 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
Chief's 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 economy.45 The bagpipers, three in
number, screamed, during the whole time of dinner, a tremendous war-tune; 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.
Mac-Ivor, 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
