The collected writings of Dougal Graham "Skellat" Bellman of Glasgow: edited with notes: Together with a Biographical and Bibliographical Introduction, and a Sketch of the Chap Literature of Scotland: by George MacGregor: In two volumes |
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| XI. | CHAP. XI. |
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 | CHAP. XI. The collected writings of Dougal Graham |  |
CHAP. XI.
Procedure of the King's men against the suspected. Confusion in the Army and severity against the Clans.
Now, the royal Duke, at Inverness,
Did the whole North fully possess,
Encamp'd, and sent his parties out
To burn and plunder round about
All the offenders, who for their crime,
Were severely punish'd at this time.
All those who were loyal and true,
Had some acknowledgement as their due.
He number'd first what he had lost,
And what his signal vict'ry cost.
Did the whole North fully possess,
Encamp'd, and sent his parties out
To burn and plunder round about
All the offenders, who for their crime,
Were severely punish'd at this time.
All those who were loyal and true,
Had some acknowledgement as their due.
He number'd first what he had lost,
And what his signal vict'ry cost.
Lord Robert Ker was 'mong the slain,
A brave captain of Barrel's men;
Of Price's reg'ment, captain Grossot
Here did fall, it was his lot,
Captain Campbell of Argyleshire men,
Was likewise found among the slain.
Near six hundred, rank and file, lay there,
Two hundred and forty wounded were.
His sole reflection was, in the chase,
The Pretender's rout he could not trace,
Any farther than that afternoon,
He drank with Lovat when all was done,
When his very tears mingl'd with wine;
But never could be catch'd sinsyne.
As some ran east, and some ran west,
To south and north in crouds they past;
Some to Argyleshire, through Kintyre,
And into Ireland flew like fire.
Tullibairn by Loch lomond came,
Fled from the battle into the flame,
Into the house of Drummiekill,
Who stood on the cross way, to kill
Those who from the battle fly,
Against all such does Moses cry,
As in the sacred Write, we read,
They're curs'd who're guilty of such deed:
Yet here was Tullibardine gripped,
When from the roaring guns escaped,
And prisoner to London led;
Yet dy'd there quietly in his bed.
A brave captain of Barrel's men;
Of Price's reg'ment, captain Grossot
Here did fall, it was his lot,
Captain Campbell of Argyleshire men,
Was likewise found among the slain.
Near six hundred, rank and file, lay there,
Two hundred and forty wounded were.
His sole reflection was, in the chase,
The Pretender's rout he could not trace,
Any farther than that afternoon,
He drank with Lovat when all was done,
When his very tears mingl'd with wine;
But never could be catch'd sinsyne.
As some ran east, and some ran west,
To south and north in crouds they past;
Some to Argyleshire, through Kintyre,
And into Ireland flew like fire.
183
Fled from the battle into the flame,
Into the house of Drummiekill,
Who stood on the cross way, to kill
Those who from the battle fly,
Against all such does Moses cry,
As in the sacred Write, we read,
They're curs'd who're guilty of such deed:
Yet here was Tullibardine gripped,
When from the roaring guns escaped,
And prisoner to London led;
Yet dy'd there quietly in his bed.
Duke William still camp'd in the north,
All was in stir beyond the Forth,
Ports, pass, and ferries guarded,
Who catch'd a rebel was well rewarded.
Few but preachers, at this day,
Were counted righteous in this way:
For where the minister said the word,
To life and liberty they're restor'd,
Resign their arms, with Mess John's line
That they were prest for to combine
To go with Charlie, and his crew,
By force control'd—Tis very true,
Most of the common men were prest,
Drove to the slaughter like a beast:
But one thing of Highlanders I see,
To them they serve they'll faithful be;
For those who serv'd King George, just here,
'Gainst the rebels proved most severe,
And rebels, who afterwards did list,
Loyaller hearts no man could trust:
And, ev'n the conquering of this field,
Unto the English I will not yield:
Had Scots and Irish run away,
They'd found it hard to gain the day;
Yet after all they 'gan to boast,
'Twas they only who rul'd the roast,
And even where in camp they lay
To upbraid the Scots, and oft did say,
Mocking the mis'ries that befel,
“These Scotsmen are but rebels all,
“For which they all should hanged be,”—
Which rous'd the Scots most veh'mentlie:
And when they did complain thereof,
Were answer'd with a mere put off:
This did enrage them still the more,
Vengeance to seek by the Clay-more,
Which all into confusion threw:
The Scots into a body drew,
Irish, by blood and love allied,
Did join unto the Scottish side.
His Grace, the Duke, perceiving this,
Into this broil most active was,
Who, as with no party he would stand;
But charg'd them by his high command,
For to be still, and silent be,
Till he'd the dispute rectifie;
Then agents from each side were chose,
Whom he in council did enclose,
Where they made a solemn act,
“That by a thousand on the back,
“Every man should punish'd be,
“Who'd thus upbraid any countrie.”
All was in stir beyond the Forth,
Ports, pass, and ferries guarded,
Who catch'd a rebel was well rewarded.
Few but preachers, at this day,
Were counted righteous in this way:
For where the minister said the word,
To life and liberty they're restor'd,
Resign their arms, with Mess John's line
That they were prest for to combine
To go with Charlie, and his crew,
By force control'd—Tis very true,
Most of the common men were prest,
Drove to the slaughter like a beast:
But one thing of Highlanders I see,
To them they serve they'll faithful be;
For those who serv'd King George, just here,
'Gainst the rebels proved most severe,
And rebels, who afterwards did list,
Loyaller hearts no man could trust:
And, ev'n the conquering of this field,
Unto the English I will not yield:
Had Scots and Irish run away,
They'd found it hard to gain the day;
Yet after all they 'gan to boast,
184
And even where in camp they lay
To upbraid the Scots, and oft did say,
Mocking the mis'ries that befel,
“These Scotsmen are but rebels all,
“For which they all should hanged be,”—
Which rous'd the Scots most veh'mentlie:
And when they did complain thereof,
Were answer'd with a mere put off:
This did enrage them still the more,
Vengeance to seek by the Clay-more,
Which all into confusion threw:
The Scots into a body drew,
Irish, by blood and love allied,
Did join unto the Scottish side.
His Grace, the Duke, perceiving this,
Into this broil most active was,
Who, as with no party he would stand;
But charg'd them by his high command,
For to be still, and silent be,
Till he'd the dispute rectifie;
Then agents from each side were chose,
Whom he in council did enclose,
Where they made a solemn act,
“That by a thousand on the back,
“Every man should punish'd be,
“Who'd thus upbraid any countrie.”
So this again cemented peace,
Thro' mediation of his Grace,
Which was indeed a virtuous scheme,
And adds great honour to his name:
For had they once come on to blows,
'T had been the glory of their foes,
And the murd'ring of one another;
But now they're Britons all together,
And yet the spite ended not here,
As afterwards you'll come to hear;
But agitated the Parliament,
Though contrary, it with them went,
To put the Scots beating away,
A march which vex'd them ev'ry day:
Because it was a grief to hear it,
And very irksome to their spirit,
The dinging down of Tamtallan,
They swore it mean'd some other dwallion.
The bonnets, plaids, and spotted coats,
A dress long time worn by the Scots,
These by an act were laid aside,
Thro' nought, I think, but spite and pride:
For when the Scots they came to need,
They were restor'd again with speed,
Ev'n by an order of the crown;
But Tamtallan was ne'er beat down,
The Scots still kept by their old march,
In spite of all their foes could urge.
Thro' mediation of his Grace,
Which was indeed a virtuous scheme,
And adds great honour to his name:
For had they once come on to blows,
'T had been the glory of their foes,
And the murd'ring of one another;
But now they're Britons all together,
And yet the spite ended not here,
As afterwards you'll come to hear;
185
Though contrary, it with them went,
To put the Scots beating away,
A march which vex'd them ev'ry day:
Because it was a grief to hear it,
And very irksome to their spirit,
The dinging down of Tamtallan,
They swore it mean'd some other dwallion.
The bonnets, plaids, and spotted coats,
A dress long time worn by the Scots,
These by an act were laid aside,
Thro' nought, I think, but spite and pride:
For when the Scots they came to need,
They were restor'd again with speed,
Ev'n by an order of the crown;
But Tamtallan was ne'er beat down,
The Scots still kept by their old march,
In spite of all their foes could urge.
But the cause of the Duke's long stay here,
Was to find out the Chevalier,
As Scotland round by sea was guarded,
If catch'd on land, so high rewarded
The apprehender was to be,
There was no hopes he could get free.
Hesse camps, did at Perth and Stirling stand,
Armed militia through all the land,
And parties searching ev'ry isle:
Being heard of ev'ry other while,
They still kept on a close pursuing,
Hard was the hunt for Charlie's ruin.
All prisoners, they catch'd, of note,
On ship-board were securely put,
And to England sent, trial to stand,
But deserters judg'd were in Scotland,
Who had as soldiers with Charlie gone,
They hang'd and shot them every one:
For Hawley's verdict was so quick,
“Go hang the dogs up by the neck,”
Which was no sooner said than done,
No pity he shew'd on woman's son.
The Duke, by half, not so severe,
Did often the condemn'd set clear,
Made his soldiers say, he was too civil;
But swore, That Hawley wou'd hang the devil.
The Duke did love to burn and plunder,
And sweet revenge upon them thunder,
On house and huts made devastation,
As it had been a foreign nation.
Their whole utensils, rock and reel,
To see in flames he loved well,
With dogs and cats, the rats and mice,
And their old shirts, with nites and lice,
Were all unto the flames consign'd,
To bring them to a better mind,
And never more for to rebel,
A doleful time for her nain sell,
For all that she had done or said,
She thought it more than double paid;
Eating kirns, and supping sheese,
And codding of the Lothian pease,
Or taking a bit of beef to eat,
When she could get no other meat;
And when she met a Lalan-rogue,
But pate a shainshment on her brogue,
The soger has done a ten times mair,
Brunt her house, taen a her geer,
And after that cuts aff her head,
An shot on them that frae her fled.
Was to find out the Chevalier,
As Scotland round by sea was guarded,
If catch'd on land, so high rewarded
The apprehender was to be,
There was no hopes he could get free.
Hesse camps, did at Perth and Stirling stand,
Armed militia through all the land,
And parties searching ev'ry isle:
Being heard of ev'ry other while,
They still kept on a close pursuing,
Hard was the hunt for Charlie's ruin.
All prisoners, they catch'd, of note,
On ship-board were securely put,
And to England sent, trial to stand,
But deserters judg'd were in Scotland,
Who had as soldiers with Charlie gone,
They hang'd and shot them every one:
For Hawley's verdict was so quick,
186
Which was no sooner said than done,
No pity he shew'd on woman's son.
The Duke, by half, not so severe,
Did often the condemn'd set clear,
Made his soldiers say, he was too civil;
But swore, That Hawley wou'd hang the devil.
The Duke did love to burn and plunder,
And sweet revenge upon them thunder,
On house and huts made devastation,
As it had been a foreign nation.
Their whole utensils, rock and reel,
To see in flames he loved well,
With dogs and cats, the rats and mice,
And their old shirts, with nites and lice,
Were all unto the flames consign'd,
To bring them to a better mind,
And never more for to rebel,
A doleful time for her nain sell,
For all that she had done or said,
She thought it more than double paid;
Eating kirns, and supping sheese,
And codding of the Lothian pease,
Or taking a bit of beef to eat,
When she could get no other meat;
And when she met a Lalan-rogue,
But pate a shainshment on her brogue,
The soger has done a ten times mair,
Brunt her house, taen a her geer,
And after that cuts aff her head,
An shot on them that frae her fled.
For all who did from the soldiers fly,
Were fir'd upon immediately,
By which, many a poor innocent
Was put to death, by them unkent,
Their flying away caus'd the error,
The red-coats were to them a terror.
Were fir'd upon immediately,
By which, many a poor innocent
Was put to death, by them unkent,
Their flying away caus'd the error,
The red-coats were to them a terror.
187
Now Charles concealed was in Uist,
And there to stay no longer durst,
The Campbells were coming a ho, a ho,
He durst not bide, and could not go:
Every day he saw them well,
And had none with him but O'Neil.
The day was long and hot the sun,
About the twenty first of June,
Upon a mountain top they lay,
And saw their motions ev'ry way,
From glen to glen, caves and rocks,
As ever hounds did search for fox,
Campbells, and lads with the red coat,
With them guides knew every spot,
And corner of that country side;
So here it dang'rous was to bide.
But in a desart place remote,
They found a lonely dismal hut,
And there to stay they judged best,
Until part of the hurry past.
Such venison as they could take,
Of ev'ry thing a prey they make:
It was not out of cov'tous greed;
But only as they stood in need.
O'Neil alone was out at last,
To hear of what was done or past,
And met a lady whom he knew,
Miss MacDonald good and true,
To her their straits he did reveal,
Who did with tears their sorrows feel,
And vow'd by all was dear within her,
She'd them relieve, if they should skin her:
Then hasten'd O'Neil to him away,
Appointing where to meet next day,
And to the Prince with him did go,
Her servant did the secret know,
One Neil MacKechnie, an honest heart,
Who in ev'ry point did act his part,
There, they their whole plan did frame:
And then to Malton came again
Miss Flora and her man next day,
Going to Clan Ronald's house were they,
For to perform the enterprize,
And get clothes fit for his disguise.
By a party of militia men,
Both of them prisoners were ta'en,
Miss ask'd who was their officer,
And they in answer told it her:
He prov'd her father-in-law to be,
Preferr'd, for suppos'd loyaltie,
No less than a king's officer,
She thought she might the better fare,
And there did tarry all that night,
Before of him she got a sight.
Greatly surprized then was he,
His step-daughter prisoner to see,
Call'd her aside to know the matter,
And gave her both a pass and letter,
For herself, her lad, and Betty Burke,
A woman who was to spin and work,
Being a maid for her mother hir'd
So all was done as she requir'd.
And there to stay no longer durst,
The Campbells were coming a ho, a ho,
He durst not bide, and could not go:
Every day he saw them well,
And had none with him but O'Neil.
The day was long and hot the sun,
About the twenty first of June,
Upon a mountain top they lay,
And saw their motions ev'ry way,
From glen to glen, caves and rocks,
As ever hounds did search for fox,
Campbells, and lads with the red coat,
With them guides knew every spot,
And corner of that country side;
So here it dang'rous was to bide.
But in a desart place remote,
They found a lonely dismal hut,
And there to stay they judged best,
Until part of the hurry past.
Such venison as they could take,
Of ev'ry thing a prey they make:
It was not out of cov'tous greed;
But only as they stood in need.
O'Neil alone was out at last,
To hear of what was done or past,
And met a lady whom he knew,
Miss MacDonald good and true,
To her their straits he did reveal,
Who did with tears their sorrows feel,
And vow'd by all was dear within her,
She'd them relieve, if they should skin her:
Then hasten'd O'Neil to him away,
Appointing where to meet next day,
And to the Prince with him did go,
Her servant did the secret know,
One Neil MacKechnie, an honest heart,
188
There, they their whole plan did frame:
And then to Malton came again
Miss Flora and her man next day,
Going to Clan Ronald's house were they,
For to perform the enterprize,
And get clothes fit for his disguise.
By a party of militia men,
Both of them prisoners were ta'en,
Miss ask'd who was their officer,
And they in answer told it her:
He prov'd her father-in-law to be,
Preferr'd, for suppos'd loyaltie,
No less than a king's officer,
She thought she might the better fare,
And there did tarry all that night,
Before of him she got a sight.
Greatly surprized then was he,
His step-daughter prisoner to see,
Call'd her aside to know the matter,
And gave her both a pass and letter,
For herself, her lad, and Betty Burke,
A woman who was to spin and work,
Being a maid for her mother hir'd
So all was done as she requir'd.
Then to Clan Ronald's house they came,
And let the lady know the same,
Where ev'ry thing in haste was got,
Apron, gown, and a petticoat:
Of printed cotton the gown it was,
Just fitting for a servant lass:
Then to the hut they went away,
To get him drest without delay;
And as they entred into the door
They found their Prince, surpriz'd him sore,
A cooking something for to eat,
A sheep's pluck on a wooden spit.
This put them all in Brinish tears,
A Prince brought to such low affairs!
But he reply'd, Why weep ye so?
'Tis good for Kings sorrow to know:
And ev'n the great, won't after rue,
They suffer'd part of what I do.
And let the lady know the same,
Where ev'ry thing in haste was got,
Apron, gown, and a petticoat:
Of printed cotton the gown it was,
Just fitting for a servant lass:
Then to the hut they went away,
To get him drest without delay;
And as they entred into the door
They found their Prince, surpriz'd him sore,
A cooking something for to eat,
A sheep's pluck on a wooden spit.
189
A Prince brought to such low affairs!
But he reply'd, Why weep ye so?
'Tis good for Kings sorrow to know:
And ev'n the great, won't after rue,
They suffer'd part of what I do.
That night they stayed all in the hut,
Ere ev'ry thing was ready got,
And on the morrow a message came
For lady Clan-Ronald, in haste extreme,
That cap. Ferguson, with Campbell's men,
Did all night in her house remain.
And to confirm what they had said,
The Captain took up her own bed.
Ere ev'ry thing was ready got,
And on the morrow a message came
For lady Clan-Ronald, in haste extreme,
That cap. Ferguson, with Campbell's men,
Did all night in her house remain.
And to confirm what they had said,
The Captain took up her own bed.
Now Charles by this time was drest,
Like a Dutch frow, I do protest,
His brogues, indeed, had leather heels,
And beard, well shaven, all conceals;
But gown and petticoat so short,
Shew'd too much legs, but no help for't.
He of the lady took his leave,
And left O'Neil behind to grieve,
Who thro' the world with him would go;
But Flora said it would not do:
Because their pass that number bore,
And one too much was not secure,
Herself, her servant, and Betty Burke,
Who was going to her mother's work.
The boat's prepar'd, away they set;
But lady Clan-Ronald was in a strait:
For soon as she had reached home,
Was strict examin'd by Ferguson—
Pray where now, Madam, have you been,
Seeing a sick child, a dying frien';
My servants might have told the matter;
But the child now is somewhat better.
For this no proof was but her lips,
So he put them both on board of ships,
I mean Clan-Ronald and his dame,
Who did in sep'rate ships remain,
Until to London they were sent,
And nothing of each other kent,
Long twelve months there they did remain;
Before they saw their homes again.
Like a Dutch frow, I do protest,
His brogues, indeed, had leather heels,
And beard, well shaven, all conceals;
But gown and petticoat so short,
Shew'd too much legs, but no help for't.
He of the lady took his leave,
And left O'Neil behind to grieve,
Who thro' the world with him would go;
But Flora said it would not do:
Because their pass that number bore,
And one too much was not secure,
Herself, her servant, and Betty Burke,
Who was going to her mother's work.
The boat's prepar'd, away they set;
But lady Clan-Ronald was in a strait:
For soon as she had reached home,
Was strict examin'd by Ferguson—
Pray where now, Madam, have you been,
Seeing a sick child, a dying frien';
My servants might have told the matter;
But the child now is somewhat better.
For this no proof was but her lips,
190
I mean Clan-Ronald and his dame,
Who did in sep'rate ships remain,
Until to London they were sent,
And nothing of each other kent,
Long twelve months there they did remain;
Before they saw their homes again.
Now poor O'Neil was left alone,
And through the hills a wand'ring gone,
By chance he met with Sullivan;
As on the shore they both did stan'
A French cutter came in their sight,
With pendent flying, colours bright,
O'Neil her hail'd, and to she came,
To fetch the Prince was all her aim.
O'Neil desir'd them there to stay,
And he to bring him back wou'd try:
Then off he sets along the shore,
A trav'lling for a day or more,
As the wind had contrary been,
Into some creek they might be seen:
But finding he was gone for Sky,
He thought to touch there going by,
Knowing the secret, the way plann'd,
The very place he was to land.
Night and day he did not spare,
Back to the cutter he did repair;
But ere he came she was away,
Sullivan would no longer stay:
For's life was preciouser to him,
Than all the princes in Christendom.
He saw some ships afar at sea,
Then pray'd the French with him to flee:
But had they got O'Neil on board,
From Sky the Prince had been secur'd;
Yet here O'Neil was left behind,
Who soon was taken and confin'd,
And sent to Berwick upon Tweed,
Where he remain'd some time indeed,
Thence by cartel was sent to France
Pass'd for an officer from thence.
And through the hills a wand'ring gone,
By chance he met with Sullivan;
As on the shore they both did stan'
A French cutter came in their sight,
With pendent flying, colours bright,
O'Neil her hail'd, and to she came,
To fetch the Prince was all her aim.
O'Neil desir'd them there to stay,
And he to bring him back wou'd try:
Then off he sets along the shore,
A trav'lling for a day or more,
As the wind had contrary been,
Into some creek they might be seen:
But finding he was gone for Sky,
He thought to touch there going by,
Knowing the secret, the way plann'd,
The very place he was to land.
Night and day he did not spare,
Back to the cutter he did repair;
But ere he came she was away,
Sullivan would no longer stay:
For's life was preciouser to him,
Than all the princes in Christendom.
He saw some ships afar at sea,
Then pray'd the French with him to flee:
But had they got O'Neil on board,
From Sky the Prince had been secur'd;
Yet here O'Neil was left behind,
Who soon was taken and confin'd,
191
Where he remain'd some time indeed,
Thence by cartel was sent to France
Pass'd for an officer from thence.
Sullivan was got home before him,
The cow'rdliest cur in all the quorum:
For had he staid three hours in Uist,
They'd carry'd their Prince safe off the coast:
For O'Neil would made them touch at Sky,
The very place which they past by,
Where he knew the Prince was to 'bide:
But Sullivan sav'd his own hide,
And with all speed went home to France,
Left them behind to Providence.
The cow'rdliest cur in all the quorum:
For had he staid three hours in Uist,
They'd carry'd their Prince safe off the coast:
For O'Neil would made them touch at Sky,
The very place which they past by,
Where he knew the Prince was to 'bide:
But Sullivan sav'd his own hide,
And with all speed went home to France,
Left them behind to Providence.
As the Prince, Miss Flora and her man,
Were just about to quit the land,
Four king's wherries came in their view,
Where armed men were not a few:
Back to the heather they're forc'd to fly,
And there some time conceal'd to ly,
These wherries soon went out of sight,
And then came on a pleasant night,
Their boat ready they put to sea;
But were not gone past leagues three,
'Till dark and dismal grew the skies,
The wind and waves did dreadful rise,
In open boat, no compass had,
Only two men, whose skill was bad.
Here Charles' courage was at a stand,
Tempests by sea and storms by land;
For wind and wave did fight again' him
And nothing seemed to befrien' him.
Miss Flora she fell fast asleep,
The rest by oars and helm did keep,
And when the day light did appear,
They knew not to what hand to steer,
The wind had vary'd in the night:
At last of Sky they got a sight.
At Waternish, the west of Sky,
Upon that point to land did try;
But the red-coats were swarming there,
To ship about they did prepare:
They smartly fir'd to bring 'em too,
But all in vain, it would not do.
Two men of war were hov'ring by,
And there it was no time to stay;
So, off they set before the wind,
And all their foes they left behind.
The alarm up to the village went;
Yet to pursue they were not bent,
Knowing all boats were in a fright;
So about they put when out of sight,
And landed in a little creek,
Under a rock did shelter seek,
The men to rest and be refresh'd,
Who all the night were sorely dash'd:
And then to sea again did go,
Lest some should of their landing know.
They were not half a mile from shore,
Till they see'd pursuers half a score,
All running to the very place,
Which they had left a little space.
Then to the north twelve miles they stood,
At Tornish made their landing good.
Near Alexander MacDonald's house,
Where went Miss Flora bold and crouse,
As Sir Alexr. was not at home;
But to visit Duke William gone,
Only his factor, who prov'd a friend,
And how to act Miss to him mean'd:
As a military officer was there,
She told him where he should repair,
And meet the Prince in woman's dress,
To whom he went in full express,
With bread and wine, and other food,
Then took the hills, a private road
To his own house to be conceal'd,
Though afterwards it was reveal'd.
Miss Flora on horseback, and another
Kept the high-way, for to discover
What militia or foes might be;
From all dangers to keep him free,
Miss Flora, her man, and a Highland maid,
Coming on the way, She to Miss said,
“That Lawland Carlin gangs like a man,
“She strides o'er far by half a span,
“I wonder Kingsborough's not afraid,
“To crack sae wi' that English jade:
“See how her coats wamels again,
“These English women can fight like men.”
No, said Miss, She's an Irish woman:
Cries, Lady Marg'ret, Are you coming?
(Not liking what the girl had said)
Go after Kingsborough yon road,
And you'll be there as soon as we,
Thus she kept him from suspicion free;
And to the house they came at last
Before elev'n o'clock was past.
But Kingsb'ro's wife was gone to bed,
Thinking that no such stranger wad,
At such a time come to her door:
For th'two young ladies were oft before.
She sent them word to take the key,
With all in the house for to make free;
But Kingsbro' said that would not do,
Herself must rise, and quickly too.
The child ran back and told her plain,
Such a lang wife she ne'er saw nane,
As that was walking through the ha',
Her like was never there awa',
Therefore she'd go no more for fear,
Then up she rose and did appear:
And the one who walked through the hall,
Did her salute and kiss with all,
Whereat she started and was afraid,
Being so prick'd with a lady's beard:
Then to her husband said, whisp'ring ways,
Is not this a gentleman in disguise?
His pricking beard does me convince,
Pray ask him, What's come of the Prince?
The Prince, my dear, Why this is he—
Oh, said she, then we'll hanged be—
A well, said he, We'll die but once,
Get supper for him, cakes and scones,
Butter and cheese, we have eggs enow:
What! That for a Prince will never do.
Yes, for rarities be nowise griev'd;
You little know how he has liv'd:
And with ceremony be not affected,
Lest by your servants he be suspected,
He supp'd that night and went to sleep
As a stranger lady, all snug was kept.
On the morrow he rose and was drest,
And for their kindness thanks exprest:
Miss Flora and the other Miss,
They had him in his robes to dress,
The gown, the mutch, and petticoat,
Such stuff to wear he loved not;
But because to them in such he came,
He should go off wearing the same,
Lest by enquiry they might provoke
What they were, being stranger folk.
Then Kingsborough's wife did them desire,
To ask a pickle of his hair.
And they in Galick did debate,
Who should it ask, they were so blate:
He understood, the reason speir'd
Of their debate, desir'd to hear't,
This freely granted as soon as told,
And to their sheers his head did hold,
The lock was parted 'mongst the three,
Of their dear Prince mindful to be,
An ancient freit, a Highland charm,
Look on that hair her heart will warm.
Kingsb'rough a bundle of men' clothes took
Far from his house, to a wood nuik,
Remounted him in Highland dress,
There he much kindness did express—
They wept, they kiss'd, and off he goes,
While drops of blood fell from his nose.
Their hearts were great, you may weel ken,
They parted ne'er to meet again.
A guide sent wi'm the mountain way,
Had a boat ready, the freight did pay,
At Portree, or the king's port,
Miss Flora's there ere he came to't.
And here they parted at Portree,
Where thanking her most heartilie,
Miss Flora did no longer wait;
But went to 'r mother's house at Slate.
Were just about to quit the land,
Four king's wherries came in their view,
Where armed men were not a few:
Back to the heather they're forc'd to fly,
And there some time conceal'd to ly,
These wherries soon went out of sight,
And then came on a pleasant night,
Their boat ready they put to sea;
But were not gone past leagues three,
'Till dark and dismal grew the skies,
The wind and waves did dreadful rise,
In open boat, no compass had,
Only two men, whose skill was bad.
Here Charles' courage was at a stand,
Tempests by sea and storms by land;
For wind and wave did fight again' him
And nothing seemed to befrien' him.
Miss Flora she fell fast asleep,
The rest by oars and helm did keep,
And when the day light did appear,
They knew not to what hand to steer,
The wind had vary'd in the night:
192
At Waternish, the west of Sky,
Upon that point to land did try;
But the red-coats were swarming there,
To ship about they did prepare:
They smartly fir'd to bring 'em too,
But all in vain, it would not do.
Two men of war were hov'ring by,
And there it was no time to stay;
So, off they set before the wind,
And all their foes they left behind.
The alarm up to the village went;
Yet to pursue they were not bent,
Knowing all boats were in a fright;
So about they put when out of sight,
And landed in a little creek,
Under a rock did shelter seek,
The men to rest and be refresh'd,
Who all the night were sorely dash'd:
And then to sea again did go,
Lest some should of their landing know.
They were not half a mile from shore,
Till they see'd pursuers half a score,
All running to the very place,
Which they had left a little space.
Then to the north twelve miles they stood,
At Tornish made their landing good.
Near Alexander MacDonald's house,
Where went Miss Flora bold and crouse,
As Sir Alexr. was not at home;
But to visit Duke William gone,
Only his factor, who prov'd a friend,
And how to act Miss to him mean'd:
As a military officer was there,
She told him where he should repair,
And meet the Prince in woman's dress,
To whom he went in full express,
193
Then took the hills, a private road
To his own house to be conceal'd,
Though afterwards it was reveal'd.
Miss Flora on horseback, and another
Kept the high-way, for to discover
What militia or foes might be;
From all dangers to keep him free,
Miss Flora, her man, and a Highland maid,
Coming on the way, She to Miss said,
“That Lawland Carlin gangs like a man,
“She strides o'er far by half a span,
“I wonder Kingsborough's not afraid,
“To crack sae wi' that English jade:
“See how her coats wamels again,
“These English women can fight like men.”
No, said Miss, She's an Irish woman:
Cries, Lady Marg'ret, Are you coming?
(Not liking what the girl had said)
Go after Kingsborough yon road,
And you'll be there as soon as we,
Thus she kept him from suspicion free;
And to the house they came at last
Before elev'n o'clock was past.
But Kingsb'ro's wife was gone to bed,
Thinking that no such stranger wad,
At such a time come to her door:
For th'two young ladies were oft before.
She sent them word to take the key,
With all in the house for to make free;
But Kingsbro' said that would not do,
Herself must rise, and quickly too.
The child ran back and told her plain,
Such a lang wife she ne'er saw nane,
As that was walking through the ha',
Her like was never there awa',
Therefore she'd go no more for fear,
194
And the one who walked through the hall,
Did her salute and kiss with all,
Whereat she started and was afraid,
Being so prick'd with a lady's beard:
Then to her husband said, whisp'ring ways,
Is not this a gentleman in disguise?
His pricking beard does me convince,
Pray ask him, What's come of the Prince?
The Prince, my dear, Why this is he—
Oh, said she, then we'll hanged be—
A well, said he, We'll die but once,
Get supper for him, cakes and scones,
Butter and cheese, we have eggs enow:
What! That for a Prince will never do.
Yes, for rarities be nowise griev'd;
You little know how he has liv'd:
And with ceremony be not affected,
Lest by your servants he be suspected,
He supp'd that night and went to sleep
As a stranger lady, all snug was kept.
On the morrow he rose and was drest,
And for their kindness thanks exprest:
Miss Flora and the other Miss,
They had him in his robes to dress,
The gown, the mutch, and petticoat,
Such stuff to wear he loved not;
But because to them in such he came,
He should go off wearing the same,
Lest by enquiry they might provoke
What they were, being stranger folk.
Then Kingsborough's wife did them desire,
To ask a pickle of his hair.
And they in Galick did debate,
Who should it ask, they were so blate:
He understood, the reason speir'd
Of their debate, desir'd to hear't,
195
And to their sheers his head did hold,
The lock was parted 'mongst the three,
Of their dear Prince mindful to be,
An ancient freit, a Highland charm,
Look on that hair her heart will warm.
Kingsb'rough a bundle of men' clothes took
Far from his house, to a wood nuik,
Remounted him in Highland dress,
There he much kindness did express—
They wept, they kiss'd, and off he goes,
While drops of blood fell from his nose.
Their hearts were great, you may weel ken,
They parted ne'er to meet again.
A guide sent wi'm the mountain way,
Had a boat ready, the freight did pay,
At Portree, or the king's port,
Miss Flora's there ere he came to't.
And here they parted at Portree,
Where thanking her most heartilie,
Miss Flora did no longer wait;
But went to 'r mother's house at Slate.
Now Kingsborough did Raaza send
To meet the Prince, and be his friend,
With sev'ral of his trusties there,
Who in his expeditions were,
Both at Culloden and Falkirk.
To Portree came when it was dark,
Both John MacKenzie and Donald Frier,
Who had been with him far and near,
They set off in a little boat,
And safely into Glam all got:
In a mean hut their dwelling made,
For kid and lamb young Raaza gade:
There was no bedding to be found,
They're oblig'd to lie upon the ground:
His pillow was a wisp of Ling:
Poor state for a pretended king!
This was in July the first day,
And here incog. some time they lay.
To meet the Prince, and be his friend,
With sev'ral of his trusties there,
Who in his expeditions were,
Both at Culloden and Falkirk.
To Portree came when it was dark,
Both John MacKenzie and Donald Frier,
Who had been with him far and near,
They set off in a little boat,
And safely into Glam all got:
In a mean hut their dwelling made,
For kid and lamb young Raaza gade:
There was no bedding to be found,
They're oblig'd to lie upon the ground:
His pillow was a wisp of Ling:
196
This was in July the first day,
And here incog. some time they lay.
Now Ferguson got the sure tract
From the two men, as they went back,
Who did him and Miss Flora bring
Out of Uist, and everything,
His coat, his mutch, his very gown,
From whence they came, and whither boun',
How Malton's daughter and Kingsborough too,
Went all together out of their view.
Then Ferg'son with a party came
To Kingsb'ro's house, and did deman',
Which way the young Pretender went?
Where he and Miss Flora were sent?
Whether they lay in one bed together?
What clothes he came in, or went thither?
Few answers to him Kingsb'rough made:
What! said his wife, “Miss Flora's maid,
“They staid all night and went away,
“Whether man or woman was I to try?
Then, said he, Show where they were laid,
Where lay the Miss? where lay the maid?
Now then; quoth he, I have you fast:
Because the maid's bed is the best.
Then Kingsborough away was led
To Fort-Augustus, hard bestead,
Plunder'd of's watch, buckles and shoes,
And all the cash was in his trews,
In a dungeon deep, iron'd he lay,
Thence to Ed'nburgh castle sent away,
And there confin'd was kept one year,
Till by the Act of Grace set clear.
For love of Charlie he got this,
And poor Miss Flora no better was:
For she was scarce ten days at home,
Until she got a card to come
And speak unto an officer,
Who had no great good will to her:
This for a night she did delay,
And on the morrow, by the way,
A party meets, in search of her,
By whom she was made prisoner,
And carry'd instantly away,
On board a ship that very day,
The Furnace, captain Ferguson,
Who did show lenity to none.
But good for her, as fortunes were,
That gen'ral Campbell, as judge sat there:
Though she before made 'quivocation,
She told to him the true relation,
And the general did use her well,
Since she the truth did not conceal:
For of the deed she thought no shame,
To any in need she'd do the same.
Said she, “I've no cause to betray,
“Or yet to wish his life away,
“Wherefore then should I do him wrong?
“To you soldiers does such belong.
“If that a price be on his head?
“'Tis for those by blood who have their bread.”
From the two men, as they went back,
Who did him and Miss Flora bring
Out of Uist, and everything,
His coat, his mutch, his very gown,
From whence they came, and whither boun',
How Malton's daughter and Kingsborough too,
Went all together out of their view.
Then Ferg'son with a party came
To Kingsb'ro's house, and did deman',
Which way the young Pretender went?
Where he and Miss Flora were sent?
Whether they lay in one bed together?
What clothes he came in, or went thither?
Few answers to him Kingsb'rough made:
What! said his wife, “Miss Flora's maid,
“They staid all night and went away,
“Whether man or woman was I to try?
Then, said he, Show where they were laid,
Where lay the Miss? where lay the maid?
Now then; quoth he, I have you fast:
Because the maid's bed is the best.
Then Kingsborough away was led
To Fort-Augustus, hard bestead,
Plunder'd of's watch, buckles and shoes,
And all the cash was in his trews,
In a dungeon deep, iron'd he lay,
Thence to Ed'nburgh castle sent away,
And there confin'd was kept one year,
Till by the Act of Grace set clear.
For love of Charlie he got this,
And poor Miss Flora no better was:
For she was scarce ten days at home,
Until she got a card to come
197
Who had no great good will to her:
This for a night she did delay,
And on the morrow, by the way,
A party meets, in search of her,
By whom she was made prisoner,
And carry'd instantly away,
On board a ship that very day,
The Furnace, captain Ferguson,
Who did show lenity to none.
But good for her, as fortunes were,
That gen'ral Campbell, as judge sat there:
Though she before made 'quivocation,
She told to him the true relation,
And the general did use her well,
Since she the truth did not conceal:
For of the deed she thought no shame,
To any in need she'd do the same.
Said she, “I've no cause to betray,
“Or yet to wish his life away,
“Wherefore then should I do him wrong?
“To you soldiers does such belong.
“If that a price be on his head?
“'Tis for those by blood who have their bread.”
The gen'ral then had nought to say;
But gave her leave, on the next day,
Of her friends to go and take farewel;
Her mother heart-sore grief did feel:
An officer and forty men
Did guard her there, and back again.
Then she unto the Nore was sent,
Five months on sea, where no friend kent,
At last to London was convey'd,
There with a messenger to bide,
Till the month of July Forty Seven,
That she was home to Edinburgh driv'n,
When by the Act of Grace reliev'd,
She's now in Sky, yet unmischiev'd.
But gave her leave, on the next day,
Of her friends to go and take farewel;
Her mother heart-sore grief did feel:
An officer and forty men
Did guard her there, and back again.
Then she unto the Nore was sent,
Five months on sea, where no friend kent,
At last to London was convey'd,
There with a messenger to bide,
Till the month of July Forty Seven,
That she was home to Edinburgh driv'n,
When by the Act of Grace reliev'd,
198
Now Charles at Glam, in Raaza lay,
Long, long he thought to get away,
Hard was his living, poor his hut,
Upon all heights they watches put.
A stranger to this island came
To sell tobacco, perhaps a sham;
For after all his roll was sold,
He daily through the island stroll'd,
And to the hut one day drew nigh;
Then Raaza swore he was a spy,
And cockt his pistol, him to shoot,
The Prince cry'd, No, You shall not do't.
That poor man may innocent be,
Without a fault he shall not die.
The poor man then went stepping by,
And did not ev'n look to their stye.
Now, said the Prince, what would ye said,
If innocent blood had here been shed?
Too much, indeed, on my account:
At this some seem'd to take affront;
Yet as a joke he past it by,
And then propos'd to go for Sky,
In the small boat which brought them there,
So for the voy'ge they did prepare.
Long, long he thought to get away,
Hard was his living, poor his hut,
Upon all heights they watches put.
A stranger to this island came
To sell tobacco, perhaps a sham;
For after all his roll was sold,
He daily through the island stroll'd,
And to the hut one day drew nigh;
Then Raaza swore he was a spy,
And cockt his pistol, him to shoot,
The Prince cry'd, No, You shall not do't.
That poor man may innocent be,
Without a fault he shall not die.
The poor man then went stepping by,
And did not ev'n look to their stye.
Now, said the Prince, what would ye said,
If innocent blood had here been shed?
Too much, indeed, on my account:
At this some seem'd to take affront;
Yet as a joke he past it by,
And then propos'd to go for Sky,
In the small boat which brought them there,
So for the voy'ge they did prepare.
Toward ev'ning they put to sea,
And then the wind rose wond'rous high,
The boatmen begg'd to put about;
But he was obst'nate on his rout,
And told them life was but a chance,
They were in hands of Providence:
He leav'd the water with a scoop,
And bid them in their Maker hope,
The boat is making a good way,
No man will die but him that's fey,
We've all in dangers been ere now:
At Nicolson's rock they brought her to,
Near Scorebreck in Trotternish,
Their lodging in a byre it was,
All wet and weary as they were,
Lay on the ground, sleep seiz'd him there,
In which he sigh'd, and starting said,
“Poor people, poor people, hard bestead!”
He then awak'd, and thus did say,
“Malcom, dear captain, is it yet day?
“You've watch'd too long, now take a sleep,
“And I myself will centry keep.”
“No, said MacLeod, Sir, if you please,
“I know this ground best, take your ease,
“There's not a house near by two mile,
“Our friends are few into this isle,
“The red coats are not far from us,
“To slip my charge is dangerous.”
And then the wind rose wond'rous high,
The boatmen begg'd to put about;
But he was obst'nate on his rout,
And told them life was but a chance,
They were in hands of Providence:
He leav'd the water with a scoop,
And bid them in their Maker hope,
The boat is making a good way,
No man will die but him that's fey,
We've all in dangers been ere now:
At Nicolson's rock they brought her to,
199
Their lodging in a byre it was,
All wet and weary as they were,
Lay on the ground, sleep seiz'd him there,
In which he sigh'd, and starting said,
“Poor people, poor people, hard bestead!”
He then awak'd, and thus did say,
“Malcom, dear captain, is it yet day?
“You've watch'd too long, now take a sleep,
“And I myself will centry keep.”
“No, said MacLeod, Sir, if you please,
“I know this ground best, take your ease,
“There's not a house near by two mile,
“Our friends are few into this isle,
“The red coats are not far from us,
“To slip my charge is dangerous.”
So here they did remain next day,
Before they could venture away,
Having no bread, or ought to eat,
(For a King's Court, a poor mean treat!
Except water, sprung from the ground,
No meat or drink could there be found.
Two bottles of brandy was all their store,
On earth they had no substance more,
Nor in that place durst one look out
For en'mies planted round about.
When night came on, they parted all,
Captain MacLeod we shall him call,
Did undertake to be his guide,
One bottle of brandy by his side,
Over muir and mountain, wood and glen,
Between hope and despair they ran.
The Prince as servant did appear;
Because he did the baggage bear,
A hairy wallet on his back,
Just like a chapman and his pack,
Wanting the breiks, with legs all bare,
Into his hand his brogues did bear,
A napkin ty'd around his head,
In this posture forward they gade,
Long thirty miles ere they took rest,
Water and brandy was all their feast:
Because they had no other cheer,
For house or hut they went not near,
Till at Ellighill, the place call'd Ord,
Whereof MacKinnon is the lord,
Their brandy-bottle now was done,
And here they hid it under groun':
Yet were they in a strait again,
Meeting two of MacKinnon's men,
Who had on the expedition been,
And oft before the Prince had seen,
Who knew him well, though in disguise,
Fell down and bursted out in cries.
Then Malcom, Hush, to them did call,
Or else they would discover all,
To which they swore, by all that's Good,
They'd rather spend their dearest blood,
So faithfully they did conceal it,
And did not in the least reveal it.
Before they could venture away,
Having no bread, or ought to eat,
(For a King's Court, a poor mean treat!
Except water, sprung from the ground,
No meat or drink could there be found.
Two bottles of brandy was all their store,
On earth they had no substance more,
Nor in that place durst one look out
For en'mies planted round about.
When night came on, they parted all,
Captain MacLeod we shall him call,
Did undertake to be his guide,
One bottle of brandy by his side,
Over muir and mountain, wood and glen,
Between hope and despair they ran.
The Prince as servant did appear;
Because he did the baggage bear,
A hairy wallet on his back,
Just like a chapman and his pack,
Wanting the breiks, with legs all bare,
200
A napkin ty'd around his head,
In this posture forward they gade,
Long thirty miles ere they took rest,
Water and brandy was all their feast:
Because they had no other cheer,
For house or hut they went not near,
Till at Ellighill, the place call'd Ord,
Whereof MacKinnon is the lord,
Their brandy-bottle now was done,
And here they hid it under groun':
Yet were they in a strait again,
Meeting two of MacKinnon's men,
Who had on the expedition been,
And oft before the Prince had seen,
Who knew him well, though in disguise,
Fell down and bursted out in cries.
Then Malcom, Hush, to them did call,
Or else they would discover all,
To which they swore, by all that's Good,
They'd rather spend their dearest blood,
So faithfully they did conceal it,
And did not in the least reveal it.
Now were they come unto the place,
Where Malcom's sister married was
To John MacKinnon, who'd captain been
Along with Charles in armour keen;
But had got clear by Proclamation,
And for to skulk had no occasion.
He orders the Prince, now Lewis Cawe,
For to ly down some space awa',
While he into his sister's went,
Their doleful case to represent.
She him embrac'd, and wept amain,
As in the war she thought him slain:
He said, dear sister, here I'm come
Myself to hide, if you have room,
With one, my servant, Lewis Cawe,
In the same case, hard is our fa':
He's a surgeon's son, who came from Crief
Shelter to seek and some relief.
Then poor sick Lewis was called in,
With head bound up, he look'd right grim,
And by his master there he did stand,
With head uncover'd, bonnet in hand:
But the Captain urg'd him to sit down,
And put his bonnet on his crown,
Since there are no strangers here,
Come, eat with me, Lewis, my dear.
And when their dinner over was,
The Captain says, Our feet we'll wash:
The servant-maid brought water then,
And wash'd his feet with tender han'.
Said he, my lad's not well, I know,
You'll wash his feet before you go;
But she reply'd, I ken some better,
'Tis fair enough if I bring water,
He's but your lad, as you me tell,
Dat loon may wash her feet hersel;
Being forc'd to do't, through mere constraint,
To work in a rude way she went,
Rubbed his toes, made the water rise
At every plash, betwixt his thighs;
On this he to the Captain said,
She rubs too hard this saucy maid,
I had far better do't mysell,
In trout, quo' she, an sae ye sall,
Then both of them to sleep were put,
The goodwife went to a hill-top
For to keep watch, lest from the sea
Incursions should come suddenlie.
As King's ships hover'd all about,
And parties through the land did scout.
Just as they wak'd the husband came,
When Malcom heard, he to him ran,
And did salute him in the field,
Which meeting did great pleasure yield;
Because that word was to them brought,
He kill'd was at Culloden fight.
And after they had talk'd a while,
Think you yon ships will touch this isle?
Says John, I know not but they might;
Because they're never out of sight.
What if our Prince a pris'ner be,
In one of those ships which we see?
God forbid, then John reply'd;
But of his 'scape I'm much afraid:
For our nation's guarded round about,
And through the land there's many a scout.
But do you think, if he were here,
He would be safe, in such a stir?
Ay, safe be sure, whate'er they do,
I wish we had him here just now.
Then said he, John, he's in your house;
But to salute him, be cautious:
Because your wife, nor none else knows,
By the name of Lewis Cawe he goes,
My servant, a surgeon's son in Crief,
Like us, brought to trouble and grief:
Therefore behave when in you go,
That none within the house may know.
So home they came, and in he goes,
Then courteously poor Lewis rose,
Bare-headed stood, bonnet in hand,
But John could not himself command,
Burst out in tears, and on him flew,
Oh-hon, Oh-hon, What's this on you!
From splendor into deep distress!
He cry'd, and could no more express.
Wife and servants stood in amaze,
And did upon poor Lewis gaze:
Then Malcom in a passion flew,
And swore that he had fools enow,
Hurry'd them to another place,
And told his sister all the case,
That he and poor Lewis was in,
Charged her forthwith for to run,
And bind her servants to secresie,
Or else they soon would ruin'd be.
Where Malcom's sister married was
To John MacKinnon, who'd captain been
Along with Charles in armour keen;
But had got clear by Proclamation,
And for to skulk had no occasion.
He orders the Prince, now Lewis Cawe,
For to ly down some space awa',
While he into his sister's went,
Their doleful case to represent.
She him embrac'd, and wept amain,
As in the war she thought him slain:
He said, dear sister, here I'm come
Myself to hide, if you have room,
201
In the same case, hard is our fa':
He's a surgeon's son, who came from Crief
Shelter to seek and some relief.
Then poor sick Lewis was called in,
With head bound up, he look'd right grim,
And by his master there he did stand,
With head uncover'd, bonnet in hand:
But the Captain urg'd him to sit down,
And put his bonnet on his crown,
Since there are no strangers here,
Come, eat with me, Lewis, my dear.
And when their dinner over was,
The Captain says, Our feet we'll wash:
The servant-maid brought water then,
And wash'd his feet with tender han'.
Said he, my lad's not well, I know,
You'll wash his feet before you go;
But she reply'd, I ken some better,
'Tis fair enough if I bring water,
He's but your lad, as you me tell,
Dat loon may wash her feet hersel;
Being forc'd to do't, through mere constraint,
To work in a rude way she went,
Rubbed his toes, made the water rise
At every plash, betwixt his thighs;
On this he to the Captain said,
She rubs too hard this saucy maid,
I had far better do't mysell,
In trout, quo' she, an sae ye sall,
Then both of them to sleep were put,
The goodwife went to a hill-top
For to keep watch, lest from the sea
Incursions should come suddenlie.
As King's ships hover'd all about,
And parties through the land did scout.
Just as they wak'd the husband came,
202
And did salute him in the field,
Which meeting did great pleasure yield;
Because that word was to them brought,
He kill'd was at Culloden fight.
And after they had talk'd a while,
Think you yon ships will touch this isle?
Says John, I know not but they might;
Because they're never out of sight.
What if our Prince a pris'ner be,
In one of those ships which we see?
God forbid, then John reply'd;
But of his 'scape I'm much afraid:
For our nation's guarded round about,
And through the land there's many a scout.
But do you think, if he were here,
He would be safe, in such a stir?
Ay, safe be sure, whate'er they do,
I wish we had him here just now.
Then said he, John, he's in your house;
But to salute him, be cautious:
Because your wife, nor none else knows,
By the name of Lewis Cawe he goes,
My servant, a surgeon's son in Crief,
Like us, brought to trouble and grief:
Therefore behave when in you go,
That none within the house may know.
So home they came, and in he goes,
Then courteously poor Lewis rose,
Bare-headed stood, bonnet in hand,
But John could not himself command,
Burst out in tears, and on him flew,
Oh-hon, Oh-hon, What's this on you!
From splendor into deep distress!
He cry'd, and could no more express.
Wife and servants stood in amaze,
And did upon poor Lewis gaze:
203
And swore that he had fools enow,
Hurry'd them to another place,
And told his sister all the case,
That he and poor Lewis was in,
Charged her forthwith for to run,
And bind her servants to secresie,
Or else they soon would ruin'd be.
When his sister knew what guest he was,
Her kindness she did the more express,
And said, Upon her very knees
She'd travel for to give him ease.
They then to consultation went,
To get him to the Continent:
Because the isles were dangerous,
Soldiers searching every bush.
John then unto the laird he went,
To try how his affection bent,
By long-wind stories laments his case,
In being hunted from place to place.
Oh, said the laird, were he now here,
I'd lay my life to get him clear,
And set him safe on the main land.
Then John he told him, clean off hand,
Where he was, and in what place,
And to his conscience left his case.
Go tell him, I'll be with him soon,
To see what quickly shall be done.
John went home, the laird soon came,
With loyal affections, as chief o's Clan,
And told, that for him he did provide
A good stout boat, pilot and guide,
That he himself design'd to go
To the main land with him also,
A thousand blessings on him prays,
And wish'd him long and happy days.
Her kindness she did the more express,
And said, Upon her very knees
She'd travel for to give him ease.
They then to consultation went,
To get him to the Continent:
Because the isles were dangerous,
Soldiers searching every bush.
John then unto the laird he went,
To try how his affection bent,
By long-wind stories laments his case,
In being hunted from place to place.
Oh, said the laird, were he now here,
I'd lay my life to get him clear,
And set him safe on the main land.
Then John he told him, clean off hand,
Where he was, and in what place,
And to his conscience left his case.
Go tell him, I'll be with him soon,
To see what quickly shall be done.
John went home, the laird soon came,
With loyal affections, as chief o's Clan,
And told, that for him he did provide
A good stout boat, pilot and guide,
That he himself design'd to go
To the main land with him also,
A thousand blessings on him prays,
And wish'd him long and happy days.
Then Malcom said, he would return,
Which caus'd the Prince in tears to mourn:
Captain, he said, will you leave me now?
On the main land, what shall I do?
Then said the laird, leave that to me,
On the main land I'll you supplie.
Sir, said Malcom, by now I'm mist
By friends, by foes, and this I trust
For to be ta'en, when I return,
Then I'll tell a tale of my sojourn,
Of all my travels how I was here,
Seeing my friends and sister dear;
But if they chance us to pursue,
They'll hear of me along with you:
For answer then, what could I say?
What man ye was, or gone what way?
Which accordingly it came to pass:
For he twelve months confined was,
And saw great London for the same,
There try'd and came with Flora hame.
204
Captain, he said, will you leave me now?
On the main land, what shall I do?
Then said the laird, leave that to me,
On the main land I'll you supplie.
Sir, said Malcom, by now I'm mist
By friends, by foes, and this I trust
For to be ta'en, when I return,
Then I'll tell a tale of my sojourn,
Of all my travels how I was here,
Seeing my friends and sister dear;
But if they chance us to pursue,
They'll hear of me along with you:
For answer then, what could I say?
What man ye was, or gone what way?
Which accordingly it came to pass:
For he twelve months confined was,
And saw great London for the same,
There try'd and came with Flora hame.
So to the boat they all did go,
Which lay upon the shore below:
And as to it they did draw near,
Two men of war there did appear,
Came cruising in before the wind,
Hard on the shore, as they design'd,
Which caused them to sit down a space,
And smoak a pipe in a hollow place.
A silver stock-buckle to Malcom he geid,
And ten guineas too in his loof he laid,
Which he did often times refuse;
But begg'd some trifle that he did use;
Then, said he, Captain, Your pay's too cheap,
Besides, you will have my cutty pipe,
And when you blow't, you'll think on me,
As I have got another you see:
And take these lines to Murdoch MacLeod,
To pay respect to him I'm proud.
The men of war having laid about,
Toward the boat they took the rout,
The writing in the letter this,
As writ verbatim, here it is,
Which lay upon the shore below:
And as to it they did draw near,
Two men of war there did appear,
Came cruising in before the wind,
Hard on the shore, as they design'd,
Which caused them to sit down a space,
And smoak a pipe in a hollow place.
A silver stock-buckle to Malcom he geid,
And ten guineas too in his loof he laid,
Which he did often times refuse;
But begg'd some trifle that he did use;
Then, said he, Captain, Your pay's too cheap,
Besides, you will have my cutty pipe,
And when you blow't, you'll think on me,
As I have got another you see:
And take these lines to Murdoch MacLeod,
To pay respect to him I'm proud.
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Toward the boat they took the rout,
The writing in the letter this,
As writ verbatim, here it is,
SIR,
I THANK God, I am in good health and have got off as designed. —Remember me to all friends, and thank them for the trouble they have been at—I am, Sir, Your humble Servant,
James Thomson.
| CHAP. XI. The collected writings of Dougal Graham | |