by Walter Scott
CHAPTER IX.
The curse of growing factions and divisions Still vex your councils! Venice Preserved.
The prudence of Morton found sufficient occupation in stemming thefurious current of these contending parties, when, two days after hisreturn to Hamilton, he was visited by his friend and colleague, theReverend Mr Poundtext, flying, as he presently found, from the face ofJohn Balfour of Burley, whom he left not a little incensed at the sharehe had taken in the liberation of Lord Evandale. When the worthy divinehad somewhat recruited his spirits, after the hurry and fatigue of hisjourney, he proceeded to give Morton an account of what had passed in thevicinity of Tillietudlem after the memorable morning of his departure.
The night march of Morton had been accomplished with such dexterity,and the men were so faithful to their trust, that Burley received nointelligence of what had happened until the morning was far advanced.His first enquiry was, whether Macbriar and Kettledrummle had arrived,agreeably to the summons which he had dispatched at midnight. Macbriarhad come, and Kettledrummle, though a heavy traveller, might, he wasinformed, be instantly expected. Burley then dispatched a messenger toMorton's quarters to summon him to an immediate council. The messengerreturned with news that he had left the place. Poundtext was nextsummoned; but he thinking, as he said himself, that it was ill dealingwith fractious folk, had withdrawn to his own quiet manse, preferring adark ride, though he had been on horseback the whole preceding day, to arenewal in the morning of a controversy with Burley, whose ferocityoverawed him when unsupported by the firmness of Morton. Burley's nextenquiries were directed after Lord Evandale; and great was his rage whenhe learned that he had been conveyed away over night by a party of themarksmen of Milnwood, under the immediate command of Henry Mortonhimself.
"The villain!" exclaimed Burley, addressing himself to Macbriar; "thebase, mean-spirited traitor, to curry favour for himself with thegovernment, hath set at liberty the prisoner taken by my own right hand,through means of whom, I have little doubt, the possession of the placeof strength which hath wrought us such trouble, might now have been inour hands!"
"But is it not in our hands?" said Macbriar, looking up towards the Keepof the Castle; "and are not these the colours of the Covenant that floatover its walls?"
"A stratagem--a mere trick," said Burley, "an insult over ourdisappointment, intended to aggravate and embitter our spirits."
He was interrupted by the arrival of one of Morton's followers, sent toreport to him the evacuation of the place, and its occupation by theinsurgent forces. Burley was rather driven to fury than reconciled by thenews of this success.
"I have watched," he said--"I have fought--I have plotted--I have strivenfor the reduction of this place--I have forborne to seek to headenterprises of higher command and of higher honour--I have narrowed theiroutgoings, and cut off the springs, and broken the staff of bread withintheir walls; and when the men were about to yield themselves to my hand,that their sons might be bondsmen, and their daughters a laughing-stockto our whole camp, cometh this youth, without a beard on his chin, andtakes it on him to thrust his sickle into the harvest, and to rend theprey from the spoiler! Surely the labourer is worthy of his hire, and thecity, with its captives, should be given to him that wins it?"
"Nay," said Macbriar, who was surprised at the degree of agitation whichBalfour displayed, "chafe not thyself because of the ungodly. Heaven willuse its own instruments; and who knows but this youth"--
"Hush! hush!" said Burley; "do not discredit thine own better judgment.It was thou that first badest me beware of this painted sepulchre--thislacquered piece of copper, that passed current with me for gold. It faresill, even with the elect, when they neglect the guidance of such piouspastors as thou. But our carnal affections will mislead us--thisungrateful boy's father was mine ancient friend. They must be as earnestin their struggles as thou, Ephraim Macbriar, that would shake themselvesclear of the clogs and chains of humanity."
This compliment touched the preacher in the most sensible part; andBurley deemed, therefore, he should find little difficulty in mouldinghis opinions to the support of his own views, more especially as theyagreed exactly in their high-strained opinions of church government.
"Let us instantly," he said, "go up to the Tower; there is that among therecords in yonder fortress, which, well used as I can use it, shall beworth to us a valiant leader and an hundred horsemen."
"But will such be the fitting aids of the children of the Covenant?" saidthe preacher. "We have already among us too many who hunger after lands,and silver and gold, rather than after the Word; it is not by such thatour deliverance shall be wrought out."
"Thou errest," said Burley; "we must work by means, and these worldly menshall be our instruments. At all events, the Moabitish woman shall bedespoiled of her inheritance, and neither the malignant Evandale, nor theerastian Morton, shall possess yonder castle and lands, though they mayseek in marriage the daughter thereof."
So saying, he led the way to Tillietudlem, where he seized upon the plateand other valuables for the use of the army, ransacked the charter-room,and other receptacles for family papers, and treated with contempt theremonstrances of those who reminded him, that the terms granted to thegarrison had guaranteed respect to private property.
Burley and Macbriar, having established themselves in their newacquisition, were joined by Kettledrummle in the course of the day, andalso by the Laird of Langcale, whom that active divine had contrived toseduce, as Poundtext termed it, from the pure light in which he had beenbrought up. Thus united, they sent to the said Poundtext an invitation,or rather a summons, to attend a council at Tillietudlem. He remembered,however, that the door had an iron grate, and the Keep a dungeon, andresolved not to trust himself with his incensed colleagues. He thereforeretreated, or rather fled, to Hamilton, with the tidings, that Burley,Macbriar, and Kettledrummle, were coming to Hamilton as soon as theycould collect a body of Cameronians sufficient to overawe the rest of thearmy.
"And ye see," concluded Poundtext, with a deep sigh, "that they will thenpossess a majority in the council; for Langcale, though he has alwayspassed for one of the honest and rational party, cannot be suitably orpreceesely termed either fish, or flesh, or gude red-herring--whoever hasthe stronger party has Langcale."
Thus concluded the heavy narrative of honest Poundtext, who sigheddeeply, as he considered the danger in which he was placed betwixtunreasonable adversaries amongst themselves and the common enemy fromwithout. Morton exhorted him to patience, temper, and composure; informedhim of the good hope he had of negotiating for peace and indemnitythrough means of Lord Evandale, and made out to him a very fair prospectthat he should again return to his own parchment-bound Calvin, hisevening pipe of tobacco, and his noggin of inspiring ale, providingalways he would afford his effectual support and concurrence to themeasures which he, Morton, had taken for a general pacification.
[Note: Moderate Presbyterians. The author does not, by any means, desire that Poundtext should be regarded as a just representation of the moderate presbyterians, among whom were many ministers whose courage was equal to their good sense and sound views of religion. Were he to write the tale anew, he would probably endeavour to give the character a higher turn. It is certain, however, that the Cameronians imputed to their opponents in opinion concerning the Indulgence, or others of their strained and fanatical notions, a disposition not only to seek their own safety, but to enjoy themselves. Hamilton speaks of three clergymen of this description as follows:--
"They pretended great zeal against the Indulgence; but alas! that was all their practice, otherwise being but very gross, which I shall but hint at in short. When great Cameron and those with him were taking many a cold blast and storm in the fields and among the cot-houses in Scotland, these three had for the most part their residence in Glasgow, where they found good quarter and a full table
, which I doubt not but some bestowed upon them from real affection to the Lord's cause; and when these three were together, their greatest work was who should make the finest and sharpest roundel, and breathe the quickest jests upon one another, and to tell what valiant acts they were to do, and who could laugh loudest and most heartily among them; and when at any time they came out to the country, whatever other things they had, they were careful each of them to have a great flask of brandy with them, which was very heavy to some, particularly to Mr Cameron, Mr Cargill, and Henry Hall--I shall name no more."--Faithful Contendings, p. 198.]
Thus backed and comforted, Poundtext resolved magnanimously to await thecoming of the Cameronians to the general rendezvous.
Burley and his confederates had drawn together a considerable body ofthese sectaries, amounting to a hundred horse and about fifteen hundredfoot, clouded and severe in aspect, morose and jealous in communication,haughty of heart, and confident, as men who believed that the pale ofsalvation was open for them exclusively; while all other Christians,however slight were the shades of difference of doctrine from their own,were in fact little better than outcasts or reprobates. These men enteredthe presbyterian camp, rather as dubious and suspicious allies, orpossibly antagonists, than as men who were heartily embarked in the samecause, and exposed to the same dangers, with their more moderate brethrenin arms. Burley made no private visits to his colleagues, and held nocommunication with them on the subject of the public affairs, otherwisethan by sending a dry invitation to them to attend a meeting of thegeneral council for that evening.
On the arrival of Morton and Poundtext at the place of assembly, theyfound their brethren already seated. Slight greeting passed between them,and it was easy to see that no amicable conference was intended by thosewho convoked the council. The first question was put by Macbriar, thesharp eagerness of whose zeal urged him to the van on all occasions. Hedesired to know by whose authority the malignant, called Lord Evandale,had been freed from the doom of death, justly denounced against him.
"By my authority and Mr Morton's," replied Poundtext; who, besides beinganxious to give his companion a good opinion of his courage, confidedheartily in his support, and, moreover, had much less fear ofencountering one of his own profession, and who confined himself to theweapons of theological controversy, in which Poundtext feared no man,than of entering into debate with the stern homicide Balfour.
"And who, brother," said Kettledrummle, "who gave you authority tointerpose in such a high matter?"
"The tenor of our commission," answered Poundtext, "gives us authority tobind and to loose. If Lord Evandale was justly doomed to die by the voiceof one of our number, he was of a surety lawfully redeemed from death bythe warrant of two of us."
"Go to, go to," said Burley; "we know your motives; it was to send thatsilkworm--that gilded trinket--that embroidered trifle of a lord, to bearterms of peace to the tyrant."
"It was so," replied Morton, who saw his companion begin to flinch beforethe fierce eye of Balfour--"it was so; and what then?--Are we to plungethe nation in endless war, in order to pursue schemes which are equallywild, wicked, and unattainable?"
"Hear him!" said Balfour; "he blasphemeth."
"It is false," said Morton; "they blaspheme who pretend to expectmiracles, and neglect the use of the human means with which Providencehas blessed them. I repeat it--Our avowed object is the re-establishmentof peace on fair and honourable terms of security to our religion and ourliberty. We disclaim any desire to tyrannize over those of others."
The debate would now have run higher than ever, but they were interruptedby intelligence that the Duke of Monmouth had commenced his march towardsthe west, and was already advanced half way from Edinburgh. This newssilenced their divisions for the moment, and it was agreed that the nextday should be held as a fast of general humiliation for the sins of theland; that the Reverend Mr Poundtext should preach to the army in themorning, and Kettledrummle in the afternoon; that neither should touchupon any topics of schism or of division, but animate the soldiers toresist to the blood, like brethren in a good cause. This healing overturehaving been agreed to, the moderate party ventured upon another proposal,confiding that it would have the support of Langcale, who lookedextremely blank at the news which they had just received, and might besupposed reconverted to moderate measures. It was to be presumed, theysaid, that since the King had not intrusted the command of his forcesupon the present occasion to any of their active oppressors, but, on thecontrary, had employed a nobleman distinguished by gentleness of temper,and a disposition favourable to their cause, there must be some betterintention entertained towards them than they had yet experienced. Theycontended, that it was not only prudent but necessary to ascertain, froma communication with the Duke of Monmouth, whether he was not chargedwith some secret instructions in their favour. This could only be learnedby dispatching an envoy to his army.
"And who will undertake the task?" said Burley, evading a proposal tooreasonable to be openly resisted--"Who will go up to their camp, knowingthat John Grahame of Claverhouse hath sworn to hang up whomsoever weshall dispatch towards them, in revenge of the death of the young man hisnephew?"
"Let that be no obstacle," said Morton; "I will with pleasure encounterany risk attached to the bearer of your errand."
"Let him go," said Balfour, apart to Macbriar; "our councils will be wellrid of his presence."
The motion, therefore, received no contradiction even from those who wereexpected to have been most active in opposing it; and it was agreed thatHenry Morton should go to the camp of the Duke of Monmouth, in order todiscover upon what terms the insurgents would be admitted to treat withhim. As soon as his errand was made known, several of the more moderateparty joined in requesting him to make terms upon the footing of thepetition intrusted to Lord Evandale's hands; for the approach of theKing's army spread a general trepidation, by no means allayed by the hightone assumed by the Cameronians, which had so little to support it,excepting their own headlong zeal. With these instructions, and withCuddie as his attendant, Morton set forth towards the royal camp, at allthe risks which attend those who assume the office of mediator during theheat of civil discord.
Morton had not proceeded six or seven miles, before he perceived that hewas on the point of falling in with the van of the royal forces; and, ashe ascended a height, saw all the roads in the neighbourhood occupied byarmed men marching in great order towards Bothwell-muir, an open common,on which they proposed to encamp for that evening, at the distance ofscarcely two miles from the Clyde, on the farther side of which river thearmy of the insurgents was encamped. He gave himself up to the firstadvanced-guard of cavalry which he met, as bearer of a flag of truce, andcommunicated his desire to obtain access to the Duke of Monmouth. Thenon-commissioned officer who commanded the party made his report to hissuperior, and he again to another in still higher command, and bothimmediately rode to the spot where Morton was detained.
"You are but losing your time, my friend, and risking your life," saidone of them, addressing Morton; "the Duke of Monmouth will receive noterms from traitors with arms in their hands, and your cruelties havebeen such as to authorize retaliation of every kind. Better trot your nagback and save his mettle to-day, that he may save your life to-morrow."
"I cannot think," said Morton, "that even if the Duke of Monmouth shouldconsider us as criminals, he would condemn so large a body of hisfellow-subjects without even hearing what they have to plead forthemselves. On my part I fear nothing. I am conscious of having consentedto, or authorized, no cruelty, and the fear of suffering innocently forthe crimes of others shall not deter me from executing my commission."
The two officers looked at each other.
"I have an idea," said the younger, "that this is the young man of whomLord Evandale spoke."
"Is my Lord Evandale in the army?" said Morton.
"He is not," replied the officer; "we left him at Edinburgh, too muchindisposed to take
the field.--Your name, sir, I presume, is HenryMorton?"
"It is, sir," answered Morton.
"We will not oppose your seeing the Duke, sir," said the officer, withmore civility of manner; "but you may assure yourself it will be to nopurpose; for, were his Grace disposed to favour your people, others arejoined in commission with him who will hardly consent to his doing so."
"I shall be sorry to find it thus," said Morton; "but my duty requiresthat I should persevere in my desire to have an interview with him."
"Lumley," said the superior officer, "let the Duke know of Mr Morton'sarrival, and remind his Grace that this is the person of whom LordEvandale spoke so highly."
The officer returned with a message that the General could not see MrMorton that evening, but would receive him by times in the ensuingmorning. He was detained in a neighbouring cottage all night, but treatedwith civility, and every thing provided for his accommodation. Early onthe next morning the officer he had first seen came to conduct him to hisaudience.
The army was drawn out, and in the act of forming column for march, orattack. The Duke was in the centre, nearly a mile from the place whereMorton had passed the night. In riding towards the General, he had anopportunity of estimating the force which had been assembled for thesuppression of the hasty and ill-concerted insurrection. There were threeor four regiments of English, the flower of Charles's army--there werethe Scottish Life-Guards, burning with desire to revenge their latedefeat--other Scottish regiments of regulars were also assembled, and alarge body of cavalry, consisting partly of gentlemen-volunteers, partlyof the tenants of the crown who did military duty for their fiefs. Mortonalso observed several strong parties of Highlanders drawn from the pointsnearest to the Lowland frontiers, a people, as already mentioned,particularly obnoxious to the western whigs, and who hated and despisedthem in the same proportion. These were assembled under their chiefs, andmade part of this formidable array. A complete train of field-artilleryaccompanied these troops; and the whole had an air so imposing, that itseemed nothing short of an actual miracle could prevent the ill-equipped,ill-modelled, and tumultuary army of the insurgents from being utterlydestroyed. The officer who accompanied Morton endeavoured to gather fromhis looks the feelings with which this splendid and awful parade ofmilitary force had impressed him. But, true to the cause he had espoused,he laboured successfully to prevent the anxiety which he felt fromappearing in his countenance, and looked around him on the warlikedisplay as on a sight which he expected, and to which he was indifferent.
"You see the entertainment prepared for you," said the officers.
"If I had no appetite for it," replied Morton, "I should not have beenaccompanying you at this moment. But I shall be better pleased with amore peaceful regale, for the sake of all parties."
As they spoke thus, they approached the commander-in-chief, who,surrounded by several officers, was seated upon a knoll commanding anextensive prospect of the distant country, and from which could be easilydiscovered the windings of the majestic Clyde, and the distant camp ofthe insurgents on the opposite bank. The officers of the royal armyappeared to be surveying the ground, with the purpose of directing animmediate attack. When Captain Lumley, the officer who accompaniedMorton, had whispered in Monmouth's ear his name and errand, the Dukemade a signal for all around him to retire, excepting only two generalofficers of distinction. While they spoke together in whispers for a fewminutes before Morton was permitted to advance, he had time to study theappearance of the persons with whom he was to treat.
It was impossible for any one to look upon the Duke of Monmouth withoutbeing captivated by his personal graces and accomplishments, of which thegreat High-Priest of all the Nine afterwards recorded--
"Whate'er he did was done with so much ease, In him alone 'twas naturalto please; His motions all accompanied with grace, And Paradise wasopen'd in his face." Yet to a strict observer, the manly beauty ofMonmouth's face was occasionally rendered less striking by an air ofvacillation and uncertainty, which seemed to imply hesitation and doubtat moments when decisive resolution was most necessary.
Beside him stood Claverhouse, whom we have already fully described, andanother general officer whose appearance was singularly striking. Hisdress was of the antique fashion of Charles the First's time, andcomposed of shamoy leather, curiously slashed, and covered with antiquelace and garniture. His boots and spurs might be referred to the samedistant period. He wore a breastplate, over which descended a grey beardof venerable length, which he cherished as a mark of mourning for Charlesthe First, having never shaved since that monarch was brought to thescaffold. His head was uncovered, and almost perfectly bald. His high andwrinkled forehead, piercing grey eyes, and marked features, evinced ageunbroken by infirmity, and stern resolution unsoftened by humanity. Suchis the outline, however feebly expressed, of the celebrated GeneralThomas Dalzell,
[Note: Usually called Tom Dalzell. In Crichton's Memoirs, edited by Swift, where a particular account of this remarkable person's dress and habits is given, he is said never to have worn boots. The following account of his rencounter with John Paton of Meadowhead, showed, that in action at least he wore pretty stout ones, unless the reader be inclined to believe in the truth of his having a charm, which made him proof against lead.
"Dalzell," says Paton's biographer, "advanced the whole left wing of his army on Colonel Wallace's right. Here Captain Paton behaved with great courage and gallantry. Dalzell, knowing him in the former wars, advanced upon him himself, thinking to take him prisoner. Upon his approach, each presented his pistol. On their first discharge, Captain Paton, perceiving his pistol ball to hop upon Dalzell's boots, and knowing what was the cause, (he having proof,) put his hand in his pocket for some small pieces of silver he had there for the purpose, and put one of them into his other pistol. But Dalzell, having his eye upon him in the meanwhile, retired behind his own man, who by that means was slain."]
a man more feared and hated by the whigs than even Claverhouse himself,and who executed the same violences against them out of a detestation oftheir persons, or perhaps an innate severity of temper, which Grahameonly resorted to on political accounts, as the best means of intimidatingthe followers of presbytery, and of destroying that sect entirely.
The presence of these two generals, one of whom he knew by person, andthe other by description, seemed to Morton decisive of the fate of hisembassy. But, notwithstanding his youth and inexperience, and theunfavourable reception which his proposals seemed likely to meet with, headvanced boldly towards them upon receiving a signal to that purpose,determined that the cause of his country, and of those with whom he hadtaken up arms, should suffer nothing from being intrusted to him.Monmouth received him with the graceful courtesy which attended even hisslightest actions; Dalzell regarded him with a stern, gloomy, andimpatient frown; and Claverhouse, with a sarcastic smile and inclinationof his head, seemed to claim him as an old acquaintance.
"You come, sir, from these unfortunate people, now assembled in arms,"said the Duke of Monmouth, "and your name, I believe, is Morton; will youfavour us with the pupport of your errand?"
"It is contained, my lord," answered Morton, "in a paper, termed aRemonstrance and Supplication, which my Lord Evandale has placed, Ipresume, in your Grace's hands?"
"He has done so, sir," answered the Duke; "and I understand, from LordEvandale, that Mr Morton has behaved in these unhappy matters with muchtemperance and generosity, for which I have to request his acceptance ofmy thanks."
Here Morton observed Dalzell shake his head indignantly, and whispersomething into Claverhouse's ear, who smiled in return, and elevated hiseyebrows, but in a degree so slight as scarce to be perceptible. TheDuke, taking the petition from his pocket, proceeded, obviouslystruggling between the native gentleness of his own disposition, andperhaps his conviction that the petitioners demanded no more than theirrights, and the desire, on the other hand, of enforcing the king'
sauthority, and complying with the sterner opinions of the colleagues inoffice, who had been assigned for the purpose of controlling as well asadvising him.
"There are, Mr Morton, in this paper, proposals, as to the abstractpropriety of which I must now waive delivering any opinion. Some of themappear to me reasonable and just; and, although I have no expressinstructions from the King upon the subject, yet I assure you, Mr Morton,and I pledge my honour, that I will interpose in your behalf, and use myutmost influence to procure you satisfaction from his Majesty. But youmust distinctly understand, that I can only treat with supplicants, notwith rebels; and, as a preliminary to every act of favour on my side, Imust insist upon your followers laying down their arms and dispersingthemselves."
"To do so, my Lord Duke," replied Morton, undauntedly, "were toacknowledge ourselves the rebels that our enemies term us. Our swords aredrawn for recovery of a birthright wrested from us; your Grace'smoderation and good sense has admitted the general justice of ourdemand,--a demand which would never have been listened to had it not beenaccompanied with the sound of the trumpet. We cannot, therefore, and darenot, lay down our arms, even on your Grace's assurance of indemnity,unless it were accompanied with some reasonable prospect of the redressof the wrongs which we complain of."
"Mr Morton," replied the Duke, "you are young, but you must have seenenough of the world to perceive, that requests, by no means dangerous orunreasonable in themselves, may become so by the way in which they arepressed and supported."
"We may reply, my lord," answered Morton, "that this disagreeable modehas not been resorted to until all others have failed."
"Mr Morton," said the Duke, "I must break this conference short. We arein readiness to commence the attack; yet I will suspend it for an hour,until you can communicate my answer to the insurgents. If they please todisperse their followers, lay down their arms, and send a peacefuldeputation to me, I will consider myself bound in honour to do all I canto procure redress of their grievances; if not, let them stand on theirguard and expect the consequences.--I think, gentlemen," he added,turning to his two colleagues, "this is the utmost length to which I canstretch my instructions in favour of these misguided persons?"
"By my faith," answered Dalzell, suddenly, "and it is a length to whichmy poor judgment durst not have stretched them, considering I had boththe King and my conscience to answer to! But, doubtless, your Grace knowsmore of the King's private mind than we, who have only the letter of ourinstructions to look to."
Monmouth blushed deeply. "You hear," he said, addressing Morton, "GeneralDalzell blames me for the length which I am disposed to go in yourfavour."
"General Dalzell's sentiments, my lord," replied Morton, "are such as weexpected from him; your Grace's such as we were prepared to hope youmight please to entertain. Indeed I cannot help adding, that, in the caseof the absolute submission upon which you are pleased to insist, it mightstill remain something less than doubtful how far, with such counsellorsaround the King, even your Grace's intercession might procure useffectual relief. But I will communicate to our leaders your Grace'sanswer to our supplication; and, since we cannot obtain peace, we mustbid war welcome as well as we may."
"Good morning, sir," said the Duke; "I suspend the movements of attackfor one hour, and for one hour only. If you have an answer to returnwithin that space of time, I will receive it here, and earnestly entreatit may be such as to save the effusion of blood."
At this moment another smile of deep meaning passed between Dalzell andClaverhouse. The Duke observed it, and repeated his words with greatdignity.
"Yes, gentlemen, I said I trusted the answer might be such as would savethe effusion of blood. I hope the sentiment neither needs your scorn, norincurs your displeasure."
Dalzell returned the Duke's frown with a stern glance, but made noanswer. Claverhouse, his lip just curled with an ironical smile, bowed,and said, "It was not for him to judge the propriety of his Grace'ssentiments."
The Duke made a signal to Morton to withdraw. He obeyed; and, accompaniedby his former escort, rode slowly through the army to return to the campof the non-conformists. As he passed the fine corps of Life-Guards, hefound Claverhouse was already at their head. That officer no sooner sawMorton, than he advanced and addressed him with perfect politeness ofmanner.
"I think this is not the first time I have seen Mr Morton of Milnwood?"
"It is not Colonel Grahame's fault," said Morton, smiling sternly, "thathe or any one else should be now incommoded by my presence."
"Allow me at least to say," replied Claverhouse, "that Mr Morton'spresent situation authorizes the opinion I have entertained of him, andthat my proceedings at our last meeting only squared to my duty."
"To reconcile your actions to your duty, and your duty to yourconscience, is your business, Colonel Grahame, not mine," said Morton,justly offended at being thus, in a manner, required to approve of thesentence under which he had so nearly suffered.
"Nay, but stay an instant," said Claverhouse; "Evandale insists that Ihave some wrongs to acquit myself of in your instance. I trust I shallalways make some difference between a high-minded gentleman, who, thoughmisguided, acts upon generous principles, and the crazy fanatical clownsyonder, with the bloodthirsty assassins who head them. Therefore, if theydo not disperse upon your return, let me pray you instantly come over toour army and surrender yourself, for, be assured, they cannot stand ourassault for half an hour. If you will be ruled and do this, be sure toenquire for me. Monmouth, strange as it may seem, cannot protectyou--Dalzell will not--I both can and will; and I have promised toEvandale to do so if you will give me an opportunity."
"I should owe Lord Evandale my thanks," answered Morton, coldly, "did nothis scheme imply an opinion that I might be prevailed on to desert thosewith whom I am engaged. For you, Colonel Grahame, if you will honour mewith a different species of satisfaction, it is probable, that, in anhour's time, you will find me at the west end of Bothwell Bridge with mysword in my hand."
"I shall be happy to meet you there," said Claverhouse, "but still moreso should you think better on my first proposal."
They then saluted and parted.
"That is a pretty lad, Lumley," said Claverhouse, addressing himself tothe other officer; "but he is a lost man--his blood be upon his head."
So saying, he addressed himself to the task of preparation for instantbattle.
