hearts be humbled,
and ere they accept the punishment of their iniquity. The word is gone forth
against them, I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my
Covenant. But what is done shall be done gravely, and with discretion, like that
of the worthy James Melvin, who executed judgment on the tyrant and oppressor,
Cardinal Beaton.«
    »I own to you,« replied Morton, »that I feel still more abhorrent at
cold-blooded and premeditated cruelty, than at that which is practised in the
heat of zeal and resentment.«
    »Thou art yet but a youth,« replied Balfour, »and hast not learned how light
in the balance are a few drops of blood in comparison to the weight and
importance of this great national testimony. But be not afraid, - thyself shall
vote and judge in these matters; it may be we shall see little cause to strive
together anent them.« With this concession Morton was compelled to be satisfied
for the present; and Burley left him, advising him to lie down and get some
rest, as the host would probably move in the morning.
    »And you,« answered Morton, - »do not you go to rest also?«
    »No,« said Burley; »my eyes must not yet know slumber. This is no work to be
done lightly. I have yet to perfect the choosing of the committee of leaders,
and I will call you by times in the morning, to be present at their
consultation.«
    He turned away, and left Morton to his repose.
    The place in which he found himself was not ill adapted for the purpose,
being a sheltered nook, beneath a large rock, well protected from the prevailing
wind. A quantity of moss, with which the ground was overspread, made a couch
soft enough for one who had suffered so much hardship and anxiety. Morton
wrapped himself in the horseman's cloak which he had still retained, stretched
himself on the ground, and had not long indulged in melancholy reflections on
the state of the country and upon his own condition, ere he was relieved from
them by deep and sound slumber.
    The rest of the army slept on the ground, dispersed in groups, which chose
their beds on the fields as they could best find shelter and convenience. A few
of the principal leaders held wakeful conference with Burley on the state of
their affairs, and some watchmen were appointed, who kept themselves on the
alert by chanting psalms, or listening to the exercises of the more gifted of
their number.
 

                             Chapter Twenty