Walter Scott
Waverley or
Tis Sixty Years Since
Under which King Bezonian speak or die
Henry IV Part II
Advertisement to Edition 1829
It has been the occasional occupation of the Author of Waverley for several
years past to revise and correct the voluminous series of Novels which pass
under that name in order that if they should ever appear as his avowed
productions he might render them in some degree deserving of a continuance of
the public favour with which they have been honoured ever since their first
appearance For a long period however it seemed likely that the improved and
illustrated edition which he meditated would he a posthumous publication But
the course of the events which occasioned the disclosure of the Authors name
having in a great measure restored to him a sort of parental control over these
Works he is naturally induced to give them to the press in a corrected and he
hopes an improved form while life and health permit the task of revising and
illustrating them Such being his purpose it is necessary to say a few words on
the plan of the proposed Edition
In stating it to be revised and corrected it is not to be inferred that any
attempt is made to alter the tenor of the stories the character of the actors
or the spirit of the dialogue There is no doubt ample room for emendation in
all these points but where the tree falls it must lie Any attempt to obviate
criticism however just by altering a work already in the hands of the public
is generally unsuccessful In the most improbable fiction the reader still
desires some air of vraisemblance and does not relish that the incidents of a
tale familiar to him should be altered to suit the taste of critics or the
caprice of the author himself This process of feeling is so natural that it may
be observed even in children who cannot endure that a nursery story should be
repeated to them differently from the manner in which it was first told
But without altering in the slightest degree either the story or the mode of
telling it the Author has taken this opportunity to correct errors of the press
and slips of the pen That such should exist cannot be wondered at when it is
considered that the Publishers found it their interest to hurry through the
press a succession of the early editions of the various Novels and that the
Author had not the usual opportunity of revision It is hoped that the present
edition will be found free from errors of that accidental kind
The Author has also ventured to make some emendations of a different
character which without being such apparent deviations from the original
stories as to disturb the readers old associations will he thinks add
something to the spirit of the dialogue narrative or description These
consist in occasional pruning where the language is redundant compression where
the style is loose infusion of vigour where it is languid the exchange of less
forcible for more appropriate epithets slight alterations in short like the
last touches of an artist which contribute to heighten and finish the picture
though an inexperienced eye can hardly detect in what they consist
The General Preface to the new Edition and the Introductory Notices to each
separate work will contain an account of such circumstances attending the first
publication of the Novels and Tales as may appear interesting in themselves or
proper to be communicated to the public The Author also proposes to publish on
this occasion the various legends family traditions or obscure historical
facts which have formed the groundwork of these Novels and to give some
account of the places where the scenes are laid when these are altogether or in
part real as well as a statement of particular incidents founded on fact
together with a more copious Glossary and Notes explanatory of the ancient
customs and popular superstitions referred to in the Romances
Upon the whole it is hoped that the Waverley Novels in their new dress
will not be found to have lost any part of their attractions in consequence of
receiving illustrations by the Author and undergoing his careful revision
ABBOTSFORD January 1829
Preface to the Third Edition
October 1814
To this slight attempt at a sketch of ancient Scottish manners the public have
been more favourable than the Author durst have hoped or expected He has heard
with a mixture of satisfaction and humility his work ascribed to more than one
respectable name Considerations which seem weighty in his particular
situation prevent his releasing those gentlemen from suspicion by placing his
own name in the titlepage so that for the present at least it must remain
uncertain whether Waverley be the work of a poet or a critic a lawyer or a
clergyman or whether the writer to use Mrs Malaprops phrase be »like
Cerberus three gentlemen at once« The Author as he is unconscious of
anything in the work itself except perhaps its frivolity which prevents its
finding an acknowledged father leaves it to the candour of the public to choose
among the many circumstances peculiar to different situations in life such as
may induce him to suppress his name on the present occasion He may be a writer
new to publication and unwilling to avow a character to which he is
unaccustomed or he may be a hackneyed author who is ashamed of too frequent
appearance and employs this mystery as the heroine of the old comedy used her
mask to attract the attention of those to whom her face had become too familiar
He may be a man of a grave profession to whom the reputation of being a
novelwriter might be prejudicial or he may be a man of fashion to whom
writing of any kind might appear pedantic He may be too young to assume the
character of an author or so old as to make it advisable to lay it aside
The Author of Waverley has heard it objected to this novel that in the
character of Callum Beg and in the account given by the Baron of Bradwardine of
the petty trespasses of the Highlanders upon trifling articles of property he
has borne hard and unjustly so upon their national character Nothing could be
farther from his wish or intention The character of Callum Beg is that of a
spirit naturally turned to daring evil and determined by the circumstances of
his situation to a particular species of mischief Those who have perused the
curious Letters from the Highlands published about 1726 will find instances of
such atrocious characters which fell under the writers own observation though
it would be most unjust to consider such villains as representatives of the
Highlanders of that period any more than the murderers of Marr and Williamson
can be supposed to represent the English of the present day As for the plunder
supposed to have been picked up by some of the insurgents in 1745 it must be
remembered that although the way of that unfortunate little army was neither
marked by devastation nor bloodshed but on the contrary was orderly and quiet
in a most wonderful degree yet no army marches through a country in a hostile
manner without committing some depredations and several to the extent and of
the nature jocularly imputed to them by the Baron were really laid to the
charge of the Highland insurgents for which many traditions and particularly
one respecting the Knight of the Mirror may be quoted as good evidence1
General Preface 1829
And must I ravel out
My weavedup follies
Richard II Act IV
Having undertaken to give an Introductory Account of the compositions which are
here offered to the public with Notes and Illustrations the Author under
whose name they are now for the first time collected feels that he has the
delicate task of speaking more of himself and his personal concerns than may
perhaps be either graceful or prudent In this particular he runs the risk of
presenting himself to the public in the relation that the dumb wife in the
jestbook held to her husband when having spent half of his fortune to obtain
the cure of her imperfection he was willing to have bestowed the other half to
restore her to her former condition But this is a risk inseparable from the
task which the Author has undertaken and he can only promise to be as little of
an egotist as the situation will permit It is perhaps an indifferent sign of a
disposition to keep his word that having introduced himself in the third person
singular he proceeds in the second paragraph to make use of the first But it
appears to him that the seeming modesty connected with the former mode of
writing is overbalanced by the inconvenience of stiffness and affectation which
attends it during a narrative of some length and which may be observed less or
more in every work in which the third person is used from the Commentaries of
Cæsar to the Autobiography of Alexander the Corrector
I must refer to a very early period of my life were I to point out my first
achievements as a taleteller but I believe some of my old schoolfellows can
still bear witness that I had a distinguished character for that talent at a
time when the applause of my companions was my recompense for the disgraces and
punishments which the future romancewriter incurred for being idle himself and
keeping others idle during hours that should have been employed on our tasks
The chief enjoyment of my holidays was to escape with a chosen friend who had
the same taste with myself and alternately to recite to each other such wild
adventures as we were able to devise We told each in turn interminable tales
of knighterrantry and battles and enchantments which were continued from one
day to another as opportunity offered without our ever thinking of bringing
them to a conclusion As we observed a strict secrecy on the subject of this
intercourse it acquired all the character of a concealed pleasure and we used
to select for the scenes of our indulgence long walks through the solitary and
romantic environs of Arthurs Seat Salisbury Crags Braid Hills and similar
places in the vicinity of Edinburgh and the recollection of those holidays
still forms an oasis in the pilgrimage which I have to look back upon I have
only to add that my friend still lives a prosperous gentleman but too much
occupied with graver business to thank me for indicating him more plainly as a
confidant of my childish mystery
When boyhood advancing into youth required more serious studies and graver
cares a long illness threw me back on the kingdom of fiction as if it were by
a species of fatality My indisposition arose in part at least from my having
broken a bloodvessel and motion and speech were for a long time pronounced
positively dangerous For several weeks I was confined strictly to my bed
during which time I was not allowed to speak above a whisper to eat more than a
spoonful or two of boiled rice or to have more covering than one thin
counterpane When the reader is informed that I was at this time a growing
youth with the spirits appetite and impatience of fifteen and suffered of
course greatly under this severe regimen which the repeated return of my
disorder rendered indispensable he will not be surprised that I was abandoned
to my own discretion so far as reading my almost sole amusement was
concerned and still less so that I abused the indulgence which left my time so
much at my own disposal
There was at this time a circulating library in Edinburgh founded I
believe by the celebrated Allan Ramsay which besides containing a most
respectable collection of books of every description was as might have been
expected peculiarly rich in works of fiction It exhibited specimens of every
kind from the romances of chivalry and the ponderous folios of Cyrus and
Cassandra down to the most approved works of later times I was plunged into
this great ocean of reading without compass or pilot and unless when some one
had the charity to play at chess with me I was allowed to do nothing save read
from morning to night I was in kindness and pity which was perhaps erroneous
however natural permitted to select my subjects of study at my own pleasure
upon the same principle that the humours of children are indulged to keep them
out of mischief As my taste and appetite were gratified in nothing else I
indemnified myself by becoming a glutton of books Accordingly I believe I read
almost all the romances old plays and epic poetry in that formidable
collection and no doubt was unconsciously amassing materials for the task in
which it has been my lot to be so much employed
At the same time I did not in all respects abuse the license permitted me
Familiar acquaintance with the specious miracles of fiction brought with it some
degree of satiety and I began by degrees to seek in histories memoirs
voyages and travels and the like events nearly as wonderful as those which
were the work of imagination with the additional advantage that they were at
least in a great measure true The lapse of nearly two years during which I was
left to the exercise of my own free will was followed by a temporary residence
in the country where I was again very lonely but for the amusement which I
derived from a good though oldfashioned library The vague and wild use which I
made of this advantage I cannot describe better than by referring my reader to
the desultory studies of Waverley in a similar situation the passages
concerning whose course of reading were imitated from recollections of my own
It must be understood that the resemblance extends no farther
Time as it glided on brought the blessings of confirmed health and
personal strength to a degree which had never been expected or hoped for The
severe studies necessary to render me fit for my profession occupied the greater
part of my time and the society of my friends and companions who were about to
enter life along with me filled up the interval with the usual amusements of
young men I was in a situation which rendered serious labour indispensable
for neither possessing on the one hand any of those peculiar advantages which
are supposed to favour a hasty advance in the profession of the law nor being
on the other hand exposed to unusual obstacles to interrupt my progress I
might reasonably expect to succeed according to the greater or less degree of
trouble which I should take to qualify myself as a pleader
It makes no part of the present story to detail how the success of a few
ballads had the effect of changing all the purpose and tenor of my life and of
converting a painstaking lawyer of some years standing into a follower of
literature It is enough to say that I had assumed the latter character for
several years before I seriously thought of attempting a work of imagination in
prose although one or two of my poetical attempts did not differ from romances
otherwise than by being written in verse But yet I may observe that about
this time now alas thirty years since I had nourished the ambitious desire
of composing a tale of chivalry which was to be in the style of the Castle of
Otranto with plenty of Border characters and supernatural incident Having
found unexpectedly a chapter of this intended work among some old papers I have
subjoined it to this introductory essay thinking some readers may account as
curious the first attempts at romantic composition by an author who has since
written so much in that department And those who complain not unreasonably
of the profusion of the Tales which have followed Waverley may bless their
stars at the narrow escape they have made by the commencement of the inundation
which had so nearly taken place in the first year of the century being
postponed for fifteen years later
This particular subject was never resumed but I did not abandon the idea of
fictitious composition in prose though I determined to give another turn to the
style of the work
My early recollections of the Highland scenery and customs made so
favourable an impression in the poem called the Lady of the Lake that I was
induced to think of attempting something of the same kind in prose I had been a
good deal in the Highlands at a time when they were much less accessible and
much less visited than they have been of late years and was acquainted with
many of the old warriors of 1745 who were like most veterans easily induced
to fight their battles over again for the benefit of a willing listener like
myself It naturally occurred to me that the ancient traditions and high spirit
of a people who living in a civilised age and country retained so strong a
tincture of manners belonging to an early period of society must afford a
subject favourable for romance if it should not prove a curious tale marred in
the telling
It was with some idea of this kind that about the year 1805 I threw
together about onethird part of the first volume of Waverley It was advertised
to be published by the late Mr John Ballantyne bookseller in Edinburgh under
the name of »Waverley or Tis Fifty Years Since« a title afterwards altered to
»Tis Sixty Years Since« that the actual date of publication might be made to
correspond with the period in which the scene was laid Having proceeded as far
I think as the Seventh Chapter I showed my work to a critical friend whose
opinion was unfavourable and having then some poetical reputation I was
unwilling to risk the loss of it by attempting a new style of composition I
therefore threw aside the work I had commenced without either reluctance or
remonstrance I ought to add that though my ingenious friends sentence was
afterwards reversed on an appeal to the public it cannot be considered as any
imputation on his good taste for the specimen subjected to his criticism did
not extend beyond the departure of the hero for Scotland and consequently had
not entered upon the part of the story which was finally found most interesting
Be that as it may this portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the
drawers of an old writingdesk which on my first coming to reside at
Abbotsford in 1811 was placed in a lumber garret and entirely forgotten Thus
though I sometimes among other literary avocations turned my thoughts to the
continuation of the romance which I had commenced yet as I could not find what
I had already written after searching such repositories as were within my
reach and was too indolent to attempt to write it anew from memory I as often
laid aside all thoughts of that nature
Two circumstances in particular recalled my recollection of the mislaid
manuscript The first was the extended and wellmerited fame of Miss Edgeworth
whose Irish characters have gone so far to make the English familiar with the
character of their gay and kindhearted neighbours of Ireland that she may be
truly said to have done more towards completing the Union than perhaps all the
legislative enactments by which it has been followed up
Without being so presumptuous as to hope to emulate the rich humour
pathetic tenderness and admirable tact which pervade the works of my
accomplished friend I felt that something might be attempted for my own country
of the same kind with that which Miss Edgeworth so fortunately achieved for
Ireland something which might introduce her natives to those of the sister
kingdom in a more favourable light than they had been placed hitherto and tend
to procure sympathy for their virtues and indulgence for their foibles I
thought also that much of what I wanted in talent might be made up by the
intimate acquaintance with the subject which I could lay claim to possess as
having travelled through most parts of Scotland both Highland and Lowland
having been familiar with the elder as well as more modern race and having had
from my infancy free and unrestrained communication with all ranks of my
countrymen from the Scottish peer to the Scottish ploughman Such ideas often
occurred to me and constituted an ambitious branch of my theory however far
short I may have fallen of it in practice
But it was not only the triumphs of Miss Edgeworth which worked in me
emulation and disturbed my indolence I chanced actually to engage in a work
which formed a sort of essay piece and gave me hope that I might in time become
free of the craft of Romancewriting and be esteemed a tolerable workman
In the year 18078 I undertook at the request of John Murray Esq of
Albemarle Street to arrange for publication some posthumous productions of the
late Mr Joseph Strutt distinguished as an artist and an antiquary amongst
which was an unfinished romance entitled »QueenhooHall« The scene of the tale
was laid in the reign of Henry VI and the work was written to illustrate the
manners customs and language of the people of England during that period The
extensive acquaintance which Mr Strutt had acquired with such subjects in
compiling his laborious »Horda Angel Cynnan« his »Royal and Ecclesiastical
Antiquities« and his »Essay on the Sports and Pastimes of the People of
England« had rendered him familiar with all the antiquarian lore necessary for
the purpose of composing the projected romance and although the manuscript bore
the marks of hurry and incoherence natural to the first rough draught of the
author it evinced in my opinion considerable powers of imagination
As the Work was unfinished I deemed it my duty as Editor to supply such a
hasty and inartificial conclusion as could be shaped out from the story of
which Mr Strutt had laid the foundation This concluding chapter is also added
to the present Introduction for the reason already mentioned regarding the
preceding fragment It was a step in my advance towards romantic composition
and to preserve the traces of these is in a great measure the object of this
Essay
QueenhooHall was not however very successful I thought I was aware of
the reason and supposed that by rendering his language too ancient and
displaying his antiquarian knowledge too liberally the ingenious author had
raised up an obstacle to his own success Every work designed for mere amusement
must be expressed in language easily comprehended and when as is sometimes the
case in QueenhooHall the author addresses himself exclusively to the
Antiquary he must be content to be dismissed by the general reader with the
criticism of Mungo in the Padlock on the Mauritanian music »What signifies me
hear if me no understand«
I conceived it possible to avoid this error and by rendering a similar work
more light and obvious to general comprehension to escape the rock on which my
predecessor was shipwrecked But I was on the other hand so far discouraged by
the indifferent reception of Mr Strutts romance as to become satisfied that
the manners of the middle ages did not possess the interest which I had
conceived and was led to form the opinion that a romance founded on a Highland
story and more modern events would have a better chance of popularity than a
tale of chivalry My thoughts therefore returned more than once to the tale
which I had actually commenced and accident at length threw the lost sheets in
my way
I happened to want some fishingtackle for the use of a guest when it
occurred to me to search the old writingdesk already mentioned in which I used
to keep articles of that nature I got access to it with some difficulty and in
looking for lines and flies the longlost manuscript presented itself I
immediately set to work to complete it according to my original purpose And
here I must frankly confess that the mode in which I conducted the story
scarcely deserved the success which the romance afterwards attained The tale of
Waverley was put together with so little care that I cannot boast of having
sketched any distinct plan of the work The whole adventures of Waverley in his
movements up and down the country with the Highland cateran Bean Lean are
managed without much skill It suited best however the road I wanted to
travel and permitted me to introduce some descriptions of scenery and manners
to which the reality gave an interest which the powers of the author might have
otherwise failed to attain for them And though I have been in other instances a
sinner in this sort I do not recollect any of these novels in which I have
transgressed so widely as in the first of the series.
Among other unfounded reports it has been said that the copyright of
Waverley was during the books progress through the press offered for sale to
various booksellers in London at a very inconsiderable price This was not the
case Messrs Constable and Cadell who published the work were the only
persons acquainted with the contents of the publication and they offered a
large sum for it while in the course of printing which however was declined
the author not choosing to part with the copyright
The origin of the story of Waverley and the particular facts on which it is
founded are given in the separate Introduction prefixed to that romance in this
edition and require no notice in this place
Waverley was published in 1814 and as the titlepage was without the name
of the author the work was left to win its way in the world without any of the
usual recommendations Its progress was for some time slow but after the first
two or three months its popularity had increased in a degree which must have
satisfied the expectations of the author had these been far more sanguine than
he ever entertained
Great anxiety was expressed to learn the name of the author but on this no
authentic information could be attained My original motive for publishing the
work anonymously was the consciousness that it was an experiment on the public
taste which might very probably fail and therefore there was no occasion to
take on myself the personal risk of discomfiture For this purpose considerable
precautions were used to preserve secrecy My old friend and schoolfellow Mr
James Ballantyne who printed these Novels had the exclusive task of
corresponding with the Author who thus had not only the advantage of his
professional talents but also of his critical abilities The original
manuscript or as it is technically called copy was transcribed under Mr
Ballantynes eye by confidential persons nor was there an instance of treachery
during the many years in which these precautions were resorted to although
various individuals were employed at different times Double proofsheets were
regularly printed off One was forwarded to the author by Mr Ballantyne and
the alterations which it received were by his own hand copied upon the other
proofsheet for the use of the printers so that even the corrected proofs of
the author were never seen in the printing office and thus the curiosity of
such eager inquirers as made the most minute investigation was entirely at
fault
But although the cause of concealing the authors name in the first
instance, when the reception of Waverley was doubtful was natural enough it is
more difficult it may be thought to account for the same desire for secrecy
during the subsequent editions to the amount of betwixt eleven and twelve
thousand copies which followed each other close and proved the success of the
work I am sorry I can give little satisfaction to queries on this subject I
have already stated elsewhere that I can render little better reason for
choosing to remain anonymous than by saying with Shylock that such was my
humour It will be observed that I had not the usual stimulus for desiring
personal reputation the desire namely to float amidst the conversation of
men Of literary fame whether merited or undeserved I had already as much as
might have contented a mind more ambitious than mine and in entering into this
new contest for reputation I might be said rather to endanger what I had than
to have any considerable chance of acquiring more I was affected too by none
of those motives which at an earlier period of life would doubtless have
operated upon me My friendships were formed my place in society fixed my
life had attained its middle course My condition in society was higher perhaps
than I deserved certainly as high as I wished and there was scarce any degree
of literary success which could have greatly altered or improved my personal
condition
I was not therefore touched by the spur of ambition usually stimulating
on such occasions and yet I ought to stand exculpated from the charge of
ungracious or unbecoming indifference to public applause I did not the less
feel gratitude for the public favour although I did not proclaim it as the
lover who wears his mistresss favour in his bosom is as proud though not so
vain of possessing it as another who displays the token of her grace upon his
bonnet Far from such an ungracious state of mind I have seldom felt more
satisfaction than when returning from a pleasure voyage I found Waverley in
the zenith of popularity and public curiosity in full cry after the name of the
author The knowledge that I had the public approbation was like having the
property of a hidden treasure not less gratifying to the owner than if all the
world knew that it was his own Another advantage was connected with the secrecy
which I observed I could appear or retreat from the stage at pleasure without
attracting any personal notice or attention other than what might be founded on
suspicion only In my own person also as a successful author in another
department of literature I might have been charged with too frequent intrusions
on the public patience but the Author of Waverley was in this respect as
impassable to the critic as the Ghost of Hamlet to the partisan of Marcellus
Perhaps the curiosity of the public irritated by the existence of a secret and
kept afloat by the discussions which took place on the subject from time to
time went a good way to maintain an unabated interest in these frequent
publications There was a mystery concerning the author which each new novel
was expected to assist in unravelling although it might in other respects rank
lower than its predecessors
I may perhaps be thought guilty of affectation should I allege as one
reason of my silence a secret dislike to enter on personal discussions
concerning my own literary labours It is in every case a dangerous intercourse
for an author to be dwelling continually among those who make his writings a
frequent and familiar subject of conversation but who must necessarily be
partial judges of works composed in their own society The habits of
selfimportance which are thus acquired by authors are highly injurious to a
wellregulated mind for the cup of flattery if it does not like that of
Circe reduce men to the level of beasts is sure if eagerly drained to bring
the best and the ablest down to that of fools This risk was in some degree
prevented by the mask which I wore and my own stores of selfconceit were left
to their natural course without being enhanced by the partiality of friends or
adulation of flatterers
If I am asked further reasons for the conduct I have long observed I can
only resort to the explanation supplied by a critic as friendly as he is
intelligent namely that the mental organization of the Novelist must be
characterised to speak craniologically by an extraordinary development of the
passion for delitescency I the rather suspect some natural disposition of this
kind for from the instant I perceived the extreme curiosity manifested on the
subject I felt a secret satisfaction in baffling it for which when its
unimportance is considered I do not well know how to account
My desire to remain concealed in the character of the Author of these
Novels subjected me occasionally to awkward embarrassments as it sometimes
happened that those who were sufficiently intimate with me would put the
question in direct terms In this case only one of three courses could be
followed Either I must have surrendered my secret or have returned an
equivocating answer or finally must have stoutly and boldly denied the
fact The first was a sacrifice which I conceive no one had a right to force
from me since I alone was concerned in the matter The alternative of rendering
a doubtful answer must have left me open to the degrading suspicion that I was
not unwilling to assume the merit if there was any which I dared not
absolutely lay claim to or those who might think more justly of me must have
received such an equivocal answer as an indirect avowal I therefore considered
myself entitled like an accused person put upon trial to refuse giving my own
evidence to my own conviction and flatly to deny all that could not be proved
against me At the same time I usually qualified my denial by stating that had
I been the author of these works I would have felt myself quite entitled to
protect my secret by refusing my own evidence when it was asked for to
accomplish a discovery of what I desired to conceal
The real truth is that I never expected or hoped to disguise my connection
with these Novels from any one who lived on terms of intimacy with me The
number of coincidences which necessarily existed between narratives recounted
modes of expression and opinions broached in these Tales and such as were used
by their author in the intercourse of private life must have been far too great
to permit any of my familiar acquaintances to doubt the identity betwixt their
friend and the Author of Waverley and I believe they were all morally convinced
of it But while I was myself silent their belief could not weigh much more
with the world than that of others their opinions and reasoning were liable to
be taxed with partiality or confronted with opposing arguments and opinions
and the question was not so much whether I should be generally acknowledged to
be the author in spite of my own denial as whether even my own avowal of the
works if such should be made would be sufficient to put me in undisputed
possession of that character
I have been often asked concerning supposed cases, in which I was said to
have been placed on the verge of discovery but as I maintained my point with
the composure of a lawyer of thirty years standing I never recollect being in
pain or confusion on the subject In Captain Medwyns Conversations of Lord
Byron the reporter states himself to have asked my noble and highly gifted
friend »If he was certain about these Novels being Sir Walter Scotts« To
which Lord Byron replied »Scott as much as owned himself the Author of Waverley
to me in Murrays shop I was talking to him about that novel and lamented that
its author had not carried back the story nearer to the time of the Revolution
Scott entirely off his guard replied Ay I might have done so but there he
stopped It was in vain to attempt to correct himself he looked confused and
relieved his embarrassment by a precipitate retreat« I have no recollection
whatever of this scene taking place and I should have thought that I was more
likely to have laughed than to appear confused for I certainly never hoped to
impose upon Lord Byron in a case of the kind and from the manner in which he
uniformly expressed himself I knew his opinion was entirely formed and that
any disclamations of mine would only have savoured of affectation I do not mean
to insinuate that the incident did not happen but only that it could hardly
have occurred exactly under the circumstances narrated without my recollecting
something positive on the subject In another part of the same volume Lord
Byron is reported to have expressed a supposition that the cause of my not
avowing myself the Author of Waverley may have been some surmise that the
reigning family would have been displeased with the work I can only say it is
the last apprehension I should have entertained as indeed the inscription to
these volumes sufficiently proves The sufferers of that melancholy period have
during the last and present reign been honoured both with the sympathy and
protection of the reigning family whose magnanimity can well pardon a sigh from
others and bestow one themselves to the memory of brave opponents who did
nothing in hate but all in honour
While those who were in habitual intercourse with the real author had little
hesitation in assigning the literary property to him others and those critics
of no mean rank employed themselves in investigating with persevering patience
any characteristic features which might seem to betray the origin of these
Novels Amongst these one gentleman equally remarkable for the kind and
liberal tone of his criticism the acuteness of his reasoning and the very
gentlemanlike manner in which he conducted his inquiries displayed not only
powers of accurate investigation but a temper of mind deserving to be employed
on a subject of much greater importance and I have no doubt made converts to
his opinion of almost all who thought the point worthy of consideration2 Of
those letters and other attempts of the same kind the author could not
complain though his incognito was endangered He had challenged the public to a
game at bopeep and if he was discovered in his »hidinghole« he must submit
to the shame of detection
Various reports were of course circulated in various ways some founded on
an accurate rehearsal of what may have been partly real some on circumstances
having no concern whatever with the subject and others on the invention of some
importunate persons who might perhaps imagine that the readiest mode of
forcing the author to disclose himself was to assign some dishonourable and
discreditable cause for his silence
It may be easily supposed that this sort of inquisition was treated with
contempt by the person whom it principally regarded as among all the rumours
that were current there was only one and that as unfounded as the others
which had nevertheless some alliance to probability and indeed might have
proved in some degree true
I allude to a report which ascribed a great part or the whole of these
Novels to the late Thomas Scott Esq of the 70th Regiment then stationed in
Canada Those who remember that gentleman will readily grant that with general
talents at least equal to those of his elder brother he added a power of social
humour and a deep insight into human character which rendered him an
universally delightful member of society and that the habit of composition
alone was wanting to render him equally successful as a writer The Author of
Waverley was so persuaded of the truth of this that he warmly pressed his
brother to make such an experiment and willingly undertook all the trouble of
correcting and superintending the press Mr Thomas Scott seemed at first very
well disposed to embrace the proposal and had even fixed on a subject and a
hero The latter was a person well known to both of us in our boyish years from
having displayed some strong traits of character Mr T Scott had determined to
represent his youthful acquaintance as emigrating to America and encountering
the dangers and hardships of the New World with the same dauntless spirit which
he had displayed when a boy in his native country Mr Scott would probably have
been highly successful being familiarly acquainted with the manners of the
native Indians of the old French settlers in Canada and of the Brulés or
Woodsmen and having the power of observing with accuracy what I have no doubt
he could have sketched with force and expression In short the Author believes
his brother would have made himself distinguished in that striking field in
which since that period Mr Cooper has achieved so many triumphs But Mr T
Scott was already affected by bad health which wholly unfitted him for literary
labour even if he could have reconciled his patience to the task He never I
believe wrote a single line of the projected work and I only have the
melancholy pleasure of preserving in the Appendix the simple anecdote on which
he proposed to found it
To this I may add I can easily conceive that there may have been
circumstances which gave a colour to the general report of my brother being
interested in these works and in particular that it might derive strength from
my having occasion to remit to him in consequence of certain family
transactions some considerable sums of money about that period To which it is
to be added that if any person chanced to evince particular curiosity on such a
subject my brother was likely enough to divert himself with practising on their
credulity
It may be mentioned that while the paternity of these Novels was from time
to time warmly disputed in Britain the foreign booksellers expressed no
hesitation on the matter but affixed my name to the whole of the Novels and to
some besides to which I had no claim
The volumes therefore to which the present pages form a Preface are
entirely the composition of the Author by whom they are now acknowledged with
the exception always of avowed quotations and such unpremeditated and
involuntary plagiarisms as can scarce be guarded against by any one who has read
and written a great deal The original manuscripts are all in existence and
entirely written horresco referens in the Authors own hand excepting during
the years 1818 and 1819 when being affected with severe illness he was
obliged to employ the assistance of a friendly amanuensis
The number of persons to whom the secret was necessarily entrusted or
communicated by chance amounted I should think to twenty at least to whom I am
greatly obliged for the fidelity with which they observed that trust until the
derangement of the affairs of my publishers Messrs Constable and Co and the
exposure of their accomptbooks which was the necessary consequence rendered
secrecy no longer possible The particulars attending the avowal have been laid
before the public in the Introduction to the Chronicles of the Canongate
The preliminary advertisement has given a sketch of the purpose of this
edition I have some reason to fear that the notes which accompany the tales as
now published may be thought too miscellaneous and too egotistical It may be
some apology for this that the publication was intended to be posthumous and
still more that old men may be permitted to speak long because they cannot in
the course of nature have long time to speak In preparing the present edition
I have done all that I can do to explain the nature of my materials and the use
I have made of them nor is it probable that I shall again revise or even read
these tales I was therefore desirous rather to exceed in the portion of new and
explanatory matter which is added to this edition than that the reader should
have reason to complain that the information communicated was of a general and
merely nominal character It remains to be tried whether the public like a
child to whom a watch is shown will after having been satiated with looking at
the outside acquire some new interest in the object when it is opened and the
internal machinery displayed to them
That Waverley and its successors have had their day of favour and popularity
must be admitted with sincere gratitude and the Author has studied with the
prudence of a beauty whose reign has been rather long to supply by the
assistance of art the charms which novelty no longer affords The publishers
have endeavoured to gratify the honourable partiality of the public for the
encouragement of British art by illustrating this edition 1829 with designs
by the most eminent living artists
To my distinguished countryman David Wilkie to Edwin Landseer who has
exercised his talents so much on Scottish subjects and scenery to Messrs
Leslie and Newton my thanks are due from a friend as well as an author Nor am
I less obliged to Messrs Cooper Kidd and other artists of distinction to whom
I am less personally known for the ready zeal with which they have devoted
their talents to the same purpose
Further explanation respecting the Edition is the business of the
publishers not of the Author and here therefore the latter has accomplished
his task of Introduction and explanation If like a spoiled child he has
sometimes abused or trifled with the indulgence of the public he feels himself
entitled to full belief when he exculpates himself from the charge of having
been at any time insensible of their kindness
ABBOTSFORD 1st January 1829
Introduction
1829
The plan of this Edition leads me to insert in this place some account of the
incidents on which the Novel of WAVERLEY is founded They have been already
given to the public by my late lamented friend William Erskine Esq afterwards
Lord Kinneder when reviewing the Tales of My Landlord for the Quarterly
Review in 1817 The particulars were derived by the Critic from the Authors
information Afterwards they were published in the Preface to the Chronicles of
the Canongate They are now inserted in their proper place
Other illustrations of Waverley will be found in the Notes at the foot of
the pages to which they belong Those which appeared too long to be so placed
are given at the end of the Novel
Chapter First
Introductory
The title of this work has not been chosen without the grave and solid
deliberation which matters of importance demand from the prudent Even its
first or general denomination was the result of no common research or
selection although according to the example of my predecessors I had only to
seize upon the most sounding and euphonic surname that English history or
topography affords and elect it at once as the title of my work and the name
of my hero But alas what could my readers have expected from the chivalrous
epithets of Howard Mordaunt Mortimer or Stanley or from the softer and more
sentimental sounds of Belmour Belville Belfield and Belgrave but pages of
inanity similar to those which have been so christened for half a century past
I must modestly admit I am too diffident of my own merit to place it in
unnecessary opposition to preconceived associations I have therefore like a
maiden knight with his white shield assumed for my hero WAVERLEY an
uncontaminated name bearing with its sound little of good or evil excepting
what the reader shall hereafter be pleased to affix to it But my second or
supplemental title was a matter of much more difficult election since that
short as it is may be held as pledging the author to some special mode of
laying his scene drawing his characters and managing his adventures Had I
for example announced in my frontispiece »Waverley a Tale of other Days«
must not every novelreader have anticipated a castle scarce less than that of
Udolpho of which the eastern wing had long been uninhabited and the keys
either lost or consigned to the care of some aged butler or housekeeper whose
trembling steps about the middle of the second volume were doomed to guide the
hero or heroine to the ruinous precincts Would not the owl have shrieked and
the cricket cried in my very titlepage and could it have been possible for me
with a moderate attention to decorum to introduce any scene more lively than
might be produced by the jocularity of a clownish but faithful valet or the
garrulous narrative of the heroines filledechambre when rehearsing the
stories of blood and horror which she had heard in the servants hall Again
had my title borne »Waverley a Romance from the German« what head so obtuse as
not to image forth a profligate abbot an oppressive duke a secret and
mysterious association of Rosycrucians and Illuminati with all their properties
of black cowls caverns daggers electrical machines trapdoors and
darklanterns Or if I had rather chosen to call my work a »Sentimental Tale«
would it not have been a sufficient presage of a heroine with a profusion of
auburn hair and a harp the soft solace of her solitary hours which she
fortunately finds always the means of transporting from castle to cottage
although she herself be sometimes obliged to jump out of a twopairofstairs
window and is more than once bewildered on her journey alone and on foot
without any guide but a blowzy peasant girl whose jargon she hardly can
understand Or again if my Waverley had been entitled »A Tale of the Times«
wouldst thou not gentle reader have demanded from me a dashing sketch of the
fashionable world a few anecdotes of private scandal thinly veiled and if
lusciously painted so much the better a heroine from Grosvenor Square and a
hero from the Barouche Club or the Fourinhand with a set of subordinate
characters from the elegantes of Queen Anne Street East or the dashing heroes
of the Bow Street Office I could proceed in proving the importance of a
titlepage and displaying at the same time my own intimate knowledge of the
particular ingredients necessary to the composition of romances and novels of
various descriptions but it is enough and I scorn to tyrannize longer over the
impatience of my reader who is doubtless already anxious to know the choice
made by an author so profoundly versed in the different branches of his art
By fixing then the date of my story Sixty Years before the present 1st
November 1805 I would have my readers understand that they will meet in the
following pages neither a romance of chivalry nor a tale of modern manners
that my hero will neither have iron on his shoulders as of yore nor on the
heels of his boots as is the present fashion of Bond Street and that my
damsels will neither be clothed »in purple and in pall« like the Lady Alice of
an old ballad nor reduced to the primitive nakedness of a modern fashionable at
a rout From this my choice of an era the understanding critic may farther
presage that the object of my tale is more a description of men than manners A
tale of manners to be interesting must either refer to antiquity so great as
to have become venerable or it must bear a vivid reflection of those scenes
which are passing daily before our eyes and are interesting from their novelty
Thus the coatofmail of our ancestors and the triplefurred pelisse of our
modern beaux may though for very different reasons be equally fit for the
array of a fictitious character but who meaning the costume of his hero to be
impressive would willingly attire him in the court dress of George the Seconds
reign with its no collar large sleeves and low pocketholes The same may be
urged with equal truth of the Gothic hall which with its darkened and tinted
windows its elevated and gloomy roof and massive oaken table garnished with
boarshead and rosemary pheasants and peacocks cranes and cygnets has an
excellent effect in fictitious description Much may also be gained by a lively
display of a modern fête such as we have daily recorded in that part of a
newspaper entitled the Mirror of Fashion if we contrast these or either of
them with the splendid formality of an entertainment given Sixty Years since
and thus it will be readily seen how much the painter of antique or of
fashionable manners gains over him who delineates those of the last generation
Considering the disadvantages inseparable from this part of my subject I
must be understood to have resolved to avoid them as much as possible by
throwing the force of my narrative upon the characters and passions of the
actors those passions common to men in all stages of society and which have
alike agitated the human heart whether it throbbed under the steel corslet of
the fifteenth century the brocaded coat of the eighteenth or the blue frock
and white dimity waistcoat of the present day3 Upon these passions it is no
doubt true that the state of manners and laws casts a necessary colouring but
the bearings to use the language of heraldry remain the same though the
tincture may be not only different but opposed in strong contradistinction The
wrath of our ancestors for example was coloured gules it broke forth in acts
of open and sanguinary violence against the objects of its fury Our malignant
feelings which must seek gratification through more indirect channels and
undermine the obstacles which they cannot openly bear down may be rather said
to be tinctured sable But the deepruling impulse is the same in both cases
and the proud peer who can now only ruin his neighbour according to law by
protracted suits is the genuine descendant of the baron who wrapped the castle
of his competitor in flames and knocked him on the head as he endeavoured to
escape from the conflagration It is from the great book of Nature the same
through a thousand editions whether of blackletter or wirewove and
hotpressed that I have venturously essayed to read a chapter to the public
Some favourable opportunities of contrast have been afforded me by the state of
society in the northern part of the island at the period of my history and may
serve at once to vary and to illustrate the moral lessons which I would
willingly consider as the most important part of my plan although I am sensible
how short these will fall of their aim if I shall be found unable to mix them
with amusement a task not quite so easy in this critical generation as it was
»Sixty Years since«
Chapter Second
WaverleyHonour A Retrospect
It is then sixty years since4 Edward Waverley the hero of the following
pages took leave of his family to join the regiment of dragoons in which he
had lately obtained a commission It was a melancholy day at WaverleyHonour
when the young officer parted with Sir Everard the affectionate old uncle to
whose title and estate he was presumptive heir
A difference in political opinions had early separated the Baronet from his
younger brother Richard Waverley the father of our hero Sir Everard had
inherited from his sires the whole train of Tory or HighChurch predilections
and prejudices which had distinguished the house of Waverley since the Great
Civil War Richard on the contrary who was ten years younger beheld himself
born to the fortune of a second brother and anticipated neither dignity nor
entertainment in sustaining the character of Will Wimble He saw early that to
succeed in the race of life it was necessary he should carry as little weight
as possible Painters talk of the difficulty of expressing the existence of
compound passions in the same features at the same moment it would be no less
difficult for the moralist to analyze the mixed motives which unite to form the
impulse of our actions Richard Waverley read and satisfied himself from
history and sound argument that in the words of the old song
Passive obedience was a jest
And pshaw was nonresistance
yet reason would have probably been unable to combat and remove hereditary
prejudice could Richard have anticipated that his elder brother Sir Everard
taking to heart an early disappointment would have remained a bachelor at
seventytwo The prospect of succession however remote might in that case have
led him to endure dragging through the greater part of his life as »Master
Richard at the Hall the baronets brother« in the hope that ere its conclusion
he should be distinguished as Sir Richard Waverley of WaverleyHonour successor
to a princely estate and to extended political connections as head of the
county interest in the shire where it lay But this was a consummation of things
not to be expected at Richards outset when Sir Everard was in the prime of
life and certain to be an acceptable suitor in almost any family whether
wealth or beauty should be the object of his pursuit and when indeed his
speedy marriage was a report which regularly amused the neighbourhood once
ayear His younger brother saw no practicable road to independence save that of
relying upon his own exertions and adopting a political creed more consonant
both to reason and his own interest than the hereditary faith of Sir Everard in
HighChurch and in the house of Stewart He therefore read his recantation at
the beginning of his career and entered life as an avowed Whig and friend of
the Hanover succession
The ministry of George the Firsts time were prudently anxious to diminish
the phalanx of opposition The Tory nobility depending for their reflected
lustre upon the sunshine of a court had for some time been gradually
reconciling themselves to the new dynasty But the wealthy country gentlemen of
England a rank which retained with much of ancient manners and primitive
integrity a great proportion of obstinate and unyielding prejudice stood aloof
in haughty and sullen opposition and cast many a look of mingled regret and
hope to Bois le Duc Avignon and Italy5 The accession of the near relation of
one of those steady and inflexible opponents was considered as a means of
bringing over more converts and therefore Richard Waverley met with a share of
ministerial favour more than proportioned to his talents or his political
importance It was however discovered that he had respectable talents for
public business and the first admittance to the ministers levee being
negotiated his success became rapid Sir Everard learned from the public
NewsLetter first that Richard Waverley Esquire was returned for the
ministerial borough of Barterfaith next that Richard Waverley Esquire had
taken a distinguished part in the debate upon the Excise bill in the support of
government and lastly that Richard Waverley Esquire had been honoured with
a seat at one of those boards where the pleasure of serving the country is
combined with other important gratifications which to render them the more
acceptable occur regularly once a quarter
Although these events followed each other so closely that the sagacity of
the editor of a modern newspaper would have presaged the last two even while he
announced the first yet they came upon Sir Everard gradually and drop by drop
as it were distilled through the cool and procrastinating alembic of Dyers
Weekly Letter6 For it may be observed in passing that instead of those
mailcoaches by means of which every mechanic at his sixpenny club may nightly
learn from twenty contradictory channels the yesterdays news of the capital a
weekly post brought in those days to WaverleyHonour a Weekly Intelligencer
which after it had gratified Sir Everards curiosity his sisters and that of
his aged butler was regularly transferred from the Hall to the Rectory from
the Rectory to Squire Stubbs at the Grange from the Squire to the Baronets
steward at his neat white house on the heath from the steward to the bailiff
and from him through a huge circle of honest dames and gaffers by whose hard
and horny hands it was generally worn to pieces in about a month after its
arrival
This slow succession of intelligence was of some advantage to Richard
Waverley in the case before us for had the sum total of his enormities reached
the ears of Sir Everard at once there can be no doubt that the new commissioner
would have had little reason to pique himself on the success of his politics
The Baronet although the mildest of human beings was not without sensitive
points in his character his brothers conduct had wounded these deeply the
Waverley estate was fettered by no entail for it had never entered into the
head of any of its former possessors that one of their progeny could be guilty
of the atrocities laid by Dyers Letter to the door of Richard and if it had
the marriage of the proprietor might have been fatal to a collateral heir These
various ideas floated through the brain of Sir Everard without however
producing any determined conclusion
He examined the tree of his genealogy which emblazoned with many an
emblematic mark of honour and heroic achievement hung upon the wellvarnished
wainscot of his hall The nearest descendants of Sir Hildebrand Waverley
failing those of his eldest son Wilfred of whom Sir Everard and his brother
were the only representatives were as this honoured register informed him
and indeed as he himself well knew the Waverleys of Highley Park com
Hants with whom the main branch or rather stock of the house had renounced
all connexion since the great lawsuit in 1670
This degenerate scion had committed a farther offence against the head and
source of their gentility by the intermarriage of their representative with
Judith heiress of Oliver Bradshawe of Highley Park whose arms the same with
those of Bradshawe the regicide they had quartered with the ancient coat of
Waverley These offences however had vanished from Sir Everards recollection
in the heat of his resentment and had Lawyer Clippurse for whom his groom was
despatched express arrived but an hour earlier he might have had the benefit
of drawing a new settlement of the lordship and manor of Waverley Honour with
all its dependencies But an hour of cool reflection is a great matter when
employed in weighing the comparative evil of two measures to neither of which
we are internally partial Lawyer Clippurse found his patron involved in a deep
study which he was too respectful to disturb otherwise than by producing his
paper and leathern inkcase as prepared to minute his honours commands Even
this slight manoeuvre was embarrassing to Sir Everard who felt it as a reproach
to his indecision He looked at the attorney with some desire to issue his fiat
when the sun emerging from behind a cloud poured at once its chequered light
through the stained window of the gloomy cabinet in which they were seated The
Baronets eye as he raised it to the splendour fell right upon the central
scutcheon impressed with the same device which his ancestor was said to have
borne in the field of Hastings three ermines passant argent in a field azure
with its appropriate motto Sans tache »May our name rather perish« exclaimed
Sir Everard »than that ancient and loyal symbol should be blended with the
dishonoured insignia of a traitorous Roundhead«
All this was the effect of the glimpse of a sunbeam just sufficient to
light Lawyer Clippurse to mend his pen The pen was mended in vain The attorney
was dismissed with directions to hold himself in readiness on the first
summons
The apparition of Lawyer Clippurse at the Hall occasioned much speculation
in that portion of the world to which WaverleyHonour formed the centre but the
more judicious politicians of this microcosm augured yet worse consequences to
Richard Waverley from a movement which shortly followed his apostasy This was
no less than an excursion of the Baronet in his coachandsix with four
attendants in rich liveries to make a visit of some duration to a noble peer on
the confines of the shire of untainted descent steady Tory principles and the
happy father of six unmarried and accomplished daughters
Sir Everards reception in this family was as it may be easily conceived
sufficiently favourable but of the six young ladies his taste unfortunately
determined him in favour of Lady Emily the youngest who received his
attentions with an embarrassment which shewed at once that she durst not decline
them and that they afforded her anything but pleasure
Sir Everard could not but perceive something uncommon in the restrained
emotions which the young lady testified at the advances he hazarded but assured
by the prudent Countess that they were the natural effects of a retired
education the sacrifice might have been completed as doubtless has happened in
many similar instances had it not been for the courage of an elder sister who
revealed to the wealthy suitor that Lady Emilys affections were fixed upon a
young soldier of fortune a near relation of her own Sir Everard manifested
great emotion on receiving this intelligence which was confirmed to him in a
private interview by the young lady herself although under the most dreadful
apprehensions of her fathers indignation
Honour and generosity were hereditary attributes of the house of Waverley
With a grace and delicacy worthy the hero of a romance Sir Everard withdrew his
claim to the hand of Lady Emily He had even before leaving Blandeville Castle
the address to extort from her father a consent to her union with the object of
her choice What arguments he used on this point cannot exactly be known for
Sir Everard was never supposed strong in the powers of persuasion but the young
officer immediately after this transaction rose in the army with a rapidity
far surpassing the usual pace of unpatronized professional merit although to
outward appearance that was all he had to depend upon
The shock which Sir Everard encountered upon this occasion although
diminished by the consciousness of having acted virtuously and generously had
its effect upon his future life His resolution of marriage had been adopted in
a fit of indignation the labour of courtship did not quite suit the dignified
indolence of his habits he had but just escaped the risk of marrying a woman
who could never love him and his pride could not be greatly flattered by the
termination of his amour even if his heart had not suffered The result of the
whole matter was his return to WaverleyHonour without any transfer of his
affections notwithstanding the sighs and languishments of the fair telltale
who had revealed in mere sisterly affection the secret of Lady Emilys
attachment and in despite of the nods winks and inuendoes of the officious
lady mother and the grave eulogiums which the Earl pronounced successively on
the prudence and good sense and admirable dispositions of his first second
third fourth and fifth daughters The memory of his unsuccessful amour was
with Sir Everard as with many more of his temper at once shy proud
sensitive and indolent a beacon against exposing himself to similar
mortification pain and fruitless exertion for the time to come He continued
to live at WaverleyHonour in the style of an old English gentleman of an
ancient descent and opulent fortune His sister Miss Rachel Waverley presided
at his table and they became by degrees an old bachelor and an ancient maiden
lady the gentlest and kindest of the votaries of celibacy
The vehemence of Sir Everards resentment against his brother was but
shortlived yet his dislike to the Whig and the placeman though unable to
stimulate him to resume any active measures prejudicial to Richards interest in
the succession to the family estate continued to maintain the coldness between
them Richard knew enough of the world and of his brothers temper to believe
that by any illconsidered or precipitate advances on his part he might turn
passive dislike into a more active principle It was accident therefore which
at length occasioned a renewal of their intercourse Richard had married a young
woman of rank by whose family interest and private fortune he hoped to advance
his career In her right he became possessor of a manor of some value at the
distance of a few miles from WaverleyHonour
Little Edward the hero of our tale then in his fifth year was their only
child It chanced that the infant with his maid had strayed one morning to a
miles distance from the avenue of Brerewood Lodge his fathers seat Their
attention was attracted by a carriage drawn by six stately longtailed black
horses and with as much carving and gilding as would have done honour to my
lord mayors It was waiting for the owner who was at a little distance
inspecting the progress of a halfbuilt farmhouse I know not whether the boys
nurse had been a Welsh or a Scotch woman or in what manner he associated a
shield emblazoned with three ermines with the idea of personal property but he
no sooner beheld this family emblem than he stoutly determined on vindicating
his right to the splendid vehicle on which it was displayed The Baronet arrived
while the boys maid was in vain endeavouring to make him desist from his
determination to appropriate the gilded coachandsix The rencontre was at a
happy moment for Edward as his uncle had been just eyeing wistfully with
something of a feeling like envy the chubby boys of the stout yeoman whose
mansion was building by his direction In the roundfaced rosy cherub before
him bearing his eye and his name and vindicating a hereditary title to his
family affection and patronage by means of a tie which Sir Everard held as
sacred as either Garter or Blue Mantle Providence seemed to have granted to him
the very object best calculated to fill up the void in his hopes and affections
Sir Everard returned to Waverley Hall upon a led horse which was kept in
readiness for him while the child and his attendant were sent home in the
carriage to Brerewood Lodge with such a message as opened to Richard Waverley a
door of reconciliation with his elder brother
Their intercourse however though thus renewed continued to be rather
formal and civil than partaking of brotherly cordiality yet it was sufficient
to the wishes of both parties Sir Everard obtained in the frequent society of
his little nephew something on which his hereditary pride might found the
anticipated pleasure of a continuation of his lineage and where his kind and
gentle affections could at the same time fully exercise themselves For Richard
Waverley he beheld in the growing attachment between the uncle and nephew the
means of securing his sons if not his own succession to the hereditary
estate which he felt would be rather endangered than promoted by any attempt on
his own part towards a closer intimacy with a man of Sir Everards habits and
opinions
Thus by a sort of tacit compromise little Edward was permitted to pass the
greater part of the year at the Hall and appeared to stand in the same intimate
relation to both families although their mutual intercourse was otherwise
limited to formal messages and more formal visits The education of the youth
was regulated alternately by the taste and opinions of his uncle and of his
father But more of this in a subsequent chapter
Chapter Third
Education
The education of our hero Edward Waverley was of a nature somewhat desultory
In infancy his health suffered or was supposed to suffer which is quite the
same thing by the air of London As soon therefore as official duties
attendance on Parliament or the prosecution of any of his plans of interest or
ambition called his father to town which was his usual residence for eight
months in the year Edward was transferred to WaverleyHonour and experienced a
total change of instructors and of lessons as well as of residence This might
have been remedied had his father placed him under the superintendence of a
permanent tutor But he considered that one of his choosing would probably have
been unacceptable at WaverleyHonour and that such a selection as Sir Everard
might have made were the matter left to him would have burdened him with a
disagreeable inmate if not a political spy in his family He therefore
prevailed upon his private secretary a young man of taste and accomplishments
to bestow an hour or two on Edwards education while at Brerewood Lodge and
left his uncle answerable for his improvement in literature while an inmate at
the Hall
This was in some degree respectably provided for Sir Everards chaplain an
Oxonian who had lost his fellowship for declining to take the oaths at the
accession of George I was not only an excellent classical scholar but
reasonably skilled in science and master of most modern languages He was
however old and indulgent and the recurring interregnum during which Edward
was entirely freed from his discipline occasioned such a relaxation of
authority that the youth was permitted in a great measure to learn as he
pleased what he pleased and when he pleased This slackness of rule might have
been ruinous to a boy of slow understanding who feeling labour in the
acquisition of knowledge would have altogether neglected it save for the
command of a taskmaster and it might have proved equally dangerous to a youth
whose animal spirits were more powerful than his imagination or his feelings
and whom the irresistible influence of Alma would have engaged in field sports
from morning till night But the character of Edward Waverley was remote from
either of these His powers of apprehension were so uncommonly quick as almost
to resemble intuition and the chief care of his preceptor was to prevent him
as a sportsman would phrase it from overrunning his game that is from
acquiring his knowledge in a slight flimsy and inadequate manner And here the
instructor had to combat another propensity too often united with brilliancy of
fancy and vivacity of talent that indolence namely of disposition which
can only be stirred by some strong motive of gratification and which renounces
study as soon as curiosity is gratified the pleasure of conquering the first
difficulties exhausted and the novelty of pursuit at an end Edward would throw
himself with spirit upon any classical author of which his preceptor proposed
the perusal make himself master of the style so far as to understand the story
and if that pleased or interested him he finished the volume But it was in
vain to attempt fixing his attention on critical distinctions of philology upon
the difference of idiom the beauty of felicitous expression or the artificial
combinations of syntax »I can read and understand a Latin author« said young
Edward with the selfconfidence and rash reasoning of fifteen »and Scaliger or
Bentley could not do much more« Alas while he was thus permitted to read only
for the gratification of his amusement he foresaw not that he was losing for
ever the opportunity of acquiring habits of firm and assiduous application of
gaining the art of controlling directing and concentrating the powers of his
mind for earnest investigation an art far more essential than even that
intimate acquaintance with classical learning which is the primary object of
study
I am aware I may be here reminded of the necessity of rendering instruction
agreeable to youth and of Tassos infusion of honey into the medicine prepared
for a child but an age in which children are taught the driest doctrines by the
insinuating method of instructive games has little reason to dread the
consequences of study being rendered too serious or severe The history of
England is now reduced to a game at cards the problems of mathematics to
puzzles and riddles and the doctrines of arithmetic may we are assured be
sufficiently acquired by spending a few hours aweek at a new and complicated
edition of the Royal Game of the Goose There wants but one step further and
the Creed and Ten Commandments may be taught in the same manner without the
necessity of the grave face deliberate tone of recital and devout attention
hitherto exacted from the wellgoverned childhood of this realm It may in the
meantime be subject of serious consideration whether those who are accustomed
only to acquire instruction through the medium of amusement may not be brought
to reject that which approaches under the aspect of study whether those who
learn history by the cards may not be led to prefer the means to the end and
whether were we to teach religion in the way of sport our pupils may not
thereby be gradually induced to make sport of their religion To our young hero
who was permitted to seek his instruction only according to the bent of his own
mind and who of consequence only sought it so long as it afforded him
amusement the indulgence of his tutors was attended with evil consequences
which long continued to influence his character happiness and utility
Edwards power of imagination and love of literature although the former
was vivid and the latter ardent were so far from affording a remedy to this
peculiar evil that they rather inflamed and increased its violence The library
at WaverleyHonour a large Gothic room with double arches and a gallery
contained such a miscellaneous and extensive collection of volumes as had been
assembled together during the course of two hundred years by a family which
had been always wealthy and inclined of course as a mark of splendour to
furnish their shelves with the current literature of the day without much
scrutiny or nicety of discrimination Throughout this ample realm Edward was
permitted to roam at large His tutor had his own studies and church politics
and controversial divinity together with a love of learned ease though they
did not withdraw his attention at stated times from the progress of his patrons
presumptive heir induced him readily to grasp at any apology for not extending
a strict and regulated survey towards his general studies Sir Everard had never
been himself a student and like his sister Miss Rachel Waverley he held the
common doctrine that idleness is incompatible with reading of any kind and
that the mere tracing the alphabetical characters with the eye is in itself a
useful and meritorious task without scrupulously considering what ideas or
doctrines they may happen to convey With a desire of amusement therefore
which better discipline might soon have converted into a thirst for knowledge
young Waverley drove through the sea of books like a vessel without a pilot or
a rudder Nothing perhaps increases by indulgence more than a desultory habit of
reading especially under such opportunities of gratifying it I believe one
reason why such numerous instances of erudition occur among the lower ranks is
that with the same powers of mind the poor student is limited to a narrow
circle for indulging his passion for books and must necessarily make himself
master of the few he possesses ere he can acquire more Edward on the contrary
like the epicure who only deigned to take a single morsel from the sunny side of
a peach read no volume a moment after it ceased to excite his curiosity or
interest and it necessarily happened that the habit of seeking only this sort
of gratification rendered it daily more difficult of attainment till the
passion for reading like other strong appetites produced by indulgence a sort
of satiety
Ere he attained this indifference however he had read and stored in a
memory of uncommon tenacity much curious though illarranged and miscellaneous
information In English literature he was master of Shakspeare and Milton of
our earlier dramatic authors of many picturesque and interesting passages from
our old historical chronicles and was particularly well acquainted with
Spenser Drayton and other poets who have exercised themselves on romantic
fiction of all themes the most fascinating to a youthful imagination before
the passions have roused themselves and demand poetry of a more sentimental
description In this respect his acquaintance with Italian opened him yet a
wider range He had perused the numerous romantic poems which from the days of
Pulci have been a favourite exercise of the wits of Italy and had sought
gratification in the numerous collections of novelle which were brought forth
by the genius of that elegant though luxurious nation in emulation of the
Decameron In classical literature Waverley had made the usual progress and
read the usual authors and the French had afforded him an almost exhaustless
collection of memoirs scarcely more faithful than romances and of romances so
well written as hardly to be distinguished from memoirs The splendid pages of
Froissart with his heartstirring and eyedazzling descriptions of war and of
tournaments were among his chief favourites and from those of Brantome and de
la Noue he learned to compare the wild and loose yet superstitious character of
the nobles of the League with the stern rigid and sometimes turbulent
disposition of the Huguenot party The Spanish had contributed to his stock of
chivalrous and romantic lore The earlier literature of the northern nations did
not escape the study of one who read rather to awaken the imagination than to
benefit the understanding. And yet knowing much that is known but to few
Edward Waverley might justly be considered as ignorant since he knew little of
what adds dignity to man and qualifies him to support and adorn an elevated
situation in society
The occasional attention of his parents might indeed have been of service
to prevent the dissipation of mind incidental to such a desultory course of
reading But his mother died in the seventh year after the reconciliation
between the brothers and Richard Waverley himself who after this event
resided more constantly in London was too much interested in his own plans of
wealth and ambition to notice more respecting Edward than that he was of a
very bookish turn and probably destined to be a bishop If he could have
discovered and analyzed his sons waking dreams he would have formed a very
different conclusion
Chapter Fourth
CastleBuilding
I have already hinted that the dainty squeamish and fastidious taste acquired
by a surfeit of idle reading had not only rendered our hero unfit for serious
and sober study but had even disgusted him in some degree with that in which he
had hitherto indulged
He was in his sixteenth year when his habits of abstraction and love of
solitude became so much marked as to excite Sir Everards affectionate
apprehension He tried to counterbalance these propensities by engaging his
nephew in field sports which had been the chief pleasure of his own youthful
days But although Edward eagerly carried the gun for one season yet when
practice had given him some dexterity the pastime ceased to afford him
amusement
In the succeeding spring the perusal of old Isaac Waltons fascinating
volume determined Edward to become »a brother of the angle« But of all
diversions which ingenuity ever devised for the relief of idleness fishing is
the worst qualified to amuse a man who is at once indolent and impatient and
our heros rod was speedily flung aside Society and example which more than
any other motives master and sway the natural bent of our passions might have
had their usual effect upon the youthful visionary but the neighbourhood was
thinly inhabited and the homebred young squires whom it afforded were not of
a class fit to form Edwards usual companions far less to excite him to
emulation in the practice of those pastimes which composed the serious business
of their lives
There were a few other youths of better education and a more liberal
character but from their society also our hero was in some degree excluded Sir
Everard had upon the death of Queen Anne resigned his seat in Parliament and
as his age increased and the number of his contemporaries diminished had
gradually withdrawn himself from society so that when upon any particular
occasion Edward mingled with accomplished and welleducated young men of his
own rank and expectations he felt an inferiority in their company not so much
from deficiency of information as from the want of skill to command and to
arrange that which he possessed A deep and increasing sensibility added to this
dislike of society The idea of having committed the slightest solecism in
politness whether real or imaginary was agony to him for perhaps even guilt
itself does not impose upon some minds so keen a sense of shame and remorse as
a modest sensitive and inexperienced youth feels from the consciousness of
having neglected etiquette or excited ridicule Where we are not at ease we
cannot be happy and therefore it is not surprising that Edward Waverley
supposed that he disliked and was unfitted for society merely because he had not
yet acquired the habit of living in it with ease and comfort and of
reciprocally giving and receiving pleasure
The hours he spent with his uncle and aunt were exhausted in listening to
the oftrepeated tale of narrative old age Yet even there his imagination the
predominant faculty of his mind was frequently excited Family tradition and
genealogical history upon which much of Sir Everards discourse turned is the
very reverse of amber which itself a valuable substance usually includes
flies straws and other trifles whereas these studies being themselves very
insignificant and trifling do nevertheless serve to perpetuate a great deal of
what is rare and valuable in ancient manners and to record many curious and
minute facts which could have been preserved and conveyed through no other
medium If therefore Edward Waverley yawned at times over the dry deduction of
his line of ancestors with their various intermarriages and inwardly
deprecated the remorseless and protracted accuracy with which the worthy Sir
Everard rehearsed the various degrees of propinquity between the house of
WaverleyHonour and the doughty barons knights and squires to whom they
stood allied if notwithstanding his obligations to the three ermines passant
he sometimes cursed in his heart the jargon of heraldry its griffins its
moldwarps its wyverns and its dragons with all the bitterness of Hotspur
himself there were moments when these communications interested his fancy and
rewarded his attention
The deeds of Wilibert of Waverley in the Holy Land his long absence and
perilous adventures his supposed death and his return in the evening when the
betrothed of his heart had wedded the hero who had protected her from insult and
oppression during his absence the generosity with which the Crusader
relinquished his claims and sought in a neighbouring cloister that peace which
passeth not away7 to these and similar tales he would hearken till his heart
glowed and his eye glistened Nor was he less affected when his aunt Mrs
Rachel narrated the sufferings and fortitude of Lady Alice Waverley during the
Great Civil War The benevolent features of the venerable spinster kindled into
more majestic expression as she told how Charles had after the field of
Worcester found a days refuge at WaverleyHonour and how when a troop of
cavalry were approaching to search the mansion Lady Alice dismissed her
youngest son with a handful of domestics charging them to make good with their
lives an hours diversion that the king might have that space for escape »And
God help her« would Mrs Rachel continue fixing her eyes upon the heroines
portrait as she spoke »full dearly did she purchase the safety of her prince
with the life of her darling child They brought him here a prisoner mortally
wounded and you may trace the drops of his blood from the great hall door along
the little gallery and up to the saloon where they laid him down to die at his
mothers feet But there was comfort exchanged between them for he knew from
the glance of his mothers eye that the purpose of his desperate defence was
attained Ah I remember« she continued »I remember well to have seen one that
knew and loved him Miss Lucy St Aubin lived and died a maid for his sake
though one of the most beautiful and wealthy matches in this country all the
world ran after her but she wore widows mourning all her life for poor
William for they were betrothed though not married and died in I cannot
think of the date but I remember in the November of that very year when she
found herself sinking she desired to be brought to WaverleyHonour once more
and visited all the places where she had been with my granduncle and caused
the carpets to be raised that she might trace the impression of his blood and
if tears could have washed it out it had not been there now for there was not
a dry eye in the house You would have thought Edward that the very trees
mourned for her for their leaves dropt around her without a gust of wind and
indeed she looked like one that would never see them green again«
From such legends our hero would steal away to indulge the fancies they
excited In the corner of the large and sombre library with no other light than
was afforded by the decaying brands on its ponderous and ample hearth he would
exercise for hours that internal sorcery by which past or imaginary events are
presented in action as it were to the eye of the muser Then arose in long and
fair array the splendour of the bridal feast at Waverley Castle the tall and
emaciated form of its real lord as he stood in his pilgrims weeds an
unnoticed spectator of the festivities of his supposed heir and intended bride
the electrical shock occasioned by the discovery the springing of the vassals
to arms the astonishment of the bridegroom the terror and confusion of the
bride the agony with which Wilibert observed that her heart as well as consent
was in these nuptials the air of dignity yet of deep feeling with which he
flung down the halfdrawn sword and turned away for ever from the house of his
ancestors Then would he change the scene and fancy would at his wish represent
Aunt Rachels tragedy He saw the Lady Waverley seated in her bower her ear
strained to every sound her heart throbbing with double agony now listening to
the decaying echo of the hoofs of the kings horse and when that had died away
hearing in every breeze that shook the trees of the park the noise of the
remote skirmish A distant sound is heard like the rushing of a swoln stream it
comes nearer and Edward can plainly distinguish the galloping of horses the
cries and shouts of men with straggling pistolshots between rolling forwards
to the hall The lady starts up a terrified menial rushes in but why pursue
such a description
As living in this ideal world became daily more delectable to our hero
interruption was disagreeable in proportion The extensive domain that
surrounded the Hall which far exceeding the dimensions of a park was usually
termed Waverley Chase had originally been forest ground and still though
broken by extensive glades in which the young deer were sporting retained its
pristine and savage character It was traversed by broad avenues in many places
half grown up with brushwood where the beauties of former days used to take
their stand to see the stag coursed with greyhounds or to gain an aim at him
with the crossbow In one spot distinguished by a mossgrown Gothic monument
which retained the name of Queens Standing Elizabeth herself was said to have
pierced seven bucks with her own arrows This was a very favourite haunt of
Waverley At other times with his gun and his spaniel which served as an
apology to others and with a book in his pocket which perhaps served as an
apology to himself he used to pursue one of these long avenues which after an
ascending sweep of four miles gradually narrowed into a rude and contracted
path through the cliffy and woody pass called Mirkwood Dingle and opened
suddenly upon a deep dark and small lake named from the same cause Mirkwood
Mere There stood in former times a solitary tower upon a rock almost
surrounded by the water which had acquired the name of the Strength of
Waverley because in perilous times it had often been the refuge of the
family There in the wars of York and Lancaster the last adherents of the Red
Rose who dared to maintain her cause carried on a harassing and predatory
warfare till the stronghold was reduced by the celebrated Richard of
Gloucester Here too a party of cavaliers long maintained themselves under
Nigel Waverley elder brother of that William whose fate Aunt Rachel
commemorated Through these scenes it was that Edward loved to »chew the cud of
sweet and bitter fancy« and like a child among his toys culled and arranged
from the splendid yet useless imagery and emblems with which his imagination was
stored visions as brilliant and as fading as those of an evening sky The
effect of this indulgence upon his temper and character will appear in the next
chapter
Chapter Fifth
Choice of a Profession
From the minuteness with which I have traced Waverleys pursuits and the bias
which these unavoidably communicated to his imagination the reader may perhaps
anticipate in the following tale an imitation of the romance of Cervantes But
he will do my prudence injustice in the supposition My intention is not to
follow the steps of that inimitable author in describing such total perversion
of intellect as misconstrues the objects actually presented to the senses but
that more common aberration from sound judgment which apprehends occurrences
indeed in their reality but communicates to them a tincture of its own romantic
tone and colouring So far was Edward Waverley from expecting general sympathy
with his own feelings or concluding that the present state of things was
calculated to exhibit the reality of those visions in which he loved to indulge
that he dreaded nothing more than the detection of such sentiments as were
dictated by his musings He neither had nor wished to have a confidant with
whom to communicate his reveries and so sensible was he of the ridicule
attached to them that had he been to choose between any punishment short of
ignominy and the necessity of giving a cold and composed account of the ideal
world in which he lived the better part of his days I think he would not have
hesitated to prefer the former infliction This secrecy became doubly precious
as he felt in advancing life the influence of the awakening passions Female
forms of exquisite grace and beauty began to mingle in his mental adventures
nor was he long without looking abroad to compare the creatures of his own
imagination with the females of actual life
The list of the beauties who displayed their hebdomadal finery at the parish
church of Waverley was neither numerous nor select By far the most passable was
Miss Sissly or as she rather chose to be called Miss Cecilia Stubbs daughter
of Squire Stubbs at the Grange I know not whether it was by the »merest
accident in the world« a phrase which from female lips does not always
exclude malice prepense or whether it was from a conformity of taste that Miss
Cecilia more than once crossed Edward in his favourite walks through
WaverleyChase He had not as yet assumed courage to accost her on these
occasions but the meeting was not without its effect A romantic lover is a
strange idolater who sometimes cares not out of what log he frames the object
of his adoration at least if nature has given that object any passable
proportion of personal charms he can easily play the Jeweller and Dervise in
the Oriental tale8 and supply her richly out of the stores of his own
imagination with supernatural beauty and all the properties of intellectual
wealth
But ere the charms of Miss Cecilia Stubbs had erected her into a positive
goddess or elevated her at least to a level with the saint her namesake Mrs
Rachel Waverley gained some intimation which determined her to prevent the
approaching apotheosis Even the most simple and unsuspicious of the female sex
have God bless them an instinctive sharpness of perception in such matters
which sometimes goes the length of observing partialities that never existed
but rarely misses to detect such as pass actually under their observation Mrs
Rachel applied herself with great prudence not to combat but to elude the
approaching danger and suggested to her brother the necessity that the heir of
his house should see something more of the world than was consistent with
constant residence at WaverleyHonour
Sir Everard would not at first listen to a proposal which went to separate
his nephew from him Edward was a little bookish he admitted but youth he had
always heard was the season for learning and no doubt when his rage for
letters was abated and his head fully stocked with knowledge his nephew would
take to field sports and country business He had often he said himself
regretted that he had not spent some time in study during his youth he would
neither have shot nor hunted with less skill and he might have made the roof of
St Stephens echo to longer orations than were comprised in those zealous Noes
with which when a member of the House during Godolphins administration he
encountered every measure of government
Aunt Rachels anxiety however lent her address to carry her point Every
representative of their house had visited foreign parts or served his country
in the army before he settled for life at WaverleyHonour and she appealed for
the truth of her assertion to the genealogical pedigree an authority which Sir
Everard was never known to contradict In short a proposal was made to Mr
Richard Waverley that his son should travel under the direction of his present
tutor Mr Pembroke with a suitable allowance from the Baronets liberality
The father himself saw no objection to this overture but upon mentioning it
casually at the table of the Minister the great man looked grave The reason
was explained in private The unhappy turn of Sir Everards politics the
Minister observed was such as would render it highly improper that a young
gentleman of such hopeful prospects should travel on the Continent with a tutor
doubtless of his uncles choosing and directing his course by his instructions
What might Mr Edward Waverleys society be at Paris what at Rome where all
manner of snares were spread by the Pretender and his sons these were points
for Mr Waverley to consider This he could himself say that he knew his
Majesty had such a just sense of Mr Richard Waverleys merits that if his son
adopted the army for a few years a troop he believed might be reckoned upon
in one of the dragoon regiments lately returned from Flanders
A hint thus conveyed and enforced was not to be neglected with impunity and
Richard Waverley though with great dread of shocking his brothers prejudices
deemed he could not avoid accepting the commission thus offered him for his son
The truth is he calculated much and justly upon Sir Everards fondness for
Edward which made him unlikely to resent any step that he might take in due
submission to parental authority Two letters announced this determination to
the Baronet and his nephew The latter barely communicated the fact and pointed
out the necessary preparation for joining his regiment To his brother Richard
was more diffuse and circuitous He coincided with him in the most flattering
manner in the propriety of his sons seeing a little more of the world and was
even humble in expressions of gratitude for his proposed assistance was
however deeply concerned that it was now unfortunately not in Edwards power
exactly to comply with the plan which had been chalked out by his best friend
and benefactor He himself had thought with pain on the boys inactivity at an
age when all his ancestors had borne arms even Royalty itself had deigned to
inquire whether young Waverley was not now in Flanders at an age when his
grandfather was already bleeding for his king in the Great Civil War This was
accompanied by an offer of a troop of horse What could he do There was no time
to consult his brothers inclinations even if he could have conceived there
might be objections on his part to his nephews following the glorious career of
his predecessors And in short that Edward was now the intermediate steps of
cornet and lieutenant being overleapt with great agility Captain Waverley of
Gardiners regiment of dragoons which he must join in their quarters at Dundee
in Scotland in the course of a month
Sir Everard Waverley received this intimation with a mixture of feelings At
the period of the Hanoverian succession he had withdrawn from parliament and
his conduct in the memorable year 1715 had not been altogether unsuspected
There were reports of private musters of tenants and horses in WaverleyChase by
moonlight and of cases of carbines and pistols purchased in Holland and
addressed to the Baronet but intercepted by the vigilance of a riding officer
of the excise who was afterwards tossed in a blanket on a moonless night by an
association of stout yeomen for his officiousness Nay it was even said that
at the arrest of Sir William Wyndham the leader of the Tory party a letter
from Sir Everard was found in the pocket of his nightgown But there was no
overt act which an attainder could be founded on and government contented with
suppressing the insurrection of 1715 felt it neither prudent nor safe to push
their vengeance farther than against those unfortunate gentlemen who actually
took up arms
Nor did Sir Everards apprehensions of personal consequences seem to
correspond with the reports spread among his Whig neighbours It was well known
that he had supplied with money several of the distressed Northumbrians and
Scotchmen who after being made prisoners at Preston in Lancashire were
imprisoned in Newgate and the Marshalsea and it was his solicitor and ordinary
counsel who conducted the defence of some of these unfortunate gentlemen at
their trial It was generally supposed however that had ministers possessed
any real proof of Sir Everards accession to the rebellion he either would not
have ventured thus to brave the existing government or at least would not have
done so with impunity The feelings which then dictated his proceedings were
those of a young man and at an agitating period Since that time Sir Everards
jacobitism had been gradually decaying like a fire which burns out for want of
fuel His Tory and Highchurch principles were kept up by some occasional
exercise at elections and quartersessions but those respecting hereditary
right were fallen into a sort of abeyance Yet it jarred severely upon his
feelings that his nephew should go into the army under the Brunswick dynasty
and the more so as independent of his high and conscientious ideas of paternal
authority it was impossible or at least highly imprudent to interfere
authoritatively to prevent it This suppressed vexation gave rise to many poohs
and pshaws which were placed to the account of an incipient fit of gout until
having sent for the Army List the worthy Baronet consoled himself with
reckoning the descendants of the houses of genuine loyalty Mordaunts
Granvilles and Stanleys whose names were to be found in that military record
and calling up all his feelings of family grandeur and warlike glory he
concluded with logic something like Falstaffs that when war was at hand
although it were shame to be on any side but one it were worse shame to be idle
than to be on the worst side though blacker than usurpation could make it As
for Aunt Rachel her scheme had not exactly terminated according to her wishes
but she was under the necessity of submitting to circumstances and her
mortification was diverted by the employment she found in fitting out her nephew
for the campaign and greatly consoled by the prospect of beholding him blaze in
complete uniform
Edward Waverley himself received with animated and undefined surprise this
most unexpected intelligence It was as a fine old poem expresses it »like a
fire to heather set« that covers a solitary hill with smoke and illumines it
at the same time with dusky fire His tutor or I should say Mr Pembroke for
he scarce assumed the name of tutor picked up about Edwards room some
fragments of irregular verse which he appeared to have composed under the
influence of the agitating feelings occasioned by this sudden page being turned
up to him in the book of life The doctor who was a believer in all poetry
which was composed by his friends and written out in fair straight lines with
a capital at the beginning of each communicated this treasure to Aunt Rachel
who with her spectacles dimmed with tears transferred them to her commonplace
book among choice receipts for cookery and medicine favourite texts and
portions from Highchurch divines and a few songs amatory and jacobitical
which she had carolled in her younger days from whence her nephews poetical
tentamina were extracted when the volume itself with other authentic records
of the Waverley family were exposed to the inspection of the unworthy editor of
this memorable history If they afford the reader no higher amusement they will
serve at least better than narrative of any kind to acquaint him with the
wild and irregular spirit of our hero
Mirkwood Mere
Late when the Autumn evening fell
On MirkwoodMeres romantic dell
The lake returned in chastened gleam
The purple cloud the golden beam
Reflected in the crystal pool
Headland and bank lay fair and cool
The weathertinted rock and tower
Each drooping tree each fairy flower
So true so soft the mirror gave
As if there lay beneath the wave
Secure from trouble toil and care
A world than earthly world more fair
But distant winds began to wake
And roused the Genius of the Lake
He heard the groaning of the oak
And donned at once his sable cloak
As warrior at the battlecry
Invests him with his panoply
Then as the whirlwind nearer pressed
He gan to shake his foamy crest
Oer furrowed brow and blackened cheek
And bade his surge in thunder speak
In wild and broken eddies whirled
Flitted that fond ideal world
And to the shore in tumult tost
The realms of fairy bliss were lost
Yet with a stern delight and strange
I saw the spiritstirring change
As warred the wind with wave and wood
Upon the ruined tower I stood
And felt my heart more strongly bound
Responsive to the lofty sound
While joying in the mighty roar
I mourned that tranquil scene no more
So on the idle dreams of youth
Breaks the loud trumpetcall of truth
Bids each fair vision pass away
Like landscape on the lake that lay
As fair as flitting and as frail
As that which fled the Autumn gale
For ever dead to fancys eye
Be each gay form that glided by
While dreams of love and ladys charms
Give place to honour and to arms
In sober prose as perhaps these verses intimate less decidedly the transient
idea of Miss Cecilia Stubbs passed from Captain Waverleys heart amid the
turmoil which his new destinies excited She appeared indeed in full splendour
in her fathers pew upon the Sunday when he attended service for the last time
at the old parish church upon which occasion at the request of his uncle and
Aunt Rachel he was induced nothing loth if the truth must be told to present
himself in full uniform
There is no better antidote against entertaining too high an opinion of
others than having an excellent one of ourselves at the very same time Miss
Stubbs had indeed summoned up every assistance which art could afford to beauty
but alas hoop patches frizzled locks and a new mantua of genuine French
silk were lost upon a young officer of dragoons who wore for the first time
his goldlaced hat jackboots and broadsword I know not whether like the
champion of an old ballad
His heart was all on honour bent
He could not stoop to love
No lady in the land had power
His frozen heart to move
or whether the deep and flaming bars of embroidered gold which now fenced his
breast defied the artillery of Cecilias eyes but every arrow was launched at
him in vain
Yet did I mark where Cupids shaft did light
It lighted not on little western flower
But on bold yeoman flower of all the west
Hight Jonas Culbertfield the stewards son
Craving pardon for my heroics which I am unable in certain cases to resist
giving way to it is a melancholy fact that my history must here take leave of
the fair Cecilia who like many a daughter of Eve after the departure of
Edward and the dissipation of certain idle visions which she had adopted
quietly contented herself with a pisaller and gave her hand at the distance
of six months to the aforesaid Jonas son of the Baronets steward and heir
no unfertile prospect to a stewards fortune besides the snug probability of
succeeding to his fathers office All these advantages moved Squire Stubbs as
much as the ruddy brow and manly form of the suitor influenced his daughter to
abate somewhat in the article of their gentry and so the match was concluded
None seemed more gratified than Aunt Rachel who had hitherto looked rather
askance upon the presumptuous damsel as much so peradventure as her nature
would permit but who on the first appearance of the newmarried pair at
church honoured the bride with a smile and a profound courtesy in presence of
the rector the curate the clerk and the whole congregation of the united
parishes of Waverley cum Beverley
I beg pardon once and for all of those readers who take up novels merely
for amusement for plaguing them so long with oldfashioned politics and Whig
and Tory and Hanoverians and Jacobites The truth is I cannot promise them
that this story shall be intelligible not to say probable without it My plan
requires that I should explain the motives on which its action proceeded and
these motives necessarily arose from the feelings prejudices and parties of
the times I do not invite my fair readers whose sex and impatience give them
the greatest right to complain of these circumstances into a flying chariot
drawn by hippogriffs or moved by enchantment Mine is an humble English
postchaise drawn upon four wheels and keeping his Majestys highway Such as
dislike the vehicle may leave it at the next halt and wait for the conveyance
of Prince Husseins tapestry or Malek the Weavers flying sentrybox Those who
are contented to remain with me will be occasionally exposed to the dulness
inseparable from heavy roads steep hills sloughs and other terrestrial
retardations but with tolerable horses and a civil driver as the
advertisements have it I engage to get as soon as possible into a more
picturesque and romantic country if my passengers incline to have some patience
with me during my first stages9
Chapter Sixth
The Adieus of Waverley
It was upon the evening of this memorable Sunday that Sir Everard entered the
library where he narrowly missed surprising our young hero as he went through
the guards of the broadsword with the ancient weapon of old Sir Hildebrand
which being preserved as an heirloom usually hung over the chimney in the
library beneath a picture of the knight and his horse where the features were
almost entirely hidden by the knights profusion of curled hair and the
Bucephalus which he bestrode concealed by the voluminous robes of the Bath with
which he was decorated Sir Everard entered and after a glance at the picture
and another at his nephew began a little speech which however soon dropt
into the natural simplicity of his common manner agitated upon the present
occasion by no common feeling »Nephew« he said and then as mending his
phrase »My dear Edward it is Gods will and also the will of your father
whom under God it is your duty to obey that you should leave us to take up
the profession of arms in which so many of your ancestors have been
distinguished I have made such arrangements as will enable you to take the
field as their descendant and as the probable heir of the house of Waverley
and sir in the field of battle you will remember what name you bear And
Edward my dear boy remember also that you are the last of that race and the
only hope of its revival depends upon you therefore as far as duty and honour
will permit avoid danger I mean unnecessary danger and keep no company with
rakes gamblers and Whigs of whom it is to be feared there are but too many
in the service into which you are going Your colonel as I am informed is an
excellent man for a Presbyterian but you will remember your duty to God the
Church of England and the« this breach ought to have been supplied
according to the rubric with the word king but as unfortunately that word
conveyed a double and embarrassing sense one meaning de facto and the other de
jure the knight filled up the blank otherwise »the Church of England and
all constituted authorities« Then not trusting himself with any further
oratory he carried his nephew to his stables to see the horses destined for his
campaign Two were black the regimental colour superb chargers both the
other three were stout active hacks designed for the road or for his
domestics of whom two were to attend him from the Hall an additional groom if
necessary might be picked up in Scotland
»You will depart with but a small retinue« quoth the Baronet »compared to
Sir Hildebrand when he mustered before the gate of the Hall a larger body of
horse than your whole regiment consists of I could have wished that these
twenty young fellows from my estate who have enlisted in your troop had been
to march with you on your journey to Scotland It would have been something at
least but I am told their attendance would be thought unusual in these days
when every new and foolish fashion is introduced to break the natural dependence
of the people upon their landlords«
Sir Everard had done his best to correct this unnatural disposition of the
times for he had brightened the chain of attachment between the recruits and
their young captain not only by a copious repast of beef and ale by way of
parting feast but by such a pecuniary donation to each individual as tended
rather to improve the conviviality than the discipline of their march After
inspecting the cavalry Sir Everard again conducted his nephew to the library
where he produced a letter carefully folded surrounded by a little stripe of
floxsilk according to ancient form and sealed with an accurate impression of
the Waverley coatofarms It was addressed with great formality »To Cosmo
Comyne Bradwardine Esq of Bradwardine at his principal mansion of
TullyVeolan in Perthshire North Britain These By the hands of Captain
Edward Waverley nephew of Sir Everard Waverley of WaverleyHonour Bart«
The gentleman to whom this enormous greeting was addressed of whom we shall
have more to say in the sequel had been in arms for the exiled family of
Stewart in the year 1715 and was made prisoner at Preston in Lancashire He was
of a very ancient family and somewhat embarrassed fortune a scholar according
to the scholarship of Scotchmen that is his learning was more diffuse than
accurate and he was rather a reader than a grammarian Of his zeal for the
classic authors he is said to have given an uncommon instance On the road
between Preston and London he made his escape from his guards but being
afterwards found loitering near the place where they had lodged the former
night he was recognised and again arrested His companions and even his
escort were surprised at his infatuation and could not help inquiring why
being once at liberty he had not made the best of his way to a place of safety
to which he replied that he had intended to do so but in good faith he had
returned to seek his Titus Livius which he had forgot in the hurry of his
escape10 The simplicity of this anecdote struck the gentleman who as we
before observed had managed the defence of some of those unfortunate persons
at the expense of Sir Everard and perhaps some others of the party He was
besides himself a special admirer of the old Patavinian and though probably
his own zeal might not have carried him such extravagant lengths even to
recover the edition of Sweynheim and Pannartz supposed to be the princeps he
did not the less estimate the devotion of the North Briton and in consequence
exerted himself to so much purpose to remove and soften evidence detect legal
flaws et cetera that he accomplished the final discharge and deliverance of
Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine from certain very awkward consequences of a plea before
our sovereign lord the king in Westminster
The Baron of Bradwardine for he was generally so called in Scotland
although his intimates from his place of residence used to denominate him
TullyVeolan or more familiarly Tully no sooner stood rectus in curiâ then
he posted down to pay his respects and make his acknowledgments at
WaverleyHonour A congenial passion for fieldsports and a general coincidence
in political opinions cemented his friendship with Sir Everard notwithstanding
the difference of their habits and studies in other particulars and having
spent several weeks at WaverleyHonour the Baron departed with many expressions
of regard warmly pressing the Baronet to return his visit and partake of the
diversion of grouseshooting upon his moors in Perthshire next season Shortly
after Mr Bradwardine remitted from Scotland a sum in reimbursement of expenses
incurred in the Kings High Court of Westminster which although not quite so
formidable when reduced to the English denomination had in its original form
of Scotch pounds shillings and pence such a formidable effect upon the frame
of Duncan Macwheeble the lairds confidential factor baronbailie and man of
resource that he had a fit of the colic which lasted for five days occasioned
he said solely and utterly by becoming the unhappy instrument of conveying such
a serious sum of money out of his native country into the hands of the false
English But patriotism as it is the fairest so it is often the most
suspicious mask of other feelings and many who knew Bailie Macwheeble
concluded that his professions of regret were not altogether disinterested and
that he would have grudged the moneys paid to the loons at Westminster much less
had they not come from Bradwardine estate a fund which he considered as more
particularly his own But the Bailie protested he was absolutely disinterested
Woe woe for Scotland not a whit for me
The laird was only rejoiced that his worthy friend Sir Everard Waverley of
WaverleyHonour was reimbursed of the expenditure which he had outlaid on
account of the house of Bradwardine It concerned he said the credit of his
own family and of the kingdom of Scotland at large that these disbursements
should be repaid forthwith and if delayed it would be a matter of national
reproach Sir Everard accustomed to treat much larger sums with indifference
received the remittance of £294 13s 6d without being aware that the payment
was an international concern and indeed would probably have forgot the
circumstance altogether if Bailie Macwheeble had thought of comforting his
colic by intercepting the subsidy A yearly intercourse took place of a short
letter and a hamper or a cask or two between WaverleyHonour and
TullyVeolan the English exports consisting of mighty cheeses and mightier ale
pheasants and venison and the Scottish returns being vested in grouse white
hares pickled salmon and usquebaugh All which were meant sent and received
as pledges of constant friendship and amity between two important houses It
followed as a matter of course that the heirapparent of WaverleyHonour could
not with propriety visit Scotland without being furnished with credentials to
the Baron of Bradwardine
When this matter was explained and settled Mr Pembroke expressed his wish
to take a private and particular leave of his dear pupil The mans exhortations
to Edward to preserve an unblemished life and morals to hold fast the
principles of the Christian religion and to eschew the profane company of
scoffers and latitudinarians too much abounding in the army were not unmingled
with his political prejudices It had pleased Heaven he said to place Scotland
doubtless for the sins of their ancestors in 1642 in a more deplorable state
of darkness than even this unhappy kingdom of England Here at least although
the candlestick of the Church of England had been in some degree removed from
its place it yet afforded a glimmering light there was a hierarchy though
schismatical and fallen from the principles maintained by those great fathers
of the church Sancroft and his brethren there was a liturgy though wofully
perverted in some of the principal petitions But in Scotland it was utter
darkness and excepting a sorrowful scattered and persecuted remnant the
pulpits were abandoned to Presbyterians and he feared to sectaries of every
description It should be his duty to fortify his dear pupil to resist such
unhallowed and pernicious doctrines in church and state as must necessarily be
forced at times upon his unwilling ears
Here he produced two immense folded packets which appeared each to contain
a whole ream of closely written manuscript They had been the labour of the
worthy mans whole life and never were labour and zeal more absurdly wasted He
had at one time gone to London with the intention of giving them to the world
by the medium of a bookseller in Little Britain well known to deal in such
commodities and to whom he was instructed to address himself in a particular
phrase and with a certain sign which it seems passed at that time current
among the initiated Jacobites The moment Mr Pembroke had uttered the
shibboleth with the appropriate gesture the bibliopolist greeted him
notwithstanding every disclamation by the title of Doctor and conveying him
into his back shop after inspecting every possible and impossible place of
concealment he commenced »Eh doctor Well all under the rose snug I
keep no holes here even for a Hanoverian rat to hide in And what eh any
good news from our friends over the water and how does the worthy king of
France Or perhaps you are more lately from Rome it must be Rome will do it
at last the church must light its candle at the old lamp Eh what cautious
I like you the better but no fear«
Here Mr Pembroke with some difficulty stopped a torrent of
interrogations eked out with signs nods and winks and having at length
convinced the bookseller that he did him too much honour in supposing him an
emissary of exiled royalty he explained his actual business
The man of books with a much more composed air proceeded to examine the
manuscripts The title of the first was »A Dissent from Dissenters or the
Comprehension confuted shew the Impossibility of any Composition between the
Church and Puritans Presbyterians or Sectaries of any description illustrated
from the Scriptures the Fathers of the Church and the soundest Controversial
Divines« To this work the bookseller positively demurred »Well meant« he
said »and learned doubtless but the time had gone by Printed on small pica
it would run to eight hundred pages and could never pay Begged therefore to be
excused Loved and honoured the true church from his soul and had it been a
sermon on the martyrdom or any twelvepenny touch why I would venture
something for the honour of the cloth But come lets see the other Right
Hereditary righted ah theres some sense in this Hum hum hum pages so
many paper so much letterpress Ah Ill tell you though doctor you must
knock out some of the Latin and Greek heavy doctor damnd heavy beg your
pardon and if you throw in a few grains more pepper I am he that never
peached my author I have published for Drake and Charlwood Lawton and poor
Amhurst11 Ah Caleb Caleb Well it was a shame to let poor Caleb starve and
so many fat rectors and squires among us I gave him a dinner once aweek but
Lord love you whats once aweek when a man does not know where to go the
other six days Well but I must shew the manuscript to little Tom Alibi the
solicitor who manages all my law affairs must keep on the windy side the
mob were very uncivil the last time I mounted in Old Palace Yard all Whigs and
Roundheads every man of them Williamites and Hanover rats«
The next day Mr Pembroke again called on the publisher but found Tom
Alibis advice had determined him against undertaking the work »Not but what I
would go to what was I going to say to the Plantations for the church with
pleasure but dear doctor I have a wife and family but to show my zeal
Ill recommend the job to my neighbour Trimmel he is a bachelor and leaving
off business so a voyage in a western barge would not inconvenience him« But
Mr Trimmel was also obdurate and Mr Pembroke fortunately perchance for
himself was compelled to return to WaverleyHonour with his treatise in
vindication of the real fundamental principles of church and state safely packed
in his saddlebags
As the public were thus likely to be deprived of the benefit arising from
his lucubrations by the selfish cowardice of the trade Mr Pembroke resolved to
make two copies of these tremendous manuscripts for the use of his pupil He
felt that he had been indolent as a tutor and besides his conscience checked
him for complying with the request of Mr Richard Waverley that he would
impress no sentiments upon Edwards mind inconsistent with the present
settlement in church and state But now thought he I may without breach of my
word since he is no longer under my tuition afford the youth the means of
judging for himself and have only to dread his reproaches for so long
concealing the light which the perusal will flash upon his mind While he thus
indulged the reveries of an author and a politician his darling proselyte
seeing nothing very inviting in the title of the tracts and appalled by the
bulk and compact lines of the manuscript quietly consigned them to a corner of
his travelling trunk
Aunt Rachels farewell was brief and affectionate She only cautioned her
dear Edward whom she probably deemed somewhat susceptible against the
fascination of Scottish beauty She allowed that the northern part of the island
contained some ancient families but they were all Whigs and Presbyterians
except the Highlanders and respecting them she must needs say there could be
no great delicacy among the ladies where the gentlemens usual attire was as
she had been assured to say the least very singular and not at all decorous
She concluded her farewell with a kind and moving benediction and gave the
young officer as a pledge of her regard a valuable diamond ring often worn by
the male sex at that time and a purse of broad gold pieces which also were
more common Sixty Years since than they have been of late
Chapter Seventh
A HorseQuarter in Scotland
The next morning amid varied feelings the chief of which was a predominant
anxious and even solemn impression that he was now in a great measure
abandoned to his own guidance and direction Edward Waverley departed from the
Hall amid the blessings and tears of all the old domestics and the inhabitants
of the village mingled with some sly petitions for serjeantcies and
corporalships and so forth on the part of those who professed that »they never
thoft to ha seen Jacob and Giles and Jonathan go off for soldiers save to
attend his honour as in duty bound« Edward as in duty bound extricated
himself from the supplicants with the pledge of fewer promises than might have
been expected from a young man so little accustomed to the world After a short
visit to London he proceeded on horseback then the general mode of travelling
to Edinburgh and from thence to Dundee a seaport on the eastern coast of
Angusshire where his regiment was then quartered
He now entered upon a new world where for a time all was beautiful
because all was new Colonel Gardiner the commanding officer of the regiment
was himself a study for a romantic and at the same time an inquisitive youth
In person he was tall handsome and active though somewhat advanced in life
In his early years he had been what is called by manner of palliative a very
gay young man and strange stories were circulated about his sudden conversion
from doubt if not infidelity to a serious and even enthusiastic turn of mind
It was whispered that a supernatural communication of a nature obvious even to
the exterior senses had produced this wonderful change and though some
mentioned the proselyte as an enthusiast none hinted at his being a hypocrite
This singular and mystical circumstance gave Colonel Gardiner a peculiar and
solemn interest in the eyes of the young soldier12 It may be easily imagined
that the officers of a regiment commanded by so respectable a person composed
a society more sedate and orderly than a military mess always exhibits and that
Waverley escaped some temptations to which he might otherwise have been exposed
Meanwhile his military education proceeded Already a good horseman he was
now initiated into the arts of the manège which when carried to perfection
almost realise the fable of the Centaur the guidance of the horse appearing to
proceed from the riders mere volition rather than from the use of any external
and apparent signal of motion He received also instructions in his field duty
but I must own that when his first ardour was passed his progress fell short
in the latter particular of what he wished and expected The duty of an officer
the most imposing of all others to the inexperienced mind because accompanied
with so much outward pomp and circumstance is in its essence a very dry and
abstract task depending chiefly upon arithmetical combinations requiring much
attention and a cool and reasoning head to bring them into action Our hero
was liable to fits of absence in which his blunders excited some mirth and
called down some reproof This circumstance impressed him with a painful sense
of inferiority in those qualities which appeared most to deserve and obtain
regard in his new profession He asked himself in vain why his eye could not
judge of distance or space so well as those of his companions why his head was
not always successful in disentangling the various partial movements necessary
to execute a particular evolution and why his memory so alert upon most
occasions did not correctly retain technical phrases and minute points of
etiquette or field discipline Waverley was naturally modest and therefore did
not fall into the egregious mistake of supposing such minuter rules of military
duty beneath his notice or conceiting himself to be born a general because he
made an indifferent subaltern The truth was that the vague and unsatisfactory
course of reading which he had pursued working upon a temper naturally retired
and abstracted had given him that wavering and unsettled habit of mind which is
most averse to study and rivetted attention Time in the meanwhile hung heavy
on his hands The gentry of the neighbourhood were disaffected and showed
little hospitality to the military guests and the people of the town chiefly
engaged in mercantile pursuits were not such as Waverley chose to associate
with The arrival of summer and a curiosity to know something more of Scotland
than he could see in a ride from his quarters determined him to request leave
of absence for a few weeks He resolved first to visit his uncles ancient
friend and correspondent with the purpose of extending or shortening the time
of his residence according to circumstances He travelled of course on
horseback and with a single attendant and passed his first night at a
miserable inn where the landlady had neither shoes nor stockings and the
landlord who called himself a gentleman was disposed to be rude to his guest
because he had not bespoke the pleasure of his society to supper13 The next
day traversing an open and unenclosed country Edward gradually approached the
Highlands of Perthshire which at first had appeared a blue outline in the
horizon but now swelled into huge gigantic masses which frowned defiance over
the more level country that lay beneath them Near the bottom of this stupendous
barrier but still in the Lowland country dwelt Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine of
Bradwardine and if greyhaired eld can be in aught believed there had dwelt
his ancestors with all their heritage since the days of the gracious King
Duncan
Chapter Eighth
A Scottish ManorHouse Sixty Years Since
It was about noon when Captain Waverley entered the straggling village or
rather hamlet of TullyVeolan close to which was situated the mansion of the
proprietor The houses seemed miserable in the extreme especially to an eye
accustomed to the smiling neatness of English cottages They stood without any
respect for regularity on each side of a straggling kind of unpaved street
where children almost in a primitive state of nakedness lay sprawling as if
to be crushed by the hoofs of the first passing horse Occasionally indeed
when such a consummation seemed inevitable a watchful old grandam with her
close cap distaff and spindle rushed like a sibyl in frenzy out of one of
these miserable cells dashed into the middle of the path and snatching up her
own charge from among the sunburnt loiterers saluted him with a sound cuff
and transported him back to his dungeon the little whiteheaded varlet
screaming all the while from the very top of his lungs a shrilly treble to the
growling remonstrances of the enraged matron Another part in this concert was
sustained by the incessant yelping of a score of idle useless curs which
followed snarling barking howling and snapping at the horses heels a
nuisance at that time so common in Scotland that a French tourist who like
other travellers longed to find a good and rational reason for everything he
saw has recorded as one of the memorabilia of Caledonia that the state
maintained in each village a relay of curs called collies whose duty it was to
chase the chevaux de poste too starved and exhausted to move without such a
stimulus from one hamlet to another till their annoying convoy drove them to
the end of their stage The evil and remedy such as it is still exist but
this is remote from our present purpose and is only thrown out for
consideration of the collectors under Mr Dents dogbill
As Waverley moved on here and there an old man bent as much by toil as
years his eyes bleared with age and smoke tottered to the door of his hut to
gaze on the dress of the stranger and the form and motions of the horses and
then assembled with his neighbours in a little group at the smithy to discuss
the probabilities of whence the stranger came and where he might be going
Three or four village girls returning from the well or brook with pitchers and
pails upon their heads formed more pleasing objects and with their thin
short gowns and single petticoats bare arms legs and feet uncovered heads
and braided hair somewhat resembled Italian forms of landscape Nor could a
lover of the picturesque have challenged either the elegance of their costume
or the symmetry of their shape although to say the truth a mere Englishman
in search of the comfortable a word peculiar to his native tongue might have
wished the clothes less scanty the feet and legs somewhat protected from the
weather the head and complexion shrouded from the sun or perhaps might even
have thought the whole person and dress considerably improved by a plentiful
application of spring water with a quantum sufficit of soap The whole scene
was depressing for it argued at the first glance at least a stagnation of
industry and perhaps of intellect Even curiosity the busiest passion of the
idle seemed of a listless cast in the village of TullyVeolan the curs
aforesaid alone showed any part of its activity with the villagers it was
passive They stood and gazed at the handsome young officer and his attendant
but without any of those quick motions and eager looks that indicate the
earnestness with which those who live in monotonous ease at home look out for
amusement abroad Yet the physiognomy of the people when more closely examined
was far from exhibiting the indifference of stupidity their features were
rough but remarkably intelligent grave but the very reverse of stupid and
from among the young women an artist might have chosen more than one model
whose features and form resembled those of Minerva The children also whose
skins were burnt black and whose hair was bleached white by the influence of
the sun had a look and manner of life and interest It seemed upon the whole
as if poverty and indolence its too frequent companion were combining to
depress the natural genius and acquired information of a hardy intelligent and
reflecting peasantry
Some such thoughts crossed Waverleys mind as he paced his horse slowly
through the rugged and flinty street of TullyVeolan interrupted only in his
meditations by the occasional caprioles which his charger exhibited at the
reiterated assaults of those canine Cossacks the collies before mentioned The
village was more than half a mile long the cottages being irregularly divided
from each other by gardens or yards as the inhabitants called them of
different sizes where for it is Sixty Years since the now universal potato
was unknown but which were stored with gigantic plants of kale or colewort
encircled with groves of nettles and exhibited here and there a huge hemlock
or the national thistle overshadowing a quarter of the petty enclosure The
broken ground on which the village was built had never been levelled so that
these enclosures presented declivities of every degree here rising like
terraces there sinking like tanpits The drystone walls which fenced or
seemed to fence for they were sorely breached these hanging gardens of
TullyVeolan were intersected by a narrow lane leading to the common field
where the joint labour of the villagers cultivated alternate ridges and patches
of rye oats barley and peas each of such minute extent that at a little
distance the unprofitable variety of the surface resembled a tailors book of
patterns In a few favoured instances there appeared behind the cottages a
miserable wigwam compiled of earth loose stones and turf where the wealthy
might perhaps shelter a starved cow or sorely galled horse But almost every hut
was fenced in front by a huge black stack of turf on one side of the door while
on the other the family dunghill ascended in noble emulation
About a bowshot from the end of the village appeared the enclosures
proudly denominated the Parks of TullyVeolan being certain square fields
surrounded and divided by stone walls five feet in height In the centre of the
exterior barrier was the upper gate of the avenue opening under an archway
battlemented on the top and adorned with two large weatherbeaten mutilated
masses of upright stone which if the tradition of the hamlet could be trusted
had once represented at least had been once designed to represent two rampant
Bears the supporters of the family of Bradwardine This avenue was straight
and of moderate length running between a double row of very ancient
horsechestnuts planted alternately with sycamores which rose to such huge
height and flourished so luxuriantly that their boughs completely overarched
the broad road beneath Beyond these venerable ranks and running parallel to
them were two high walls of apparently the like antiquity overgrown with ivy
honeysuckle and other climbing plants The avenue seemed very little trodden
and chiefly by footpassengers so that being very broad and enjoying a
constant shade it was clothed with grass of a deep and rich verdure excepting
where a footpath worn by occasional passengers tracked with a natural sweep
the way from the upper to the lower gate This nether portal like the former
opened in front of a wall ornamented with some rude sculpture with battlements
on the top over which were seen halfhidden by the trees of the avenue the
high steep roofs and narrow gables of the mansion with lines indented into
steps and corners decorated with small turrets One of the folding leaves of
the lower gate was open and as the sun shone full into the court behind a long
line of brilliancy was flung upon the aperture up the dark and gloomy avenue It
was one of those effects which a painter loves to represent and mingled well
with the struggling light which found its way between the boughs of the shady
arch that vaulted the broad green alley
The solitude and repose of the whole scene seemed almost romantic and
Waverley who had given his horse to his servant on entering the first gate
walked slowly down the avenue enjoying the grateful and cooling shade and so
much pleased with the placid ideas of rest and seclusion excited by this
confined and quiet scene that he forgot the misery and dirt of the hamlet he
had left behind him The opening into the paved courtyard corresponded with the
rest of the scene The house which seemed to consist of two or three high
narrow and steeproofed buildings projecting from each other at right angles
formed one side of the enclosure It had been built at a period when castles
were no longer necessary and when the Scottish architects had not yet acquired
the art of designing a domestic residence The windows were numberless but very
small the roof had some nondescript kind of projections called bartizans and
displayed at each frequent angle a small turret rather resembling a pepperbox
than a Gothic watchtower Neither did the front indicate absolute security from
danger There were loopholes for musketry and iron stancheons on the lower
windows probably to repel any roving band of gipsies or resist a predatory
visit from the Caterans of the neighbouring Highlands Stables and other offices
occupied another side of the square The former were low vaults with narrow
slits instead of windows resembling as Edwards groom observed »rather a
prison for murderers and larceners and such like as are tried at sizes than a
place for any Christian cattle« Above these dungeonlooking stables were
granaries called girnels and other offices to which there was access by
outside stairs of heavy masonry Two battlemented walls one of which faced the
avenue and the other divided the court from the garden completed the
enclosure
Nor was the court without its ornaments In one corner was a tunbellied
pigeonhouse of great size and rotundity resembling in figure and proportion
the curious edifice called Arthurs Oven which would have turned the brains of
all the antiquaries in England had not the worthy proprietor pulled it down for
the sake of mending a neighbouring damdyke This dovecot or columbarium as
the owner called it was no small resource to a Scottish laird of that period
whose scanty rents were eked out by the contributions levied upon the farms by
these light foragers and the conscriptions exacted from the latter for the
benefit of the table
Another corner of the court displayed a fountain where a huge bear carved
in stone predominated over a large stone basin into which he disgorged the
water This work of art was the wonder of the country ten miles round It must
not be forgotten that all sorts of bears small and large demi or in full
proportion were carved over the windows upon the ends of the gables
terminated the spouts and supported the turrets with the ancient family motto
»Bewar the Bar« cut under each hyperborean form The court was spacious well
paved and perfectly clean there being probably another entrance behind the
stables for removing the litter Everything around appeared solitary and would
have been silent but for the continued plashing of the fountain and the whole
scene still maintained the monastic illusion which the fancy of Waverley had
conjured up And here we beg permission to close a chapter of still life14
Chapter Ninth
More of the ManorHouse and its Environs
After having satisfied his curiosity by gazing around him for a few minutes
Waverley applied himself to the massive knocker of the hall door the architrave
of which bore the date 1594 But no answer was returned though the peal
resounded through a number of apartments and was echoed from the courtyard
walls without the house startling the pigeons from the venerable rotunda which
they occupied and alarming anew even the distant village curs which had
retired to sleep upon their respective dunghills Tired of the din which he
created and the unprofitable responses which it excited Waverley began to
think that he had reached the castle of Orgoglio as entered by the victorious
Prince Arthur
When gan he loudly through the house to call
But no man cared to answer to his cry
There reigned a solemn silence over all
Nor voice was heard nor wight was seen in bower or hall
Filled almost with expectation of beholding some »old old man with beard as
white as snow« whom he might question concerning this deserted mansion our
hero turned to a little oaken wicketdoor well clenched with iron nails which
opened in the courtyard wall at its angle with the house It was only latched
notwithstanding its fortified appearance and when opened admitted him into the
garden which presented a pleasant scene15 The southern side of the house
clothed with fruittrees and having many evergreens trained upon its walls
extended its irregular yet venerable front along a terrace partly paved partly
gravelled partly bordered with flowers and choice shrubs This elevation
descended by three several flights of steps placed in its centre and at the
extremities into what might be called the garden proper and was fenced along
the top by a stone parapet with a heavy balustrade ornamented from space to
space with huge grotesque figures of animals seated upon their haunches among
which the favourite bear was repeatedly introduced Placed in the middle of the
terrace between a sasheddoor opening from the house and the central flight of
steps a huge animal of the same species supported on his head and forepaws a
sundial of large circumference inscribed with more diagrams than Edwards
mathematics enabled him to decipher
The garden which seemed to be kept with great accuracy abounded in
fruittrees and exhibited a profusion of flowers and evergreens cut into
grotesque forms It was laid out in terraces which descended rank by rank from
the western wall to a large brook which had a tranquil and smooth appearance
where it served as a boundary to the garden but near the extremity leapt in
tumult over a strong dam or wearhead the cause of its temporary tranquillity
and there forming a cascade was overlooked by an octangular summerhouse with
a gilded bear on the top by way of vane After this feat the brook assuming
its natural rapid and fierce character escaped from the eye down a deep and
wooded dell from the copse of which arose a massive but ruinous tower the
former habitation of the Barons of Bradwardine The margin of the brook
opposite to the garden displayed a narrow meadow or haugh as it was called
which formed a small washinggreen the bank which retired behind it was
covered by ancient trees
The scene though pleasing was not quite equal to the gardens of Alcina
yet wanted not the »due donzellette garrule« of that enchanted paradise for
upon the green aforesaid two barelegged damsels each standing in a spacious
tub performed with their feet the office of a patent washingmachine These did
not however like the maidens of Armida remain to greet with their harmony the
approaching guest but alarmed at the appearance of a handsome stranger on the
opposite side dropped their garments I should say garment to be quite
correct over their limbs which their occupation exposed somewhat too freely
and with a shrill exclamation of »Eh sirs« uttered with an accent between
modesty and coquetry sprung off like deer in different directions
Waverley began to despair of gaining entrance into this solitary and
seemingly enchanted mansion when a man advanced up one of the garden alleys
where he still retained his station Trusting this might be a gardener or some
domestic belonging to the house Edward descended the steps in order to meet
him but as the figure approached and long before he could descry its features
he was struck with the oddity of its appearance and gestures Sometimes this
mister wight held his hands clasped over his head like an Indian Jogue in the
attitude of penance sometimes he swung them perpendicularly like a pendulum
on each side and anon he slapped them swiftly and repeatedly across his breast
like the substitute used by a hackneycoachman for his usual flogging exercise
when his cattle are idle upon the stand in a clear frosty day His gait was as
singular as his gestures for at times he hopped with great perseverance on the
right foot then exchanged that supporter to advance in the same manner on the
left and then putting his feet close together he hopped upon both at once His
attire also was antiquated and extravagant It consisted in a sort of grey
jerkin with scarlet cuffs and slashed sleeves showing a scarlet lining the
other parts of the dress corresponded in colour not forgetting a pair of
scarlet stockings and a scarlet bonnet proudly surmounted with a turkeys
feather Edward whom he did not seem to observe now perceived confirmation in
his features of what the mien and gestures had already announced It was
apparently neither idiocy nor insanity which gave that wild unsettled
irregular expression to a face which naturally was rather handsome but
something that resembled a compound of both where the simplicity of the fool
was mixed with the extravagance of a crazed imagination He sung with great
earnestness and not without some taste a fragment of an old Scottish ditty
False love and hast thou played me thus
In summer among the flowers
I will repay thee back again
In winter among the showers
Unless again again my love
Unless you turn again
As you with other maidens rove
Ill smile on other men16
Here lifting up his eyes which had hitherto been fixed in observing how his
feet kept time to the tune he beheld Waverley and instantly doffed his cap
with many grotesque signals of surprise respect and salutation Edward though
with little hope of receiving an answer to any constant question requested to
know whether Mr Bradwardine were at home or where he could find any of the
domestics The questioned party replied and like the witch of Thalaba
»still his speech was song«
The Knights to the mountain
His bugle to wind
The Ladys to greenwood
Her garland to bind
The bower of Burd Ellen
Has moss on the floor
That the step of Lord William
Be silent and sure
This conveyed no information and Edward repeating his queries received a
rapid answer in which from the haste and peculiarity of the dialect the word
»butler« was alone intelligible Waverley then requested to see the butler upon
which the fellow with a knowing look and nod of intelligence made a signal to
Edward to follow and began to dance and caper down the alley up which he had
made his approaches A strange guide this thought Edward and not much unlike
one of Shakspeares roynish clowns I am not over prudent to trust to his
pilotage but wiser men have been led by fools By this time he reached the
bottom of the alley where turning short on a little parterre of flowers
shrouded from the east and north by a close yew hedge he found an old man at
work without his coat whose appearance hovered between that of an upper servant
and gardener his red nose and ruffled shirt belonging to the former profession
his hale and sunburnt visage with his green apron appearing to indicate
Old Adams likeness set to dress this garden
The major domo for such he was and indisputably the second officer of state
in the barony nay as chief minister of the interior superior even to Bailie
Macwheeble in his own department of the kitchen and cellar the major domo
laid down his spade slipped on his coat in haste and with a wrathful look at
Edwards guide probably excited by his having introduced a stranger while he
was engaged in this laborious and as he might suppose it degrading office
requested to know the gentlemans commands Being informed that he wished to pay
his respects to his master that his name was Waverley and so forth the old
mans countenance assumed a great deal of respectful importance »He could take
it upon his conscience to say his honour would have exceeding pleasure in
seeing him Would not Mr Waverley choose some refreshment after his journey
His honour was with the folk who were getting doon the dark hag the twa
gardener lads an emphasis on the word twa had been ordered to attend him and
he had been just amusing himself in the mean time with dressing Miss Roses
flowerbed that he might be near to receive his honours orders if need were
he was very fond of a garden but had little time for such divertisements«
»He canna get it wrought in abune twa days in the week at no rate whatever«
said Edwards fantastic conductor
A grim look from the butler chastised his interference and he commanded him
by the name of Davie Gellatley in a tone which admitted no discussion to look
for his honour at the dark hag and tell him there was a gentleman from the
south had arrived at the Ha
»Can this poor fellow deliver a letter« asked Edward
»With all fidelity sir to anyone whom he respects I would hardly trust
him with a long message by word of mouth though he is more knave than fool«
Waverley delivered his credentials to Mr Gellatley who seemed to confirm
the butlers last observation by twisting his features at him when he was
looking another way into the resemblance of the grotesque face on the bowl of a
German tobaccopipe after which with an odd congé to Waverley he danced off
to discharge his errand
»He is an innocent sir« said the butler »there is one such in almost
every town in the country but ours is brought far ben He used to work a days
turn weel eneugh but he helpd Miss Rose when she was flemit with the Laird of
Killancureits new English bull and since that time we ca him Davie Dolittle
indeed we might ca him Davie Donaething for since he got that gay clothing
to please his honour and my young mistress great folks will have their
fancies he has done naething but dance up and down about the toun without
doing a single turn unless trimming the lairds fishingwand or busking his
flies or maybe catching a dish of trouts at an orratime But here comes Miss
Rose who I take burden upon me for her will be especially glad to see one of
the house of Waverley at her fathers mansion at TullyVeolan«
But Rose Bradwardine deserves better of her unworthy historian than to be
introduced at the end of a chapter In the meanwhile it may be noticed that
Waverley learned two things from this colloquy that in Scotland a single house
was called a town and a natural fool an innocent17
Chapter Tenth
Rose Bradwardine and her Father
Miss Bradwardine was but seventeen yet at the last races of the county town of
upon her health being proposed among a round of beauties the Laird of
Bumperquaigh permanent toastmaster and croupier of the Bautherwhillery Club
not only said More to the pledge in a pint bumper of Bourdeaux but ere pouring
forth the libation denominated the divinity to whom it was dedicated »the Rose
of TullyVeolan« upon which festive occasion three cheers were given by all
the sitting members of that respectable society whose throats the wine had left
capable of such exertion Nay I am well assured that the sleeping partners of
the company snorted applause and that although strong bumpers and weak brains
had consigned two or three to the floor yet even these fallen as they were
from their high estate and weltering I will carry the parody no farther
uttered divers inarticulate sounds intimating their assent to the motion
Such unanimous applause could not be extorted but by acknowledged merit and
Rose Bradwardine not only deserved it but also the approbation of much more
rational persons than the Bautherwhillery Club could have mustered even before
discussion of the first magnum She was indeed a very pretty girl of the Scotch
cast of beauty that is with a profusion of hair of paley gold and a skin like
the snow of her own mountains in whiteness Yet she had not a pallid or pensive
cast of countenance her features as well as her temper had a lively
expression her complexion though not florid was so pure as to seem
transparent and the slightest emotion sent her whole blood at once to her face
and neck Her form though under the common size was remarkably elegant and
her motions light easy and unembarrassed She came from another part of the
garden to receive Captain Waverley with a manner that hovered between
bashfulness and courtesy
The first greetings past Edward learned from her that the dark hag which
had somewhat puzzled him in the butlers account of his masters avocations had
nothing to do either with a black cat or a broomstick but was simply a portion
of oak copse which was to be felled that day She offered with diffident
civility to show the stranger the way to the spot which it seems was not far
distant but they were prevented by the appearance of the Baron of Bradwardine
in person who summoned by David Gellatley now appeared »on hospitable
thoughts intent« clearing the ground at a prodigious rate with swift and long
strides which reminded Waverley of the sevenleague boots of the nursery fable
He was a tall thin athletic figure old indeed and greyhaired but with
every muscle rendered as tough as whipcord by constant exercise He was dressed
carelessly and more like a Frenchman than an Englishman of the period while
from his hard features and perpendicular rigidity of stature he bore some
resemblance to a Swiss officer of the guards who had resided some time at
Paris and caught the costume but not the ease or manner of its inhabitants
The truth was that his language and habits were as heterogeneous as his
external appearance
Owing to his natural disposition to study or perhaps to a very general
Scottish fashion of giving young men of rank a legal education he had been bred
with a view to the bar But the politics of his family precluding the hope of
his rising in that profession Mr Bradwardine travelled with high reputation
for several years and made some campaigns in foreign service After his démêlé
with the law of high treason in 1715 he had lived in retirement conversing
almost entirely with those of his own principles in the vicinage The pedantry
of the lawyer superinduced upon the military pride of the soldier might remind
a modern of the days of the zealous volunteer service when the bargown of our
pleaders was often flung over a blazing uniform To this must be added the
prejudices of ancient birth and Jacobite politics greatly strengthened by
habits of solitary and secluded authority which though exercised only within
the bounds of his halfcultivated estate was there indisputable and undisputed
For as he used to observe »the lands of Bradwardine TullyVeolan and others
had been erected into a free barony by a charter from David the First cum
liberali potest habendi curias et justicias cum fossa et furca LIE pit and
gallows et saka et soka et thol et theam et infangthief et outfangthief
sive handhabend sive bakbarand« The peculiar meaning of all these
cabalistical words few or none could explain but they implied upon the whole
that the Baron of Bradwardine might in case of delinquency imprison try and
execute his vassals at his pleasure Like James the first however the present
possessor of this authority was more pleased in talking about prerogative than
in exercising it and excepting that he imprisoned two poachers in the dungeon
of the old tower of TullyVeolan where they were sorely frightened by ghosts
and almost eaten by rats and that he set an old woman in the jougs or Scottish
pillory for saying »there were mair fules in the lairds ha house than Davie
Gellatley« I do not learn that he was accused of abusing his high powers
Still however the conscious pride of possessing them gave additional
importance to his language and deportment
At his first address to Waverley it would seem that the hearty pleasure he
felt to behold the nephew of his friend had somewhat discomposed the stiff and
upright dignity of the Baron of Bradwardines demeanour for the tears stood in
the old gentlemans eyes when having first shaken Edward heartily by the hand
in the English fashion he embraced him àlamode Françoise and kissed him on
both sides of his face while the hardness of his grip and the quantity of
Scotch snuff which his accolade communicated called corresponding drops of
moisture to the eyes of his guest
»Upon the honour of a gentleman« he said »but it makes me young again to
see you here Mr Waverley A worthy scion of the old stock of WaverleyHonour
spes altera as Maro hath it and you have the look of the old line Captain
Waverley not so portly yet as my old friend Sir Everard mais cela viendra
avec le tems as my Dutch acquaintance Baron Kikkitbroeck said of the sagesse
of Madame son épouse And so ye have mounted the cockade Right right though
I could have wished the colour different and so I would ha deemed might Sir
Everard But no more of that I am old and times are changed And how does
the worthy knight baronet and the fair Mrs Rachel Ah ye laugh young man
In troth she was the fair Mrs Rachel in the year of grace seventeen hundred and
sixteen but time passes et singula prædantur anni that is most certain But
once again ye are most heartily welcome to my poor house of TullyVeolan Hie
to the house Rose and see that Alexander Saunderson looks out the old Chateau
Margaux which I sent from Bourdeaux to Dundee in the year 1713«
Rose tripped off demurely enough till she turned the first corner and then
ran with the speed of a fairy that she might gain leisure after discharging
her fathers commission to put her own dress in order and produce all her
little finery an occupation for which the approaching dinnerhour left but
limited time
»We cannot rival the luxuries of your English table Captain Waverley or
give you the epulæ lautiores of WaverleyHonour I say epulæ rather than
prandium because the latter phrase is popular Epulæ ad senatum prandium vero
ad populum attinet says Suetonius Tranquillus But I trust ye will applaud my
Bourdeaux cest des deux oreilles as Captain Vinsauf used to say Vinum primæ
notæ the Principal of St Andrews denominated it And once more Captain
Waverley right glad am I that ye are here to drink the best my cellar can make
forthcoming«
This speech with the necessary interjectional answers continued from the
lower alley where they met up to the door of the house where four or five
servants in oldfashioned liveries headed by Alexander Saunderson the butler
who now bore no token of the sable stains of the garden received them in grand
costume
In an old hall hung round with pikes and with bows
With old bucklers and corslets that had borne many shrewd blows
With much ceremony and still more real kindness the Baron without stopping in
any intermediate apartment conducted his guest through several into the great
dining parlour wainscoted with black oak and hung round with the pictures of
his ancestry where a table was set forth in form for six persons and an
oldfashioned beaufet displayed all the ancient and massive plate of the
Bradwardine family A bell was now heard at the head of the avenue for an old
man who acted as porter upon gala days had caught the alarm given by
Waverleys arrival and repairing to his post announced the arrival of other
guests
These as the Baron assured his young friend were very estimable persons
»There was the young Laird of Balmawhapple a Falconer by surname of the house
of Glenfarquhar given right much to field sports gaudet equis et canibus
but a very discreet young gentleman Then there was the Laird of Killancureit
who had devoted his leisure untill tillage and agriculture and boasted himself
to be possessed of a bull of matchless merit brought from the county of Devon
the Damnonia of the Romans if we can trust Robert of Cirencester He is as
ye may well suppose from such a tendency but of yeoman extraction servabit
odorem testa diu and I believe between ourselves his grandsire was from the
wrong side of the Border one Bullsegg who came hither as a steward or
bailiff or groundofficer or something in that department to the last Girnigo
of Killancureit who died of an atrophy After his masters death sir ye
would hardly believe such a scandal but this Bullsegg being portly and
comely of aspect intermarried with the lady dowager who was young and amorous
and possessed himself of the estate which devolved on this unhappy woman by a
settlement of her umwhile husband in direct contravention of an unrecorded
taillie and to the prejudice of the disponers own flesh and blood in the
person of his natural heir and seventh cousin Girnigo of Tipperhewit whose
family was so reduced by the ensuing lawsuit that his representative is now
serving as a private gentlemansentinel in the Highland Black Watch But this
gentleman Mr Bullsegg of Killancureit that now is has good blood in his veins
by the mother and grandmother who were both of the family of Pickletillim and
he is well liked and looked upon and knows his own place And God forbid
Captain Waverley that we of irreproachable lineage should exult over him when
it may be that in the eighth ninth or tenth generation his progeny may rank
in a manner with the old gentry of the country Rank and ancestry sir should
be the last words in the mouths of us of unblemished race vix ea nostra voco
as Naso saith There is besides a clergyman of the true though suffering
Episcopal church of Scotland He was a confessor in her cause after the year
1715 when a Whiggish mob destroyed his meetinghouse tore his surplice and
plundered his dwellinghouse of four silver spoons intromitting also with his
mart and his mealark and with two barrels one of single and one of double
ale besides three bottles of brandy18 My BaronBailie and doer Mr Duncan
Macwheeble is the fourth on our list There is a question owing to the
incertitude of ancient orthography whether he belongs to the clan of Wheedle or
of Quibble but both have produced persons eminent in the law«
As such he described them by person and name
They entered and dinner was served as they came
Chapter Eleventh
The Banquet
The entertainment was ample and handsome according to the Scotch ideas of the
period and the guests did great honour to it The Baron ate like a famished
soldier the Laird of Balmawhapple like a sportsman Bullsegg of Killancureit
like a farmer Waverley himself like a traveller and Bailie Macwheeble like all
four together though either out of more respect or in order to preserve that
proper declination of person which showed a sense that he was in the presence of
his patron he sat upon the edge of his chair placed at three feet distance
from the table and achieved a communication with his plate by projecting his
person towards it in a line which obliqued from the bottom of his spine so
that the person who sat opposite to him could only see the foretop of his riding
periwig
This stooping position might have been inconvenient to another person but
long habit made it whether seated or walking perfectly easy to the worthy
Bailie In the latter posture it occasioned no doubt an unseemly projection
of the person towards those who happened to walk behind but those being at all
times his inferiors for Mr Macwheeble was very scrupulous in giving place to
all others he cared very little what inference of contempt or slight regard
they might derive from the circumstance Hence when he waddled across the court
to and from his old grey pony he somewhat resembled a turnspit walking upon its
hind legs
The nonjuring clergyman was a pensive and interesting old man with much the
air of a sufferer for conscience sake He was one of those
Who undeprived their benefice forsook
For this whim when the Baron was out of hearing the Bailie used sometimes
gently to rally Mr Rubrick upbraiding him with the nicety of his scruples
Indeed it must be owned that he himself though at heart a keen partizan of the
exiled family had kept pretty fair with all the different turns of state in his
time so that Davie Gellatley once described him as a particularly good man who
had a very quiet and peaceful conscience that never did him any harm
When the dinner was removed the Baron announced the health of the King
politely leaving to the consciences of his guests to drink to the sovereign de
facto or de jure as their politics inclined The conversation now became
general and shortly afterwards Miss Bradwardine who had done the honours with
natural grace and simplicity retired and was soon followed by the clergyman
Among the rest of the party the wine which fully justified the encomiums of
the landlord flowed freely round although Waverley with some difficulty
obtained the privilege of sometimes neglecting the glass At length as the
evening grew more late the Baron made a private signal to Mr Saunders
Saunderson or as he facetiously denominated him Alexander ab Alexandro who
left the room with a nod and soon after returned his grave countenance
mantling with a solemn and mysterious smile and placed before his master a
small oaken casket mounted with brass ornaments of curious form The Baron
drawing out a private key unlocked the casket raised the lid and produced a
golden goblet of a singular and antique appearance moulded into the shape of a
rampant bear which the owner regarded with a look of mingled reverence pride
and delight that irresistibly reminded Waverley of Ben Jonsons Tom Otter with
his Bull Horse and Dog as that wag wittily denominated his chief carousing
cups But Mr Bradwardine turning towards him with complacency requested him
to observe this curious relic of the olden time
»It represents« he said »the chosen crest of our family a bear as ye
observe and rampant because a good herald will depict every animal in its
noblest posture as a horse salient a greyhound currant and as may be
inferred a ravenous animal in actu ferociori or in a voracious lacerating
and devouring posture Now sir we hold this most honourable achievement by the
wappenbrief or concession of arms of Frederick Redbeard Emperor of Germany
to my predecessor Godmund Bradwardine it being the crest of a gigantic Dane
whom he slew in the lists in the Holy Land on a quarrel touching the chastity
of the Emperors spouse or daughter tradition saith not precisely which and
thus as Virgilius hath it
Mutemus clypeos Danaumque insignia nobis
Aptemus
Then for the cup Captain Waverley it was wrought by the command of St Duthac
Abbot of Aberbrothock for behoof of another Baron of the house of Bradwardine
who had valiantly defended the patrimony of that monastery against certain
encroaching nobles It is properly termed the Blessed Bear of Bradwardine
though old Dr Doubleit used jocosely to call it Ursa Major and was supposed
in old and Catholic times to be invested with certain properties of a mystical
and supernatural quality And though I give not in to such anilia it is certain
it has always been esteemed a solemn standardcup and heirloom of our house
nor is it ever used but upon seasons of high festival and such I hold to be the
arrival of the heir of Sir Everard under my roof and I devote this draught to
the health and prosperity of the ancient and highlytobehonoured house of
Waverley«
During this long harangue he carefully decanted a cobwebbed bottle of claret
into the goblet which held nearly an English pint and at the conclusion
delivering the bottle to the butler to be held carefully in the same angle with
the horizon he devoutly quaffed off the contents of the Blessed Bear of
Bradwardine
Edward with horror and alarm beheld the animal making his rounds and
thought with great anxiety upon the appropriate motto »Beware the Bear« but at
the same time plainly foresaw that as none of the guests scrupled to do him
this extraordinary honour a refusal on his part to pledge their courtesy would
be extremely ill received Resolving therefore to submit to this last piece of
tyranny and then to quit the table if possible and confiding in the strength
of his constitution he did justice to the company in the contents of the
Blessed Bear and felt less inconvenience from the draught than he could
possibly have expected The others whose time had been more actively employed
began to show symptoms of innovation »the good wine did its good office«19
The frost of etiquette and pride of birth began to give way before the genial
blessings of this benign constellation and the formal appellatives with which
the three dignitaries had hitherto addressed each other were now familiarly
abbreviated into Tully Bally and Killie When a few rounds had passed the two
latter after whispering together craved permission a joyful hearing for
Edward to ask the gracecup This after some delay was at length produced
and Waverley concluded that the orgies of Bacchus were terminated for the
evening He was never more mistaken in his life
As the guests had left their horses at the small inn or changehouse as it
was called of the village the Baron could not in politeness avoid walking
with them up the avenue and Waverley from the same motive and to enjoy after
this feverish revel the cool summer evening attended the party But when they
arrived at Luckie Maclearys the Lairds of Balmawhapple and Killancureit
declared their determination to acknowledge their sense of the hospitality of
TullyVeolan by partaking with their entertainer and his guest Captain
Waverley what they technically called deoch an doruis a stirrupcup to the
honour of the Barons rooftree20
It must be noticed that the Bailie knowing by experience that the days
joviality which had been hitherto sustained at the expense of his patron might
terminate partly at his own had mounted his spavined grey pony and between
gaiety of heart and alarm for being hooked into a reckoning spurred him into a
hobbling canter a trot was out of the question and had already cleared the
village The others entered the changehouse leading Edward in unresisting
submission for his landlord whispered him that to demur to such an overture
would be construed into a high misdemeanour against the leges conviviales or
regulations of genial compotation Widow Macleary seemed to have expected this
visit as well she might for it was the usual consummation of merry bouts not
only at TullyVeolan but at most other gentlemens houses in Scotland Sixty
Years since The guests thereby at once acquitted themselves of their burden of
gratitude for their entertainers kindness encouraged the trade of his
changehouse did honour to the place which afforded harbour to their horses
and indemnified themselves for the previous restraints imposed by private
hospitality by spending what Falstaff calls the sweet of the night in the
genial license of a tavern
Accordingly in full expectation of these distinguished guests Luckie
Macleary had swept her house for the first time this fortnight tempered her
turffire to such a heat as the season required in her damp hovel even at
Midsummer set forth her deal table newly washed propped its lame foot with a
fragment of turf arranged four or five stools of huge and clumsy form upon the
sites which best suited the inequalities of her clay floor and having
moreover put on her clean toy rokelay and scarlet plaid gravely awaited the
arrival of the company in full hope of custom and profit When they were seated
under the sooty rafters of Luckie Maclearys only apartment thickly tapestried
with cobwebs their hostess who had already taken her cue from the Laird of
Balmawhapple appeared with a huge pewter measuringpot containing at least
three English quarts familiarly denominated a Tappit Hen and which in the
language of the hostess reamed ie mantled with excellent claret just
drawn from the cask
It was soon plain that what crumbs of reason the Bear had not devoured were
to be picked up by the Hen but the confusion which appeared to prevail favoured
Edwards resolution to evade the gaily circling glass The others began to talk
thick and at once each performing his own part in the conversation without the
least respect to his neighbour The Baron of Bradwardine sung French
chansonsàboire and spouted pieces of Latin Killancureit talked in a steady
unalterable dull key of top and bottomdressing21 and yearolds and gimmers
and dinmonts and stots and runts and kyloes and a proposed turnpikeact
while Balmawhapple in notes exalted above both extolled his horse his hawks
and a greyhound called Whistler In the middle of this din the Baron repeatedly
implored silence and when at length the instinct of polite discipline so far
prevailed that for a moment he obtained it he hastened to beseech their
attention »unto a military ariette which was a particular favourite of the
Marechal Duc de Berwick« then imitating as well as he could the manner and
tone of a French musquetaire he immediately commenced
Mon coeur volage ditelle
Nest pas pour vous garçon
Mais pour an homme de guerre
Qui a barbe au menton
Lon Lon Laridon
Qui porte chapeau à plume
Soulier à rouge talon
Que joue de la flûte
Aussi du violon
Lon Lon Laridon
Balmawhapple could hold no longer but broke in with what he called a dd good
song composed by Gibby Gaethroughwit the piper of Cupar and without wasting
more time struck up
Its up Glenbarchans braes I gaed
And oer the bent of Killiebraid
And mony a weary cast I made
To cuittle the muirfowls tail22
The Baron whose voice was drowned in the louder and more obstreperous strains
of Balmawhapple now dropped the competition but continued to hum Lon Lon
Laridon and to regard the successful candidate for the attention of the company
with an eye of disdain while Balmawhapple proceeded
If up a bonny blackcock should spring
To whistle him down wi a slug in his wing
And strap him on to my lunzie string
Right seldom would I fail
After an ineffectual attempt to recover the second verse he sung the first over
again and in prosecution of his triumph declared there was »more sense in
that than in all the derrydongs of France and Fifeshire to the boot of it«
The Baron only answered with a long pinch of snuff and a glance of infinite
contempt But those noble allies the Bear and the Hen had emancipated the
young laird from the habitual reverence in which he held Bradwardine at other
times He pronounced the claret shilpit and demanded brandy with great
vociferation It was brought and now the Demon of Politics envied even the
harmony arising from this Dutch concert merely because there was not a wrathful
note in the strange compound of sounds which it produced Inspired by her the
Laird of Balmawhapple now superior to the nods and winks with which the Baron
of Bradwardine in delicacy to Edward had hitherto checked his entering upon
political discussion demanded a bumper with the lungs of a Stentor »to the
little gentleman in black velvet who did such service in 1702 and may the white
horse break his neck over a mound of his making«
Edward was not at that moment clearheaded enough to remember that King
Williams fall which occasioned his death was said to be owing to his horse
stumbling at a molehill yet felt inclined to take umbrage at a toast which
seemed from the glance of Balmawhapples eye to have a peculiar and uncivil
reference to the Government which he served But ere he could interfere the
Baron of Bradwardine had taken up the quarrel »Sir« he said »whatever my
sentiments tanquam privatus may be in such matters I shall not tamely endure
your saying anything that may impinge upon the honourable feelings of a
gentleman under my roof Sir if you have no respect for the laws of urbanity
do ye not respect the military oath the sacramentum militare by which every
officer is bound to the standards under which he is enrolled Look at Titus
Livius what he says of those Roman soldiers who were so unhappy as exuere
sacramentum to renounce their legionary oath but you are ignorant sir
alike of ancient history and modern courtesy«
»Not so ignorant as ye would pronounce me« roared Balmawhapple »I ken weel
that you mean the solemn League and Covenant but if all the Whigs in hell had
taken the«
Here the Baron and Waverley both spoke at once the former calling out »Be
silent sir ye not only show your ignorance but disgrace your native country
before a stranger and an Englishman« and Waverley at the same moment
entreating Mr Bradwardine to permit him to reply to an affront which seemed
levelled at him personally But the Baron was exalted by wine wrath and scorn
above all sublunary considerations
»I crave you to be hushed Captain Waverley you are elsewhere
peradventure sui juris forisfamiliated that is and entitled it may be
to think and resent for yourself but in my domain in this poor Barony of
Bradwardine and under this roof which is quasi mine being held by tacit
relocation by a tenant at will I am in loco parentis to you and bound to see
you scathless And for you Mr Falconer of Balmawhapple I warn ye let me
see no more aberrations from the paths of good manners«
»And I tell you Mr Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine of Bradwardine and
TullyVeolan« retorted the sportsman in huge disdain »that Ill make a
moorcock of the man that refuses my toast whether it be a cropeared English
Whig wi a black ribband at his lug or ane wha deserts his ain friends to claw
favour wi the rats of Hanover«
In an instant both rapiers were brandished and some desperate passes
exchanged Balmawhapple was young stout and active but the Baron infinitely
more master of his weapon would like Sir Toby Belch have tickled his opponent
other gates than he did had he not been under the influence of Ursa Major
Edward rushed forward to interfere between the combatants but the prostrate
bulk of the Laird of Killancureit over which he stumbled intercepted his
passage How Killancureit happened to be in this recumbent posture at so
interesting a moment was never accurately known Some thought he was about to
ensconce himself under the table he himself alleged that he stumbled in the act
of lifting a jointstool to prevent mischief by knocking down Balmawhapple Be
that as it may if readier aid than either his or Waverleys had not interposed
there would certainly have been bloodshed But the wellknown clash of swords
which was no stranger to her dwelling aroused Luckie Macleary as she sat
quietly beyond the hallan or earthen partition of the cottage with eyes
employed on Bostons Crook of the Lot while her ideas were engaged in summing
up the reckoning She boldly rushed in with the shrill expostulation »Wad
their honours slay ane another there and bring discredit on an honest
widowwomans house when there was a the lee land in the country to fight
upon« a remonstrance which she seconded by flinging her plaid with great
dexterity over the weapons of the combatants The servants by this time rushed
in and being by great chance tolerably sober separated the incensed
opponents with the assistance of Edward and Killancureit The latter led off
Balmawhapple cursing swearing and vowing revenge against every Whig
Presbyterian and fanatic in England and Scotland from JohnoGroats to the
Lands End and with difficulty got him to horse Our hero with the assistance
of Saunders Saunderson escorted the Baron of Bradwardine to his own dwelling
but could not prevail upon him to retire to bed until he had made a long and
learned apology for the events of the evening of which however there was not
a word intelligible except something about the Centaurs and the Lapithæ
Chapter Twelfth
Repentance and a Reconciliation
Waverley was unaccustomed to the use of wine excepting with great temperance
He slept therefore soundly till late in the succeeding morning and then
awakened to a painful recollection of the scene of the preceding evening He had
received a personal affront he a gentleman a soldier and a Waverley True
the person who had offered it was not at the time it was given possessed of
the moderate share of sense which nature had allotted him true also in
resenting this insult he would break the laws of Heaven as well as of his
country true in doing so he might take the life of a young man who perhaps
respectably discharged the social duties and render his family miserable or he
might lose his own no pleasant alternative even to the bravest when it is
debated coolly and in private
All this pressed on his mind yet the original statement recurred with the
same irresistible force He had received a personal insult he was of the house
of Waverley and he bore a commission There was no alternative and he
descended to the breakfast parlour with the intention of taking leave of the
family and writing to one of his brother officers to meet him at the inn
midway between TullyVeolan and the town where they were quartered in order
that he might convey such a message to the Laird of Balmawhapple as the
circumstances seemed to demand He found Miss Bradwardine presiding over the tea
and coffee the table loaded with warm bread both of flour oatmeal and
barleymeal in the shape of loaves cakes biscuits and other varieties
together with eggs reindeer ham mutton and beef ditto smoked salmon
marmalade and all other delicacies which induced even Johnson himself to extol
the luxury of a Scotch breakfast above that of all other countries A mess of
oatmeal porridge flanked by a silver jug which held an equal mixture of cream
and buttermilk was placed for the Barons share of this repast but Rose
observed he had walked out early in the morning after giving orders that his
guest should not be disturbed
Waverley sat down almost in silence and with an air of absence and
abstraction which could not give Miss Bradwardine a favourable opinion of his
talents for conversation He answered at random one or two observations which
she ventured to make upon ordinary topics so that feeling herself almost
repulsed in her efforts at entertaining him and secretly wondering that a
scarlet coat should cover no better breeding she left him to his mental
amusement of cursing Dr Doubleits favourite constellation of Ursa Major as
the cause of all the mischief which had already happened and was likely to
ensue At once he started and his colour heightened as looking toward the
window he beheld the Baron and young Balmawhapple pass arm in arm apparently
in deep conversation and he hastily asked »Did Mr Falconer sleep here last
night« Rose not much pleased with the abruptness of the first question which
the young stranger had addressed to her answered dryly in the negative and the
conversation again sunk into silence
At this moment Mr Saunderson appeared with a message from his master
requesting to speak with Captain Waverley in another apartment With a heart
which beat a little quicker not indeed from fear but from uncertainty and
anxiety Edward obeyed the summons He found the two gentlemen standing
together an air of complacent dignity on the brow of the Baron while something
like sullenness or shame or both blanked the bold visage of Balmawhapple The
former slipped his arm through that of the latter and thus seeming to walk with
him while in reality he led him advanced to meet Waverley and stopping in
the midst of the apartment made in great state the following oration »Captain
Waverley my young and esteemed friend Mr Falconer of Balmawhapple has
craved of my age and experience as of one not wholly unskilled in the
dependencies and punctilios of the duello or monomachia to be his interlocutor
in expressing to you the regret with which he calls to remembrance certain
passages of our symposion last night which could not but be highly displeasing
to you as serving for the time under this present existing government He
craves you sir to drown in oblivion the memory of such solecisms against the
laws of politeness as being what his better reason disavows and to receive the
hand which he offers you in amity and I must needs assure you that nothing
less than a sense of being dans son tort as a gallant French chevalier Mons
Le Bretailleur once said to me on such an occasion and an opinion also of your
peculiar merit could have extorted such concessions for he and all his family
are and have been time out of mind Mavortia pectora as Buchanan saith a bold
and warlike sept or people«
Edward immediately and with natural politeness accepted the hand which
Balmawhapple or rather the Baron in his character of mediator extended towards
him »It was impossible« he said »for him to remember what a gentleman
expressed his wish he had not uttered and he willingly imputed what had passed
to the exuberant festivity of the day«
»That is very handsomely said« answered the Baron »for undoubtedly if a
man be ebrius or intoxicated an incident which on solemn and festive
occasions may and will take place in the life of a man of honour and if the
same gentleman being fresh and sober recants the contumelies which he hath
spoken in his liquor it must be held vinum locutum est the words cease to be
his own Yet would I not find this exculpation relevant in the case of one who
was ebriosus or an habitual drunkard because if such a person choose to pass
the greater part of his time in the predicament of intoxication he hath no
title to be exeemed from the obligations of the code of politeness but should
learn to deport himself peaceably and courteously when under the influence of
the vinous stimulus And now let us proceed to breakfast and think no more of
this daft business«
I must confess whatever inference may be drawn from the circumstance that
Edward after so satisfactory an explanation did much greater honour to the
delicacies of Miss Bradwardines breakfasttable than his commencement had
promised Balmawhapple on the contrary seemed embarrassed and dejected and
Waverley now for the first time observed that his arm was in a sling which
seemed to account for the awkward and embarrassed manner with which he had
presented his hand To a question from Miss Bradwardine he muttered in answer
something about his horse having fallen and seeming desirous to escape both
from the subject and the company he arose as soon as breakfast was over made
his bow to the party and declining the Barons invitation to tarry till after
dinner mounted his horse and returned to his own home
Waverley now announced his purpose of leaving TullyVeolan early enough
after dinner to gain the stage at which he meant to sleep but the unaffected
and deep mortification with which the goodnatured and affectionate old gentleman
heard the proposal quite deprived him of courage to persist in it No sooner
had he gained Waverleys consent to lengthen his visit for a few days than he
laboured to remove the grounds upon which he conceived he had meditated a more
early retreat »I would not have you opine Captain Waverley that I am by
practice or precept an advocate of ebriety though it may be that in our
festivity of last night some of our friends if not perchance altogether ebrii
or drunken were to say the least ebrioli by which the ancients designed
those who were fuddled or as your English vernacular and metaphorical phrase
goes halfseasover Not that I would so insinuate respecting you Captain
Waverley who like a prudent youth did rather abstain from potation nor can
it be truly said of myself who having assisted at the tables of many great
generals and marechals at their solemn carousals have the art to carry my wine
discreetly and did not during the whole evening as ye must have doubtless
observed exceed the bounds of a modest hilarity«
There was no refusing assent to a proposition so decidedly laid down by him
who undoubtedly was the best judge although had Edward formed his opinion from
his own recollections he would have pronounced that the Baron was not only
ebriolus but verging to become ebrius or in plain English was incomparably
the most drunk of the party except perhaps his antagonist the Laird of
Balmawhapple However having received the expected or rather the required
compliment on his sobriety the Baron proceeded »No sir though I am myself
of a strong temperament I abhor ebriety and detest those who swallow wine gulæ
causa for the oblectation of the gullet albeit I might deprecate the law of
Pittacus of Mitylene who punished doubly a crime committed under the influence
of Liber Pater nor would I utterly accede to the objurgation of the younger
Plinius in the fourteenth book of his Historia Naturalis No sir I
distinguish I discriminate and approve of wine so far only as it maketh glad
the face or in the language of Flaccus recepto amico«
Thus terminated the apology which the Baron of Bradwardine thought it
necessary to make for the superabundance of his hospitality and it may be
easily believed that he was neither interrupted by dissent nor any expression
of incredulity
He then invited his guest to a morning ride and ordered that Davie
Gellatley should meet them at the dern path with Ban and Buscar »For until the
shooting season commenced I would willingly show you some sport and we may
God willing meet with a roe The roe Captain Waverley may be hunted at all
times alike for never being in what is called pride of grease he is also never
out of season though it be a truth that his venison is not equal to that of
either the red or fallow deer23 But he will serve to show how my dogs run and
therefore they shall attend us with Davie Gellatley«
Waverley expressed his suprise that his friend Davie was capable of such
trust but the Baron gave him to understand that this poor simpleton was neither
fatuous nec naturaliter idiota as is expressed in the brieves of furiosity but
simply a crackbrained knave who could execute very well any commission which
jumped with his own humour and made his folly a plea for avoiding every other
»He has made an interest with us« continued the Baron »by saving Rose from a
great danger with his own proper peril and the roguish loon must therefore eat
of our bread and drink of our cup and do what he can or what he will which
if the suspicions of Saunderson and the Bailie are well founded may perchance
in his case be commensurate terms«
Miss Bradwardine then gave Waverley to understand that this poor simpleton
was doatingly fond of music deeply affected by that which was melancholy and
transported into extravagant gaiety by light and lively airs He had in this
respect a prodigious memory stored with miscellaneous snatches and fragments of
all tunes and songs which he sometimes applied with considerable address as
the vehicles of remonstrance explanation or satire Davie was much attached to
the few who showed him kindness and both aware of any slight or ill usage which
he happened to receive and sufficiently apt where he saw opportunity to
revenge it The common people who often judge hardly of each other as well as
of their betters although they had expressed great compassion for the poor
innocent while suffered to wander in rags about the village no sooner beheld
him decently clothed provided for and even a sort of favourite than they
called up all the instances of sharpness and ingenuity in action and repartee
which his annals afforded and charitably bottomed thereupon a hypothesis that
Davie Gellatley was no farther fool than was necessary to avoid hard labour
This opinion was not better founded than that of the Negroes who from the
acute and mischievous pranks of the monkeys suppose that they have the gift of
speech and only suppress their powers of elocution to escape being set to work
But the hypothesis was entirely imaginary Davie Gellatley was in good earnest
the halfcrazed simpleton which he appeared and was incapable of any constant
and steady exertion He had just so much solidity as kept on the windy side of
insanity so much wild wit as saved him from the imputation of idiocy some
dexterity in field sports in which we have known as great fools excel great
kindness and humanity in the treatment of animals entrusted to him warm
affections a prodigious memory and an ear for music
The stamping of horses was now heard in the court and Davies voice singing
to the two large deer greyhounds
Hie away hie away
Over bank and over brae
Where the copsewood is the greenest
Where the fountains glisten sheenest
Where the ladyfern grows strongest
Where the morning dew lies longest
Where the blackcock sweetest sips it
Where the fairy latest trips it
Hie to haunts right seldom seen
Lovely lonesome cool and green
Over bank and over brae
Hie away hie away
»Do the verses he sings« asked Waverley »belong to old Scottish poetry Miss
Bradwardine«
»I believe not« she replied »This poor creature had a brother and Heaven
as if to compensate to the family Davies deficiencies had given him what the
hamlet thought uncommon talents An uncle contrived to educate him for the
Scottish kirk but he could not get preferment because he came from our ground
He returned from college hopeless and brokenhearted and fell into a decline
My father supported him till his death which happened before he was nineteen
He played beautifully on the flute and was supposed to have a great turn for
poetry He was affectionate and compassionate to his brother who followed him
like his shadow and we think that from him Davie gathered many fragments of
songs and music unlike those of this country But if we ask him where he got
such a fragment as he is now singing he either answers with wild and long fits
of laughter or else breaks into tears of lamentation but was never heard to
give any explanation or to mention his brothers name since his death«
»Surely« said Edward who was readily interested by a tale bordering on the
romantic »surely more might be learned by more particular inquiry«
»Perhaps so« answered Rose »but my father will not permit any one to
practise on his feelings on this subject«
By this time the Baron with the help of Mr Saunderson had indued a pair
of jackboots of large dimensions and now invited our hero to follow him as he
stalked clattering down the ample staircase tapping each huge balustrade as he
passed with the butt of his massive horsewhip and humming with the air of a
chasseur of Louis Quatorze
Pour la chasse ordonnée il faut préparer tout
Ho la ho Vite vite debout
Chapter Thirteenth
A Moke Rational Day Than the Last
The Baron of Bradwardine mounted on an active and wellmanaged horse and
seated on a demipique saddle with deep housings to agree with his livery was
no bad representative of the old school His lightcoloured embroidered coat
and superbly barred waistcoat his brigadier wig surmounted by a small
goldlaced cockedhat completed his personal costume but he was attended by
two wellmounted servants on horseback armed with holsterpistols
In this guise he ambled forth over hill and valley the admiration of every
farmyard which they passed in their progress till »low down in a grassy
vale« they found Davie Gellatley leading two very tall deer greyhounds and
presiding over halfadozen curs and about as many barelegged and bareheaded
boys who to procure the chosen distinction of attending on the chase had not
failed to tickle his ears with the dulcet appellation of Maister Gellatley
though probably all and each had hooted him on former occasions in the character
of daft Davie But this is no uncommon strain of flattery to persons in office
nor altogether confined to the barelegged villagers of TullyVeolan it was in
fashion Sixty Years since is now and will be six hundred years hence if this
admirable compound of folly and knavery called the world shall be then in
existence
These gilliewetfoots24 as they were called were destined to beat the
bushes which they performed with so much success that after halfanhours
search a roe was started coursed and killed the Baron following on his white
horse like Earl Percy of yore and magnanimously flaying and embowelling the
slain animal which he observed was called by the French chasseurs faire la
curée with his own baronial couteau de chasse After this ceremony he conducted
his guest homeward by a pleasant and circuitous route commanding an extensive
prospect of different villages and houses to each of which Mr Bradwardine
attached some anecdote of history or genealogy told in language whimsical from
prejudice and pedantry but often respectable for the good sense and honourable
feelings which his narrative displayed and almost always curious if not
valuable for the information they contained
The truth is the ride seemed agreeable to both gentlemen because they
found amusement in each others conversation although their characters and
habits of thinking were in many respects totally opposite Edward we have
informed the reader was warm in his feelings wild and romantic in his ideas
and in his taste of reading with a strong disposition towards poetry Mr
Bradwardine was the reverse of all this and piqued himself upon stalking
through life with the same upright starched stoical gravity which
distinguished his evening promenade upon the terrace of TullyVeolan where for
hours together the very model of old Hardyknute
Stately stepped he east the wa
And stately stepped he west
As for literature he read the classic poets to be sure and the Epithalamium
of Georgius Buchanan and Arthur Johnstons Psalms of a Sunday and the Deliciæ
Poetarum Scotorum and Sir David Lindsays Works and Barbours Bruce and Blind
Harrys Wallace and the Gentle Shepherd and the Cherry and the Slae But
though he thus far sacrificed his time to the Muses he would if the truth must
be spoken have been much better pleased had the pious or sapient apothegms as
well as the historical narratives which these various works contained been
presented to him in the form of simple prose And he sometimes could not refrain
from expressing contempt of the »vain and unprofitable art of poemmaking« in
which he said »the only one who had excelled in his time was Allan Ramsay the
periwigmaker«25
But although Edward and he differed toto coelo as the Baron would have
said upon this subject yet they met upon history as on a neutral ground in
which each claimed an interest The Baron indeed only cumbered his memory with
matters of fact the cold dry hard outlines which history delineates Edward
on the contrary loved to fill up and round the sketch with the colouring of a
warm and vivid imagination which gives light and life to the actors and
speakers in the drama of past ages Yet with tastes so opposite they
contributed greatly to each others amusement Mr Bradwardines minute
narratives and powerful memory supplied to Waverley fresh subjects of the kind
upon which his fancy loved to labour and opened to him a new mine of incident
and of character And he repaid the pleasure thus communicated by an earnest
attention valuable to all storytellers more especially to the Baron who felt
his habits of selfrespect flattered by it and sometimes also by reciprocal
communications which interested Mr Bradwardine as confirming or illustrating
his own favourite anecdotes Besides Mr Bradwardine loved to talk of the
scenes of his youth which had been spent in camps and foreign lands and had
many interesting particulars to tell of the generals under whom he had served
and the actions he had witnessed
Both parties returned to TullyVeolan in great good humour with each other
Waverley desirous of studying more attentively what he considered as a singular
and interesting character gifted with a memory containing a curious register of
ancient and modern anecdotes and Bradwardine disposed to regard Edward as puer
or rather juvenis bonoe spei et magnoe indolis a youth devoid of that
petulant volatility which is impatient of or vilipends the conversation and
advice of his seniors from which he predicted great things of his future
success and deportment in life There was no other guest except Mr Rubrick
whose information and discourse as a clergyman and a scholar harmonized very
well with that of the Baron and his guest
Shortly after dinner the Baron as if to show that his temperance was not
entirely theoretical proposed a visit to Roses apartment or as he termed it
her Troisième Etage Waverley was accordingly conducted through one or two of
those long awkward passages with which ancient architects studied to puzzle the
inhabitants of the houses which they planned at the end of which Mr
Bradwardine began to ascend by two steps at once a very steep narrow and
winding stair leaving Mr Rubrick and Waverley to follow at more leisure while
he should announce their approach to his daughter
After having climbed this perpendicular corkscrew until their brains were
almost giddy they arrived in a little matted lobby which served as an
anteroom to Roses sanctum sanctorum and through which they entered her
parlour It was a small but pleasant apartment opening to the south and hung
with tapestry adorned besides with two pictures one of her mother in the
dress of a shepherdess with a bellhoop the other of the Baron in his tenth
year in a blue coat embroidered waistcoat laced hat and bagwig with a bow
in his hand Edward could not help smiling at the costume and at the odd
resemblance between the round smooth redcheeked staring visage in the
portrait and the gaunt bearded holloweyed swarthy features which
travelling fatigues of war and advanced age had bestowed on the original The
Baron joined in the laugh »Truly« he said »that picture was a womans fantasy
of my good mothers a daughter of the Laird of Tulliellum Captain Waverley I
indicated the house to you when we were on the top of the Shinnyheuch it was
burnt by the Dutch auxiliaries brought in by the Government in 1715 I never
sate for my pourtraicture but once since that was painted and it was at the
special and reiterated request of the Marechal Duke of Berwick«
The good old gentleman did not mention what Mr Rubrick afterwards told
Edward that the Duke had done him this honour on account of his being the first
to mount the breach of a fort in Savoy during the memorable campaign of 1709
and his having there defended himself with his halfpike for nearly ten minutes
before any support reached him To do the Baron justice although sufficiently
prone to dwell upon and even to exaggerate his family dignity and consequence
he was too much a man of real courage ever to allude to such personal acts of
merit as he had himself manifested
Miss Rose now appeared from the interior room of her apartment to welcome
her father and his friends The little labours in which she had been employed
obviously showed a natural taste which required only cultivation Her father
had taught her French and Italian and a few of the ordinary authors in those
languages ornamented her shelves He had endeavoured also to be her preceptor in
music but as he began with the more abstruse doctrines of the science, and was
not perhaps master of them himself she had made no proficiency farther than to
be able to accompany her voice with the harpsichord but even this was not very
common in Scotland at that period To make amends she sung with great taste and
feeling and with a respect to the sense of what she uttered that might be
proposed in example to ladies of much superior musical talent Her natural good
sense taught her that if as we are assured by high authority music be
»married to immortal verse« they are very often divorced by the performer in a
most shameful manner It was perhaps owing to this sensibility to poetry and
power of combining its expression with those of the musical notes that her
singing gave more pleasure to all the unlearned in music and even to many of
the learned than could have been communicated by a much finer voice and more
brilliant execution unguided by the same delicacy of feeling
A bartizan or projecting gallery before the windows of her parlour served
to illustrate another of Roses pursuits for it was crowded with flowers of
different kinds which she had taken under her special protection A projecting
turret gave access to this Gothic balcony which commanded a most beautiful
prospect The formal garden with its high bounding walls lay below
contracted as it seemed to a mere parterre while the view extended beyond
them down a wooded glen where the small river was sometimes visible sometimes
hidden in copse The eye might be delayed by a desire to rest on the rocks
which here and there rose from the dell with massive or spiry fronts or it
might dwell on the noble though ruined tower which was here beheld in all its
dignity frowning from a promontory over the river To the left were seen two or
three cottages a part of the village the brow of the hill concealed the
others The glen or dell was terminated by a sheet of water called
LochVeolan into which the brook discharged itself and which now glistened in
the western sun The distant country seemed open and varied in surface though
not wooded and there was nothing to interrupt the view until the scene was
bounded by a ridge of distant and blue hills which formed the southern boundary
of the strath or valley To this pleasant station Miss Bradwardine had ordered
coffee
The view of the old tower or fortalice introduced some family anecdotes
and tales of Scottish chivalry which the Baron told with great enthusiasm The
projecting peak of an impending crag which rose near it had acquired the name
of St Swithins Chair It was the scene of a peculiar superstition of which
Mr Rubrick mentioned some curious particulars which reminded Waverley of a
rhyme quoted by Edgar in King Lear and Rose was called upon to sing a little
legend in which they had been interwoven by some village poet
Who noteless as the race from which he sprung
Saved others names but left his own unsung
The sweetness of her voice and the simple beauty of her music gave all the
advantage which the minstrel could have desired and which his poetry so much
wanted I almost doubt if it can be read with patience destitute of these
advantages although I conjecture the following copy to have been somewhat
corrected by Waverley to suit the taste of those who might not relish pure
antiquity
St Swithins Chair
On HallowMass Eve ere ye boune ye to rest
Ever beware that your couch be blessed
Sign it with cross and sain it with bead
Sing the Ave and say the Creed
For on HallowMass Eve the NightHag will ride
And all her ninefold sweeping on by her side
Whether the wind sing lowly or loud
Sailing through moonshine or swathed in the cloud
The Lady she sat in St Swithins Chair
The dew of the night has damped her hair
Her cheek was pale but resolved and high
Was the word of her lip and the glance of her eye
She muttered the spell of Swithin bold
When his naked foot traced the midnight wold
When he stopped the Hag as she rode the night
And bade her descend and her promise plight
He that dare sit on St Swithins Chair
When the NightHag wings the troubled air
Questions three when he speaks the spell
He may ask and she must tell
The Baron has been with King Robert his liege
These three long years in battle and siege
News are there none of his weal or his woe
And fain the Lady his fate would know
She shudders and stops as the charm she speaks
Is it the moody owl that shrieks
Or is it that sound betwixt laughter and scream
The voice of the Demon who haunts the stream
The moan of the wind sunk silent and low
And the roaring torrent ceased to flow
The calm was more dreadful than raging storm
When the cold grey mist brought the ghastly form
»I am sorry to disappoint the company especially Captain Waverley who listens
with such laudable gravity it is but a fragment although I think there are
other verses describing the return of the Baron from the wars and how the lady
was found claycold upon the grounsill ledge«
»It is one of those figments« observed Mr Bradwardine »with which the
early history of distinguished families was deformed in the times of
superstition as that of Rome and other ancient nations had their prodigies
sir the which you may read in ancient histories or in the little work compiled
by Julius Obsequens and inscribed by the learned Scheffer the editor to his
patron Benedictus Skytte Baron of Dudershoff«
»My father has a strange defiance of the marvellous Captain Waverley«
observed Rose »and once stood firm when a whole synod of Presbyterian divines
were put to the rout by a sudden apparition of the foul fiend«
Waverley looked as if desirous to hear more
»Must I tell my story as well as sing my song Well Once upon a time
there lived an old woman called Janet Gellatley who was suspected to be a
witch on the infallible grounds that she was very old very ugly very poor
and had two sons one of whom was a poet and the other a fool which
visitation all the neighbourhood agreed had come upon her for the sin of
witchcraft And she was imprisoned for a week in the steeple of the parish
church and sparingly supplied with food and not permitted to sleep until she
herself became as much persuaded of her being a witch as her accusers and in
this lucid and happy state of mind was brought forth to make a clean breast
that is to make open confession of her sorceries before all the Whig gentry
and ministers in the vicinity who were no conjurors themselves My father went
to see fair play between the witch and the clergy for the witch had been born
on his estate And while the witch was confessing that the Enemy appeared and
made his addresses to her as a handsome black man which if you could have
seen poor old bleareyed Janet reflected little honour on Apollyons taste
and while the auditors listened with astonished ears and the clerk recorded
with a trembling hand she all of a sudden changed the low mumbling tone with
which she spoke into a shrill yell and exclaimed Look to yourselves look to
yourselves I see the Evil One sitting in the midst of ye The surprise was
general and terror and flight its immediate consequences Happy were those who
were next the door and many were the disasters that befell hats bands cuffs
and wigs before they could get out of the church where they left the obstinate
prelatist to settle matters with the witch and her admirer at his own peril or
pleasure«
»Risu solvuntur tabuloe« said the Baron »when they recovered their panic
trepidation they were too much ashamed to bring any wakening of the process
against Janet Gellatley«26
This anecdote led to a long discussion of
All those idle thoughts and fantasies
Devices dreams opinions unsound
Shows visions soothsays and prophecies
And all that feigned is as leasings tales and lies
With such conversation and the romantic legends which it produced closed our
heros second evening in the house of TullyVeolan
Chapter Fourteenth
A Discovery Waverley Becomes Domesticated at TullyVeolan
The next day Edward arose betimes and in a morning walk around the house and
its vicinity came suddenly upon a small court in front of the dogkennel where
his friend Davie was employed about his fourfooted charge One quick glance of
his eye recognised Waverley when instantly turning his back as if he had not
observed him he began to sing part of an old ballad
Young men will love thee more fair and more fast
Heard ye so merry the little bird sing
Old mens love the longest will last
And the throstlecocks head is under his wing
The young mans wrath is like light straw on fire
Heard ye so merry the little bird sing
But like redhot steel is the old mans ire
And the throstlecocks head is under his wing
The young man will brawl at the evening board
Heard ye so merry the little bird sing
But the old man will draw at the dawning the sword
And the throstlecocks head is under his wing
Waverley could not avoid observing that Davie laid something like a satirical
emphasis on these lines He therefore approached and endeavoured by sundry
queries to elicit from him what the innuendo might mean but Davie had no mind
to explain and had wit enough to make his folly cloak his knavery Edward could
collect nothing from him excepting that the Laird of Balmawhapple had gone home
yesterday morning »wi his boots fu o bluid« In the garden however he met
the old butler who no longer attempted to conceal that having been bred in the
nursery line with Sumack and Co of Newcastle he sometimes wrought a turn in
the flowerborders to oblige the Laird and Miss Rose By a series of queries
Edward at length discovered with a painful feeling of surprise and shame that
Balmawhapples submission and apology had been the consequence of a rencontre
with the Baron before his guest had quitted his pillow in which the younger
combatant had been disarmed and wounded in the swordarm
Greatly mortified at this information Edward sought out his friendly host
and anxiously expostulated with him upon the injustice he had done him in
anticipating his meeting with Mr Falconer a circumstance which considering
his youth and the profession of arms which he had just adopted was capable of
being represented much to his prejudice The Baron justified himself at greater
length than I choose to repeat He urged that the quarrel was common to them
and that Balmawhapple could not by the code of honour évite giving
satisfaction to both which he had done in his case by an honourable meeting
and in that of Edward by such a palinode as rendered the use of the sword
unnecessary and which being made and accepted must necessarily sopite the
whole affair
With this excuse or explanation Waverley was silenced if not satisfied but
he could not help testifying some displeasure against the Blessed Bear which had
given rise to the quarrel nor refrain from hinting that the sanctified epithet
was hardly appropriate The Baron observed he could not deny that »the Bear
though allowed by heralds as a most honourable ordinary had nevertheless
somewhat fierce churlish and morose in his disposition as might be read in
Archibald Simson pastor of Dalkeiths Hieroglyphica Animalium and had thus
been the type of many quarrels and dissensions which had occurred in the house
of Bradwardine of which« he continued »I might commemorate mine own
unfortunate dissension with my third cousin by the mothers side Sir Hew
Halbert who was so unthinking as to deride my family name as if it had been
quasi Bearwarden a most uncivil jest since it not only insinuated that the
founder of our house occupied such a mean situation as to be a custodier of wild
beasts a charge which ye must have observed is only entrusted to the very
basest plebeians but moreover seemed to infer that our coatarmour had not
been achieved by honourable actions in war but bestowed by way of paranomasia
or pun upon our family appellation a sort of bearing which the French call
armoires parlantes the Latins arma cantantia and your English authorities
canting heraldry being indeed a species of emblazoning more befitting canters
gaberlunzies and suchlike mendicants whose gibberish is formed upon playing
upon the word than the noble honourable and useful science of heraldry which
assigns armorial bearings as the reward of noble and generous actions and not
to tickle the ear with vain quodlibets such as are found in jestbooks«27 Of
his quarrel with Sir Hew he said nothing more than that it was settled in a
fitting manner
Having been so minute with respect to the diversions of TullyVeolan on the
first days of Edwards arrival for the purpose of introducing its inmates to
the readers acquaintance it becomes less necessary to trace the progress of
his intercourse with the same accuracy It is probable that a young man
accustomed to more cheerful society would have tired of the conversation of so
violent an assertor of the »boast of heraldry« as the Baron but Edward found an
agreeable variety in that of Miss Bradwardine who listened with eagerness to
his remarks upon literature and showed great justness of taste in her answers
The sweetness of her disposition had made her submit with complacency and even
pleasure to the course of reading prescribed by her father although it not
only comprehended several heavy folios of history but certain gigantic tomes in
high church polemics In heraldry he was fortunately contented to give her only
such a slight tincture as might be acquired by perusal of the two folio volumes
of Nisbet Rose was indeed the very apple of her fathers eye Her constant
liveliness her attention to all those little observances most gratifying to
those who would never think of exacting them her beauty in which he recalled
the features of his beloved wife her unfeigned piety and the noble generosity
of her disposition would have justified the affection of the most doting
father
His anxiety on her behalf did not however seem to extend itself in that
quarter where according to the general opinion it is most efficiently
displayed in labouring namely to establish her in life either by a large
dowry or a wealthy marriage By an old settlement almost all the landed estates
of the Baron went after his death to a distant relation and it was supposed
that Miss Bradwardine would remain but slenderly provided for as the good
gentlemans cash matters had been too long under the exclusive charge of Bailie
Macwheeble to admit of any great expectations from his personal succession It
is true the said Bailie loved his patron and his patrons daughter next
although at an incomparable distance to himself He thought it was possible to
set aside the settlement on the male line and had actually procured an opinion
to that effect and as he boasted without a fee from an eminent Scottish
counsel under whose notice he contrived to bring the point while consulting him
regularly on some other business But the Baron would not listen to such a
proposal for an instant On the contrary he used to have a perverse pleasure in
boasting that the barony of Bradwardine was a male fief the first charter
having been given at that early period when women were not deemed capable to
hold a feudal grant because according to Les costumes de Normandie cest
lhomme ki se bast et ki conseille or as is yet more ungallantly expressed by
other authorities all of whose barbarous names he delighted to quote at full
length because a woman could not serve the superior or feudal lord in war on
account of the decorum of her sex nor assist him with advice because of her
limited intellect nor keep his counsel owing to the infirmity of her
disposition He would triumphantly ask how it would become a female and that
female a Bradwardine to be seen employed in servitio exuendi seu detrahendi
caligas regis post battaliam that is in pulling off the kings boots after an
engagement which was the feudal service by which he held the barony of
Bradwardine »No« he said »beyond hesitation procul dubio many females as
worthy as Rose had been excluded in order to make way for my own succession
and Heaven forbid that I should do aught that might contravene the destination
of my forefathers or impinge upon the right of my kinsman Malcolm Bradwardine
of Inchgrabbit an honourable though decayed branch of my own family«
The Bailie as prime minister having received this decisive communication
from his sovereign durst not press his own opinion any farther but contented
himself with deploring on all suitable occasions to Saunderson the minister
of the interior the Lairds selfwilledness and with laying plans for uniting
Rose with the young laird of Balmawhapple who had a fine estate only
moderately burdened and was a faultless young gentleman being as sober as a
saint if you keep brandy from him and him from brandy and who in brief
had no imperfection but that of keeping light company at a time such as Jinker
the horsecouper and Gibby Gaethroughwit the piper o Cupar »o whilk
follies Mr Saunderson hell mend hell mend« pronounced the Bailie
»Like sour ale in simmer« added Davie Gellatley who happened to be nearer
the conclave than they were aware of
Miss Bradwardine such as we have described her with all the simplicity and
curiosity of a recluse attached herself to the opportunities of increasing her
store of literature which Edwards visit afforded her He sent for some of his
books from his quarters and they opened to her sources of delight of which she
had hitherto had no idea The best English poets of every description and
other works on belles lettres made a part of this precious cargo Her music
even her flowers were neglected and Saunders not only mourned over but began
to mutiny against the labour for which he now scarce received thanks These new
pleasures became gradually enhanced by sharing them with one of a kindred taste
Edwards readiness to comment to recite to explain difficult passages
rendered his assistance invaluable and the wild romance of his spirit delighted
a character too young and inexperienced to observe its deficiencies Upon
subjects which interested him and when quite at ease he possessed that flow of
natural and somewhat florid eloquence which has been supposed as powerful even
as figure fashion fame or fortune in winning the female heart There was
therefore an increasing danger in this constant intercourse to poor Roses
peace of mind which was the more imminent as her father was greatly too much
abstracted in his studies and wrapped up in his own dignity to dream of his
daughters incurring it The daughters of the house of Bradwardine were in his
opinion like those of the house of Bourbon or Austria placed high above the
clouds of passion which might obfuscate the intellects of meaner females they
moved in another sphere were governed by other feelings and amenable to other
rules than those of idle and fantastic affection In short he shut his eyes so
resolutely to the natural consequences of Edwards intimacy with Miss
Bradwardine that the whole neighbourhood concluded that he had opened them to
the advantages of a match between his daughter and the wealthy young Englishman
and pronounced him much less a fool then he had generally shown himself in cases
where his own interest was concerned
If the Baron however had really meditated such an alliance the
indifference of Waverley would have been an insuperable bar to his project Our
hero since mixing more freely with the world had learned to think with great
shame and confusion upon his mental legend of Saint Cecilia and the vexation of
these reflections was likely for some time at least to counterbalance the
natural susceptibility of his disposition Besides Rose Bradwardine beautiful
and amiable as we have described her had not precisely the sort of beauty or
merit which captivates a romantic imagination in early youth She was too frank
too confiding too kind amiable qualities undoubtedly but destructive of the
marvellous with which a youth of imagination delights to address the empress of
his affections Was it possible to bow to tremble and to adore before the
timid yet playful little girl who now asked Edward to mend her pen now to
construe a stanza in Tasso and now how to spell a very very long word in her
version of it All these incidents have their fascination on the mind at a
certain period of life but not when a youth is entering it and rather looking
out for some object whose affection may dignify him in his own eyes than
stooping to one who looks up to him for such distinction Hence though there
can be no rule in so capricious a passion early love is frequently ambitious in
choosing its object or which comes to the same selects her as in the case of
Saint Cecilia aforesaid from a situation that gives fair scope for le beau
idéal which the reality of intimate and familiar life rather tends to limit and
impair I knew a very accomplished and sensible young man cured of a violent
passion for a pretty woman whose talents were not equal to her face and figure
by being permitted to bear her company for a whole afternoon Thus it is
certain that had Edward enjoyed such an opportunity of conversing with Miss
Stubbs Aunt Rachels precaution would have been unnecessary for he would as
soon have fallen in love with the dairymaid And although Miss Bradwardine was
a very different character it seems probable that the very intimacy of their
intercourse prevented his feeling for her other sentiments than those of a
brother for an amiable and accomplished sister while the sentiments of poor
Rose were gradually and without her being conscious assuming a shade of warmer
affection
I ought to have said that Edward when he sent to Dundee for the books
before mentioned had applied for and received permission extending his leave
of absence But the letter of his commandingofficer contained a friendly
recommendation to him not to spend his time exclusively with persons who
estimable as they might be in a general sense could not be supposed well
affected to a government which they declined to acknowledge by taking the oath
of allegiance The letter further insinuated though with great delicacy that
although some family connections might be supposed to render it necessary for
Captain Waverley to communicate with gentlemen who were in this unpleasant state
of suspicion yet his fathers situation and wishes ought to prevent his
prolonging those attentions into exclusive intimacy And it was intimated that
while his political principles were endangered by communicating with laymen of
this description he might also receive erroneous impressions in religion from
the prelatic clergy who so perversely laboured to set up the royal prerogative
in things sacred
This last insinuation probably induced Waverley to set both down to the
prejudices of his commandingofficer He was sensible that Mr Bradwardine had
acted with the most scrupulous delicacy in never entering upon any discussion
that had the most remote tendency to bias his mind in political opinions
although he was himself not only a decided partizan of the exiled family but
had been trusted at different times with important commissions for their
service Sensible therefore that there was no risk of his being perverted from
his allegiance Edward felt as if he should do his uncles old friend injustice
in removing from a house where he gave and received pleasure and amusement
merely to gratify a prejudiced and illjudged suspicion He therefore wrote a
very general answer assuring his commandingofficer that his loyalty was not in
the most distant danger of contamination and continued an honoured guest and
inmate of the house of TullyVeolan
Chapter Fifteenth
A Creagh28 and its Consequences
When Edward had been a guest at TullyVeolan nearly six weeks he descried one
morning as he took his usual walk before the breakfasthour signs of uncommon
perturbation in the family Four barelegged dairymaids with each an empty
milkpail in her hand ran about with frantic gestures and uttering loud
exclamations of surprise grief and resentment From their appearance a pagan
might have conceived them a detachment of the celebrated Belides just come from
their baling penance As nothing was to be got from this distracted chorus
excepting »Lord guide us« and »Eh sirs« ejaculations which threw no light upon
the cause of their dismay Waverley repaired to the forecourt as it was
called where he beheld Bailie Macwheeble cantering his white pony down the
avenue with all the speed it could muster He had arrived it would seem upon a
hasty summons and was followed by halfascore of peasants from the village
who had no great difficulty in keeping pace with him
The Bailie greatly too busy and too important to enter into explanations
with Edward summoned forth Mr Saunderson who appeared with a countenance in
which dismay was mingled with solemnity and they immediately entered into close
conference Davie Gellatley was also seen in the group idle as Diogenes at
Sinope while his countrymen were preparing for a siege His spirits always rose
with anything good or bad which occasioned tumult and he continued frisking
hopping dancing and singing the burden of an old ballad
Our gears a gane
until happening to pass too near the Bailie he received an admonitory hint
from his horsewhip which converted his songs into lamentation
Passing from thence towards the garden Waverley beheld the Baron in person
measuring and remeasuring with swift and tremendous strides the length of the
terrace his countenance clouded with offended pride and indignation and the
whole of his demeanour such as seemed to indicate that any inquiry concerning
the cause of his discomposure would give pain at least if not offence Waverley
therefore glided into the house without addressing him and took his way to the
breakfastparlour where he found his young friend Rose who though she neither
exhibited the resentment of her father the turbid importance of Bailie
Macwheeble nor the despair of the handmaidens seemed vexed and thoughtful A
single word explained the mystery »Your breakfast will be a disturbed one
Captain Waverley A party of Caterans have come down upon us last night and
have driven off all our milch cows«
»A party of Caterans«
»Yes robbers from the neighbouring Highlands We used to be quite free from
them while we paid blackmail to Fergus MacIvor Vich Ian Vohr but my father
thought it unworthy of his rank and birth to pay it any longer and so this
disaster has happened It is not the value of the cattle Captain Waverley that
vexes me but my father is so much hurt at the affront and is so bold and hot
that I fear he will try to recover them by the strong hand and if he is not
hurt himself he will hurt some of these wild people and then there will be no
peace between them and us perhaps for our lifetime and we cannot defend
ourselves as in old times for the government have taken all our arms and my
dear father is so rash Oh what will become of us« Here poor Rose lost
heart altogether and burst into a flood of tears
The Baron entered at this moment and rebuked her with more asperity than
Waverley had ever heard him use to any one »Was it not a shame« he said »that
she should exhibit herself before any gentleman in such a light as if she shed
tears for a drove of horned nolt and milch kine like the daughter of a Cheshire
yeoman Captain Waverley I must request your favourable construction of her
grief which may or ought to proceed solely from seeing her fathers estate
exposed to spulzie and depredation from common thieves and sorners29 while we
are not allowed to keep halfascore of muskets whether for defence or rescue«
Bailie Macwheeble entered immediately afterwards and by his report of arms
and ammunition confirmed this statement informing the Baron in a melancholy
voice that though the people would certainly obey his honours orders yet
there was no chance of their following the gear to ony guid purpose in respect
there were only his honours body servants who had swords and pistols and the
depredators were twelve Highlanders completely armed after the manner of their
country Having delivered this doleful annunciation he assumed a posture of
silent dejection shaking his head slowly with the motion of a pendulum when it
is ceasing to vibrate and then remained stationary his body stooping at a more
acute angle than usual and the latter part of his person projecting in
proportion
The Baron meanwhile paced the room in silent indignation and at length
fixing his eye upon an old portrait whose person was clad in armour and whose
features glared grimly out of a huge bush of hair part of which descended from
his head to his shoulders and part from his chin and upperlip to his
breastplate »That gentleman Captain Waverley my grandsire« he said »with
two hundred horse whom he levied within his own bounds discomfited and put to
the rout more than five hundred of these Highland reivers who have been ever
lapis offensionis et petra scandali a stumblingblock and a rock of offence to
the Lowland vicinage he discomfited them I say when they had the temerity to
descend to harry this country in the time of the civil dissensions in the year
of grace sixteen hundred forty and two And now sir I his grandson am thus
used at such unworthy hands«
Here there was an awful pause after which all the company as is usual in
cases of difficulty began to give separate and inconsistent counsel Alexander
ab Alexandra proposed they should send some one to compound with the Caterans
who would readily he said give up their prey for a dollar ahead The Bailie
opined that this transaction would amount to theftboot or composition of
felony and he recommended that some canny hand should be sent up to the glens
to make the best bargain he could as it were for himself so that the laird
might not be seen in such a transaction Edward proposed to send off to the
nearest garrison for a party of soldiers and a magistrates warrant and Rose
as far as she dared endeavoured to insinuate the course of paying the arrears
of tribute money to Fergus MacIvor Vich Ian Vohr who they all knew could
easily procure restoration of the cattle if he were properly propitiated
None of these proposals met the Barons approbation The idea of
composition direct or implied was absolutely ignominious that of Waverley
only showed that he did not understand the state of the country and of the
political parties which divided it and standing matters as they did with
Fergus MacIvor Vich Ian Vohr the Baron would make no concession to him were
it he said »to procure restitution in integrum of every stirk and stot that
the chief his forefathers and his clan had stolen since the days of Malcolm
Canmore«
In fact his voice was still for war and he proposed to send expresses to
Balmawhapple Killancureit Tulliellum and other lairds who were exposed to
similar depredations inviting them to join in the pursuit »and then sir
shall these nebulones nequissimi as Leslæus calls them be brought to the fate
of their predecessor Cacus
Elisos oculos et siccum sanguine guttur«
The Bailie who by no means relished these warlike counsels here pulled forth
an immense watch of the colour and nearly of the size of a pewter
warmingpan and observed it was now past noon and that the Caterans had been
seen in the pass of BallyBrough soon after sunrise so that before the allied
forces could assemble they and their prey would be far beyond the reach of the
most active pursuit and sheltered in those pathless deserts where it was
neither advisable to follow nor indeed possible to trace them
This proposition was undeniable The council therefore broke up without
coming to any conclusion as has occurred to councils of more importance only
it was determined that the Bailie should send his own three milkcows down to
the Mains for the use of the Barons family and brew small ale as a substitute
for milk in his own To this arrangement which was suggested by Saunderson
the Bailie readily assented both from habitual deference to the family and an
internal consciousness that his courtesy would in some mode or other be repaid
tenfold
The Baron having also retired to give some necessary directions Waverley
seized the opportunity to ask whether this Fergus with the unpronounceable
name was the chief thieftaker of the district
»Thieftaker« answered Rose laughing »he is a gentleman of great honour
and consequence the chieftain of an independent branch of a powerful Highland
clan and is much respected both for his own power and that of his kith kin
and allies«
»And what has he to do with the thieves then is he a magistrate or in the
commission of the peace« asked Waverley
»The commission of war rather if there be such a thing« said Rose »for he
is a very unquiet neighbour to his unfriends and keeps a greater following on
foot than many that have thrice his estate As to his connection with the
thieves that I cannot well explain but the boldest of them will never steal a
hoof from any one that pays blackmail to Vich Ian Vohr«
»And what is blackmail«
»A sort of protectionmoney that Lowcountry gentlemen and heritors lying
near the Highlands pay to some Highland chief that he may neither do them harm
himself nor suffer it to be done to them by others and then if your cattle
are stolen you have only to send him word and he will recover them or it may
be he will drive away cows from some distant place where he has a quarrel and
give them to you to make up your loss«
»And is this sort of Highland Jonathan Wild admitted into society and
called a gentleman«
»So much so« said Rose »that the quarrel between my father and Fergus
MacIvor began at a county meeting where he wanted to take precedence of all
the Lowland gentlemen then present only my father would not suffer it And then
he upbraided my father that he was under his banner and paid him tribute and
my father was in a towering passion for Bailie Macwheeble who manages such
things his own way had contrived to keep this blackmail a secret from him and
passed it in his account for cessmoney And they would have fought but Fergus
MacIvor said very gallantly he would never raise his hand against a grey head
that was so much respected as my fathers Oh I wish I wish they had continued
friends«
»And did you ever see this Mr MacIvor if that be his name Miss
Bradwardine«
»No that is not his name and he would consider master as a sort of
affront only that you are an Englishman and know no better But the Lowlanders
call him like other gentlemen by the name of his estate Glennaquoich and the
Highlanders call him Vich Ian Vohr that is the son of John the Great and we
upon the braes here call him by both names indifferently«
»I am afraid I shall never bring my English tongue to call him by either one
or other«
»But he is a very polite handsome man« continued Rose »and his sister
Flora is one of the most beautiful and accomplished young ladies in this
country she was bred in a convent in France and was a great friend of mine
before this unhappy dispute Dear Captain Waverley try your influence with my
father to make matters up I am sure this is but the beginning of our troubles
for TullyVeolan has never been a safe or quiet residence when we have been at
feud with the Highlanders When I was a girl about ten there was a skirmish
fought between a party of twenty of them and my father and his servants behind
the Mains and the bullets broke several panes in the north windows they were
so near Three of the Highlanders were killed and they brought them in wrapped
in their plaids and laid them on the stone floor of the hall and next morning
their wives and daughters came clapping their hands and crying the coronach
and shrieking and carried away the dead bodies with the pipes playing before
them I could not sleep for six weeks without starting and thinking I heard
these terrible cries and saw the bodies lying on the steps all stiff and
swathed up in their bloody tartans But since that time there came a party from
the garrison at Stirling with a warrant from the Lord JusticeClerk or some
such great man and took away all our arms and now how are we to protect
ourselves if they come down in any strength«
Waverley could not help starting at a story which bore so much resemblance
to one of his own daydreams Here was a girl scarce seventeen the gentlest of
her sex both in temper and appearance who had witnessed with her own eyes such
a scene as he had used to conjure up in his imagination as only occurring in
ancient times and spoke of it coolly as one very likely to recur He felt at
once the impulse of curiosity and that slight sense of danger which only serves
to heighten its interest He might have said with Malvolio »I do not now fool
myself to let imagination jade me I am actually in the land of military and
romantic adventures and it only remains to be seen what will be my own share in
them«
The whole circumstances now detailed concerning the state of the country
seemed equally novel and extraordinary He had indeed often heard of Highland
thieves but had no idea of the systematic mode in which their depredations were
conducted and that the practice was connived at and even encouraged by many
of the Highland chieftains who not only found the creaghs or forays useful
for the purpose of training individuals of their clan to the practice of arms
but also of maintaining a wholesome terror among their Lowland neighbours and
levying as we have seen a tribute from them under colour of protectionmoney
Bailie Macwheeble who soon afterwards entered expatiated still more at
length upon the same topic This honest gentlemans conversation was so formed
upon his professional practice that Davie Gellatley once said his discourse was
like »a charge of horning« He assured our hero that »from the maist ancient
times of record the lawless thieves limmers and broken men of the Highlands
had been in fellowship together by reason of their surnames for the committing
of divers thefts reifs and herships upon the honest men of the Low Country
when they not only intromitted with their whole goods and gear corn cattle
horse nolt sheep outsight and insight plenishing at their wicked pleasure
but moreover made prisoners ransomed them or concussed them into giving
borrows pledges to enter into captivity again all which was directly
prohibited in divers parts of the Statute Book both by the act one thousand
five hundred and sixtyseven and various others the whilk statutes with all
that had followed and might follow thereupon were shamefully broken and
vilipended by the said sorners limmers and broken men associated into
fellowships for the aforesaid purposes of theft stouthreef fireraising
murther raptus mulierum or forcible abduction of women and such like as
aforesaid«
It seemed like a dream to Waverley that these deeds of violence should be
familiar to mens minds and currently talked of as falling within the common
order of things and happening daily in the immediate vicinity without his
having crossed the seas and while he was yet in the otherwise wellordered
island of Great Britain30
Chapter Sixteenth
An Unexpected Ally Appears
The Baron returned at the dinnerhour and had in a great measure recovered his
composure and good humour He not only confirmed the stories which Edward had
heard from Rose and Bailie Macwheeble but added many anecdotes from his own
experience concerning the state of the Highlands and their inhabitants The
chiefs he pronounced to be in general gentlemen of great honour and high
pedigree whose word was accounted as a law by all those of their own sept or
clan »It did not indeed« he said »become them as had occurred in late
instances to propone their prosapia a lineage which rested for the most part
on the vain and fond rhymes of their Seannachies or Bhairds as æquiponderate
with the evidence of ancient charters and royal grants of antiquity conferred
upon distinguished houses in the Low Country by divers Scottish monarchs
nevertheless such was their outrecuidance and presumption as to undervalue
those who possessed such evidents as if they held their lands in a sheeps
skin«
This by the way pretty well explained the cause of quarrel between the
Baron and his Highland ally But he went on to state so many curious particulars
concerning the manners customs and habits of this patriarchal race that
Edwards curiosity became highly interested and he inquired whether it was
possible to make with safety an excursion into the neighbouring Highlands whose
dusky barrier of mountains had already excited his wish to penetrate beyond
them The Baron assured his guest that nothing would be more easy providing
this quarrel were first made up since he could himself give him letters to many
of the distinguished chiefs who would receive him with the utmost courtesy and
hospitality
While they were on this topic the door suddenly opened and ushered by
Saunders Saunderson a Highlander fully armed and equipped entered the
apartment Had it not been that Saunders acted the part of master of the
ceremonies to this martial apparition without appearing to deviate from his
usual composure and that neither Mr Bradwardine nor Rose exhibited any
emotion Edward would certainly have thought the intrusion hostile As it was
he started at the sight of what he had not yet happened to see a mountaineer in
his full national costume The individual Gael was a stout dark young man of
low stature the ample folds of whose plaid added to the appearance of strength
which his person exhibited The short kilt or petticoat showed his sinewy and
cleanmade limbs the goatskin purse flanked by the usual defences a dirk and
steelwrought pistol hung before him his bonnet had a short feather which
indicated his claim to be treated as a Duinhéwassel or sort of gentleman a
broadsword dangled by his side a target hung upon his shoulder and a long
Spanish fowlingpiece occupied one of his hands With the other hand he pulled
off his bonnet and the Baron who well knew their customs and the proper mode
of addressing them immediately said with an air of dignity but without
rising and much as Edward thought in the manner of a prince receiving an
embassy »Welcome Evan Dhu Maccombich what news from Fergus MacIvor Vich Ian
Vohr«
»Fergus MacIvor Vich Ian Vohr« said the ambassador in good English
»greets you well Baron of Bradwardine and TullyVeolan and is sorry there has
been a thick cloud interposed between you and him which has kept you from
seeing and considering the friendship and alliances that have been between your
houses and forbears of old and he prays you that the cloud may pass away and
that things may be as they have been heretofore between the clan Ivor and the
house of Bradwardine when there was an egg between them for a flint and a
knife for a sword And he expects you will also say you are sorry for the
cloud and no man shall hereafter ask whether it descended from the hill to the
valley or rose from the valley to the hill for they never struck with the
scabbard who did not receive with the sword and woe to him who would lose his
friend for the stormy cloud of a spring morning«
To this the Baron of Bradwardine answered with suitable dignity that he
knew the chief of clan Ivor to be a wellwisher to the King and he was sorry
there should have been a cloud between him and any gentleman of such sound
principles »for when folks are banding together feeble is he who hath no
brother«
This appearing perfectly satisfactory that the peace between these august
persons might be duly solemnized the Baron ordered a stoup of usquebaugh and
filling a glass drank to the health and prosperity of MacIvor of Glennaquoich
upon which the Celtic ambassador to requite his politeness turned down a
mighty bumper of the same generous liquor seasoned with his good wishes to the
house of Bradwardine
Having thus ratified the preliminaries of the general treaty of
pacification the envoy retired to adjust with Mr Macwheeble some subordinate
articles with which it was not thought necessary to trouble the Baron These
probably referred to the discontinuance of the subsidy and apparently the
Bailie found means to satisfy their ally without suffering his master to
suppose that his dignity was compromised At least it is certain that after
the plenipotentiaries had drank a bottle of brandy in single drams which seemed
to have no more effect upon such seasoned vessels than if it had been poured
upon the two bears at the top of the avenue Evan Dhu Maccombich having
possessed himself of all the information which he could procure respecting the
robbery of the preceding night declared his intention to set off immediately in
pursuit of the cattle which he pronounced to be »not far off they have
broken the bone« he observed »but they have had no time to suck the marrow«
Our hero who had attended Evan Dhu during his perquisitions was much
struck with the ingenuity which he displayed in collecting information and the
precise and pointed conclusions which he drew from it Evan Dhu on his part
was obviously flattered with the attention of Waverley the interest he seemed
to take in his inquiries and his curiosity about the customs and scenery of the
Highlands Without much ceremony he invited Edward to accompany him on a short
walk of ten or fifteen miles into the mountains and see the place where the
cattle were conveyed to adding »If it be as I suppose you never saw such a
place in your life nor ever will unless you go with me or the like of me«
Our hero feeling his curiosity considerably excited by the idea of visiting
the den of a Highland Cacus took however the precaution to inquire if his
guide might be trusted He was assured that the invitation would on no account
have been given had there been the least danger and that all he had to
apprehend was a little fatigue and as Evan proposed he should pass a day at his
Chieftains house in returning where he would be sure of good accommodation and
an excellent welcome there seemed nothing very formidable in the task he
undertook Rose indeed turned pale when she heard of it but her father who
loved the spirited curiosity of his young friend did not attempt to damp it by
an alarm of danger which really did not exist and a knapsack with a few
necessaries being bound on the shoulders of a sort of deputy gamekeeper our
hero set forth with a fowlingpiece in his hand accompanied by his new friend
Evan Dhu and followed by the gamekeeper aforesaid and by two wild
Highlanders the attendants of Evan one of whom had upon his shoulder a hatchet
at the end of a pole called a Lochaber axe31 and the other a long ducking gun
Evan upon Edwards inquiry gave him to understand that this martial escort was
by no means necessary as a guard but merely as he said drawing up and
adjusting his plaid with an air of dignity that he might appear decently at
TullyVeolan and as Vich Ian Vohrs fosterbrother ought to do »Ah« said he
»if you Saxon Duinhéwassel English gentlemen saw but the Chief with his tail
on«
»With his tail on« echoed Edward in some surprise
»Yes that is with all his usual followers when he visits those of the
same rank There is« he continued stopping and drawing himself proudly up
while he counted upon his fingers the several officers of his chiefs retinue
»there is his hanchman or righthand man then his bàrd or poet then his
bladier or orator to make harangues to the great folks whom he visits then
his gillymore or armourbearer to carry his sword and target and his gun
then his gillycasfliuch who carries him on his back through the sikes and
brooks then his gillycomstrian to lead his horse by the bridle in steep and
difficult paths then his gillytrushharnish to carry his knapsack and the
piper and the pipers man and it may be a dozen young lads besides that have
no business but are just boys of the belt to follow the laird and do his
honours bidding«
»And does your Chief regularly maintain all these men« demanded Waverley
»All these« replied Evan »ay and many a fair head beside that would not
ken where to lay itself but for the mickle barn at Glennaquoich«
With similar tales of the grandeur of the Chief in peace and war Evan Dhu
beguiled the way till they approached more closely those huge mountains which
Edward had hitherto only seen at a distance It was towards evening as they
entered one of the tremendous passes which afford communication between the High
and Low Country the path which was extremely steep and rugged winded up a
chasm between two tremendous rocks following the passage which a foaming
stream that brawled far below appeared to have worn for itself in the course
of ages A few slanting beams of the sun which was now setting reached the
water in its darksome bed and showed it partially chafed by a hundred rocks
and broken by a hundred falls The descent from the path to the stream was a
mere precipice with here and there a projecting fragment of granite or a
scathed tree which had warped its twisted roots into the fissures of the rock
On the right hand the mountain rose above the path with almost equal
inaccessibility but the hill on the opposite side displayed a shroud of
copsewood with which some pines were intermingled
»This« said Evan »is the pass of BallyBrough which was kept in former
times by ten of the clan Donnochie against a hundred of the Low Country carles
The graves of the slain are still to be seen in that little corn or bottom on
the opposite side of the burn if your eyes are good you may see the green
specks among the heather See there is an earn which you Southrons call an
eagle you have no such birds as that in England he is going to fetch his
supper from the Laird of Bradwardines braes but Ill send a slug after him«
He fired his piece accordingly but missed the superb monarch of the
feathered tribes who without noticing the attempt to annoy him continued his
majestic flight to the southward A thousand birds of prey hawks kites
carrioncrows and ravens disturbed from the lodgings which they had just taken
up for the evening rose at the report of the gun and mingled their hoarse and
discordant notes with the echoes which replied to it and with the roar of the
mountain cataracts Evan a little disconcerted at having missed his mark when
he meant to have displayed peculiar dexterity covered his confusion by
whistling part of a pibroch as he reloaded his piece and proceeded in silence
up the pass
It issued in a narrow glen between two mountains both very lofty and
covered with heath The brook continued to be their companion and they advanced
up its mazes crossing them now and them on which occasions Evan Dhu uniformly
offered the assistance of his attendants to carry over Edward but our hero who
had been always a tolerable pedestrian declined the accommodation and
obviously rose in his guides opinion by showing that he did not fear wetting
his feet Indeed he was anxious so far as he could without affectation to
remove the opinion which Evan seemed to entertain of the effeminacy of the
Lowlanders and particularly of the English
Through the gorge of this glen they found access to a black bog of
tremendous extent full of large pitholes which they traversed with great
difficulty and some danger by tracks which no one but a Highlander could have
followed The path itself or rather the portion of more solid ground on which
the travellers half walked half waded was rough broken and in many places
quaggy and unsound Sometimes the ground was so completely unsafe that it was
necessary to spring from one hillock to another the space between being
incapable of bearing the human weight This was an easy matter to the
Highlanders who wore thinsoled brogues fit for the purpose and moved with a
peculiar springing step but Edward began to find the exercise to which he was
unaccustomed more fatiguing than he expected The lingering twilight served to
show them through this Serbonian bog but deserted them almost totally at the
bottom of a steep and very stony hill which it was the travellers next
toilsome task to ascend The night however was pleasant and not dark and
Waverley calling up mental energy to support personal fatigue held on his
march gallantly though envying in his heart his Highland attendants who
continued without a symptom of unabated vigour the rapid and swinging pace or
rather trot which according to his computation had already brought them
fifteen miles upon their journey
After crossing this mountain and descending on the other side towards a
thick wood Evan Dhu held some conference with his Highland attendants in
consequence of which Edwards baggage was shifted from the shoulders of the
gamekeeper to those of one of the gillies and the former was sent off with the
other mountaineer in a direction different from that of the three remaining
travellers On asking the meaning of this separation Waverley was told that the
Lowlander must go to a hamlet about three miles off for the night for unless it
was some very particular friend Donald Bean Lean32 the worthy person whom they
supposed to be possessed of the cattle did not much approve of strangers
approaching his retreat This seemed reasonable and silenced a qualm of
suspicion which came across Edwards mind when he saw himself at such a place
and such an hour deprived of his only Lowland companion And Evan immediately
afterwards added »that indeed he himself had better get forward and announce
their approach to Donald Bean Lean as the arrival of a sidier roy33 red
soldier might otherwise be a disagreeable surprise« And without waiting for an
answer in jockey phrase he trotted out and putting himself to a very round
pace was out of sight in an instant
Waverley was now left to his own meditations for his attendant with the
battleaxe spoke very little English They were traversing a thick and as it
seemed an endless wood of pines and consequently the path was altogether
indiscernible in the murky darkness which surrounded them The Highlander
however seemed to trace it by instinct without the hesitation of a moment and
Edward followed his footsteps as close as he could
After journeying a considerable time in silence he could not help asking
»Was it far to the end of their journey«
»Ta cove was tree four mile but as Duinhéwassel was a wee taiglit Donald
could tat is might would should send ta curragh«
This conveyed no information The curragh which was promised might be a man
a horse a cart or chaise and no more could be got from the man with the
battleaxe but a repetition of »Aich ay ta curragh«
But in a short time Edward began to conceive his meaning when issuing from
the wood he found himself on the banks of a large river or lake where his
conductor gave him to understand they must sit down for a little while The
moon which now began to rise showed obscurely the expanse of water which
spread before them and the shapeless and indistinct forms of mountains with
which it seemed to be surrounded The cool and yet mild air of the summer night
refreshed Waverley after his rapid and toilsome walk and the perfume which it
wafted from the birch trees34 bathed in the evening dew was exquisitely
fragrant
He had now time to give himself up to the full romance of his situation
Here he sate on the banks of an unknown lake under the guidance of a wild
native whose language was unknown to him on a visit to the den of some
renowned outlaw a second Robin Hood perhaps or Adam o Gordon35 and that at
deep midnight through scenes of difficulty and toil separated from his
attendant left by his guide What a variety of incidents for the exercise of
a romantic imagination and all enhanced by the solemn feeling of uncertainty
at least if not of danger The only circumstance which assorted ill with the
rest was the cause of his journey the Barons milkcows This degrading
incident he kept in the background
While wrapt in these dreams of imagination his companion gently touched
him and pointing in a direction nearly straight across the lake said »Yons ta
cove« A small point of light was seen to twinkle in the direction in which he
pointed and gradually increasing in size and lustre seemed to flicker like a
meteor upon the verge of the horizon While Edward watched this phenomenon the
distant dash of oars was heard The measured sound approached near and more
near and presently a loud whistle was heard in the same direction His friend
with the battleaxe immediately whistled clear and shrill in reply to the
signal and a boat manned with four or five Highlanders pushed for a little
inlet near which Edward was sitting He advanced to meet them with his
attendant was immediately assisted into the boat by the officious attention of
two stout mountaineers and had no sooner seated himself than they resumed
their oars and began to row across the lake with great rapidity
Chapter Seventeenth
The Hold of a Highland Robber
The party preserved silence interrupted only by the monotonous and murmured
chant of a Gaelic song sung in a kind of low recitative by the steersman and
by the dash of the oars which the notes seemed to regulate as they dipped to
them in cadence The light which they now approached more nearly assumed a
broader redder and more irregular splendour It appeared plainly to be a large
fire but whether kindled upon an island or the main land Edward could not
determine As he saw it the red glaring orb seemed to rest on the very surface
of the lake itself and resembled the fiery vehicle in which the Evil Genius of
an Oriental tale traverses land and sea They approached nearer and the light
of the fire sufficed to show that it was kindled at the bottom of a huge dark
crag or rock rising abruptly from the very edge of the water its front
changed by the reflection to dusky red formed a strange and even awful contrast
to the banks around which were from time to time faintly and partially
illuminated by pallid moonlight
The boat now neared the shore and Edward could discover that this large
fire amply supplied with branches of pinewood by two figures who in the red
reflection of its light appeared like demons was kindled in the jaws of a
lofty cavern into which an inlet from the lake seemed to advance and he
conjectured which was indeed true that the fire had been lighted as a beacon
to the boatmen on their return They rowed right for the mouth of the cave and
then shipping their oars permitted the boat to enter in obedience to the
impulse which it had received The skiff passed the little point or platform of
rock on which the fire was blazing and running about two boats length farther
stopped where the cavern for it was already arched overhead ascended from the
water by five or six broad ledges of rocks so easy and regular that they might
be termed natural steps At this moment a quantity of water was suddenly flung
upon the fire which sank with a hissing noise and with it disappeared the
light it had hitherto afforded Four or five active arms lifted Waverley out of
the boat placed him on his feet and almost carried him into the recesses of
the cave He made a few paces in darkness guided in this manner and advancing
towards a hum of voices which seemed to sound from the centre of the rock at
an acute turn Donald Bean Lean and his whole establishment were before his eyes
The interior of the cave which here rose very high was illuminated by
torches made of pinetree which emitted a bright and bickering light attended
by a strong though not unpleasant odour Their light was assisted by the red
glare of a large charcoal fire round which were seated five or six armed
Highlanders while others were indistinctly seen couched on their plaids in the
more remote recesses of the cavern In one large aperture which the robber
facetiously called his spence or pantry there hung by the heels the carcasses
of a sheep or ewe and two cows lately slaughtered The principal inhabitant of
this singular mansion attended by Evan Dhu as master of the ceremonies came
forward to meet his guest totally different in appearance and manner from what
his imagination had anticipated The profession which he followed the
wilderness in which he dwelt the wild warriorforms that surrounded him were
all calculated to inspire terror From such accompaniments Waverley prepared
himself to meet a stern gigantic ferocious figure such as Salvator would have
chosen to be the central object of a group of banditti36
Donald Bean Lean was the very reverse of all these He was thin in person
and low in stature with light sandycoloured hair and small pale features
from which he derived his agnomen of Bean or white and although his form was
light wellproportioned and active he appeared on the whole rather a
diminutive and insignificant figure He had served in some inferior capacity in
the French army and in order to receive his English visitor in great form and
probably meaning in his way to pay him a compliment he had laid aside the
Highland dress for the time to put on an old blue and red uniform and a
feathered hat in which he was far from showing to advantage and indeed looked
so incongruous compared with all around him that Waverley would have been
tempted to laugh had laughter been either civil or safe The robber received
Captain Waverley with a profusion of French politeness and Scottish hospitality
seemed perfectly to know his name and connexions and to be particularly
acquainted with his uncles political principles On these he bestowed great
applause to which Waverley judged it prudent to make a very general reply
Being placed at a convenient distance from the charcoal fire the heat of
which the season rendered oppressive a strapping Highland damsel placed before
Waverley Evan and Donald Bean three cogues or wooden vessels composed of
staves and hoops containing eanaruich37 a sort of strong soup made out of a
particular part of the inside of the beeves After this refreshment which
though coarse fatigue and hunger rendered palatable steaks roasted on the
coals were supplied in liberal abundance and disappeared before Evan Dhu and
their host with a promptitude that seemed like magic and astonished Waverley
who was much puzzled to reconcile their voracity with what he had heard of the
abstemiousness of the Highlanders He was ignorant that this abstinence was with
the lower ranks wholly compulsory and that like some animals of prey those
who practise it were usually gifted with the power of indemnifying themselves to
good purpose when chance threw plenty in their way The whisky came forth in
abundance to crown the cheer The Highlanders drank it copiously and undiluted
but Edward having mixed a little with water did not find it so palatable as to
invite him to repeat the draught Their host bewailed himself exceedingly that
he could offer him no wine »Had he but known fourandtwenty hours before he
would have had some had it been within the circle of forty miles round him But
no gentleman could do more to show his sense of the honour of a visit from
another than to offer him the best cheer his house afforded Where there are no
bushes there can be no nuts and the way of those you live with is that you must
follow«
He went on regretting to Evan Dhu the death of an aged man Donnacha an
Amrigh or Duncan with the Cap »a gifted seer« who foretold through the
second sight visitors of every description who haunted their dwelling whether
as friends or foes
»Is not his son Malcolm taishatr« a secondsighted person asked Evan
»Nothing equal to his father« replied Donald Bean »He told us the other
day we were to see a great gentleman riding on a horse and there came nobody
that whole day but Shemus Beg the blind harper with his dog Another time he
advertised us of a wedding and behold it proved a funeral and on the creagh
when he foretold to us we should bring home a hundred head of horned cattle we
gripped nothing but a fat bailie of Perth«
From this discourse he passed to the political and military state of the
country and Waverley was astonished and even alarmed to find a person of this
description so accurately acquainted with the strength of the various garrisons
and regiments quartered north of the Tay He even mentioned the exact number of
recruits who had joined Waverleys troop from his uncles estate and observed
they were pretty men meaning not handsome but stout warlike fellows He put
Waverley in mind of one or two minute circumstances which had happened at a
general review of the regiment which satisfied him that the robber had been an
eyewitness of it and Evan Dhu having by this time retired from the
conversation and wrapped himself up in his plaid to take some repose Donald
asked Edward in a very significant manner whether he had nothing particular to
say to him
Waverley surprised and somewhat startled at this question from such a
character answered he had no motive in visiting him but curiosity to see his
extraordinary place of residence Donald Bean Lean looked him steadily in the
face for an instant and then said with a significant nod »You might as well
have confided in me I am as much worthy of trust as either the Baron of
Bradwardine or Vich Ian Vohr but you are equally welcome to my house«
Waverley felt an involuntary shudder creep over him at the mysterious
language held by this outlawed and lawless bandit which in despite of his
attempts to master it deprived him of the power to ask the meaning of his
insinuations A heath pallet with the flowers stuck uppermost had been
prepared for him in a recess of the cave and here covered with such spare
plaids as could be mustered he lay for some time watching the motions of the
other inhabitants of the cavern Small parties of two or three entered or left
the place without any other ceremony than a few words in Gaelic to the principal
outlaw and when he fell asleep to a tall Highlander who acted as his
lieutenant and seemed to keep watch during his repose Those who entered
seemed to have returned from some excursion of which they reported the success
and went without farther ceremony to the larder where cutting with their dirks
their rations from the carcasses which were there suspended they proceeded to
broil and eat them at their own pleasure and leisure The liquor was under
strict regulation being served out either by Donald himself his lieutenant or
the strapping Highland girl aforesaid who was the only female that appeared
The allowance of whisky however would have appeared prodigal to any but
Highlanders who living entirely in the open air and in a very moist climate
can consume great quantities of ardent spirits without the usual baneful effects
either upon the brain or constitution
At length the fluctuating groups began to swim before the eyes of our hero
as they gradually closed nor did he reopen them till the morning sun was high
on the lake without though there was but a faint and glimmering twilight in the
recesses of Uaimh an Ri or the Kings Cavern as the abode of Donald Bean Lean
was proudly denominated
Chapter Eighteenth
Waverley Proceeds on His Journey
When Edward had collected his scattered recollection he was surprised to
observe the cavern totally deserted Having arisen and put his dress in some
order he looked more accurately round him but all was still solitary If it
had not been for the decayed brands of the fire now sunk into grey ashes and
the remnants of the festival consisting of bones half burnt and half gnawed
and an empty keg or two there remained no traces of Donald and his band When
Waverley sallied forth to the entrance of the cave he perceived that the point
of rock on which remained the marks of last nights beacon was accessible by a
small path either natural or roughly hewn in the rock along the little inlet
of water which ran a few yards up into the cavern where as in a wetdock the
skiff which brought him there the night before was still lying moored When he
reached the small projecting platform on which the beacon had been established
he would have believed his further progress by land impossible only that it was
scarce probable but what the inhabitants of the cavern had some mode of issuing
from it otherwise than by the lake Accordingly he soon observed three or four
shelving steps or ledges of rock at the very extremity of the little platform
and making use of them as a staircase he clambered by their means around the
projecting shoulder of the crag on which the cavern opened and descending with
some difficulty on the other side he gained the wild and precipitous shores of
a Highland loch about four miles in length and a mile and a half across
surrounded by heathy and savage mountains on the crests of which the morning
mist was still sleeping
Looking back to the place from which he came he could not help admiring the
address which had adopted a retreat of such seclusion and secrecy The rock
round the shoulder of which he had turned by a few imperceptible notches that
barely afforded place for the foot seemed in looking back upon it a huge
precipice which barred all further passage by the shores of the lake in that
direction There could be no possibility the breadth of the lake considered of
descrying the entrance of the narrow and lowbrowed cave from the other side so
that unless the retreat had been sought for with boats or disclosed by
treachery it might be a safe and secret residence to its garrison as long as
they were supplied with provisions Having satisfied his curiosity in these
particulars Waverley looked around for Evan Dhu and his attendants who he
rightly judged would be at no great distance whatever might have become of
Donald Bean Lean and his party whose mode of life was of course liable to
sudden migrations of abode Accordingly at the distance of about halfamile
he beheld a Highlander Evan apparently angling in the lake with another
attending him whom from the weapon which he shouldered he recognised for his
friend with the battleaxe
Much nearer to the mouth of the cave he heard the notes of a lively Gaelic
song guided by which in a sunny recess shaded by a glittering birchtree and
carpeted with a bank of firm white sand he found the damsel of the cavern
whose lay had already reached him busy to the best of her power in arranging
to advantage a morning repast of milk eggs barleybread fresh butter and
honeycomb The poor girl had already made a circuit of four miles that morning
in search of the eggs of the meal which baked her cakes and of the other
materials of the breakfast being all delicacies which she had to beg or borrow
from distant cottagers The followers of Donald Bean Lean used little food
except the flesh of the animals which they drove away from the Lowlands bread
itself was a delicacy seldom thought of because hard to be obtained and all
the domestic accommodations of milk poultry butter etc were out of the
question in this Scythian camp Yet it must not be omitted that although Alice
had occupied a part of the morning in providing those accommodations for her
guest which the cavern did not afford she had secured time also to arrange her
own person in her best trim Her finery was very simple A short russetcoloured
jacket and a petticoat of scanty longitude was her whole dress but these
were clean and neatly arranged A piece of scarlet embroidered cloth called
the snood confined her hair which fell over it in a profusion of rich dark
curls The scarlet plaid which formed part of her dress was laid aside that
it might not impede her activity in attending the stranger I should forget
Alices proudest ornament were I to omit mentioning a pair of gold earrings
and a golden rosary which her father for she was the daughter of Donald Bean
Lean had brought from France the plunder probably of some battle or storm
Her form though rather large for her years was very well proportioned and
her demeanour had a natural and rustic grace with nothing of the sheepishness
of an ordinary peasant The smiles displaying a row of teeth of exquisite
whiteness and the laughing eyes with which in dumb show she gave Waverley
that morning greeting which she wanted English words to express might have been
interpreted by a coxcomb or perhaps by a young soldier who without being
such was conscious of a handsome person as meant to convey more than the
courtesy of an hostess Nor do I take it upon me to say that the little wild
mountaineer would have welcomed any staid old gentleman advanced in life the
Baron of Bradwardine for example with the cheerful pains which she bestowed
upon Edwards accommodation She seemed eager to place him by the meal which she
had so sedulously arranged and to which she now added a few bunches of
cranberries gathered in an adjacent morass Having had the satisfaction of
seeing him seated at his breakfast she placed herself demurely upon a stone at
a few yards distance and appeared to watch with great complacency for some
opportunity of serving him
Evan and his attendant now returned slowly along the beach the latter
bearing a large salmontrout the produce of the mornings sport together with
the anglingrod while Evan strolled forward with an easy selfsatisfied and
important gait towards the spot where Waverley was so agreeably employed at the
breakfasttable After morning greetings had passed on both sides and Evan
looking at Waverley had said something in Gaelic to Alice which made her
laugh yet colour up to her eyes through a complexion well embrowned by sun and
wind Evan intimated his commands that the fish should be prepared for
breakfast A spark from the lock of his pistol produced a light and a few
withered fir branches were quickly in flame and as speedily reduced to hot
embers on which the trout was broiled in large slices To crown the repast
Evan produced from the pocket of his short jerkin a large scallop shell and
from under the folds of his plaid a rams horn full of whisky Of this he took
a copious dram observing he had already taken his morning with Donald Bean
Lean before his departure he offered the same cordial to Alice and to Edward
which they both declined With the bounteous air of a lord Evan then proffered
the scallop to Dugald Mahony his attendant who without waiting to be asked a
second time drank it off with great gusto Evan then prepared to move towards
the boat inviting Waverley to attend him Meanwhile Alice had made up in a
small basket what she thought worth removing and flinging her plaid around her
she advanced up to Edward and with the utmost simplicity taking hold of his
hand offered her cheek to his salute dropping at the same time her little
courtesy Evan who was esteemed a wag among the mountain fair advanced as if
to secure a similar favour but Alice snatching up her basket escaped up the
rocky bank as fleetly as a roe and turning round and laughing called
something out to him in Gaelic which he answered in the same tone and language
then waving her hand to Edward she resumed her road and was soon lost among
the thickets though they continued for some time to hear her lively carol as
she proceeded gaily on her solitary journey
They now again entered the gorge of the cavern and stepping into the boat
the Highlander pushed off and taking advantage of the morning breeze hoisted
a clumsy sort of sail while Evan assumed the helm directing their course as
it appeared to Waverley rather higher up the lake than towards the place of his
embarkation on the preceding night As they glided along the silver mirror Evan
opened the conversation with a panegyric upon Alice who he said was both
canny and fendy and was to the boot of all that the best dancer of a
strathspey in the whole strath Edward assented to her praises so far as he
understood them yet could not help regretting that she was condemned to such a
perilous and dismal life
»Oich for that« said Evan »there is nothing in Perthshire that she need
want if she ask her father to fetch it unless it be too hot or too heavy«
»But to be the daughter of a cattlestealer a common thief«
»Common thief no such thing Donald Bean Lean never lifted less than a
drove in his life«
»Do you call him an uncommon thief then«
»No he that steals a cow from a poor widow or a stirk from a cotter is a
thief he that lifts a drove from a Sassenach laird is a gentlemandrover And
besides to take a tree from the forest a salmon from the river a deer from
the hill or a cow from a Lowland strath is what no Highlander need ever think
shame upon«
»But what can this end in were he taken in such an appropriation«
»To be sure he would die for the law as many a pretty man has done before
him«
»Die for the law«
»Ay that is with the law or by the law be strapped up on the kind
gallows of Crieff38 where his father died and his goodsire died and where I
hope hell live to die himsell if hes not shot or slashed in a creagh«
»You hope such a death for your friend Evan«
»And that do I een would you have me wish him to die on a bundle of wet
straw in yon den of his like a mangy tyke«
»But what becomes of Alice then«
»Troth if such an accident were to happen as her father would not need her
help ony langer I ken nought to hinder me to marry her mysell«
»Gallantly resolved« said Edward »but in the meanwhile Evan what has
your fatherinlaw that shall be if he have the good fortune to be hanged
done with the Barons cattle«
»Oich« answered Evan »they were all trudging before your lad and Allan
Kennedy before the sun blinked ower BenLawers this morning and theyll be in
the pass of BallyBrough by this time in their way back to the parks of
TullyVeolan all but two that were unhappily slaughtered before I got last
night to Uaimh an Ri«
»And where are we going Evan if I may be so bold as to ask« said
Waverley
»Where would you be ganging but to the lairds ain house of Glennaquoich
Ye would not think to be in his country without ganging to see him It would be
as much as a mans lifes worth«
»And are we far from Glennaquoich«
»But five bits of miles and Vich Ian Vohr will meet us«
In about half an hour they reached the upper end of the lake where after
landing Waverley the two Highlanders drew the boat into a little creek among
thick flags and reeds where it lay perfectly concealed The oars they put in
another place of concealment both for the use of Donald Bean Lean probably
when his occasions should next bring him to that place
The travellers followed for some time a delightful opening into the hills
down which a little brook found its way to the lake When they had pursued their
walk a short distance Waverley renewed his questions about their host of the
cavern
»Does he always reside in that cave«
»Out no its past the skill of man to tell where hes to be found at a
times theres not a dern nook or cove or corri in the whole country that
hes not acquainted with«
»And do others beside your master shelter him«
»My master My master is in heaven« answered Evan haughtily and then
immediately assuming his usual civility of manner »But you mean my Chief
no he does not shelter Donald Bean Lean nor any that are like him he only
allows him with a smile wood and water«
»No great boon I should think Evan when both seem to be very plenty«
»Ah but ye dinna see through it When I say wood and water I mean the loch
and the land and I fancy Donald would be put tillt if the laird were to look
for him wi threescore men in the wood of Kailychat yonder and if our boats
with a score or twa mair were to come down the loch to Uaimh an Ri headed by
mysell or ony other pretty man«
»But suppose a strong party came against him from the Low Country would not
your Chief defend him«
»Na he would not ware the spark of a flint for him if they came with the
law«
»And what must Donald do then«
»He behoved to rid this country of himsell and fall back it may be over
the mount upon Letter Scriven«
»And if he were pursued to that place«
»Ise warrant he would go to his cousins at Rannoch«
»Well but if they followed him to Rannoch«
»That« quoth Evan »is beyond all belief and indeed to tell you the
truth there durst not a Lowlander in all Scotland follow the fray a gunshot
beyond BallyBrough unless he had the help of the Sidier Dhu«
»Whom do you call so«
»The Sidier Dhu the black soldier that is what they call the independent
companies that were raised to keep peace and law in the Highlands Vich Ian Vohr
commanded one of them for five years and I was sergeant myself I shall warrant
ye They call them Sidier Dhu because they wear the tartans as they call your
men King Georges men Sidier Roy or red soldiers«
»Well but when you were in King Georges pay Evan you were surely King
Georges soldiers«
»Troth and you must ask Vich Ian Vohr about that for we are for his king
and care not much which of them it is At anyrate nobody can say we are King
Georges men now when we have not seen his pay this twelvemonth«
This last argument admitted of no reply nor did Edward attempt any he
rather chose to bring back the discourse to Donald Bean Lean »Does Donald
confine himself to cattle or does he lift as you call it anything else that
comes in his way«
»Troth hes nae nice body and hell just tak onything but most readily
cattle horse or live Christians for sheep are slow of travel and inside
plenishing is cumbrous to carry and not easy to put away for siller in this
country«
»But does he carry off men and women«
»Out ay Did not ye hear him speak o the Perth bailie It cost that body
five hundred merks ere he got to the south of BallyBrough And ance Donald
played a pretty sport39 There was to be a blythe bridal between the Lady
Cramfeezer in the howe o the Mearns she was the auld lairds widow and no
sae young as she had been hersell and young Gilliewhackit who had spent his
heirship and moveables like a gentleman at cockmatches bullbaitings
horseraces and the like Now Donald Bean Lean being aware that the bridegroom
was in request and wanting to cleik the cunzie that is to hook the siller
he cannily carried off Gilliewhackit ae night when he was riding dovering hame
wi the malt rather abune the meal and with the help of his gillies he gat
him into the hills with the speed of light and the first place he wakened in
was the cove of Uaimh an Ri So there was old to do about ransoming the
bridegroom for Donald would not lower a farthing of a thousand punds«
»The devil«
»Punds Scottish ye shall understand And the lady had not the siller if she
had pawned her gown and they applied to the governor o Stirling Castle and to
the major o the Black Watch and the governor said it was ower far to the
northward and out of his district and the major said his men were gane hame
to the shearing and he would not call them out before the victual was got in
for all the Cramfeezers in Christendom let alane the Mearns for that it would
prejudice the country And in the meanwhile yell no hinder Gilliewhackit to
take the smallpox There was not the doctor in Perth or Stirling would look
near the poor lad and I cannot blame them for Donald had been misguggled by
ane of these doctors about Paris and he swore he would fling the first into the
loch that he catched beyond the Pass However some cailliachs that is old
women that were about Donalds hand nursed Gilliewhackit sae weel that
between the free open air in the cove and the fresh whey deil an he did not
recover may be as weel as if he had been closed in a glazed chamber and a bed
with curtains and fed with red wine and white meat And Donald was sae vexed
about it that when he was stout and weel he even sent him free home and said
he would be pleased with onything they would like to gie him for the plague and
trouble which he had about Gilliewhackit to an unkennd degree And I cannot
tell ye precisely how they sorted but they agreed sae right that Donald was
invited to dance at the wedding in his Highland trews and they said that there
was never sae mickle siller clinked in his purse either before or since And to
the boot of all that Gilliewhackit said that be the evidence what it liked
if he had the luck to be on Donalds inquest he would bring him in guilty of
nothing whatever unless it were wilful arson or murder under trust«
With such bald and disjointed chat Evan went on illustrating the existing
state of the Highlands more perhaps to the amusement of Waverley than that of
our readers At length after having marched over bank and brae moss and
heather Edward though not unacquainted with the Scottish liberality in
computing distance began to think that Evans five miles were nearly doubled
His observation on the large measure which the Scottish allowed of their land
in comparison to the computation of their money was readily answered by Evan
with the old jest »The deil take them wha have the least pint stoup«40
And now the report of a gun was heard and a sportsman was seen with his
dogs and attendant at the upper end of the glen »Shough« said Dugald Mahony
»tats ta Chief«
»It is not« said Evan imperiously »Do you think he would come to meet a
Sassenach Duinhéwassel in such a way as that«
But as they approached a little nearer he said with an appearance of
mortification »And it is even he sure enough and he has not his tail on after
all there is no living creature with him but Callum Beg«
In fact Fergus MacIvor of whom a Frenchman might have said as truly as
of any man in the Highlands »Quil connoit bien ses gens« had no idea of
raising himself in the eyes of an English young man of fortune by appearing
with a retinue of idle Highlanders disproportioned to the occasion He was well
aware that such an unnecessary attendance would seem to Edward rather ludicrous
than respectable and while few men were more attached to ideas of chieftainship
and feudal power he was for that very reason cautious of exhibiting external
marks of dignity unless at the time and in the manner when they were most
likely to produce an imposing effect Therefore although had he been to
receive a brother chieftain he would probably have been attended by all that
retinue which Evan described with so much unction he judged it more respectable
to advance to meet Waverley with a single attendant a very handsome Highland
boy who carried his masters shootingpouch and his broadsword without which
he seldom went abroad
When Fergus and Waverley met the latter was struck with the peculiar grace
and dignity of the Chieftains figure Above the middle size and finely
proportioned the Highland dress which he wore in its simplest mode set off
his person to great advantage He wore the trews or close trowsers made of
tartan chequed scarlet and white in other particulars his dress strictly
resembled Evans excepting that he had no weapon save a dirk very richly
mounted with silver His page as we have said carried his claymore and the
fowlingpiece which he held in his hand seemed only designed for sport He had
shot in the course of his walk some young wildducks as though closetime was
then unknown the broods of grouse were yet too young for the sportsman His
countenance was decidedly Scottish with all the peculiarities of the northern
physiognomy but yet had so little of its harshness and exaggeration that it
would have been pronounced in any country extremely handsome The martial air of
the bonnet with a single eagles feather as a distinction added much to the
manly appearance of his head which was besides ornamented with a far more
natural and graceful cluster of close black curls than ever were exposed to sale
in Bond Street
An air of openness and affability increased the favourable impression
derived from this handsome and dignified exterior Yet a skilful physiognomist
would have been less satisfied with the countenance on the second than on the
first view The eyebrow and upper lip bespoke something of the habit of
peremptory command and decisive superiority Even his courtesy though open
frank and unconstrained seemed to indicate a sense of personal importance
and upon any check or accidental excitation a sudden though transient lour
of the eye showed a hasty haughty and vindictive temper not less to be
dreaded because it seemed much under its owners command In short the
countenance of the Chieftain resembled a smiling summers day in which
notwithstanding we are made sensible by certain though slight signs that it
may thunder and lighten before the close of evening
It was not however upon their first meeting that Edward had an opportunity
of making these less favourable remarks The Chief received him as a friend of
the Baron of Bradwardine with the utmost expression of kindness and obligation
for the visit upbraided him gently with choosing so rude an abode as he had
done the night before and entered into a lively conversation with him about
Donald Beans housekeeping but without the least hint as to his predatory
habits or the immediate occasion of Waverleys visit a topic which as the
Chief did not introduce it our hero also avoided While they walked merrily on
towards the house of Glennaquoich Evan who now fell respectfully into the
rear followed with Callum Beg and Dugald Mahony
We shall take the opportunity to introduce the reader to some particulars of
Fergus MacIvors character and history which were not completely known to
Waverley till after a connection which though arising from a circumstance so
casual had for a length of time the deepest influence upon his character
actions and prospects But this being an important subject must form the
commencement of a new chapter
Chapter Nineteenth
The Chief and His Mansion
The ingenious licentiate Francisco de Ubeda when he commenced his history of
La Picara Justina Diez which by the way is one of the most rare books of
Spanish literature complained of his pen having caught up a hair and
forthwith begins with more eloquence than common sense an affectionate
expostulation with that useful implement upbraiding it with being the quill of
a goose a bird inconstant by nature as frequenting the three elements of
water earth and air indifferently and being of course »to one thing
constant never«
Now I protest to thee gentle reader that I entirely dissent from Francisco
de Ubeda in this matter and hold it the most useful quality of my pen that it
can speedily change from grave to gay and from description and dialogue to
narrative and character So that if my quill display no other properties of its
mothergoose than her mutability truly I shall be well pleased and I conceive
that you my worthy friend will have no occasion for discontent From the
jargon therefore of the Highland gillies I pass to the character of their
Chief It is an important examination and therefore like Dogberry we must
spare no wisdom
The ancestor of Fergus MacIvor about three centuries before had set up a
claim to be recognised as chief of the numerous and powerful clan to which he
belonged the name of which it is unnecessary to mention Being defeated by an
opponent who had more justice or at least more force on his side he moved
southwards with those who adhered to him in quest of new settlements like a
second Æneas The state of the Perthshire Highlands favoured his purpose A
great baron in that country had lately become traitor to the crown Ian which
was the name of our adventurer united himself with those who were commissioned
by the king to chastise him and did such good service that he obtained a grant
of the property upon which he and his posterity afterwards resided He followed
the king also in war to the fertile regions of England where he employed his
leisure hours so actively in raising subsidies among the boors of Northumberland
and Durham that upon his return he was enabled to erect a stone tower or
fortalice so much admired by his dependents and neighbours that he who had
hitherto been called Ian MacIvor or John the son of Ivor was thereafter
distinguished both in song and genealogy by the high title of Ian nan
Chaistel or John of the Tower The descendants of this worthy were so proud of
him that the reigning chief always bore the patronymic title of Vich Ian Vohr
ie the son of John the Great while the clan at large to distinguish them
from that from which they had seceded were denominated Sliochd nan Ivor the
race of Ivor
The father of Fergus the tenth in direct descent from John of the Tower
engaged heart and hand in the insurrection of 1715 and was forced to fly to
France after the attempt of that year in favour of the Stuarts had proved
unsuccessful More fortunate than other fugitives he obtained employment in the
French service and married a lady of rank in that kingdom by whom he had two
children Fergus and his sister Flora The Scottish estate had been forfeited
and exposed to sale but was repurchased for a small price in the name of the
young proprietor who in consequence came to reside upon his native domains41
It was soon perceived that he possessed a character of uncommon acuteness fire
and ambition which as he became acquainted with the state of the country
gradually assumed a mixed and peculiar tone that could only have been acquired
Sixty Years since
Had Fergus MacIvor lived Sixty Years sooner than he did he would in all
probability have wanted the polished manner and knowledge of the world which he
now possessed and had he lived Sixty Years later his ambition and love of rule
would have lacked the fuel which his situation now afforded He was indeed
within his little circle as perfect a politician as Castruccio Castrucani
himself He applied himself with great earnestness to appease all the feuds and
dissensions which often arose among other clans in his neighbourhood so that he
became a frequent umpire in their quarrels His own patriarchal power he
strengthened at every expense which his fortune would permit and indeed
stretched his means to the uttermost to maintain the rude and plentiful
hospitality which was the most valued attribute of a chieftain For the same
reason he crowded his estate with a tenantry hardy indeed and fit for the
purposes of war but greatly outnumbering what the soil was calculated to
maintain These consisted chiefly of his own clan not one of whom he suffered
to quit his lands if he could possibly prevent it But he maintained besides
many adventurers from the mother sept who deserted a less warlike though more
wealthy chief to do homage to Fergus MacIvor Other individuals too who had
not even that apology were nevertheless received into his allegiance which
indeed was refused to none who were like Poins proper men of their hands and
were willing to assume the name of MacIvor
He was enabled to discipline these forces from having obtained command of
one of the independent companies raised by Government to preserve the peace of
the Highlands While in this capacity he acted with vigour and spirit and
preserved great order in the country under his charge He caused his vassals to
enter by rotation into his company and serve for a certain space of time which
gave them all in turn a general notion of military discipline In his campaigns
against the banditti it was observed that he assumed and exercised to the
utmost the discretionary power which while the law had no free course in the
Highlands was conceived to belong to the military parties who were called in to
support it He acted for example with great and suspicious lenity to those
freebooters who made restitution on his summons and offered personal submission
to himself while he rigorously pursued apprehended and sacrificed to justice
all such interlopers as dared to despise his admonitions or commands On the
other hand if any officers of justice military parties or others presumed to
pursue thieves or marauders through his territories and without applying for
his consent and concurrence nothing was more certain than that they would meet
with some notable foil or defeat upon which occasions Fergus MacIvor was the
first to condole with them and after gently blaming their rashness never
failed deeply to lament the lawless state of the country These lamentations did
not exclude suspicion and matters were so represented to Government that our
Chieftain was deprived of his military command42
Whatever Fergus MacIvor felt on this occasion he had the art of entirely
suppressing every appearance of discontent but in a short time the neighbouring
country began to feel bad effects from his disgrace Donald Bean Lean and
others of his class whose depredations had hitherto been confined to other
districts appeared from thenceforward to have made a settlement on this devoted
border and their ravages were carried on with little opposition as the Lowland
gentry were chiefly Jacobites and disarmed This forced many of the inhabitants
into contracts of blackmail with Fergus MacIvor which not only established
him their protector and gave him great weight in all their consultations but
moreover supplied funds for the waste of his feudal hospitality which the
discontinuance of his pay might have otherwise essentially diminished
In following this course of conduct Fergus had a farther object than merely
being the great man of his neighbourhood and ruling despotically over a small
clan From his infancy upward he had devoted himself to the cause of the exiled
family and had persuaded himself not only that their restoration to the crown
of Britain would be speedy but that those who assisted them would be raised to
honour and rank It was with this view that he laboured to reconcile the
Highlanders among themselves and augmented his own force to the utmost to be
prepared for the first favourable opportunity of rising With this purpose also
he conciliated the favour of such Lowland gentlemen in the vicinity as were
friends to the good cause and for the same reason having incautiously
quarrelled with Mr Bradwardine who notwithstanding his peculiarities was
much respected in the country he took advantage of the foray of Donald Bean
Lean to solder up the dispute in the manner we have mentioned Some indeed
surmised that he caused the enterprise to be suggested to Donald on purpose to
pave the way to a reconciliation which supposing that to be the case cost the
Laird of Bradwardine two good milchcows This zeal in their behalf the House of
Stuart repaid with a considerable share of their confidence an occasional
supply of louis dor abundance of fair words and a parchment with a huge
waxen seal appended purporting to be an Earls patent granted by no less a
person than James the Third King of England and Eighth King of Scotland to his
right leal trusty and wellbeloved Fergus MacIvor of Glennaquoich in the
county of Perth and kingdom of Scotland
With this future coronet glittering before his eyes Fergus plunged deeply
into the correspondence and plots of that unhappy period and like all such
active agents easily reconciled his conscience to going certain lengths in the
service of his party from which honour and pride would have deterred him had
his sole object been the direct advancement of his own personal interest With
this insight into a bold ambitious and ardent yet artful and politic
character we resume the broken thread of our narrative
The Chief and his guest had by this time reached the house of Glennaquoich
which consisted of Ian nan Chaistels mansion a high rudelooking square tower
with the addition of a lofted house that is a building of two storeys
constructed by Ferguss grandfather when he returned from that memorable
expedition well remembered by the western shires under the name of the
Highland Host Upon occasion of this crusade against the Ayrshire Whigs and
Covenanters the Vich Ian Vohr of the time had probably been as successful as
his predecessor was in harrying Northumberland and therefore left to his
posterity a rival edifice as a monument of his magnificence
Around the house which stood on an eminence in the midst of a narrow
Highland valley there appeared none of that attention to convenience far less
to ornament and decoration which usually surrounds a gentlemans habitation An
inclosure or two divided by drystone walls were the only part of the domain
that was fenced as to the rest the narrow slips of level ground which lay by
the side of the brook exhibited a scanty crop of barley liable to constant
depredations from the herds of wild ponies and black cattle that grazed upon the
adjacent hills These ever and anon made an incursion upon the arable ground
which was repelled by the loud uncouth and dissonant shouts of halfadozen
Highland swains all running as if they had been mad and everyone hallooing a
halfstarved dog to the rescue of the forage At a little distance up the glen
was a small and stunted wood of birch the hills were high and heathy but
without any variety of surface so that the whole view was wild and desolate
rather than grand and solitary Yet such as it was no genuine descendant of
Ian nan Chaistel would have changed the domain for Stow or Blenheim
There was a sight however before the gate which perhaps would have
afforded the first owner of Blenheim more pleasure than the finest view in the
domain assigned to him by the gratitude of his country This consisted of about
a hundred Highlanders in complete dress and arms at sight of whom the Chieftain
apologised to Waverley in a sort of negligent manner »He had forgot« he said
»that he had ordered a few of his clan out for the purpose of seeing that they
were in a fit condition to protect the country and prevent such accidents as
he was sorry to learn had befallen the Baron of Bradwardine Before they were
dismissed perhaps Captain Waverley might choose to see them go through a part
of their exercise«
Edward assented and the men executed with agility and precision some of the
ordinary military movements They then practised individually at a mark and
showed extraordinary dexterity in the management of the pistol and firelock
They took aim standing sitting leaning or lying prostrate as they were
commanded and always with effect upon the target Next they paired off for the
broadsword exercise and having manifested their individual skill and dexterity
united in two bodies and exhibited a sort of mock encounter in which the
charge the rally the flight the pursuit and all the current of a heady
fight were exhibited to the sound of the great warbagpipe
On a signal made by the Chief the skirmish was ended Matches were then made
for running wrestling leaping pitching the bar and other sports in which
this feudal militia displayed incredible swiftness strength and agility and
accomplished the purpose which their Chieftain had at heart by impressing on
Waverley no light sense of their merit as soldiers and of the power of him who
commanded them by his nod43
»And what number of such gallant fellows have the happiness to call you
leader« asked Waverley
»In a good cause and under a chieftain whom they loved the race of Ivor
have seldom taken the field under five hundred claymores But you are aware
Captain Waverley that the Disarming Act passed about twenty years ago
prevents their being in the complete state of preparation as in former times
and I keep no more of my clan under arms than may defend my own or my friends
property when the country is troubled with such men as your last nights
landlord and Government which has removed other means of defence must connive
at our protecting ourselves«
»But with your force you might soon destroy or put down such gangs as that
of Donald Bean Lean«
»Yes doubtless and my reward would be a summons to deliver up to General
Blakeney at Stirling the few broadswords they have left us there were little
policy in that methinks But come Captain the sound of the pipes informs me
that dinner is prepared Let me have the honour to show you into my rude
mansion«
Chapter Twentieth
A Highland Feast
Ere Waverley entered the banqueting hall he was offered the patriarchal
refreshment of a bath for the feet which the sultry weather and the morasses
he had traversed rendered highly acceptable He was not indeed so luxuriously
attended upon this occasion as the heroic travellers in the Odyssey the task of
ablution and abstersion being performed not by a beautiful damsel trained
To chafe the limb and pour the fragrant oil
but by a smokedried skinny old Highland woman who did not seem to think
herself much honoured by the duty imposed upon her but muttered between her
teeth »Our fathers herds did not feed so near together that I should do you
this service« A small donation however amply reconciled this ancient
handmaiden to the supposed degradation and as Edward proceeded to the hall
she gave him her blessing in the Gaelic proverb »May the open hand be filled
the fullest«
The hall in which the feast was prepared occupied the first storey of Ian
nan Chaistels original erection and a huge oaken table extended through its
whole length The apparatus for dinner was simple even to rudeness and the
company numerous even to crowding At the head of the table was the Chief
himself with Edward and two or three Highland visitors of neighbouring clans
the elders of his own tribe wadsetters and tacksmen as they were called who
occupied portions of his estate as mortgagers or lessees sat next in rank
beneath them their sons and nephews and fosterbrethren then the officers of
the Chiefs household according to their order and lowest of all the tenants
who actually cultivated the ground Even beyond this long perspective Edward
might see upon the green to which a huge pair of folding doors opened a
multitude of Highlanders of a yet inferior description who nevertheless were
considered as guests and had their share both of the countenance of the
entertainer and of the cheer of the day In the distance and fluctuating round
this extreme verge of the banquet was a changeful group of women ragged boys
and girls beggars young and old large greyhounds and terriers and pointers
and curs of low degree all of whom took some interest more or less immediate
in the main action of the piece
This hospitality apparently unbounded had yet its line of economy Some
pains had been bestowed in dressing the dishes of fish game etc which were
at the upper end of the table and immediately under the eye of the English
stranger Lower down stood immense clumsy joints of mutton and beef which but
for the absence of pork44 abhorred in the Highlands resembled the rude
festivity of the banquet of Penelopes suitors But the central dish was a
yearling lamb called »a hog in harst« roasted whole It was set upon its
legs with a bunch of parsley in its mouth and was probably exhibited in that
form to gratify the pride of the cook who piqued himself more on the plenty
than the elegance of his masters table The sides of this poor animal were
fiercely attacked by the clansmen some with dirks others with the knives which
were usually in the same sheath with the dagger so that it was soon rendered a
mangled and rueful spectacle Lower down still the victuals seemed of yet
coarser quality though sufficiently abundant Broth onions cheese and the
fragments of the feast regaled the sons of Ivor who feasted in the open air
The liquor was supplied in the same proportion and under similar
regulations Excellent claret and champagne were liberally distributed among the
Chiefs immediate neighbours whisky plain or diluted and strong beer
refreshed those who sat near the lower end Nor did this inequality of
distribution appear to give the least offence Every one present understood that
his taste was to be formed according to the rank which he held at table and
consequently the tacksmen and their dependants always professed the wine was
too cold for their stomachs and called apparently out of choice for the
liquor which was assigned to them from economy45 The bagpipers three in
number screamed during the whole time of dinner a tremendous wartune and
the echoing of the vaulted roof and clang of the Celtic tongue produced such a
Babel of noises that Waverley dreaded his ears would never recover it
MacIvor indeed apologised for the confusion occasioned by so large a party
and pleaded the necessity of his situation on which unlimited hospitality was
imposed as a paramount duty »These stout idle kinsmen of mine« he said
»account my estate as held in trust for their support and I must find them beef
and ale while the rogues will do nothing for themselves but practise the
broadsword or wander about the hills shooting fishing hunting drinking and
making love to the lasses of the strath But what can I do Captain Waverley
everything will keep after its kind whether it be a hawk or a Highlander«
Edward made the expected answer in a compliment upon his possessing so many
bold and attached followers
»Why yes« replied the Chief were I disposed like my father to put
myself in the way of getting one blow on the head or two on the neck I believe
the loons would stand by me But who thinks of that in the present day when the
maxim is Better an old woman with a purse in her hand than three men with
belted brands Then turning to the company he proposed the »Health of Captain
Waverley a worthy friend of his kind neighbour and ally the Baron of
Bradwardine«
»He is welcome hither« said one of the elders »if he come from Cosmo
Comyne Bradwardine«
»I say nay to that« said an old man who apparently did not mean to pledge
the toast »I say nay to that while there is a green leaf in the forest
there will be fraud in a Comyne«
»There is nothing but honour in the Baron of Bradwardine« answered another
ancient »and the guest that comes hither from him should be welcome though he
came with blood on his hand unless it were blood of the race of Ivor«
The old man whose cup remained full replied »There has been blood enough
of the race of Ivor on the hand of Bradwardine«
»Ah Ballenkeiroch« replied the first »you think rather of the flash of
the carbine at the Mains of TullyVeolan than the glance of the sword that
fought for the cause at Preston«
»And well I may« answered Ballenkeiroch »the flash of the gun cost me a
fairhaired son and the glance of the sword has done but little for King
James«
The Chieftain in two words of French explained to Waverley that the Baron
had shot this old mans son in a fray near TullyVeolan about seven years
before and then hastened to remove Ballenkeirochs prejudice by informing him
that Waverley was an Englishman unconnected by birth or alliance with the
family of Bradwardine upon which the old gentleman raised the hithertountasted
cup and courteously drank to his health This ceremony being requited in kind
the Chieftain made a signal for the pipes to cease and said aloud »Where is
the song hidden my friends that MacMurrough cannot find it«
MacMurrough the family bhairdh an aged man immediately took the hint
and began to chant with low and rapid utterance a profusion of Celtic verses
which were received by the audience with all the applause of enthusiasm As he
advanced in his declamation his ardour seemed to increase He had at first
spoken with his eyes fixed on the ground he now cast them around as if
beseeching and anon as if commanding attention and his tones rose into wild
and impassioned notes accompanied with appropriate gestures He seemed to
Edward who attended to him with much interest to recite many proper names to
lament the dead to apostrophize the absent to exhort and entreat and animate
those who were present Waverley thought he even discerned his own name and was
convinced his conjecture was right from the eyes of the company being at that
moment turned towards him simultaneously The ardour of the poet appeared to
communicate itself to the audience Their wild and sunburnt countenances
assumed a fiercer and more animated expression all bent forward towards the
reciter many sprung up and waved their arms in ecstasy and some laid their
hands on their swords When the song ceased there was a deep pause while the
aroused feelings of the poet and of the hearers gradually subsided into their
usual channel
The Chieftain who during this scene had appeared rather to watch the
emotions which were excited than to partake their high tone of enthusiasm
filled with claret a small silver cup which stood by him »Give this« he said
to an attendant »to MacMurrough nan Fonn ie of the songs and when he has
drank the juice bid him keep for the sake of Vich Ian Vohr the shell of the
gourd which contained it« The gift was received by MacMurrough with profound
gratitude he drank the wine and kissing the cup shrouded it with reverence
in the plaid which was folded on his bosom He then burst forth into what Edward
justly supposed to be an extemporaneous effusion of thanks and praises of his
Chief It was received with applause but did not produce the effect of his
first poem It was obvious however that the clan regarded the generosity of
their Chieftain with high approbation Many approved Gaelic toasts were then
proposed of some of which the Chieftain gave his guest the following versions
»To him that will not turn his back on friend or foe« »To him that never
forsook a comrade« »To him that never bought or sold justice« »Hospitality to
the exile and broken bones to the tyrant« »The lads with the kilts«
»Highlanders shoulder to shoulder« with many other pithy sentiments of the
like nature
Edward was particularly solicitous to know the meaning of that song which
appeared to produce such effect upon the passions of the company and hinted his
curiosity to his host »As I observe« said the Chieftain »that you have passed
the bottle during the last three rounds I was about to propose to you to retire
to my sisters teatable who can explain these things to you better than I can
Although I cannot stint my clan in the usual current of their festivity yet I
neither am addicted myself to exceed in its amount nor do I« added he
smiling »keep a Bear to devour the intellects of such as can make good use of
them«
Edward readily assented to this proposal and the Chieftain saying a few
words to those around him left the table followed by Waverley As the door
closed behind them Edward heard Vich Ian Vohrs health invoked with a wild and
animated cheer that expressed the satisfaction of the guests and the depth of
their devotion to his service
Chapter TwentyFirst
The Chieftains Sister
The drawingroom of Flora MacIvor was furnished in the plainest and most simple
manner for at Glennaquoich every other sort of expenditure was retrenched as
much as possible for the purpose of maintaining in its full dignity the
hospitality of the Chieftain and retaining and multiplying the number of his
dependants and adherents But there was no appearance of this parsimony in the
dress of the lady herself which was in texture elegant and even rich and
arranged in a manner which partook partly of the Parisian fashion and partly of
the more simple dress of the Highlands blended together with great taste Her
hair was not disfigured by the art of the friseur but fell in jetty ringlets on
her neck confined only by a circlet richly set with diamonds This peculiarity
she adopted in compliance with the Highland prejudices which could not endure
that a womans head should be covered before wedlock
Flora MacIvor bore a most striking resemblance to her brother Fergus so
much so that they might have played Viola and Sebastian with the same exquisite
effect produced by the appearance of Mrs Henry Siddons and her brother Mr
William Murray in these characters They had the same antique and regular
correctness of profile the same dark eyes eyelashes and eyebrows the same
clearness of complexion excepting that Ferguss was embrowned by exercise and
Floras possessed the utmost feminine delicacy But the haughty and somewhat
stern regularity of Ferguss features was beautifully softened in those of
Flora Their voices were also similar in tone though differing in the key That
of Fergus especially while issuing orders to his followers during their
military exercise reminded Edward of a favourite passage in the description of
Emetrius
whose voice was heard around
Loud as a trumpet with a silver sound
That of Flora on the contrary was soft and sweet »an excellent thing in
woman« yet in urging any favourite topic which she often pursued with natural
eloquence it possessed as well the tones which impress awe and conviction as
those of persuasive insinuation The eager glance of the keen black eye which
in the Chieftain seemed impatient even of the material obstacles it encountered
had in his sister acquired a gentle pensiveness His looks seemed to seek
glory power all that could exalt him above others in the race of humanity
while those of his sister as if she were already conscious of mental
superiority seemed to pity rather than envy those who were struggling for any
farther distinction Her sentiments corresponded with the expression of her
countenance Early education had impressed upon her mind as well as on that of
the Chieftain the most devoted attachment to the exiled family of Stuart She
believed it the duty of her brother of his clan of every man in Britain at
whatever personal hazard to contribute to that restoration which the partizans
of the Chevalier de St George had not ceased to hope for For this she was
prepared to do all to suffer all to sacrifice all But her loyalty as it
exceeded her brothers in fanaticism excelled it also in purity Accustomed to
petty intrigue and necessarily involved in a thousand paltry and selfish
discussions ambitious also by nature his political faith was tinctured at
least if not tainted by the views of interest and advancement so easily
combined with it and at the moment he should unsheathe his claymore it might
be difficult to say whether it would be most with the view of making James
Stuart a king or Fergus MacIvor an earl This indeed was a mixture of
feeling which he did not avow even to himself but it existed nevertheless in
a powerful degree
In Floras bosom on the contrary the zeal of loyalty burnt pure and
unmixed with any selfish feeling she would have as soon made religion the mask
of ambitious and interested views as have shrouded them under the opinions
which she had been taught to think patriotism Such instances of devotion were
not uncommon among the followers of the unhappy race of Stuart of which many
memorable proofs will recur to the mind of most of my readers But peculiar
attention on the part of the Chevalier de St George and his princess to the
parents of Fergus and his sister and to themselves when orphans had rivetted
their faith Fergus upon the death of his parents had been for some time a
page of honour in the train of the Chevaliers lady and from his beauty and
sprightly temper was uniformly treated by her with the utmost distinction This
was also extended to Flora who was maintained for some time at a convent of the
first order at the princesss expense and removed from thence into her own
family where she spent nearly two years Both brother and sister retained the
deepest and most grateful sense of her kindness
Having thus touched upon the leading principle of Floras character I may
dismiss the rest more slightly She was highly accomplished and had acquired
those elegant manners to be expected from one who in early youth had been the
companion of a princess yet she had not learned to substitute the gloss of
politeness for the reality of feeling When settled in the lonely regions of
Glennaquoich she found that her resources in French English and Italian
literature were likely to be few and interrupted and in order to fill up the
vacant time she bestowed a part of it upon the music and poetical traditions of
the Highlanders and began really to feel the pleasure in the pursuit which her
brother whose perceptions of literary merit were more blunt rather affected
for the sake of popularity than actually experienced Her resolution was
strengthened in these researches by the extreme delight which her inquiries
seemed to afford those to whom she resorted for information
Her love of her clan an attachment which was almost hereditary in her
bosom was like her loyalty a more pure passion than that of her brother He
was too thorough a politician regarded his patriarchal influence too much as
the means of accomplishing his own aggrandizement that we should term him the
model of a Highland Chieftain Flora felt the same anxiety for cherishing and
extending their patriarchal sway but it was with the generous desire of
vindicating from poverty or at least from want and foreign oppression those
whom her brother was by birth according to the notions of the time and country
entitled to govern The savings of her income for she had a small pension from
the Princess Sobieski were dedicated not to add to the comforts of the
peasantry for that was a word which they neither knew nor apparently wished to
know but to relieve their absolute necessities when in sickness or extreme old
age At every other period they rather toiled to procure something which they
might share with the Chief as a proof of their attachment than expected other
assistance from him save what was afforded by the rude hospitality of his
castle and the general division and subdivision of his estate among them Flora
was so much beloved by them that when MacMurrough composed a song in which he
enumerated all the principal beauties of the district and intimated her
superiority by concluding that »the fairest apple hung on the highest bough«
he received in donatives from the individuals of the clan more seedbarley
than would have sowed his Highland Parnassus the Bards croft as it was
called ten times over
From situation as well as choice Miss MacIvors society was extremely
limited Her most intimate friend had been Rose Bradwardine to whom she was
much attached and when seen together they would have afforded an artist two
admirable subjects for the gay and the melancholy muse Indeed Rose was so
tenderly watched by her father and her circle of wishes was so limited that
none arose but what he was willing to gratify and scarce any which did not come
within the compass of his power With Flora it was otherwise While almost a
girl she had undergone the most complete change of scene from gaiety and
splendour to absolute solitude and comparative poverty and the ideas and wishes
which she chiefly fostered respected great national events and changes not to
be brought round without both hazard and bloodshed and therefore not to be
thought of with levity Her manner consequently was grave though she readily
contributed her talents to the amusement of society and stood very high in the
opinion of the old Baron who used to sing along with her such French duets of
Lindor and Cloris etc as were in fashion about the end of the reign of old
Louis le Grand
It was generally believed though no one durst have hinted it to the Baron
of Bradwardine that Floras entreaties had no small share in allaying the wrath
of Fergus upon occasion of their quarrel She took her brother on the assailable
side by dwelling first upon the Barons age and then representing the injury
which the cause might sustain and the damage which must arise to his own
character in point of prudence so necessary to a political agent if he
persisted in carrying it to extremity Otherwise it is probable it would have
terminated in a duel both because the Baron had on a former occasion shed
blood of the clan though the matter had been timely accommodated and on
account of his high reputation for address at his weapon which Fergus almost
condescended to envy For the same reason she had urged their reconciliation
which the Chieftain the more readily agreed to as it favoured some ulterior
projects of his own
To this young lady now presiding at the female empire of the teatable
Fergus introduced Captain Waverley whom she received with the usual forms of
politeness
Chapter TwentySecond
Highland Minstrelsy
When the first salutations had passed Fergus said to his sister »My dear
Flora before I return to the barbarous ritual of our forefathers I must tell
you that Captain Waverley is a worshipper of the Celtic muse not the less so
perhaps that he does not understand a word of her language I have told him you
are eminent as a translator of Highland poetry and that MacMurrough admires
your version of his songs upon the same principle that Captain Waverley admires
the original because he does not comprehend them Will you have the goodness
to read or recite to our guest in English the extraordinary string of names
which MacMurrough has tacked together in Gaelic My life to a moorfowls
feather you are provided with a version for I know you are in all the bards
councils and acquainted with his songs long before he rehearses them in the
hall«
»How can you say so Fergus You know how little these verses can possibly
interest an English stranger even if I could translate them as you pretend«
»Not less than they interest me lady fair Today your joint composition
for I insist you had a share in it has cost me the last silver cup in the
castle and I suppose will cost me something else next time I hold cour
plénière if the muse descends on MacMurrough for you know our proverb When
the hand of the chief ceases to bestow the breath of the bard is frozen in the
utterance Well I would it were even so there are three things that are
useless to a modern Highlander a sword which he must not draw a bard to
sing of deeds which he dare not imitate and a large goatskin purse without a
louisdor to put into it«
»Well brother since you betray my secrets you cannot expect me to keep
yours I assure you Captain Waverley that Fergus is too proud to exchange
his broadsword for a maréchals baton that he esteems MacMurrough a far
greater poet than Homer and would not give up his goatskin purse for all the
louisdor which it could contain«
»Well pronounced Flora blow for blow as Conan46 said to the devil Now do
you two talk of bards and poetry if not of purses and claymores while I return
to do the final honours to the senators of the tribe of Ivor« So saying he
left the room
The conversation continued between Flora and Waverley for two welldressed
young women whose character seemed to hover between that of companions and
dependants took no share in it They were both pretty girls but served only as
foils to the grace and beauty of their patroness The discourse followed the
turn which the Chieftain had given it and Waverley was equally amused and
surprised with the account which the lady gave him of Celtic poetry
»The recitation« she said »of poems recording the feats of heroes the
complaints of lovers and the wars of contending tribes forms the chief
amusement of a winter fireside in the Highlands Some of these are said to be
very ancient and if they are ever translated into any of the languages of
civilized Europe cannot fail to produce a deep and general sensation Others
are more modern the composition of those family bards whom the chieftains of
more distinguished name and power retain as the poets and historians of their
tribes These of course possess various degrees of merit but much of it must
evaporate in translation or be lost on those who do not sympathise with the
feelings of the poet«
»And your bard whose effusions seemed to produce such effect upon the
company to day is he reckoned among the favourite poets of the mountain«
»That is a trying question His reputation is high among his countrymen and
you must not expect me to depreciate it«47
»But the song Miss MacIvor seemed to awaken all those warriors both
young and old«
»The song is little more than a catalogue of names of the Highland clans
under their distinctive peculiarities and an exhortation to them to remember
and to emulate the actions of their forefathers«
»And am I wrong in conjecturing however extraordinary the guess appears
that there was some allusion to me in the verses which he recited«
»You have a quick observation Captain Waverley which in this instance has
not deceived you The Gaelic language being uncommonly vocalic is well adapted
for sudden and extemporaneous poetry and a bard seldom fails to augment the
effects of a premeditated song by throwing in any stanzas which may be
suggested by the circumstances attending the recitation«
»I would give my best horse to know what the Highland bard could find to say
of such an unworthy Southron as myself«
»It shall not even cost you a lock of his mane Una Mavourneen She
spoke a few words to one of the young girls in attendance who instantly
curtsied and tripped out of the room I have sent Una to learn from the bard
the expressions he used and you shall command my skill as dragoman«
Una returned in a few minutes and repeated to her mistress a few lines in
Gaelic Flora seemed to think for a moment and then slightly colouring she
turned to Waverley »It is impossible to gratify your curiosity Captain
Waverley without exposing my own presumption If you will give me a few moments
for consideration I will endeavour to engraft the meaning of these lines upon a
rude English translation which I have attempted of a part of the original The
duties of the teatable seem to be concluded and as the evening is delightful
Una will show you the way to one of my favourite haunts and Cathleen and I will
join you there«
Una having received instructions in her native language conducted Waverley
out by a passage different from that through which he had entered the apartment
At a distance he heard the hall of the chief still resounding with the clang of
bagpipes and the high applause of his guests Having gained the open air by a
postern door they walked a little way up the wild bleak and narrow valley in
which the house was situated following the course of the stream that winded
through it In a spot about a quarter of a mile from the castle two brooks
which formed the little river had their junction The larger of the two came
down the long bare valley which extended apparently without any change or
elevation of character as far as the hills which formed its boundary permitted
the eye to reach But the other stream which had its source among the mountains
on the left hand of the strath seemed to issue from a very narrow and dark
opening betwixt two large rocks These streams were different also in character
The larger was placid and even sullen in its course wheeling in deep eddies
or sleeping in dark blue pools but the motions of the lesser brook were rapid
and furious issuing from between precipices like a maniac from his
confinement all foam and uproar
It was up the course of this last stream that Waverley like a knight of
romance was conducted by the fair Highland damsel his silent guide A small
path which had been rendered easy in many places for Floras accommodation led
him through scenery of a very different description from that which he had just
quitted Around the castle all was cold bare and desolate yet tame even in
desolation but this narrow glen at so short a distance seemed to open into
the land of romance The rocks assumed a thousand peculiar and varied forms In
one place a crag of huge size presented its gigantic bulk as if to forbid the
passengers farther progress and it was not until he approached its very base
that Waverley discerned the sudden and acute turn by which the pathway wheeled
its course around this formidable obstacle In another spot the projecting
rocks from the opposite sides of the chasm had approached so near to each other
that two pinetrees laid across and covered with turf formed a rustic bridge
at the height of at least one hundred and fifty feet It had no ledges and was
barely three feet in breadth
While gazing at this pass of peril which crossed like a single black line
the small portion of blue sky not intercepted by the projecting rocks on either
side it was with a sensation of horror that Waverley beheld Flora and her
attendant appear like inhabitants of another region propped as it were in
mid air upon this trembling structure She stopped upon observing him below
and with an air of graceful ease which made him shudder waved her handkerchief
to him by way of signal He was unable from the sense of dizziness which her
situation conveyed to return the salute and was never more relieved than when
the fair apparition passed on from the precarious eminence which she seemed to
occupy with so much indifference and disappeared on the other side
Advancing a few yards and passing under the bridge which he had viewed with
so much terror the path ascended rapidly from the edge of the brook and the
glen widened into a sylvan amphitheatre waving with birch young oaks and
hazels with here and there a scattered yewtree The rocks now receded but
still showed their grey and shaggy crests rising among the copsewood Still
higher rose eminences and peaks some bare some clothed with wood some round
and purple with heath and others splintered into rocks and crags At a short
turning the path which had for some furlongs lost sight of the brook suddenly
placed Waverley in front of a romantic waterfall It was not so remarkable
either for great height or quantity of water as for the beautiful
accompaniments which made the spot interesting After a broken cataract of about
twenty feet the stream was received in a large natural basin filled to the brim
with water which when the bubbles of the fall subsided was so exquisitely
clear that although it was of great depth the eye could discern each pebble
at the bottom Eddying round this reservoir the brook found its way over a
broken part of the ledge and formed a second fall which seemed to seek the
very abyss then wheeling out beneath from among the smooth dark rocks which
it had polished for ages it wandered murmuring down the glen forming the
stream up which Waverley had just ascended48 The borders of this romantic
reservoir corresponded in beauty but it was beauty of a stern and commanding
cast as if in the act of expanding into grandeur Mossy banks of turf were
broken and interrupted by huge fragments of rock and decorated with trees and
shrubs some of which had been planted under the direction of Flora but so
cautiously that they added to the grace without diminishing the romantic
wildness of the scene
Here like one of those lovely forms which decorate the landscapes of
Poussin Waverley found Flora gazing on the waterfall Two paces further back
stood Cathleen holding a small Scottish harp the use of which had been taught
to Flora by Rory Dall one of the last harpers of the Western Highlands The
sun now stooping in the west gave a rich and varied tinge to all the objects
which surrounded Waverley and seemed to add more than human brilliancy to the
full expressive darkness of Floras eye exalted the richness and purity of her
complexion and enhanced the dignity and grace of her beautiful form Edward
thought he had never even in his wildest dreams imagined a figure of such
exquisite and interesting loveliness The wild beauty of the retreat bursting
upon him as if by magic augmented the mingled feeling of delight and awe with
which he approached her like a fair enchantress of Boiardo or Ariosto by whose
nod the scenery around seemed to have been created an Eden in the wilderness
Flora like every beautiful woman was conscious of her own power and
pleased with its effects which she could easily discern from the respectful
yet confused address of the young soldier But as she possessed excellent
sense she gave the romance of the scene and other accidental circumstances
full weight in appreciating the feelings with which Waverley seemed obviously to
be impressed and unacquainted with the fanciful and susceptible peculiarities
of his character considered his homage as the passing tribute which a woman of
even inferior charms might have expected in such a situation She therefore
quietly led the way to a spot at such a distance from the cascade that its
sound should rather accompany than interrupt that of her voice and instrument
and sitting down upon a mossy fragment of rock she took the harp from
Cathleen
»I have given you the trouble of walking to this spot Captain Waverley
both because I thought the scenery would interest you and because a Highland
song would suffer still more from my imperfect translation were I to introduce
it without its own wild and appropriate accompaniments To speak in the poetical
language of my country the seat of the Celtic muse is in the mist of the secret
and solitary hill and her voice in the murmur of the mountain stream He who
wooes her must love the barren rock more than the fertile valley and the
solitude of the desert better than the festivity of the hall«
Few could have heard this lovely woman make this declaration with a voice
where harmony was exalted by pathos without exclaiming that the muse whom she
invoked could never find a more appropriate representative But Waverley though
the thought rushed on his mind found no courage to utter it Indeed the wild
feeling of romantic delight with which he heard the first few notes she drew
from her instrument amounted almost to a sense of pain He would not for worlds
have quitted his place by her side yet he almost longed for solitude that he
might decipher and examine at leisure the complication of emotions which now
agitated his bosom
Flora had exchanged the measured and monotonous recitative of the bard for a
lofty and uncommon Highland air which had been a battlesong in former ages A
few irregular strains introduced a prelude of a wild and peculiar tone which
harmonized well with the distant waterfall and the soft sigh of the evening
breeze in the rustling leaves of an aspen which overhung the seat of the fair
harpress The following verses convey but little idea of the feelings with
which so sung and accompanied they were heard by Waverley
Battle Song
There is mist on the mountain and night on the vale
But more dark is the sleep of the sons of the Gael
A stranger commanded it sunk on the land
It has frozen each heart and benumbed every hand
The dirk and the target lie sordid with dust
The bloodless claymore is but reddened with rust
On the hill or the glen if a gun should appear
It is only to war with the heathcock or deer
The deeds of our sires if our bards should rehearse
Let a blush or a blow be the meed of their verse
Be mute every string and be hushed every tone
That shall bid us remember the fame that is flown
But the dark hours of night and of slumber are past
The morn on our mountains is dawning at last
Glenaladales peaks are illumed with the rays
And the streams of Glenfinnan49 leap bright in the blaze
O highminded Moray50 the exiled the dear
In the blush of the dawning the STANDARD uprear
Wide wide on the winds of the north let it fly
Like the suns latest flash when the tempest is nigh
Ye sons of the strong when that dawning shall break
Need the harp of the aged remind you to wake
That dawn never beamed on your forefathers eye
But it roused each high chieftain to vanquish or die
O sprung from the kings who in Islay kept state
Proud chiefs of Clan Ranald Glengarry and Sleat
Combine like three streams from one mountain of snow
And resistless in union rush down on the foe
True son of Sir Evan undaunted Lochiel
Place thy targe on thy shoulder and burnish thy steel
Rough Keppoch give breath to thy bugles bold swell
Till far Coryarrick resound to the knell
Stern son of Lord Kenneth high chief of Kintail
Let the stag in thy standard bound wild in the gale
May the race of Clan Gillean the fearless and free
Remember Glenlivat Harlaw and Dundee
Let the clan of grey Fingon whose offspring has given
Such heroes to earth and such martyrs to heaven
Unite with the race of renowned Rorri More
To launch the long galley and stretch to the oar
How MacShimei will joy when their chief shall display
The yewcrested bonnet oer tresses of grey
How the race of wronged Alpine and murdered Glencoe
Shall shout for revenge when they pour on the foe
Ye sons of brown Dermid who slew the wild boar
Resume the pure faith of the great CallumMore
MacNeil of the Islands and Moy of the Lake
For honour for freedom for vengeance awake
Here a large greyhound bounding up the glen jumped upon Flora and interrupted
her music by his importunate caresses At a distant whistle he turned and shot
down the path again with the rapidity of an arrow »That is Ferguss faithful
attendant Captain Waverley and that was his signal He likes no poetry but
what is humorous and comes in good time to interrupt my long catalogue of the
tribes whom one of your saucy English poets calls
Our bootless host of highborn beggars
MacLeans MacKenzies and MacGregors«
Waverley expressed his regret at the interruption
»O you cannot guess how much you have lost The bard as in duty bound has
addressed three long stanzas to Vich Ian Vohr of the Banners enumerating all
his great properties and not forgetting his being a cheerer of the harper and
bard a giver of bounteous gifts Besides you should have heard a practical
admonition to the fairhaired son of the stranger who lives in the land were
the grass is always green the rider on the shining pampered steed whose hue
is like the raven and whose neigh is like the scream of the eagle for battle
This valiant horsemen is affectionately conjured to remember that his ancestors
were distinguished by their loyalty as well as by their courage All this you
have lost but since your curiosity is not satisfied I judge from the distant
sound of my brothers whistle I may have time to sing the concluding stanzas
before he comes to laugh at my translation«
Awake on your hills on your islands awake
Brave sons of the mountain the frith and the lake
Tis the bugle but not for the chase is the call
Tis the pibrochs shrill summons but not to the hall
Tis the summons of heroes for conquest or death
When the banners are blazing on mountain and heath
They call to the dirk the claymore and the targe
To the march and the muster the line and the charge
Be the brand of each Chieftain like Fins in his ire
May the blood through his veins flow like currents of fire
Burst the base foreign yoke as your sires did of yore
Or die like your sires and endure it no more
Chapter TwentyThird
Waverley Continues at Glennaquoich
As Flora concluded her song Fergus stood before them »I knew I should find you
here even without the assistance of my friend Bran A simple and unsublimed
taste now like my own would prefer a jet deau at Versailles to this cascade
with all its accompaniments of rock and roar but this is Floras Parnassus
Captain Waverley and that fountain her Helicon It would be greatly for the
benefit of my cellar if she could teach her coadjutor MacMurrough the value
of its influence he has just drunk a pint of usquebaugh to correct he said
the coldness of the claret Let me try its virtues« He sipped a little water
in the hollow of his hand and immediately commenced with a theatrical air
O Lady of the desert hail
That lovst the harping of the Gael
Through fair and fertile regions borne
Where never yet grew grass or corn
But English poetry will never succeed under the influence of a Highland Helicon
Allons courage
O vous qui buvez à tasse pleine
A cette heureuse fontaine
Où on ne voit sur le rivage
Que quelques vilains troupeaux
Suivis de nymphes de village
Qui les escortent sans sabots
»A truce dear Fergus spare us those most tedious and insipid persons of all
Arcadia Do not for heavens sake bring down Corridon and Lindor upon us«
»Nay if you cannot relish la houlette et le chalumeau have with you in
heroic strains«
»Dear Fergus you have certainly partaken of the inspiration of
MacMurroughs cup rather than of mine«
»I disclaim it ma belle demoiselle although I protest it would be the more
congenial of the two Which of your crackbrained Italian romancers is it that
says
Io dElicona niente
Mi curo in fe di Dio chel bere dacque
Bea chi ber ne vuol sempre me spiacque51
But if you prefer the Gaelic Captain Waverley here is little Cathleen shall
sing you Drimmindhu Come Cathleen astore ie my dear begin no
apologies to the Ceankinné«
Cathleen sung with much liveliness a little Gaelic song the burlesque elegy
of a countryman on the loss of his cow the comic tones of which though he did
not understand the language made Waverley laugh more than once52
»Admirable Cathleen« cried the Chieftain »I must find you a handsome
husband among the clansmen one of these days«
Cathleen laughed blushed and sheltered herself behind her companion
In the progress of their return to the castle the Chieftain warmly pressed
Waverley to remain for a week or two in order to see a grand hunting party in
which he and some other Highland gentlemen proposed to join The charms of
melody and beauty were too strongly impressed in Edwards breast to permit his
declining an invitation so pleasing It was agreed therefore that he should
write a note to the Baron of Bradwardine expressing his intention to stay a
fortnight at Glennaquoich and requesting him to forward by the bearer a gilly
of the Chieftains any letters which might have arrived for him
This turned the discourse upon the Baron whom Fergus highly extolled as a
gentleman and soldier His character was touched with yet more discrimination by
Flora who observed that he was the very model of the old Scottish cavalier
with all his excellences and peculiarities »It is a character Captain
Waverley which is fast disappearing for its best point was a selfrespect
which was never lost sight of till now But in the present time the gentlemen
whose principles do not permit them to pay court to the existing government are
neglected and degraded and many conduct themselves accordingly and like some
of the persons you have seen at TullyVeolan adopt habits and companions
inconsistent with their birth and breeding The ruthless proscription of party
seems to degrade the victims whom it brands however unjustly But let us hope
that a brighter day is approaching when a Scottish countrygentleman may be a
scholar without the pedantry of our friend the Baron a sportsman without the
low habits of Mr Falconer and a judicious improver of his property without
becoming a boorish twolegged steer like Killancureit«
Thus did Flora prophesy a revolution which time indeed has produced but in
a manner very different from what she had in her mind
The amiable Rose was next mentioned with the warmest encomium on her
person manners and mind »That man« said Flora »will find an inestimable
treasure in the affections of Rose Bradwardine who shall be so fortunate as to
become their object Her very soul is in home and in the discharge of all those
quiet virtues of which home is the centre Her husband will be to her what her
father now is the object of all her care solicitude and affection She will
see nothing and connect herself with nothing but by him and through him If he
is a man of sense and virtue she will sympathise in his sorrows divert his
fatigue and share his pleasures If she becomes the property of a churlish or
negligent husband she will suit his taste also for she will not long survive
his unkindness And alas how great is the chance that some such unworthy lot
may be that of my poor friend O that I were a queen this moment and could
command the most amiable and worthy youth of my kingdom to accept happiness with
the hand of Rose Bradwardine«
»I wish you would command her to accept mine en attendant« said Fergus
laughing
I dont know by what caprice it was that this wish however jocularly
expressed rather jarred on Edwards feelings notwithstanding his growing
inclination to Flora and his indifference to Miss Bradwardine This is one of
the inexplicabilities of human nature which we leave without comment
»Yours brother« answered Flora regarding him steadily »No you have
another bride Honour and the dangers you must run in pursuit of her rival
would break poor Roses heart«
With this discourse they reached the castle and Waverley soon prepared his
despatches for TullyVeolan As he knew the Baron was punctilious in such
matters he was about to impress his billet with a seal on which his armorial
bearings were engraved but he did not find it at his watch and thought he must
have left it at TullyVeolan He mentioned his loss borrowing at the same time
the family seal of the Chieftain
»Surely« said Miss MacIvor »Donald Bean Lean would not«
»My life for him in such circumstances« answered her brother »besides he
would never have left the watch behind«
»After all Fergus« said Flora »and with every allowance I am surprised
you can countenance that man«
»I countenance him This kind sister of mine would persuade you Captain
Waverley that I take what the people of old used to call a steakraid that is
a collop of the foray or in plainer words a portion of the robbers booty
paid by him to the Laird or Chief through whose grounds he drove his prey O it
is certain that unless I can find some way to charm Floras tongue General
Blakeney will send a sergeants party from Stirling this he said with haughty
and emphatic irony to seize Vich Ian Vohr as they nickname me in his own
castle«
»Now Fergus must not our guest be sensible that all this is folly and
affectation You have men enough to serve you without enlisting banditti and
your own honour is above taint Why dont you send this Donald Bean Lean whom
I hate for his smoothness and duplicity even more than for his rapine out of
your country at once No cause should induce me to tolerate such a character«
»No cause Flora« said the Chieftain significantly
»No cause Fergus not even that which is nearest to my heart Spare it the
omen of such evil supporters«
»O but sister« rejoined the Chief gaily »you dont consider my respect
for la belle passion Evan Dhu Maccombich is in love with Donalds daughter
Alice and you cannot expect me to disturb him in his amours Why the whole
clan would cry shame on me You know it is one of their wise sayings that a
kinsman is part of a mans body but a fosterbrother is a piece of his heart«
»Well Fergus there is no disputing with you but I would all this may end
well«
»Devoutly prayed my dear and prophetic sister and the best way in the
world to close a dubious argument But hear ye not the pipes Captain
Waverley Perhaps you will like better to dance to them in the hall than to be
deafened with their harmony without taking part in the exercise they invite us
to«
Waverley took Floras hand The dance song and merrymaking proceeded and
closed the days entertainment at the castle of Vich Ian Vohr Edward at length
retired his mind agitated by a variety of new and conflicting feelings which
detained him from rest for some time in that not unpleasing state of mind in
which fancy takes the helm and the soul rather drifts passively along with the
rapid and confused tide of reflections than exerts itself to encounter
systematise or examine them At a late hour he fell asleep and dreamed of
Flora MacIvor
Chapter TwentyFourth
A StagHunt and Its Consequences
Shall this be a long or a short chapter This is a question in which you
gentle reader have no vote however much you may be interested in the
consequences just as you may like myself probably have nothing to do with the
imposing a new tax excepting the trifling circumstance of being obliged to pay
it More happy surely in the present case since though it lies within my
arbitrary power to extend my materials as I think proper I cannot call you into
Exchequer if you do not think proper to read my narrative Let me therefore
consider It is true that the annals and documents in my hands say but little of
this Highland chase but then I can find copious materials for description
elsewhere There is old Lindsay of Pitscottie ready at my elbow with his Athole
hunting and his »lofted and joisted palace of green timber with all kind of
drink to be had in burgh and land as ale beer wine muscadel malvaise
hippocras and aquavitæ with wheatbread mainbread gingebread beef
mutton lamb veal venison goose grice capon coney crane swan partridge
plover duck drake brisselcock pawnies black muirfowl and
capercailzies« not forgetting the »costly bedding vaiselle and napry« and
least of all the »excelling stewards cunning baxters excellent cooks and
pottingars with confections and drugs for the desserts« Besides the
particulars which may be thence gleaned for this Highland feast the splendour
of which induced the Popes legate to dissent from an opinion which he had
hitherto held that Scotland namely was the the the latter end of the
world besides these might I not illuminate my pages with Taylor the Water
Poets hunting in the braes of Mar where
Through heather mosse mong frogs and bogs and fogs
Mongst craggy cliffs and thunderbattered hills
Hares hinds bucks roes are chased by men and dogs
Where two hours hunting fourscore fat deer kills
Lowland your sports are low as is your seat
The Highland games and minds are high and great
But without farther tyranny over my readers or display of the extent of my own
reading I shall content myself with borrowing a single incident from the
memorable hunting at Lude commemorated in the ingenious Mr Gunns Essay on the
Caledonian Harp and so proceed in my story with all the brevity that my natural
style of composition partaking of what scholars call the periphrastic and
ambagitory and the vulgar the circumbendibus will permit me
The solemn hunting was delayed from various causes for about three weeks
The interval was spent by Waverley with great satisfaction at Glennaquoich for
the impression which Flora had made on his mind at their first meeting grew
daily stronger She was precisely the character to fascinate a youth of romantic
imagination Her manners her language her talents for poetry and music gave
additional and varied influence to her eminent personal charms Even in her
hours of gaiety she was in his fancy exalted above the ordinary daughters of
Eve and seemed only to stoop for an instant to those topics of amusement and
gallantry which others appear to live for In the neighbourhood of this
enchantress while sport consumed the morning and music and the dance led on
the hours of evening Waverley became daily more delighted with his hospitable
landlord and more enamoured of his bewitching sister
At length the period fixed for the grand hunting arrived and Waverley and
the Chieftain departed for the place of rendezvous which was a days journey to
the northward of Glennaquoich Fergus was attended on this occasion by about
three hundred of his clan well armed and accoutred in their best fashion
Waverley complied so far with the custom of the country as to adopt the trews
he could not be reconciled to the kilt brogues and bonnet as the fittest
dress for the exercise in which he was to be engaged and which least exposed
him to be stared at as a stranger when they should reach the place of
rendezvous They found on the spot appointed several powerful Chiefs to all of
whom Waverley was formally presented and by all cordially received Their
vassals and clansmen a part of whose feudal duty it was to attend on these
parties appeared in such numbers as amounted to a small army These active
assistants spread through the country far and near forming a circle
technically called the tinchel which gradually closing drove the deer in
herds together towards the glen where the Chiefs and principal sportsmen lay in
wait for them In the meanwhile these distinguished personages bivouacked among
the flowery heath wrapped up in their plaids a mode of passing a summers
night which Waverley found by no means unpleasant
For many hours after sunrise the mountain ridges and passes retained their
ordinary appearance of silence and solitude and the Chiefs with their
followers amused themselves with various pastimes in which the joys of the
shell as Ossian has it were not forgotten »Others apart sate on a hill
retired« probably as deeply engaged in the discussion of politics and news as
Miltons spirits in metaphysical disquisition At length signals of the approach
of the game were descried and heard Distant shouts resounded from valley to
valley as the various parties of Highlanders climbing rocks struggling
through copses wading brooks and traversing thickets approached more and more
near to each other and compelled the astonished deer with the other wild
animals that fled before them into a narrower circuit Every now and then the
report of muskets was heard repeated by a thousand echoes The baying of the
dogs was soon added to the chorus which grew ever louder and more loud At
length the advanced parties of the deer began to show themselves and as the
stragglers came bounding down the pass by two or three at a time the Chiefs
showed their skill by distinguishing the fattest deer and their dexterity in
bringing them down with their guns Fergus exhibited remarkable address and
Edward was also so fortunate as to attract the notice and applause of the
sportsmen
But now the main body of the deer appeared at the head of the glen
compelled into a very narrow compass and presenting such a formidable phalanx
that their antlers appeared at a distance over the ridge of the steep pass
like a leafless grove Their number was very great and from a desperate stand
which they made with the tallest of the reddeer stags arranged in front in a
sort of battle array gazing on the group which barred their passage down the
glen the more experienced sportsmen began to augur danger The work of
destruction however now commenced on all sides Dogs and hunters were at work
and muskets and fusees resounded from every quarter The deer driven to
desperation made at length a fearful charge right upon the spot where the more
distinguished sportsmen had taken their stand The word was given in Gaelic to
fling themselves upon their faces but Waverley on whose English ears the
signal was lost had almost fallen a sacrifice to his ignorance of the ancient
language in which it was communicated Fergus observing his danger sprung up
and pulled him with violence to the ground just as the whole herd broke down
upon them The tide being absolutely irresistible and wounds from a stags horn
highly dangerous53 the activity of the Chieftain may be considered on this
occasion as having saved his guests life He detained him with a firm grasp
until the whole herd of deer had fairly run over them Waverley then attempted
to rise but found that he had suffered several very severe contusions and
upon a further examination discovered that he had sprained his ankle violently
This checked the mirth of the meeting although the Highlanders accustomed
to such incidents and prepared for them had suffered no harm themselves A
wigwam was erected almost in an instant where Edward was deposited on a couch
of heather The surgeon or he who assumed the office appeared to unite the
characters of a leech and a conjuror He was an old smokedried Highlander
wearing a venerable grey beard and having for his sole garment a tartan frock
the skirts of which descended to the knee and being undivided in front made
the vestment serve at once for doublet and breeches54 He observed great
ceremony in approaching Edward and though our hero was writhing with pain
would not proceed to any operation which might assuage it until he had
perambulated his couch three times moving from east to west according to the
course of the sun This which was called making the deasil55 both the leech
and the assistants seemed to consider as a matter of the last importance to the
accomplishment of a cure and Waverley whom pain rendered incapable of
expostulation and who indeed saw no chance of its being attended to submitted
in silence
After this ceremony was duly performed the old Esculapius let his patient
blood with a cuppingglass with great dexterity and proceeded muttering all
the while to himself in Gaelic to boil on the fire certain herbs with which he
compounded an embrocation He then fomented the parts which had sustained
injury never failing to murmur prayers or spells which of the two Waverley
could not distinguish as his ear only caught the words
GasperMelchiorBalthazarmaxpraxfax and similar gibberish The fomentation
had a speedy effect in alleviating the pain and swelling which our hero imputed
to the virtue of the herbs or the effect of the chaffing but which was by the
bystanders unanimously ascribed to the spells with which the operation had been
accompanied Edward was given to understand that not one of the ingredients had
been gathered except during the full moon and that the herbalist had while
collecting them uniformly recited a charm which in English ran thus
Hail to thee thou holy herb
That sprung on holy ground
All in the Mount Olivet
First wert thou found
Thou art boot for many a bruise
And healest many a wound
In our Ladys blessed name
I take thee from the ground56
Edward observed with some surprise that even Fergus notwithstanding his
knowledge and education seemed to fall in with the superstitious ideas of his
countrymen either because he deemed it impolitic to affect scepticism on a
matter of general belief or more probably because like most men who do not
think deeply or accurately on such subjects he had in his mind a reserve of
superstition which balanced the freedom of his expressions and practice upon
other occasions Waverley made no commentary therefore on the manner of the
treatment but rewarded the professor of medicine with a liberality beyond the
utmost conception of his wildest hopes He uttered on the occasion so many
incoherent blessings in Gaelic and English that MacIvor rather scandalized at
the excess of his acknowledgments cut them short by exclaiming »Ceud mile
mhalloich ort« ie »A hundred thousand curses on you« and so pushed the
helper of men out of the cabin
After Waverley was left alone the exhaustion of pain and fatigue for the
whole days exercise had been severe threw him into a profound but yet a
feverish sleep which he chiefly owed to an opiate draught administered by the
old Highlander from some decoction of herbs in his pharmacopoeia
Early the next morning the purpose of their meeting being over and their
sports damped by the untoward accident in which Fergus and all his friends
expressed the greatest sympathy it became a question how to dispose of the
disabled sportsman This was settled by MacIvor who had a litter prepared of
»birch and hazelgrey«57 which was borne by his people with such caution and
dexterity as renders it not improbable that they may have been the ancestors of
some of those sturdy Gael who have now the happiness to transport the belles of
Edinburgh in their sedanchairs to ten routs in one evening When Edward was
elevated upon their shoulders he could not help being gratified with the
romantic effect produced by the breaking up of this sylvan camp58
The various tribes assembled each at the pibroch of their native clan and
each headed by their patriarchal ruler Some who had already begun to retire
were seen winding up the hills or descending the passes which led to the scene
of action the sound of their bagpipes dying upon the ear Others made still a
moving picture upon the narrow plain forming various changeful groups their
feathers and loose plaids waving in the morning breeze and their arms
glittering in the rising sun Most of the Chiefs came to take farewell of
Waverley and to express their anxious hope they might again and speedily
meet but the care of Fergus abridged the ceremony of taking leave At length
his own men being completely assembled and mustered MacIvor commenced his
march but not towards the quarter from which they had come He gave Edward to
understand that the greater part of his followers now on the field were bound
on a distant expedition and that when he had deposited him in the house of a
gentleman who he was sure would pay him every attention he himself should be
under the necessity of accompanying them the greater part of the way but would
lose no time in rejoining his friend
Waverley was rather surprised that Fergus had not mentioned this ulterior
destination when they set out upon the huntingparty but his situation did not
admit of many interrogatories The greater part of the clansmen went forward
under the guidance of old Ballenkeiroch and Evan Dhu Maccombich apparently in
high spirits A few remained for the purpose of escorting the Chieftain who
walked by the side of Edwards litter and attended him with the most
affectionate assiduity About noon after a journey which the nature of the
conveyance the pain of his bruises and the roughness of the way rendered
inexpressibly painful Waverley was hospitably received into the house of a
gentleman related to Fergus who had prepared for him every accommodation which
the simple habits of living then universal in the Highlands put in his power
In this person an old man about seventy Edward admired a relic of primitive
simplicity He wore no dress but what his estate afforded The cloth was the
fleece of his own sheep woven by his own servants and stained into tartan by
the dyes produced from the herbs and lichens of the hills around him His linen
was spun by his daughters and maidservants from his own flax nor did his
table though plentiful and varied with game and fish offer an article but
what was of native produce
Claiming himself no rights of clanship or vassalage he was fortunate in the
alliance and protection of Vich Ian Vohr and other bold and enterprising
Chieftains who protected him in the quiet unambitious life he loved It is
true the youth born on his grounds were often enticed to leave him for the
service of his more active friends but a few old servants and tenants used to
shake their grey locks when they heard their master censured for want of spirit
and observed »When the wind is still the shower falls soft« This good old
man whose charity and hospitality were unbounded would have received Waverley
with kindness had he been the meanest Saxon peasant since his situation
required assistance But his attention to a friend and guest of Vich Ian Vohr
was anxious and unremitted Other embrocations were applied to the injured limb
and new spells were put in practice At length after more solicitude than was
perhaps for the advantage of his health Fergus took farewell of Edward for a
few days when he said he would return to Tomanrait and hoped by that time
Waverley would be able to ride one of the Highland ponies of his landlord and
in that manner return to Glennaquoich
The next day when his good old host appeared Edward learned that his
friend had departed with the dawn leaving none of his followers except Callum
Beg the sort of footpage who used to attend his person and who had it now in
charge to wait upon Waverley On asking his host if he knew where the Chieftain
was gone the old man looked fixedly at him with something mysterious and sad
in the smile which was his only reply Waverley repeated his question to which
his host answered in a proverb
What sent the messengers to hell
Was asking what they knew full well59
He was about to proceed but Callum Beg said rather pertly as Edward thought
that »Ta Tighearnach ie the Chief did not like ta Sassenagh Duinhéwassel
to be pingled wi mickle speaking as she was na tat weel« From this Waverley
concluded he should disoblige his friend by inquiring of a stranger the object
of a journey which he himself had not communicated
It is unnecessary to trace the progress of our heros recovery The sixth
morning had arrived and he was able to walk about with a staff when Fergus
returned with about a score of his men He seemed in the highest spirits
congratulated Waverley on his progress towards recovery and finding he was able
to sit on horseback proposed their immediate return to Glennaquoich Waverley
joyfully acceded for the form of his fair mistress had lived in his dreams
during all the time of his confinement
Now he has ridden oer moor and moss
Oer hill and many a glen
Fergus all the while with his myrmidons striding stoutly by his side or
diverging to get a shot at a roe or a heathcock Waverleys bosom beat thick
when they approached the old tower of Ian nan Chaistel and could distinguish
the fair form of its mistress advancing to meet them
Fergus began immediately with his usual high spirits to exclaim »Open
your gates incomparable princess to the wounded Moor Abindarez whom Rodrigo
de Narvez constable of Antiquera conveys to your castle or open them if you
like it better to the renowned Marquis of Mantua the sad attendant of his
halfslain friend Baldovinos of the Mountain Ah long rest to thy soul
Cervantes without quoting thy remnants how should I frame my language to befit
romantic ears«60
Flora now advanced and welcoming Waverley with much kindness expressed her
regret for his accident of which she had already heard the particulars and her
surprise that her brother should not have taken better care to put a stranger on
his guard against the perils of the sport in which he engaged him Edward easily
exculpated the Chieftain who indeed at his own personal risk had probably
saved his life
This greeting over Fergus said three or four words to his sister in Gaelic
The tears instantly sprung to her eyes but they seemed to be tears of devotion
and joy for she looked up to Heaven and folded her hands as in a solemn
expression of prayer or gratitude After the pause of a minute she presented to
Edward some letters which had been forwarded from TullyVeolan during his
absence and at the same time delivered some to her brother To the latter she
likewise gave three or four numbers of the Caledonian Mercury the only
newspaper which was then published to the north of the Tweed
Both gentlemen retired to examine their despatches and Edward speedily
found that those which he had received contained matters of very deep interest
Chapter TwentyFifth
News From England
The letters which Waverley had hitherto received from his relations in England
were not such as required any particular notice in this narrative His father
usually wrote to him with the pompous affectation of one who was too much
oppressed by public affairs to find leisure to attend to those of his own
family Now and then he mentioned persons of rank in Scotland to whom he wished
his son should pay some attention but Waverley hitherto occupied by the
amusements which he had found at TullyVeolan and Glennaquoich dispensed with
paying any attention to hints so coldly thrown out especially as distance
shortness of leave of absence and so forth furnished a ready apology But
latterly the burden of Mr Richard Waverleys paternal epistles consisted in
certain mysterious hints of greatness and influence which he was speedily to
attain and which would ensure his sons obtaining the most rapid promotion
should he remain in the military service Sir Everards letters were of a
different tenor They were short for the good Baronet was none of your
illimitable correspondents whose manuscript overflows the folds of their large
post paper and leaves no room for the seal but they were kind and
affectionate and seldom concluded without some allusion to our heros stud
some question about the state of his purse and a special inquiry after such of
his recruits as had preceded him from WaverleyHonour Aunt Rachel charged him
to remember his principles of religion to take care of his health to beware of
Scotch mists which she had heard would wet an Englishman through and through
never to go out at night without his greatcoat and above all to wear flannel
next to his skin
Mr Pembroke only wrote to our hero one letter but it was of the bulk of
six epistles of these degenerate days containing in the moderate compass of
ten folio pages closely written a précis of a supplementary quarto manuscript
of addenda delenda et corrigenda in reference to the two tracts with which he
had presented Waverley This he considered as a mere sop in the pan to stay the
appetite of Edwards curiosity until he should find an opportunity of sending
down the volume itself which was much too heavy for the post and which he
proposed to accompany with certain interesting pamphlets lately published by
his friend in Little Britain with whom he had kept up a sort of literary
correspondence in virtue of which the library shelves of Waverley were loaded
with much trash and a good round bill seldom summed in fewer than three
figures was yearly transmitted in which Sir Everard Waverley of
WaverleyHonour Bart was marked Dr to Jonathan Grubbet bookseller and
stationer Little Britain Such had hitherto been the style of the letters which
Edward had received from England but the packet delivered to him at
Glennaquoich was of a different and more interesting complexion It would be
impossible for the reader even were I to insert the letters at full length to
comprehend the real cause of their being written without a glance into the
interior of the British Cabinet at the period in question
The Ministers of the day happened no very singular event to be divided
into two parties the weakest of which making up by assiduity of intrigue their
inferiority in real consequence had of late acquired some new proselytes and
with them the hope of superseding their rivals in the favour of their sovereign
and overpowering them in the House of Commons Amongst others they had thought
it worth while to practise upon Richard Waverley This honest gentleman by a
grave mysterious demeanour an attention to the etiquette of business rather
more than to its essence a facility in making long dull speeches consisting of
truisms and commonplaces hashed up with a technical jargon of office which
prevented the inanity of his orations from being discovered had acquired a
certain name and credit in public life and even established with many the
character of a profound politician none of your shining orators indeed whose
talents evaporate in tropes of rhetoric and flashes of wit but one possessed of
steady parts for business which would wear well as the ladies say in choosing
their silks and ought in all reason to be good for common and everyday use
since they were confessedly formed of no holiday texture
This faith had become so general that the insurgent party in the Cabinet of
which we have made mention after sounding Mr Richard Waverley were so
satisfied with his sentiments and abilities as to propose that in case of a
certain revolution in the ministry he should take an ostensible place in the
new order of things not indeed of the very first rank but greatly higher in
point both of emolument and influence than that which he now enjoyed There was
no resisting so tempting a proposal notwithstanding that the Great Man under
whose patronage he had enlisted and by whose banner he had hitherto stood firm
was the principal object of the proposed attack by the new allies Unfortunately
this fair scheme of ambition was blighted in the very bud by a premature
movement All the official gentlemen concerned in it who hesitated to take the
part of a voluntary resignation were informed that the king had no further
occasion for their services and in Richard Waverleys case which the Minister
considered as aggravated by ingratitude dismissal was accompanied by something
like personal contempt and contumely The public and even the party of whom he
shared the fall sympathized little in the disappointment of this selfish and
interested statesman and he retired to the country under the comfortable
reflection that he had lost at the same time character credit and what
he at least equally deplored emolument
Richard Waverleys letter to his son upon this occasion was a masterpiece of
its kind Aristides himself could not have made out a harder case An unjust
monarch and an ungrateful country were the burden of each rounded paragraph
He spoke of long services and unrequited sacrifices though the former had been
overpaid by his salary and nobody could guess in what the latter consisted
unless it were in his deserting not from conviction but for the lucre of gain
the Tory principles of his family In the conclusion his resentment was wrought
to such an excess by the force of his own oratory that he could not repress
some threats of vengeance however vague and impotent and finally acquainted
his son with his pleasure that he should testify his sense of the ill he had
sustained by throwing up his commission as soon as the letter reached him
This he said was also his uncles desire as he would himself intimate in due
course
Accordingly the next letter which Edward opened was from Sir Everard His
brothers disgrace seemed to have removed from his wellnatured bosom all
recollection of their differences and remote as he was from every means of
learning that Richards disgrace was in reality only the just as well as
natural consequence of his own unsuccessful intrigues the good but credulous
Baronet at once set it down as a new and enormous instance of the injustice of
the existing Government It was true he said and he must not disguise it even
from Edward that his father could not have sustained such an insult as was now
for the first time offered to one of his house unless he had subjected himself
to it by accepting of an employment under the present system Sir Everard had no
doubt that he now both saw and felt the magnitude of this error and it should
be his Sir Everards business to take care that the cause of his regret
should not extend itself to pecuniary consequences It was enough for a Waverley
to have sustained the public disgrace the patrimonial injury could easily be
obviated by the head of their family But it was both the opinion of Mr Richard
Waverley and his own that Edward the representative of the family of
WaverleyHonour should not remain in a situation which subjected him also to
such treatment as that with which his father had been stigmatized He requested
his nephew therefore to take the fittest and at the same time the most speedy
opportunity of transmitting his resignation to the WarOffice and hinted
moreover that little ceremony was necessary where so little had been used to
his father He sent multitudinous greetings to the Baron of Bradwardine
A letter from Aunt Rachel spoke out even more plainly She considered the
disgrace of brother Richard as the just reward of his forfeiting his allegiance
to a lawful though exiled sovereign and taking the oaths to an alien a
concession which her grandfather Sir Nigel Waverley refused to make either to
the Roundhead Parliament or to Cromwell when his life and fortune stood in the
utmost extremity She hoped her dear Edward would follow the footsteps of his
ancestors and as speedily as possible get rid of the badge of servitude to the
usurping family and regard the wrongs sustained by his father as an admonition
from Heaven that every desertion of the line of loyalty becomes its own
punishment She also concluded with her respects to Mr Bradwardine and begged
Waverley would inform her whether his daughter Miss Rose was old enough to
wear a pair of very handsome earrings which she proposed to send as a token of
her affection The good lady also desired to be informed whether Mr Bradwardine
took as much Scotch snuff and danced as unweariedly as he did when he was at
WaverleyHonour about thirty years ago
These letters as might have been expected highly excited Waverleys
indignation From the desultory style of his studies he had not any fixed
political opinion to place in opposition to the movements of indignation which
he felt at his fathers supposed wrongs Of the real cause of his disgrace
Edward was totally ignorant nor had his habits at all led him to investigate
the politics of the period in which he lived or remark the intrigues in which
his father had been so actively engaged Indeed any impressions which he had
accidentally adopted concerning the parties of the times were owing to the
society in which he had lived at WaverleyHonour of a nature rather
unfavourable to the existing government and dynasty He entered therefore
without hesitation into the resentful feeling of the relations who had the best
title to dictate his conduct and not perhaps the less willingly when he
remembered the tedium of his quarters and the inferior figure which he had made
among the officers of his regiment If he could have had any doubt upon the
subject it would have been decided by the following letter from his
commandingofficer which as it is very short shall be inserted verbatim
»Sir
Having carried somewhat beyond the line of my duty an indulgence
which even the lights of nature and much more those of Christianity
direct towards errors which may arise from youth and inexperience and
that altogether without effect I am reluctantly compelled at the
present crisis to use the only remaining remedy which is in my power
You are therefore hereby commanded to repair to the headquarters
of the regiment within three days after the date of this letter If you
shall fail to do so I must report you to the WarOffice as absent
without leave and also take other steps which will be disagreeable to
you as well as to Sir
Your obedient Servant
J GARDINER LieutCol
Commanding the Regt Dragoons«
Edwards blood boiled within him as he read this letter He had been accustomed
from his very infancy to possess in a great measure the disposal of his own
time and thus acquired habits which rendered the rules of military discipline
as unpleasing to him in this as they were in some other respects
An idea that in his own case they would not be enforced in a very rigid
manner had also obtained full possession of his mind and had hitherto been
sanctioned by the indulgent conduct of his lieutenantcolonel Neither had
anything occurred to his knowledge that should have induced his
commandingofficer without any other warning than the hints we noticed at the
end of the fourteenth chapter so suddenly to assume a harsh and as Edward
deemed it so insolent a tone of dictatorial authority Connecting it with the
letters he had just received from his family he could not but suppose that it
was designed to make him feel in his present situation the same pressure of
authority which had been exercised in his fathers case and that the whole was
a concerted scheme to depress and degrade every member of the Waverley family
Without a pause therefore Edward wrote a few cold lines thanking his
lieutenantcolonel for past civilities and expressing regret that he should
have chosen to efface the remembrance of them by assuming a different tone
towards him The strain of his letter as well as what he Edward conceived to
be his duty in the present crisis called upon him to lay down his commission
and he therefore enclosed the formal resignation of a situation which subjected
him to so unpleasant a correspondence and requested Colonel Gardiner would have
the goodness to forward it to the proper authorities
Having finished this magnanimous epistle he felt somewhat uncertain
concerning the terms in which his resignation ought to be expressed upon which
subject he resolved to consult Fergus MacIvor It may be observed in passing
that the bold and prompt habits of thinking acting and speaking which
distinguished this young Chieftain had given him a considerable ascendency over
the mind of Waverley Endowed with at least equal powers of understanding and
with much finer genius Edward yet stooped to the bold and decisive activity of
an intellect which was sharpened by the habit of acting on a preconceived and
regular system as well as by extensive knowledge of the world
When Edward found his friend the latter had still in his hand the newspaper
which he had perused and advanced to meet him with the embarrassment of one who
has unpleasing news to communicate »Do your letters Captain Waverley confirm
the unpleasing information which I find in this paper«
He put the paper into his hand where his fathers disgrace was registered
in the most bitter terms transferred probably from some London journal At the
end of the paragraph was this remarkable innuendo
»We understand that this same Richard who hath done all this is not the
only example of the Wavering Honour of Wvrly Hnr See the Gazette of this
day«
With hurried and feverish apprehension our hero turned to the place referred
to and found therein recorded »Edward Waverley captain in regiment
dragoons superseded for absence without leave« and in the list of military
promotions referring to the same regiment he discovered this farther article
»Lieut Julius Butler to be captain vice Edward Waverley superseded«
Our heros bosom glowed with the resentment which undeserved and apparently
premeditated insult was calculated to excite in the bosom of one who had aspired
after honour and was thus wantonly held up to public scorn and disgrace Upon
comparing the date of his colonels letter with that of the article in the
Gazette he perceived that his threat of making a report upon his absence had
been literally fulfilled and without inquiry as it seemed whether Edward had
either received his summons or was disposed to comply with it The whole
therefore appeared a formed plan to degrade him in the eyes of the public and
the idea of its having succeeded filled him with such bitter emotions that
after various attempts to conceal them he at length threw himself into
MacIvors arms and gave vent to tears of shame and indignation
It was none of this Chieftains faults to be indifferent to the wrongs of
his friends and for Edward independent of certain plans with which he was
connected he felt a deep and sincere interest The proceeding appeared as
extraordinary to him as it had done to Edward He indeed knew of more motives
than Waverley was privy to for the peremptory order that he should join his
regiment But that without further inquiry into the circumstances of a
necessary delay the commanding officer in contradiction to his known and
established character should have proceeded in so harsh and unusual a manner
was a mystery which he could not penetrate He soothed our hero however to the
best of his power and began to turn his thoughts on revenge for his insulted
honour
Edward eagerly grasped at the idea »Will you carry a message for me to
Colonel Gardiner my dear Fergus and oblige me for ever«
Fergus paused »It is an act of friendship which you should command could
it be useful or lead to the righting your honour but in the present case I
doubt if your commandingofficer would give you the meeting on account of his
having taken measures which however harsh and exasperating were still within
the strict bounds of his duty Besides Gardiner is a precise Huguenot and has
adopted certain ideas about the sinfulness of such rencontres from which it
would be impossible to make him depart especially as his courage is beyond all
suspicion And besides I I to say the truth I dare not at this moment
for some very weighty reasons go near any of the military quarters or garrisons
belonging to this government«
»And am I« said Waverley »to sit down quiet and contented under the injury
I have received«
»That will I never advise my friend« replied MacIvor »But I would have
vengeance to fall on the head not on the hand on the tyrannical and oppressive
Government which designed and directed these premeditated and reiterated
insults not on the tools of office which they employed in the execution of the
injuries they aimed at you«
»On the Government« said Waverley
»Yes« replied the impetuous Highlander »on the usurping House of Hanover
whom your grandfather would no more have served than he would have taken wages
of redhot gold from the great fiend of hell«
»But since the time of my grandfather two generations of this dynasty have
possessed the throne« said Edward coolly
»True« replied the Chieftain »and because we have passively given them so
long the means of showing their native character because both you and I myself
have lived in quiet submission have even truckled to the times so far as to
accept commissions under them and thus have given them an opportunity of
disgracing us publicly by resuming them are we not on that account to resent
injuries which our fathers only apprehended but which we have actually
sustained Or is the cause of the unfortunate Stuart family become less just
because their title has devolved upon an heir who is innocent of the charges of
misgovernment brought against his father Do you remember the lines of your
favourite poet
Had Richard unconstrained resigned the throne
A king can give no more than is his own
The title stood entailed had Richard had a son
You see my dear Waverley I can quote poetry as well as Flora and you But
come clear your moody brow and trust to me to show you an honourable road to a
speedy and glorious revenge Let us seek Flora who perhaps has more news to
tell us of what has occurred during our absence She will rejoice to hear that
you are relieved of your servitude But first add a postscript to your letter
marking the time when you received this calvinistical Colonels first summons
and express your regret that the hastiness of his proceedings prevented your
anticipating them by sending your resignation Then let him blush for his
injustice«
The letter was sealed accordingly covering a formal resignation of the
commission and MacIvor despatched it with some letters of his own by a special
messenger with charge to put them into the nearest postoffice in the Lowlands
Chapter TwentySixth
An Eclaircissement
The hint which the Chieftain had thrown out respecting Flora was not
unpremeditated He had observed with great satisfaction the growing attachment
of Waverley to his sister nor did he see any bar to their union excepting the
situation which Waverleys father held in the ministry and Edwards own
commission in the army of George II These obstacles were now removed and in a
manner which apparently paved the way for the sons becoming reconciled to
another allegiance In every other respect the match would be most eligible The
safety happiness and honourable provision of his sister whom he dearly loved
appeared to be ensured by the proposed union and his heart swelled when he
considered how his own interest would be exalted in the eyes of the exmonarch
to whom he had dedicated his service by an alliance with one of those ancient
powerful and wealthy English families of the steady cavalier faith to awaken
whose decayed attachment to the Stuart family was now a matter of such vital
importance to the Stuart cause Nor could Fergus perceive any obstacle to such a
scheme Waverleys attachment was evident and as his person was handsome and
his taste apparently coincided with her own he anticipated no opposition on the
part of Flora Indeed between his ideas of patriarchal power and those which he
had acquired in France respecting the disposal of females in marriage any
opposition from his sister dear as she was to him would have been the last
obstacle on which he would have calculated even had the union been less
eligible
Influenced by these feelings the Chief now led Waverley in quest of Miss
MacIvor not without the hope that the present agitation of his guests spirits
might give him courage to cut short what Fergus termed the romance of the
courtship They found Flora with her faithful attendants Una and Cathleen
busied in preparing what appeared to Waverley to be white bridal favours
Disguising as well as he could the agitation of his mind Waverley asked for
what joyful occasion Miss MacIvor made such ample preparation
»It is for Ferguss bridal« she said smiling
»Indeed« said Edward »he has kept his secret well I hope he will allow me
to be his bridesman«
»That is a mans office but not yours as Beatrice says« retorted Flora
»And who is the fair lady may I be permitted to ask Miss MacIvor«
»Did not I tell you long since that Fergus wooed no bride but Honour«
answered Flora
»And am I then incapable of being his assistant and counsellor in the
pursuit of honour« said our hero colouring deeply »Do I rank so low in your
opinion«
»Far from it Captain Waverley I would to God you were of our
determination and made use of the expression which displeased you solely
Because you are not of our quality
But stand against us as an enemy«
»That time is past sister« said Fergus »and you may wish Edward Waverley no
longer captain joy of being freed from the slavery to an usurper implied in
that sable and illomened emblem«
»Yes« said Waverley undoing the cockade from his hat »it has pleased the
king who bestowed this badge upon me to resume it in a manner which leaves me
little reason to regret his service«
»Thank God for that« cried the enthusiast »and O that they may be blind
enough to treat every man of honour who serves them with the same indignity
that I may have less to sigh for when the struggle approaches«
»And now sister« said the Chieftain »replace his cockade with one of a
more lively colour I think it was the fashion of the ladies of yore to arm and
send forth their knights to high achievement«
»Not« replied the lady »till the knight adventurer had well weighed the
justice and the danger of the cause Fergus Mr Waverley is just now too much
agitated by feelings of recent emotion for me to press upon him a resolution of
consequence«
Waverley felt half alarmed at the thought of adopting the badge of what was
by the majority of the kingdom esteemed rebellion yet he could not disguise his
chagrin at the coldness with which Flora parried her brothers hint »Miss
MacIvor I perceive thinks the knight unworthy of her encouragement and
favour« said he somewhat bitterly
»Not so Mr Waverley« she replied with great sweetness »Why should I
refuse my brothers valued friend a boon which I am distributing to his whole
clan Most willingly would I enlist every man of honour in the cause to which my
brother has devoted himself But Fergus has taken his measures with his eyes
open His life has been devoted to this cause from his cradle with him its call
is sacred were it even a summons to the tomb But how can I wish you Mr
Waverley so new to the world so far from every friend who might advise and
ought to influence you in a moment too of sudden pique and indignation how
can I wish you to plunge yourself at once into so desperate an enterprise«
Fergus who did not understand these delicacies strode through the
apartment biting his lip and then with a constrained smile said »Well
sister I leave you to act your new character of mediator between the Elector of
Hanover and the subjects of your lawful sovereign and benefactor« and left the
room There was a painful pause which was at length broken by Miss MacIvor
»My brother is unjust« she said »because he can bear no interruption that
seems to thwart his loyal zeal«
»And do you not share his ardour« asked Waverley
»Do I not« answered Flora »God knows mine exceeds his if that be
possible But I am not like him rapt by the bustle of military preparation
and the infinite detail necessary to the present undertaking beyond
consideration of the grand principles of justice and truth on which our
enterprise is grounded and these I am certain can only be furthered by
measures in themselves true and just To operate upon your present feelings my
dear Mr Waverley to induce you to an irretrievable step of which you have not
considered either the justice or the danger is in my poor judgment neither
the one nor the other«
»Incomparable Flora« said Edward taking her hand »how much do I need such
a monitor«
»A better one by far« said Flora gently withdrawing her hand »Mr
Waverley will always find in his own bosom when he will give its small still
voice leisure to be heard«
»No Miss MacIvor I dare not hope it A thousand circumstances of fatal
selfindulgence have made me the creature rather of imagination than reason
Durst I but hope could I but think that you would deign to be to me that
affectionate that condescending friend who would strengthen me to redeem my
errors my future life«
»Hush my dear sir now you carry your joy at escaping the hands of a
Jacobite recruiting officer to an unparalleled excess of gratitude«
»Nay dear Flora trifle with me no longer you cannot mistake the meaning
of those feelings which I have almost involuntarily expressed and since I have
broken the barrier of silence let me profit by my audacity Or may I with
your permission mention to your brother«
»Not for the world Mr Waverley«
»What am I to understand« said Edward »Is there any fatal bar has any
prepossession«
»None sir« answered Flora »I owe it to myself to say that I never yet
saw the person on whom I thought with reference to the present subject«
»The shortness of our acquaintance perhaps If Miss Mac Ivor will deign to
give me time« »I have not even that excuse Captain Waverleys character is
so open is in short of that nature that it cannot be misconstrued either
in its strength or its weakness«
»And for that weakness you despise me« said Edward
»Forgive me Mr Waverley and remember it is but within this half hour that
there existed between us a barrier of a nature to me insurmountable since I
never could think of an officer in the service of the Elector of Hanover in any
other light than as a casual acquaintance Permit me then to arrange my ideas
upon so unexpected a topic and in less than an hour I will be ready to give you
such reasons for the resolution I shall express as may be satisfactory at
least if not pleasing to you« So saying Flora withdrew leaving Waverley to
meditate upon the manner in which she had received his addresses
Ere he could make up his mind whether to believe his suit had been
acceptable or no Fergus reentered the apartment »What à la mort Waverley«
he cried »Come down with me to the court and you shall see a sight worth all
the tirades of your romances An hundred firelocks my friend and as many
broadswords just arrived from good friends and two or three hundred stout
fellows almost fighting which shall first possess them But let me look at you
closer Why a true Highlander would say you had been blighted by an evil eye
Or can it be this silly girl that has thus blanked your spirit Never mind
her dear Edward the wisest of her sex are fools in what regards the business
of life«
»Indeed my good friend« answered Waverley »all that I can charge against
your sister is that she is too sensible too reasonable«
»If that be all I ensure you for a louisdor against the mood lasting
fourandtwenty hours No woman was ever steadily sensible for that period and
I will engage if that will please you Flora shall be as unreasonable tomorrow
as any of her sex You must learn my dear Edward to consider women en
mousquetaire« So saying he seized Waverleys arm and dragged him off to
review his military preparations
Chapter TwentySeventh
Upon the Same Subject
Fergus MacIvor had too much tact and delicacy to renew the subject which he had
interrupted His head was or appeared to be so full of guns broadswords
bonnets canteens and tartan hose that Waverley could not for some time draw
his attention to any other topic
»Are you to take the field so soon Fergus« he asked »that you are making
all these martial preparations«
»When we have settled that you go with me you shall know all but
otherwise the knowledge might rather be prejudicial to you«
»But are you serious in your purpose with such inferior forces to rise
against an established government It is mere frenzy«
»Laissez faire à Don Antoine I shall take good care of myself We shall at
least use the compliment of Conan who never got a stroke but he gave one I
would not however« continued the Chieftain »have you think me mad enough to
stir till a favourable opportunity I will not slip my dog before the games
afoot But once more will you join with us and you shall know all«
»How can I« said Waverley »I who have so lately held that commission which
is now posting back to those that gave it My accepting it implied a promise of
fidelity and an acknowledgment of the legality of the government«
»A rash promise« answered Fergus »is not a steel handcuff it may be
shaken off especially when it was given under deception and has been repaid by
insult But if you cannot immediately make up your mind to a glorious revenge
go to England and ere you cross the Tweed you will hear tidings that will make
the world ring and if Sir Everard be the gallant old cavalier I have heard him
described by some of our honest gentlemen of the year one thousand seven hundred
and fifteen he will find you a better horsetroop and a better cause than you
have lost«
»But your sister Fergus«
»Out hyperbolical fiend« replied the Chief laughing »how vexest thou
this man Speakest thou of nothing but the ladies«
»Nay be serious my dear friend« said Waverley »I feel that the happiness
of my future life must depend upon the answer which Miss Mac Ivor shall make to
what I ventured to tell her this morning«
»And is this your very sober earnest« said Fergus more gravely »or are we
in the land of romance and fiction«
»My earnest undoubtedly How could you suppose me jesting on such a
subject«
»Then in very sober earnest« answered his friend »I am very glad to hear
it and so highly do I think of Flora that you are the only man in England for
whom I would say so much But before you shake my hand so warmly there is
more to be considered Your own family will they approve your connecting
yourself with the sister of a highborn Highland beggar«
»My uncles situation« said Waverley »his general opinions and his
uniform indulgence entitle me to say that birth and personal qualities are all
he would look to in such a connexion And where can I find both united in such
excellence as in your sister«
»O nowhere cela va sans dire« replied Fergus with a smile »But your
father will expect a fathers prerogative in being consulted«
»Surely but his late breach with the ruling powers removes all apprehension
of objection on his part especially as I am convinced that my uncle will be
warm in my cause«
»Religion perhaps« said Fergus »may make obstacles though we are not
bigoted Catholics«
»My grandmother was of the Church of Rome and her religion was never
objected to by my family Do not think of my friends dear Fergus let me
rather have your influence where it may be more necessary to remove obstacles
I mean with your lovely sister«
»My lovely sister« replied Fergus »like her loving brother is very apt to
have a pretty decisive will of her own by which in this case you must be
ruled but you shall not want my interest nor my counsel And in the first
place I will give you one hint Loyalty is her ruling passion and since she
could spell an English book she has been in love with the memory of the gallant
Captain Wogan who renounced the service of the usurper Cromwell to join the
standard of Charles II marched a handful of cavalry from London to the
Highlands to join Middleton then in arms for the king and at length died
gloriously in the royal cause Ask her to show you some verses she made on his
history and fate they have been much admired I assure you The next point is
I think I saw Flora go up towards the waterfall a short time since follow
man follow dont allow the garrison time to strengthen its purposes of
resistance Alerte à la muraille Seek Flora out and learn her decision as
soon as you can and Cupid go with you while I go to look over belts and
cartouchboxes«
Waverley ascended the glen with an anxious and throbbing heart Love with
all its romantic train of hopes fears and wishes was mingled with other
feelings of a nature less easily defined He could not but remember how much
this morning had changed his fate and into what a complication of perplexity it
was likely to plunge him Sunrise had seen him possessed of an esteemed rank in
the honourable profession of arms his father to all appearance rapidly rising
in the favour of his sovereign all this had passed away like a dream he
himself was dishonoured his father disgraced and he had become involuntarily
the confidant at least if not the accomplice of plans dark deep and
dangerous which must infer either subversion of the government he had so lately
served or the destruction of all who had participated in them Should Flora
even listen to his suit favourably what prospect was there of its being brought
to a happy termination amid the tumult of an impending insurrection Or how
could he make the selfish request that she should leave Fergus to whom she was
so much attached and retiring with him to England wait as a distant
spectator the success of her brothers undertaking or the ruin of all his
hopes and fortunes Or on the other hand to engage himself with no other
aid than his single arm in the dangerous and precipitate counsels of the
Chieftain to be whirled along by him the partaker of all his desperate and
impetuous motions renouncing almost the power of judging or deciding upon
the rectitude or prudence of his actions this was no pleasing prospect for
the secret pride of Waverley to stoop to And yet what other conclusion
remained saving the rejection of his addresses by Flora an alternative not to
be thought of in the present highwrought state of his feelings with anything
short of mental agony Pondering the doubtful and dangerous prospect before him
he at length arrived near the cascade where as Fergus had augured he found
Flora seated
She was quite alone and as soon as she observed his approach she arose
and came to meet him Edward attempted to say something within the verge of
ordinary compliment and conversation but found himself unequal to the task
Flora seemed at first equally embarrassed but recovered herself more speedily
and an unfavourable augury for Waverleys suit was the first to enter upon the
subject of their last interview »It is too important in every point of view
Mr Waverley to permit me to leave you in doubt on my sentiments«
»Do not speak them speedily« said Waverley much agitated »unless they are
such as I fear from your manner I must not dare to anticipate Let time let
my future conduct let your brothers influence«
»Forgive me Mr Waverley« said Flora her complexion a little heightened
but her voice firm and composed »I should incur my own heavy censure did I
delay expressing my sincere conviction that I can never regard you otherwise
than as a valued friend I should do you the highest injustice did I conceal my
sentiments for a moment I see I distress you and I grieve for it but better
now than later and O better a thousand times Mr Waverley that you should
feel a present momentary disappointment than the long and heartsickening
griefs which attend a rash and illassorted marriage«
»Good God« exclaimed Waverley »why should you anticipate such consequences
from a union where birth is equal where fortune is favourable where if I may
venture to say so the tastes are similar where you allege no preference for
another where you even express a favourable opinion of him whom you reject«
»Mr Waverley I have that favourable opinion« answered Flora »and so
strongly that though I would rather have been silent on the grounds of my
resolution you shall command them if you exact such a mark of my esteem and
confidence«
She sat down upon a fragment of rock and Waverley placing himself near
her anxiously pressed for the explanation she offered
»I dare hardly« she said »tell you the situation of my feelings they are
so different from those usually ascribed to young women at my period of life
and I dare hardly touch upon what I conjecture to be the nature of yours lest I
should give offence where I would willingly administer consolation For myself
from my infancy till this day I have had but one wish the restoration of my
royal benefactors to their rightful throne It is impossible to express to you
the devotion of my feelings to this single subject and I will frankly confess
that it has so occupied my mind as to exclude every thought respecting what is
called my own settlement in life Let me but live to see the day of that happy
restoration and a Highland cottage a French convent or an English palace
will be alike indifferent to me«
»But dearest Flora how is your enthusiastic zeal for the exiled family
inconsistent with my happiness«
»Because you seek or ought to seek in the object of your attachment a
heart whose principal delight should be in augmenting your domestic felicity
and returning your affection even to the height of romance To a man of less
keen sensibility and less enthusiastic tenderness of disposition Flora
MacIvor might give content if not happiness for were the irrevocable words
spoken never would she be deficient in the duties which she vowed«
»And why why Miss MacIvor should you think yourself a more valuable
treasure to one who is less capable of loving of admiring you than to me«
»Simply because the tone of our affections would be more in unison and
because his more blunted sensibility would not require the return of enthusiasm
which I have not to bestow But you Mr Waverley would for ever refer to the
idea of domestic happiness which your imagination is capable of painting and
whatever fell short of that ideal representation would be construed into
coolness and indifference while you might consider the enthusiasm with which I
regarded the success of the royal family as defrauding your affection of its due
return«
»In other words, Miss MacIvor you cannot love me« said her suitor
dejectedly
»I could esteem you Mr Waverley as much perhaps more than any man I
have ever seen but I cannot love you as you ought to be loved O do not for
your own sake desire so hazardous an experiment The woman whom you marry ought
to have affections and opinions moulded upon yours Her studies ought to be your
studies her wishes her feelings her hopes her fears should all mingle
with yours She should enhance your pleasures share your sorrows and cheer
your melancholy«
»And why will not you Miss MacIvor who can so well describe a happy union
why will not you be yourself the person you describe«
»Is it possible you do not yet comprehend me« answered Flora »Have I not
told you that every keener sensation of my mind is bent exclusively towards an
event upon which indeed I have no power but those of my earnest prayers«
»And might not the granting the suit I solicit« said Waverley too earnest
on his purpose to consider what he was about to say »even advance the interest
to which you have devoted yourself My family is wealthy and powerful inclined
in principles to the Stuart race and should a favourable opportunity«
»A favourable opportunity« said Flora somewhat scornfully »inclined in
principles Can such lukewarm adherence be honourable to yourselves or
gratifying to your lawful sovereign Think from my present feelings what I
should suffer when I held the place of member in a family where the rights which
I hold most sacred are subjected to cold discussion and only deemed worthy of
support when they shall appear on the point of triumphing without it«
»Your doubts« quickly replied Waverley »are unjust as far as concerns
myself The cause that I shall assert I dare support through every danger as
undauntedly as the boldest who draws sword in its behalf«
»Of that« answered Flora »I cannot doubt for a moment But consult your
own good sense and reason rather than a prepossession hastily adopted probably
only because you have met a young woman possessed of the usual accomplishments
in a sequestered and romantic situation Let your part in this great and
perilous drama rest upon conviction and not on a hurried and probably a
temporary feeling«
Waverley attempted to reply but his words failed him Every sentiment that
Flora had uttered vindicated the strength of his attachment for even her
loyalty although wildly enthusiastic was generous and noble and disdained to
avail itself of any indirect means of supporting the cause to which she was
devoted
After walking a little way in silence down the path Flora thus resumed the
conversation »One word more Mr Waverley ere we bid farewell to this topic
for ever and forgive my boldness if that word have the air of advice My
brother Fergus is anxious that you should join him in his present enterprise
But do not consent to this you could not by your single exertions further his
success and you would inevitably share his fall if it be Gods pleasure that
fall he must Your character would also suffer irretrievably Let me beg you
will return to your own country and having publicly freed yourself from every
tie to the usurping government I trust you will see cause and find
opportunity to serve your injured sovereign with effect and stand forth as
your loyal ancestors at the head of your natural followers and adherents a
worthy representative of the house of Waverley«
»And should I be so happy as thus to distinguish myself might I not hope«
»Forgive my interruption« said Flora »The present time only is ours and I
can but explain to you with candour the feelings which I now entertain how they
might be altered by a train of events too favourable perhaps to be hoped for
it were in vain even to conjecture only be assured Mr Waverley that after my
brothers honour and happiness there is none which I shall more sincerely pray
for than for yours«
With these words she parted from him for they were now arrived where two
paths separated Waverley reached the castle amidst a medley of conflicting
passions He avoided any private interview with Fergus as he did not find
himself able either to encounter his raillery or reply to his solicitations The
wild revelry of the feast for MacIvor kept open table for his clan served in
some degree to stun reflection When their festivity was ended he began to
consider how he should again meet Miss MacIvor after the painful and
interesting explanation of the morning But Flora did not appear Fergus whose
eyes flashed when he was told by Cathleen that her mistress designed to keep her
apartment that evening went himself in quest of her but apparently his
remonstrances were in vain for he returned with a heightened complexion and
manifest symptoms of displeasure The rest of the evening passed on without any
allusion on the part either of Fergus or Waverley to the subject which
engrossed the reflections of the latter and perhaps of both
When retired to his own apartment Edward endeavoured to sum up the business
of the day That the repulse he had received from Flora would be persisted in
for the present there was no doubt But could he hope for ultimate success in
case circumstances permitted the renewal of his suit Would the enthusiastic
loyalty which at this animating moment left no room for a softer passion
survive at least in its engrossing force the success or the failure of the
present political machinations And if so could he hope that the interest which
she had acknowledged him to possess in her favour might be improved into a
warmer attachment He taxed his memory to recall every word she had used with
the appropriate looks and gestures which had enforced them and ended by finding
himself in the same state of uncertainty It was very late before sleep brought
relief to the tumult of his mind after the most painful and agitating day which
he had ever passed
Chapter TwentyEighth
A Letter From TullyVeolan
In the morning when Waverleys troubled reflections had for some time given way
to repose there came music to his dreams but not the voice of Selma He
imagined himself transported back to TullyVeolan and that he heard Davie
Gellatley singing in the court those matins which used generally to be the first
sounds that disturbed his repose while a guest of the Baron of Bradwardine The
notes which suggested this vision continued and waxed louder until Edward
awoke in earnest The illusion however did not seem entirely dispelled The
apartment was in the fortress of Ian nan Chaistel but it was still the voice of
Davie Gellatley that made the following lines resound under the window
My hearts in the Highlands my heart is not here
My hearts in the Highlands achasing the deer
A chasing the wild deer and following the roe
My hearts in the Highlands wherever I go61
Curious to know what could have determined Mr Gellatley on an excursion of such
unwonted extent Edward began to dress himself in all haste during which
operation the minstrelsy of Davie changed its tune more than once
Theres nought in the Highlands but syboes and leeks
And langleggit callants gaun wanting the breeks
Wanting the breeks and without hose and shoon
But well a win the breeks when King Jamie comes hame62
By the time Waverley was dressed and had issued forth David had associated
himself with two or three of the numerous Highland loungers who always graced
the gates of the castle with their presence and was capering and dancing full
merrily in the doubles and full career of a Scotch foursome reel to the music
of his own whistling In this double capacity of dancer and musician he
continued until an idle piper who observed his zeal obeyed the unanimous call
of Seid suas ie blow up and relieved him from the latter part of his
trouble Young and old then mingled in the dance as they could find partners
The appearance of Waverley did not interrupt Davids exercise though he
contrived by grinning nodding and throwing one or two inclinations of the body
into the graces with which he performed the Highland fling to convey to our
hero symptoms of recognition Then while busily employed in setting whooping
all the while and snapping his fingers over his head he of a sudden prolonged
his sidestep until it brought him to the place where Edward was standing and
still keeping time to the music like Harlequin in a pantomime he thrust a
letter into our heros hand and continued his saltation without pause or
intermission Edward who perceived that the address was in Roses handwriting
retired to peruse it leaving the faithful bearer to continue his exercise until
the piper or he should be tired out
The contents of the letter greatly surprised him It had originally
commenced with Dear Sir but these words had been carefully erased and the
monosyllable Sir substituted in their place The rest of the contents shall be
given in Roses own language
»I fear I am using an improper freedom by intruding upon you yet I
cannot trust to any one else to let you know some things which have
happened here with which it seems necessary you should be acquainted
Forgive me if I am wrong in what I am doing for alas Mr Waverley I
have no better advice than that of my own feelings my dear father is
gone from this place and when he can return to my assistance and
protection God alone knows You have probably heard that in
consequence of some troublesome news from the Highlands warrants were
sent out for apprehending several gentlemen in these parts and among
others my dear father In spite of all my tears and entreaties that he
would surrender himself to the Government he joined with Mr Falconer
and some other gentlemen and they have all gone northwards with a body
of about forty horsemen So I am not so anxious concerning his immediate
safety as about what may follow afterwards for these troubles are only
beginning But all this is nothing to you Mr Waverley only I thought
you would be glad to learn that my father has escaped in case you
happen to have heard that he was in danger
The day after my father went off there came a party of soldiers to
TullyVeolan and behaved very rudely to Bailie Macwheeble but the
officer was very civil to me only said his duty obliged him to search
for arms and papers My father had provided against this by taking away
all the arms except the old useless things which hung in the hall and
he had put all his papers out of the way But O Mr Waverley how shall
I tell you that they made strict inquiry after you and asked when you
had been at TullyVeolan and where you now were The officer is gone
back with his party but a noncommissioned officer and four men remain
as a sort of garrison in the house They have hitherto behaved very
well as we are forced to keep them in good humour But these soldiers
have hinted as if on your falling into their hands you would be in great
danger I cannot prevail on myself to write what wicked falsehoods they
said for I am sure they are falsehoods but you will best judge what
you ought to do The party that returned carried off your servant
prisoner with your two horses and everything that you left at
TullyVeolan I hope God will protect you and that you will get safe
home to England where you used to tell me there was no military
violence nor fighting among clans permitted but everything was done
according to an equal law that protected all who were harmless and
innocent I hope you will exert your indulgence as to my boldness in
writing to you where it seems to me though perhaps erroneously that
your safety and honour are concerned I am sure at least I think my
father would approve of my writing for Mr Rubrick is fled to his
cousins at the Duchran to be out of danger from the soldiers and the
Whigs and Bailie Macwheeble does not like to meddle he says in other
mens concerns though I hope what may serve my fathers friend at such
a time as this cannot be termed improper interference Farewell
Captain Waverley I shall probably never see you more for it would be
very improper to wish you to call at Tully Veolan just now even if
these men were gone but I will always remember with gratitude your
kindness in assisting so poor a scholar as myself and your attentions
to my dear dear father
I remain your obliged servant
ROSE COMYNE BRADWARDINE
PS I hope you will send me a line by David Gellatley just to say
you have received this and that you will take care of yourself and
forgive me if I entreat you for your own sake to join none of these
unhappy cabals but escape as fast as possible to your own fortunate
country My compliments to my dear Flora and to Glennaquoich Is she
not as handsome and accomplished as I have described her«
Thus concluded the letter of Rose Bradwardine the contents of which both
surprised and affected Waverley That the Baron should fall under the suspicions
of Government in consequence of the present stir among the partisans of the
house of Stuart seemed only the natural consequence of his political
predilections but how he himself should have been involved in such suspicions
conscious that until yesterday he had been free from harbouring a thought
against the prosperity of the reigning family seemed inexplicable Both at
TullyVeolan and Glennaquoich his hosts had respected his engagements with the
existing government and though enough passed by accidental innuendo that might
induce him to reckon the Baron and the Chief among those disaffected gentlemen
who were still numerous in Scotland yet until his own connection with the army
had been broken off by the resumption of his commission he had no reason to
suppose that they nourished any immediate or hostile attempts against the
present establishment Still he was aware that unless he meant at once to
embrace the proposal of Fergus MacIvor it would deeply concern him to leave
the suspicious neighbourhood without delay and repair where his conduct might
undergo a satisfactory examination Upon this he the rather determined as
Floras advice favoured his doing so and because he felt inexpressible
repugnance at the idea of being accessary to the plague of civil war Whatever
were the original rights of the Stuarts calm reflection told him that
omitting the question how far James the Second could forfeit those of his
posterity he had according to the united voice of the whole nation justly
forfeited his own Since that period four monarchs had reigned in peace and
glory over Britain sustaining and exalting the character of the nation abroad
and its liberties at home Reason asked was it worth while to disturb a
government so long settled and established and to plunge a kingdom into all the
miseries of civil war for the purpose of replacing upon the throne the
descendants of a monarch by whom it had been wilfully forfeited If on the
other hand his own final conviction of the goodness of their cause or the
commands of his father or uncle should recommend to him allegiance to the
Stuarts still it was necessary to clear his own character by showing that he
had not as seemed to be falsely insinuated taken any step to this purpose
during his holding the commission of the reigning monarch
The affectionate simplicity of Rose and her anxiety for his safety his
sense too of her unprotected state and of the terror and actual dangers to
which she might be exposed made an impression upon his mind and he instantly
wrote to thank her in the kindest terms for her solicitude on his account to
express his earnest good wishes for her welfare and that of her father and to
assure her of his own safety The feelings which this task excited were speedily
lost in the necessity which he now saw of bidding farewell to Flora MacIvor
perhaps for ever The pang attending this reflection was inexpressible for her
highminded elevation of character her selfdevotion to the cause which she had
embraced united to her scrupulous rectitude as to the means of serving it had
vindicated to his judgment the choice adopted by his passions But time pressed
calumny was busy with his fame and every hours delay increased the power to
injure it His departure must be instant
With this determination he sought out Fergus and communicated to him the
contents of Roses letter with his own resolution instantly to go to Edinburgh
and put into the hands of some one or other of those persons of influence to
whom he had letters from his father his exculpation from any charge which might
be preferred against him
»You run your head into the lions mouth« answered MacIvor »You do not
know the severity of a Government harassed by just apprehensions and a
consciousness of their own illegality and insecurity I shall have to deliver
you from some dungeon in Stirling or Edinburgh Castle«
»My innocence my rank my fathers intimacy with Lord M General G
etc will be a sufficient protection« said Waverley
»You will find the contrary« replied the Chieftain »these gentlemen will
have enough to do about their own matters Once more will you take the plaid
and stay a little while with us among the mists and the crows in the bravest
cause ever sword was drawn in«63
»For many reasons my dear Fergus you must hold me excused«
»Well then« said MacIvor »I shall certainly find you exerting your
poetical talents in elegies upon a prison or your antiquarian researches in
detecting the Oggam64 character or some Punic hieroglyphic upon the keystones
of a vault curiously arched Or what say you to un petit pendement bien joli
against which awkward ceremony I dont warrant you should you meet a body of
the armed westcountry Whigs«
»And why should they use me so« said Waverley
»For a hundred good reasons« answered Fergus »First you are an
Englishman secondly a gentleman thirdly a prelatist abjured and fourthly
they have not had an opportunity to exercise their talents on such a subject
this long while But dont be cast down beloved all will be done in the fear
of the Lord«
»Well I must run my hazard«
»You are determined then«
»I am«
»Wilful will dot« said Fergus »but you cannot go on foot and I shall
want no horse as I must march on foot at the head of the children of Ivor you
shall have Brown Dermid«
»If you will sell him I shall certainly be much obliged«
»If your proud English heart cannot be obliged by a gift or loan I will not
refuse money at the entrance of a campaign his price is twenty guineas
Remember reader it was Sixty Years since And when do you propose to
depart«
»The sooner the better« answered Waverley
»You are right since go you must or rather since go you will I will take
Floras pony and ride with you as far as BallyBrough Callum Beg see that
our horses are ready with a pony for yourself to attend and carry Mr
Waverleys baggage as far as naming a small town where he can have a horse
and guide to Edinburgh Put on a Lowland dress Callum and see you keep your
tongue close if you would not have me cut it out Mr Waverley rides Dermid«
Then turning to Edward »You will take leave of my sister«
»Surely that is if Miss MacIvor will honour me so far«
»Cathleen let my sister know that Mr Waverley wishes to bid her farewell
before he leaves us But Rose Bradwardine her situation must be thought of
I wish she were here And why should she not There are but four redcoats at
TullyVeolan and their muskets would be very useful to us«
To these broken remarks Edward made no answer his ear indeed received them
but his soul was intent upon the expected entrance of Flora The door opened
it was but Cathleen with her ladys excuse and wishes for Captain Waverleys
health and happiness
Chapter TwentyNinth
Waverleys Reception in the Lowlands After his Highland Tour
It was noon when the two friends stood at the top of the pass of BallyBrough
»I must go no further« said Fergus MacIvor who during the journey had in vain
endeavoured to raise his friends spirits »If my crossgrained sister has any
share in your dejection trust me she thinks highly of you though her present
anxiety about the public cause prevents her listening to any other subject
Confide your interest to me I will not betray it providing you do not again
assume that vile cockade«
»No fear of that considering the manner in which it has been recalled
Adieu Fergus do not permit your sister to forget me«
»And adieu Waverley you may soon hear of her with a prouder title Get
home write letters and make friends as many and as fast as you can there will
speedily be unexpected guests on the coast of Suffolk or my news from France
has deceived me«65
Thus parted the friends Fergus returning back to his castle while Edward
followed by Callum Beg the latter transformed from point to point into a Low
groom proceeded to the little town of
Edward paced on under the painful and yet not altogether embittered feelings
which separation and uncertainty produce in the mind of a youthful lover I am
not sure if the ladies understand the full value of the influence of absence
nor do I think it wise to teach it them lest like the Clelias and Mandanes of
yore they should resume the humour of sending their lovers into banishment
Distance in truth produces in idea the same effect as in real perspective
Objects are softened and rounded and rendered doubly graceful the harsher and
more ordinary points of character are mellowed down and those by which it is
remembered are the more striking outlines that mark sublimity grace or beauty
There are mists too in the mental as well as the natural horizon to conceal
what is less pleasing in distant objects and there are happy lights to stream
in full glory upon those points which can profit by brilliant illumination
Waverley forgot Flora MacIvors prejudices in her magnanimity and almost
pardoned her indifference towards his affection when he recollected the grand
and decisive object which seemed to fill her whole soul She whose sense of
duty so wholly engrossed her in the cause of a benefactor what would be her
feelings in favour of the happy individual who should be so fortunate as to
awaken them Then came the doubtful question whether he might not be that happy
man a question which fancy endeavoured to answer in the affirmative by
conjuring up all she had said in his praise with the addition of a comment much
more flattering than the text warranted All that was commonplace all that
belonged to the everyday world was melted away and obliterated in those
dreams of imagination which only remembered with advantage the points of grace
and dignity that distinguished Flora from the generality of her sex not the
particulars which she held in common with them Edward was in short in the
fair way of creating a goddess out of a highspirited accomplished and
beautiful young woman and the time was wasted in castlebuilding until at the
descent of a steep hill he saw beneath him the markettown of
The Highland politeness of Callum Beg there are few nations by the way
who can boast of so much natural politeness as the Highlanders66 the Highland
civility of his attendant had not permitted him to disturb the reveries of our
hero But observing him rouse himself at the sight of the village Callum
pressed closer to his side and hoped »When they cam to the public his honour
wad not say nothing about Vich Ian Vohr for ta people were bitter Whigs deil
burst tem«
Waverley assured the prudent page that he would be cautious and as he now
distinguished not indeed the ringing of bells but the tinkling of something
like a hammer against the side of an old mossy green inverted porridgepot
that hung in an open booth of the size and shape of a parrots cage erected to
grace the east end of a building resembling an old barn he asked Callum Beg if
it were Sunday
»Could na say just preceesely Sunday seldom cam aboon the pass of
BallyBrough«
On entering the town however and advancing towards the most apparent
public house which presented itself the numbers of old women in tartan screens
and red cloaks who streamed from the barnresembling building debating as they
went the comparative merits of the blessed youth Jabesh Rentowel and that
chosen vessel Maister Goukthrapple induced Callum to assure his temporary
master »that it was either ta muckle Sunday hersell or ta little government
Sunday that they cad ta fast«
On alighting at the sign of the Sevenbranched Golden Candlestick which
for the further delectation of the guests was graced with a short Hebrew motto
they were received by mine host a tall thin puritanical figure who seemed to
debate with himself whether he ought to give shelter to those who travelled on
such a day Reflecting however in all probability that he possessed the power
of mulcting them for this irregularity a penalty which they might escape by
passing into Gregor Duncansons at the sign of the Highlander and the Hawick
Gill Mr Ebenezer Cruickshanks condescended to admit them into his dwelling
To this sanctified person Waverley addressed his request that he would
procure him a guide with a saddlehorse to carry his portmanteau to Edinburgh
»And whar may ye be coming from« demanded mine host of the Candlestick
»I have told you where I wish to go I do not conceive any further
information necessary either for the guide or his saddlehorse«
»Hem Ahem« returned he of the Candlestick somewhat disconcerted at this
rebuff »Its the general fast sir and I cannot enter into ony carnal
transactions on sic a day when the people should be humbled and the
backsliders should return as worthy Mr Goukthrapple said and moreover when
as the precious Mr Jabesh Rentowel did weel observe the land was mourning for
covenants burnt broken and buried«
»My good friend« said Waverley »if you cannot let me have a horse and
guide my servant shall seek them elsewhere«
»Aweel Your servant and what for gangs he not forward wi you himsell«
Waverley had but very little of a captain of horses spirit within him I
mean of that sort of spirit which I have been obliged to when I happened in a
mailcoach or diligence to meet some military man who has kindly taken upon
him the disciplining of the waiters and the taxing of reckonings Some of this
useful talent our hero had however acquired during his military service and
on this gross provocation it began seriously to arise »Look ye sir I came
here for my own accommodation and not to answer impertinent questions Either
say you can or cannot get me what I want I shall pursue my course in either
case«
Mr Ebenezer Cruickshanks left the room with some indistinct muttering but
whether negative or acquiescent Edward could not well distinguish The hostess
a civil quiet laborious drudge came to take his orders for dinner but
declined to make answer on the subject of the horse and guide for the Salique
law it seems extended to the stables of the Golden Candlestick
From a window which overlooked the dark and narrow court in which Callum Beg
rubbed down the horses after their journey Waverley heard the following
dialogue betwixt the subtile footpage of Vich Ian Vohr and his landlord
»Yell be frae the north young man« began the latter
»And ye may say that« answered Callum
»And yell hae ridden a lang way the day it may weel be«
»Sae lang that I could weel tak a dram«
»Gudewife bring the gill stoup«
Here some compliments passed fitting the occasion when my host of the
Golden Candlestick having as he thought opened his guests heart by this
hospitable propitiation resumed his scrutiny
»Yell no hae mickle better whisky than that aboon the Pass«
»I am nae frae aboon the Pass«
»Yere a Highlandman by your tongue«
»Na I am but just Aberdeenaway«
»And did your master come frae Aberdeen wi you«
»Ay thats when I left it mysell« answered the cool and impenetrable
Callum Beg
»And what kind of a gentleman is he«
»I believe he is ane o King Georges state officers at least hes aye for
ganging on to the south and he has a hantle siller and never grudges onything
till a poor body or in the way of a lawing«
»He wants a guide and a horse frae hence to Edinburgh«
»Ay and ye maun find it him forthwith«
»Ahem It will be chargeable«
»He cares na for that a bodle«
»Aweel Duncan did ye say your name was Duncan or Donald«
»Na man Jamie Jamie Steenson I telt ye before«
This last undaunted parry altogether foiled Mr Cruickshanks who though
not quite satisfied either with the reserve of the master or the extreme
readiness of the man was contented to lay a tax on the reckoning and
horsehire that might compound for his ungratified curiosity The circumstance
of its being the fastday was not forgotten in the charge which on the whole
did not however amount to much more than double what in fairness it should
have been
Callum Beg soon after announced in person the ratification of this treaty
adding »Ta auld deevil was ganging to ride wi ta Duinhéwassel hersell«
»That will not be very pleasant Callum nor altogether safe for our host
seems a person of great curiosity but a traveller must submit to these
inconveniences Meanwhile my good lad here is a trifle for you to drink Vich
Ian Vohrs health«
The hawks eye of Callum flashed delight upon a golden guinea with which
these last words were accompanied He hastened not without a curse on the
intricacies of a Saxon breeches pocket or spleuchan as he called it to
deposit the treasure in his fob and then as if he conceived the benevolence
called for some requital on his part he gathered close up to Edward with an
expression of countenance peculiarly knowing and spoke in an under tone »If
his honour thought ta auld deevil Whig carle was a bit dangerous she could
easily provide for him and teil ane ta wiser«
»How and in what manner«
»Her ain sell« replied Callum »could wait for him a wee bit frae the toun
and kittle his quarters wi her skeneoccle«
»Skeneoccle whats that«
Callum unbuttoned his coat raised his left arm and with an emphatic nod
pointed to the hilt of a small dirk snugly deposited under it in the lining of
his jacket Waverley thought he had understood his meaning he gazed in his
face and discovered in Callums very handsome though embrowned features just
the degree of roguish malice with which a lad of the same age in England would
have brought forward a plan for robbing an orchard
»Good God Callum would you take the mans life«
»Indeed« answered the young desperado »and I think he has had just a lang
enough lease ot when hes for betraying honest folk that come to spend siller
at his public«
Edward saw nothing was to be gained by argument and therefore contented
himself with enjoining Callum to lay aside all practices against the person of
Mr Ebenezer Cruickshanks in which injunction the page seemed to acquiesce with
an air of great indifference
»Ta Duinhéwassel might please himsell ta auld rudas loon had never done
Callum nae ill But heres a bit line frae ta Tighearna tat he bade me gie your
honour ere I came back«
The letter from the Chief contained Floras lines on the fate of Captain
Wogan whose enterprising character is so well drawn by Clarendon He had
originally engaged in the service of the Parliament but had abjured that party
upon the execution of Charles I and upon hearing that the royal standard was
set up by the Earl of Glencairn and General Middleton in the Highlands of
Scotland took leave of Charles II who was then at Paris passed into England
assembled a body of cavaliers in the neighbourhood of London and traversed the
kingdom which had been so long under domination of the usurper by marches
conducted with such skill dexterity and spirit that he safely united his
handful of horsemen with the body of Highlanders then in arms After several
months of desultory warfare in which Wogans skill and courage gained him the
highest reputation he had the misfortune to be wounded in a dangerous manner
and no surgical assistance being within reach he terminated his short but
glorious career
There were obvious reasons why the politic Chieftain was desirous to place
the example of this young hero under the eye of Waverley with whose romantic
disposition it coincided so peculiarly But his letter turned chiefly upon some
trifling commissions which Waverley had promised to execute for him in England
and it was only toward the conclusion that Edward found these words »I owe
Flora a grudge for refusing us her company yesterday and as I am giving you the
trouble of reading these lines in order to keep in your memory your promise to
procure me the fishingtackle and crossbow from London I will enclose her
verses on the Grave of Wogan This I know will tease her for to tell you the
truth I think her more in love with the memory of that dead hero than she is
likely to be with any living one unless he shall tread a similar path But
English squires of our day keep their oaktrees to shelter their deerparks or
repair the losses of an evening at Whites and neither invoke them to wreath
their brows nor shelter their graves Let me hope for one brilliant exception
in a dear friend to whom I would most gladly give a dearer title«
The verses were inscribed
To an OakTree
In the Churchyard of in the Highlands of Scotland said to mark the Grave of
Captain Wogan killed in 1649
Emblem of Englands ancient faith
Full proudly may thy branches wave
Where loyalty lies low in death
And valour fills a timeless grave
And thou brave tenant of the tomb
Repine not if our clime deny
Above thine honoured sod to bloom
The flowerets of a milder sky
These owe their birth to genial May
Beneath a fiercer sun they pine
Before the winter storm decay
And can their worth be type of thine
No for mid storms of Fate opposing
Still higher swelld thy dauntless heart
And while Despair the scene was closing
Commenced thy brief but brilliant part
Twas then thou soughtst on Albyns hill
When Englands sons the strife resigned
A rugged race resisting still
And unsubdued though unrefined
Thy deaths hour heard no kindred wail
No holy knell thy requiem rung
Thy mourners were the plaided Gael
Thy dirge the clamorous pibroch sung
Yet who in Fortunes summershine
To waste lifes longest term away
Would change that glorious dawn of thine
Though darkened ere its noontide day
Be thine the Tree whose dauntless boughs
Brave summers drought and winters gloom
Rome bound with oak her patriots brows
As Albyn shadows Wogans tomb
Whatever might be the real merit of Flora MacIvors poetry the enthusiasm
which it intimated was well calculated to make a corresponding impression upon
her lover The lines were read read again then deposited in Waverleys bosom
then again drawn out and read line by line in a low and smothered voice and
with frequent pauses which prolonged the mental treat as an epicure protracts
by sipping slowly the enjoyment of a delicious beverage The entrance of Mrs
Cruickshanks with the sublunary articles of dinner and wine hardly interrupted
this pantomime of affectionate enthusiasm
At length the tall ungainly figure and ungracious visage of Ebenezer
presented themselves The upper part of his form notwithstanding the season
required no such defence was shrouded in a large greatcoat belted over his
under habiliments and crested with a huge cowl of the same stuff which when
drawn over the head and hat completely overshadowed both and being buttoned
beneath the chin was called a trotcozy His hand grasped a huge jockeywhip
garnished with brass mounting His thin legs tenanted a pair of gambadoes
fastened at the sides with rusty clasps Thus accoutred he stalked into the
midst of the apartment and announced his errand in brief phrase »Yer horses
are ready«
»You go with me yourself then landlord«
»I do as far as Perth where you may be supplied with a guide to Embro as
your occasions shall require«
Thus saying he placed under Waverleys eye the bill which he held in his
hand and at the same time selfinvited filled a glass of wine and drank
devoutly to a blessing on their journey Waverley stared at the mans impudence
but as their connection was to be short and promised to be convenient he made
no observation upon it and having paid his reckoning expressed his intention
to depart immediately He mounted Dermid accordingly and sallied forth from the
Golden Candlestick followed by the puritanical figure we have described after
he had at the expense of some time and difficulty and by the assistance of a
»loupingonstane« or structure of masonry erected for the travellers
convenience in front of the house elevated his person to the back of a
longbacked rawboned thingutted phantom of a brokendown bloodhorse on
which Waverleys portmanteau was deposited Our hero though not in a very gay
humour could hardly help laughing at the appearance of his new squire and at
imagining the astonishment which his person and equipage would have excited at
WaverleyHonour
Edwards tendency to mirth did not escape mine host of the Candlestick who
conscious of the cause infused a double portion of souring into the pharisaical
leaven of his countenance and resolved internally that in one way or other the
young Englisher should pay dearly for the contempt with which he seemed to
regard him Callum also stood at the gate and enjoyed with undissembled glee
the ridiculous figure of Mr Cruickshanks As Waverley passed him he pulled off
his hat respectfully and approaching his stirrup bade him »Tak heed the auld
Whig deevil played him nae cantrip«
Waverley once more thanked and bade him farewell and then rode briskly
onward not sorry to be out of hearing of the shouts of the children as they
beheld old Ebenezer rise and sink in his stirrups to avoid the concussions
occasioned by a hard trot upon a hardpaved street The village of was soon
several miles behind him
Chapter Thirtieth
Shows that the Loss of a Horses Shoe may be a serious Inconvencience
The manner and air of Waverley but above all the glittering contents of his
purse and the indifference with which he seemed to regard them somewhat
overawed his companion and deterred him from making any attempts to enter upon
conversation His own reflections were moreover agitated by various surmises
and by plans of selfinterest with which these were intimately connected The
travellers journeyed therefore in silence until it was interrupted by the
annunciation on the part of the guide that his »naig had lost a forefoot shoe
which doubtless his honour would consider it was his part to replace«
This was what lawyers call a fishing question calculated to ascertain how
far Waverley was disposed to submit to petty imposition »My part to replace
your horses shoe you rascal« said Waverley mistaking the purport of the
intimation
»Indubitably« answered Mr Cruickshanks »though there was no preceese
clause to that effect it canna be expected that I am to pay for the casualties
whilk may befall the puir naig while in your honours service Nathless if
your honour«
»O you mean I am to pay the farrier but where shall we find one«
Rejoiced at discerning there would be no objection made on the part of his
temporary master Mr Cruickshanks assured him that Cairnvreckan a village
which they were about to enter was happy in an excellent blacksmith »but as he
was a professor he would drive a nail for no man on the Sabbath or kirk fast
unless it were in a case of absolute necessity for which he always charged
sixpence each shoe« The most important part of this communication in the
opinion of the speaker made a very slight impression on the hearer who only
internally wondered what college this veterinary professor belonged to not
aware that the word was used to denote any person who pretended to uncommon
sanctity of faith and manner
As they entered the village of Cairnvreckan they speedily distinguished the
smiths house Being also a public it was two storeys high and proudly reared
its crest covered with grey slate above the thatched hovels by which it was
surrounded The adjoining smithy betokened none of the Sabbatical silence and
repose which Ebenezer had augured from the sanctity of his friend On the
contrary hammer clashed and anvil rang the bellows groaned and the whole
apparatus of Vulcan appeared to be in full activity Nor was the labour of a
rural and pacific nature The master smith benempt as his sign intimated John
Mucklewrath with two assistants toiled busily in arranging repairing and
furbishing old muskets pistols and swords which lay scattered around his
workshop in military confusion The open shed containing the forge was crowded
with persons who came and went as if receiving and communicating important news
and a single glance at the aspect of the people who traversed the street in
haste or stood assembled in groups with eyes elevated and hands uplifted
announced that some extraordinary intelligence was agitating the public mind of
the municipality of Cairnvreckan »There is some news« said mine host of the
Candlestick pushing his lanternjawed visage and bareboned nag rudely forward
into the crowd »there is some news and if it please my Creator I will
forthwith obtain speirings thereof«
Waverley with better regulated curiosity than his attendants dismounted
and gave his horse to a boy who stood idling near It arose perhaps from the
shyness of his character in early youth that he felt dislike at applying to a
stranger even for casual information without previously glancing at his
physiognomy and appearance While he looked about in order to select the person
with whom he would most willingly hold communication the buzz around saved him
in some degree the trouble of interrogatories The names of Lochiel Clanronald
Glengarry and other distinguished Highland Chiefs among whom Vich Ian Vohr was
repeatedly mentioned were as familiar in mens mouths as household words and
from the alarm generally expressed he easily conceived that their descent into
the Lowlands at the head of their armed tribes had either already taken place
or was instantly apprehended
Ere Waverley could ask particulars a strong largeboned hardfeatured
woman about forty dressed as if her clothes had been flung on with a
pitchfork her cheeks flushed with a scarlet red where they were not smutted
with soot and lampblack jostled through the crowd and brandishing high a
child of two years old which she danced in her arms without regard to its
screams of terror sang forth with all her might
»Charlie is my darling my darling my darling
Charlie is my darling
The young Chevalier«
»Dye hear whats come ower ye now« continued the virago »ye whingeing Whig
carles Dye hear whas coming to cow yer cracks
Little wot ye whas coming
Little wot ye whas coming
A the wild Macraws are coming«
The Vulcan of Cairnvreckan who acknowledged his Venus in this exulting
Bacchante regarded her with a grim and ireforeboding countenance while some
of the senators of the village hastened to interpose »Whisht gudewife is this
a time or is this a day to be singing your ranting fule sangs in a time
when the wine of wrath is poured out without mixture in the cup of indignation
and a day when the land should give testimony against popery and prelacy and
quakerism and independency and supremacy and erastianism and antinomianism
and a the errors of the church«
»And thats a your Whiggery« reechoed the Jacobite heroine »thats a
your Whiggery and your presbytery ye cutlugged graning carles What dye
think the lads wi the kilts will care for yer synods and yer presbyteries and
yer buttockmail and yer stool o repentance Vengeance on the black face ot
Mony an honester womans been set upon it than streeks doon beside ony Whig in
the country I mysell«
Here John Mucklewrath who dreaded her entering upon a detail of personal
experience interposed his matrimonial authority »Gae hame and be d that I
should say sae and put on the sowens for supper«
»And you ye doild dotard« replied his gentle helpmate her wrath which
had hitherto wandered abroad over the whole assembly being at once and
violently impelled into its natural channel »ye stand there hammering dogheads
for fules that will never snap them at a Highlandman instead of earning bread
for your family and shoeing this winsome young gentlemans horse thats just
come frae the north Ise warrant him nane of your whingeing King George folk
but a gallant Gordon at the least o him«
The eyes of the assembly were now turned upon Waverley who took the
opportunity to beg the smith to shoe his guides horse with all speed as he
wished to proceed on his journey for he had heard enough to make him sensible
that there would be danger in delaying long in this place The smiths eye
rested on him with a look of displeasure and suspicion not lessened by the
eagerness with which his wife enforced Waverleys mandate »Dye hear what the
weelfavoured young gentleman says ye drunken neerdogood«
»And what may your name be sir« quoth Mucklewrath
»It is of no consequence to you my friend provided I pay your labour«
»But it may be of consequence to the state sir« replied an old farmer
smelling strongly of whisky and peatsmoke »and I doubt we maun delay your
journey till you have seen the Laird«
»You certainly« said Waverley haughtily »will find it both difficult and
dangerous to detain me unless you can produce some proper authority«
There was a pause and a whisper among the crowd »Secretary Murray« »Lord
Lewis Gordon« »Maybe the Chevalier himsell« Such were the surmises that passed
hurriedly among them and there was obviously an increased disposition to resist
Waverleys departure He attempted to argue mildly with them but his voluntary
ally Mrs Mucklewrath broke in upon and drowned his expostulations taking his
part with an abusive violence which was all set down to Edwards account by
those on whom it was bestowed »Yell stop ony gentleman thats the Princes
freend« for she too though with other feelings had adopted the general
opinion respecting Waverley »I daur ye to touch him« spreading abroad her long
and muscular fingers garnished with claws which a vulture might have envied
»Ill set my ten commandments in the face o the first loon that lays a finger
on him«
»Gae hame gudewife« quoth the farmer aforesaid »it wad better set you to
be nursing the gudemans bairns than to be deaving us here«
»His bairns« retorted the amazon regarding her husband with a grin of
ineffable contempt »His bairns
O gin ye were dead gudeman
And a green turf on your head gudeman
Then I wad ware my widowhood
Upon a ranting Highlandman«
This canticle which excited a suppressed titter among the younger part of the
audience totally overcame the patience of the taunted man of the anvil »Deil
be in me but Ill put this het gad down her throat« cried he in an ecstasy of
wrath snatching a bar from the forge and he might have executed his threat
had he not been withheld by a part of the mob while the rest endeavoured to
force the termagant out of his presence
Waverley meditated a retreat in the confusion but his horse was nowhere to
be seen At length he observed at some distance his faithful attendant
Ebenezer who as soon as he had perceived the turn matters were likely to take
had withdrawn both horses from the press and mounted on the one and holding
the other answered the loud and repeated calls of Waverley for his horse »Na
na if ye are nae friend to kirk and the king and are detained as siccan a
person ye maun answer to honest men of the country for breach of contract and
I maun keep the naig and the walise for damage and expense in respect my horse
and mysell will lose tomorrows dayswark besides the afternoon preaching«
Edward out of patience hemmed in and hustled by the rabble on every side
and every moment expecting personal violence resolved to try measures of
intimidation and at length drew a pocketpistol threatening on the one hand
to shoot whomsoever dared to stop him and on the other menacing Ebenezer with
a similar doom if he stirred a foot with the horses The sapient Partridge
says that one man with a pistol is equal to a hundred unarmed because though
he can shoot but one of the multitude yet no one knows but that he himself may
be that luckless individual The levy en masse of Cairnvreckan would therefore
probably have given way nor would Ebenezer whose natural paleness had waxed
three shades more cadaverous have ventured to dispute a mandate so enforced
had not the Vulcan of the village eager to discharge upon some more worthy
object the fury which his helpmate had provoked and not ill satisfied to find
such an object in Waverley rushed at him with the redhot bar of iron with
such determination as made the discharge of his pistol an act of selfdefence
The unfortunate man fell and while Edward thrilled with a natural horror at
the incident neither had presence of mind to unsheathe his sword nor to draw
his remaining pistol the populace threw themselves upon him disarmed him and
were about to use him with great violence when the appearance of a venerable
clergyman the pastor of the parish put a curb on their fury
This worthy man none of the Goukthrapples or Rentowels maintained his
character with the common people although he preached the practical fruits of
Christian faith as well as its abstract tenets and was respected by the higher
orders notwithstanding he declined soothing their speculative errors by
converting the pulpit of the gospel into a school of heathen morality Perhaps
it is owing to this mixture of faith and practice in his doctrine that although
his memory has formed a sort of era in the annals of Cairnvreckan so that the
parishioners to denote what befell Sixty Years since still say it happened »in
good Mr Mortons time« I have never been able to discover which he belonged
to the evangelical or the moderate party in the kirk Nor do I hold the
circumstance of much moment since in my own remembrance the one was headed by
an Erskine the other by a Robertson67
Mr Morton had been alarmed by the discharge of the pistol and the
increasing hubbub around the smithy His first attention after he had directed
the bystanders to detain Waverley but to abstain from injuring him was turned
to the body of Mucklewrath over which his wife in a revulsion of feeling was
weeping howling and tearing her elflocks in a state little short of
distraction On raising up the smith the first discovery was that he was
alive and the next that he was likely to live as long as if he had never heard
the report of a pistol in his life He had made a narrow escape however the
bullet had grazed his head and stunned him for a moment or two which trance
terror and confusion of spirit had prolonged somewhat longer He now arose to
demand vengeance on the person of Waverley and with difficulty acquiesced in
the proposal of Mr Morton that he should be carried before the Laird as a
justice of peace and placed at his disposal The rest of the assistants
unanimously agreed to the measure recommended even Mrs Mucklewrath who had
begun to recover from her hysterics whimpered forth »She wadna say naething
against what the minister proposed he was een ower gude for his trade and she
hoped to see him wi a dainty decent bishops gown on his back a comelier sight
than your Geneva cloaks and bands I wis«
All controversy being thus laid aside Waverley escorted by the whole
inhabitants of the village who were not bedridden was conducted to the house
of Cairnvreckan which was about half a mile distant
Chapter ThirtyFirst
An Examination
Major Melville of Cairnvreckan an elderly gentleman who had spent his youth in
the military service received Mr Morton with great kindness and our hero with
civility which the equivocal circumstances wherein Edward was placed rendered
constrained and distant
The nature of the smiths hurt was inquired into and as the actual injury
was likely to prove trifling and the circumstances in which it was received
rendered the infliction on Edwards part a natural act of selfdefence the
Major conceived he might dismiss that matter on Waverleys depositing in his
hands a small sum for the benefit of the wounded person
»I could wish sir« continued the Major »that my duty terminated here but
it is necessary that we should have some further inquiry into the cause of your
journey through the country at this unfortunate and distracted time«
Mr Ebenezer Cruickshanks now stood forth and communicated to the
magistrate all he knew or suspected from the reserve of Waverley and the
evasions of Callum Beg The horse upon which Edward rode he said he knew to
belong to Vich Ian Vohr though he dared not tax Edwards former attendant with
the fact lest he should have his house and stables burnt over his head some
night by that godless gang the MacIvors He concluded by exaggerating his own
services to kirk and state as having been the means under God as he modestly
qualified the assertion of attaching this suspicious and formidable
delinquent He intimated hopes of future reward and of instant reimbursement
for loss of time and even of character by travelling on the state business on
the fastday
To this Major Melville answered with great composure that so far from
claiming any merit in this affair Mr Cruickshanks ought to deprecate the
imposition of a very heavy fine for neglecting to lodge in terms of the recent
proclamation an account with the nearest magistrate of any stranger who came to
his inn that as Mr Cruickshanks boasted so much of religion and loyalty he
should not impute this conduct to disaffection but only suppose that his zeal
for kirk and state had been lulled asleep by the opportunity of charging a
stranger with double horsehire that however feeling himself incompetent to
decide singly upon the conduct of a person of such importance he should reserve
it for consideration of the next quartersessions Now our history for the
present saith no more of him of the Candlestick who wended dolorous and
malcontent back to his own dwelling
Major Melville then commanded the villagers to return to their homes
excepting two who officiated as constables and whom he directed to wait below
The apartment was thus cleared of every person but Mr Morton whom the Major
invited to remain a sort of factor who acted as clerk and Waverley himself
There ensued a painful and embarrassed pause till Major Melville looking upon
Waverley with much compassion and often consulting a paper or memorandum which
he held in his hand requested to know his name »Edward Waverley«
»I thought so late of the dragoons and nephew of Sir Everard Waverley
of WaverleyHonour«
»The same«
»Young gentleman I am extremely sorry that this painful duty has fallen to
my lot«
»Duty Major Melville renders apologies superfluous«
»True sir permit me therefore to ask you how your time has been disposed
of since you obtained leave of absence from your regiment several weeks ago
until the present moment«
»My reply« said Waverley »to so general a question must be guided by the
nature of the charge which renders it necessary I request to know what that
charge is and upon what authority I am forcibly detained to reply to it«
»The charge Mr Waverley I grieve to say is of a very high nature and
affects your character both as a soldier and a subject In the former capacity
you are charged with spreading mutiny and rebellion among the men you commanded
and setting them the example of desertion by prolonging your own absence from
the regiment contrary to the express orders of your commandingofficer The
civil crime of which you stand accused is that of high treason and levying war
against the king the highest delinquency of which a subject can be guilty«
»And by what authority am I detained to reply to such heinous calumnies«
»By one which you must not dispute nor I disobey«
He handed to Waverley a warrant from the Supreme Criminal Court of Scotland
in full form for apprehending and securing the person of Edward Waverley Esq
suspected of treasonable practices and other high crimes and misdemeanours
The astonishment which Waverley expressed at this communication was imputed
by Major Melville to conscious guilt while Mr Morton was rather disposed to
construe it into the surprise of innocence unjustly suspected There was
something true in both conjectures for although Edwards mind acquitted him of
the crime with which he was charged yet a hasty review of his own conduct
convinced him he might have great difficulty in establishing his innocence to
the satisfaction of others
»It is a very painful part of this painful business« said Major Melville
after a pause »that under so grave a charge I must necessarily request to see
such papers as you have on your person«
»You shall sir without reserve« said Edward throwing his pocketbook and
memorandums upon the table »there is but one with which I could wish you would
dispense«
»I am afraid Mr Waverley I can indulge you with no reservation«
»You shall see it then sir and as it can be of no service I beg it may be
returned«
He took from his bosom the lines he had that morning received and presented
them with the envelope The Major perused them in silence and directed his
clerk to make a copy of them He then wrapped the copy in the envelope and
placing it on the table before him returned the original to Waverley with an
air of melancholy gravity
After indulging the prisoner for such our hero must now be considered with
what he thought a reasonable time for reflection Major Melville resumed his
examination premising that as Mr Waverley seemed to object to general
questions his interrogatories should be as specific as his information
permitted He then proceeded in his investigation dictating as he went on the
import of the questions and answers to the amanuensis by whom it was written
down
»Did Mr Waverley know one Humphry Houghton a noncommissioned officer in
Gardiners dragoons«
»Certainly he was sergeant of my troop and son of a tenant of my uncle«
»Exactly and had a considerable share of your confidence and an influence
among his comrades«
»I had never occasion to repose confidence in a person of his description«
answered Waverley »I favoured Sergeant Houghton as a clever active young
fellow and I believe his fellowsoldiers respected him accordingly«
»But you used through this man« answered Major Melville »to communicate
with such of your troop as were recruited upon WaverleyHonour«
»Certainly the poor fellows finding themselves in a regiment chiefly
composed of Scotch or Irish looked up to me in any of their little distresses
and naturally made their countryman and sergeant their spokesman on such
occasions«
»Sergeant Houghtons influence« continued the Major »extended then
particularly over those soldiers who followed you to the regiment from your
uncles estate«
»Surely but what is that to the present purpose«
»To that I am just coming and I beseech your candid reply Have you since
leaving the regiment held any correspondence direct or indirect with this
Sergeant Houghton«
»I I hold correspondence with a man of his rank and situation How or
for what purpose«
»That you are to explain but did you not for example send to him for
some books«
»You remind me of a trifling commission« said Waverley »which I gave
Sergeant Houghton because my sergeant could not read I do recollect I bade him
by letter select some books of which I sent him a list and send them to me at
TullyVeolan«
»And of what description were those books«
»They related almost entirely to elegant literature they were designed for
a ladys perusal«
»Were there not Mr Waverley treasonable tracts and pamphlets among them«
»There were some political treatises into which I hardly looked They had
been sent to me by the officiousness of a kind friend whose heart is more to be
esteemed than his prudence or political sagacity they seemed to be dull
compositions«
»That friend« continued the persevering inquirer »was a Mr Pembroke a
nonjuring clergyman the author of two treasonable works of which the
manuscripts were found among your baggage«
»But of which I give you my honour as a gentleman« replied Waverley »I
never read six pages«
»I am not your judge Mr Waverley your examination will be transmitted
elsewhere And now to proceed Do you know a person that passes by the name of
Wily Will or Will Ruthven«
»I never heard of such a name till this moment«
»Did you never through such a person or any other person communicate with
Sergeant Humphry Houghton instigating him to desert with as many of his
comrades as he could seduce to join him and unite with the Highlanders and
other rebels now in arms under the command of the young Pretender«
»I assure you I am not only entirely guiltless of the plot you have laid to
my charge but I detest it from the very bottom of my soul nor would I be
guilty of such treachery to gain a throne either for myself or any other man
alive«
»Yet when I consider this envelope in the handwriting of one of those
misguided gentlemen who are now in arms against their country and the verses
which it enclosed I cannot but find some analogy between the enterprise I have
mentioned and the exploit of Wogan which the writer seems to expect you should
imitate«
Waverley was struck with the coincidence but denied that the wishes or
expectations of the letterwriter were to be regarded as proofs of a charge
otherwise chimerical
»But if I am rightly informed your time was spent during your absence
from the regiment between the house of this Highland Chieftain and that of Mr
Bradwardine of Bradwardine also in arms for this unfortunate cause«
»I do not mean to disguise it but I do deny most resolutely being privy
to any of their designs against the Government«
»You do not however I presume intend to deny that you attended your host
Glennaquoich to a rendezvous where under a pretence of a general
huntingmatch most of the accomplices of his treason were assembled to concert
measures for taking arms«
»I acknowledge having been at such a meeting« said Waverley »but I neither
heard nor saw anything which could give it the character you affix to it«
»From thence you proceeded« continued the magistrate »with Glennaquoich
and a part of his clan to join the army of the young Pretender and returned
after having paid your homage to him to discipline and arm the remainder and
unite them to his bands on their way southward«
»I never went with Glennaquoich on such an errand I never so much as heard
that the person whom you mention was in the country«
He then detailed the history of his misfortune at the huntingmatch and
added that on his return he found himself suddenly deprived of his commission
and did not deny that he then for the first time observed symptoms which
indicated a disposition in the Highlanders to take arms but added that having
no inclination to join their cause and no longer any reason for remaining in
Scotland he was now on his return to his native country to which he had been
summoned by those who had a right to direct his motions as Major Melville would
perceive from the letters on the table
Major Melville accordingly perused the letters of Richard Waverley of Sir
Everard and of Aunt Rachel but the inferences he drew from them were different
from what Waverley expected They held the language of discontent with
Government threw out no obscure hints of revenge and that of poor Aunt Rachel
which plainly asserted the justice of the Stuart cause was held to contain the
open avowal of what the others only ventured to insinuate
»Permit me another question Mr Waverley« said Major Melville »Did you
not receive repeated letters from your commandingofficer warning you and
commanding you to return to your post and acquainting you with the use made of
your name to spread discontent among your soldiers«
»I never did Major Melville One letter indeed I received from him
containing a civil intimation of his wish that I would employ my leave of
absence otherwise than in constant residence at Bradwardine as to which I own
I thought he was not called on to interfere and finally I received on the
same day on which I observed myself superseded in the Gazette a second letter
from Colonel Gardiner commanding me to join the regiment an order which
owing to my absence already mentioned and accounted for I received too late to
be obeyed If there were any intermediate letters and certainly from the
Colonels high character I think it probable that there were they have never
reached me«
»I have omitted Mr Waverley« continued Major Melville »to inquire after
a matter of less consequence but which has nevertheless been publicly talked
of to your disadvantage It is said that a treasonable toast having been
proposed in your hearing and presence you holding his Majestys commission
suffered the task of resenting it to devolve upon another gentleman of the
company This sir cannot be charged against you in a court of justice but if
as I am informed the officers of your regiment requested an explanation of such
a rumour as a gentleman and soldier I cannot but be surprised that you did not
afford it to them«
This was too much Beset and pressed on every hand by accusations in which
gross falsehoods were blended with such circumstances of truth as could not fail
to procure them credit alone unfriended and in a strange land Waverley
almost gave up his life and honour for lost and leaning his head upon his hand
resolutely refused to answer any further questions since the fair and candid
statement he had already made had only served to furnish arms against him
Without expressing either surprise or displeasure at the change in
Waverleys manner Major Melville proceeded composedly to put several other
queries to him »What does it avail me to answer you« said Edward sullenly
»You appear convinced of my guilt and wrest every reply I have made to support
your own preconceived opinion Enjoy your supposed triumph then and torment me
no further If I am capable of the cowardice and treachery your charge burdens
me with I am not worthy to be believed in any reply I can make to you If I am
not deserving of your suspicion and God and my own conscience bear evidence
with me that it is so then I do not see why I should by my candour lend my
accusers arms against my innocence There is no reason I should answer a word
more and I am determined to abide by this resolution« And again he resumed his
posture of sullen and determined silence
»Allow me« said the magistrate »to remind you of one reason that may
suggest the propriety of a candid and open confession The inexperience of
youth Mr Waverley lays it open to the plans of the more designing and artful
and one of your friends at least I mean MacIvor of Glennaquoich ranks high
in the latter class as from your apparent ingenuousness youth and
unacquaintance with the manners of the Highlands I should be disposed to place
you among the former In such a case a false step or error like yours which I
shall be happy to consider as involuntary may be atoned for and I would
willingly act as intercessor But as you must necessarily be acquainted with the
strength of the individuals in this country who have assumed arms with their
means and with their plans I must expect you will merit this mediation on my
part by a frank and candid avowal of all that has come to your knowledge upon
these heads In which case I think I can venture to promise that a very short
personal restraint will be the only ill consequence that can arise from your
accession to these unhappy intrigues«
Waverley listened with great composure until the end of this exhortation
when springing from his seat with an energy he had not yet displayed he
replied »Major Melville since that is your name I have hitherto answered your
questions with candour or declined them with temper because their import
concerned myself alone but as you presume to esteem me mean enough to commence
informer against others who received me whatever may be their public
misconduct as a guest and friend I declare to you that I consider your
questions as an insult infinitely more offensive than your calumnious
suspicions and that since my hard fortune permits me no other mode of
resenting them than by verbal defiance you should sooner have my heart out of
my bosom than a single syllable of information on subjects which I could only
become acquainted with in the full confidence of unsuspecting hospitality«
Mr Morton and the Major looked at each other and the former who in the
course of the examination had been repeatedly troubled with a sorry rheum had
recourse to his snuffbox and his handkerchief
»Mr Waverley« said the Major »my present situation prohibits me alike
from giving or receiving offence and I will not protract a discussion which
approaches to either I am afraid I must sign a warrant for detaining you in
custody but this house shall for the present be your prison I fear I cannot
persuade you to accept a share of our supper Edward shook his head but I
will order refreshments in your apartment«
Our hero bowed and withdrew under guard of the officers of justice to a
small but handsome room where declining all offers of food or wine he flung
himself on the bed and stupified by the harassing events and mental fatigue of
this miserable day he sunk into a deep and heavy slumber This was more than he
himself could have expected but it is mentioned of the North American Indians
when at the stake of torture that on the least intermission of agony they will
sleep until the fire is applied to awaken them
Chapter ThirtySecond
A Conference and the Consequence
Major Melville had detained Mr Morton during his examination of Waverley both
because he thought he might derive assistance from his practical good sense and
approved loyalty and also because it was agreeable to have a witness of
unimpeached candour and veracity to proceedings which touched the honour and
safety of a young Englishman of high rank and family and the expectant heir of
a large fortune Every step he knew would be rigorously canvassed and it was
his business to place the justice and integrity of his own conduct beyond the
limits of question
When Waverley retired the laird and clergyman of Cairnvreckan sat down in
silence to their evening meal While the servants were in attendance neither
chose to say anything on the circumstances which occupied their minds and
neither felt it easy to speak upon any other The youth and apparent frankness
of Waverley stood in strong contrast to the shades of suspicion which darkened
around him and he had a sort of naïveté and openness of demeanour that seemed
to belong to one unhackneyed in the ways of intrigue and which pleaded highly
in his favour
Each mused over the particulars of the examination and each viewed it
through the medium of his own feelings Both were men of ready and acute talent
and both were equally competent to combine various parts of evidence and to
deduce from them the necessary conclusions But the wide difference of their
habits and education often occasioned a great discrepancy in their respective
deductions from admitted premises
Major Melville had been versed in camps and cities he was vigilant by
profession and cautious from experience had met with much evil in the world
and therefore though himself an upright magistrate and an honourable man his
opinions of others were always strict and sometimes unjustly severe Mr
Morton on the contrary had passed from the literary pursuits of a college
where he was beloved by his companions and respected by his teachers to the
ease and simplicity of his present charge where his opportunities of witnessing
evil were few and never dwelt upon but in order to encourage repentance and
amendment and where the love and respect of his parishioners repaid his
affectionate zeal in their behalf by endeavouring to disguise from him what
they knew would give him the most acute pain namely their own occasional
transgressions of the duties which it was the business of his life to recommend
Thus it was a common saying in the neighbourhood though both were popular
characters that the laird knew only the ill in the parish and the minister
only the good
A love of letters though kept in subordination to his clerical studies and
duties also distinguished the pastor of Cairnvreckan and had tinged his mind
in earlier days with a slight feeling of romance which no after incidents of
real life had entirely dissipated The early loss of an amiable young woman
whom he had married for love and who was quickly followed to the grave by an
only child had also served even after the lapse of many years to soften a
disposition naturally mild and contemplative His feelings on the present
occasion were therefore likely to differ from those of the severe
disciplinarian strict magistrate and distrustful man of the world
When the servants had withdrawn the silence of both parties continued
until Major Melville filling his glass and pushing the bottle to Mr Morton
commenced
»A distressing affair this Mr Morton I fear this youngster has brought
himself within the compass of a halter«
»God forbid« answered the clergyman
»Marry and amen« said the temporal magistrate »but I think even your
merciful logic will hardly deny the conclusion«
»Surely Major« answered the clergyman »I should hope it might be averted
for aught we have heard tonight«
»Indeed« replied Melville »But my good parson you are one of those who
would communicate to every criminal the benefit of clergy«
»Unquestionably I would mercy and longsuffering are the grounds of the
doctrine I am called to teach«
»True religiously speaking but mercy to a criminal may be gross injustice
to the community I dont speak of this young fellow in particular who I
heartily wish may be able to clear himself for I like both his modesty and his
spirit But I fear he has rushed upon his fate«
»And why Hundreds of misguided gentlemen are now in arms against the
Government many doubtless upon principles which education and early prejudice
have gilded with the names of patriotism and heroism Justice when she
selects her victims from such a multitude for surely all will not be
destroyed must regard the moral motive He whom ambition or hope of personal
advantage has led to disturb the peace of a wellordered government let him
fall a victim to the laws but surely youth misled by the wild visions of
chivalry and imaginary loyalty may plead for pardon«
»If visionary chivalry and imaginary loyalty come within the predicament of
high treason« replied the magistrate »I know no court in Christendom my dear
Mr Morton where they can sue out their Habeas Corpus«
»But I cannot see that this youths guilt is at all established to my
satisfaction« said the clergyman
»Because your good nature blinds your good sense« replied Major Melville
»Observe now this young man descended of a family of hereditary Jacobites his
uncle the leader of the Tory interest in the county of his father a
disobliged and discontented courtier his tutor a nonjuror and the author of
two treasonable volumes this youth I say enters into Gardiners dragoons
bringing with him a body of young fellows from his uncles estate who have not
stickled at avowing in their way the high church principles they learned at
WaverleyHonour in their disputes with their comrades To these young men
Waverley is unusually attentive they are supplied with money beyond a soldiers
wants and inconsistent with his discipline and are under the management of a
favourite sergeant through whom they hold an unusually close communication with
their captain and affect to consider themselves as independent of the other
officers and superior to their comrades«
»All this my dear Major is the natural consequence of their attachment to
their young landlord and of their finding themselves in a regiment levied
chiefly in the north of Ireland and the west of Scotland and of course among
comrades disposed to quarrel with them both as Englishmen and as members of
the Church of England«
»Well said parson« replied the magistrate »I would some of your synod
heard you But let me go on This young man obtains leave of absence goes to
TullyVeolan the principles of the Baron of Bradwardine are pretty well known
not to mention that this lads uncle brought him off in the year fifteen he
engages there in a brawl in which he is said to have disgraced the commission
he bore Colonel Gardiner writes to him first mildly then more sharply I
think you will not doubt his having done so since he says so the mess invite
him to explain the quarrel in which he is said to have been involved he neither
replies to his commander nor his comrades In the meanwhile his soldiers become
mutinous and disorderly and at length when the rumour of this unhappy
rebellion becomes general his favourite Sergeant Houghton and another fellow
are detected in correspondence with a French emissary accredited as he says
by Captain Waverley who urges him according to the mens confession to desert
with the troop and join their captain who was with Prince Charles In the
meanwhile this trusty captain is by his own admission residing at Glennaquoich
with the most active subtle and desperate Jacobite in Scotland he goes with
him at least as far as their famous hunting rendezvous and I fear a little
farther Meanwhile two other summonses are sent him one warning him of the
disturbances in his troop another peremptorily ordering him to repair to the
regiment which indeed common sense might have dictated when he observed
rebellion thickening all round him He returns an absolute refusal and throws
up his commission«
»He had been already deprived of it« said Mr Morton
»But he regrets« replied Melville »that the measure had anticipated his
resignation His baggage is seized at his quarters and at TullyVeolan and is
found to contain a stock of pestilent jacobitical pamphlets enough to poison a
whole country besides the unprinted lucubrations of his worthy friend and tutor
Mr Pembroke«
»He says he never read them« answered the minister
»In an ordinary case I should believe him« replied the magistrate »for
they are as stupid and pedantic in composition as mischievous in their tenets
But can you suppose any thing but value for the principles they maintain would
induce a young man of his age to lug such trash about with him Then when news
arrive of the approach of the rebels he sets out in a sort of disguise
refusing to tell his name and if yon old fanatic tell truth attended by a very
suspicious character and mounted on a horse known to have belonged to
Glennaquoich and bearing on his person letters from his family expressing high
rancour against the house of Brunswick and a copy of verses in praise of one
Wogan who abjured the service of the Parliament to join the Highland
insurgents when in arms to restore the house of Stuart with a body of English
cavalry the very counterpart of his own plot and summed up with a Go thou
and do likewise from that loyal subject and most safe and peaceable character
Fergus MacIvor of Glennaquoich Vich Ian Vohr and so forth And lastly«
continued Major Melville warming in the detail of his arguments »where do we
find this second edition of Cavalier Wogan Why truly in the very track most
proper for execution of his design and pistoling the first of the kings
subjects who ventures to question his intentions«
Mr Morton prudently abstained from argument which he perceived would only
harden the magistrate in his opinion and merely asked how he intended to
dispose of the prisoner
»It is a question of some difficulty considering the state of the country«
said Major Melville
»Could you not detain him being such a gentlemanlike young man here in
your own house out of harms way till this storm blow over«
»My good friend« said Major Melville »neither your house nor mine will be
long out of harms way even were it legal to confine him here I have just
learned that the commanderinchief who marched into the Highlands to seek out
and disperse the insurgents has declined giving them battle at Corryerick and
marched on northward with all the disposable force of Government to Inverness
JohnoGroats House or the devil for what I know leaving the road to the
Low Country open and undefended to the Highland army«
»Good God« said the clergyman »Is the man a coward a traitor or an
idiot«
»None of the three I believe« answered Melville »Sir John has the
commonplace courage of a common soldier is honest enough does what he is
commanded and understands what is told him but is as fit to act for himself in
circumstances of importance as I my dear parson to occupy your pulpit«
This important public intelligence naturally diverted the discourse from
Waverley for some time at length however the subject was resumed
»I believe« said Major Melville »that I must give this young man in charge
to some of the detached parties of armed volunteers who were lately sent out to
overawe the disaffected districts They are now recalled towards Stirling and a
small body comes this way tomorrow or next day commanded by the westland man
whats his name You saw him and said he was the very model of one of
Cromwells military saints«
»Gilfillan the Cameronian« answered Mr Morton »I wish the young
gentleman may be safe with him Strange things are done in the heat and hurry of
minds in so agitating a crisis and I fear Gilfillan is of a sect which has
suffered persecution without learning mercy«
»He has only to lodge Mr Waverley in Stirling Castle« said the Major »I
will give strict injunctions to treat him well
I really cannot devise any better mode for securing him and I fancy you
would hardly advise me to encounter the responsibility of setting him at
liberty«
»But you will have no objection to my seeing him tomorrow in private« said
the minister
»None certainly your loyalty and character are my warrant But with what
view do you make the request«
»Simply« replied Mr Morton »to make the experiment whether he may not be
brought to communicate to me some circumstances which may hereafter be useful to
alleviate if not to exculpate his conduct«
The friends now parted and retired to rest each filled with the most
anxious reflections on the state of the country
Chapter ThirtyThird
A Confidant
Waverley awoke in the morning from troubled dreams and unrefreshing slumbers to
a full consciousness of the horrors of his situation How it might terminate he
knew not He might be delivered up to military law which in the midst of civil
war was not likely to be scrupulous in the choice of its victims or the quality
of the evidence Nor did he feel much more comfortable at the thoughts of a
trial before a Scottish court of justice where he knew the laws and forms
differed in many respects from those of England and had been taught to believe
however erroneously that the liberty and rights of the subject were less
carefully protected A sentiment of bitterness rose in his mind against the
Government which he considered as the cause of his embarrassment and peril and
he cursed internally his scrupulous rejection of MacIvors invitation to
accompany him to the field
»Why did not I« he said to himself »like other men of honour take the
earliest opportunity to welcome to Britain the descendant of her ancient kings
and lineal heir of her throne Why did not I
Unthread the rude eye of rebellion
And welcome home again discarded faith
Seek out Prince Charles and fall before his feet
All that has been recorded of excellence and worth in the house of Waverley has
been founded upon their loyal faith to the house of Stuart From the
interpretation which this Scotch magistrate has put upon the letters of my uncle
and father it is plain that I ought to have understood them as marshalling me
to the course of my ancestors and it has been my gross dulness joined to the
obscurity of expression which they adopted for the sake of security that has
confounded my judgment Had I yielded to the first generous impulse of
indignation when I learned that my honour was practised upon how different had
been my present situation I had then been free and in arms fighting like my
forefathers for love for loyalty and for fame And now I am here netted and
in the toils at the disposal of a suspicious stern and coldhearted man
perhaps to be turned over to the solitude of a dungeon or the infamy of a
public execution O Fergus how true has your prophecy proved and how speedy
how very speedy has been its accomplishment«
While Edward was ruminating on these painful subjects of contemplation and
very naturally though not quite so justly bestowing upon the reigning dynasty
that blame which was due to chance or in part at least to his own
unreflecting conduct Mr Morton availed himself of Major Melvilles permission
to pay him an early visit
Waverleys first impulse was to intimate a desire that he might not be
disturbed with questions or conversation but he suppressed it upon observing
the benevolent and reverend appearance of the clergyman who had rescued him from
the immediate violence of the villagers
»I believe sir« said the unfortunate young man »that in any other
circumstances I should have had as much gratitude to express to you as the
safety of my life may be worth but such is the present tumult of my mind and
such is my anticipation of what I am yet likely to endure that I can hardly
offer you thanks for your interposition«
Mr Morton replied »that far from making any claim upon his good opinion
his only wish and the sole purpose of his visit was to find out the means of
deserving it My excellent friend Major Melville« he continued »has feelings
and duties as a soldier and public functionary by which I am not fettered nor
can I always coincide in opinions which he forms perhaps with too little
allowance for the imperfections of human nature« He paused and then proceeded
»I do not intrude myself on your confidence Mr Waverley for the purpose of
learning any circumstances the knowledge of which can be prejudicial either to
yourself or to others but I own my earnest wish is that you would entrust me
with any particulars which could lead to your exculpation I can solemnly assure
you they will be deposited with a faithful and to the extent of his limited
powers a zealous agent«
»You are sir I presume a Presbyterian clergyman« Mr Morton bowed
»Were I to be guided by the prepossessions of education I might distrust your
friendly professions in my case but I have observed that similar prejudices are
nourished in this country against your professional brethren of the Episcopal
persuasion and I am willing to believe them equally unfounded in both cases«
»Evil to him that thinks otherwise« said Mr Morton »or who holds church
government and ceremonies as the exclusive gage of Christian faith or moral
virtue«
»But« continued Waverley »I cannot perceive why I should trouble you with
a detail of particulars out of which after revolving them as carefully as
possible in my recollection I find myself unable to explain much of what is
charged against me I know indeed that I am innocent but I hardly see how I
can hope to prove myself so«
»It is for that very reason Mr Waverley« said the clergyman »that I
venture to solicit your confidence My knowledge of individuals in this country
is pretty general and can upon occasion be extended Your situation will I
fear preclude your taking those active steps for recovering intelligence or
tracing imposture which I would willingly undertake in your behalf and if you
are not benefited by my exertions at least they cannot be prejudicial to you«
Waverley after a few minutes reflection was convinced that his reposing
confidence in Mr Morton so far as he himself was concerned could hurt neither
Mr Bradwardine nor Fergus MacIvor both of whom had openly assumed arms
against the Government and that it might possibly if the professions of his
new friend corresponded in sincerity with the earnestness of his expression be
of some service to himself He therefore ran briefly over most of the events
with which the reader is already acquainted suppressing his attachment to
Flora and indeed neither mentioning her nor Rose Bradwardine in the course of
his narrative
Mr Morton seemed particularly struck with the account of Waverleys visit
to Donald Bean Lean »I am glad« he said »you did not mention this
circumstance to the Major It is capable of great misconstruction on the part of
those who do not consider the power of curiosity and the influence of romance as
motives of youthful conduct When I was a young man like you Mr Waverley any
such hairbrained expedition I beg your pardon for the expression would have
had inexpressible charms for me But there are men in the world who will not
believe that danger and fatigue are often incurred without any very adequate
cause and therefore who are sometimes led to assign motives of action entirely
foreign to the truth This man Bean Lean is renowned through the country as a
sort of Robin Hood and the stories which are told of his address and enterprise
are the common tales of the winter fireside He certainly possesses talents
beyond the rude sphere in which he moves and being neither destitute of
ambition nor encumbered with scruples he will probably attempt by every means
to distinguish himself during the period of these unhappy commotions« Mr
Morton then made a careful memorandum of the various particulars of Waverleys
interview with Donald Bean Lean and the other circumstances which he had
communicated
The interest which this good man seemed to take in his misfortunes above
all the full confidence he appeared to repose in his innocence had the
natural effect of softening Edwards heart whom the coldness of Major Melville
had taught to believe that the world was leagued to oppress him He shook Mr
Morton warmly by the hand and assuring him that his kindness and sympathy had
relieved his mind of a heavy load told him that whatever might be his own
fate he belonged to a family who had both gratitude and the power of displaying
it
The earnestness of his thanks called drops to the eyes of the worthy
clergyman who was doubly interested in the cause for which he had volunteered
his services by observing the genuine and undissembled feelings of his young
friend
Edward now inquired if Mr Morton knew what was likely to be his
destination
»Stirling Castle« replied his friend »and so far I am well pleased for
your sake for the governor is a man of honour and humanity But I am more
doubtful of your treatment upon the road Major Melville is involuntarily
obliged to entrust the custody of your person to another«
»I am glad of it« answered Waverley »I detest that coldblooded calculating
Scotch magistrate I hope he and I shall never meet more he had neither
sympathy with my innocence nor my wretchedness and the petrifying accuracy with
which he attended to every form of civility while he tortured me by his
questions his suspicions and his inferences was as tormenting as the racks of
the Inquisition Do not vindicate him my dear sir for that I cannot bear with
patience tell me rather who is to have the charge of so important a state
prisoner as I am«
»I believe a person called Gilfillan one of the sect who are termed
Cameronians«
»I never heard of them before«
»They claim« said the clergyman »to represent the more strict and severe
Presbyterians who in Charles Seconds and James Seconds days refused to
profit by the Toleration or Indulgence as it was called which was extended to
others of that religion They held conventicles in the open fields and being
treated with great violence and cruelty by the Scottish government more than
once took arms during those reigns They take their name from their leader
Richard Cameron«
»I recollect« said Waverley »but did not the triumph of Presbytery at the
Revolution extinguish that sect«
»By no means« replied Morton »that great event fell yet far short of what
they proposed which was nothing less than the complete establishment of the
Presbyterian Church upon the grounds of the old Solemn League and Covenant
Indeed I believe they scarce knew what they wanted but being a numerous body
of men and not unacquainted with the use of arms they kept themselves together
as a separate party in the state and at the time of the Union had nearly formed
a most unnatural league with their old enemies the Jacobites to oppose that
important national measure Since that time their numbers have gradually
diminished but a good many are still to be found in the western counties and
several with a better temper than in 1707 have now taken arms for Government
This person whom they call Gifted Gilfillan has been long a leader among them
and now heads a small party which will pass here today or tomorrow on their
march towards Stirling under whose escort Major Melville proposes you shall
travel I would willingly speak to Gilfillan in your behalf but having deeply
imbibed all the prejudices of his sect and being of the same fierce
disposition he would pay little regard to the remonstrances of an Erastian
divine as he would politely term me And now farewell my young friend for
the present I must not weary out the Majors indulgence that I may obtain his
permission to visit you again in the course of the day«
Chapter ThirtyFourth
Things Mend a Little
About noon Mr Morton returned and brought an invitation from Major Melville
that Mr Waverley would honour him with his company to dinner notwithstanding
the unpleasant affair which detained him at Cairnvreckan from which he should
heartily rejoice to see Mr Waverley completely extricated The truth was that
Mr Mortons favourable report and opinion had somewhat staggered the
preconceptions of the old soldier concerning Edwards supposed accession to the
mutiny in the regiment and in the unfortunate state of the country the mere
suspicion of disaffection or an inclination to join the insurgent Jacobites
might infer criminality indeed but certainly not dishonour Besides a person
whom the Major trusted had reported to him though as it proved inaccurately
a contradiction of the agitating news of the preceding evening According to
this second edition of the intelligence the Highlanders had withdrawn from the
Lowland frontier with the purpose of following the army in their march to
Inverness The Major was at a loss indeed to reconcile his information with
the wellknown abilities of some of the gentlemen in the Highland army yet it
was the course which was likely to be most agreeable to others He remembered
the same policy had detained them in the north in the year 1715 and he
anticipated a similar termination to the insurrection as upon that occasion
This news put him in such good humour that he readily acquiesced in Mr
Mortons proposal to pay some hospitable attention to his unfortunate guest and
voluntarily added he hoped the whole affair would prove a youthful escapade
which might be easily atoned by a short confinement The kind mediator had some
trouble to prevail on his young friend to accept the invitation He dared not
urge to him the real motive which was a goodnatured wish to secure a
favourable report of Waverleys case from Major Melville to Governor Blakeney
He remarked from the flashes of our heros spirit that touching upon this
topic would be sure to defeat his purpose He therefore pleaded that the
invitation argued the Majors disbelief of any part of the accusation which was
inconsistent with Waverleys conduct as a soldier and a man of honour and that
to decline his courtesy might be interpreted into a consciousness that it was
unmerited In short he so far satisfied Edward that the manly and proper course
was to meet the Major on easy terms that suppressing his strong dislike again
to encounter his cold and punctilious civility Waverley agreed to be guided by
his new friend
The meeting at first was stiff and formal enough But Edward having
accepted the invitation and his mind being really soothed and relieved by the
kindness of Morton held himself bound to behave with ease though he could not
affect cordiality The Major was somewhat of a bon vivant and his wine was
excellent He told his own campaign stories and displayed much knowledge of men
and manners Mr Morton had an internal fund of placid and quiet gaiety which
seldom failed to enliven any small party in which he found himself pleasantly
seated Waverley whose life was a dream gave ready way to the predominating
impulse and became the most lively of the party He had at all times remarkable
natural powers of conversation though easily silenced by discouragement On the
present occasion he piqued himself upon leaving on the minds of his companions
a favourable impression of one who under such disastrous circumstances could
sustain his misfortunes with ease and gaiety His spirits though not
unyielding were abundantly elastic and soon seconded his efforts The trio
were engaged in very lively discourse apparently delighted with each other and
the kind host was pressing a third bottle of Burgundy when the sound of a drum
was heard at some distance The Major who in the glee of an old soldier had
forgot the duties of a magistrate cursed with a muttered military oath the
circumstances which recalled him to his official functions He rose and went
towards the window which commanded a very near view of the highroad and he
was followed by his guests
The drum advanced beating no measured martial tune but a kind of
rubadubdub like that with which the firedrum startles the slumbering
artizans of a Scotch burgh It is the object of this history to do justice to
all men I must therefore record in justice to the drummer that he protested
he could beat any known march or point of war known in the British army and had
accordingly commenced with »Dumbartons Drums« when he was silenced by Gifted
Gilfillan the commander of the party who refused to permit his followers to
move to this profane and even as he said persecuting tune and commanded the
drummer to beat the 119th Psalm As this was beyond the capacity of the drubber
of sheepskin he was fain to have recourse to the inoffensive rowdedow as a
harmless substitute for the sacred music which his instrument or skill were
unable to achieve This may be held a trifling anecdote but the drummer in
question was no less than towndrummer of Anderton I remember his successor in
office a member of that enlightened body the British Convention be his
memory therefore treated with due respect
Chapter ThirtyFifth
A Volunteer Sixty Years Since
On hearing the unwelcome sound of the drum Major Melville hastily opened a
sasheddoor and stepped out upon a sort of terrace which divided his house from
the highroad from which the martial music proceeded Waverley and his new
friend followed him though probably he would have dispensed with their
attendance They soon recognised in solemn march first the performer upon the
drum secondly a large flag of four compartments on which were inscribed the
words COVENANT KIRK KING KINGDOMS The person who was honoured with this
charge was followed by the commander of the party a thin dark rigidlooking
man about sixty years old The spiritual pride which in mine Host of the
Candlestick mantled in a sort of supercilious hypocrisy was in this mans face
elevated and yet darkened by genuine and undoubting fanaticism It was
impossible to behold him without imagination placing him in some strange crisis
where religious zeal was the ruling principle A martyr at the stake a soldier
in the field a lonely and banished wanderer consoled by the intensity and
supposed purity of his faith under every earthly privation perhaps a
persecuting inquisitor as terrific in power as unyielding in adversity any of
these seemed congenial characters to this personage With these high traits of
energy there was something in the affected precision and solemnity of his
deportment and discourse that bordered upon the ludicrous so that according to
the mood of the spectators mind and the light under which Mr Gilfillan
presented himself one might have feared admired or laughed at him His dress
was that of a westcountry peasant of better materials indeed than that of the
lower rank but in no respect affecting either the mode of the age or of the
Scottish gentry at any period His arms were a broadsword and pistols which
from the antiquity of their appearance might have seen the rout of Pentland or
Bothwell Brigg
As he came up a few steps to meet Major Melville and touched solemnly but
slightly his huge and overbrimmed blue bonnet in answer to the Major who had
courteously raised a small triangular goldlaced hat Waverley was irresistibly
impressed with the idea that he beheld a leader of the Roundheads of yore in
conference with one of Marlboroughs captains
The group of about thirty armed men who followed this gifted commander was
of a motley description They were in ordinary Lowland dresses of different
colours which contrasted with the arms they bore gave them an irregular and
mobbish appearance so much is the eye accustomed to connect uniformity of dress
with the military character In front were a few who apparently partook of their
leaders enthusiasm men obviously to be feared in a combat where their natural
courage was exalted by religious zeal Others puffed and strutted filled with
the importance of carrying arms and all the novelty of their situation while
the rest apparently fatigued with their march dragged their limbs listlessly
along or straggled from their companions to procure such refreshments as the
neighbouring cottages and alehouses afforded Six grenadiers of Ligoniers
thought the Major to himself as his mind reverted to his own military
experience would have sent all these fellows to the right about
Greeting however Mr Gilfillan civilly he requested to know if he had
received the letter he had sent to him upon his march and could undertake the
charge of the state prisoner whom he there mentioned as far as Stirling Castle
»Yea« was the concise reply of the Cameronian leader in a voice which seemed
to issue from the very penetralia of his person
»But your escort Mr Gilfillan is not so strong as I expected« said Major
Melville
»Some of the people« replied Gilfillan »hungered and were athirst by the
way and tarried until their poor souls were refreshed with the word«
»I am sorry sir« replied the Major »you did not trust to your refreshing
your men at Cairnvreckan whatever my house contains is at the command of
persons employed in the service«
»It was not of creature comforts I spake« answered the Covenanter
regarding Major Melville with something like a smile of contempt »howbeit I
thank you but the people remained waiting upon the precious Mr Jabesh
Rentowel for the outpouring of the afternoon exhortation«
»And have you sir« said the Major »when the rebels are about to spread
themselves through this country actually left a great part of your command at a
fieldpreaching«
Gilfillan again smiled scornfully as he made this indirect answer »Even
thus are the children of this world wiser in their generation than the children
of light«
»However sir« said the Major »as you are to take charge of this gentleman
to Stirling and deliver him with these papers into the hands of Governor
Blakeney I beseech you to observe some rules of military discipline upon your
march For example I would advise you to keep your men more closely together
and that each in his march should cover his file leader instead of straggling
like geese upon a common and for fear of surprise I further recommend to you
to form a small advanceparty of your best men with a single vidette in front
of the whole march so that when you approach a village or a wood« Here the
Major interrupted himself »But as I dont observe you listen to me Mr
Gilfillan I suppose I need not give myself the trouble to say more upon the
subject You are a better judge unquestionably than I am of the measures to
be pursued but one thing I would have you well aware of that you are to treat
this gentleman your prisoner with no rigour nor incivility and are to subject
him to no other restraint than is necessary for his security«
»I have looked into my commission« said Mr Gilfillan »subscribed by a
worthy and professing nobleman William Earl of Glencairn nor do I find it
therein set down that I am to receive any charges or commands anent my doings
from Major William Melville of Cairnvreckan«
Major Melville reddened even to the wellpowdered ears which appeared
beneath his neat military sidecurls the more so as he observed Mr Morton
smile at the same moment »Mr Gilfillan« he answered with some asperity »I
beg ten thousand pardons for interfering with a person of your importance I
thought however that as you have been bred a grazier if I mistake not there
might be occasion to remind you of the difference between Highlanders and
Highland cattle and if you should happen to meet with any gentleman who has
seen service and is disposed to speak upon the subject I should still imagine
that listening to him would do you no sort of harm But I have done and have
only once more to recommend this gentleman to your civility as well as to your
custody Mr Waverley I am truly sorry we should part in this way but I
trust when you are again in this country I may have an opportunity to render
Cairnvreckan more agreeable than circumstances have permitted on this occasion«
So saying he shook our hero by the hand Morton also took an affectionate
farewell and Waverley having mounted his horse with a musketeer leading it by
the bridle and a file upon each side to prevent his escape set forward upon
the march with Gilfillan and his party Through the little village they were
accompanied with the shouts of the children who cried out »Eh see to the
Southland gentleman thats gaun to be hanged for shooting lang John Mucklewrath
the smith«
Chapter ThirtySixth
An Incident
The dinnerhour of Scotland Sixty Years since was two oclock It was therefore
about four oclock of a delightful autumn afternoon that Mr Gilfillan commenced
his march in hopes although Stirling was eighteen miles distant he might be
able by becoming a borrower of the night for an hour or two to reach it that
evening He therefore put forth his strength and marched stoutly along at the
head of his followers eyeing our hero from time to time as if he longed to
enter into controversy with him At length unable to resist the temptation he
slackened his pace till he was alongside of his prisoners horse and after
marching a few steps in silence abreast of him he suddenly asked »Can ye say
wha the carle was wi the black coat and the mousted head that was wi the
Laird of Cairnvreckan«
»A Presbyterian clergyman« answered Waverley
»Presbyterian« answered Gilfillan contemptuously »a wretched Erastian or
rather an obscured Prelatist a favourer of the black Indulgence ane of thae
dumb dogs that canna bark they tell ower a clash o terror and a clatter o
comfort in their sermons without ony sense or savour or life Yeve been
fed in siccan a fauld belike«
»No I am of the Church of England« said Waverley
»And theyre just neighbourlike« replied the Covenanter »and nae wonder
they gree sae weel Wha wad hae thought the goodly structure of the Kirk of
Scotland built up by our fathers in 1642 wad hae been defaced by carnal ends
and the corruptions of the time ay wha wad hae thought the carved work of
the sanctuary would hae been sae soon cut down«
To this lamentation which one or two of the assistants chorussed with a
deep groan our hero thought it unnecessary to make any reply Whereupon Mr
Gilfillan resolving that he should be a hearer at least if not a disputant
proceeded in his Jeremiade
»And now is it wonderful when for lack of exercise anent the call to the
service of the altar and the duty of the day ministers fall into sinful
compliances with patronage and indemnities and oaths and bonds and other
corruptions is it wonderful I say that you sir and other siclike unhappy
persons should labour to build up your auld Babel of iniquity as in the bluidy
persecuting saintkilling times I trow gin ye werena blinded wi the graces
and favours and services and enjoyments and employments and inheritances of
this wicked world I could prove to you by the Scripture in what a filthy rag
ye put your trust and that your surplices and your copes and vestments are
but castoff garments of the muckle harlot that sitteth upon seven hills and
drinketh of the cup of abomination But I trow ye are deaf as adders upon that
side of the head ay ye are deceived with her enchantments and ye traffic with
her merchandise and ye are drunk with the cup of her fornication«
How much longer this military theologist might have continued his invective
in which he spared nobody but the scattered remnant of hillfolk as he called
them is absolutely uncertain His matter was copious his voice powerful and
his memory strong so that there was little chance of his ending his exhortation
till the party had reached Stirling had not his attention been attracted by a
pedlar who had joined the march from a crossroad and who sighed or groaned
with great regularity at all fitting pauses of his homily
»And what may ye be friend« said the Gifted Gilfillan
»A puir pedlar thats bound for Stirling and craves the protection of your
honours party in these kittle times Ah your honour has a notable faculty in
searching and explaining the secret ay the secret and obscure and
incomprehensible causes of the backslidings of the land ay your honour touches
the root o the matter«
»Friend« said Gilfillan with a more complacent voice than he had hitherto
used »honour not me I do not go out to parkdikes and to steadings and to
markettowns to have herds and cottars and burghers pull off their bonnets to
me as they do to Major Melville o Cairnvreckan and ca me laird or captain
or honour no my sma means whilk are not aboon twenty thousand merk have
had the blessing of increase but the pride of heart has not increased with
them nor do I delight to be called captain though I have the subscribed
commission of that gospelsearching nobleman the Earl of Glencairn in whilk I
am so designated While I live I am and will be called Habakkuk Gilfillan who
will stand up for the standards of doctrine agreed on by the ancefamous Kirk of
Scotland before she trafficked with the accursed Achan while he has a plack in
his purse or a drap o bluid in his body«
»Ah« said the pedlar »I have seen your land about Mauchlin a fertile
spot your lines have fallen in pleasant places and siccan a breed o cattle
is not in ony lairds land in Scotland«
»Ye say right ye say right friend« retorted Gilfillan eagerly for he
was not inaccessible to flattery upon this subject »ye say right they are
the real Lancashire and theres no the like o them even at the Mains of
Kilmaurs« and he then entered into a discussion of their excellences to which
our readers will probably be as indifferent as our hero After this excursion
the leader returned to his theological discussions while the pedlar less
profound upon those mystic points contented himself with groaning and
expressing his edification at suitable intervals
»What a blessing it would be to the puir blinded popish nations among whom I
hae sojourned to have siccan a light to their paths I hae been as far as
Muscovia in my sma trading way as a travelling merchant and I hae been
through France and the Low Countries and a Poland and maist feck o Germany
and O it would grieve your honours soul to see the murmuring and the singing
and massing thats in the kirk and the piping thats in the quire and the
heathenish dancing and dicing upon the Sabbath«
This set Gilfillan off upon the Book of Sports and the Covenant and the
Engagers and the Protesters and the Whiggamores Raid and the assembly of
Divines at Westminster and the Longer and Shorter Catechism and the
Excommunication at Torwood and the slaughter of Archbishop Sharp This last
topic again led him into the lawfulness of defensive arms on which subject he
uttered much more sense than could have been expected from some other parts of
his harangue and attracted even Waverleys attention who had hitherto been
lost in his own sad reflections Mr Gilfillan then considered the lawfulness of
a private mans standing forth as the avenger of public oppression and as he
was labouring with great earnestness the cause of Mas James Mitchell who fired
at the Archbishop of St Andrews some years before the prelates assassination
on Magus Muir an incident occurred which interrupted his harangue The rays of
the sun were lingering on the very verge of the horizon as the party ascended a
hollow and somewhat steep path which led to the summit of a rising ground The
country was unenclosed being part of a very extensive heath or common but it
was far from level exhibiting in many places hollows filled with furze and
broom in others little dingles of stunted brushwood A thicket of the latter
description crowned the hill up which the party ascended The foremost of the
band being the stoutest and most active had pushed on and having surmounted
the ascent were out of ken for the present Gilfillan with the pedlar and a
small party who were Waverleys more immediate guard were near the top of the
ascent and the remainder straggled after them at a considerable interval
Such was the situation of matters when the pedlar missing as he said a
little doggie which belonged to him began to halt and whistle for the animal
This signal repeated more than once gave offence to the rigour of his
companion the rather because it appeared to indicate inattention to the
treasures of theological and controversial knowledge which was pouring out for
his edification He therefore signified gruffly that he could not waste his
time in waiting for a useless cur
»But if your honour would consider the case of Tobit«
»Tobit« exclaimed Gilfillan with great heat »Tobit and his dog baith are
altogether heathenish and apocryphal and none but a prelatist or a papist would
draw them into question I doubt I hae been mistaen in you friend«
»Very likely« answered the pedlar with great composure »but neertheless
I shall take leave to whistle again upon puir Bawty«
This last signal was answered in an unexpected manner for six or eight
stout Highlanders who lurked among the copse and brushwood sprung into the
hollow way and began to lay about them with their claymores Gilfillan
unappalled at this undesirable apparition cried out manfully »The sword of the
Lord and of Gideon« and drawing his broadsword would probably have done as
much credit to the good old cause as any of its doughty champions at Drumclog
when behold the pedlar snatching a musket from the person who was next him
bestowed the butt of it with such emphasis on the head of his late instructor in
the Cameronian creed that he was forthwith levelled to the ground In the
confusion which ensued the horse which bore our hero was shot by one of
Gilfillans party as he discharged his firelock at random Waverley fell with
and indeed under the animal and sustained some severe contusions But he was
almost instantly extricated from the fallen steed by two Highlanders who each
seizing him by the arm hurried him away from the scuffle and from the
highroad They ran with great speed half supporting and half dragging our
hero who could however distinguish a few dropping shots fired about the spot
which he had left This as he afterwards learned proceeded from Gilfillans
party who had now assembled the stragglers in front and rear having joined the
others At their approach the Highlanders drew off but not before they had
rifled Gilfillan and two of his people who remained on the spot grievously
wounded A few shots were exchanged betwixt them and the Westlanders but the
latter now without a commander and apprehensive of a second ambush did not
make any serious effort to recover their prisoner judging it more wise to
proceed on their journey to Stirling carrying with them their wounded captain
and comrades
Chapter ThirtySeventh
Waverley is Still in Distress
The velocity and indeed violence with which Waverley was hurried along nearly
deprived him of sensation for the injury he had received from his fall
prevented him from aiding himself so effectually as he might otherwise have
done When this was observed by his conductors they called to their aid two or
three others of the party and swathing our heros body in one of their plaids
divided his weight by that means among them and transported him at the same
rapid rate as before without any exertion of his own They spoke little and
that in Gaelic and did not slacken their pace till they had run nearly two
miles when they abated their extreme rapidity but continued still to walk very
fast relieving each other occasionally
Our hero now endeavoured to address them but was only answered with »Cha
neil Beurl agam« ie »I have no English« being as Waverley well knew the
constant reply of a Highlander when he either does not understand or does not
choose to reply to an Englishman or Lowlander He then mentioned the name of
Vich Ian Vohr concluding that he was indebted to his friendship for his rescue
from the clutches of Gifted Gilfillan but neither did this produce any mark of
recognition from his escort
The twilight had given place to moonshine when the party halted upon the
brink of a precipitous glen which as partly enlightened by the moonbeams
seemed full of trees and tangled brushwood Two of the Highlanders dived into it
by a small footpath as if to explore its recesses and one of them returning
in a few minutes said something to his companions who instantly raised their
burden and bore him with great attention and care down the narrow and abrupt
descent Notwithstanding their precautions however Waverleys person came more
than once into contact rudely enough with the projecting stumps and branches
which overhung the pathway
At the bottom of the descent and as it seemed by the side of a brook for
Waverley heard the rushing of a considerable body of water although its stream
was invisible in the darkness the party again stopped before a small and
rudely constructed hovel The door was open and the inside of the premises
appeared as uncomfortable and rude as its situation and exterior foreboded
There was no appearance of a floor of any kind the roof seemed rent in several
places the walls were composed of loose stones and turf and the thatch of
branches of trees The fire was in the centre and filled the whole wigwam with
smoke which escaped as much through the door as by means of a circular aperture
in the roof An old Highland sibyl the only inhabitant of this forlorn mansion
appeared busy in the preparation of some food By the light which the fire
afforded Waverley could discover that his attendants were not of the clan of
Ivor for Fergus was particularly strict in requiring from his followers that
they should wear the tartan striped in the mode peculiar to their race a mark
of distinction anciently general through the Highlands and still maintained by
those Chiefs who were proud of their lineage or jealous of their separate and
exclusive authority
Edward had lived at Glennaquoich long enough to be aware of a distinction
which he had repeatedly heard noticed and now satisfied that he had no interest
with his attendants he glanced a disconsolate eye around the interior of the
cabin The only furniture excepting a washingtub and a wooden press called
in Scotland an ambry sorely decayed was a large wooden bed planked as is
usual all around and opening by a sliding panel In this recess the
Highlanders deposited Waverley after he had by signs declined any refreshment
His slumbers were broken and unrefreshing strange visions passed before his
eyes and it required constant and reiterated efforts of mind to dispel them
Shivering violent headache and shooting pains in his limbs succeeded these
symptoms and in the morning it was evident to his Highland attendants or guard
for he knew not in which light to consider them that Waverley was quite unfit
to travel
After a long consultation among themselves six of the party left the hut
with their arms leaving behind an old and a young man The former addressed
Waverley and bathed the contusions which swelling and livid colour now made
conspicuous His own portmanteau which the Highlanders had not failed to bring
off supplied him with linen and to his great surprise was with all its
undiminished contents freely resigned to his use The bedding of his couch
seemed clean and comfortable and his aged attendant closed the door of the bed
for it had no curtain after a few words of Gaelic from which Waverley gathered
that he exhorted him to repose So behold our hero for a second time the patient
of a Highland Æsculapius but in a situation much more uncomfortable than when
he was the guest of the worthy Tomanrait
The symptomatic fever which accompanied the injuries he had sustained did
not abate till the third day when it gave way to the care of his attendants and
the strength of his constitution and he could now raise himself in his bed
though not without pain He observed however that there was a great
disinclination on the part of the old woman who acted as his nurse as well as
on that of the elderly Highlander to permit the door of the bed to be left
open so that he might amuse himself with observing their motions and at
length after Waverley had repeatedly drawn open and they had as frequently
shut the hatchway of his cage the old gentleman put an end to the contest by
securing it on the outside with a nail so effectually that the door could not
be drawn till this exterior impediment was removed
While musing upon the cause of this contradictory spirit in persons whose
conduct intimated no purpose of plunder and who in all other points appeared
to consult his welfare and his wishes it occurred to our hero that during the
worst crisis of his illness a female figure younger than his old Highland
nurse had appeared to flit around his couch Of this indeed he had but a very
indistinct recollection but his suspicions were confirmed when attentively
listening he often heard in the course of the day the voice of another female
conversing in whispers with his attendant Who could it be And why should she
apparently desire concealment Fancy immediately aroused herself and turned to
Flora MacIvor But after a short conflict between his eager desire to believe
she was in his neighbourhood guarding like an angel of mercy the couch of his
sickness Waverley was compelled to conclude that his conjecture was altogether
improbable since to suppose she had left the comparatively safe situation at
Glennaquoich to descend into the Low Country now the seat of civil war and to
inhabit such a lurkingplace as this was a thing hardly to be imagined Yet his
heart bounded as he sometimes could distinctly hear the trip of a light female
step glide to or from the door of the hut or the suppressed sounds of a female
voice of softness and delicacy hold dialogue with the hoarse inward croak of
old Janet for so he understood his antiquated attendant was denominated
Having nothing else to amuse his solitude he employed himself in contriving
some plan to gratify his curiosity in spite of the sedulous caution of Janet
and the old Highland janizary for he had never seen the young fellow since the
first morning At length upon accurate examination the infirm state of his
wooden prisonhouse appeared to supply the means of gratifying his curiosity
for out of a spot which was somewhat decayed he was able to extract a nail
Through this minute aperture he could perceive a female form wrapped in a
plaid in the act of conversing with Janet But since the days of our
grandmother Eve the gratification of inordinate curiosity has generally borne
its penalty in disappointment The form was not that of Flora nor was the face
visible and to crown his vexation while he laboured with the nail to enlarge
the hole that he might obtain a more complete view a slight noise betrayed his
purpose and the object of his curiosity instantly disappeared nor so far as
he could observe did she again revisit the cottage
All precautions to blockade his view were from that time abandoned and he
was not only permitted but assisted to rise and quit what had been in a
literal sense his couch of confinement But he was not allowed to leave the
hut for the young Highlander had now rejoined his senior and one or other was
constantly on the watch Whenever Waverley approached the cottage door the
sentinel upon duty civilly but resolutely placed himself against it and
opposed his exit accompanying his action with signs which seemed to imply there
was danger in the attempt and an enemy in the neighbourhood Old Janet appeared
anxious and upon the watch and Waverley who had not yet recovered strength
enough to attempt to take his departure in spite of the opposition of his hosts
was under the necessity of remaining patient His fare was in every point of
view better than he could have conceived for poultry and even wine were no
strangers to his table The Highlanders never presumed to eat with him and
unless in the circumstance of watching him treated him with great respect His
sole amusement was gazing from the window or rather the shapeless aperture
which was meant to answer the purpose of a window upon a large and rough brook
which raged and foamed through a rocky channel closely canopied with trees and
bushes about ten feet beneath the site of his house of captivity
Upon the sixth day of his confinement Waverley found himself so well that
he began to meditate his escape from this dull and miserable prisonhouse
thinking any risk which he might incur in the attempt preferable to the
stupifying and intolerable uniformity of Janets retirement The question indeed
occurred whither he was to direct his course when again at his own disposal
Two schemes seemed practicable yet both attended with danger and difficulty
One was to go back to Glennaquoich and join Fergus MacIvor by whom he was
sure to be kindly received and in the present state of his mind the rigour
with which he had been treated fully absolved him in his own eyes from his
allegiance to the existing government The other project was to endeavour to
attain a Scottish seaport and thence to take shipping for England His mind
wavered between these plans and probably if he had effected his escape in the
manner he proposed he would have been finally determined by the comparative
facility by which either might have been executed But his fortune had settled
that he was not to be left to his option
Upon the evening of the seventh day the door of the hut suddenly opened and
two Highlanders entered whom Waverley recognised as having been a part of his
original escort to this cottage They conversed for a short time with the old
man and his companion and then made Waverley understand by very significant
signs that he was to prepare to accompany them This was a joyful
communication What had already passed during his confinement made it evident
that no personal injury was designed to him and his romantic spirit having
recovered during his repose much of that elasticity which anxiety resentment
disappointment and the mixture of unpleasant feelings excited by his late
adventures had for a time subjugated was now wearied with inaction His
passion for the wonderful although it is the nature of such dispositions to be
excited by that degree of danger which merely gives dignity to the feeling of
the individual exposed to it had sunk under the extraordinary and apparently
insurmountable evils by which he appeared environed at Cairnvreckan In fact
this compound of intense curiosity and exalted imagination forms a peculiar
species of courage which somewhat resembles the light usually carried by a
miner sufficiently competent indeed to afford him guidance and comfort
during the ordinary perils of his labour but certain to be extinguished should
he encounter the more formidable hazard of earthdamps or pestiferous vapours
It was now however once more rekindled and with a throbbing mixture of hope
awe and anxiety Waverley watched the group before him as those who had just
arrived snatched a hasty meal and the others assumed their arms and made brief
preparations for their departure
As he sat in the smoky hut at some distance from the fire around which the
others were crowded he felt a gentle pressure upon his arm He looked round
it was Alice the daughter of Donald Bean Lean She showed him a packet of
papers in such a manner that the motion was remarked by no one else put her
finger for a second to her lips and passed on as if to assist old Janet in
packing Waverleys clothes in his portmanteau It was obviously her wish that he
should not seem to recognise her yet she repeatedly looked back at him as an
opportunity occurred of doing so unobserved and when she saw that he remarked
what she did she folded the packet with great address and speed in one of his
shirts which she deposited in the portmanteau
Here then was fresh food for conjecture Was Alice his unknown warden and
was this maiden of the cavern the tutelar genius that watched his bed during his
sickness Was he in the hands of her father and if so what was his purpose
Spoil his usual object seemed in this case neglected for not only was
Waverleys property restored but his purse which might have tempted this
professional plunderer had been all along suffered to remain in his possession
All this perhaps the packet might explain but it was plain from Alices manner
that she desired he should consult it in secret Nor did she again seek his eye
after she had satisfied herself that her manoeuvre was observed and understood
On the contrary she shortly afterwards left the hut and it was only as she
tript out from the door that favoured by the obscurity she gave Waverley a
parting smile and nod of significance ere she vanished in the dark glen
The young Highlander was repeatedly despatched by his comrades as if to
collect intelligence At length when he had returned for the third or fourth
time the whole party arose and made signs to our hero to accompany them
Before his departure however he shook hands with old Janet who had been so
sedulous in his behalf and added substantial marks of his gratitude for her
attendance
»God bless you God prosper you Captain Waverley« said Janet in good
Lowland Scotch though he had never hitherto heard her utter a syllable save in
Gaelic But the impatience of his attendants prohibited his asking any
explanation
Chapter ThirtyEighth
A Nocturnal Adventure
There was a moments pause when the whole party had got out of the hut and the
Highlander who assumed the command and who in Waverleys awakened
recollection seemed to be the same tall figure who had acted as Donald Bean
Leans lieutenant by whispers and signs imposed the strictest silence He
delivered to Edward a sword and steel pistol and pointing up the tract laid
his hand on the hilt of his own claymore as if to make him sensible they might
have occasion to use force to make good their passage He then placed himself at
the head of the party who moved up the pathway in single or Indian file
Waverley being placed nearest to their leader He moved with great precaution
as if to avoid giving any alarm and halted as soon as he came to the verge of
the ascent Waverley was soon sensible of the reason for he heard at no great
distance an English sentinel call out »Alls well« The heavy sound sunk on the
nightwind down the woody glen and was answered by the echoes of its banks A
second third and fourth time the signal was repeated fainter and fainter as
if at a greater and greater distance It was obvious that a party of soldiers
were near and upon their guard though not sufficiently so to detect men
skilful in every art of predatory warfare like those with whom he now watched
their ineffectual precautions
When these sounds had died upon the silence of the night the Highlanders
began their march swiftly yet with the most cautious silence Waverley had
little time or indeed disposition for observation and could only discern that
they passed at some distance from a large building in the windows of which a
light or two yet seemed to twinkle A little farther on the leading Highlander
snuffed the wind like a setting spaniel and then made a signal to his party
again to halt He stooped down upon allfours wrapped up in his plaid so as to
be scarce distinguishable from the heathy ground on which he moved and advanced
in this posture to reconnoitre In a short time he returned and dismissed his
attendants excepting one and intimating to Waverley that he must imitate his
cautious mode of proceeding all three crept forward on hands and knees
After proceeding a greater way in this inconvenient manner than was at all
comfortable to his knees and shins Waverley perceived the smell of smoke which
probably had been much sooner distinguished by the more acute nasal organs of
his guide It proceeded from the corner of a low and ruinous sheepfold the
walls of which were made of loose stones as is usual in Scotland Close by this
low wall the Highlander guided Waverley and in order probably to make him
sensible of his danger or perhaps to obtain the full credit of his own
dexterity he intimated to him by sign and example that he might raise his
head so as to peep into the sheepfold Waverley did so and beheld an outpost
of four or five soldiers lying by their watchfire They were all asleep except
the sentinel who paced backwards and forwards with his firelock on his
shoulder which glanced red in the light of the fire as he crossed and recrossed
before it in his short walk casting his eye frequently to that part of the
heavens from which the moon hitherto obscured by mist seemed now about to make
her appearance
In the course of a minute or two by one of those sudden changes of
atmosphere incident to a mountainous country a breeze arose and swept before
it the clouds which had covered the horizon and the night planet poured her
full effulgence upon a wide and blighted heath skirted indeed with copsewood
and stunted trees in the quarter from which they had come but open and bare to
the observation of the sentinel in that to which their course tended The wall
of the sheepfold indeed concealed them as they lay but any advance beyond
its shelter seemed impossible without certain discovery
The Highlander eyed the blue vault but far from blessing the useful light
with Homers or rather Popes benighted peasant he muttered a Gaelic curse upon
the unseasonable splendour of MacFarlanes buat ie lantern68 He looked
anxiously around for a few minutes and then apparently took his resolution
Leaving his attendant with Waverley after motioning to Edward to remain quiet
and giving his comrade directions in a brief whisper he retreated favoured by
the irregularity of the ground in the same direction and in the same manner as
they had advanced Edward turning his head after him could perceive him
crawling on allfours with the dexterity of an Indian availing himself of every
bush and inequality to escape observation and never passing over the more
exposed parts of his track until the sentinels back was turned from him At
length he reached the thickets and underwood which partly covered the moor in
that direction and probably extended to the verge of the glen where Waverley
had been so long an inhabitant The Highlander disappeared but it was only for
a few minutes for he suddenly issued forth from a different part of the
thicket and advancing boldly upon the open heath as if to invite discovery he
levelled his piece and fired at the sentinel A wound in the arm proved a
disagreeable interruption to the poor fellows meteorological observations as
well as to the tune of Nancy Dawson which he was whistling He returned the
fire ineffectually and his comrades starting up at the alarm advanced alertly
towards the spot from which the first shot had issued The Highlander after
giving them a full view of his person dived among the thickets for his ruse de
guerre had now perfectly succeeded
While the soldiers pursued the cause of their disturbance in one direction
Waverley adopting the hint of his remaining attendant made the best of his
speed in that which his guide originally intended to pursue and which now the
attention of the soldiers being drawn to a different quarter was unobserved and
unguarded When they had run about a quarter of a mile the brow of a rising
ground which they had surmounted concealed them from further risk of
observation They still heard however at a distance the shouts of the
soldiers as they hallooed to each other upon the heath and they could also hear
the distant roll of a drum beating to arms in the same direction But these
hostile sounds were now far in their rear and died away upon the breeze as they
rapidly proceeded
When they had walked about halfanhour still along open and waste ground
of the same description they came to the stump of an ancient oak which from
its relics appeared to have been at one time a tree of very large size In an
adjacent hollow they found several Highlanders with a horse or two They had
not joined them above a few minutes which Waverleys attendant employed in all
probability in communicating the cause of their delay for the words »Duncan
Duroch« were often repeated when Duncan himself appeared out of breath
indeed and with all the symptoms of having run for his life but laughing and
in high spirits at the success of the stratagem by which he had baffled his
pursuers This indeed Waverley could easily conceive might be a matter of no
great difficulty to the active mountaineer who was perfectly acquainted with
the ground and traced his course with a firmness and confidence to which his
pursuers must have been strangers The alarm which he excited seemed still to
continue for a dropping shot or two were heard at a great distance which
seemed to serve as an addition to the mirth of Duncan and his comrades
The mountaineer now resumed the arms with which he had entrusted our hero
giving him to understand that the dangers of the journey were happily
surmounted Waverley was then mounted upon one of the horses a change which the
fatigue of the night and his recent illness rendered exceedingly acceptable His
portmanteau was placed on another pony Duncan mounted a third and they set
forward at a round pace accompanied by their escort No other incident marked
the course of that nights journey and at the dawn of morning they attained the
banks of a rapid river The country around was at once fertile and romantic
Steep banks of wood were broken by corn fields which this year presented an
abundant harvest already in a great measure cut down
On the opposite bank of the river and partly surrounded by a winding of its
stream stood a large and massive castle the halfruined turrets of which were
already glittering in the first rays of the sun69 It was in form an oblong
square of size sufficient to contain a large court in the centre The towers at
each angle of the square rose higher than the walls of the building and were in
their turn surmounted by turrets differing in height and irregular in shape
Upon one of these a sentinel watched whose bonnet and plaid streaming in the
wind declared him to be a Highlander as a broad white ensign which floated
from another tower announced that the garrison was held by the insurgent
adherents of the House of Stuart
Passing hastily through a small and mean town where their appearance
excited neither surprise nor curiosity in the few peasants whom the labours of
the harvest began to summon from their repose the party crossed an ancient and
narrow bridge of several arches and turning to the left up an avenue of huge
old sycamores Waverley found himself in front of the gloomy yet picturesque
structure which he had admired at a distance A huge irongrated door which
formed the exterior defence of the gateway was already thrown back to receive
them and a second heavily constructed of oak and studded thickly with iron
nails being next opened admitted them into the interior courtyard A
gentleman dressed in the Highland garb and having a white cockade in his
bonnet assisted Waverley to dismount from his horse and with much courtesy bid
him welcome to the castle
The governor for so we must term him having conducted Waverley to a
halfruinous apartment where however there was a small campbed and having
offered him any refreshment which he desired was then about to leave him
»Will you not add to your civilities« said Waverley after having made the
usual acknowledgment »by having the kindness to inform me where I am and
whether or not I am to consider myself as a prisoner«
»I am not at liberty to be so explicit upon this subject as I could wish
Briefly however you are in the Castle of Doune in the district of Menteith
and in no danger whatever«
»And how am I assured of that«
»By the honour of Donald Stewart governor of the garrison and
lieutenantcolonel in the service of his Royal Highness Prince Charles Edward«
So saying he hastily left the apartment as if to avoid further discussion
Exhausted by the fatigues of the night our hero now threw himself upon the
bed and was in a few minutes fast asleep
Chapter ThirtyNinth
The Journey is Continued
Before Waverley awakened from his repose the day was far advanced and he began
to feel that he had passed many hours without food This was soon supplied in
form of a copious breakfast but Colonel Stewart as if wishing to avoid the
queries of his guest did not again present himself His compliments were
however delivered by a servant with an offer to provide any thing in his power
that could be useful to Captain Waverley on his journey which he intimated
would be continued that evening To Waverleys further inquiries the servant
opposed the impenetrable barrier of real or affected ignorance and stupidity He
removed the table and provisions and Waverley was again consigned to his own
meditations
As he contemplated the strangeness of his fortune which seemed to delight
in placing him at the disposal of others without the power of directing his own
motions Edwards eye suddenly rested upon his portmanteau which had been
deposited in his apartment during his sleep The mysterious appearance of Alice
in the cottage of the glen immediately rushed upon his mind and he was about to
secure and examine the packet which she had deposited among his clothes when
the servant of Colonel Stewart again made his appearance and took up the
portmanteau upon his shoulders
»May I not take out a change of linen my friend«
»Your honour sall get ane o the Colonels ain ruffled sarks but this maun
gang in the baggagecart«
And so saying he very coolly carried off the portmanteau without waiting
further remonstrance leaving our hero in a state where disappointment and
indignation struggled for the mastery In a few minutes he heard a cart rumble
out of the rugged courtyard and made no doubt that he was now dispossessed
for a space at least if not for ever of the only documents which seemed to
promise some light upon the dubious events which had of late influenced his
destiny With such melancholy thoughts he had to beguile about four or five
hours of solitude
When this space was elapsed the trampling of horse was heard in the
courtyard and Colonel Stewart soon after made his appearance to request his
guest to take some further refreshment before his departure The offer was
accepted for a late breakfast had by no means left our hero incapable of doing
honour to dinner which was now presented The conversation of his host was that
of a plain country gentleman mixed with some soldierlike sentiments and
expressions He cautiously avoided any reference to the military operations or
civil politics of the time and to Waverleys direct inquiries concerning some
of these points replied that he was not at liberty to speak upon such topics
When dinner was finished the governor arose and wishing Edward a good
journey said that having been informed by Waverleys servant that his baggage
had been sent forward he had taken the freedom to supply him with such changes
of linen as he might find necessary till he was again possessed of his own
With this compliment he disappeared A servant acquainted Waverley an instant
afterwards that his horse was ready
Upon this hint he descended into the courtyard and found a trooper holding
a saddled horse on which he mounted and sallied from the portal of Doune
Castle attended by about a score of armed men on horseback These had less the
appearance of regular soldiers than of individuals who had suddenly assumed arms
from some pressing motive of unexpected emergency Their uniform which was blue
and red an affected imitation of that of French chasseurs was in many respects
incomplete and sate awkwardly upon those who wore it Waverleys eye
accustomed to look at a welldisciplined regiment could easily discover that
the motions and habits of his escort were not those of trained soldiers and
that although expert enough in the management of their horses their skill was
that of huntsmen or grooms rather than of troopers The horses were not trained
to the regular pace so necessary to execute simultaneous and combined movements
and formations nor did they seem bitted as it is technically expressed for
the use of the sword The men however were stout hardylooking fellows and
might be individually formidable as irregular cavalry The commander of this
small party was mounted upon an excellent hunter and although dressed in
uniform his change of apparel did not prevent Waverley from recognising his old
acquaintance Mr Falconer of Balmawhapple
Now although the terms upon which Edward had parted with this gentleman
were none of the most friendly he would have sacrificed every recollection of
their foolish quarrel for the pleasure of enjoying once more the social
intercourse of question and answer from which he had been so long secluded But
apparently the remembrance of his defeat by the Baron of Bradwardine of which
Edward had been the unwilling cause still rankled in the mind of the lowbred
and yet proud laird He carefully avoided giving the least sign of recognition
riding doggedly at the head of his men who though scarce equal in numbers to a
sergeants party were denominated Captain Falconers troop being preceded by a
trumpet which sounded from time to time and a standard borne by Cornet
Falconer the lairds younger brother The lieutenant an elderly man had much
the air of a low sportsman and boon companion an expression of dry humour
predominated in his countenance over features of a vulgar cast which indicated
habitual intemperance His cocked hat was set knowingly upon one side of his
head and while he whistled the »Bob of Dumblain« under the influence of
halfamutchkin of brandy he seemed to trot merrily forward with a happy
indifference to the state of the country the conduct of the party the end of
the journey and all other sublunary matters whatever
From this wight who now and then dropped alongside of his horse Waverley
hoped to acquire some information or at least to beguile the way with talk
»A fine evening sir« was Edwards salutation
»Ow ay sir a bra night« replied the lieutenant in broad Scotch of the
most vulgar description
»And a fine harvest apparently« continued Waverley following up his first
attack
»Ay the aits will be got bravely in but the farmers deil burst them and
the cornmongers will make the auld price gude against them as has horses till
keep«
»You perhaps act as quartermaster sir«
»Ay quartermaster ridingmaster and lieutenant« answered this officer
of all work »And to be sure whas fitter to look after the breaking and the
keeping of the poor beasts than mysell that bought and sold every ane o them«
»And pray sir if it be not too great a freedom may I beg to know where we
are going just now«
»A fules errand I fear« answered this communicative personage
»In that case« said Waverley determined not to spare civility »I should
have thought a person of your appearance would not have been found on the road«
»Vera true vera true sir« replied the officer »but every why has its
wherefore Ye maun ken the laird there bought a thir beasts frae me to munt
his troop and agreed to pay for them according to the necessities and prices of
the time But then he hadna the ready penny and I hae been advised his bond
will not be worth a boddle against the estate and then I had a my dealers to
settle wi at Martinmas and so as he very kindly offered me this commission
and as the auld Fifteen70 wad never help me to my siller for sending out naigs
against the Government why conscience sir I thought my best chance for
payment was een to gae out71 mysell and ye may judge sir as I hae dealt a
my life in halters I think na mickle o putting my craig in peril of a St
Johnstones tippet«
»You are not then by profession a soldier« said Waverley
»Na na thank God« answered this doughty partisan »I wasna bred at sae
short a tether I was brought up to hack and manger I was bred a horsecouper
sir and if I might live to see you at Whitsontryst or at Stagshawbank or the
winter fair at Hawick and ye wanted a spanker that would lead the field Ise
be caution I would serve ye easy for Jamie Jinker was neer the lad to impose
upon a gentleman Yere a gentleman sir and should ken a horses points ye
see that throughganging thing that Balmawhapples on I selled her till him
She was bred out of LicktheLadle that wan the kings plate at CavertonEdge
by Duke Hamiltons Whitefoot« etc etc etc
But as Jinker was entered full sail upon the pedigree of Balmawhapples
mare having already got as far as greatgrandsire and greatgranddam and
while Waverley was watching for an opportunity to obtain from him intelligence
of more interest the noble captain checked his horse until they came up and
then without directly appearing to notice Edward said sternly to the
genealogist »I thought lieutenant my orders were preceese that no one should
speak to the prisoner«
The metamorphosed horsedealer was silenced of course and slunk to the
rear where he consoled himself by entering into a vehement dispute upon the
price of hay with a farmer who had reluctantly followed his laird to the field
rather than give up his farm whereof the lease had just expired Waverley was
therefore once more consigned to silence foreseeing that further attempts at
conversation with any of the party would only give Balmawhapple a wishedfor
opportunity to display the insolence of authority and the sulky spite of a
temper naturally dogged and rendered more so by habits of low indulgence and
the incense of servile adulation
In about two hours time the party were near the Castle of Stirling over
whose battlements the union flag was brightened as it waved in the evening sun
To shorten his journey or perhaps to display his importance and insult the
English garrison Balmawhapple inclining to the right took his route through
the royal park which reaches to and surrounds the rock upon which the fortress
is situated
With a mind more at ease Waverley could not have failed to admire the
mixture of romance and beauty which renders interesting the scene through which
he was now passing the field which had been the scene of the tournaments of
old the rock from which the ladies beheld the contest while each made vows
for the success of some favourite knight the towers of the Gothic church
where these vows might be paid and surmounting all the fortress itself at
once a castle and palace where valour received the prize from royalty and
knights and dames closed the evening amid the revelry of the dance the song
and the feast All these were objects fitted to arouse and interest a romantic
imagination
But Waverley had other objects of meditation and an incident soon occurred
of a nature to disturb meditation of any kind Balmawhapple in the pride of his
heart as he wheeled his little body of cavalry round the base of the castle
commanded his trumpet to sound a flourish and his standard to be displayed
This insult produced apparently some sensation for when the cavalcade was at
such distance from the southern battery as to admit of a gun being depressed so
as to bear upon them a flash of fire issued from one of the embrasures upon the
rock and ere the report with which it was attended could be heard the rushing
sound of a cannonball passed over Balmawhapples head and the bullet burying
itself in the ground at a few yards distance covered him with the earth which
it drove up There was no need to bid the party trudge In fact every man
acting upon the impulse of the moment soon brought Mr Jinkers steeds to show
their mettle and the cavaliers retreating with more speed than regularity
never took to a trot as the lieutenant afterwards observed until an
intervening eminence had secured them from any repetition of so undesirable a
compliment on the part of Stirling Castle I must do Balmawhapple however the
justice to say that he not only kept the rear of his troop and laboured to
maintain some order among them but in the height of his gallantry answered
the fire of the castle by discharging one of his horsepistols at the
battlements although the distance being nearly halfamile I could never
learn that this measure of retaliation was attended with any particular effect
The travellers now passed the memorable field of Bannockburn and reached
the Torwood a place glorious or terrible to the recollections of the Scottish
peasant as the feats of Wallace or the cruelties of Wude Willie Grime
predominate in his recollection At Falkirk a town formerly famous in Scottish
history and soon to be again distinguished as the scene of military events of
importance Balmawhapple proposed to halt and repose for the evening This was
performed with very little regard to military discipline his worthy
quartermaster being chiefly solicitous to discover where the best brandy might
be come at Sentinels were deemed unnecessary and the only vigils performed
were those of such of the party as could procure liquor A few resolute men
might easily have cut off the detachment but of the inhabitants some were
favourable many indifferent and the rest overawed So nothing memorable
occurred in the course of the evening except that Waverleys rest was sorely
interrupted by the revellers hallooing forth their Jacobite songs without
remorse or mitigation of voice
Early in the morning they were again mounted and on the road to Edinburgh
though the pallid visages of some of the troop betrayed that they had spent a
night of sleepless debauchery They halted at Linlithgow distinguished by its
ancient palace which Sixty Years since was entire and habitable and whose
venerable ruins not quite Sixty Years since very narrowly escaped the unworthy
fate of being converted into a barrack for French prisoners May repose and
blessings attend the ashes of the patriotic statesman who amongst his last
services to Scotland interposed to prevent this profanation
As they approached the metropolis of Scotland through a champaign and
cultivated country the sounds of war began to be heard The distant yet
distinct report of heavy cannon fired at intervals apprized Waverley that the
work of destruction was going forward Even Balmawhapple seemed moved to take
some precautions by sending an advanced party in front of his troop keeping
the main body in tolerable order and moving steadily forward
Marching in this manner they speedily reached an eminence from which they
could view Edinburgh stretching along the ridgy hill which slopes eastward from
the Castle The latter being in a state of siege or rather of blockade by the
northern insurgents who had already occupied the town for two or three days
fired at intervals upon such parties of Highlanders as exposed themselves
either on the main street or elsewhere in the vicinity of the fortress The
morning being calm and fair the effect of this dropping fire was to invest the
Castle in wreaths of smoke the edges of which dissipated slowly in the air
while the central veil was darkened ever and anon by fresh clouds poured forth
from the battlements the whole giving by the partial concealment an
appearance of grandeur and gloom rendered more terrific when Waverley reflected
on the cause by which it was produced and that each explosion might ring some
brave mans knell
Ere they approached the city the partial cannonade had wholly ceased
Balmawhapple however having in his recollection the unfriendly greeting which
his troop had received from the battery of Stirling had apparently no wish to
tempt the forbearance of the artillery of the Castle He therefore left the
direct road and sweeping considerably to the southward so as to keep out of
the range of the cannon approached the ancient palace of Holyrood without
having entered the walls of the city He then drew up his men in front of that
venerable pile and delivered Waverley to the custody of a guard of Highlanders
whose officer conducted him into the interior of the building
A long low and illproportioned gallery hung with pictures affirmed to
be the portraits of kings who if they ever flourished at all lived several
hundred years before the invention of painting in oil colours served as a sort
of guardchamber or vestibule to the apartments which the adventurous Charles
Edward now occupied in the palace of his ancestors Officers both in the
Highland and Lowland garb passed and repassed in haste or loitered in the
hall as if waiting for orders Secretaries were engaged in making out passes
musters and returns All seemed busy and earnestly intent upon something of
importance but Waverley was suffered to remain seated in the recess of a window
unnoticed by any one in anxious reflection upon the crisis of his fate which
seemed now rapidly approaching
Chapter Fortieth
An Old and a New Acquaintance
While he was deep sunk in his reverie the rustle of tartans was heard behind
him a friendly arm clasped his shoulders and a friendly voice exclaimed
»Said the Highland prophet sooth or must secondsight go for nothing«
Waverley turned and was warmly embraced by Fergus MacIvor »A thousand
welcomes to Holyrood once more possessed by her legitimate sovereign Did I not
say we should prosper and that you would fall into the hands of the Philistines
if you parted from us«
»Dear Fergus« said Waverley eagerly returning his greeting »it is long
since I have heard a friends voice Where is Flora«
»Safe and a triumphant spectator of our success«
»In this place« said Waverley
»Ay in this city at least« answered his friend »and you shall see her
but first you must meet a friend whom you little think of who has been frequent
in his inquiries after you«
Thus saying he dragged Waverley by the arm out of the guardchamber and
ere he knew where he was conducted Edward found himself in a presenceroom
fitted up with some attempt at royal state
A young man wearing his own fair hair distinguished by the dignity of his
mien and the noble expression of his wellformed and regular features advanced
out of a circle of military gentlemen and Highland Chiefs by whom he was
surrounded In his easy and graceful manners Waverley afterwards thought he
could have discovered his high birth and rank although the star on his breast
and the embroidered garter at his knee had not appeared as its indications
»Let me present to your Royal Highness« said Fergus bowing profoundly
»The descendant of one of the most ancient and loyal families in England«
said the young Chevalier interrupting him »I beg your pardon for interrupting
you my dear MacIvor but no master of ceremonies is necessary to present a
Waverley to a Stuart«
Thus saying he extended his hand to Edward with the utmost courtesy who
could not had he desired it have avoided rendering him the homage which seemed
due to his rank and was certainly the right of his birth »I am sorry to
understand Mr Waverley that owing to circumstances which have been as yet
but ill explained you have suffered some restraint among my followers in
Perthshire and on your march here but we are in such a situation that we
hardly know our friends and I am even at this moment uncertain whether I can
have the pleasure of considering Mr Waverley as among mine«
He then paused for an instant but before Edward could adjust a suitable
reply or even arrange his ideas as to its purport the Prince took out a paper
and then proceeded »I should indeed have no doubts upon this subject if I
could trust to this proclamation set forth by the friends of the Elector of
Hanover in which they rank Mr Waverley among the nobility and gentry who are
menaced with the pains of high treason for loyalty to their legitimate
sovereign But I desire to gain no adherents save from affection and conviction
and if Mr Waverley inclines to prosecute his journey to the south or to join
the forces of the Elector he shall have my passport and free permission to do
so and I can only regret that my present power will not extend to protect him
against the probable consequences of such a measure But« continued Charles
Edward after another short pause »if Mr Waverley should like his ancestor
Sir Nigel determine to embrace a cause which has little to recommend it but its
justice and follow a prince who throws himself upon the affections of his
people to recover the throne of his ancestors or perish in the attempt I can
only say that among these nobles and gentlemen he will find worthy associates
in a gallant enterprise and will follow a master who may be unfortunate but I
trust will never be ungrateful«
The politic Chieftain of the race of Ivor knew his advantage in introducing
Waverley to this personal interview with the royal Adventurer Unaccustomed to
the address and manners of a polished court in which Charles was eminently
skilful his words and his kindness penetrated the heart of our hero and easily
outweighed all prudential motives To be thus personally solicited for
assistance by a Prince whose form and manners as well as the spirit which he
displayed in this singular enterprise answered his ideas of a hero of romance
to be courted by him in the ancient halls of his paternal palace recovered by
the sword which he was already bending towards other conquests gave Edward in
his own eyes the dignity and importance which he had ceased to consider as his
attributes Rejected slandered and threatened upon the one side he was
irresistibly attracted to the cause which the prejudices of education and the
political principles of his family had already recommended as the most just
These thoughts rushed through his mind like a torrent sweeping before them
every consideration of an opposite tendency the time besides admitted of no
deliberation and Waverley kneeling to Charles Edward devoted his heart and
sword to the vindication of his rights
The Prince for although unfortunate in the faults and follies of his
forefathers we shall here and elsewhere give him the title due to his birth
raised Waverley from the ground and embraced him with an expression of thanks
too warm not to be genuine He also thanked Fergus MacIvor repeatedly for
having brought him such an adherent and presented Waverley to the various
noblemen chieftains and officers who were about his person as a young
gentleman of the highest hopes and prospects in whose bold and enthusiastic
avowal of his cause they might see an evidence of the sentiments of the English
families of rank at this important crisis72 Indeed this was a point much
doubted among the adherents of the house of Stuart and as a wellfounded
disbelief in the cooperation of the English Jacobites kept many Scottish men of
rank from his standard and diminished the courage of those who had joined it
nothing could be more seasonable for the Chevalier than the open declaration in
his favour of the representative of the house of WaverleyHonour so long known
as cavaliers and royalists This Fergus had foreseen from the beginning He
really loved Waverley because their feelings and projects never thwarted each
other he hoped to see him united with Flora and he rejoiced that they were
effectually engaged in the same cause But as we before hinted he also exulted
as a politician in beholding secured to his party a partisan of such
consequence and he was far from being insensible to the personal importance
which he himself gained with the Prince from having so materially assisted in
making the acquisition
Charles Edward on his part seemed eager to show his attendants the value
which he attached to his new adherent by entering immediately as in
confidence upon the circumstances of his situation »You have been secluded so
much from intelligence Mr Waverley from causes of which I am but indistinctly
informed that I presume you are even yet unacquainted with the important
particulars of my present situation You have however heard of my landing in
the remote district of Moidart with only seven attendants and of the numerous
chiefs and clans whose loyal enthusiasm at once placed a solitary adventurer at
the head of a gallant army You must also I think have learned that the
Commanderinchief of the Hanoverian Elector Sir John Cope marched into the
Highlands at the head of a numerous and wellappointed military force with the
intention of giving us battle but that his courage failed him when we were
within three hours march of each other so that he fairly gave us the slip and
marched northward to Aberdeen leaving the Low Country open and undefended Not
to lose so favourable an opportunity I marched on to this metropolis driving
before me two regiments of horse Gardiners and Hamiltons who had threatened
to cut to pieces every Highlander that should venture to pass Stirling and
while discussions were carrying forward among the magistracy and citizens of
Edinburgh whether they should defend themselves or surrender my good friend
Lochiel laying his hand on the shoulder of that gallant and accomplished
chieftain saved them the trouble of farther deliberation by entering the gates
with five hundred Camerons Thus far therefore we have done well but in the
meanwhile this doughty generals nerves being braced by the keen air of
Aberdeen he has taken shipping for Dunbar and I have just received certain
information that he landed there yesterday His purpose must unquestionably be
to march towards us to recover possession of the capital Now there are two
opinions in my council of war one that being inferior probably in numbers and
certainly in discipline and military appointments not to mention our total want
of artillery and the weakness of our cavalry it will be safest to fall back
towards the mountains and there protract the war until fresh succours arrive
from France and the whole body of the Highland clans shall have taken arms in
our favour The opposite opinion maintains that a retrograde movement in our
circumstance is certain to throw utter discredit on our arms and undertaking
and far from gaining us new partisans will be the means of disheartening those
who have joined our standard The officers who used these last arguments among
whom is your friend Fergus MacIvor maintain that if the Highlanders are
strangers to the usual military discipline of Europe the soldiers whom they are
to encounter are no less strangers to their peculiar and formidable mode of
attack that the attachment and courage of the chiefs and gentlemen are not to
be doubted and that as they will be in the midst of the enemy their clansmen
will as surely follow them in fine that having drawn the sword we should
throw away the scabbard and trust our cause to battle and to the God of
Battles Will Mr Waverley favour us with his opinion in these arduous
circumstances«
Waverley coloured high betwixt pleasure and modesty at the distinction
implied in this question and answered with equal spirit and readiness that he
could not venture to offer an opinion as derived from military skill but that
the council would be far the most acceptable to him which should first afford
him an opportunity to evince his zeal in his Royal Highnesss service
»Spoken like a Waverley« answered Charles Edward »and that you may hold a
rank in some degree corresponding to your name allow me instead of the
captains commission which you have lost to offer you the brevet rank of major
in my service with the advantage of acting as one of my aidesdecamp until you
can be attached to a regiment of which I hope several will be speedily
embodied«
»Your Royal Highness will forgive me« answered Waverley for his
recollection turned to Balmawhapple and his scanty troop »if I decline
accepting any rank until the time and place where I may have interest enough to
raise a sufficient body of men to make my command useful to your Royal
Highnesss service In the meanwhile I hope for your permission to serve as a
volunteer under my friend Fergus MacIvor«
»At least« said the Prince who was obviously pleased with this proposal
»allow me the pleasure of arming you after the Highland fashion« With these
words he unbuckled the broadsword which he wore the belt of which was plated
with silver and the steel basket hilt richly and curiously inlaid »The blade«
said the Prince »is a genuine Andrea Ferrara it has been a sort of heirloom
in our family but I am convinced I put it into better hands than my own and
will add to it pistols of the same workmanship Colonel MacIvor you must
have much to say to your friend I will detain you no longer from your private
conversation but remember we expect you both to attend us in the evening It
may be perhaps the last night we may enjoy in these halls and as we go to the
field with a clear conscience we will spend the eve of battle merrily«
Thus licensed the chief and Waverley left the presencechamber
Chapter FortyFirst
The Mystery Begins to Be Cleared Up
»How do you like him« was Ferguss first question as they descended the large
stone staircase
»A prince to live and die under« was Waverleys enthusiastic answer
»I knew you would think so when you saw him and I intended you should have
met earlier but was prevented by your sprain And yet he has his foibles or
rather he has difficult cards to play and his Irish officers73 who are much
about him are but sorry advisers they cannot discriminate among the numerous
pretensions that are set up Would you think it I have been obliged for the
present to suppress an earls patent granted for services rendered ten years
ago for fear of exciting the jealousy forsooth of C and M But you were
very right Edward to refuse the situation of aidedecamp There are two
vacant indeed but Clanronald and Lochiel and almost all of us have requested
one for young Aberchallader and the Lowlanders and the Irish party are equally
desirous to have the other for the master of F Now if either of these
candidates were to be superseded in your favour you would make enemies And
then I am surprised that the Prince should have offered you a majority when he
knows very well that nothing short of lieutenantcolonel will satisfy others
who cannot bring one hundred and fifty men to the field But patience cousin
and shuffle the cards It is all very well for the present and we must have you
regularly equipped for the evening in your new costume for to say the truth
your outward man is scarce fit for a court«
»Why« said Waverley looking at his soiled dress »my shootingjacket has
seen service since we parted but that probably you my friend know as well
or better than I«
»You do my secondsight too much honour« said Fergus »We were so busy
first with the scheme of giving battle to Cope and afterwards with our
operations in the Lowlands that I could only give general directions to such of
our people as were left in Perthshire to respect and protect you should you
come in their way But let me hear the full story of your adventures for they
have reached us in a very partial and mutilated manner«
Waverley then detailed at length the circumstances with which the reader is
already acquainted to which Fergus listened with great attention By this time
they had reached the door of his quarters which he had taken up in a small
paved court retiring from the street called the Canongate at the house of a
buxom widow of forty who seemed to smile very graciously upon the handsome
young chief she being a person with whom good looks and good humour were sure
to secure an interest whatever might be the partys political opinions Here
Callum Beg received them with a smile of recognition »Callum« said the Chief
»call Shemus an Snachad« James of the Needle This was the hereditary tailor
of Vich Ian Vohr »Shemus Mr Waverley is to wear the cath dath battle colour
or tartan his trews must be ready in four hours You know the measure of a
wellmade man two double nails to the small of the leg«
»Eleven from haunch to heel seven round the waist I give your honour
leave to hang Shemus if theres a pair of sheers in the Highlands that has a
baulder sneck than hers ain at the cumadh an truais« shape of the trews
»Get a plaid of MacIvor tartan and sash« continued the Chieftain »and a
blue bonnet of the Princes pattern at Mr Mouats in the Crames My short
green coat with silver lace and silver buttons will fit him exactly and I
have never worn it Tell Ensign Maccombich to pick out a handsome target from
among mine The prince has given Mr Waverley broadsword and pistols I will
furnish him with a dirk and purse add but a pair of low heeled shoes and then
my dear Edward turning to him you will be a complete son of Ivor«
These necessary directions given the Chieftain resumed the subject of
Waverleys adventures »It is plain« he said »that you have been in the
custody of Donald Bean Lean You must know that when I marched away my clan to
join the Prince I laid my injunctions on that worthy member of society to
perform a certain piece of service which done he was to join me with all the
force he could muster But instead of doing so the gentleman finding the coast
clear thought it better to make war on his own account and has scoured the
country plundering I believe both friend and foe under pretence of levying
black mail sometimes as if by my authority and sometimes and be cursed to his
consummate impudence in his own great name Upon my honour if I live to see
the cairn of Benmore again I shall be tempted to hang that fellow I recognise
his hand particularly in the mode of your rescue from that canting rascal
Gilfillan and I have little doubt that Donald himself played the part of the
pedlar on that occasion but how he should not have plundered you or put you to
ransom or availed himself in some way or other of your captivity for his own
advantage passes my judgment«
»When and how did you hear the intelligence of my confinement« asked
Waverley
»The prince himself told me« said Fergus »and inquired very minutely into
your history He then mentioned your being at that moment in the power of one of
our northern parties you know I could not ask him to explain particulars and
requested my opinion about disposing of you I recommended that you should be
brought here as a prisoner because I did not wish to prejudice you farther with
the English Government in case you pursued your purpose of going southward I
knew nothing you must recollect of the charge brought against you of aiding
and abetting high treason which I presume had some share in changing your
original plan That sullen goodfornothing brute Balmawhapple was sent to
escort you from Doune with what he calls his troop of horse As to his
behaviour in addition to his natural antipathy to everything that resembles a
gentleman I presume his adventure with Bradwardine rankles in his recollection
the rather that I daresay his mode of telling that story contributed to the evil
reports which reached your quondam regiment«
»Very likely« said Waverley »but now surely my dear Fergus you may find
time to tell me something of Flora«
»Why« replied Fergus »I can only tell you that she is well and residing
for the present with a relation in this city I thought it better she should
come here as since our success a good many ladies of rank attend our military
court and I assure you that there is a sort of consequence annexed to the near
relative of such a person as Flora MacIvor and where there is such a justling
of claims and requests a man must use every fair means to enhance his
importance«
There was something in this last sentence which grated on Waverleys
feelings He could not bear that Flora should be considered as conducing to her
brothers preferment by the admiration which she must unquestionably attract
and although it was in strict correspondence with many points of Ferguss
character it shocked him as selfish and unworthy of his sisters high mind
and his own independent pride Fergus to whom such manoeuvres were familiar as
to one brought up at the French court did not observe the unfavourable
impression which he had unwarily made upon his friends mind and concluded by
saying »that they could hardly see Flora before the evening when she would be
at the concert and ball with which the Princes party were to be entertained
She and I had a quarrel about her not appearing to take leave of you I am
unwilling to renew it by soliciting her to receive you this morning and
perhaps my doing so might not only be ineffectual but prevent your meeting this
evening«
While thus conversing Waverley heard in the court before the windows of
the parlour a wellknown voice »I aver to you my worthy friend« said the
speaker »that it is a total dereliction of military discipline and were you
not as it were a tyro your purpose would deserve strong reprobation For a
prisoner of war is on no account to be coerced with fetters or detained in
ergastulo as would have been the case had you put this gentleman into the pit
of the peelhouse at Balmawhapple I grant indeed that such a prisoner may for
security be coerced in carcere that is in a public prison«
The growling voice of Balmawhapple was heard as taking leave in displeasure
but the word »landlouper« alone was distinctly audible He had disappeared
before Waverley reached the house in order to greet the worthy Baron of
Bradwardine The uniform in which he was now attired a blue coat namely with
gold lace a scarlet waistcoat and breeches and immense jackboots seemed to
have added fresh stiffness and rigidity to his tall perpendicular figure and
the consciousness of military command and authority had increased in the same
proportion the selfimportance of his demeanour and the dogmatism of his
conversation
He received Waverley with his usual kindness and expressed immediate
anxiety to hear an explanation of the circumstances attending the loss of his
commission in Gardiners dragoons »not« he said »that he had the least
apprehension of his young friend having done aught which could merit such
ungenerous treatment as he had received from Government but because it was
right and seemly that the Baron of Bradwardine should be in point of trust and
in point of power fully able to refute all calumnies against the heir of
WaverleyHonour whom he had so much right to regard as his own son«
Fergus MacIvor who had now joined them went hastily over the
circumstances of Waverleys story and concluded with the flattering reception
he had met from the young Chevalier The Baron listened in silence and at the
conclusion shook Waverley heartily by the hand and congratulated him upon
entering the service of his lawful Prince »For« continued he »although it has
been justly held in all nations a matter of scandal and dishonour to infringe
the sacramentum militare and that whether it was taken by each soldier singly
whilk the Romans denominated per conjurationem or by one soldier in name of the
rest yet no one ever doubted that the allegiance so sworn was discharged by the
dimissio or discharging of a soldier whose case would be as hard as that of
colliers salters and other adscripti glebæ or slaves of the soil were it to
be accounted otherwise This is something like the brocard expressed by the
learned Sanchez in his work De Jurejurando which you have questionless
consulted upon this occasion As for those who have calumniated you by
leasingmaking I protest to heaven I think they have justly incurred the
penalty of the Memnonia lex also called Lex Rhemnia which is prelected upon by
Tullius in his oration In Verrem I should have deemed however Mr Waverley
that before destining yourself to any special service in the army of the Prince
ye might have inquired what rank the old Bradwardine held there and whether he
would not have been peculiarly happy to have had your services in the regiment
of horse which he is now about to levy«
Edward eluded this reproach by pleading the necessity of giving an immediate
answer to the Princes proposal and his uncertainty at the moment whether his
friend the Baron was with the army or engaged upon service elsewhere
This punctilio being settled Waverley made enquiry after Miss Bradwardine
and was informed she had come to Edinburgh with Flora MacIvor under guard of a
party of the Chieftains men This step was indeed necessary TullyVeolan
having become a very unpleasant and even dangerous place of residence for an
unprotected young lady on account of its vicinity to the Highlands and also to
one or two large villages which from aversion as much to the Caterans as zeal
for presbytery had declared themselves on the side of Government and formed
irregular bodies of partisans who had frequent skirmishes with the
mountaineers and sometimes attacked the houses of the Jacobite gentry in the
braes or frontier betwixt the mountain and plain
»I would propose to you« continued the Baron »to walk as far as my
quarters in the Luckenbooths and to admire in your passage the High Street
whilk is beyond a shadow of dubitation finer than any street whether in
London or Paris But Rose poor thing is sorely discomposed with the firing of
the Castle though I have proved to her from Blondel and Coehorn that it is
impossible a bullet can reach these buildings and besides I have it in charge
from his Royal Highness to go to the camp or leaguer of our army to see that
the men do conclamare vasa that is truss up their bag and baggage for
tomorrows march«
»That will be easily done by most of us« said MacIvor laughing
»Craving your pardon Colonel MacIvor not quite so easily as ye seem to
opine I grant most of your folk left the Highlands expedited as it were and
free from the encumbrance of baggage but it is unspeakable the quantity of
useless sprechery which they have collected on their march I saw one fellow of
yours craving your pardon once more with a pierglass upon his back«
»Ay« said Fergus still in good humour »he would have told you if you had
questioned him a ganging foot is aye getting But come my dear Baron you
know as well as I that a hundred Uhlans or a single troop of Schmirschitzs
Pandours would make more havoc in a country than the knight of the mirror and
all the rest of our clans put together«
»And that is very true likewise« replied the Baron »they are as the
heathen author says ferociores in aspectu mitiores in actu of a horrid and
grim visage but more benign in demeanour than their physiognomy or aspect might
infer But I stand here talking to you two youngsters when I should be in the
Kings Park«
»But you will dine with Waverley and me on your return I assure you Baron
though I can live like a Highlander when needs must I remember my Paris
education and understand perfectly faire la meilleure chère«
»And wha the deil doubts it« quoth the Baron laughing »when ye bring only
the cookery and the gude toun must furnish the materials Weel I have some
business in the toun too but Ill join you at three if the vivers can tarry so
long«
So saying he took leave of his friends and went to look after the charge
which had been assigned him
Chapter FortySecond
A Soldiers Dinner
James of the Needle was a man of his word when whisky was no party to the
contract and upon this occasion Callum Beg who still thought himself in
Waverleys debt since he had declined accepting compensation at the expense of
mine Host of the Candlesticks person took the opportunity of discharging the
obligation by mounting guard over the hereditary tailor of Sliochd nan Ivor
and as he expressed himself »targed him tightly« till the finishing of the
job To rid himself of this restraint Shemuss needle flew through the tartan
like lightning and as the artist kept chanting some dreadful skirmish of Fin
Macoul he accomplished at least three stitches to the death of every hero The
dress was therefore soon ready for the short coat fitted the wearer and the
rest of the apparel required little adjustment
Our hero having now fairly assumed the »garb of Old Gaul« well calculated
as it was to give an appearance of strength to a figure which though tall and
wellmade was rather elegant than robust I hope my fair readers will excuse
him if he looked at himself in the mirror more than once and could not help
acknowledging that the reflection seemed that of a very handsome young fellow
In fact there was no disguising it His lightbrown hair for he wore no
periwig notwithstanding the universal fashion of the time became the bonnet
which surmounted it His person promised firmness and agility to which the
ample folds of the tartan added an air of dignity His blue eyes seemed of that
kind
Which melted in love and which kindled in war
and an air of bashfulness which was in reality the effect of want of habitual
intercourse with the world gave interest to his features without injuring
their grace or intelligence
»Hes a pratty man a very pratty man« said Evan Dhu now Ensign
Maccombich to Ferguss buxom landlady
»Hes vera weel« said the Widow Flockhart »but no naething sae weelfaured
as your Colonel ensign«
»I wasna comparing them« quoth Evan »nor was I speaking about his being
weelfavoured but only that Mr Waverley looks clean made and deliver and like
a proper lad of his quarters that will not cry barley in a brulzie And
indeed hes gleg eneuch at the broadsword and target I hae played wi him
mysell at Glennaquoich and sae has Vich Ian Vohr often of a Sunday afternoon«
»Lord forgie ye Ensign Maccombich« said the alarmed Presbyterian »Im
sure the colonel wad never do the like o that«
»Hout hout Mrs Flockhart« replied the ensign »were young blude ye
ken and young saints auld deils«
»But will ye fight wi Sir John Cope the morn Ensign Maccombich« demanded
Mrs Flockhart of her guest
»Troth Ise ensure him an hell bide us Mrs Flockhart« replied the
Gael
»And will ye face thae tearing chields the dragoons Ensign Maccombich«
again inquired the landlady
»Claw for claw as Conan said to Satan Mrs Flockhart and the deevil tak
the shortest nails«
»And will the colonel venture on the bagganets himsell«
»Ye may swear it Mrs Flockhart the very first man will he be by Saint
Phedar«
»Merciful goodness and if hes killed amang the redcoats« exclaimed the
softhearted widow
»Troth if it should sae befall Mrs Flockhart I ken ane that will no be
living to weep for him But we maun a live the day and have our dinner and
theres Vich Ian Vohr has packed his dorlach and Mr Waverleys wearied wi
majoring yonder afore the muckle pierglass and that grey auld stoor carle the
Baron o Bradwardine that shot young Ronald of Ballenkeiroch hes coming down
the close wi that droghling coghling bailie body they ca Macwhupple just like
the Laird o Kittlegabs French cook wi his turnspit doggie trindling ahint
him and I am as hungry as a gled my bonnie dow sae bid Kate set on the broo
and do ye put on your pinners for ye ken Vich Ian Vohr winna sit down till ye
be at the head o the table and dinna forget the pint bottle o brandy my
woman«
This hint produced dinner Mrs Flockhart smiling in her weeds like the sun
through a mist took the head of the table thinking within herself perhaps
that she cared not how long the rebellion lasted that brought her into company
so much above her usual associates She was supported by Waverley and the Baron
with the advantage of the Chieftain visàvis The men of peace and of war that
is Bailie Macwheeble and Ensign Maccombich after many profound congés to their
superiors and each other took their places on each side of the Chieftain Their
fare was excellent time place and circumstances considered and Ferguss
spirits were extravagantly high Regardless of danger and sanguine from temper
youth and ambition he saw in imagination all his prospects crowned with
success and was totally indifferent to the probable alternative of a soldiers
grave The Baron apologised slightly for bringing Macwheeble They had been
providing he said for the expenses of the campaign »And by my faith« said
the old man »as I think this will be my last so I just end where I began I
hae evermore found the sinews of war as a learned author calls the caisse
militaire mair difficult to come by than either its flesh blood or bones«
»What have you raised our only efficient body of cavalry and got ye none
of the louisdor out of the Doutelle74 to help you«
»No Glennaquoich cleverer fellows have been before me«
»Thats a scandal« said the young Highlander »but you will share what is
left of my subsidy it will save you an anxious thought tonight and will be
all one tomorrow for we shall all be provided for one way or other before
the sun sets« Waverley blushing deeply but with great earnestness pressed
the same request
»I thank ye baith my good lads« said the Baron »but I will not infringe
upon your peculium Bailie Macwheeble has provided the sum which is necessary«
Here the Bailie shifted and fidgeted about in his seat and appeared
extremely uneasy At length after several preliminary hems and much
tautological expression of his devotion to his honours service by night or
day living or dead he began to insinuate »that the Banks had removed a their
ready cash into the Castle that nae doubt Sandie Goldie the silversmith
would do mickle for his honour but there was little time to get the wadset made
out and doubtless if his honour Glennaquoich or Mr Wauverley could
accommodate«
»Let me hear of no such nonsense sir« said the Baron in a tone which
rendered Macwheeble mute »but proceed as we accorded before dinner if it be
your wish to remain in my service«
To this peremptory order the Bailie though he felt as if condemned to
suffer a transfusion of blood from his own veins into those of the Baron did
not presume to make any reply After fidgeting a little while longer however
he addressed himself to Glennaquoich and told him if his honour had mair ready
siller than was sufficient for his occasions in the field he could put it out
at use for his honour in safe hands and at great profit at this time
At this proposal Fergus laughed heartily and answered when he had
recovered his breath »Many thanks Bailie but you must know it is a general
custom among us soldiers to make our landlady our banker Here Mrs
Flockhart« said he taking four or five broad pieces out of a wellfilled
purse and tossing the purse itself with its remaining contents into her
apron »these will serve my occasions do you take the rest be my banker if I
live and my executor if I die but take care to give something to the Highland
cailliachs75 that shall cry the coronach loudest for the last Vich Ian Vohr«
»It is the testamentum militare« quoth the Baron »whilk amang the Romans
was privilegiate to be nuncupative« But the soft heart of Mrs Flockhart was
melted within her at the Chieftains speech she set up a lamentable blubbering
and positively refused to touch the bequest which Fergus was therefore obliged
to resume
»Well then« said the Chief »if I fall it will go to the grenadier that
knocks my brains out and I shall take care he works hard for it«
Bailie Macwheeble was again tempted to put in his oar for where cash was
concerned he did not willingly remain silent »Perhaps he had better carry the
gowd to Miss MacIvor in case of mortality or accidents of war It might tak
the form of a mortis causa donation in the young leddies favour and wad cost
but the scrape of a pen to mak it out«
»The young lady« said Fergus »should such an event happen will have other
matters to think of than these wretched louisdor«
»True undeniable theres nae doubt o that but your honour kens that a
full sorrow«
»Is endurable by most folk more easily than a hungry one True Bailie
very true and I believe there may even be some who would be consoled by such a
reflection for the loss of the whole existing generation But there is a sorrow
which knows neither hunger nor thirst and poor Flora« He paused and the
whole company sympathized in his emotion
The Barons thoughts naturally reverted to the unprotected state of his
daughter and the big tear came to the veterans eye »If I fall Macwheeble
you have all my papers and know all my affairs be just to Rose«
The Bailie was a man of earthly mould after all a good deal of dirt and
dross about him undoubtedly but some kindly and just feelings he had
especially where the Baron or his young mistress were concerned He set up a
lamentable howl »If that doleful day should come while Duncan Macwheeble had a
boddle it should be Miss Roses He wald scroll for a plack the sheet or she
kennd what it was to want if indeed a the bonnie baronie o Bradwardine and
TullyVeolan with the fortalice and manorplace thereof he kept sobbing and
whining at every pause tofts crofts mosses muirs outfield infield
buildings orchards dovecots with the right of net and coble in the water
and loch of Veolan teinds parsonage and vicarage annexis connexis rights
of pasturage fuel feal and divot parts pendicles and pertinents
whatsoever here he had recourse to the end of his long cravat to wipe his
eyes which overflowed in spite of him at the ideas which this technical jargon
conjured up all as more fully described in the proper evidents and titles
thereof and lying within the parish of Bradwardine and the shire of Perth
if as aforesaid they must a pass from my masters child to InchGrabbit
whas a Whig and a Hanoverian and be managed by his doer Jamie Howie whas no
fit to be a birlieman let be a bailie«
The beginning of this lamentation really had something affecting but the
conclusion rendered laughter irresistible »Never mind Bailie« said Ensign
Maccombich »for the gude auld times of rugging and riving pulling and tearing
are come back again an Sneckus MacSnackus meaning probably annexis
connexis and a the rest of your friends maun gie place to the langest
claymore«
»And that claymore shall be ours Bailie« said the Chieftain who saw that
Macwheeble looked very blank at this intimation
»Well give them the metal our mountain affords
Lillibulero bullen a la
And in place of broadpieces well pay with broadswords
Lero lero etc
With duns and with debts we will soon clear our score
Lillibulero etc
For the man thats thus paid will crave payment no more
Lero lero etc76
But come Bailie be not cast down drink your wine with a joyous heart the
Baron shall return safe and victorious to TullyVeolan and unite Killancureits
lairdship with his own since the cowardly halfbred swine will not turn out for
the Prince like a gentleman«
»To be sure they lie maist ewest«77 said the Bailie wiping his eyes »and
should naturally fa under the same factory«
»And I« proceeded the Chieftain »shall take care of myself too for you
must know I have to complete a good work here by bringing Mrs Flockhart into
the bosom of the Catholic church or at least half way and that is to your
Episcopal meetinghouse O Baron if you heard her fine countertenor
admonishing Kate and Matty in the morning you who understand music would
tremble at the idea of hearing her shriek in the psalmody of Haddos Hole«
»Lord forgie you colonel how ye rin on But I hope your honours will tak
tea before ye gang to the palace and I maun gang and mask it for you«
So saying Mrs Flockhart left the gentlemen to their own conversation
which as might be supposed turned chiefly upon the approaching events of the
campaign
Chapter FortyThird
The Ball
Ensign Maccombich having gone to the Highland camp upon duty and Bailie
Macwheeble having retired to digest his dinner and Evan Dhus intimation of
martial law in some blind changehouse Waverley with the Baron and the
Chieftain proceeded to Holyrood House The two last were in full tide of
spirits and the Baron rallied in his way our hero upon the handsome figure
which his new dress displayed to advantage »If you have any design upon the
heart of a bonny Scotch lassie I would premonish you when you address her to
remember and quote the words of Virgilius
Nunc insanus amor duri me Martis in armis
Tela inter media atque adversos detinet hostes
whilk verses Robertson of Struan Chief of the Clan Donnochy unless the claims
of Lude ought to be preferred primo loco has thus elegantly rendered
For cruel love has gartand low my leg
And clad my hurdies in a philabeg
Although indeed ye wear the trews a garment whilk I approve maist of the twa
as mair ancient and seemly«
»Or rather« said Fergus »hear my song
She wadna hae a Lowland laird
Nor be an English lady
But shes away with Duncan Græme
And hes rowed her in his plaidy«
By this time they reached the palace of Holyrood and were announced
respectively as they entered the apartments
It is but too well known how many gentlemen of rank education and fortune
took a concern in the illfated and desperate undertaking of 1745 The ladies
also of Scotland very generally espoused the cause of the gallant and handsome
young Prince who threw himself upon the mercy of his countrymen rather like a
hero of romance than a calculating politician It is not therefore to be
wondered that Edward who had spent the greater part of his life in the solemn
seclusion of Waverley Honour should have been dazzled at the liveliness and
elegance of the scene now exhibited in the longdeserted halls of the Scottish
palace The accompaniments indeed fell short of splendour being such as the
confusion and hurry of the time admitted still however the general effect was
striking and the rank of the company considered might well be called
brilliant
It was not long before the lovers eye discovered the object of his
attachment Flora MacIvor was in the act of returning to her seat near the top
of the room with Rose Bradwardine by her side Among much elegance and beauty
they had attracted a great degree of the public attention being certainly two
of the handsomest women present The Prince took much notice of both
particularly of Flora with whom he danced a preference which she probably owed
to her foreign education and command of the French and Italian languages
When the bustle attending the conclusion of the dance permitted Edward
almost intuitively followed Fergus to the place where Miss MacIvor was seated
The sensation of hope with which he had nursed his affection in absence of the
beloved object seemed to vanish in her presence and like one striving to
recover the particulars of a forgotten dream he would have given the world at
that moment to have recollected the grounds on which he had founded expectations
which now seemed so delusive He accompanied Fergus with downcast eyes tingling
ears and the feelings of the criminal who while the melancholy cart moves
slowly through the crowds that have assembled to behold his execution receives
no clear sensation either from the noise which fills his ears or the tumult on
which he casts his wandering look
Flora seemed a little a very little affected and discomposed at his
approach »I bring you an adopted son of Ivor« said Fergus
»And I receive him as a second brother« replied Flora
There was a slight emphasis on the word which would have escaped every ear
but one that was feverish with apprehension It was however distinctly marked
and combined with her whole tone and manner plainly intimated »I will never
think of Mr Waverley as a more intimate connexion« Edward stopped bowed and
looked at Fergus who bit his lip a movement of anger which proved that he
also had put a sinister interpretation on the reception which his sister had
given his friend »This then is an end of my daydream« Such was Waverleys
first thought and it was so exquisitely painful as to banish from his cheek
every drop of blood
»Good God« said Rose Bradwardine »he is not yet recovered«
These words which she uttered with great emotion were overheard by the
Chevalier himself who stepped hastily forward and taking Waverley by the hand
inquired kindly after his health and added that he wished to speak with him
By a strong and sudden effort which the circumstances rendered indispensable
Waverley recovered himself so far as to follow the Chevalier in silence to a
recess in the apartment
Here the Prince detained him some time asking various questions about the
great Tory and Catholic families of England their connexions their influence
and the state of their affections towards the house of Stuart To these queries
Edward could not at any time have given more than general answers and it may be
supposed that in the present state of his feelings his responses were
indistinct even to confusion The Chevalier smiled once or twice at the
incongruity of his replies but continued the same style of conversation
although he found himself obliged to occupy the principal share of it until he
perceived that Waverley had recovered his presence of mind It is probable that
this long audience was partly meant to further the idea which the Prince desired
should be entertained among his followers that Waverley was a character of
political influence But it appeared from his concluding expressions that he
had a different and goodnatured motive personal to our hero for prolonging
the conference »I cannot resist the temptation« he said »of boasting of my
own discretion as a ladys confidant You see Mr Waverley that I know all
and I assure you I am deeply interested in the affair But my good young
friend you must put a more severe restraint upon your feelings There are many
here whose eyes can see as clearly as mine but the prudence of whose tongues
may not be equally trusted«
So saying he turned easily away and joined a circle of officers at a few
paces distance leaving Waverley to meditate upon his parting expression
which though not intelligible to him in its whole purport was sufficiently so
in the caution which the last word recommended Making therefore an effort to
show himself worthy of the interest which his new master had expressed by
instant obedience to his recommendation he walked up to the spot where Flora
and Miss Bradwardine were still seated and having made his compliments to the
latter he succeeded even beyond his own expectation in entering into
conversation upon general topics
If my dear reader thou hast ever happened to take posthorses at or at
one at least of which blanks or more probably both you will be able to
fill up from an inn near your own residence you must have observed and
doubtless with sympathetic pain the reluctant agony with which the poor jades
at first apply their galled necks to the collars of the harness But when the
irresistible arguments of the postboy have prevailed upon them to proceed a
mile or two they will become callous to the first sensation and being warm in
the harness as the said postboy may term it proceed as if their withers were
altogether unwrung This simile so much corresponds with the state of Waverleys
feelings in the course of this memorable evening that I prefer it especially
as being I trust wholly original to any more splendid illustration with
which Byshes Art of Poetry might supply me
Exertion like virtue is its own reward and our hero had moreover other
stimulating motives for persevering in a display of affected composure and
indifference to Floras obvious unkindness Pride which supplies its caustic as
a useful though severe remedy for the wounds of affection came rapidly to his
aid Distinguished by the favour of a prince destined he had room to hope to
play a conspicuous part in the revolution which awaited a mighty kingdom
excelling probably in mental acquirements and equalling at least in
personal accomplishments most of the noble and distinguished persons with whom
he was now ranked young wealthy and highborn could he or ought he to
droop beneath the frown of a capricious beauty
O nymph unrelenting and cold as thou art
My bosom is proud as thine own
With the feeling expressed in these beautiful lines which however were not
then written78 Waverley determined upon convincing Flora that he was not to be
depressed by a rejection in which his vanity whispered that perhaps she did her
own prospects as much injustice as his And to aid this change of feeling
there lurked the secret and unacknowledged hope that she might learn to prize
his affection more highly when she did not conceive it to be altogether within
her own choice to attract or repulse it There was a mystic tone of
encouragement also in the Chevaliers words though he feared they only
referred to the wishes of Fergus in favour of a union between him and his
sister But the whole circumstances of time place and incident combined at
once to awaken his imagination and to call upon him for a manly and a decisive
tone of conduct leaving to fate to dispose of the issue Should he appear to be
the only one sad and disheartened on the eve of battle how greedily would the
tale be commented upon by the slander which had been already but too busy with
his fame Never never he internally resolved shall my unprovoked enemies
possess such an advantage over my reputation
Under the influence of these mixed sensations and cheered at times by a
smile of intelligence and approbation from the Prince as he passed the group
Waverley exerted his powers of fancy animation and eloquence and attracted
the general admiration of the company The conversation gradually assumed the
tone best qualified for the display of his talents and acquisitions The gaiety
of the evening was exalted in character rather than checked by the approaching
dangers of the morrow All nerves were strung for the future and prepared to
enjoy the present This mood of mind is highly favourable for the exercise of
the powers of imagination for poetry and for that eloquence which is allied to
poetry Waverley as we have elsewhere observed possessed at times a wonderful
flow of rhetoric and on the present occasion he touched more than once the
higher notes of feeling and then again ran off in a wild voluntary of fanciful
mirth He was supported and excited by kindred spirits who felt the same
impulse of mood and time and even those of more cold and calculating habits
were hurried along by the torrent Many ladies declined the dance which still
went forward and under various pretences joined the party to which the
»handsome young Englishman« seemed to have attached himself He was presented to
several of the first rank and his manners which for the present were
altogether free from the bashful restraint by which in a moment of less
excitation they were usually clouded gave universal delight
Flora MacIvor appeared to be the only female present who regarded him with
a degree of coldness and reserve yet even she could not suppress a sort of
wonder at talents which in the course of their acquaintance she had never
seen displayed with equal brilliancy and impressive effect I do not know
whether she might not feel a momentary regret at having taken so decisive a
resolution upon the addresses of a lover who seemed fitted so well to fill a
high place in the highest stations of society Certainly she had hitherto
accounted among the incurable deficiencies of Edwards disposition the mauvaise
honte which as she had been educated in the first foreign circles and was
little acquainted with the shyness of English manners was in her opinion too
nearly related to timidity and imbecility of disposition But if a passing wish
occurred that Waverley could have rendered himself uniformly thus amiable and
attractive its influence was momentary for circumstances had arisen since they
met which rendered in her eyes the resolution she had formed respecting him
final and irrevocable
With opposite feelings Rose Bradwardine bent her whole soul to listen She
felt a secret triumph at the public tribute paid to one whose merit she had
learned to prize too early and too fondly Without a thought of jealousy
without a feeling of fear pain or doubt and undisturbed by a single selfish
consideration she resigned herself to the pleasure of observing the general
murmur of applause When Waverley spoke her ear was exclusively filled with his
voice when others answered her eye took its turn of observation and seemed to
watch his reply Perhaps the delight which she experienced in the course of that
evening though transient and followed by much sorrow was in its nature the
most pure and disinterested which the human mind is capable of enjoying
»Baron« said the Chevalier »I would not trust my mistress in the company
of your young friend He is really though perhaps somewhat romantic one of the
most fascinating young men whom I have ever seen«
»And by my honour sir« replied the Baron »the lad can sometimes be as
dowff as a sexagenary like myself If your Royal Highness had seen him dreaming
and dozing about the banks of TullyVeolan like an hypochondriac person or as
Burtons Anatomia hath it a phrenesiac or lethargic patient you would wonder
where he hath sae suddenly acquired all this fine sprack festivity and
jocularity«
»Truly« said Fergus MacIvor »I think it can only be the inspiration of
the tartans for though Waverley be always a young fellow of sense and honour
I have hitherto often found him a very absent and inattentive companion«
»We are the more obliged to him« said the Prince »for having reserved for
this evening qualities which even such intimate friends had not discovered
But come gentlemen the night advances and the business of tomorrow must be
early thought upon Each take charge of his fair partner and honour a small
refreshment with your company«
He led the way to another suite of apartments and assumed the seat and
canopy at the head of a long range of tables with an air of dignity mingled
with courtesy which well became his high birth and lofty pretensions An hour
had hardly flown away when the musicians played the signal for parting so well
known in Scotland79
»Goodnight then« said the Chevalier rising »Goodnight and joy be with
you Goodnight fair ladies who have so highly honoured a proscribed and
banished Prince Goodnight my brave friends may the happiness we have
this evening experienced be an omen of our return to these our paternal halls
speedily and in triumph and of many and many future meetings of mirth and
pleasure in the palace of Holyrood«
When the Baron of Bradwardine afterwards mentioned this adieu of the
Chevalier he never failed to repeat in a melancholy tone
Audiit et voti Phoebus succedere partem
Mente dedit partem volucres dispersit in auras
»which« as he added »is weel rendered into English metre by my friend Bangour
Ae half the prayer wi Phoebus grace did find
The tother half he whistled down the wind«
Chapter FortyFourth
The March
The conflicting passions and exhausted feelings of Waverley had resigned him to
late but sound repose He was dreaming of Glennaquoich and had transferred to
the halls of Ian nan Chaistel the festal train which so lately graced those of
Holyrood The pibroch too was distinctly heard and this at least was no
delusion for the »proud step of the chief piper« of the »chlain MacIvor« was
perambulating the court before the door of his Chieftains quarters and as
Mrs Flockhart apparently no friend to his minstrelsy was pleased to observe
»garring the very staneandlime was dingle wi his screeching« Of course it
soon became too powerful for Waverleys dream with which it had at first rather
harmonized
The sound of Callums brogues in his apartment for MacIvor had again
assigned Waverley to his care was the next note of parting »Winna yer honour
bang up Vich Ian Vohr and ta Prince are awa to the lang green glen ahint the
clachan tat they ca the Kings Park80 and mony anes on his ain shanks the
day that will be carried on ither folks ere night«
Waverley sprung up and with Callums assistance and instructions adjusted
his tartans in proper costume Callum told him also »tat his leather dorlach
wi the lock on her was come frae Doune and she was awa again in the wain wi
Vich Ian Vohrs walise«
By this periphrasis Waverley readily apprehended his portmanteau was
intended He thought upon the mysterious packet of the maid of the cavern which
seemed always to escape him when within his very grasp But this was no time for
indulgence of curiosity and having declined Mrs Flockharts compliment of a
morning ie a matutinal dram being probably the only man in the Chevaliers
army by whom such a courtesy would have been rejected he made his adieus and
departed with Callum
»Callum« said he as they proceeded down a dirty close to gain the southern
skirts of the Canongate »what shall I do for a horse«
»Ta deil ane ye maun think o« said Callum »Vich Ian Vohrs marching on
foot at the head o his kin not to say ta Prince wha does the like wi his
target on his shoulder and ye maun een be neighbourlike«
»And so I will Callum give me my target so there we are fixed How
does it look«
»Like the bra Highlander tats painted on the board afore the mickle
changehouse they ca Luckie Middlemasss« answered Callum meaning I must
observe a high compliment for in his opinion Luckie Middlemasss sign was an
exquisite specimen of art Waverley however not feeling the full force of this
polite simile asked him no farther questions
Upon extricating themselves from the mean and dirty suburbs of the
metropolis and emerging into the open air Waverley felt a renewal both of
health and spirits and turned his recollection with firmness upon the events of
the preceding evening and with hope and resolution towards those of the
approaching day
When he had surmounted a small craggy eminence called St Leonards Hill
the Kings Park or the hollow between the mountain of Arthurs Seat and the
rising grounds on which the southern part of Edinburgh is now built lay beneath
him and displayed a singular and animating prospect It was occupied by the
army of the Highlanders now in the act of preparing for their march Waverley
had already seen something of the kind at the huntingmatch which he attended
with Fergus MacIvor but this was on a scale of much greater magnitude and
incomparably deeper interest The rocks which formed the background of the
scene and the very sky itself rang with the clang of the bagpipers summoning
forth each with his appropriate pibroch his chieftain and clan The
mountaineers rousing themselves from their couch under the canopy of heaven
with the hum and bustle of a confused and irregular multitude like bees alarmed
and arming in their hives seemed to possess all the pliability of movement
fitted to execute military manoeuvres Their motions appeared spontaneous and
confused but the result was order and regularity so that a general must have
praised the conclusion though a martinet might have ridiculed the method by
which it was attained
The sort of complicated medley created by the hasty arrangements of the
various clans under their respective banners for the purpose of getting into
the order of march was in itself a gay and lively spectacle They had no tents
to strike having generally and by choice slept upon the open field although
the autumn was now waning and the nights began to be frosty For a little
space while they were getting into order there was exhibited a changing
fluctuating and confused appearance of waving tartans and floating plumes and
of banners displaying the proud gathering word of Clanronald Ganion Coheriga
Gainsay who dares LochSloy the watchword of the MacFarlanes Forth
fortune and fill the fetters the motto of the Marquis of Tullibardine Bydand
that of Lord Lewis Gordon and the appropriate signal words and emblems of many
other chieftains and clans
At length the mixed and wavering multitude arranged themselves into a narrow
and dusky column of great length stretching through the whole extent of the
valley In the front of the column the standard of the Chevalier was displayed
bearing a red cross upon a white ground with the motto Tandem Triumphans The
few cavalry being chiefly Lowland gentry with their domestic servants and
retainers formed the advanced guard of the army and their standards of which
they had rather too many in respect of their numbers were seen waving upon the
extreme verge of the horizon Many horsemen of this body among whom Waverley
accidentally remarked Balmawhapple and his lieutenant Jinker which last
however had been reduced with several others by the advice of the Baron of
Bradwardine to the situation of what he called reformed officers or
reformadoes added to the liveliness though by no means to the regularity of
the scene by galloping their horses as fast forward as the press would permit
to join their proper station in the van The fascinations of the Circes of the
High Street and the potations of strength with which they had been drenched
over night had probably detained these heroes within the walls of Edinburgh
somewhat later than was consistent with their morning duty Of such loiterers
the prudent took the longer and circuitous but more open route to attain their
place in the march by keeping at some distance from the infantry and making
their way through the enclosures to the right at the expense of leaping over or
pulling down the drystone fences The irregular appearance and vanishing of
these small parties of horsemen as well as the confusion occasioned by those
who endeavoured though generally without effect to press to the front through
the crowd of Highlanders maugre their curses oaths and opposition added to
the picturesque wildness what it took from the military regularity of the scene
While Waverley gazed upon this remarkable spectacle rendered yet more
impressive by the occasional discharge of cannonshot from the Castle at the
Highland guards as they were withdrawn from its vicinity to join their main
body Callum with his usual freedom of interference reminded him that Vich Ian
Vohrs folk were nearly at the head of the column of march which was still
distant and that »they would gang very fast after the cannon fired« Thus
admonished Waverley walked briskly forward yet often casting a glance upon the
darksome clouds of warriors who were collected before and beneath him A nearer
view indeed rather diminished the effect impressed on the mind by the more
distant appearance of the army The leading men of each clan were well armed
with broadsword target and fusee to which all added the dirk and most the
steel pistol But these consisted of gentlemen that is relations of the chief
however distant and who had an immediate title to his countenance and
protection Finer and hardier men could not have been selected out of any army
in Christendom while the free and independent habits which each possessed and
which each was yet so well taught to subject to the command of his chief and
the peculiar mode of discipline adopted in Highland warfare rendered them
equally formidable by their individual courage and high spirit and from their
rational conviction of the necessity of acting in unison and of giving their
national mode of attack the fullest opportunity of success
But in a lower rank to these there were found individuals of an inferior
description the common peasantry of the Highland country who although they
did not allow themselves to be so called and claimed often with apparent
truth to be of more ancient descent than the masters whom they served bore
nevertheless the livery of extreme penury being indifferently accoutred and
worse armed halfnaked stinted in growth and miserable in aspect Each
important clan had some of those Helots attached to them thus the MacCouls
though tracing their descent from Comhal the Father of Finn or Fingal were a
sort of Gibeonites or hereditary servants to the Stewarts of Appin the
Macbeths descended from the unhappy monarch of that name were subjects to the
Morays and clan Donnochy or Robertsons of Athole and many other examples
might be given were it not for the risk of hurting any pride of clanship which
may yet be left and thereby drawing a Highland tempest into the shop of my
publisher Now these same Helots though forced into the field by the arbitrary
authority of the chieftains under whom they hewed wood and drew water were in
general very sparingly fed ill dressed and worse armed The latter
circumstance was indeed owing chiefly to the general disarming act which had
been carried into effect ostensibly through the whole Highlands although most
of the chieftains contrived to elude its influence by retaining the weapons of
their own immediate clansmen and delivering up those of less value which they
collected from these inferior satellites It followed as a matter of course
that as we have already hinted many of these poor fellows were brought to the
field in a very wretched condition
From this it happened that in bodies the van of which were admirably well
armed in their own fashion the rear resembled actual banditti Here was a
poleaxe there a sword without a scabbard here a gun without a lock there a
scythe set straight upon a pole and some had only their dirks and bludgeons or
stakes pulled out of hedges The grim uncombed and wild appearance of these
men most of whom gazed with all the admiration of ignorance upon the most
ordinary production of domestic art created surprise in the Lowlands but it
also created terror So little was the condition of the Highlands known at that
late period that the character and appearance of their population while thus
sallying forth as military adventurers conveyed to the southcountry Lowlanders
as much surprise as if an invasion of African Negroes or Esquimaux Indians had
issued forth from the northern mountains of their own native country It cannot
therefore be wondered if Waverley who had hitherto judged of the Highlanders
generally from the samples which the policy of Fergus had from time to time
exhibited should have felt damped and astonished at the daring attempt of a
body not then exceeding four thousand men and of whom not above half the
number at the utmost were armed to change the fate and alter the dynasty of
the British kingdoms
As he moved along the column which still remained stationary an iron gun
the only piece of artillery possessed by the army which meditated so important a
revolution was fired as the signal of march The Chevalier had expressed a wish
to leave this useless piece of ordnance behind him but to his surprise the
Highland chiefs interposed to solicit that it might accompany their march
pleading the prejudices of their followers who little accustomed to artillery
attached a degree of absurd importance to this fieldpiece and expected it
would contribute essentially to a victory which they could only owe to their own
muskets and broadswords Two or three French artillerymen were therefore
appointed to the management of this military engine which was drawn along by a
string of Highland ponies and was after all only used for the purpose of
firing signals81
No sooner was its voice heard upon the present occasion than the whole line
was in motion A wild cry of joy from the advancing battalions rent the air and
was then lost in the shrill clangour of the bagpipes as the sound of these in
their turn was partially drowned by the heavy tread of so many men put at once
into motion The banners glittered and shook as they moved forward and the
horse hastened to occupy their station as the advanced guard and to push on
reconnoitring parties to ascertain and report the motions of the enemy They
vanished from Waverleys eye as they wheeled round the base of Arthurs Seat
under the remarkable ridge of basaltic rocks which fronts the little lake of
Duddingston
The infantry followed in the same direction regulating their pace by
another body which occupied a road more to the southward It cost Edward some
exertion of activity to attain the place which Ferguss followers occupied in
the line of march
Chapter FortyFifth
An Incident Gives Rise to Unavailing Reflections
When Waverley reached that part of the column which was filled by the clan of
MacIvor they halted formed and received him with a triumphant flourish upon
the bagpipes and a loud shout of the men most of whom knew him personally and
were delighted to see him in the dress of their country and of their sept »You
shout« said a Highlander of a neighbouring clan to Evan Dhu »as if the
Chieftain were just come to your head«
»Mar e Bran is e a brathair If it be not Bran it is Brans brother« was
the proverbial reply of Maccombich82
»O then it is the handsome Sassenach Duinhéwassel that is to be married
to Lady Flora«
»That may be or it may not be and it is neither your matter nor mine
Gregor«
Fergus advanced to embrace the volunteer and afford him a warm and hearty
welcome but he thought it necessary to apologize for the diminished numbers of
his battalion which did not exceed three hundred men by observing he had
sent a good many out upon parties
The real fact however was that the defection of Donald Bean Lean had
deprived him of at least thirty hardy fellows whose services he had fully
reckoned upon and that many of his occasional adherents had been recalled by
their several chiefs to the standards to which they most properly owed their
allegiance The rival chief of the great northern branch also of his own clan
had mustered his people although he had not yet declared either for the
Government or for the Chevalier and by his intrigues had in some degree
diminished the force with which Fergus took the field To make amends for these
disappointments it was universally admitted that the followers of Vich Ian
Vohr in point of appearance equipment arms and dexterity in using them
equalled the most choice troops which followed the standard of Charles Edward
Old Ballenkeiroch acted as his major and with the other officers who had known
Waverley when at Glennaquoich gave our hero a cordial reception as the sharer
of their future dangers and expected honours
The route pursued by the Highland army after leaving the village of
Duddingston was for some time the common postroad betwixt Edinburgh and
Haddington until they crossed the Esk at Musselburgh when instead of keeping
the low grounds towards the sea they turned more inland and occupied the brow
of the eminence called Carberry Hill a place already distinguished in Scottish
history as the spot where the lovely Mary surrendered herself to her insurgent
subjects This direction was chosen because the Chevalier had received notice
that the army of the Government arriving by sea from Aberdeen had landed at
Dunbar and quartered the night before to the west of Haddington with the
intention of falling down towards the seaside and approaching Edinburgh by the
lower coastroad By keeping the height which overhung that road in many
places it was hoped the Highlanders might find an opportunity of attacking them
to advantage The army therefore halted upon the ridge of Carberry Hill both to
refresh the soldiers and as a central situation from which their march could
be directed to any point that the motions of the enemy might render most
advisable While they remained in this position a messenger arrived in haste to
desire MacIvor to come to the Prince adding that their advanced post had had
a skirmish with some of the enemys cavalry and that the Baron of Bradwardine
had sent in a few prisoners
Waverley walked forward out of the line to satisfy his curiosity and soon
observed five or six of the troopers who covered with dust had galloped in to
announce that the enemy were in full march westward along the coast Passing
still a little farther on he was struck with a groan which issued from a hovel
He approached the spot and heard a voice in the provincial English of his
native county which endeavoured though frequently interrupted by pain to
repeat the Lords Prayer The voice of distress always found a ready answer in
our heros bosom He entered the hovel which seemed to be intended for what is
called in the pastoral counties of Scotland a smearinghouse and in its
obscurity Edward could only at first discern a sort of red bundle for those who
had stripped the wounded man of his arms and part of his clothes had left him
the dragooncloak in which he was enveloped
»For the love of God« said the wounded man as he heard Waverleys step
»give me a single drop of water«
»You shall have it« answered Waverley at the same time raising him in his
arms bearing him to the door of the hut and giving him some drink from his
flask
»I should know that voice« said the man but looking on Waverleys dress
with a bewildered look »no this is not the young squire«
This was the common phrase by which Edward was distinguished on the estate
of WaverleyHonour and the sound now thrilled to his heart with the thousand
recollections which the wellknown accents of his native country had already
contributed to awaken »Houghton« he said gazing on the ghastly features which
death was fast disfiguring »can this be you«
»I never thought to hear an English voice again« said the wounded man
»they left me to live or die here as I could when they found I would say
nothing about the strength of the regiment But O squire how could you stay
from us so long and let us be tempted by that fiend of the pit Ruffin we
should have followed you through flood and fire to be sure«
»Ruffin I assure you Houghton you have been vilely imposed upon«
»I often thought so« said Houghton »though they showed us your very seal
and so Tims was shot and I was reduced to the ranks«
»Do not exhaust your strength in speaking« said Edward »I will get you a
surgeon presently«
He saw MacIvor approaching who was now returning from headquarters where
he had attended a council of war and hastened to meet him »Brave news«
shouted the Chief »we shall be at it in less than two hours The Prince has put
himself at the head of the advance and as he drew his sword called out My
friends I have thrown away the scabbard Come Waverley we move instantly«
»A moment a moment this poor prisoner is dying where shall I find a
surgeon«
»Why where should you We have none you know but two or three French
fellows who I believe are little better than garçons apothécaires«
»But the man will bleed to death«
»Poor fellow« said Fergus in a momentary fit of compassion then instantly
added »But it will be a thousand mens fate before night so come along«
»I cannot I tell you he is a son of a tenant of my uncles«
»O if hes a follower of yours he must be looked to Ill send Callum to
you But diaoul ceade millia molligheart« continued the impatient Chieftain
»what made an old soldier like Bradwardine send dying men here to cumber us«
Callum came with his usual alertness and indeed Waverley rather gained
than lost in the opinion of the Highlanders by his anxiety about the wounded
man They would not have understood the general philanthropy which rendered it
almost impossible for Waverley to have passed any person in such distress but
as apprehending that the sufferer was one of his following83 they unanimously
allowed that Waverleys conduct was that of a kind and considerate chieftain
who merited the attachment of his people In about a quarter of an hour poor
Humphrey breathed his last praying his young master when he returned to
WaverleyHonour to be kind to old Job Houghton and his dame and conjuring him
not to fight with these wild petticoatmen against old England
When his last breath was drawn Waverley who had beheld with sincere
sorrow and no slight tinge of remorse the final agonies of mortality now
witnessed for the first time commanded Callum to remove the body into the hut
This the young Highlander performed not without examining the pockets of the
defunct which however he remarked had been pretty well spungd He took the
cloak however and proceeding with the provident caution of a spaniel hiding a
bone concealed it among some furze and carefully marked the spot observing
that if he chanced to return that way it would be an excellent rokelay for his
auld mother Elspat
It was by a considerable exertion that they regained their place in the
marching column which was now moving rapidly forward to occupy the high grounds
above the village of Tranent between which and the sea lay the purposed march
of the oppo site army
This melancholy interview with his late sergeant forced many unavailing and
painful reflections upon Waverleys mind It was clear from the confession of
the man that Colonel Gardiners proceedings had been strictly warranted and
even rendered indispensable by the steps taken in Edwards name to induce the
soldiers of his troop to mutiny The circumstance of the seal he now for the
first time recollected and that he had lost it in the cavern of the robber
Bean Lean That the artful villain had secured it and used it as the means of
carrying on an intrigue in the regiment for his own purposes was sufficiently
evident and Edward had now little doubt that in the packet placed in his
portmanteau by his daughter he should find farther light upon his proceedings
In the meanwhile the repeated expostulation of Houghton »Ah squire why did
you leave us« rung like a knell in his ears
»Yes« he said »I have indeed acted towards you with thoughtless cruelty I
brought you from your paternal fields and the protection of a generous and kind
landlord and when I had subjected you to all the rigour of military discipline
I shunned to bear my own share of the burden and wandered from the duties I had
undertaken leaving alike those whom it was my business to protect and my own
reputation to suffer under the artifices of villany O indolence and indecision
of mind if not in yourselves vices to how much exquisite misery and mischief
do you frequently prepare the way«
Chapter FortySixth
The Eve of Battle
Although the Highlanders marched on very fast the sun was declining when they
arrived upon the brow of those high grounds which command an open and extensive
plain stretching northward to the sea on which are situated but at a
considerable distance from each other the small villages of Seaton and
Cockenzie and the larger one of Preston One of the low coastroads to
Edinburgh passed through this plain issuing upon it from the enclosures of
Seatonhouse and at the town or village of Preston again entering the defiles
of an enclosed country By this way the English general had chosen to approach
the metropolis both as most commodious for his cavalry and being probably of
opinion that by doing so he would meet in front with the Highlanders advancing
from Edinburgh in the opposite direction In this he was mistaken for the sound
judgment of the Chevalier or of those to whose advice he listened left the
direct passage free but occupied the strong ground by which it was overlooked
and commanded
When the Highlanders reached the heights above the plain described they
were immediately formed in array of battle along the brow of the hill Almost at
the same instant the van of the English appeared issuing from among the trees
and enclosures of Seaton with the purpose of occupying the level plain between
the high ground and the sea the space which divided the armies being only about
halfamile in breadth Waverley could plainly see the squadrons of dragoons
issue one after another from the defiles with their videttes in front and
form upon the plain with their front opposed to that of the Princes army They
were followed by a train of fieldpieces which when they reached the flank of
the dragoons were also brought into line and pointed against the heights The
march was continued by three or four regiments of infantry marching in open
column their fixed bayonets showing like successive hedges of steel and their
arms glancing like lightning as at a signal given they also at once wheeled
up and were placed in direct opposition to the Highlanders A second train of
artillery with another regiment of horse closed the long march and formed on
the left flank of the infantry the whole line facing southward
While the English army went through these evolutions the Highlanders showed
equal promptitude and zeal for battle As fast as the clans came upon the ridge
which fronted their enemy they were formed into line so that both armies got
into complete order of battle at the same moment When this was accomplished
the Highlanders set up a tremendous yell which was reechoed by the heights
behind them The regulars who were in high spirits returned a loud shout of
defiance and fired one or two of their cannon upon an advanced post of the
Highlanders The latter displayed great earnestness to proceed instantly to the
attack Evan Dhu urging to Fergus by way of argument that »the sidier roy was
tottering like an egg upon a staff and that they had a the vantage of the
onset for even a haggis God bless her could charge down hill«
But the ground through which the mountaineers must have descended although
not of great extent was impracticable in its character being not only marshy
but intersected with walls of dry stone and traversed in its whole length by a
very broad and deep ditch circumstances which must have given the musketry of
the regulars dreadful advantages before the mountaineers could have used their
swords on which they were taught to rely The authority of the commanders was
therefore interposed to curb the impetuosity of the Highlanders and only a few
marksmen were sent down the descent to skirmish with the enemys advanced posts
and to reconnoitre the ground
Here then was a military spectacle of no ordinary interest or usual
occurrence The two armies so different in aspect and discipline yet each
admirably trained in its own peculiar mode of war upon whose conflict the
temporary fate at least of Scotland appeared to depend now faced each other
like two gladiators in the arena each meditating upon the mode of attacking
their enemy The leading officers and the generals staff of each army could
be distinguished in front of their lines busied with spyglasses to watch each
others motions and occupied in despatching the orders and receiving the
intelligence conveyed by the aidesdecamp and orderly men who gave life to the
scene by galloping along in different directions as if the fate of the day
depended upon the speed of their horses The space between the armies was at
times occupied by the partial and irregular contests of individual
sharpshooters and a hat or bonnet was occasionally seen to fall as a wounded
man was borne off by his comrades These however were but trifling skirmishes
for it suited the views of neither party to advance in that direction From the
neighbouring hamlets the peasantry cautiously showed themselves as if watching
the issue of the expected engagement and at no great distance in the bay were
two squarerigged vessels bearing the English flag whose tops and yards were
crowded with less timid spectators
When this awful pause had lasted for a short time Fergus with another
chieftain received orders to detach their clans towards the village of Preston
in order to threaten the right flank of Copes army and compel him to a change
of position To enable him to execute these orders the Chief of Glennaquoich
occupied the churchyard of Tranent a commanding situation and a convenient
place as Evan Dhu remarked »for any gentleman who might have the misfortune to
be killed and chanced to be curious about Christian burial« To check or
dislodge this party the English general detached two guns escorted by a strong
party of cavalry They approached so near that Waverley could plainly recognise
the standard of the troop he had formerly commanded and hear the trumpets and
kettledrums sound the signal of advance which he had so often obeyed He could
hear too the wellknown word given in the English dialect by the equally
welldistinguished voice of the commanding officer for whom he had once felt so
much respect It was at that instant that looking around him he saw the wild
dress and appearance of his Highland associates heard their whispers in an
uncouth and unknown language looked upon his own dress so unlike that which he
had worn from his infancy and wished to awake from what seemed at the moment a
dream strange horrible and unnatural »Good God« he muttered »am I then a
traitor to my country a renegade to my standard and a foe as that poor dying
wretch expressed himself to my native England«
Ere he could digest or smother the recollection the tall military form of
his late commander came full in view for the purpose of reconnoitring »I can
hit him now« said Callum cautiously raising his fusee over the wall under
which he lay couched at scarce sixty yards distance
Edward felt as if he was about to see a parricide committed in his presence
for the venerable grey hair and striking countenance of the veteran recalled the
almost paternal respect with which his officers universally regarded him But
ere he could say »Hold« an aged Highlander who lay beside Callum Beg stopped
his arm »Spare your shot« said the seer »his hour is not yet come But let
him beware of tomorrow I see his windingsheet high upon his breast«
Callum flint to other considerations was penetrable to superstition He
turned pale at the words of the Taishatr and recovered his piece Colonel
Gardiner unconscious of the danger he had escaped turned his horse round and
rode slowly back to the front of his regiment
By this time the regular army had assumed a new line with one flank
inclined towards the sea and the other resting upon the village of Preston and
as similar difficulties occurred in attacking their new position Fergus and the
rest of the detachment were recalled to their former post This alteration
created the necessity of a corresponding change in General Copes army which
was again brought into a line parallel with that of the Highlanders In these
manoeuvres on both sides the daylight was nearly consumed and both armies
prepared to rest upon their arms for the night in the lines which they
respectively occupied
»There will be nothing done tonight« said Fergus to his friend Waverley
»Ere we wrap ourselves in our plaids let us go see what the Baron is doing in
the rear of the line«
When they approached his post they found the good old careful officer
after having sent out his night patrols and posted his sentinels engaged in
reading the Evening Service of the Episcopal Church to the remainder of his
troop His voice was loud and sonorous and though his spectacles upon his nose
and the appearance of Saunders Saunderson in military array performing the
functions of clerk had something ludicrous yet the circumstances of danger in
which they stood the military costume of the audience and the appearance of
their horses saddled and picketed behind them gave an impressive and solemn
effect to the office of devotion
»I have confessed today ere you were awake« whispered Fergus to Waverley
»yet I am not so strict a Catholic as to refuse to join in this good mans
prayers«
Edward assented and they remained till the Baron had concluded the service
As he shut the book »Now lads« said he »have at them in the morning with
heavy hands and light consciences« He then kindly greeted MacIvor and
Waverley who requested to know his opinion of their situation »Why you know
Tacitus saith In rebus bellicis maxime dominatur Fortuna which is equiponderate
with our vernacular adage Luck can maist in the mellee But credit me
gentlemen yon man is not a deacon o his craft He damps the spirits of the
poor lads he commands by keeping them on the defensive whilk of itself implies
inferiority or fear Now will they lie on their arms yonder as anxious and as
ill at ease as a toad under a harrow while our men will be quite fresh and
blithe for action in the morning Well good night One thing troubles me but
if tomorrow goes well off I will consult you about it Glennaquoich«
»I could almost apply to Mr Bradwardine the character which Henry gives of
Fluellen« said Waverley as his friend and he walked towards their bivouac
Though it appears a little out of fashion
There is much care and valour in this »Scotchman«
»He has seen much service« answered Fergus »and one is sometimes astonished to
find how much nonsense and reason are mingled in his composition I wonder what
can be troubling his mind probably something about Rose Hark the English
are setting their watch«
The roll of the drum and shrill accompaniment of the fifes swelled up the
hill died away resumed its thunder and was at length hushed The trumpets
and kettledrums of the cavalry were next heard to perform the beautiful and
wild point of war appropriated as a signal for that piece of nocturnal duty and
then finally sunk upon the wind with a shrill and mournful cadence
The friends who had now reached their post stood and looked round them ere
they lay down to rest The western sky twinkled with stars but a frostmist
rising from the ocean covered the eastern horizon and rolled in white wreaths
along the plain where the adverse army lay couched upon their arms Their
advanced posts were pushed as far as the side of the great ditch at the bottom
of the descent and had kindled large fires at different intervals gleaming
with obscure and hazy lustre through the heavy fog which encircled them with a
doubtful halo
The Highlanders »thick as leaves in Vallambrosa« lay stretched upon the
ridge of the hill buried excepting their sentinels in the most profound
repose »How many of these brave fellows will sleep more soundly before
tomorrow night Fergus« said Waverley with an involuntary sigh
»You must not think of that« answered Fergus whose ideas were entirely
military »You must only think of your sword and by whom it was given All
other reflections are now TOO LATE«
With the opiate contained in this undeniable remark Edward endeavoured to
lull the tumult of his conflicting feelings The Chieftain and he combining
their plaids made a comfortable and warm couch Callum sitting down at their
head for it was his duty to watch upon the immediate person of the Chief
began a long mournful song in Gaelic to a low and uniform tune which like the
sound of the wind at a distance soon lulled them to sleep
Chapter FortySeventh
The Conflict
When Fergus MacIvor and his friend had slept for a few hours they were
awakened and summoned to attend the Prince The distant villageclock was heard
to toll three as they hastened to the place where he lay He was already
surrounded by his principal officers and the chiefs of clans A bundle of
peasestraw which had been lately his couch now served for a seat Just as
Fergus reached the circle the consultation had broken up »Courage my brave
friends« said the Chevalier »and each one put himself instantly at the head of
his command a faithful friend84 has offered to guide us by a practicable
though narrow and circuitous route which sweeping to our right traverses the
broken ground and morass and enables us to gain the firm and open plain upon
which the enemy are lying This difficulty surmounted Heaven and your good
swords must do the rest«
The proposal spread unanimous joy and each leader hastened to get his men
into order with as little noise as possible The army moving by its right from
off the ground on which they had rested soon entered the path through the
morass conducting their march with astonishing silence and great rapidity The
mist had not risen to the higher grounds so that for some time they had the
advantage of starlight But this was lost as the stars faded before approaching
day and the head of the marching column continuing its descent plunging as it
were into the heavy ocean of fog which rolled its white waves over the whole
plain and over the sea by which it was bounded Some difficulties were now to
be encountered inseparable from darkness a narrow broken and marshy path
and the necessity of preserving union in the march These however were less
inconvenient to Highlanders from their habits of life than they would have
been to any other troops and they continued a steady and swift movement
As the clan of Ivor approached the firm ground following the track of those
who preceded them the challenge of a patrol was heard through the mist though
they could not see the dragoon by whom it was made »Who goes there«
»Hush« cried Fergus »hush Let none answer as he values his life
Press forward« and they continued their march with silence and rapidity
The patrol fired his carabine upon the body and the report was instantly
followed by the clang of his horses feet as he galloped off »Hylax in limine
latrat« said the Baron of Bradwardine who heard the shot »that loon will give
the alarm«
The clan of Fergus had now gained the firm plain which had lately borne a
large crop of corn But the harvest was gathered in and the expanse was
unbroken by tree bush or interruption of any kind The rest of the army were
following fast when they heard the drums of the enemy beat the general
Surprise however had made no part of their plan so they were not disconcerted
by this intimation that the foe was upon his guard and prepared to receive them
It only hastened their dispositions for the combat which were very simple
The Highland army which now occupied the eastern end of the wide plain or
stubble field so often referred to was drawn up in two lines extending from
the morass towards the sea The first was destined to charge the enemy the
second to act as a reserve The few horse whom the Prince headed in person
remained between the two lines The Adventurer had intimated a resolution to
charge in person at the head of his first line but his purpose was deprecated
by all around him and he was with difficulty induced to abandon it
Both lines were now moving forward the first prepared for instant combat
The clans of which it was composed formed each a sort of separate phalanx
narrow in front and in depth ten twelve or fifteen files according to the
strength of the following The bestarmed and bestborn for the words were
synonymous were placed in front of each of these irregular subdivisions The
others in the rear shouldered forward the front and by their pressure added
both physical impulse and additional ardour and confidence to those who were
first to encounter the danger
»Down with your plaid Waverley« cried Fergus throwing off his own »well
win silks for our tartans before the sun is above the sea«
The clansmen on every side stript their plaids prepared their arms and
there was an awful pause of about three minutes during which the men pulling
off their bonnets raised their faces to heaven and uttered a short prayer
then pulled their bonnets over their brows and began to move forward at first
slowly Waverley felt his heart at that moment throb as it would have burst from
his bosom It was not fear it was not ardour it was a compound of both a
new and deeply energetic impulse that with its first emotion chilled and
astounded then fevered and maddened his mind The sounds around him combined to
exalt his enthusiasm the pipes played and the clans rushed forward each in
its own dark column As they advanced they mended their pace and the muttering
sounds of the men to each other began to swell into a wild cry
At this moment the sun which was now risen above the horizon dispelled the
mist The vapours rose like a curtain and showed the two armies in the act of
closing The line of the regulars was formed directly fronting the attack of the
Highlanders it glittered with the appointments of a complete army and was
flanked by cavalry and artillery But the sight impressed no terror on the
assailants
»Forward sons of Ivor« cried their Chief »or the Camerons will draw the
first blood« They rushed on with a tremendous yell
The rest is well known The horse who were commanded to charge the
advancing Highlanders in the flank received an irregular fire from their fusees
as they ran on and seized with a disgraceful panic wavered halted
disbanded and galloped from the field The artillerymen deserted by the
cavalry fled after discharging their pieces and the Highlanders who dropped
their guns when fired and drew their broadswords rushed with headlong fury
against the infantry
It was at this moment of confusion and terror that Waverley remarked an
English officer apparently of high rank standing alone and unsupported by a
fieldpiece which after the flight of the men by whom it was wrought he had
himself levelled and discharged against the clan of MacIvor the nearest group
of Highlanders within his aim Struck with his tall martial figure and eager
to save him from inevitable destruction Waverley outstripped for an instant
even the speediest of the warriors and reaching the spot first called to him
to surrender The officer replied by a thrust with his sword which Waverley
received in his target and in turning it aside the Englishmans weapon broke
At the same time the battleaxe of Dugald Mahony was in the act of descending
upon the officers head Waverley intercepted and prevented the blow and the
officer perceiving further resistance unavailing and struck with Edwards
generous anxiety for his safety resigned the fragment of his sword and was
committed by Waverley to Dugald with strict charge to use him well and not to
pillage his person promising him at the same time full indemnification for
the spoil
On Edwards right the battle for a few minutes raged fierce and thick The
English infantry trained in the wars in Flanders stood their ground with great
courage But their extended files were pierced and broken in many places by the
close masses of the clans and in the personal struggle which ensued the nature
of the Highlanders weapons and their extraordinary fierceness and activity
gave them a decided superiority over those who had been accustomed to trust much
to their array and discipline and felt that the one was broken and the other
useless Waverley as he cast his eyes towards this scene of smoke and
slaughter observed Colonel Gardiner deserted by his own soldiers in spite of
all his attempts to rally them yet spurring his horse through the field to take
the command of a small body of infantry who with their backs arranged against
the wall of his own park for his house was close by the field of battle
continued a desperate and unavailing resistance Waverley could perceive that he
had already received many wounds his clothes and saddle being marked with
blood To save this good and brave man became the instant object of his most
anxious exertions But he could only witness his fall Ere Edward could make his
way among the Highlanders who furious and eager for spoil now thronged upon
each other he saw his former commander brought from his horse by the blow of a
scythe and beheld him receive while on the ground more wounds than would have
let out twenty lives When Waverley came up however perception had not
entirely fled The dying warrior seemed to recognise Edward for he fixed his
eye upon him with an upbraiding yet sorrowful look and appeared to struggle
for utterance But he felt that death was dealing closely with him and
resigning his purpose and folding his hands as if in devotion he gave up his
soul to his Creator The look with which he regarded Waverley in his dying
moments did not strike him so deeply at that crisis of hurry and confusion as
when it recurred to his imagination at the distance of some time85
Loud shouts of triumph now echoed over the whole field The battle was
fought and won and the whole baggage artillery and military stores of the
regular army remained in possession of the victors Never was a victory more
complete Scarce any escaped from the battle excepting the cavalry who had
left it at the very onset and even these were broken into different parties
and scattered all over the country So far as our tale is concerned we have
only to relate the fate of Balmawhapple who mounted on a horse as headstrong
and stiffnecked as his rider pursued the flight of the dragoons above four
miles from the field of battle when some dozen of the fugitives took heart of
grace turned round and cleaving his skull with their broadswords satisfied
the world that the unfortunate gentleman had actually brains the end of his
life thus giving proof of a fact greatly doubted during its progress His death
was lamented by few Most of those who knew him agreed in the pithy observation
of Ensign Maccombich that there »was mair tint lost at SheriffMuir« His
friend Lieutenant Jinker bent his eloquence only to exculpate his favourite
mare from any share in contributing to the catastrophe »He had tauld the laird
a thousand times« he said »that it was a burning shame to put a martingale
upon the puir thing when he would needs ride her wi a curb of halfayard
lang and that he could na but bring himsell not to say her to some mischief
by flinging her down or otherwise whereas if he had had a wee bit rinnin ring
on the snaffle she wad ha reind as cannily as a cadgers pownie«
Such was the elegy of the Laird of Balmawhapple86
Chapter FortyEighth
An Unexpected Embarrassment
When the battle was over and all things coming into order the Baron of
Bradwardine returning from the duty of the day and having disposed those under
his command in their proper stations sought the Chieftain of Glennaquoich and
his friend Edward Waverley He found the former busied in determining disputes
among his clansmen about points of precedence and deeds of valour besides
sundry high and doubtful questions concerning plunder The most important of the
last respected the property of a gold watch which had once belonged to some
unfortunate English officer The party against whom judgment was awarded
consoled himself by observing »She ie the watch which he took for a living
animal died the very night Vich Ian Vohr gave her to Murdock« the machine
having in fact stopped for want of winding up
It was just when this important question was decided that the Baron of
Bradwardine with a careful and yet important expression of countenance joined
the two young men He descended from his reeking charger the care of which he
recommended to one of his grooms »I seldom ban sir« said he to the man »but
if you play any of your houndsfoot tricks and leave puir Berwick before hes
sorted to rin after spuilzie deil be wi me if I do not give your craig a
thraw« He then stroked with great complacency the animal which had borne him
through the fatigues of the day and having taken a tender leave of him
»Weel my good young friends a glorious and decisive victory« said he »but
these loons of troopers fled ower soon I should have liked to have shown you
the true points of the prælium equestre or equestrian combat whilk their
cowardice has postponed and which I hold to be the pride and terror of warfare
Weel I have fought once more in this old quarrel though I admit I could not be
so far ben as you lads being that it was my point of duty to keep together our
handful of horse And no cavalier ought in any wise to begrudge honour that
befalls his companions even though they are ordered upon thrice his danger
whilk another time by the blessing of God may be his own case But
Glennaquoich and you Mr Waverley I pray ye to give me your best advice on a
matter of mickle weight and which deeply affects the honour of the house of
Bradwardine I crave your pardon Ensign Maccombich and yours Inveraughlin
and yours Edderalshendrach and yours sir«
The last person he addressed was Ballenkeiroch who remembering the death
of his son lowered on him with a look of savage defiance The Baron quick as
lightning at taking umbrage had already bent his brow when Glennaquoich
dragged his major from the spot and remonstrated with him in the authoritative
tone of a chieftain on the madness of reviving a quarrel in such a moment
»The ground is cumbered with carcases« said the old mountaineer turning
sullenly away »one more would hardly have been kennd upon it and if it wasna
for yoursell Vich Ian Vohr that one should be Bradwardines or mine«
The chief soothed while he hurried him away and then returned to the Baron
»It is Ballenkeiroch« he said in an under and confidential voice »father of
the young man who fell eight years since in the unlucky affair at the Mains«
»Ah« said the Baron instantly relaxing the doubtful sternness of his
features »I can take mickle fra a man to whom I have unhappily rendered sic a
displeasure as that Ye were right to apprize me Glennaquoich he may look as
black as midnight at Martinmas ere Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine shall say he does
him wrang Ah I have nae male lineage and I should bear with one I have made
childless though you are aware the bloodwit was made up to your ain
satisfaction by assythment and that I have since expedited letters of slains
Weel as I have said I have no male issue and yet it is needful that I
maintain the honour of my house and it is on that score I prayed ye for your
peculiar and private attention«
The two young men awaited to hear him in anxious curiosity
»I doubt na lads« he proceeded »but your education has been sae seen to
that ye understand the true nature of the feudal tenures«
Fergus afraid of an endless dissertation answered »Intimately Baron«
and touched Waverley as a signal to express no ignorance
»And ye are aware I doubt not that the holding of the Barony of
Bradwardine is of a nature alike honourable and peculiar being blanch which
Craig opines ought to be Latinated blancum or rather francum a free holding
pro servitio detrahendi seu exuendi caligas regis post battalliam« Here
Fergus turned his falcon eye upon Edward with an almost imperceptible rise of
his eyebrow to which his shoulders corresponded in the same degree of
elevation »Now twa points of dubitation occur to me upon this topic First
whether this service or feudal homage be at any event due to the person of the
Prince the words being per expressum caligas REGIS the boots of the king
himself and I pray your opinion anent that particular before we proceed
farther«
»Why he is Prince Regent« answered MacIvor with laudable composure of
countenance »and in the court of France all the honours are rendered to the
person of the Regent which are due to that of the King Besides were I to pull
off either of their boots I would render that service to the young Chevalier
ten times more willingly than to his father«
»Ay but I talk not of personal predilections However your authority is of
great weight as to the usages of the court of France and doubtless the Prince
as alter ego may have a right to claim the homagium of the great tenants of the
crown since all faithful subjects are commanded in the commission of regency
to respect him as the kings own person Far therefore be it from me to
diminish the lustre of his authority by withholding this act of homage so
peculiarly calculated to give it splendour for I question if the Emperor of
Germany hath his boots taken off by a free baron of the empire But here lieth
the second difficulty The Prince wears no boots but simply brogues and
trews«
This last dilemma had almost disturbed Ferguss gravity
»Why« said he »you know Baron the proverb tells us Its ill taking the
breeks off a Highlandman and the boots are here in the same predicament«
»The word caligæ however« continued the Baron »though I admit that by
family tradition and even in our ancient evidents it is explained lie BOOTS
means in its primitive sense rather sandals and Caius Cæsar the nephew and
successor of Caius Tiberius received the agnomen of Caligula a caligulis sive
caligis levioribus quibus adolescentior usus fuerat in exercitu Germanici
patris sui And the caligæ were also proper to the monastic bodies for we read
in an ancient Glossarium upon the rule of St Benedict is the Abbey of St
Amand that caligæ were tied with latchets«
»That will apply to the brogues« said Fergus
»It will so my dear Glennaquoich and the words are express Caligæ dictæ
sunt quia ligantur nam socci non ligantur sed tantum intromittuntur that is
caligæ are denominated from the ligatures wherewith they are bound whereas
socci which may be analogous to our mules whilk the English denominate
slippers are only slipped upon the feet The words of the charter are also
alternative exuere seu detrahere that is to undo as in the case of
sandals or brogues and to pull off as we say vernacularly concerning boots
Yet I would we had more light but I fear there is little chance of finding
hereabout any erudite author de re vestiariâ«
»I should doubt it very much« said the Chieftain looking around on the
straggling Highlanders who were returning loaded with spoils of the slain
»though the res vestiaria itself seems to be in some request at present«
This remark coming within the Barons idea of jocularity he honoured it
with a smile but immediately resumed what to him appeared very serious
business
»Bailie Macwheeble indeed holds an opinion that this honorary service is
due from its very nature si petatur tantum only if his Hoyal Highness shall
require of the great tenant of the crown to perform that personal duty and
indeed he pointed out the case in Dirletons Doubts and Queries Grippet versus
Spicer anent the eviction of an estate ob non solutum canonem that is for
nonpayment of a feuduty of three peppercorns ayear whilk were taxt to be
worth seveneighths of a penny Scots in whilk the defender was assoilzied But
I deem it safest wi your good favour to place myself in the way of rendering
the Prince this service and to proffer performance thereof and I shall cause
the Bailie to attend with a schedule of a protest whilk he has here prepared
taking out a paper intimating that if it shall be his Royal Highnesss
pleasure to accept of other assistance at pulling off his caligæ whether the
same shall be rendered boots or brogues save that of the said Baron of
Bradwardine who is in presence ready and willing to perform the same it shall
in no wise impinge upon or prejudice the right of the said Cosmo Comyne
Bradwardine to perform the said service in future nor shall it give any
esquire valet of the chamber squire or page whose assistance it may please
his Royal Highness to employ any right title or ground for evicting from the
said Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine the estate and barony of Bradwardine and others
held as aforesaid by the due and faithful performance thereof«
Fergus highly applauded this arrangement and the Baron took a friendly
leave of them with a smile of contented importance upon his visage
»Long live our dear friend the Baron« exclaimed the Chief as soon as he
was out of hearing »for the most absurd original that exists north of the
Tweed I wish to heaven I had recommended him to attend the circle this evening
with a bootketch under his arm I think he might have adopted the suggestion
if it had been made with suitable gravity«
»And how can you take pleasure in making a man of his worth so ridiculous«
»Begging pardon my dear Waverley you are as ridiculous as he Why do you
not see that the mans whole mind is wrapped up in this ceremony He has heard
and thought of it since infancy as the most august privilege and ceremony in
the world and I doubt not but the expected pleasure of performing it was a
principal motive with him for taking up arms Depend upon it had I endeavoured
to divert him from exposing himself he would have treated me as an ignorant
conceited coxcomb or perhaps might have taken a fancy to cut my throat a
pleasure which he once proposed to himself upon some point of etiquette not
half so important in his eyes as this matter of boots or brogues or whatever
the caligæ shall finally be pronounced by the learned But I must go to
headquarters to prepare the Prince for this extraordinary scene My information
will be well taken for it will give him a hearty laugh at present and put him
on his guard against laughing when it might be very malapropos So au
revoir my dear Waverley«
Chapter FortyNinth
The English Prisoner
The first occupation of Waverley after he departed from the Chieftain was to
go in quest of the officer whose life he had saved He was guarded along with
his companions in misfortune who were very numerous in a gentlemans house
near the field of battle
On entering the room where they stood crowded together Waverley easily
recognised the object of his visit not only by the peculiar dignity of his
appearance but by the appendage of Dugald Mahony with his battleaxe who had
stuck to him from the moment of his captivity as if he had been skewered to his
side This close attendance was perhaps for the purpose of securing his
promised reward from Edward but it also operated to save the English gentleman
from being plundered in the scene of general confusion for Dugald sagaciously
argued that the amount of the salvage which he might be allowed would be
regulated by the state of the prisoner when he should deliver him over to
Waverley He hastened to assure Waverley therefore with more words than he
usually employed that he had »keepit ta sidier roy haill and that he wasna a
plack the waur since the ferry moment when his honour forbad her to gie him a
bit clamhewit wi her Lochaber axe«
Waverley assured Dugald of a liberal recompense and approaching the
English officer expressed his anxiety to do anything which might contribute to
his convenience under his present unpleasant circumstances
»I am not so inexperienced a soldier sir« answered the Englishman »as to
complain of the fortune of war I am only grieved to see those scenes acted in
our own island which I have often witnessed elsewhere with comparative
indifference«
»Another such day as this« said Waverley »and I trust the cause of your
regrets will be removed and all will again return to peace and order«
The officer smiled and shook his head »I must not forget my situation so
far as to attempt a formal confutation of that opinion but notwithstanding
your success and the valour which achieved it you have undertaken a task to
which your strength appears wholly inadequate«
At this moment Fergus pushed into the press
»Come Edward come along the Prince has gone to Pinkiehouse for the
night and we must follow or loose the whole ceremony of the caligæ Your
friend the Baron has been guilty of a great piece of cruelty he has insisted
upon dragging Bailie Macwheeble out to the field of battle Now you must know
the Bailies greatest horror is an armed Highlander or a loaded gun and there
he stands listening to the Barons instructions concerning the protest ducking
his head like a seagull at the report of every gun and pistol that our idle boys
are firing upon the fields and undergoing by way of penance at every symptom
of flinching a severe rebuke from his patron who would not admit the discharge
of a whole battery of cannon within pointblank distance as an apology for
neglecting a discourse in which the honour of his family is interested«
»But how has Mr Bradwardine got him to venture so far« said Edward
»Why he had come as far as Musselburgh I fancy in hopes of making some of
our wills and the peremptory commands of the Baron dragged him forward to
Preston after the battle was over He complains of one or two of our ragamuffins
having put him in peril of his life by presenting their pieces at him but as
they limited his ransom to an English penny I dont think we need trouble the
provostmarshal upon that subject So come along Waverley«
»Waverley« said the English officer with great emotion »the nephew of Sir
Everard Waverley of shire«
»The same sir« replied our hero somewhat surprised at the tone in which
he was addressed
»I am at once happy and grieved« said the prisoner »to have met with you«
»I am ignorant sir« answered Waverley »how I have deserved so much
interest«
»Did your uncle never mention a friend called Talbot«
»I have heard him talk with great regard of such a person« replied Edward
»a colonel I believe in the army and the husband of Lady Emily Blandeville
but I thought Colonel Talbot had been abroad«
»I am just returned« answered the officer »and being in Scotland thought
it my duty to act where my services promised to be useful Yes Mr Waverley I
am that Colonel Talbot the husband of the lady you have named and I am proud
to acknowledge that I owe alike my professional rank and my domestic happiness
to your generous and nobleminded relative Good God that I should find his
nephew in such a dress and engaged in such a cause«
»Sir« said Fergus haughtily »the dress and cause are those of men of
birth and honour«
»My situation forbids me to dispute your assertion« said Colonel Talbot
»otherwise it were no difficult matter to show that neither courage nor pride
of lineage can gild a bad cause But with Mr Waverleys permission and yours
sir if yours also must be asked I would willingly speak a few words with him
on affairs connected with his own family«
»Mr Waverley sir regulates his own motions You will follow me I
suppose to Pinkie« said Fergus turning to Edward »when you have finished
your discourse with this new acquaintance« So saying the Chief of Glennaquoich
adjusted his plaid with rather more than his usual air of haughty assumption
and left the apartment
The interest of Waverley readily procured for Colonel Talbot the freedom of
adjourning to a large garden belonging to his place of confinement They walked
a few paces in silence Colonel Talbot apparently studying how to open what he
had to say at length he addressed Edward
»Mr Waverley you have this day saved my life and yet I would to God that
I had lost it ere I had found you wearing the uniform and cockade of these
men«
»I forgive your reproach Colonel Talbot it is well meant and your
education and prejudices render it natural But there is nothing extraordinary
in finding a man whose honour has been publicly and unjustly assailed in the
situation which promised most fair to afford him satisfaction on his
calumniators«
»I should rather say in the situation most likely to confirm the reports
which they have circulated« said Colonel Talbot »by following the very line of
conduct ascribed to you Are you aware Mr Waverley of the infinite distress
and even danger which your present conduct has occasioned to your nearest
relatives«
»Danger«
»Yes sir danger When I left England your uncle and father had been
obliged to find bail to answer a charge of treason to which they were only
admitted by the exertion of the most powerful interest I came down to Scotland
with the sole purpose of rescuing you from the gulf into which you have
precipitated yourself nor can I estimate the consequences to your family of
your having openly joined the rebellion since the very suspicion of your
intention was so perilous to them Most deeply do I regret that I did not meet
you before this last and fatal error«
»I am really ignorant« said Waverley in a tone of reserve »why Colonel
Talbot should have taken so much trouble on my account«
»Mr Waverley« answered Talbot »I am dull at apprehending irony and
therefore I shall answer your words according to their plain meaning I am
indebted to your uncle for benefits greater than those which a son owes to a
father I acknowledge to him the duty of a son and as I know there is no manner
in which I can requite his kindness so well as by serving you I will serve you
if possible whether you will permit me or no The personal obligation which you
have this day laid me under although in common estimation as great as one human
being can bestow on another adds nothing to my zeal on your behalf nor can
that zeal be abated by any coolness with which you may please to receive it«
»Your intentions may be kind sir« said Waverley drily »but your language
is harsh or at least peremptory«
»On my return to England« continued Colonel Talbot »after long absence I
found your uncle Sir Everard Waverley in the custody of a kings messenger in
consequence of the suspicion brought upon him by your conduct He is my oldest
friend how often shall I repeat it my best benefactor he sacrificed his
own views of happiness to mine he never uttered a word he never harboured a
thought that benevolence itself might not have thought or spoken I found this
man in confinement rendered harsher to him by his habits of life his natural
dignity of feeling and forgive me Mr Waverley by the cause through which
this calamity had come upon him I cannot disguise from you my feelings upon
this occasion they were most painfully unfavourable to you Having by my
family interest which you probably know is not inconsiderable succeeded in
obtaining Sir Everards release I set out for Scotland I saw Colonel Gardiner
a man whose fate alone is sufficient to render this insurrection for ever
execrable In the course of conversation with him I found that from late
circumstances from a reexamination of the persons engaged in the mutiny and
from his original good opinion of your character he was much softened towards
you and I doubted not that if I could be so fortunate as to discover you all
might yet be well But this unnatural rebellion has ruined all I have for the
first time in a long and active military life seen Britons disgrace themselves
by a panic flight and that before a foe without either arms or discipline and
now I find the heir of my dearest friend the son I may say of his affections
sharing a triumph for which he ought the first to have blushed Why should I
lament Gardiner his lot was happy compared to mine«
There was so much dignity in Colonel Talbots manner such a mixture of
military pride and manly sorrow and the news of Sir Everards imprisonment was
told in so deep a tone of feeling that Edward stood mortified abashed and
distressed in presence of the prisoner who owed to him his life not many hours
before He was not sorry when Fergus interrupted their conference a second time
»His Royal Highness commands Mr Waverleys attendance« Colonel Talbot
threw upon Edward a reproachful glance which did not escape the quick eye of
the Highland Chief »His immediate attendance« he repeated with considerable
emphasis Waverley turned again towards the Colonel
»We shall meet again« he said »in the meanwhile every possible
accommodation«
»I desire none« said the Colonel »let me fare like the meanest of those
brave men who on this day of calamity have preferred wounds and captivity to
flight I would almost exchange places with one of those who have fallen to
know that my words have made a suitable impression on your mind«
»Let Colonel Talbot be carefully secured« said Fergus to the Highland
officer who commanded the guard over the prisoners »It is the Princes
particular command he is a prisoner of the utmost importance«
»But let him want no accommodation suitable to his rank« said Waverley
»Consistent always with secure custody« reiterated Fergus The officer
signified his acquiescence in both commands and Edward followed Fergus to the
gardengate where Callum Beg with three saddlehorses awaited them Turning
his head he saw Colonel Talbot reconducted to his place of confinement by a
file of Highlanders he lingered on the threshold of the door and made a signal
with his hand towards Waverley as if enforcing the language he had held towards
him
»Horses« said Fergus as he mounted »are now as plenty as blackberries
every man may have them for the catching Come let Callum adjust your stirrups
and let us to Pinkiehouse87 as fast as these cidivant dragoonhorses choose to
carry us«
Chapter Fiftieth
Rather Unimportant
»I was turned back« said Fergus to Edward as they galloped from Preston to
Pinkiehouse »by a message from the Prince But I suppose you know the value
of this most noble Colonel Talbot as a prisoner He is held one of the best
officers among the redcoats a special friend and favourite of the Elector
himself and of that dreadful hero the Duke of Cumberland who has been summoned
from his triumphs at Fontenoy to come over and devour us poor Highlanders
alive Has he been telling you how the bells of St Jamess ring Not turn
again Whittington like those of Bow in the days of yore«
»Fergus« said Waverley with a reproachful look
»Nay I cannot tell what to make of you« answered the Chief of MacIvor
»you are blown about with every wind of doctrine Here have we gained a victory
unparalleled in history and your behaviour is praised by every living mortal
to the skies and the Prince is eager to thank you in person and all our
beauties of the White Rose are pulling caps for you and you the preux
chevalier of the day are stooping on your horses neck like a butterwoman
riding to market and looking as black as a funeral«
»I am sorry for poor Colonel Gardiners death he was once very kind to me«
»Why then be sorry for five minutes and then be glad again his chance
today may be ours tomorrow And what does it signify the next best thing to
victory is honourable death but it is a pisaller and one would rather a foe
had it than ones self«
»But Colonel Talbot has informed me that my father and uncle are both
imprisoned by government on my account«
»Well put in bail my boy old Andrew Ferrara88 shall lodge his security
and I should like to see him put to justify it in Westminster Hall«
»Nay they are already at liberty upon bail of a more civic disposition«
»Then why is thy noble spirit cast down Edward Dost think that the
Electors Ministers are such doves as to set their enemies at liberty at this
critical moment if they could or durst confine and punish them Assure thyself
that either they have no charge against your relations on which they can
continue their imprisonment or else they are afraid of our friends the jolly
cavaliers of old England At any rate you need not be apprehensive upon their
account and we will find some means of conveying to them assurances of your
safety«
Edward was silenced but not satisfied with these reasons He had now been
more than once shocked at the small degree of sympathy which Fergus exhibited
for the feelings even of those whom he loved if they did not correspond with
his own mood at the time and more especially if they thwarted him while earnest
in a favourite pursuit Fergus sometimes indeed observed that he had offended
Waverley but always intent upon some favourite plan or project of his own he
was never sufficiently aware of the extent or duration of his displeasure so
that the reiteration of these petty offences somewhat cooled the volunteers
extreme attachment to his officer
The Chevalier received Waverley with his usual favour and paid him many
compliments on his distinguished bravery He then took him apart made many
inquiries concerning Colonel Talbot and when he had received all the
information which Edward was able to give concerning him and his connexions he
proceeded »I cannot but think Mr Waverley that since this gentleman is so
particularly connected with our worthy and excellent friend Sir Everard
Waverley and since his lady is of the house of Blandeville whose devotion to
the true and loyal principles of the Church of England is so generally known
the Colonels own private sentiments cannot be unfavourable to us whatever mask
he may have assumed to accommodate himself to the times«
»If I am to judge from the language he this day held to me I am under the
necessity of differing widely from your Royal Highness«
»Well it is worth making a trial at least I therefore entrust you with the
charge of Colonel Talbot with power to act concerning him as you think most
advisable and I hope you will find means of ascertaining what are his real
dispositions towards our Royal Fathers restoration«
»I am convinced« said Waverley bowing »that if Colonel Talbot chooses to
grant his parole it may be securely depended upon but if he refuses it I
trust your Royal Highness will devolve on some other person than the nephew of
his friend the task of laying him under the necessary restraint«
»I will trust him with no person but you« said the Prince smiling but
peremptorily repeating his mandate »it is of importance to my service that
there should appear to be a good intelligence between you even if you are
unable to gain his confidence in earnest You will therefore receive him into
your quarters and in case he declines giving his parole you must apply for a
proper guard I beg you will go about this directly We return to Edinburgh
tomorrow«
Being thus remanded to the vicinity of Preston Waverley lost the Baron of
Bradwardines solemn act of homage So little however was he at this time in
love with vanity that he had quite forgotten the ceremony in which Fergus had
laboured to engage his curiosity But next day a formal Gazette was circulated
containing a detailed account of the battle of Gladsmuir as the Highlanders
chose to denominate their victory It concluded with an account of the Court
afterwards held by the Chevalier at Pinkiehouse which contained this among
other highflown descriptive paragraphs »Since that fatal treaty which
annihilates Scotland as an independent nation it has not been our happiness to
see her princes receive and her nobles discharge those acts of feudal homage
which founded upon the splendid actions of Scottish valour recall the memory
of her early history with the manly and chivalrous simplicity of the ties which
united to the Crown the homage of the warriors by whom it was repeatedly upheld
and defended But on the evening of the 20th our memories were refreshed with
one of those ceremonies which belong to the ancient days of Scotlands glory
After the circle was formed Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine of that ilk colonel in
the service etc etc etc came before the Prince attended by Mr D
Macwheeble the Bailie of his ancient barony of Bradwardine who we understand
has been lately named a commissary and under form of instrument claimed
permission to perform to the person of his Royal Highness as representing his
father the service used and wont for which under a charter of Robert Bruce
of which the original was produced and inspected by the Masters of his Royal
Highnesss Chancery for the time being the claimant held the barony of
Bradwardine and lands of TullyVeolan His claim being admitted and registered
his Royal Highness having placed his foot upon a cushion the Baron of
Bradwardine kneeling upon his right knee proceeded to undo the latchet of the
brogue or lowheeled Highland shoe which our gallant young hero wears in
compliment to his brave followers When this was performed his Royal Highness
declared the ceremony completed and embracing the gallant veteran protested
that nothing but compliance with an ordinance of Robert Bruce could have induced
him to receive even the symbolical performance of a menial office from hands
which had fought so bravely to put the crown upon the head of his father The
Baron of Bradwardine then took instruments in the hands of Mr Commissary
Macwheeble bearing that all points and circumstances of the act of homage had
been rite et solenniter acta et peracta and a corresponding entry was made in
the protocol of the Lord High Chamberlain and in the record of Chancery We
understand that it is in contemplation of his Royal Highness when his Majestys
pleasure can be known to raise Colonel Bradwardine to the peerage by the title
of Viscount Bradwardine of Bradwardine and TullyVeolan and that in the
meanwhile his Royal Highness in his fathers name and authority has been
pleased to grant him an honourable augmentation to his paternal coat of arm
being a budget or bootjack disposed saltierwise with a naked broadsword to
be borne in the dexter cantle of the shield and as an additional motto on a
scroll beneath the words Draw and Draw off«
»Were it not for the recollection of Ferguss raillery« thought Waverley to
himself when he had perused this long and grave document »how very tolerable
would all this sound and how little should I have thought of connecting it with
any ludicrous idea Well after all every thing has its fair as well as its
seamy side and truly I do not see why the Barons bootjack may not stand as
fair in heraldry as the waterbuckets waggons cartwheels ploughsocks
shuttles candlesticks and other ordinaries conveying ideas of any thing save
chivalry which appear in the arms of some of our most ancient gentry« This
however is an episode in respect to the principal story
When Waverley returned to Preston and rejoined Colonel Talbot he found him
recovered from the strong and obvious emotions with which a concurrence of
unpleasing events had affected him He had regained his natural manner which
was that of an English gentleman and soldier manly open and generous but not
unsusceptible of prejudice against those of a different country or who opposed
him in political tenets When Waverley acquainted Colonel Talbot with the
Chevaliers purpose to commit him to his charge »I did not think to have owed
so much obligation to that young gentleman« he said »as is implied in this
destination I can at least cheerfully join in the prayer of the honest
Presbyterian clergyman that as he has come among us seeking an earthly crown
his labours may be speedily rewarded with a heavenly one89 I shall willingly
give my parole not to attempt an escape without your knowledge since in fact
it was to meet you that I came to Scotland and I am glad it has happened even
under this predicament But I suppose we shall be but a short time together
Your Chevalier that is a name we may both give to him with his plaids and
bluecaps will I presume be continuing his crusade southward«
»Not as I hear I believe the army makes some stay in Edinburgh to collect
reinforcements«
»And to besiege the Castle« said Talbot smiling sarcastically »Well
unless my old commander General Preston turn false metal or the Castle sink
into the North Loch events which I deem equally probable I think we shall have
some time to make up our acquaintance I have a guess that this gallant
Chevalier has a design that I should be your proselyte and as I wish you to be
mine there cannot be a more fair proposal than to afford us fair conference
together But as I spoke today under the influence of feelings I rarely give
way to I hope you will excuse my entering again upon controversy till we are
somewhat better acquainted«
Chapter FiftyFirst
Intrigue of Love and Politics
It is not necessary to record in these pages the triumphant entrance of the
Chevalier into Edinburgh after the decisive affair of Preston One circumstance
however may be noticed because it illustrates the high spirit of Flora
MacIvor The Highlanders by whom the Prince was surrounded in the license and
extravagance of this joyful moment fired their pieces repeatedly and one of
these having been accidentally loaded with ball the bullet grazed the young
ladys temple as she waved her handkerchief from a balcony90 Fergus who beheld
the accident was at her side in an instant and on seeing that the wound was
trifling he drew his broadsword with the purpose of rushing down upon the man
by whose carelessness she had incurred so much danger when holding him by the
plaid »Do not harm the poor fellow« she cried »for Heavens sake do not harm
him but thank God with me that the accident happened to Flora MacIvor for had
it befallen a Whig they would have pretended that the shot was fired on
purpose«
Waverley escaped the alarm which this accident would have occasioned to him
as he was unavoidably delayed by the necessity of accompanying Colonel Talbot to
Edinburgh
They performed the journey together on horseback and for some time as if
to sound each others feelings and sentiments they conversed upon general and
ordinary topics
When Waverley again entered upon the subject which he had most at heart the
situation namely of his father and his uncle Colonel Talbot seemed now rather
desirous to alleviate than to aggravate his anxiety This appeared particularly
to be the case when he heard Waverleys history which he did not scruple to
confide to him
»And so« said the Colonel »there has been no malice prepense as lawyers
I think term it in this rash step of yours and you have been trepanned into
the service of this Italian knighterrant by a few civil speeches from him and
one or two of his Highland recruiting sergeants It is sadly foolish to be
sure but not nearly so bad as I was led to expect However you cannot desert
even from the Pretender at the present moment that seems impossible But I
have little doubt that in the dissensions incident to this heterogeneous mass
of wild and desperate men some opportunity may arise by availing yourself of
which you may extricate yourself honourably from your rash engagement before
the bubble burst If this can be managed I would have you go to a place of
safety in Flanders which I shall point out And I think I can secure your
pardon from Government after a few months residence abroad«
»I cannot permit you Colonel Talbot« answered Waverley »to speak of any
plan which turns on my deserting an enterprise in which I may have engaged
hastily but certainly voluntarily and with the purpose of abiding the issue«
»Well« said Colonel Talbot smiling »leave me my thoughts and hopes at
least at liberty if not my speech But have you never examined your mysterious
packet«
»It is in my baggage« replied Edward »we shall find it in Edinburgh«
In Edinburgh they soon arrived Waverleys quarters had been assigned to
him by the Princes express orders in a handsome lodging where there was
accommodation for Colonel Talbot His first business was to examine his
portmanteau and after a very short search out tumbled the expected packet
Waverley opened it eagerly Under a blank cover simply addressed to E
Waverley Esq he found a number of open letters The uppermost were two from
Colonel Gardiner addressed to himself The earliest in date was a kind and
gentle remonstrance for neglect of the writers advice respecting the disposal
of his time during his leave of absence the renewal of which he reminded
Captain Waverley would speedily expire »Indeed« the letter proceeded »had it
been otherwise the news from abroad and my instructions from the Waroffice
must have compelled me to recall it as there is great danger since the
disaster in Flanders both of foreign invasion and insurrection among the
disaffected at home I therefore entreat you will repair as soon as possible
to the headquarters of the regiment and I am concerned to add that this is
still the more necessary as there is some discontent in your troop and I
postpone inquiry into particulars until I can have the advantage of your
assistance«
The second letter dated eight days later was in such a style as might have
been expected from the Colonels receiving no answer to the first It reminded
Waverley of his duty as a man of honour an officer and a Briton took notice
of the increasing dissatisfaction of his men and that some of them had been
heard to hint that their captain encouraged and approved of their mutinous
behaviour and finally the writer expressed the utmost regret and surprise that
he had not obeyed his commands by repairing to headquarters reminded him that
his leave of absence had been recalled and conjured him in a style in which
paternal remonstrance was mingled with military authority to redeem his error
by immediately joining his regiment »That I may be certain« concluded the
letter »that this actually reaches you I despatch it by Corporal Tims of your
troop with orders to deliver it into your own hand«
Upon reading these letters Waverley with great bitterness of feeling was
compelled to make the amende honorable to the memory of the brave and excellent
writer for surely as Colonel Gardiner must have had every reason to conclude
they had come safely to hand less could not follow on their being neglected
than that third and final summons which Waverley actually received at
Glennaquoich though too late to obey it And his being superseded in
consequence of his apparent neglect of this last command was so far from being
a harsh or severe proceeding that it was plainly inevitable The next letter he
unfolded was from the Major of the regiment acquainting him that a report to
the disadvantage of his reputation was public in the country stating that one
Mr Falconer of Ballihopple or some such name had proposed in his presence a
treasonable toast which he permitted to pass in silence although it was so
gross an affront to the royal family that a gentleman in company not
remarkable for his zeal for government had nevertheless taken the matter up
and that supposing the account true Captain Waverley had thus suffered
another comparatively unconcerned to resent an affront directed against him
personally as an officer and to go out with the person by whom it was offered
The Major concluded that no one of Captain Waverleys brotherofficers could
believe this scandalous story but it was necessarily their joint opinion that
his own honour equally with that of the regiment depended upon its being
instantly contradicted by his authority etc etc etc
»What do you think of all this« said Colonel Talbot to whom Waverley
handed the letters after he had perused them
»Think it renders thought impossible It is enough to drive me mad«
»Be calm my young friend let us see what are these dirty scrawls that
follow«
The first was addressed »For Master W Ruffin These«
»Dear sur sum of our yong gulpins will not bite thof I tuold them you
shoed me the squoires own seel But Tims will deliver you the lettrs as
desired and tell ould Addem he gave them to squoirs hond as to be
sure yours is the same and shall be ready for signal and hoy for Hoy
Church and Sachefrel91 as fadur sings at harvest whome Yours deer
sur
HH
Poscriff Doe tell squoire we longs to heer from him and has dootings
about his not writing himself and Lieftenant Bottler is smoky«
»This Ruffin I suppose then is your Donald of the Cavern who has intercepted
your letters and carried on a correspondence with the poor devil Houghton as
if under your authority«
»It seems too true But who can Addem be«
»Possibly Adam for poor Gardiner a sort of pun on his name«
The other letters were to the same purpose and they soon received yet more
complete light upon Donald Beans machinations
John Hodges one of Waverleys servants who had remained with the regiment
and had been taken at Preston now made his appearance He had sought out his
master with the purpose of again entering his service From this fellow they
learned that some time after Waverley had gone from the headquarters of the
regiment a pedlar called Ruthven Ruffin or Rivane known among the soldiers
by the name of Wily Will had made frequent visits to the town of Dundee He
appeared to possess plenty of money sold his commodities very cheap seemed
always willing to treat his friends at the alehouse and easily ingratiated
himself with many of Waverleys troop particularly Sergeant Houghton and one
Tims also a noncommissioned officer To these he unfolded in Waverleys name
a plan for leaving the regiment and joining him in the Highlands where report
said the clans had already taken arms in great numbers The men who had been
educated as Jacobites so far as they had any opinion at all and who knew their
landlord Sir Everard had always been supposed to hold such tenets easily fell
into the snare That Waverley was at a distance in the Highlands was received
as a sufficient excuse for transmitting his letters through the medium of the
pedlar and the sight of his wellknown seal seemed to authenticate the
negotiations in his name where writing might have been dangerous The cabal
however began to take air from the premature mutinous language of those
concerned Wily Will justified his appellative for after suspicion arose he
was seen no more When the Gazette appeared in which Waverley was superseded
great part of his troop broke out into actual mutiny but were surrounded and
disarmed by the rest of the regiment In consequence of the sentence of a
courtmartial Houghton and Tims were condemned to be shot but afterwards
permitted to cast lots for life Houghton the survivor showed much penitence
being convinced from the rebukes and explanations of Colonel Gardiner that he
had really engaged in a very heinous crime It is remarkable that as soon as
the poor fellow was satisfied of this he became also convinced that the
instigator had acted without authority from Edward saying »If it was
dishonourable and against Old England the squire could know nought about it he
never did or thought to do anything dishonourable no more didnt Sir
Everard nor none of them afore him and in that belief he would live and die
that Ruffin had done it all of his own head«
The strength of conviction with which he expressed himself upon the subject
as well as his assurances that the letters intended for Waverley had been
delivered to Ruthven made that revolution in Colonel Gardiners opinion which
he expressed to Talbot
The reader has long since understood that Donald Bean Lean played the part
of tempter on this occasion His motives were shortly these Of an active and
intriguing spirit he had been long employed as a subaltern agent and spy by
those in the confidence of the Chevalier to an extent beyond what was suspected
even by Fergus MacIvor whom though obliged to him for protection he regarded
with fear and dislike To success in this political department he naturally
looked for raising himself by some bold stroke above his present hazardous and
precarious state of rapine He was particularly employed in learning the
strength of the regiments in Scotland the character of the officers etc and
had long had his eye upon Waverleys troop as open to temptation Donald even
believed that Waverley himself was at bottom in the Stuart interest which
seemed confirmed by his long visit to the Jacobite Baron of Bradwardine When
therefore he came to his cave with one of Glennaquoichs attendants the
robber who could never appreciate his real motive which was mere curiosity
was so sanguine as to hope that his own talents were to be employed in some
intrigue of consequence under the auspices of this wealthy young Englishman Nor
was he undeceived by Waverleys neglecting all hints and openings for an
explanation His conduct passed for prudent reserve and somewhat piqued Donald
Bean who supposing himself left out of a secret where confidence promised to
be advantageous determined to have his share in the drama whether a regular
part were assigned him or not For this purpose during Waverleys sleep he
possessed himself of his seal as a token to be used to any of the troopers whom
he might discover to be possessed of the captains confidence His first journey
to Dundee the town where the regiment was quartered undeceived him in his
original supposition but opened to him a new field of action He knew there
would be no service so well rewarded by the friends of the Chevalier as
seducing a part of the regular army to his standard For this purpose he opened
the machinations with which the reader is already acquainted and which form a
clue to all the intricacies and obscurities of the narrative previous to
Waverleys leaving Glennaquoich
By Colonel Talbots advice Waverley declined detaining in his service the
lad whose evidence had thrown additional light on these intrigues He
represented to him that it would be doing the man an injury to engage him in a
desperate undertaking and that whatever should happen his evidence would go
some length at least in explaining the circumstances under which Waverley
himself had embarked in it Waverley therefore wrote a short statement of what
had happened to his uncle and his father cautioning them however in the
present circumstances not to attempt to answer his letter Talbot then gave the
young man a letter to the commander of one of the English vessels of war
cruising in the firth requesting him to put the bearer ashore at Berwick with
a pass to proceed to shire He was then furnished with money to make an
expeditious journey and directed to get on board the ship by means of bribing a
fishingboat which as they afterwards learned he easily effected
Tired of the attendance of Callum Beg who he thought had some disposition
to act as a spy on his motions Waverley hired as a servant a simple Edinburgh
swain who had mounted the white cockade in a fit of spleen and jealousy
because Jenny Jop had danced a whole night with Corporal Bullock of the
Fusileers
Chapter FiftySecond
Intrigues of Society and Love
Colonel Talbot became more kindly in his demeanour towards Waverley after the
confidence he had reposed in him and as they were necessarily much together
the character of the Colonel rose in Waverleys estimation There seemed at
first something harsh in his strong expressions of dislike and censure although
no one was in the general case more open to conviction The habit of authority
had also given his manners some peremptory hardness notwithstanding the polish
which they had received from his intimate acquaintance with the higher circles
As a specimen of the military character he differed from all whom Waverley had
as yet seen The soldiership of the Baron of Bradwardine was marked by pedantry
that of Major Melville by a sort of martinet attention to the minutiæ and
technicalities of discipline rather suitable to one who was to manoeuvre a
battalion than to him who was to command an army the military spirit of Fergus
was so much warped and blended with his plans and political views that it was
less that of a soldier than of a petty sovereign But Colonel Talbot was in
every point the English soldier His whole soul was devoted to the service of
his king and country without feeling any pride in knowing the theory of his
art with the Baron or its practical minutiæ with the Major or in applying his
science to his own particular plans of ambition like the Chieftain of
Glennaquoich Added to this he was a man of extended knowledge and cultivated
taste although strongly tinged as we have already observed with those
prejudices which are peculiarly English
The character of Colonel Talbot dawned upon Edward by degrees for the delay
of the Highlanders in the fruitless siege of Edinburgh Castle occupied several
weeks during which Waverley had little to do excepting to seek such amusement
as society afforded He would willingly have persuaded his new friend to become
acquainted with some of his former intimates But the Colonel after one or two
visits shook his head and declined farther experiment Indeed he went farther
and characterised the Baron as the most intolerable formal pedant he had ever
had the misfortune to meet with and the Chief of Glennaquoich as a Frenchified
Scotchman possessing all the cunning and plausibility of the nation where he
was educated with the proud vindictive and turbulent humour of that of his
birth »If the devil« he said »had sought out an agent expressly for the
purpose of embroiling this miserable country I do not think he could find a
better than such a fellow as this whose temper seems equally active supple
and mischievous and who is followed and implicitly obeyed by a gang of such
cutthroats as those whom you are pleased to admire so much«
The ladies of the party did not escape his censure He allowed that Flora
MacIvor was a fine woman and Rose Bradwardine a pretty girl But he alleged
that the former destroyed the effect of her beauty by an affectation of the
grand airs which she had probably seen practised at the mock court of St
Germains As for Rose Bradwardine he said it was impossible for any mortal to
admire such a little uninformed thing whose small portion of education was as
ill adapted to her sex or youth as if she had appeared with one of her fathers
old campaigncoats upon her person for her sole garment Now much of this was
mere spleen and prejudice in the excellent Colonel with whom the white cockade
on the breast the white rose in the hair and the Mac at the beginning of a
name would have made a devil out of an angel and indeed he himself jocularly
allowed that he could not have endured Venus herself if she had been announced
in a drawingroom by the name of Miss MacJupiter
Waverley it may easily be believed looked upon these young ladies with
very different eyes During the period of the siege he paid them almost daily
visits although he observed with regret that his suit made as little progress
in the affections of the former as the arms of the Chevalier in subduing the
fortress She maintained with rigour the rule she had laid down of treating him
with indifference without either affecting to avoid him or to shun intercourse
with him Every word every look was strictly regulated to accord with her
system and neither the dejection of Waverley nor the anger which Fergus
scarcely suppressed could extend Floras attention to Edward beyond that which
the most ordinary politeness demanded On the other hand Rose Bradwardine
gradually rose in Waverleys opinion He had several opportunities of remarking
that as her extreme timidity wore off her manners received a higher character
that the agitating circumstances of the stormy time seemed to call forth a
certain dignity of feeling and expression which he had not formerly observed
and that she omitted no opportunity within her reach to extend her knowledge and
refine her taste
Flora MacIvor called Rose her pupil and was attentive to assist her in her
studies and to fashion both her taste and understanding It might have been
remarked by a very close observer that in the presence of Waverley she was much
more desirous to exhibit her friends excellences than her own But I must
request of the reader to suppose that this kind and disinterested purpose was
concealed by the most cautious delicacy studiously shunning the most distant
approach to affectation So that it was as unlike the usual exhibition of one
pretty woman affecting to proner another as the friendship of David and
Jonathan might be to the intimacy of two Bond Street loungers The fact is
that though the effect was felt the cause could hardly be observed Each of
the ladies like two excellent actresses were perfect in their parts and
performed them to the delight of the audience and such being the case it was
almost impossible to discover that the elder constantly ceded to her friend that
which was most suitable to her talents
But to Waverley Rose Bradwardine possessed an attraction which few men can
resist from the marked interest which she took in everything that affected him
She was too young and too inexperienced to estimate the full force of the
constant attention which she paid to him Her father was too abstractedly
immersed in learned and military discussions to observe her partiality and
Flora MacIvor did not alarm her by remonstrance because she saw in this line
of conduct the most probable chance of her friend securing at length a return of
affection
The truth is that in her first conversation after their meeting Rose had
discovered the state of her mind to that acute and intelligent friend although
she was not herself aware of it From that time Flora was not only determined
upon the final rejection of Waverleys addresses but became anxious that they
should if possible be transferred to her friend Nor was she less interested
in this plan though her brother had from time to time talked as between jest
and earnest of paying his suit to Miss Bradwardine She knew that Fergus had
the true continental latitude of opinion respecting the institution of marriage
and would not have given his hand to an angel unless for the purpose of
strengthening his alliances and increasing his influence and wealth The
Barons whim of transferring his estate to the distant heirmale instead of his
own daughter was therefore likely to be an insurmountable obstacle to his
entertaining any serious thoughts of Rose Bradwardine Indeed Ferguss brain
was a perpetual workshop of scheme and intrigue of every possible kind and
description while like many a mechanic of more ingenuity than steadiness he
would often unexpectedly and without any apparent motive abandon one plan and
go earnestly to work upon another which was either fresh from the forge of his
imagination or had at some former period been flung aside half finished It was
therefore often difficult to guess what line of conduct he might finally adopt
upon any given occasion
Although Flora was sincerely attached to her brother whose high energies
might indeed have commanded her admiration even without the ties which bound
them together she was by no means blind to his faults which she considered as
dangerous to the hopes of any woman who should found her ideas of a happy
marriage in the peaceful enjoyment of domestic society and the exchange of
mutual and engrossing affection The real disposition of Waverley on the other
hand notwithstanding his dreams of tented fields and military honour seemed
exclusively domestic He asked and received no share in the busy scenes which
were constantly going on around him and was rather annoyed than interested by
the discussion of contending claims rights and interests which often passed
in his presence All this pointed him out as the person formed to make happy a
spirit like that of Rose which corresponded with his own
She remarked this point in Waverleys character one day while she sat with
Miss Bradwardine »His genius and elegant taste« answered Rose »cannot be
interested in such trifling discussions What is it to him for example whether
the Chief of the Macindallaghers who has brought out only fifty men should be
a colonel or a captain and how could Mr Waverley be supposed to interest
himself in the violent altercation between your brother and young Corrinaschian
whether the post of honour is due to the eldest cadet of a clan or the
youngest«
»My dear Rose if he were the hero you suppose him he would interest
himself in these matters not indeed as important in themselves but for the
purpose of mediating between the ardent spirits who actually do make them the
subject of discord You saw when Corrinaschian raised his voice in great
passion and laid his hand upon his sword Waverley lifted his head as if he had
just awaked from a dream and asked with great composure what the matter was«
»Well and did not the laughter they fell into at his absence of mind serve
better to break off the dispute than any thing he could have said to them«
»True my dear« answered Flora »but not quite so creditably for Waverley
as if he had brought them to their senses by force of reason«
»Would you have him peacemaker general between all the gunpowder
Highlanders in the army I beg your pardon Flora your brother you know is
out of the question he has more sense than half of them But can you think the
fierce hot furious spirits of whose brawls we see much and hear more and
who terrify me out of my life every day in the world are at all to be compared
to Waverley«
»I do not compare him with those uneducated men my dear Rose I only
lament that with his talents and genius he does not assume that place in
society for which they eminently fit him and that he does not lend their full
impulse to the noble cause in which he has enlisted Are there not Lochiel and
P and M and G all men of the highest education as well as the first
talents why will he not stoop like them to be alive and useful I often
believe his zeal is frozen by that proud coldblooded Englishman whom he now
lives with so much«
»Colonel Talbot he is a very disagreeable person to be sure He looks as
if he thought no Scottish woman worth the trouble of handing her a cup of tea
But Waverley is so gentle so well informed«
»Yes« said Flora smiling »he can admire the moon and quote a stanza from
Tasso«
»Besides you know how he fought« added Miss Bradwardine
»For mere fighting« answered Flora »I believe all men that is who
deserve the name are pretty much alike there is generally more courage
required to run away They have besides when confronted with each other a
certain instinct for strife as we see in other male animals such as dogs
bulls and so forth But high and perilous enterprise is not Waverleys forte
He would never have been his celebrated ancestor Sir Nigel but only Sir Nigels
eulogist and poet I will tell you where he will be at home my dear and in his
place in the quiet circle of domestic happiness lettered indolence and
elegant enjoyments of WaverleyHonour And he will refit the old library in the
most exquisite Gothic taste and garnish its shelves with the rarest and most
valuable volumes and he will draw plans and landscapes and write verses and
rear temples and dig grottoes and he will stand in a clear summer night in
the colonnade before the hall and gaze on the deer as they stray in the
moonlight or lie shadowed by the boughs of the huge old fantastic oaks and
he will repeat verses to his beautiful wife who will hang upon his arm and
he will be a happy man«
»And she will be a happy woman« thought poor Rose But she only sighed and
dropped the conversation
Chapter FiftyThird
Fergus a Suitor
Waverley had indeed as he looked closer into the state of the Chevaliers
Court less reason to be satisfied with it It contained as they say an acorn
includes all the ramifications of the future oak as many seeds of tracasserie
and intrigue as might have done honour to the Court of a large empire Every
person of consequence had some separate object which he pursued with a fury
that Waverley considered as altogether disproportioned to its importance Almost
all had their reasons for discontent although the most legitimate was that of
the worthy old Baron who was only distressed on account of the common cause
»We shall hardly« said he one morning to Waverley when they had been
viewing the Castle »we shall hardly gain the obsidional crown which you wot
well was made of the roots or grain which takes root within the place besieged
or it may be of the herb woodbine paretaria or pellitory we shall not I say
gain it by this same blockade or leaguer of Edinburgh Castle« For this opinion
he gave most learned and satisfactory reasons that the reader may not care to
hear repeated
Having escaped from the old gentleman Waverley went to Ferguss lodgings by
appointment to await his return from HolyroodHouse »I am to have a particular
audience tomorrow« said Fergus to Waverley overnight »and you must meet me
to wish me joy of the success which I securely anticipate«
The morrow came and in the Chiefs apartment he found Ensign Maccombich
waiting to make report of his turn of duty in a sort of ditch which they had dug
across the Castlehill and called a trench In a short time the Chiefs voice
was heard on the stair in a tone of impatient fury »Callum why Callum
Beg Diaoul« He entered the room with all the marks of a man agitated by a
towering passion and there were few upon whose features rage produced a more
violent effect The veins of his forehead swelled when he was in such agitation
his nostril became dilated his cheek and eye inflamed and his look that of a
demoniac These appearances of halfsuppressed rage were the more frightful
because they were obviously caused by a strong effort to temper with discretion
an almost ungovernable paroxysm of passion and resulted from an internal
conflict of the most dreadful kind which agitated his whole frame of mortality
As he entered the apartment he unbuckled his broadsword and throwing it
down with such violence that the weapon rolled to the other end of the room »I
know not what« he exclaimed »withholds me from taking a solemn oath that I
will never more draw it in his cause Load my pistols Callum and bring them
hither instantly instantly« Callum whom nothing ever startled dismayed or
disconcerted obeyed very coolly Evan Dhu upon whose brow the suspicion that
his Chief had been insulted called up a corresponding storm swelled in sullen
silence awaiting to learn where or upon whom vengeance was to descend
»So Waverley you are there« said the Chief after a moments
recollection »Yes I remember I asked you to share my triumph and you have
come to witness my disappointment we shall call it« Evan now presented the
written report he had in his hand which Fergus threw from him with great
passion »I wish to God« he said »the old den would tumble down upon the heads
of the fools who attack and the knaves who defend it I see Waverley you
think I am mad leave us Evan but be within call«
»The Colonels in an unco kippage« said Mrs Flockhart to Evan as he
descended »I wish he may be weel the very veins on his brent brow are
swelled like whipcord wad he no tak something«
»He usually lets blood for these fits« answered the Highland ancient with
great composure
When this officer left the room the Chieftain gradually reassumed some
degree of composure »I know Waverley« he said »that Colonel Talbot has
persuaded you to curse ten times aday your engagement with us nay never
deny it for I am at this moment tempted to curse my own Would you believe it
I made this very morning two suits to the Prince and he has rejected them both
what do you think of it«
»What can I think« answered Waverley »till I know what your requests
were«
»Why what signifies what they were man I tell you it was I that made
them I to whom he owes more than to any three who have joined the standard
for I negotiated the whole business and brought in all the Perthshire men when
not one would have stirred I am not likely I think to ask any thing very
unreasonable and if I did they might have stretched a point Well but you
shall know all now that I can draw my breath again with some freedom You
remember my earls patent it is dated some years back for services then
rendered and certainly my merit has not been diminished to say the least by
my subsequent behaviour Now sir I value this bauble of a coronet as little as
you can or any philosopher on earth for I hold that the chief of such a clan
as the Sliochd nan Ivor is superior in rank to any earl in Scotland But I had a
particular reason for assuming this cursed title at this time You must know
that I learned accidentally that the Prince has been pressing that old foolish
Baron of Bradwardine to disinherit his male heir or nineteenth or twentieth
cousin who has taken a command in the Elector of Hanovers militia and to
settle his estate upon your pretty little friend Rose and this as being the
command of his king and overlord who may alter the destination of a fief at
pleasure the old gentleman seems well reconciled to«
»And what becomes of the homage«
»Curse the homage I believe Rose is to pull off the queens slipper on
her coronationday or some such trash Well sir as Rose Bradwardine would
always have made a suitable match for me but for this idiotical predilection of
her father for the heirmale it occurred to me there now remained no obstacle
unless that the Baron might expect his daughters husband to take the name of
Bradwardine which you know would be impossible in my case and that this might
be evaded by my assuming the title to which I had so good a right and which of
course would supersede that difficulty If she was to be also Viscountess
Bradwardine in her own right after her fathers demise so much the better I
could have no objection«
»But Fergus« said Waverley »I had no idea that you had any affection for
Miss Bradwardine and you are always sneering at her father«
»I have as much affection for Miss Bradwardine my good friend as I think
it necessary to have for the future mistress of my family and the mother of my
children She is a very pretty intelligent girl and is certainly of one of the
very first Lowland families and with a little of Floras instructions and
forming will make a very good figure As to her father he is an original it
is true and an absurd one enough but he has given such severe lessons to Sir
Hew Halbert that dear defunct the Laird of Balmawhapple and others that
nobody dare laugh at him so his absurdity goes for nothing I tell you there
could have been no earthly objection none I had settled the thing entirely in
my own mind«
»But had you asked the Barons consent« said Waverley »or Roses«
»To what purpose To have spoke to the Baron before I had assumed my title
would have only provoked a premature and irritating discussion on the subject of
the change of name when as Earl of Glennaquoich I had only to propose to him
to carry his d d bear and bootjack party per pale or in a scutcheon of
pretence or in a separate shield perhaps any way that would not blemish my
own coatofarms And as to Rose I dont see what objection she could have
made if her father was satisfied«
»Perhaps the same that your sister makes to me you being satisfied«
Fergus gave a broad stare at the comparison which this supposition implied
but cautiously suppressed the answer which rose to his tongue »O we should
easily have arranged all that So sir I craved a private interview and this
morning was assigned and I asked you to meet me here thinking like a fool
that I should want your countenance as bridesman Well I state my
pretensions they are not denied the promises so repeatedly made and the
patent granted they are acknowledged But I propose as a natural consequence
to assume the rank which the patent bestowed I have the old story of the
jealousy of C and M trumped up against me I resist this pretext and offer
to procure their written acquiescence in virtue of the date of my patent as
prior to their silly claims I assure you I would have had such a consent from
them if it had been at the point of the sword And then out comes the real
truth and he dares to tell me to my face that my patent must be suppressed
for the present for fear of disgusting that rascally coward and faineant
naming the rival chief of his own clan who has no better title to be a
chieftain than I to be Emperor of China and who is pleased to shelter his
dastardly reluctance to come out agreeable to his promise twenty times pledged
under a pretended jealousy of the Princes partiality to me And to leave this
miserable driveller without a pretence for his cowardice the Prince asks it as
a personal favour of me forsooth not to press my just and reasonable request
at this moment After this put your faith in princes«
»And did your audience end here«
»End O no I was determined to leave him no pretence for his ingratitude
and I therefore stated with all the composure I could muster for I promise
you I trembled with passion the particular reasons I had for wishing that his
Royal Highness would impose upon me any other mode of exhibiting my duty and
devotion as my views in life made what at any other time would have been a
mere trifle at this crisis a severe sacrifice and then I explained to him my
full plan«
»And what did the Prince answer«
»Answer why it is well it is written Curse not the king no not in thy
thought why he answered that truly he was glad I had made him my confidant
to prevent more grievous disappointment for he could assure me upon the word
of a prince that Miss Bradwardines affections were engaged and he was under a
particular promise to favour them So my dear Fergus said he with his most
gracious cast of smile as the marriage is utterly out of question there need
be no hurry you know about the earldom And so he glided off and left me
planté là«
»And what did you do«
»Ill tell you what I could have done at that moment sold myself to the
devil or the Elector whichever offered the dearest revenge However I am now
cool I know he intends to marry her to some of his rascally Frenchmen or his
Irish officers but I will watch them close and let the man that would supplant
me look well to himself Bisogna coprirsi Signor«
After some further conversation unnecessary to be detailed Waverley took
leave of the Chieftain whose fury had now subsided into a deep and strong
desire of vengeance and returned home scarce able to analyze the mixture of
feelings which the narrative had awakened in his own bosom
Chapter FiftyFourth
»To One Thing Constant Never«
»I am the very child of caprice« said Waverley to himself as he bolted the
door of his apartment and paced it with hasty steps »What is it to me that
Fergus MacIvor should wish to marry Rose Bradwardine I love her not I
might have been loved by her perhaps but I rejected her simple natural and
affecting attachment instead of cherishing it into tenderness and dedicated
myself to one who will never love mortal man unless old Warwick the
Kingmaker should arise from the dead The Baron too I would not have cared
about his estate and so the name would have been no stumblingblock The devil
might have taken the barren moors and drawn off the royal caligæ for anything
I would have minded But framed as she is for domestic affection and
tenderness for giving and receiving all those kind and quiet attentions which
sweeten life to those who pass it together she is sought by Fergus MacIvor He
will not use her ill to be sure of that he is incapable but he will neglect
her after the first month he will be too intent on subduing some rival
chieftain or circumventing some favourite at court on gaining some heathy hill
and lake or adding to his bands some new troop of caterans to inquire what she
does or how she amuses herself
And then will canker sorrow eat her bud
And chase the native beauty from her cheek
And she will look as hollow as a ghost
And dim and meagre as an ague fit
And so shell die
And such a catastrophe of the most gentle creature on earth might have been
prevented if Mr Edward Waverley had had his eyes Upon my word I cannot
understand how I thought Flora so much that is so very much handsomer than
Rose She is taller indeed and her manner more formed but many people think
Miss Bradwardines more natural and she is certainly much younger I should
think Flora is two years older than I am I will look at them particularly this
evening«
And with this resolution Waverley went to drink tea as the fashion was
Sixty years since at the house of a lady of quality attached to the cause of
the Chevalier where he found as he expected both the ladies All rose as he
entered but Flora immediately resumed her place and the conversation in which
she was engaged Rose on the contrary almost imperceptiby made a little way
in the crowded circle for his advancing the corner of a chair »Her manner upon
the whole is most engaging« said Waverley to himself
A dispute occurred whether the Gaelic or Italian language was most liquid
and best adapted for poetry the opinion for the Gaelic which probably might
not have found supporters elsewhere was here fiercely defended by seven
Highland ladies who talked at the top of their lungs and screamed the company
deaf with examples of Celtic euphonia Flora observing the Lowland ladies sneer
at the comparison produced some reasons to show that it was not altogether so
absurd but Rose when asked for her opinion gave it with animation in praise
of Italian which she had studied with Waverleys assistance »She has a more
correct ear than Flora though a less accomplished musician« said Waverley to
himself »I suppose Miss MacIvor will next compare MacMurrough nan Fonn to
Ariosto«
Lastly it so befell that the company differed whether Fergus should be
asked to perform on the flute at which he was an adept or Waverley invited to
read a play of Shakspeare and the lady of the house goodhumouredly undertook
to collect the votes of the company for poetry or music under the condition
that the gentleman whose talents were not laid under contribution that evening
should contribute them to enliven the next It chanced that Rose had the casting
vote Now Flora who seemed to impose it as a rule upon herself never to
countenance any proposal which might seem to encourage Waverley had voted for
music providing the Baron would take his violin to accompany Fergus »I wish
you joy of your taste Miss MacIvor« thought Edward as they sought for his
book »I thought it better when we were at Glennaquoich but certainly the Baron
is no great performer and Shakespeare is worth listening to«
Romeo and Juliet was selected and Edward read with taste feeling and
spirit several scenes from that play All the company applauded with their
hands and many with their tears Flora to whom the drama was well known was
among the former Rose to whom it was altogether new belonged to the latter
class of admirers »She has more feeling too« said Waverley internally
The conversation turning upon the incidents of the play and upon the
characters Fergus declared that the only one worth naming as a man of fashion
and spirit was Mercutio »I could not« he said »quite follow all his
oldfashioned wit but he must have been a very pretty fellow according to the
ideas of his time«
»And it was a shame« said Ensign Maccombich who usually followed his
Colonel everywhere »for that Tibbert or Taggart or whatever was his name to
stick him under the other gentlemans arm while he was redding the fray«
The ladies of course declared loudly in favour of Romeo but this opinion
did not go undisputed The mistress of the house and several other ladies
severely reprobated the levity with which the hero transfers his affections from
Rosalind to Juliet Flora remained silent until her opinion was repeatedly
requested and then answered she thought the circumstance objected to not only
reconcilable to nature but such as in the highest degree evinced the art of the
poet »Romeo is described« said she »as a young man peculiarly susceptible of
the softer passions his love is at first fixed upon a woman who could afford it
no return this he repeatedly tells you
From loves weak childish bow she lives unharmed
and again
She hath forsworn to love
Now as it was impossible that Romeos love supposing him a reasonable being
could continue to subsist without hope the poet has with great art seized the
moment when he was reduced actually to despair to throw in his way an object
more accomplished than her by whom he had been rejected and who is disposed to
repay his attachment I can scarce conceive a situation more calculated to
enhance the ardour of Romeos affection for Juliet than his being at once
raised by her from the state of drooping melancholy in which he appears first
upon the scene to the ecstatic state in which he exclaims
come what sorrow can
It cannot countervail the exchange of joy
That one short moment gives me in her sight«
»Good now Miss MacIvor« said a young lady of quality »do you mean to cheat
us out of our prerogative will you persuade us love cannot subsist without
hope or that the lover must become fickle if the lady is cruel O fie I did
not expect such an unsentimental conclusion«
»A lover my dear Lady Betty« said Flora »may I conceive persevere in
his suit under very discouraging circumstances Affection can now and then
withstand very severe storms of rigour but not a long polar frost of downright
indifference Dont even with your attractions try the experiment upon any
lover whose faith you value Love will subsist on wonderfully little hope but
not altogether without it«
»It will be just like Duncan MacGirdies mare« said Evan »if your
ladyships please he wanted to use her by degrees to live without meat and just
as he had put her on a straw aday the poor thing died«
Evans illustration set the company alaughing and the discourse took a
different turn Shortly afterwards the party broke up and Edward returned home
musing on what Flora had said »I will love my Rosalind no more« said he »she
has given me a broad enough hint for that and I will speak to her brother and
resign my suit But for a Juliet would it be handsome to interfere with
Ferguss pretensions though it is impossible they can ever succeed and
should they miscarry what then why then alors comme alors« And with this
resolution of being guided by circumstances did our hero commit himself to
repose
Chapter FiftyFifth
A Brave Man in Sorrow
If my fair readers should be of opinion that my heros levity in love is
altogether unpardonable I must remind them that all his griefs and difficulties
did not arise from that sentimental source Even the lyric poet who complains
so feelingly of the pains of love could not forget that at the same time he
was »in debt and in drink« which doubtless were great aggravations of his
distress There were indeed whole days in which Waverley thought neither of
Flora nor Rose Bradwardine but which were spent in melancholy conjectures on
the probable state of matters at WaverleyHonour and the dubious issue of the
civil contest in which he was pledged Colonel Talbot often engaged him in
discussions upon the justice of the cause he had espoused »Not« he said »that
it is possible for you to quit it at this present moment for come what will
you must stand by your rash engagement But I wish you to be aware that the
right is not with you that you are fighting against the real interests of your
country and that you ought as an Englishman and a patriot to take the first
opportunity to leave this unhappy expedition before the snowball melts«
In such political disputes Waverley usually opposed the common arguments of
his party with which it is unnecessary to trouble the reader But he had little
to say when the Colonel urged him to compare the strength by which they had
undertaken to overthrow the Government with that which was now assembling very
rapidly for its support To this statement Waverley had but one answer »If the
cause I have undertaken be perilous there would be the greater disgrace in
abandoning it« And in his turn he generally silenced Colonel Talbot and
succeeded in changing the subject
One night when after a long dispute of this nature the friends had
separated and our hero had retired to bed he was awakened about midnight by a
suppressed groan He started up and listened it came from the apartment of
Colonel Talbot which was divided from his own by a wainscoted partition with a
door of communication Waverley approached this door and distinctly heard one
or two deep drawn sighs What could be the matter The Colonel had parted from
him apparently in his usual state of spirits He must have been taken suddenly
ill Under this impression he opened the door of communication very gently and
perceived the Colonel in his nightgown seated by a table on which lay a
letter and a picture He raised his head hastily as Edward stood uncertain
whether to advance or retire and Waverley perceived that his cheeks were
stained with tears
As if ashamed at being found giving way to such emotion Colonel Talbot rose
with apparent displeasure and said with some sternness »I think Mr
Waverley my own apartment and the hour might have secured even a prisoner
against«
»Do not say intrusion Colonel Talbot I heard you breathe hard and feared
you were ill that alone could have induced me to break in upon you«
»I am well« said the Colonel »perfectly well«
»But you are distressed« said Edward »is there any thing can be done«
»Nothing Mr Waverley I was only thinking of home and of some unpleasant
occurrences there«
»Good God my uncle« exclaimed Waverley
»No it is a grief entirely my own I am ashamed you should have seen it
disarm me so much but it must have its course at times that it may be at
others more decently supported I would have kept it secret from you for I
think it will grieve you and yet you can administer no consolation But you
have surprised me I see you are surprised yourself and I hate mystery Read
that letter«
The letter was from Colonel Talbots sister and in these words
»I received yours my dearest brother by Hodges Sir EW and Mr R
are still at large but are not permitted to leave London I wish to
Heaven I could give you as good an account of matters in the square But
the news of the unhappy affair at Preston came upon us with the
dreadful addition that you were among the fallen You know Lady Emilys
state of health when your friendship for Sir E induced you to leave
her She was much harassed with the sad accounts from Scotland of the
rebellion having broken out but kept up her spirits as she said it
became your wife and for the sake of the future heir so long hoped for
in vain Alas my dear brother these hopes are now ended
Notwithstanding all my watchful care this unhappy rumour reached her
without preparation She was taken ill immediately and the poor infant
scarce survived its birth Would to God this were all But although the
contradiction of the horrible report by your own letter has greatly
revived her spirits yet Dr apprehends I grieve to say serious
and even dangerous consequences to her health especially from the
uncertainty in which she must necessarily remain for some time
aggravated by the ideas she has formed of the ferocity of those with
whom you are a prisoner
Do therefore my dear brother as soon as this reaches you
endeavour to gain your release by parole by ransom or any way that is
practicable I do not exaggerate Lady Emilys state of health but I
must not dare not suppress the truth Ever my dear Philip your
most affectionate sister
LUCY TALBOT«
Edward stood motionless when he had perused this letter for the conclusion was
inevitable that by the Colonels journey in quest of him he had incurred this
heavy calamity It was severe enough even in its irremediable part for Colonel
Talbot and Lady Emily long without a family had fondly exulted in the hopes
which were now blasted But this disappointment was nothing to the extent of the
threatened evil and Edward with horror regarded himself as the original cause
of both
Ere he could collect himself sufficiently to speak Colonel Talbot had
recovered his usual composure of manner though his troubled eye denoted his
mental agony
»She is a woman my young friend who may justify even a soldiers tears«
He reached him the miniature exhibiting features which fully justified the
eulogium »and yet God knows what you see of her there is the least of the
charms she possesses possessed I should perhaps say but Gods will be
done«
»You must fly you must fly instantly to her relief It is not it shall
not be too late«
»Fly how is it possible I am a prisoner upon parole«
»I am your keeper I restore your parole I am to answer for you«
»You cannot do so consistently with your duty nor can I accept a discharge
from you with due regard to my own honour you would be made responsible«
»I will answer it with my head if necessary« said Waverley impetuously
»I have been the unhappy cause of the loss of your child make me not the
murderer of your wife«
»No my dear Edward« said Talbot taking him kindly by the hand »you are
in no respect to blame and if I concealed this domestic distress for two days
it was lest your sensibility should view it in that light You could not think
of me hardly knew of my existence when I left England in quest of you It is a
responsibility Heaven knows sufficiently heavy for mortality that we must
answer for the foreseen and direct result of our actions for their indirect
and consequential operation the great and good Being who alone can foresee the
dependence of human events on each other hath not pronounced his frail
creatures liable«
»But that you should have left Lady Emily« said Waverley with much
emotion »in the situation of all others the most interesting to a husband to
seek a«
»I only did my duty« answered Colonel Talbot calmly »and I do not ought
not to regret it If the path of gratitude and honour were always smooth and
easy there would be little merit in following it but it moves often in
contradiction to our interest and passions and sometimes to our better
affections These are the trials of life and this though not the least
bitter« the tears came unbidden to his eyes »is not the first which it has
been my fate to encounter But we will talk of this tomorrow« he said
wringing Waverleys hands »Goodnight strive to forget it for a few hours It
will dawn I think by six and it is now past two Goodnight«
Edward retired without trusting his voice with a reply
Chapter FiftySixth
Exertion
When Colonel Talbot entered the breakfastparlour next morning he learned from
Waverleys servant that our hero had been abroad at an early hour and was not
yet returned The morning was well advanced before he again appeared He arrived
out of breath but with an air of joy that astonished Colonel Talbot
»There« said he throwing a paper on the table »there is my mornings
work Alick pack up the Colonels clothes Make haste make haste«
The Colonel examined the paper with astonishment It was a pass from the
Chevalier to Colonel Talbot to repair to Leith or any other port in possession
of his Royal Highnesss troops and there to embark for England or elsewhere at
his free pleasure he only giving his parole of honour not to bear arms against
the house of Stuart for the space of a twelvemonth
»In the name of God« said the Colonel his eyes sparkling with eagerness
»how did you obtain this«
»I was at the Chevaliers levee as soon as he usually rises He was gone to
the camp at Duddingston I pursued him thither asked and obtained an audience
but I will tell you not a word more unless I see you begin to pack«
»Before I know whether I can avail myself of this passport or how it was
obtained«
»O you can take out the things again you know Now I see you busy I
will go on When I first mentioned your name his eyes sparkled almost as bright
as yours did two minutes since Had you he earnestly asked shown any
sentiments favourable to his cause Not in the least nor was there any hope you
would do so His countenance fell I requested your freedom Impossible he
said your importance as a friend and confidant of such and such personages
made my request altogether extravagant I told him my own story and yours and
asked him to judge what my feelings must be by his own He has a heart and a
kind one Colonel Talbot you may say what you please He took a sheet of paper
and wrote the pass with his own hand I will not trust myself with my council
he said they will argue me out of what is right I will not endure that a
friend valued as I value you should be loaded with the painful reflections
which must afflict you in case of further misfortune in Colonel Talbots family
nor will I keep a brave enemy a prisoner under such circumstances Besides said
he I think I can justify myself to my prudent advisers by pleading the good
effect such lenity will produce on the minds of the great English families with
whom Colonel Talbot is connected«
»There the politician peeped out« said the Colonel
»Well at least he concluded like a kings son Take the passport I have
added a condition for forms sake but if the Colonel objects to it let him
depart without giving any parole whatever I come here to war with men but not
to distress or endanger women«
»Well I never thought to have been so much indebted to the Pretend«
»To the Prince« said Waverley smiling
»To the Chevalier« said the Colonel »it is a good travelling name and
which we may both freely use Did he say anything more«
»Only asked if there was anything else he could oblige me in and when I
replied in the negative he shook me by the hand and wished all his followers
were as considerate since some friends of mine not only asked all he had to
bestow but many things which were entirely out of his power or that of the
greatest sovereign upon earth Indeed he said no prince seemed in the eyes of
his followers so like the Deity as himself if you were to judge from the
extravagant requests which they daily preferred to him«
»Poor young gentleman« said the Colonel »I suppose he begins to feel the
difficulties of his situation Well dear Waverley this is more than kind and
shall not be forgotten while Philip Talbot can remember anything My life
pshaw let Emily thank you for that this is a favour worth fifty lives I
cannot hesitate on giving my parole in the circumstances there it is he
wrote it out in form and now how am I to get off«
»All that is settled your baggage is packed my horses wait and a boat has
been engaged by the Princes permission to put you on board the Fox frigate I
sent a messenger down to Leith on purpose«
»That will do excellently well Captain Beaver is my particular friend he
will put me ashore at Berwick or Shields from whence I can ride post to London
and you must entrust me with the packet of papers which you recovered by means
of your Miss Bean Lean I may have an opportunity of using them to your
advantage But I see your Highland friend Glen what do you call his
barbarous name and his orderly with him I must not call him his orderly
cutthroat any more I suppose See how he walks as if the world were his own
with the bonnet on one side of his head and his plaid puffed out across his
breast I should like now to meet that youth where my hands were not tied I
would tame his pride or he should tame mine«
»For shame Colonel Talbot you swell at sight of tartan as the bull is
said to do at scarlet You and MacIvor have some points not much unlike so far
as national prejudice is concerned«
The latter part of this discourse took place in the street They passed the
Chief the Colonel and he sternly and punctiliously greeting each other like
two duellists before they take their ground It was evident the dislike was
mutual »I never see that surly fellow that dogs his heels« said the Colonel
after he had mounted his horse »but he reminds me of lines I have somewhere
heard upon the stage I think
Close behind him
Stalks sullen Bertram like a sorcerers fiend
Pressing to be employed«
»I assure you Colonel« said Waverley »that you judge too harshly of the
Highlanders«
»Not a whit not a whit I cannot spare them a jot I cannot bate them an
ace Let them stay in their own barren mountains and puff and swell and hang
their bonnets on the horns of the moon if they have a mind but what business
have they to come where people wear breeches and speak an intelligible
language I mean intelligible in comparison with their gibberish for even the
Lowlanders talk a kind of English little better than the negroes in Jamaica I
could pity the Pr I mean the Chevalier himself for having so many
desperadoes about him And they learn their trade so early There is a kind of
subaltern imp for example a sort of sucking devil whom your friend Glenna
Glenamuck there has sometimes in his train To look at him he is about fifteen
years but he is a century old in mischief and villany He was playing at quoits
the other day in the court a gentleman a decentlooking person enough came
past and as a quoit hit his shin he lifted his cane but my young bravo whips
out his pistol like Beau Clincher in the trip to the Jubilee and had not a
scream of Gardez leau from an upper window set all parties a scampering for
fear of the inevitable consequences the poor gentleman would have lost his life
by the hands of that little cockatrice«
»A fine character youll give of Scotland upon your return Colonel Talbot«
»O Justice Shallow« said the Colonel »will save me the trouble Barren
barren beggars all beggars all Marry good air and that only when you are
fairly out of Edinburgh and not yet come to Leith as is our case at present«
In a short time they arrived at the seaport
The boat rocked at the pier of Leith
Full loud the wind blew down the ferry
The ship rode at the Berwick Law
»Farewell Colonel may you find all as you would wish it Perhaps we may meet
sooner than you expect they talk of an immediate route to England«
»Tell me nothing of that« said Talbot »I wish to carry no news of your
motions«
»Simply then adieu Say with a thousand kind greetings all that is
dutiful and affectionate to Sir Everard and Aunt Rachel Think of me as kindly
as you can speak of me as indulgently as your conscience will permit and once
more adieu«
»And adieu my dear Waverley many many thanks for your kindness Unplaid
yourself on the first opportunity I shall ever think on you with gratitude and
the worst of my censure shall be Que diable alloitil faire dans cette galère«
And thus they parted Colonel Talbot going on board of the boat and
Waverley returning to Edinburgh
Chapter FiftySeventh
The March
It is not our purpose to intrude upon the province of history We shall
therefore only remind our readers that about the beginning of November the
Young Chevalier at the head of about six thousand men at the utmost resolved
to peril his cause on an attempt to penetrate into the centre of England
although aware of the mighty preparations which were made for his reception
They set forward on this crusade in weather which would have rendered any other
troops incapable of marching but which in reality gave these active
mountaineers advantages over a less hardy enemy In defiance of a superior army
lying upon the Borders under Field Marshal Wade they besieged and took
Carlisle and soon afterwards prosecuted their daring march to the southward
As Colonel MacIvors regiment marched in the van of the clans he and
Waverley who now equalled any Highlander in the endurance of fatigue and was
become somewhat acquainted with their language were perpetually at its head
They marked the progress of the army however with very different eyes Fergus
all air and fire and confident against the world in arms measured nothing but
that every step was a yard nearer London He neither asked expected nor
desired any aid except that of the clans to place the Stuarts once more on the
throne and when by chance a few adherents joined the standard he always
considered them in the light of new claimants upon the favours of the future
monarch who he concluded must therefore subtract for their gratification so
much of the bounty which ought to be shared among his Highland followers
Edwards views were very different He could not but observe that in those
towns in which they proclaimed James the Third »no man cried God bless him«
The mob stared and listened heartless stupified and dull but gave few signs
even of that boisterous spirit which induces them to shout upon all occasions
for the mere exercise of their most sweet voices The Jacobites had been taught
to believe that the northwestern counties abounded with wealthy squires and
hardy yeomen devoted to the cause of the White Rose But of the wealthier
Tories they saw little Some fled from their houses some feigned themselves
sick some surrendered themselves to the Government as suspected persons Of
such as remained the ignorant gazed with astonishment mixed with horror and
aversion at the wild appearance unknown language and singular garb of the
Scottish clans And to the more prudent their scanty numbers apparent
deficiency in discipline and poverty of equipment seemed certain tokens of the
calamitous termination of their rash undertaking Thus the few who joined them
were such as bigotry of political principle blinded to consequences or whose
broken fortunes induced them to hazard all on a risk so desperate
The Baron of Bradwardine being asked what he thought of these recruits took
a long pinch of snuff and answered drily »that he could not but have an
excellent opinion of them since they resembled precisely the followers who
attached themselves to the good King David at the cave of Adullam videlicet
every one that was in distress and every one that was in debt and every one
that was discontented which the Vulgate renders bitter of soul and doubtless«
he said »they will prove mighty men of their hands and there is much need that
they should for I have seen many a sour look cast upon us«
But none of these considerations moved Fergus He admired the luxuriant
beauty of the country and the situation of many of the seats which they passed
»Is WaverleyHonour like that house Edward«
»It is one half larger«
»Is your uncles park as fine a one as that«
»It is three times as extensive and rather resembles a forest than a mere
park«
»Flora will be a happy woman«
»I hope Miss MacIvor will have much reason for happiness unconnected with
WaverleyHonour«
»I hope so too but to be mistress of such a place will be a pretty
addition to the sum total«
»An addition the want of which I trust will be amply supplied by some
other means«
»How« said Fergus stopping short and turning upon Waverley »How am I to
understand that Mr Waverley Had I the pleasure to hear you aright«
»Perfectly right Fergus«
»And am I to understand that you no longer desire my alliance and my
sisters hand«
»Your sister has refused mine« said Waverley »both directly and by all
the usual means by which ladies repress undesired attentions«
»I have no idea« answered the Chieftain »of a lady dismissing or a
gentleman withdrawing his suit after it has been approved of by her legal
guardian without giving him an opportunity of talking the matter over with the
lady You did not I suppose expect my sister to drop into your mouth like a
ripe plum the first moment you chose to open it«
»As to the ladys title to dismiss her lover Colonel« replied Edward »it
is a point which you must argue with her as I am ignorant of the customs of the
Highlands in that particular But as to my title to acquiesce in a rejection
from her without an appeal to your interest I will tell you plainly without
meaning to undervalue Miss MacIvors admitted beauty and accomplishments that
I would not take the hand of an angel with an empire for her dowry if her
consent were extorted by the importunity of friends and guardians and did not
flow from her own free inclination«
»An angel with the dowry of an empire« repeated Fergus in a tone of
bitter irony »is not very likely to be pressed upon a shire squire But
sir« changing his tone »if Flora MacIvor have not the dowry of an empire she
is my sister and that is sufficient at least to secure her against being
treated with anything approaching to levity«
»She is Flora MacIvor sir« said Waverley with firmness »which to me
were I capable of treating any woman with levity would be a more effectual
protection«
The brow of the Chieftain was now fully clouded but Edward felt too
indignant at the unreasonable tone which he had adopted to avert the storm by
the least concession They both stood still while this short dialogue passed
and Fergus seemed half disposed to say something more violent but by a strong
effort suppressed his passion and turning his face forward walked sullenly
on As they had always hitherto walked together and almost constantly side by
side Waverley pursued his course silently in the same direction determined to
let the Chief take his own time in recovering the goodhumour which he had so
unreasonably discarded and firm in his resolution not to bate him an inch of
dignity
After they had marched on in this sullen manner about a mile Fergus resumed
the discourse in a different tone »I believe I was warm my dear Edward but
you provoke me with your want of knowledge of the world You have taken pet at
some of Floras prudery or highflying notions of loyalty and now like a
child you quarrel with the plaything you have been crying for and beat me
your faithful keeper because my arm cannot reach to Edinburgh to hand it to
you I am sure if I was passionate the mortification of losing the alliance of
such a friend after your arrangement had been the talk of both Highlands and
Lowlands and that without so much as knowing why or wherefore might well
provoke calmer blood than mine I shall write to Edinburgh and put all to
rights that is if you desire I should do so as indeed I cannot suppose that
your good opinion of Flora it being such as you have often expressed to me can
be at once laid aside«
»Colonel MacIvor« said Edward who had no mind to be hurried farther or
faster than he chose in a matter which he had already considered as broken off
»I am fully sensible of the value of your good offices and certainly by your
zeal on my behalf in such an affair you do me no small honour But as Miss
MacIvor has made her election freely and voluntarily and as all my attentions
in Edinburgh were received with more than coldness I cannot in justice either
to her or myself consent that she should again be harassed upon this topic I
would have mentioned this to you some time since but you saw the footing upon
which we stood together and must have understood it Had I thought otherwise I
would have earlier spoken but I had a natural reluctance to enter upon a
subject so painful to us both«
»O very well Mr Waverley« said Fergus haughtily »the thing is at an
end I have no occasion to press my sister upon any man«
»Nor have I any occasion to court repeated rejection from the same young
lady« answered Edward in the same tone
»I shall make due inquiry however« said the Chieftain without noticing
the interruption »and learn what my sister thinks of all this we will then see
whether it is to end here«
»Respecting such inquiries you will of course be guided by your own
judgment« said Waverley »It is I am aware impossible Miss MacIvor can
change her mind and were such an unsupposable case to happen it is certain I
will not change mine I only mention this to prevent any possibility of future
misconstruction«
Gladly at this moment would MacIvor have put their quarrel to a personal
arbitrament his eye flashed fire and he measured Edward as if to choose
where he might best plant a mortal wound But although we do not now quarrel
according to the modes and figures of Caranza or Vincent Saviola no one knew
better than Fergus that there must be some decent pretext for a mortal duel For
instance you may challenge a man for treading on your corn in a crowd or for
pushing you up to the wall or for taking your seat in the theatre but the
modern code of honour will not permit you to found a quarrel upon your right of
compelling a man to continue addresses to a female relative which the fair lady
has already refused So that Fergus was compelled to stomach this supposed
affront until the whirligig of time whose motion he promised himself he would
watch most sedulously should bring about an opportunity of revenge
Waverleys servant always led a saddlehorse for him in the rear of the
battalion to which he was attached though his master seldom rode But now
incensed at the domineering and unreasonable conduct of his late friend he fell
behind the column and mounted his horse resolving to seek the Baron of
Bradwardine and request permission to volunteer in his troop instead of the
MacIvor regiment
»A happy time of it I should have had« thought he after he was mounted
»to have been so closely allied to this superb specimen of pride and
selfopinion and passion A colonel why he should have been a generalissimo A
petty chief of three or four hundred men his pride might suffice for the Cham
of Tartary the Grand Seignior the Great Mogul I am well free of him Were
Flora an angel she would bring with her a second Lucifer of ambition and wrath
for a brotherinlaw«
The Baron whose learning like Sanchos jests while in the Sierra Morena
seemed to grow mouldy for want of exercise joyfully embraced the opportunity of
Waverleys offering his service in his regiment to bring it into some exertion
The goodnatured old gentleman however laboured to effect a reconciliation
between the two quondam friends Fergus turned a cold ear to his remonstrances
though he gave them a respectful hearing and as for Waverley he saw no reason
why he should be the first in courting a renewal of the intimacy which the
Chieftain had so unreasonably disturbed The Baron then mentioned the matter to
the Prince who anxious to prevent quarrels in his little army declared he
would himself remonstrate with Colonel MacIvor on the unreasonableness of his
conduct But in the hurry of their march it was a day or two before he had an
opportunity to exert his influence in the manner proposed
In the meanwhile Waverley turned the instructions he had received while in
Gardiners dragoons to some account and assisted the Baron in his command as a
sort of adjutant »Parmi les aveugles un borgne est roi« says the French
proverb and the cavalry which consisted chiefly of Lowland gentlemen their
tenants and servants formed a high opinion of Waverleys skill and a great
attachment to his person This was indeed partly owing to the satisfaction which
they felt at the distinguished English volunteers leaving the Highlanders to
rank among them for there was a latent grudge between the horse and foot not
only owing to the difference of the services but because most of the gentlemen
living near the Highlands had at one time or other had quarrels with the tribes
in their vicinity and all of them looked with a jealous eye on the Highlanders
avowed pretensions to superior valour and utility in the Princes service
Chapter FiftyEighth
The Confusion of King Agramants Camp
It was Waverleys custom sometimes to ride a little apart from the main body to
look at any object of curiosity which occurred on the march They were now in
Lancashire when attracted by a castellated old hall he left the squadron for
halfanhour to take a survey and slight sketch of it As he returned down the
avenue he was met by Ensign Maccombich This man had contracted a sort of
regard for Edward since the day of his first seeing him at TullyVeolan and
introducing him to the Highlands He seemed to loiter as if on purpose to meet
with our hero Yet as he passed him he only approached his stirrup and
pronounced the single word »Beware« and then walked swiftly on shunning all
further communication
Edward somewhat surprised at this hint followed with his eyes the course
of Evan who speedily disappeared among the trees His servant Alick Polwarth
who was in attendance also looked after the Highlander and then riding up
close to his master said
»The neer be in me sir if I think youre safe among thae Highland
rinthereouts«
»What do you mean Alick« said Waverley
»The MacIvors sir hae gotten it into their heads that ye hae affronted
their young leddy Miss Flora and I hae heard mae than ane say they wadna tak
muckle to make a blackcock o ye and ye ken weel eneugh theres mony o them
wadna mind a bawbee the weising a ball through the Prince himsell an the Chief
gae them the wink or whether he did or no if they thought it a thing that
would please him when it was dune«
Waverley though confident that Fergus MacIvor was incapable of such
treachery was by no means equally sure of the forbearance of his followers He
knew that where the honour of the Chief or his family was supposed to be
touched the happiest man would be he that could first avenge the stigma and he
had often heard them quote a proverb »That the best revenge was the most speedy
and most safe« Coupling this with the hint of Evan he judged it most prudent
to set spurs to his horse and ride briskly back to the squadron Ere he reached
the end of the long avenue however a ball whistled past him and the report of
a pistol was heard
»It was that deevils buckie Callum Beg« said Alick »I saw him whisk away
through amang the reises«
Edward justly incensed at this act of treachery galloped out of the
avenue and observed the battalion of MacIvor at some distance moving along the
common in which it terminated He also saw an individual running very fast to
join the party this he concluded was the intended assassin who by leaping an
enclosure might easily make a much shorter path to the main body than he could
find on horseback Unable to contain himself he commanded Alick to go to the
Baron of Bradwardine who was at the head of his regiment about half a mile in
front and acquaint him with what had happened He himself immediately rode up
to Ferguss regiment The Chief himself was in the act of joining them He was
on horseback having returned from waiting on the Prince On perceiving Edward
approaching he put his horse in motion towards him
»Colonel MacIvor« said Waverley without any farther salutation »I have
to inform you that one of your people has this instant fired at me from a
lurkingplace«
»As that« answered MacIvor »excepting the circumstance of a
lurkingplace is a pleasure which I presently propose to myself I should be
glad to know which of my clansmen dared to anticipate me«
»I shall certainly be at your command whenever you please the gentleman
who took your office upon himself is your page there Callum Beg«
»Stand forth from the ranks Callum Did you fire at Mr Waverley«
»No« answered the unblushing Callum
»You did« said Alick Polwarth who was already returned having met a
trooper by whom he despatched an account of what was going forward to the Baron
of Bradwardine while he himself returned to his master at full gallop neither
sparing the rowels of his spurs nor the sides of his horse »You did I saw you
as plainly as I ever saw the auld kirk at Coudingham«
»You lie« replied Callum with his usual impenetrable obstinacy The combat
between the knights would certainly as in the days of chivalry have been
preceded by an encounter between the squires for Alick was a stouthearted
Merseman and feared the bow of Cupid far more than a Highlanders dirk or
claymore but Fergus with his usual tone of decision demanded Callums
pistol The cock was down the pan and muzzle were black with the smoke it had
been that instant fired
»Take that« said Fergus striking the boy upon the head with the heavy
pistolbutt with his whole force »take that for acting without orders and
lying to disguise it« Callum received the blow without appearing to flinch from
it and fell without sign of life »Stand still upon your lives« said Fergus
to the rest of the clan »I blow out the brains of the first man who interferes
between Mr Waverley and me« They stood motionless Evan Dhu alone showed
symptoms of vexation and anxiety Callum lay on the ground bleeding copiously
but no one ventured to give him any assistance It seemed as if he had gotten
his deathblow
»And now for you Mr Waverley please to turn your horse twenty yards with
me upon the common« Waverley complied and Fergus confronting him when they
were a little way from the line of march said with great affected coolness »I
could not but wonder sir at the fickleness of taste which you were pleased to
express the other day But it was not an angel as you justly observed who had
charms for you unless she brought an empire for her fortune I have now an
excellent commentary upon that obscure text«
»I am at a loss even to guess at your meaning Colonel MacIvor unless it
seems plain that you intend to fasten a quarrel upon me«
»Your affected ignorance shall not serve you sir The Prince the Prince
himself has acquainted me with your manoeuvres I little thought that your
engagements with Miss Bradwardine were the reason of your breaking off your
intended match with my sister I suppose the information that the Baron had
altered the destination of his estate was quite a sufficient reason for
slighting your friends sister and carrying off your friends mistress«
»Did the Prince tell you I was engaged to Miss Bradwardine« said Waverley
»Impossible«
»He did sir« answered MacIvor »so either draw and defend yourself or
resign your pretensions to the lady«
»This is absolute madness« exclaimed Waverley »or some strange mistake«
»O no evasion draw your sword« said the infuriated Chieftain his own
already unsheathed
»Must I fight in a madmans quarrel«
»Then give up now and for ever all pretensions to Miss Bradwardines
hand«
»What title have you« cried Waverley utterly losing command of himself
»What title have you or any man living to dictate such terms to me« And he
also drew his sword
At this moment the Baron of Bradwardine followed by several of his troop
came up on the spur some from curiosity others to take part in the quarrel
which they indistinctly understood had broken out between the MacIvors and
their corps The clan seeing them approach put themselves in motion to support
their Chieftain and a scene of confusion commenced which seemed likely to
terminate in bloodshed A hundred tongues were in motion at once The Baron
lectured the Chieftain stormed the Highlanders screamed in Gaelic the
horsemen cursed and swore in Lowland Scotch At length matters came to such a
pass that the Baron threatened to charge the MacIvors unless they resumed
their ranks and many of them in return presented their firearms at him and
the other troopers The confusion was privately fostered by old Ballenkeiroch
who made no doubt that his own day of vengeance was arrived when behold a cry
arose of »Room make way place à Monseigneur place à Monseigneur« This
announced the approach of the Prince who came up with a party of FitzJamess
foreign dragoons that acted as his body guard His arrival produced some degree
of order The Highlanders reassumed their ranks the cavalry fell in and formed
squadron and the Baron and Chieftain were silent
The Prince called them and Waverley before him Having heard the original
cause of the quarrel through the villany of Callum Beg he ordered him into
custody of the provostmarshal for immediate execution in the event of his
surviving the chastisement inflicted by his Chieftain Fergus however in a
tone betwixt claiming a right and asking a favour requested he might be left to
his disposal and promised his punishment should be exemplary To deny this
might have seemed to encroach on the patriarchal authority of the Chieftains of
which they were very jealous and they were not persons to be disobliged Callum
was therefore left to the justice of his own tribe
The Prince next demanded to know the new cause of quarrel between Colonel
MacIvor and Waverley There was a pause Both gentlemen found the presence of
the Baron of Bradwardine for by this time all three had approached the
Chevalier by his command an insurmountable barrier against entering upon a
subject where the name of his daughter must unavoidably be mentioned They
turned their eyes on the ground with looks in which shame and embarrassment
were mingled with displeasure The prince who had been educated amongst the
discontented and mutinous spirits of the court of St Germains where feuds of
every kind were the daily subject of solicitude to the dethroned sovereign had
served his apprenticeship as old Frederick of Prussia would have said to the
trade of royalty To promote or restore concord among his followers was
indispensable Accordingly he took his measures
»Monsieur de Beaujeu«
»Monseigneur« said a very handsome French cavalry officer who was in
attendance
»Ayez la bonté dalligner ces montagnards là ainsi que la cavalerie sil
vous plait et de les remettre à la marche Vous parlez si bien lAnglois cela
ne vous donneroit pas beaucoup de peine«
»Ah pas du tout Monseigneur« replied Mons le Comte de Beaujeu his head
bending down to the neck of his little prancing highlymanaged charger
Accordingly he piaffed away in high spirits and confidence to the head of
Ferguss regiment although understanding not a word of Gaelic and very little
English
»Messieurs les sauvages Ecossois dat is gentilmans savages have the
goodness darranger vous«
The clan comprehending the order more from the gesture than the words and
seeing the Prince himself present hastened to dress their ranks
»Ah ver well dat is fort bien« said the Count de Beaujeu »Gentilmans
sauvages mais très bien Eh bien Questce que vous appelez visage
Monsieur« to a lounging trooper who stood by him »Ah oui face Je vous
remercie Monsieur Gentilshommes have de goodness to make de face to de
right par file dat is by files Marsh Mais très bien encore Messieurs
il faut vous mettre à la marche Marchez donc au nom de Dieu parceque jai
oublié le mot Anglois mais vous êtes des braves gens et me comprenez très
bien«
The Count next hastened to put the cavalry in motion »Gentilmans cavalry
you must fall in Ah par ma foi I did not say fell off I am a fear de
little gross fat gentilman is moche hurt Ah mon Dieu cest le Commissaire qui
nous a apporté les premières nouvelles de ce maudit fracas Je suis trop fâché
Monsieur«
But poor Macwheeble who with a sword stuck across him and a white cockade
as large as a pancake now figured in the character of a commissary being
overturned in the bustle occasioned by the troopers hastening to get themselves
in order in the Princes presence before he could rally his galloway slunk to
the rear amid the unrestrained laughter of the spectators
»Eh bien Messieurs wheel to de right Ah dat is it Eh Monsieur de
Bradwardine ayez la bontê de vous mettre à la tête de votre régiment car par
Dieu je nen puis plus«
The Baron of Bradwardine was obliged to go to the assistance of Monsieur de
Beaujeu after he had fairly expended his few English military phrases One
purpose of the Chevalier was thus answered The other he proposed was that in
the eagerness to hear and comprehend commands issued through such an indistinct
medium in his own presence the thoughts of the soldiers in both corps might get
a current different from the angry channel in which they were flowing at the
time
Charles Edward was no sooner left with the Chieftain and Waverley the rest
of his attendants being at some distance than he said »If I owed less to your
disinterested friendship I could be most seriously angry with both of you for
this very extraordinary and causeless broil at a moment when my fathers
service so decidedly demands the most perfect unanimity But the worst of my
situation is that my very best friends hold they have liberty to ruin
themselves as well as the cause they are engaged in upon the slightest
caprice«
Both the young men protested their resolution to submit every difference to
his arbitration »Indeed« said Edward »I hardly know of what I am accused I
sought Colonel MacIvor merely to mention to him that I had narrowly escaped
assassination at the hand of his immediate dependent a dastardly revenge
which I knew him to be incapable of authorising As to the cause for which he is
disposed to fasten a quarrel upon me I am ignorant of it unless it be that he
accuses me most unjustly of having engaged the affections of a young lady in
prejudice of his pretensions«
»If there is an error« said the Chieftain »it arises from a conversation
which I held this morning with his Royal Highness himself«
»With me« said the Chevalier »how can Colonel MacIvor have so far
misunderstood me«
He then led Fergus aside and after five minutes earnest conversation
spurred his horse towards Edward »Is it possible nay ride up Colonel for I
desire no secrets Is it possible Mr Waverley that I am mistaken in
supposing that you are an accepted lover of Miss Bradwardine a fact of which
I was by circumstances though not by communication from you so absolutely
convinced that I alleged it to Vich Ian Vohr this morning as a reason why
without offence to him you might not continue to be ambitious of an alliance
which to an unengaged person even though once repulsed holds out too many
charms to be lightly laid aside«
»Your Royal Highness« said Waverley »must have founded on circumstances
altogether unknown to me when you did me the distinguished honour of supposing
me an accepted lover of Miss Bradwardine I feel the distinction implied in the
supposition but I have no title to it For the rest my confidence in my own
merits is too justly slight to admit of my hoping for success in any quarter
after positive rejection«
The Chevalier was silent for a moment looking steadily at them both and
then said »Upon my word Mr Waverley you are a less happy man than I
conceived I had very good reason to believe you But now gentlemen allow me
to be umpire in this matter not as Prince Regent but as Charles Stuart a
brother adventurer with you in the same gallant cause Lay my pretensions to be
obeyed by you entirely out of view and consider your own honour and how far it
is well or becoming to give our enemies the advantage and our friends the
scandal of showing that few as we are we are not united And forgive me if I
add that the names of the ladies who have been mentioned crave more respect
from us all than to be made themes of discord«
He took Fergus a little apart and spoke to him very earnestly for two or
three minutes and then returning to Waverley said »I believe I have satisfied
Colonel MacIvor that his resentment was founded upon a misconception to which
indeed I myself gave rise and I trust Mr Waverley is too generous to harbour
any recollection of what is past when I assure him that such is the case You
must state this matter properly to your clan Vich Ian Vohr to prevent a
recurrence of their precipitate violence« Fergus bowed »And now gentlemen
let me have the pleasure to see you shake hands«
They advanced coldly and with measured steps each apparently reluctant to
appear most forward in concession They did however shake hands and parted
taking a respectful leave of the Chevalier
Charles Edward92 then rode to the head of the MacIvors threw himself from
his horse begged a drink out of old Ballenkeirochs canteen and marched about
halfamile along with them inquiring into the history and connexions of
Sliochd nan Ivor adroitly using the few words of Gaelic he possessed and
affecting a great desire to learn it more thoroughly He then mounted his horse
once more and galloped to the Barons cavalry which was in front halted them
and examined their accoutrements and state of discipline took notice of the
principal gentlemen and even of the cadets inquired after their ladies and
commended their horses rode about an hour with the Baron of Bradwardine and
endured three long stories about FieldMarshal the Duke of Berwick
»Ah Beaujeu mon cher ami« said he as he returned to his usual place in
the line of march »que mon métier de prince errant est ennuyant par fois
Mais courage cest le grand jeu après tout«
Chapter FiftyNinth
A Skirmish
The reader need hardly be reminded that after a council of war held at Derby
on the 5th of December the Highlanders relinquished their desperate attempt to
penetrate farther into England and greatly to the dissatisfaction of their
young and daring leader positively determined to return northward They
commenced their retreat accordingly and by the extreme celerity of their
movements outstripped the motions of the Duke of Cumberland who now pursued
them with a very large body of cavalry
This retreat was a virtual resignation of their towering hopes None had
been so sanguine as Fergus MacIvor none consequently was so cruelly
mortified at the change of measures He argued or rather remonstrated with the
utmost vehemence at the council of war and when his opinion was rejected shed
tears of grief and indignation From that moment his whole manner was so much
altered that he could scarcely have been recognised for the same soaring and
ardent spirit for whom the whole earth seemed too narrow but a week before The
retreat had continued for several days when Edward to his surprise early on
the 12th of December received a visit from the Chieftain in his quarters in a
hamlet about halfway between Shap and Penrith
Having had no intercourse with the Chieftain since their rupture Edward
waited with some anxiety an explanation of this unexpected visit nor could he
help being surprised and somewhat shocked with the change in his appearance
His eye had lost much of its fire his cheek was hollow his voice was languid
even his gait seemed less firm and elastic than it was wont and his dress to
which he used to be particularly attentive was now carelessly flung about him
He invited Edward to walk out with him by the little river in the vicinity and
smiled in a melancholy manner when he observed him take down and buckle on his
sword
As soon as they were in a wild sequestered path by the side of the stream
the Chief broke out »Our fine adventure is now totally ruined Waverley and
I wish to know what you intend to do nay never stare at me man I tell you
I received a packet from my sister yesterday and had I got the information it
contains sooner it would have prevented a quarrel which I am always vexed when
I think of In a letter written after our dispute I acquainted her with the
cause of it and she now replies to me that she never had nor could have any
purpose of giving you encouragement so that it seems I have acted like a
madman Poor Flora she writes in high spirits what a change will the news of
this unhappy retreat make in her state of mind«
Waverley who was really much affected by the deep tone of melancholy with
which Fergus spoke affectionately entreated him to banish from his remembrance
any unkindness which had arisen between them and they once more shook hands
but now with sincere cordiality Fergus again inquired of Waverley what he
intended to do »Had you not better leave this luckless army and get down
before us into Scotland and embark for the Continent from some of the eastern
ports that are still in our possession When you are out of the kingdom your
friends will easily negotiate your pardon and to tell you the truth I wish
you would carry Rose Bradwardine with you as your wife and take Flora also
under your joint protection« Edward looked surprised »She loves you and I
believe you love her though perhaps you have not found it out for you are
not celebrated for knowing your own mind very pointedly« He said this with a
sort of smile
»How« answered Edward »can you advise me to desert the expedition in which
we are all embarked«
»Embarked« said Fergus »the vessel is going to pieces and it is full time
for all who can to get into the longboat and leave her«
»Why what will other gentlemen do« answered Waverley »and why did the
Highland Chiefs consent to this retreat if it is so ruinous«
»O« replied MacIvor »they think that as on former occasions the
heading hanging and forfeiting will chiefly fall to the lot of the Lowland
gentry that they will be left secure in their poverty and their fastnesses
there according to their proverb to listen to the wind upon the hill till the
waters abate But they will be disappointed they have been too often
troublesome to be so repeatedly passed over and this time John Bull has been
too heartily frightened to recover his good humour for some time The Hanoverian
ministers always deserved to be hanged for rascals but now if they get the
power in their hands as sooner or later they must since there is neither
rising in England nor assistance from France they will deserve the gallows as
fools if they leave a single clan in the Highlands in a situation to be again
troublesome to Government Ay they will make rootandbranchwork I warrant
them«
»And while you recommend flight to me« said Edward »a counsel which I
would rather die than embrace what are your own views«
»O« answered Fergus with a melancholy air »my fate is settled Dead or
captive I must be before to
»What do you mean by that my friend« said Edward »The enemy is still a
days march in our rear and if he comes up we are still strong enough to keep
him in check Remember Gladsmuir«
»What I tell you is true notwithstanding so far as I am individually
concerned«
»Upon what authority can you found so melancholy a prediction« asked
Waverley
»On one which never failed a person of my house I have seen« he said
lowering his voice »I have seen the Bodach Glas«
»Bodach Glas«
»Yes have you been so long at Glennaquoich and never heard of the Grey
Spectre though indeed there is a certain reluctance among us to mention him«
»No never«
»Ah it would have been a tale for poor Flora to have told you Or if that
hill were Benmore and that long blue lake which you see just winding towards
yon mountainous country were Loch Tay or my own Loch an Ri the tale would be
better suited with scenery However let us sit down on this knoll even
Saddleback and Ullswater will suit what I have to say better than the English
hedgerows enclosures and farmhouses You must know then that when my
ancestor Ian nan Chaistel wasted Northumberland there was associated with him
in the expedition a sort of Southland Chief or captain of a band of Lowlanders
called Halbert Hall In their return through the Cheviots they quarrelled about
the division of the great booty they had acquired and came from words to blows
The Lowlanders were cut off to a man and their chief fell the last covered
with wounds by the sword of my ancestors Since that time his spirit has
crossed the Vich Ian Vohr of the day when any great disaster was impending but
especially before approaching death My father saw him twice once before he was
made prisoner at Sheriffmuir another time on the morning of the day on which
he died«
»How can you my dear Fergus tell such nonsense with a grave face«
»I do not ask you to believe it but I tell you the truth ascertained by
three hundred years experience at least and last night by my own eyes«
»The particulars for heavens sake« said Waverley with eagerness
»I will on condition you will not attempt a jest on the subject Since
this unhappy retreat commenced I have scarce ever been able to sleep for
thinking of my clan and of this poor Prince whom they are leading back like a
dog in a string whether he will or no and of the downfall of my family Last
night I felt so feverish that I left my quarters and walked out in hopes the
keen frosty air would brace my nerves I cannot tell how much I dislike going
on for I know you will hardly believe me However I crossed a small
footbridge and kept walking backwards and forwards when I observed with
surprise by the clear moonlight a tall figure in a grey plaid such as
shepherds wear in the south of Scotland which move at what pace I would kept
regularly about four yards before me«
»You saw a Cumberland peasant in his ordinary dress probably«
»No I thought so at first and was astonished at the mans audacity in
daring to dog me I called to him but received no answer I felt an anxious
throbbing at my heart and to ascertain what I dreaded I stood still and
turned myself on the same spot successively to the four points of the compass
By Heaven Edward turn where I would the figure was instantly before my eyes
at precisely the same distance I was then convinced it was the Bodach Glas My
hair bristled and my knees shook I manned myself however and determined to
return to my quarters My ghastly visitant glided before me for I cannot say he
walked until he reached the footbridge there he stopped and turned full
round I must either wade the river or pass him as close as I am to you A
desperate courage founded on the belief that my death was near made me resolve
to make my way in despite of him I made the sign of the cross drew my sword
and uttered In the name of God Evil Spirit give place Vich Ian Vohr it
said in a voice that made my very blood curdle beware of tomorrow It seemed
at that moment not half a yard from my swords point but the words were no
sooner spoken than it was gone and nothing appeared further to obstruct my
passage I got home and threw myself on my bed where I spent a few hours
heavily enough and this morning as no enemy was reported to be near us I took
my horse and rode forward to make up matters with you I would not willingly
fall until I am in charity with a wronged friend«
Edward had little doubt that this phantom was the operation of an exhausted
frame and depressed spirits working on the belief common to all Highlanders in
such superstitions He did not the less pity Fergus for whom in his present
distress he felt all his former regard revive With the view of diverting his
mind from these gloomy images he offered with the Barons permission which he
knew he could readily obtain to remain in his quarters till Ferguss corps
should come up and then to march with them as usual The chief seemed much
pleased yet hesitated to accept the offer
»We are you know in the rear the post of danger in a retreat«
»And therefore the post of honour«
»Well« replied the Chieftain »let Alick have your horse in readiness in
case we should be overmatched and I shall be delighted to have your company
once more«
The rearguard were late in making their appearance having been delayed by
various accidents and by the badness of the roads At length they entered the
hamlet When Waverley joined the clan MacIvor arm in arm with their Chieftain
all the resentment they had entertained against him seemed blown off at once
Evan Dhu received him with a grin of congratulation and even Callum who was
running about as active as ever pale indeed and with a great patch on his
head appeared delighted to see him
»That gallowsbirds skull« said Fergus »must be harder than marble the
lock of the pistol was actually broken«
»How could you strike so young a lad so hard« said Waverley with some
interest
»Why if I did not strike hard sometimes the rascals would forget
themselves«
They were now in full march every caution being taken to prevent surprise
Ferguss people and a fine clan regiment from Badenoch commanded by Cluny
MacPherson had the rear They had passed a large open moor and were entering
into the enclosures which surround a small village called Clifton The winter
sun had set and Edward began to rally Fergus upon the false predictions of the
Grey Spirit »The Ides of March are not past« said MacIvor with a smile
when suddenly casting his eyes back on the moor a large body of cavalry was
indistinctly seen to hover upon its brown and dark surface To line the
enclosures facing the open ground and the road by which the enemy must move
from it upon the village was the work of a short time While these manoeuvres
were accomplishing night sunk down dark and gloomy though the moon was at
full Sometimes however she gleamed forth a dubious light upon the scene of
action
The Highlanders did not remain long undisturbed in the defensive position
they had adopted Favoured by the night one large body of dismounted dragoons
attempted to force the enclosures while another equally strong strove to
penetrate by the high road Both were received by such a heavy fire as
disconcerted their ranks and effectually checked their progress Unsatisfied
with the advantage thus gained Fergus to whose ardent spirit the approach of
danger seemed to restore all its elasticity drawing his sword and called out
»Claymore« encouraged his men by voice and example to break through the hedge
which divided them and rush down upon the enemy Mingling with the dismounted
dragoons they forced them at the sword point to fly to the open moor where a
considerable number were cut to pieces But the moon which suddenly shone out
showed to the English the small number of assailants disordered by their own
success Two squadrons of horse moving to the support of their companions the
Highlanders endeavoured to recover the enclosures But several of them amongst
others their brave Chieftain were cut off and surrounded before they could
effect their purpose Waverley looking eagerly for Fergus from whom as well
as from the retreating body of his followers he had been separated in the
darkness and tumult saw him with Evan Dhu and Callum defending themselves
desperately against a dozen of horsemen who were hewing at them with their long
broadswords The moon was again at that moment totally overclouded and Edward
in the obscurity could neither bring aid to his friends nor discover which way
lay his own road to rejoin the rearguard After once or twice narrowly escaping
being slain or made prisoner by parties of the cavalry whom he encountered in
the darkness he at length reached an enclosure and clambering over it
concluded himself in safety and on the way to the Highland forces whose pipes
he heard at some distance For Fergus hardly a hope remained unless that he
might be made prisoner Revolving his fate with sorrow and anxiety the
superstition of the Bodach Glas recurred to Edwards recollection and he said
to himself with internal surprise »What can the devil speak truth«93
Chapter Sixtieth
Chapter of Accidents
Edward was in a most unpleasant and dangerous situation He soon lost the sound
of the bagpipes and what was yet more unpleasant when after searching long
in vain and scrambling through many enclosures he at length approached the
high road he learned from the unwelcome noise of kettledrums and trumpets
that the English Cavalry now occupied it and consequently were between him and
the Highlanders Precluded therefore from advancing in a straight direction
he resolved to avoid the English military and endeavour to join his friends by
making a circuit to the left for which a beaten path deviating from the main
road in that direction seemed to afford facilities The path was muddy and the
night dark and cold but even these inconveniences were hardly felt amidst the
apprehensions which falling into the hands of the Kings forces reasonably
excited in his bosom
After walking about three miles he at length reached a hamlet Conscious
that the common people were in general unfavourable to the cause he had
espoused yet desirous if possible to procure a horse and guide to Penrith
where he hoped to find the rear if not the main body of the Chevaliers army
he approached the alehouse of the place There was a great noise within he
paused to listen A round English oath or two and the burden of a campaign
song convinced him the hamlet also was occupied by the Duke of Cumberlands
soldiers Endeavouring to retire from it as softly as possible and blessing the
obscurity which hitherto he had murmured against Waverley groped his way the
best he could along a small paling which seemed the boundary of some cottage
garden As he reached the gate of this little enclosure his outstretched hand
was grasped by that of a female whose voice at the same time uttered »Edward
ist thou man«
»Here is some unlucky mistake« thought Edward struggling but gently to
disengage himself
»Naen o thy foun now man or the red cwoats will hear thee they hae been
houlerying and poulerying every ane that past alehouse door this noight to make
them drive their waggons and sick loike Come into feythers or theyll do ho a
mischief«
»A good hint« thought Waverley following the girl through the little
garden into a brickpaved kitchen where she set herself to kindle a match at an
expiring fire and with the match to light a candle She had no sooner looked on
Edward than she dropped the light with a shrill scream of »O feyther
feyther«
The father thus invoked speedily appeared a sturdy old farmer in a
pair of leather breeches and boots pulled on without stockings having just
started from his bed the rest of his dress was only a Westmoreland
statesmans robedechambre that is his shirt His figure was displayed to
advantage by a candle which he bore in his left hand in his right he
brandished a poker
»What hast ho here wench«
»O« cried the poor girl almost going off in hysterics »I thought it was
Ned Williams and it is one of the plaidmen«
»And what was thee ganging to do wi Ned Williams at this time o noight«
To this which was perhaps one of the numerous class of questions more easily
asked than answered the rosycheeked damsel made no reply but continued
sobbing and wringing her hands
»And thee lad dost ho know that the dragoons be a town Dost ho know that
mon ad theyll sliver thee loike a turnip mon«
»I know my life is in great danger« said Waverley »but if you can assist
me I will reward you handsomely I am no Scotchman but an unfortunate English
gentleman«
»Be ho Scot or no« said the honest farmer »I wish thou hadst kept the
other side of the hallan But since thou art here Jacob Jopson will betray no
mans bluid and the plaids were gey canny and did not so much mischief when
they were here yesterday« Accordingly he set seriously about sheltering and
refreshing our hero for the night The fire was speedily rekindled but with
precaution against its light being seen from without The jolly yeoman cut a
rasher of bacon which Cicely soon broiled and her father added a swinging
tankard of his best ale It was settled that Edward should remain there till
the troops marched in the morning then hire or buy a horse from the farmer
and with the best directions that could be obtained endeavour to overtake his
friends A clean though coarse bed received him after the fatigues of this
unhappy day
With the morning arrived the news that the Highlanders had evacuated
Penrith and marched off towards Carlisle that the Duke of Cumberland was in
possession of Penrith and that detachments of his army covered the roads in
every direction To attempt to get through undiscovered would be an act of the
most frantic temerity Ned Williams the right Edward was now called to council
by Cicely and her father Ned who perhaps did not care that his handsome
namesake should remain too long in the same house with his sweetheart for fear
of fresh mistakes proposed that Waverley exchanging his uniform and plaid for
the dress of the country should go with him to his fathers farm near
Ullswater and remain in that undisturbed retirement until the military
movements in the country should have ceased to render his departure hazardous A
price was also agreed upon at which the stranger might board with Farmer
Williams if he thought proper till he could depart with safety It was of
moderate amount the distress of his situation among this honest and
simplehearted race being considered as no reason for increasing their demand
The necessary articles of dress were accordingly procured and by following
bypaths known to the young farmer they hoped to escape any unpleasant
rencontre A recompense for their hospitality was refused peremptorily by old
Jopson and his cherrycheeked daughter a kiss paid the one and a hearty shake
of the hand the other Both seemed anxious for their guests safety and took
leave of him with kind wishes
In the course of their route Edward with his guide traversed those fields
which the night before had been the scene of action A brief gleam of Decembers
sun shone sadly on the broad heath which towards the spot where the great
northwest road entered the enclosures of Lord Lonsdales property exhibited
dead bodies of men and horses and the usual companions of war a number of
carrioncrows hawks and ravens
»And this then was thy last field« said Waverley to himself his eye
filling at the recollection of the many splendid points of Ferguss character
and of their former intimacy all his passions and imperfections forgotten
»Here fell the last Vich Ian Vohr on a nameless heath and in an obscure
nightskirmish was quenched that ardent spirit who thought it little to cut a
way for his master to the British throne Ambition policy bravery all far
beyond their sphere here learned the fate of mortals The sole support too of
a sister whose spirit as proud and unbending was even more exalted than thine
own here ended all thy hopes for Flora and the long and valued line which it
was thy boast to raise yet more highly by thy adventurous valour«
As these ideas pressed on Waverleys mind he resolved to go upon the open
heath and search if among the slain he could discover the body of his friend
with the pious intention of procuring for him the last rites of sepulture The
timorous young man who accompanied him remonstrated upon the danger of the
attempt but Edward was determined The followers of the camp had already
stripped the dead of all they could carry away but the country people unused
to scenes of blood had not yet approached the field of action though some
stood fearfully gazing at a distance About sixty or seventy dragoons lay slain
within the first enclosure upon the high road and on the open moor Of the
Highlanders not above a dozen had fallen chiefly those who venturing too far
on the moor could not regain the strong ground He could not find the body of
Fergus among the slain On a little knoll separated from the others lay the
carcasses of three English dragoons two horses and the page Callum Beg whose
hard skull a troopers broadsword had at length effectually cloven It was
possible his clan had carried off the body of Fergus but it was also possible
he had escaped especially as Evan Dhu who would never leave his chief was not
found among the dead or he might be prisoner and the less formidable
denunciation inferred from the appearance of the Bodach Glas might have proved
the true one The approach of a party sent for the purpose of compelling the
country people to bury the dead and who had already assembled several peasants
for that purpose now obliged Edward to rejoin his guide who awaited him in
great anxiety and fear under shade of the plantations
After leaving this field of death the rest of their journey was happily
accomplished At the house of Farmer Williams Edward passed for a young
kinsman educated for the church who was come to reside there till the civil
tumults permitted him to pass through the country This silenced suspicion among
the kind and simple yeomanry of Cumberland and accounted sufficiently for the
grave manners and retired habits of the new guest The precaution became more
necessary than Waverley had anticipated as a variety of incidents prolonged his
stay at Fasthwaite as the farm was called
A tremendous fall of snow rendered his departure impossible for more than
ten days When the roads began to become a little practicable they successively
received news of the retreat of the Chevalier into Scotland then that he had
abandoned the frontiers retiring upon Glasgow and that the Duke of Cumberland
had formed the siege of Carlisle His army therefore cut off all possibility
of Waverleys escaping into Scotland in that direction On the eastern border
Marshal Wade with a large force was advancing upon Edinburgh and all along
the frontier parties of militia volunteers and partisans were in arms to
suppress insurrection and apprehend such stragglers from the Highland army as
had been left in England The surrender of Carlisle and the severity with which
the rebel garrison were threatened soon formed an additional reason against
venturing upon a solitary and hopeless journey through a hostile country and a
large army to carry the assistance of a single sword to a cause which seemed
altogether desperate
In this lonely and secluded situation without the advantage of company or
conversation with men of cultivated minds the arguments of Colonel Talbot often
recurred to the mind of our hero A still more anxious recollection haunted his
slumbers it was the dying look and gesture of Colonel Gardiner Most devoutly
did he hope as the rarely occurring post brought news of skirmishes with
various success that it might never again be his lot to draw his sword in civil
conflict Then his mind turned to the supposed death of Fergus to the desolate
situation of Flora and with yet more tender recollection to that of Rose
Bradwardine who was destitute of the devoted enthusiasm of loyalty which to
her friend hallowed and exalted misfortune These reveries he was permitted to
enjoy undisturbed by queries or interruption and it was in many a winter
walk by the shores of Ullswater that he acquired a more complete mastery of a
spirit tamed by adversity than his former experience had given him and that he
felt himself entitled to say firmly though perhaps with a sigh that the
romance of his life was ended and that its real history had now commenced He
was soon called upon to justify his pretensions by reason and philosophy
Chapter SixtyFirst
A Journey to London
The family at Fasthwaite were soon attached to Edward He had indeed that
gentleness and urbanity which almost universally attracts corresponding
kindness and to their simple ideas his learning gave him consequence and his
sorrows interest The last he ascribed evasively to the loss of a brother in
the skirmish near Clifton and in that primitive state of society where the
ties of affection were highly deemed of his continued depression excited
sympathy but not surprise
In the end of January his more lively powers were called out by the happy
union of Edward Williams the son of his host with Cicely Jopson Our hero
would not cloud with sorrow the festivity attending the wedding of two persons
to whom he was so highly obliged He therefore exerted himself danced sung
played at the various games of the day and was the blithest of the company The
next morning however he had more serious matters to think of
The clergyman who had married the young couple was so much pleased with the
supposed student of divinity that he came next day from Penrith on purpose to
pay him a visit This might have been a puzzling chapter had he entered into any
examination of our heros supposed theological studies but fortunately he loved
better to hear and communicate the news of the day He brought with him two or
three old newspapers in one of which Edward found a piece of intelligence that
soon rendered him deaf to every word which the Reverend Mr Twigtythe was saying
upon the news from the north and the prospect of the Dukes speedily overtaking
and crushing the rebels This was an article in these or nearly these words
»Died at his house in Hill Street Berkeley Square upon the 10th inst
Richard Waverley Esq second son of Sir Giles Waverley of WaverleyHonour
etc etc He died of a lingering disorder augmented by the unpleasant
predicament of suspicion in which he stood having been obliged to find bail to
a high amount to meet an impending accusation of hightreason An accusation of
the same grave crime hangs over his elder brother Sir Everard Waverley the
representative of that ancient family and we understand the day of his trial
will be fixed early in the next month unless Edward Waverley son of the
deceased Richard and heir to the Baronet shall surrender himself to justice
In that case we are assured it is his Majestys gracious purpose to drop
further proceedings upon the charge against Sir Everard This unfortunate young
gentleman is ascertained to have been in arms in the Pretenders service and to
have marched along with the Highland troops into England But he has not been
heard of since the skirmish at Clifton on the 18th December last«
Such was this distracting paragraph »Good God« exclaimed Waverley »am I
then a parricide Impossible My father who never showed the affection of a
father while he lived cannot have been so much affected by my supposed death as
to hasten his own No I will not believe it it were distraction to entertain
for a moment such a horrible idea But it were if possible worse than
parricide to suffer any danger to hang over my noble and generous uncle who has
ever been more to me than a father if such evil can be averted by any sacrifice
on my part«
While these reflections passed like the stings of scorpions through
Waverleys sensorium the worthy divine was startled in a long disquisition on
the battle of Falkirk by the ghastliness which they communicated to his looks
and asked him if he was ill Fortunately the bride all smirk and blush had
just entered the room Mrs Williams was none of the brightest of women but she
was goodnatured and readily concluding that Edward had been shocked by
disagreeable news in the papers interfered so judiciously that without
exciting suspicion she drew off Mr Twigtythes attention and engaged it until
he soon after took his leave Waverley then explained to his friends that he
was under the necessity of going to London with as little delay as possible
One cause of delay however did occur to which Waverley had been very
little accustomed His purse though well stocked when he first went to
TullyVeolan had not been reinforced since that period and although his life
since had not been of a nature to exhaust it hastily for he had lived chiefly
with his friends or with the army yet he found that after settling with his
kind landlord he should be too poor to encounter the expense of travelling
post The best course therefore seemed to be to get into the great north road
about Boroughbridge and there take a place in the Northern Diligence a huge
oldfashioned tub drawn by three horses which completed the journey from
Edinburgh to London God willing as the advertisement expressed it in three
weeks Our hero therefore took an affectionate farewell of his Cumberland
friends whose kindness he promised never to forget and tacitly hoped one day
to acknowledge by substantial proofs of gratitude After some petty
difficulties and vexatious delays and after putting his dress into a shape
better befitting his rank though perfectly plain and simple he accomplished
crossing the country and found himself in the desired vehicle visàvis to
Mrs Nosebag the lady of Lieutenant Nosebag adjutant and ridingmaster of the
dragoons a jolly woman of about fifty wearing a blue habit faced with
scarlet and grasping a silvermounted horsewhip
This lady was one of those active members of society who take upon them
faire le frais de la conversation She had just returned from the north and
informed Edward how nearly her regiment had cut the petticoat people into
ribands at Falkirk »only somehow there was one of those nasty awkward marshes
that they are never without in Scotland I think and so our poor dear little
regiment suffered something as my Nosebag says in that unsatisfactory affair
You sir have served in the dragoons« Waverley was taken so much at unawares
that he acquiesced
»O I knew it at once I saw you were military from your air and I am sure
you could be none of the footwobblers as my Nosebag calls them What regiment
pray« Here was a delightful question Waverley however justly concluded that
this good lady had the whole armylist by heart and to avoid detection by
adhering to truth answered »Gardiners dragoons maam but I have retired
some time«
»O aye those as won the race at the battle of Preston as my Nosebag says
Pray sir were you there«
»I was so unfortunate madam« he replied »as to witness that engagement«
»And that was a misfortune that few of Gardiners stood to witness I
believe sir ha ha ha I beg your pardon but a soldiers wife loves a
joke«
»Devil confound you« thought Waverley »what infernal luck has penned me up
with this inquisitive hag«
Fortunately the good lady did not stick long to one subject
»We are coming to Ferrybridge now« she said »where there was a party of
ours left to support the beadles and constables and justices and these sort
of creatures that are examining papers and stopping rebels and all that« They
were hardly in the inn before she dragged Waverley to the window exclaiming
»Yonder comes Corporal Bridoon of our poor dear troop hes coming with the
constable man Bridoons one of my lambs as Nosebag calls em Come Mr a
a pray whats your name sir«
»Butler maam« said Waverley resolved rather to make free with the name
of a former fellowofficer than run the risk of detection by inventing one not
to be found in the regiment
»O you got a troop lately when that shabby fellow Waverley went over to
the rebels Lord I wish our old cross Captain Crump would go over to the
rebels that Nosebag might get the troop Lord what can Bridoon be standing
swinging on the bridge for Ill be hanged if he ant hazy as Nosebag says
Come sir as you and I belong to the service well go put the rascal in mind
of his duty«
Waverley with feelings more easily conceived than described saw himself
obliged to follow this doughty female commander The gallant trooper was as like
a lamb as a drunk corporal of dragoons about six feet high with very broad
shoulders and very thin legs not to mention a great scar across his nose
could well be Mrs Nosebag addressed him with something which if not an oath
sounded very like one and commanded him to attend to his duty »You be d d
for a « commenced the gallant cavalier but looking up in order to suit the
action to the words and also to enforce the epithet which he meditated with an
adjective applicable to the party he recognised the speaker made his military
salam and altered his tone »Lord love your handsome face Madam Nosebag is
it you Why if a poor fellow does happen to fire a slug of a morning I am sure
you were never the lady to bring him to harm«
»Well you rascallion go mind your duty this gentleman and I belong to
the service but be sure you look after that shy cock in the slouched hat that
sits in the corner of the coach I believe hes one of the rebels in disguise«
»D n her gooseberry wig« said the corporal when she was out of hearing
»That gimleteyed jade mother adjutant as we call her is a greater plague
to the regiment than prevotmarshal sergeantmajor and old HubbledeShuff the
colonel into the bargain Come Master Constable lets see if this shy cock
as she calls him who by the way was a Quaker from Leeds with whom Mrs
Nosebag had had some tart argument on the legality of bearing arms will stand
godfather to a sup of brandy for your Yorkshire ale is cold on my stomach«
The vivacity of this good lady as it helped Edward out of this scrape was
like to have drawn him into one or two others In every town where they stopped
she wished to examine the corps de garde if there was one and once very
narrowly missed introducing Waverley to a recruitingsergeant of his own
regiment Then she Captaind and Butlerd him till he was almost mad with
vexation and anxiety and never was he more rejoiced in his life at the
termination of a journey than when the arrival of the coach in London freed him
from the attentions of Madam Nosebag
Chapter SixtySecond
Whats to Be Done Next
It was twilight when they arrived in town and having shaken off his companions
and walked through a good many streets to avoid the possibility of being traced
by them Edward took a hackneycoach and drove to Colonel Talbots house in one
of the principal squares at the west end of the town That gentleman by the
death of relations had succeeded since his marriage to a large fortune
possessed considerable political interest and lived in what is called great
style
When Waverley knocked at his door he found it at first difficult to procure
admittance but at length was shown into an apartment where the Colonel was at
table Lady Emily whose very beautiful features were still pallid from
indisposition sate opposite to him The instant he heard Waverleys voice he
started up and embraced him »Frank Stanley my dear boy how dye do Emily
my love this is young Stanley«
The blood started to the Ladys cheek as she gave Waverley a reception in
which courtesy was mingled with kindness while her trembling hand and faltering
voice showed how much she was startled and discomposed Dinner was hastily
replaced and while Waverley was engaged in refreshing himself the Colonel
proceeded »I wonder you have come here Frank the doctors tell me the air of
London is very bad for your complaints You should not have risked it But I am
delighted to see you and so is Emily though I fear we must not reckon upon
your staying long«
»Some particular business brought me up« muttered Waverley
»I supposed so but I shant allow you to stay long Spontoon« to an
elderly militarylooking servant out of livery »take away these things and
answer the bell yourself if I ring Dont let any of the other fellows disturb
us My nephew and I have business to talk of«
When the servants had retired »In the name of God Waverley what has
brought you here It may be as much as your life is worth«
»Dear Mr Waverley« said Lady Emily »to whom I owe so much more than
acknowledgments can ever pay how could you be so rash«
»My father my uncle this paragraph« he handed the paper to Colonel
Talbot
»I wish to Heaven these scoundrels were condemned to be squeezed to death in
their own presses« said Talbot »I am told there are not less than a dozen of
their papers now published in town and no wonder that they are obliged to
invent lies to find sale for their journals It is true however my dear
Edward that you have lost your father but as to this flourish of his
unpleasant situation having grated upon his spirits and hurt his health the
truth is for though it is harsh to say so now yet it will relieve your mind
from the idea of weighty responsibility the truth then is that Mr Richard
Waverley through this whole business showed great want of sensibility both to
your situation and that of your uncle and the last time I saw him he told me
with great glee that as I was so good as to take charge of your interests he
had thought it best to patch up a separate negotiation for himself and make his
peace with Government through some channels which former connections left still
open to him«
»And my uncle my dear uncle«
»Is in no danger whatever It is true looking at the date of the paper
there was a foolish report some time ago to the purport here quoted but it is
entirely false Sir Everard is gone down to WaverleyHonour freed from all
uneasiness unless upon your own account But you are in peril yourself your
name is in every proclamation warrants are out to apprehend you How and when
did you come here«
Edward told his story at length suppressing his quarrel with Fergus for
being himself partial to Highlanders he did not wish to give any advantage to
the Colonels national prejudice against them
»Are you sure it was your friend Glens footboy you saw dead in Clifton
Moor«
»Quite positive«
»Then that little limb of the devil has cheated the gallows for cutthroat
was written in his face though« turning to Lady Emily »it was a very handsome
face too But for you Edward I wish you would go down again to Cumberland
or rather I wish you had never stirred from thence for there is an embargo on
all the seaports and a strict search for the adherents of the Pretender and
the tongue of that confounded woman will wag in her head like the clack of a
mill till somehow or other she will detect Captain Butler to be a feigned
personage«
»Do you know anything« asked Waverley »of my fellowtraveller«
»Her husband was my serjeantmajor for six years she was a buxom widow
with a little money he married her was steady and got on by being a good
drill I must send Spontoon to see what she is about he will find her out among
the old regimental connexions Tomorrow you must be indisposed and keep your
room from fatigue Lady Emily is to be your nurse and Spontoon and I your
attendants You bear the name of a near relation of mine whom none of my
present people ever saw except Spontoon so there will be no immediate danger
So pray feel your head ache and your eyes grow heavy as soon as possible that
you may be put upon the sick list and Emily do you order an apartment for
Frank Stanley with all the attention which an invalid may require«
In the morning the Colonel visited his guest »Now« said he »I have some
good news for you Your reputation as a gentleman and officer is effectually
cleared of neglect of duty and accession to the mutiny in Gardiners regiment
I have had a correspondence on this subject with a very zealous friend of yours
your Scottish parson Morton his firstletter was addressed to Sir Everard but
I relieved the good Baronet of the trouble of answering it You must know that
your freebooting acquaintance Donald of the Cave has at length fallen into the
hands of the Philistines He was driving off the cattle of a certain proprietor
called Killan something or other «
»Killancureit«
»The same Now the gentleman being it seems a great farmer and having a
special value for his breed of cattle being moreover rather of a timid
disposition had got a party of soldiers to protect his property So Donald ran
his head unawares into the lions mouth and was defeated and made prisoner
Being ordered for execution his conscience was assailed on the one hand by a
Catholic priest on the other by your friend Morton He repulsed the Catholic
chiefly on account of the doctrine of extreme unction which this economical
gentleman considered as an excessive waste of oil So his conversion from a
state of impenitence fell to Mr Mortons share who I dare say acquitted
himself excellently though I suppose Donald made but a queer kind of
Christian after all He confessed however before a magistrate one Major
Melville who seems to have been a correct friendly sort of person his full
intrigue with Houghton explaining particularly how it was carried on and fully
acquitting you of the least accession to it He also mentioned his rescuing you
from the hands of the volunteer officer and sending you by orders of the Pret
Chevalier I mean as a prisoner to Doune from whence he understood you were
carried prisoner to Edinburgh These are particulars which cannot but tell in
your favour He hinted that he had been employed to deliver and protect you and
rewarded for doing so but he would not confess by whom alleging that though
he would not have minded breaking any ordinary oath to satisfy the curiosity of
Mr Morton to whose pious admonitions he owed so much yet in the present case
he had been sworn to silence upon the edge of his dirk94 which it seems
constituted in his opinion an inviolable obligation
And what has become of him«
»Oh he was hanged at Stirling after the rebels raised the siege with his
lieutenant and four plaids besides he having the advantage of a gallows more
lofty than his friends«
»Well I have little cause either to regret or rejoice at his death and yet
he has done me both good and harm to a very considerable extent«
»His confession at least will serve you materially since it wipes from
your character all those suspicions which gave the accusation against you a
complexion of a nature different from that with which so many unfortunate
gentlemen now or lately in arms against the Government may be justly charged
Their treason I must give it its name though you participate in its guilt
is an action arising from mistaken virtue and therefore cannot be classed as a
disgrace though it be doubtless highly criminal Where the guilty are so
numerous clemency must be extended to far the greater number and I have little
doubt of procuring a remission for you provided we can keep you out of the
claws of justice till she has selected and gorged upon her victims for in this
as in other cases it will be according to the vulgar proverb First come first
served Besides Government are desirous at present to intimidate the English
Jacobites among whom they can find few examples for punishment This is a
vindictive and timid feeling which will soon wear off for of all nations the
English are least bloodthirsty by nature But it exists at present and you must
therefore be kept out of the way in the meantime«
Now entered Spontoon with an anxious countenance By his regimental
acquaintances he had traced out Madam Nosebag and found her full of ire fuss
and fidget at discovery of an impostor who had travelled from the north with
her under the assumed name of Captain Butler of Gardiners dragoons She was
going to lodge an information on the subject to have him sought for as an
emissary of the Pretender but Spontoon an old soldier while he pretended to
approve contrived to make her delay her intention No time however was to be
lost the accuracy of this good dames description might probably lead to the
discovery that Waverley was the pretended Captain Butler an identification
fraught with danger to Edward perhaps to his uncle and even to Colonel Talbot
Which way to direct his course was now therefore the question
»To Scotland« said Waverley
»To Scotland« said the Colonel »with what purpose not to engage again
with the rebels I hope«
»No I considered my campaign ended when after all my efforts I could
not rejoin them and now by all accounts they are gone to make a winter
campaign in the Highlands where such adherents as I am would rather be
burdensome than useful Indeed it seems likely that they only prolong the war
to place the Chevaliers person out of danger and then to make some terms for
themselves To burden them with my presence would merely add another party whom
they would not give up and could not defend I understand they left almost all
their English adherents in garrison at Carlisle for that very reason and on
a more general view Colonel to confess the truth though it may lower me in
your opinion I am heartily tired of the trade of war and am as Fletchers
Humorous Lieutenant says even as weary of this fighting«
»Fighting pooh what have you seen but a skirmish or two Ah if you saw
war on the grand scale sixty or a hundred thousand men in the field on each
side«
»I am not at all curious Colonel Enough says our homely proverb is as
good as a feast The plumed troops and the big war used to enchant me in poetry
but the night marches vigils couched under the wintry sky and such
accompaniments of the glorious trade are not at all to my taste in practice
then for dry blows I had my fill of fighting at Clifton where I escaped by a
hairsbreadth halfadozen times and you I should think « He stopped
»Had enough of it at Preston you mean to say« answered the Colonel
laughing »but tis my vocation Hal«
»It is not mine though« said Waverley »and having honourably got rid of
the sword which I drew only as a volunteer I am quite satisfied with my
military experience and shall be in no hurry to take it up again«
»I am very glad you are of that mind but then what would you do in the
North«
»In the first place there are some seaports on the eastern coast of
Scotland still in the hands of the Chevaliers friends should I gain any of
them I can easily embark for the Continent«
»Good your second reason«
»Why to speak the very truth there is a person in Scotland upon whom I now
find my happiness depends more than I was always aware and about whose
situation I am very anxious«
»Then Emily was right and there is a love affair in the case after all
And which of these two pretty Scotchwomen whom you insisted upon my admiring
is the distinguished fair not Miss Glen I hope«
»No«
»Ah pass for the other simplicity may be improved but pride and conceit
never Well I dont discourage you I think it will please Sir Everard from
what he said when I jested with him about it only I hope that intolerable papa
with his brogue and his snuff and his Latin and his insufferable long stories
about the Duke of Berwick will find it necessary hereafter to be an inhabitant
of foreign parts But as to the daughter though I think you might find as
fitting a match in England yet if your heart be really set upon this Scotch
Rosebud why the Baronet has a great opinion of her father and of his family
and he wishes much to see you married and settled both for your own sake and
for that of the three ermines passant which may otherwise pass away altogether
But I will bring you his mind fully upon the subject since you are debarred
correspondence for the present for I think you will not be long in Scotland
before me«
»Indeed and what can induce you to think of returning to Scotland No
relentless longings towards the land of mountains and floods I am afraid«
»None on my word but Emilys health is now thank God reestablished
and to tell you the truth I have little hopes of concluding the business which
I have at present most at heart until I can have a personal interview with his
Royal Highness the CommanderinChief for as Fluellen says The duke doth love
me well and I thank heaven I have deserved some love at his hands I am now
going out for an hour or two to arrange matters for your departure your liberty
extends to the next room Lady Emilys parlour where you will find her when you
are disposed for music reading or conversation We have taken measures to
exclude all servants but Spontoon who is as true as steel«
In about two hours Colonel Talbot returned and found his young friend
conversing with his lady she pleased with his manners and information and he
delighted at being restored though but for a moment to the society of his own
rank from which he had been for some time excluded
»And now« said the Colonel »hear my arrangements for there is little time
to lose This youngster Edward Waverley alias Williams alias Captain Butler
must continue to pass by his fourth alias of Francis Stanley my nephew he
shall set out tomorrow for the North and the chariot shall take him the first
two stages Spontoon shall then attend him and they shall ride post as far as
Huntingdon and the presence of Spontoon well known on the road as my servant
will check all disposition to inquiry At Huntingdon you will meet the real
Frank Stanley He is studying at Cambridge but a little while ago doubtful if
Emilys health would permit me to go down to the North myself I procured him a
passport from the Secretary of States office to go in my stead As he went
chiefly to look after you his journey is now unnecessary He knows your story
you will dine together at Huntingdon and perhaps your wise heads may hit upon
some plan for removing or diminishing the danger of your further progress
northward And now taking out a morocco case let me put you in funds for the
campaign
I am ashamed my dear Colonel «
»Nay« said Colonel Talbot »you should command my purse in any event but
this money is your own Your father considering the chance of your being
attainted left me his trustee for your advantage So that you are worth above
£15000 besides Brerewood Lodge a very independent person I promise you
There are bills here for £200 any larger sum you may have or credit abroad as
soon as your motions require it«
The first use which occurred to Waverley of his newlyacquired wealth was
to write to honest Farmer Jopson requesting his acceptance of a silver tankard
on the part of his friend Williams who had not forgotten the night of the
eighteenth December last He begged him at the same time carefully to preserve
for him his Highland garb and accoutrements particularly the arms curious in
themselves and to which the friendship of the donors gave additional value
Lady Emily undertook to find some suitable token of remembrance likely to
flatter the vanity and please the taste of Mrs Williams and the Colonel who
was a kind of farmer promised to send the Ullswater patriarch an excellent team
of horses for cart and plough
One happy day Waverley spent in London and travelling in the manner
projected he met with Frank Stanley at Huntingdon The two young men were
acquainted in a minute
»I can read my uncles riddle« said Stanley »The cautious old soldier did
not care to hint to me that I might hand over to you this passport which I have
no occasion for but if it should afterwards come out as the rattlepated trick
of a young Cantab cela ne tire à rien You are therefore to be Francis Stanley
with this passport« This proposal appeared in effect to alleviate a great part
of the difficulties which Edward must otherwise have encountered at every turn
and accordingly he scrupled not to avail himself of it the more especially as
he had discarded all political purposes from his present journey and could not
be accused of furthering machinations against the Government while travelling
under protection of the Secretarys passport
The day passed merrily away The young student was inquisitive about
Waverleys campaigns and the manners of the Highlands and Edward was obliged
to satisfy his curiosity by whistling a pibroch dancing a strathspey and
singing a Highland song The next morning Stanley rode a stage northward with
his new friend and parted from him with great reluctance upon the
remonstrances of Spontoon who accustomed to submit to discipline was rigid in
enforcing it
Chapter SixtyThird
Desolation
Waverley riding post as was the usual fashion of the period without any
adventure save one or two queries which the talisman of his passport
sufficiently answered reached the borders of Scotland Here he heard the
tidings of the decisive battle of Culloden It was no more than he had long
expected though the success at Falkirk had thrown a faint and setting gleam
over the arms of the Chevalier Yet it came upon him like a shock by which he
was for a time altogether unmanned The generous the courteous the
nobleminded Adventurer was then a fugitive with a price upon his head his
adherents so brave so enthusiastic so faithful were dead imprisoned or
exiled Where now was the exalted and highsouled Fergus if indeed he had
survived the night at Clifton where the purehearted and primitive Baron of
Bradwardine whose foibles seemed foils to set off the disinterestedness of his
disposition the genuine goodness of his heart and his unshaken courage Those
who clung for support to these fallen columns Rose and Flora where were they
to be sought and in what distress must not the loss of their natural protectors
have involved them Of Flora he thought with the regard of a brother for a
sister of Rose with a sensation yet more deep and tender It might be still
his fate to supply the want of those guardians they had lost Agitated by these
thoughts he precipitated his journey
When he arrived in Edinburgh where his inquiries must necessarily commence
he felt the full difficulty of his situation Many inhabitants of that city had
seen and known him as Edward Waverley how then could he avail himself of a
passport as Francis Stanley He resolved therefore to avoid all company and
to move northward as soon as possible He was however obliged to wait a day or
two in expectation of a letter from Colonel Talbot and he was also to leave his
own address under his feigned character at a place agreed upon With this
latter purpose he sallied out in the dusk through the wellknown streets
carefully shunning observation but in vain one of the first persons whom he
met at once recognised him It was Mrs Flockhart Fergus MacIvors
goodhumoured landlady
»Gude guide us Mr Waverley is this you na ye needna be feared for me
I wad betray nae gentleman in your circumstances Eh lackaday lackaday
heres a change o markets how merry Colonel MacIvor and you used to be in our
house« And the goodnatured widow shed a few natural tears As there was no
resisting her claim of acquaintance Waverley acknowledged it with a good grace
as well as the danger of his own situation »As its near the darkening sir
wad ye just step in by to our house and tak a dish o tea and I am sure if ye
like to sleep in the little room I wad tak care ye are no disturbed and
naebody wad ken ye for Kate and Matty the limmers gaed aff wi twa o Hawleys
dragoons and I hae twa new queans instead o them«
Waverley accepted her invitation and engaged her lodging for a night or
two satisfied he should be safer in the house of this simple creature than
anywhere else When he entered the parlour his heart swelled to see Ferguss
bonnet with the white cockade hanging beside the little mirror
»Ay« said Mrs Flockhart sighing as she observed the direction of his
eyes »the poor Colonel bought a new ane just the day before they marched and I
winna let them tak that ane doon but just to brush it ilka day mysell and
whiles I look at it till I just think I hear him cry to Callum to bring him his
bonnet as he used to do when he was ganging out Its unco silly the
neighbours ca me a Jacobite but they may say their say I am sure its no
for that but he was as kindhearted a gentleman as ever lived and as
weelfard too Oh dye ken sir when he is to suffer«
»Suffer Good heaven Why where is he«
»Eh Lords sake dye no ken The poor Hieland body Dugald Mahoney cam
here a while syne wi ane o his arms cuttit off and a sair clour in the head
yell mind Dugald he carried aye an axe on his shouther and he cam here
just begging as I may say for something to eat Aweel he tauld us the Chief
as they cad him but I aye ca him the Colonel and Ensign Maccombich that ye
mind weel were taen somewhere beside the English border when it was sae dark
that his folk never missed him till it was ower late and they were like to gang
clean daft And he said that little Callum Beg he was a bauld mischievous
callant that and your honour were killed that same night in the tuilzie and
mony mae braw men But he grat when he spak o the Colonel ye never saw the
like And now the word gangs the Colonel is to be tried and to suffer wi them
that were taen at Carlisle«
»And his sister«
»Ay that they cad the Lady Flora weel shes away up to Carlisle to him
and lives wi some grand Papist lady there abouts to be near him«
»And« said Edward »the other young lady«
»Whilk other I ken only of ae sister the Colonel had«
»I mean Miss Bradwardine« said Edward
»Ou ay the lairds daughter« said his landlady »She was a very bonny
lassie poor thing but far shyer than Lady Flora«
»Where is she for Gods sake«
»Ou wha kens where ony o them is now Puir things theyre sair taen doun
for their white cockades and their white roses but she gaed north to her
fathers in Perthshire when the government troops cam back to Edinbro There
was some pretty men amang them and ane Major Whacker was quartered on me a
very ceevil gentleman but O Mr Waverley he was naething sae weelfard as
the poor Colonel«
»Do you know what is become of Miss Bradwardines father«
»The auld laird na naebody kens that but they say he fought very hard
in that bluidy battle at Inverness and Deacon Clank the whiteiron smith
says that the Government folk are sair agane him for having been out twice and
troth he might hae taen warning but theres nae fule like an auld fule the
poor Colonel was only out ance«
Such conversation contained almost all the goodnatured widow knew of the
fate of her late lodgers and acquaintances but it was enough to determine
Edward at all hazards to proceed instantly to Tully where he concluded he
should see or at least hear something of Rose He therefore left a letter for
Colonel Talbot at the place agreed upon signed by his assumed name and giving
for his address the posttown next to the Barons residence
From Edinburgh to Perth he took posthorses resolving to make the rest of
his journey on foot a mode of travelling to which he was partial and which
had the advantage of permitting a deviation from the road when he saw parties of
military at a distance His campaign had considerably strengthened his
constitution and improved his habits of enduring fatigue His baggage he sent
before him as opportunity occurred
As he advanced northward the traces of war became visible Broken
carriages dead horses unroofed cottages trees felled for palisades and
bridges destroyed or only partially repaired all indicated the movements of
hostile armies In those places where the gentry were attached to the Stuart
cause their houses seemed dismantled or deserted the usual course of what may
be called ornamental labour was totally interrupted and the inhabitants were
seen gliding about with fear sorrow and dejection on their faces
It was evening when he approached the village of TullyVeolan with feelings
and sentiments how different from those which attended his first entrance
Then life was so new to him that a dull or disagreeable day was one of the
greatest misfortunes which his imagination anticipated and it seemed to him
that his time ought only to be consecrated to elegant or amusing study and
relieved by social or youthful frolic Now how changed how saddened yet how
elevated was his character within the course of a very few months Danger and
misfortune are rapid though severe teachers »A sadder and a wiser man« he
felt in internal confidence and mental dignity a compensation for the gay
dreams which in his case experience had so rapidly dissolved
As he approached the village he saw with surprise and anxiety that a
party of soldiers were quartered near it and what was worse that they seemed
stationary there This he conjectured from a few tents which he beheld
glimmering upon what was called the Common Moor To avoid the risk of being
stopped and questioned in a place where he was so likely to be recognised he
made a large circuit altogether avoiding the hamlet and approaching the upper
gate of the avenue by a bypath well known to him A single glance announced
that great changes had taken place One half of the gate entirely destroyed and
split up for firewood lay in piles ready to be taken away the other swung
uselessly about upon its loosened hinges The battlements above the gate were
broken and thrown down and the carved Bears which were said to have done
sentinels duty upon the top for centuries now hurled from their posts lay
among the rubbish The avenue was cruelly wasted Several large trees were
felled and left lying across the path and the cattle of the villagers and the
more rude hoofs of dragoon horses had poached into black mud the verdant turf
which Waverley had so much admired
Upon entering the courtyard Edward saw the fears realised which these
circumstances had excited The place had been sacked by the Kings troops who
in wanton mischief had even attempted to burn it and though the thickness of
the walls had resisted the fire unless to a partial extent the stables and
outhouses were totally consumed The towers and pinnacles of the main building
were scorched and blackened the pavement of the court broken and shattered the
doors torn down entirely or hanging by a single hinge the windows dashed in
and demolished and the court strewed with articles of furniture broken into
fragments The accessaries of ancient distinction to which the Baron in the
pride of his heart had attached so much importance and veneration were treated
with peculiar contumely The fountain was demolished and the spring which had
supplied it now flooded the courtyard The stone basin seemed to be destined
for a drinkingtrough for cattle from the manner in which it was arranged upon
the ground The whole tribe of Bears large and small had experienced as little
favour as those at the head of the avenue and one or two of the family
pictures which seemed to have served as targets for the soldiers lay on the
ground in tatters With an aching heart as may well be imagined Edward viewed
this wreck of a mansion so respected But his anxiety to learn the fate of the
proprietors and his fears as to what that fate might be increased with every
step When he entered upon the terrace new scenes of desolation were visible
The balustrade was broken down the walls destroyed the borders overgrown with
weeds and the fruittrees cut down or grubbed up In one compartment of this
oldfashioned garden were two immense horsechestnut trees of whose size the
Baron was particularly vain too lazy perhaps to cut them down the spoilers
with malevolent ingenuity had mined them and placed a quantity of gunpowder in
the cavity One had been shivered to pieces by the explosion and the fragments
lay scattered around encumbering the ground it had so long shadowed The other
mine had been more partial in its effect About one fourth of the trunk of the
tree was torn from the mass which mutilated and defaced on the one side still
spread on the other its ample and undiminished boughs95
Amid these general marks of ravage there were some which more particularly
addressed the feelings of Waverley Viewing the front of the building thus
wasted and defaced his eyes naturally sought the little balcony which more
properly belonged to Roses apartment her troisième or rather cinquième
étage It was easily discovered for beneath it lay the stageflowers and shrubs
with which it was her pride to decorate it and which had been hurled from the
bartizan several of her books were mingled with broken flowerpots and other
remnants Among these Waverley distinguished one of his own a small copy of
Ariosto and gathered it as a treasure though wasted by the wind and rain
While plunged in the sad reflections which the scene excited he was looking
around for some one who might explain the fate of the inhabitants he heard a
voice from the interior of the building singing in wellremembered accents an
old Scottish song
They came upon us in the night
And brake my bower and slew my knight
My servants a for life did flee
And left us in extremitie
They slew my knight to me sae dear
They slew my knight and drave his gear96
The moon may set the sun may rise
But a deadly sleep has closed his eyes
»Alas« thought Edward »is it thou Poor helpless being art thou alone left
to gibber and moan and fill with thy wild and unconnected scraps of minstrelsy
the halls that protected thee« He then called first low and then louder
»Davie Davie Gellatley«
The poor simpleton showed himself from among the ruins of a sort of
greenhouse that once terminated what was called the Terracewalk but at first
sight of a stranger retreated as if in terror Waverley remembering his habits
began to whistle a tune to which he was partial which Davie had expressed great
pleasure in listening to and had picked up from him by the ear Our heros
minstrelsy no more equalled that of Blondel than poor Davie resembled Coeur de
Lion but the melody had the same effect of producing recognition Davie again
stole from his lurkingplace but timidly while Waverley afraid of frightening
him stood making the most encouraging signals he could devise »Its his
ghaist« muttered Davie yet coming nearer he seemed to acknowledge his living
acquaintance The poor fool himself appeared the ghost of what he had been The
peculiar dress in which he had been attired in better days showed only
miserable rags of its whimsical finery the lack of which was oddly supplied by
the remnants of tapestried hangings windowcurtains and shreds of pictures
with which he had bedizened his tatters His face too had lost its vacant and
careless air and the poor creature looked holloweyed meagre halfstarved
and nervous to a pitiable degree After long hesitation he at length
approached Waverley with some confidence stared him sadly in the face and
said »A dead and gane a dead and gane«
»Who are dead« said Waverley forgetting the incapacity of Davie to hold
any connected discourse
»Baron and Bailie and Saunders Saunderson and Lady Rose that sang sae
sweet A dead and gane dead and gane
But follow follow me
While glowworms light the lea
Ill show you where the dead should be
Each in his shroud
While winds pipe loud
And the red moon peeps dim through the cloud
Follow follow me
Brave should he be
That treads by night the dead mans lea«
With these words chanted in a wild and earnest tone he made a sign to Waverley
to follow him and walked rapidly towards the bottom of the garden tracing the
bank of the stream which it may be remembered was its eastern boundary
Edward over whom an involuntary shuddering stole at the import of his words
followed him in some hope of an explanation As the house was evidently
deserted he could not expect to find among the ruins any more rational
informer
Davie walking very fast soon reached the extremity of the garden and
scrambled over the ruins of the wall that once had divided it from the wooded
glen in which the old Tower of TullyVeolan was situated He then jumped down
into the bed of the stream and followed by Waverley proceeded at a great
pace climbing over some fragments of rock and turning with difficulty round
others They passed beneath the ruins of the castle Waverley followed keeping
up with his guide with difficulty for the twilight began to fall Following the
descent of the stream a little lower he totally lost him but a twinkling
light which he now discovered among the tangled copsewood and bushes seemed a
surer guide He soon pursued a very uncouth path and by its guidance at length
reached the door of a wretched hut A fierce barking of dogs was at first heard
but it stilled at his approach A voice sounded from within and he held it most
prudent to listen before he advanced
»Wha hast thou brought here thou unsonsy villain thou« said an old woman
apparently in great indignation He heard Davie Gellatley in answer whistle a
part of the tune by which he had recalled himself to the simpletons memory and
had now no hesitation to knock at the door There was a dead silence instantly
within except the deep growling of the dogs and he next heard the mistress of
the hut approach the door not probably for the sake of undoing a latch but of
fastening a bolt To prevent this Waverley lifted the latch himself
In front was an old wretchedlooking woman exclaiming »Wha comes into
folks houses in this gate at this time o the night« On one side two grim
and halfstarved deer greyhounds laid aside their ferocity at his appearance
and seemed to recognise him On the other side half concealed by the open door
yet apparently seeking that concealment reluctantly with a cocked pistol in his
right hand and his left in the act of drawing another from his belt stood a
tall bony gaunt figure in the remnants of a faded uniform and a beard of three
weeks growth
It was the Baron of Bradwardine It is unnecessary to add that he threw
aside his weapon and greeted Waverley with a hearty embrace
Chapter SixtyFourth
Comparing of Notes
The Barons story was short when divested of the adages and commonplaces
Latin English and Scotch with which his erudition garnished it He insisted
much upon his grief at the loss of Edward and of Glennaquoich fought the fields
of Falkirk and Culloden and related how after all was lost in the last battle
he had returned home under the idea of more easily finding shelter among his
own tenants and on his own estate than elsewhere A party of soldiers had been
sent to lay waste his property for clemency was not the order of the day Their
proceedings however were checked by an order from the civil court The estate
it was found might not be forfeited to the crown to the prejudice of Malcolm
Bradwardine of InchGrabbit the heirmale whose claim could not be prejudiced
by the Barons attainder as deriving no right through him and who therefore
like other heirs of entail in the same situation entered upon possession But
unlike many in similar circumstances the new laird speedily showed that he
intended utterly to exclude his predecessor from all benefit or advantage in the
estate and that it was his purpose to avail himself of the old Barons evil
fortune to the full extent This was the more ungenerous as it was generally
known that from a romantic idea of not prejudicing this young mans right as
heirmale the Baron had refrained from settling his estate on his daughter
This selfish injustice was resented by the country people who were partial
to their old master and irritated against his successor In the Barons own
words »The matter did not coincide with the feelings of the commons of
Bradwardine Mr Waverley and the tenants were slack and repugnant in payment
of their mails and duties and when my kinsman came to the village wi the new
factor Mr James Howie to lift the rents some wanchancy person I suspect
John Heatherblutter the auld gamekeeper that was out wi me in the year
fifteen fired a shot at him in the gloaming whereby he was so affrighted
that I may say with Tullius in Catilinam Abiit evasit erupit effugit He
fled sir as one may say incontinent to Stirling And now he hath advertised
the estate for sale being himself the last substitute in the entail And if I
were to lament about sic matters this would grieve me mair than its passing
from my immediate possession whilk by the course of nature must have happened
in a few years Whereas now it passes from the lineage that should have
possessed it in sæcula sæculorum But Gods will be done humana perpessi sumus
Sir John of Bradwardine Black Sir John as he is called who was the common
ancestor of our house and the InchGrabbits little thought such a person would
have sprung from his loins Meantime he has accused me to some of the primates
the rulers for the time as if I were a cutthroat and an abettor of bravoes
and assassinates and coupejarrets And they have sent soldiers here to abide
on the estate and hunt me like a partridge upon the mountains as Scripture
says of good King David or like our valiant Sir William Wallace not that I
bring myself into comparison with either I thought when I heard you at the
door they had driven the auld deer to his den at last and so I een proposed
to die at bay like a buck of the first head But now Janet canna ye gie us
something for supper«
»Ou ay sir Ill brander the moor fowl that John Heatherblutter brought in
this morning and ye see puir Davies roasting the black hens eggs I daur
say Mr Wauverley ye never kend that a the eggs that were sae weel roasted at
supper in the Hahouse were aye turned by our Davie theres no the like o
him ony gate for powtering wi his fingers amang the het peatashes and
roasting eggs« Davie all this while lay with his nose almost in the fire
nuzzling among the ashes kicking his heels mumbling to himself turning the
eggs as they lay in the hot embers as if to confute the proverb that »there
goes reason to roasting of eggs« and justify the eulogium which poor Janet
poured out upon
Him whom she loved her idiot boy
»Davies no sae silly as folk tak him for Mr Wauverley he wadna hae brought
you here unless he had kend ye was a friend to his Honour indeed the very dogs
kend ye Mr Wauverley for ye was aye kind to beast and body I can tell you
a story o Davie wi his Honours leave His Honour ye see being under hiding
in thae sair times the mairs the pity he lies a day and whiles a night
in the cove in the dern hag but though its a bieldy eneugh bit and the auld
gudeman o CorseCleugh has panged it wi a kemple o strae amaist yet when the
countrys quiet and the night very cauld his Honour whiles creeps doun here to
get a warm at the ingle and a sleep among the blankets and gangs awa in the
morning And so ae morning siccan a fright as I got Twa unlucky redcoats
were up for blackfishing or some siccan ploy for the neb o thems never out
o mischief and they just got a glisk o his Honour as he gaed into the wood
and banged aff a gun at him I out like a jerfalcon and cried Wad they
shoot an honest womans poor innocent bairn And I fleyt at them and threepit
it was my son and they damned and swuir at me that it was the auld rebel as
the villains cad his Honour and Davie was in the wood and heard the tuilzie
and he just out o his ain head got up the auld grey mantle that his Honour
had flung off him to gang the faster and he came out o the very same bit o
the wood majoring and looking about sae like his Honour that they were clean
beguiled and thought they had letten aff their gun at crackbrained Sawney as
they cad him and they gae me saxpence and twa saumon fish to say naething
about it Na na Davies no just like other folk puir fallow but hes no
sae silly as folk tak him for But to be sure how can we do eneugh for his
Honour when we and ours have lived on his ground this twa hundred years and
when he keepit my puir Jamie at school and college and even at the Hahouse
till he gaed to a better place and when he saved me frae being taen to Perth
as a witch Lord forgie them that would touch sic a puir silly auld body
and has maintained puir Davie at heck and manger maist feck o his life«
Waverley at length found an opportunity to interrupt Janets narrative by
an inquiry after Miss Bradwardine
»Shes weel and safe thank God at the Duchran« answered the Baron »The
lairds distantly related to us and more nearly to my chaplain Mr Rubrick
and though he be of Whig principles yet hes not forgetful of auld friendship
at this time The Bailies doing what he can to save something out of the wreck
for puir Rose but I doubt I doubt I shall never see her again for I maun lay
my banes in some far country«
»Hout na your Honour« said old Janet »ye were just as ill aff in the
feifteen and got the bonnie baronie back an a And now the eggs is ready
and the muircocks brandered and theres ilk ane a trencher and some saut and
the heel o the white loaf that cam frae the Bailies and theres plenty o
brandy in the greybeard that Luckie Maclearie sent doun and winna ye be
suppered like princes«
»I wish one Prince at least of our acquaintance may be no worse off«
said the Baron to Waverley who joined him in cordial hopes for the safety of
the unfortunate Chevalier
They then began to talk of their future prospects The Barons plan was very
simple It was to escape to France where by the interest of his old friends
he hoped to get some military employment of which he still conceived himself
capable He invited Waverley to go with him a proposal in which he acquiesced
providing the interest of Colonel Talbot should fail in procuring his pardon
Tacitly he hoped the Baron would sanction his addresses to Rose and give him a
right to assist him in his exile but he forbore to speak on this subject until
his own fate should be decided They then talked of Glennaquoich for whom the
Baron expressed great anxiety although he observed he was »the very Achilles
of Horatius Flaccus
Impiger iracundus inexorabilis acer
Which« he continued »has been thus rendered vernacularly by Struan
Robertson
A fiery ettercap a fractious chiel
As het as ginger and as stieve as steel«
Flora had a large and unqualified share of the good old mans sympathy
It was now wearing late Old Janet got into some kind of kennel behind the
hallan Davie had been long asleep and snoring between Ban and Buscar These
dogs had followed him to the hut after the mansionhouse was deserted and there
constantly resided and their ferocity with the old womans reputation of being
a witch contributed a good deal to keep visitors from the glen With this view
Bailie Macwheeble provided Janet underhand with meal for their maintenance and
also with little articles of luxury for their patrons use in supplying which
much precaution was necessarily used After some compliments the Baron occupied
his usual couch and Waverley reclined in an easy chair of tattered velvet
which had once garnished the state bedroom of TullyVeolan for the furniture
of this mansion was now scattered through all the cottages in the vicinity and
went to sleep as comfortably as if he had been in a bed of down
Chapter SixtyFifth
More Explanation
With the first dawn of day old Janet was scuttling about the house to wake the
Baron who usually slept sound and heavily
»I must go back« he said to Waverley »to my cove will you walk down the
glen wi me«
They went out together and followed a narrow and entangled footpath which
the occasional passage of anglers or woodcutters had traced by the side of the
stream On their way the Baron explained to Waverley that he would be under no
danger in remaining a day or two at TullyVeolan and even in being seen walking
about if he used the precaution of pretending that he was looking at the estate
as agent or surveyor for an English gentleman who designed to be purchaser
With this view he recommended to him to visit the Bailie who still lived at
the factors house called Little Veolan about a mile from the village though
he was to remove at next term Stanleys passport would be an answer to the
officer who commanded the military and as to any of the country people who
might recognise Waverley the Baron assured him that he was in no danger of
being betrayed by them
»I believe« said the old man »half the people of the barony know that
their poor auld laird is somewhere hereabout for I see they do not suffer a
single bairn to come here a birdnesting a practice whilk when I was in full
possession of my power as baron I was unable totally to inhibit Nay I often
find bits of things in my way that the poor bodies God help them leave there
because they think they may be useful to me I hope they will get a wiser
master and as kind a one as I was«
A natural sigh closed the sentence but the quiet equanimity with which the
Baron endured his misfortunes had something in it venerable and even sublime
There was no fruitless repining no turbid melancholy he bore his lot and the
hardships which it involved with a goodhumoured though serious composure and
used no violent language against the prevailing party
»I did what I thought my duty« said the good old man »and questionless
they are doing what they think theirs It grieves me sometimes to look upon
these blackened walls of the house of my ancestors but doubtless officers
cannot always keep the soldiers hand from depredation and spuilzie and
Gustavus Adolphus himself as ye may read in Colonel Munro his Expedition with
the worthy Scotch regiment called Mackays regiment did often permit it
Indeed I have myself seen as sad sights as TullyVeolan now is when I served
with the Mareschal Duke of Berwick To be sure we may say with Virgilius Maro
Fuimus Troes and theres the end of an auld sang But houses and families and
men have a stood lang eneugh when they have stood till they fall with honour
and now I hae gotten a house that is not unlike a domus ultima« they were now
standing below a steep rock »We poor Jacobites« continued the Baron looking
up »are now like the conies in Holy Scripture which the great traveller Pocoke
calleth Jerboa a feeble people that make our abode in the rocks So fare you
well my good lad till we meet at Janets in the even for I must get into my
Patmos which is no easy matter for my auld stiff limbs«
With that he began to ascend the rock striding with the help of his hands
from one precarious footstep to another till he got about halfway up where
two or three bushes concealed the mouth of a hole resembling an oven into
which the Baron insinuated first his head and shoulders and then by slow
gradation the rest of his long body his legs and feet finally disappearing
coiled up like a huge snake entering his retreat or a long pedigree introduced
with care and difficulty into the narrow pigeonhole of an old cabinet Waverley
had the curiosity to clamber up and look in upon him in his den as the
lurkingplace might well be termed Upon the whole he looked not unlike that
ingenious puzzle called a reel in a bottle the marvel of children and of some
grown people too myself for one who can neither comprehend the mystery how it
has got in or how it is to be taken out The cave was very narrow too low in
the roof to admit of his standing or almost of his sitting up though he made
some awkward attempts at the latter posture His sole amusement was the perusal
of his old friend Titus Livius varied by occasionally scratching Latin proverbs
and texts of Scripture with his knife on the roof and walls of his fortalice
which were of sandstone As the cave was dry and filled with clean straw and
withered fern »it made« as he said coiling himself up with an air of snugness
and comfort which contrasted strangely with his situation »unless when the wind
was due north a very passable gîte for an old soldier« Neither as he
observed was he without sentries for the purpose of reconnoitring Davie and
his mother were constantly on the watch to discover and avert danger and it
was singular what instances of address seemed dictated by the instinctive
attachment of the poor simpleton when his patrons safety was concerned
With Janet Edward now sought an interview He had recognised her at first
sight as the old woman who had nursed him during his sickness after his delivery
from Gifted Gilfillan The hut also though a little repaired and somewhat
better furnished was certainly the place of his confinement and he now
recollected on the common moor of TullyVeolan the trunk of a large decayed
tree called the trystingtree which he had no doubt was the same at which the
Highlanders rendezvoused on that memorable night All this he had combined in
his imagination the night before but reasons which may probably occur to the
reader prevented him from catechizing Janet in the presence of the Baron
He now commenced the task in good earnest and the first question was Who
was the young lady that visited the hut during his illness Janet paused for a
little and then observed that to keep the secret now would neither do good
nor ill to anybody »It was just a leddy that hasna her equal in the world
Miss Rose Bradwardine«
»Then Miss Rose was probably also the author of my deliverance« inferred
Waverley delighted at the confirmation of an idea which local circumstances had
already induced him to entertain
»I wot weel Mr Wauverley and that was she een but sair sair angry and
affronted wad she hae been puir thing if she had thought ye had been ever to
ken a word about the matter for she gard me speak aye Gaelic when ye was in
hearing to mak ye trow we were in the Hielands I can speak it weil eneugh for
my mother was a Hieland woman«
A few more questions now brought out the whole mystery respecting Waverleys
deliverance from the bondage in which he left Cairnvreckan Never did music
sound sweeter to an amateur than the drowsy tautology with which old Janet
detailed every circumstance thrilled upon the ears of Waverley But my reader is
not a lover and I must spare his patience by attempting to condense within
reasonable compass the narrative which old Janet spread through a harangue of
nearly two hours
When Waverley communicated to Fergus the letter he had received from Rose
Bradwardine by Davie Gellatley giving an account of TullyVeolan being
occupied by a small party of soldiers that circumstance had struck upon the
busy and active mind of the Chieftain Eager to distress and narrow the posts of
the enemy desirous to prevent their establishing a garrison so near him and
willing also to oblige the Baron for he often had the idea of marriage with
Rose floating through his brain he resolved to send some of his people to
drive out the redcoats and to bring Rose to Glennaquoich But just as he had
ordered Evan with a small party on this duty the news of Copes having marched
into the Highlands to meet and disperse the forces of the Chevalier ere they
came to a head obliged him to join the standard with his whole forces
He sent to order Donald Bean to attend him but that cautious freebooter
who well understood the value of a separate command instead of joining sent
various apologies which the pressure of the times compelled Fergus to admit as
current though not without the internal resolution of being revenged on him for
his procrastination time and place convenient However as he could not amend
the matter he issued orders to Donald to descend into the Low Country drive
the soldiers from TullyVeolan and paying all respect to the mansion of the
Baron to take his abode somewhere near it for protection of his daughter and
family and to harass and drive away any of the armed volunteers or small
parties of military which he might find moving about the vicinity
As this charge formed a sort of roving commission which Donald proposed to
interpret in the way most advantageous to himself as he was relieved from the
immediate terrors of Fergus and as he had from former secret services some
interest in the councils of the Chevalier he resolved to make hay while the sun
shone He achieved without difficulty the task of driving the soldiers from
TullyVeolan but although he did not venture to encroach upon the interior of
the family or to disturb Miss Rose being unwilling to make himself a powerful
enemy in the Chevaliers army
For well he knew the Barons wrath was deadly
yet he set about to raise contributions and exactions upon the tenantry and
otherwise to turn the war to his own advantage Meanwhile he mounted the white
cockade and waited upon Rose with a pretext of great devotion for the service
in which her father was engaged and many apologies for the freedom he must
necessarily use for the support of his people It was at this moment that Rose
learned by openmouthed fame with all sorts of exaggeration that Waverley had
killed the smith of Cairnvreckan in an attempt to arrest him had been cast
into a dungeon by Major Melville of Cairnvreckan and was to be executed by
martial law within three days In the agony which these tidings excited she
proposed to Donald Bean the rescue of the prisoner It was the very sort of
service which he was desirous to undertake judging it might constitute a merit
of such a nature as would make amends for any peccadilloes which he might be
guilty of in the country He had the art however pleading all the while duty
and discipline to hold off until poor Rose in the extremity of her distress
offered to bribe him to the enterprise with some valuable jewels which had been
her mothers
Donald Bean who had served in France knew and perhaps overestimated the
value of these trinkets But he also perceived Roses apprehensions of its being
discovered that she had parted with her jewels for Waverleys liberation
Resolved this scruple should not part him and the treasure he voluntarily
offered to take an oath that he would never mention Miss Roses share in the
transaction and foreseeing convenience in keeping the oath and no probable
advantage in breaking it he took the engagement in order as he told his
lieutenant to deal handsomely by the young lady in the only form and mode
which by a mental paction with himself he considered as binding he swore
secrecy upon his drawn dirk He was the more especially moved to this act of
good faith by some attentions that Miss Bradwardine showed to hisdaughter
Alice which while they gained the heart of the mountain damsel highly
gratified the pride of her father Alice who could now speak a little English
was very communicative in return for Roses kindness readily confided to her
the whole papers respecting the intrigue with Gardiners regiment of which she
was the depositary and as readily undertook at her instance to restore them
to Waverley without her fathers knowledge »For they may oblige the bonnie
young lady and the handsome young gentleman« said Alice »and what use has my
father for a wheen bits o scarted paper«
The reader is aware that she took an opportunity of executing this purpose
on the eve of Waverleys leaving the glen
How Donald executed his enterprise the reader is aware But the expulsion
of the military from TullyVeolan had given alarm and while he was lying in
wait for Gilfillan a strong party such as Donald did not care to face was
sent to drive back the insurgents in their turn to encamp there and to protect
the country The officer a gentleman and a disciplinarian neither intruded
himself on Miss Bradwardine whose unprotected situation he respected nor
permitted his soldiers to commit any breach of discipline He formed a little
camp upon an eminence near the house of TullyVeolan and placed proper guards
at the passes in the vicinity This unwelcome news reached Donald Bean Lean as
he was returning to TullyVeolan Determined however to obtain the guerdon of
his labour he resolved since approach to TullyVeolan was impossible to
deposit his prisoner in Janets cottage a place the very existence of which
could hardly have been suspected even by those who had long lived in the
vicinity unless they had been guided thither and which was utterly unknown to
Waverley himself This effected he claimed and received his reward Waverleys
illness was an event which deranged all their calculations Donald was obliged
to leave the neighbourhood with his people and to seek more free course for his
adventures elsewhere At Roses earnest entreaty he left an old man a
herbalist who was supposed to understand a little of medicine to attend
Waverley during his illness
In the meanwhile new and fearful doubts started in Roses mind They were
suggested by old Janet who insisted that a reward having been offered for the
apprehension of Waverley and his own personal effects being so valuable there
was no saying to what breach of faith Donald might be tempted In an agony of
grief and terror Rose took the daring resolution of explaining to the Prince
himself the danger in which Mr Waverley stood judging that both as a
politician and a man of honour and humanity Charles Edward would interest
himself to prevent his falling into the hands of the opposite party This letter
she at first thought of sending anonymously but naturally feared it would not
in that case be credited She therefore subscribed her name though with
reluctance and terror and consigned it in charge to a young man who at
leaving his farm to join the Chevaliers army made it his petition to her to
have some sort of credentials to the Adventurer from whom he hoped to obtain a
commission
The letter reached Charles Edward on his descent to the Lowlands and aware
of the political importance of having it supposed that he was in correspondence
with the English Jacobites he caused the most positive orders to be transmitted
to Donald Bean Lean to transmit Waverley safe and uninjured in person or
effects to the governor of Doune Castle The freebooter durst not disobey for
the army of the Prince was now so near him that punishment might have followed
besides he was a politician as well as a robber and was unwilling to cancel
the interest created through former secret services by being refractory on this
occasion He therefore made a virtue of necessity and transmitted orders to his
lieutenant to convey Edward to Doune which was safely accomplished in the mode
mentioned in a former chapter The governor of Doune was directed to send him to
Edinburgh as a prisoner because the Prince was apprehensive that Waverley if
set at liberty might have resumed his purpose of returning to England without
affording him an opportunity of a personal interview In this indeed he acted
by the advice of the Chieftain of Glennaquoich with whom it may be remembered
the Chevalier communicated upon the mode of disposing of Edward though without
telling him how he came to learn the place of his confinement
This indeed Charles Edward considered as a ladys secret for although
Roses letter was couched in the most cautious and general terms and professed
to be written merely from motives of humanity and zeal for the Princes
service yet she expressed so anxious a wish that she should not be known to
have interfered that the Chevalier was induced to suspect the deep interest
which she took in Waverleys safety This conjecture which was well founded
led however to false inferences For the emotion which Edward displayed on
approaching Flora and Rose at the ball of Holyrood was placed by the Chevalier
to the account of the latter and he concluded that the Barons views about the
settlement of his property or some such obstacle thwarted their mutual
inclinations Common fame it is true frequently gave Waverley to Miss
MacIvor but the Prince knew that common fame is very prodigal in such gifts
and watching attentively the behaviour of the ladies towards Waverley he had
no doubt that the young Englishman had no interest with Flora and was beloved
by Rose Bradwardine Desirous to bind Waverley to his service and wishing also
to do a kind and friendly action the Prince next assailed the Baron on the
subject of settling his estate upon his daughter Mr Bradwardine acquiesced
but the consequence was that Fergus was immediately induced to prefer his
double suit for a wife and an earldom which the prince rejected in the manner
we have seen The Chevalier constantly engaged in his own multiplied affairs
had not hitherto sought any explanation with Waverley though often meaning to
do so But after Ferguss declaration he saw the necessity of appearing neutral
between the rivals devoutly hoping that the matter which now seemed fraught
with the seeds of strife might be permitted to lie over till the termination of
the expedition When on the march to Derby Fergus being questioned concerning
his quarrel with Waverley alleged as the cause that Edward was desirous of
retracting the suit he made to his sister the Chevalier plainly told him that
he had himself observed Miss MacIvors behaviour to Waverley and that he was
convinced that Fergus was under the influence of a mistake in judging of
Waverleys conduct who he had every reason to believe was engaged to Miss
Bradwardine The quarrel which ensued between Edward and the chieftain is I
hope still in the remembrance of the reader These circumstances will serve to
explain such points of our narrative as according to the custom of
storytellers we deemed it fit to leave unexplained for the purpose of
exciting the readers curiosity
When Janet had once finished the leading facts of this narrative Waverley
was easily enabled to apply the clew which they afforded to other mazes of the
labyrinth in which he had been engaged To Rose Bradwardine then he owed the
life which he now thought he could willingly have laid down to serve her A
little reflection convinced him however that to live for her sake was more
convenient and agreeable and that being possessed of independence she might
share it with him either in foreign countries or in his own The pleasure of
being allied to a man of the Barons high worth and who was so much valued by
his uncle Sir Everard was also an agreeable consideration had anything been
wanting to recommend the match His absurdities which had appeared grotesquely
ludicrous during his prosperity seemed in the sunset of his fortune to be
harmonised and assimilated with the noble features of his character so as to
add peculiarity without exciting ridicule His mind occupied with such projects
of future happiness Edward sought Little Veolan the habitation of Mr Duncan
Macwheeble
Chapter SixtySixth
Now is Cupid like a child of conscience he makes restitution
Shakspeare
Mr Duncan Macwheeble no longer commissary or Bailie though still enjoying the
empty name of the latter dignity had escaped proscription by an early secession
from the insurgent party and by his insignificance
Edward found him in his office immersed among papers and accounts Before
him was a large bicker of oatmealporridge and at the side thereof a
hornspoon and a bottle of twopenny Eagerly running his eye over a voluminous
lawpaper he from time to time shovelled an immense spoonful of these nutritive
viands into his capacious mouth A potbellied Dutch bottle of brandy which
stood by intimated either that this honest limb of the law had taken his
morning already or that he meant to season his porridge with such digestive or
perhaps both circumstances might reasonably be inferred His nightcap and
morninggown had whilome been of tartan but equally cautious and frugal the
honest Bailie had got them dyed black lest their original illomened colour
might remind his visitors of his unlucky excursion to Derby To sum up the
picture his face was daubed with snuff up to the eyes and his fingers with ink
up to the knuckles He looked dubiously at Waverley as he approached the little
green rail which fenced his desk and stool from the approach of the vulgar
Nothing could give the Bailie more annoyance than the idea of his acquaintance
being claimed by any of the unfortunate gentlemen who were now so much more
likely to need assistance than to afford profit But this was the rich young
Englishman who knew what might be his situation he was the Barons friend
too what was to be done
While these reflections gave an air of absurd perplexity to the poor mans
visage Waverley reflecting on the communication he was about to make to him
of a nature so ridiculously contrasted with the appearance of the individual,
could not help bursting out alaughing as he checked the propensity to exclaim
with Syphax
Catos a proper person to intrust
A lovetale with
As Mr Macwheeble had no idea of any person laughing heartily who was either
encircled by peril or oppressed by poverty the hilarity of Edwards countenance
greatly relieved the embarrassment of his own and giving him a tolerably
hearty welcome to Little Veolan he asked what he would choose for breakfast
His visitor had in the first place something for his private ear and begged
leave to bolt the door Duncan by no means liked this precaution which savoured
of danger to be apprehended but he could not now draw back
Convinced he might trust this man as he could make it his interest to be
faithful Edward communicated his present situation and future schemes to
Macwheeble The wily agent listened with apprehension when he found Waverley was
still in a state of proscription was somewhat comforted by learning that he
had a passport rubbed his hands with glee when he mentioned the amount of his
present fortune opened huge eyes when he heard the brilliancy of his future
expectations but when he expressed his intention to share them with Miss Rose
Bradwardine ecstasy had almost deprived the honest man of his senses The
Bailie started from his threefooted stool like the Pythoness from her tripod
flung his best wig out of the window because the block on which it was placed
stood in the way of his career chucked his cap to the ceiling caught it as it
fell whistled Tullochgorum danced a Highland fling with inimitable grace and
agility and then threw himself exhausted into a chair exclaiming »Lady
Wauverley ten thousand ayear the least penny Lord preserve my poor
understanding«
»Amen with all my heart« said Waverley »but now Mr Macwheeble let us
proceed to business« This word had a somewhat sedative effect but the Bailies
head as he expressed himself was still »in the bees« He mended his pen
however marked halfadozen sheets of paper with an ample marginal fold
whipped down Dallas of St Martins Styles from a shelf where that venerable
work roosted with Stairs Institutions Dirletons Doubts Balfours
Practiques and a parcel of old accountbooks opened the volume at the article
Contract of Marriage and prepared to make what he called a »sma minute to
prevent parties frae resiling«
With some difficulty Waverley made him comprehend that he was going a
little too fast He explained to him that he should want his assistance in the
first place to make his residence safe for the time by writing to the officer
at TullyVeolan that Mr Stanley an English gentleman nearly related to
Colonel Talbot was upon a visit of business at Mr Macwheebles and knowing
the state of the country had sent his passport for Captain Fosters inspection
This produced a polite answer from the officer with an invitation to Mr
Stanley to dine with him which was declined as may easily be supposed under
pretence of business
Waverleys next request was that Mr Macwheeble would despatch a man and
horse to the post town at which Colonel Talbot was to address him with
directions to wait there until the post should bring a letter for Mr Stanley
and then to forward it to Little Veolan with all speed In a moment the Bailie
was in search of his apprentice or servitor as he was called Sixty Years
since Jock Scriever and in not much greater space of time Jock was on the
back of the white pony
»Tak care ye guide him weel sir for hes aye been short in the wind since
ahem Lord be gude to me in a low voice I was gaun to come out wi since
I rode whip and spur to fetch the Chevalier to redd Mr Wauverley and Vich Ian
Vohr and an uncanny coup I gat for my pains Lord forgie your honour I might
hae broken my neck but troth it was in a venture mae ways nor ane but this
maks amends for a Lady Wauverley ten thousand a year Lord be gude unto
me«
»But you forget Mr Macwheeble we want the Barons consent the ladys
«
»Never fear Ise be caution for them Ise gie you my personal warrandice
ten thousand ayear it dings Balmawhapple out and out a years rents worth
a Balmawhapple fee and liferent Lord make us thankful«
To turn the current of his feelings Edward inquired if he had heard
anything lately of the Chieftain of Glennaquoich
»Not one word« answered Macwheeble »but that he was still in Carlisle
Castle and was soon to be panelled for his life I dinna wish the young
gentleman ill« he said »but I hope that they that hae got him will keep him
and no let him back to this Hieland border to plague us wi blackmail and a
manner o violent wrongous and masterfu oppression and spoliation both by
himself and others of his causing sending and hounding out and he couldna
tak care o the siller when he had gotten it neither but flung it a into yon
idle queans lap at Edinburgh but light come light gane For my part I never
wish to see a kilt in the country again nor a redcoat nor a gun for that
matter unless it were to shoot a paitrick theyre a tarrd wi ae stick
And when they have done ye wrang even when ye hae gotten decreet of spulzie
oppression and violent profits against them what better are ye they hae na
a plack to pay ye ye need never extract it«
With such discourse and the intervening topics of business the time passed
until dinner Macwheeble meanwhile promising to devise some mode of introducing
Edward at the Duchran where Rose at present resided without risk of danger or
suspicion which seemed no very easy task since the laird was a very zealous
friend to Government The poultryyard had been laid under requisition and
cockyleeky and Scotch collops soon reeked in the Bailies little parlour The
landlords corkscrew was just introduced into the muzzle of a pintbottle of
claret cribbed possibly from the cellars of TullyVeolan when the sight of
the grey pony passing the window at full trot induced the Bailie but with due
precaution to place it aside for the moment Enter Jock Scriever with a packet
for Mr Stanley it is Colonel Talbots seal and Edwards fingers tremble as he
undoes it Two official papers folded signed and sealed in all formality
drop out They were hastily picked up by the Bailie who had a natural respect
for everything resembling a deed and glancing slyly on their titles his eyes
or rather spectacles are greeted with »Protection by his Royal Highness to the
person of Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine Esq of that ilk commonly called Baron of
Bradwardine forfeited for his accession to the late rebellion« The other
proves to be a protection of the same tenor in favour of Edward Waverley Esq
Colonel Talbots letter was in these words
»My Dear Edward
I am just arrived here and yet I have finished my business it has
cost me some trouble though as you shall hear I waited upon his Royal
Highness immediately on my arrival and found him in no very good humour
for my purpose Three or four Scotch gentlemen were just leaving his
levee After he had expressed himself to me very courteously Would you
think it he said Talbot here have been halfadozen of the most
respectable gentlemen and best friends to Government north of the
Forth Major Melville of Cairnvreckan Rubrick of Duchran and others
who have fairly wrung from me by their downright importunity a
present protection and the promise of a future pardon for that stubborn
old rebel whom they call Baron of Bradwardine They allege that his high
personal character and the clemency which he showed to such of our
people as fell into the rebels hands should weigh in his favour
especially as the loss of his estate is likely to be a severe enough
punishment Rubrick has undertaken to keep him at his own house till
things are settled in the country but its a little hard to be forced
in a manner to pardon such a mortal enemy to the House of Brunswick
This was no favourable moment for opening my business however I said
I was rejoiced to learn that his Royal Highness was in the course of
granting such requests as it emboldened me to present one of the like
nature in my own name He was very angry but I persisted I mentioned
the uniform support of our three votes in the house touched modestly on
services abroad though valuable only in his Royal Highnesss having
been pleased kindly to accept them and founded pretty strongly on his
own expressions of friendship and goodwill He was embarrassed but
obstinate I hinted the policy of detaching on all future occasions
the heir of such a fortune as your uncles from the machinations of the
disaffected But I made no impression I mentioned the obligation which
I lay under to Sir Everard and to you personally and claimed as the
sole reward of my services that he would be pleased to afford me the
means of evincing my gratitude I perceived that he still meditated a
refusal and taking my commission from my pocket I said as a last
resource that as his Royal Highness did not under these pressing
circumstances think me worthy of a favour which he had not scrupled to
grant to other gentlemen whose services I could hardly judge more
important than my own I must beg leave to deposit with all humility
my commission in his Royal Highnesss hands and to retire from the
service He was not prepared for this he told me to take up my
commission said some handsome things of my services and granted my
request You are therefore once more a free man and I have promised for
you that you will be a good boy in future and remember what you owe to
the lenity of Government Thus you see my prince can be as generous as
yours I do not pretend indeed that he confers a favour with all the
foreign graces and compliments of your Chevalier errant but he has a
plain English manner and the evident reluctance with which he grants
your request indicates the sacrifice which he makes of his own
inclination to your wishes My friend the adjutantgeneral has
procured me a duplicate of the Barons protection the original being in
Major Melvilles possession which I send to you as I know that if you
can find him you will have pleasure in being the first to communicate
the joyful intelligence He will of course repair to the Duchran without
loss of time there to ride quarantine for a few weeks As for you I
give you leave to escort him thither and to stay a week there as I
understand a certain fair lady is in that quarter And I have the
pleasure to tell you that whatever progress you can make in her good
graces will be highly agreeable to Sir Everard and Mrs Rachel who will
never believe your views and prospects settled and the three ermines
passant in actual safety until you present them with a Mrs Edward
Waverley Now certain loveaffairs of my own a good many years since
interrupted some measures which were then proposed in favour of the
three ermines passant so I am bound in honour to make them amends
Therefore make good use of your time for when your week is expired it
will be necessary that you go to London to plead your pardon in the law
courts
Ever dear Waverley yours most truly
PHILIP TALBOT«
Chapter SixtySeventh
Happys the wooing
Thats not long a doing
When the first rapturous sensation occasioned by these excellent tidings had
somewhat subsided Edward proposed instantly to go down to the glen to acquaint
the Baron with their import But the cautious Bailie justly observed that if
the Baron were to appear instantly in public the tenantry and villagers might
become riotous in expressing their joy and give offence to »the powers that
be« a sort of persons for whom the Bailie always had unlimited respect He
therefore proposed that Mr Waverley should go to Janet Gellatleys and bring
the Baron up under cloud of night to Little Veolan where he might once more
enjoy the luxury of a good bed In the meanwhile he said he himself would go
to Captain Foster and show him the Barons protection and obtain his
countenance for harbouring him that night and he would have horses ready on
the morrow to set him on his way to the Duchran along with Mr Stanley »whilk
denomination I apprehend your honour will for the present retain« said the
Bailie
»Certainly Mr Macwheeble but will you not go down to the glen yourself in
the evening to meet your patron«
»That I wad wi a my heart and mickle obliged to your honour for putting
me in mind o my bounden duty But it will be past sunset afore I get back frae
the Captains and at these unsonsy hours the glen has a bad name theres
something no that canny about auld Janet Gellatley The Laird hell no believe
thae things but he was aye ower rash and venturesome and feared neither man
nor deevil and saes seen ot But right sure am I Sir George Mackenyie says
that no divine can doubt there are witches since the Bible says thou shalt not
suffer them to live and that no lawyer in Scotland can doubt it since it is
punishable with death by our law So theres baith law and gospel for it An his
honour winna believe the Leviticus he might aye believe the Statutebook but
he may tak his ain way ot its a ane to Duncan Macwheeble However I shall
send to ask up auld Janet this een its best no to lightly them that have that
character and well want Davie to turn the spit for Ill gar Eppie put down a
fat goose to the fire for your honours to your supper«
When it was near sunset Waverley hastened to the hut and he could not but
allow that superstition had chosen no improper locality or unfit object for
the foundation of her fantastic terrors It resembled exactly the description of
Spenser
There in a gloomy hollow glen she found
A little cottage built of sticks and reeds
In homely wise and walld with sods around
In which a witch did dwell in loathly weeds
And wilful want all careless of her needs
So choosing solitary to abide
Far from all neighbours that her devilish deeds
And hellish arts from people she might hide
And hurt far off unknown whomsoever she espied
He entered the cottage with these verses in his memory Poor old Janet bent
double with age and bleared with peatsmoke was tottering about the hut with a
birch broom muttering to herself as she endeavoured to make her hearth and
floor a little clean for the reception of her expected guests Waverleys step
made her start look up and fall atrembling so much had her nerves been on
the rack for her patrons safety With difficulty Waverley made her comprehend
that the Baron was now safe from personal danger and when her mind had admitted
that joyful news it was equally hard to make her believe that he was not to
enter again upon possession of his estate »It behoved to be« she said »he wad
get it back again naebody wad be sae gripple as to tak his gear after they had
gien him a pardon and for that InchGrabbit I could whiles wish mysell a
witch for his sake if I werena feared the Enemy wad tak me at my word«
Waverley then gave her some money and promised that her fidelity should be
rewarded »How can I be rewarded sir sae weel as just to see my auld maister
and Miss Rose come back and bruik their ain«
Waverley now took leave of Janet and soon stood beneath the Barons Patmos
At a low whistle he observed the veteran peeping out to reconnoitre like an
old badger with his head out of his hole »Ye hae come rather early my good
lad« said he descending »I question if the redcoats hae beat the tattoo yet
and were not safe till then«
»Good news cannot be told too soon« said Waverley and with infinite joy
communicated to him the happy tidings
The old man stood for a moment in silent devotion then exclaimed »Praise
be to God I shall see my bairn again«
»And never I hope to part with her more« said Waverley
»I trust in God not unless it be to win the means of supporting her for
my things are but in a bruckle state but what signifies warlds gear«
»And if« said Waverley modestly »there were a situation in life which
would put Miss Bradwardine beyond the uncertainty of fortune and in the rank to
which she was born would you object to it my dear Baron because it would make
one of your friends the happiest man in the world« The Baron turned and looked
at him with great earnestness »Yes« continued Edward »I shall not consider my
sentence of banishment as repealed unless you will give me permission to
accompany you to the Duchran and«
The Baron seemed collecting all his dignity to make a suitable reply to
what at another time he would have treated as the propounding a treaty of
alliance between the houses of Bradwardine and Waverley But his efforts were in
vain the father was too mighty for the Baron the pride of birth and rank were
swept away in the joyful surprise a slight convulsion passed rapidly over his
features as he gave way to the feelings of nature threw his arms around
Waverleys neck and sobbed out »My son my son if I had been to search
the world I would have made my choice here« Edward returned the embrace with
great sympathy of feeling and for a little while they both kept silence At
length it was broken by Edward »But Miss Bradwardine«
»She had never a will but her old fathers besides you are a likely youth
of honest principles and high birth no she never had any other will than
mine and in my proudest days I could not have wished a mair eligible espousal
for her than the nephew of my excellent old friend Sir Everard But I hope
young man ye deal na rashly in this matter I hope ye hae secured the
approbation of your ain friends and allies particularly of your uncle who is
in loco parentis Ah we maun tak heed o that« Edward assured him that Sir
Everard would think himself highly honoured in the flattering reception his
proposal had met with and that it had his entire approbation in evidence of
which he put Colonel Talbots letter into the Barons hand The Baron read it
with great attention
»Sir Everard« he said »always despised wealth in comparison of honour and
birth and indeed he had no occasion to court the Diva Pecunia Yet I now wish
since this Malcolm turns out such a parricide for I can call him no better as
to think of alienating the family inheritance I now wish his eyes fixed on a
part of the roof which was visible above the trees that I could have left Rose
the auld hurleyhouse and the riggs belanging to it And yet« said he
resuming more cheerfully »its maybe as weel as it is for as Baron of
Bradwardine I might have thought it my duty to insist upon certain compliances
respecting name and bearings whilk now as a landless laird wi a tocherless
daughter no one can blame me for departing from«
»Now Heaven be praised« thought Edward »that Sir Everard does not hear
these scruples the three ermines passant and rampant bear would certainly
have gone together by the ears« He then with all the ardour of a young lover
assured the Baron that he sought for his happiness only in Roses heart and
hand and thought himself as happy in her fathers simple approbation as if he
had settled an earldom upon his daughter
They now reached Little Veolan The goose was smoking on the table and the
Bailie brandished his knife and fork A joyous greeting took place between him
and his patron The kitchen too had its company Auld Janet was established at
the inglenook Davie had turned the spit to his immortal honour and even Ban
and Buscar in the liberality of Macwheebles joy had been stuffed to the
throat with food and now lay snoring on the floor
The next day conducted the Baron and his young friend to the Duchran where
the former was expected in consequence of the success of the nearly unanimous
application of the Scottish friends of Government in his favour This had been
so general and so powerful that it was almost thought his estate might have been
saved had it not passed into the rapacious hands of his unworthy kinsman whose
right arising out of the Barons attainder could not be affected by a pardon
from the crown The old gentleman however said with his usual spirit he was
more gratified by the hold he possessed in the good opinion of his neighbours
than he would have been in being »rehabilitated and restored in integrum had it
been found practicable«
We shall not attempt to describe the meeting of the father and daughter
loving each other so affectionately and separated under such perilous
circumstances Still less shall we attempt to analyze the deep blush of Rose at
receiving the compliments of Waverley or stop to inquire whether she had any
curiosity respecting the particular cause of his journey to Scotland at that
period We shall not even trouble the reader with the humdrum details of a
courtship Sixty Years since It is enough to say that under so strict a
martinet as the Baron all things were conducted in due form He took upon
himself the morning after their arrival the task of announcing the proposal of
Waverley to Rose which she heard with a proper degree of maiden timidity Fame
does however say that Waverley had the evening before found five minutes to
apprize her of what was coming while the rest of the company were looking at
three twisted serpents which formed a jet deau in the garden
My fair readers will judge for themselves but for my part I cannot
conceive how so important an affair could be communicated in so short a space of
time at least it certainly took a full hour in the Barons mode of conveying
it
Waverley was now considered as a received lover in all the forms He was
made by dint of smirking and nodding on the part of the lady of the house to
sit next to Miss Bradwardine at dinner to be Miss Bradwardines partner at
cards If he came into the room she of the four Miss Rubricks who chanced to be
next Rose was sure to recollect that her thimble or her scissors were at the
other end of the room in order to leave the seat nearest to Miss Bradwardine
vacant for his occupation And sometimes if papa and mamma were not in the way
to keep them on their good behaviour the Misses would titter a little The old
Laird of Duchran would also have his occasional jest and the old lady her
remark Even the Baron could not refrain but here Rose escaped every
embarrassment but that of conjecture for his wit was usually couched in a Latin
quotation The very footmen sometimes grinned too broadly the maidservants
giggled mayhap too loud and a provoking air of intelligence seemed to pervade
the whole family Alice Bean the pretty maid of the cavern who after her
fathers misfortune as she called it had attended Rose as filledechambre
smiled and smirked with the best of them Rose and Edward however endured all
these little vexatious circumstances as other folks have done before and since
and probably contrived to obtain some indemnification since they are not
supposed on the whole to have been particularly unhappy during Waverleys six
days stay at the Duchran
It was finally arranged that Edward should go to WaverleyHonour to make the
necessary arrangements for his marriage thence to London to take the proper
measures for pleading his pardon and return as soon as possible to claim the
hand of his plighted bride He also intended in his journey to visit Colonel
Talbot but above all it was his most important object to learn the fate of the
unfortunate Chief of Glennaquoich to visit him at Carlisle and to try whether
anything could be done for procuring if not a pardon a commutation at least
or alleviation of the punishment to which he was almost certain of being
condemned and in case of the worst to offer the miserable Flora an asylum
with Rose or otherwise to assist her views in any mode which might seem
possible The fate of Fergus seemed hard to be averted Edward had already
striven to interest his friend Colonel Talbot in his behalf but had been given
distinctly to understand by his reply that his credit in matters of that
nature was totally exhausted
The Colonel was still in Edinburgh and proposed to wait there for some
months upon business confided to him by the Duke of Cumberland He was to be
joined by Lady Emily to whom easy travelling and goats whey were recommended
and who was to journey northward under the escort of Francis Stanley Edward
therefore met the Colonel at Edinburgh who wished him joy in the kindest
manner on his approaching happiness and cheerfully undertook many commissions
which our hero was necessarily obliged to delegate to his charge But on the
subject of Fergus he was inexorable He satisfied Edward indeed that his
interference would be unavailing but besides Colonel Talbot owned that he
could not conscientiously use any influence in favour of that unfortunate
gentleman »Justice« he said »which demanded some penalty of those who had
wrapped the whole nation in fear and in mourning could not perhaps have
selected a fitter victim He came to the field with the fullest light upon the
nature of his attempt He had studied and understood the subject His fathers
fate could not intimidate him the lenity of the laws which had restored to him
his fathers property and rights could not melt him That he was brave
generous and possessed many good qualities only rendered him the more
dangerous that he was enlightened and accomplished made his crime the less
excusable that he was an enthusiast in a wrong cause only made him the more fit
to be its martyr Above all he had been the means of bringing many hundreds of
men into the field who without him would never have broken the peace of the
country
I repeat it« said the Colonel »though Heaven knows with a heart distressed
for him as an individual that this young gentleman has studied and fully
understood the desperate game which he has played He threw for life or death a
coronet or a coffin and he cannot now be permitted with justice to the
country to draw stakes because the dice have gone against him«
Such was the reasoning of those times held even by brave and humane men
towards a vanquished enemy Let us devoutly hope that in this respect at least
we shall never see the scenes or hold the sentiments that were general in
Britain Sixty Years since
Chapter SixtyEighth
Tomorrow Oh thats sudden Spare him spare him
Shakspeare
Edward attended by his former servant Alick Polwarth who had reentered his
service at Edinburgh reached Carlisle while the commission of Oyer and Terminer
on his unfortunate associates was yet sitting He had pushed forward in haste
not alas with the most distant hope of saving Fergus but to see him for the
last time I ought to have mentioned that he had furnished funds for the defence
of the prisoners in the most liberal manner as soon as he heard that the day of
trial was fixed A solicitor and the first counsel accordingly attended but
it was upon the same footing on which the first physicians are usually summoned
to the bedside of some dying man of rank the doctors to take the advantage of
some incalculable chance of an exertion of nature the lawyers to avail
themselves of the barely possible occurrence of some legal flaw Edward pressed
into the court which was extremely crowded but by his arriving from the north
and his extreme eagerness and agitation it was supposed he was a relation of
the prisoners and people made way for him It was the third sitting of the
court and there were two men at the bar The verdict of GUILTY was already
pronounced Edward just glanced at the bar during the momentous pause which
ensued There was no mistaking the stately form and noble features of Fergus
MacIvor although his dress was squalid and his countenance tinged with the
sickly yellow hue of long and close imprisonment By his side was Evan
Maccombich Edward felt sick and dizzy as he gazed on them but he was recalled
to himself as the Clerk of the Arraigns pronounced the solemn words »Fergus
MacIvor of Glennaquoich otherwise called Vich Ian Vohr and Evan MacIvor in
the Dhu of Tarrascleugh otherwise called Evan Dhu otherwise called Evan
Maccombich or Evan Dhu Maccombich you and each of you stand attainted of
high treason What have you to say for yourselves why the Court should not
pronounce judgment against you that you die according to law«
Fergus as the presiding Judge was putting on the fatal cap of judgment
placed his own bonnet upon his head regarded him with a steadfast and stern
look and replied in a firm voice »I cannot let this numerous audience suppose
that to such an appeal I have no answer to make But what I have to say you
would not bear to hear for my defence would be your condemnation Proceed
then in the name of God to do what is permitted to you Yesterday and the day
before you have condemned loyal and honourable blood to be poured forth like
water Spare not mine Were that of all my ancestors in my veins I would have
perild it in this quarrel« He resumed his seat and refused again to rise
Evan Maccombich looked at him with great earnestness and rising up seemed
anxious to speak but the confusion of the court and the perplexity arising
from thinking in a language different from that in which he was to express
himself kept him silent There was a murmur of compassion among the spectators
from an idea that the poor fellow intended to plead the influence of his
superior as an excuse for his crime The Judge commanded silence and encouraged
Evan to proceed
»I was only ganging to say my Lord« said Evan in what he meant to be in
an insinuating manner »that if your excellent honour and the honourable Court
would let Vich Ian Vohr go free just this once and let him gae back to France
and no to trouble King Georges government again that ony six o the very best
of his clan will be willing to be justified in his stead and if youll just let
me gae down to Glennaquoich Ill fetch them up to ye mysell to head or hang
and you may begin wi me the very first man«
Notwithstanding the solemnity of the occasion a sort of laugh was heard in
the court at the extraordinary nature of the proposal The Judge checked this
indecency and Evan looking sternly around when the murmur abated »If the
Saxon gentlemen are laughing« he said »because a poor man such as me thinks
my life or the life of six of my degree is worth that of Vich Ian Vohr its
like enough they may be very right but if they laugh because they think I would
not keep my word and come back to redeem him I can tell them they ken neither
the heart of a Hielandman nor the honour of a gentleman«
There was no further inclination to laugh among the audience and a dead
silence ensued
The Judge then pronounced upon both prisoners the sentence of the law of
high treason with all its horrible accompaniments The execution was appointed
for the ensuing day »For you Fergus MacIvor« continued the Judge »I can
hold out no hope of mercy You must prepare against tomorrow for your last
sufferings here and your great audit hereafter«
»I desire nothing else my lord« answered Fergus in the same manly and
firm tone
The hard eyes of Evan which had been perpetually bent on his Chief were
moistened with a tear »For you poor ignorant man« continued the Judge »who
following the ideas in which you have been educated have this day given us a
striking example how the loyalty due to the king and state alone is from your
unhappy ideas of clanship transferred to some ambitious individual who ends by
making you the tool of his crimes for you I say I feel so much compassion
that if you can make up your mind to petition for grace I will endeavour to
procure it for you Otherwise«
»Grace me no grace« said Evan »since you are to shed Vich Ian Vohrs
blood the only favour I would accept from you is to bid them loose my hands
and gie me my claymore and bide you just a minute sitting where you are«
»Remove the prisoners« said the Judge »his blood be upon his own head«
Almost stupefied with his feelings Edward found that the rush of the crowd
had conveyed him out into the street ere he knew what he was doing His
immediate wish was to see and speak with Fergus once more He applied at the
Castle where his unfortunate friend was confined but was refused admittance
»The High Sheriff« a noncommissioned officer said »had requested of the
governor that none should be admitted to see the prisoner excepting his
confessor and his sister«
»And where was Miss MacIvor« They gave him the direction It was the house
of a respectable Catholic family near Carlisle
Repulsed from the gate of the Castle and not venturing to make application
to the High Sheriff or Judges in his own unpopular name he had recourse to the
solicitor who came down in Ferguss behalf This gentleman told him that it was
thought the public mind was in danger of being debauched by the account of the
last moments of these persons as given by the friends of the Pretender that
there had been a resolution therefore to exclude all such persons as had not
the plea of near kindred for attending upon them Yet he promised to oblige the
heir of WaverleyHonour to get him an order for admittance to the prisoner the
next morning before his irons were knocked off for execution
»Is it of Fergus MacIvor they speak thus« thought Waverley »or do I
dream of Fergus the bold the chivalrous the freeminded the lofty
chieftain of a tribe devoted to him Is it he that I have seen lead the chase
and head the attack the brave the active the young the noble the love of
ladies and the theme of song is it he who is ironed like a malefactor who
is to be dragged on a hurdle to the common gallows to die a lingering and
cruel death and to be mangled by the hand of the most outcast of wretches Evil
indeed was the spectre that boded such a fate as this to the brave Chief of
Glennaquoich«
With a faltering voice he requested the solicitor to find means to warn
Fergus of his intended visit should he obtain permission to make it He then
turned away from him and returning to the inn wrote a scarcely intelligible
note to Flora MacIvor intimating his purpose to wait upon her that evening
The messenger brought back a letter in Floras beautiful Italian hand which
seemed scarce to tremble even under this load of misery »Miss Flora MacIvor«
the letter bore »could not refuse to see the dearest friend of her dear
brother even in her present circumstances of unparalleled distress«
When Edward reached Miss MacIvors present place of abode he was instantly
admitted In a large and gloomy tapestried apartment Flora was seated by a
latticed window sewing what seemed to be a garment of white flannel At a
little distance sat an elderley woman apparently a foreigner and of a
religious order She was reading in a book of Catholic devotion but when
Waverley entered laid it on the table and left the room Flora rose to receive
him and stretched out her hand but neither ventured to attempt speech Her
fine complexion was totally gone her person considerably emaciated and her
face and hands as white as the purest statuary marble forming a strong contrast
with her sable dress and jetblack hair Yet amid these marks of distress
there was nothing negligent or illarranged about her attire even her hair
though totally without ornament was disposed with her usual attention to
neatness The first words she uttered were »Have you seen him«
»Alas no« answered Waverley »I have been refused admittance«
»It accords with the rest« she said »but we must submit Shall you obtain
leave do you suppose«
»For for tomorrow« said Waverley but muttering the last word so
faintly that it was almost unintelligible
»Ay then or never« said Flora »until« she added looking upward »the
time when I trust we shall all meet But I hope you will see him while earth
yet bears him He always loved you at his heart though but it is vain to talk
of the past«
»Vain indeed« echoed Waverley
»Or even of the future my good friend« said Flora »so far as earthly
events are concerned for how often have I pictured to myself the strong
possibility of this horrid issue and tasked myself to consider how I could
support my part and yet how far has all my anticipation fallen short of the
unimaginable bitterness of this hour«
»Dear Flora if your strength of mind«
»Ay there it is« she answered somewhat wildly »there is Mr Waverley
there is a busy devil at my heart that whispers but it were madness to listen
to it that the strength of mind on which Flora prided herself has murdered her
brother«
»Good God how can you give utterance to a thought so shocking«
»Ay is it not so but yet it haunts me like a phantom I know it is
unsubstantial and vain but it will be present will intrude its horrors on my
mind will whisper that my brother as volatile as ardent would have divided
his energies amid a hundred objects It was I who taught him to concentrate
them and to gage all on this dreadful and desperate cast Oh that I could
recollect that I had but once said to him He that striketh with the sword shall
die by the sword that I had but once said Remain at home reserve yourself
your vassals your life for enterprises within the reach of man But oh Mr
Waverley I spurred his fiery temper and half of his ruin at least lies with
his sister«
The horrid idea which she had intimated Edward endeavoured to combat by
every incoherent argument that occurred to him He recalled to her the
principles on which both thought it their duty to act and in which they had
been educated
»Do not think I have forgotten them« she said looking up with eager
quickness »I do not regret his attempt because it was wrong oh no on that
point I am armed but because it was impossible it could end otherwise than
thus«
»Yet it did not always seem so desperate and hazardous as it was and it
would have been chosen by the bold spirit of Fergus whether you had approved it
or no your counsels only served to give unity and consistence to his conduct
to dignify but not to precipitate his resolution« Flora had soon ceased to
listen to Edward and was again intent upon her needlework
»Do you remember« she said looking up with a ghastly smile »you once
found me making Ferguss bridefavours and now I am sewing his bridalgarment
Our friends here« she continued with suppressed emotion »are to give hallowed
earth in their chapel to the bloody relics of the last Vich Ian Vohr But they
will not all rest together no his head I shall not have the last miserable
consolation of kissing the cold lips of my dear dear Fergus«
The unfortunate Flora here after one or two hysterical sobs fainted in her
chair The lady who had been attending in the anteroom now entered hastily
and begged Edward to leave the room but not the house
When he was recalled after the space of nearly halfanhour he found that
by a strong effort Miss MacIvor had greatly composed herself It was then he
ventured to urge Miss Bradwardines claim to be considered as an adopted sister
and empowered to assist her plans for the future
»I have had a letter from my dear Rose« she replied »to the same purpose
Sorrow is selfish and engrossing or I would have written to express that even
in my own despair I felt a gleam of pleasure at learning her happy prospects
and at hearing that the good old Baron has escaped the general wreck Give this
to my dearest Rose it is her poor Floras only ornament of value and was the
gift of a princess« She put into his hands a case containing the chain of
diamonds with which she used to decorate her hair »To me it is in future
useless The kindness of my friends has secured me a retreat in the convent of
the Scottish Benedictine nuns in Paris Tomorrow if indeed I can survive
tomorrow I set forward on my journey with this venerable sister And now Mr
Waverley adieu May you be as happy with Rose as your amiable dispositions
deserve and think sometimes on the friends you have lost Do not attempt to
see me again it would be mistaken kindness«
She gave him her hand on which Edward shed a torrent of tears and with a
faltering step withdrew from the apartment and returned to the town of
Carlisle At the inn he found a letter from his law friend intimating that he
would be admitted to Fergus next morning as soon as the Castle gates were
opened and permitted to remain with him till the arrival of the Sheriff gave
signal for the fatal procession
Chapter SixtyNinth
A darker departure is near
The deathdrum is muffled and sable the bier
Campbell
After a sleepless night the first dawn of morning found Waverley on the
esplanade in front of the old Gothic gate of Carlisle Castle But he paced it
long in every direction before the hour when according to the rules of the
garrison the gates were opened and the drawbridge lowered He produced his
order to the sergeant of the guard and was admitted
The place of Ferguss confinement was a gloomy and vaulted apartment in the
central part of the Castle a huge old tower supposed to be of great
antiquity and surrounded by outworks seemingly of Henry VIIIs time or
somewhat later The grating of the large oldfashioned bars and bolts withdrawn
for the purpose of admitting Edward was answered by the clash of chains as the
unfortunate Chieftain strongly and heavily fettered shuffled along the stone
floor of his prison to fling himself into his friends arms
»My dear Edward« he said in a firm and even cheerful voice »this is
truly kind I heard of your approaching happiness with the highest pleasure And
how does Rose and how is our old whimsical friend the Baron Well I trust
since I see you at freedom And how will you settle precedence between the
three ermines passant and the bear and bootjack«
»How O how my dear Fergus can you talk of such things at such a moment«
»Why we have entered Carlisle with happier auspices to be sure on the
16th of November last for example when we marched in side by side and
hoisted the white flag on these ancient towers But I am no boy to sit down and
weep because the luck has gone against me I knew the stake which I risked we
played the game boldly and the forfeit shall be paid manfully And now since
my time is short let me come to the questions that interest me most The
Prince has he escaped the bloodhounds«
»He has and is in safety«
»Praised be God for that Tell me the particulars of his escape«
Waverley communicated that remarkable history so far as it had then
transpired to which Fergus listened with deep interest He then asked after
several other friends and made many minute inquiries concerning the fate of his
own clansmen They had suffered less than other tribes who had been engaged in
the affair for having in a great measure dispersed and returned home after the
captivity of their Chieftain according to the universal custom of the
Highlanders they were not in arms when the insurrection was finally suppressed
and consequently were treated with less rigour This Fergus heard with great
satisfaction
»You are rich« he said »Waverley and you are generous When you hear of
these poor MacIvors being distressed about their miserable possessions by some
harsh overseer or agent of government remember you have worn their tartan and
are an adopted son of their race The Baron who knows our manners and lives
near our country will apprize you of the time and means to be their protector
Will you promise this to the last Vich Ian Vohr«
Edward as may well be believed pledged his word which he afterwards so
amply redeemed that his memory still lives in these glens by the name of the
Friend of the Sons of Ivor
»Would to God« continued the Chieftain »I could bequeath to you my rights
to the love and obedience of this primitive and brave race or at least as I
have striven to do persuade poor Evan to accept of his life upon their terms
and be to you what he has been to me the kindest the bravest the most
devoted«
The tears which his own fate could not draw forth fell fast for that of his
fosterbrother
»But« said he drying them »that cannot be You cannot be to them Vich Ian
Vohr and these three magic words« said he half smiling »are the only Open
Sesame to their feelings and sympathies and poor Evan must attend his
fosterbrother in death as he has done through his whole life«
»And I am sure« said Maccombich raising himself from the floor on which
for fear of interrupting their conversation he had lain so still that in the
obscurity of the apartment Edward was not aware of his presence »I am sure
Evan never desired or deserved a better end than just to die with his
Chieftain«
»And now« said Fergus »while we are upon the subject of clanship what
think you now of the prediction of the Bodach Glas« Then before Edward could
answer »I saw him again last night he stood in the slip of moonshine which
fell from that high and narrow window towards my bed Why should I fear him I
thought tomorrow long ere this time I shall be as immaterial as he False
Spirit I said art thou come to close thy walks on earth and to enjoy thy
triumph in the fall of the last descendant of thine enemy The spectre seemed to
beckon and to smile as he faded from my sight What do you think of it I
asked the same question of the priest who is a good and sensible man he
admitted that the church allowed that such apparitions were possible but urged
me not to permit my mind to dwell upon it as imagination plays us such strange
tricks What do you think of it«
»Much as your confessor« said Waverley willing to avoid dispute upon such
a point at such a moment A tap at the door now announced that good man and
Edward retired while he administered to both prisoners the last rites of
religion in the mode which the Church of Rome prescribes
In about an hour he was readmitted soon after a file of soldiers entered
with a blacksmith who struck the fetters from the legs of the prisoners
»You see the compliment they pay to our Highland strength and courage we
have lain chained here like wild beasts till our legs are cramped into palsy
and when they free us they send six soldiers with loaded muskets to prevent our
taking the castle by storm«
Edward afterwards learned that these severe precautions had been taken in
consequence of a desperate attempt of the prisoners to escape in which they had
very nearly succeeded
Shortly afterwards the drums of the garrison beat to arms »This is the last
turnout« said Fergus »that I shall hear and obey And now my dear dear
Edward ere we part let us speak of Flora a subject which awakes the tenderest
feeling that yet thrills within me«
»We part not here« said Waverley
»O yes we do you must come no farther Not that I fear what is to follow
for myself« he said proudly »Nature has her tortures as well as art and how
happy should we think the man who escapes from the throes of a mortal and
painful disorder in the space of a short half hour And this matter spin it
out as they will cannot last longer But what a dying man can suffer firmly
may kill a living friend to look upon This same law of high treason« he
continued with astonishing firmness and composure »is one of the blessings
Edward with which your free country has accommodated poor old Scotland her own
jurisprudence as I have heard was much milder But I suppose one day or other
when there are no longer any wild Highlanders to benefit by its tender mercies
they will blot it from their records as levelling them with a nation of
cannibals The mummery too of exposing the senseless head they have not the
wit to grace mine with a paper coronet there would be some satire in that
Edward I hope they will set it on the Scotch gate though that I may look even
after death to the blue hills of my own country which I love so dearly The
Baron would have added
Moritur et moriens dulces reminiscitur Argos«
A bustle and the sound of wheels and horses feet was now heard in the
courtyard of the Castle »As I have told you why you must not follow me and
these sounds admonish me that my time flies fast tell me how you found poor
Flora«
Waverley with a voice interrupted by suffocating sensations gave some
account of the state of her mind
»Poor Flora« answered the Chief »she could have borne her own sentence of
death but not mine You Waverley will soon know the happiness of mutual
affection in the married state long long may Rose and you enjoy it but
you can never know the purity of feeling which combines two orphans like Flora
and me left alone as it were in the world and being all in all to each other
from our very infancy But her strong sense of duty and predominant feeling of
loyalty will give new nerve to her mind after the immediate and acute sensation
of this parting has passed away She will then think of Fergus as of the heroes
of our race upon whose deeds she loved to dwell«
»Shall she not see you then« asked Waverley »She seemed to expect it«
»A necessary deceit will spare her the last dreadful parting I could not
part with her without tears and I cannot bear that these men should think they
have power to extort them She was made to believe she would see me at a later
hour and this letter which my confessor will deliver will apprise her that
all is over«
An officer now appeared and intimated that the High Sheriff and his
attendants waited before the gate of the Castle to claim the bodies of Fergus
MacIvor and Evan Maccombich »I come« said Fergus Accordingly supporting
Edward by the arm and followed by Evan Dhu and the priest he moved down the
stairs of the tower the soldiers bringing up the rear The court was occupied
by a squadron of dragoons and a battalion of infantry drawn up in hollow
square Within their ranks was the sledge or hurdle on which the prisoners
were to be drawn to the place of execution about a mile distant from Carlisle
It was painted black and drawn by a white horse At one end of the vehicle sat
the Executioner a horridlooking fellow as beseemed his trade with the broad
axe in his hand at the other end next the horse was an empty seat for two
persons Through the deep and dark Gothic archway that opened on the
drawbridge were seen on horseback the High Sheriff and his attendants whom the
etiquette betwixt the civil and military powers did not permit to come farther
»This is well GOT UP for a closing scene« said Fergus smiling disdainfully as
he gazed around upon the apparatus of terror Evan Dhu exclaimed with some
eagerness after looking at the dragoons »These are the very chields that
galloped off at Gladsmuir before we could kill a dozen o them They look bold
enough now however« The priest entreated him to be silent
The sledge now approached and Fergus turning round embraced Waverley
kissed him on each side of the face and stepped nimbly into his place Evan sat
down by his side The priest was to follow in a carriage belonging to his
patron the Catholic gentleman at whose house Flora resided As Fergus waved his
hand to Edward the ranks closed around the sledge and the whole procession
began to move forward There was a momentary stop at the gateway while the
governor of the Castle and the High Sheriff went through a short ceremony the
military officer there delivering over the persons of the criminals to the civil
power »God save King George« said the High Sheriff When the formality
concluded Fergus stood erect in the sledge and with a firm and steady voice
replied »God save King James« These were the last words which Waverley heard
him speak
The procession resumed its march and the sledge vanished from beneath the
portal under which it had stopped for an instant The dead march was then
heard and its melancholy sounds were mingled with those of a muffled peal
tolled from the neighbouring cathedral The sound of the military music died
away as the procession moved on the sullen clang of the bells was soon heard
to sound alone
The last of the soldiers had now disappeared from under the vaulted archway
through which they had been filing for several minutes the courtyard was now
totally empty but Waverley still stood there as if stupefied his eyes fixed
upon the dark pass where he had so lately seen the last glimpse of his friend
At length a female servant of the governors struck with compassion at the
stupefied misery which his countenance expressed asked him if he would not walk
into her masters house and sit down She was obliged to repeat her question
twice ere he comprehended her but at length it recalled him to himself
Declining the courtesy by a hasty gesture he pulled his hat over his eyes and
leaving the Castle walked as swiftly as he could through the empty streets
till he regained his inn then rushed into an apartment and bolted the door
In about an hour and a half which seemed an age of unutterable suspense
the sound of the drums and fifes performing a lively air and the confused
murmur of the crowd which now filled the streets so lately deserted apprized
him that all was finished and that the military and populace were returning
from the dreadful scene I will not attempt to describe his sensations
In the evening the priest made him a visit and informed him that he did so
by directions of his deceased friend to assure him that Fergus MacIvor had
died as he lived and remembered his friendship to the last He added he had
also seen Flora whose state of mind seemed more composed since all was over
With her and sister Theresa the priest proposed next day to leave Carlisle
for the nearest seaport from which they could embark for France Waverley forced
on this good man a ring of some value and a sum of money to be employed as he
thought might gratify Flora in the services of the Catholic church for the
memory of his friend »Fungarque inani munere« he repeated as the ecclesiastic
retired »Yet why not class these acts of remembrance with other honours with
which affection in all sects pursues the memory of the dead«
The next morning ere daylight he took leave of the town of Carlisle
promising to himself never again to enter its walls He dared hardly look back
towards the Gothic battlements of the fortified gate under which he passed for
the place is surrounded with an old wall »Theyre no there« said Alick
Polwarth who guessed the cause of the dubious look which Waverley cast
backward and who with the vulgar appetite for the horrible was master of each
detail of the butchery »the heads are ower the Scotch yate as they ca it
Its a great pity of Evan Dhu who was a very weelmeaning goodnatured man to
be a Hielandman and indeed so was the Laird o Glennaquoich too for that
matter when he wasna in ane o his tirrivies«
Chapter Seventieth
Dulce Domum
The impression of horror with which Waverley left Carlisle softened by degrees
into melancholy a gradation which was accelerated by the painful yet soothing
task of writing to Rose and while he could not suppress his own feelings of
the calamity he endeavoured to place it in a light which might grieve her
without shocking her imagination The picture which he drew for her benefit he
gradually familiarised to his own mind and his next letters were more cheerful
and referred to the prospects of peace and happiness which lay before them Yet
though his first horrible sensations had sunk into melancholy Edward had
reached his native county before he could as usual on former occasions look
round for enjoyment upon the face of nature
He then for the first time since leaving Edinburgh began to experience
that pleasure which almost all feel who return to a verdant populous and
highly cultivated country from scenes of waste desolation or of solitary and
melancholy grandeur But how were those feelings enhanced when he entered on the
domain so long possessed by his forefathers recognised the old oaks of
WaverleyChase thought with what delight he should introduce Rose to all his
favourite haunts beheld at length the towers of the venerable hall arise above
the woods which embowered it and finally threw himself into the arms of the
venerable relations to whom he owed so much duty and affection
The happiness of their meeting was not tarnished by a single word of
reproach On the contrary whatever pain Sir Everard and Mrs Rachel had felt
during Waverleys perilous engagement with the young Chevalier it assorted too
well with the principles in which they had been brought up to incur
reprobation or even censure Colonel Talbot also had smoothed the way with
great address for Edwards favourable reception by dwelling upon his gallant
behaviour in the military character particularly his bravery and generosity at
Preston until warmed at the idea of their nephews engaging in single combat
making prisoner and saving from slaughter so distinguished an officer as the
Colonel himself the imagination of the Baronet and his sister ranked the
exploits of Edward with those of Wilibert Hildebrand and Nigel the vaunted
heroes of their line
The appearance of Waverley embrowned by exercise and dignified by the
habits of military discipline had acquired an athletic and hardy character
which not only verified the Colonels narration but surprised and delighted all
the inhabitants of WaverleyHonour They crowded to see to hear him and to
sing his praises Mr Pembroke who secretly extolled his spirit and courage in
embracing the genuine cause of the Church of England censured his pupil gently
nevertheless for being so careless of his manuscripts which indeed he said
had occasioned him some personal inconvenience as upon the Baronets being
arrested by a kings messenger he had deemed it prudent to retire to a
concealment called »The Priests Hole« from the use it had been put to in
former days where he assured our hero the butler had thought it safe to
venture with food only once in the day so that he had been repeatedly compelled
to dine upon victuals either absolutely cold or what was worse only half
warm not to mention that sometimes his bed had not been arranged for two days
together Waverleys mind involuntarily turned to the Patmos of the Baron of
Bradwardine who was well pleased with Janets fare and a few bunches of straw
stowed in a cleft in the front of a sandcliff but he made no remarks upon a
contrast which could only mortify his worthy tutor
All was now in a bustle to prepare for the nuptials of Edward an event to
which the good old Baronet and Mrs Rachel looked forward as if to the renewal
of their own youth The match as Colonel Talbot had intimated had seemed to
them in the highest degree eligible having every recommendation but wealth of
which they themselves had more than enough Mr Clippurse was therefore summoned
to WaverleyHonour under better auspices than at the commencement of our story
But Mr Clippurse came not alone for being now stricken in years he had
associated with him a nephew a younger vulture as our English Juvenal who
tells the tale of Swallow the attorney might have called him and they now
carried on business as Messrs Clippurse and Hookem These worthy gentlemen had
directions to make the necessary settlements on the most splendid scale of
liberality as if Edward were to wed a peeress in her own right with her
paternal estate tacked to the fringe of her ermine
But before entering upon a subject of proverbial delay I must remind my
reader of the progress of a stone rolled down hill by an idle truant boy a
pastime at which I was myself expert in my more juvenile years it moves at
first slowly avoiding by inflection every obstacle of the least importance but
when it has attained its full impulse and draws near the conclusion of its
career it smokes and thunders down taking a rood at every spring clearing
hedge and ditch like a Yorkshire huntsman and becoming most furiously rapid in
its course when it is nearest to being consigned to rest for ever Even such is
the course of a narrative like that which you are perusing The earlier events
are studiously dwelt upon that you kind reader may be introduced to the
character rather by narrative than by the duller medium of direct description
but when the story draws near its close we hurry over the circumstances
however important which your imagination must have forestalled and leave you
to suppose those things which it would be abusing your patience to relate at
length
We are therefore so far from attempting to trace the dull progress of
Messrs Clippurse and Hookem or that of their worthy official brethren who had
the charge of suing out the pardons of Edward Waverley and his intended
fatherinlaw that we can but touch upon matters more attractive The mutual
epistles for example which were exchanged between Sir Everard and the Baron
upon this occasion though matchless specimens of eloquence in their way must
be consigned to merciless oblivion Nor can I tell you at length how worthy
Aunt Rachel not without a delicate and affectionate allusion to the
circumstances which had transferred Roses maternal diamonds to the hands of
Donald Bean Lean stocked her casket with a set of jewels that a duchess might
have envied Moreover the reader will have the goodness to imagine that Job
Houghton and his dame were suitably provided for although they could never be
persuaded that their son fell otherwise than fighting by the young squires
side so that Alick who as a lover of truth had made many needless attempts
to expound the real circumstances to them was finally ordered to say not a word
more upon the subject He indemnified himself however by the liberal allowance
of desperate battles grisly executions and rawhead and bloodybone stories
with which he astonished the servants hall
But although these important matters may be briefly told in narrative like
a newspaper report of a Chancery suit yet with all the urgency which Waverley
could use the real time which the law proceedings occupied joined to the delay
occasioned by the mode of travelling at that period rendered it considerably
more than two months ere Waverley having left England alighted once more at
the mansion of the Laird of Duchran to claim the hand of his plighted bride
The day of his marriage was fixed for the sixth after his arrival The Baron
of Bradwardine with whom bridals christenings and funerals were festivals of
high and solemn import felt a little hurt that including the family of the
Duchran and all the immediate vicinity who had title to be present on such an
occasion there could not be above thirty persons collected »When he was
married« he observed »three hundred horse of gentlemen born besides servants
and some score or two of Highland lairds who never got on horseback were
present on the occasion«
But his pride found some consolation in reflecting that he and his
soninlaw having been so lately in arms against Government it might give
matter of reasonable fear and offence to the ruling powers if they were to
collect together the kith kin and allies of their houses arrayed in effeir of
war as was the ancient custom of Scotland on these occasions »And without
dubitation« he concluded with a sigh »many of those who would have rejoiced
most freely upon these joyful espousals are either gone to a better place or
are now exiles from their native land«
The marriage took place on the appointed day The Reverend Mr Rubrick
kinsman to the proprietor of the hospitable mansion where it was solemnised and
chaplain to the Baron of Bradwardine had the satisfaction to unite their hands
and Frank Stanley acted as bridesman having joined Edward with that view soon
after his arrival Lady Emily and Colonel Talbot had proposed being present but
Lady Emilys health when the day approached was found inadequate to the
journey In amends it was arranged that Edward Waverley and his lady who with
the Baron proposed an immediate journey to WaverleyHonour should in their
way spend a few days at an estate which Colonel Talbot had been tempted to
purchase in Scotland as a very great bargain and at which he proposed to reside
for some time
Chapter SeventyFirst
This is no mine ain house I ken by the bigging ot
Old Song
The nuptial party travelled in great style There was a coach and six after the
newest pattern which Sir Everard had presented to his nephew that dazzled with
its splendour the eyes of one half of Scotland there was the family coach of
Mr Rubrick both these were crowded with ladies and there were gentlemen on
horseback with their servants to the number of a round score Nevertheless
without having the fear of famine before his eyes Bailie Macwheeble met them in
the road to entreat that they would pass by his house at Little Veolan The
Baron stared and said his son and he would certainly ride by Little Veolan and
pay their compliments to the Bailie but could not think of bringing with them
the »haill comitatus nuptialis or matrimonial procession« He added »that as
he understood that the barony had been sold by its unworthy possessor he was
glad to see his old friend Duncan had regained his situation under the new
Dominus or proprietor« The Bailie ducked bowed and fidgeted and then again
insisted upon his invitation until the Baron though rather piqued at the
pertinacity of his instances could not nevertheless refuse to consent without
making evident sensations which he was anxious to conceal
He fell into a deep study as they approached the top of the avenue and was
only startled from it by observing that the battlements were replaced the ruins
cleared away and most wonderful of all that the two great stone Bears those
mutilated Dagons of his idolatry had resumed their posts over the gateway »Now
this new proprietor« said he to Edward »has shown mair gusto as the Italians
call it in the short time he has had this domain than that hound Malcolm
though I bred him here mysell has acquired vita adhuc durante And now I talk
of hounds is not yon Ban and Buscar who come scouping up the avenue with Davie
Gellatley«
»I vote we should go to meet them sir« said Waverley »for I believe the
present master of the house is Colonel Talbot who will expect to see us We
hesitated to mention to you at first that he had purchased your ancient
patrimonial property and even yet if you do not incline to visit him we can
pass on to the Bailies«
The Baron had occasion for all his magnanimity However he drew a long
breath took a long snuff and observed since they had brought him so far he
could not pass the Colonels gate and he would be happy to see the new master
of his old tenants He alighted accordingly as did the other gentlemen and
ladies he gave his arm to his daughter and as they descended the avenue
pointed out to her how speedily the »Diva Pecunia of the Southron their
tutelary deity he might call her had removed the marks of spoliation«
In truth not only had the felled trees been removed but their stumps
being grubbed up and the earth round them levelled and sown with grass every
mark of devastation unless to an eye intimately acquainted with the spot was
already totally obliterated There was a similar reformation in the outward man
of Davie Gellatley who met them every now and then stopping to admire the new
suit which graced his person in the same colours as formerly but bedizened
fine enough to have served Touchstone himself He danced up with his usual
ungainly frolics first to the Baron and then to Rose passing his hands over
his clothes crying »Bra bra Davie« and scarce able to sing a bar to an end
of his thousandandonesongs for the breathless extravagance of his joy The
dogs also acknowledged their old master with a thousand gambols »Upon my
conscience Rose« ejaculated the Baron »the gratitude o thae dumb brutes and
of that puir innocent brings the tears into my auld een while that schellum
Malcolm but Im obliged to Colonel Talbot for putting my hounds into such good
condition and likewise for puir Davie But Rose my dear we must not permit
them to be a liferent burden upon the estate«
As he spoke Lady Emily leaning upon the arm of her husband met the party
at the lower gate with a thousand welcomes After the ceremony of introduction
had been gone through much abridged by the ease and excellent breeding of Lady
Emily she apologised for having used a little art to wile them back to a place
which might awaken some painful reflections »But as it was to change masters
we were very desirous that the Baron«
»Mr Bradwardine madam if you please« said the old gentleman
» Mr Bradwardine then and Mr Waverley should see what we have done
towards restoring the mansion of your fathers to its former state«
The Baron answered with a low bow Indeed when he entered the court
excepting that the heavy stables which had been burnt down were replaced by
buildings of a lighter and more picturesque appearance all seemed as much as
possible restored to the state in which he had left it when he assumed arms some
months before The pigeonhouse was replenished the fountain played with its
usual activity and not only the Bear who predominated over its basin but all
the other Bears whatsoever were replaced on their several stations and renewed
or repaired with so much care that they bore no tokens of the violence which
had so lately descended upon them While these minutiæ had been so heedfully
attended to it is scarce necessary to add that the house itself had been
thoroughly repaired as well as the gardens with the strictest attention to
maintain the original character of both and to remove as far as possible all
appearance of the ravage they had sustained The Baron gazed in silent wonder
at length he addressed Colonel Talbot
»While I acknowledge my obligation to you sir for the restoration of the
badge of our family I cannot but marvel that you have nowhere established your
own crest whilk is I believe a mastive anciently called a talbot as the
poet has it
A talbot strong a sturdy tyke
At least such a dog is the crest of the martial and renowned Earls of
Shrewsbury to whom your family are probably blood relations«
»I believe« said the Colonel smiling »our dogs are whelps of the same
litter for my part if crests were to dispute precedence I should be apt to
let them as the proverb says fight dog fight bear«
As he made this speech at which the Baron took another long pinch of snuff
they had entered the house that is the Baron Rose and Lady Emily with
young Stanley and the Bailie for Edward and the rest of the party remained on
the terrace to examine a new greenhouse stocked with the finest plants The
Baron resumed his favourite topic »However it may please you to derogate from
the honour of your burgonet Colonel Talbot which is doubtless your humour as
I have seen in other gentlemen of birth and honour in your country I must again
repeat it as a most ancient and distinguished bearing as well as that of my
young friend Francis Stanley which is the eagle and child«
»The bird and bantling they call it in Derbyshire sir« said Stanley
»Yere a daft callant sir« said the Baron who had a great liking to this
young man perhaps because he sometimes teased him »Yere a daft callant and
I must correct you some of these days« shaking his great brown fist at him
»But what I meant to say Colonel Talbot is that yours is an ancient prosapia
or descent and since you have lawfully and justly acquired the estate for you
and yours which I have lost for me and mine I wish it may remain in your name
as many centuries as it has done in that of the late proprietors«
»That« answered the Colonel »is very handsome Mr Bradwardine indeed«
»And yet sir I cannot but marvel that you Colonel whom I noted to have
so much of the amor patriæ when we met in Edinburgh as even to vilipend other
countries should have chosen to establish your Lares or household gods procul
a patriæ finibus and in a manner to expatriate yourself«
»Why really Baron I do not see why to keep the secret of these foolish
boys Waverley and Stanley and of my wife who is no wiser one old soldier
should continue to impose upon another You must know then that I have so much
of that same prejudice in favour of my native country that the sum of money
which I advanced to the seller of this extensive barony has only purchased for
me a box in shire called Brerewood Lodge with about two hundred and fifty
acres of land the chief merit of which is, that it is within a very few miles
of WaverleyHonour«
»And who then in the name of Heaven has bought this property«
»That« said the Colonel »it is this gentlemans profession to explain«
The Bailie whom this reference regarded and who had all this while shifted
from one foot to another with great impatience »like a hen« as he afterwards
said »upon a het girdle« and chuckling he might have added like the said hen
in all the glory of laying an egg now pushed forward »That I can that I can
your Honour« drawing from his pocket a budget of papers and untying the red
tape with a hand trembling with eagerness »Here is the disposition and
assignation by Malcolm Bradwardine of InchGrabbit regularly signed and tested
in terms of the statute whereby for a certain sum of sterling money presently
contented and paid to him he has disponed alienated and conveyed the whole
estate and barony of Bradwardine TullyVeolan and others with the fortalice
and manorplace«
»For Gods sake to the point sir I have all that by heart« said the
Colonel
»To Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine Esq« pursued the Bailie »his heirs and
assignees simply and irredeemably to be held either a me vel de me«
»Pray read short sir«
»On the conscience of an honest man Colonel I read as short as is
consistent with style Under the burden and reservation always«
»Mr Macwheeble this would outlast a Russian winter Give me leave In
short Mr Bradwardine your family estate is your own once more in full
property and at your absolute disposal but only burdened with the sum advanced
to repurchase it which I understand is utterly disproportioned to its value«
»An auld sang an auld sang if it please your honours« cried the Bailie
rubbing his hands »look at the rentalbook«
»Which sum being advanced by Mr Edward Waverley chiefly from the price of
his fathers property which I bought from him is secured to his lady your
daughter and her family by this marriage«
»It is a Catholic security« shouted the Bailie »to Rose Comyne
Bradwardine alias Wauverley in liferent and the children of the said marriage
in fee and I made up a wee bit minute of an antenuptial contract intuitu
matrimonij so it cannot be subject to reduction hereafter as a donation inter
virum et uxorem«
It is difficult to say whether the worthy Baron was most delighted with the
restitution of his family property or with the delicacy and generosity that
left him unfettered to pursue his purpose in disposing of it after his death
and which avoided as much as possible even the appearance of laying him under
pecuniary obligation When his first pause of joy and astonishment was over his
thoughts turned to the unworthy heirmale who he pronounced »had sold his
birthright like Esau for a mess o pottage«
»But wha cookit the parritch for him« exclaimed the Bailie »I wad like to
ken that wha but your honours to command Duncan Macwheeble His honour
young Mr Wauverley put it a into my hand frae the beginning frae the first
calling o the summons as I may say I circumvented them I played at bogle
about the bush wi them I cajoled them and if I havena gien InchGrabbit and
Jamie Howie a bonnie begunk they ken themselves Him a writer I didna gae
slapdash to them wi our young bra bridegroom to gar them hand up the market
na na I scared them wi our wild tenantry and the MacIvors that are but ill
settled yet till they durstna on ony errand whatsoever gang ower the doorstane
after gloaming for fear John Heatherblutter or some siccan darethedeil
should tak a baff at them then on the other hand I beflummd them wi Colonel
Talbot wad they offer to keep up the price again the Dukes friend did they
na ken wha was master had they na seen eneugh by the sad example of mony a
pair misguided unhappy body«
»Who went to Derby for example Mr Macwheeble« said the Colonel to him
aside
»O whisht Colonel for the love o God let that flee stick i the wa
There were mony good folk at Derby and its ill speaking of halters« with a
sly cast of his eye toward the Baron who was in a deep reverie
Starting out of it at once he took Macwheeble by the button and led him
into one of the deep window recesses whence only fragments of their
conversation reached the rest of the party It certainly related to stamppaper
and parchment for no other subject even from the mouth of his patron and he
once more an efficient one could have arrested so deeply the Bailies reverent
and absorbed attention
»I understand your honour perfectly it can be dune as easy as taking out a
decreet in absence«
»To her and him after my demise and to their heirsmale but preferring
the second son if God shall bless them with two who is to carry the name and
arms of Bradwardine of that Ilk without any other name or armorial bearings
whatsoever«
»Tut your honour« whispered the Bailie »Ill mak a slight jotting the
morn it will cost but a charter of resignation in favorem and Ill hae it
ready for the next term in Exchequer«
Their private conversation ended the Baron was now summoned to do the
honours of TullyVeolan to new guests These were Major Melville of
Cairnvreckan and the Reverend Mr Morton followed by two or three others of
the Barons acquaintances who had been made privy to his having again acquired
the estate of his fathers The shouts of the villagers were also heard beneath
in the courtyard for Saunders Saunderson who had kept the secret for several
days with laudable prudence had unloosed his tongue upon beholding the arrival
of the carriages
But while Edward received Major Melville with politeness and the clergyman
with the most affectionate and grateful kindness his fatherinlaw looked a
little awkward as uncertain how he should answer the necessary claims of
hospitality to his guests and forward the festivity of his tenants Lady Emily
relieved him by intimating that though she must be an indifferent
representative of Mrs Edward Waverley in many respects she hoped the Baron
would approve of the entertainment she had ordered in expectation of so many
guests and that they would find such other accommodations provided as might in
some degree support the ancient hospitality of TullyVeolan It is impossible to
describe the pleasure which this assurance gave the Baron who with an air of
gallantry half appertaining to the stiff Scottish laird and half to the officer
in the French service offered his arm to the fair speaker and led the way in
something between a stride and a minuet step into the large dining parlour
followed by all the rest of the good company
By dint of Saundersons directions and exertions all here as well as in
the other apartments had been disposed as much as possible according to the old
arrangement and where new moveables had been necessary they had been selected
in the same character with the old furniture There was one addition to this
fine old apartment however which drew tears into the Barons eyes It was a
large and spirited painting representing Fergus MacIvor and Waverley in their
Highland dress the scene a wild rocky and mountainous pass down which the
clan were descending in the background It was taken from a spirited sketch
drawn while they were in Edinburgh by a young man of high genius and had been
painted on a fulllength scale by an eminent London artist Raeburn himself
whose Highland Chiefs do all but walk out of the canvas could not have done
more justice to the subject and the ardent fiery and impetuous character of
the unfortunate Chief of Glennaquoich was finely contrasted with the
contemplative fanciful and enthusiastic expression of his happier friend
Beside this painting hung the arms which Waverley had borne in the unfortunate
civil war The whole piece was beheld with admiration and deeper feelings
Men must however eat in spite both of sentiment and virtu and the Baron
while he assumed the lower end of the table insisted that Lady Emily should do
the honours of the head that they might he said set a meet example to the
young folk After a pause of deliberation employed in adjusting in his own
brain the precedence between the Presbyterian kirk and Episcopal church of
Scotland he requested Mr Morton as the stranger would crave a blessing
observing that Mr Rubrick who was at home would return thanks for the
distinguished mercies it had been his lot to experience The dinner was
excellent Saunderson attended in full costume with all the former domestics
who had been collected excepting one or two that had not been heard of since
the affair of Culloden The cellars were stocked with wine which was pronounced
to be superb and it had been contrived that the Bear of the Fountain in the
courtyard should for that night only play excellent brandy punch for the
benefit of the lower orders
When the dinner was over the Baron about to propose a toast cast a
somewhat sorrowful look upon the sideboard which however exhibited much of
his plate that had either been secreted or purchased by neighbouring gentlemen
from the soldiery and by them gladly restored to the original owner
»In the late times« he said »those must be thankful who have saved life
and land yet when I am about to pronounce this toast I cannot but regret an
old heirloom Lady Emily a poculum potatorium Colonel Talbot«
Here the Barons elbow was gently touched by his Major Domo and turning
round he beheld in the hands of Alexander ab Alexandro the celebrated cup of
Saint Duthac the Blessed Bear of Bradwardine I question if the recovery of his
estate afforded him more rapture »By my honour« he said »one might almost
believe in brownies and fairies Lady Emily when your Ladyship is in presence«
»I am truly happy« said Colonel Talbot »that by the recovery of this piece
of family antiquity it has fallen within my power to give you some token of my
deep interest in all that concerns my young friend Edward But that you may not
suspect Lady Emily for a sorceress or me for a conjuror which is no joke in
Scotland I must tell you that Frank Stanley your friend who has been seized
with a tartan fever ever since he heard Edwards tales of old Scottish manners
happened to describe to us at second hand this remarkable cup My servant
Spontoon who like a true old soldier observes everything and says little
gave me afterwards to understand that he thought he had seen the piece of plate
Mr Stanley mentioned in the possession of a certain Mrs Nosebag who having
been originally the helpmate of a pawnbroker had found opportunity during the
late unpleasant scenes in Scotland to trade a little in her old line and so
became the depositary of the more valuable part of the spoil of half the army
You may believe the cup was speedily recovered and it will give me very great
pleasure if you allow me to suppose that its value is not diminished by having
been restored through my means«
A tear mingled with the wine which the Baron filled as he proposed a cup of
gratitude to Colonel Talbot and »The Prosperity of the united Houses of
WaverleyHonour and Bradwardine«
It only remains for me to say that as no wish was ever uttered with more
affectionate sincerity there are few which allowing for the necessary
mutability of human events have been upon the whole more happily fulfilled
Chapter SeventySecond
A Postscript Which Should Have Been a Preface
Our journey is now finished gentle reader and if your patience has accompanied
me through these sheets the contract is on your part strictly fulfilled Yet
like the driver who has received his full hire I still linger near you and
make with becoming diffidence a trifling additional claim upon your bounty and
good nature You are as free however to shut the volume of the one petitioner
as to close your door in the face of the other
This should have been a prefatory chapter but for two reasons First
that most novel readers as my own conscience reminds me are apt to be guilty
of the sin of omission respecting that same matter of prefaces Secondly that
it is a general custom with that class of students to begin with the last
chapter of a work so that after all these remarks being introduced last in
order have still the best chance to be read in their proper place
There is no European nation which within the course of half a century or
little more has undergone so complete a change as this kingdom of Scotland The
effects of the insurrection of 1745 the destruction of the patriarchal power
of the Highland chiefs the abolition of the heritable jurisdictions of the
Lowland nobility and barons the total eradication of the Jacobite party
which averse to intermingle with the English or adopt their customs long
continued to pride themselves upon maintaining ancient Scottish manners and
customs commenced this innovation The gradual influx of wealth and extension
of commerce have since united to render the present people of Scotland a class
of beings as different from their grandfathers as the existing English are from
those of Queen Elizabeths time The political and economical effects of these
changes have been traced by Lord Selkirk with great precision and accuracy But
the change though steadily and rapidly progressive has nevertheless been
gradual and like those who drift down the stream of a deep and smooth river we
are not aware of the progress we have made until we fix our eye on the now
distant point from which we have been drifted Such of the present generation
as can recollect the last twenty or twentyfive years of the eighteenth century
will be fully sensible of the truth of this statement especially if their
acquaintance and connexions lay among those who in my younger time were
facetiously called »folks of the old leaven« who still cherished a lingering
though hopeless attachment to the house of Stuart This race has now almost
entirely vanished from the land and with it doubtless much absurd political
prejudice but also many living examples of singular and disinterested
attachment to the principles of loyalty which they received from their fathers
and of old Scottish faith hospitality worth and honour
It was my accidental lot though not born a Highlander which may be an
apology for much bad Gaelic to reside during my childhood and youth among
persons of the above description and now for the purpose of preserving some
idea of the ancient manners of which I have witnessed the almost total
extinction I have embodied in imaginary scenes and ascribed to fictitious
characters a part of the incidents which I then received from those who were
actors in them Indeed the most romantic parts of this narrative are precisely
those which have a foundation in fact The exchange of mutual protection between
a Highland gentleman and an officer of rank in the kings service together with
the spirited manner in which the latter asserted his right to return the favour
he had received is literally true The accident by a musketshot and the
heroic reply imputed to Flora relate to a lady of rank not long deceased And
scarce a gentleman who was »in hiding« after the battle of Culloden but could
tell a tale of strange concealments and of wild and hairsbreadth scapes as
extraordinary as any which I have ascribed to my heroes Of this the escape of
Charles Edward himself as the most prominent is the most striking example The
accounts of the battle of Preston and skirmish at Clifton are taken from the
narrative of intelligent eyewitnesses and corrected from the History of the
Rebellion by the late venerable author of Douglas The Lowland Scottish
gentlemen and the subordinate characters are not given as individual
portraits but are drawn from the general habits of the period of which I have
witnessed some remnants in my younger days and partly gathered from tradition
It has been my object to describe these persons not by a caricatured and
exaggerated use of the national dialect but by their habits manners and
feelings so as in some distant degree to emulate the admirable Irish portraits
drawn by Miss Edgeworth so different from the »Teagues« and »dear joys« who so
long with the most perfect family resemblance to each other occupied the drama
and the novel
I feel no confidence however in the manner in which I have executed my
purpose Indeed so little was I satisfied with my production that I laid it
aside in an unfinished state and only found it again by mere accident among
other waste papers in an old cabinet the drawers of which I was rummaging in
order to accommodate a friend with some fishingtackle after it had been
mislaid for several years Two works upon similar subjects by female authors
whose genius is highly creditable to their country have appeared in the
interval I mean Mrs Hamiltons Glenburnie and the late account of Highland
Superstitions But the first is confined to the rural habits of Scotland of
which it has given a picture with striking and impressive fidelity and the
traditional records of the respectable and ingenious Mrs Grant of Laggan are
of a nature distinct from the fictitious narrative which I have here attempted
I would willingly persuade myself that the preceding work will not be found
altogether uninteresting To elder persons it will recall scenes and characters
familiar to their youth and to the rising generation the tale may present some
idea of the manners of their forefathers
Yet I heartily wish that the task of tracing the evanescent manners of his
own country had employed the pen of the only man in Scotland who could have done
it justice of him so eminently distinguished in elegant literature and whose
sketches of Colonel Caustic and Umphraville are perfectly blended with the finer
traits of national character I should in that case have had more pleasure as a
reader than I shall ever feel in the pride of a successful author should these
sheets confer upon me that envied distinction And as I have inverted the usual
arrangement placing these remarks at the end of the work to which they refer I
will venture on a second violation of form by closing the whole with a
dedication
These Volumes Being Respectfully Inscribed
to Our Scottish Addison
Henry Mackenzie
by an Unknown Admirer of His Genius
Appendix
General Preface p 8 No I97
Fragment of a Romance Which Was to Have Been Entitled Thomas the Rhymer
Chapter First
The sun was nearly set behind the distant mountains of Liddesdale when a few of
the scattered and terrified inhabitants of the village of Hersildoune which had
four days before been burned by a predatory band of English Borderers were now
busied in repairing their ruined dwellings One high tower in the centre of the
village alone exhibited no appearance of devastation It was surrounded with
court walls and the outer gate was barred and bolted The bushes and brambles
which grew around and had even insinuated their branches beneath the gate
plainly showed that it must have been many years since it had been opened While
the cottages around lay in smoking ruins this pile deserted and desolate as it
seemed to be had suffered nothing from the violence of the invaders and the
wretched beings who were endeavouring to repair their miserable huts against
nightfall seemed to neglect the preferable shelter which it might have afforded
them without the necessity of labour
Before the day had quite gone down a knight richly armed and mounted upon
an ambling hackney rode slowly into the village His attendants were a lady
apparently young and beautiful who rode by his side upon a dappled palfrey his
squire who carried his helmet and lance and led his battlehorse a noble
steed richly caparisoned A page and four yeomen bearing bows and quivers
short swords and targets of a span breadth completed his equipage which
though small denoted him to be a man of high rank
He stopped and addressed several of the inhabitants whom curiosity had
withdrawn from their labour to gaze at him but at the sound of his voice and
still more on perceiving the St Georges Cross in the caps of his followers
they fled with a loud cry »that the Southrons were returned«
The knight endeavoured to expostulate with the fugitives who were chiefly
aged men women and children but their dread of the English name accelerated
their flight and in a few minutes excepting the knight and his attendants the
place was deserted by all He paced through the village to seek a shelter for
the night and despairing to find one either in the inaccessible tower or the
plundered huts of the peasantry he directed his course to the left hand where
he spied a small decent habitation apparently the abode of a man considerably
above the common rank After much knocking the proprietor at length showed
himself at the window and speaking in the English dialect with great signs of
apprehension demanded their business The warrior replied that his quality was
an English knight and baron and that he was travelling to the court of the King
of Scotland on affairs of consequence to both kingdoms
»Pardon my hesitation noble Sir Knight« said the old man as he unbolted
and unbarred his doors »Pardon my hesitation but we are here exposed to too
many intrusions to admit of our exercising unlimited and unsuspicious
hospitality What I have is yours and God send your mission may bring back
peace and the good days of our old Queen Margaret«
»Amen worthy Franklin« quoth the Knight »Did you know her«
»I came to this country in her train« said the Franklin »and the care of
some of her jointure lands which she devolved on me occasioned my settling
here«
»And how do you being an Englishman« said the Knight »protect your life
and property here when one of your nation cannot obtain a single nights
lodging or a draught of water were he thirsty«
»Marry noble Sir« answered the Franklin »use as they say will make a
man live in a lions den and as I settled here in a quiet time and have never
given cause of offence I am respected by my neighbours and even as you see
by our forayers from England«
»I rejoice to hear it and accept your hospitality Isabella my love our
worthy host will provide you a bed My daughter good Franklin is ill at
ease We will occupy your house till the Scottish King shall return from his
northern expedition meanwhile call me Lord Lacy of Chester«
The attendants of the Baron assisted by the Franklin were now busied in
disposing of the horses and arranging the table for some refreshment for Lord
Lacy and his fair companion While they sat down to it they were attended by
their host and his daughter whom custom did not permit to eat in their
presence and who afterwards withdrew to an outer chamber where the squire and
page both young men of noble birth partook of supper and were accommodated
with beds The yeomen after doing honour to the rustic cheer of Queen
Margarets bailiff withdrew to the stable and each beside his favourite
horse snored away the fatigues of their journey
Early on the following morning the travellers were roused by a thundering
knocking at the door of the house accompanied with many demands for instant
admission in the roughest tone The squire and page of Lord Lacy after
buckling on their arms were about to sally out to chastise these intruders
when the old host after looking out at a private casement contrived for
reconnoitring his visitors entreated them with great signs of terror to be
quiet if they did not mean that all in the house should be murdered
He then hastened to the apartment of Lord Lacy whom he met dressed in a
long furred gown and the knightly cap called a mortier irritated at the noise
and demanding to know the cause which had disturbed the repose of the household
»Noble sir« said the Franklin »one of the most formidable and bloody of
the Scottish Border riders is at hand he is never seen« added he faltering
with terror »so far from the hills but with some bad purpose and the power of
accomplishing it so hold yourself to your guard for «
A loud crash here announced that the door was broken down and the knight
just descended the stair in time to prevent bloodshed betwixt his attendants and
the intruders They were three in number Their chief was tall bony and
athletic his spare and muscular frame as well as the hardness of his features
marked the course of his life to have been fatiguing and perilous The effect of
his appearance was aggravated by his dress which consisted of a jack or jacket
composed of thick buff leather on which small plates of iron of a lozenge form
were stitched in such a manner as to overlap each other and form a coat of
mail which swayed with every motion of the wearers body This defensive armour
covered a doublet of coarse grey cloth and the Borderer had a few halfrusted
plates of steel on his shoulders a twoedged sword with a dagger hanging
beside it in a buff belt a helmet with a few iron bars to cover the face
instead of a visor and a lance of tremendous and uncommon length completed his
appointments The looks of the man were as wild and rude as his attire his
keen black eyes never rested one moment fixed upon a single object but
constantly traversed all around as if they ever sought some danger to oppose
some plunder to seize or some insult to revenge The latter seemed to be his
present object for regardless of the dignified presence of Lord Lacy he
uttered the most incoherent threats against the owner of the house and his
guests
»We shall see ay marry shall we if an English hound is to harbour and
reset the Southrons here Thank the Abbot of Melrose and the good Knight of
Coldingnow that have so long kept me from your skirts But those days are gone
by St Mary and you shall find it«
It is probable the enraged Borderer would not have long continued to vent
his rage in empty menaces had not the entrance of the four yeomen with their
bows bent convinced him that the force was not at this moment on his own side
Lord Lacy now advanced towards him »You intrude upon my privacy soldier
withdraw yourself and your followers there is peace betwixt our nations or my
servants should chastise thy presumption«
»Such peace as ye give such shall ye have« answered the mosstrooper
first pointing with his lance towards the burned village and then almost
instantly levelling it against Lord Lacy The squire drew his sword and severed
at one blow the steel head from the truncheon of the spear
»Arthur Fitzherbert« said the Baron »that stroke has deferred thy
knighthood for one year never must that squire wear the spurs whose unbridled
impetuosity can draw unbidden his sword in the presence of his master Go hence
and think on what I have said«
The squire left the chamber abashed
»It were vain« continued Lord Lacy »to expect that courtesy from a
mountain churl which even my own followers can forget Yet before thou drawest
thy brand for the intruder laid his hand upon the hilt of his sword thou wilt
do well to reflect that I came with a safeconduct from thy king and have no
time to waste in brawls with such as thou«
»From my king from my king« reechoed the mountaineer »I care not that
rotten truncheon striking the shattered spear furiously on the ground for the
King of Fife and Lothian But Habby of Cessford will be here belive and we
shall soon know if he will permit an English churl to occupy his hostelrie«
Having uttered these words accompanied with a lowering glance from under
his shaggy black eyebrows he turned on his heel and left the house with his
two followers they mounted their horses which they had tied to an outer
fence and vanished in an instant
»Who is this discourteous ruffian« said Lord Lacy to the Franklin who had
stood in the most violent agitation during this whole scene
»His name noble lord is Adam Kerr of the Moat but he is commonly called
by his companions the Black Rider of Cheviot I fear I fear he comes hither
for no good but if the Lord of Cessford be near he will not dare offer any
unprovoked outrage«
»I have heard of that chief« said the Baron »let me know when he
approaches and do thou Rodulph to the eldest yeoman keep a strict watch
Adelbert to the page attend to arm me« The page bowed and the Baron
withdrew to the chamber of the Lady Isabella to explain the cause of the
disturbance
No more of the proposed tale was ever written but the authors purpose was
that it should turn upon a fine legend of superstition which is current in the
part of the Borders where he had his residence where in the reign of Alexander
III of Scotland that renowned person Thomas of Hersildoune called the Rhymer
actually flourished This personage the Merlin of Scotland and to whom some of
the adventures which the British bards assigned to Merlin Caledonius or the
Wild have been transferred by tradition was as is well known a magician as
well as a poet and prophet He is alleged still to live in the land of Faery
and is expected to return at some great convulsion of society in which he is to
act a distinguished part a tradition common to all nations as the belief of
the Mahomedans respecting their twelfth Imaum demonstrates
Now it chanced many years since that there lived on the Borders a jolly
rattling horsecowper who was remarkable for a reckless and fearless temper
which made him much admired and a little dreaded amongst his neighbours One
moonlight night as he rode over Bowden Moor on the west side of the Eildon
Hills the scene of Thomas the Rhymers prophecies and often mentioned in his
story having a brace of horses along with him which he had not been able to
dispose of he met a man of venerable appearance and singularly antique dress
who to his great surprise asked the price of his horses and began to chaffer
with him on the subject To Canobie Dick for so shall we call our Border
dealer a chap was a chap and he would have sold a horse to the devil himself
without minding his cloven hoof and would have probably cheated Old Nick into
the bargain The stranger paid the price they agreed on and all that puzzled
Dick in the transaction was that the gold which he received was in unicorns
bonnetpieces and other ancient coins which would have been invaluable to
collectors but were rather troublesome in modern currency It was gold
however and therefore Dick contrived to get better value for the coin than he
perhaps gave to his customer By the command of so good a merchant he brought
horses to the same spot more than once the purchaser only stipulating that he
should always come by night and alone I do not know whether it was from mere
curiosity or whether some hope of gain mixed with it but after Dick had sold
several horses in this way he began to complain that dry bargains were unlucky
and to hint that since his chap must live in the neighbourhood he ought in
the courtesy of dealing to treat him to halfamutchkin
»You may see my dwelling if you will« said the stranger »but if you lose
courage at what you see there you will rue it all your life«
Dicken however laughed the warning to scorn and having alighted to secure
his horse he followed the stranger up a narrow footpath which led them up the
hills to the singular eminence stuck betwixt the most southern and the centre
peaks and called from its resemblance to such an animal in its form the Lucken
Hare At the foot of this eminence which is almost as famous for witch meetings
as the neighbouring windmill of Kippilaw Dick was somewhat startled to observe
that his conductor entered the hill side by a passage or cavern of which he
himself though well acquainted with the spot had never seen or heard
»You may still return« said his guide looking ominously back upon him
but Dick scorned to show the white feather and on they went They entered a
very long range of stables in every stall stood a coalblack horse by every
horse lay a knight in coalblack armour with a drawn sword in his hand but all
were as silent hoof and limb as if they had been cut out of marble A great
number of torches lent a gloomy lustre to the hall which like those of the
Caliph Vathek was of large dimensions At the upper end however they at
length arrived where a sword and horn lay on an antique table
»He that shall sound that horn and draw that sword« said the stranger who
now intimated that he was the famous Thomas of Hersildoune »shall if his heart
fail him not be king over all broad Britain So speaks the tongue that cannot
lie But all depends on courage and much on your taking the sword or the horn
first«
Dick was much disposed to take the sword but his bold spirit was quailed by
the supernatural terrors of the hall and he thought to unsheath the sword
first might be construed into defiance and give offence to the powers of the
Mountain He took the bugle with a trembling hand and a feeble note but loud
enough to produce a terrible answer Thunder rolled in stunning peals through
the immense hall horses and men started to life the steeds snorted stamped
grinded their bits and tossed on high their heads the warriors sprung to
their feet clashed their armour and brandished their swords Dicks terror was
extreme at seeing the whole army which had been so lately silent as the grave
in uproar and about to rush on him He dropped the horn and made a feeble
attempt to seize the enchanted sword but at the same moment a voice pronounced
aloud the mysterious words
»Woe to the coward that ever he was born
Who did not draw the sword before he blew the horn«
At the same time a whirlwind of irresistible fury howled through the long hall
bore the unfortunate horsejockey clear out of the mouth of the cavern and
precipitated him over a steep bank of loose stones where the shepherds found
him the next morning with just breath sufficient to tell his fearful tale
after concluding which he expired
This legend with several variations is found in many parts of Scotland and
England the scene is sometimes laid in some favourite glen of the Highlands
sometimes in the deep coalmines of Northumberland and Cumberland which run so
far beneath the ocean It is also to be found in Reginald Scotts book on
Witchcraft which was written in the sixteenth century It would be in vain to
ask what was the original of the tradition The choice between the horn and
sword may perhaps include as a moral that it is foolhardy to awaken danger
before we have arms in our hands to resist it
Although admitting of much poetical ornament it is clear that this legend
would have formed but an unhappy foundation for a prose story and must have
degenerated into a mere fairy tale Dr John Leyden has beautifully introduced
the tradition in his Scenes of Infancy
Mysterious Rhymer doomed by fates decree
Still to revisit Eildons fated tree
Where oft the swain at dawn of Hallowday
Hears thy fleet barb with wild impatience neigh
Say who is he with summons long and high
Shall bid the charmed sleep of ages fly
Roll the long sound through Eildons caverns vast
While each dark warrior kindles at the blast
The horn the falchion grasp with mighty hand
And peal proud Arthurs march from Fairyland
SCENES OF INFANCY Part 1
In the same cabinet with the preceding fragment the following occurred among
other disjecta membra It seems to be an attempt at a tale of a different
description from the last but was almost instantly abandoned The introduction
points out the time of the composition to have been about the end of the
eighteenth century
The Lord of Ennerdale
In a Fragment of a Letter from John B Esq of that Ilk to William G
FRSE
»Fill a bumper« said the Knight »the ladies may spare us a little longer
Fill a bumper to the Archduke Charles«
The company did due honour to the toast of their landlord
»The success of the Archduke« said the muddy Vicar »will tend to further
our negotiation at Paris and if «
»Pardon the interruption Doctor« quoth a thin emaciated figure with
somewhat of a foreign accent »but why should you connect those events unless to
hope that the bravery and victories of our allies may supersede the necessity of
a degrading treaty«
»We begin to feel Monsieur lAbbé« answered the Vicar with some asperity
»that a continental war entered into for the defence of an ally who was
unwilling to defend himself and for the restoration of a royal family
nobility and priesthood who tamely abandoned their own rights is a burden too
much even for the resources of this country«
»And was the war then on the part of Great Britain« rejoined the Abbé »a
gratuitous exertion of generosity Was there no fear of the widewasting spirit
of innovation which had gone abroad Did not the laity tremble for their
property the clergy for their religion and every loyal heart for the
constitution Was it not thought necessary to destroy the building which was on
fire ere the conflagration spread around the vicinity«
»Yet if upon trial« said the Doctor »the walls were found to resist our
utmost efforts I see no great prudence in persevering in our labour amid the
smouldering ruins«
»What Doctor« said the Baronet »must I call to your recollection your own
sermon on the late general fast did you not encourage us to hope that the
Lord of Hosts would go forth with our armies and that our enemies who
blasphemed him should be put to shame«
»It may please a kind father to chasten even his beloved children« answered
the Vicar
»I think« said a gentleman near the foot of the table »that the
Covenanters made some apology of the same kind for the failure of their
prophecies at the battle of Dunbar when their mutinous preachers compelled the
prudent Lesley to go down against the Philistines in Gilgal«
The Vicar fixed a scrutinizing and not a very complacent eye upon this
intruder He was a young man of mean stature and rather a reserved appearance
Early and severe study had quenched in his features the gaiety peculiar to his
age and impressed upon them a premature cast of thoughtfulness His eye had
however retained its fire and his gesture its animation Had he remained
silent he would have been long unnoticed but when he spoke there was
something in his manner which arrested attention
»Who is this young man« said the Vicar in a low voice to his neighbour
»A Scotchman called Maxwell on a visit to Sir Henry« was the answer
»I thought so from his accent and his manners« said the Vicar
It may be here observed that the Northern English retain rather more of the
ancient hereditary aversion to their neighbours than their countrymen of the
South The interference of other disputants each of whom urged his opinion with
all the vehemence of wine and politics rendered the summons to the drawingroom
agreeable to the more sober part of the company
The company dispersed by degrees and at length the Vicar and the young
Scotchman alone remained besides the Baronet his lady daughters and myself
The clergyman had not it would seem forgot the observation which ranked him
with the false prophets of Dunbar for he addressed Mr Maxwell upon the first
opportunity
»Hem I think sir you mentioned something about the civil wars of last
century You must be deeply skilled in them indeed if you can draw any
parallel betwixt those and the present evil days days which I am ready to
maintain are the most gloomy that ever darkened the prospects of Britain«
»God forbid Doctor that I should draw a comparison between the present
times and those you mention I am too sensible of the advantages we enjoy over
our ancestors Faction and ambition have introduced division among us but we
are still free from the guilt of civil bloodshed and from all the evils which
flow from it Our foes sir are not those of our own household and while we
continue united and firm from the attacks of a foreign enemy however artful
or however inveterate we have I hope little to dread«
»Have you found anything curious Mr Maxwell among the dusty papers« said
Sir Henry who seemed to dread a revival of political discussion
»My investigation amongst them led to reflections which I have just now
hinted« said Maxwell »and I think they are pretty strongly exemplified by a
story which I have been endeavouring to arrange from some of your family
manuscripts«
»You are welcome to make what use of them you please« said Sir Henry »they
have been undisturbed for many a day and I have often wished for some person as
well skilled as you in these old pothooks to tell me their meaning«
»Those I just mentioned« answered Maxwell »relate to a piece of private
history savouring not a little of the marvellous and intimately connected with
your family if it is agreeable I can read to you the anecdotes in the modern
shape into which I have been endeavouring to throw them and you can then judge
of the value of the originals«
There was something in this proposal agreeable to all parties Sir Henry had
family pride which prepared him to take an interest in whatever related to his
ancestors The ladies had dipped deeply into the fashionable reading of the
present day Lady Ratcliff and her fair daughters had climbed every pass viewed
every pineshrouded ruin heard every groan and lifted every trapdoor in
company with the noted heroine of Udolpho They had been heard however to
observe that the famous incident of the Black Veil singularly resembled the
ancient apologue of the Mountain in Labour so that they were unquestionably
critics as well as admirers Besides all this they had valorously mounted en
croupe behind the ghostly horseman of Prague through all his seven translators
and followed the footsteps of Moor through the forest of Bohemia Moreover it
was even hinted but this was a greater mystery than all the rest that a
certain performance called the Monk in three neat volumes had been seen by a
prying eye in the righthand drawer of the Indian cabinet of Lady Ratcliffs
dressing room Thus predisposed for wonders and signs Lady Ratcliff and her
nymphs drew their chairs round a large blazing woodfire and arranged
themselves to listen to the tale To that fire I also approached moved
thereunto partly by the inclemency of the season and partly that my deafness
which you know cousin I acquired during my campaign under Prince Charles
Edward might be no obstacle to the gratification of my curiosity which was
awakened by what had any reference to the fate of such faithful followers of
royalty as you well know the house of Ratcliff have ever been To this
woodfire the Vicar likewise drew near and reclined himself conveniently in his
chair seemingly disposed to testify his disrespect for the narration and
narrator by falling asleep as soon as he conveniently could By the side of
Maxwell by the way I cannot learn that he is in the least related to the
Nithsdale family was placed a small table and a couple of lights by the
assistance of which he read as follows
»Journal of Jan Von Eulen
On the 6th November 1645 I Jan Von Eulen merchant in Rotterdam embarked with
my only daughter on board of the good vessel Vryheid of Amsterdam in order to
pass into the unhappy and disturbed kingdom of England 7th November a brisk
gale daughter seasick myself unable to complete the calculation which I
have begun of the inheritance left by Jane Lansache of Carlisle my late dear
wifes sister the collection of which is the object of my voyage 8th November
wind still stormy and adverse a horrid disaster nearly happened my dear
child washed overboard as the vessel lurched to leeward Memorandum to reward
the young sailor who saved her out of the first monies which I can recover from
the inheritance of her aunt Lansache 9th November calm PM light breezes
from NNW I talked with the captain about the inheritance of my sisterinlaw
Jane Lansache He says he knows the principal subject which will not exceed
£1000 in value NB He is a cousin to a family of Petersons which was the name
of the husband of my sisterinlaw so there is room to hope it may be worth
more than he reports 10th November 10 AM May God pardon all our sins An
English frigate bearing the Parliament flag has appeared in the offing and
gives chase 11 AM She nears us every moment and the captain of our vessel
prepares to clear for action May God again have mercy upon us«
»Here« said Maxwell »the journal with which I have opened the narration
ends somewhat abruptly«
»I am glad of it« said Lady Ratcliff
»But Mr Maxwell« said young Frank Sir Henrys grandchild »shall we not
hear how the battle ended«
I do not know cousin whether I have not formerly made you acquainted with
the abilities of Frank Ratcliff There is not a battle fought between the troops
of the Prince and of the Government during the years 17456 of which he is not
able to give an account It is true I have taken particular pains to fix the
events of this important period upon his memory by frequent repetition
»No my dear« said Maxwell in answer to young Frank Ratcliff »No my
dear I cannot tell you the exact particulars of the engagement but its
consequences appear from the following letter despatched by Garbonete Von
Eulen daughter of our journalist to a relation in England from whom she
implored assistance After some general account of the purpose of the voyage
and of the engagement her narrative proceeds thus
The noise of the cannon had hardly ceased before the sounds of a language
to me but half known and the confusion on board our vessel informed me that
the captors had boarded us and taken possession of our vessel I went on deck
where the first spectacle that met my eyes was a young man mate of our vessel
who though disfigured and covered with blood was loaded with irons and whom
they were forcing over the side of the vessel into a boat The two principal
persons among our enemies appeared to be a man of a tall thin figure with a
highcrowned hat and long neckband and shortcropped head of hair accompanied
by a bluff openlooking elderly man in a naval uniform Yarely yarely pull
away my hearts said the latter and the boat bearing the unlucky young man
soon carried him on board the frigate Perhaps you will blame me for mentioning
this circumstance but consider my dear cousin this man saved my life and his
fate even when my own and my fathers were in the balance could not but affect
me nearly
In the name of him who is jealous even to slaying said the first«
Cetera Desunt
General Preface p 10 No II
Conclusion of Mr Strutts Romance of QueenhooHall
Chapter Fourth
A Hunting Party An Adventure A Deliverance
The next morning the bugles were sounded by daybreak in the court of Lord
Botelers mansion to call the inhabitants from their slumbers to assist in a
splendid chase with which the Baron had resolved to entertain his neighbour
Fitzallen and his noble visitor St Clere Peter Lanaret the falconer was in
attendance with falcons for the knights and tercelets for the ladies if they
should choose to vary their sport from hunting to hawking Five stout yeomen
keepers with their attendants called Ragged Robins all meetly arrayed in
Kendal green with bugles and short hangers by their sides and quarterstaffs in
their hands led the slowhounds or brachets by which the deer were to be put
up Ten brace of gallant greyhounds each of which was fit to pluck down
singly the tallest red deer were led in leashes by as many of Lord Botelers
foresters The pages squires and other attendants of feudal splendour well
attired in their best huntinggear upon horseback or foot according to their
rank with their boarspears longbows and crossbows were in seemly waiting
A numerous train of yeomen called in the language of the times retainers
who yearly received a livery coat and a small pension for their attendance on
such solemn occasions appeared in cassocks of blue bearing upon their arms the
cognizance of the house of Boteler as a badge of their adherence They were the
tallest men of their hands that the neighbouring villages could supply with
every man his good buckler on his shoulder and a bright burnished broadsword
dangling from his leathern belt On this occasion they acted as rangers for
beating up the thickets and rousing the game These attendants filled up the
court of the castle spacious as it was
On the green without you might have seen the motley assemblage of
peasantry convened by report of the splendid hunting including most of our old
acquaintances from Tewin as well as the jolly partakers of good cheer at Hob
Filchers Gregory the jester it may well be guessed had no great mind to
exhibit himself in public after his recent disaster but Oswald the steward a
great formalist in whatever concerned the public exhibition of his masters
household state had positively enjoined his attendance »What« quoth he
»shall the house of the brave Lord Boteler on such a brave day as this be
without a fool Certes the good Lord St Clere and his fair lady sister might
think our housekeeping as niggardly as that of their churlish kinsman at Gay
Bowers who sent his fathers jester to the hospital sold the poor sots bells
for hawkjesses and made a nightcap of his longeared bonnet And sirrah let
me see thee fool handsomely speak squibs and crackers instead of that dry
barren musty gibing which thou hast used of late or by the bones the porter
shall have thee to his lodge and cob thee with thine own wooden sword till thy
skin is as motley as thy doublet«
To this stern injunction Gregory made no reply any more than to the
courteous offer of old Albert Drawslot the chief parkkeeper who proposed to
blow vinegar in his nose to sharpen his wit as he had done that blessed morning
to Bragger the old hound whose scent was failing There was indeed little time
for reply for the bugles after a lively flourish were now silent and
Peretto with his two attendant minstrels stepping beneath the windows of the
strangers apartments joined in the following roundelay the deep voices of the
rangers and falconers making up a chorus that caused the very battlements to
ring again
Waken lords and ladies gay
On the mountain dawns the day
All the jolly chase is here
With hawk and horse and hunting spear
Hounds are in their couples yelling
Hawks are whistling horns are knelling
Merrily Merrily mingle they
»Waken lords and ladies gay«
Waken lords and ladies gay
The mist has left the mountain grey
Springlets in the dawn are streaming
Diamonds on the brake are gleaming
And foresters have busy been
To track the buck in thicket green
Now we come to chant our lay
»Waken lords and ladies gay«
Waken lords and ladies gay
To the greenwood haste away
We can show you where he lies
Fleet of foot and tall of size
We can show the marks he made
When gainst the oak his antlers frayed
You shall see him brought to bay
»Waken lords and ladies gay«
Louder louder chant the lay
Waken lords and ladies gay
Tell them youth and mirth and glee
Run a course as well as we
Time stern huntsman who can baulk
Staunch as hound and fleet as hawk
Think of this and rise with day
Gentle lords and ladies gay
By the time this lay was finished Lord Boteler with his daughter and kinsman
Fitzallen of Marden and other noble guests had mounted their palfreys and the
hunt set forward in due order The huntsman having carefully observed the
traces of a large stag on the preceding evening were able without loss of
time to conduct the company by the marks which they had made upon the trees
to the side of the thicket in which by the report of Drawslot he had harboured
all night The horsemen spreading themselves along the side of the cover
waited until the keeper entered leading his bandog a large bloodhound tied
in a leam or band from which he takes his name
But it befell thus A hart of the second year which was in the same cover
with the proper object of their pursuit chanced to be unharboured first and
broke cover very near where the Lady Emma and her brother were stationed An
inexperienced varlet who was nearer to them instantly unloosed two tall
greyhounds who sprung after the fugitive with all the fleetness of the north
wind Gregory restored a little to spirits by the enlivening scene around him
followed encouraging the hounds with a loud tayout98 for which he had the
hearty curses of the huntsman as well as of the Baron who entered into the
spirit of the chase with all the juvenile ardour of twenty »May the foul fiend
booted and spurred ride down his bawling throat with a scythe at his girdle«
quoth Albert Drawslot »here have I been telling him that all the marks were
those of a buck of the first head and he has hallooed the hounds upon a
velvetheaded knobbler By Saint Hubert if I break not his pate with my
crossbow may I never cast off hound more But to it my lords and masters
the noble beast is here yet and thank the saints we have enough of hounds«
The cover being now thoroughly beat by the attendants the stag was
compelled to abandon it and trust to his speed for his safety Three greyhounds
were slipped upon him whom he threw out after running a couple of miles by
entering an extensive furzy brake which extended along the side of a hill The
horsemen soon came up and casting off a sufficient number of slowhounds sent
them with the prickers into the cover in order to drive the game from his
strength This object being accomplished afforded another severe chase of
several miles in a direction almost circular during which the poor animal
tried every wile to get rid of his persecutors He crossed and traversed all
such dusty paths as were likely to retain the least scent of his footsteps he
laid himself close to the ground drawing his feet under his belly and clapping
his nose close to the earth lest he should be betrayed to the hounds by his
breath and hoofs When all was in vain and he found the hounds coming fast in
upon him his own strength failing his mouth embossed with foam and the tears
dropping from his eyes he turned in despair upon his pursuers who then stood
at gaze making an hideous clamour and awaiting their twofooted auxiliaries
Of these it chanced that the Lady Eleanor taking more pleasure in the sport
than Matilda and being a less burden to her palfrey than the Lord Boteler was
the first who arrived at spot and taking a crossbow from an attendant
discharged a bolt at the stag When the infuriated animal felt himself wounded
he pushed franticly towards her from whom he had received the shaft and Lady
Eleanor might have had occasion to repent of her enterprise had not young
Fitzallen who had kept near her during the whole day at that instant galloped
briskly in and ere the stag could change his object of assault dispatched him
with his short hunting sword
Albert Drawslot who had just come up in terror for the young ladys safety
broke out into loud encomiums upon Fitzallens strength and gallantry »Byr
Lady« said he taking off his cap and wiping his sunburnt face with his
sleeve »well struck and in good time But now boys doff your bonnets and
sound the mort«
The sportsmen then sounded a treble mort and set up a general whoop which
mingled with the yelping of the dogs made the welkin ring again The huntsman
then offered his knife to Lord Boteler that he might take the say of the deer
but the Baron courteously insisted upon Fitzallen going through that ceremony
The Lady Matilda was now come up with most of the attendants and the interest
of the chase being ended it excited some surprise that neither St Clere nor
his sister made their appearance The Lord Boteler commanded the horns again to
sound the recheat in hopes to call in the stragglers and said to Fitzallen
»Methinks St Clere so distinguished for service in war should have been more
forward in the chase«
»I trow« said Peter Lanaret »I know the reason of the noble lords
absence for when that mooncalf Gregory hallooed the dogs upon the knobbler
and galloped like a green hilding as he is after them I saw the Lady Emmas
palfrey follow apace after that varlet who should be trashed for overrunning
and I think her noble brother has followed her lest she should come to harm
But here by the rood is Gregory to answer for himself«
At this moment Gregory entered the circle which had been formed round the
deer out of breath and his face covered with blood He kept for some time
uttering inarticulate cries of »Harrow« and »Wellaway« and other exclamations
of distress and terror pointing all the while to a thicket at some distance
from the spot where the deer had been killed
»By my honour« said the Baron »I would gladly know who has dared to array
the poor knave thus and I trust he should dearly abye his outrecuidance were
he the best save one in England«
Gregory who had now found more breath cried »Help an ye be men Save
Lady Emma and her brother whom they are murdering in Brockenhurst thicket«
This put all in motion Lord Boteler hastily commanded a small party of his
men to abide for the defence of the ladies while he himself Fitzallen and the
rest made what speed they could towards the thicket guided by Gregory who for
that purpose was mounted behind Fabian Pushing through a narrow path the first
object they encountered was a man of small stature lying on the ground mastered
and almost strangled by two dogs which were instantly recognised to be those
that had accompanied Gregory A little farther was an open space where lay
three bodies of dead or wounded men beside these was Lady Emma apparently
lifeless her brother and a young forester bending over and endeavouring to
recover her By employing the usual remedies this was soon accomplished while
Lord Boteler astonished at such a scene anxiously inquired at St Clere the
meaning of what he saw and whether more danger was to be expected
»For the present I trust not« said the young warrior who they now
observed was slightly wounded »but I pray you of your nobleness let the woods
here be searched for we were assaulted by four of these base assassins and I
see three only on the sward«
The attendants now brought forward the person whom they had rescued from the
dogs and Henry with disgust shame and astonishment recognised his kinsman
Gaston St Clere This discovery he communicated in a whisper to Lord Boteler
who commanded the prisoner to be conveyed to QueenhooHall and closely guarded
meanwhile he anxiously inquired of young St Clere about his wound
»A scratch a trifle« cried Henry »I am in less haste to bind it than to
introduce to you one without whose aid that of the leech would have come too
late Where is he where is my brave deliverer«
»Here most noble lord« said Gregory sliding from his palfrey and
stepping forward »ready to receive the guerdon which your bounty would heap on
him«
»Truly friend Gregory« answered the young warrior »thou shalt not be
forgotten for thou didst run speedily and roar manfully for aid without
which I think verily we had not received it But the brave forester who
came to my rescue when these three ruffians had nigh overpowered me where is
he«
Every one looked around but though all had seen him on entering the
thicket he was not now to be found They could only conjecture that he had
retired during the confusion occasioned by the detention of Gaston
»Seek not for him« said the Lady Emma who had now in some degree recovered
her composure »he will not be found of mortal unless at his own season«
The Baron convinced from this answer that her terror had for the time
somewhat disturbed her reason forbore to question her and Matilda and Eleanor
to whom a message had been despatched with the result of this strange adventure
arriving they took the Lady Emma between them and all in a body returned to
the castle
The distance was however considerable and before reaching it they had
another alarm The prickers who rode foremost in the troop halted and
announced to the Lord Boteler that they perceived advancing towards them a body
of armed men The followers of the Baron were numerous but they were arrayed
for the chase not for battle and it was with great pleasure that he discerned
on the pennon of the advancing body of menatarms instead of the cognizance of
Gaston as he had some reason to expect the friendly bearings of Fitzosborne of
Diggswell the same young lord who was present at the Maygames with Fitzallen
of Marden The knight himself advanced sheathed in armour and without raising
his visor informed Lord Boteler that having heard of a base attempt made upon
a part of his train by ruffianly assassins he had mounted and armed a small
party of his retainers to escort them to QueenhooHall Having received and
accepted an invitation to attend them thither they prosecuted their journey in
confidence and security and arrived safe at home without any further accident
Chapter Fifth
Investigation of the Adventure of the Hunting A Discovery Gregorys Manhood
Fate of Gaston St Clere Conclusion
So soon as they arrived at the princely mansion of Boteler the Lady Emma craved
permission to retire to her chamber that she might compose her spirits after
the terror she had undergone Henry St Clere in a few words proceeded to
explain the adventure to the curious audience »I had no sooner seen my sisters
palfrey in spite of her endeavours to the contrary entering with spirit into
the chase set on foot by the worshipful Gregory than I rode after to give her
assistance So long was the chase that when the greyhounds pulled down the
knobbler we were out of hearing of your bugles and having rewarded and coupled
the dogs I gave them to be led by the jester and we wandered in quest of our
company whom it would seem the sport had led in a different direction At
length passing through the thicket where you found us I was surprised by a
crossbow bolt whizzing past mine head I drew my sword and rushed into the
thicket but was instantly assailed by two ruffians while other two made
towards my sister and Gregory The poor knave fled crying for help pursued by
my false kinsman now your prisoner and the designs of the other on my poor
Emma murderous no doubt were prevented by the sudden apparition of a brave
woodsman who after a short encounter stretched the miscreant at his feet and
came to my assistance I was already slightly wounded and nearly overlaid with
odds The combat lasted some time for the caitiffs were both well armed
strong and desperate at length however we had each mastered our antagonist
when your retinue my Lord Boteler arrived to my relief So ends my story but
by my knighthood I would give an earls ransom for an opportunity of thanking
the gallant forester by whose aid I live to tell it«
»Fear not« said Lord Boteler »he shall be found if this or the four
adjacent counties hold him And now Lord Fitzosborne will be pleased to doff
the armour he has so kindly assumed for our sakes and we will all bowne
ourselves for the banquet«
When the hour of dinner approached the Lady Matilda and her cousin visited
the chamber of the fair Darcy They found her in a composed but melancholy
posture She turned the discourse upon the misfortunes of her life and hinted
that having recovered her brother and seeing him look forward to the society of
one who would amply repay to him the loss of hers she had thoughts of
dedicating her remaining life to Heaven by whose providential interference it
had been so often preserved
Matilda coloured deeply at something in this speech and her cousin
inveighed loudly against Emmas resolution »Ah my dear Lady Eleanor« replied
she »I have today witnessed what I cannot but judge a supernatural visitation
and to what end can it call me but to give myself to the altar That peasant who
guided me to Baddow through the Park of Danbury the same who appeared before me
at different times and in different forms during that eventful journey that
youth whose features are imprinted on my memory is the very individual
forester who this day rescued us in the forest I cannot be mistaken and
connecting these marvellous appearances with the spectre which I saw while at
Gay Bowers I cannot resist the conviction that Heaven has permitted my guardian
angel to assume mortal shape for my relief and protection«
The fair cousins after exchanging looks which implied a fear that her mind
was wandering answered her in soothing terms and finally prevailed upon her to
accompany them to the banquetinghall Here the first person they encountered
was the Baron Fitzosborne of Diggswell now divested of his armour at the sight
of whom the Lady Emma changed colour and exclaiming »It is the same« sunk
senseless into the arms of Matilda
»She is bewildered by the terrors of the day« said Eleanor »and we have
done ill in obliging her to descend«
»And I« said Fitzosborne »have done madly in presenting before her one
whose presence must recall moments the most alarming in her life«
While the ladies supported Emma from the hall Lord Boteler and St Clere
requested an explanation from Fitzosborne of the words he had used
»Trust me gentle lords« said the Baron of Diggswell »ye shall have what
ye demand when I learn that Lady Emma Darcy has not suffered from my
imprudence«
At this moment Lady Matilda returning said that her fair friend on her
recovery had calmly and deliberately insisted that she had seen Fitzosborne
before in the most dangerous crisis of her life
»I dread« said she »her disordered mind connects all that her eye beholds
with the terrible passages that she has witnessed«
»Nay« said Fitzosborne »if noble St Clere can pardon the unauthorised
interest which with the purest and most honourable intentions I have taken in
his sisters fate it is easy for me to explain this mysterious impression«
He proceeded to say that happening to be in the hostelry called the
Griffin near Baddow while upon a journey in that country he had met with the
old nurse of the Lady Emma Darcy who being just expelled from Gay Bowers was
in the height of her grief and indignation and made loud and public
proclamation of Lady Emmas wrongs From the description she gave of the beauty
of her fosterchild as well as from the spirit of chivalry Fitzosborne became
interested in her fate This interest was deeply enhanced when by a bribe to
old Gaunt the Reve he procured a view of the Lady Emma as she walked near the
castle of Gay Bowers The aged churl refused to give him access to the castle
yet dropped some hints as if he thought the lady in danger and wished she were
well out of it His master he said had heard she had a brother in life and
since that deprived him of all chance of gaining her domains by purchase he
in short Gaunt wished they were safely separated »If any injury« quoth he
»should happen to the damsel here it were ill for us all I tried by an
innocent stratagem to frighten her from the castle by introducing a figure
through a trapdoor and warning her as if by a voice from the dead to retreat
from thence but the giglet is wilful and is running upon her fate«
Finding Gaunt although covetous and communicative too faithful a servant
to his wicked master to take any active steps against his commands Fitzosborne
applied himself to old Ursely whom he found more tractable Through her he
learned the dreadful plot Gaston had laid to rid himself of his kinswoman and
resolved to effect her deliverance But aware of the delicacy of Emmas
situation he charged Ursely to conceal from her the interest he took in her
distress resolving to watch over her in disguise until he saw her in a place of
safety Hence the appearance he made before her in various dresses during her
journey in the course of which he was never far distant and he had always four
stout yeomen within hearing of his bugle had assistance been necessary When
she was placed in safety at the lodge it was Fitzosbornes intention to have
prevailed upon his sisters to visit and take her under their protection but he
found them absent from Diggswell having gone to attend an aged relation who lay
dangerously ill in a distant county They did not return until the day before
the Maygames and the other events followed too rapidly to permit Fitzosborne
to lay any plan for introducing them to Lady Emma Darcy On the day of the chase
he resolved to preserve his romantic disguise and attend the Lady Emma as a
forester partly to have the pleasure of being near her and partly to judge
whether according to an idle report in the country she favoured his friend and
comrade Fitzallen of Marden This last motive it may easily be believed he did
not declare to the company After the skirmish with the ruffians he waited till
the Baron and the hunters arrived and then still doubting the farther designs
of Gaston hastened to his castle to arm the band which had escorted them to
QueenhooHall
Fitzosbornes story being finished he received the thanks of all the
company particularly of St Clere who felt deeply the respectful delicacy with
which he had conducted himself towards his sister The lady was carefully
informed of her obligations to him and it is left to the welljudging reader
whether even the raillery of Lady Eleanor made her regret that Heaven had only
employed natural means for her security and that the guardian angel was
converted into a handsome gallant and enamoured knight
The joy of the company in the hall extended itself to the buttery where
Gregory the jester narrated such feats of arms done by himself in the fray of
the morning as might have shamed Bevis and Guy of Warwick He was according to
his narrative singled out for destruction by the gigantic Baron himself while
he abandoned to meaner hands the destruction of St Clere and Fitzosborne
»But certes« said he »the foul paynim met his match for ever as he
foined at me with his brand I parried his blows with my bauble and closing
with him upon the third veny threw him to the ground and made him cry recreant
to an unarmed man«
»Tush man« said Drawslot »thou forgettest thy best auxiliaries the good
greyhounds Help and Holdfast I warrant thee that when the humpbacked Baron
caught thee by the cowl which he hath almost torn off thou hadst been in a
fair plight had they not remembered an old friend and come in to the rescue
Why man I found them fastened on him myself and there was odd staving and
stickling to make them ware haunch Their mouths were full of the flex for I
pulled a piece of the garment from their jaws I warrant thee that when they
brought him to the ground thou fledst like a frighted pricket«
»And as for Gregorys gigantic paynim« said Fabian »why he lies yonder in
the guardroom the very size shape and colour of a spider in a yewhedge«
»It is false« said Gregory »Colbrand the Dane was a dwarf to him«
»It is as true« returned Fabian »as that the Tasker is to be married on
Tuesday to Pretty Margery Gregory thy sheet hath brought them between a pair
of blankets«
»I care no more for such a gillflirt« said the Jester »than I do for thy
leasings Marry thou hopomythumb happy wouldst thou be could thy head reach
the captive Barons girdle«
»By the mass« said Peter Lanaret »I will have one peep at this burly
gallant« and leaving the buttery he went to the guardroom where Gaston St
Clere was confined A manatarms who kept sentinel on the strong studded door
of the apartment said he believed he slept for that after raging stamping
and uttering the most horrid imprecations he had been of late perfectly still
The Falconer gently drew back a sliding board of a foot square towards the top
of the door which covered a hole of the same size strongly latticed through
which the warder without opening the door could look in upon his prisoner
From this aperture he beheld the wretched Gaston suspended by the neck by his
own girdle to an iron ring in the side of his prison He had clambered to it by
means of the table on which his food had been placed and in the agonies of
shame and disappointed malice had adopted this mode of ridding himself of a
wretched life He was found yet warm but totally lifeless A proper account of
the manner of his death was drawn up and certified He was buried that evening
in the chapel of the castle out of respect to his high birth and the chaplain
of Fitzallen of Marden who said the service upon the occasion preached the
next Sunday an excellent sermon upon the text Radix malorum est cupiditas
which we have here transcribed
Here the manuscript from which we have painfully transcribed and
frequently as it were translated this tale for the readers edification is
so indistinct and defaced that excepting certain howbeits nathlesses lo
yes etc we can pick out little that is intelligible saving that avarice is
defined »a likourishness of heart after earthly things« A little farther there
seems to have been a gay account of Margerys wedding with Ralph the Tasker the
running at the quintain and other rural games practised on the occasion There
are also fragments of a mock sermon preached by Gregory upon that occasion as
for example
»My dear cursed caitiffs there was once a king and he wedded a young old
queen and she had a child and this child was sent to Solomon the Sage praying
he would give it the same blessing which he got from the witch of Endor when she
bit him by the heel Hereof speaks the worthy Dr Radigundus Potator why should
not mass be said for all the roasted shoe souls served up in the kings dish on
Saturday for true it is that St Peter asked father Adam as they journeyed to
Camelot an high great and doubtful question Adam Adam why eatedst thou the
apple without paring«99
With much goodly gibberish to the same effect which display of Gregorys
ready wit not only threw the whole company into convulsions of laughter but
made such an impression on Rose the Potters daughter that it was thought it
would be the Jesters own fault if Jack was long without his Jill Much pithy
matter concerning the bringing the bride to bed the loosing the bridegrooms
points the scramble which ensued for them and the casting of the stocking is
also omitted from its obscurity
The following song which has been since borrowed by the worshipful author
of the famous »History of Fryar Bacon« has been with difficulty deciphered It
seems to have been sung on occasion of carrying home the bride
Bridal Song
To the tune of »I have been a Fiddler« etc
And did you not hear of a mirth befell
The morrow after a wedding day
And carrying a bride at home to dwell
And away to Tewin away away
The quintain was set and the garlands were made
Tis pity old customs should ever decay
And wo be to him that was horsed on a jade
For he carried no credit away away
We met a concert of fiddle dedees
We set them a cockhorse and made them play
The winning of Bullen and Upseyfrees
And away to Tewin away away
There was neer a lad in all the parish
That would go to the plough that day
But on his forehorse his wench he carries
And away to Tewin away away
The butler was quick and the ale he did tap
The maidens did make the chamber full gay
The servants did give me a fuddling cup
And I did carryt away away
The smith of the town his liquor so took
That he was persuaded that the ground looked blue
And I dare boldly be sworn on a book
Such smiths as he theres but a few
A posset was made and the women did sip
And simpering said they could eat no more
Full many a maiden was laid on the lip
Ill say no more but give oer give oer
But what our fair readers will chiefly regret is the loss of three declarations
of love the first by St Clere to Matilda which with the ladys answer
occupies fifteen closelywritten pages of manuscript That of Fitzosborne to
Emma is not much shorter but the amours of Fitzallen and Eleanor being of a
less romantic cast are closed in three pages only The three noble couples were
married in QueenhooHall upon the same day being the twentieth Sunday after
Easter There is a prolix account of the marriagefeast of which we can pick
out the names of a few dishes such as peterel crane sturgeon swan etc
etc with a profusion of wildfowl and venison We also see that a suitable song
was produced by Peretto on the occasion and that the bishop who blessed the
bridal beds which received the happy couples was no niggard of his holy water
bestowing halfagallon upon each of the couches We regret we cannot give these
curiosities to the reader in detail but we hope to expose the manuscript to
abler antiquaries so soon as it shall be framed and glazed by the ingenious
artist who rendered that service to Mr Irelands Shakspeare MSS And so being
unable to lay aside the style to which our pen is habituated gentle reader we
bid thee heartily farewell
No III
Anecdote of School Days
Upon Which Mr Thomas Scott Proposed to Found a Tale of Fiction
It is well known in the South that there is little or no boxing at the Scottish
schools About forty or fifty years ago however a far more dangerous mode of
fighting in parties or factions was permitted in the streets of Edinburgh to
the great disgrace of the police and danger of the parties concerned These
parties were generally formed from the quarters of the town in which the
combatants resided those of a particular square or district fighting against
those of an adjoining one Hence it happened that the children of the higher
classes were often pitted against those of the lower each taking their side
according to the residence of their friends So far as I recollect however it
was unmingled either with feelings of democracy or aristocracy or indeed with
malice or illwill of any kind towards the opposite party In fact it was only
a rough mode of play Such contests were however maintained with great vigour
with stones and sticks and fisticuffs when one party dared to charge and the
other stood their ground Of course mischief sometimes happened boys are said
to have been killed at these Bickers as they were called and serious accidents
certainly took place as many contemporaries can bear witness
The Authors father residing in George Square in the southern side of
Edinburgh the boys belonging to that family with others in the square were
arranged into a sort of company to which a lady of distinction presented a
handsome set of colours Now this company or regiment as a matter of course
was engaged in weekly warfare with the boys inhabiting the Crosscauseway Bristo
Street the Potterrow in short the neighbouring suburbs These last were
chiefly of the lower rank but hardy loons who threw stones to a
hairsbreadth and were very rugged antagonists at close quarters The skirmish
sometimes lasted for a whole evening until one party or the other was
victorious when if ours were successful we drove the enemy to their quarters
and were usually chased back by the reinforcement of bigger lads who came to
their assistance If on the contrary we were pursued as was often the case
into the precincts of our square we were in our turn supported by our elder
brothers domestic servants and similar auxiliaries
It followed from our frequent opposition to each other that though not
knowing the names of our enemies we were yet well acquainted with their
appearance and had nicknames for the most remarkable of them One very active
and spirited boy might be considered as the principal leader in the cohort of
the suburbs He was I suppose thirteen or fourteen years old finelymade
tall blueeyed with long fair hair the very picture of a youthful Goth This
lad was always first in the charge and last in the retreat the Achilles at
once and Ajax of the Crosscauseway He was too formidable to us not to have a
cognomen and like that of a knight of old it was taken from the most
remarkable part of his dress being a pair of old green livery breeches which
was the principal part of his clothing for like Pentapolin according to Don
Quixotes account GreenBreeks as we called him always entered the battle
with bare arms legs and feet
It fell that once upon a time when the combat was at the thickest this
plebeian champion headed a sudden charge so rapid and furious that all fled
before him He was several paces before his comrades and had actually laid his
hands on the patrician standard when one of our party whom some misjudging
friend had entrusted with a couteau de chasse or hanger inspired with a zeal
for the honour of the corps worthy of Major Sturgeon himself struck poor
GreenBreeks over the head with strength sufficient to cut him down When this
was seen the casualty was so far beyond what had ever taken place before that
both parties fled different ways leaving poor GreenBreeks with his bright
hair plentifully dabbled in blood to the care of the watchman who honest man
took care not to know who had done the mischief The bloody hanger was flung
into one of the Meadow ditches and solemn secrecy was sworn on all hands but
the remorse and terror of the actor were beyond all bounds and his
apprehensions of the most dreadful character The wounded hero was for a few
days in the Infirmary the case being only a trifling one But though inquiry
was strongly pressed on him no argument could make him indicate the person from
whom he had received the wound though he must have been perfectly well known to
him When he recovered and was dismissed the Author and his brothers opened a
communication with him through the medium of a popular gingerbread baker of
whom both parties were customers in order to tender a subsidy in name of
smartmoney The sum would excite ridicule were I to name it but sure I am
that the pockets of the noted GreenBreeks never held as much money of his own
He declined the remittance saying that he would not sell his blood but at the
same time reprobated the idea of being an informer which he said was clam ie
base or mean With much urgency he accepted a pound of snuff for the use of some
old woman aunt grandmother or the like with whom he lived We did not
become friends for the bickers were more agreeable to both parties than any
more pacific amusement but we conducted them ever after under mutual assurances
of the highest consideration of each other
Such was the hero whom Mr Thomas Scott proposed to carry to Canada and
involve in adventures with the natives and colonists of that country Perhaps
the youthful generosity of the lad will not seem so great in the eyes of others
as to those whom it was the means of screening from severe rebuke and
punishment But it seemed to those concerned to argue a nobleness of sentiment
far beyond the pitch of most minds and however obscurely the lad who showed
such a frame of noble spirit may have lived or died I cannot help being of
opinion that if fortune had placed him in circumstances calling for gallantry
or generosity the man would have fulfilled the promises of the boy Long
afterwards when the story was told to my father he censured us severely for
not telling the truth at the time that he might have attempted to be of use to
the young man in entering on life But our alarms for the consequences of the
drawn sword and the wound inflicted with such a weapon were far too
predominant at the time for such a pitch of generosity
Perhaps I ought not to have inserted this schoolboy tale but besides the
strong impression made by the incident at the time the whole accompaniments of
the story are matters to me of solemn and sad recollection Of all the little
band who were concerned in those juvenile sports or brawls I can scarce
recollect a single survivor Some left the ranks of mimic war to die in the
active service of their country Many sought distant lands to return no more
Others dispersed in different paths of life »my dim eyes now seek for in
vain« Of five brothers all healthy and promising in a degree far beyond one
whose infancy was visited by personal infirmity and whose health after this
period seemed long very precarious I am nevertheless the only survivor The
best loved and the best deserving to be loved who had destined this incident
to be the foundation of literary composition died »before his day« in a distant
and foreign land and trifles assume an importance not their own when connected
with those who have been loved and lost
Appendix
To Introduction 1829 p 20
The mutual protection afforded by Waverley and Talbot to each other upon which
the whole plot depends is founded upon one of those anecdotes which soften the
features even of civil war and as it is equally honourable to the memory of
both parties we have no hesitation to give their names at length When the
Highlanders on the morning of the battle of Preston 1745 made their memorable
attack on Sir John Copes army a battery of four fieldpieces was stormed and
carried by the Camerons and the Stewarts of Appine The late Alexander Stewart
of Invernahyle was one of the foremost in the charge and observing an officer
of the Kings forces who scorning to join the flight of all around remained
with his sword in his hand as if determined to the very last to defend the post
assigned to him the Highland gentleman commanded him to surrender and received
for reply a thrust which he caught in his target The officer was now
defenceless and the battleaxe of a gigantic Highlander the miller of
Invernahyles mill was uplifted to dash his brains out when Mr Stewart with
difficulty prevailed on him to yield He took charge of his enemys property
protected his person and finally obtained him liberty on his parole The
officer proved to be Colonel Whitefoord an Ayrshire gentleman of high character
and influence and warmly attached to the House of Hanover yet such was the
confidence existing between these two honourable men though of different
political principles that while the civil war was raging and straggling
officers from the Highland army were executed without mercy Invernahyle
hesitated not to pay his late captive a visit as he returned to the Highlands to
raise fresh recruits on which occasion he spent a day or two in Ayrshire among
Colonel Whitefoords Whig friends as pleasantly and as goodhumouredly as if
all had been at peace around him
After the battle of Culloden had ruined the hopes of Charles Edward and
dispersed his proscribed adherents it was Colonel Whitefoords turn to strain
every nerve to obtain Mr Stewarts pardon He went to the Lord JusticeClerk
to the Lord Advocate and to all the officers of state and each application was
answered by the production of a list in which Invernahyle as the good old
gentleman was wont to express it appeared »marked with the sign of the beast«
as a subject unfit for favour or pardon
At length Colonel Whitefoord applied to the Duke of Cumberland in person
From him also he received a positive refusal He then limited his request for
the present to a protection for Stewarts house wife children and property
This was also refused by the Duke on which Colonel Whitefoord taking his
commission from his bosom laid it on the table before his Royal Highness with
much emotion and asked permission to retire from the service of a sovereign who
did not know how to spare a vanquished enemy The Duke was struck and even
affected He bade the Colonel take up his commission and granted the protection
he required It was issued just in time to save the house corn and cattle at
Invernahyle from the troops who were engaged in laying waste what it was the
fashion to call »the country of the enemy« A small encampment of soldiers was
formed on Invernahyles property which they spared while plundering the country
around and searching in every direction for the leaders of the insurrection
and for Stewart in particular He was much nearer them than they suspected for
hidden in a cave like the Baron of Bradwardine he lay for many days so near
the English sentinels that he could hear their musterroll called His food was
brought to him by one of his daughters a child of eight years old whom Mrs
Stewart was under the necessity of entrusting with this commission for her own
motions and those of all her elder inmates were closely watched With
ingenuity beyond her years the child used to stray about among the soldiers
who were rather kind to her and thus seize the moment when she was unobserved
and steal into the thicket when she deposited whatever small store of
provisions she had in charge at some marked spot where her father might find
it Invernahyle supported life for several weeks by means of these precarious
supplies and as he had been wounded in the battle of Culloden the hardships
which he endured were aggravated by great bodily pain After the soldiers had
removed their quarters he had another remarkable escape
As he now ventured to his own house at night and left it in the morning he
was espied during the dawn by a party of the enemy who fired at and pursued
him The fugitive being fortunate enough to escape their search they returned
to the house and charged the family with harbouring one of the proscribed
traitors An old woman had presence of mind enough to maintain that the man they
had seen was the shepherd »Why did he not stop when we called to him« said the
soldier »He is as deaf poor man as a peatstack« answered the readywitted
domestic »Let him be sent for directly« The real shepherd accordingly was
brought from the hill and as there was time to tutor him by the way he was as
deaf when he made his appearance as was necessary to sustain his character
Invernahyle was afterwards pardoned under the Act of Indemnity
The Author knew him well and has often heard these circumstances from his
own mouth He was a noble specimen of the old Highlander far descended
gallant courteous and brave even to chivalry He had been out I believe in
1715 and 1745 was an active partaker in all the stirring scenes which passed in
the Highlands betwixt these memorable eras and I have heard was remarkable
among other exploits for having fought a duel with the broadsword with the
celebrated Rob Roy MacGregor at the Clachan of Balquhidder
Invernahyle chanced to be in Edinburgh when Paul Jones came into the Firth
of Forth and though then an old man I saw him in arms and heard him exult to
use his own words in the prospect of »drawing his claymore once more before he
died« In fact on that memorable occasion when the capital of Scotland was
menaced by three trifling sloops or brigs scarce fit to have sacked a fishing
village he was the only man who seemed to propose a plan of resistance He
offered to the magistrates if broadswords and dirks could be obtained to find
as many Highlanders among the lower classes as would cut off any boats crew who
might be sent into a town full of narrow and winding passages in which they
were likely to disperse in quest of plunder I know not if his plan was attended
to I rather think it seemed too hazardous to the constituted authorities who
might not even at that time desire to see arms in Highland hands A steady and
powerful west wind settled the matter by sweeping Paul Jones and his vessels
out of the Firth
If there is something degrading in this recollection it is not unpleasant
to compare it with those of the last war when Edinburgh besides regular forces
and militia furnished a volunteer brigade of cavalry infantry and artillery
to the amount of six thousand men and upwards which was in readiness to meet
and repel a force of a far more formidable description than was commanded by the
adventurous American Time and circumstances change the character of nations and
the fate of cities and it is some pride to a Scotchman to reflect that the
independent and manly character of a country willing to entrust its own
protection to the arms of its children after having been obscured for
halfacentury has during the course of his own lifetime recovered its
lustre
Notes
1 A homely metrical narrative of the events of the period which contains some
striking particulars and is still a great favourite with the lower classes
gives a very correct statement of the behaviour of the mountaineers respecting
this same military license and as the verses are little known and contain some
good sense we venture to insert them
The Authors Address to All in General
Now gentle readers I have let you ken
My very thoughts from heart and pen
Tis needless for to conten
Or yet controule
For theres not a word ot I can men
So ye must thole
For on both sides some were not good
I saw them murdring in cold blood
Not the gentlemen but wild and rude
The baser sort
Who to the wounded had no mood
But murdring sport
Evn both at Preston and Falkirk
That fatal night ere it grew mirk
Piercing the wounded with their durk
Caused many cry
Such pitys shown from Savage and Turk
As peace to die
A woe be to such hot zeal
To smite the wounded on the fiell
Its just they got such groats in kail
Who do the same
It only teaches crueltys real
To them again
Ive seen the men calld Highland Rogues
With Lowland men make shangs a brogs
Sup kail and brose and fling the cogs
Out at the door
Take cocks hens sheep and hogs
And pay nought for
I saw a Highlander twas right drole
With a string of puddings hung on a pole
Whippd oer his shoulder skipped like a fole
Causd Maggy bann
Lap oer the midden and middenhole
And aff he ran
When checkd for this theyd often tell ye
Indeed her nainsells a tume belly
Youll no giet wanting bought nor sell me
Hersell will haet
Go tell King Shorge and Shordys Willie
Ill hae a meat
I saw the soldiers at Lintonbrig
Because the man was not a Whig
Of meat and drink leave not a skig
Within his door
They burnt his very hat and wig
And thumpd him sore
And through the Highlands they were so rude
As leave them neither clothes nor food
Then burnt their houses to conclude
Twas tit for tat
How can her nainsell eer be good
To think on that
And after all O shame and grief
To use some worse than murdring thief
Their very gentleman and chief
Unhumanly
Like Popish tortures I believe
Such cruelty
Evn what was act on open stage
At Carlisle in the hottest rage
When mercy was clapt in a cage
And pity dead
Such cruelty approvd by every age
I shook my head
So many to curse so few to pray
And some aloud huzza did cry
They cursed the rebel Scots that day
As theyd been nowt
Brought up for slaughter as that way
Too many rowt
Therefore alas dear countrymen
O never do the like again
To thirst for vengeance never ben
Your gun nor pa
But with the English een borrow and len
Let anger fa
There boasts and bullying not worth a louse
As our Kings the best about the house
Tis aye good to be sober and douce
To live in peace
For many I see for being oer crouse
Gets broken face
2 Letters on the Author of Waverley Rodwell amp Martin London 1822
3 Alas that attire respectable and gentlemanlike in 1805 or thereabouts is
now as antiquated as the Author of Waverley has himself become since that
period The reader of fashion will please to fill up the costume with an
embroidered waistcoat of purple velvet or silk and a coat of whatever colour he
pleases
4 The precise date 1745 was withheld from the original edition lest it should
anticipate the nature of the tale by announcing so remarkable an era
5 Where the Chevalier Saint George or as he was termed the Old Pretender
held his exiled court as his situation compelled him to shift his place of
residence
6 Long the oracle of the country gentlemen of the high Tory party The ancient
NewsLetter was written in manuscript and copied by clerks who addressed the
copies to the subscribers The politician by whom they were compiled picked up
his intelligence at coffeehouses and often pleaded for an additional gratuity
in consideration of the extra expense attached to frequenting such places of
fashionable resort
7 There is a family legend to this purpose belonging to the knightly family of
Bradshaigh the proprietors of Haighhall in Lancashire where I have been
told the event is recorded on a painted glass window The German ballad of the
»Noble Moringer« turns upon a similar topic But undoubtedly many such incidents
may have taken place where the distance being great and the intercourse
infrequent false reports concerning the fate of the absent Crusaders must have
been commonly circulated and sometimes perhaps rather hastily credited at home
8 See Hoppners Tale of The Seven Lovers
9 These Introductory Chapters have been a good deal censured as tedious and
unnecessary Yet there are circumstances recorded in them which the author has
not been able to persuade himself to retract or cancel
10 The attachment to this classic was it is said actually displayed in the
manner mentioned in the text by an unfortunate Jacobite in that unhappy period
He escaped from the jail in which he was confined for a hasty trial and certain
condemnation and was retaken as he hovered around the place in which he had
been imprisoned for which he could give no better reason than the hope of
recovering his favourite Titus Livius I am sorry to add that the simplicity of
such a character was found to form no apology for his guilt as a rebel and that
he was condemned and executed
11 Nicholas Amhurst a noted political writer who conducted for many years a
paper called the Craftsman under the assumed name of Caleb dAnvers He was
devoted to the Tory interest and seconded with much ability the attacks of
Pulteney on Sir Robert Walpole He died in 1742 neglected by his great patrons
and in the most miserable circumstances
»Amhurst survived the downfall of Walpoles power and had reason to expect a
reward for his labours If we excuse Bolingbroke who had only saved the
shipwreck of his fortunes we shall be at a loss to justify Pulteney who could
with ease have given this man a considerable income The utmost of his
generosity to Amhurst that I ever heard of was a hogshead of claret He died
it is supposed of a broken heart and was buried at the charge of his honest
printer Richard Franklin« Lord Chesterfields Characters Reviewed p 42
12 I have now given in the text the full name of this gallant and excellent
man and proceed to copy the account of his remarkable conversion as related by
Dr Doddrige
»This memorable event« says the pious writer »happened towards the middle of
July 1719 The major had spent the evening and if I mistake not it was the
Sabbath in some gay company and had an unhappy assignation with a married
woman whom he was to attend exactly at twelve The company broke up about
eleven and not judging it convenient to anticipate the time appointed he went
into his chamber to kill the tedious hour perhaps with some amusing book or
some other way But it very accidentally happened that he took up a religious
book which his good mother or aunt had without his knowledge slipped into his
portmanteau It was called if I remember the title exactly The Christian
Soldier or Heaven taken by Storm and it was written by Mr Thomas Watson
Guessing by the title of it that he would find some phrases of his own
profession spiritualised in a manner which he thought might afford him some
diversion he resolved to dip into it but he took no serious notice of anything
it had in it and yet while this book was in his hand an impression was made
upon his mind perhaps God only knows how which drew after it a train of the
most important and happy consequences He thought he saw an unusual blaze of
light fall upon the book which he was reading which he at first imagined might
happen by some accident in the candle but lifting up his eyes he apprehended
to his extreme amazement that there was before him as it were suspended in the
air a visible representation of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross
surrounded on all sides with a glory and was impressed as if a voice or
something equivalent to a voice had come to him to this effect for he was not
confident as to the words Oh sinner did I suffer this for thee and are
these thy returns Struck with so amazing a phenomenon as this there remained
hardly any life in him so that he sunk down in the armchair in which he sat
and continued he knew not how long insensible«
»With regard to this vision« says the ingenious Dr Hibbert »the appearance of
our Saviour on the cross and the awful words repeated can be considered in no
other light than as so many recollected images of the mind, which probably had
their origin in the language of some urgent appeal to repentance that the
colonel might have casually read or heard delivered From what cause however
such ideas were rendered as vivid as actual impressions we have no information
to be depended upon This vision was certainly attended with one of the most
important of consequences connected with the Christian dispensation the
conversion of a sinner And hence no single narrative has perhaps done more to
confirm the superstitious opinion that apparitions of this awful kind cannot
arise without a divine fiat« Dr Hibbert adds in a note »A short time before
the vision Colonel Gardiner had received a severe fall from his horse Did the
brain receive some slight degree of injury from the accident so as to
predispose him to this spiritual illusion« Hibberts Philosophy of
Apparitions Edinburgh 1824 p 190
13 The courtesy of an invitation to partake a travellers meal or at least that
of being invited to share whatever liquor the guest called for was expected by
certain old landlords in Scotland even in the youth of the author In requital
mine host was always furnished with the news of the country and was probably a
little of a humourist to boot The devolution of the whole actual business and
drudgery of the inn upon the poor gudewife was very common among the Scottish
Bonifaces There was in ancient times in the city of Edinburgh a gentleman of
good family who condescended in order to gain a livelihood to become the
nominal keeper of a coffeehouse one of the first places of the kind which had
been opened in the Scottish metropolis As usual it was entirely managed by the
careful and industrious Mrs B while her husband amused himself with field
sports without troubling his head about the matter Once upon a time the
premises having taken fire the husband was met walking up the High Street
loaded with his guns and fishingrods and replied calmly to some one who
inquired after his wife »that the poor woman was trying to save a parcel of
crockery and some trumpery books« the last being those which served her to
conduct the business of the house
There were many elderly gentlemen in the authors younger days who still held
it part of the amusement of a journey »to parley with mine host« who often
resembled in his quaint humour mine Host of the Garter in the Merry Wives of
Windsor or Blague of the George in the Merry Devil of Edmonton Sometimes the
landlady took her share of entertaining the company In either case the omitting
to pay them due attention gave displeasure and perhaps brought down a smart
jest as on the following occasion
A jolly dame who not »Sixty Years since« kept the principal caravansary at
Greenlaw in Berwickshire had the honour to receive under her roof a very
worthy clergyman with three sons of the same profession each having a cure of
souls be it said in passing none of the reverend party were reckoned powerful
in the pulpit After dinner was over the worthy senior in the pride of his
heart asked Mrs Buchan whether she ever had had such a party in her house
before »Here sit I« he said »a placed minister of the Kirk of Scotland and
here sit my three sons each a placed minister of the same kirk Confess
Luckie Buchan you never had such a party in your house before« The question
was not premised by any invitation to sit down and take a glass of wine or the
like so Mrs B answered dryly »Indeed sir I cannot just say that ever I had
such a party in my house before except once in the fortyfive when I had a
Highland piper here with his three sons all Highland pipers and deil a spring
they could play amang them«
14 There is no particular mansion described under the name of TullyVeolan but
the peculiarities of the description occur in various old Scottish seats The
house of Warrender upon Bruntsfield Links and that of Old Ravelston belonging
the former to Sir George Warrender the latter to Sir Alexander Keith have both
contributed several hints to the description in the text The House of Dean
near Edinburgh has also some points of resemblance with TullyVeolan The
author has however been informed that the House of Grandtully resembles that
of the Baron of Bradwardine still more than any of the above
15 At Ravelston may be seen such a garden which the taste of the proprietor
the authors friend and kinsman Sir Alexander Keith Knight Mareschal has
judiciously preserved That as well as the house is however of smaller
dimensions than the Baron of Bradwardines mansion and garden are presumed to
have been
16 This is a genuine ancient fragment with some alteration in the last two
lines
17 I am ignorant how long the ancient and established custom of keeping fools
has been disused in England Swift writes an epitaph on the Earl of Suffolks
fool
»Whose name was Dickie Pearce«
In Scotland the custom subsisted till late in the last century At Glammis
Castle is preserved the dress of one of the jesters very handsome and
ornamented with many bells It is not above thirty years since such a character
stood by the sideboard of a nobleman of the first rank in Scotland and
occasionally mixed in the conversation till he carried the joke rather too far
in making proposals to one of the young ladies of the family and publishing the
banns betwixt her and himself in the public church
18 After the Revolution of 1688 and on some occasions when the spirit of the
Presbyterians had been unusually animated against their opponents the Episcopal
clergymen who were chiefly nonjurors were exposed to be mobbed as we should
now say or rabbled as the phrase then went to expiate their political
heresies But notwithstanding that the Presbyterians had the persecution in
Charles II and his brothers time to exasperate them there was little
mischief done beyond the kind of petty violence mentioned in the text
19 Southeys Madoc
20 I may here mention that the fashion of compotation described in the text
was still occasionally practised in Scotland in the authors youth A company
after having taken leave of their host often went to finish the evening at the
clachan or village in »womb of tavern« Their entertainer always accompanied
them to take the stirrupcup which often occasioned a long and late revel
The Poculum Potatorium of the valiant Baron his blessed Bear has a prototype
at the fine old Castle of Glammis so rich in memorials of ancient times it is
a massive beaker of silver double gilt moulded into the shape of a lion and
holding about an English pint of wine The form alludes to the family name of
Strathmore which is Lyon and when exhibited the cup must necessarily be
emptied to the Earls health The author ought perhaps to be ashamed of
recording that he has had the honour of swallowing the contents of the Lion and
the recollection of the feat served to suggest the story of the Bear of
Bradwardine In the family of Scott of Thirlestane not Thirlestane in the
Forest but the place of the same name in Roxburghshire was long preserved a
cup of the same kind in the form of a jackboot Each guest was obliged to empty
this at his departure If the guests name was Scott the necessity was doubly
imperative
When the landlord of an inn presented his guests with deoch an doruis that is
the drink at the door or the stirrupcup the draught was not charged in the
reckoning On this point a learned Bailie of the town of Forfar pronounced a
very sound judgement
A an alewife in Forfar had brewed her »peck of malt« and set the liquor out
of doors to cool the cow of B a neighbour of A chanced to come by and
seeing the good beverage was allured to taste it and finally to drink it up
When A came to take in her liquor she found the tub empty and from the cows
staggering and staring so as to betray her intemperance she easily divined the
mode in which her »browst« had disappeared To take vengeance on Crummies ribs
with a stick was her first effort The roaring of the cow brought B her
master who remonstrated with his angry neighbour and received in reply a
demand for the value of the ale which Crummie had drunk up B refused payment
and was conveyed before C the Bailie or sitting Magistrate He heard the case
patiently and then demanded of the plaintiff A whether the cow had sat down
to her potation or taken it standing The plantiff answered she had not seen
the deed committed but she supposed the cow drank the ale standing on her feet
adding that had she been near she would have made her use them to some
purpose The Bailie on this admission solemnly adjudged the cows drink to be
deoch an doruis a stirrupcup for which no charge could be made without
violating the ancient hospitality of Scotland
21 This has been censured as an anachronism and it must be confessed that
agriculture of this kind was unknown to the Scotch Sixty Years since
22 Suum cuique This snatch of a ballad was composed by Andrew MacDonald the
ingenious and unfortunate author of Vimonda
23 The learned in cookery dissent from the Baron of Bradwardine and hold the
roevenison dry and indifferent food unless when dressed in soup and Scotch
collops
24 A barefooted Highland lad is called a gilliewetfoot Gillie in general
means servant or attendant
25 The Baron ought to have remembered that the joyous Allan literally drew his
blood from the house of the noble Earl whom he terms
Dalhousie of an old descent
My stoup my pride my ornament
26 The story last told was said to have happened in the south of Scotland but
cedant arma togoe and let the gown have its dues It was an old clergyman who
had wisdom and firmness enough to resist the panic which seized his brethren
who was the means of rescuing a poor insane creature from the cruel fate which
would otherwise have overtaken her The accounts of the trials for witchcraft
form one of the most deplorable chapters in Scottish story
27 Although canting heraldry is generally reprobated it seems nevertheless to
have been adopted in the arms and mottoes of many honourable families Thus the
motto of the Vernons Ver non semper viret is a perfect pun and so is that of
the Onslows Festina lente The Periissem ni periissem of the Anstruthers is
liable to a similar objection One of that ancient race finding that an
antagonist with whom he had fixed a friendly meeting was determined to take
the opportunity of assassinating him prevented the hazard by dashing out his
brains with a battleaxe Two sturdy arms brandishing such a weapon form the
usual crest of the family with the above motto Periissem ni periissem I
had died unless I had gone through with it
28 A creagh was an incursion for plunder termed on the Borders a raid
29 Sorners may be translated sturdy beggars more especially indicating those
unwelcome visitors who exact lodgings and victuals by force or some thing
approaching to it
30 MacDonald of Barrisdale one of the very last Highland gentlemen who carried
on the plundering system to any great extent was a scholar and a wellbred
gentleman He engraved on his broadswords the wellknown lines
Hæc tibi erunt artes pacisque imponere morem
Parcere subjectis et debellare superbos
Indeed the levying of blackmail was before 1745 practised by several chiefs
of very high rank who in doing so contended that they were lending the laws
the assistance of their arms and swords and affording a protection which could
not be obtained from the magistracy in the disturbed state of the country The
author has seen a memoir of MacPherson of Cluny chief of that ancient clan
from which it appears that he levied protectionmoney to a very large amount
which was willingly paid even by some of his most powerful neighbours A
gentleman of this clan hearing a clergyman hold forth to his congregation on the
crime of theft interrupted the preacher to assure him he might leave the
enforcement of such doctrines to Cluny MacPherson whose broadsword would put a
stop to theft sooner than all the sermons of all the ministers of the synod
31 The Townguard of Edinburgh were till a late period armed with this weapon
when on their police duty There was a hook at the back of the axe which the
ancient Highlanders used to assist them to climb over walls fixing the hook
upon it and raising themselves by the handle The axe which was also much used
by the natives of Ireland is supposed to have been introduced into both
countries from Scandinavia
32 Pronounced Bane Lane
33 The sidier roy were used to distinguish the regular regiments from the
independent companies raised to protect the peace of the Highlands These last
were called sidier dhu ie black soldier and the 42d Regiment which was
formed out of these independent companies is still called the Black Watch from
the dark colour of the tartans
34 A freebooter of Aberdeenshire see Percy Reliquies
35 It is not the weeping birch the most common species in the Highlands but
the woollyleaved Lowland birch that is distinguished by this fragrance
36 An adventure very similar to what is here stated actually befel the late
Mr Abercromby of Tullibody grandfather of the present Lord Abercromby and
father of the celebrated Sir Ralph When this gentleman who lived to a very
advanced period of life first settled in Stirlingshire his cattle were
repeatedly driven off by the celebrated Rob Roy or some of his gang and at
length he was obliged after obtaining a proper safeconduct to make the
Cateran such a visit as that of Waverley to Bean Lean in the text Rob received
him with much courtesy and made many apologies for the accident which must
have happened he said through some mistake Mr Abercromby was regaled with
collops from two of his own cattle which were hung up by the heels in the
cavern and was dismissed in perfect safety after having agreed to pay in
future a small sum of blackmail in consideration of which Rob Roy not only
undertook to forbear his herds in future but to replace any that should be
stolen from him by other freebooters Mr Abercromby said Rob Roy affected to
consider him as a friend to the Jacobite interest and a sincere enemy to the
Union Neither of these circumstances were true but the laird thought it quite
unnecessary to undeceive his Highland host at the risk of bringing on a
political dispute in such a situation This anecdote I received many years since
about 1792 from the mouth of the venerable gentleman who was concerned in it
37 This was the regale presented by Rob Roy to the Laird of Tullibody
38 This celebrated gibbet was in the memory of the last generation still
standing at the western end of the town of Crieff in Perthshire Why it was
called the kind gallows we are unable to inform the reader with certainty but
it is alleged that the Highlanders used to touch their bonnets as they passed a
place which had been fatal to many of their countrymen with the ejaculation
»God bless her nain sell and the Teil tamn you« It may therefore have been
called kind as being a sort of native or kindred place of doom to those who
suffered there as in fulfilment of a natural destiny
39 The story of the bridegroom carried off by Caterans on his bridalday is
taken from one which was told to the author by the late Laird of MacNab many
years since To carry off persons from the Lowlands and to put them to ransom
was a common practice with the wild Highlanders as it is said to be at the
present day with the banditti in the south of Italy Upon the occasion alluded
to a party of Caterans carried off the bridegroom and secreted him in some
cave near the mountain of Schehallion The young man caught the smallpox before
his ransom could be agreed on and whether it was the fine cool air of the
place or the want of medical attendance MacNab did not pretend to be
positive but so it was that the prisoner recovered his ransom was paid and
he was restored to his friends and bride but always considered the Highland
robbers as having saved his life by their treatment of his malady
40 The Scotch are liberal in computing their land and liquor the Scottish pint
corresponds to two English quarts As for their coin every one knows the
couplet
»How can the rogues pretend to sense
Their pound is only twenty pence«
41 This happened on many occasions Indeed it was not till after the total
destruction of the clan influence after 1745 that purchasers could be found
who offered a fair price for the estates forfeited in 1715 which were then
brought to sale by the creditors of the YorkBuildings Company who had
purchased the whole or greater part from Government at a very small price
Even so late as the period first mentioned the prejudices of the public in
favour of the heirs of the forfeited families threw various impediments in the
way of intending purchasers of such property
42 This sort of political game ascribed to MacIvor was in reality played by
several Highland chiefs the celebrated Lord Lovat in particular who used that
kind of finesse to the uttermost The Laird of Mac was also captain of an
independent company but valued the sweets of present pay too well to incur the
risk of losing them in the Jacobite cause His martial consort raised his clan
and headed it in 1745 But the chief himself would have nothing to do with
kingmaking declaring himself for that monarch and no other who gave the
Laird of Mac »halfaguinea the day and halfaguinea the morn«
43 In explanation of the military exercise observed at the Castle of
Glennaquoich the author begs to remark that the Highlanders were not only well
practised in the use of the broadsword firelock and most of the manly sports
and trials of strength common throughout Scotland but also used a peculiar
sort of drill suited to their own dress and mode of warfare There were for
instance different modes of disposing the plaid one when on a peaceful
journey another when danger was apprehended one way of enveloping themselves
in it when expecting undisturbed repose and another which enabled them to start
up with sword and pistol in hand on the slightest alarm
Previous to 1720 or thereabouts the belted plaid was universally worn in
which the portion which surrounded the middle of the wearer and that which was
flung around his shoulders were all of the same piece of tartan In a desperate
onset all was thrown away and the clan charged bare beneath the doublet save
for an artificial arrangement of the shirt which like that of the Irish was
always ample and for the sporranmollach or goatsskin purse
The manner of handling the pistol and dirk was also part of the Highland manual
exercise which the author has seen gone through by men who had learned it in
their youth
44 Pork or swines flesh in any shape was till of late years much abominated
by the Scotch nor is it yet a favourite food amongst them King Jamie carried
this prejudice to England and is known to have abhorred pork almost as much as
he did tobacco Ben Jonson has recorded this peculiarity where the gipsy in a
masque examining the kings hand says
»You should by this line
Love a horse and a hound but no part of a swine«
The Gipsies Metamorphosed
Jamess own proposed banquet for the devil was a loin of pork and a poll of
ling with a pipe of tobacco for digestion
45 In the number of persons of all ranks who assembled at the same table though
by no means to discuss the same fare the Highland Chiefs only retained a custom
which had been formerly universally observed throughout Scotland »I myself«
says the traveller Fynes Morrison in the end of Queen Elizabeths reign the
scene being the Lowlands of Scotland »was at a knights house who had many
servants to attend him that brought in his meat with their heads covered with
blue caps the table being more than half furnished with great platters of
porridge each having a little piece of sodden meat And when the table was
served the servants did sit down with us but the upper mess instead of
porridge had a pullet with some prunes in the broth« Travels p 155
Till within this last century the farmers even of a respectable condition
dined with their workpeople The difference betwixt those of high degree was
ascertained by the place of the party above or below the salt or sometimes by a
line drawn with chalk on the diningtable Lord Lovat who knew well how to feed
the vanity and restrain the appetites of his clansmen allowed each sturdy
Fraser who had the slightest pretension to be a Duinhéwassel the full honour
of the sitting but at the same time took care that his young kinsmen did not
acquire at his table any taste for outlandish luxuries His Lordship was always
ready with some honourable apology why foreign wines and French brandy
delicacies which he conceived might sap the hardy habits of his cousins should
not circulate past an assigned point on the table
46 In the Irish ballads relating to Fion the Fingal of MacPherson there
occurs as in the primitive poetry of most nations a cycle of heroes each of
whom has some distinguishing attribute upon these qualities and the adventures
of those possessing them many proverbs are formed which are still current in
the Highlands Among other characters Conan is distinguished as in some
respects a kind of Thersites but brave and daring even to rashness He had made
a vow that he would never take a blow without returning it and having like
other heroes of antiquity descended to the infernal regions he received a cuff
from the Archfiend who presided there which he instantly returned using the
expression in the text Sometimes the proverb is worded thus »Claw for claw
and the devil take the shortest nails as Conan said to the devil«
47 The Highland poet almost always was an improvisatore Captain Burt author of
Letters from the North of Scotland met one of them at Lovats table
48 The description of the waterfall mentioned in this chapter is taken from that
of Ledeard at the farm so called on the northern side of Lochard and near the
head of the Lake four or five miles from Aberfoyle It is upon a small scale
but otherwise one of the most exquisite cascades it is possible to behold The
appearance of Flora with the harp as described has been justly censured as too
theatrical and affected for the ladylike simplicity of her character But
something may be allowed to her French education in which point and striking
effect always make a considerable object
49 The young and daring adventurer Charles Edward landed at Glenaladale in
Moidart and displayed his standard in the valley of Glenfinnan mustering
around it the MacDonalds the Camerons and other less numerous clans whom he
had prevailed on to join him There is a monument erected on the spot with a
Latin inscription by the late Dr Gregory
50 The Marquis of Tullihardines elder brother who long exiled returned to
Scotland with Charles Edward in 1745
51 Good sooth I reck not of your Helicon
Drink water whoso will in faith I will drink none
52 This ancient Gaelic ditty is still well known both in the Highlands and in
Ireland It was translated into English and published if I mistake not under
the auspices of the facetious Tom DUrfey by the title of »Colley my Cow«
53 The thrust from the tynes or branches of the stags horns was accounted
far more dangerous than those of the boars tusk
If thou be hurt with horn of stag it brings thee to thy bier
But barbers hand shall boars hurt heal thereof have thou no fear
54 This garb which resembled the dress often put on children in Scotland
called a polonie ie polonaise is a very ancient modification of the
Highland garb It was in fact the hauberk or shirt of mail only composed of
cloth instead of rings of armour
55 Old Highlanders will still make the deasil around those whom they wish well
to To go round a person in the opposite direction or withershins German
widershins is unlucky and a sort of incantation
56 This metrical spell or something very like it is preserved by Reginald
Scott in his work on Witchcraft
57 On the morrow they made their biers
Of birch and hazel grey Chevy Chase
58 The Author has been sometimes accused of confounding fiction with reality He
therefore thinks it necessary to state that the circumstances of the hunting
described in the text as preparatory to the insurrection of 1745 is so far as
he knows entirely imaginary But it is well known such a great hunting was held
in the Forest of Braemar under the auspices of the Earl of Mar as preparatory
to the Rebellion of 1715 and most of the Highland Chieftains who afterwards
engaged in that civil commotion were present on this occasion
59 Corresponding to the Lowland saying »Mony ane speirs the gate they ken fu
weel«
60 See Don Quixota
61 These lines form the burden of an old song to which Burns wrote additional
verses
62 These lines are also ancient and I believe to the tune of
»Well never hae peace till Jamie comes hame«
to which Burns likewise wrote some verses
63 A Highland rhyme on Glencairns Expedition in 1650 has these lines
Well bide a while among ta crows
Well wiske ta sword and bend ta bows
64 The Oggam is a species of the old Irish character The idea of the
correspondence betwixt the Celtic and Punic founded on a scene in Plautus was
not started till General Vallancey set up his theory long after the date of
Fergus MacIvor
65 The sanguine Jacobites during the eventful years 17456 kept up the spirits
of their party by the rumour of descents from France on behalf of the Chevalier
St George
66 The Highlander in former times had always a high idea of his own gentility
and was anxious to impress the same upon those with whom he conversed His
language abounded in the phrases of courtesy and compliment and the habit of
carrying arms and mixing with those who did so made it particularly desirable
they should use cautious politeness in their intercourse with each other
67 The Rev John Erskine DD an eminent Scottish divine and a most excellent
man headed the Evangelical party in the Church of Scotland at the time when the
celebrated Dr Robertson the historian was the leader of the Moderate party
These two distinguished persons were colleagues in the Old GreyFriars Church
Edinburgh and however much they differed in church politics preserved the
most perfect harmony as private friends and as clergymen serving the same cure
68 The clan of MacFarlane occupying the fastnesses of the western side of Loch
Lomond were great depredators on the Low Country and as their excursions were
made usually by night the moon was proverbially called their lantern Their
celebrated pibroch of Hoggil nam Bo which is the name of their gathering tune
intimates similar practices the sense being
We are bound to drive the bullocks
All by hollows hirsts and hillocks
Through the sleet and through the rain
When the moon is beaming low
On frozen lake and hills of snow
Bold and heartily we go
And all for little gain
69 This noble ruin is dear to my recollection from associations which have been
long and painfully broken It holds a commanding station on the banks of the
river Teith and has been one of the largest castles in Scotland Murdock Duke
of Albany the founder of this stately pile was beheaded on the Castlehill of
Stirling from which he might see the towers of Doune the monument of his
fallen greatness
In 17456 as stated in the text a garrison on the part of the Chevalier was
put into the castle then less ruinous than at present It was commanded by Mr
Stewart of Balloch as governor for Prince Charles he was a man of property
near Callander This castle became at that time the actual scene of a romantic
escape made by John Home the author of Douglas and some other prisoners who
having been taken at the battle of Falkirk were confined there by the
insurgents The poet who had in his own mind a large stock of that romantic and
enthusiastic spirit of adventure which he has described as animating the
youthful hero of his drama devised and undertook the perilous enterprise of
escaping from his prison He inspired his companions with his sentiments and
when every attempt at open force was deemed hopeless they resolved to twist
their bedclothes into ropes and thus to descend Four persons with Home
himself reached the ground in safety But the rope broke with the fifth who
was a tall lusty man The sixth was Thomas Barrow a brave young Englishman a
particular friend of Homes Determined to take the risk even in such
unfavourable circumstances Barrow committed himself to the broken rope slid
down on it as far as it could assist him and then let himself drop His friends
beneath succeeded in breaking his fall Nevertheless he dislocated his ankle
and had several of his ribs broken His companions however were able to bear
him off in safety
The Highlanders next morning sought for their prisoners with great activity An
old gentleman told the author he remembered seeing the commander Stewart
Bloody with spurring flery red with haste
riding furiously through the country in quest of the fugitives
70 The Judges of the Supreme Court of Session in Scotland are proverbially
termed among the country people The Fifteen
71 To go out or to have been out in Scotland was a conventional phrase
similar to that of the Irish respecting a man having been up both having
reference to an individual who had been engaged in insurrection It was
accounted illbreeding in Scotland about forty years since to use the phrase
rebellion or rebel which might be interpreted by some of the parties present as
a personal insult It was also esteemed more polite even for staunch Whigs to
denominate Charles Edward the Chevalier than to speak of him as the Pretender
and this kind of accommodating courtesy was usually observed in society where
individuals of each party mixed on friendly terms
72 The Jacobite sentiments were general among the western counties and in
Wales But although the great families of the Wynnes the Wyndhams and others
had come under an actual obligation to join Prince Charles if he should land
they had done so under the express stipulation that he should be assisted by an
auxiliary army of French without which they foresaw the enterprise would be
desperate Wishing well to his cause therefore and watching an opportunity to
join him they did not nevertheless think themselves bound in honour to do so
as he was only supported by a body of wild mountaineers speaking an uncouth
dialect and wearing a singular dress The race up to Derby struck them with
more dread than admiration But it was difficult to say what the effect might
have been had either the battle of Preston or Falkirk being fought and won
during the advance into England
73 Divisions early showed themselves in the Chevaliers little army not only
amongst the independent chieftains who were far too proud to brook subjection
to each other but betwixt the Scotch and Charless governor OSullivan an
Irishman by birth who with some of his countrymen bred in the Irish Brigade in
the service of the King of France had an influence with the Adventurer much
resented by the Highlanders who were sensible that their own clans made the
chief or rather the only strength of his enterprise There was a feud also
between Lord George Murray and James Murray of Broughton the Princes
secretary whose disunion greatly embarrassed the affairs of the Adventurer In
general a thousand different pretensions divided their little army and finally
contributed in no small degree to its overthrow
74 The Doutelle was an armed vessel which brought a small supply of money and
arms from France for the use of the insurgents
75 Old women on whom devolved the duty of lamenting for the dead which the
Irish call keening
76 These lines or something like them occur in an old Magazine of the period
77 ie Contiguous
78 They occur in Miss Sewards fine verses beginning
To thy rock stormy Lannow adieu
79 Which is or was wont to be the old air of »Goodnight and joy be wi you
a«
80 The main body of the Highland army encamped or rather bivouacked in that
part of the Kings Park which lies towards the village of Duddingston
81 This circumstance which is historical as well as the description that
precedes it will remind the reader of the war of La Vendée in which the
royalists consisting chiefly of insurgent peasantry attached a prodigious and
even superstitious interest to the possession of a piece of brass ordnance
which they called Maria Jeanne
The Highlanders of an early period were afraid of cannon with the noise and
effect of which they were totally unacquainted It was by means of three or four
small pieces of artillery that the Earls of Huntly and Errol in James VIs
time gained a great victory at Glenlivat over a numerous Highland army
commanded by the Earl of Argyle At the battle of the Bridge of Dee General
Middleton obtained by his artillery a similar success the Highlanders not being
able to stand the discharge of MusketsMother which was the name they bestowed
on great guns In an old ballad on the battle of the Bridge of Dee these verses
occur
The Highlandmen are pretty men
For handling sword and shield
But yet they are but simple men
To stand a stricken field
The Highlandmen are pretty men
For target and claymore
But yet they are but naked men
To face the cannons roar
For the cannons roar on a summer night
Like thunder in the air
Was never man in Highland garb
Would face the cannon fair
But the Highlanders of 1745 had got far beyond the simplicity of their
forefathers and showed throughout the whole war how little they dreaded
artillery although the common people still attached some consequence to the
possession of the fieldpiece which led to this disquisition
82 Bran the wellknown dog of Fingal is often the theme of Highland proverb as
well as song
83 Scotticè for followers
84 The faithful friend who pointed out the pass by which the Highlanders moved
from Tranent to Seaton was Robert Anderson junior of Whitburgh a gentleman of
property in East Lothian He had been interrogated by the Lord George Murray
concerning the possibility of crossing the uncouth and marshy piece of ground
which divided the armies and which he described as impracticable When
dismissed he recollected that there was a circuitous path leading eastward
through the marsh into the plain by which the Highlanders might turn the flank
of Sir John Copes position without being exposed to the enemys fire Having
mentioned his opinion to Mr Hepburn of Keith who instantly saw its importance
he was encouraged by that gentleman to awake Lord George Murray and communicate
the idea to him Lord George received the information with grateful thanks and
instantly awakened Prince Charles who was sleeping in the field with a bunch of
peas under his head The Adventurer received with alacrity the news that there
was a possibility of bringing an excellently provided army to a decisive battle
with his own irregular forces His joy on the occasion was not very consistent
with the charge of cowardice brought against him by Chevalier Johnstone a
discontented follower whose Memoirs possess at least as much of a romantic as a
historical character Even by the account of the Chevalier himself the Prince
was at the head of the second line of the Highland army during the battle of
which he says »It was gained with such rapidity that in the second line where
I was still by the side of the Prince we saw no other enemy than those who were
lying on the ground killed and wounded though we were not more than fifty paces
behind our first line running always as fast as we could to overtake them«
This passage in the Chevaliers Memoirs places the Prince within fifty paces of
the heat of the battle a position which would never have been the choice of one
unwilling to take a share of its dangers Indeed unless the chiefs had complied
with the young Adventurers proposal to lead the van in person it does not
appear that he could have been deeper in the action
85 The death of this good Christian and gallant man is thus given by his
affectionate biographer Dr Doddridge from the evidence of eyewitnesses
»He continued all night under arms wrapped up in his cloak and generally
sheltered under a rick of barley which happened to be in the field About three
in the morning he called his domestic servants to him of which there were four
in waiting He dismissed three of them with most affectionate Christian advice
and such solemn charges relating to the performance of their duty and the care
of their souls as seemed plainly to intimate that he apprehended it was at
least very probable he was taking his last farewell of them There is great
reason to believe that he spent the little remainder of the time which could
not be much above an hour in those devout exercises of soul which had been so
long habitual to him and to which so many circumstances did then concur to call
him The army was alarmed by break of day by the noise of the rebels approach
and the attack was made before sunrise yet when it was light enough to discern
what passed As soon as the enemy came within gunshot they made a furious fire
and it is said that the dragoons which constituted the left wing immediately
fled The Colonel at the beginning of the onset which in the whole lasted but a
few minutes received a wound by a bullet in his left breast which made him
give a sudden spring in his saddle upon which his servant who led the horse
would have persuaded him to retreat but he said it was only a wound in the
flesh and fought on though he presently after received a shot in his right
thigh In the meantime it was discerned that some of the enemy fell by him and
particularly one man who had made him a treacherous visit but a few days
before with great profession of zeal for the present establishment
Events of this kind pass in less time than the description of them can be
written or than it can be read The Colonel was for a few moments supported by
his men and particularly by that worthy person LieutenantColonel Whitney who
was shot through the arm here and a few months after fell nobly at the battle
of Falkirk and by Lieutenant West a man of distinguished bravery as also by
about fifteen dragoons who stood by him to the last But after a faint fire
the regiment in general was seized with a panic and though their Colonel and
some other gallant officers did what they could to rally them once or twice
they at last took a precipitate flight And just in the moment when Colonel
Gardiner seemed to be making a pause to deliberate what duty required him to do
in such circumstances an accident happened which must I think in the
judgment of every worthy and generous man be allowed a sufficient apology for
exposing his life to so great hazard when his regiment had left him He saw a
party of the foot who were then bravely fighting near him and whom he was
ordered to support had no officer to head them upon which he said eagerly in
the hearing of the person from whom I had this account These brave fellows will
be cut to pieces for want of a commander or words to that effect which while
he was speaking he rode up to them and cried out Fire on my lads and fear
nothing But just as the words were out of his mouth a Highlander advanced
towards him with a scythe fastened to a long pole with which he gave him so
dreadful a wound on his right arm that his sword dropped out of his hand and
at the same time several others coming about him while he was thus dreadfully
entangled with that cruel weapon he was dragged off from his horse The moment
he fell another Highlander who if the kings evidence at Carlisle may be
credited as I know not why they should not though the unhappy creature died
denying it was one MacNaught who was executed about a year after gave him a
stroke either with a broadsword or a Lochaberaxe for my informant could not
exactly distinguish on the hinder part of his head which was the mortal blow
All that his faithful attendant saw further at this time was that as his hat
was falling off he took it in his left hand and waved it as a signal to him to
retreat and added what were the last words he ever heard him speak Take care
of yourself upon which the servant retired«
Some remarkable Passages in the Life of Colonel James Gardiner by P Doddridge
DD London 1747 p 187
I may remark on this extract that it confirms the account given in the text of
the resistance offered by some of the English infantry Surprised by a force of
a peculiar and unusual description their opposition could not be long or
formidable especially as they were deserted by the cavalry and those who
undertook to manage the artillery But although the affair was soon decided I
have always understood that many of the infantry showed an inclination to do
their duty
86 It is scarcely necessary to say that the character of this brutal young Laird
is entirely imaginary A gentleman however who resembled Balmawhapple in the
article of courage only fell at Preston in the manner described A Perthshire
gentleman of high honour and respectability one of the handful of cavalry who
followed the fortunes of Charles Edward pursued the fugitive dragoons almost
alone till near Saint Clements Wells where the efforts of some of the officers
had prevailed on a few of them to make a momentary stand Perceiving at this
moment that they were pursued by only one man and a couple of servants they
turned upon him and cut him down with their swords I remember when a child
sitting on his grave where the grass long grew rank and green distinguishing
it from the rest of the field A female of the family then residing at Saint
Clements Wells used to tell me the tragedy of which she had been an eyewitness
and showed me in evidence one of the silver clasps of the unfortunate
gentlemans waistcoat
87 Charles Edward took up his quarters after the battle at Pinkiehouse
adjoining to Musselburgh
88 The name of Andrea di Ferrara is inscribed on all the Scottish broadswords
which are accounted of peculiar excellence Who this artist was what were his
fortunes and when he flourished have hitherto defied the research of
antiquaries only it is in general believed that Andrea di Ferrara was a Spanish
or Italian artificer brought over by James IV or V to instruct the Scots in
the manufacture of sword blades Most barbarous nations excel in the fabrication
of arms and the Scots had attained great proficiency in forging swords so
early as the field of Pinkie at which period the historian Patten describes
them as »all notably broad and thin universally made to slice and of such
exceeding good temper that as I never saw any so good so I think it hard to
devise better« Account of Somersets Expedition
It may be observed that the best and most genuine Andrea Ferraras have a crown
marked on the blades
89 The clergymans name was MacVicar Protected by the cannon of the Castle he
preached every Sunday in the West Kirk while the Highlanders were in possession
of Edinburgh and it was in presence of some of the Jacobites that he prayed for
Prince Charles Edward in the terms quoted in the text
90 The incident here said to have happened to Flora MacIvor actually befell
Miss Nairne a lady with whom the author had the pleasure of being acquainted
As the Highland army rushed into Edinburgh Miss Nairne like other ladies who
approved of their cause stood waving her handkerchief from a balcony when a
ball from a Highlanders musket which was discharged by accident grazed her
forehead »Thank God« said she the instant she recovered »that the accident
happened to me whose principles are known Had it befallen a Whig they would
have said it was done on purpose«
91 Henry Sacheverell DD was a violent highchurchman who in 1710 was
impeached for an attack made on the Godolphin Whig ministry He afterwards
became very popular
92 The Author of Waverley has been charged with painting the young Adventurer in
colours more amiable than his character deserved But having known many
individuals who were near his person he has been described according to the
light in which those eyewitnesses saw his temper and qualifications Something
must be allowed no doubt to the natural exaggerations of those who remembered
him as the bold and adventurous Prince in whose cause they had braved death and
ruin but is their evidence to give place entirely to that of a single
malcontent
I have already noticed the imputations thrown by the Chevalier Johnstone on the
Princes courage But some part at least of that gentlemans tale is purely
romantic It would not for instance be supposed that at the time he is
favouring us with the highlywrought account of his amour with the adorable
Peggie the Chevalier Johnstone was a married man whose grandchild is now
alive or that the whole circumstantial story concerning the outrageous
vengeance taken by Gordon of Abbachie on a Presbyterian clergyman is entirely
apocryphal At the same time it may be admitted that the Prince like others of
his family did not esteem the services done him by his adherents so highly as
he ought Educated in high ideas of his hereditary right he has been supposed
to have held every exertion and sacrifice made in his cause as too much the duty
of the person making it to merit extravagant gratitude on his part Dr Kings
evidence which his leaving the Jacobite interest renders somewhat doubtful
goes to strengthen this opinion
The ingenious editor of Johnstones Memoirs has quoted a story said to be told
by Helvetius stating that Prince Charles Edward far from voluntarily embarking
on his daring expedition was literally bound hand and foot and to which he
seems disposed to yield credit Now it being a fact as well known as any in his
history and so far as I know entirely undisputed that the Princes personal
entreaties and urgency positively forced Boisdale and Lochiel into insurrection
when they were earnestly desirous that he would put off his attempt until he
could obtain a sufficient force from France it will be very difficult to
reconcile his alleged reluctance to undertake the expedition with his
desperately insisting on carrying the rising into effect against the advice and
entreaty of his most powerful and most sage partisans Surely a man who had been
carried bound on board the vessel which brought him to so desperate an
enterprise would have taken the opportunity afforded by the reluctance of his
partisans to return to France in safety
It is averred in Johnstones Memoirs that Charles Edward left the field of
Culloden without doing the utmost to dispute the victory and to give the
evidence on both sides there is in existence the more trustworthy testimony of
Lord Elcho who states that he himself earnestly exhorted the Prince to charge
at the head of the left wing which was entire and retrieve the day or die with
honour And on his counsel being declined Lord Elcho took leave of him with a
bitter execration swearing he would never look on his face again and kept his
word
On the other hand it seems to have been the opinion of almost all the other
officers that the day was irretrievably lost one wing of the Highlanders being
entirely routed the rest of the army outnumbered outflanked and in a
condition totally hopeless In this situation of things the Irish officers who
surrounded Charless person interfered to force him off the field A cornet who
was close to the Prince left a strong attestation that he had seen Sir Thomas
Sheridan seize the bridle of his horse and turn him round There is some
discrepancy of evidence but the opinion of Lord Elcho a man of fiery temper
and desperate at the ruin which he beheld impending cannot fairly be taken in
prejudice of a character for courage which is intimated by the nature of the
enterprise itself by the Princes eagerness to fight on all occasions by his
determination to advance from Derby to London and by the presence of mind which
he manifested during the romantic perils of his escape The Author is far from
claiming for this unfortunate person the praise due to splendid talents but he
continues to be of opinion that at the period of his enterprise he had a mind
capable of facing danger and aspiring to fame
That Charles Edward had the advantages of a graceful presence courtesy and an
address and manner becoming his station the author never heard disputed by any
who approached his person nor does he conceive that these qualities are
overcharged in the present attempt to sketch his portrait The following
extracts corroborative of the general opinion respecting the Princes amiable
disposition are taken from a manuscript account of his romantic expedition by
James Maxwell of Kirkconnell of which I possess a copy by the friendship of J
Menzies Esq of Pitfoddells The author though partial to the Prince whom he
faithfully followed seems to have been a fair and candid man and well
acquainted with the intrigues among the Adventurers council
»Everybody was mightily taken with the Princes figure and personal behaviour
There was but one voice about them Those whom interest or prejudice made a
runaway to his cause could not help acknowledging that they wished him well in
all other respects and could hardly blame him for his present undertaking
Sundry things had concurred to raise his character to the highest pitch besides
the greatness of the enterprise and the conduct that had hitherto appeared in
the execution of it There were several instances of goodnature and humanity
that had made a great impression on peoples minds I shall confine myself to
two or three Immediately after the battle as the Prince was riding along the
ground that Copes army had occupied a few minutes before one of the officers
came up to congratulate him and said pointing to the killed Sir there are
your enemies at your feet The Prince far from exulting expressed a great deal
of compassion for his fathers deluded subjects whom he declared he was
heartily sorry to see in that posture Next day while the Prince was at
Pinkiehouse a citizen of Edinburgh came to make some representation to
Secretary Murray about the tents that city was ordered to furnish against a
certain day Murray happened to be out of the way which the Prince hearing of
called to have the gentleman brought to him saying he would rather despatch
the business whatever it was himself than have the gentleman wait which he
did by granting everything that was asked So much affability in a young
prince flushed with victory drew encomiums even from his enemies But what
gave the people the highest idea of him was the negative he gave to a thing
that very nearly concerned his interest and upon which the success of his
enterprise perhaps depended It was proposed to send one of the prisoners to
London to demand of that court a cartel for the exchange of prisoners taken
and to be taken during this war and to intimate that a refusal would be looked
upon as a resolution on their part to give no quarter It was visible a cartel
would be of great advantage to the Princes affairs his friends would be more
ready to declare for him if they had nothing to fear but the chance of war in
the field and if the court of London refused to settle a cartel the Prince was
authorised to treat his prisoners in the same manner the Elector of Hanover was
determined to treat such of the Princes friends as might fall into his hands
it was urged that a few examples would compel the court of London to comply It
was to be presumed that the officers of the English army would make a point of
it They had never engaged in the service but upon such terms as are in use
among all civilised nations and it could be no stain upon their honour to lay
down their commissions if these terms were not observed and that owing to the
obstinacy of their own Prince Though this scheme was plausible and represented
as very important the Prince could never be brought into it it was below him
he said to make empty threats and he would never put such as those into
execution he would never in cold blood take away lives which he had saved in
heat of action at the peril of his own These were not the only proofs of good
nature the Prince gave about this time Every day produced something new of this
kind These things softened the rigour of a military government which was only
imputed to the necessity of his affairs and which he endeavoured to make as
gentle and easy as possible«
It has been said that the Prince sometimes exacted more state and ceremonial
than seemed to suit his condition but on the other hand some strictness of
etiquette was altogether indispensable where he must otherwise have been exposed
to general intrusion He could also endure with a good grace the retorts which
his affectation of ceremony sometimes exposed him to It is said for example
that Grant of Glenmoriston having made a hasty march to join Charles at the
head of his clan rushed into the Princes presence at Holyrood with
unceremonious haste without having attended to the duties of the toilet The
Prince received him kindly but not without a hint that a previous interview
with the barber might not have been wholly unnecessary »It is not beardless
boys« answered the displeased Chief »who are to do your Royal Highnesss
turn« The Chevalier took the rebuke in good part
On the whole if Prince Charles had concluded his life soon after his miraculous
escape his character in history must have stood very high As it was his
station is amongst those a certain brilliant portion of whose life forms a
remarkable contrast to all which precedes and all which follows it
93 The following account of the skirmish at Clifton is extracted from the
manuscript Memoirs of Evan Macpherson of Cluny Chief of the clan Macpherson
who had the merit of supporting the principal brunt of that spirited affair The
Memoirs appear to have been composed about 1755 only ten years after the action
had taken place They were written in France where that gallant Chief resided
in exile which accounts for some Gallicisms which occur in the narrative
»In the Princes return from Derby back towards Scotland my Lord George Murray
LieutenantGeneral cheerfully chargd himself with the command of the rear a
post which altho honourable was attended with great danger many
difficulties and no small fatigue for the Prince being apprehensive that his
retreat to Scotland might be cut off by Marischall Wade who lay to the
northward of him with an armie much supperior to what HRH had while the Duke
of Comberland with his whole cavalrie followed hard in the rear was obliged to
hasten his marches It was not therefore possible for the artilirie to march
so fast as the Princes armie in the depth of winter extremely bad weather
and the worst roads in England so Lord George Murray was obliged often to
continue his marches long after it was dark almost every night while at the
same time he had frequent allarms and disturbances from the Duke of Comberlands
advancd parties Towards the evening of the twentieeight December 1745 the
Prince entered the town of Penrith in the province of Comberland But as Lord
George Murray could not bring up the artilirie so fast as he woud have wishd
he was obliged to pass the night six miles short of that town together with the
regiment of MacDonel of Glengarrie which that day happened to have the arrear
guard The Prince in order to refresh his armie and to give My Lord George and
the artilirie time to come up resolved to sejour the 29th at Penrith so
ordered his little army to appear in the morning under arms in order to be
reviewed and to know in what manner the numbers stood from his haveing entered
England It did not at that time amount to 5000 foot in all with about 400
cavalrie composed of the noblesse who servd as volunteers part of whom formd
a first troop of guards for the Prince under the command of My Lord Elchoe now
Comte de Weems who being proscribed is presently in France Another part
formed a second troup of guards under the command of My Lord Balmirino who was
beheaded at the Tower of London A third part servd under My Lord le Comte de
Kilmarnock who was likewise beheaded at the Tower A fourth part servd under
My Lord Pitsligow who is also proscribed which cavalrie tho very few in
numbers being all Noblesse were very brave and of infinite advantage to the
foot not only in the day of battle but in serving as advanced guards on the
several marches and in patroling dureing the night on the different roads which
led towards the towns where the army happened to quarter
While this small army was out in a body on the 29th December upon a rising
ground to the northward of Penrith passing review Mons de Cluny with his
tribe was ordered to the Bridge of Clifton about a mile to southward of
Penrith after having passd in review before Mons Patullo who was charged with
the inspection of the troops and was likewise QuarterMaster General of the
army and is now in France They remained under arms at the Bridge waiting the
arrival of My Lord George Murray with the artilirie whom Mons de Cluny had
orders to cover in passing the bridge They arrived about sunsett closely
pursued by the Duke of Comberland with the whole body of his cavalrie reckoned
upwards of 3000 strong about a thousand of whom as near as might be computed
dismounted in order to cut off the passage of the artilirie towards the bridge
while the Duke and the others remained on horseback in order to attack the rear
My Lord George Murray advanced and although he found Mons de Cluny and his
tribe in good spirits under arms yet the circumstance appeard extremely
delicate The numbers were vastly unequall and the attack seemd very
dangerous so My Lord George declind giving orders to such time as he askd
Mons de Clunys oppinion I will attack them with all my heart says Mons de
Cluny if you order me I do order it then answered My Lord George and
immediately went on himself along with Mons de Cluny and fought sword in hand
on foot at the head of the single tribe of Macphersons They in a moment made
their way through a strong hedge of thorns under the cover whereof the cavalrie
had taken their station in the struggle of passing which hedge My Lord George
Murray being dressed en montagnard as all the army were lost his bonet and
wig so continued to fight bearheaded during the action They at first made a
brisk discharge of their firearms on the enemy then attacked them with their
sabres and made a great slaughter a considerable time which obliged Comberland
and his cavalrie to fly with precipitation and in great confusion in so much
that if the Prince had been provided in a sufficient number of cavalrie to have
taken advantage of the disorder it is beyond question that the Duke of
Comberland and the bulk of his cavalrie had been taken prisoners By this time
it was so dark that it was not possible to view or number the slain who filled
all the ditches which happened to be on the ground where they stood But it was
computed that besides those who went off wounded upwards of a hundred at least
were left on the spot among whom was Colonel Honeywood who commanded the
dismounted cavalrie whose sabre of considerable value Mons de Cluny brought
off and still preserves and his tribe lykeways brought off many arms the
Colonel was afterwards taken up and his wounds being dressd with great
difficultie recovered Mons de Cluny lost only in the action twelve men of
whom some haveing been only wounded fell afterwards into the hands of the
enemy and were sent as slaves to America whence several of them returned and
one of them is now in France a serjeant in the Regiment of Royal Scots How
soon the accounts of the enemies approach had reached the Prince HRH had
immediately ordered MiLord le Comte de Nairne Brigadier who being
proscribed is now in France with the three batalions of the Duke of Athol the
batalion of the Duke of Perth and some other troups under his command in order
to support Cluny and to bring off the artilirie But the action was intirely
over before the Comte de Nairne with his command coud reach nigh to the
place They therefore returnd all to Penrith and the artilirie marched up in
good order Nor did the Duke of Comberland ever afterwards dare to come within a
days march of the Prince and his army dureing the course of all that retreat
which was conducted with great prudence and safety when in some manner
surrounded by enemies«
94 As the heathen deities contracted an indelible obligation if they swore by
Styx the Scottish Highlanders had usually some peculiar solemnity attached to
an oath which they intended should be binding on them Very frequently it
consisted in laying their hand as they swore on their own drawn dirk which
dagger becoming a party to the transaction was invoked to punish any breach of
faith But by whatever ritual the oath was sanctioned the party was extremely
desirous to keep secret what the especial oath was which he considered as
irrevocable This was a matter of great convenience as he felt no scruple in
breaking his asseveration when made in any other form than that which he
accounted as peculiarly solemn and therefore readily granted any engagement
which bound him no longer than he inclined Whereas if the oath which he
accounted inviolable was once publicly known no party with whom he might have
occasion to contract would have rested satisfied with any other Louis XI of
France practised the same sophistry for he also had a peculiar species of oath
the only one which he was ever known to respect and which therefore he was
very unwilling to pledge The only engagement which that wily tyrant accounted
binding upon him was an oath by the Holy Cross of Saint Lo dAngers which
contained a portion of the True Cross If he prevaricated after taking this
oath Louis believed he should die within the year The Constable Saint Paul
being invited to a personal conference with Louis refused to meet the king
unless he would agree to ensure him safe conduct under sanction of this oath
But says Comines the king replied he would never again pledge that engagement
to mortal man though he was willing to take any other oath which could be
devised The treaty broke off therefore after much chaffering concerning the
nature of the vow which Louis was to take Such is the difference between the
dictates of superstition and those of conscience
95 A pair of chestnut trees destroyed the one entirely and the other in part
by such a mischievous and wanton act of revenge grew at Invergarry Castle the
fastness of Macdonald of Glengarry
96 The first three couplets are from an old ballad called the Border Widows
Lament
97 It is not to be supposed that these fragments are given as possessing any
intrinsic value of themselves but there may be some curiosity attached to them
as to the first etchings of a plate which are accounted interesting by those
who have in any degree been interested in the more finished works of the
artist
98 Tailliershors in modern phrase Tallyho
99 This tirade of gibberish is literally taken or selected from a mock discourse
pronounced by a professed jester which occurs in an ancient manuscript in the
Advocates Library the same from which the late ingenious Mr Weber published
the curious comic romance of the Hunting of the Hare It was introduced in
compliance with Mr Strutts plan of rendering his tale an illustration of
ancient manners A similar burlesque sermon is pronounced by the Fool in Sir
David Lindesays satire of the Three Estates The nonsense and vulgar burlesque
of that composition illustrate the ground of Sir Andrew Aguecheeks eulogy on
the exploits of the jester in Twelfth Night who reserving his sharper jests
for Sir Toby had doubtless enough of the jargon of his calling to captivate the
imbecility of his brother knight who is made to exclaim »In sooth thou wast
in very gracious fooling last night when thou spokest of Pigrogremitus and of
the vapours passing the equinoctials of Quenbus twas very good i faith« It
is entertaining to find commentators seeking to discover some meaning in the
professional jargon of such a passage as this