barricadoed themselves, in the centre of the +city, where the town-house and old jail were situated, with the +determination to stand the assault of the insurgents rather than to +abandon the capital of the west of Scotland. The presbyterians made their +attack in two bodies, one of which penetrated into the city in the line +of the College and Cathedral Church, while the other marched up the +Gallowgate, or principal access from the south-east. Both divisions were +led by men of resolution, and behaved with great spirit. But the +advantages of military skill and situation were too great for their +undisciplined valour. + +Ross and Claverhouse had carefully disposed parties of their soldiers in +houses, at the heads of the streets, and in the entrances of closes, as +they are called, or lanes, besides those who were intrenched behind +breast-works which reached across the streets. The assailants found their +ranks thinned by a fire from invisible opponents, which they had no means +of returning with effect. It was in vain that Morton and other leaders +exposed their persons with the utmost gallantry, and endeavoured to bring +their antagonists to a close action; their followers shrunk from them in +every direction. And yet, though Henry Morton was one of the very last to +retire, and exerted himself in bringing up the rear, maintaining order in +the retreat, and checking every attempt which the enemy made to improve +the advantage they had gained by the repulse, he had still the +mortification to hear many of those in his ranks muttering to each other, +that "this came of trusting to latitudinarian boys; and that, had honest, +faithful Burley led the attack, as he did that of the barricades of +Tillietudlem, the issue would have been as different as might be." + +It was with burning resentment that Morton heard these reflections thrown +out by the very men who had soonest exhibited signs of discouragement. +The unjust reproach, however, had the effect of firing his emulation, and +making him sensible that, engaged as he was in a perilous cause, it was +absolutely necessary that he should conquer or die. + +"I have no retreat," he said to himself. "All shall allow--even Major +Bellenden--even Edith--that in courage, at least, the rebel Morton was +not inferior to his father." + +The condition of the army after the repulse was so undisciplined, and in +such disorganization, that the leaders thought it prudent to draw off +some miles from the city to gain time for reducing them once more into +such order as they were capable of adopting. Recruits, in the meanwhile, +came fast in, more moved by the extreme hardships of their own condition, +and encouraged by the advantage obtained at Loudon-hill, than deterred by +the last unfortunate enterprise. Many of these attached themselves +particularly to Morton's division. He had, however, the mortification to +see that his unpopularity among the more intolerant part of the +Covenanters increased rapidly. The prudence beyond his years, which he +exhibited in improving the discipline and arrangement of his followers, +they termed a trusting in the arm of flesh, and his avowed tolerance for +those of religious sentiments and observances different from his own, +obtained him, most unjustly, the nickname of Gallio, who cared for none +of those things. What was worse than these misconceptions, the mob of the +insurgents, always loudest in applause of those who push political or +religious opinions to extremity, and disgusted with such as endeavour to +reduce them to the yoke of discipline, preferred avowedly the more +zealous leaders, in whose ranks enthusiasm in the cause supplied the want +of good order and military subjection, to the restraints which Morton +endeavoured to bring them under. In short, while bearing the principal +burden of command, (for his colleagues willingly relinquished in his +favour every thing that was troublesome and obnoxious in the office of +general,) Morton found himself without that authority, which alone could +render his regulations effectual. [Note: These feuds, which tore to +pieces the little army of insurgents, turned merely on the point whether +the king's interest or royal authority was to be owned or not, and +whether the party in arms were to be contented with a free exercise of +their own religion, or insist upon the re-establishment of Presbytery in +its supreme authority, and with full power to predominate over all other +forms of worship. The few country gentlemen who joined the insurrection, +with the most sensible part of the clergy, thought it best to limit their +demands to what it might be possible to attain. But the party who urged +these moderate views were termed by the more zealous bigots, the Erastian +party, men, namely, who were willing to place the church under the +influence of the civil government, and therefore they accounted them, "a +snare upon Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor." See the Life of Sir +Robert Hamilton in the Scottish Worthies, and his account of the Battle +of Both-well-bridge, passim.] + +Yet, notwithstanding these obstacles, he had, during the course of a few +days, laboured so hard to introduce some degree of discipline into the +army, that he thought he might hazard a second attack upon Glasgow with +every prospect of success. + +It cannot be doubted that Morton's anxiety to measure himself with +Colonel Grahame of Claverhouse, at whose hands he had sustained such +injury, had its share in giving motive to his uncommon exertions. But +Claverhouse disappointed his hopes; for, satisfied with having the +advantage in repulsing the first attack upon Glasgow, he determined that +he would not, with the handful of troops under his command, await a +second assault from the insurgents, with more numerous and better +disciplined forces than had supported their first enterprise. He +therefore evacuated the place, and marched at the head of his troops +towards Edinburgh. The insurgents of course entered Glasgow without +resistance, and without Morton having the opportunity, which he so deeply +coveted, of again encountering Claverhouse personally. But, although he +had not an opportunity of wiping away the disgrace which had befallen his +division of the army of the Covenant, the retreat of Claverhouse, and the +possession of Glasgow, tended greatly to animate the insurgent army, and +to increase its numbers. The necessity of appointing new officers, of +organizing new regiments and squadrons, of making them acquainted with at +least the most necessary points of military discipline, were labours, +which, by universal consent, seemed to be devolved upon Henry Morton, and +which he the more readily undertook, because his father had made him +acquainted with the theory of the military art, and because he plainly +saw, that, unless he took this ungracious but absolutely necessary +labour, it was vain to expect any other to engage in it. + +In the meanwhile, fortune appeared to favour the enterprise of the +insurgents more than the most sanguine durst have expected. The Privy +Council of Scotland, astonished at the extent of resistance which their +arbitrary measures had provoked, seemed stupified with terror, and +incapable of taking active steps to subdue the resentment which these +measures had excited. There were but very few troops in Scotland, and +these they drew towards Edinburgh, as if to form an army for protection +of the metropolis. The feudal array of the crown vassals in the various +counties, was ordered to take the field, and render to the King the +military service due for their fiefs. But the summons was very slackly +obeyed. The quarrel was not generally popular among the gentry; and even +those who were not unwilling themselves to have taken arms, were deterred +by the repugnance of their wives, mothers, and sisters, to their engaging +in such a cause. + +Meanwhile, the inadequacy of the Scottish government to provide for their +own defence, or to put down a rebellion of which the commencement seemed +so trifling, excited at the English court doubts at once of their +capacity, and of the prudence of the severities they had exerted against +the oppressed presbyterians. It was, therefore, resolved to nominate to +the command of the army of Scotland, the unfortunate Duke of Monmouth, +who had by marriage a great interest, large estate, and a numerous +following, as it was called, in the southern parts of that kingdom. The +military skill which he had displayed on different occasions abroad, was +supposed more than adequate to subdue the insurgents in the field; while +it was expected that his mild temper, and the favourable disposition +which he showed to presbyterians in general, might soften men's minds, +and tend to reconcile them to the government. The Duke was, therefore, +invested with a commission, containing high powers for settling the +distracted affairs of Scotland, and dispatched from London with strong +succours to take the principal military command in that country. + + + + + CHAPTER VI. + + I am bound to Bothwell-hill, + Where I maun either do or die. + Old Ballad. + +There was now a pause in the military movements on both sides. The +government seemed contented to prevent the rebels advancing towards the +capital, while the insurgents were intent upon augmenting and +strengthening their forces. For this purpose, they established a sort of +encampment in the park belonging to the ducal residence at Hamilton, a +centrical situation for receiving their recruits, and where they were +secured from any sudden attack, by having the Clyde, a deep and rapid +river, in front of their position, which is only passable by a long and +narrow bridge, near the castle and village of Bothwell. + +Morton remained here for about a fortnight after the attack on Glasgow, +actively engaged in his military duties. He had received more than one +communication from Burley, but they only stated, in general, that the +Castle of Tillietudlem continued to hold out. Impatient of suspense upon +this most interesting subject, he at length intimated to his colleagues +in command his desire, or rather his intention,--for he saw no reason why +he should not assume a license which was taken by every one else in this +disorderly army,--to go to Milnwood for a day or two to arrange some +private affairs of consequence. The proposal was by no means approved of; +for the military council of the insurgents were sufficiently sensible of +the value of his services to fear to lose them, and felt somewhat +conscious of their own inability to supply his place. They could not, +however, pretend to dictate to him laws more rigid than they submitted to +themselves, and he was suffered to depart on his journey without any +direct objection being stated. The Reverend Mr Poundtext took the same +opportunity to pay a visit to his own residence in the neighbourhood of +Milnwood, and favoured Morton with his company on the journey. As the +country was chiefly friendly to their cause, and in possession of their +detached parties, excepting here and there the stronghold of some old +cavaliering Baron, they travelled without any other attendant than the +faithful Cuddie. + +It was near sunset when they reached Milnwood, where Poundtext bid adieu +to his companions, and travelled forward alone to his own manse, which +was situated half a mile's march beyond Tillietudlem. When Morton was +left alone to his own reflections, with what a complication of feelings +did he review the woods, banks, and fields, that had been familiar to +him! His character, as well as his habits, thoughts, and occupations, had +been entirely changed within the space of little more than a fortnight, +and twenty days seemed to have done upon him the work of as many years. A +mild, romantic, gentle-tempered youth, bred up in dependence, and +stooping patiently to the control of a sordid and tyrannical relation, +had suddenly, by the rod of oppression and the spur of injured feeling, +been compelled to stand forth a leader of armed men, was earnestly +engaged in affairs of a public nature, had friends to animate and enemies +to contend with, and felt his individual fate bound up in that of a +national insurrection and revolution. It seemed as if he had at once +experienced a transition from the romantic dreams of youth to the labours +and cares of active manhood. All that had formerly interested him was +obliterated from his memory, excepting only his attachment to Edith; and +even his love seemed to have assumed a character more manly and +disinterested, as it had become mingled and contrasted with other duties +and feelings. As he revolved the particulars of this sudden change, the +circumstances in which it originated, and the possible consequences of +his present career, the thrill of natural anxiety which passed along his +mind was immediately banished by a glow of generous and high-spirited +confidence. + +"I shall fall young," he said, "if fall I must, my motives misconstrued, +and my actions condemned, by those whose approbation is dearest to me. +But the sword of liberty and patriotism is in my hand, and I will neither +fall meanly nor unavenged. They may expose my body, and gibbet my limbs; +but other days will come, when the sentence of infamy will recoil against +those who may pronounce it. And that Heaven, whose name is so often +profaned during this unnatural war, will bear witness to the purity of +the motives by which I have been guided." + +Upon approaching Milnwood, Henry's knock upon the gate no longer +intimated the conscious timidity of a stripling who has been out of +bounds, but the confidence of a man in full possession of his own rights, +and master of his own actions,--bold, free, and decided. The door was +cautiously opened by his old acquaintance, Mrs Alison Wilson, who started +back when she saw the steel cap and nodding plume of the martial visitor. + +"Where is my uncle, Alison?" said Morton, smiling at her alarm. + +"Lordsake, Mr Harry! is this you?" returned the old lady. "In troth, ye +garr'd my heart loup to my very mouth--But it canna be your ainsell, for +ye look taller and mair manly-like than ye used to do." + +"It is, however, my own self," said Henry, sighing and smiling at the +same time; "I believe this dress may make me look taller, and these +times, Ailie, make men out of boys." + +"Sad times indeed!" echoed the old woman; "and O that you suld be +endangered wi'them! but wha can help it?--ye were ill eneugh guided, and, +as I tell your uncle, if ye tread on a worm it will turn." + +"You were always my advocate, Ailie," said he, and the housekeeper no +longer resented the familiar epithet, "and would let no one blame me but +yourself, I am aware of that,--Where is my uncle?" + +"In Edinburgh," replied Alison; "the honest man thought it was best to +gang and sit by the chimley when the reek rase--a vex'd man he's been and +a feared--but ye ken the Laird as weel as I do." + +"I hope he has suffered nothing in health?" said Henry. + +"Naething to speak of," answered the housekeeper, "nor in gudes neither-- +we fended as weel as we could; and, though the troopers of Tillietudlem +took the red cow and auld Hackie, (ye'll mind them weel;) yet they sauld +us a gude bargain o' four they were driving to the Castle." + +"Sold you a bargain?" said Morton; "how do you mean?" + +"Ou, they cam out to gather marts for the garrison," answered the +housekeeper; "but they just fell to their auld trade, and rade through +the country couping and selling a' that they gat, like sae mony +west-country drovers. My certie, Major Bellenden was laird o' the least +share o' what they lifted, though it was taen in his name." + +"Then," said Morton, hastily, "the garrison must be straitened for +provisions?" + +"Stressed eneugh," replied Ailie--"there's little doubt o' that." + +A light instantly glanced on Morton's mind. + +"Burley must have deceived me--craft as well as cruelty is permitted by +his creed." Such was his inward thought; he said aloud, "I cannot stay, +Mrs Wilson, I must go forward directly." + +"But, oh! bide to eat a mouthfu'," entreated the affectionate +housekeeper, "and I'll mak it ready for you as I used to do afore thae +sad days," "It is impossible," answered Morton.--"Cuddie, get our horses +ready." + +"They're just eating their corn," answered the attendant. + +"Cuddie!" exclaimed Ailie; "what garr'd ye bring that ill-faur'd, unlucky +loon alang wi' ye?--It was him and his randie mother began a' the +mischief in this house." + +"Tut, tut," replied Cuddie, "ye should forget and forgie, mistress. +Mither's in Glasgow wi' her tittie, and sall plague ye nae mair; and I'm +the Captain's wallie now, and I keep him tighter in thack and rape than +ever ye did;--saw ye him ever sae weel put on as he is now?" + +"In troth and that's true," said the old housekeeper, looking with great +complacency at her young master, whose mien she thought much improved by +his dress. "I'm sure ye ne'er had a laced cravat like that when ye were +at Milnwood; that's nane o' my sewing." + +"Na, na, mistress," replied Cuddie, "that's a cast o' my hand--that's ane +o' Lord Evandale's braws." + +"Lord Evandale?" answered the old lady, "that's him that the whigs are +gaun to hang the morn, as I hear say." + +"The whigs about to hang Lord Evandale?" said Morton, in the greatest +surprise. + +"Ay, troth are they," said the housekeeper. "Yesterday night he made a +sally, as they ca't, (my mother's name was Sally--I wonder they gie +Christian folk's names to sic unchristian doings,)--but he made an +outbreak to get provisions, and his men were driven back and he was taen, +'an' the whig Captain Balfour garr'd set up a gallows, and swore, (or +said upon his conscience, for they winna swear,) that if the garrison was +not gien ower the morn by daybreak, he would hing up the young lord, poor +thing, as high as Haman.--These are sair times!--but folk canna help +them--sae do ye sit down and tak bread and cheese until better meat's +made ready. Ye suldna hae kend a word about it, an I had thought it was +to spoil your dinner, hinny." + +"Fed, or unfed," exclaimed Morton, "saddle the horses instantly, Cuddie. +We must not rest until we get before the Castle." + +And, resisting all Ailie's entreaties, they instantly resumed their +journey. + +Morton failed not to halt at the dwelling of Poundtext, and summon him to +attend him to the camp. That honest divine had just resumed for an +instant his pacific habits, and was perusing an ancient theological +treatise, with a pipe in his mouth, and a small jug of ale beside him, to +assist his digestion of the argument. It was with bitter ill-will that he +relinquished these comforts (which he called his studies) in order to +recommence a hard ride upon a high-trotting horse. However, when he knew +the matter in hand, he gave up, with a deep groan, the prospect of +spending a quiet evening in his own little parlour; for he entirely +agreed with Morton, that whatever interest Burley might have in rendering +the breach between the presbyterians and the government irreconcilable, +by putting the young nobleman to death, it was by no means that of the +moderate party to permit such an act of atrocity. And it is but doing +justice to Mr Poundtext to add, that, like most of his own persuasion, he +was decidedly adverse to any such acts of unnecessary violence; besides, +that his own present feelings induced him to listen with much complacence +to the probability held out by Morton, of Lord Evandale's becoming a +mediator for the establishment of peace upon fair and moderate terms. +With this similarity of views, they hastened their journey, and arrived +about eleven o'clock at night at a small hamlet adjacent to the Castle at +Tillietudlem, where Burley had established his head-quarters. + +They were challenged by the sentinel, who made his melancholy walk at the +entrance of the hamlet, and admitted upon declaring their names and +authority in the army. Another soldier kept watch before a house, which +they conjectured to be the place of Lord Evandale's confinement, for a +gibbet of such great height as to be visible from the battlements of the +Castle, was erected before it, in melancholy confirmation of the truth of +Mrs Wilson's report. [Note: The Cameronians had suffered persecution, but +it was without learning mercy. We are informed by Captain Crichton, that +they had set up in their camp a huge gibbet, or gallows, having many +hooks upon it, with a coil of new ropes lying beside it, for the +execution of such royalists as they might make prisoners. Guild, in his +Bellum Bothuellianum, describes this machine particularly.] Morton +instantly demanded to speak with Burley, and was directed to his +quarters. They found him reading the Scriptures, with his arms lying +beside him, as if ready for any sudden alarm. He started upon the +entrance of his colleagues in office. + +"What has brought ye hither?" said Burley, hastily. "Is there bad news +from the army?" + +"No," replied Morton; "but we understand that there are measures adopted +here in which the safety of the army is deeply concerned--Lord Evandale +is your prisoner?" + +"The Lord," replied Burley, "hath delivered him into our hands." + +"And you will avail yourself of that advantage, granted you by Heaven, to +dishonour our cause in the eyes of all the world, by putting a prisoner +to an ignominious death?" + +"If the house of Tillietudlem be not surrendered by daybreak," replied +Burley, "God do so to me and more also, if he shall not die that death to +which his leader and patron, John Grahame of Claverhouse, hath put so +many of God's saints." + +"We are in arms," replied Morton, "to put down such cruelties, and not to +imitate them, far less to avenge upon the innocent the acts of the +guilty. By what law can you justify the atrocity you would commit?" + +"If thou art ignorant of it," replied Burley, "thy companion is well +aware of the law which gave the men of Jericho to the sword of Joshua, +the son of Nun." + +"But we," answered the divine, "live under a better dispensation, which +instructeth us to return good for evil, and to pray for those who +despitefully use us and persecute us." + +"That is to say," said Burley, "that thou wilt join thy grey hairs to his +green youth to controvert me in this matter?" + +"We are," rejoined Poundtext, "two of those to whom, jointly with +thyself, authority is delegated over this host, and we will not permit +thee to hurt a hair of the prisoner's head. It may please God to make him +a means of healing these unhappy breaches in our Israel." + +"I judged it would come to this," answered Burley, "when such as thou +wert called into the council of the elders." + +"Such as I?" answered Poundtext,--"And who am I, that you should name me +with such scorn?--Have I not kept the flock of this sheep-fold from the +wolves for thirty years? Ay, even while thou, John Balfour, wert fighting +in the ranks of uncircumcision, a Philistine of hardened brow and bloody +hand--Who am I, say'st thou?" + +"I will tell thee what thou art, since thou wouldst so fain know," said +Burley. "Thou art one of those, who would reap where thou hast not sowed, +and divide the spoil while others fight the battle--thou art one of those +that follow the gospel for the loaves and for the fishes--that love their +own manse better than the Church of God, and that would rather draw their +stipends under prelatists or heathens, than be a partaker with those +noble spirits who have cast all behind them for the sake of the +Covenant." + +"And I will tell thee, John Balfour," returned Poundtext, deservedly +incensed, "I will tell thee what thou art. Thou art one of those, for +whose bloody and merciless disposition a reproach is flung upon the whole +church of this suffering kingdom, and for whose violence and +blood-guiltiness, it is to be feared, this fair attempt to recover our +civil and religious rights will never be honoured by Providence with the +desired success." + +"Gentlemen," said Morton, "cease this irritating and unavailing +recrimination; and do you, Mr Balfour, inform us, whether it is your +purpose to oppose the liberation of Lord Evandale, which appears to us a +profitable measure in the present position of our affairs?" + +"You are here," answered Burley, "as two voices against one; but you will +not refuse to tarry until the united council shall decide upon this +matter?" + +"This," said Morton, "we would not decline, if we could trust the hands +in whom we are to leave the prisoner.--But you know well," he added, +looking sternly at Burley, "that you have already deceived me in this +matter." + +"Go to," said Burley, disdainfully,--"thou art an idle inconsiderate boy, +who, for the black eyebrows of a silly girl, would barter thy own faith +and honour, and the cause of God and of thy country." + +"Mr Balfour," said Morton, laying his hand on his sword, "this language +requires satisfaction." + +"And thou shalt have it, stripling, when and where thou darest," said +Burley; "I plight thee my good word on it." + +Poundtext, in his turn, interfered to remind them of the madness of +quarrelling, and effected with difficulty a sort of sullen +reconciliation. + +"Concerning the prisoner," said Burley, "deal with him as ye think fit. I +wash my hands free from all consequences. He is my prisoner, made by my +sword and spear, while you, Mr Morton, were playing the adjutant at +drills and parades, and you, Mr Poundtext, were warping the Scriptures +into Erastianism. Take him unto you, nevertheless, and dispose of him as +ye think meet.--Dingwall," he continued, calling a sort of aid-de-camp, +who slept in the next apartment, "let the guard posted on the malignant +Evandale give up their post to those whom Captain Morton shall appoint to +relieve them.--The prisoner," he said, again addressing Poundtext and +Morton, "is now at your disposal, gentlemen. But remember, that for all +these things there will one day come a term of heavy accounting." + +So saying, he turned abruptly into an inner apartment, without bidding +them good evening. His two visitors, after a moment's consideration, +agreed it would be prudent to ensure the prisoner's personal safety, by +placing over him an additional guard, chosen from their own parishioners. +A band of them happened to be stationed in the hamlet, having been +attached, for the time, to Burley's command, in order that the men might +be gratified by remaining as long as possible near to their own homes. +They were, in general, smart, active young fellows, and were usually +called by their companions, the Marksmen of Milnwood. By Morton's desire, +four of these lads readily undertook the task of sentinels, and he left +with them Headrigg, on whose fidelity he could depend, with instructions +to call him, if any thing remarkable happened. + +This arrangement being made, Morton and his colleague took possession, +for the night, of such quarters as the over-crowded and miserable hamlet +could afford them. They did not, however, separate for repose till they +had drawn up a memorial of the grievances of the moderate presbyterians, +which was summed up with a request of free toleration for their religion +in future, and that they should be permitted to attend gospel ordinances +as dispensed by their own clergymen, without oppression or molestation. +Their petition proceeded to require that a free parliament should be +called for settling the affairs of church and state, and for redressing +the injuries sustained by the subject; and that all those who either now +were, or had been, in arms, for obtaining these ends, should be +indemnified. Morton could not but strongly hope that these terms, which +comprehended all that was wanted, or wished for, by the moderate party +among the insurgents, might, when thus cleared of the violence of +fanaticism, find advocates even among the royalists, as claiming only the +ordinary rights of Scottish freemen. + +He had the more confidence of a favourable reception, that the Duke of +Monmouth, to whom Charles had intrusted the charge of subduing this +rebellion, was a man of gentle, moderate, and accessible disposition, +well known to be favourable to the presbyterians, and invested by the +king with full powers to take measures for quieting the disturbances in +Scotland. It seemed to Morton, that all that was necessary for +influencing him in their favour was to find a fit and sufficiently +respectable channel of communication, and such seemed to be opened +through the medium of Lord Evandale. He resolved, therefore, to visit the +prisoner early in the morning, in order to sound his dispositions to +undertake the task of mediator; but an accident happened which led him to +anticipate his purpose. + + + + + CHAPTER VII. + + Gie ower your house, lady, he said,-- + Gie ower your house to me. + Edom of Gordon. + +Morton had finished the revisal and the making out of a fair copy of the +paper on which he and Poundtext had agreed to rest as a full statement of +the grievances of their party, and the conditions on which the greater +part of the insurgents would be contented to lay down their arms; and he +was about to betake himself to repose, when there was a knocking at the +door of his apartment. + +"Enter," said Morton; and the round bullethead of Cuddie Headrigg was +thrust into the room. "Come in," said Morton, "and tell me what you want. +Is there any alarm?" + +"Na, stir; but I hae brought ane to speak wi' you." + +"Who is that, Cuddie?" enquired Morton. + +"Ane o' your auld acquaintance," said Cuddie; and, opening the door more +fully, he half led, half dragged in a woman, whose face was muffled in +her plaid.--"Come, come, ye needna be sae bashfu' before auld +acquaintance, Jenny," said Cuddie, pulling down the veil, and discovering +to his master the well-remembered countenance of Jenny Dennison. "Tell +his honour, now--there's a braw lass--tell him what ye were wanting to +say to Lord Evandale, mistress." + +"What was I wanting to say," answered Jenny, "to his honour himsell the +other morning, when I visited him in captivity, ye muckle hash?--D'ye +think that folk dinna want to see their friends in adversity, ye dour +crowdy-eater?" + +This reply was made with Jenny's usual volubility; but her voice +quivered, her cheek was thin and pale, the tears stood in her eyes, her +hand trembled, her manner was fluttered, and her whole presence bore +marks of recent suffering and privation, as well as nervous and +hysterical agitation. + +"What is the matter, Jenny?" said Morton, kindly. "You know how much I +owe you in many respects, and can hardly make a request that I will not +grant, if in my power." + +"Many thanks, Milnwood," said the weeping damsel; "but ye were aye a kind +gentleman, though folk say ye hae become sair changed now." + +"What do they say of me?" answered Morton. + +"A' body says," replied Jenny, "that you and the whigs hae made a vow to +ding King Charles aff the throne, and that neither he, nor his posteriors +from generation to generation, shall sit upon it ony mair; and John +Gudyill threeps ye're to gie a' the church organs to the pipers, and burn +the Book o' Common-prayer by the hands of the common hangman, in revenge +of the Covenant that was burnt when the king cam hame." + +"My friends at Tillietudlem judge too hastily and too ill of me," +answered Morton. "I wish to have free exercise of my own religion, +without insulting any other; and as to your family, I only desire an +opportunity to show them I have the same friendship and kindness as +ever." + +"Bless your kind heart for saying sae," said Jenny, bursting into a flood +of tears; "and they never needed kindness or friendship mair, for they +are famished for lack o' food." + +"Good God!" replied Morton, "I have heard of scarcity, but not of famine! +It is possible?--Have the ladies and the Major"-- + +"They hae suffered like the lave o' us," replied Jenny; "for they shared +every bit and sup wi' the whole folk in the Castle--I'm sure my poor een +see fifty colours wi' faintness, and my head's sae dizzy wi' the +mirligoes that I canna stand my lane." + +The thinness of the poor girl's cheek, and the sharpness of her features, +bore witness to the truth of what she said. Morton was greatly shocked. + +"Sit down," he said, "for God's sake!" forcing her into the only chair +the apartment afforded, while he himself strode up and down the room in +horror and impatience. "I knew not of this," he exclaimed in broken +ejaculations,--"I could not know of it.--Cold-blooded, iron-hearted +fanatic--deceitful villain!--Cuddie, fetch refreshments--food--wine, if +possible--whatever you can find." + +"Whisky is gude eneugh for her," muttered Cuddie; "ane wadna hae thought +that gude meal was sae scant amang them, when the quean threw sae muckle +gude kail-brose scalding het about my lugs." + +Faint and miserable as Jenny seemed to be, she could not hear the +allusion to her exploit during the storm of the Castle, without bursting +into a laugh which weakness soon converted into a hysterical giggle. +Confounded at her state, and reflecting with horror on the distress which +must have been in the Castle, Morton repeated his commands to Headrigg in +a peremptory manner; and when he had departed, endeavoured to soothe his +visitor. + +"You come, I suppose, by the orders of your mistress, to visit Lord +Evandale?--Tell me what she desires; her orders shall be my law." + +Jenny appeared to reflect a moment, and then said, "Your honour is sae +auld a friend, I must needs trust to you, and tell the truth." + +"Be assured, Jenny," said Morton, observing that she hesitated, "that you +will best serve your mistress by dealing sincerely with me." + +"Weel, then, ye maun ken we're starving, as I said before, and have been +mair days than ane; and the Major has sworn that he expects relief daily, +and that he will not gie ower the house to the enemy till we have eaten +up his auld boots,--and they are unco thick in the soles, as ye may weel +mind, forby being teugh in the upper-leather. The dragoons, again, they +think they will be forced to gie up at last, and they canna bide hunger +weel, after the life they led at free quarters for this while bypast; and +since Lord Evandale's taen, there's nae guiding them; and Inglis says +he'll gie up the garrison to the whigs, and the Major and the leddies +into the bargain, if they will but let the troopers gang free themsells." + +"Scoundrels!" said Morton; "why do they not make terms for all in the +Castle?" + +"They are fear'd for denial o' quarter to themsells, having dune sae +muckle mischief through the country; and Burley has hanged ane or twa o' +them already--sae they want to draw their ain necks out o' the collar at +hazard o' honest folk's." + +"And you were sent," continued Morton, "to carry to Lord Evandale the +unpleasant news of the men's mutiny?" + +"Just e'en sae," said Jenny; "Tam Halliday took the rue, and tauld me a' +about it, and gat me out o' the Castle to tell Lord Evandale, if possibly +I could win at him." + +"But how can he help you?" said Morton; "he is a prisoner." + +"Well-a-day, ay," answered the afflicted damsel; "but maybe he could mak +fair terms for us--or, maybe, he could gie us some good advice--or, +maybe, he might send his orders to the dragoons to be civil--or"-- + +"Or, maybe," said Morton, "you were to try if it were possible to set him +at liberty?" + +"If it were sae," answered Jenny with spirit, "it wadna be the first time +I hae done my best to serve a friend in captivity." + +"True, Jenny," replied Morton, "I were most ungrateful to forget it. But +here comes Cuddie with refreshments--I will go and do your errand to Lord +Evandale, while you take some food and wine." + +"It willna be amiss ye should ken," said Cuddie to his master, "that this +Jenny--this Mrs Dennison, was trying to cuittle favour wi' Tam Rand, the +miller's man, to win into Lord Evandale's room without ony body kennin'. +She wasna thinking, the gipsy, that I was at her elbow." + +"And an unco fright ye gae me when ye cam ahint and took a grip o' me," +said Jenny, giving him a sly twitch with her finger and her thumb--"if ye +hadna been an auld acquaintance, ye daft gomeril"-- + +Cuddie, somewhat relenting, grinned a smile on his artful mistress, while +Morton wrapped himself up in his cloak, took his sword under his arm, and +went straight to the place of the young nobleman's confinement. He asked +the sentinels if any thing extraordinary had occurred. + +"Nothing worth notice," they said, "excepting the lass that Cuddie took +up, and two couriers that Captain Balfour had dispatched, one to the +Reverend Ephraim Macbriar, another to Kettledrummle," both of whom were +beating the drum ecclesiastic in different towns between the position of +Burley and the head-quarters of the main army near Hamilton. + +"The purpose, I presume," said Morton, with an affectation of +indifference, "was to call them hither." + +"So I understand," answered the sentinel, who had spoke with the +messengers. + +He is summoning a triumphant majority of the council, thought Morton to +himself, for the purpose of sanctioning whatever action of atrocity he +may determine upon, and thwarting opposition by authority. I must be +speedy, or I shall lose my opportunity. + +When he entered the place of Lord Evandale's confinement, he found him +ironed, and reclining on a flock bed in the wretched garret of a +miserable cottage. He was either in a slumber, or in deep meditation, +when Morton entered, and turned on him, when aroused, a countenance so +much reduced by loss of blood, want of sleep, and scarcity of food, that +no one could have recognised in it the gallant soldier who had behaved +with so much spirit at the skirmish of Loudon-hill. He displayed some +surprise at the sudden entrance of Morton. + +"I am sorry to see you thus, my lord," said that youthful leader. + +"I have heard you are an admirer of poetry," answered the prisoner; "in +that case, Mr Morton, you may remember these lines,-- + + 'Stone walls do not a prison make, + Or iron bars a cage; + A free and quiet mind can take + These for a hermitage.' + +But, were my imprisonment less endurable, I am given to expect to-morrow +a total enfranchisement." + +"By death?" said Morton. + +"Surely," answered Lord Evandale; "I have no other prospect. Your +comrade, Burley, has already dipped his hand in the blood of men whose +meanness of rank and obscurity of extraction might have saved them. I +cannot boast such a shield from his vengeance, and I expect to meet its +extremity." + +"But Major Bellenden," said Morton, "may surrender, in order to preserve +your life." + +"Never, while there is one man to defend the battlement, and that man has +one crust to eat. I know his gallant resolution, and grieved should I be +if he changed it for my sake." + +Morton hastened to acquaint him with the mutiny among the dragoons, and +their resolution to surrender the Castle, and put the ladies of the +family, as well as the Major, into the hands of the enemy. Lord Evandale +seemed at first surprised, and something incredulous, but immediately +afterwards deeply affected. + +"What is to be done?" he said--"How is this misfortune to be averted?" + +"Hear me, my lord," said Morton. "I believe you may not be unwilling to +bear the olive branch between our master the King, and that part of his +subjects which is now in arms, not from choice, but necessity." + +"You construe me but justly," said Lord Evandale; "but to what does this +tend?" + +"Permit me, my lord"--continued Morton. "I will set you at liberty upon +parole; nay, you may return to the Castle, and shall have a safe conduct +for the ladies, the Major, and all who leave it, on condition of its +instant surrender. In contributing to bring this about you will only +submit to circumstances; for, with a mutiny in the garrison, and without +provisions, it will be found impossible to defend the place twenty-four +hours longer. Those, therefore, who refuse to accompany your lordship, +must take their fate. You and your followers shall have a free pass to +Edinburgh, or where-ever the Duke of Monmouth may be. In return for your +liberty, we hope that you will recommend to the notice of his Grace, as +Lieutenant-General of Scotland, this humble petition and remonstrance, +containing the grievances which have occasioned this insurrection, a +redress of which being granted, I will answer with my head, that the +great body of the insurgents will lay down their arms." + +Lord Evandale read over the paper with attention. + +"Mr Morton," he said, "in my simple judgment, I see little objection that +can be made to the measure here recommended; nay, farther, I believe, in +many respects, they may meet the private sentiments of the Duke of +Monmouth: and yet, to deal frankly with you, I have no hopes of their +being granted, unless, in the first place, you were to lay down your +arms." + +"The doing so," answered Morton, "would be virtually conceding that we +had no right to take them up; and that, for one, I will never agree to." + +"Perhaps it is hardly to be expected you should," said Lord Evandale; +"and yet on that point I am certain the negotiations will be wrecked. I +am willing, however, having frankly told you my opinion, to do all in my +power to bring about a reconciliation." + +"It is all we can wish or expect," replied Morton; "the issue is in God's +hands, who disposes the hearts of princes.--You accept, then, the safe +conduct?" + +"Certainly," answered Lord Evandale; "and if I do not enlarge upon the +obligation incurred by your having saved my life a second time, believe +that I do not feel it the less." + +"And the garrison of Tillietudlem?" said Morton. + +"Shall be withdrawn as you propose," answered the young nobleman. "I am +sensible the Major will be unable to bring the mutineers to reason; and I +tremble to think of the consequences, should the ladies and the brave old +man be delivered up to this bloodthirsty ruffian, Burley." + +"You are in that case free," said Morton. "Prepare to mount on horseback; +a few men whom I can trust shall attend you till you are in safety from +our parties." + +Leaving Lord Evandale in great surprise and joy at this unexpected +deliverance, Morton hastened to get a few chosen men under arms and on +horseback, each rider holding the rein of a spare horse. Jenny, who, +while she partook of her refreshment, had contrived to make up her breach +with Cuddie, rode on the left hand of that valiant cavalier. The tramp of +their horses was soon heard under the window of Lord Evandale's prison. +Two men, whom he did not know, entered the apartment, disencumbered him +of his fetters, and, conducting him down stairs, mounted him in the +centre of the detachment. They set out at a round trot towards +Tillietudlem. + +The moonlight was giving way to the dawn when they approached that +ancient fortress, and its dark massive tower had just received the first +pale colouring of the morning. The party halted at the Tower barrier, not +venturing to approach nearer for fear of the fire of the place. Lord +Evandale alone rode up to the gate, followed at a distance by Jenny +Dennison. As they approached the gate, there was heard to arise in the +court-yard a tumult, which accorded ill with the quiet serenity of a +summer dawn. Cries and oaths were heard, a pistol-shot or two were +discharged, and every thing announced that the mutiny had broken out. At +this crisis Lord Evandale arrived at the gate where Halliday was +sentinel. On hearing Lord Evandale's voice, he instantly and gladly +admitted him, and that nobleman arrived among the mutinous troopers like +a man dropped from the clouds. They were in the act of putting their +design into execution, of seizing the place into their own hands, and +were about to disarm and overpower Major Bellenden and Harrison, and +others of the Castle, who were offering the best resistance in their +power. + +The appearance of Lord Evandale changed the scene. He seized Inglis by +the collar, and, upbraiding him with his villainy, ordered two of his +comrades to seize and bind him, assuring the others, that their only +chance of impunity consisted in instant submission. He then ordered the +men into their ranks. They obeyed. He commanded them to ground their +arms. They hesitated; but the instinct of discipline, joined to their +persuasion that the authority of their officer, so boldly exerted, must +be supported by some forces without the gate, induced them to submit. + +"Take away those arms," said Lord Evandale to the people of the Castle; +"they shall not be restored until these men know better the use for which +they are intrusted with them.--And now," he continued, addressing the +mutineers, "begone!--Make the best use of your time, and of a truce of +three hours, which the enemy are contented to allow you. Take the road to +Edinburgh, and meet me at the House-of-Muir. I need not bid you beware of +committing violence by the way; you will not, in your present condition, +provoke resentment for your own sakes. Let your punctuality show that you +mean to atone for this morning's business." + +The disarmed soldiers shrunk in silence from the presence of their +officer, and, leaving the Castle, took the road to the place of +rendezvous, making such haste as was inspired by the fear of meeting with +some detached party of the insurgents, whom their present defenceless +condition, and their former violence, might inspire with thoughts of +revenge. Inglis, whom Evandale destined for punishment, remained in +custody. Halliday was praised for his conduct, and assured of succeeding +to the rank of the culprit. These arrangements being hastily made, Lord +Evandale accosted the Major, before whose eyes the scene had seemed to +pass like the change of a dream. + +"My dear Major, we must give up the place." + +"Is it even so?" said Major Bellenden. "I was in hopes you had brought +reinforcements and supplies." + +"Not a man--not a pound of meal," answered Lord Evandale. + +"Yet I am blithe to see you," returned the honest Major; "we were +informed yesterday that these psalm-singing rascals had a plot on your +life, and I had mustered the scoundrelly dragoons ten minutes ago in +order to beat up Burley's quarters and get you out of limbo, when the dog +Inglis, instead of obeying me, broke out into open mutiny.--But what is +to be done now?" + +"I have, myself, no choice," said Lord Evandale; "I am a prisoner, +released on parole, and bound for Edinburgh. You and the ladies must take +the same route. I have, by the favour of a friend, a safe conduct and +horses for you and your retinue--for God's sake make haste--you cannot +propose to hold out with seven or eight men, and without provisions-- +Enough has been done for honour, and enough to render the defence of the +highest consequence to government. More were needless, as well as +desperate. The English troops are arrived at Edinburgh, and will speedily +move upon Hamilton. The possession of Tillietudlem by the rebels will be +but temporary." + +"If you think so, my lord," said the veteran, with a reluctant sigh,--"I +know you only advise what is honourable--if, then, you really think the +case inevitable, I must submit; for the mutiny of these scoundrels would +render it impossible to man the walls.--Gudyill, let the women call up +their mistresses, and all be ready to march--But if I could believe that +my remaining in these old walls, till I was starved to a mummy, could do +the King's cause the least service, old Miles Bellenden would not leave +them while there was a spark of life in his body!" + +The ladies, already alarmed by the mutiny, now heard the determination of +the Major, in which they readily acquiesced, though not without some +groans and sighs on the part of Lady Margaret, which referred, as usual, +to the /dejeune/; of his Most Sacred Majesty in the halls which were now +to be abandoned to rebels. Hasty preparations were made for evacuating +the Castle; and long ere the dawn was distinct enough for discovering +objects with precision, the ladies, with Major Bellenden, Harrison, +Gudyill, and the other domestics, were mounted on the led horses, and +others which had been provided in the neighbourhood, and proceeded +towards the north, still escorted by four of the insurgent horsemen. The +rest of the party who had accompanied Lord Evandale from the hamlet, took +possession of the deserted Castle, carefully forbearing all outrage or +acts of plunder. And when the sun arose, the scarlet and blue colours of +the Scottish Covenant floated from the Keep of Tillietudlem. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII. + + And, to my breast, a bodkin in her hand + Were worth a thousand daggers. + Marlow. + +The cavalcade which left the Castle of Tillietudlem, halted for a few +minutes at the small town of Bothwell, after passing the outposts of the +insurgents, to take some slight refreshments which their attendants had +provided, and which were really necessary to persons who had suffered +considerably by want of proper nourishment. They then pressed forward +upon the road towards Edinburgh, amid the lights of dawn which were now +rising on the horizon. It might have been expected, during the course of +the journey, that Lord Evandale would have been frequently by the side of +Miss Edith Bellenden. Yet, after his first salutations had been +exchanged, and every precaution solicitously adopted which could serve +for her accommodation, he rode in the van of the party with Major +Bellenden, and seemed to abandon the charge of immediate attendance upon +his lovely niece to one of the insurgent cavaliers, whose dark military +cloak, with the large flapped hat and feather, which drooped over his +face, concealed at once his figure and his features. They rode side by +side in silence for more than two miles, when the stranger addressed Miss +Bellenden in a tremulous and suppressed voice. + +"Miss Bellenden," he said, "must have friends wherever she is known; even +among those whose conduct she now disapproves. Is there any thing that +such can do to show their respect for her, and their regret for her +sufferings?" + +"Let them learn for their own sakes," replied Edith, "to venerate the +laws, and to spare innocent blood. Let them return to their allegiance, +and I can forgive them all that I have suffered, were it ten times more." + +"You think it impossible, then," rejoined the cavalier, "for any one to +serve in our ranks, having the weal of his country sincerely at heart, +and conceiving himself in the discharge of a patriotic duty?" + +"It might be imprudent, while so absolutely in your power," replied Miss +Bellenden, "to answer that question." + +"Not in the present instance, I plight you the word of a soldier," +replied the horseman. + +"I have been taught candour from my birth," said Edith; "and, if I am to +speak at all, I must utter my real sentiments. God only can judge the +heart--men must estimate intentions by actions. Treason, murder by the +sword and by gibbet, the oppression of a private family such as ours, who +were only in arms for the defence of the established government, and of +our own property, are actions which must needs sully all that have +accession to them, by whatever specious terms they may be gilded over." + +"The guilt of civil war," rejoined the horseman--"the miseries which it +brings in its train, lie at the door of those who provoked it by illegal +oppression, rather than of such as are driven to arms in order to assert +their natural rights as freemen." + +"That is assuming the question," replied Edith, "which ought to be +proved. Each party contends that they are right in point of principle, +and therefore the guilt must lie with them who first drew the sword; as, +in an affray, law holds those to be the criminals who are the first to +have recourse to violence." + +"Alas!" said the horseman, "were our vindication to rest there, how easy +would it be to show that we have suffered with a patience which almost +seemed beyond the power of humanity, ere we were driven by oppression +into open resistance!--But I perceive," he continued, sighing deeply, +"that it is vain to plead before Miss Bellenden a cause which she has +already prejudged, perhaps as much from her dislike of the persons as of +the principles of those engaged in it." + +"Pardon me," answered Edith; "I have stated with freedom my opinion of +the principles of the insurgents; of their persons I know nothing-- +excepting in one solitary instance." + +"And that instance," said the horseman, "has influenced your opinion of +the whole body?" + +"Far from it," said Edith; "he is--at least I once thought him--one in +whose scale few were fit to be weighed--he is--or he seemed--one of early +talent, high faith, pure morality, and warm affections. Can I approve of +a rebellion which has made such a man, formed to ornament, to enlighten, +and to defend his country, the companion of gloomy and ignorant fanatics, +or canting hypocrites,--the leader of brutal clowns,--the brother-in-arms +to banditti and highway murderers?--Should you meet such an one in your +camp, tell him that Edith Bellenden has wept more over his fallen +character, blighted prospects, and dishonoured name, than over the +distresses of her own house,--and that she has better endured that famine +which has wasted her cheek and dimmed her eye, than the pang of heart +which attended the reflection by and through whom these calamities were +inflicted." + +As she thus spoke, she turned upon her companion a countenance, whose +faded cheek attested the reality of her sufferings, even while it glowed +with the temporary animation which accompanied her language. The horseman +was not insensible to the appeal; he raised his hand to his brow with the +sudden motion of one who feels a pang shoot along his brain, passed it +hastily over his face, and then pulled the shadowing hat still deeper on +his forehead. The movement, and the feelings which it excited, did not +escape Edith, nor did she remark them without emotion. + +"And yet," she said, "should the person of whom I speak seem to you too +deeply affected by the hard opinion of--of--an early friend, say to him, +that sincere repentance is next to innocence;--that, though fallen from a +height not easily recovered, and the author of much mischief, because +gilded by his example, he may still atone in some measure for the evil he +has done." + +"And in what manner?" asked the cavalier, in the same suppressed, and +almost choked voice. + +"By lending his efforts to restore the blessings of peace to his +distracted countrymen, and to induce the deluded rebels to lay down their +arms. By saving their blood, he may atone for that which has been already +spilt;--and he that shall be most active in accomplishing this great end, +will best deserve the thanks of this age, and an honoured remembrance in +the next." + +"And in such a peace," said her companion, with a firm voice, "Miss +Bellenden would not wish, I think, that the interests of the people were +sacrificed unreservedly to those of the crown?" + +"I am but a girl," was the young lady's reply; "and I scarce can speak on +the subject without presumption. But, since I have gone so far, I will +fairly add, I would wish to see a peace which should give rest to all +parties, and secure the subjects from military rapine, which I detest as +much as I do the means now adopted to resist it." + +"Miss Bellenden," answered Henry Morton, raising his face, and speaking +in his natural tone, "the person who has lost such a highly-valued place +in your esteem, has yet too much spirit to plead his cause as a criminal; +and, conscious that he can no longer claim a friend's interest in your +bosom, he would be silent under your hard censure, were it not that he +can refer to the honoured testimony of Lord Evandale, that his earnest +wishes and most active exertions are, even now, directed to the +accomplishment of such a peace as the most loyal cannot censure." + +He bowed with dignity to Miss Bellenden, who, though her language +intimated that she well knew to whom she had been speaking, probably had +not expected that he would justify himself with so much animation. She +returned his salute, confused and in silence. Morton then rode forward to +the head of the party. + +"Henry Morton!" exclaimed Major Bellenden, surprised at the sudden +apparition. + +"The same," answered Morton; "who is sorry that he labours under the +harsh construction of Major Bellenden and his family. He commits to my +Lord Evandale," he continued, turning towards the young nobleman, and +bowing to him, "the charge of undeceiving his friends, both regarding the +particulars of his conduct and the purity of his motives. Farewell, Major +Bellenden--All happiness attend you and yours--May we meet again in +happier and better times!" + +"Believe me," said Lord Evandale, "your confidence, Mr Morton, is not +misplaced; I will endeavour to repay the great services I have received +from you by doing my best to place your character on its proper footing +with Major Bellenden, and all whose esteem you value." + +"I expected no less from your generosity, my lord," said Morton. + +He then called his followers, and rode off along the heath in the +direction of Hamilton, their feathers waving and their steel caps +glancing in the beams of the rising sun. Cuddie Headrigg alone remained +an instant behind his companions to take an affectionate farewell of +Jenny Dennison, who had contrived, during this short morning's ride, to +re-establish her influence over his susceptible bosom. A straggling tree +or two obscured, rather than concealed, their /tete-a-tete/, as they +halted their horses to bid adieu. + +"Fare ye weel, Jenny," said Cuddie, with a loud exertion of his lungs, +intended perhaps to be a sigh, but rather resembling the intonation of a +groan,--"Ye'll think o' puir Cuddie sometimes--an honest lad that lo'es +ye, Jenny; ye'll think o' him now and then?" + +"Whiles--at brose-time," answered the malicious damsel, unable either to +suppress the repartee, or the arch smile which attended it. + +Cuddie took his revenge as rustic lovers are wont, and as Jenny probably +expected,--caught his mistress round the neck, kissed her cheeks and lips +heartily, and then turned his horse and trotted after his master. + +"Deil's in the fallow," said Jenny, wiping her lips and adjusting her +head-dress, "he has twice the spunk o' Tam Halliday, after a'.--Coming, +my leddy, coming--Lord have a care o' us, I trust the auld leddy didna +see us!" + +"Jenny," said Lady Margaret, as the damsel came up, "was not that young +man who commanded the party the same that was captain of the popinjay, +and who was afterwards prisoner at Tillietudlem on the morning +Claverhouse came there?" + +Jenny, happy that the query had no reference to her own little matters, +looked at her young mistress, to discover, if possible, whether it was +her cue to speak truth or not. Not being able to catch any hint to guide +her, she followed her instinct as a lady's maid, and lied. + +"I dinna believe it was him, my leddy," said Jenny, as confidently as if +she had been saying her catechism; "he was a little black man, that." + +"You must have been blind, Jenny," said the Major: "Henry Morton is tall +and fair, and that youth is the very man." + +"I had ither thing ado than be looking at him," said Jenny, tossing her +head; "he may be as fair as a farthing candle, for me." + +"Is it not," said Lady Margaret, "a blessed escape which we have made, +out of the hands of so desperate and bloodthirsty a fanatic?" + +"You are deceived, madam," said Lord Evandale; "Mr Morton merits such a +title from no one, but least from us. That I am now alive, and that you +are now on your safe retreat to your friends, instead of being prisoners +to a real fanatical homicide, is solely and entirely owing to the prompt, +active, and energetic humanity of this young gentleman." + +He then went into a particular narrative of the events with which the +reader is acquainted, dwelling upon the merits of Morton, and expatiating +on the risk at which he had rendered them these important services, as if +he had been a brother instead of a rival. + +"I were worse than ungrateful," he said, "were I silent on the merits of +the man who has twice saved my life." + +"I would willingly think well of Henry Morton, my lord," replied Major +Bellenden; "and I own he has behaved handsomely to your lordship and to +us; but I cannot have the same allowances which it pleases your lordship +to entertain for his present courses." + +"You are to consider," replied Lord Evandale, "that he has been partly +forced upon them by necessity; and I must add, that his principles, +though differing in some degree from my own, are such as ought to command +respect. Claverhouse, whose knowledge of men is not to be disputed, spoke +justly of him as to his extraordinary qualities, but with prejudice, and +harshly, concerning his principles and motives." + +"You have not been long in learning all his extraordinary qualities, my +lord," answered Major Bellenden. "I, who have known him from boyhood, +could, before this affair, have said much of his good principles and +good-nature; but as to his high talents"-- + +"They were probably hidden, Major," replied the generous Lord Evandale, +"even from himself, until circumstances called them forth; and, if I have +detected them, it was only because our intercourse and conversation +turned on momentous and important subjects. He is now labouring to bring +this rebellion to an end, and the terms he has proposed are so moderate, +that they shall not want my hearty recommendation." + +"And have you hopes," said Lady Margaret, "to accomplish a scheme so +comprehensive?" + +"I should have, madam, were every whig as moderate as Morton, and every +loyalist as disinterested as Major Bellenden. But such is the fanaticism +and violent irritation of both parties, that I fear nothing will end this +civil war save the edge of the sword." + +It may be readily supposed, that Edith listened with the deepest interest +to this conversation. While she regretted that she had expressed herself +harshly and hastily to her lover, she felt a conscious and proud +satisfaction that his character was, even in the judgment of his +noble-minded rival, such as her own affection had once spoke it. + +"Civil feuds and domestic prejudices," she said, "may render it necessary +for me to tear his remembrance from my heart; but it is not small relief +to know assuredly, that it is worthy of the place it has so long retained +there." + +While Edith was thus retracting her unjust resentment, her lover arrived +at the camp of the insurgents, near Hamilton, which he found in +considerable confusion. Certain advices had arrived that the royal army, +having been recruited from England by a large detachment of the King's +Guards, were about to take the field. Fame magnified their numbers and +their high state of equipment and discipline, and spread abroad other +circumstances, which dismayed the courage of the insurgents. What favour +they might have expected from Monmouth, was likely to be intercepted by +the influence of those associated with him in command. His +lieutenant-general was the celebrated General Thomas Dalzell, who, having +practised the art of war in the then barbarous country of Russia, was as +much feared for his cruelty and indifference to human life and human +sufferings, as respected for his steady loyalty and undaunted valour. +This man was second in command to Monmouth, and the horse were commanded +by Claverhouse, burning with desire to revenge the death of his nephew, +and his defeat at Drumclog. To these accounts was added the most +formidable and terrific description of the train of artillery and the +cavalry force with which the royal army took the field. + + [Note: Royal Army at Bothwell Bridge. A Cameronian muse was + awakened from slumber on this doleful occasion, and gave the + following account of the muster of the royal forces, in poetry + nearly as melancholy as the subject:-- + + They marched east through Lithgow-town + For to enlarge their forces; + And sent for all the north-country + To come, both foot and horses. + + Montrose did come and Athole both, + And with them many more; + And all the Highland Amorites + That had been there before. + + The Lowdien Mallisha--Lothian Militia they + Came with their coats of blew; + Five hundred men from London came, + Claid in a reddish hue. + + When they were assembled one and all, + A full brigade were they; + Like to a pack of hellish hounds, + Roreing after their prey. + + When they were all provided well, + In armour and amonition, + Then thither wester did they come, + Most cruel of intention. + + The royalists celebrated their victory in stanzas of equal merit. + Specimens of both may be found in the curious collection of Fugitive + Scottish Poetry, principally of the Seventeenth Century, printed for + the Messrs Laing, Edinburgh.] + +Large bodies, composed of the Highland clans, having in language, +religion, and manners, no connexion with the insurgents, had been +summoned to join the royal army under their various chieftains; and these +Amorites, or Philistines, as the insurgents termed them, came like eagles +to the slaughter. In fact, every person who could ride or run at the +King's command, was summoned to arms, apparently with the purpose of +forfeiting and fining such men of property whom their principles might +deter from joining the royal standard, though prudence prevented them +from joining that of the insurgent Presbyterians. In short, everyrumour +tended to increase the apprehension among the insurgents, that the King's +vengeance had only been delayed in order that it might fall more certain +and more heavy. + +Morton endeavoured to fortify the minds of the common people by pointing +out the probable exaggeration of these reports, and by reminding them of +the strength of their own situation, with an unfordable river in front, +only passable by a long and narrow bridge. He called to their remembrance +their victory over Claverhouse when their numbers were few, and then much +worse disciplined and appointed for battle than now; showed them that the +ground on which they lay afforded, by its undulation, and the thickets +which intersected it, considerable protection against artillery, and even +against cavalry, if stoutly defended; and that their safety, in fact, +depended on their own spirit and resolution. + +But while Morton thus endeavoured to keep up the courage of the army at +large, he availed himself of those discouraging rumours to endeavour to +impress on the minds of the leaders the necessity of proposing to the +government moderate terms of accommodation, while they were still +formidable as commanding an unbroken and numerous army. He pointed out to +them, that, in the present humour of their followers, it could hardly be +expected that they would engage, with advantage, the well-appointed and +regular force of the Duke of Monmouth; and that if they chanced, as was +most likely, to be defeated and dispersed, the insurrection in which they +had engaged, so far from being useful to the country, would be rendered +the apology for oppressing it more severely. + +Pressed by these arguments, and feeling it equally dangerous to remain +together, or to dismiss their forces, most of the leaders readily agreed, +that if such terms could be obtained as had been transmitted to the Duke +of Monmouth by the hands of Lord Evandale, the purpose for which they had +taken up arms would be, in a great measure, accomplished. They then +entered into similar resolutions, and agreed to guarantee the petition +and remonstrance which had been drawn up by Morton. On the contrary, +there were still several leaders, and those men whose influence with the +people exceeded that of persons of more apparent consequence, who +regarded every proposal of treaty which did not proceed on the basis of +the Solemn League and Covenant of 1640, as utterly null and void, +impious, and unchristian. These men diffused their feelings among the +multitude, who had little foresight, and nothing to lose, and persuaded +many that the timid counsellors who recommended peace upon terms short of +the dethronement of the royal family, and the declared independence of +the church with respect to the state, were cowardly labourers, who were +about to withdraw their hands from the plough, and despicable trimmers, +who sought only a specious pretext for deserting their brethren in arms. +These contradictory opinions were fiercely argued in each tent of the +insurgent army, or rather in the huts or cabins which served in the place +of tents. Violence in language often led to open quarrels and blows, and +the divisions into which the army of sufferers was rent served as too +plain a presage of their future fate. + + + + + CHAPTER IX. + + The curse of growing factions and divisions + Still vex your councils! + Venice Preserved. + +The prudence of Morton found sufficient occupation in stemming the +furious current of these contending parties, when, two days after his +return to Hamilton, he was visited by his friend and colleague, the +Reverend Mr Poundtext, flying, as he presently found, from the face of +John Balfour of Burley, whom he left not a little incensed at the share +he had taken in the liberation of Lord Evandale. When the worthy divine +had somewhat recruited his spirits, after the hurry and fatigue of his +journey, he proceeded to give Morton an account of what had passed in the +vicinity of Tillietudlem after the memorable morning of his departure. + +The night march of Morton had been accomplished with such dexterity, +and the men were so faithful to their trust, that Burley received no +intelligence of what had happened until the morning was far advanced. +His first enquiry was, whether Macbriar and Kettledrummle had arrived, +agreeably to the summons which he had dispatched at midnight. Macbriar +had come, and Kettledrummle, though a heavy traveller, might, he was +informed, be instantly expected. Burley then dispatched a messenger to +Morton's quarters to summon him to an immediate council. The messenger +returned with news that he had left the place. Poundtext was next +summoned; but he thinking, as he said himself, that it was ill dealing +with fractious folk, had withdrawn to his own quiet manse, preferring a +dark ride, though he had been on horseback the whole preceding day, to a +renewal in the morning of a controversy with Burley, whose ferocity +overawed him when unsupported by the firmness of Morton. Burley's next +enquiries were directed after Lord Evandale; and great was his rage when +he learned that he had been conveyed away over night by a party of the +marksmen of Milnwood, under the immediate command of Henry Morton +himself. + +"The villain!" exclaimed Burley, addressing himself to Macbriar; "the +base, mean-spirited traitor, to curry favour for himself with the +government, hath set at liberty the prisoner taken by my own right hand, +through means of whom, I have little doubt, the possession of the place +of strength which hath wrought us such trouble, might now have been in +our hands!" + +"But is it not in our hands?" said Macbriar, looking up towards the Keep +of the Castle; "and are not these the colours of the Covenant that float +over its walls?" + +"A stratagem--a mere trick," said Burley, "an insult over our +disappointment, intended to aggravate and embitter our spirits." + +He was interrupted by the arrival of one of Morton's followers, sent to +report to him the evacuation of the place, and its occupation by the +insurgent forces. Burley was rather driven to fury than reconciled by the +news of this success. + +"I have watched," he said--"I have fought--I have plotted--I have striven +for the reduction of this place--I have forborne to seek to head +enterprises of higher command and of higher honour--I have narrowed their +outgoings, and cut off the springs, and broken the staff of bread within +their walls; and when the men were about to yield themselves to my hand, +that their sons might be bondsmen, and their daughters a laughing-stock +to our whole camp, cometh this youth, without a beard on his chin, and +takes it on him to thrust his sickle into the harvest, and to rend the +prey from the spoiler! Surely the labourer is worthy of his hire, and the +city, with its captives, should be given to him that wins it?" + +"Nay," said Macbriar, who was surprised at the degree of agitation which +Balfour displayed, "chafe not thyself because of the ungodly. Heaven will +use its own instruments; and who knows but this youth"-- + +"Hush! hush!" said Burley; "do not discredit thine own better judgment. +It was thou that first badest me beware of this painted sepulchre--this +lacquered piece of copper, that passed current with me for gold. It fares +ill, even with the elect, when they neglect the guidance of such pious +pastors as thou. But our carnal affections will mislead us--this +ungrateful boy's father was mine ancient friend. They must be as earnest +in their struggles as thou, Ephraim Macbriar, that would shake themselves +clear of the clogs and chains of humanity." + +This compliment touched the preacher in the most sensible part; and +Burley deemed, therefore, he should find little difficulty in moulding +his opinions to the support of his own views, more especially as they +agreed exactly in their high-strained opinions of church government. + +"Let us instantly," he said, "go up to the Tower; there is that among the +records in yonder fortress, which, well used as I can use it, shall be +worth to us a valiant leader and an hundred horsemen." + +"But will such be the fitting aids of the children of the Covenant?" said +the preacher. "We have already among us too many who hunger after lands, +and silver and gold, rather than after the Word; it is not by such that +our deliverance shall be wrought out." + +"Thou errest," said Burley; "we must work by means, and these worldly men +shall be our instruments. At all events, the Moabitish woman shall be +despoiled of her inheritance, and neither the malignant Evandale, nor the +erastian Morton, shall possess yonder castle and lands, though they may +seek in marriage the daughter thereof." + +So saying, he led the way to Tillietudlem, where he seized upon the plate +and other valuables for the use of the army, ransacked the charter-room, +and other receptacles for family papers, and treated with contempt the +remonstrances of those who reminded him, that the terms granted to the +garrison had guaranteed respect to private property. + +Burley and Macbriar, having established themselves in their new +acquisition, were joined by Kettledrummle in the course of the day, and +also by the Laird of Langcale, whom that active divine had contrived to +seduce, as Poundtext termed it, from the pure light in which he had been +brought up. Thus united, they sent to the said Poundtext an invitation, +or rather a summons, to attend a council at Tillietudlem. He remembered, +however, that the door had an iron grate, and the Keep a dungeon, and +resolved not to trust himself with his incensed colleagues. He therefore +retreated, or rather fled, to Hamilton, with the tidings, that Burley, +Macbriar, and Kettledrummle, were coming to Hamilton as soon as they +could collect a body of Cameronians sufficient to overawe the rest of the +army. + +"And ye see," concluded Poundtext, with a deep sigh, "that they will then +possess a majority in the council; for Langcale, though he has always +passed for one of the honest and rational party, cannot be suitably or +preceesely termed either fish, or flesh, or gude red-herring--whoever has +the stronger party has Langcale." + +Thus concluded the heavy narrative of honest Poundtext, who sighed +deeply, as he considered the danger in which he was placed betwixt +unreasonable adversaries amongst themselves and the common enemy from +without. Morton exhorted him to patience, temper, and composure; informed +him of the good hope he had of negotiating for peace and indemnity +through means of Lord Evandale, and made out to him a very fair prospect +that he should again return to his own parchment-bound Calvin, his +evening pipe of tobacco, and his noggin of inspiring ale, providing +always he would afford his effectual support and concurrence to the +measures which he, Morton, had taken for a general pacification. + + [Note: Moderate Presbyterians. The author does not, by any means, + desire that Poundtext should be regarded as a just representation of + the moderate presbyterians, among whom were many ministers whose + courage was equal to their good sense and sound views of religion. + Were he to write the tale anew, he would probably endeavour to give + the character a higher turn. It is certain, however, that the + Cameronians imputed to their opponents in opinion concerning the + Indulgence, or others of their strained and fanatical notions, a + disposition not only to seek their own safety, but to enjoy + themselves. Hamilton speaks of three clergymen of this description + as follows:-- + + "They pretended great zeal against the Indulgence; but alas! that + was all their practice, otherwise being but very gross, which I + shall but hint at in short. When great Cameron and those with him + were taking many a cold blast and storm in the fields and among the + cot-houses in Scotland, these three had for the most part their + residence in Glasgow, where they found good quarter and a full + table, which I doubt not but some bestowed upon them from real + affection to the Lord's cause; and when these three were together, + their greatest work was who should make the finest and sharpest + roundel, and breathe the quickest jests upon one another, and to + tell what valiant acts they were to do, and who could laugh loudest + and most heartily among them; and when at any time they came out to + the country, whatever other things they had, they were careful each + of them to have a great flask of brandy with them, which was very + heavy to some, particularly to Mr Cameron, Mr Cargill, and Henry + Hall--I shall name no more."--Faithful Contendings, p. 198.] + +Thus backed and comforted, Poundtext resolved magnanimously to await the +coming of the Cameronians to the general rendezvous. + +Burley and his confederates had drawn together a considerable body of +these sectaries, amounting to a hundred horse and about fifteen hundred +foot, clouded and severe in aspect, morose and jealous in communication, +haughty of heart, and confident, as men who believed that the pale of +salvation was open for them exclusively; while all other Christians, +however slight were the shades of difference of doctrine from their own, +were in fact little better than outcasts or reprobates. These men entered +the presbyterian camp, rather as dubious and suspicious allies, or +possibly antagonists, than as men who were heartily embarked in the same +cause, and exposed to the same dangers, with their more moderate brethren +in arms. Burley made no private visits to his colleagues, and held no +communication with them on the subject of the public affairs, otherwise +than by sending a dry invitation to them to attend a meeting of the +general council for that evening. + +On the arrival of Morton and Poundtext at the place of assembly, they +found their brethren already seated. Slight greeting passed between them, +and it was easy to see that no amicable conference was intended by those +who convoked the council. The first question was put by Macbriar, the +sharp eagerness of whose zeal urged him to the van on all occasions. He +desired to know by whose authority the malignant, called Lord Evandale, +had been freed from the doom of death, justly denounced against him. + +"By my authority and Mr Morton's," replied Poundtext; who, besides being +anxious to give his companion a good opinion of his courage, confided +heartily in his support, and, moreover, had much less fear of +encountering one of his own profession, and who confined himself to the +weapons of theological controversy, in which Poundtext feared no man, +than of entering into debate with the stern homicide Balfour. + +"And who, brother," said Kettledrummle, "who gave you authority to +interpose in such a high matter?" + +"The tenor of our commission," answered Poundtext, "gives us authority to +bind and to loose. If Lord Evandale was justly doomed to die by the voice +of one of our number, he was of a surety lawfully redeemed from death by +the warrant of two of us." + +"Go to, go to," said Burley; "we know your motives; it was to send that +silkworm--that gilded trinket--that embroidered trifle of a lord, to bear +terms of peace to the tyrant." + +"It was so," replied Morton, who saw his companion begin to flinch before +the fierce eye of Balfour--"it was so; and what then?--Are we to plunge +the nation in endless war, in order to pursue schemes which are equally +wild, wicked, and unattainable?" + +"Hear him!" said Balfour; "he blasphemeth." + +"It is false," said Morton; "they blaspheme who pretend to expect +miracles, and neglect the use of the human means with which Providence +has blessed them. I repeat it--Our avowed object is the re-establishment +of peace on fair and honourable terms of security to our religion and our +liberty. We disclaim any desire to tyrannize over those of others." + +The debate would now have run higher than ever, but they were interrupted +by intelligence that the Duke of Monmouth had commenced his march towards +the west, and was already advanced half way from Edinburgh. This news +silenced their divisions for the moment, and it was agreed that the next +day should be held as a fast of general humiliation for the sins of the +land; that the Reverend Mr Poundtext should preach to the army in the +morning, and Kettledrummle in the afternoon; that neither should touch +upon any topics of schism or of division, but animate the soldiers to +resist to the blood, like brethren in a good cause. This healing overture +having been agreed to, the moderate party ventured upon another proposal, +confiding that it would have the support of Langcale, who looked +extremely blank at the news which they had just received, and might be +supposed reconverted to moderate measures. It was to be presumed, they +said, that since the King had not intrusted the command of his forces +upon the present occasion to any of their active oppressors, but, on the +contrary, had employed a nobleman distinguished by gentleness of temper, +and a disposition favourable to their cause, there must be some better +intention entertained towards them than they had yet experienced. They +contended, that it was not only prudent but necessary to ascertain, from +a communication with the Duke of Monmouth, whether he was not charged +with some secret instructions in their favour. This could only be learned +by dispatching an envoy to his army. + +"And who will undertake the task?" said Burley, evading a proposal too +reasonable to be openly resisted--"Who will go up to their camp, knowing +that John Grahame of Claverhouse hath sworn to hang up whomsoever we +shall dispatch towards them, in revenge of the death of the young man his +nephew?" + +"Let that be no obstacle," said Morton; "I will with pleasure encounter +any risk attached to the bearer of your errand." + +"Let him go," said Balfour, apart to Macbriar; "our councils will be well +rid of his presence." + +The motion, therefore, received no contradiction even from those who were +expected to have been most active in opposing it; and it was agreed that +Henry Morton should go to the camp of the Duke of Monmouth, in order to +discover upon what terms the insurgents would be admitted to treat with +him. As soon as his errand was made known, several of the more moderate +party joined in requesting him to make terms upon the footing of the +petition intrusted to Lord Evandale's hands; for the approach of the +King's army spread a general trepidation, by no means allayed by the high +tone assumed by the Cameronians, which had so little to support it, +excepting their own headlong zeal. With these instructions, and with +Cuddie as his attendant, Morton set forth towards the royal camp, at all +the risks which attend those who assume the office of mediator during the +heat of civil discord. + +Morton had not proceeded six or seven miles, before he perceived that he +was on the point of falling in with the van of the royal forces; and, as +he ascended a height, saw all the roads in the neighbourhood occupied by +armed men marching in great order towards Bothwell-muir, an open common, +on which they proposed to encamp for that evening, at the distance of +scarcely two miles from the Clyde, on the farther side of which river the +army of the insurgents was encamped. He gave himself up to the first +advanced-guard of cavalry which he met, as bearer of a flag of truce, and +communicated his desire to obtain access to the Duke of Monmouth. The +non-commissioned officer who commanded the party made his report to his +superior, and he again to another in still higher command, and both +immediately rode to the spot where Morton was detained. + +"You are but losing your time, my friend, and risking your life," said +one of them, addressing Morton; "the Duke of Monmouth will receive no +terms from traitors with arms in their hands, and your cruelties have +been such as to authorize retaliation of every kind. Better trot your nag +back and save his mettle to-day, that he may save your life to-morrow." + +"I cannot think," said Morton, "that even if the Duke of Monmouth should +consider us as criminals, he would condemn so large a body of his +fellow-subjects without even hearing what they have to plead for +themselves. On my part I fear nothing. I am conscious of having consented +to, or authorized, no cruelty, and the fear of suffering innocently for +the crimes of others shall not deter me from executing my commission." + +The two officers looked at each other. + +"I have an idea," said the younger, "that this is the young man of whom +Lord Evandale spoke." + +"Is my Lord Evandale in the army?" said Morton. + +"He is not," replied the officer; "we left him at Edinburgh, too much +indisposed to take the field.--Your name, sir, I presume, is Henry +Morton?" + +"It is, sir," answered Morton. + +"We will not oppose your seeing the Duke, sir," said the officer, with +more civility of manner; "but you may assure yourself it will be to no +purpose; for, were his Grace disposed to favour your people, others are +joined in commission with him who will hardly consent to his doing so." + +"I shall be sorry to find it thus," said Morton; "but my duty requires +that I should persevere in my desire to have an interview with him." + +"Lumley," said the superior officer, "let the Duke know of Mr Morton's +arrival, and remind his Grace that this is the person of whom Lord +Evandale spoke so highly." + +The officer returned with a message that the General could not see Mr +Morton that evening, but would receive him by times in the ensuing +morning. He was detained in a neighbouring cottage all night, but treated +with civility, and every thing provided for his accommodation. Early on +the next morning the officer he had first seen came to conduct him to his +audience. + +The army was drawn out, and in the act of forming column for march, or +attack. The Duke was in the centre, nearly a mile from the place where +Morton had passed the night. In riding towards the General, he had an +opportunity of estimating the force which had been assembled for the +suppression of the hasty and ill-concerted insurrection. There were three +or four regiments of English, the flower of Charles's army--there were +the Scottish Life-Guards, burning with desire to revenge their late +defeat--other Scottish regiments of regulars were also assembled, and a +large body of cavalry, consisting partly of gentlemen-volunteers, partly +of the tenants of the crown who did military duty for their fiefs. Morton +also observed several strong parties of Highlanders drawn from the points +nearest to the Lowland frontiers, a people, as already mentioned, +particularly obnoxious to the western whigs, and who hated and despised +them in the same proportion. These were assembled under their chiefs, and +made part of this formidable array. A complete train of field-artillery +accompanied these troops; and the whole had an air so imposing, that it +seemed nothing short of an actual miracle could prevent the ill-equipped, +ill-modelled, and tumultuary army of the insurgents from being utterly +destroyed. The officer who accompanied Morton endeavoured to gather from +his looks the feelings with which this splendid and awful parade of +military force had impressed him. But, true to the cause he had espoused, +he laboured successfully to prevent the anxiety which he felt from +appearing in his countenance, and looked around him on the warlike +display as on a sight which he expected, and to which he was indifferent. + +"You see the entertainment prepared for you," said the officers. + +"If I had no appetite for it," replied Morton, "I should not have been +accompanying you at this moment. But I shall be better pleased with a +more peaceful regale, for the sake of all parties." + +As they spoke thus, they approached the commander-in-chief, who, +surrounded by several officers, was seated upon a knoll commanding an +extensive prospect of the distant country, and from which could be easily +discovered the windings of the majestic Clyde, and the distant camp of +the insurgents on the opposite bank. The officers of the royal army +appeared to be surveying the ground, with the purpose of directing an +immediate attack. When Captain Lumley, the officer who accompanied +Morton, had whispered in Monmouth's ear his name and errand, the Duke +made a signal for all around him to retire, excepting only two general +officers of distinction. While they spoke together in whispers for a few +minutes before Morton was permitted to advance, he had time to study the +appearance of the persons with whom he was to treat. + +It was impossible for any one to look upon the Duke of Monmouth without +being captivated by his personal graces and accomplishments, of which the +great High-Priest of all the Nine afterwards recorded-- + +"Whate'er he did was done with so much ease, In him alone 'twas natural +to please; His motions all accompanied with grace, And Paradise was +open'd in his face." Yet to a strict observer, the manly beauty of +Monmouth's face was occasionally rendered less striking by an air of +vacillation and uncertainty, which seemed to imply hesitation and doubt +at moments when decisive resolution was most necessary. + +Beside him stood Claverhouse, whom we have already fully described, and +another general officer whose appearance was singularly striking. His +dress was of the antique fashion of Charles the First's time, and +composed of shamoy leather, curiously slashed, and covered with antique +lace and garniture. His boots and spurs might be referred to the same +distant period. He wore a breastplate, over which descended a grey beard +of venerable length, which he cherished as a mark of mourning for Charles +the First, having never shaved since that monarch was brought to the +scaffold. His head was uncovered, and almost perfectly bald. His high and +wrinkled forehead, piercing grey eyes, and marked features, evinced age +unbroken by infirmity, and stern resolution unsoftened by humanity. Such +is the outline, however feebly expressed, of the celebrated General +Thomas Dalzell, + + [Note: Usually called Tom Dalzell. In Crichton's Memoirs, edited by + Swift, where a particular account of this remarkable person's dress + and habits is given, he is said never to have worn boots. The + following account of his rencounter with John Paton of Meadowhead, + showed, that in action at least he wore pretty stout ones, unless + the reader be inclined to believe in the truth of his having a + charm, which made him proof against lead. + + "Dalzell," says Paton's biographer, "advanced the whole left wing of + his army on Colonel Wallace's right. Here Captain Paton behaved with + great courage and gallantry. Dalzell, knowing him in the former + wars, advanced upon him himself, thinking to take him prisoner. Upon + his approach, each presented his pistol. On their first discharge, + Captain Paton, perceiving his pistol ball to hop upon Dalzell's + boots, and knowing what was the cause, (he having proof,) put his + hand in his pocket for some small pieces of silver he had there for + the purpose, and put one of them into his other pistol. But Dalzell, + having his eye upon him in the meanwhile, retired behind his own + man, who by that means was slain."] + +a man more feared and hated by the whigs than even Claverhouse himself, +and who executed the same violences against them out of a detestation of +their persons, or perhaps an innate severity of temper, which Grahame +only resorted to on political accounts, as the best means of intimidating +the followers of presbytery, and of destroying that sect entirely. + +The presence of these two generals, one of whom he knew by person, and +the other by description, seemed to Morton decisive of the fate of his +embassy. But, notwithstanding his youth and inexperience, and the +unfavourable reception which his proposals seemed likely to meet with, he +advanced boldly towards them upon receiving a signal to that purpose, +determined that the cause of his country, and of those with whom he had +taken up arms, should suffer nothing from being intrusted to him. +Monmouth received him with the graceful courtesy which attended even his +slightest actions; Dalzell regarded him with a stern, gloomy, and +impatient frown; and Claverhouse, with a sarcastic smile and inclination +of his head, seemed to claim him as an old acquaintance. + +"You come, sir, from these unfortunate people, now assembled in arms," +said the Duke of Monmouth, "and your name, I believe, is Morton; will you +favour us with the pupport of your errand?" + +"It is contained, my lord," answered Morton, "in a paper, termed a +Remonstrance and Supplication, which my Lord Evandale has placed, I +presume, in your Grace's hands?" + +"He has done so, sir," answered the Duke; "and I understand, from Lord +Evandale, that Mr Morton has behaved in these unhappy matters with much +temperance and generosity, for which I have to request his acceptance of +my thanks." + +Here Morton observed Dalzell shake his head indignantly, and whisper +something into Claverhouse's ear, who smiled in return, and elevated his +eyebrows, but in a degree so slight as scarce to be perceptible. The +Duke, taking the petition from his pocket, proceeded, obviously +struggling between the native gentleness of his own disposition, and +perhaps his conviction that the petitioners demanded no more than their +rights, and the desire, on the other hand, of enforcing the king's +authority, and complying with the sterner opinions of the colleagues in +office, who had been assigned for the purpose of controlling as well as +advising him. + +"There are, Mr Morton, in this paper, proposals, as to the abstract +propriety of which I must now waive delivering any opinion. Some of them +appear to me reasonable and just; and, although I have no express +instructions from the King upon the subject, yet I assure you, Mr Morton, +and I pledge my honour, that I will interpose in your behalf, and use my +utmost influence to procure you satisfaction from his Majesty. But you +must distinctly understand, that I can only treat with supplicants, not +with rebels; and, as a preliminary to every act of favour on my side, I +must insist upon your followers laying down their arms and dispersing +themselves." + +"To do so, my Lord Duke," replied Morton, undauntedly, "were to +acknowledge ourselves the rebels that our enemies term us. Our swords are +drawn for recovery of a birthright wrested from us; your Grace's +moderation and good sense has admitted the general justice of our +demand,--a demand which would never have been listened to had it not been +accompanied with the sound of the trumpet. We cannot, therefore, and dare +not, lay down our arms, even on your Grace's assurance of indemnity, +unless it were accompanied with some reasonable prospect of the redress +of the wrongs which we complain of." + +"Mr Morton," replied the Duke, "you are young, but you must have seen +enough of the world to perceive, that requests, by no means dangerous or +unreasonable in themselves, may become so by the way in which they are +pressed and supported." + +"We may reply, my lord," answered Morton, "that this disagreeable mode +has not been resorted to until all others have failed." + +"Mr Morton," said the Duke, "I must break this conference short. We are +in readiness to commence the attack; yet I will suspend it for an hour, +until you can communicate my answer to the insurgents. If they please to +disperse their followers, lay down their arms, and send a peaceful +deputation to me, I will consider myself bound in honour to do all I can +to procure redress of their grievances; if not, let them stand on their +guard and expect the consequences.--I think, gentlemen," he added, +turning to his two colleagues, "this is the utmost length to which I can +stretch my instructions in favour of these misguided persons?" + +"By my faith," answered Dalzell, suddenly, "and it is a length to which +my poor judgment durst not have stretched them, considering I had both +the King and my conscience to answer to! But, doubtless, your Grace knows +more of the King's private mind than we, who have only the letter of our +instructions to look to." + +Monmouth blushed deeply. "You hear," he said, addressing Morton, "General +Dalzell blames me for the length which I am disposed to go in your +favour." + +"General Dalzell's sentiments, my lord," replied Morton, "are such as we +expected from him; your Grace's such as we were prepared to hope you +might please to entertain. Indeed I cannot help adding, that, in the case +of the absolute submission upon which you are pleased to insist, it might +still remain something less than doubtful how far, with such counsellors +around the King, even your Grace's intercession might procure us +effectual relief. But I will communicate to our leaders your Grace's +answer to our supplication; and, since we cannot obtain peace, we must +bid war welcome as well as we may." + +"Good morning, sir," said the Duke; "I suspend the movements of attack +for one hour, and for one hour only. If you have an answer to return +within that space of time, I will receive it here, and earnestly entreat +it may be such as to save the effusion of blood." + +At this moment another smile of deep meaning passed between Dalzell and +Claverhouse. The Duke observed it, and repeated his words with great +dignity. + +"Yes, gentlemen, I said I trusted the answer might be such as would save +the effusion of blood. I hope the sentiment neither needs your scorn, nor +incurs your displeasure." + +Dalzell returned the Duke's frown with a stern glance, but made no +answer. Claverhouse, his lip just curled with an ironical smile, bowed, +and said, "It was not for him to judge the propriety of his Grace's +sentiments." + +The Duke made a signal to Morton to withdraw. He obeyed; and, accompanied +by his former escort, rode slowly through the army to return to the camp +of the non-conformists. As he passed the fine corps of Life-Guards, he +found Claverhouse was already at their head. That officer no sooner saw +Morton, than he advanced and addressed him with perfect politeness of +manner. + +"I think this is not the first time I have seen Mr Morton of Milnwood?" + +"It is not Colonel Grahame's fault," said Morton, smiling sternly, "that +he or any one else should be now incommoded by my presence." + +"Allow me at least to say," replied Claverhouse, "that Mr Morton's +present situation authorizes the opinion I have entertained of him, and +that my proceedings at our last meeting only squared to my duty." + +"To reconcile your actions to your duty, and your duty to your +conscience, is your business, Colonel Grahame, not mine," said Morton, +justly offended at being thus, in a manner, required to approve of the +sentence under which he had so nearly suffered. + +"Nay, but stay an instant," said Claverhouse; "Evandale insists that I +have some wrongs to acquit myself of in your instance. I trust I shall +always make some difference between a high-minded gentleman, who, though +misguided, acts upon generous principles, and the crazy fanatical clowns +yonder, with the bloodthirsty assassins who head them. Therefore, if they +do not disperse upon your return, let me pray you instantly come over to +our army and surrender yourself, for, be assured, they cannot stand our +assault for half an hour. If you will be ruled and do this, be sure to +enquire for me. Monmouth, strange as it may seem, cannot protect you-- +Dalzell will not--I both can and will; and I have promised to Evandale to +do so if you will give me an opportunity." + +"I should owe Lord Evandale my thanks," answered Morton, coldly, "did not +his scheme imply an opinion that I might be prevailed on to desert those +with whom I am engaged. For you, Colonel Grahame, if you will honour me +with a different species of satisfaction, it is probable, that, in an +hour's time, you will find me at the west end of Bothwell Bridge with my +sword in my hand." + +"I shall be happy to meet you there," said Claverhouse, "but still more +so should you think better on my first proposal." + +They then saluted and parted. + +"That is a pretty lad, Lumley," said Claverhouse, addressing himself to +the other officer; "but he is a lost man--his blood be upon his head." + +So saying, he addressed himself to the task of preparation for instant +battle. + + + + + CHAPTER X. + + But, hark! the tent has changed its voice, + There's peace and rest nae langer. + Burns. + + The Lowdien Mallisha they + Came with their coats of blew; + Five hundred men from London came, + Claid in a reddish hue. + Bothwell Lines. + +When Morton had left the well-ordered outposts of the regular army, and +arrived at those which were maintained by his own party, he could not but +be peculiarly sensible of the difference of discipline, and entertain a +proportional degree of fear for the consequences. The same discords which +agitated the counsels of the insurgents, raged even among their meanest +followers; and their picquets and patrols were more interested and +occupied in disputing the true occasion and causes of wrath, and defining +the limits of Erastian heresy, than in looking out for and observing the +motions of their enemies, though within hearing of the royal drums and +trumpets. + +There was a guard, however, of the insurgent army, posted at the long and +narrow bridge of Bothwell, over which the enemy must necessarily advance +to the attack; but, like the others, they were divided and disheartened; +and, entertaining the idea that they were posted on a desperate service, +they even meditated withdrawing themselves to the main body. This would +have been utter ruin; for, on the defence or loss of this pass the +fortune of the day was most likely to depend. All beyond the bridge was a +plain open field, excepting a few thickets of no great depth, and, +consequently, was ground on which the undisciplined forces of the +insurgents, deficient as they were in cavalry, and totally unprovided +with artillery, were altogether unlikely to withstand the shock of +regular troops. + +Morton, therefore, viewed the pass carefully, and formed the hope, that +by occupying two or three houses on the left bank of the river, with the +copse and thickets of alders and hazels that lined its side, and by +blockading the passage itself, and shutting the gates of a portal, which, +according to the old fashion, was built on the central arch of the bridge +of Bothwell, it might be easily defended against a very superior force. +He issued directions accordingly, and commanded the parapets of the +bridge, on the farther side of the portal, to be thrown down, that they +might afford no protection to the enemy when they should attempt the +passage. Morton then conjured the party at this important post to be +watchful and upon their guard, and promised them a speedy and strong +reinforcement. He caused them to advance videttes beyond the river to +watch the progress of the enemy, which outposts he directed should be +withdrawn to the left bank as soon as they approached; finally, he +charged them to send regular information to the main body of all that +they should observe. Men under arms, and in a situation of danger, are +usually sufficiently alert in appreciating the merit of their officers. +Morton's intelligence and activity gained the confidence of these men, +and with better hope and heart than before, they began to fortify their +position in the manner he recommended, and saw him depart with three loud +cheers. + +Morton now galloped hastily towards the main body of the insurgents, but +was surprised and shocked at the scene of confusion and clamour which it +exhibited, at the moment when good order and concord were of such +essential consequence. Instead of being drawn up in line of battle, and +listening to the commands of their officers, they were crowding together +in a confused mass, that rolled and agitated itself like the waves of the +sea, while a thousand tongues spoke, or rather vociferated, and not a +single ear was found to listen. Scandalized at a scene so extraordinary, +Morton endeavoured to make his way through the press to learn, and, if +possible, to remove, the cause of this so untimely disorder. While he is +thus engaged, we shall make the reader acquainted with that which he was +some time in discovering. + +The insurgents had proceeded to hold their day of humiliation, which, +agreeably to the practice of the puritans during the earlier civil war, +they considered as the most effectual mode of solving all difficulties, +and waiving all discussions. It was usual to name an ordinary week-day +for this purpose, but on this occasion the Sabbath itself was adopted, +owing to the pressure of the time and the vicinity of the enemy. A +temporary pulpit, or tent, was erected in the middle of the encampment; +which, according to the fixed arrangement, was first to be occupied by +the Reverend Peter Poundtext, to whom the post of honour was assigned, as +the eldest clergyman present. But as the worthy divine, with slow and +stately steps, was advancing towards the rostrum which had been prepared +for him, he was prevented by the unexpected apparition of Habakkuk +Mucklewrath, the insane preacher, whose appearance had so much startled +Morton at the first council of the insurgents after their victory at +Loudon-hill. It is not known whether he was acting under the influence +and instigation of the Cameronians, or whether he was merely compelled by +his own agitated imagination, and the temptation of a vacant pulpit +before him, to seize the opportunity of exhorting so respectable a +congregation. It is only certain that he took occasion by the forelock, +sprung into the pulpit, cast his eyes wildly round him, and, undismayed +by the murmurs of many of the audience, opened the Bible, read forth as +his text from the thirteenth chapter of Deuteronomy, "Certain men, the +children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the +inhabitants of their city, saying, let us go and serve other gods, which +you have not known;" and then rushed at once into the midst of his +subject. + +The harangue of Mucklewrath was as wild and extravagant as his intrusion +was unauthorized and untimely; but it was provokingly coherent, in so far +as it turned entirely upon the very subjects of discord, of which it had +been agreed to adjourn the consideration until some more suitable +opportunity. Not a single topic did he omit which had offence in it; and, +after charging the moderate party with heresy, with crouching to tyranny, +with seeking to be at peace with God's enemies, he applied to Morton, by +name, the charge that he had been one of those men of Belial, who, in the +words of his text, had gone out from amongst them, to withdraw the +inhabitants of his city, and to go astray after false gods. To him, and +all who followed him, or approved of his conduct, Mucklewrath denounced +fury and vengeance, and exhorted those who would hold themselves pure and +undefiled to come up from the midst of them. + +"Fear not," he said, "because of the neighing of horses, or the +glittering of breastplates. Seek not aid of the Egyptians, because of the +enemy, though they may be numerous as locusts, and fierce as dragons. +Their trust is not as our trust, nor their rock as our rock; how else +shall a thousand fly before one, and two put ten thousand to the flight! +I dreamed it in the visions of the night, and the voice said, 'Habakkuk, +take thy fan and purge the wheat from the chaff, that they be not both +consumed with the fire of indignation and the lightning of fury.' +Wherefore, I say, take this Henry Morton--this wretched Achan, who hath +brought the accursed thing among ye, and made himself brethren in the +camp of the enemy--take him and stone him with stones, and thereafter +burn him with fire, that the wrath may depart from the children of the +Covenant. He hath not taken a Babylonish garment, but he hath sold the +garment of righteousness to the woman of Babylon--he hath not taken two +hundred shekels of fine silver, but he hath bartered the truth, which is +more precious than shekels of silver or wedges of gold." + +At this furious charge, brought so unexpectedly against one of their most +active commanders, the audience broke out into open tumult, some +demanding that there should instantly be a new election of officers, into +which office none should hereafter be admitted who had, in their phrase, +touched of that which was accursed, or temporized more or less with the +heresies and corruptions of the times. While such was the demand of the +Cameronians, they vociferated loudly, that those who were not with them +were against them,--that it was no time to relinquish the substantial +part of the covenanted testimony of the Church, if they expected a +blessing on their arms and their cause; and that, in their eyes, a +lukewarm Presbyterian was little better than a Prelatist, an +Anti-Covenanter, and a Nullifidian. + +The parties accused repelled the charge of criminal compliance and +defection from the truth with scorn and indignation, and charged their +accusers with breach of faith, as well as with wrong-headed and +extravagant zeal in introducing such divisions into an army, the joint +strength of which could not, by the most sanguine, be judged more than +sufficient to face their enemies. Poundtext, and one or two others, made +some faint efforts to stem the increasing fury of the factious, +exclaiming to those of the other party, in the words of the Patriarch,-- +"Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between +thy herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we be brethren." No pacific overture +could possibly obtain audience. It was in vain that even Burley himself, +when he saw the dissension proceed to such ruinous lengths, exerted his +stern and deep voice, commanding silence and obedience to discipline. The +spirit of insubordination had gone forth, and it seemed as if the +exhortation of Habakkuk Mucklewrath had communicated a part of his frenzy +to all who heard him. The wiser, or more timid part of the assembly, were +already withdrawing themselves from the field, and giving up their cause +as lost. Others were moderating a harmonious call, as they somewhat +improperly termed it, to new officers, and dismissing those formerly +chosen, and that with a tumult and clamour worthy of the deficiency of +good sense and good order implied in the whole transaction. It was at +this moment when Morton arrived in the field and joined the army, in +total confusion, and on the point of dissolving itself. His arrival +occasioned loud exclamations of applause on the one side, and of +imprecation on the other. + +"What means this ruinous disorder at such a moment?" he exclaimed to +Burley, who, exhausted with his vain exertions to restore order, was now +leaning on his sword, and regarding the confusion with an eye of resolute +despair. + +"It means," he replied, "that God has delivered us into the hands of our +enemies." + +"Not so," answered Morton, with a voice and gesture which compelled many +to listen; "it is not God who deserts us, it is we who desert him, and +dishonour ourselves by disgracing and betraying the cause of freedom and +religion.--Hear me," he exclaimed, springing to the pulpit which +Mucklewrath had been compelled to evacuate by actual exhaustion--"I bring +from the enemy an offer to treat, if you incline to lay down your arms. I +can assure you the means of making an honourable defence, if you are of +more manly tempers. The time flies fast on. Let us resolve either for +peace or war; and let it not be said of us in future days, that six +thousand Scottish men in arms had neither courage to stand their ground +and fight it out, nor prudence to treat for peace, nor even the coward's +wisdom to retreat in good time and with safety. What signifies +quarrelling on minute points of church-discipline, when the whole edifice +is threatened with total destruction? O, remember, my brethren, that the +last and worst evil which God brought upon the people whom he had once +chosen--the last and worst punishment of their blindness and hardness of +heart, was the bloody dissensions which rent asunder their city, even +when the enemy were thundering at its gates!" + +Some of the audience testified their feeling of this exhortation, by loud +exclamations of applause; others by hooting, and exclaiming--"To your +tents, O Israel!" + +Morton, who beheld the columns of the enemy already beginning to appear +on the right bank, and directing their march upon the bridge, raised his +voice to its utmost pitch, and, pointing at the same time with his hand, +exclaimed,--"Silence your senseless clamours, yonder is the enemy! On +maintaining the bridge against him depend our lives, as well as our hope +to reclaim our laws and liberties.--There shall at least one Scottishman +die in their defence.--Let any one who loves his country follow me!" + +The multitude had turned their heads in the direction to which he +pointed. The sight of the glittering files of the English Foot-Guards, +supported by several squadrons of horse, of the cannon which the +artillerymen were busily engaged in planting against the bridge, of the +plaided clans who seemed to search for a ford, and of the long succession +of troops which were destined to support the attack, silenced at once +their clamorous uproar, and struck them with as much consternation as if +it were an unexpected apparition, and not the very thing which they ought +to have been looking out for. They gazed on each other, and on their +leaders, with looks resembling those that indicate the weakness of a +patient when exhausted by a fit of frenzy. Yet when Morton, springing +from the rostrum, directed his steps towards the bridge, he was followed +by about an hundred of the young men who were particularly attached to +his command. + +Burley turned to Macbriar--"Ephraim," he said, "it is Providence points +us the way, through the worldly wisdom of this latitudinarian youth.--He +that loves the light, let him follow Burley!" + +"Tarry," replied Macbriar; "it is not by Henry Morton, or such as he, +that our goings-out and our comings-in are to be meted; therefore tarry +with us. I fear treachery to the host from this nullifidian Achan--Thou +shalt not go with him. Thou art our chariots and our horsemen." + +"Hinder me not," replied Burley; "he hath well said that all is lost, if +the enemy win the bridge--therefore let me not. Shall the children of +this generation be called wiser or braver than the children of the +sanctuary?--Array yourselves under your leaders--let us not lack supplies +of men and ammunition; and accursed be he who turneth back from the work +on this great day!" + +Having thus spoken, he hastily marched towards the bridge, and was +followed by about two hundred of the most gallant and zealous of his +party. There was a deep and disheartened pause when Morton and Burley +departed. The commanders availed themselves of it to display their lines +in some sort of order, and exhorted those who were most exposed to throw +themselves upon their faces to avoid the cannonade which they might +presently expect. The insurgents ceased to resist or to remonstrate; but +the awe which had silenced their discords had dismayed their courage. +They suffered themselves to be formed into ranks with the docility of a +flock of sheep, but without possessing, for the time, more resolution or +energy; for they experienced a sinking of the heart, imposed by the +sudden and imminent approach of the danger which they had neglected to +provide against while it was yet distant. They were, however, drawn out +with some regularity; and as they still possessed the appearance of an +army, their leaders had only to hope that some favourable circumstance +would restore their spirits and courage. + +Kettledrummle, Poundtext, Macbriar, and other preachers, busied +themselves in their ranks, and prevailed on them to raise a psalm. But +the superstitious among them observed, as an ill omen, that their song of +praise and triumph sunk into "a quaver of consternation," and resembled +rather a penitentiary stave sung on the scaffold of a condemned criminal, +than the bold strain which had resounded along the wild heath of +Loudon-hill, in anticipation of that day's victory. The melancholy melody +soon received a rough accompaniment; the royal soldiers shouted, the +Highlanders yelled, the cannon began to fire on one side, and the +musketry on both, and the bridge of Bothwell, with the banks adjacent, +were involved in wreaths of smoke. + + + + + CHAPTER XI. + + As e'er ye saw the rain doun fa', + Or yet the arrow from the bow, + Sae our Scots lads fell even down, + And they lay slain on every knowe. + Old Ballad. + +Ere Morton or Burley had reached the post to be defended, the enemy had +commenced an attack upon it with great spirit. The two regiments of +Foot-Guards, formed into a close column, rushed forward to the river; one +corps, deploying along the right bank, commenced a galling fire on the +defenders of the pass, while the other pressed on to occupy the bridge. +The insurgents sustained the attack with great constancy and courage; and +while part of their number returned the fire across the river, the rest +maintained a discharge of musketry upon the further end of the bridge +itself, and every avenue by which the soliders endeavoured to approach +it. The latter suffered severely, but still gained ground, and the head +of their column was already upon the bridge, when the arrival of Morton +changed the scene; and his marksmen, commencing upon the pass a fire as +well aimed as it was sustained and regular, compelled the assailants to +retire with much loss. They were a second time brought up to the charge, +and a second time repulsed with still greater loss, as Burley had now +brought his party into action. The fire was continued with the utmost +vehemence on both sides, and the issue of the action seemed very dubious. + +Monmouth, mounted on a superb white charger, might be discovered on the +top of the right bank of the river, urging, entreating, and animating the +exertions of his soldiers. By his orders, the cannon, which had hitherto +been employed in annoying the distant main body of the presbyterians, +were now turned upon the defenders of the bridge. But these tremendous +engines, being wrought much more slowly than in modern times, did not +produce the effect of annoying or terrifying the enemy to the extent +proposed. The insurgents, sheltered by copsewood along the bank of the +river, or stationed in the houses already mentioned, fought under cover, +while the royalists, owing to the precautions of Morton, were entirely +exposed. The defence was so protracted and obstinate, that the royal +generals began to fear it might be ultimately successful. While Monmouth +threw himself from his horse, and, rallying the Foot-Guards, brought them +on to another close and desperate attack, he was warmly seconded by +Dalzell, who, putting himself at the head of a body of Lennox- +Highlanders, rushed forward with their tremendous war-cry of Loch-sloy. + + [Note: This was the slogan or war-cry of the MacFarlanes, taken from + a lake near the head of Loch Lomond, in the centre of their ancient + possessions on the western banks of that beautiful inland sea.] The + ammunition of the defenders of the bridge began to fail at this + important crisis; messages, commanding and imploring succours and + supplies, were in vain dispatched, one after the other, to the main + body of the presbyterian army, which remained inactively drawn up on + the open fields in the rear. Fear, consternation, and misrule, had + gone abroad among them, and while the post on which their safety + depended required to be instantly and powerfully reinforced, there + remained none either to command or to obey.] + +As the fire of the defenders of the bridge began to slacken, that of the +assailants increased, and in its turn became more fatal. Animated by the +example and exhortations of their generals, they obtained a footing upon +the bridge itself, and began to remove the obstacles by which it was +blockaded. The portal-gate was broke open, the beams, trunks of trees, +and other materials of the barricade, pulled down and thrown into the +river. This was not accomplished without opposition. Morton and Burley +fought in the very front of their followers, and encouraged them with +their pikes, halberds, and partisans, to encounter the bayonets of the +Guards, and the broadswords of the Highlanders. But those behind the +leaders began to shrink from the unequal combat, and fly singly, or in +parties of two or three, towards the main body, until the remainder were, +by the mere weight of the hostile column as much as by their weapons, +fairly forced from the bridge. The passage being now open, the enemy +began to pour over. But the bridge was long and narrow, which rendered +the manoeuvre slow as well as dangerous; and those who first passed had +still to force the houses, from the windows of which the Covenanters +continued to fire. Burley and Morton were near each other at this +critical moment. + +"There is yet time," said the former, "to bring down horse to attack +them, ere they can get into order; and, with the aid of God, we may thus +regain the bridge--hasten thou to bring them down, while I make the +defence good with this old and wearied body." + +Morton saw the importance of the advice, and, throwing himself on the +horse which cuddie held in readiness for him behind the thicket, galloped +towards a body of cavalry which chanced to be composed entirely of +Cameronians. Ere he could speak his errand, or utter his orders, he was +saluted by the execrations of the whole body. + +"He flies!" they exclaimed--"the cowardly traitor flies like a hart from +the hunters, and hath left valiant Burley in the midst of the slaughter!" + +"I do not fly," said Morton. "I come to lead you to the attack. Advance +boldly, and we shall yet do well." + +"Follow him not!--Follow him not!"--such were the tumultuous exclamations +which resounded from the ranks;--"he hath sold you to the sword of the +enemy!" + +And while Morton argued, entreated, and commanded in vain, the moment was +lost in which the advance might have been useful; and the outlet from the +bridge, with all its defences, being in complete possession of the enemy, +Burley and his remaining followers were driven back upon the main body, +to whom the spectacle of their hurried and harassed retreat was far from +restoring the confidence which they so much wanted. + +In the meanwhile, the forces of the King crossed the bridge at their +leisure, and, securing the pass, formed in line of battle; while +Claverhouse, who, like a hawk perched on a rock, and eyeing the time to +pounce on its prey, had watched the event of the action from the opposite +bank, now passed the bridge at the head of his cavalry, at full trot, +and, leading them in squadrons through the intervals and round the flanks +of the royal infantry, formed them in line on the moor, and led them to +the charge, advancing in front with one large body, while other two +divisions threatened the flanks of the Covenanters. Their devoted army +was now in that situation when the slightest demonstration towards an +attack was certain to inspire panic. Their broken spirits and +disheartened courage were unable to endure the charge of the cavalry, +attended with all its terrible accompaniments of sight and sound;--the +rush of the horses at full speed, the shaking of the earth under their +feet, the glancing of the swords, the waving of the plumes, and the +fierce shouts of the cavaliers. The front ranks hardly attempted one +ill-directed and disorderly fire, and their rear were broken and flying +in confusion ere the charge had been completed; and in less than five +minutes the horsemen were mixed with them, cutting and hewing without +mercy. The voice of Claverhouse was heard, even above the din of +conflict, exclaiming to his soldiers--"Kill, kill--no quarter--think on +Richard Grahame!" The dragoons, many of whom had shared the disgrace of +Loudon-hill, required no exhortations to vengeance as easy as it was +complete. Their swords drank deep of slaughter among the unresisting +fugitives. Screams for quarter were only answered by the shouts with +which the pursuers accompanied their blows, and the whole field presented +one general scene of confused slaughter, flight, and pursuit. + +About twelve hundred of the insurgents who remained in a body a little +apart from the rest, and out of the line of the charge of cavalry, threw +down their arms and surrendered at discretion, upon the approach of the +Duke of Monmouth at the head of the infantry. That mild-tempered nobleman +instantly allowed them the quarter which they prayed for; and, galloping +about through the field, exerted himself as much to stop the slaughter as +he had done to obtain the victory. While busied in this humane task he +met with General Dalzell, who was encouraging the fierce Highlanders and +royal volunteers to show their zeal for King and country, by quenching +the flame of the rebellion with the blood of the rebels. + +"Sheathe your sword, I command you, General!" exclaimed the Duke, "and +sound the retreat. Enough of blood has been shed; give quarter to the +King's misguided subjects." + +"I obey your Grace," said the old man, wiping his bloody sword and +returning it to the scabbard; "but I warn you, at the same time, that +enough has not been done to intimidate these desperate rebels. Has not +your Grace heard that Basil Olifant has collected several gentlemen and +men of substance in the west, and is in the act of marching to join +them?" + +"Basil Olifant?" said the Duke; "who, or what is he?" + +"The next male heir to the last Earl of Torwood. He is disaffected to +government from his claim to the estate being set aside in favour of Lady +Margaret Bellenden; and I suppose the hope of getting the inheritance has +set him in motion." + +"Be his motives what they will," replied Monmouth, "he must soon disperse +his followers, for this army is too much broken to rally again. +Therefore, once more, I command that the pursuit be stopped." + +"It is your Grace's province to command, and to be responsible for your +commands," answered Dalzell, as he gave reluctant orders for checking the +pursuit. + +But the fiery and vindictive Grahame was already far out of hearing of +the signal of retreat, and continued with his cavalry an unwearied and +bloody pursuit, breaking, dispersing, and cutting to pieces all the +insurgents whom they could come up with. + +Burley and Morton were both hurried off the field by the confused tide of +fugitives. They made some attempt to defend the streets of the town of +Hamilton; but, while labouring to induce the fliers to face about and +stand to their weapons. Burley received a bullet which broke his +sword-arm. + +"May the hand be withered that shot the shot!" he exclaimed, as the sword +which he was waving over his head fell powerless to his side. "I can +fight no longer." [Note: This incident, and Burley's exclamation, are +taken from the records.] + +Then turning his horse's head, he retreated out of the confusion. Morton +also now saw that the continuing his unavailing efforts to rally the +fliers could only end in his own death or captivity, and, followed by the +faithful Cuddie, he extricated himself from the press, and, being well +mounted, leaped his horse over one or two enclosures, and got into the +open country. + +From the first hill which they gained in their flight, they looked back, +and beheld the whole country covered with their fugitive companions, and +with the pursuing dragoons, whose wild shouts and halloo, as they did +execution on the groups whom they overtook, mingled with the groans and +screams of their victims, rose shrilly up the hill. + +"It is impossible they can ever make head again," said Morton. + +"The head's taen aff them, as clean as I wad bite it aff a sybo!" +rejoined Cuddie. "Eh, Lord! see how the broadswords are flashing! war's a +fearsome thing. They'll be cunning that catches me at this wark again.-- +But, for God's sake, sir, let us mak for some strength!" + +Morton saw the necessity of following the advice of his trusty squire. +They resumed a rapid pace, and continued it without intermission, +directing their course towards the wild and mountainous country, where +they thought it likely some part of the fugitives might draw together, +for the sake either of making defence, or of obtaining terms. + + + + + CHAPTER XII. + + They require + Of Heaven the hearts of lions, breath of tigers, + Yea and the fierceness too. + Fletcher. + +Evening had fallen; and, for the last two hours, they had seen none of +their ill-fated companions, when Morton and his faithful attendant gained +the moorland, and approached a large and solitary farmhouse, situated in +the entrance of a wild glen, far remote from any other habitation. + +"Our horses," said Morton, "will carry us no farther without rest or +food, and we must try to obtain them here, if possible." + +So speaking, he led the way to the house. The place had every appearance +of being inhabited. There was smoke issuing from the chimney in a +considerable volume, and the marks of recent hoofs were visible around +the door. They could even hear the murmuring of human voices within the +house. But all the lower windows were closely secured; and when they +knocked at the door, no answer was returned. After vainly calling and +entreating admittance, they withdrew to the stable, or shed, in order to +accommodate their horses, ere they used farther means of gaining +admission. In this place they found ten or twelve horses, whose state of +fatigue, as well as the military yet disordered appearance of their +saddles and accoutrements, plainly indicated that their owners were +fugitive insurgents in their own circumstances. + +"This meeting bodes luck," said Cuddie; "and they hae walth o' beef, +that's ae thing certain, for here's a raw hide that has been about the +hurdies o' a stot not half an hour syne--it's warm yet." + +Encouraged by these appearances, they returned again to the house, and, +announcing themselves as men in the same predicament with the inmates, +clamoured loudly for admittance. + +"Whoever ye be," answered a stern voice from the window, after a long and +obdurate silence, "disturb not those who mourn for the desolation and +captivity of the land, and search out the causes of wrath and of +defection, that the stumbling-blocks may be removed over which we have +stumbled." + +"They are wild western whigs," said Cuddie, in a whisper to his master, +"I ken by their language. Fiend hae me, if I like to venture on them!" + +Morton, however, again called to the party within, and insisted on +admittance; but, finding his entreaties still disregarded, he opened one +of the lower windows, and pushing asunder the shutters, which were but +slightly secured, stepped into the large kitchen from which the voice had +issued. Cuddie followed him, muttering betwixt his teeth, as he put his +head within the window, "That he hoped there was nae scalding brose on +the fire;" and master and servant both found themselves in the company of +ten or twelve armed men, seated around the fire, on which refreshments +were preparing, and busied apparently in their devotions. + +In the gloomy countenances, illuminated by the fire-light, Morton had no +difficulty in recognising several of those zealots who had most +distinguished themselves by their intemperate opposition to all moderate +measures, together with their noted pastor, the fanatical Ephraim +Macbriar, and the maniac, Habakkuk Mucklewrath. The Cameronians neither +stirred tongue nor hand to welcome their brethren in misfortune, but +continued to listen to the low murmured exercise of Macbriar, as he +prayed that the Almighty would lift up his hand from his people, and not +make an end in the day of his anger. That they were conscious of the +presence of the intruders only appeared from the sullen and indignant +glances which they shot at them, from time to time, as their eyes +encountered. + +Morton, finding into what unfriendly society he had unwittingly intruded, +began to think of retreating; but, on turning his head, observed with +some alarm, that two strong men had silently placed themselves beside the +window, through which they had entered. One of these ominous sentinels +whispered to Cuddie, "Son of that precious woman, Mause Headrigg, do not +cast thy lot farther with this child of treachery and perdition--Pass on +thy way, and tarry not, for the avenger of blood is behind thee." + +With this he pointed to the window, out of which Cuddie jumped without +hesitation; for the intimation he had received plainly implied the +personal danger he would otherwise incur. + +"Winnocks are no lucky wi' me," was his first reflection when he was in +the open air; his next was upon the probable fate of his master. "They'll +kill him, the murdering loons, and think they're doing a gude turn! but +I'se tak the back road for Hamilton, and see if I canna get some o' our +ain folk to bring help in time of needcessity." + +So saying, Cuddie hastened to the stable, and taking the best horse he +could find instead of his own tired animal, he galloped off in the +direction he proposed. + +The noise of his horse's tread alarmed for an instant the devotion of the +fanatics. As it died in the distance, Macbriar brought his exercise to a +conclusion, and his audience raised themselves from the stooping posture, +and louring downward look, with which they had listened to it, and all +fixed their eyes sternly on Henry Morton. + +"You bend strange countenances on me, gentlemen," said he, addressing +them. "I am totally ignorant in what manner I can have deserved them." + +"Out upon thee! out upon thee!" exclaimed Mucklewrath, starting up: "the +word that thou hast spurned shall become a rock to crush and to bruise +thee; the spear which thou wouldst have broken shall pierce thy side; we +have prayed, and wrestled, and petitioned for an offering to atone the +sins of the congregation, and lo! the very head of the offence is +delivered into our hand. He hath burst in like a thief through the +window; he is a ram caught in the thicket, whose blood shall be a +drink-offering to redeem vengeance from the church, and the place shall +from henceforth be called Jehovah-Jireh, for the sacrifice is provided. +Up then, and bind the victim with cords to the horns of the altar!" + +There was a movement among the party; and deeply did Morton regret at +that moment the incautious haste with which he had ventured into their +company. He was armed only with his sword, for he had left his pistols at +the bow of his saddle; and, as the whigs were all provided with +fire-arms, there was little or no chance of escaping from them by +resistance. The interposition, however, of Macbriar protected him for the +moment. + +"Tarry yet a while, brethren--let us not use the sword rashly, lest the +load of innocent blood lie heavy on us.--Come," he said, addressing +himself to Morton, "we will reckon with thee ere we avenge the cause thou +hast betrayed.--Hast thou not," he continued, "made thy face as hard as +flint against the truth in all the assemblies of the host?" + +"He has--he has," murmured the deep voices of the assistants. + +"He hath ever urged peace with the malignants," said one. + +"And pleaded for the dark and dismal guilt of the Indulgence," said +another. + +"And would have surrendered the host into the hands of Monmouth," echoed +a third; "and was the first to desert the honest and manly Burley, while +he yet resisted at the pass. I saw him on the moor, with his horse bloody +with spurring, long ere the firing had ceased at the bridge." + +"Gentlemen," said Morton, "if you mean to bear me down by clamour, and +take my life without hearing me, it is perhaps a thing in your power; but +you will sin before God and man by the commission of such a murder." + +"I say, hear the youth," said Macbriar; "for Heaven knows our bowels have +yearned for him, that he might be brought to see the truth, and exert his +gifts in its defence. But he is blinded by his carnal knowledge, and has +spurned the light when it blazed before him." + +Silence being obtained, Morton proceeded to assert the good faith which +he had displayed in the treaty with Monmouth, and the active part he had +borne in the subsequent action. + +"I may not, gentlemen," he said, "be fully able to go the lengths you +desire, in assigning to those of my own religion the means of tyrannizing +over others; but none shall go farther in asserting our own lawful +freedom. And I must needs aver, that had others been of my mind in +counsel, or disposed to stand by my side in battle, we should this +evening, instead of being a defeated and discordant remnant, have +sheathed our weapons in an useful and honourable peace, or brandished +them triumphantly after a decisive victory." + +"He hath spoken the word," said one of the assembly--"he hath avowed his +carnal self-seeking and Erastianism; let him die the death!" + +"Peace yet again," said Macbriar, "for I will try him further.--Was it +not by thy means that the malignant Evandale twice escaped from death and +captivity? Was it not through thee that Miles Bellenden and his garrison +of cut-throats were saved from the edge of the sword?" + +"I am proud to say, that you have spoken the truth in both instances," +replied Morton. + +"Lo! you see," said Macbriar, "again hath his mouth spoken it.--And didst +thou not do this for the sake of a Midianitish woman, one of the spawn of +prelacy, a toy with which the arch-enemy's trap is baited? Didst thou not +do all this for the sake of Edith Bellenden?" + +"You are incapable," answered Morton, boldly, "of appreciating my +feelings towards that young lady; but all that I have done I would have +done had she never existed." + +"Thou art a hardy rebel to the truth," said another dark-brow'd man; "and +didst thou not so act, that, by conveying away the aged woman, Margaret +Bellenden, and her grand-daughter, thou mightest thwart the wise and +godly project of John Balfour of Burley for bringing forth to battle +Basil Olifant, who had agreed to take the field if he were insured +possession of these women's worldly endowments?" + +"I never heard of such a scheme," said Morton, "and therefore I could not +thwart it.--But does your religion permit you to take such uncreditable +and immoral modes of recruiting?" + +"Peace," said Macbriar, somewhat disconcerted; "it is not for thee to +instruct tender professors, or to construe Covenant obligations. For the +rest, you have acknowledged enough of sin and sorrowful defection, to +draw down defeat on a host, were it as numerous as the sands on the +sea-shore. And it is our judgment, that we are not free to let you pass +from us safe and in life, since Providence hath given you into our hands +at the moment that we prayed with godly Joshua, saying, 'What shall we +say when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies?'--Then camest +thou, delivered to us as it were by lot, that thou mightest sustain the +punishment of one that hath wrought folly in Israel. Therefore, mark my +words. This is the Sabbath, and our hand shall not be on thee to spill +thy blood upon this day; but, when the twelfth hour shall strike, it is a +token that thy time on earth hath run! Wherefore improve thy span, for it +flitteth fast away.--Seize on the prisoner, brethren, and take his +weapon." + +The command was so unexpectedly given, and so suddenly executed by those +of the party who had gradually closed behind and around Morton, that he +was overpowered, disarmed, and a horse-girth passed round his arms, +before he could offer any effectual resistance. When this was +accomplished, a dead and stern silence took place. The fanatics ranged +themselves around a large oaken table, placing Morton amongst them bound +and helpless, in such a manner as to be opposite to the clock which was +to strike his knell. Food was placed before them, of which they offered +their intended victim a share; but, it will readily be believed, he had +little appetite. When this was removed, the party resumed their +devotions. Macbriar, whose fierce zeal did not perhaps exclude some +feelings of doubt and compunction, began to expostulate in prayer, as if +to wring from the Deity a signal that the bloody sacrifice they proposed +was an acceptable service. The eyes and ears of his hearers were +anxiously strained, as if to gain some sight or sound which might be +converted or wrested into a type of approbation, and ever and anon dark +looks were turned on the dial-plate of the time-piece, to watch its +progress towards the moment of execution. + +Morton's eye frequently took the same course, with the sad reflection, +that there appeared no posibility of his life being expanded beyond the +narrow segment which the index had yet to travel on the circle until it +arrived at the fatal hour. Faith in his religion, with a constant +unyielding principle of honour, and the sense of conscious innocence, +enabled him to pass through this dreadful interval with less agitation +than he himself could have expected, had the situation been prophesied to +him. Yet there was a want of that eager and animating sense of right +which supported him in similar circumstances, when in the power of +Claverhouse. Then he was conscious, that, amid the spectators, were many +who were lamenting his condition, and some who applauded his conduct. But +now, among these pale-eyed and ferocious zealots, whose hardened brows +were soon to be bent, not merely with indifference, but with triumph, +upon his execution,--without a friend to speak a kindly word, or give a +look either of sympathy or encouragement,--awaiting till the sword +destined to slay him crept out of the scabbard gradually, and as it were +by strawbreadths, and condemned to drink the bitterness of death drop by +drop,--it is no wonder that his feelings were less composed than they had +been on any former occasion of danger. His destined executioners, as he +gazed around them, seemed to alter their forms and features, like +spectres in a feverish dream; their figures became larger, and their +faces more disturbed; and, as an excited imagination predominated over +the realities which his eyes received, he could have thought himself +surrounded rather by a band of demons than of human beings; the walls +seemed to drop with blood, and the light tick of the clock thrilled on +his ear with such loud, painful distinctness, as if each sound were the +prick of a bodkin inflicted on the naked nerve of the organ. + +It was with pain that he felt his mind wavering, while on the brink +between this and the future world. He made a strong effort to compose +himself to devotional exercises, and unequal, during that fearful strife +of nature, to arrange his own thoughts into suitable expressions, he had, +instinctively, recourse to the petition for deliverance and for composure +of spirit which is to be found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Church +of England. Macbriar, whose family were of that persuasion, instantly +recognised the words, which the unfortunate prisoner pronounced half +aloud. + +"There lacked but this," he said, his pale cheek kindling with +resentment, "to root out my carnal reluctance to see his blood spilt. He +is a prelatist, who has sought the camp under the disguise of an +Erastian, and all, and more than all, that has been said of him must +needs be verity. His blood be on his head, the deceiver!--let him go down +to Tophet, with the ill-mumbled mass which he calls a prayer-book, in his +right hand!" + +"I take up my song against him!" exclaimed the maniac. "As the sun went +back on the dial ten degrees for intimating the recovery of holy +Hezekiah, so shall it now go forward, that the wicked may be taken away +from among the people, and the Covenant established in its purity." + +He sprang to a chair with an attitude of frenzy, in order to anticipate +the fatal moment by putting the index forward; and several of the party +began to make ready their slaughter-weapons for immediate execution, when +Mucklewrath's hand was arrested by one of his companions. + +"Hist!" he said--"I hear a distant noise." + +"It is the rushing of the brook over the pebbles," said one. + +"It is the sough of the wind among the bracken," said another. + +"It is the galloping of horse," said Morton to himself, his sense of +hearing rendered acute by the dreadful situation in which he stood; "God +grant they may come as my deliverers!" + +The noise approached rapidly, and became more and more distinct. + +"It is horse," cried Macbriar. "Look out and descry who they are." + +"The enemy are upon us!" cried one who had opened the window, in +obedience to his order. + +A thick trampling and loud voices were heard immediately round the house. +Some rose to resist, and some to escape; the doors and windows were +forced at once, and the red coats of the troopers appeared in the +apartment. + +"Have at the bloody rebels!--Remember Cornet Grahame!" was shouted on +every side. + +The lights were struck down, but the dubious glare of the fire enabled +them to continue the fray. Several pistol-shots were fired; the whig who +stood next to Morton received a shot as he was rising, stumbled against +the prisoner, whom he bore down with his weight, and lay stretched above +him a dying man. This accident probably saved Morton from the damage he +might otherwise have received in so close a struggle, where fire-arms +were discharged and sword-blows given for upwards of five minutes. + +"Is the prisoner safe?" exclaimed the well-known voice of Claverhouse; +"look about for him, and dispatch the whig dog who is groaning there." + +Both orders were executed. The groans of the wounded man were silenced by +a thrust with a rapier, and Morton, disencumbered of his weight, was +speedily raised and in the arms of the faithful Cuddie, who blubbered for +joy when he found that the blood with which his master was covered had +not flowed from his own veins. A whisper in Morton's ear, while his +trusty follower relieved him from his bonds, explained the secret of the +very timely appearance of the soldiers. + +"I fell into Claverhouse's party when I was seeking for some o' our ain +folk to help ye out o' the hands of the whigs, sae being atween the deil +and the deep sea, I e'en thought it best to bring him on wi' me, for +he'll be wearied wi' felling folk the night, and the morn's a new day, +and Lord Evandale awes ye a day in ha'arst; and Monmouth gies quarter, +the dragoons tell me, for the asking. Sae haud up your heart, an' I'se +warrant we'll do a' weel eneugh yet." + + [Note: NOTE TO CHAPTER XII. The principal incident of the foregoing + Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by + a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the + Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions + in an inferior department. When employed as a supervisor on the + coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man + rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman + had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the + contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue. + + This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one + occasion, placed his life in jeopardy. At one time in particular, as + he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly + upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the + country. They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner + as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, + and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, + since they had met so happily. The officer did not attempt + opposition, but only asked leave to send a country lad to tell his + wife and family that he should be detained later than he expected. + As he had to charge the boy with this message in the presence of the + smugglers, he could found no hope of deliverance from it, save what + might arise from the sharpness of the lad's observation, and the + natural anxiety and affection of his wife. But if his errand should + be delivered and received literally, as he was conscious the + smugglers expected, it was likely that it might, by suspending alarm + about his absence from home, postpone all search after him till it + might be useless. Making a merit of necessity, therefore, he + instructed and dispatched his messenger, and went with the + contraband traders, with seeming willingness, to one of their + ordinary haunts. He sat down at table with them, and they began to + drink and indulge themselves in gross jokes, while, like Mirabel in + the "Inconstant," their prisoner had the heavy task of receiving + their insolence as wit, answering their insults with good-humour, + and withholding from them the opportunity which they sought of + engaging him in a quarrel, that they might have a pretence for + misusing him. He succeeded for some time, but soon became satisfied + it was their purpose to murder him out-right, or else to beat him in + such a manner as scarce to leave him with life. A regard for the + sanctity of the Sabbath evening, which still oddly subsisted among + these ferocious men, amidst their habitual violation of divine and + social law, prevented their commencing their intended cruelty until + the Sabbath should be terminated. They were sitting around their + anxious prisoner, muttering to each other words of terrible import, + and watching the index of a clock, which was shortly to strike the + hour at which, in their apprehension, murder would become lawful, + when their intended victim heard a distant rustling like the wind + among withered leaves. It came nearer, and resembled the sound of a + brook in flood chafing within its banks; it came nearer yet, and was + plainly distinguished as the galloping of a party of horse. The + absence of her husband, and the account given by the boy of the + suspicious appearance of those with whom he had remained, had + induced Mrs--to apply to the neighbouring town for a party of + dragoons, who thus providentially arrived in time to save him from + extreme violence, if not from actual destruction.] + + + + + CHAPTER XIII. + + Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife! + To all the sensual world proclaim, + One crowded hour of glorious life + Is worth an age without a name. + Anonymous. + +When the desperate affray had ceased, Claverhouse commanded his soldiers +to remove the dead bodies, to refresh themselves and their horses, and +prepare for passing the night at the farm-house, and for marching early +in the ensuing morning. He then turned his attention to Morton, and there +was politeness, and even kindness, in the manner in which he addressed +him. + +"You would have saved yourself risk from both sides, Mr Morton, if you +had honoured my counsel yesterday morning with some attention; but I +respect your motives. You are a prisoner-of-war at the disposal of the +king and council, but you shall be treated with no incivility; and I will +be satisfied with your parole that you will not attempt an escape." + +When Morton had passed his word to that effect, Claverhouse bowed +civilly, and, turning away from him, called for his sergeant-major. + +"How many prisoners, Halliday, and how many killed?" + +"Three killed in the house, sir, two cut down in the court, and one in +the garden--six in all; four prisoners." + +"Armed or unarmed?" said Claverhouse. + +"Three of them armed to the teeth," answered Halliday; "one without arms +--he seems to be a preacher." + +"Ay--the trumpeter to the long-ear'd rout, I suppose," replied +Claverhouse, glancing slightly round upon his victims, "I will talk with +him tomorrow. Take the other three down to the yard, draw out two files, +and fire upon them; and, d'ye hear, make a memorandum in the orderly book +of three rebels taken in arms and shot, with the date and name of the +place--Drumshinnel, I think, they call it.--Look after the preacher till +to-morrow; as he was not armed, he must undergo a short examination. Or +better, perhaps, take him before the Privy Council; I think they should +relieve me of a share of this disgusting drudgery.--Let Mr Morton be +civilly used, and see that the men look well after their horses; and let +my groom wash Wild-blood's shoulder with some vinegar, the saddle has +touched him a little." + +All these various orders,--for life and death, the securing of his +prisoners, and the washing his charger's shoulder,--were given in the +same unmoved and equable voice, of which no accent or tone intimated that +the speaker considered one direction as of more importance than another. + +The Cameronians, so lately about to be the willing agents of a bloody +execution, were now themselves to undergo it. They seemed prepared alike +for either extremity, nor did any of them show the least sign of fear, +when ordered to leave the room for the purpose of meeting instant death. +Their severe enthusiasm sustained them in that dreadful moment, and they +departed with a firm look and in silence, excepting that one of them, as +he left the apartment, looked Claverhouse full in the face, and +pronounced, with a stern and steady voice,--"Mischief shall haunt the +violent man!" to which Grahame only answered by a smile of contempt. + +They had no sooner left the room than Claverhouse applied himself to some +food, which one or two of his party had hastily provided, and invited +Morton to follow his example, observing, it had been a busy day for them +both. Morton declined eating; for the sudden change of circumstances--the +transition from the verge of the grave to a prospect of life, had +occasioned a dizzy revulsion in his whole system. But the same confused +sensation was accompanied by a burning thirst, and he expressed his wish +to drink. + +"I will pledge you, with all my heart," said Claverhouse; "for here is a +black jack full of ale, and good it must be, if there be good in the +country, for the whigs never miss to find it out.--My service to you, Mr +Morton," he said, filling one horn of ale for himself, and handing +another to his prisoner. + +Morton raised it to his head, and was just about to drink, when the +discharge of carabines beneath the window, followed by a deep and hollow +groan, repeated twice or thrice, and more faint at each interval, +announced the fate of the three men who had just left them. Morton +shuddered, and set down the untasted cup. + +"You are but young in these matters, Mr Morton," said Claverhouse, after +he had very composedly finished his draught; "and I do not think the +worse of you as a young soldier for appearing to feel them acutely. But +habit, duty, and necessity, reconcile men to every thing." + +"I trust," said Morton, "they will never reconcile me to such scenes as +these." + +"You would hardly believe," said Claverhouse in reply, "that, in the +beginning of my military career, I had as much aversion to seeing blood +spilt as ever man felt; it seemed to me to be wrung from my own heart; +and yet, if you trust one of those whig fellows, he will tell you I drink +a warm cup of it every morning before I breakfast. [Note: The author is +uncertain whether this was ever said of Claverhouse. But it was currently +reported of Sir Robert Grierson of Lagg, another of the persecutors, that +a cup of wine placed in his hand turned to clotted blood.] But in truth, +Mr Morton, why should we care so much for death, light upon us or around +us whenever it may? Men die daily--not a bell tolls the hour but it is +the death-note of some one or other; and why hesitate to shorten the span +of others, or take over-anxious care to prolong our own? It is all a +lottery--when the hour of midnight came, you were to die--it has struck, +you are alive and safe, and the lot has fallen on those fellows who were +to murder you. It is not the expiring pang that is worth thinking of in +an event that must happen one day, and may befall us on any given moment +--it is the memory which the soldier leaves behind him, like the long +train of light that follows the sunken sun--that is all which is worth +caring for, which distinguishes the death of the brave or the ignoble. +When I think of death, Mr Morton, as a thing worth thinking of, it is in +the hope of pressing one day some well-fought and hard-won field of +battle, and dying with the shout of victory in my ear--that would be +worth dying for, and more, it would be worth having lived for!" + +At the moment when Grahame delivered these sentiments, his eye glancing +with the martial enthusiasm which formed such a prominent feature in his +character, a gory figure, which seemed to rise out of the floor of the +apartment, stood upright before him, and presented the wild person and +hideous features of the maniac so often mentioned. His face, where it was +not covered with blood-streaks, was ghastly pale, for the hand of death +was on him. He bent upon Claverhouse eyes, in which the grey light of +insanity still twinkled, though just about to flit for ever, and +exclaimed, with his usual wildness of ejaculation, "Wilt thou trust in +thy bow and in thy spear, in thy steed and in thy banner? And shall not +God visit thee for innocent blood?--Wilt thou glory in thy wisdom, and in +thy courage, and in thy might? And shall not the Lord judge thee?--Behold +the princes, for whom thou hast sold thy soul to the destroyer, shall be +removed from their place, and banished to other lands, and their names +shall be a desolation, and an astonishment, and a hissing, and a curse. +And thou, who hast partaken of the wine-cup of fury, and hast been +drunken and mad because thereof, the wish of thy heart shall be granted +to thy loss, and the hope of thine own pride shall destory thee. I summon +thee, John Grahame, to appear before the tribunal of God, to answer for +this innocent blood, and the seas besides which thou hast shed." + +He drew his right hand across his bleeding face, and held it up to heaven +as he uttered these words, which he spoke very loud, and then added more +faintly, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge +the blood of thy saints!" + +As he uttered the last word, he fell backwards without an attempt to save +himself, and was a dead man ere his head touched the floor. + +Morton was much shocked at this extraordinary scene, and the prophecy of +the dying man, which tallied so strangely with the wish which Claverhouse +had just expressed; and he often thought of it afterwards when that wish +seemed to be accomplished. Two of the dragoons who were in the apartment, +hardened as they were, and accustomed to such scenes, showed great +consternation at the sudden apparition, the event, and the words which +preceded it. Claverhouse alone was unmoved. At the first instant of +Mucklewrath's appearance, he had put his hand to his pistol, but on +seeing the situation of the wounded wretch, he immediately withdrew it, +and listened with great composure to his dying exclamation. + +When he dropped, Claverhouse asked, in an unconcerned tone of voice--"How +came the fellow here?--Speak, you staring fool!" he added, addressing the +nearest dragoon, "unless you would have me think you such a poltroon as +to fear a dying man." + +The dragoon crossed himself, and replied with a faltering voice,--"That +the dead fellow had escaped their notice when they removed the other +bodies, as he chanced to have fallen where a cloak or two had been flung +aside, and covered him." + +"Take him away now, then, you gaping idiot, and see that he does not bite +you, to put an old proverb to shame.--This is a new incident, Mr. Morton, +that dead men should rise and push us from our stools. I must see that my +blackguards grind their swords sharper; they used not to do their work so +slovenly.--But we have had a busy day; they are tired, and their blades +blunted with their bloody work; and I suppose you, Mr Morton, as well as +I, are well disposed for a few hours' repose." + +So saying, he yawned, and taking a candle which a soldier had placed +ready, saluted Morton courteously, and walked to the apartment which had +been prepared for him. + +Morton was also accommodated, for the evening, with a separate room. +Being left alone, his first occupation was the returning thanks to Heaven +for redeeming him from danger, even through the instrumentality of those +who seemed his most dangerous enemies; he also prayed sincerely for the +Divine assistance in guiding his course through times which held out so +many dangers and so many errors. And having thus poured out his spirit in +prayer before the Great Being who gave it, he betook himself to the +repose which he so much required. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV. + + The charge is prepared, the lawyers are met, + The judges all ranged--a terrible show! + Beggar's Opera. + +So deep was the slumber which succeeded the agitation and embarrassment +of the preceding day, that Morton hardly knew where he was when it was +broken by the tramp of horses, the hoarse voice of men, and the wild +sound of the trumpets blowing the /reveille/. The sergeant-major +immediately afterwards came to summon him, which he did in a very +respectful manner, saying the General (for Claverhouse now held that +rank) hoped for the pleasure of his company upon the road. In some +situations an intimation is a command, and Morton considered that the +present occasion was one of these. He waited upon Claverhouse as speedily +as he could, found his own horse saddled for his use, and Cuddie in +attendance. Both were deprived of their fire-arms, though they seemed, +otherwise, rather to make part of the troop than of the prisoners; and +Morton was permitted to retain his sword, the wearing which was, in those +days, the distinguishing mark of a gentleman. Claverhouse seemed also to +take pleasure in riding beside him, in conversing with him, and in +confounding his ideas when he attempted to appreciate his real character. +The gentleness and urbanity of that officer's general manners, the high +and chivalrous sentiments of military devotion which he occasionally +expressed, his deep and accurate insight into the human bosom, demanded +at once the approbation and the wonder of those who conversed with him; +while, on the other hand, his cold indifference to military violence and +cruelty seemed altogether inconsistent with the social, and even +admirable qualities which he displayed. Morton could not help, in his +heart, contrasting him with Balfour of Burley; and so deeply did the idea +impress him, that he dropped a hint of it as they rode together at some +distance from the troop. + +"You are right," said Claverhouse, with a smile; "you are very right--we +are both fanatics; but there is some distinction between the fanaticism +of honour and that of dark and sullen superstition." + +"Yet you both shed blood without mercy or remorse," said Morton, who +could not suppress his feelings. + +"Surely," said Claverhouse, with the same composure; "but of what kind?-- +There is a difference, I trust, between the blood of learned and reverend +prelates and scholars, of gallant soldiers and noble gentlemen, and the +red puddle that stagnates in the veins of psalm-singing mechanics, +crackbrained demagogues, and sullen boors;--some distinction, in short, +between spilling a flask of generous wine, and dashing down a can full of +base muddy ale?" + +"Your distinction is too nice for my comprehension," replied Morton. "God +gives every spark of life--that of the peasant as well as of the prince; +and those who destroy his work recklessly or causelessly, must answer in +either case. What right, for example, have I to General Grahame's +protection now, more than when I first met him?" + +"And narrowly escaped the consequences, you would say?" answered +Claverhouse--"why, I will answer you frankly. Then I thought I had to do +with the son of an old roundheaded rebel, and the nephew of a sordid +presbyterian laird; now I know your points better, and there is that +about you which I respect in an enemy as much as I like in a friend. I +have learned a good deal concerning you since our first meeting, and I +trust that you have found that my construction of the information has not +been unfavourable to you." + +"But yet," said Morton-- + +"But yet," interrupted Grahame, taking up the word, "you would say you +were the same when I first met you that you are now? True; but then, how +could I know that? though, by the by, even my reluctance to suspend your +execution may show you how high your abilities stood in my estimation." + +"Do you expect, General," said Morton, "that I ought to be particularly +grateful for such a mark of your esteem?" + +"Poh! poh! you are critical," returned Claverhouse. "I tell you I thought +you a different sort of person. Did you ever read Froissart?" + +"No," was Morton's answer. + +"I have half a mind," said Claverhouse, "to contrive you should have six +months' imprisonment in order to procure you that pleasure. His chapters +inspire me with more enthusiasm than even poetry itself. And the noble +canon, with what true chivalrous feeling he confines his beautiful +expressions of sorrow to the death of the gallant and high-bred knight, +of whom it was a pity to see the fall, such was his loyalty to his king, +pure faith to his religion, hardihood towards his enemy, and fidelity to +his lady-love!--Ah, benedicite! how he will mourn over the fall of such a +pearl of knighthood, be it on the side he happens to favour, or on the +other. But, truly, for sweeping from the face of the earth some few +hundreds of villain churls, who are born but to plough it, the high-born +and inquisitive historian has marvellous little sympathy,--as little, or +less, perhaps, than John Grahame of Claverhouse." + +"There is one ploughman in your possession, General, for whom," said +Morton, "in despite of the contempt in which you hold a profession which +some philosophers have considered as useful as that of a soldier, I would +humbly request your favour." + +"You mean," said Claverhouse, looking at a memorandum book, "one +Hatherick--Hedderick--or--or--Headrigg. Ay, Cuthbert, or Cuddie Headrigg +--here I have him. O, never fear him, if he will be but tractable. The +ladies of Tillietudlem made interest with me on his account some time +ago. He is to marry their waiting-maid, I think. He will be allowed to +slip off easy, unless his obstinacy spoils his good fortune." + +"He has no ambition to be a martyr, I believe," said Morton. + +"'Tis the better for him," said Claverhouse. "But, besides, although the +fellow had more to answer for, I should stand his friend, for the sake of +the blundering gallantry which threw him into the midst of our ranks last +night, when seeking assistance for you. I never desert any man who trusts +me with such implicit confidence. But, to deal sincerely with you, he has +been long in our eye.--Here, Halliday; bring me up the black book." + +The sergeant, having committed to his commander this ominous record of +the disaffected, which was arranged in alphabetical order, Claverhouse, +turning over the leaves as he rode on, began to read names as they +occurred. + +"Gumblegumption, a minister, aged 50, indulged, close, sly, and so forth +--Pooh! pooh!--He--He--I have him here--Heathercat; outlawed--a preacher +--a zealous Cameronian--keeps a conventicle among the Campsie hills-- +Tush!--O, here is Headrigg--Cuthbert; his mother a bitter puritan-- +himself a simple fellow--like to be forward in action, but of no genius +for plots--more for the hand than the head, and might be drawn to the +right side, but for his attachment to"--(Here Claverhouse looked at +Morton, and then shut the book and changed his tone.) "Faithful and true +are words never thrown away upon me, Mr Morton. You may depend on the +young man's safety." + +"Does it not revolt a mind like yours," said Morton, "to follow a system +which is to be supported by such minute enquiries after obscure +individuals?" + +"You do not suppose we take the trouble?" said the General, haughtily. +"The curates, for their own sakes, willingly collect all these materials +for their own regulation in each parish; they know best the black sheep +of the flock. I have had your picture for three years." + +"Indeed?" replied Morton. "Will you favour me by imparting it?" + +"Willingly," said Claverhouse; "it can signify little, for you cannot +avenge yourself on the curate, as you will probably leave Scotland for +some time." + +This was spoken in an indifferent tone. Morton felt an involuntary +shudder at hearing words which implied a banishment from his native land; +but ere he answered, Claverhouse proceeded to read, "Henry Morton, son of +Silas Morton, Colonel of horse for the Scottish Parliament, nephew and +apparent heir of Morton of Milnwood--imperfectly educated, but with +spirit beyond his years--excellent at all exercises--indifferent to forms +of religion, but seems to incline to the presbyterian--has high-flown and +dangerous notions about liberty of thought and speech, and hovers between +a latitudinarian and an enthusiast. Much admired and followed by the +youth of his own age--modest, quiet, and unassuming in manner, but in his +heart peculiarly bold and intractable. He is--Here follow three red +crosses, Mr Morton, which signify triply dangerous. You see how important +a person you are.--But what does this fellow want?" + +A horseman rode up as he spoke, and gave a letter. Claverhouse glanced it +over, laughed scornfully, bade him tell his master to send his prisoners +to Edinburgh, for there was no answer; and, as the man turned back, said +contemptuously to Morton--"Here is an ally of yours deserted from you, or +rather, I should say, an ally of your good friend Burley--Hear how he +sets forth--'Dear Sir,' (I wonder when we were such intimates,) 'may it +please your Excellency to accept my humble congratulations on the +victory'--hum--hum--'blessed his Majesty's army. I pray you to understand +I have my people under arms to take and intercept all fugitives, and have +already several prisoners,' and so forth. Subscribed Basil Olifant--You +know the fellow by name, I suppose?" + +"A relative of Lady Margaret Bellenden," replied Morton, "is he not?" + +"Ay," replied Grahame, "and heir-male of her father's family, though a +distant one, and moreover a suitor to the fair Edith, though discarded as +an unworthy one; but, above all, a devoted admirer of the estate of +Tillietudlem, and all thereunto belonging." + +"He takes an ill mode of recommending himself," said Morton, suppressing +his feelings, "to the family at Tillietudlem, by corresponding with our +unhappy party." + +"O, this precious Basil will turn cat in pan with any man!" replied +Claverhouse. "He was displeased with the government, because they would +not overturn in his favour a settlement of the late Earl of Torwood, by +which his lordship gave his own estate to his own daughter; he was +displeased with Lady Margaret, because she avowed no desire for his +alliance, and with the pretty Edith, because she did not like his tall +ungainly person. So he held a close correspondence with Burley, and +raised his followers with the purpose of helping him, providing always he +needed no help, that is, if you had beat us yesterday. And now the rascal +pretends he was all the while proposing the King's service, and, for +aught I know, the council will receive his pretext for current coin, for +he knows how to make friends among them--and a dozen scores of poor +vagabond fanatics will be shot, or hanged, while this cunning scoundrel +lies hid under the double cloak of loyalty, well-lined with the fox-fur +of hypocrisy." + +With conversation on this and other matters they beguiled the way, +Claverhouse all the while speaking with great frankness to Morton, and +treating him rather as a friend and companion than as a prisoner; so +that, however uncertain of his fate, the hours he passed in the company +of this remarkable man were so much lightened by the varied play of his +imagination, and the depth of his knowledge of human nature, that since +the period of his becoming a prisoner of war, which relieved him at once +from the cares of his doubtful and dangerous station among the +insurgents, and from the consequences of their suspicious resentment, his +hours flowed on less anxiously than at any time since his having +commenced actor in public life. He was now, with respect to his fortune, +like a rider who has flung his reins on the horse's neck, and, while he +abandoned himself to circumstances, was at least relieved from the task +of attempting to direct them. In this mood he journeyed on, the number of +his companions being continually augmented by detached parties of horse +who came in from every quarter of the country, bringing with them, for +the most part, the unfortunate persons who had fallen into their power. +At length they approached Edinburgh. + +"Our council," said Claverhouse, "being resolved, I suppose, to testify +by their present exultation the extent of their former terror, have +decreed a kind of triumphal entry to us victors and our captives; but as +I do not quite approve the taste of it, I am willing to avoid my own part +in the show, and, at the same time, to save you from yours." + +So saying, he gave up the command of the forces to Allan, (now a +Lieutenant-colonel,) and, turning his horse into a by-lane, rode into the +city privately, accompanied by Morton and two or three servants. When +Claverhouse arrived at the quarters which he usually occupied in the +Canongate, he assigned to his prisoner a small apartment, with an +intimation, that his parole confined him to it for the present. + +After about a quarter of an hour spent in solitary musing on the strange +vicissitudes of his late life, the attention of Morton was summoned to +the window by a great noise in the street beneath. Trumpets, drums, and +kettle-drums, contended in noise with the shouts of a numerous rabble, +and apprised him that the royal cavalry were passing in the triumphal +attitude which Claverhouse had mentioned. The magistrates of the city, +attended by their guard of halberds, had met the victors with their +welcome at the gate of the city, and now preceded them as a part of the +procession. The next object was two heads borne upon pikes; and before +each bloody head were carried the hands of the dismembered sufferers, +which were, by the brutal mockery of those who bore them, often +approached towards each other as if in the attitude of exhortation or +prayer. These bloody trophies belonged to two preachers who had fallen at +Bothwell Bridge. After them came a cart led by the executioner's +assistant, in which were placed Macbriar, and other two prisoners, who +seemed of the same profession. They were bareheaded, and strongly bound, +yet looked around them with an air rather of triumph than dismay, and +appeared in no respect moved either by the fate of their companions, of +which the bloody evidences were carried before them, or by dread of their +own approaching execution, which these preliminaries so plainly +indicated. + +Behind these prisoners, thus held up to public infamy and derision, came +a body of horse, brandishing their broadswords, and filling the wide +street with acclamations, which were answered by the tumultuous outcries +and shouts of the rabble, who, in every considerable town, are too happy +in being permitted to huzza for any thing whatever which calls them +together. In the rear of these troopers came the main body of the +prisoners, at the head of whom were some of their leaders, who were +treated with every circumstance of inventive mockery and insult. Several +were placed on horseback with their faces to the animal's tail; others +were chained to long bars of iron, which they were obliged to support in +their hands, like the galleyslaves in Spain when travelling to the port +where they are to be put on shipboard. The heads of others who had fallen +were borne in triumph before the survivors, some on pikes and halberds, +some in sacks, bearing the names of the slaughtered persons labelled on +the outside. Such were the objects who headed the ghastly procession, who +seemed as effectually doomed to death as if they wore the sanbenitos of +the condemned heretics in an auto-da-fe. [Note: David Hackston of +Rathillet, who was wounded and made prisoner in the skirmish of +Air's-Moss, in which the celebrated Cameron fell, was, on entering +Edinburgh, "by order of the Council, received by the Magistrates at the +Watergate, and set on a horse's bare back with his face to the tail, and +the other three laid on a goad of iron, and carried up the street, Mr +Cameron's head being on a halberd before them."] + +Behind them came on the nameless crowd to the number of several hundreds, +some retaining under their misfortunes a sense of confidence in the cause +for which they suffered captivity, and were about to give a still more +bloody testimony; others seemed pale, dispirited, dejected, questioning +in their own minds their prudence in espousing a cause which Providence +seemed to have disowned, and looking about for some avenue through which +they might escape from the consequences of their rashness. Others there +were who seemed incapable of forming an opinion on the subject, or of +entertaining either hope, confidence, or fear, but who, foaming with +thirst and fatigue, stumbled along like over-driven oxen, lost to every +thing but their present sense of wretchedness, and without having any +distinct idea whether they were led to the shambles or to the pasture. +These unfortunate men were guarded on each hand by troopers, and behind +them came the main body of the cavalry, whose military music resounded +back from the high houses on each side of the street, and mingled with +their own songs of jubilee and triumph, and the wild shouts of the +rabble. + +Morton felt himself heart-sick while he gazed on the dismal spectacle, +and recognised in the bloody heads, and still more miserable and agonized +features of the living sufferers, faces which had been familiar to him +during the brief insurrection. He sunk down in a chair in a bewildered +and stupified state, from which he was awakened by the voice of Cuddie. + +"Lord forgie us, sir!" said the poor fellow, his teeth chattering like a +pair of nut-crackers, his hair erect like boar's bristles, and his face +as pale as that of a corpse--"Lord forgie us, sir! we maun instantly gang +before the Council!--O Lord, what made them send for a puir bodie like +me, sae mony braw lords and gentles!--and there's my mither come on the +lang tramp frae Glasgow to see to gar me testify, as she ca's it, that is +to say, confess and be hanged; but deil tak me if they mak sic a guse o' +Cuddie, if I can do better. But here's Claverhouse himsell--the Lord +preserve and forgie us, I say anes mair!" + +"You must immediately attend the Council Mr Morton," said Claverhouse, +who entered while Cuddie spoke, "and your servant must go with you. You +need be under no apprehension for the consequences to yourself +personally. But I warn you that you will see something that will give you +much pain, and from which I would willingly have saved you, if I had +possessed the power. My carriage waits us--shall we go?" + +It will be readily supposed that Morton did not venture to dispute this +invitation, however unpleasant. He rose and accompanied Claverhouse. + +"I must apprise you," said the latter, as he led the way down stairs, +"that you will get off cheap; and so will your servant, provided he can +keep his tongue quiet." + +Cuddie caught these last words to his exceeding joy. + +"Deil a fear o' me," said he, "an my mither disna pit her finger in the +pie." + +At that moment his shoulder was seized by old Mause, who had contrived to +thrust herself forward into the lobby of the apartment. + +"O, hinny, hinny!" said she to Cuddie, hanging upon his neck, "glad and +proud, and sorry and humbled am I, a'in ane and the same instant, to see +my bairn ganging to testify for the truth gloriously with his mouth in +council, as he did with his weapon in the field!" + +"Whisht, whisht, mither!" cried Cuddie impatiently. "Odd, ye daft wife, +is this a time to speak o' thae things? I tell ye I'll testify naething +either ae gate or another. I hae spoken to Mr Poundtext, and I'll tak the +declaration, or whate'er they ca'it, and we're a' to win free off if we +do that--he's gotten life for himsell and a' his folk, and that's a +minister for my siller; I like nane o' your sermons that end in a psalm +at the Grassmarket." [Note: Then the place of public execution.] + +"O, Cuddie, man, laith wad I be they suld hurt ye," said old Mause, +divided grievously between the safety of her son's soul and that of his +body; "but mind, my bonny bairn, ye hae battled for the faith, and dinna +let the dread o' losing creature-comforts withdraw ye frae the gude +fight." + +"Hout tout, mither," replied Cuddie, "I hae fought e'en ower muckle +already, and, to speak plain, I'm wearied o'the trade. I hae swaggered +wi' a' thae arms, and muskets, and pistols, buffcoats, and bandoliers, +lang eneugh, and I like the pleughpaidle a hantle better. I ken naething +suld gar a man fight, (that's to say, when he's no angry,) by and +out-taken the dread o'being hanged or killed if he turns back." + +"But, my dear Cuddie," continued the persevering Mause, "your bridal +garment--Oh, hinny, dinna sully the marriage garment!" + +"Awa, awa, mither," replied. Cuddie; "dinna ye see the folks waiting for +me?--Never fear me--I ken how to turn this far better than ye do--for +ye're bleezing awa about marriage, and the job is how we are to win by +hanging." + +So saying, he extricated himself out of his mother's embraces, and +requested the soldiers who took him in charge to conduct him to the place +of examination without delay. He had been already preceded by Claverhouse +and Morton. + + + + + CHAPTER XV. + + My native land, good night! + Lord Byron. + +The Privy Council of Scotland, in whom the practice since the union of +the crowns vested great judicial powers, as well as the general +superintendence of the executive department, was met in the ancient dark +Gothic room, adjoining to the House of Parliament in Edinburgh, when +General Grahame entered and took his place amongst the members at the +council table. + +"You have brought us a leash of game to-day, General," said a nobleman of +high place amongst them. "Here is a craven to confess--a cock of the game +to stand at bay--and what shall I call the third, General?" + +"Without further metaphor, I will entreat your Grace to call him a person +in whom I am specially interested," replied Claverhouse. + +"And a whig into the bargain?" said the nobleman, lolling out a tongue +which was at all times too big for his mouth, and accommodating his +coarse features to a sneer, to which they seemed to be familiar. + +"Yes, please your Grace, a whig; as your Grace was in 1641," replied +Claverhouse, with his usual appearance of imperturbable civility. + +"He has you there, I think, my Lord Duke," said one of the Privy +Councillors. + +"Ay, ay," returned the Duke, laughing, "there's no speaking to him since +Drumclog--but come, bring in the prisoners--and do you, Mr Clerk, read +the record." + +The clerk read forth a bond, in which General Grahame of Claverhouse and +Lord Evandale entered themselves securities, that Henry Morton, younger +of Milnwood, should go abroad and remain in foreign parts, until his +Majesty's pleasure was further known, in respect of the said Henry +Morton's accession to the late rebellion, and that under penalty of life +and limb to the said Henry Morton, and of ten thousand marks to each of +his securities. + +"Do you accept of the King's mercy upon these terms, Mr Morton?" said the +Duke of Lauderdale, who presided in the Council. + +"I have no other choice, my lord," replied Morton. + +"Then subscribe your name in the record." + +Morton did so without reply, conscious that, in the circumstances of his +case, it was impossible for him to have escaped more easily. Macbriar, +who was at the same instant brought to the foot of the council-table, +bound upon a chair, for his weakness prevented him from standing, beheld +Morton in the act of what he accounted apostasy. + +"He hath summed his defection by owning the carnal power of the tyrant!" +he exclaimed, with a deep groan--"A fallen star!--a fallen star!" + +"Hold your peace, sir," said the Duke, "and keep your ain breath to cool +your ain porridge--ye'll find them scalding hot, I promise you.--Call in +the other fellow, who has some common sense. One sheep will leap the +ditch when another goes first." + +Cuddie was introduced unbound, but under the guard of two halberdiers, +and placed beside Macbriar at the foot of the table. The poor fellow cast +a piteous look around him, in which were mingled awe for the great men in +whose presence he stood, and compassion for his fellow-sufferers, with no +small fear of the personal consequences which impended over himself. He +made his clownish obeisances with a double portion of reverence, and then +awaited the opening of the awful scene. + +"Were you at the battle of Bothwell Brigg?" was the first question which +was thundered in his ears. + +Cuddie meditated a denial, but had sense enough, upon reflection, to +discover that the truth would be too strong for him; so he replied, with +true Caledonian indirectness of response, "I'll no say but it may be +possible that I might hae been there." + +"Answer directly, you knave--yes, or no?--You know you were there." + +"It's no for me to contradict your Lordship's Grace's honour," said +Cuddie. + +"Once more, sir, were you there?--yes, or no?" said the Duke, +impatiently. + +"Dear stir," again replied Cuddie, "how can ane mind preceesely where +they hae been a' the days o' their life?" + +"Speak out, you scoundrel," said General Dalzell, "or I'll dash your +teeth out with my dudgeonhaft!--Do you think we can stand here all day to +be turning and dodging with you, like greyhounds after a hare?" [Note: +The General is said to have struck one of the captive whigs, when under +examination, with the hilt of his sabre, so that the blood gushed out. +The provocation for this unmanly violence was, that the prisoner had +called the fierce veteran "a Muscovy beast, who used to roast men." +Dalzell had been long in the Russian service, which in those days was no +school of humanity.] + +"Aweel, then," said Cuddie, "since naething else will please ye, write +down that I cannot deny but I was there." + +"Well, sir," said the Duke, "and do you think that the rising upon that +occasion was rebellion or not?" + +"I'm no just free to gie my opinion, stir," said the cautious captive, +"on what might cost my neck; but I doubt it will be very little better." + +"Better than what?" + +"Just than rebellion, as your honour ca's it," replied Cuddie. + +"Well, sir, that's speaking to the purpose," replied his Grace. "And are +you content to accept of the King's pardon for your guilt as a rebel, and +to keep the church, and pray for the King?" + +"Blithely, stir," answered the unscrupulous Cuddie; "and drink his health +into the bargain, when the ale's gude." + +"Egad," said the Duke, "this is a hearty cock.--What brought you into +such a scrape, mine honest friend?" + +"Just ill example, stir," replied the prisoner, "and a daft auld jaud of +a mither, wi' reverence to your Grace's honour." + +"Why, God-a-mercy, my friend," replied the Duke, "take care of bad advice +another time; I think you are not likely to commit treason on your own +score.--Make out his free pardon, and bring forward the rogue in the +chair." + +Macbriar was then moved forward to the post of examination. + +"Were you at the battle of Bothwell Bridge?" was, in like manner, +demanded of him. + +"I was," answered the prisoner, in a bold and resolute tone. + +"Were you armed?" + +"I was not--I went in my calling as a preacher of God's word, to +encourage them that drew the sword in His cause." + +"In other words, to aid and abet the rebels?" said the Duke. + +"Thou hast spoken it," replied the prisoner. + +"Well, then," continued the interrogator, "let us know if you saw John +Balfour of Burley among the party?--I presume you know him?" + +"I bless God that I do know him," replied Macbriar; "he is a zealous and +a sincere Christian." + +"And when and where did you last see this pious personage?" was the query +which immediately followed. + +"I am here to answer for myself," said Macbriar, in the same dauntless +manner, "and not to endanger others." + +"We shall know," said Dalzell, "how to make you find your tongue." + +"If you can make him fancy himself in a conventicle," answered +Lauderdale, "he will find it without you.--Come, laddie, speak while the +play is good--you're too young to bear the burden will be laid on you +else." + +"I defy you," retorted Macbriar. "This has not been the first of my +imprisonments or of my sufferings; and, young as I may be, I have lived +long enough to know how to die when I am called upon." + +"Ay, but there are some things which must go before an easy death, if you +continue obstinate," said Lauderdale, and rung a small silver bell which +was placed before him on the table. + +A dark crimson curtain, which covered a sort of niche, or Gothic recess +in the wall, rose at the signal, and displayed the public executioner, a +tall, grim, and hideous man, having an oaken table before him, on which +lay thumb-screws, and an iron case, called the Scottish boot, used in +those tyrannical days to torture accused persons. Morton, who was +unprepared for this ghastly apparition, started when the curtain arose, +but Macbriar's nerves were more firm. He gazed upon the horrible +apparatus with much composure; and if a touch of nature called the blood +from his cheek for a second, resolution sent it back to his brow with +greater energy. + +"Do you know who that man is?" said Lauderdale, in a low, stern voice, +almost sinking into a whisper. + +"He is, I suppose," replied Macbriar, "the infamous executioner of your +bloodthirsty commands upon the persons of God's people. He and you are +equally beneath my regard; and, I bless God, I no more fear what he can +inflict than what you can command. Flesh and blood may shrink under the +sufferings you can doom me to, and poor frail nature may shed tears, or +send forth cries; but I trust my soul is anchored firmly on the rock of +ages." + +"Do your duty," said the Duke to the executioner. + +The fellow advanced, and asked, with a harsh and discordant voice, upon +which of the prisoner's limbs he should first employ his engine. + +"Let him choose for himself," said the Duke; "I should like to oblige him +in any thing that is reasonable." + +"Since you leave it to me," said the prisoner, stretching forth his right +leg, "take the best--I willingly bestow it in the cause for which I +suffer." [Note: This was the reply actually made by James Mitchell when +subjected to the torture of the boot, for an attempt to assassinate +Archbishop Sharpe.] + +The executioner, with the help of his assistants, enclosed the leg and +knee within the tight iron boot, or case, and then placing a wedge of the +same metal between the knee and the edge of the machine, took a mallet in +his hand, and stood waiting for farther orders. A well-dressed man, by +profession a surgeon, placed himself by the other side of the prisoner's +chair, bared the prisoner's arm, and applied his thumb to the pulse in +order to regulate the torture according to the strength of the patient. +When these preparations were made, the President of the Council repeated +with the same stern voice the question, "When and where did you last see +John Balfour of Burley?" + +The prisoner, instead of replying to him, turned his eyes to heaven as if +imploring Divine strength, and muttered a few words, of which the last +were distinctly audible, "Thou hast said thy people shall be willing in +the day of thy power!" + +The Duke of Lauderdale glanced his eye around the council as if to +collect their suffrages, and, judging from their mute signs, gave on his +own part a nod to the executioner, whose mallet instantly descended on +the wedge, and, forcing it between the knee and the iron boot, occasioned +the most exquisite pain, as was evident from the flush which instantly +took place on the brow and on the cheeks of the sufferer. The fellow then +again raised his weapon, and stood prepared to give a second blow. + +"Will you yet say," repeated the Duke of Lauderdale, "where and when you +last parted from Balfour of Burley?" + +"You have my answer," said the sufferer resolutely, and the second blow +fell. The third and fourth succeeded; but at the fifth, when a larger +wedge had been introduced, the prisoner set up a scream of agony. + +Morton, whose blood boiled within him at witnessing such cruelty, could +bear no longer, and, although unarmed and himself in great danger, was +springing forward, when Claverhouse, who observed his emotion, withheld +him by force, laying one hand on his arm and the other on his mouth, +while he whispered, "For God's sake, think where you are!" + +This movement, fortunately for him, was observed by no other of the +councillors, whose attention was engaged with the dreadful scene before +them. + +"He is gone," said the surgeon--"he has fainted, my Lords, and human +nature can endure no more." + +"Release him," said the Duke; and added, turning to Dalzell, "He will +make an old proverb good, for he'll scarce ride to-day, though he has had +his boots on. I suppose we must finish with him?" + +"Ay, dispatch his sentence, and have done with him; we have plenty of +drudgery behind." + +Strong waters and essences were busily employed to recall the senses of +the unfortunate captive; and, when his first faint gasps intimated a +return of sensation, the Duke pronounced sentence of death upon him, as a +traitor taken in the act of open rebellion, and adjudged him to be +carried from the bar to the common place of execution, and there hanged +by the neck; his head and hands to be stricken off after death, and +disposed of according to the pleasure of the Council, [Note: The pleasure +of the Council respecting the relics of their victims was often as savage +as the rest of their conduct. The heads of the preachers were frequently +exposed on pikes between their two hands, the palms displayed as in the +attitude of prayer. When the celebrated Richard Cameron's head was +exposed in this manner, a spectator bore testimony to it as that of one +who lived praying and preaching, and died praying and fighting.] and all +and sundry his movable goods and gear escheat and inbrought to his +Majesty's use. + +"Doomster," he continued, "repeat the sentence to the prisoner." + +The office of Doomster was in those days, and till a much later period, +held by the executioner in commendam, with his ordinary functions. [Note: +See a note on the subject of this office in the Heart of Mid-Lothian.] +The duty consisted in reciting to the unhappy criminal the sentence of +the law as pronounced by the judge, which acquired an additional and +horrid emphasis from the recollection, that the hateful personage by whom +it was uttered was to be the agent of the cruelties he denounced. +Macbriar had scarce understood the purport of the words as first +pronounced by the Lord President of the Council; but he was sufficiently +recovered to listen and to reply to the sentence when uttered by the +harsh and odious voice of the ruffian who was to execute it, and at the +last awful words, "And this I pronounce for doom," he answered boldly--" +My Lords, I thank you for the only favour I looked for, or would accept +at your hands, namely, that you have sent the crushed and maimed carcass, +which has this day sustained your cruelty, to this hasty end. It were +indeed little to me whether I perish on the gallows or in the +prison-house; but if death, following close on what I have this day +suffered, had found me in my cell of darkness and bondage, many might +have lost the sight how a Christian man can suffer in the good cause. For +the rest, I forgive you, my Lords, for what you have appointed and I have +sustained--And why should I not?--Ye send me to a happy exchange--to the +company of angels and the spirits of the just, for that of frail dust and +ashes--Ye send me from darkness into day--from mortality to immortality-- +and, in a word, from earth to heaven!--If the thanks, therefore, and +pardon of a dying man can do you good, take them at my hand, and may your +last moments be as happy as mine!" + +As he spoke thus, with a countenance radiant with joy and triumph, he was +withdrawn by those who had brought him into the apartment, and executed +within half an hour, dying with the same enthusiastic firmness which his +whole life had evinced. + +The Council broke up, and Morton found himself again in the carriage with +General Grahame. + +"Marvellous firmness and gallantry!" said Morton, as he reflected upon +Macbriar's conduct; "what a pity it is that with such self-devotion and +heroism should have been mingled the fiercer features of his sect!" + +"You mean," said Claverhouse, "his resolution to condemn you to death?-- +To that he would have reconciled himself by a single text; for example, +'And Phinehas arose and executed judgment,' or something to the same +purpose.--But wot ye where you are now bound, Mr Morton?" + +"We are on the road to Leith, I observe," answered Morton. "Can I not be +permitted to see my friends ere I leave my native land?" + +"Your uncle," replied Grahame, "has been spoken to, and declines visiting +you. The good gentleman is terrified, and not without some reason, that +the crime of your treason may extend itself over his lands and tenements +--he sends you, however, his blessing, and a small sum of money. Lord +Evandale continues extremely indisposed. Major Bellenden is at +Tillietudlem putting matters in order. The scoundrels have made great +havoc there with Lady Margaret's muniments of antiquity, and have +desecrated and destroyed what the good lady called the Throne of his most +Sacred Majesty. Is there any one else whom you would wish to see?" + +Morton sighed deeply as he answered, "No--it would avail nothing.--But my +preparations,--small as they are, some must be necessary." + +"They are all ready for you," said the General. "Lord Evandale has +anticipated all you wish. Here is a packet from him with letters of +recommendation for the court of the Stadtholder Prince of Orange, to +which I have added one or two. I made my first campaigns under him, and +first saw fire at the battle of Seneff. [Note: August 1674. Claverhouse +greatly distinguished himself in this action, and was made Captain.] +There are also bills of exchange for your immediate wants, and more will +be sent when you require it." + +Morton heard all this and received the parcel with an astounded and +confused look, so sudden was the execution of the sentence of banishment. + +"And my servant?" he said. + +"He shall be taken care of, and replaced, if it be practicable, in the +service of Lady Margaret Bellenden; I think he will hardly neglect the +parade of the feudal retainers, or go a-whigging a second time.--But here +we are upon the quay, and the boat waits you." + +It was even as Claverhouse said. A boat waited for Captain Morton, with +the trunks and baggage belonging to his rank. Claverhouse shook him by +the hand, and wished him good fortune, and a happy return to Scotland in +quieter times. + +"I shall never forget," he said, "the gallantry of your behaviour to my +friend Evandale, in circumstances when many men would have sought to rid +him out of their way." + +Another friendly pressure, and they parted. As Morton descended the pier +to get into the boat, a hand placed in his a letter folded up in very +small space. He looked round. The person who gave it seemed much muffled +up; he pressed his finger upon his lip, and then disappeared among the +crowd. The incident awakened Morton's curiosity; and when he found +himself on board of a vessel bound for Rotterdam, and saw all his +companions of the voyage busy making their own arrangements, he took an +opportunity to open the billet thus mysteriously thrust upon him. It ran +thus:--" Thy courage on the fatal day when Israel fled before his +enemies, hath, in some measure, atoned for thy unhappy owning of the +Erastian interest. These are not days for Ephraim to strive with Israel. +--I know thy heart is with the daughter of the stranger. But turn from +that folly; for in exile, and in flight, and even in death itself, shall +my hand be heavy against that bloody and malignant house, and Providence +hath given me the means of meting unto them with their own measure of +ruin and confiscation. The resistance of their stronghold was the main +cause of our being scattered at Bothwell Bridge, and I have bound it upon +my soul to visit it upon them. Wherefore, think of her no more, but join +with our brethren in banishment, whose hearts are still towards this +miserable land to save and to relieve her. There is an honest remnant in +Holland whose eyes are looking out for deliverance. Join thyself unto +them like the true son of the stout and worthy Silas Morton, and thou +wilt have good acceptance among them for his sake and for thine own +working. Shouldst thou be found worthy again to labour in the vineyard, +thou wilt at all times hear of my in-comings and out-goings, by enquiring +after Quintin Mackell of Irongray, at the house of that singular +Christian woman, Bessie Maclure, near to the place called the Howff, +where Niel Blane entertaineth guests. So much from him who hopes to hear +again from thee in brotherhood, resisting unto blood, and striving +against sin. Meanwhile, possess thyself in patience. Keep thy sword +girded, and thy lamp burning, as one that wakes in the night; for He who +shall judge the Mount of Esau, and shall make false professors as straw, +and malignants as stubble, will come in the fourth watch with garments +dyed in blood, and the house of Jacob shall be for spoil, and the house +of Joseph for fire. I am he that hath written it, whose hand hath been on +the mighty in the waste field." + +This extraordinary letter was subscribed J. B. of B.; but the signature +of these initials was not necessary for pointing out to Morton that it +could come from no other than Burley. It gave him new occasion to admire +the indomitable spirit of this man, who, with art equal to his courage +and obstinacy, was even now endeavouring to re-establish the web of +conspiracy which had been so lately torn to pieces. But he felt no sort +of desire, in the present moment, to sustain a correspondence which must +be perilous, or to renew an association, which, in so many ways, had been +nearly fatal to him. The threats which Burley held out against the family +of Bellenden, he considered as a mere expression of his spleen on account +of their defence of Tillietudlem; and nothing seemed less likely than +that, at the very moment of their party being victorious, their fugitive +and distressed adversary could exercise the least influence over their +fortunes. + +Morton, however, hesitated for an instant, whether he should not send +the Major or Lord Evandale intimation of Burley's threats. Upon +consideration, he thought he could not do so without betraying his +confidential correspondence; for to warn them of his menaces would have +served little purpose, unless he had given them a clew to prevent them, +by apprehending his person; while, by doing so, he deemed he should +commit an ungenerous breach of trust to remedy an evil which seemed +almost imaginary. Upon mature consideration, therefore, he tore the +letter, having first made a memorandum of the name and place where the +writer was to be heard of, and threw the fragments into the sea. + +While Morton was thus employed the vessel was unmoored, and the white +sails swelled out before a favourable north-west wind. The ship leaned +her side to the gale, and went roaring through the waves, leaving a long +and rippling furrow to track her course. The city and port from which he +had sailed became undistinguishable in the distance; the hills by which +they were surrounded melted finally into the blue sky, and Morton was +separated for several years from the land of his nativity. + + + + + CHAPTER XVI. + + Whom does time gallop withal? + As You Like It. + +It is fortunate for tale-tellers that they are not tied down like +theatrical writers to the unities of time and place, but may conduct +their personages to Athens and Thebes at their pleasure, and bring them +back at their convenience. Time, to use Rosalind's simile, has hitherto +paced with the hero of our tale; for betwixt Morton's first appearance as +a competitor for the popinjay and his final departure for Holland hardly +two months elapsed. Years, however, glided away ere we find it possible +to resume the thread of our narrative, and Time must be held to have +galloped over the interval. Craving, therefore, the privilege of my cast, +I entreat the reader's attention to the continuation of the narrative, as +it starts from a new era, being the year immediately subsequent to the +British Revolution. + +Scotland had just begun to repose from the convulsion occasioned by a +change of dynasty, and, through the prudent tolerance of King William, +had narrowly escaped the horrors of a protracted civil war. Agriculture +began to revive, and men, whose minds had been disturbed by the violent +political concussions, and the general change of government in Church and +State, had begun to recover their ordinary temper, and to give the usual +attention to their own private affairs, in lieu of discussing those of +the public. The Highlanders alone resisted the newly established order of +things, and were in arms in a considerable body under the Viscount of +Dundee, whom our readers have hitherto known by the name of Grahame of +Claverhouse. But the usual state of the Highlands was so unruly that +their being more or less disturbed was not supposed greatly to affect the +general tranquillity of the country, so long as their disorders were +confined within their own frontiers. In the Lowlands, the Jacobites, now +the undermost party, had ceased to expect any immediate advantage by open +resistance, and were, in their turn, driven to hold private meetings, and +form associations for mutual defence, which the government termed +treason, while they cried out persecution. + +The triumphant Whigs, while they re-established Presbytery as the +national religion, and assigned to the General Assemblies of the Kirk +their natural influence, were very far from going the lengths which the +Cameronians and more extravagant portion of the nonconformists under +Charles and James loudly demanded. They would listen to no proposal for +re-establishing the Solemn League and Covenant; and those who had +expected to find in King William a zealous Covenanted Monarch, were +grievously disappointed when he intimated, with the phlegm peculiar to +his country, his intention to tolerate all forms of religion which were +consistent with the safety of the State. The principles of indulgence +thus espoused and gloried in by the Government gave great offence to the +more violent party, who condemned them as diametrically contrary to +Scripture,--for which narrow-spirited doctrine they cited various texts, +all, as it may well be supposed, detached from their context, and most of +them derived from the charges given to the Jews in the Old Testament +dispensation to extirpate idolaters out of the Promised Land. They also +murmured highly against the influence assumed by secular persons in +exercising the rights of patronage, which they termed a rape upon the +chastity of the Church. They censured and condemned as Erastian many of +the measures by which Government after the Revolution showed an +inclination to interfere with the management of the Church, and they +positively refused to take the oath of allegiance to King William and +Queen Mary until they should, on their part, have sworn to the Solemn +League--and Covenant, the Magna Charta, as they termed it, of the +Presbyterian Church. + +This party, therefore, remained grumbling and dissatisfied, and made +repeated declarations against defections and causes of wrath, which, had +they been prosecuted as in the two former reigns, would have led to the +same consequence of open rebellion. But as the murmurers were allowed to +hold their meetings uninterrupted, and to testify as much as they pleased +against Socinianism, Erastianism, and all the compliances and defections +of the time, their zeal, unfanned by persecution, died gradually away, +their numbers became diminished, and they sunk into the scattered remnant +of serious, scrupulous, and harmless enthusiasts, of whom Old Mortality, +whose legends have afforded the groundwork of my tale, may be taken as no +bad representative. But in the years which immediately succeeded the +Revolution, the Cameronians continued a sect strong in numbers and +vehement in their political opinions, whom Government wished to +discourage, while they prudently temporised with them. These men formed +one violent party in the State; and the Episcopalian and Jacobite +interest, notwithstanding their ancient and national animosity, yet +repeatedly endeavoured to intrigue among them, and avail themselves of +their discontents, to obtain their assistance in recalling the Stewart +family. The Revolutionary Government in the mean while, was supported by +the great bulk of the Lowland interest, who were chiefly disposed to a +moderate Presbytery, and formed in a great measure the party who in the +former oppressive reigns were stigmatized by the Cameronians for having +exercised that form of worship under the declaration of Indulgence issued +by Charles II. Such was the state of parties in Scotland immediately +subsequent to the Revolution. + +It was on a delightful summer evening that a stranger, well mounted, and +having the appearance of a military man of rank, rode down a winding +descent which terminated in view of the romantic ruins of Bothwell Castle +and the river Clyde, which winds so beautifully between rocks and woods +to sweep around the towers formerly built by Aymer de Valence. Bothwell +Bridge was at a little distance, and also in sight. The opposite field, +once the scene of slaughter and conflict, now lay as placid and quiet as +the surface of a summer lake. The trees and bushes, which grew around in +romantic variety of shade, were hardly seen to stir under the influence +of the evening breeze. The very murmur of the river seemed to soften +itself into unison with the stillness of the scene around. + +The path through which the traveller descended was occasionally shaded by +detached trees of great size, and elsewhere by the hedges and boughs of +flourishing orchards, now laden with summer fruits. + +The nearest object of consequence was a farmhouse, or, it might be, the +abode of a small proprietor, situated on the side of a sunny bank which +was covered by apple and pear trees. At the foot of the path which led up +to this modest mansion was a small cottage, pretty much in the situation +of a porter's lodge, though obviously not designed for such a purpose. +The hut seemed comfortable, and more neatly arranged than is usual in +Scotland. It had its little garden, where some fruit-trees and bushes +were mingled with kitchen herbs; a cow and six sheep fed in a paddock +hard by; the cock strutted and crowed, and summoned his family around him +before the door; a heap of brushwood and turf, neatly made up, indicated +that the winter fuel was provided; and the thin blue smoke which ascended +from the straw-bound chimney, and winded slowly out from among the green +trees, showed that the evening meal was in the act of being made ready. +To complete the little scene of rural peace and coinfort, a girl of about +five years old was fetching water in a pitcher from a beautiful fountain +of the purest transparency, which bubbled up at the root of a decayed old +oak-tree about twenty yards from the end of the cottage. + +The stranger reined up his horse and called to the little nymph, desiring +to know the way to Fairy Knowe. The child set down her water-pitcher, +hardly understanding what was said to her, put her fair flaxen hair apart +on her brows, and opened her round blue eyes with the wondering "What's +your wull?" which is usually a peasant's first answer, if it can be +called one, to all questions whatever. + +"I wish to know the way to Fairy Knowe." + +"Mammie, mammie," exclaimed the little rustic, running towards the door +of the hut, "come out and speak to the gentleman." + +Her mother appeared,--a handsome young country-woman, to whose features, +originally sly and espiegle in expression, matrimony had given that +decent matronly air which peculiarly marks the peasant's wife of +Scotland. She had an infant in one arm, and with the other she smoothed +down her apron, to which hung a chubby child of two years old. The elder +girl, whom the traveller had first seen, fell back behind her mother as +soon as she appeared, and kept that station, occasionally peeping out to +look at the stranger. + +"What was your pleasure, sir?" said the woman, with an air of respectful +breeding not quite common in her rank of life, but without anything +resembling forwardness. + +The stranger looked at her with great earnestness for a moment, and then +replied, "I am seeking a place called Fairy Knowe, and a man called +Cuthbert Headrigg. You can probably direct me to him?" + +"It's my gudeman, sir," said the young woman, with a smile of welcome. +"Will you alight, sir, and come into our puir dwelling?--Cuddie, +Cuddie,"--a white-headed rogue of four years appeared at the door of the +hut--"rin awa, my bonny man, and tell your father a gentleman wants him. +Or, stay,--Jenny, ye'll hae mair sense: rin ye awa and tell him; he's +down at the Four-acres Park.--Winna ye light down and bide a blink, sir? +Or would ye take a mouthfu' o' bread and cheese, or a drink o' ale, till +our gudeman comes. It's gude ale, though I shouldna say sae that brews +it; but ploughmanlads work hard, and maun hae something to keep their +hearts abune by ordinar, sae I aye pit a gude gowpin o' maut to the +browst." + +As the stranger declined her courteous offers, Cuddie, the reader's old +acquaintance, made his appearance in person. His countenance still +presented the same mixture of apparent dulness with occasional sparkles, +which indicated the craft so often found in the clouted shoe. He looked +on the rider as on one whom he never had before seen, and, like his +daughter and wife, opened the conversation with the regular query, +"What's your wull wi' me, sir?" + +"I have a curiosity to ask some questions about this country," said the +traveller, "and I was directed to you as an intelligent man who can +answer them." + +"Nae doubt, sir," said Cuddie, after a moment's hesitation. "But I would +first like to ken what sort of questions they are. I hae had sae mony +questions speered at me in my day, and in sic queer ways, that if ye kend +a', ye wadna wonder at my jalousing a' thing about them. My mother gar 'd +me learn the Single Carritch, whilk was a great vex; then I behoved to +learn about my godfathers and godmothers to please the auld leddy; and +whiles I jumbled them thegether and pleased nane o' them; and when I cam +to man's yestate, cam another kind o' questioning in fashion that I liked +waur than Effectual Calling; and the 'did promise and vow' of the tape +were yokit to the end o' the tother. Sae ye see, sir, I aye like to hear +questions asked befor I answer them." + +"You have nothing to apprehend from mine, my good friend; they only +relate to the state of the country." + +"Country?" replied Cuddie; "ou, the country's weel eneugh, an it werena +that dour deevil, Claver'se (they ca' him Dundee now), that's stirring +about yet in the Highlands, they say, wi' a' the Donalds and Duncans and +Dugalds, that ever wore bottomless breeks, driving about wi' him, to set +things asteer again, now we hae gotten them a' reasonably weel settled. +But Mackay will pit him down, there's little doubt o' that; he'll gie him +his fairing, I'll be caution for it." + +"What makes you so positive of that, my friend?" asked the horseman. + +"I heard it wi' my ain lugs," answered Cuddie, foretauld to him by a man +that had been three hours stane dead, and came back to this earth again +just to tell him his mind. It was at a place they ca' Drumshinnel." + +"Indeed?" said the stranger. "I can hardly believe you, my friend." + +"Ye might ask my mither, then, if she were in life," said Cuddie; "it was +her explained it a' to me, for I thought the man had only been wounded. +At ony rate, he spake of the casting out of the Stewarts by their very +names, and the vengeance that was brewing for Claver'se and his dragoons. +They ca'd the man Habakkuk Mucklewrath; his brain was a wee ajee, but he +was a braw preacher for a' that." + +"You seem," said the stranger, "to live in a rich and peaceful country." + +"It's no to compleen o', sir, an we get the crap weel in," quoth Cuddie; +"but if ye had seen the blude rinnin' as fast on the tap o' that brigg +yonder as ever the water ran below it, ye wadna hae thought it sae bonnie +a spectacle." + +"You mean the battle some years since? I was waiting upon Monmouth that +morning, my good friend, and did see some part of the action," said the +stranger. + +"Then ye saw a bonny stour," said Cuddie, "that sail serve me for +fighting a' the days o' my life. I judged ye wad be a trooper, by your +red scarlet lace-coat and your looped hat." + +"And which side were you upon, my friend?" continued the inquisitive +stranger. + +"Aha, lad?" retorted Cuddie, with a knowing look, or what he designed for +such,--"there 's nae use in telling that, unless I kend wha was asking +me." + +"I commend your prudence, but it is unnecessary; I know you acted on that +occasion as servant to Henry Morton." + +"Ay!" said Cuddie, in surprise, "how came ye by that secret? No that I +need care a bodee about it, for the sun's on our side o' the hedge now. I +wish my master were living to get a blink o't" + +"And what became of him?" said the rider. + +"He was lost in the vessel gaun to that weary Holland,--clean lost; and +a' body perished, and my poor master amang them. Neither man nor mouse +was ever heard o' mair." Then Cuddie uttered a groan. + +"You had some regard for him, then?" continued the stranger. + +"How could I help it? His face was made of a fiddle, as they say, for a' +body that looked on him liked him. And a braw soldier he was. Oh, an ye +had but seen him down at the brigg there, fleeing about like a fleeing +dragon to gar folk fight that had unto little will till 't! There was he +and that sour Whigamore they ca'd Burley: if twa men could hae won a +field, we wadna hae gotten our skins paid that day." + +"You mention Burley: do you know if he yet lives?" + +"I kenna muckle about him. Folk say he was abroad, and our sufferers wad +hold no communion wi' him, because o' his having murdered the archbishop. +Sae he cam hame ten times dourer than ever, and broke aff wi' mony o' the +Presbyterians; and at this last coming of the Prince of Orange he could +get nae countenance nor command for fear of his deevilish temper, and he +hasna been heard of since; only some folk say that pride and anger hae +driven him clean wud." + +"And--and," said the traveller, after considerable hesitation,--"do you +know anything of Lord Evan dale?" + +"Div I ken onything o' Lord Evandale? Div I no? Is not my young leddy up +by yonder at the house, that's as gude as married to him?" + +"And are they not married, then?" said the rider, hastily. + +"No, only what they ca' betrothed,--me and my wife were witnesses. It's +no mony months bypast; it was a lang courtship,--few folk kend the reason +by Jenny and mysell. But will ye no light down? I downa bide to see ye +sitting up there, and the clouds are casting up thick in the west ower +Glasgow-ward, and maist skeily folk think that bodes rain." + +In fact, a deep black cloud had already surmounted the setting sun; a few +large drops of rain fell, and the murmurs of distant thunder were heard. + +"The deil's in this man," said Cuddie to himself; "I wish he would either +light aff or ride on, that he may quarter himsell in Hamilton or the +shower begin." + +But the rider sate motionless on his horse for two or three moments after +his last question, like one exhausted by some uncommon effort. At length, +recovering himself as if with a sudden and painful effort, he asked +Cuddie "if Lady Margaret Bellenden still lived." + +"She does," replied Cuddie, "but in a very sma' way. They hae been a sad +changed family since thae rough times began; they hae suffered eneugh +first and last,--and to lose the auld Tower and a' the bonny barony and +the holms that I hae pleughed sae often, and the Mains, and my kale-yard, +that I suld hae gotten back again, and a' for naething, as 'a body may +say, but just the want o' some bits of sheep-skin that were lost in the +confusion of the taking of Tillietudlem." + +"I have heard something of this," said the stranger, deepening his voice +and averting his head. "I have some interest in the family, and would +willingly help them if I could. Can you give me a bed in your house +to-night, my friend?" + +"It's but a corner of a place, sir," said Cuddie, "but we'se try, rather +than ye suld ride on in the rain and thunner; for, to be free wi' ye, +sir, I think ye seem no that ower weel." + +"I am liable to a dizziness," said the stranger, but it will soon wear +off." + +"I ken we can gie ye a decent supper, sir," said Cuddie; "and we'll see +about a bed as weel as we can. We wad be laith a stranger suld lack what +we have, though we are jimply provided for in beds rather; for Jenny has +sae mony bairns (God bless them and her) that troth I maun speak to Lord +Evandale to gie us a bit eik, or outshot o' some sort, to the onstead." + +"I shall be easily accommodated," said the stranger, as he entered the +house. + +"And ye may rely on your naig being weel sorted," said Cuddie; "I ken +weel what belangs to suppering a horse, and this is a very gude ane." +Cuddie took the horse to the little cow-house, and called to his wife to +attend in the mean while to the stranger's accommodation. The officer +entered, and threw himself on a settle at some distance from the fire, +and carefully turning his back to the little lattice window. Jenny, or +Mrs. Headrigg, if the reader pleases, requested him to lay aside the +cloak, belt, and flapped hat which he wore upon his journey, but he +excused himself under pretence of feeling cold, and, to divert the time +till Cuddie's return, he entered into some chat with the children, +carefully avoiding, during the interval, the inquisitive glances of his +landlady. + + + + + CHAPTER XVII. + + What tragic tears bedim the eye! + What deaths we suffer ere we die! + Our broken friendships we deplore, + And loves of youth that are no more. + LOGAN. + +Cuddie soon returned, assuring the stranger, with a cheerful voice, "that +the horse was properly suppered up, and that the gudewife should make a +bed up for him at the house, mair purpose-like and comfortable than the +like o' them could gie him." + +"Are the family at the house?" said the stranger, with an interrupted and +broken voice. + +"No, stir, they're awa wi' a' the servants,--they keep only twa nowadays, +and my gudewife there has the keys and the charge, though she's no a +fee'd servant. She has been born and bred in the family, and has a' trust +and management. If they were there, we behovedna to take sic freedom +without their order; but when they are awa, they will be weel pleased we +serve a stranger gentleman. Miss Bellenden wad help a' the haill warld, +an her power were as gude as her will; and her grandmother, Leddy +Margaret, has an unto respect for the gentry, and she's no ill to the +poor bodies neither.--And now, wife, what for are ye no getting forrit +wi' the sowens?" + +"Never mind, lad," rejoined Jenny, "ye sall hae them in gude time; I ken +weel that ye like your brose het." + +Cuddie fidgeted and laughed with a peculiar expression of intelligence at +this repartee, which was followed by a dialogue of little consequence +betwixt his wife and him, in which the stranger took no share. At length +he suddenly interrupted them by the question: "Can you tell me when Lord +Evandale's marriage takes place?" + +"Very soon, we expect," answered Jenny, before it was possible for her +husband to reply; "it wad hae been ower afore now, but for the death o' +auld Major Bellenden." + +"The excellent old man!" said the stranger; "I heard at Edinburgh he was +no more. Was he long ill?" + +"He couldna be said to haud up his head after his brother's wife and his +niece were turned out o' their ain house; and he had himsell sair +borrowing siller to stand the law,--but it was in the latter end o' King +James's days; and Basil Olifant, who claimed the estate, turned a papist +to please the managers, and then naething was to be refused him. Sae the +law gaed again the leddies at last, after they had fought a weary sort o' +years about it; and, as I said before, the major ne'er held up his head +again. And then cam the pitting awa o' the Stewart line; and, though he +had but little reason to like them, he couldna brook that, and it clean +broke the heart o' him; and creditors cam to Charnwood and cleaned out a' +that was there,--he was never rich, the gude auld man, for he dow'd na +see onybody want." + +"He was indeed," said the stranger, with a faltering voice, "an admirable +man,--that is, I have heard that he was so. So the ladies were left +without fortune, as well as without a protector?" + +"They will neither want the tane nor the tother while Lord Evandale +lives," said Jenny; "he has been a true friend in their griefs. E'en to +the house they live in is his lordship's; and never man, as my auld +gudemother used to say, since the days of the Patriarch Jacob, served sae +lang and sae sair for a wife as gude Lord Evandale has dune." + +"And why," said the stranger, with a voice that quivered with emotion, +"why was he not sooner rewarded by the object of his attachment?" + +"There was the lawsuit to be ended," said Jenny readily, "forby many +other family arrangements." + +"Na, but," said Cuddie, "there was another reason forby; for the young +leddy--" + +"Whisht, hand your tongue, and sup your sowens," said his wife; "I see +the gentleman's far frae weel, and downa eat our coarse supper. I wad +kill him a chicken in an instant." + +"There is no occasion," said the stranger; "I shall want only a glass of +water, and to be left alone." + +"You'll gie yoursell the trouble then to follow me," said Jenny, lighting +a small lantern, "and I'll show you the way." + +Cuddie also proffered his assistance; but his wife reminded him, "That +the bairns would be left to fight thegither, and coup ane anither into +the fire," so that he remained to take charge of the menage. +His wife led the way up a little winding path, which, after threading +some thickets of sweetbrier and honeysuckle, conducted to the back-door +of a small garden. Jenny undid the latch, and they passed through an +old-fashioned flower-garden, with its clipped yew hedges and formal +parterres, to a glass-sashed door, which she opened with a master-key, +and lighting a candle, which she placed upon a small work-table, asked +pardon for leaving him there for a few minutes, until she prepared his +apartment. She did not exceed five minutes in these preparations; but +when she returned, was startled to find that the stranger had sunk +forward with his head upon the table, in what she at first apprehended to +be a swoon. As she advanced to him, however, she could discover by his +short-drawn sobs that it was a paroxysm of mental agony. She prudently +drew back until he raised his head, and then showing herself, without +seeming to have observed his agitation, informed him that his bed was +prepared. The stranger gazed at her a moment, as if to collect the sense +of her words. She repeated them; and only bending his head, as an +indication that he understood her, he entered the apartment, the door of +which she pointed out to him. It was a small bedchamber, used, as she +informed him, by Lord Evandale when a guest at Fairy Knowe, connecting, +on one side, with a little china-cabinet which opened to the garden, and +on the other, with a saloon, from which it was only separated by a thin +wainscot partition. Having wished the stranger better health and good +rest, Jenny descended as speedily as she could to her own mansion. + +"Oh, Cuddie!" she exclaimed to her helpmate as she entered, "I doubt +we're ruined folk!" + +"How can that be? What's the matter wi' ye?" returned the imperturbed +Cuddie, who was one of those persons who do not easily take alarm at +anything. + +"Wha d' ye think yon gentleman is? Oh that ever ye suld hae asked him to +light here!" exclaimed Jenny. + +"Why, wha the muckle deil d'ye say he is? There's nae law against +harbouring and intercommunicating now," said Cuddie; "sae, Whig or Tory, +what need we care wha he be?" + +"Ay, but it's ane will ding Lord Evandale's marriage ajee yet, if it 's +no the better looked to," said Jenny; "it's Miss Edith's first joe, your +ain auld maister, Cuddie." + +"The deil, woman!" exclaimed Cuddie, starting up, "Crow ye that I am +blind? I wad hae kend Mr. Harry Morton amang a hunder." + +"Ay, but, Cuddie lad," replied Jenny, "though ye are no blind, ye are no +sae notice-taking as I am." + +"Weel, what for needs ye cast that up to me just now; or what did ye see +about the man that was like our Maister Harry?" + +"I will tell ye," said Jenny. "I jaloused his keeping his face frae us, +and speaking wi' a madelike voice, sae I e'en tried him wi' some tales o" +lang syne; and when I spake o' the brose, ye ken, he didna just laugh,-- +he's ower grave for that nowadays, but he gae a gledge wi' his ee that I +kend he took up what I said. And a' his distress is about Miss Edith's +marriage; and I ne'er saw a man mair taen down wi' true love in my days, +--I might say man or woman, only I mind how ill Miss Edith was when she +first gat word that him and you (ye muckle graceless loon) were coming +against Tillietudlem wi' the rebels.--But what's the matter wi' the man +now?" + +"What's the matter wi' me indeed!" said Cuddie, who was again hastily +putting on some of the garments he had stripped himself of; "am I no gaun +up this instant to see my maister?" + +"Atweel, Cuddie, ye are gaun nae sic gate," said Jenny, coolly and +resolutely. + +"The deil's in the wife!" said Cuddie. "D 'ye think I am to be John +Tamson's man, and maistered by women a' the days o' my life?" + +"And whase man wad ye be? And wha wad ye hae to maister ye but me, +Cuddie, lad?" answered Jenny. "I'll gar ye comprehend in the making of a +hay-band. Naebody kens that this young gentleman is living but oursells; +and frae that he keeps himsell up sae close, I am judging that he's +purposing, if he fand Miss Edith either married, or just gaun to be +married, he wad just slide awa easy, and gie them nae mair trouble. But +if Miss Edith kend that he was living, and if she were standing before +the very minister wi' Lord Evandale when it was tauld to her, I'se +warrant she wad say No when she suld say Yes." + +"Weel," replied Cuddie, "and what's my business wi' that? If Miss Edith +likes her auld joe better than her new ane, what for suld she no be free +to change her mind like other folk? Ye ken, Jenny, Halliday aye threeps +he had a promise frae yoursell." + +"Halliday's a liar, and ye're naething but a gomeril to hearken till him, +Cuddie. And then for this leddy's choice, lack-a-day! ye may be sure a' +the gowd Mr. Morton has is on the outside o' his coat; and how can he +keep Leddy Margaret and the young leddy?" + +"Isna there Milnwood?" said Cuddie. "Nae doubt the auld laird left his +housekeeper the liferent, as he heard nought o' his nephew; but it's but +speaking the auld wife fair, and they may a' live brawly thegither, Leddy +Margaret and a'." + +"Rout tout, lad," replied Jenny; "ye ken them little to think leddies o' +their rank wad set up house wi' auld Ailie Wilson, when they're maist +ower proud to take favours frae Lord Evandale himsell. Na, na, they maun +follow the camp, if she tak Morton." + +"That wad sort ill wi' the auld leddy, to be sure," said Cuddie; "she wad +hardly win ower a lang day in the baggage-wain." + +"Then sic a flyting as there wad be between them, a' about Whig and +Tory," continued Jenny. + +"To be sure," said Cuddie, "the auld leddy 's unto kittle in thae +points." + +"And then, Cuddie," continued his helpmate, who had reserved her +strongest argument to the last, "if this marriage wi' Lord Evandale is +broken off, what comes o' our ain bit free house, and the kale-yard, and +the cow's grass? I trow that baith us and thae bonny bairns will be +turned on the wide warld!" + +Here Jenny began to whimper; Cuddie writhed himself this way and that +way, the very picture of indecision. At length he broke out, "Weel, +woman, canna ye tell us what we suld do, without a' this din about it?" + +"Just do naething at a'," said Jenny. "Never seem to ken onything about +this gentleman, and for your life say a word that he suld hae been here, +or up at the house! An I had kend, I wad hae gien him my ain bed, and +sleepit in the byre or he had gane up by; but it canna be helpit now. The +neist thing's to get him cannily awa the morn, and I judge he'll be in +nae hurry to come back again." + +"My puir maister!" said Cuddie; "and maun I no speak to him, then?" + +"For your life, no," said Jenny. "Ye're no obliged to ken him; and I +wadna hae tauld ye, only I feared ye wad ken him in the morning." + +"Aweel," said Cuddie, sighing heavily, "I 'se awa to pleugh the outfield +then; for if I am no to speak to him, I wad rather be out o' the gate." + +"Very right, my dear hinny," replied Jenny. Naebody has better sense than +you when ye crack a bit wi' me ower your affairs; but ye suld ne'er do +onything aff hand out o' your ain head." + +"Ane wad think it's true," quoth Cuddie; "for I hae aye had some carline +or quean or another to gar me gang their gate instead o' my ain. There +was first my mither," he continued, as he undressed and tumbled himself +into bed; "then there was Leddy Margaret didna let me ca' my soul my ain; +then my mither and her quarrelled, and pu'ed me twa ways at anes, as if +ilk ane had an end o' me, like Punch and the Deevil rugging about the +Baker at the fair; and now I hae gotten a wife," he murmured in +continuation, as he stowed the blankets around his person, "and she's +like to tak the guiding o' me a' thegither." + +"And amna I the best guide ye ever had in a' your life?" said Jenny, as +she closed the conversation by assuming her place beside her husband and +extinguishing the candle. + +Leaving this couple to their repose, we have next to inform the reader +that, early on the next morning, two ladies on horseback, attended by +their servants, arrived at the house of Fairy Knowe, whom, to Jenny's +utter confusion, she instantly recognised as Miss Bellenden and Lady +Emily Hamilton, a sister of Lord Evandale. + +"Had I no better gang to the house to put things to rights?" said Jenny, +confounded with this unexpected apparition. + +"We want nothing but the pass-key," said Miss Bellenden; "Gudyill will +open the windows of the little parlour." + +"The little parlour's locked, and the lock's, spoiled," answered Jenny, +who recollected the local spmpathy between that apartment and the +bedchamber of her guest. + +"In the red parlour, then," said Miss Bellenden, and rode up to the front +of the house, but by an approach different from that through which Morton +had been conducted. + +"All will be out," thought Jenny, "unless I can get him smuggled out of +the house the back way." + +So saying, she sped up the bank in great tribulation and uncertainty. + +"I had better hae said at ante there was a stranger there," was her next +natural reflection. "But then they wad hae been for asking him to +breakfast. Oh, safe us! what will I do?--And there's Gudyill walking in +the garden too!" she exclaimed internally on approaching the wicket; "and +I daurna gang in the back way till he's aff the coast. Oh, sirs! what +will become of us?" + +In this state of perplexity she approached the cidevant butler, with the +purpose of decoying him out of the garden. But John Gudyill's temper was +not improved by his decline in rank and increase in years. Like many +peevish people, too, he seemed to have an intuitive perception as to what +was most likely to teaze those whom he conversed with; and, on the +present occasion, all Jenny's efforts to remove him from the garden +served only to root him in it as fast as if he had been one of the +shrubs. + +Unluckily, also, he had commenced florist during his residence at Fairy +Knowe; and, leaving all other things to the charge of Lady Emily's +servant, his first care was dedicated to the flowers, which he had taken +under his special protection, and which he propped, dug, and watered, +prosing all the while upon their respective merits to poor Jenny, who +stood by him trembling and almost crying with anxiety, fear, and +impatience. + +Fate seemed determined to win a match against Jenny this unfortunate +morning. As soon as the ladies entered the house, they observed that the +door of the little parlour--the very apartment out of which she was +desirous of excluding them on account of its contiguity to the room in +which Morton slept--was not only unlocked, but absolutely ajar. Miss +Bellenden was too much engaged with her own immediate subjects of +reflection to take much notice of the circumstance, but, desiring the +servant to open the window-shutters, walked into the room along with her +friend. + +"He is not yet come," she said. "What can your brother possibly mean? Why +express so anxious a wish that we should meet him here? And why not come +to Castle Dinnan, as he proposed? I own, my dear Emily, that, even +engaged as we are to each other, and with the sanction of your presence, +I do not feel that I have done quite right in indulging him." + +"Evandale was never capricious," answered his sister; "I am sure he will +satisfy us with his reasons, and if he does not, I will help you to scold +him." + +"What I chiefly fear," said Edith, "is his having engaged in some of the +plots of this fluctuating and unhappy time. I know his heart is with that +dreadful Claverhouse and his army, and I believe he would have joined +them ere now but for my uncle's death, which gave him so much additional +trouble on our account. How singular that one so rational and so deeply +sensible of the errors of the exiled family should be ready to risk all +for their restoration!" + +"What can I say?" answered Lady Emily,--"it is a point of honour with +Evandale. Our family have always been loyal; he served long in the +Guards; the Viscount of Dundee was his commander and his friend for +years; he is looked on with an evil eye by many of his own relations, who +set down his inactivity to the score of want of spirit. You must be +aware, my dear Edith, how often family connections and early +predilections influence our actions more than abstract arguments. But I +trust Evandale will continue quiet,--though, to tell you truth, I believe +you are the only one who can keep him so." + +"And how is it in my power?" said Miss Bellenden. + +"You can furnish him with the Scriptural apology for not going forth with +the host,--'he has married a wife, and therefore cannot come.'" + +"I have promised," said Edith, in a faint voice; "but I trust I shall not +be urged on the score of time." + +"Nay," said Lady Emily, "I will leave Evandale (and here he comes) to +plead his own cause." + +"Stay, stay, for God's sake!" said Edith, endeavouring to detain her. + +"Not I, not I," said the young lady, making her escape; "the third person +makes a silly figure on such occasions. When you want me for breakfast, I +will be found in the willow-walk by the river." + +As she tripped out of the room, Lord Evandale entered. "Good-morrow, +Brother, and good-by till breakfast-time," said the lively young lady; +"I trust you will give Miss Bellenden some good reasons for disturbing +her rest so early in the morning." + +And so saying, she left them together, without waiting a reply. + +"And now, my lord," said Edith, "may I desire to know the meaning of your +singular request to meet you here at so early an hour?" + +She was about to add that she hardly felt herself excusable in having +complied with it; but upon looking at the person whom she addressed, she +was struck dumb by the singular and agitated expression of his +countenance, and interrupted herself to exclaim, "For God's sake, what is +the matter?" + +"His Majesty's faithful subjects have gained a great and most decisive +victory near Blair of Athole; but, alas! my gallant friend Lord Dundee--" + +"Has fallen?" said Edith, anticipating the rest of his tidings. + +"True, most true: he has fallen in the arms of victory, and not a man +remains of talents and influence sufficient to fill up his loss in King +James's service. This, Edith, is no time for temporizing with our duty. I +have given directions to raise my followers, and I must take leave of you +this evening." + +"Do not think of it, my lord," answered Edith; "your life is--essential +to your friends,--do not throw it away in an adventure so rash. What can +your single arm, and the few tenants or servants who might follow you, do +against the force of almost all Scotland, the Highland clans only +excepted?" + +"Listen to me, Edith," said Lord Evandale. "I am not so rash as you may +suppose me, nor are my present motives of such light importance as to +affect only those personally dependent on myself. The Life Guards, with +whom I served so long, although new-modelled and new-officered by the +Prince of Orange, retain a predilection for the cause of their rightful +master; and "--and here he whispered as if he feared even the walls of +the apartment had ears--"when my foot is known to be in the stirrup, two +regiments of cavalry have sworn to renounce the usurper's service, and +fight under my orders. They delayed only till Dundee should descend into +the Lowlands; but since he is no more, which of his successors dare take +that decisive step, unless encouraged by the troops declaring themselves! +Meantime, the zeal of the soldiers will die away. I must bring them to a +decision while their hearts are glowing with the victory their old leader +has obtained, and burning to avenge his untimely death." + +"And will you, on the faith of such men as you know these soldiers to +be," said Edith, "take a part of such dreadful moment?" + +"I will," said Lord Evandale,--"I must; my honour and loyalty are both +pledged for it." + +"And all for the sake," continued Miss Bellenden, "of a prince whose +measures, while he was on the throne, no one could condemn more than Lord +Evandale?" + +"Most true," replied Lord Evandale; "and as I resented, even during the +plenitude of his power, his innovations on Church and State, like a +freeborn subject, I am determined I will assert his real rights, when he +is in adversity, like a loyal one. Let courtiers and sycophants flatter +power and desert misfortune; I will neither do the one nor the other." + +"And if you are determined to act what my feeble judgment must still term +rashly, why give yourself the pain of this untimely meeting?" + +"Were it not enough to answer," said Lord Evandale, "that, ere rushing on +battle, I wished to bid adieu to my betrothed bride? Surely it is judging +coldly of my feelings, and showing too plainly the indifference of your +own, to question my motive for a request so natural." + +"But why in this place, my lord," said Edith; and why with such peculiar +circumstances of mystery?" + +"Because," he replied, putting a letter into her hand, "I have yet +another request, which I dare hardly proffer, even when prefaced by these +credentials." + +In haste and terror, Edith glanced over the letter, which was from her +grandmother. + + "My dearest childe," such was its tenor in style and spelling, "I + never more deeply regretted the reumatizm, which disqualified me + from riding on horseback, than at this present writing, when I would + most have wished to be where this paper will soon be, that is at + Fairy Knowe, with my poor dear Willie's only child. But it is the + will of God I should not be with her, which I conclude to be the + case, as much for the pain I now suffer, as because it hath now not + given way either to cammomile poultices or to decoxion of wild + mustard, wherewith I have often relieved others. Therefore, I must + tell you, by writing instead of word of mouth, that, as my young + Lord Evandale is called to the present campaign, both by his honour + and his duty, he hath earnestly solicited me that the bonds of holy + matrimony be knitted before his departure to the wars between you + and him, in implement of the indenture formerly entered into for + that effeck, whereuntill, as I see no raisonable objexion, so I + trust that you, who have been always a good and obedient childe, + will not devize any which has less than raison. It is trew that the + contrax of our house have heretofore been celebrated in a manner + more befitting our Rank, and not in private, and with few witnesses, + as a thing done in a corner. But it has been Heaven's own free will, + as well as those of the kingdom where we live, to take away from us + our estate, and from the King his throne. Yet I trust He will yet + restore the rightful heir to the throne, and turn his heart to the + true Protestant Episcopal faith, which I have the better right to + expect to see even with my old eyes, as I have beheld the royal + family when they were struggling as sorely with masterful usurpers + and rebels as they are now; that is to say, when his most sacred + Majesty, Charles the Second of happy memory, honoured our poor house + of Tillietudlem by taking his /disjune/ therein," etc., etc., etc. + +We will not abuse the reader's patience by quoting more of Lady +Margaret's prolix epistle. Suffice it to say that it closed by laying her +commands on her grandchild to consent to the solemnization of her +marriage without loss of time. + +"I never thought till this instant," said Edith, dropping the letter from +her hand, "that Lord Evandale would have acted ungenerously." + +"Ungenerously, Edith!" replied her lover. "And how can you apply such a +term to my desire to call you mine, ere I part from you, perhaps for +ever?" + +"Lord Evandale ought to have remembered," said Edith, "that when his +perseverance, and, I must add, a due sense of his merit and of the +obligations we owed him, wrung from me a slow consent that I would one +day comply with his wishes, I made it my condition that I should not be +pressed to a hasty accomplishment of my promise; and now he avails +himself of his interest with my only remaining relative to hurry me with +precipitate and even indelicate importunity. There is more selfishness +than generosity, my lord, in such eager and urgent solicitation." + +Lord Evandale, evidently much hurt, took two or three turns through the +apartment ere he replied to this accusation; at length he spoke: "I +should have escaped this painful charge, durst I at once have mentioned +to Miss Bellendon my principal reason for urging this request. It is one +which she will probably despise on her own account, but which ought to +weigh with her for the sake of Lady Margaret. My death in battle must +give my whole estate to my heirs of entail; my forfeiture as a traitor, +by the usurping Government, may vest it in the Prince of Orange or some +Dutch favourite. In either case, my venerable friend and betrothed bride +must remain unprotected and in poverty. Vested with the rights and +provisions of Lady Evandale, Edith will find, in the power of supporting +her aged parent, some consolation for having condescended to share the +titles and fortunes of one who does not pretend to be worthy of her." + +Edith was struck dumb by an argument which she had not expected, and was +compelled to acknowledge that Lord Evandale's suit was urged with +delicacy as well as with consideration. + +"And yet," she said, "such is the waywardness with which my heart reverts +to former times that I cannot," she burst into tears, "suppress a degree +of ominous reluctance at fulfilling my engagement upon such a brief +summons." + +"We have already fully considered this painful subject," said Lord +Evandale; "and I hoped, my dear Edith, your own inquiries, as well as +mine, had fully convinced you that these regrets were fruitless." + +"Fruitless indeed!" said Edith, with a deep sigh, which, as if by an +unexpected echo, was repeated from the adjoining apartment. Miss +Bellenden started at the sound, and scarcely composed herself upon Lord +Evandale's assurances that she had heard but the echo of her own +respiration. + +"It sounded strangely distinct," she said, "and almost ominous; but my +feelings are so harassed that the slightest trifle agitates them." + +Lord Evandale eagerly attempted to soothe her alarm, and reconcile her to +a measure which, however hasty, appeared to him the only means by which +he could secure her independence. He urged his claim in virtue of the +contract, her grandmother's wish and command, the propriety of insuring +her comfort and independence, and touched lightly on his own long +attachment, which he had evinced by so many and such various services. +These Edith felt the more, the less they were insisted upon; and at +length, as she had nothing to oppose to his ardour, excepting a causeless +reluctance which she herself was ashamed to oppose against so much +generosity, she was compelled to rest upon the impossibility of having +the ceremony performed upon such hasty notice, at such a time and place. +But for all this Lord Evandale was prepared, and he explained, with +joyful alacrity, that the former chaplain of his regiment was in +attendance at the Lodge with a faithful domestic, once a non-commissioned +officer in the same corps; that his sister was also possessed of the +secret; and that Headrigg and his wife might be added to the list of +witnesses, if agreeable to Miss Bellenden. As to the place, he had chosen +it on very purpose. The marriage was to remain a secret, since Lord +Evandale was to depart in disguise very soon after it was solemnized,--a +circumstance which, had their union been public, must have drawn upon him +the attention of the Government, as being altogether unaccountable, +unless from his being engaged in some dangerous design. Having hastily +urged these motives and explained his arrangements, he ran, without +waiting for an answer, to summon his sister to attend his bride, while he +went in search of the other persons whose presence was necessary. +When Lady Emily arrived, she found her friend in an agony of tears, of +which she was at some loss to comprehend the reason, being one of those +damsels who think there is nothing either wonderful or terrible in +matrimony, and joining with most who knew him in thinking that it could +not be rendered peculiarly alarming by Lord Evandale being the +bridegroom. Influenced by these feelings, she exhausted in succession all +the usual arguments for courage, and all the expressions of sympathy and +condolence ordinarily employed on such occasions. But when Lady Emily +beheld her future sister-in-law deaf to all those ordinary topics of +consolation; when she beheld tears follow fast and without intermission +down cheeks as pale as marble; when she felt that the hand which she +pressed in order to enforce her arguments turned cold within her grasp, +and lay, like that of a corpse, insensible and unresponsive to her +caresses, her feelings of sympathy gave way to those of hurt pride and +pettish displeasure. + +"I must own," she said, "that I am something at a loss to understand all +this, Miss Bellenden. Months have passed since you agreed to marry my +brother, and you have postponed the fulfilment of your engagement from +one period to another, as if you had to avoid some dishonourable or +highly disagreeable connection. I think I can answer for Lord Evandale +that he will seek no woman's hand against her inclination; and, though +his sister, I may boldly say that he does not need to urge any lady +further than her inclinations carry her. You will forgive me, Miss +Bellenden; but your present distress augurs ill for my brother's future +happiness, and I must needs say that he does not merit all these +expressions of dislike and dolour, and that they seem an odd return for +an attachment which he has manifested so long, and in so many ways." + +"You are right, Lady Emily," said Edith, drying her eyes and endeavouring +to resume her natural manner, though still betrayed by her faltering +voice and the paleness of her cheeks,--"you are quite right; Lord +Evandale merits such usage from no one, least of all from her whom he has +honoured with his regard. But if I have given way, for the last time, to +a sudden and irresistible burst of feeling, it is my consolation, Lady +Emily, that your brother knows the cause, that I have hid nothing from +him, and that he at least is not apprehensive of finding in Edith +Bellenden a wife undeserving of his affection. But still you are right, +and I merit your censure for indulging for a moment fruitless regret and +painful remembrances. It shall be so no longer; my lot is cast with +Evandale, and with him I am resolved to bear it. Nothing shall in future +occur to excite his complaints or the resentment of his relations; no +idle recollections of other days shall intervene to prevent the zealous +and affectionate discharge of my duty; no vain illusions recall the +memory of other days--" + +As she spoke these words, she slowly raised her eyes, which had before +been hidden by her hand, to the latticed window of her apartment, which +was partly open, uttered a dismal shriek, and fainted. Lady Emily turned +her eyes in the same direction, but saw only the shadow of a man, which +seemed to disappear from the window, and, terrified more by the state of +Edith than by the apparition she had herself witnessed, she uttered +shriek upon shriek for assistance. Her brother soon arrived, with the +chaplain and Jenny Dennison; but strong and vigorous remedies were +necessary ere they could recall Miss Bellenden to sense and motion. Even +then her language was wild and incoherent. + +"Press me no farther," she said to Lord Evandale,--"it cannot be; Heaven +and earth, the living and the dead, have leagued themselves against this +ill-omened union. Take all I can give,--my sisterly regard, my devoted +friendship. I will love you as a sister and serve you as a bondswoman, +but never speak to me more of marriage." + +The astonishment of Lord Evandale may easily be conceived. +"Emily," he said to his sister, "this is your doing. I was accursed when +I thought of bringing you here; some of your confounded folly has driven +her mad!" + +"On my word, Brother," answered Lady Emily, "you're sufficient to drive +all the women in Scotland mad. Because your mistress seems much disposed +to jilt you, you quarrel with your sister, who has been arguing in your +cause, and had brought her to a quiet hearing, when, all of a sudden, a +man looked in at a window, whom her crazed sensibility mistook either for +you or some one else, and has treated us gratis with an excellent tragic +scene." + +"What man? What window?" said Lord Evandale, in impatient displeasure. +"Miss Bellenden is incapable of trifling with me; and yet what else could +have--" + +"Hush! hush!" said Jenny, whose interest lay particularly in shifting +further inquiry; "for Heaven's sake, my lord, speak low, for my lady +begins to recover." + +Edith was no sooner somewhat restored to herself than she begged, in a +feeble voice, to be left alone with Lord Evandale. All retreated,--Jenny +with her usual air of officious simplicity, Lady Emily and the chaplain +with that of awakened curiosity. No sooner had they left the apartment +than Edith beckoned Lord Evandale to sit beside her on the couch; her +next motion was to take his hand, in spite of his surprised resistance, +to her lips; her last was to sink from her seat and to clasp his knees. +"Forgive me, my lord!" she exclaimed, "forgive me! I must deal most +untruly by you, and break a solemn engagement. You have my friendship, my +highest regard, my most sincere gratitude; you have more,--you have my +word and my faith; but--oh, forgive me, for the fault is not mine--you +have not my love, and I cannot marry you without a sin!" + +"You dream, my dearest Edith!" said Evandale, perplexed in the utmost +degree, "you let your imagination beguile you; this is but some delusion +of an over-sensitive mind. The person whom you preferred to me has been +long in a better world, where your unavailing regret cannot follow him, +or, if it could, would only diminish his happiness." + +"You are mistaken, Lord Evandale," said Edith, solemnly; "I am not a +sleep-walker or a madwoman. No, I could not have believed from any one +what I have seen. But, having seen him, I must believe mine own eyes." + +"Seen him,--seen whom?" asked Lord Evandale, in great anxiety. + +"Henry Morton," replied Edith, uttering these two words as if they were +her last, and very nearly fainting when she had done so. + +"Miss Bellenden," said Lord Evandale, "you treat me like a fool or a +child. If you repent your engagement to me," he continued, indignantly, +"I am not a man to enforce it against your inclination; but deal with me +as a man, and forbear this trifling." + +He was about to go on, when he perceived, from her quivering eye and +pallid cheek, that nothing less than imposture was intended, and that by +whatever means her imagination had been so impressed, it was really +disturbed by unaffected awe and terror. He changed his tone, and exerted +all his eloquence in endeavouring to soothe and extract from her the +secret cause of such terror. + +"I saw him!" she repeated,--"I saw Henry Morton stand at that window, and +look into the apartment at the moment I was on the point of abjuring him +for ever. His face was darker, thinner, and paler than it was wont to be; +his dress was a horseman's cloak, and hat looped down over his face; his +expression was like that he wore on that dreadful morning when he was +examined by Claverhouse at Tillietudlem. Ask your sister, ask Lady Emily, +if she did not see him as well as I. I know what has called him up,--he +came to upbraid me, that, while my heart was with him in the deep and +dead sea, I was about to give my hand to another. My lord, it is ended +between you and me; be the consequences what they will, she cannot marry +whose union disturbs the repose of the dead." + +"Good Heaven!" said Evandale, as he paced the room, half mad himself with +surprise and vexation, "her fine understanding must be totally +overthrown, and that by the effort which she has made to comply with my +ill-timed, though well-meant, request. Without rest and attention her +health is ruined for ever." + +At this moment the door opened, and Halliday, who had been Lord +Evandale's principal personal attendant since they both left the Guards +on the Revolution, stumbled into the room with a countenance as pale and +ghastly as terror could paint it. + +"What is the matter next, Halliday?" cried his master, starting up. "Any +discovery of the--" + +He had just recollection sufficient to stop short in the midst of the +dangerous sentence. + +"No, sir," said Halliday, "it is not that, nor anything like that; but I +have seen a ghost!" + +"A ghost, you eternal idiot!" said Lord Evandale, forced altogether out +of his patience. "Has all mankind sworn to go mad in order to drive me +so? What ghost, you simpleton?" + +"The ghost of Henry Morton, the Whig captain at Bothwell Bridge," replied +Halliday. "He passed by me like a fire-flaught when I was in the garden!" + +"This is midsummer madness," said Lord Evandale, "or there is some +strange villainy afloat. Jenny, attend your lady to her chamber, while I +endeavour to find a clue to all this." + +But Lord Evandale's inquiries were in vain. Jenny, who might have given +(had she chosen) a very satisfactory explanation, had an interest to +leave the matter in darkness; and interest was a matter which now weighed +principally with Jenny, since the possession of an active and +affectionate husband in her own proper right had altogether allayed her +spirit of coquetry. She had made the best use of the first moments of +confusion hastily to remove all traces of any one having slept in the +apartment adjoining to the parlour, and even to erase the mark of +footsteps beneath the window, through which she conjectured Morton's face +had been seen, while attempting, ere he left the garden, to gain one look +at her whom he had so long loved, and was now on the point of losing for +ever. That he had passed Halliday in the garden was equally clear; and +she learned from her elder boy, whom she had employed to have the +stranger's horse saddled and ready for his departure, that he had rushed +into the stable, thrown the child a broad gold piece, and, mounting his +horse, had ridden with fearful rapidity down towards the Clyde. The +secret was, therefore, in their own family, and Jenny was resolved it +should remain so. + +"For, to be sure," she said, "although her lady and Halliday kend Mr. +Morton by broad daylight, that was nae reason I suld own to kenning him +in the gloaming and by candlelight, and him keeping his face frae Cuddie +and me a' the time." + +So she stood resolutely upon the negative when examined by Lord Evandale. +As for Halliday, he could only say that as he entered the garden-door, +the supposed apparition met him, walking swiftly, and with a visage on +which anger and grief appeared to be contending. + +"He knew him well," he said, "having been repeatedly guard upon him, and +obliged to write down his marks of stature and visage in case of escape. +And there were few faces like Mr. Morton's." But what should make him +haunt the country where he was neither hanged nor shot, he, the said +Halliday, did not pretend to conceive. + +Lady Emily confessed she had seen the face of a man at the window, but +her evidence went no farther. John Gudyill deponed /nil novit in causa/. +He had left his gardening to get his morning dram just at the time when +the apparition had taken place. Lady Emily's servant was waiting orders +in the kitchen, and there was not another being within a quarter of a +mile of the house. + +Lord Evandale returned perplexed and dissatisfied in the highest degree +at beholding a plan which he thought necessary not less for the +protection of Edith in contingent circumstances, than for the assurance +of his own happiness, and which he had brought so very near perfection, +thus broken off without any apparent or rational cause. His knowledge of +Edith's character set her beyond the suspicion of covering any capricious +change of determination by a pretended vision. But he would have set the +apparition down to the influence of an overstrained imagination, agitated +by the circumstances in which she had so suddenly been placed, had it not +been for the coinciding testimony of Halliday, who had no reason for +thinking of Morton more than any other person, and knew nothing of Miss +Bellenden's vision when he promulgated his own. On the other hand, it +seemed in the highest degree improbable that Morton, so long and so +vainly sought after, and who was, with such good reason, supposed to be +lost when the "Vryheid" of Rotterdam went down with crew and passengers, +should be alive and lurking in this country, where there was no longer +any reason why he should not openly show himself, since the present +Government favoured his party in politics. When Lord Evandale reluctantly +brought himself to communicate these doubts to the chaplain, in order to +obtain his opinion, he could only obtain a long lecture on demonology, in +which, after quoting Delrio and Burthoog and De L'Ancre on the subject of +apparitions, together with sundry civilians and common lawyers on the +nature of testimony, the learned gentleman expressed his definite and +determined opinion to be, either that there had been an actual apparition +of the deceased Henry Morton's spirit, the possibility of which he was, +as a divine and a philosopher, neither fully prepared to admit or to +deny; or else that the said Henry Morton, being still in /rerum natura/, +had appeared in his proper person that morning; or, finally, that some +strong /deceptio visus/, or striking similitude of person, had deceived +the eyes of Miss Bellenden and of Thomas Halliday. Which of these was the +most probable hypothesis, the doctor declined to pronounce, but expressed +himself ready to die in the opinion that one or other of them had +occasioned that morning's disturbance. + +Lord Evandale soon had additional cause for distressful anxiety. Miss +Bellenden was declared to be dangerously ill. + +"I will not leave this place," he exclaimed, "till she is pronounced to +be in safety. I neither can nor ought to do so; for whatever may have +been the immediate occasion of her illness, I gave the first cause for it +by my unhappy solicitation." + +He established himself, therefore, as a guest in the family, which the +presence of his sister, as well as of Lady Margaret Bellenden (who, in +despite of her rheumatism, caused herself to be transported thither when +she heard of her granddaughter's illness), rendered a step equally +natural and delicate. And thus he anxiously awaited until, without injury +to her health, Edith could sustain a final explanation ere his departure +on his expedition. + +"She shall never," said the generous young man, "look on her engagement +with me as the means of fettering her to a union, the idea of which seems +almost to unhinge her understanding." + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII. + + Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shades! + Ah, fields beloved in vain! + Where once my careless childhood strayed, + A stranger yet to pain. + Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College. + +It is not by corporal wants and infirmities only that men of the most +distinguished talents are levelled, during their lifetime, with the +common mass of mankind. There are periods of mental agitation when the +firmest of mortals must be ranked with the weakest of his brethren, and +when, in paying the general tax of humanity, his distresses are even +aggravated by feeling that he transgresses, in the indulgence of his +grief, the rules of religion and philosophy by which he endeavours in +general to regulate his passions and his actions. It was during such a +paroxysm that the unfortunate Morton left Fairy Knowe. To know that his +long-loved and still-beloved Edith, whose image had filled his mind for +so many years, was on the point of marriage to his early rival, who had +laid claim to her heart by so many services as hardly left her a title to +refuse his addresses, bitter as the intelligence was, yet came not as an +unexpected blow. + +During his residence abroad he had once written to Edith. It was to bid +her farewell for ever, and to conjure her to forget him. He had requested +her not to answer his letter; yet he half hoped, for many a day, that she +might transgress his injunction. The letter never reached her to whom it +was addressed, and Morton, ignorant of its miscarriage, could only +conclude himself laid aside and forgotten, according to his own +self-denying request. All that he had heard of their mutual relations +since his return to Scotland prepared him to expect that he could only +look upon Miss Bellenden as the betrothed bride of Lord Evandale; and +even if freed from the burden of obligation to the latter, it would still +have been inconsistent with Morton's generosity of disposition to disturb +their arrangements, by attempting the assertion of a claim proscribed by +absence, never sanctioned by the consent of friends, and barred by a +thousand circumstances of difficulty. Why then did he seek the cottage +which their broken fortunes had now rendered the retreat of Lady Margaret +Bellenden and her granddaughter? He yielded, we are under the necessity +of acknowledging, to the impulse of an inconsistent wish which many might +have felt in his situation. + +Accident apprised him, while travelling towards his native district, that +the ladies, near whose mansion he must necessarily pass, were absent; and +learning that Cuddie and his wife acted as their principal domestics, he +could not resist pausing at their cottage to learn, if possible, the real +progress which Lord Evandale had made in the affections of Miss Bellen +den--alas! no longer his Edith. This rash experiment ended as we have +related, and he parted from the house of Fairy Knowe, conscious that he +was still beloved by Edith, yet compelled, by faith and honour, to +relinquish her for ever. With what feelings he must have listened to the +dialogue between Lord Evandale and Edith, the greater part of which he +involuntarily overheard, the reader must conceive, for we dare not +attempt to describe them. An hundred times he was tempted to burst upon +their interview, or to exclaim aloud, "Edith, I yet live!" and as often +the recollection of her plighted troth, and of the debt of gratitude +which he owed Lord Evandale (to whose influence with Claverhouse he +justly ascribed his escape from torture and from death), withheld him +from a rashness which might indeed have involved all in further distress, +but gave little prospect of forwarding his own happiness. He repressed +forcibly these selfish emotions, though with an agony which thrilled his +every nerve. + +"No, Edith!" was his internal oath, "never will I add a thorn to thy +pillow. That which Heaven has ordained, let it be; and let me not add, by +my selfish sorrows, one atom's weight to the burden thou hast to bear. I +was dead to thee when thy resolution was adopted; and never, never shalt +thou know that Henry Morton still lives!" + +As he formed this resolution, diffident of his own power to keep it, and +seeking that firmness in flight which was every moment shaken by his +continuing within hearing of Edith's voice, he hastily rushed from his +apartment by the little closet and the sashed door which led to the +garden. + +But firmly as he thought his resolution was fixed, he could not leave the +spot where the last tones of a voice so beloved still vibrated on his +ear, without endeavouring to avail himself of the opportunity which the +parlour window afforded to steal one last glance at the lovely speaker. +It was in this attempt, made while Edith seemed to have her eyes +unalterably bent upon the ground, that Morton's presence was detected by +her raising them suddenly. So soon as her wild scream made this known to +the unfortunate object of a passion so constant, and which seemed so +ill-fated, he hurried from the place as if pursued by the furies. He +passed Halliday in the garden without recognising or even being sensible +that he had seen him, threw himself on his horse, and, by a sort of +instinct rather than recollection, took the first by-road in preference +to the public route to Hamilton. + +In all probability this prevented Lord Evandale from learning that he was +actually in existence; for the news that the Highlanders had obtained a +decisive victory at Killiecrankie had occasioned an accurate look-out to +be kept, by order of the Government, on all the passes, for fear of some +commotion among the Lowland Jacobites. They did not omit to post +sentinels on Bothwell Bridge; and as these men had not seen any traveller +pass westward in that direction, and as, besides, their comrades +stationed in the village of Bothwell were equally positive that none had +gone eastward, the apparition, in the existence of which Edith and +Halliday were equally positive, became yet more mysterious in the +judgment of Lord Evandale, who was finally inclined to settle in the +belief that the heated and disturbed imagination of Edith had summoned up +the phantom she stated herself to have seen, and that Halliday had, in +some unaccountable manner, been infected by the same superstition. +Meanwhile, the by-path which Morton pursued, with all the speed which his +vigorous horse could exert, brought him in a very few seconds to the +brink of the Clyde, at a spot marked with the feet of horses, who were +conducted to it as a watering-place. The steed, urged as he was to the +gallop, did not pause a single instant, but, throwing himself into the +river, was soon beyond his depth. The plunge which the animal made as his +feet quitted the ground, with the feeling that the cold water rose above +his swordbelt, were the first incidents which recalled Morton, whose +movements had been hitherto mechanical, to the necessity of taking +measures for preserving himself and the noble animal which he bestrode. A +perfect master of all manly exercises, the management of a horse in water +was as familiar to him as when upon a meadow. He directed the animal's +course somewhat down the stream towards a low plain, or holm, which +seemed to promise an easy egress from the river. In the first and second +attempt to get on shore, the horse was frustrated by the nature of the +ground, and nearly fell backwards on his rider. The instinct of +self-preservation seldom fails, even in the most desperate circumstances, +to recall the human mind to some degree of equipoise, unless when +altogether distracted by terror, and Morton was obliged to the danger in +which he was placed for complete recovery of his self-possession. A third +attempt, at a spot more carefully and judiciously selected, succeeded +better than the former, and placed the horse and his rider in safety upon +the farther and left-hand bank of the Clyde. + +"But whither," said Morton, in the bitterness of his heart, "am I now to +direct my course? or rather, what does it signify to which point of the +compass a wretch so forlorn betakes himself? I would to God, could the +wish be without a sin, that these dark waters had flowed over me, and +drowned my recollection of that which was, and that which is!" +The sense of impatience, which the disturbed state of his feelings had +occasioned, scarcely had vented itself in these violent expressions, ere +he was struck with shame at having given way to such a paroxysm. He +remembered how signally the life which he now held so lightly in the +bitterness of his disappointment had been preserved through the almost +incessant perils which had beset him since he entered upon his public +career. + +"I am a fool!" he said, "and worse than a fool, to set light by that +existence which Heaven has so often preserved in the most marvellous +manner. Something there yet remains for me in this world, were it only to +bear my sorrows like a man, and to aid those who need my assistance. What +have I seen, what have I heard, but the very conclusion of that which I +knew was to happen? They"--he durst not utter their names even in +soliloquy--"they are embarrassed and in difficulties. She is stripped of +her inheritance, and he seems rushing on some dangerous career, with +which, but for the low voice in which he spoke, I might have become +acquainted. Are there no means to aid or to warn them?" + +As he pondered upon this topic, forcibly withdrawing his mind from his +own disappointment, and compelling his attention to the affairs of Edith +and her betrothed husband, the letter of Burley, long forgotten, suddenly +rushed on his memory, like a ray of light darting through a mist. +"Their ruin must have been his work," was his internal conclusion. "If it +can be repaired, it must be through his means, or by information obtained +from him. I will search him out. Stern, crafty, and enthusiastic as he +is, my plain and downright rectitude of purpose has more than once +prevailed with him. I will seek him out, at least; and who knows what +influence the information I may acquire from him may have on the fortunes +of those whom I shall never see more, and who will probably never learn +that I am now suppressing my own grief, to add, if possible, to their +happiness." + +Animated by these hopes, though the foundation was but slight, he sought +the nearest way to the high-road; and as all the tracks through the +valley were known to him since he hunted through them in youth, he had no +other difficulty than that of surmounting one or two enclosures, ere he +found himself on the road to the small burgh where the feast of the +popinjay had been celebrated. He journeyed in a state of mind sad indeed +and dejected, yet relieved from its earlier and more intolerable state of +anguish; for virtuous resolution and manly disinterestedness seldom fail +to restore tranquillity even where they cannot create happiness. He +turned his thoughts with strong effort upon the means of discovering +Burley, and the chance there was of extracting from him any knowledge +which he might possess favourable to her in whose cause he interested +himself; and at length formed the resolution of guiding himself by the +circumstances in which he might discover the object of his quest, +trusting that, from Cuddie's account of a schism betwixt Burley and his +brethren of the Presbyterian persuasion, he might find him less +rancorously disposed against Miss Bellenden, and inclined to exert the +power which he asserted himself to possess over her fortunes, more +favourably than heretofore. + +Noontide had passed away when our traveller found himself in the +neighbourhood of his deceased uncle's habitation of Milnwood. It rose +among glades and groves that were chequered with a thousand early +recollections of joy and sorrow, and made upon Morton that mournful +impression, soft and affecting, yet, withal, soothing, which the +sensitive mind usually receives from a return to the haunts of childhood +and early youth, after having experienced the vicissitudes and tempests +of public life. A strong desire came upon him to visit the house itself. +"Old Alison," he thought, "will not know me, more than the honest couple +whom I saw yesterday. I may indulge my curiosity, and proceed on my +journey, without her having any knowledge of my existence. I think they +said my uncle had bequeathed to her my family mansion,--well, be it so. I +have enough to sorrow for, to enable me to dispense with lamenting such a +disappointment as that; and yet methinks he has chosen an odd successor +in my grumbling old dame, to a line of respectable, if not distinguished, +ancestry. Let it be as it may, I will visit the old mansion at least once +more." + +The house of Milnwood, even in its best days, had nothing cheerful about +it; but its gloom appeared to be doubled under the auspices of the old +housekeeper. Everything, indeed, was in repair; there were no slates +deficient upon the steep grey roof, and no panes broken in the narrow +windows. But the grass in the court-yard looked as if the foot of man had +not been there for years; the doors were carefully locked, and that which +admitted to the hall seemed to have been shut for a length of time, since +the spiders had fairly drawn their webs over the door-way and the +staples. Living sight or sound there was none, until, after much +knocking, Morton heard the little window, through which it was +usual to reconnoitre visitors, open with much caution. The face of +Alison, puckered with some score of wrinkles in addition to those with +which it was furrowed when Morton left Scotland, now presented itself, +enveloped in a /toy/, from under the protection of which some of her grey +tresses had escaped in a manner more picturesque than beautiful, while +her shrill, tremulous voice demanded the cause of the knocking. +"I wish to speak an instant with one Alison Wilson, who resides here," +said Henry. + +"She's no at hame the day," answered Mrs. Wilson, /in propria persona/, +the state of whose headdress, perhaps, inspired her with this direct mode +of denying herself; "and ye are but a mislear'd person to speer for her +in sic a manner. Ye might hae had an M under your belt for Mistress +Wilson of Milnwood." + +"I beg pardon," said Morton, internally smiling at finding in old Ailie +the same jealousy of disrespect which she used to exhibit upon former +occasions,--"I beg pardon; I am but a stranger in this country, and have +been so long abroad that I have almost forgotten my own language." +"Did ye come frae foreign parts?" said Ailie; "then maybe ye may hae +heard of a young gentleman of this country that they ca' Henry Morton?" + +"I have heard," said Morton, "of such a name in Germany." + +"Then bide a wee bit where ye are, friend; or stay,--gang round by the +back o' the house, and ye'll find a laigh door; it's on the latch, for +it's never barred till sunset. Ye 'll open 't,--and tak care ye dinna fa' +ower the tub, for the entry's dark,--and then ye'll turn to the right, +and then ye'll hand straught forward, and then ye'll turn to the right +again, and ye 'll tak heed o' the cellarstairs, and then ye 'll be at the +door o' the little kitchen,--it's a' the kitchen that's at Milnwood now, +--and I'll come down t'ye, and whate'er ye wad say to Mistress Wilson ye +may very safely tell it to me." + +A stranger might have had some difficulty, notwithstanding the minuteness +of the directions supplied by Ailie, to pilot himself in safety through +the dark labyrinth of passages that led from the back-door to the little +kitchen; but Henry was too well acquainted with the navigation of these +straits to experience danger, either from the Scylla which lurked on one +side in shape of a bucking tub, or the Charybdis which yawned on the +other in the profundity of a winding cellar-stair. His only impediment +arose from the snarling and vehement barking of a small cocking spaniel, +once his own property, but which, unlike to the faithful Argus, saw his +master return from his wanderings without any symptom of recognition. + +"The little dogs and all!" said Morton to himself, on being disowned by +his former favourite. "I am so changed that no breathing creature that I +have known and loved will now acknowledge me!" + +At this moment he had reached the kitchen; and soon after, the tread of +Alison's high heels, and the pat of the crutch-handled cane which served +at once to prop and to guide her footsteps, were heard upon the stairs,-- +an annunciation which continued for some time ere she fairly reached the +kitchen. + +Morton had, therefore, time to survey the slender preparations for +housekeeping which were now sufficient in the house of his ancestors. The +fire, though coals are plenty in that neighbourhood, was husbanded with +the closest attention to economy of fuel, and the small pipkin, in which +was preparing the dinner of the old woman and her maid-of-all-work, a +girl of twelve years old, intimated, by its thin and watery vapour, that +Ailie had not mended her cheer with her improved fortune. + +When she entered, the head, which nodded with self-importance; the +features, in which an irritable peevishness, acquired by habit and +indulgence, strove with a temper naturally affectionate and good-natured; +the coif; the apron; the blue-checked gown,--were all those of old Ailie; +but laced pinners, hastily put on to meet the stranger, with some other +trifling articles of decoration, marked the difference between Mrs. +Wilson, life-rentrix of Milnwood, and the housekeeper of the late +proprietor. + +"What were ye pleased to want wi' Mrs. Wilson, sir? I am Mrs. Wilson," +was her first address; for the five minutes time which she had gained for +the business of the toilet entitled her, she conceived, to assume the +full merit of her illustrious name, and shine forth on her guest in +unchastened splendour. Morton's sensations, confounded between the past +and present, fairly confused him so much that he would have had +difficulty in answering her, even if he had known well what to say. But +as he had not determined what character he was to adopt while concealing +that which was properly his own, he had an additional reason for +remaining silent. Mrs. Wilson, in perplexity, and with some apprehension, +repeated her question. + +"What were ye pleased to want wi' me, sir? Ye said ye kend Mr. Harry +Morton?" + +"Pardon me, madam," answered Henry, "it was of one Silas Morton I spoke." +The old woman's countenance fell. + +"It was his father, then, ye kent o', the brother o' the late Milnwood? +Ye canna mind him abroad, I wad think,--he was come hame afore ye were +born. I thought ye had brought me news of poor Maister Harry." + +"It was from my father I learned to know Colonel Morton," said Henry; "of +the son I know little or nothing,--rumour says he died abroad on his +passage to Holland." + +"That's ower like to be true," said the old woman with a sigh, "and mony +a tear it's cost my auld een. His uncle, poor gentleman, just sough'd awa +wi' it in his mouth. He had been gieing me preceeze directions anent the +bread and the wine and the brandy at his burial, and how often it was to +be handed round the company (for, dead or alive, he was a prudent, +frugal, painstaking man), and then he said, said he, 'Ailie,' (he aye +ca'd me Ailie; we were auld acquaintance), 'Ailie, take ye care and haud +the gear weel thegither; for the name of Morton of Milnwood 's gane out +like the last sough of an auld sang.' And sae he fell out o' ae dwam into +another, and ne'er spak a word mair, unless it were something we cou'dna +mak out, about a dipped candle being gude eneugh to see to dee wi'. He +cou'd ne'er bide to see a moulded ane, and there was ane, by ill luck, on +the table." + +While Mrs. Wilson was thus detailing the last moments of the old miser, +Morton was pressingly engaged in diverting the assiduous curiosity of the +dog, which, recovered from his first surprise, and combining former +recollections, had, after much snuffing and examination, begun a course +of capering and jumping upon the stranger which threatened every instant +to betray him. At length, in the urgency of his impatience, Morton could +not forbear exclaiming, in a tone of hasty impatience, "Down, Elphin! +down, sir!" + +"Ye ken our dog's name," said the old lady, struck with great and sudden +surprise,--"ye ken our dog's name, and it's no a common ane. And the +creature kens you too," she continued, in a more agitated and shriller +tone,--"God guide us! it's my ain bairn!" + +So saying, the poor old woman threw herself around Morton's neck, cling +to him, kissed him as if he had been actually her child, and wept for +joy. There was no parrying the discovery, if he could have had the heart +to attempt any further disguise. He returned the embrace with the most +grateful warmth, and answered,-- + +"I do indeed live, dear Ailie, to thank you for all your kindness, past +and present, and to rejoice that there is at least one friend to welcome +me to my native country." + +"Friends!" exclaimed Ailie, "ye'll hae mony friends,--ye 'll hae mony +friends; for ye will hae gear, hinny,--ye will hae gear. Heaven mak ye a +gude guide o't! But eh, sirs!" she continued, pushing him back from her +with her trembling hand and shrivelled arm, and gazing in his face as if +to read, at more convenient distance, the ravages which sorrow rather +than time had made on his face,--"Eh, sirs! ye're sair altered, hinny; +your face is turned pale, and your een are sunken, and your bonny +red-and-white cheeks are turned a' dark and sun-burnt. Oh, weary on the +wars! mony 's the comely face they destroy.--And when cam ye here, hinny? +And where hae ye been? And what hae ye been doing? And what for did ye na +write to us? And how cam ye to pass yoursell for dead? And what for did +ye come creepin' to your ain house as if ye had been an unto body, to gie +poor auld Ailie sic a start?" she concluded, smiling through her tears. +It was some time ere Morton could overcome his own emotion so as to give +the kind old woman the information which we shall communicate to our +readers in the next chapter. + + + + + CHAPTER XIX. + + Aumerle that was, + But that is gone for being Richard's friend; + And, madam, you must call him Rutland now. + Richard II. + +The scene of explanation was hastily removed from the little kitchen to +Mrs. Wilson's own matted room,--the very same which she had occupied as +housekeeper, and which she continued to retain. "It was," she said, +"better secured against sifting winds than the hall, which she had found +dangerous to her rheumatisms, and it was more fitting for her use than +the late Milnwood's apartment, honest man, which gave her sad thoughts;" +and as for the great oak parlour, it was never opened but to be aired, +washed, and dusted, according to the invariable practice of the family, +unless upon their most solemn festivals. In the matted room, therefore, +they were settled, surrounded by pickle-pots and conserves of all kinds, +which the ci-devant housekeeper continued to compound, out of mere habit, +although neither she herself, nor any one else, ever partook of the +comfits which she so regularly prepared. + +Morton, adapting his narrative to the comprehension of his auditor, +informed her briefly of the wreck of the vessel and the loss of all +hands, excepting two or three common seamen who had early secured the +skiff, and were just putting off from the vessel when he leaped from the +deck into their boat, and unexpectedly, as well as contrary to their +inclination, made himself partner of their voyage and of their safety. +Landed at Flushing, he was fortunate enough to meet with an old officer +who had been in service with his father. By his advice, he shunned going +immediately to the Hague, but forwarded his letters to the court of the +Stadtholder. + +"Our prince," said the veteran, "must as yet keep terms with his +father-in-law and with your King Charles; and to approach him in the +character of a Scottish malecontent would render it imprudent for him to +distinguish you by his favour. Wait, therefore, his orders, without +forcing yourself on his notice; observe the strictest prudence and +retirement; assume for the present a different name; shun the company of +the British exiles; and, depend upon it, you will not repent your +prudence." + +The old friend of Silas Morton argued justly. After a considerable time +had elapsed, the Prince of Orange, in a progress through the United +States, came to the town where Morton, impatient at his situation and the +incognito which he was obliged to observe, still continued, nevertheless, +to be a resident. He had an hour of private interview assigned, in which +the prince expressed himself highly pleased with his intelligence, his +prudence, and the liberal view which he seemed to take of the factions of +his native country, their motives and their purposes. + +"I would gladly," said William, "attach you to my own person; but that +cannot be without giving offence in England. But I will do as much for +you, as well out of respect for the sentiments you have expressed, as for +the recommendations you have brought me. Here is a commission in a Swiss +regiment at present in garrison in a distant province, where you will +meet few or none of your countrymen. Continue to be Captain Melville, and +let the name of Morton sleep till better days." + +"Thus began my fortune," continued Morton; "and my services have, on +various occasions, been distinguished by his Royal Highness, until the +moment that brought him to Britain as our political deliverer. His +commands must excuse my silence to my few friends in Scotland; and I +wonder not at the report of my death, considering the wreck of the +vessel, and that I found no occasion to use the letters of exchange with +which I was furnished by the liberality of some of them,--a circumstance +which must have confirmed the belief that I had perished." + +"But, dear hinny," asked Mrs. Wilson, "did ye find nae Scotch body at the +Prince of Oranger's court that kend ye? I wad hae thought Morton o' +Milnwood was kend a' through the country." + +"I was purposely engaged in distant service," said Morton, "until a +period when few, without as deep and kind a motive of interest as yours, +Ailie, would have known the stripling Morton in Major-General Melville." + +"Malville was your mother's name," said Mrs. Wilson; "but Morton sounds +far bonnier in my auld lugs. And when ye tak up the lairdship, ye maun +tak the auld name and designation again." + +"I am like to be in no haste to do either the one or the other, Ailie, +for I have some reasons for the present to conceal my being alive from +every one but you; and as for the lairdship of Milnwood, it is in as good +hands." + +"As gude hands, hinny!" re-echoed Ailie; "I'm hopefu' ye are no meaning +mine? The rents and the lands are but a sair fash to me. And I'm ower +failed to tak a helpmate, though Wylie Mactrickit the writer was very +pressing, and spak very civilly; but I 'm ower auld a cat to draw that +strae before me. He canna whilliwhaw me as he's dune mony a ane. And then +I thought aye ye wad come back, and I wad get my pickle meal and my soup +milk, and keep a' things right about ye as I used to do in your puir +uncle's time, and it wad be just pleasure eneugh for me to see ye thrive +and guide the gear canny. Ye'll hae learned that in Holland, I'se +warrant, for they're thrifty folk there, as I hear tell.--But ye'll be +for keeping rather a mair house than puir auld Milnwood that's gave; and, +indeed, I would approve o' your eating butchermeat maybe as aften as +three times a-week,--it keeps the wind out o' the stamack." + +"We will talk of all this another time," said Morton, surprised at the +generosity upon a large scale which mingled in Ailie's thoughts and +actions with habitual and sordid parsimony, and at the odd contrast +between her love of saving and indifference to self-acquisition. "You +must know," he continued, "that I am in this country only for a few days +on some special business of importance to the Government, and therefore, +Ailie, not a word of having seen me. At some other time I will acquaint +you fully with my motives and intentions." + +"E'en be it sae, my jo," replied Ailie, "I can keep a secret like my +neighbours; and weel auld Milnwood kend it, honest man, for he tauld me +where he keepit his gear, and that's what maist folk like to hae as +private as possibly may be.--But come awa wi' me, hinny, till I show ye +the oak-parlour how grandly it's keepit, just as if ye had been expected +haine every day,--I loot naebody sort it but my ain hands. It was a kind +o' divertisement to me, though whiles the tear wan into my ee, and I said +to mysell, What needs I fash wi' grates and carpets and cushions and the +muckle brass candlesticks ony mair? for they'll ne'er come hame that +aught it rightfully." + +With these words she hauled him away to this sanctum sanctorum, the +scrubbing and cleaning whereof was her daily employment, as its high +state of good order constituted the very pride of her heart. Morton, as +he followed her into the room, underwent a rebuke for not "dighting his +shune," which showed that Ailie had not relinquished her habits of +authority. On entering the oak-parlour he could not but recollect the +feelings of solemn awe with which, when a boy, he had been affected at +his occasional and rare admission to an apartment which he then supposed +had not its equal save in the halls of princes. It may be readily +supposed that the worked-worsted chairs, with their short ebony legs and +long upright backs, had lost much of their influence over his mind; that +the large brass andirons seemed diminished in splendour; that the green +worsted tapestry appeared no masterpiece of the Arras loom; and that the +room looked, on the whole, dark, gloomy, and disconsolate. Yet there were +two objects, "The counterfeit presentment of two brothers," which, +dissimilar as those described by Hamlet, affected his mind with a variety +of sensations. One full-length portrait represented his father in +complete armour, with a countenance indicating his masculine and +determined character; and the other set forth his uncle, in velvet and +brocade, looking as if he were ashamed of his own finery, though entirely +indebted for it to the liberality of the painter. + +"It was an idle fancy," Ailie said, "to dress the honest auld man in thae +expensive fal-lalls that he ne'er wore in his life, instead o' his douce +Raploch grey, and his band wi' the narrow edging." + +In private, Morton could not help being much of her opinion; for anything +approaching to the dress of a gentleman sate as ill on the ungainly +person of his relative as an open or generous expression would have done +on his mean and money-making features. He now extricated himself from +Ailie to visit some of his haunts in the neighbouring wood, while her own +hands made an addition to the dinner she was preparing,--an incident no +otherwise remarkable than as it cost the life of a fowl, which, for any +event of less importance than the arrival of Henry Morton, might have +cackled on to a good old age ere Ailie could have been guilty of the +extravagance of killing and dressing it. The meal was seasoned by talk of +old times and by the plans which Ailie laid out for futurity, in which +she assigned her young master all the prudential habits of her old one, +and planned out the dexterity with which she was to exercise her duty as +governante. Morton let the old woman enjoy her day-dreams and +castle-building during moments of such pleasure, and deferred till some +fitter occasion the communication of his purpose again to return and +spend his life upon the Continent. + +His next care was to lay aside his military dress, which he considered +likely to render more difficult his researches after Burley. He exchanged +it--for a grey doublet and cloak, formerly his usual attire at Milnwood, +and which Mrs. Wilson produced from a chest of walnut-tree, wherein she +had laid them aside, without forgetting carefully to brush and air them +from time to time. Morton retained his sword and fire-arms, without which +few persons travelled in those unsettled times. When he appeared in his +new attire, Mrs. Wilson was first thankful "that they fitted him sae +decently, since, though he was nae fatter, yet he looked mair manly than +when he was taen frae Milnwood." + +Next she enlarged on the advantage of saving old clothes to be what she +called "beet-masters to the new," and was far advanced in the history of +a velvet cloak belonging to the late Milnwood, which had first been +converted to a velvet doublet, and then into a pair of breeches, and +appeared each time as good as new, when Morton interrupted her account of +its transmigration to bid her good-by. + +He gave, indeed, a sufficient shock to her feelings, by expressing the +necessity he was under of proceeding on his journey that evening. + +"And where are ye gaun? And what wad ye do that for? And whar wad ye +sleep but in your ain house, after ye hae been sae mony years frae hame?" + +"I feel all the unkindness of it, Ailie, but it must be so; and that was +the reason that I attempted to conceal myself from you, as I suspected +you would not let me part from you so easily." + +"But whar are ye gaun, then?" said Ailie, once more. "Saw e'er mortal een +the like o' you, just to come ae moment, and flee awa like an arrow out +of a bow the neist?" + +"I must go down," replied Morton, "to Niel Blane the Piper's Howff; he +can give me a bed, I suppose?" + +"A bed? I'se warrant can he," replied Ailie, "and gar ye pay weel for 't +into the bargain. Laddie, I daresay ye hae lost your wits in thae foreign +parts, to gang and gie siller for a supper and a bed, and might hae baith +for naething, and thanks t' ye for accepting them." + +"I assure you, Ailie," said Morton, desirous to silence her +remonstrances, "that this is a business of great importance, in which I +may be a great gainer, and cannot possibly be a loser." + +"I dinna see how that can be, if ye begin by gieing maybe the feck o' +twal shillings Scots for your supper; but young folks are aye +venturesome, and think to get siller that way. My puir auld master took +a surer gate, and never parted wi' it when he had anes gotten 't." + +Persevering in his desperate resolution, Morton took leave of Ailie, and +mounted his horse to proceed to the little town, after exacting a solemn +promise that she would conceal his return until she again saw or heard +from him. + +"I am not very extravagant," was his natural reflection, as he trotted +slowly towards the town; "but were Ailie and I to set up house together, +as she proposes, I think my profusion would break the good old creature's +heart before a week were out." + + + + + CHAPTER XX. + + Where's the jolly host + You told me of? 'T has been my custom ever + To parley with mine host. + Lover's Progress. + +Morton reached the borough town without meeting with any remarkable +adventure, and alighted at the little inn. It had occurred to him more +than once, while upon his journey, that his resumption of the dress which +he had worn while a youth, although favourable to his views in other +respects, might render it more difficult for him to remain incognito. But +a few years of campaigns and wandering had so changed his appearance that +he had great confidence that in the grown man, whose brows exhibited the +traces of resolution and considerate thought, none would recognise the +raw and bashful stripling who won the game of the popinjay. The only +chance was that here and there some Whig, whom he had led to battle, +might remember the Captain of the Milnwood Marksmen; but the risk, if +there was any, could not be guarded against. + +The Howff seemed full and frequented as if possessed of all its old +celebrity. The person and demeanour of Niel Blane, more fat and less +civil than of yore, intimated that he had increased as well in purse as +in corpulence; for in Scotland a landlord's complaisance for his guests +decreases in exact proportion to his rise in the world. His daughter had +acquired the air of a dexterous barmaid, undisturbed by the circumstances +of love and war, so apt to perplex her in the exercise of her vocation. +Both showed Morton the degree of attention which could have been expected +by a stranger travelling without attendants, at a time when they were +particularly the badges of distinction. He took upon himself exactly the +character his appearance presented, went to the stable and saw his horse +accommodated, then returned to the house, and seating himself in the +public room (for to request one to himself would, in those days, have +been thought an overweening degree of conceit), he found himself in the +very apartment in which he had some years before celebrated his victory +at the game of the popinjay,--a jocular preferment which led to so many +serious consequences. + +He felt himself, as may well be supposed, a much changed man since that +festivity; and yet, to look around him, the groups assembled in the Howff +seemed not dissimilar to those which the same scene had formerly +presented. Two or three burghers husbanded their "dribbles o' brandy;" +two or three dragoons lounged over their muddy ale, and cursed the +inactive times that allowed them no better cheer. Their cornet did not, +indeed, play at backgammon with the curate in his cassock, but he drank +a little modicum of /aqua mirabilis/ with the grey-cloaked Presbyterian +minister. The scene was another, and yet the same, differing only in +persons, but corresponding in general character. + +Let the tide of the world wax or wane as it will, Morton thought as he +looked around him, enough will be found to fill the places which chance +renders vacant; and in the usual occupations and amusements of life, +human beings will succeed each other as leaves upon the same tree, with +the same individual difference and the same general resemblance. + +After pausing a few minutes, Morton, whose experience had taught him the +readiest mode of securing attention, ordered a pint of claret; and as the +smiling landlord appeared with the pewter measure foaming fresh from the +tap (for bottling wine was not then in fashion), he asked him to sit down +and take a share of the good cheer. This invitation was peculiarly +acceptable to Niel Blane, who, if he did not positively expect it from +every guest not provided with better company, yet received it from many, +and was not a whit abashed or surprised at the summons. He sat down, +along with his guest, in a secluded nook near the chimney; and while he +received encouragement to drink by far the greater share of the liquor +before them, he entered at length, as a part of his expected functions, +upon the news of the country,--the births, deaths, and marriages; the +change of property; the downfall of old families, and the rise of new. +But politics, now the fertile source of eloquence, mine host did not care +to mingle in his theme; and it was only in answer to a question of Morton +that he replied, with an air of indifference, "Um! ay! we aye hae sodgers +amang us, mair or less. There's a wheen German horse down at Glasgow +yonder; they ca' their commander Wittybody, or some sic name, though he's +as grave and grewsome an auld Dutchman as e'er I saw." + +"Wittenbold, perhaps?" said Morton,--"an old man, with grey hair and +short black moustaches; speaks seldom?" + +"And smokes for ever," replied Niel Blane. "I see your honour kens the +man. He may be a very gude man too, for aught I see,--that is, +considering he is a sodger and a Dutchman; but if he were ten generals, +and as mony Wittybodies, he has nae skill in the pipes; he gar'd me stop +in the middle of Torphichen's Rant,--the best piece o' music that ever +bag gae wind to." + +"But these fellows," said Morton, glancing his eye towards the soldiers +that were in the apartment, are not of his corps?" + +"Na, na, these are Scotch dragoons," said mine host,--"our ain auld +caterpillars; these were Claver'se's lads a while syne, and wad be again, +maybe, if he had the lang ten in his hand." + +"Is there not a report of his death?" inquired Morton. + +"Troth is there," said the landlord; "your honour is right,--there is sic +a fleeing rumour; but, in my puir opinion, it's lang or the deil die. I +wad hae the folks here look to themsells. If he makes an outbreak, he'll +be doun frae the Hielands or I could drink this glass,--and whare are +they then? A' thae hell-rakers o' dragoons wad be at his whistle in a +moment. Nae doubt they're Willie's men e'en now, as they were James's a +while syne; and reason good,--they fight for their pay; what else hae +they to fight for? They hae neither lands nor houses, I trow. There's ae +gude thing o' the change, or the Revolution, as they ca' it,--folks may +speak out afore thae birkies now, and nae fear o' being hauled awa to the +guard-house, or having the thumikins screwed on your finger-ends, just as +I wad drive the screw through a cork." + +There was a little pause, when Morton, feeling confident in the progress +he had made in mine host's familiarity, asked, though with the hesitation +proper to one who puts a question on the answer to which rests something +of importance, "Whether Blane knew a woman in that neighbourhood called +Elizabeth Maclure?" + +"Whether I ken Bessie Maclure?" answered the landlord, with a landlord's +laugh,--"How can I but ken my ain wife's (haly be her rest!)--my ain +wife's first gudeman's sister, Bessie Maclure? An honest wife she is, but +sair she's been trysted wi' misfortunes,--the loss o' twa decent lads o' +sons, in the time o' the persecution, as they ca' it nowadays; and +doucely and decently she has borne her burden, blaming nane and +condemning nane. If there's an honest woman in the world, it's Bessie +Maclure. And to lose her twa sons, as I was saying, and to hae dragoons +clinked down on her for a month bypast,--for, be Whig or Tory uppermost, +they aye quarter thae loons on victuallers,--to lose, as I was saying--" + +"This woman keeps an inn, then?" interrupted Morton. + +"A public, in a puir way," replied Blane, looking round at his own +superior accommodations,--"a sour browst o' sma' ale that she sells to +folk that are over drouthy wi' travel to be nice; but naething to ca' a +stirring trade or a thriving changehouse." + +"Can you get me a guide there?" said Morton. + +"Your honour will rest here a' the night? Ye'll hardly get accommodation +at Bessie's," said Niel, whose regard for his deceased wife's relative by +no means extended to sending company from his own house to hers. + +"There is a friend," answered Morton, "whom I am to meet with there, and +I only called here to take a stirrup-cup and inquire the way." + +"Your honour had better," answerd the landlord, with the perseverance of +his calling, "send some ane to warn your friend to come on here." + +"I tell you, landlord," answered Morton, impatiently, "that will not +serve my purpose; I must go straight to this woman Maclure's house, and +I desire you to find me a guide." + +"Aweel, sir, ye'll choose for yoursell, to be sure," said Niel Blane, +somewhat disconcerted; "but deil a guide ye'll need if ye gae doun the +water for twa mile or sae, as gin ye were bound for Milnwoodhouse, and +then tak the first broken disjasked-looking road that makes for the +hills,--ye'll ken 't by a broken ash-tree that stands at the side o' a +burn just where the roads meet; and then travel out the path,--ye canna +miss Widow Maclure's public, for deil another house or hauld is on the +road for ten lang Scots miles, and that's worth twenty English. I am +sorry your honour would think o' gaun out o' my house the night. But my +wife's gude-sister is a decent woman, and it's no lost that a friend +gets." + +Morton accordingly paid his reckoning and departed. The sunset of the +summer day placed him at the ash-tree, where the path led up towards the +moors. + +"Here," he said to himself, "my misfortunes commenced; for just here, +when Burley and I were about to separate on the first night we ever met, +he was alarmed by the intelligence that the passes were secured by +soldiers lying in wait for him. Beneath that very ash sate the old woman +who apprised him of his danger. How strange that my whole fortunes should +have become inseparably interwoven with that man's, without anything more +on my part than the discharge of an ordinary duty of humanity! Would to +Heaven it were possible I could find my humble quiet and tranquillity of +mind upon the spot where I lost them!" + +Thus arranging his reflections betwixt speech and thought, he turned his +horse's head up the path. + +Evening lowered around him as he advanced up the narrow dell which had +once been a wood, but was now a ravine divested of trees, unless where a +few, from their inaccessible situation on the edge of precipitous banks, +or clinging among rocks and huge stones, defied the invasion of men and +of cattle, like the scattered tribes of a conquered country, driven to +take refuge in the barren strength of its mountains. These too, wasted +and decayed, seemed rather to exist than to flourish, and only served to +indicate what the landscape had once been. But the stream brawled down +among them in all its freshness and vivacity, giving the life and +animation which a mountain rivulet alone can confer on the barest and +most savage scenes, and which the inhabitants of such a country miss when +gazing even upon the tranquil winding of a majestic stream through plains +of fertility, and beside palaces of splendour. The track of the road +followed the course of the brook, which was now visible, and now only to +be distinguished by its brawling heard among the stones or in the clefts +of the rock that occasionally interrupted its course. + +"Murmurer that thou art," said Morton, in the enthusiasm of his reverie, +"why chafe with the rocks that stop thy course for a moment? There is a +sea to receive thee in its bosom; and there is an eternity for man when +his fretful and hasty course through the vale of time shall be ceased and +over. What thy petty fuming is to the deep and vast billows of a +shoreless ocean, are our cares, hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows to the +objects which must occupy us through the awful and boundless succession +of ages!" + +Thus moralizing, our traveller passed on till the dell opened, and the +banks, receding from the brook, left a little green vale, exhibiting a +croft, or small field, on which some corn was growing, and a cottage, +whose walls were not above five feet high, and whose thatched roof, green +with moisture, age, houseleek, and grass, had in some places suffered +damage from the encroachment of two cows, whose appetite this appearance +of verdure had diverted from their more legitimate pasture. An ill-spelt +and worse-written inscription intimated to the traveller that he might +here find refreshment for man and horse,--no unacceptable intimation, +rude as the hut appeared to be, considering the wild path he had trod in +approaching it, and the high and waste mountains which rose in desolate +dignity behind this humble asylum. + +It must indeed have been, thought Morton, in some such spot as this that +Burley was likely to find a congenial confident. + +As he approached, he observed the good dame of the house herself, seated +by the door; she had hitherto been concealed from him by a huge +alder-bush. + +"Good evening, Mother," said the traveller. "Your name is Mistress +Maclure?" + +"Elizabeth Maclure, sir, a poor widow," was the reply. + +"Can you lodge a stranger for a night?" + +"I can, sir, if he will be pleased with the widow's cake and the widow's +cruse." + +"I have been a soldier, good dame," answered Morton, "and nothing can +come amiss to me in the way of entertainment." + +"A sodger, sir?" said the old woman, with a sigh,--"God send ye a better +trade!" + +"It is believed to be an honourable profession, my good dame; I hope you +do not think the worse of me for having belonged to it?" + +"I judge no one, sir," replied the woman, "and your voice sounds like +that of a civil gentleman; but I hae witnessed sae muckle ill wi' +sodgering in this puir land that I am e'en content that I can see nae +mair o't wi' these sightless organs." + +As she spoke thus, Morton observed that she was blind. + +"Shall I not be troublesome to you, my good dame?" said he, +compassionately; "your infirmity seems ill calculated for your +profession." + +"Na, sir," answered the old woman, "I can gang about the house readily +eneugh; and I hae a bit lassie to help me, and the dragoon lads will look +after your horse when they come hame frae their patrol, for a sma' +matter; they are civiller now than lang syne." + +Upon these assurances, Morton alighted. + +"Peggy, my bonny bird," continued the hostess, addressing a little girl +of twelve years old, who had by this time appeared, "tak the gentleman's +horse to the stable, and slack his girths, and tak aff the bridle, and +shake down a lock o' hay before him, till the dragoons come back.--Come +this way, sir," she continued; "ye'll find my house clean, though it's a +puir ane." + +Morton followed her into the cottage accordingly. + + + + + CHAPTER XXI. + + Then out and spake the auld mother, + And fast her tears did fa + "Ye wadna be warn'd, my son Johnie, + Frae the hunting to bide awa!" + Old Ballad. + +When he entered the cottage, Morton perceived that the old hostess had +spoken truth. The inside of the hut belied its outward appearance, and +was neat, and even comfortable, especially the inner apartment, in which +the hostess informed her guest that he was to sup and sleep. Refreshments +were placed before him such as the little inn afforded; and though he had +small occasion for them, he accepted the offer, as the means of +maintaining some discourse with the landlady. Notwithstanding her +blindness, she was assiduous in her attendance, and seemed, by a sort of +instinct, to find her way to what she wanted. + +"Have you no one but this pretty little girl to assist you in waiting on +your guests?" was the natural question. + +"None, sir," replied his old hostess; "I dwell alone, like the widow of +Zarephath. Few guests come to this puir place, and I haena custom eneugh +to hire servants. I had anes twa fine sons that lookit after a' thing. +--But God gives and takes away,--His name be praised!" she continued, +turning her clouded eyes towards Heaven.--"I was anes better off, that +is, waridly speaking, even since I lost them; but that was before this +last change." + +"Indeed!" said Morton; "and yet you are a Presbyterian, my good mother?" + +"I am, sir; praised be the light that showed me the right way," replied +the landlady. + +"Then I should have thought," continued the guest, the Revolution would +have brought you nothing but good." + +"If," said the old woman, "it has brought the land gude, and freedom of +worship to tender consciences, it's little matter what it has brought to +a puir blind worm like me." + +"Still," replied Morton, "I cannot see how it could possibly injure you." + +"It's a lang story, sir," answered his hostess, with a sigh. "But ae +night, sax weeks or thereby afore Bothwell Brigg, a young gentleman +stopped at this puir cottage, stiff and bloody with wounds, pale and dune +out wi' riding, and his horse sae weary he couldna drag ae foot after the +other, and his foes were close ahint him, and he was ane o' our enemies. +What could I do, sir? You that's a sodger will think me but a silly auld +wife; but I fed him, and relieved him, and keepit him hidden till the +pursuit was ower." + +"And who," said Morton, "dares disapprove of your having done so?" + +"I kenna," answered the blind woman; "I gat ill-will about it amang some +o' our ain folk. They said I should hae been to him what Jael was to +Sisera. But weel I wot I had nae divine command to shed blood, and to +save it was baith like a woman and a Christian. And then they said I +wanted natural affection, to relieve ane that belanged to the band that +murdered my twa sons." + +"That murdered your two sons?" + +"Ay, sir; though maybe ye'll gie their deaths another name. The tane fell +wi' sword in hand, fighting for a broken national Covenant; the tother,-- +oh, they took him and shot him dead on the green before his mother's +face! My auld een dazzled when the shots were looten off, and, to my +thought, they waxed weaker and weaker ever since that weary day; and +sorrow, and heart-break, and tears that would not be dried, might help on +the disorder. But, alas! betraying Lord Evandale's young blood to his +enemies' sword wad ne'er hae brought my Ninian and Johnie alive again." + +"Lord Evandale?" said Morton, in surprise. "Was it Lord Evandale whose +life you saved?" + +"In troth, even his," she replied. "And kind he was to me after, and gae +me a cow and calf, malt, meal, and siller, and nane durst steer me when +he was in power. But we live on an outside bit of Tillietudlem land, and +the estate was sair plea'd between Leddy Margaret Bellenden and the +present laird, Basil Olifant, and Lord Evandale backed the auld leddy for +love o' her daughter Miss Edith, as the country said, ane o' the best and +bonniest lassies in Scotland. But they behuved to gie way, and Basil gat +the Castle and land, and on the back o' that came the Revolution, and wha +to turn coat faster than the laird? for he said he had been a true Whig +a' the time, and turned papist only for fashion's sake. And then he got +favour, and Lord Evandale's head was under water; for he was ower proud +and manfu' to bend to every blast o' wind, though mony a ane may ken as +weel as me that be his ain principles as they might, he was nae ill +friend to our folk when he could protect us, and far kinder than Basil +Olifant, that aye keepit the cobble head doun the stream. But he was set +by and ill looked on, and his word ne'er asked; and then Basil, wha's a +revengefu' man, set himsell to vex him in a' shapes, and especially by +oppressing and despoiling the auld blind widow, Bessie Maclure, that +saved Lord Evandale's life, and that he was sae kind to. But he's mistaen +if that's his end; for it will be lang or Lord Evandale hears a word frae +me about the selling my kye for rent or e'er it was due, or the putting +the dragoons on me when the country's quiet, or onything else that will +vex him,--I can bear my ain burden patiently, and warld's loss is the +least part o't." + +Astonished and interested at this picture of patient, grateful, and +high-minded resignation, Morton could not help bestowing an execration +upon the poor-spirited rascal who had taken such a dastardly course of +vengeance. + +"Dinna curse him, sir," said the old woman; "I have heard a good man say +that a curse was like a stone flung up to the heavens, and maist like to +return on the head that sent it. But if ye ken Lord Evandale, bid him +look to himsell, for I hear strange words pass atween the sodgers that +are lying here, and his name is often mentioned; and the tane o' them has +been twice up at Tillietudlem. He's a kind of favourite wi' the laird, +though he was in former times ane o' the maist cruel oppressors ever rade +through a country (out-taken Sergeant Bothwell),--they ca' him Inglis." + +"I have the deepest interest in Lord Evandale's safety," said Morton, +"and you may depend on my finding some mode to apprise him of these +suspicious circumstances. And, in return, my good friend, will you +indulge me with another question? Do you know anything of Quintin Mackell +of Irongray?" + +"Do I know whom?" echoed the blind woman, in a tone of great surprise and +alarm. + +"Quintin Mackell of Irongray," repeated Morton. "Is there anything so +alarming in the sound of that name?" + +"Na, na," answered the woman, with hesitation; "but to hear him asked +after by a stranger and a sodger,--Gude protect us, what mischief is +to come next!" + +"None by my means, I assure you," said Morton; "the subject of my inquiry +has nothing to fear from me if, as I suppose, this Quintin Mackell is the +same with John Bal-----." + +"Do not mention his name," said the widow, pressing his lips with her +fingers. "I see you have his secret and his pass-word, and I'll be free +wi' you. But, for God's sake, speak lound and low. In the name of Heaven, +I trust ye seek him not to his hurt! Ye said ye were a sodger?" + +"I said truly; but one he has nothing to fear from. I commanded a party +at Bothwell Bridge." + +"Indeed?" said the woman. "And verily there is something in your voice I +can trust. Ye speak prompt and readily, and like an honest man." + +"I trust I am so," said Morton. + +"But nae displeasure to you, sir, in thae waefu' times," continued Mrs. +Maclure, "the hand of brother is against brother, and he fears as mickle +almaist frae this Government as e'er he did frae the auld persecutors." + +"Indeed?" said Morton, in a tone of inquiry; I was not aware of that. But +I am only just now returned from abroad." + +"I'll tell ye," said the blind woman, first assuming an attitude of +listening that showed how effectually her powers of collecting +intelligence had been transferred from the eye to the ear; for, instead +of casting a glance of circumspection around, she stooped her face, and +turned her head slowly around, in such a manner as to insure that there +was not the slightest sound stirring in the neighbourhood, and then +continued,--"I'll tell ye. Ye ken how he has laboured to raise up again +the Covenant, burned, broken, and buried in the hard hearts and selfish +devices of this stubborn people. Now, when he went to Holland, far from +the countenance and thanks of the great, and the comfortable fellowship +of the godly, both whilk he was in right to expect, the Prince of Orange +wad show him no favour, and the ministers no godly communion. This was +hard to bide for ane that had suffered and done mickle,--ower mickle, it +may be; but why suld I be a judge? He came back to me and to the auld +place o' refuge that had often received him in his distresses, mair +especially before the great day of victory at Drumclog, for I sail ne'er +forget how he was bending hither of a' nights in the year on that e'ening +after the play when young Milnwood wan the popinjay; but I warned him off +for that time." + +"What!" exclaimed Morton, "it was you that sat in your red cloak by the +high-road, and told him there was a lion in the path?" + +"In the name of Heaven! wha are ye?" said the old woman, breaking off her +narrative in astonishment. "But be wha ye may," she continued, resuming +it with tranquillity, "ye can ken naething waur o' me than that I hae +been willing to save the life o' friend and foe." + +"I know no ill of you, Mrs. Maclure, and I mean no ill by you; I only +wished to show you that I know so much of this person's affairs that I +might be safely intrusted with the rest. Proceed, if you please, in your +narrative." + +"There is a strange command in your voice," said the blind woman, "though +its tones are sweet. I have little mair to say. The Stewarts hae been +dethroned, and William and Mary reign in their stead; but nae mair word +of the Covenant than if it were a dead letter. They hae taen the indulged +clergy, and an Erastian General Assembly of the ante pure and triumphant +Kirk of Scotland, even into their very arms and bosoms. Our faithfu' +champions o' the testimony agree e'en waur wi' this than wi' the open +tyranny and apostasy of the persecuting times, for souls are hardened and +deadened, and the mouths of fasting multitudes are crammed wi' fizenless +bran instead of the sweet word in season; and mony an hungry, starving +creature, when he sits down on a Sunday forenoon to get something that +might warm him to the great work, has a dry clatter o' morality driven +about his lugs, and--" + +"In short," said Morton, desirous to stop a discussion which the good old +woman, as enthusiastically attached to her religious profession as to the +duties of humanity, might probably have indulged longer,--"In short, you +are not disposed to acquiesce in this new government, and Burley is of +the same opinion?" + +"Many of our brethren, sir, are of belief we fought for the Covenant, and +fasted and prayed and suffered for that grand national league, and now we +are like neither to see nor hear tell of that which we suffered and +fought and fasted and prayed for. And anes it was thought something might +be made by bringing back the auld family on a new bargain and a new +bottom, as, after a', when King James went awa, I understand the great +quarrel of the English against him was in behalf of seven unhallowed +prelates; and sae, though ae part of our people were free to join wi' the +present model, and levied an armed regiment under the Yerl of Angus, yet +our honest friend, and others that stude up for purity of doctrine and +freedom of conscience, were determined to hear the breath o' the +Jacobites before they took part again them, fearing to fa' to the ground +like a wall built with unslaked mortar, or from sitting between twa +stools." + +"They chose an odd quarter," said Morton, "from which to expect freedom +of conscience and purity of doctrine." + +"Oh, dear sir!" said the landlady, "the natural day-spring rises in the +east, but the spiritual dayspring may rise in the north, for what we +blinded mortals ken." + +"And Burley went to the north to seek it?" replied the guest. + +"Truly ay, sir; and he saw Claver'se himsell, that they ca' Dundee now." + +"What!" exclaimed Morton, in amazement; "I would have sworn that meeting +would have been the last of one of their lives." + +"Na, na, sir; in troubled times, as I understand," said Mrs. Maclure, +"there's sudden changes,--Montgomery and Ferguson and mony ane mair that +were King James's greatest faes are on his side now. Claver'se spake our +friend fair, and sent him to consult with Lord Evandale. But then there +was a break-off, for Lord Evandale wadna look at, hear, or speak wi' him; +and now he's anes wud and aye waur, and roars for revenge again Lord +Evandale, and will hear nought of onything but burn and slay. And oh, +thae starts o' passion! they unsettle his mind, and gie the Enemy sair +advantages." + +"The enemy?" said Morton; "What enemy?" + +"What enemy? Are ye acquainted familiarly wi' John Balfour o' Burley, and +dinna ken that he has had sair and frequent combats to sustain against +the Evil One? Did ye ever see him alone but the Bible was in his hand, +and the drawn sword on his knee? Did ye never sleep in the same room wi' +him, and hear him strive in his dreams with the delusions of Satan? Oh, +ye ken little o' him if ye have seen him only in fair daylight; for nae +man can put the face upon his doleful visits and strifes that he can do. +I hae seen him, after sic a strife of agony, tremble that an infant might +hae held him, while the hair on his brow was drapping as fast as ever my +puir thatched roof did in a heavy rain." As she spoke, Morton began to +recollect the appearance of Burley during his sleep in the hay-loft at +Milnwood, the report of Cuddie that his senses had become impaired, and +some whispers current among the Cameronians, who boasted frequently of +Burley's soul-exercises and his strifes with the foul fiend,--which +several circumstances led him to conclude that this man himself was a +victim to those delusions, though his mind, naturally acute and forcible, +not only disguised his superstition from those in whose opinion it might +have discredited his judgment, but by exerting such a force as is said to +be proper to those afflicted with epilepsy, could postpone the fits which +it occasioned until he was either freed from superintendence, or +surrounded by such as held him more highly on account of these +visitations. It was natural to suppose, and could easily be inferred from +the narrative of Mrs. Maclure, that disappointed ambition, wrecked hopes, +and the downfall of the party which he had served with such desperate +fidelity, were likely to aggravate enthusiasm into temporary insanity. It +was, indeed, no uncommon circumstance in those singular times that men +like Sir Harry Vane, Harrison, Overton, and others, themselves slaves to +the wildest and most enthusiastic dreams, could, when mingling with the +world, conduct themselves not only with good sense in difficulties, and +courage in dangers, but with the most acute sagacity and determined +valour. The subsequent part of Mrs. Maclure's information confirmed +Morton in these impressions. + +"In the grey of the morning," she said, "my little Peggy sail show ye the +gate to him before the sodgers are up. But ye maun let his hour of +danger, as he ca's it, be ower, afore ye venture on him in his place of +refuge. Peggy will tell ye when to venture in. She kens his ways weel, +for whiles she carries him some little helps that he canna do +without to sustain life." + +"And in what retreat, then," said Morton, "has this unfortunate person +found refuge?" + +"An awsome place," answered the blind woman, "as ever living creature +took refuge in; they ca it the Black Linn of Linklater. It's a doleful +place, but he loves it abune a' others, because he has sae often been in +safe hiding there; and it's my belief he prefers it to a tapestried +chamber and a down bed. But ye'll see 't. I hae seen it mysell mony a day +syne. I was a daft hempie lassie then, and little thought what was to +come o't.--Wad ye choose ony thing, sir, ere ye betake yoursell to your +rest, for ye maun stir wi' the first dawn o' the grey light?" + +"Nothing more, my good mother," said Morton; and they parted for the +evening. + +Morton recommended himself to Heaven, threw himself on the bed, heard, +between sleeping and waking, the trampling of the dragoon horses at the +riders' return from their patrol, and then slept soundly after such +painful agitation. + + + + + CHAPTER XXII. + + The darksome cave they enter, where they found + The accursed man low sitting on the ground, + Musing full sadly in his sullen mind. + SPENSER. + +As the morning began to appear on the mountains, a gentle knock was heard +at the door of the humble apartment in which Morton slept, and a girlish +treble voice asked him, from without, "If he wad please gang to the Linn +or the folk raise?" + +He arose upon the invitation, and, dressing himself hastily, went forth +and joined his little guide. The mountain maid tript lightly before him, +through the grey haze, over hill and moor. It was a wild and varied walk, +unmarked by any regular or distinguishable track, and keeping, upon the +whole, the direction of the ascent of the brook, though without tracing +its windings. The landscape, as they advanced, became waster and more +wild, until nothing but heath and rock encumbered the side of the valley. + +"Is the place still distant?" said Morton. "Nearly a mile off," answered +the girl. "We'll be there belive." + +"And do you often go this wild journey, my little maid?" + +"When grannie sends me wi' milk and meal to the Linn," answered the +child. + +"And are you not afraid to travel so wild a road alone?" + +"Hout na, sir," replied the guide; "nae living creature wad touch sic a +bit thing as I am, and grannie says we need never fear onything else when +we are doing a gude turn." + +"Strong in innocence as in triple mail!" said Morton to himself, and +followed her steps in silence. + +They soon came to a decayed thicket, where brambles and thorns supplied +the room of the oak and birches of which it had once consisted. Here the +guide turned short off the open heath, and, by a sheep-track, conducted +Morton to the brook. A hoarse and sullen roar had in part prepared him +for the scene which presented itself, yet it was not to be viewed without +surprise and even terror. When he emerged from the devious path which +conducted him through the thicket, he found himself placed on a ledge of +flat rock projecting over one side of a chasm not less than a hundred +feet deep, where the dark mountain-stream made a decided and rapid shoot +over the precipice, and was swallowed up by a deep, black, yawning gulf. +The eye in vain strove to see the bottom of the fall; it could catch but +one sheet of foaming uproar and sheer descent, until the view was +obstructed by the proecting crags which enclosed the bottom of the +waterfall, and hid from sight the dark pool which received its tortured +waters; far beneath, at the distance of perhaps a quarter of a mile, the +eye caught the winding of the stream as it emerged into a more open +course. But, for that distance, they were lost to sight as much as if a +cavern had been arched over them; and indeed the steep and projecting +ledges of rock through which they wound their way in darkness were very +nearly closing and over-roofing their course. + +While Morton gazed at this scene of tumult, which seemed, by the +surrounding thickets and the clefts into which the waters descended, to +seek to hide itself from every eye, his little attendant as she stood +beside him on the platform of rock which commanded the best view of the +fall, pulled him by the sleeve, and said, in a tone which he could not +hear without stooping his ear near the speaker, "Hear till him! Eh! hear +till him!" + +Morton listened more attentively; and out of the very abyss into which +the brook fell, and amidst the turnultuary sounds of the cataract, +thought he could distinguish shouts, screams, and even articulate words, +as if the tortured demon of the stream had been mingling his complaints +with the roar of his broken waters. + +"This is the way," said the little girl; "follow me, gin ye please, sir, +but tak tent to your feet;" and, with the daring agility which custom had +rendered easy, she vanished from the platform on which she stood, and, by +notches and slight projections in the rock, scrambled down its face into +the chasm which it overhung. Steady, bold, and active, Morton hesitated +not to follow her; but the necessary attention to secure his hold and +footing in a descent where both foot and hand were needful for security, +prevented him from looking around him, till, having descended nigh twenty +feet, and being sixty or seventy above the pool which received the fall, +his guide made a pause, and he again found himself by her side in a +situation that appeared equally romantic and precarious. They were nearly +opposite to the waterfall, and in point of level situated at about +one-quarter's depth from the point of the cliff over which it thundered, +and three-fourths of the height above the dark, deep, and restless pool +which received its fall. Both these tremendous points--the first shoot, +namely, of the yet unbroken stream, and the deep and sombre abyss into +which it was emptied--were full before him, as well as the whole +continuous stream of billowy froth, which, dashing from the one, was +eddying and boiling in the other. They were so near this grand phenomenon +that they were covered with its spray, and well-nigh deafened by the +incessant roar. But crossing in the very front of the fall, and at scarce +three yards distance from the cataract, an old oak-tree, flung across the +chasm in a manner that seemed accidental, formed a bridge of fearfully +narrow dimensions and uncertain footing. The upper end of the tree rested +on the platform on which they stood; the lower or uprooted extremity +extended behind a projection on the opposite side, and was secured, +Morton's eye could not discover where. From behind the same projection +glimmered a strong red light, which, glancing in the waves of the falling +water, and tinging them partially with crimson, had a strange +preternatural and sinister effect when contrasted with the beams of the +rising sun, which glanced on the first broken waves of the fall, though +even its meridian splendour could not gain the third of its full depth. +When he had looked around him for a moment, the girl again pulled his +sleeve, and, pointing to the oak and the projecting point beyond it (for +hearing speech was now out of the question), indicated that there lay his +farther passage. + +Morton gazed at her with surprise; for although he well knew that the +persecuted Presbyterians had in the preceding reigns sought refuge among +dells and thickets, caves and cataracts, in spots the most extraordinary +and secluded; although he had heard of the champions of the Covenant, who +had long abidden beside Dobs-lien on the wild heights of Polmoodie, and +others who had been concealed in the yet more terrific cavern called +Creehope-linn, in the parish of Closeburn,--yet his imagination had never +exactly figured out the horrors of such a residence, and he was surprised +how the strange and romantic scene which he now saw had remained +concealed from him, while a curious investigator of such natural +phenomena. But he readily conceived that, lying in a remote and wild +district, and being destined as a place of concealment to the persecuted +preachers and professors of nonconformity, the secret of its existence +was carefully preserved by the few shepherds to whom it might be known. +As, breaking from these meditations, he began to consider how he should +traverse the doubtful and terrific bridge, which, skirted by the cascade, +and rendered wet and slippery by its constant drizzle, traversed the +chasm above sixty feet from the bottom of the fall, his guide, as if to +give him courage, tript over and back without the least hesitation. +Envying for a moment the little bare feet which caught a safer hold of +the rugged side of the oak than he could pretend to with his heavy boots, +Morton nevertheless resolved to attempt the passage, and, fixing his eye +firm on a stationary object on the other side, without allowing his head +to become giddy, or his attention to be distracted by the flash, the +foam, and the roar of the waters around him, he strode steadily and +safely along the uncertain bridge, and reached the mouth of a small +cavern on the farther side of the torrent. Here he paused; for a light, +proceeding from a fire of red-hot charcoal, permitted him to see the +interior of the cave, and enabled him to contemplate the appearance of +its inhabitant, by whom he himself could not be so readily distinguished, +being concealed by the shadow of the rock. What he observed would by no +means have encouraged a less determined man to proceed with the task +which he had undertaken. + +Burley, only altered from what he had been formerly by the addition of a +grisly beard, stood in the midst of the cave, with his clasped Bible in +one hand, and his drawn sword in the other. His figure, dimly ruddied by +the light of the red charcoal, seemed that of a fiend in the lurid +atmosphere of Pandemonium, and his gestures and words, as far as they +could be heard, seemed equally violent and irregular. All alone, and in a +place of almost unapproachable seclusion, his demeanour was that of a man +who strives for life and death with a mortal enemy. "Ha! ha!--there-- +there!" he exclaimed, accompanying each word with a thrust, urged with +his whole force against the impassible and empty air, "Did I not tell +thee so?--I have resisted, and thou fleest from me!--Coward as thou art, +come in all thy terrors; come with mine own evil deeds, which render thee +most terrible of all,--there is enough betwixt the boards of this book to +rescue me!--What mutterest thou of grey hairs? It was well done to slay +him,--the more ripe the corn, the readier for the sickle.--Art gone? Art +gone?--I have ever known thee but a coward--ha! ha! ha!" + +With these wild exclamations he sunk the point of his sword, and remained +standing still in the same posture, like a maniac whose fit is over. + +"The dangerous time is by now," said the little girl who had followed; +"it seldom lasts beyond the time that the sun's ower the hill; ye may +gang in and speak wi' him now. I'll wait for you at the other side of the +linn; he canna bide to see twa folk at anes." + +Slowly and cautiously, and keeping constantly upon his guard, Morton +presented himself to the view of his old associate in command. + +"What! comest thou again when thine hour is over?" was his first +exclamation; and flourishing his sword aloft, his countenance assumed an +expression in which ghastly terror seemed mingled with the rage of a +demoniac. + +"I am come, Mr. Balfour," said Morton, in a steady and composed tone, +"to renew an acquaintance which has been broken off since the fight of +Bothwell Bridge." + +As soon as Burley became aware that Morton was before him in person,--an +idea which he caught with marvellous celerity,--he at once exerted that +mastership over his heated and enthusiastic imagination, the power of +enforcing which was a most striking part of his extraordinary character. +He sunk his sword-point at once, and as he stole it composedly into the +scabbard, he muttered something of the damp and cold which sent an old +soldier to his fencing exercise, to prevent his blood from chilling. This +done, he proceeded in the cold, determined manner which was peculiar to +his ordinary discourse:-- + +"Thou hast tarried long, Henry Morton, and hast not come to the vintage +before the twelfth hour has struck. Art thou yet willing to take the +right hand of fellowship, and be one with those who look not to thrones +or dynasties, but to the rule of Scripture, for their directions?" + +"I am surprised," said Morton, evading the direct answer to his question, +"that you should have known me after so many years." + +"The features of those who ought to act with me are engraved on my +heart," answered Burley; "and few but Silas Morton's son durst have +followed me into this my castle of retreat. Seest thou that drawbridge of +Nature's own construction?" he added, pointing to the prostrate +oak-tree,--"one spurn of my foot, and it is overwhelmed in the abyss +below, bidding foeman on the farther side stand at defiance, and leaving +enemies on this at the mercy of one who never yet met his equal in single +fight." + +"Of such defences," said Morton, "I should have thought you would now +have had little need." + +"Little need?" said Burley impatiently. "What little need, when incarnate +fiends are combined against me on earth, and Sathan himself--But it +matters not," added he, checking himself. "Enough that I like my place +of refuge, my cave of Adullam, and would not change its rude ribs of +limestone rock for the fair chambers of the castle of the earls of +Torwood, with their broad bounds and barony. Thou, unless the foolish +fever-fit be over, mayst think differently." + +"It was of those very possessions I came to speak," said Morton; "and I +doubt not to find Mr. Balfour the same rational and reflecting person +which I knew him to be in times when zeal disunited brethren." + +"Ay?" said Burley; "indeed? Is such truly your hope? Wilt thou express it +more plainly?" + +"In a word, then," said Morton, "you have exercised, by means at which I +can guess, a secret, but most prejudicial, influence over the fortunes of +Lady Margaret Bellenden and her granddaughter, and in favour of that +base, oppressive apostate, Basil Olifant, whom the law, deceived by thy +operations, has placed in possession of their lawful property." + +"Sayest thou?" said Balfour. + +"I do say so," replied Morton; "and face to face you will not deny what +you have vouched by your handwriting." + +"And suppose I deny it not," said Balfour; "and suppose that thy-- +eloquence were found equal to persuade me to retrace the steps I have +taken on matured resolve,--what will be thy meed? Dost thou still hope to +possess the fair-haired girl, with her wide and rich inheritance?" + +"I have no such hope," answered Morton, calmly. + +"And for whom, then, hast thou ventured to do this great thing,--to seek +to rend the prey from the valiant, to bring forth food from the den of +the lion, and to extract sweetness from the maw of the devourer? For +whose sake hast thou undertaken to read this riddle, more hard than +Samson's?" + +"For Lord Evandale's and that of his bride," replied Morton, firmly. +"Think better of mankind, Mr. Balfour, and believe there are some who are +willing to sacrifice their happiness to that of others." + +"Then, as my soul liveth," replied Balfour, "thou art, to wear beard and +back a horse and draw a sword, the tamest and most gall-less puppet that +ever sustained injury unavenged. What! thou wouldst help that accursed +Evandale to the arms of the woman that thou lovest; thou wouldst endow +them with wealth and with heritages, and thou think'st that there lives +another man, offended even more deeply than thou, yet equally cold- +livered and mean-spirited, crawling upon the face of the earth, and hast +dared to suppose that one other to be John Balfour?" + +"For my own feelings," said Morton, composedly, "I am answerable to none +but Heaven; to you, Mr. Balfour, I should suppose it of little +consequence whether Basil Olifant or Lord Evandale possess these +estates." + +"Thou art deceived," said Burley; "both are indeed in outer darkness, +and strangers to the light, as he whose eyes have never been opened to +the day. But this Basil Olifant is a Nabal, a Demas, a base churl whose +wealth and power are at the disposal of him who can threaten to deprive +him of them. He became a professor because he was deprived of these lands +of Tillietudlem; he turned a papist to obtain possession of them; he +called himself an Erastian, that he might not again lose them; and he +will become what I list while I have in my power the document that may +deprive him of them. These lands are a bit between his jaws and a hook in +his nostrils, and the rein and the line are in my hands to guide them as +I think meet; and his they shall therefore be, unless I had assurance of +bestowing them on a sure and sincere friend. But Lord Evandale is a +malignant, of heart like flint, and brow like adamant; the goods of the +world fall on him like leaves on the frost-bound earth, and unmoved he +will see them whirled off by the first wind. The heathen virtues of such +as he are more dangerous to us than the sordid cupidity of those who, +governed by their interest, must follow where it leads, and who, +therefore, themselves the slaves of avarice, may be compelled to work +in the vineyard, were it but to earn the wages of sin." + +"This might have been all well some years since," replied Morton, "and I +could understand your argument, although I could never acquiesce in its +justice. But at this crisis it seems useless to you to persevere in +keeping up an influence which can no longer be directed to an useful +purpose. The land has peace, liberty, and freedom of conscience,--and +what would you more?" + +"More!" exclaimed Burley, again unsheathing his sword, with a vivacity +which nearly made Morton start. "Look at the notches upon that weapon +they are three in number, are they not?" + +"It seems so," answered Morton; "but what of that?" + +"The fragment of steel that parted from this first gap rested on the +skull of the perjured traitor who first introduced Episcopacy into +Scotland; this second notch was made in the rib-bone of an impious +villain, the boldest and best soldier that upheld the prelatic cause at +Drumclog; this third was broken on the steel head-piece of the captain +who defended the Chapel of Holyrood when the people rose at the +Revolution. I cleft him to the teeth, through steel and bone. It has done +great deeds, this little weapon, and each of these blows was a +deliverance to the Church. This sword," he said, again sheathing it, +"has yet more to do,--to weed out this base and pestilential heresy of +Erastianism; to vindicate the true liberty of the Kirk in her purity; +to restore the Covenant in its glory,--then let it moulder and rust +beside the bones of its master." + +"You have neither men nor means, Mr. Balfour, to disturb the Government +as now settled," argued Morton; "the people are in general satisfied, +excepting only the gentlemen of the Jacobite interest; and surely you +would not join with those who would only use you for their own purposes?" + +"It is they," answered Burley, "that should serve ours. I went to the +camp of the malignant Claver'se, as the future King of Israel sought the +land of the Philistines; I arranged with him a rising; and but for the +villain Evandale, the Erastians ere now had been driven from the West.-- +I could slay him," he added, with a vindictive scowl, "were he grasping +the horns of the altar!" He then proceeded in a calmer tone: "If thou, +son of mine ancient comrade, were suitor for thyself to this Edith +Bellenden, and wert willing to put thy hand to the great work with zeal +equal to thy courage, think not I would prefer the friendship of Basil +Olifant to thine; thou shouldst then have the means that this document +[he produced a parchment] affords to place her in possession of the lands +of her fathers. This have I longed to say to thee ever since I saw thee +fight the good fight so strongly at the fatal Bridge. The maiden loved +thee, and thou her." + +Morton replied firmly, "I will not dissemble with you, Mr. Balfour, even +to gain a good end. I came in hopes to persuade you to do a deed of +justice to others, not to gain any selfish end of my own. I have failed; +I grieve for your sake more than for the loss which others will sustain +by your injustice." + +"You refuse my proffer, then?" said Burley, with kindling eyes. + +"I do," said Morton. "Would you be really, as you are desirous to be +thought, a man of honour and conscience, you would, regardless of all +other considerations, restore that parchment to Lord Evandale, to be used +for the advantage of the lawful heir." + +"Sooner shall it perish!" said Balfour; and, casting the deed into the +heap of red charcoal beside him, pressed it down with the heel of his +boot. + +While it smoked, shrivelled, and crackled in the flames, Morton sprung +forward to snatch it, and Burley catching hold of him, a struggle ensued. +Both were strong men; but although Morton was much the more active and +younger of the two, yet Balfour was the most powerful, and effectually +prevented him from rescuing the deed until it was fairly reduced to a +cinder. They then quitted hold of each other, and the enthusiast, +rendered fiercer by the contest, glared on Morton with an eye expressive +of frantic revenge. + +"Thou hast my secret," he exclaimed; "thou must be mine, or die!" + +"I contemn your threats," said Morton; "I pity you, and leave you." +But as he turned to retire, Burley stept before him, pushed the oak-trunk +from its resting place, and as it fell thundering and crashing into the +abyss beneath, drew his sword, and cried out, with a voice that rivalled +the roar of the cataract and the thunder of the falling oak, "Now thou +art at bay! Fight,--yield, or die!" and standing in the mouth of the +cavern, he flourished his naked sword. + +"I will not fight with the man that preserved my father's life," said +Morton. "I have not yet learned to say the words, 'I yield;' and my life +I will rescue as I best can." + +So speaking, and ere Balfour was aware of his purpose, he sprung past +him, and exerting that youthful agility of which he possessed an uncommon +share, leaped clear across the fearful chasm which divided the mouth of +the cave from the projecting rock on the opposite side, and stood there +safe and free from his incensed enemy. He immediately ascended the +ravine, and, as he turned, saw Burley stand for an instant aghast with +astonishment, and then, with the frenzy of disappointed rage, rush into +the interior of his cavern. + +It was not difficult for him to perceive that this unhappy man's mind had +been so long agitated by desperate schemes and sudden disappointments +that it had lost its equipoise, and that there was now in his conduct a +shade of lunacy, not the less striking, from the vigour and craft with +which he pursued his wild designs. Morton soon joined his guide, who had +been terrified by the fall of the oak. This he represented as accidental; +and she assured him, in return, that the inhabitant of the cave would +experience no inconvenience from it, being always provided with materials +to construct another bridge. + +The adventures of the morning were not yet ended. As they approached the +hut, the little girl made an exclamation of surprise at seeing her +grandmother groping her way towards them, at a greater distance from her +home than she could have been supposed capable of travelling. + +"Oh, sir, sir!" said the old woman, when she heard them approach, "gin +e'er ye loved Lord Evandale, help now, or never! God be praised that left +my hearing when he took my poor eyesight! Come this way,--this way. And +oh, tread lightly. Peggy, hinny, gang saddle the gentleman's horse, and +lead him cannily ahint the thorny shaw, and bide him there." + +She conducted him to a small window, through which, himself unobserved, +he could see two dragoons seated at their morning draught of ale, and +conversing earnestly together. + +"The more I think of it," said the one, "the less I like it, Inglis; +Evandale was a good officer and the soldier's friend; and though we were +punished for the mutiny at Tillietudlem, yet, by ---, Frank, you must own +we deserved it." + +"D--n seize me if I forgive him for it, though!" replied the other; "and +I think I can sit in his skirts now." + +"Why, man, you should forget and forgive. Better take the start with him +along with the rest, and join the ranting Highlanders. We have all eat +King James's bread." + +"Thou art an ass; the start, as you call it, will never happen,--the +day's put off. Halliday's seen a ghost, or Miss Bellenden's fallen sick +of the pip, or some blasted nonsense or another; the thing will never +keep two days longer, and the first bird that sings out will get the +reward." + +"That's true too," answered his comrade; "and will this fellow--this +Basil Olifant--pay handsomely?" + +"Like a prince, man," said Inglis. "Evandale is the man on earth whom he +hates worst, and he fears him, besides, about some law business; and were +he once rubbed out of the way, all, he thinks, will be his own." + +"But shall we have warrants and force enough?" said the other fellow. +"Few people here will stir against my lord, and we may find him with some +of our own fellows at his back." + +"Thou 'rt a cowardly fool, Dick," returned Inglis; he is living quietly +down at Fairy Knowe to avoid suspicion. Olifant is a magistrate, and will +have some of his own people that he can trust along with him. There are +us two, and the laird says he can get a desperate fighting Whig fellow, +called Quintin Mackell, that has an old grudge at Evandale." + +"Well, well, you are my officer, you know," said the private, with true +military conscience, "and if anything is wrong--" + +"I'll take the blame," said Inglis. "Come, another pot of ale, and let us +to Tillietudlem.--Here, blind Bess!--Why, where the devil has the old hag +crept to?" + +"Delay them as long as you can," whispered Morton, as he thrust his purse +into the hostess's hand; "all depends on gaining time." + +Then, walking swiftly to the place where the girl held his horse ready, +"To Fairy Knowe? No; alone I could not protect them. I must instantly to +Glasgow. Wittenbold, the commandant there, will readily give me the +support of a troop, and procure me the countenance of the civil power. I +must drop a caution as I pass.--Come, Moorkopf," he said, addressing his +horse as he mounted him, "this day must try your breath and speed." + + + + + CHAPTER XXIII. + + Yet could he not his closing eyes withdraw, + Though less and less of Emily he saw; + So, speechless for a little space he lay, + Then grasp'd the hand he held, and sigh'd his soul away. + Palamon and Acite. + +The indisposition of Edith confined her to bed during the eventful day on +which she had received such an unexpected shock from the sudden +apparition of Morton. Next morning, however, she was reported to be so +much better that Lord Evandale resumed his purpose of leaving Fairy +Knowe. At a late hour in the forenoon Lady Emily entered the apartment of +Edith with a peculiar gravity of manner. Having received and paid the +compliments of the day, she observed it would be a sad one for her, +though it would relieve Miss Bellenden of an encumbrance: "My brother +leaves us today, Miss Bellenden." + +"Leaves us!" exclaimed Edith, in surprise; "for his own house, I trust?" + +"I have reason to think he meditates a more distant journey," answered +Lady Emily; "he has little to detain him in this country." + +"Good Heaven!" exclaimed Edith, "why was I born to become the wreck of +all that is manly and noble! What can be done to stop him from running +headlong on ruin? I will come down instantly.--Say that I implore he will +not depart until I speak with him." + +"It will be in vain, Miss Bellenden; but I will execute your commission;" +and she left the room as formally as she had entered it, and informed her +brother Miss Bellenden was so much recovered as to propose coming +downstairs ere he went away. + +"I suppose," she added pettishly, "the prospect of being speedily +released from our company has wrought a cure on her shattered nerves." + +"Sister," said Lord Evandale, "you are unjust, if not envious." + +"Unjust I maybe, Evandale, but I should not have dreamt," glancing her +eye at a mirror, "of being thought envious without better cause. But let +us go to the old lady; she is making a feast in the other room which +might have dined all your troop when you had one." + +Lord Evandale accompanied her in silence to the parlour, for he knew it +was in vain to contend with her prepossessions and offended pride. They +found the table covered with refreshments, arranged under the careful +inspection of Lady Margaret. + +"Ye could hardly weel be said to breakfast this morning, my Lord +Evandale, and ye maun e'en partake of a small collation before ye ride, +such as this poor house, whose inmates are so much indebted to you, can +provide in their present circumstances. For my ain part, I like to see +young folk take some refection before they ride out upon their sports or +their affairs, and I said as much to his most sacred Majesty when he +breakfasted at Tillietudlem in the year of grace sixteen hundred and +fifty-one; and his most sacred Majesty was pleased to reply, drinking to +my health at the same time in a flagon of Rhenish wine, 'Lady Margaret, +ye speak like a Highland oracle.' These were his Majesty's very words; +so that your lordship may judge whether I have not good authority to +press young folk to partake of their vivers." + +It may be well supposed that much of the good lady's speech failed Lord +Evandale's ears, which were then employed in listening for the light step +of Edith. His absence of mind on this occasion, however natural, cost him +very dear. While Lady Margaret was playing the kind hostess,--a part she +delighted and excelled in,--she was interrupted by John Gudyill, who, in +the natural phrase for announcing an inferior to the mistress of a +family, said, "There was ane wanting to speak to her leddyship." + +"Ane! what ane? Has he nae name? Ye speak as if I kept a shop, and was to +come at everybody's whistle." + +"Yes, he has a name," answered John, "but your leddyship likes ill to +hear't." What is it, you fool?" + +"It's Calf-Gibbie, my leddy," said John, in a tone rather above the pitch +of decorous respect, on which he occasionally trespassed, confiding in +his merit as an ancient servant of the family and a faithful follower of +their humble fortunes,--"It's Calf-Gibbie, an your leddyship will hae't, +that keeps Edie Henshaw's kye down yonder at the Brigg-end,--that's him +that was Guse-Gibbie at Tillietudlem, and gaed to the wappinshaw, and +that--" + +"Hold your peace, John," said the old lady, rising in dignity; "you are +very insolent to think I wad speak wi' a person like that. Let him tell +his business to you or Mrs. Headrigg." + +"He'll no hear o' that, my leddy; he says them that sent him bade him gie +the thing to your leddyship's ain hand direct, or to Lord Evandale's, he +wots na whilk. But, to say the truth, he's far frae fresh, and he's but +an idiot an he were." + +"Then turn him out," said Lady Margaret, "and tell him to come back +to-morrow when he is sober. I suppose he comes to crave some benevolence, +as an ancient follower o' the house." + +"Like eneugh, my leddy, for he's a' in rags, poor creature." + +Gudyill made another attempt to get at Gibbie's commission, which was +indeed of the last importance, being a few lines from Morton to Lord +Evandale, acquainting him with the danger in which he stood from the +practices of Olifant, and exhorting him either to instant flight, or else +to come to Glasgow and surrender himself, where he could assure him of +protection. This billet, hastily written, he intrusted to Gibbie, whom he +saw feeding his herd beside the bridge, and backed with a couple of +dollars his desire that it might instantly be delivered into the hand to +which it was addressed. + +But it was decreed that Goose-Gibbie's intermediation, whether as an +emissary or as a man-at-arms, should be unfortunate to the family of +Tillietudlem. He unluckily tarried so long at the ale-house to prove if +his employer's coin was good that, when he appeared at Fairy Knowe, the +little sense which nature had given him was effectually drowned in ale +and brandy; and instead of asking for Lord Evandale, he demanded to speak +with Lady Margaret, whose name was more familiar to his ear. Being +refused admittance to her presence, he staggered away with the letter +undelivered, perversely faithful to Morton's instructions in the only +point in which it would have been well had he departed from them. +A few minutes after he was gone, Edith entered the apartment. Lord +Evandale and she met with mutual embarrassment, which Lady Margaret, who +only knew in general that their union had been postponed by her +granddaughter's indisposition, set down to the bashfulness of a bride and +bridegroom, and, to place them at ease, began to talk to Lady Emily on +indifferent topics. At this moment Edith, with a countenance as pale as +death, muttered, rather than whispered, to Lord Evandale a request to +speak with him. He offered his arm, and supported her into the small +ante-room, which, as we have noticed before, opened from the parlour. He +placed her in a chair, and, taking one himself, awaited the opening of +the conversation. + +"I am distressed, my lord," were the first words she was able to +articulate, and those with difficulty; "I scarce know what I would say, +nor how to speak it." + +"If I have any share in occasioning your uneasiness," said Lord Evandale, +mildly, "you will soon, Edith, be released from it." + +"You are determined then, my lord," she replied, "to run this desperate +course with desperate men, in spite of your own better reason, in spite +of your friends' entreaties, in spite of the almost inevitable ruin which +yawns before you?" + +"Forgive me, Miss Bellenden; even your solicitude on my account must not +detain me when my honour calls. My horses stand ready saddled, my +servants are prepared, the signal for rising will be given so soon as I +reach Kilsyth. If it is my fate that calls me, I will not shun meeting +it. It will be something," he said, taking her hand, "to die deserving +your compassion, since I cannot gain your love." + +"Oh, my lord, remain!" said Edith, in a tone which went to his heart; +"time may explain the strange circumstance which has shocked me so much; +my agitated nerves may recover their tranquillity. Oh, do not rush on +death and ruin! remain to be our prop and stay, and hope everything from +time!" + +"It is too late, Edith," answered Lord Evandale; "and I were most +ungenerous could I practise on the warmth and kindliness of your feelings +towards me. I know you cannot love me; nervous distress, so strong as to +conjure up the appearance of the dead or absent, indicates a predilection +too powerful to give way to friendship and gratitude alone. But were it +otherwise, the die is now cast." + +As he spoke thus, Cuddie burst into the room, terror and haste in his +countenance. "Oh, my lord, hide yoursell! they hae beset the outlets o' +the house," was his first exclamation. + +"They? Who?" said Lord Evandale. + +"A party of horse, headed by Basil Olifant," answered Cuddie. + +"Oh, hide yourself, my lord!" echoed Edith, in an agony of terror. + +"I will not, by Heaven!" answered Lord Evandale. "What right has the +villain to assail me or stop my passage? I will make my way, were he +backed by a regiment; tell Halliday and Hunter to get out the horses.-- +And now, farewell, Edith!" He clasped her in his arms, and kissed her +tenderly; then, bursting from his sister, who, with Lady Margaret, +endeavoured to detain him, rushed out and mounted his horse. + +All was in confusion; the women shrieked and hurried in consternation to +the front windows of the house, from which they could see a small party +of horsemen, of whom two only seemed soldiers. They were on the open +ground before Cuddie's cottage, at the bottom of the descent from the +house, and showed caution in approaching it, as if uncertain of the +strength within. + +"He may escape, he may escape!" said Edith; "oh, would he but take the +by-road!" + +But Lord Evandale, determined to face a danger which his high spirit +undervalued, commanded his servants to follow him, and rode composedly +down the avenue. Old Gudyill ran to arm himself, and Cuddie snatched down +a gun which was kept for the protection of the house, and, although on +foot, followed Lord Evandale. It was in vain his wife, who had hurried up +on the alarm, hung by his skirts, threatening him with death by the sword +or halter for meddling with other folk's matters. + +"Hand your peace, ye b----," said Cuddie; "and that's braid Scotch, or I +wotna what is. Is it ither folk's matters to see Lord Evandale murdered +before my face?" and down the avenue he marched. But considering on the +way that he composed the whole infantry, as John Gudyill had not +appeared, he took his vantage ground behind the hedge, hammered his +flint, cocked his piece, and, taking a long aim at Laird Basil, as he was +called, stood prompt for action. + +As soon as Lord Evandale appeared, Olifant's party spread themselves a +little, as if preparing to enclose him. Their leader stood fast, +supported by three men, two of whom were dragoons, the third in dress and +appearance a countryman, all well armed. But the strong figure, stern +features, and resolved manner of the third attendant made him seem the +most formidable of the party; and whoever had before seen him could have +no difficulty in recognising Balfour of Burley. + +"Follow me," said Lord Evandale to his servants, "and if we are forcibly +opposed, do as I do." He advanced at a hand gallop towards Olifant, and +was in the act of demanding why he had thus beset the road, when Olifant +called out, "Shoot the traitor!" and the whole four fired their carabines +upon the unfortunate nobleman. He reeled in the, saddle, advanced his +hand to the holster, and drew a pistol, but, unable to discharge it, fell +from his horse mortally wounded. His servants had presented their +carabines. Hunter fired at random; but Halliday, who was an intrepid +fellow, took aim at Inglis, and shot him dead on the spot. At the same +instant a shot from behind the hedge still more effectually avenged Lord +Evandale, for the ball took place in the very midst of Basil Olifant's +forehead, and stretched him lifeless on the ground. His followers, +astonished at the execution done in so short a time, seemed rather +disposed to stand inactive, when Burley, whose blood was up with the +contest, exclaimed, "Down with the Midianites!" and attacked Halliday +sword in hand. At this instant the clatter of horses' hoofs was heard, +and a party of horse, rapidly advancing on the road from Glasgow, +appeared on the fatal field. They were foreign dragoons, led by the Dutch +commandant Wittenbold, accompanied by Morton and a civil magistrate. + +A hasty call to surrender, in the name of God and King William, was +obeyed by all except Burley, who turned his horse and attempted to +escape. Several soldiers pursued him by command of their officer, but, +being well mounted, only the two headmost seemed likely to gain on him. +He turned deliberately twice, and discharging first one of his pistols, +and then the other, rid himself of the one pursuer by mortally wounding +him, and of the other by shooting his horse, and then continued his +flight to Bothwell Bridge, where, for his misfortune, he found the gates +shut and guarded. Turning from thence, he made for a place where the +river seemed passable, and plunged into the stream, the bullets from the +pistols and carabines of his pursuers whizzing around him. Two balls took +effect when he was past the middle of the stream, and he felt himself +dangerously wounded. He reined his horse round in the midst of the river, +and returned towards the bank he had left, waving his hand, as if with +the purpose of intimating that he surrendered. The troopers ceased firing +at him accordingly, and awaited his return, two of them riding a little +way into the river to seize and disarm him. But it presently appeared +that his purpose was revenge, not safety. As he approached the two +soldiers, he collected his remaining strength, and discharged a blow on +the head of one, which tumbled him from his horse. The other dragoon, a +strong, muscular man, had in the mean while laid hands on him. Burley, in +requital, grasped his throat, as a dying tiger seizes his prey, and both, +losing the saddle in the struggle, came headlong into the river, and were +swept down the stream. Their course might be traced by the blood which +bubbled up to the surface. They were twice seen to rise, the Dutchman +striving to swim, and Burley clinging to him in a manner that showed his +desire that both should perish. Their corpses were taken out about a +quarter of a mile down the river. As Balfour's grasp could not have been +unclenched without cutting off his hands, both were thrown into a hasty +grave, still marked by a rude stone and a ruder epitaph. + + [Gentle reader, I did request of mine honest friend Peter Proudfoot, + travelling merchant, known to many of this land for his faithful and + just dealings, as well in muslins and cambrics as in small wares, to + procure me on his next peregrinations to that vicinage, a copy of + the Epitaphion alluded to. And, according to his report, which I see + no ground to discredit, it runneth thus:-- + + Here lyes ane saint to prelates surly, + Being John Balfour, sometime of Burley, + Who stirred up to vengeance take, + For Solemn League and Cov'nant's sake, + Upon the Magus-Moor in Fife, + Did tak James Sharpe the apostate's life; + By Dutchman's hands was hacked and shot, + Then drowned in Clyde near this saam spot.] + +While the soul of this stern enthusiast flitted to its account, that of +the brave and generous Lord Evandale was also released. Morton had flung +himself from his horse upon perceiving his situation, to render his dying +friend all the aid in his power. He knew him, for he pressed his hand, +and, being unable to speak, intimated by signs his wish to be conveyed to +the house. This was done with all the care possible, and he was soon +surrounded by his lamenting friends. But the clamorous grief of Lady +Emily was far exceeded in intensity by the silent agony of Edith. + +Unconscious even of the presence of Morton, she hung over the dying man; +nor was she aware that Fate, who was removing one faithful lover, had +restored another as if from the grave, until Lord Evandale, taking their +hands in his, pressed them both affectionately, united them together, +raised his face as if to pray for a blessing on them, and sunk back and +expired in the next moment. + + + + + CONCLUSION. + +I had determined to waive the task of a concluding chapter, leaving to +the reader's imagination the arrangements which must necessarily take +place after Lord Evandale's death. But as I was aware that precedents are +wanting for a practice which might be found convenient both to readers +and compilers, I confess myself to have been in a considerable dilemma, +when fortunately I was honoured with an invitation to drink tea with Miss +Martha Buskbody, a young lady who has carried on the profession of +mantua-making at Ganderscleugh and in the neighbourhood, with great +success, for about forty years. Knowing her taste for narratives of this +description, I requested her to look over the loose sheets the morning +before I waited on her, and enlighten me by the experience which she must +have acquired in reading through the whole stock of three circulating +libraries, in Ganderscleugh and the two next market-towns. When, with a +palpitating heart, I appeared before her in the evening, I found her much +disposed to be complimentary. + +"I have not been more affected," said she, wiping the glasses of her +spectacles, "by any novel, excepting the 'Tale of Jemmy and Jenny +Jessamy', which is indeed pathos itself; but your plan of omitting a +formal conclusion will never do. You may be as harrowing to our nerves as +you will in the course of your story, but, unless you had the genius +of the author of 'Julia de Roubignd,' never let the end be altogether +overclouded. Let us see a glimpse of sunshine in the last chapter; it is +quite essential." + +"Nothing would be more easy for me, madam, than to comply with your +injunctions; for, in truth, the parties in whom you have had the goodness +to be interested, did live long and happily, and begot sons and +daughters." + +"It is unnecessary, sir," she said, with a slight nod of reprimand, "to +be particular concerning their matrimonial comforts. But what is your +objection to let us have, in a general way, a glimpse of their future +felicity?" + +"Really, madam," said I, "you must be aware that every volume of a +narrative turns less and less interesting as the author draws to a +conclusion,--just like your tea, which, though excellent hyson, is +necessarily weaker and more insipid in the last cup. Now, as I think the +one is by no means improved by the luscious lump of half-dissolved sugar +usually found at the bottom of it, so I am of opinion that a history, +growing already vapid, is but dully crutched up by a detail of +circumstances which every reader must have anticipated, even though the +author exhaust on them every flowery epithet in the language." + +"This will not do, Mr. Pattieson," continued the lady; "you have, as I +may say, basted up your first story very hastily and clumsily at the +conclusion; and, in my trade, I would have cuffed the youngest apprentice +who had put such a horrid and bungled spot of work out of her hand. And +if you do not redeem this gross error by telling us all about the +marriage of Morton and Edith, and what became of the other personages of +the story, from Lady Margaret down to Goose-Gibbie, I apprise you that +you will not be held to have accomplished your task handsomely." + +"Well, madam," I replied, "my materials are so ample that I think I can +satisfy your curiosity, unless it descend to very minute circumstances +indeed." + +"First, then," said she, "for that is most essential,--Did Lady Margaret +get back her fortune and her castle?" + +"She did, madam, and in the easiest way imaginable, as heir, namely, to +her worthy cousin, Basil Olifant, who died without a will; and thus, by +his death, not only restored, but even augmented, the fortune of her, +whom, during his life, he had pursued with the most inveterate malice. +John Gudyill, reinstated in his dignity, was more important than ever; +and Cuddie, with rapturous delight, entered upon the cultivation of the +mains of Tillietudlem, and the occupation of his original cottage. But, +with the shrewd caution of his character, he was never heard to boast of +having fired the lucky shot which repossessed his lady and himself in +their original habitations. 'After a',' he said to Jenny, who was his +only confidant, 'auld Basil Olifant was my leddy's cousin and a grand +gentleman; and though he was acting again the law, as I understand, for +he ne'er showed ony warrant, or required Lord Evandale to surrender, and +though I mind killing him nae mair than I wad do a muircock, yet it 's +just as weel to keep a calm sough about it.' He not only did so, but +ingeniously enough countenanced a report that old Gudyill had done the +deed,--which was worth many a gill of brandy to him from the old butler, +who, far different in disposition from Cuddie, was much more inclined to +exaggerate than suppress his exploits of manhood. The blind widow was +provided for in the most comfortable manner, as well as the little guide +to the Linn; and--" + +"But what is all this to the marriage,--the marriage of the principal +personages?" interrupted Miss Buskbody, impatiently tapping her +snuff-box. + +"The marriage of Morton and Miss Bellenden was delayed for several +months, as both went into deep mourning on account of Lord Evandale's +death. They were then wedded." + +"I hope not without Lady Margaret's consent, sir?" said my fair critic. +"I love books which teach a proper deference in young persons to their +parents. In a novel the young people may fall in love without their +countenance, because it is essential to the necessary intricacy of the +story; but they must always have the benefit of their consent at last. +Even old Delville received Cecilia, though the daughter of a man of low +birth." + +"And even so, madam," replied I, "Lady Margaret was prevailed on to +countenance Morton, although the old Covenanter, his father, stuck sorely +with her for some time. Edith was her only hope, and she wished to see +her happy; Morton, or Melville Morton, as he was more generally called, +stood so high in the reputation of the world, and was in every other +respect such an eligible match, that she put her prejudice aside, and +consoled herself with the recollection that marriage went by destiny, as +was observed to her, she said, by his most sacred Majesty, Charles the +Second of happy memory, when she showed him the portrait of her grand- +father Fergus, third Earl of Torwood, the handsomest man of his time, and +that of Countess Jane, his second lady, who had a hump-back and only one. +eye. This was his Majesty's observation, she said, on one remarkable +morning when he deigned to take his /disjune/--" + +"Nay," said Miss Buskbody, again interrupting me, "if she brought such +authority to countenance her acquiescing in a misalliance, there was no +more to be said.--And what became of old Mrs. What's her name, the +housekeeper?" + +"Mrs. Wilson, madam?" answered I. "She was perhaps the happiest of the +party; for once a year, and not oftener, Mr. and Mrs. Melville Morton +dined in the great wainscotted chamber in solemn state, the hangings +being all displayed, the carpet laid down, and the huge brass candlestick +set on the table, stuck round with leaves of laurel. The preparing the +room for this yearly festival employed her mind for six months before it +came about, and the putting matters to rights occupied old Alison the +other six, so that a single day of rejoicing found her business for all +the year round." + +"And Niel Blane?" said Miss Buskbody. + +"Lived to a good old age, drank ale and brandy with guests of all +persuasions, played Whig or Jacobite tunes as best pleased his customers, +and died worth as much money as married Jenny to a cock laird. I hope, +ma'am, you have no other inquiries to make, for really--" + +"Goose-Gibbie, sir?" said my persevering friend,--"Goose-Gibbie, whose +ministry was fraught with such consequences to the personages of the +narrative?" + +"Consider, my dear Miss Buskbody, (I beg pardon for the familiarity),-- +but pray consider, even the memory of the renowned Scheherazade, that +Empress of Tale-tellers, could not preserve every circumstance. I am not +quite positive as to the fate of Goose-Gibbie, but am inclined to think +him the same with one Gilbert Dudden, alias Calf-Gibbie, who was whipped +through Hamilton for stealing poultry." + +Miss Buskbody now placed her left foot on the fender, crossed her right +leg over her knee, lay back on the chair, and looked towards the ceiling. +When I observed her assume this contemplative mood, I concluded she was +studying some farther cross-examination, and therefore took my hat and +wished her a hasty good-night, ere the Demon of Criticism had supplied +her with any more queries. In like manner, gentle Reader, returning you +my thanks for the patience which has conducted you thus far, I take the +liberty to withdraw myself from you for the present. + + + + + PERORATION. + +It was mine earnest wish, most courteous Reader, that the "Tales of my +Landlord" should have reached thine hands in one entire succession of +tomes, or volumes. But as I sent some few more manuscript quires, +containing the continuation of these most pleasing narratives, I was +apprised, somewhat unceremoniously, by my publisher that he did not +approve of novels (as he injuriously called these real histories) +extending beyond four volumes, and if I did not agree to the first four +being published separately, he threatened to decline the article. (Oh, +ignorance! as if the vernacular article of our mother English were +capable of declension.) Whereupon, somewhat moved by his remonstrances, +and more by heavy charges for print and paper, which he stated to have +been already incurred, I have resolved that these four volumes shall be +the heralds or avant-couriers of the Tales which are yet in my +possession, nothing doubting that they will be eagerly devoured, and the +remainder anxiously demanded, by the unanimous voice of a discerning +public. I rest, esteemed Reader, thine as thou shalt construe me, + +JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM. +GANDERCLEUGH, Nov. 15, 1816. + + + + + +GLOSSARY. + +A', all. +A'body, everybody. +Aboon, abune, above. +Ae, one. +Aff, off. +Afore, before. +Again, against, until. +Ahint, behind. +Ain, own. +Ajee, awry. +Amaist, almost. +Amna, am not. +An, if, suppose. +Ane, one. +Anent, regarding. +Anes, once. +Anither, another. +Arles, earnest money. +Asteer, in confusion. +Atweel, aweel, well. +Aught, own, possessed of; also, eight. +Auld, old. +Awa', away. +Awe, to owe. "Awe a day in har'st," to owe a good turn. +Awsome, awful, terrible. + +Bab, a bunch. +Back-cast, back-stroke. +Baith, both. +Bang, to beat. +Bannock, a scone. +Bawbee, a halfpenny. +Beild, shelter. +Bein, bien, well provided. +Belive, directly. +Bide, to wait, to suffer. "Bide a blink," stay a minute. +Birky, a lively young fellow. +Birl, to toss, to drink. +Bleeze, a blaze; also, to brag, to talk ostentatiously. +Blithe, happy. +Blude, bluid, blood. +Boddle, a small copper coin. +Branks, a kind of bridle. +Braw, fine, brave. +Brawly, cleverly. +Braws, fine clothes. +Breeks, breeches. +Brigg, a bridge. +Brogue, the Highland shoe. +Browst, a brewing. +Budget, a carabine-socket. +Busk, to deck up. +"By and out-taken," over and above and excepting. + +Ca', to call. "Ca' the pleugh," to work the plough. +Canna, cannot. "Canna hear day nor door," as deaf as a post. +Canny, quiet, cautious, snug. +Carcage, a carcass. +Carena, care not. +Carline, an old woman, a witch. +Cast, chance, opportunity, fate. +"Cast o' a cart," chance use of a cart. +Certie! conscience! +Change-house, a small inn or alehouse. +Chield, a fellow. +Chimley, a chimney. +Claes, clothes. +Clatter, tattle. +"Clinked down," quartered. +"Cock laird," a small land holder who cultivates his estate himself. +Copleen, to complain. +Coup, to barter; also, to turn over. +Crap, the produce of the ground. +Crowdy, meal and milk mixed in a cold state. +Cuittle, to wheedle, to curry favour. +Daft, crazy. +Daur, to dare. +Daurna, dare not. +Deil, the devil. "Deil gin," the devil may care if. +Didna, did not. +Dighting, separating, wiping. +Ding, to knock. +Dinna, disna, do not. +Disjasked-looking, decayed looking. +Disjune, breakfast. +Div, do. +Dooms, very, confoundedly. +Douce, douse, quiet, sensible. +Doun, down. +Dour, stubborn. +"Dow'd na," did not like. +Downa, cannot. +"Downs bide," cannot bear, don't like. +Drouthy, dry, thirsty. +Dwam, a swoon. + +Ee, an eye. +Een, eyes. +E'en, evening; even. +E'enow, presently, at present. +Eik, an addition. +Eneuch, eneugh, enow, enough. + +Fa', fall. +Fairing "gie him a fairing," settle him. +Fallow, a fellow. +Fand, found. +Fash, trouble. +Faured, favoured. +Feared, afraid. +Fearsome, frightful. +Feck, part of a thing. +Feckless, harmless. +Fend, to provide. +Fire-flaught, flash. +Fizenless, tasteless. +Flyte, to scold. +Forby, besides. +Forgie, forgive. +Forrit, forward. +Foumart, a pole-cat. +Frae, from. +Fund, found. +Gae, to go; also, gave. +Gang, go. +Ganging, going. +Gar, to make, to oblige. +Gat, got. +Gate, way, mode, direction. +Gaun, going. +Gay, gey, very. "Gey thick," pretty thick. +Gear, property. +Gentles, aristocracy. +Gie, give. +Gin, if. +Gledge, a side-glance. +Gomeril, a fool, a simpleton. +Gowd, gold. +Gowpen, a handful. +Grewsome, sullen, stern, forbidding. +Gude, God; good. +Gudeman, a husband; head of the household. +Gude-sister, a sister-in-law. +Gudewife, a wife, a spouse. +Guide, to manage. + +Ha'arst, harvest. +Hae, have. +Haena, have not. +"Hae 't," have it. +Haill, whole. +Hantle, a great deal. +Harry, to rob, to break in upon. +Hash, a clumsy lout. +Hand, to hold, to have. +Hauld, a habitation. +Hempie, giddy. +Heugh, a dell; also, a crag. +Hinny, a term of endearment=honey. +Holme, a hollow, level low ground. +"Horse of wood, foaled of an acorn," a form of punishment. +Howf, a retreat. +Hunder, a hundred. +Hup! used to a horse in order to make him quicken his pace. +"Hup nor wind," quite unmanageable. +Hurdies, the buttocks. + +Ilk, ilka, each, every. +Ill-fard, ill-favoured. +Ill-guide, to ill-treat. +I' se, I shall. +Isna, is not. + +Jalouse, to suspect. +Jimply, barely, scantily. +Jo, joe, a sweetheart. +"John Thomson's man," a husband who yields to the influence of his wife. +Justify, to punish with death. + +Kail, kale, cabbage greens; broth. "Kail through the reek," to give one a + severe reproof. +Kail-brose, pottage of meal made with the scum of broth. +Kale-yard, a vegetable garden. +Ken, to know. +Kend, knew. +Kenna, kensna, know not. +Kittle, ticklish. +Kye, kine. + +Lane, lone, alone. By a peculiar idiom in the Scotch this is frequently + conjoined with the pronoun: as, "his lane," "my lane," "their lane," + i. e., "by himself," "by myself," "by themselves." +"Lang ten," the ten of trumps in Scotch whist. +Lassie, lassock, a little girl. +Lave, the remainder. +Leatherin', beating, drubbing. +Letten, allowed. +Lift, to carry off by theft. +Linn, a cataract. +Lippie, the fourth part of a peck. +Loon, a fellow. +Loot, looten, let, allowed. +Lound, quiet. +Loup, to leap. +Lug, the ear. + +Mains, demesne. +Mair, more. +Maist, most. +Mart, a fatted cow. +Mann, must. +Maunder, palaver. +Maut, malt. +Mensfu', modest, mindful. +Mickle, much. +Mind, to remember. +Mirligoes, dizziness. +Mislear'd, unmannerly. +Mistaen, mistaken. +Many, many. +"Morn, the," to-morrow. +Muckle, much. +Muir, a moor. + +Na, no, not. +Naething, nothing. +Naig, a nag. +Neb, the nose, the beak. +Neist, next. +Neuk, a nook, a corner. + +Onstead, a farm-steading. +Ony, any. +Or, before. +"Ordinar, by," in an uncommon way. +O 't, of it. +Outshot, a projection in a building. +Out-taken, excepting. +Ower, over. + +Peat-hag, a hollow in moss left after digging peats. +Penny-fee, wages. +Dinners, a cap with lappets, formerly worn by women of rank. +Pit, to put. +Pleugh, plough. +Pleugh-paidle, a plough-staff. +Pockmantle, a portmanteau. +Pose, deposit. +Puir, poor. +Putten, put. "Putten up," provided for. +Quean, a flirt, a young woman. + +Rade, rode. +Randy, a scold. +Raploch, coarse, undyed homespun. +Rase, rose. +Rax, to stretch, to reach. +Redd, to clear up. +Reek, smoke. +Rin, to run. +Ripe, to rake, to search. +Rue "to take the rue," to repent of a proposal or bargain. +Rugging, pulling roughly. + +Sae, so. +"St. Johnstone's tippet," a halter for execution. +Sair, sore. +"Sair travailed," worn out, wearied. +Sark, a shirt. +Sauld, sold. +Set, to suit, to become one; also, to beset. +Shaw, a wood; flat ground at the foot of a hill. +Shune, shoes. +Sic, such. +Siller, money. +Skeily, skilful. +Skellie, to squint. +Skirl, to scream. +Sort, to arrange, to supply. +Sort, a term applied to persons or things when the number is small. +Sough, a sigh, a breath. "Calm sough," an easy mind, a still tongue. +"Sough'd awa," died gently. +Soup, "a bite and a soup," slender support, both as to meat and drink. +Sowens, a sort of gruel. +Spak, spoke. +Speer, to inquire, to ask. +Spunk, fire, activity, spirit. +Stamach, stomach. +Steer, to disturb. +Stir, sir. +Stot, a bullock. +Stour, a battle, a fight. +Strae, straw. +Stressed, distressed, inconvenienced. +Stude, hesitated. +Sud, suld, should. +Sune, soon. "Sune as syne," soon as late. +Sybo, an onion or radish. +Syke, a streamlet dry in summer. +Syne, since, afterwards. + +Tae, tane, the one. +Ta'en, taken. +"Tak on," to engage. +Tauld, told. +Tent, care. +Teugh, tough. +"Thack and rape," snug and comfortable. +Thae, these, those. +Thegither, together. +Threep, to aver strongly. +Till, to. +"Till 't," to it. +"Tippet, St. Johnstone's," a halter for execution. +Tirl, to uncover, to strip. +Tittie, a sister. +Tother, the other. +Toy, a close linen cap. +Troth! sure! +Trow, to believe, to think, to guess. +Trysted, overtaken. + +Unco, very, particularly, prodigious, terrible; also, strange. + +Vivers, victuals. + +Wad, would. +Wadna, would not. +Wallie, a valet. +Walth, plenty, abundance. +Wan, got, reached. +Waur, worse. +Wee, little. +Weel, well. +We'se, we shall. +Wha, whae, who. +Whase, whose. +"What for," why. +Wheen, a few. +Whiles, sometimes. +Wi', with. +Win, to get. "To win by," to escape. +"To win ower," to get over. +Winna, will not. +Winnock, a window. +Wotna, know not. +Wud, mad. +Wull, will. +"What's yer wull?" what is your pleasure? + +Yerl, earl. +Yestate, estate. +Yokit. +yoked. + + +THE END. + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD MORTALITY, BY SCOTT, V2 *** + +******** This file should be named mrt2w10.txt or mrt2w10.zip ******** + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, mrt2w11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, mrt2w10a.txt + +This eBook was produced by David Widger, widger@cecomet.net +with help from an etext produced by David Moynihan + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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