The haunted cavern: a Caledonian tale. : [Eight lines of verse] / By John Palmer, Junior.

The haunted cavern: a Caledonian tale. : [Eight lines of verse] / By John Palmer, Junior.

Table of contents

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Title page

DEDICATION. To Miss FARREN.

THE HAUNTED CAVERN.

CHAP. I.

CHAP. II.

CHAP. III.

CHAP. IV.

CHAP. V.

CHAP. VI.

CHAP. VII.

CHAP. VIII.

CHAP. IX.

CHAP. X.

CHAP. XI.

CHAP. XII.

CHAP. XIII.

CHAP. XIV.

CHAP. XV.

CHAP. XVI.

CHAP. XVII.

CHAP. XV.

CHAP. XIX.

CHAP. XX.

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Beauty may [...]

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THE HAUNTED CAVERN: A CALEDONIAN TALE.

In the most high and pa [...]my state of Rome,

A little ere the mightiest Julius fell,

The graves stood tenantless, and the sheeted dead

Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets

Stars shone with trains of fire, dews of blood fell,

Disasters veil'd the Sun, and the moist star,

Upon whose influence Neptune's empire stands,

Was sick almost to Doom's day with eclipse!

By John Palmer, Junior.

BENNINGTON: RE-PRINTED BY ANTHONY HASWELL FOR THE BOOKSELLERS NEWYORK. 1796.

DEDICATION.
To Miss FARREN.

[Page]

Madam,

IN accepting the permission you so kindly gave, of dedicating the following sheets to you, it may perhaps be said, that, like many other young authors, I seek to shelter my own imperfections under the sanction of a high name. But to whom could I dedicate a first attempt with so much propriety, as to a lady, who, to the splendor of public talents, adds the dignity of private worth, and whose goodness of heart will I am sure, pardon the errors which a refined taste must condemn? novels, as well as the drama, are closely allied to fiction; and [Page] the most shining ornament of the latter, cannot but be a competent judge of the former. That you will find much to blame in the Caledonian Tale, I am certain; at the same time I cherish a hope, that you will find somewhat to commend: At all events I feel a conscious pride in thus offering it to you, as a small token of that respectful esteem with which I am,

Madam,

Your much obliged, And very faithful Servant, JOHN PALMER, Jun.

THE HAUNTED CAVERN.

[Page]

CHAP. I.

There is a Power

Unseen, that rules th' illimitable world,

That guides its motion from the brightest star,

To the least dull of this sin tainted mould;

While Man, who madly deems himself the lord

Of all, is nought but weakness and dependance.

This sacred truth, by sure experience taught,

Thou must have learnt, when wandering all alone,

Each bird, each insect, flitting thro' the sky,

Was more sufficient for itself than thou!

THOMPSON.

IN the wild and barren country of Aberdeenshire, within a league of the sea-shore, and on the summit of a lofty hill, stood a gothic castle. The battered walls that had for ages severely felt the resistless hand of time were here and there decayed and crumbling into dust; the battlements which [Page] seemed enveloped in the clouds, were all overgrown with ivy, and become the abode of the ill-favored and ominous feathered race. No vicinity, save a few straggling cottages, the habitations of the vassals; no sound, but where the ocean in sullen fury, lashed the sandy beach, and dismal murmurs echoed thro' the rocks.

This mansion, while the sceptre of England was swayed by Henry the VIth, was the property of Sir James Wallace, a descendant of that illustrious character, William Wallace, who chose to encounter the perils and the frowns of war, rather than see his country become the spoil of a rapacious invader. Surely the eye that peruses thy fate, will not, cannot, refuse the tribute of a tear to thy remembrance! Peace to thy hallowed shade; and may thy manly virtues meet with the reward above that was denied them here!

[Page] The castle had been bestowed on William as some small recompence for the services he had done his king and country, and had from that period continued in his family.

Sir James resembled not his noble ancestor; of a sordid disposition, deceitful, cruel, and designing, his heart was a stranger to humanity or compassion. The smiling cherub Charity dared not approach his inhospitable roof; and the child of necessity, who at his portal craved a scrap of bread, was not only peremptorily refused, but if instigated by biting want to repeat the request, was spurned from off the threshold.

The partner of his bed was a being every way opposite to himself: her susceptible heart never felt greater satisfaction than in relieving the needy, reclaiming the abandoned, and rewarding the virtuous!

[Page] Matilda, so she was called, was daughter to the Lord Glencairn, a man who, but for one failing, was formed an ornament to society. Ambition was his darling passion, and the wish of aggrandizing, and enriching his family, wholly employed his thoughts.

At the castle of this Baron, Sir James first saw lady Wallace, and asked her of the Earl, who joyfully consented to accept him as his son. Not so Matilda; the dissimilarity of disposition with which nature had endued herself, and Wallace, caused her justly to look with horror on the approaching nuptials. Nor was that the only reason; her gentle heart had long and faithfully been given to another. Alan Duntrone, of a noble, but unfortunate family, whose chief boast consisted of an illustrious descent, and an unspotted reputation, was the object of her affection. He had, sometime [Page] before embarked for France, to serve under the banners of the Gallic Monarch; and had not been long upon the continent, ere the fatal news arrived that he had fallen covered with wounds and glory. But the heart of Matilda was too firmly attached ever to be withdrawn from her first and only love.

Glencairn commanded his daughter on pain of denouncing a curse upon her head, to become the wife of Wallace. The timid and dutiful victim yielded to the rigor of her unnatural parent, and at the altar presented her hand, and pledged those vows which were in the possession of her lost Alan.

Alas! can the gaudy splendor of a court, the noisy riot of a midnight banquet, or a profusion of useless ore, insure content? Erroneously too oft do parents judge, and while they fondly flatter themselves they are ensuring [Page] their offspring's happiness, plunge them in lasting misery!

A short time subsequent to the marriage of Lady Wallace, her father paid the great debt to nature, and on his death-bed declared the injustice he had done his child, implored her pardon, and closed his eyes for ever, in hopes of meeting more mercy above, than he had shewn his daughter here.

The edge of her grief (for spite of the harsh treatment she had experienced, she tenderly loved her Father) was somewhat blunted by the birth of a female, whose helpless infancy aroused her from the stupor into which she had sunk, and for whose sake alone she wished to live.

Fortune whose delight it is to sport and trifle with the feelings of mankind, fully evinced her blindness, and disregard of merit, in the fate of Matilda.

[Page] The barren habitation in the north ill suited with the libertine disposition of Sir James, and his chief time was spent at Edinburgh, where in the bustle of the Scotish Court, he forgot his suffering wife; immured in a solitary castle, without a friend into whose breast she could pour her sorrows, and hope for consolation. The stillness in which she sat and watched the slumbers of her little cherub, were uninterrupted, save by the distant roaring of the waves, and whistling of the wind, which howled discordant through the ancient pile, and were at intervals accompanied by the voice of the nightly screech owl, melancholy inhabitant of the lofty battlements.

Yet even this sad consolation she was in a short time deprived of. Her worthless lord had bestowed his heart on a woman, in whose breast vice reigned as predominant as did virtue in that of his consort; she was the widow of an officer about the king's person; [Page] her birth was low, and the elevated rank wherein she had latterly shone, was insufficient to irradicate the selfish ideas that were ingrafted by nature in her disposition. The thought of such a man as Wallace at her feet, at once flattered her vanity, and made that restless ambition, which had been long kindling in her bosom, burn with insatiate fury. After a time spent in

All the arts of wilful woman,

Lab'ring for her purpose,

she yielded to his desires, with this proviso, that he banished his deserving lady the castle, and substituted herself as mistress. He, no less a dupe than villain, consented, and instantly set out for Aberdeen, where on his arrival, he acquainted Matilda with the reason of his unlooked-for visit; and farther informed her she must then, it being night, depart, but that her infant should remain behind.

[Page] The feelings of a mind, susceptible as her's, may be better imagined than described. On one side, her passions were torn by wounded pride, while on the other the softer senses were roused by maternal affection.

Recovering herself, however, she yielded to necessity, snatched a parting kiss from her darling babe, moistened its little face with tears, and left the Castle, attended only by Carrol, a creature of Sir James's, who had orders to convey her on board a vessel that lay at the shore, from thence to proceed to Rouen, and lodge her in a convent, the abbess of which by bribes and promises, he had made his own.

Carrol executed his commission punctually, he delivered his trust, with a strict charge that a scrutinizing eye should be kept upon her conduct; then returned, and rendered his master happy, by informing him "his loudest fears were hushed."

[Page] Jane (the daughter of Wallace) was thus, in the age of infancy, left without a friend who would instruct her inexperienced mind, and train her in the sacred paths of virtue!

A short time previous to the exilement of Lady Wallace, her brother Archibald, who had succeeded the late Earl, his father, in the title and estates, suddenly disappeared; nor were the most accurate enquiries able to penetrate the mystery in which his fate was involved. Every search proving abortive, Sir James sent his trusty follower Carrol to the Castle of Glencairn, with orders to bring his nephew Eldred, son to the aforementioned Archibald, to Edinburgh, as he designed to take upon himself the guardianship of the young Baron.

On his arrival, he resided with Wallace, who, when he wrote to inform his infamous paramour of the steps he had taken in the north, requested her [Page] presence, and that of his juvenile charge. She joyfully obeyed the mandate, and arrived at the castle, where she met with a splendid reception from the lord of it.

[Page]

CHAP. II.

How great a t [...]il to stem the raging flood,

When beauty stirs the mass of youthful blood!

When the sw [...] veins with circling torrents rise,

And softer passions speak through wishing eyes!

SPENCER.

ELDRED, the young Lord of Glencairn, who was about the age of Jane, was happy in such a playmate; they let the hours glide by in pleasure, and never did there appear a tedious one, but that on which they parted for the night.

Thus did they beguile their time till Eldred attained his 18th year, and though reared by his uncle in a manner more suited to the abject station of a servile lacquey, than the representative of an illustrious house, he discovered a disposition replete with valour, and affability. To his inferiors, condescending [Page] as the pliant reed to every puff of wind; but to those who sought to play upon his generous nature he resembled the stubborn forest oak, that bids defiance to the jarring elements, and braves the fury of the winter's storm.

The youthful amusements of Jane, and her cousin, had insensibly created a sincere and ardent affection, which on their nearer approach to maturity, gained strength; nothing seemed wanting to complete their happiness. Too transient is the bliss of mortals, shallow is the cup of joy presented to their lips, and scarce do they taste the enticing beverage, ere the bitter dregs at bottom destroy the flavor of the wished for draught!

Such was the case of our young lovers; fortune was about to turn her wheel, and hurl them from the spoke of felicity to agony intolerable.

[Page] Fame had blown the beauty of Jane to the remotest parts of Caledonia's land, and a powerful and wealthy Highland Chief, named Donald of the Isles, (between whose father and Sir James had subsisted a strong friendship) was induced by her voice to quit his paternal fields, and judge whether report had or had not exaggerated. With a numerous retinue of knights and retainers he arrived at the mansion of Wallace, and was welcomed there with pomp and affected hospitality.

With impatience did he tarry for the minute that was to introduce him to the object who had caused his journey. But when he saw her he thought that had he been kept for ages in suspense, this one interview would have amply repaid him. All day did he contemplate her charms, and when the hour of darkness warned him to retire, cursed the tedious night that tore her from his sight. Lost were the luxuries of the banquet on him, nor could the copious [Page] draughts of wine he swallowed, wash away the passion which had taken root on his heart. He retired not to rest, but to devise the means by which he should make her his own. At last he resolved to ask her of Sir James, but not till he had predetermined, in case he had met with a refusal, force should put him in possession of what was denied to his intreaties.

To a mind like his nothing appeared impracticable; of strong passions, and unable to restrain them, 'tis not a matter of wonder he soon fixed his resolution, nor could the most imminent danger, or opposition, have put him from his purpose. Of a bold and martial deportment, he had all that ferocity in his countenance, which marks the Caledonians: brave to an excess, but artful to an equal degree, and would have waded through the blood of multitudes to accomplish his desires: Such was the character of Eldred's rival.

[Page] He preferred his courtship with studied smiles, and speeches formed by art and cunning; she heard him at first with indifference, he persisted and was requitted with contempt. He then addressed his suit to the Baron, he boasted of the high renown of his ancestors, and the wide extent of his domain, he expatiated on the number of his vassals, and set forward the mutual advantages that would accrue from an alliance. Wallace listened to him with attention, while he recollected with disgust the attachment he had observed to subsist between Jane and Eldred. He sought his daughter and commanded her to receive the addresses of his guest.

In vain the astonished maid lamented, wept, intreated; in vain she prostrated herself at the feet of her unfeeling father; in vain she tore her disordered locks, and smote her breast in anguish! Her supplications far from mitigating, added [...]uel to his resentment, and confirmed him in his ungenerous [Page] purpose: he mingled curses, and unkind reproaches, with his persuasions.

"Alas! said Jane, "Can Donald prize the constrained embraces of a heart that beats for another? Will sighs and groans accord with the caresses of a bridegroom? To Eldred my faith is given, never, never to be broken!"

"By the Holy-rood! replied Sir James, "This obstinacy irritates me; nor shall my wishes be fustrated by the idle pretensions of a boy; pay therefore the regard [...] and deference due to my mandate, or woe upon thy head. Meantime, preparations shall be made for the solemnity. Mark my words, and see thou dost obey them!"

Then, with indignation bursting from his eye, he quitted the chamber, leaving his daughter in a state of stupefaction, till the entrance of Eldred awoke her from a trance, who approaching, perceived the tears fast [Page] trickling down her lilly cheek, and with eager affection conjured her to make known the cause; which, when he knew, rage so shook his frame as to deprive him of articulation.

After a pause, "Can heaven," he exclaimed, "suffer such injustice? O Jane, if thy affection be ardent, as I flatter myself it is, you cannot refuse the boon which thus on my knees I crave!"

"Pronounce it," quoth Jane, "you know full well I can deny you naught."

"Enchanting sound!" cried the enraptured lover, "Oh! then, my best beloved, consent to fly with me beyond the reach of such parental cruelty; in some far distant private corner of the kingdom, let us obliterate the remembrance of your father's cruelty, and soothe the [...]ant of wealth, by being in possession of each other.

[Page] The bare idea of such a step, at first made the timid soul of Jane recoil; to quit the Castle clandestinely, and with a man, how must, she thought, her reputation suffer!

At length, however, these fears and scruples were over-ruled by the persuasive eloquence of Eldred, and the conscious purity of her own intentions.

"Yet," said Glencairn, "Can I resolve to immure those beauties in a cottage, which heaven bestowed to grace a court? Impossible!

"Let not that thought disturb you," returned his mistress, "Contentment is the source of bliss, the clay-built hovel will when you are present, appear a gorgeous palace, and the humble pallet, whereon I shall repose me, will yield a more refreshing slumber, than, robbed of thee, I should find under the richest canopy.

[Page] The young Lord seized her hand, and imprinting a kiss thereon, vowed her happiness should constitute the future study of his life.

[Page]

CHAP. III.

—Now o'er one half the world

Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse

The curtain'd [...]; n [...]w Witchcraft celebrates

Pale Hecate's offerings—

SHAKESPEARE.

THE next consideration was, how and when they should effect their escape; it was determined to meet at midnight near a cavern that was situated at no great distance from the castle, and had formerly, in those times when the English Edward was wont to invade his neighbors kingdom, been converted by the Scots into a prison, wherein they cast such of the enemy as became their captives. It had not been used by the state for near a century, and the key had ever remained in custody of the Wallaces.

This spot was fixed upon as the least liable to discovery, a vulgar notion having prevailed among the peasants that it was haunted; nay, they went so far [Page] as to aver they had heard frequent and melancholy noises issue from it. This superstition Sir James had strenuously endeavored to suppress, swearing whoever dared to propagate such idle vague reports, should pay for their credulity.

Tediously, to the lovers, did the steeds of Phoebus go their daily course, and with impatience they watched their descent behind the western hills. The chapel clock announcing the hour of twelve, Jane hastened to the place of rendezvous, and Glencairn not being arrived, seated herself upon a fragment of stone, bitterly lamenting her wayward fate.

"How cruel," she said, "is my destiny; deprived in my earliest infancy of a mother's fostering care, commanded by a harsh father to give my hand unto a man whose mind I am utterly unacquainted with. Spirit of my departed and revered parent, arm my soul with fortitude to bear—"

[Page] "Her care is still for you," exclaimed a voice; while Jane, horror-struck, threw her eyes around, and perceived a figure suddenly turn an angle of the cavern; at this instant a dusky cloud enveloping the moon, left her in perfect darkness, and on returning light in vain she sought for the cause of her surprize.

Scarce had she recovered from her panick, ere the sound of footsteps rekindled her fears, which were as quickly dispelled when she saw Glencairn approach. She informed him of her extraordinary adventure, which he sought to persuade her was but the coinage of her brain; yet too firmly was it impressed on the mind of Jane, to be persuaded it was fancy.

After some time, bestowed in mutual vows, sealed by their lips and witnessed by the chaste Diana, they appointed a meeting early on the ensuing morn at a cottage in the near valley. The [Page] owner was a venerable woman, who had had the charge of Jane during her infancy, but had been dismissed on Matilda's expulsion [...] Thither it was farther settled Andrew, the servant of Eldred, should bring horses to accelerate their departure.

They then, with reluctance, bade adieu, and returned by different roads to the castle.

At day-break Jane proceeded to the appointed spot, reflecting on the mystery of a circumstance, which her present visit to the cottage brought fresh to recollection. It was briefly this: In her several ex [...]tions thither, to which she was [...]gated by humanity, she had constantly observed a female there, who on her entering ever retired, yet was there something majestic in her form that inspired reverence.

In vain had she questioned old Maud concerning her visitor; in vain had she [Page] perplexed herself in conjectures of who it should be; and the predominant desire of woman, dear curiosity, was left unsatisfied!

At the lowly portal she found Eldred; he conducted her in, where she was welcomed by the good hostess, who had got the licenced trick of age. Prolixity in conversation was her marking feature; nor was there a possibility of bringing her to the end of a tale, till she had made her accustomed observations.

"My beloved mistress," she cried, "in the name of the Holy Virgin, how come I honored with your company at so early an hour? Has any mishap befallen you? I fear there has, for right sure am I that my last night's dream bodes nothing good; however I will not at present trouble you with that, but return to something of more consequence. My good Lord, your cousin, informed me that I might expect you; [Page] but useless were my enquiries to what I stood indebted for your visit."

"My good mother," answered Eldred, "had you permitted, I should ere this have solved your question."

"There now!" returned the aged owner of the house, "had I permitted! Have I not already said I intreated you?"

"Maud," said Jane, "am I, from this to conclude you consider my visit as unseasonable?"

"Unseasonable!" exclaimed the cottager with energy, "Alas, how little you know my heart! and yet you should know it, none ever had a greater interest in it. How often have you in early years reclined upon my bosom? Ah! those days for happiness, I never shall see their parallel. Yet what am I? A creature that few returning months shall see low laid in the grave. But you, in the meridian of [Page] youth and beauty, Heaven will surely bless you,"

Jane tarried the conclusion of this eloquent harangue, well knowing it would be fruitless to attempt an interruption, then thanking Maud for her good wishes, made known her purpose, which she had hardly ended, [...]hen Andrew arrived with the [...].

The figure of this servant was too uncommon to let it pass without mention.

Nature, with whom he seemed no favorite, had given him a pair of small grey eyes, but in her haste had forgotten the customary ornament of an eyebrow. His nose was broad, and appeared as if some unlucky accident had spread it across his cheeks. His mouth was wide, and decorated with two enormous rows of variegated teeth, in which however black was the predominant colour. His bushy beard, a [Page] fiery red, grew on his [...]allow chin, like furze upon a [...]un parched heath. His figure was not cast in Apollo's mould, being squat and muscular, and having one leg a few inches shorter than its fellow, caused his gait to be rather shambling than majestic.

The character of this servant was also somewhat singular; he was firmly atttached to his master, and would with pleasure have sacrificed his own life in his defence. He was, moreover, a great philosopher, and scarce ever answered a question without the addition of some musty proverb. Yet were the springs of his heart actuated by virtuous movements, and to his master he was firmly attached.

He entered, and, warned them to be gone. "Consider," said he, "Dispatch is the soul of business, and by tarrying here, you may chance to be eased of the trouble of your journey. For no sooner will you be missed, than [Page] the pursuit will begin; Sir James one way, and that brawny devil, Donald, like the Colossus of Rhodes, stretching from the [...] of one hill to another. And I must own, notwithstanding their rank, I should not like to be found in their company at present. Let us be gone my Lord, Remember, quoth he, The early bird catcheth the worm."

The earl thought there was [...]ound argument in what his follower said, and prepared to depart; on which Maud suddenly left the room, but returned in a few minutes, craving permission to introduce a lady, who although a stranger, professed herself much interested in behalf of the two fugitives.

They begged Maud to introduce the lady; who entered the room vieled, and Jane, by her figure, discovered the person she had so frequently seen there, who took her hand and pressed it with fervor to her lips, inviting heaven to shower its choicest gifts upon her head, [Page] and to avert those calamities which had befallen her mother. Then presenting the hand she held to Eldred, bade him in broken sobs, consider the value of the jewel he was about to have in charge; murmured a blessing on them and precipitately withdrew, leaving her spectators in amazement!

Jane took leave of her nurse, and after Glencairn had forced a purse upon her, they mounted their steeds and shaped their course southerly, resolving to travel as far as Wales, amidst the lofty mountains of that country, to tend their herds and live in peaceful retirement.

They rode conversing on the strange rencounter at the abode of Maud, which much engrossed their thoughts; and the more so as Jane affirmed she had heard the voice before, till the dark gathering of the clouds foretold the impending storm, and they had just gained shelter in an adjacent grove, [Page] when the rain poured down in torrents, loud whistled the wind amidst the lofty foilage, while blue and forked lightning, gave a momentary gleam, and the big thunder, in deep, awful strains, growled over their heads.

"Aye," cried Andrew, (throwing his plaid over his shoulders) "This reminds me of an excellent proverb, Though the sun shine, leave not your cloak at home."

While they remained under shelter, they were surprised by the voices of men, one of whom cried, "They cannot be far off, I have good intelligence this is the road they took!"

"'Tis well," returned another, "if they are taken, our labour will be well requitted."

"If!" answered a third voice, "I will pursue them to the end of the world. By the beard of Holy St. Andrew, our Lord would sacrifice▪ us [Page] as accomplices, should we return without them."

This conversation [...]unk to the very soul of Jane.

"Alas!" she said, "these are our pursuers! What will become of us?

"Fear not, my love," exclaimed Eldred, "I will protect you, while life exists!"

"Then, my Lord," said Andrew, "the most certain way of doing that, will be to run away; for take my word, you will not long have life, if you remain here." "Silence," interrupted his master.

By this time a party of armed men appeared, and confirmed his suspicions; which, however they a [...] quickly dispelled, by enquiring whether a company of horsemen had not passed. Being answered, no! they informed our [Page] travellers, those horsemen had surprized the castle of a neighboring Baron, which they had plundered, and that they were in pursuit of the robbers▪ wished Eldred and his companions a pleasant journey and departed.

After tarrying some time, the sky began to clear; the water which till then had fallen, strong as a cataract, now scarcely dropped at all, and heaven's artillery rolled at a distance, till it gradually died away.

[Page]

CHAP. IV.

A little lowly hermitage it was,

Down in a dale, hard by a forest side,

Far from resort of people that did pass

In travel to and fro: a little wide

There was an holy chapel edified,

Wherein the hermit duly went to say

His holy things each morn and even tide:

Thereby a crystal stream did gently play,

Which from a sacred fountain welled▪ forth away.

SPENCER.

THEY then continued their progress, and arrived in an extensive valley, surrounded by a hanging wood. The rays of the God of Day, who was fast retiring for the night, cast a delightful shade and added to the beauty of the scene. Through the dale, over a pebbled bed, meandered a bubbling stream, flanked on each side by mournful willows. Casting their eyes around in wonder, at the door of a cell they descried a man vested in hermit's garb, who sate apparently in melancholy [Page] reverie. Around the porch were interwoven jasmines and honey-suckles, the fragrance of which was odoriferous.

The Anchorite, on observing our travellers approached and requested them, in a stile more suited to the polished air of a courtier than the usual address of a recluse, to enter his dwelling; to which they consented, marvelling what could have induced a man who seemed designed by Nature for the highest sphere, thus to seclude himself, particularly as he was not of age to lose all relish for the pleasures of society. The traces on his features seemed rather the effect of cruel retrospection than of time; yet had it not destroyed that grace and affability, which accompanied his every word and gesture. Nor was their wonder diminished, when they espied a suit of armour suspended from the stoney roof.

"Enter," he cried, "my humble dwelling, and accept a hearty welcome, [Page] which will be your only sauce to the poor fare that I can set before you." "A good appetite is the best sauce;" said Andrew hurrying out to turn the horses loose, that he might the sooner be enabled to convince them there was truth in his assertion.

The hermit then produced some excellent fruit, and water from the rivulet that flowed before his door; of which Eldred and his fair companion partook sparingly. In the mean time, Andrew, having dispatched his business, quickly proved, by the attack he made on the provisions, that abstinence was not in the list of his philosophic virtues. "Aye," says he "this is as it should be, After the outside has been so mauled, as that of my unhappy carcase has, tis fit the inside should be well lined, to support the whole case.

To be sure your beverage is none of the strongest. I have been well buffetted by this element any time for the last hour: but, thank Heaven, my [Page] philosophy can reconcile any thing; [...]nd as you [...] wine, here's my service to you in water."

Their repast ended, the Anchorite, who called himself Ambrose, was intrusted with the history of the young fugitives, concealing only their names; on which he made them the offer of his habitation as a refuge, until the search which would necessarily be made after them should subside. This friendly proposal they joyfully accepted; and the daughter of Wallace being provided with a straw bed, the only one the place afforded, retired; while the Hermit, Glencairn, and Andrew, drew around a good neat fire for the night.

The subsequent morning, after regaling themselves, Jane and her lover walked into the surrounding wood, when she, faint for want of that rest which her perturbed state of mind had denied her during the night, resolved to seek it under the shadow of some [Page] kindly tree; she therefore desired Eldred to leave her, [...] which he complied, and traversed the grove for some time. But how can his horror be described, when on his return he saw not Jane. Half frantic, he loudly called upon her name, but all in vain! At length he bethought himself, that possibly she might have taken her way to the hermitage; and hasting thither, met his trusty squire.

"Andrew," cried he, "hast thou seen the Lady Jane? I quitted her for a short time, and on coming to the spot again, my longing eyes to no purpose looked for her.

"My Lord," replied his attendant, "there is an old adage, and a very true one, that After joy comes sorrow."

"Have you seen her?" returned the impatient Eldred.

[Page] "No my Lord," said he, "but let [...]s go in quest of [...]; Seek till you find and you'll rarely lose your labour."

Regardless of these observations, Glencairn made for the cell of Ambrose, and enquired of the holy man, whether his mistress had been there; on being answered in the negative, with wild despair pictured in his frenzy-rolling eye, again he darted amidst the impervious shade of the encircling forest, making it re-echo with his cries; till exhausted nature yielded beneath her burden, and he sunk supine upon the earth.

Ambrose, who, with Andrew, had been the whole day in search of Eldred, found him at last in the situation before mentioned; his face wrapped in the plaid robe he wore, and his brown locks wet with the evening dew.

Deaf to the entreaties of the Hermit, he remained immoveable, till softened [Page] by the persevering and reiterated supplications of Andrew and the good man, he suffered them to conduct him unto the hermitage. On his arrival, the agitation his spirits had sustained brought on a raging fever, so desperate, that for several days his life was despaired of, during which time his host administered such drugs as the produce of the earth enabled him to prepare. But conscious that his patient's mind stood most in need of medicine, he took the earliest opportunity that returning reason offered, on the part of Eldred, to inculcate the principles of religion, and sooth his tortured soul.

"My son," said he, "reflect that the ways of providence are blind and intricate! shall poor weak man attempt to reason, and say to Power Almighty, thou hast done amiss? Bow with submission to the will of Heaven, and pour that precious cordial patience on your heart.

[Page] "True," cried Andrew, "Patience is a plaister for all sores."

"Ah, father!" exclaimed Glencairn, "to the insensate feelings of an anchorite, my grief, I know, appears extravagant. But how can one, secluded from the world judge of those sensations by which the susceptible passions of frailer mortals are actuated? Had you, indeed, ever known what it is to love, and have the idol of your soul thus torn away, you might with justice reason on my case."

"True again," said the philosophic squire, "None know the weight of another's burden."

At the latter part of Eldred's speech, the scalding drop rolled down the Hermit's cheek: after a time he thus replied.

"Alas, my son! you know not what you have innocently done; probed a [Page] wound, which though long since received, is not, nor ever will be healed."

"It is ill healing an old sore!" ejaculated Andrew.

"Had I ever loved!" continued Ambrose; "O! did you know my long sad sufferings, your own, heavy as you think them, placed in the scale against mine, would strike the beam; and notwithstanding the repetition of them will rouse a train of gloomy reflections, that for a moment scarce had slumbered, yet will I recount them, that, by the comparison you may learn to bear with resignation the ills allotted to you."

"You had better not," cried the squire of Glencairn, "When sorrow is asleep, awake it not."

Unmindful of Andrew's remarks the recluse commenced his narrative.

[Page]

CHAP. V.

He had been a soldier in his youth,

And sought in famous battles.

HOME.

"I am the sole surviving branch of a noble house, richer in honor than in wealth. My father knowing the scanty fortunes he possessed, were insufficient to support the dignities of his family, resolved that his only son, myself, should never, if possible to prevent it, feel the want of riches.

"You are, I know," he would say, "above all mercenary thoughts, and far be it ever from me to endeavour at instilling them into your bosom. But I, from long experience, can affirm how feeble the struggles of mental worth, unless backed by that persuasive advocate, gold. Trace the world through; behold the veriest wretch that treads the surface of the earth, [Page] and if bedecked in splendor, you shall see him take the senior hand of threadbare honesty; which, like the sun obscured behind a watery cloud at intervals darts forth a pallid ray, to shew the world the beauties that he owns, and which the hand of Envy strives to hide.

"Do not, from this," continued he, "infer you should despise wealth. No consider it as the best gift of Heaven, provided you have the blessing to understand the proper use of it, which surely is, that those who most abound, may have the satisfaction of relieving others, that are undeservedly necessitous."

"By the mass," interrupted Andrew, "a sensible shrewd remark, and I have a proverb will confirm the truth of it; Riches are like manure, offensive in a heap, but spread abroad make the earth fruitful."

[Page] "Your observation bears the stamp of reason," replied Ambrose; "but to resume my tale; for the reason before mentioned, I was bade prepare to fail for France, where at that time Mars shone in all his splendor. With rapture I should have obeyed the order, had not a magnet even more attractive than the love of fame, influenced my stay.

"Near to the castle of my father lived a rich and haughty chief, whose daughter had charms potent enough to captivate the icy breast of cold insensibility. No wonder then that I, at an age when the susceptible heart is prone as wax to take impressions, should be subdued; nor was the lovely conqueror, as I thought, insensible to what I suffered; nay she has confessed she loved me, but vowed never to become my bride without the assent of her parent.

[Page] "This I almost despaired to obtain, well knowing his predominant foible was ambition, to which he would have sacrificed every thing most dear to him. However to sanguine love nothing appears unattainable, and with the concurrence of my father, I demanded the hand of the Baron's daughter.

"And who art thou" he cried "who pretendest to it? What feats of heroic prowess hast thou accomplished, or is thy name distinguished amongst the chieftains of the north? Thy shield is not inscribed with any bold and valorous atchievement, nor are thy deeds rehearsed by the breath of applauding minstrels. Gain thee a name in arms, and then aspire to my envied alliance. Moreover I command my daughter to forbear thy presence; thou shalt have no further opportunity to wean her from her duty.

"On this I left the castle, nettled at his ill opinion of myself, and want of [Page] confidence in a child, whose every action implied obedience.

"The time for my departure now drew nigh; and disappointed in my fondest wish, I counted every hour, impatient for that which was to bear me from my native country, hoping in battle some friendly sword would deprive me of an existence now become hateful.

"All attempts to see my mistress proved ineffectual; and the only consolation I experienced was that of receiving a letter from her.

"Farewell," said she in it, "Heaven knows no youth but you ever had an interest in my heart. May the angel who regards true and virtuous love, bear a shield before thee in the field of slaughter, endue thy sword with power resistless, and bring thee back to my fond arms, encrowned with laurels! speedy be thy return; and oh, remember me! Gay and courtly dames, skilled [Page] in the artful language of seducement, may strive to allure thee, but their love cannot equal mine."

In her letter she enclosed me a ring, as token of her unshaken constancy.

"I instantly answered her billet, in which I strove to picture the agonies I endured; conjuring her by [...]he tenderness she acknowledged for me, not to marry untill she heard I was no more; as I was resolved to return with affluence, or never to return. That should fortune deign to be propitious, I would claim her hand as the recompence of my toils, and that I was certain her father would not in that case refuse it; as she well knew to my birth he could make no exception; want of riches was my sole detriment, and should that cause be removed, no obstacle would remain.

"Having dispatched a trusty messenger with it, and a bracelet in return for [Page] the pledge she had sent me, with a heavy heart I sat out for Edinburgh; from thence I embarked for France, and on my landing instantly joined the army of the gallic king, by whom I was courteously received.

"Various were the different skirmishes, and tedious to relate; It is enough to say, that for a length of time the genius of the British arms prevailed, till by the assistance of a maid, named Joan la Pucelle, the scale was turned in our favour. She put us into possession of Orleans, routed our foes, and restored in a great degree the glory of France, which the repeated conquests of the Black Prince, Edward, and his illustrious descendant, Henry the fifth, had diminished. Her name was honored throughout the kingdom, and the halls of the gallic barons rung with the fame of this heroic virgin.

"Fortune still continued to befriend us, till fate deprived us of our guardian [Page] angel, Joan impelled by a furious ardor, rushed on the foe, and being seperated from her party, fell into the hands of the Duke of York; who far from revering her courageous conduct. sentenced her to the stake.

The rumour of her caption spread like wild fire, through our host, and acted on it as a spell: The soldiers panic struck, fled from the field of battle, and were pursued with slaughter. I myself escaped with difficulty, and rode till night, which was so dark, that not a star was to be discovered in the firmament. My situation was distressing, and both myself and horse had occasion for refreshment, which I could not perceive the possibility of obtaining, whe [...] I perceived a light at no great distance, and instantly spurred toward it, but to my mortification lost sight of my beacon; at length again it glimmered, and on coming near, I found it to issue from a hut surrounded by a clump of lofty trees.

[Page] "I knocked at the door, which was opened by a man stricken in years, whose contenance was the most disgusting I ever beheld. His person was far above the common size, and his shoulders so robust, they reminded me of the sinewy Atlas; his profile was concave, with a nose of so enormous a length, it joined in contact with a chin that ended in a curved point. His small grey eyes were nearly obscured by a pair of penthouse brows, that resembled the shaggy covering of the bear; nor was his voice unlike the roaring of that ill-favored animal.

"Having recovered from the surprize into which his uncouth appearance had throw [...] me, I informed him, through the darkness of the night I had mistaken my road, that the same cause rendered it almost impossible for me to recover it again, and I should be indebted to his hospitality, if he would give me lodging till break of day. This artifice I conceived myself authorised to practise, [Page] as that part of the country was entirely devoted to the English.

"Endeavouring to smooth his hedious features to a smile of complacency, "Enter," said he, "and such entertainment as my hovel affords is your's."

"I thanked him, and after leading my steed under an adjacent pent house, followed the old man into the house.

"On seating myself to supper he intreated me to lay aside my sword, this I declined, at which he seemed chagrined; however I kept my falchion by my side, and after having allayed my appetite, begged he would shew me to my bed. Taking a lamp, he conducted me up a ladder to a room, or rather loft, where setting down the light he left me.

"I threw myself on the pallet in my armour, and wiled away the time in a retrospection of my past life; when [Page] casting an eye in one corner of the room I perceived the floor much discoloured. Curiosity prompted me to a nearer investigation, and on looking close I found it stained with blood.

"But I perceive the hand of Somnus lies heavy on your brow, refresh yourself with sleep, and in the morning I will continue my narrative.

They then retired for the night, and on the morrow Father Ambrose pursued his story.

[Page]

CHAP. VI.

—Now pursue,

The fated youth, though words are sure too wea [...]

To speak his horror.

KEATE.

"AN involuntary horror seized me and made my seated heart knock at my ribs, as though it would have burst its prison. It instantly occurred to me, the house had been the seat of murder, and that probably I was destined to the same wretched end."

"I had scarce made my comment on the scene before me, ere my attention was again roused by the clatter of approaching horses, and I soon heard their riders tap gently at the portal, which being opened, they asked if any company was within."

"Aye, replied the hoary villain, "there is a young man above, who, [Page] if one may judge from apperance, will yield something handsome. He has not yet had time to compose himself to that rest, which he little dreams will be his last."

"Silence Dubois," replied another voice, "we shall depend on you for the execution of this business, as an affair of moment calls us hence."

"And you may depend on me," said the old man, "it is not the first time. This good dagger has never yet failed me, and I'll answer it does not now. However, before you depart, drink one cup of wine to the success of my undertaking; here is part of a flask that I opened for the credulous fool, who shall pay dearly for it."

"Having drank, the horsemen mounted and galloped off, leaving me in a state of mind more easily conceived than described. I had not much time allowed me for reflection, as I [Page] heard my host ascending the ladder. I instantly extinguished my lamp, and placing myself behind the door, by the pale light that invaded my chamber window, I saw him enter the room and advance to the bed, whereon he supposed his intended victim lay. I unsheathed my sword, and straitway plunged it in his heart.

"Traitor!" I exclaimed, "take from my hand the just reward of thy crimes—crimes which exceed all bounds. To lure the unwary traveller to his death, under the plausible mask of hospitality, is sure a species of unparallelled villainy. But why do I waste my breath upon a wretch whose iron heart repentance cannot reach? However, if thou hast in thy composition one particle of reverence for the divine Author of thy being, now, while thou hast life, intreat forgiveness.

"I then hurried from the room, and having caparisoned my charger, left the [Page] accursed mansion with all the speed he was master of. It was still so dark I was compelled to ride at random, without knowing what route I took, and at the hazard of falling into the enemy's hands. At last, the welcome sound of a distant bell saluted my ear, and, looking towards the side from whence it issued, I descried by the rays of the sun, that now began to shoot above the dusky horizon, the spires of a monastery: cheered by the sight, my exhausted strength was renovated. Arriving at the gate, I demanded admittance, which was granted, and I ushered into an apartment, where I found the superior. He desired me to make known, who, and what I was; the truth I did not think it politic to entrust him with, therefore, contented myself with saying, I was about to join the army of the Duke of York."

"Your conduct, interrupted Andrew, "was a proof of your good sense, and reminds me of an excellent [Page] adage. Take heed of an ox before, an ass behind, and a monk on all sides!"

"Having answered his enquiry," said the hermit, "I was accommodated with a miserable couch, where, for a few hours, I enjoyed an uninterrupted slumber. On arising, I was told Father Francis was employed about the person of a wounded man; nevertheless, I might enter his chamber. I did so, and the first object that my eyes encountered was Dubois; the wretch whom I had left weltering in his blood. On my appearance, he utterred a groan, and fell back speechless. After a pause, he shewed signs of returning life, and at length being able to support himself upon his arm exclaimed, "There stands my murderer!"

"I was instantly surrounded, and, spite of all opposition, disarmed; then hurried to a melancholly dungeon, where they loaded me with chains. Thus manacled, these fathers of religion [Page] quitted me, guilty of no crime but spilling the blood of an assassin in my own defence.

Long, very long, did my confinement last. One morning, a member of this infernal society entered my cell, telling me I must prepare to die, as Dubois had just breathed his last: regardless of life, I followed him, happy in so near a prospect of being released from it."

"We came into a large hall, where the inhabitants of the monastery were already assembled, and which contained their various implements of torture. The superior addressed me, and after artfully expatiating on the pretended enormity of my guilt, informed me the Holy-Brotherhood judged it fit I should make atonement on the rack."

[Page] "Thus did they strive to make the murder which they were about to perpetrate appear an act of justice."

"Empty vessels make the greatest sound," said Andrew, "The scripture saith, A fool's voice is known by multitude of words! Sure it is, none more apt to boast than those who have least real worth!"

"Silence, cried Eldred, though at the same time he could not forbear admiring the pertinence of the remark; then apologized for his servant's interruption, on which Ambrose went on.

"Monster!" I exclaimed to Father Francis, "profane not the sacred name of religion, by bestowing the appellation of holy on this fraternity of banditti, and tremble at the power of an incensed Deity. Though for some wi [...]e and unseen purpose he may awhile permit your cruelty to flourish, yet be assured a day will come, when his all [Page] righteous judgment shall fall heavy on you!"

"That day is distant, returned he, lead him to instant execution."

"This they proceeded to do, fast binding me to the wheel; I had just finished a short fervent prayer, when the monks were startled by the sound of loud and repeated blows at the outer gate of the monastery; on which they armed themselves, and sa [...]lied forth to seek the cause of this unexpected clamour!"

[Page]

CHAP. VII.

Sweet are the uses of adversity,

Which like the toad, ugly and venomous,

Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.

SHAKESPEAR.

"PSESENTLY I heard the clash of swords, and the groans of the wounded grated on my ear; at length the shouts of victory echoed throughout the building, and the hall was filled with armed Frenchmen, who released me!"

"Next to heaven, my thanks were due to these my preservers, which I gave them with all the cordiality my full heart inspired; then intreated to know what had brought them so providentially to my relief."

"They told me an unhappy creature who had miraculously escaped from [Page] the monastery, after a long confinement, by accident passed the French encampment, and desired permission to see the general, to whom he was admitted. He informed him he had just effected his emancipation from that place, and enumerated the several barbarities inflicted by those sanctified impostors. Upon which a detachment was ordered to attend the stranger, and to carry the place by storm; this they had just accomplished, and came in time to save me from an ignominious death."

"From this I learned, what I before suspected, that my persecutors countenanced the depredations of Dubois and his associates, and that probably the spoils of those travellers, who, had fallen by his hand, were conveyed to this holy place."

"We explored the different recesses of the monastary, and delivered a long train of victims, who, for years had [Page] groaned beneath the yoke of monkish tyranny. Amongst the number, were a father and his son, that particularly interested me. As we entered their dungeon, we saw, by the light of our torches, the old man stretched on the damp pavement, and fast locked in sleep, his head was supported on the knee of the youth, who watched his slumbers, while the tears of filial affection dropped from his eye, and moistened the beard of his venerable burden!"

"On observing us, and in habits so unlike what he had been accustomed to while in confinement, a spark of hope illumined the young man's features, and burst into a flame, on our telling him they were no longer prisoners. With tender care he awoke his parent, and imparted to him the change in their favor. Never in my life did I witness a scene of more [...]ervent devotion than now took place; the old man fell upon his knees, in which he [Page] was followed by his son, both in silent orisons, expressing their obligation to the divinity, while the sluices of their eyes, which had before been wholly actuated by grief, now flowed in streams of gratitude!"

"We then departed with those Friars who had escaped the swords of the soldiery. On our arrival at the camp, I made myself known to the commander, to whom I repeated my adventures, and was received by him in a manner suitable to my birth; but, spite of my endeavors to save the lives of my enemies, on the following morning they were all executed; a dreadful example, that a day of retribution, however tardy, is certain to arrive!"

"I remained in the army some three years, without the comfort of the least intelligence from Scotland. At the battle o [...]—, it was my fortune to encounter a man, whose arms and deportment bespoke him above the common [Page] stamp. Our strife was long and hardy, until my tempered steel cleaving his crest in twain, put an end to the combat, and to the life of my brave adversary."

"Thy genius has prevailed," he faintly articulated, "and well dost thou deserve to conquer; accept this trifle as a testimony of the esteem, which even a vanquished enemy professes for you." So saying, he presented me with a casket. "Do justice to my memory," cried he, "and let it not be your least boast, that by your arm, fell Lord—."

"At that word, death cut short his utterance, and a retreat being sounded on our part, I unwillingly quitted the body, ignorant of the name of my generous antagonist."

"I embraced the first opportunity to examine my gift. How did I gul [...] my sight on the precious store presented [Page] to it? Not for the love of wealth, but that I flattered myself, it would put me in possession of her I adored.

"About the same time a truce being concluded between the contending kingdoms, I embarked for Scotland. During our passage, we one morning observed [...]a large vessel bearing down upon us with all the sail she could crowd, and on her nearer appearance, found her by the colours to be an Algerine."

"Our situation was perilous, as the size of their bark exceeded ours too much, for us to entertain a thought of conquering them; and so pusillanimous was our captain, that he talked of quietly surrendering. This I strenuously opposed, preferring death to a state of abject bondage. I therefore summoned the crew, and made them acquainted with my determination, not to yield tamely, conjuring them, if the slightest [Page] ember of courage glowed within them, to follow my example, and strive to repel the infidels."

"This they vowed to do; and the enemy being come up, grappled with and attempted to board us: long we sought with an ardor the love of liberty alone could inspire, till the slaughter which reigned amidst our little band, rendered all farther opposition fruitless, and our colours were struck. Petrified at the idea of becoming a slave, at a time I flattered myself secure of lasting felicity, my reason forsook me, and I singly sought to repel the foe, but all in vain, a blow from a battle-axe laid me insensate on the deck, and I became their prisoner.

"On recovering, I must own, the patience and philosophy with which my vocation now urges me to arm the wretched, was then ill observed by myself. I dashed my head against the vessel's side; and should have buried my [Page] sorrows in a watery grave, had I not been prevented. Alas! I was destined to experience still severer [...] ▪

"The victors stood for their own coast, on gaining which, [...] companions were all disposed of, Muley Abdallah, the commander, reserving only myself. He took me with him to a small, but elegant, castle, that stood without the city gates; where I was destined to the humble employment of a gardener. However, as I seemed to be the sport of fortune, I hoped the same caprice that had cast me into slavery, would, ere it was long, release me. Full of these sanguine thoughts, I became more calm, and comforted myself with the resolution of not letting slip an opportunity, should any offer, of making my escape.

"I attended my plants, and making a virtue of necessity, tried, by my assiduity, to gain my master's favor and confidence, that so his vigilance might [Page] relax, and afford me the earlier season of regaining my liberty.

"Sitting one evening, after having completed my daily task, upon a bench beneath the castle, a billet fell at my feet, I took it up, and withdrew to a secret part of the garden, where I opened the letter and read these lines:

CHRISTIAN,

You will doubtless be surprized at finding yourself addressed in a place where you are an entire stranger; but let the Deity who delighteth in goodly actions enable you to support your lot with fortitude. Know you have a friend, to whom Alla has given the power and inclination to befriend you. To your honor I confide a secret which, if divulged, plunges myself and you in misery. It is in vain I have endeavored to combat a passion that can never be [Page] removed until the angel of death closes my eyes, and wafts me to the blessed mansion of our holy Prophet. My father Muley Abdallah, will shortly leave the castle, then will I effect your liberation and return, to your own country. Think not too lightly of me for this my candid confession, but rest assured you shall receive your deliverance from the hand of

Selima.

"This letter was a cordial to my mind. I perused it over and over again, fearful I was but in a dream; yet when the first sallies of my unbounded joy abated, and reason resumed her empire, I found my happiness much lessened by the declaration of love made me by the daughter of Muley Abdallah; my affection for another, my honor, my religion forbade my making a suitable return."

[Page]

CHAP. VIII.

Hope of all passions, most befriends us here;

Passions of prouder name befriend us less.

YOUNG.

"A WEEK of alternate hope and anxiety elapsed, when a female slave accosted me, desiring I would meet her at sunset in the south alcove. So saying, she suddenly disappeared.

"At the decline of day I repaired to my rendezvous, and was shortly after joined by the faithful confidant, who bad me follow her. We entered the castle, and ascended a slight of stairs which led to the apartments of Selima, whom I found in one of them on a rich [...]. On seeing me she rose, and [...] ing up her veil, presented the greatest assemblage of charms I ever witnessed; at the [...]ame time requesting I would partake of her [...]eat.

[Page] "I fear," she said, her face suffused by the blush of modesty, "I fear, to one accustomed to the strict etiquette of European women, my conduct must appear inconsistent with the delicacy of my sex; but there was no time to be lost in ceremonious punctilio. My father is at present abroad, how soon he may return is uncertain. I have provided for your escape, which must be this night. A renegado captain, who is under some obligation to me, has undertaken to convey you to your native land. Even now he tarries for you, lose not a moment, some mischievous stroke of fortune may prevent you else."

"A sensible lady!" quoth Andrew. "Aye, Many things fall out between the cup and the lip."

"I endeavored to express my thanks," said the Hermit, "and hoped she would not accuse me of ingratitude when I owned my sole reason or [Page] wishing to return homeward, was the [...]ond hope of again beholding the woman, to whom, before my departure my vows were pledged.

"I mentioned this abruptly, fearful she should have formed any thought of accompanying me; but much I wronged her. She replied, with a smile, in which she attempted to smother her agitation: "Your candor charms me: Farewel! This eunuch will conduct you to a vessel. May you be happy in the arms of her you love; and sometimes, in the midst of your felicity, bestow a thought on Selima, whose constant prayers shall be for your prosperity."

"I pressed her hand to my lips, and departed, strongly impressed with admiration of her generous conduct. I followed my guide to the beach, and finding the galley in perfect readiness, I rewarded the slave and embarked.

[Page] "Never did I experience a night of more real satisfaction. I sate on the deck, ruminating on my past misfortunes, and anticipating my future happiness, while the swelling bosom of the sail was filled by the breath of zephyr, and our prow cut through the green bosom of the glassy ocean."

"After a pleasant voyage, I landed at Leith; and recompensing the service of the captain, proceeded to the mansion of my forefathers. By what various emotions was I actuated as I journeyed thither! I was received at the gate by the steward, a venerable man, who had spent his youth in our family.

"He started at the sight of me, as though he had seen an apparition. "Dost thou not know me, Charles?" said I.

"My young Lord!" he exclaimed. "Is it possible? Is it you?

[Page] "How is my beloved father? I returned.

"Alas!" cried he, "I have a melancholy story to relate; but enter the castle, and you shall know every circumstance that has occurred since your quitting it."

"You had not been gone twelve months, before a Scots Chief, on a dark night, claimed shelter here from the inclemency of the elements, which I need not tell you was granted; for never did traveller pass these walls without refreshment. In the course of conversation, he said he was just returned from the French wars. Your father eagerly embraced the opportunity to enquire after his son; but lightning could not have struck him harder [...] the answer of his guest, who told him you had perished in battle.

"Never from that time did my Lord receive the smallest comfort, and the [Page] burden of grief laid so heavy on his frame, that the strings of his heart cracked, and he sunk into the grave.

"Your mistress, who appeared inconsolable at the tidings of your death, some time after g [...]ve her hand to another; but a few ye [...]s only had she been married, when [...] rumour that she was no more reached my ear.

"By the decease of your father, and the report of your own demise, the estates became the king's, to whom I have punctually remitted the rents; but who will no doubt, with pleasure restore them.

"This is the melancholy greeting I am compelled to give you; and I pray heaven, who has guarded you through the slaughter of the war, may endue you with resignation!"

"Horror-struck at these dreadful tidings, disappointed at the death of [Page] my parent, and at the inconstancy and subsequent decease of my mistress, I yielded myself a prey to black despair, and determined to devote the remnant of my days in the service of our blessed Redeemer, by enrolling myself under the banner of the knights of Malta, and combating the enemies of my religion.

"I therefore withdrew privately from the castle, as I well knew if Charles became acquainted with my design, he would oppose it with every argument he was master of. I travelled the whole day, taking no nutriment, save what the earth afforded, and slacking my thirst at some running brook, till the sable mantle of night was spread over the surface of the earth, and the thick falling dew warned me to seek some place where I might lay my wretched head; in vain were my searches, and exhausted nature forced me to repose my wearied body on the wet grass.

[Page] "The beams of the ruddy god no sooner diffused their genial heat, than I arose, and pursuing my way, arrived in this valley. The sequestered situation, the willows bending over the purling stream, presented a striking portrait of my own state, and induced me to exchange my armour for the garb and [...]wl of an hermit.

"Here have I since remained, and the chearing warmth of twelve genial springs have chaced the wintry snow from off the neighboring mountains, since my arrival. Now, from my repeated miseries, draw a lesson that may teach you to bear your own with patience, and, by comparison, to consider them as light."

[Page]

CHAP. IX.

How charming is divine philosophy!

Not harsh and crabbed, as dull fools suppose,

But musical as is Apollo's lute,

And a perpetual feast of nectar'd sweets,

Where no crude surfeit reigns.

MILTON.

ELDRED thanked the Anchorite, and would sain have profited by his advice; but the loss of his beloved mistress had fixed a barbed arrow in his heart, the gangrene wound of which the hand of philosophy could not heal.

He remained with Father Ambrose until his bodily health was restored, when again the remembrance of Jane drove him almost to desperation.

"Good heaven!" he cried, "my sufferings are more than I can endure."

[Page] "Remember, my Lord," said Andrew, "Crosses are ladders that do lead to Heaven."

"Come," exclaimed Glencairn, his eyes burning with fury, "in the very mansion of Donald will I seek the ravisher, for sure it must be him, and—"

"Valour can do little without discretion," returned Andrew, "an ounce of the latter, is worth a pound of wit."

"Why, what wouldst thou have me do?"

"In vain he craves advice that will not take it."

"No more, I charge thee; if thou canst afford me no consolation, for thy life attempt not to trifle with my feelings."

"Fall not out with thy friend for a trifle."

[Page] "Well, well, my honest fellow, I have been hasty, I pray you pardon me."

"I do," said Andrew; "Happy is he who knows his follies in his youth."

The impetuous sallies of passion on the part of Eldred, were restrained by the persuasive arguments of his attendant; and it was settled they should abandon the hermitage on the following day. They made their intention known to Father Ambrose, who intreated his noble guest, but in vain, to prolong his stay.

On the ensuing morn, the Recluse drew from his breast a casket.

"This," said he, "is the legacy of an expiring foe. I treasured it, hoping it would have proved the means of uniting me to her I adored. Those thoughts are crushed forever! Accept this as a memorial of one, who though [Page] but a short time honored with your acquaintance, has for you a sincere respect."

So saying, he took out a ring, which he presented to Glencairn, who thanked him for his present; but on looking at it, the blood forsook his cheek, and his whole frame was convulsed at perceiving it bore the crest of his family. The mystery in which his father's fate was wrapped, the time the jewels were given, served to confirm his suspicions, that 'twas he had fallen beneath the arm of Ambro [...]e; yet could he not account for his parent having served in the English army. Again he thought, he might have been influenced by some grievance, to oppose the interests of France, and for that reason had privately absconded from Scotland. To censure his host would be an act of injustice, as to the fortune of war he stood indebted for his loss.

[Page] These were the feelings that tore his mind; he instantly ordered his charger, and taking an abrupt leave of the Anchorite, whom he could not see but with horror, vaulted into his saddle, and hastened from the valley.

He rode towards the mansion of Wallace, and dismounted at twilight at the cottage of Maud, whom he questioned concerning Jane.

"On the first news of your flight," answered she, "Sir James and Donald, attended by their retainers, followed you; but to my great surprize, on the subsequent evening, the former returned without his guest, denouncing the curse of an irritated parent on his daughter, and vowing he would no farther pursue her, but leave her to reap the just reward of her disobedience. This startled me, and I am now convinced she is in their hands, but where they have secreted her, heaven knows."

[Page] This intelligence increased Eldred's anxiety.

"Let us be gone, Andrew," he cried, "to the dwelling of this accursed rival: dearly shall he make atonement for his villainy?

In vain were Maud's endeavors to dissuade him from his purpose; in vain she painted the dangers he must necessarily encounter, and the improbability of deriving any success from his rash project.

"You forget," said he, "the name I bear, never did base fear, or the thought of danger invade the mind of my illustrious race, nor will I be the first to [...]ully such a line of ancestors. Loud is their praise in mouths of wisest men, and oft are their deeds recorded to the sound of the lyre. As to the improbability of my success, the omnipotent Being will determine, as may seem best to him, and should I [Page] perish in the attempt, posterity will peruse my fate with regret."

So saying, in opposition to the strenuous intreaties of Maud, he mounted his steed, and attended by Andrew, shaped his course northward.

On the second evening, he descried the stupendous battlements of Donald's mansion, rearing their rugged heads above the horrizon, in awful majesty.

Advancing towards it he met a youth, whose military accoutrements bespoke him one of Donald's retinue; and on examining his countenance, the air of ingeniousness with which it was strongly imprinted, prompted Eldred to make his confidante, and to endeavor by gold, that all-persuasive argument, to win him to his interest.

He accosted him with some trivial question, asking whose was the adjacent mansion; after which, he informed the [Page] stranger it was in his power to serve him essentially.

"My gratitude," said he, "shall not be confined to the stale trick of words; I mean to give a more substantial proof of it. Take this purse, and rest assured, that contains but a moiety of the acknowledgment I will make, provided you befriend me."

"Your look," replied the soldier, "bespeaks you noble. I think, from your appearance, you would yourself scorn a bribe. Why then should you suppose me guilty of accepting one? Is it because I wear this humble dress? If so, learn from me, that the dress of a hind often covers a heart, which would not degrade the gaudy mar [...]le of a monarch. If I can assist you, I shall with pleasure do it. But rest assured, if my inclination does not prompt me, it never shall be said, Edric was b [...]assed by the love of lucre!"

[Page] These words charmed Glencairn, who was persuaded that at least, in this instance, the face was an index of the mind. He instantly imparted his business to the stranger, who confessed Jane was within the castle; at the same time, he acknowledged the injustice of Donald, and vowed to forward the schemes of Eldred as much as in him lay.

Our hero expressed his sense of the obligation, and demanded by what method he could best gain admission to the habitation of Donald. Edric told him he had another military suit with which he would accommodate him, and by that artifice, enable him to pass the centinel as one of the garrison.

Glencairn applauded the mental abilities of the soldier, who went in quest of his armour, with which returning in a short time, the former equipped himself the [...]e [...]; then, having the watch-word, he departed on his enterprize, [Page] leaving his squire with Edric, who undertook to lodge him with a friend, where he might tarry for his Lord.

[Page]

CHAP. X.

'Tis true, unruffled and serene, I've met

The common accidents of life, but here

Such an unlook'd [...]or storm of ills fall on me,

It beats down all my strength.

ADDISON.

ELDRED crossed the draw-bridge without the least suspicion, and had scarce entered the court-yard, when his ear was saluted by the jocund sound of festivity. He entered the building and making his way to that part whence the noise proceeded, he came to a hall which was decorated by the arms and banners of its various possessors. Here he sound a goodly company sacrificing largely to Bacchus: swiftly was the mantling goblet passed around, while the warlike deeds of the Scottish Chieftains rung through the stately edifice!

[Page] Eldred, darting a look around, saw at the farther end his rival, and Jane seated by him, over whose spirits, neither the juice of the grape, nor the voice of the bard, had the least influence. Pale melancholly was pictured in her features; her face was averted from the hated society wherein she was compelled to mix, while the briny moisture from her eye fell in the sparkling cup, and diluted the potent beverage.

The sight of his mistress fired the soul of Glencairn; hardly could he refrain from sacrificing the ravisher in the midst of his adherents; but policy prevented him, and he determined to counteract the villainy of Donald by stratagem.

Long did he continue at the castle, without the happiness of communicating a word to the loved object who had brought him thither; when, as he stood reclining against his beachen spear [Page] in painful rumination, the highland chief passed near him, and fixed his eyes stedfastly on him; then suddenly withdrawing them, left the court-yard. Our hero was in amazement, he naturally conjectured he [...] known; still he determined not to abandon the place without making Jane his companion.

His suspicions however were soon evaporated, by the Baron taking no farther notice of him, and fortune soon after favored his wishes. As his mistress was enjoying the cool evening breeze upon the terrace, he found means to convey a letter, unperceived, into her hand, imparting the danger he encountered for her sake, and with every tender argument, soliciting an interview that night, near the western tower, as his friend Edric would have charge of the draw-bridge, who would enable him to snatch her from the captivity in which she languished.

[Page] Eldred waited with anxiety, the inseparable companion of love, till he thought the inhabitants of the castle buried in sleep, then flew upon the wings of impatience to the appointed spot. Long did he tarry, but no Jane appeared. Furious at his disappointment, he was about to retire, when the distant view of a female, again rekindled his hopes, and in a minute he held the daughter of Wallace in his arms, fain would he have chid, but joy restrained his tongue from any language, save what love inspired. With rapture he strained her to his breast, apprehensive he should be once more deprived of her.

Thus does the shipwrecked mariner—when wan despair forbids the thought of ever regaining land, by chance some friendly billow wafts him towards a rock, where close he clings, and fears the impetuous surge will tear him from his only hope!

[Page] With eagerness did Glencairn hurry cross the draw bridge, where he was joined by his squire, who had received from Edric intimation of his master's design.

"These excursions," said Andrew, "may be vastly entertaining to you, my Lord and Lady, who are lovers, who can banquet on each other's words, and warm yourselves with the breath of mutual protestations. But, for my part, I would rather have been employed in feasting on a well fed Capon, and a flaggon of wine. Here have I tarried, until I am perfectly a walking piece of ice; my body is now in as cold a state as the summit of Arthur's seat on a winter's night. Our horses too are stolen, and by the beard of St. Andrew which way they went I know not: however 'tis for your service I suffer this inconvenience, and that thought softens my sufferings."

[Page] Already they were at a distance from the hostile place, and safe they thought from the persecution of their enemies. The transition from a situation so deplorable, to one directly opposite, produced such a revolution in their tender minds, as lovers can only imagine.

They were fondly entertaining each other with mutual protestations, when the harsh din of footsteps fast advancing, caused them to mend their pace. Taking Jane's trembling hand, Eldred hurried on, but their pursuers gained upon them, and he distinguished the voice of Donald.

"Stop, villain!" he cried, "yield up your prize, or this moment you breathe your last."

They were now so close, that all escape was hopeless. Eldred, therefore, like to the forest lion when at bay, placed himself before his fair companion, and drawing his sword prepared to meet [Page] his foes. Andrew followed his example exclaiming, "It's a hard battle where none escape."

The Lord of the Isles, whose impatience quickened his steps, first came up and attacked his rival, they [...]ought with valour, and Glencairn was on the point of gaining the victory, when he received a wound in the back, that brought him drowned in gore upon the earth, at which Jane uttered a piercing cry, and sunk lifeless on his body, while the follower of our unfortunate hero being disarmed, was fast bound and gagged, and with the lady, whom they forced from her lover, conveyed to the Castle.

Eldred recovering from the swoon wherein loss [...] blood had cast him, [...]ound himself deprived of adored Jane, and manacled in chains; at which rage and indignation renewed his strength.

[Page] "Cowardly assassin, he cried, "thou disgrace to knighthood, who canst not rely on the strength of thine own arm, but causest these, thy myrmidonian crew, basely to lend thee aid! Free me from this hated bondage, restore my arms, renew the combat, and let the victor be rewarded with the charms of Jane.

"Fool!" retorted Donald, "thinkest thou I will play for that, which is my own already? No! the female whom thou mentionest is within my power, even now she enters my mansion, never to retrace her steps, till by the holy force of matrimony she is linked to me. For thee, rash stripling, in a deep dungeon shalt thou expiate thy audacity. Could thy presumption prompt thee to imagine that thy shallow brain could defeat the schemes of Donald? I knew thee from the first; thou canst not but remember, when in the court yard, surprize [...] my sight upon thee; but the wiser dictates [Page] of cool policy recalled me to myself, and I resolved to try what plans thy daring soul would form, contenting myself with keeping a guard upon thee who watched thy every motion. The letter thou gavest to the lady she dropped, 'twas found and delivered to me. Thy friend the tra [...]tor Edri [...] ▪ was seized and be assured shall receive the just reward of his treason. Another was placed at the draw bridge in his stead, with orders to let thee pass, while with my troops I did begird the castle. Some kindly angel led thee to the spot where I myself tarried, and has given me the supreme delight of witnessing thy misery. Think not to escape, for by the blessed cross of our country's champion thy punishment shall equal thy arrogance."

"And dost thou make thy boast," exclaimed Eldred, "of this thy villainy? Cowardice, the constant attendant upon guilt, burns high within thee. [Page] Come, at one blow dispatch me, and glut thy savage nature!"

Donald perceived this speech was uttered to excite his anger, that so he might be irritated, and deprive his rival of a hateful existence.

He replied "Thy artifice is vain! Death were too gentle, too unsatisfactory for my revenge; in a loathsome prison, where not a breath of air but what is putrid, enters, shalt thou pine, till kneeling thou dost entreat an end to thy existence, and even that mercy is denied thee. Guards, bear him hence, and see that you obey my orders."

Resistance could avail him nought▪ as well might he have stopped the rising tide upon the sandy beach, as thus unarmed, attempt to oppose the will of Donald. The soldiers hood-winked his eyes, and placing him on horseback, set forward. After a tedious journey, he found himself descending a long flight o [...] steps; [Page] suddenly stopping, the guards released his sight, and taking off his chains, left him in perfect darkness, while the harsh grating of the keys, convinced him he had reached his dungeon.

[Page]

CHAP. XI.

The midnight clock has toll'd, and hark! the bell

Of death beats [...]low! heard y [...] the note profound?

It pauses now, and now with rising knell,

Flings to the hollow gales its sud [...]en sound.

MASON.

DESPAIR now seized upon the soul of Eldred; deprived of liberty, robbed of the idol of his heart, whom with its utmost fervency he worshipped, what could he wish for but death?

Irritated by reflection, and accusing fate, that instead of permitting him to end his life in battle, like his ancestors, had doomed him to perish in ignoble bondage, perhaps by the hand of an assassin, he traversed his dungeon, till his foot striking against a something threw him on the ground.

Curiosity prompted him to seek the [...]ause of his disaster; after a tedious [Page] search he picked up a dagger, which from the feel he judged to be a rusty one. While his thoughts were employed in vain conjectures, how, or for what purpose the instrument came there, the beams of the moon obscurely gleamed through an aperture, in the roof of the cell, and presented to his astonished sight an human skeleton, then disappearing he was again involved in chaos.

So momentary and so faint had been the light, he could not persuade himself but the horrors of his situation had conjured up this phenomenon, and that 'twas but a phantom of his disordered brain. Determined, however to convince himself, he felt about the place, till his hand falling on the fleshless bones, brought conviction. While in this dreadful situation, a low and dismal groan from a far end of the dungeon vibrated in his ear. So many concurring horrors were sure sufficient to unnerve the [...]bres of the strongest [Page] heart, and though unmoved he would have encountered a host of foes, yet did this awful scene so work upon his fancy he could scarcely support himself; a cold and chilly dew flowed down his limbs, his knees forgot their office and shook under him, his nerves were all relaxed and sinewless as the new-born infant's.

"What bloody act has this infernal den been made the scene of?" he involuntarily cried; Unhappy wretch I am doomed to mingle my dust with thine: Alas! thy miseries are ended, mine to come."

Harrassed with mental and corporeal fatigue, he threw himself upon the bed, and strove to gain a temporary relief from his anxiety by sleep, but the caresuspending poppies fled his eyelids, and his groans of anguish echoed through the place. He arose, walked in a state of distraction, and his reflections served only to make his situation more deplorable. [Page] In vain did he endeavour to penetrate the mysterious gloom that surrounded his understanding; the more he tried to unravel the knotted clue, the more was he entangled in the mazes of conjecture, without one leading thread to guide him to certainty; while the horrors of darkness, the whistling wind, and dreary sounds of distant bells increased the gloom.

During the whole night he was disturbed by a repetition of sighs and melancholly noises, which issued from one particular direction, and kept him in a state of racking uneasiness and anxiety.

At length the wished for morn arrived, and by the aperture through which the chaste Diana had the preceding evening cast her pale influence, the gaudy sun's illustrious rays now made their way, and discovered to Eldred the situation of his confinement.

[Page] 'Twas a spacious, lofty vaulted cavern; on one side stood an oaken table, rotten and worn out with age; a stool that bore the same marks of antiquity, and a bed of straw. Upon the table was placed a lamp and tinder box, which, to the prisoner, was a cheering sight, as it would prevent his passing another night in the darkness which he had spent the one preceding.

The only light was admitted through the opening afore-mentioned, and which had been occasioned by an earthquake or some other strong convulsion of nature.

He was in the course of the day served with provisions through a small iron grate; and by the ratling of various keys, and the creaking jar of gates, he judged his prison of too much strength for him to entertain a hope of ever making his escape.

[Page] Faint with his wound and lack of proper sustenance, he made a slight repast on bread and water (the only food allowed him) and sunk under the pleasing power of Morpheus; losing for a time the remembrance of his cares.

While sleeping, his dreams presented the figure of an aged man, whose aspect commanded veneration and respect. He was immured in a thick vapourous cloud, from which his utmost efforts were vainly put in force to disengage himself, till casting an eye on Eldred, the mist he was involved in vanished, h [...]s silver beard and hair were converted into jetty locks, while the feeble limbs of age grew renovated, and formed an hero in the prime of manhood, cased in steel: full he gazed on Eldred, and uttering these words; "Heaven guard you!" disappeared.

Surprize awakened Gle [...]cairn, who sound the God of day had disappeared, and that the mist of darkness enveloped [Page] the earth. He arose, his mind wholly engrossed in contemplating his dream, felt his way to the table, lighted his lamp, and removed the skeleton into a recess at the far end of the cavern, and the part whence the groans he had heard on the preceding night appeared to issue. Scarce had he laid it on the ground, ere the same dismal sounds harshly struck his ear, and determined him, if possible, to discover the cause. He searched in vain, he could find no clue to guide him, nor could he persuade himself but the sounds were supernatural. He tarried some time, till a deep sigh made him suddenly start from a fragment of the rock on which he had seated himself, and in so doing he threw down the light and extinguished it.

At the same time a something fell on his head: he stood almost petrified with horror; another groan echoed through the cave; he sought for his lamp, found it, and with trembling [Page] steps made for the table, rekindled the flame, and once more entered the recess. All was quiet, on the ground he discovered a small roll of paper, which he knew had fallen upon him while in the dark. He returned to the outer part of his prison to examine it, but the damps aided by time, had nearly obliterated the writing; nevertheless some parts were legible, and he perused the manuscript.

[Page]

CHAP. XII.

—How well in thee appears

The constant service of the antique world;

When service sweet for duty, not for mee [...]!

SHAKESPEARE.

'TIS now necessary to return to Donald, who having resigned the captive Eldred to his followers, entered the castle, and summoned Andrew to his presence. Judging of others by himself, he imagined the Squire's fidelity might be shaken by the power of gold, and determined to make him assure the daughter of Wallace, that Eldred had entirely resigned her to the Lord of the Isles, on condition that he was restored to liberty. This he knew must give Jane a despicable opinion of her lover, and possibly might favor his own suit.

Donald took his seat in the hall, and the follower of the Lord Glencairn was soon ushered in.

[Page] "Approach and fear not," said the Chief, "fain would I be thy friend. Convince the lady Jane thy master has renounced her, and fortune is thy own. As an earnest of my favor, I present you with this purse."

"No, my Lord," answered Andrew "my affection for him I serve, was the gift of nature; I consider it as sacred, and will preserve it as I would the last legacy of a departed friend. Barter it for gold! No! keep it yourself, you have more need of it."

"I need of it?" replied Donald.

"Yes, you!" cried the squire, "Go, purchase a fresh conscience, if you can. Exchange your robe, if possible, for an honest heart, and think yourself happy in your bargain."

"Wretch!" returned the chief, "obey me, or dread my vengeance."

[Page] "My lord," said Andrew, "rest assured, my philosophy is equally proof against your menaces, as your gold."

"Fool!" exclaimed the enraged Donald, "Guards convey him back to prison, and double load him with chains!"

"I defy you," retorted the faithful fellow, "double that again, the tho't of having acted rightly will make my irons light; while the weight that clogs thy bosom will make your frame heavy, though in the state of Adam."

"Away with him!" cried the chief.

The soldiers obeyed, and having pinioned his arms, which gave him an appearance not unlike a trussed capon, conveyed him to his cell, and left him, with the alternative of [...]hewing the [...]ud of bitter reflection, or some mouldy bread, which was the only sustenance they left him.

[Page] "Here is indeed," muttered the captive, "sufficient room for meditation; here I can indulge my philosophy, which bids fair to be put to the proof, and with as little fear of interruption as the distressed cottager has to fear the relief of greatness. Should I ever be delivered from this Giant of the Castle, this Donald, never more will I act a part so ill suited to my abilities, as that of a Squire. I am certain Mars did not preside at my nativity. I am rather apt to think my parents were thinking of an olive branch at the time—No matter; I am afraid my death will be occasioned by the branch of the nearest oak. I should not be surprized if this fiend was to hang me, and then my masters promises would be fulfilled, that by following his fortune, I should get exalted. Sure enough, I set out with a promising prospect; but it reminds me of the old proverb, Praise a fair day at night. I am afraid I shall be kept as a scare-crow, though forsooth there seems little occasion for [Page] that, the birds appear to have as great an aversion as myself to this place. The only one I saw, during my stay at Edric's friend's, was an old owl, as melancholy as myself. Oh, that I was reading Plato in the buttery; there I had food for the body as well as for the mind. Alas! I shall never see those days again."

Thus did the unlucky Andrew lament his fate.

In the mean time, Donald sought the apartment of Jane, whose timid nature he disturbed with his impetuous solicitations. Much were her hours embittered by his addresses; still she resisted his importunities, as firmly as the rock withstands the lashing waves beneath; and an unlooked for circumstance called him, for a time, from the castle, and relieved her from the restraint of his company.

[Page] Nor was his conduct to Jane the only injustice Donald was guilty of, Scotland, at that period, abounded with robbers; the whole kingdom was in a state of civil war; the depredations of banditti were not only tolerated but encouraged by the barons. Nay they were employed by them to destroy the neighbouring nobility.

Donald, whose disposition was suited to such deeds, soon made himself conspicuous. At the instigation of Earl Douglas, the most powerful of the Caledonian chiefs, who had been defeated by the king's army, he summoned a numerous force to join him, under the command of Lauchlan Macleod, and Murdock Gibson, two noted robbers, with whom he invaded every place that was devoted to their sovereign, sparing neither age nor infancy, burning towns and villages, and enriching himself with the spoils thereof.

[Page] He attacked Argyle, and the Isle of Arran; and having obtained possession of the Castle of the latter by stratagem, he levelled it with the earth.

From thence he passed to Lochaber, and to Murray, where he exercised the same barbarities as at the preceding places.

He likewise destroyed the Castle of Inverness, after having taken it in a manner unworthy a warrior, and put the garrison to the sword.

These things he did, not so much to gratify Lord Douglas, as to indulge his own sanguinary, avaricious turn of mind. Like the devouring locust, he carried with him destruction, and delighted in the miseries of his fellow creatures.

[Page]

CHAP. XIII.

Mourn, hapless Caledonia, mourn

Thy banish'd peace, thy laurels torn!

Thy [...]ors, for valour long renown'd,

Lie slaughter'd on their native ground.

S [...]OLL [...]T.

WHILE the iron hand of civil war raged thus in Scotland, Henry of England perceiving an advantageous opportunity, as he and his predecessors were ever wont to do, commanded the inhabitants of Northumberland, and the other counties on the borders, to make incursions; while the distracted state of Caledonia, prevented James, (the sovereign of that nation) making any considerable attempt to repulse the foe; and a defeat of his army by Henry Piercy, Earl of Northumberland, caused Donald to think this a favorable juncture to obtain a pardon for himself and his associates.

[Page] He therefore sent messengers to this purpose to his majesty, who handled the matter very craftily, not openly and plainly forgiving the tyrant, nor yet making the ambassadors entirely despair of remission for their chief.

He answered them gently, that the Lord of the Isles deserved no mercy at his hands, that the languinary acts o [...] which he had been guilty called aloud for vengeance; nevertheless, that kings who represent the divine majesty of our maker, should, in holding the ballance of justice, ever lean towards the scale of mercy. That his pardon depended entirely on himself; that he should do some praise-worthy action, ere he was reinstated in his favor, and that he should moreover repair every injury inflicted by him.

With this answer Donald was obliged to be content. At the same time ambassadors arrived from Richard, Duke of York, to cla [...]m the assistance of the [Page] Scottish monarch against Henry the sixth, whom he purposed to depose▪ and to place himself upon the throne of England; in return for which he promised to restore the lands in Northumberland enjoyed by James's progenitors, with Berwick and all the fields adjacent; and, to conclude, vowed a perpetual peace and amity, to be maintained between the two realms.

When the ambassadors had concluded their harangue, they thus received their answer:

"It is not unknown the just title that Richard Plantagenet hath to the crown of England; but my assistance should not be too precipitately granted, neither should a prince, who has so long, and by consent of his kingdom, been invested with the insignia of royalty, be despoiled for a light cause, nor without mature deliberation; but that I refer to the wisdom of the English nobility. I have just reason for complaint [Page] against my brother Henry. First, that he did, without provocation, invade my dominions, at a time when they were internally rent by civil commotions; then also when I did seek redress, he delayed to give me an answer thereupon. If, therefore, the Duke of York, with the Lords of his faction, will keep promise, I here pledge myself, that my whole strength shall be exerted to drive your present sovereign from the throne, and place the crown upon his rival's head."

With this answer the ambassadors took their leave, and repeated the same to their master.

In the mean time James summoned his forces to be ready on a certain day, in order to invade their ancient enemies. On his march he was met and accosted by an English, a creature of king Henry's, and a perfect adept in the art of lying. He was accompanied by a monk, who feigned a marvelous gravity, [Page] [...] pretended he was entrusted with bills and commissions from the Pontiff of Rome.

He thus addressed the Caledonian Prince.

"It is the Pope's command, that neither the sovereign of Scotland, nor any of his army, shall pass farther into England, on pain of the curses and censures of Holy Kirk. For through the frivolous dissentions of Christian kings, have the Turks, (those cruel enemies to our religion) crept daily more and more into Europe. Therefore, be all debates, battles and strife set aside between the disciples of our Saviour, and their utmost endeavors used to expel the infidels, who would not only spoil them of their worldly liberty, but also of the word of God: on which account, I am now authorised by the Pope, to promise, that all ravages committed by King Henry shall [Page] be repaired, and that ye be from this time on terms of amity."

James, believing nothing of deceit in these fraudulent hypocrites, obeyed the mandate, and disbanded his troops, but was not long returned, before he discovered the craft and subtilty of his foes; equally enraged at his own credulity, he collected a fresh body of men, and entered the English borders.

While these transactions passed, the Duke of York led his forces against Henry, whom he attacked, routed his army, slew many of his leaders, and made the king himself prisoner, whom he conducted to London, where the Parliament pronounced him incapable of ruling, though they permitted him to continue the regal title, constituting Richard governor of the realm.

Thus was Henry, who at the ea [...] age of nine months, was acknowledged monarch of England and France, [Page] the prime of manhood deprived of both, and the prophecy made good. "That Henry of Monmouth should win, what Henry of Windsor should lose."

In the mean time James invaded the English sovereign's favorers in the north, and when he had won the town of Roxburgh, and laid siege to the castle thereof, ambassadors arrived, from his ally the Duke of York, requesting him to raise the siege, as he had entirely carried his point.

James claimed the lands promised, to which the ambassadors replied they could not give an answer.

Iritated at finding himself the dupe of both parties, he vowed revenge, and swore he would dye the white rose of a deeper hue than its rival. Moreover, that he would not depart till the castle [...]as his own, so [...] the commissioners.

[Page] Soon after he was joined by Donald, and a powerful reinforcement, who offered to penetrate farther into England, and by several deeds of valour, he recommended himself particularly to the notice of his monarch; his tent was pitched nearest him, and nought was done without his concurrence.

During the siege, the King was unfortunately slain by the bursting of a cannon, near which he stood. His death was regretted by every one; but in a short time his place was supplied by his queen, who arrived with her son, and restrained their grief.

"Here," she cried, "is the offspring of him you lament; shew your regard to your deceased Prince, by attacking the enemies of his successor, nor vainly yield to an unmanly sorrow."

These words inspired the soldiers; they stormed the place, headed by [Page] Donald, and after a stout resistance captured it. There we shall leave the Lord of the Isles to reap the reward of his victory.

[Page]

CHAP. XIV.

Blood hath be [...]n shed ere now, in elder time,

Ere human statute purg'd the general weal,

Aye, and since too, murders have been performed,

Too terrible for the ear: the times have been,

That when the brains were out the man would die,

And there an end; but now they rise again,

With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,

And push us from our stools; this is more strange

Than such a murder is.

SHAKESPEARE.

'TIS now proper to return to the unhappy Eldred, who was left busily employed in perusing the manuscript, some parts of which were effaced, the rest was legible, and he read it.

MS.

Into whose hands soever these lines may fall, if the current of compassion flows from their eyes, surely they will not refuse to bedew the following sheets with the melting drop of pity. Pity for an innocent mortal deprived of liberty, cut off from society in the flower [Page] of manhood, and torn from an only infant, too young to regret the mysterious fate of a miserable parent, to regret the fate of * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The shafts of adversity fall on me, even as the waters of heaven do bent the earth.—Just God! for what deadly sin am I thus tortured? For what reserved?—Wretch that I am, why do I question the decrees of heaven? It's will be done! To suffer is the lot of mortals, and why should I suppose myself exempt?

Oh gentle reader! let the recital of my sufferings, while it touches thy heart, animate thee with revenge.—The paper is wet with my tears! Scarce will my hand guide my pencil! I can no more at present! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[Page] I le [...]t my castle, and without any retinue, [...]ave my squire, took my course northward. Dark was the night and loud the whistling wind; fiercely it blustered through the thick foliage of the mountain pine; in roaring torrents rushed the angry river o'er its oozy bed; all nature was convulsed, even things inanimate seemed moved, and warned me of my danger!

Alas! little did I think what my sad destiny had reserved for me!

Passing the out-skirts of a grove, while yet the warring of the elements continued, methought I heard the cry of deep distress. I listened with attention, but in vain; the increased clamour of the storm baffled every endeavor, and I was on the point of continuing my journey, when a piercing shriek asailed my ear, on which I spurred my steed through the thick growing trees, resolved to give assistance! hard, that while I hoped I was about to aid [Page] the miserable, I rushed to meet my own doom.

Having advanced some way into the forest, how was my astonishment excited, on being attacked by a party of armed men? Their company was numerous; however, I determined to sell my life dearly, and unsheathing my sword, in which I was followed by my trusty lacquey, made a stout resistance; but my servant slain, and myself surrounded, I was disarmed, [...]ast bound, and conducted to this inhospitable den.

Useless were my conjectures, and vain my enquiries, as to where I was, or for what detained. The following morning, I heard the ponderous portal of my prison swing on its rusty hinges, and turning towards the door, the faint light discovered to me the features of a brother!

Inhuman Wallace! at this moment my heart aches at the remembrance— [Page] My poor neglected infant! my dear, my beloved Eldred! never shall the distresses of an injured parent reach thine ear!

The manuscript dropped from the hand of Glencairn at these lines, by which he learned the skeleton was that of his long lost father. He pressed the tablets to his lips with devotion, then starting from his seat, he flew to the recess where he had deposited the remains; threw himself upon the ground, and clasped the fleshless bones within his arms. At length he resolved to dig a grave, and commit them to the earth.

This he accomplished by means of the rusty dagger he had found: then wrapping his robe, of which he divested himself, round the corse, he returned it to that from whence it sprung.

At that moment the nightly screechowl uttered a lamentable cry, which [Page] was answered by a deep groan that issued from the corner whence he had heard the preceding ones. His blood grew clotted in his veins, he fancied the spirit of his departed sire had taken that method of spur him to revenge.

"Shade of my ill-fated, my lamented father!" exclaimed Eldred, "rest in peace! Fear not, but thy murder shall be expiated. Blood calls for blood, nor shall it call in vain; for sure that power who has brought me hither to discover the author of thy dreadful end, will, by some miracle, effect my deliverance, and make me the instrument of vengeance on his head!"

Having prayed awhile, he covered the bones with earth, and passed the remainder of the night in heavy rumination.

The agitation he had labored under, his bodily as well as mental agony had [Page] exhausted him, and tired nature craved repose. He enjoyed some hours of broken slumber, nor did he awake till night; he then trimmed his lamp, and returned to the manuscript.

§

In vain are my complaints; my sighs are only mimicked by the roaring wind, and my tears mocked by the chilling rain!

My days pass unnumbered. Long, very long, have I now been an inmate of this savage dwelling; Never, oh never more shall I breathe the fresh invigorating air; no more wander in the scenes of youthful pleasures. My only prospect is the rocky walls of this prison, my only refuge is my grave!

[Page] My sufferings are too great to bear. Surely, if my sad heart is made of penetrable stuff, the cords must shortly crack, and end me!

I rise from a long night of sorrow; my health is much impaired; my strength enfeebled. A few more tedious days of bondage, and sure this hapless frame will shatter. Thou, heaven, who knowest my inmost thoughts, can testify my only care is for the welfare of my darling son: on his young heart be virtue and humanity imprinted; may he be ever ready to assist the unfortunate, and may the corroding hand of sorrow ne'er assail him; let his life [...]e passed in happiness, and when his Maker thinks fit to call him from this transitory life, be poor men's prayers his epitaph!

Here the Manuscript ended.

[Page]

CHAP. XV.

Come, melancholy! silent power,

Companion of my lonely hour,

To sober thought confin'd!

Thou sweetly sad, ideal guest,

In all thy soothing charms confess'd,

Indulge my pensive mind.

CARTER.

ELDRED bedewed the sheets with his tears, placed them in his bosom, and repaired to the grave of his parent. While every faculty was absorbed in contemplation, a loud shriek made the vital blood grow chilly at his heart; at the same time a noise at the gate of the cavern caused him to seek the reason. He expected to see his executioner, but his horror was converted into surprise, when he beheld a man unarmed, and advancing towards him; he descried the features of Duncan, son of Carrol, who was Sir James's agent [Page] in his villainies, and an inhabitant of the castle.

"Good heaven!" cried Eldred, "by what strange chance do I find thee here? tell me."—

"Suspend your enquiries," returned the youth, "and consider only your safety. Your prison doors are open to you, fly."

The silver tongues of angels could not have been more welcome to the ears of Glencairn than these words, still his admiration increased.

"I conjure you," said he, "inform me by what strange means your kindness is enabled to befriend me."

"Briefly thus: last night, in passing through the gallery of the castle, the buz of people in conversation attracted my notice. I listened, and heard Sir James and my father in earnest discourse; [Page] you, they often mentioned, and from what they said, I learned you were here in confinement, and under the latter's custody.

"He had for some time a large bunch of keys, of which he is so extremely careful, that in the day he kept them under lock, and at night deposited them beneath his pillow. I questioned him concerning what place they were the safeguard of, but was silenced with a frown."

"Suspend your idle curiosity, nor for your life attempt to develope the secrets of my heart."

"This was his answer. What I heard in the gallery convinced me those were the keys of your prison, and I have spent the whole day in devising means for your emancipation. To night my father was unexpectedly summoned by Sir James, and being at the time employed in the locker, where [Page] he kept his charge, in his haste, left the door open, and gave me the wished-for opportunity of restoring you to that liberty, which, but for this lucky chance, you never would have regained. Surely I am not culpable in thwarting the schemes of a parent, when they are unworthy of him; and that Being, whose scrutinizing eye can look into my very soul, knows that I act but from his just impulse."

"What savage place is this?" said Eldred, "The Haunted Cavern!" replied Duncan. "The Haunted Cavern, indeed!" exclaimed our hero, "Little did I think, at the time I treated the report but as the idle chimera of the peasants, that 'twas the haunt of a beloved—."

He recollected himself in time, to prevent the secret of the murder escaping his lip. He quitted the cell, after damping the earthy pillow of his father, [Page] and vowing to dedicate his life unto revenge.

At the door of his dungeon, he returned his deliverer every acknowledgment that a heart stored with gratitude could inspire; then left him, and went to the humble dwelling of old Maud, where he begged she would permit him to remain for a short time, telling her, as she valued his life, not to divulge his being there.

Eldred determined here to make his abode, till the search, which would of course be made, should cease; then to visit the mansion of his ancestors, relate the unnatural end of his father, and invoke the tenants to arm them for revenge on his assassin.

He passed the night in a state of anxiety. In the morning, the same lady whom he had seen at the cottage on the day of his elopement with Jane, again made her appearance; still she was [Page] veiled; with impatience she questioned him concerning his fair cousin, in which he satisfied her as much as in him lay,

In the evening Maud, by the desire of Glencairn, repaired to the castle, and on her return gave him the following account.

"I hobbled at your request to the Baron's. I am sure my old feet ach for it, and well they may; for crossing the rocks that lie 'twixt here and there would bruise the hoof of a camel."

"Spare your observations," interrupted Eldred, "and tell me what tidings you have brought."

"Spare my observations!" returned she, "I have made none, except on my fatigue, and the badness of the road. Well, at last I arrived at Sir James's, and the first person that I saw was Duncan; knowing from the service he had done you, and a signal service [Page] too, let me tell you. Sure his goodness will make some recompence for the life of his father; never were two so unlike. There is as much difference between them as there [...]s 'twixt a chappin of whiskey and a pail of ditch water. Ah, my Lord, your gratitude to him cannot be too great."

"I am not," said Eldred, "to learn what I owe him, nor will my heart, I hope, ever forget the favors I have received from any. Rest assured, my good mother, you shall not go unrewarded."

"Reward!" said the old woman, "I scorn it! 'tis my heart that prompts me to lend you what little aid I can▪ and that looks for no other reward than the satisfaction it feels in doing good. Well, I imparted to Duncan your being here."

"Strange things," replied he, "have happened at the castle: last night, during [Page] my absence at the Haunted Cavern, a pilgrim arrived at the gate; the laws of hospitality forbad Sir James to refuse the lodging he demanded, or rest assured he would have done it."

"This Duncan need not have told me, for I know the Baron's disposition; he considers not the proper use of riches, which heaven by granting in profusion to one, enables him to assist those to whom fortune has been less bountiful. These are my ideas of wealth, and I am sure—."

"For heaven's sake!" cried the anxious Eldred, "suspend your comments, and ease my impatience!"

"Well, well!" said Maud, "you are impetuous, but when your youthful blood is lowered by age, you will know better."

"This pilgrim," continued Duncan, "has won the hearts of the whole family; [Page] they idolize him. Now mark me; at the dead of night, the inhabitants were alarmed by the cries of Sir James; they flew to his chamber, and found him in a state impossible to picture: His eyes were glaring, the perspiration dropped from off him, and his features were convulsed with horror. In the first sally of his panic, he unwarily discovered the cause; he protested the apparition of the late Lord Glencairn had appeared to him, had opened the curtains at the bottom of his couch, presented himself in armour, and that having stood there a few moments, he suddenly vanished. "My father," continued Duncan, "now entered the apartment, and ordered the domesticks to retire. In the morning, he informed them 'twas nothing more than a dream with which their Lord had been troubled, and which had left so strong an impression on him. This, though they mentioned not their mistrust, I could observe they were far from crediting. Sir James is confined [Page] by illness to his bed, and much I fear a guilty conscience is his complaint. Recal to mind the misterious manner in which the late Lord of Glencairn disappeared: I dare say no more, but I would not have his heart in my breast for a kingdom. Trembling, I saw Carol take the keys and quit the castle: in a little time be returned, and demanded of me whether I had not, on the preceding evening, touched them; I denied having seen them. He sat for some time musing, then starting from his chair, left me; but I am certain he has concealed his prisoner's escape from Sir James."

"This was Duncan's account, and you have it in his own words."

Here Maud ceased to speak, and Eldred gave her the thanks which were her due.

[Page]

CHAP. XVI.

Bring me unto my trial when you will.

Dy'd he not in his bed? Where should he die?

Can I make men live whether they will or no?

Oh! torture me no more, I will confess.

SHAKESPEARE.

WHEN the residents of the cottage were retired to rest, Eldred wandered from thence to get a little air, of which he stood in great need. Unknowingly he took his way towards the Cavern, and seating himself upon a fragment of stone, contemplated the beauties of nature: the moon shone bright, but was now and then obscured by darksome clouds which swiftly flew across the luminary, and seemed to foretel the approaching storm. Here he was soon disturbed by the same noise he had been accustomed to hear while in confinement and which now appeared to issue from the cave. He started, and perceived a figure gliding [Page] along at no great distance. Resolved, if possible, to know what it was, he followed it, but in vain; the various turnings of the rocks favored the object of his pursuit, who soon disappeared, and le [...]t him wrapped in wonder. He recollected a similar circumstance befaling Jane, and considered this as a stimulative to him to avenge his father's death.

The castle clock now chimed the hour of twelve, and the fast falling rain warned him to retire. He measured his steps towards the mansion of Wallace, determined no longer to delay his vengeance, and by a secret passage entered the building. The time conspired with his purpose; the croaking raven from the mouldering turrets welcomed his approach; he hastened to the apartment of his uncle, and entered it; around the couch the curtains were closed; he undrew them, and beheld his victim buried in sleep, while conscience, [Page] that bane to rest, disturbed even his slumbers.

"Behold!" he cried, "the ghastly spectre! See how his eye-balls glare! Alas! poor injured shade, can nought make thee atonement? Oh, murdered brother!"

The inflamed temper of Eldred could brook no more, in rage he exclaimed:

"Villain! awake and meet thy doom!" Wallace opened his eyes, and seeing Glencairn, the blood forsook his cheek: fixed as though influenced by the basilisk, he gazed upon the youth, when the power of utterance returning: "Gracious powers!" he cried, "who is it I see?"

"Thou seest," said Eldred, "the offspring of the murdered Archibald. Long hast thou triumphed, and with impunity enjoyed the produce of thy crimes; vengeance is now at hand; [Page] from me thou art destined to receive it."

"I submit," quoth Wallace, "to the will of fate: my punishment is just; but, O! I charge thee give me a little time for penitence, if heaven grants it, do not thou refuse it!"

"Imposter!" returned Glencairn, "too well I conceive the shallow artifice: thou wouldest gain time, in the vain hope that some of thy infernal pack will rescue thee, their leading blood-hound: but prepare—as well might the taken deer use persuasion with the [...]ur that holds him, as thou hope to escape my just revenge; revenge for a murdered parent, whose death is now avenged in this."

He raised his dagger, and was about to plunge it in the breast of his prostrate victim, when an opposite door suddenly opened, and a pilgrim entered, crying; "Hold! hold thy hand!"

[Page] Surprize called Eldred from his purpose; he cast his looks upon the stranger, who tearing from his face an artificial beard, and divesting himself of his weeds, displayed the figure of a warrior, (like to that he had seen in his dream) who flew into his arms, exclaiming; "My son, my son!"

So momentary had been this scene, that the faculties of Eldred were totally suspended, and the unhappy Wallace, on seeing the palmer throw off his disguise, had fallen into a swoon.

"Merciful powers!" cried the astonished youth, "is it possible I see my father?"

"Thou dost," replied his sire, for it was him: "in me thou seest him, while I behold in thee a son, to reward my past misfortunes, and soothe my latter hours."

[Page] Joy, the natural consequence of such unexpected happiness, having somewhat subsided, their thoughts were turned to the wretched criminal, who still remained insensate. At length, with much care, they brought him to himself, but no sooner did he descry the features of his injured brother, than he relapsed into his former state; nor was it but with much difficulty they could convince him 'twas not the spirit, but the living Archibald, who stood before him, and strove by every soothing method, to reconcile the culprit to himself—but ineffectual were his endeavors, repentance had touch'd his heart; and the barbed dart of conscience forbade him ease.

"In vain," said he, "you kindly try to comfort me; reason pictures me a savage unnatural wretch: for not to me you owe your life—alas! long since I thought you dead! Blessed be Providence that has preserved you! Avarice, that cursed passion, was the source of [Page] all, and at his altar would I have sacrificed the world! Your son I could not bear to look upon, and though a something, I will not say humanity, restrained me from destroying him; yet when I [...]ound my schemes thwarted, when I had formed an alliance for my daughter, which but for him would have taken place, I doomed him to the same wretched cavern, where I imagined you had breathed your last. Seek not to make me wish for life, even now I feel the biting agonies of death: summon my servants, and let me by reparation make some atonement." The domesticks appeared.

"Remember," quoth Wallace, "my nephew Eldred, is the heir of all that I possess; thou, much wronged brother, curse not my memory; your sister, my injured wife, was at the instigation of Duncan, by my orders, sent to—"

Here his speech failed him; death stamped his seal upon his eye-lids, and [Page] had he lived but as he died, sighs and tears would have honored his memory which was reviled with scoffings and upbraidings.

Eldred was acknowledged Lord of the Castle and its vast appurtenances: the rustic tenants hailed their new master, with shouts of joy; the gates of this hitherto inhospitable mansion were now thrown open, and welcome given to every one; the ponderous ox smoaked before the fire, and the spacious hall resounded with the sounds of mirth and minstrelley.

[Page]

CHAP. XVII.

—What are fifty, what a thousand slaves,

Match'd to the sinew of a single arm

That strikes for Liberty?

BROOKE.

ELDRED, by the desire of his father, whom we shall henceforth call the Lord Glencairn, recited his adventures. On coming to the part which related to the hermit, he shewed the ring, and questioned his sire concerning it.

"That ring," returned his parent, "I presented to the Lord John Talbot ere thou wert born. He was in Scot land on some business of State, and we formed, during his stay, a solemn friendship; he fell in the French wars, and I am now convinced by the arm of your Anchorite."

[Page] Eldred then requested an account of his own fortunes.

"Alas! my son," he replied, "I cannot satisfy you without entering into a detail of my sufferings; misfortunes I will no more entitle them, since I have at last the happiness of seeing you again. When last these eyes beheld you, you were an infant; your mother dying in giving you birth, my whole affection centered in the dear pledge she left behind her, and I thought she lived again in you, on whom my heart reclined as its last prop. On that fatal night that I departed from my Castle, before I mounted, I pressed you to my heart, and invoked a blessing on you; then journeyed towards the dwelling of Wallace, who having intimation of my design to visit him, planted the ruffians who took me in the grove. This I learned from himself on his visiting me in the cavern. It would be superfluous to mention circumstances of which the manuscript [Page] has informed you: four tedious years did I pass in that dreary place, during which time my rest was often disturbed by the melancholy noises you have mentioned. In vain were my endavors put in force to discover the cause; in vain I racked my brain, and at length concluded the Cavern was haunted by some restless spirit: full of these thoughts, my time grew doubly irksome.

"One stormy night, the rain beat hard against my prison roof; the peals of thunder rattled o'er my head, and vivid flames of sulphureous lightning flashed through the opening of the rock. Suddenly me thought, from the tremendous crash, the cave was rent in pieces: I flew to the recess where the shock seemed above the rest; but what was my surprise, when I found a part of it nearest the ground torn by the fury of the elements, was broken away? nor can I picture the agitation of my mind, when I discovered it opened into a long narrow passage. I [Page] considered this as the kind work of Providence, and falling on my knees, returned thanks to the Almighty, who thus seemed to promise me my liberty.

"I extinguished my lamp, not knowing where the path might lead me to. I felt my way for some time, and at length descried a glimmering light, which made me more cautious how I proceeded. On my nearer approach, I found it was diffused by a lamp, suspended by a long iron chain from the roof of a cave, round which were scattered, breast-plaits cuirasses, helmets, in short, every implement of war. At the far end sat the figure of a man cased in steel, and his beaver being up gave me an opportunity of seeing his face, which was as pale, as death. I was much astonished, nay, such was the effect of my surprise, that I considered him as something supernatural.

"On recollection, I thought my best way would be to return to my dungeon, [Page] and tarry a fitter opportunity. I did so, and waited with impatience the return of the following evening. As soon as it arrived I sought the passage again, and in the cave beheld the same figure as before. I stood for some time gazing on him, my situation being such as gave me a full view of him without fear of discovery. Suddenly he started from his seat, and vanished through an outlet that was near him. After a time, finding all quiet, I ventured out, but at that instant he returned, and seeing me, unsheathed his sword and made towards me. Fortunately the place was so well stored with weapons, that I soon armed myself, and after an obstinate combat, stretched him drowned in blood upon the earth.

"Compassion prompted me to give him every assistance in my power. I unbuckled his breast-plate, and endeavored to staunch his wound, but he pushed me from him."

[Page] "Your care" he said, is vain: even now the Angel of death hovers around me, and will shortly close my eyes for ever! Misfortunes, biting want have leagued me with a band of robbers; listen to my sufferings and pity me.!

"I am son to the late Sir William Lovel, England claims my birth: in the fruitful county of Norfolk I drew my first breath, and received the fostering care of a fond father; the tender solicitude with which he watched my juvenile years, can never be obliterated from the tablets of my memory, so long as I possess the power of reflection.

"The first seventeen years of my life passed without any incident worthy relating, when one of our tenants, named Brackenbury, was le [...]t guardian to the daughter of a deceased friend, who had resided in a distant part of the kingdom. On her arrival, her beauty entirely engrossed the conversation of [Page] the place, and the continual commendations I heard of the pe [...]ections of this young damsel▪ made me resolve to see her. I therefore one day, on my return from riding, called at Brackenbury's to request a draught of water, but in hopes of beholding his charge.

"I alighted by his desire, and was conducted into the cottage, where the first object that attracted my notice was his lovely ward, Lauretta. Never did I behold so charming a creature; but if I was captivated by her beauty, I was much more so by her engaging modest mein, which had such an effect upon me, I from that moment became enslaved.

"I visited my adored Lauretta every day; I disclosed my passion, and had the satisfaction to find she returned my love: but Brackenbury, who was a man of penetration, soon discovered the cause of my visits, and threatened, [Page] if I did not discontinue them, to inform Sir William.

"I left the cottage in a state little short▪ of phrenzy, from which I became gloomy and reserved; not only my mind, but my body was infected; I could take no nourishment, sleep forsook my pillow, and my days were miserable. My father perceived the alteration, and importuned me to divulge the reason; I could not resist his entreaties, and confessed my affection for Lauretta."

"The good man heard me without a single interruption, then replied; "my dear William, I do not blame you; you are young, and I must own the person on whom you have bestowed your love, though neither rich or nobly born, is worthy of your tenderness; I entertained indeed better hopes, but rather than see you thus, you have my leave to espouse Lauretta."

[Page] "Words would be inadequate to the transports I felt on hearing him sanction my love; I flew to the abode of my mistress, and informed her of the conversation that had passed; her joy was equal to my own."

"I now fancied nothing wanting to perfect my felicity; but oh how transient is the bliss of mortals! Three days previous to that which was [...]o have put my destined bride into my possession, my dear, my beloved parent was thrown from his hor [...]e and so violently bruised as to cause his death. I was with him at the time this fatal accident happened, and with the assistance of a peasant removed him to the castle.

"A surgeon was immediately sent for, who pronounced his wounds mortal. Finding he had but a short time to live, he ordered every one but myself to quit the room; their desired me to sit down beside him.

[Page] "My dear boy!" said he, "you are going to lose a tender father, and a sincere friend; your happiness has constituted the chief study of my life, your company has been the only solace of my latter years. I have, William, time only to say a few words relative to your future conduct. Never cringe to your superiors, nor commit a dishonorable action for the sake of any temptation that may be held out to you; rest assured, the greatest happiness man can taste is to retrospect his past conduct, without feeling the goading stings of a reproachful conscience. To your dependants be ever affable, and let it be your constant care to reward the deserving. Farewell, my son, may heaven bless you!"

"Here, with a sigh, he resigned his breath to the Supreme Being, and slept in peace!"

[Page]

CHAP. XV.

If misfortune comes, she brings along

The bravest virtues. And so many great

Illustrious spirits have convers'd with woe,

Have in her school been taught, as are enough

To consecrate distress, and make ambition

E'en wish the frown, beyond the smile of fortune.

THOMSON.

"The violence of my grief," continued the robber, "threw me into a fever, during which time Sir William was interred. On the following day, I received a visit from my cousin, the Lord Lovel. Having always lived on amicable terms with him, I imagined his coming the result of friendship, but I was soon undeceived,

"On entering the hall, after consoling me for my irrepairable loss, with a profusion of apparent kindness, he enquired whether my father had left a will? I answered in the negative, on which he altered his tone, saying;"

[Page] "I thought as much; ' [...]is therefore necessary I should let you know the cause of my being here is to take possession of these domains, which now devolve on me as nearest heir. I am moreover to inform you, your birth is illigitimate, and that you quit this place to-morrow. You acknowledge Sir William left no testament, you cannot therefore lay claim to any thing."

"I was petrified at these words, but the flinty hearted wretch, far from feeling compassion for my situation, repeated his order that I should leave the castle the next day.

"Having disengaged myself from the stupor wherein surprise had cast me, rage succeeded▪ and I laid my hand upon my sword, with an intention to offer him a sacrifice to filial duty and affection; for the memory of my mother, although she died ere I was old enough to feel her loss, was highly revered by me. He perceiving my design, [Page] called his attendants, who immediately entered and disarmed me.

"Turn," cried he, "yon bastard forth, and if he ever presumes to come within these walls again, death shall be his punishment."

"It was in vain to make resistance, as his followers were much too numerous for my domestics to cope with; I therefore submitted to my destiny, and left him master of what indeed was mine. Thus was I stripped of every thing, and shut out from the very mansion, which bu [...] a short hour before owned me for its Lord!

"At first I thought of making an appeal to the law; but too true I was the fruit of an alliance, which, though rendered firm by mutual affection, never was sanctioned by the matrimonial rites. I also thought of visiting my beloved Lauretta, but honor forbade me; to present a beggar to her arms [Page] I imagined, would be an ill return for her unfeigned affection.

"I set forward, determined to turn my back on Norfolk for ever. I travelled the whole night and the following day, scarce taking any refreshment. I entered Scotland, and was passing near this spot, when my way was interrupted by a man, who brandishing his sword, bade me deliver my money. Unused to be commanded, I refused, on which he furiously attacked me; but I, aware of him, unsheathed my weapon and escaped the blow. Long we fought, without the least advantage on either side, till a deep wound which he received in the sword arm, caused him to drop his falchion.

"My life is yours," he exclaimed, "take it!"

"I replied, no! although the unprovoked manner in which you attacked me would authorize such a deed, yet [Page] religion which teaches us to forgive our enemies, forbids me! Therefore live.

"He was about to return his thanks, when I observed a body of men issue from a grove at no great distance, and hasten towards us. On drawing nearer, and perceiving their associate wounded, they were about to sacrifice me to their rage; when he generously cried hold! and learn, though your profession compels you to divest the benighted traveller, to respect valor! Henceforth consider this young man as my friend"

"I found by the deference paid him, he was their captain. His hurt required assistance; and seeing I was fatigued he begged I would accompany him to his cave, where I should be welcome to pass the night. Unable to suspect a person who had behaved so nobly, I accepted his invitation.

[Page] "We walked till we came to a group of lofty rocks, and having wandered about half a mile in the midst of them, entered this place. The chief having had his wound dressed ordered some refreshment. In a minute the table was covered with all sorts of delicate viands and rich wines, which, notwithstanding so much in want of, I hardly tasted.

"Having finished our repast we retired. I arose early in the morning, but found the captain up before me: he informed me he had, spite of the anguish of his wound, left his bed in compliment to me. Our breakfast ended, he desired all, save myself, to retire. As soon as they were gone, he thus addressed me:

"Stranger, you will doubtless wonder, in a place like this, to find a being possessed of feeling; but let this teach you never to judge the heart by the outward appearance, and learn, that a [Page] mortal compelled by poverty to embrace the rude life of a robber, may have virtues to which a prince, with all his greatness, may be a stranger. You have spared my life in a situation where few would have acted like you; 'tis a vast debt and never can be cancelled. You appear unhappy; can I in any way contribute to your satisfaction? If I can, let not an ill timed diffidence prevent your putting my professions to the test."

"I thanked him for his kindness, but assured him my griefs were not within his power to cure. He answered, his only inducement for noticing my melancholy was the hope of being able to dispel it. Convinced by his manner he meant me well, I resolved to trust him with my history, which I had no sooner finished, than in a fit of passion he cried, "Just heaven? are such villains, the worst of robbers, permitted to escape the lash of censure and rigour of the law, while miserable wretches like [Page] myself, who only take from their fellow creatures to satisfy the wants of nature, are branded with the most opprobrious epithets? Young man, enlist yourself with me, and it shall be my study to make restitution for the wrongs you have received from fortune."

"I consented, and became a comrade in their depredations. Long I had not followed this detested calling, when our captain died, and by the general assent of the band, I was elected commander, which post I have since filled: but gracious heaven has by your hand shortened a life, the latter part of which has been marked with crimes yet has not my soul been tainted with inhumanity, and dearly would I make atonement; while yet life lasts, let me attempt it. In the several cells this place contains are numberless victims, who have long—"

[Page] "The unerring dart of death entered his heart at these words, and forbad his tongue its repentant office. I searched the cave, but to no purpose; so artfully were these dens concealed, that the piercing eye of the lynx in vain might have sought them.

"Tired with my fruitless attempt, I was compelled to seek my safety; I therefore returned to my own cavern, taking with me the body of the robber. I stripped him, and exchanging clothes, left him, having disfigured his countenance with blood, and laid the dagger near him, that so my persecutors might suppose it was my body, and that in a fit of desperation I had put an end to my existence.

"I then entered the passage, and having stopped up the aperture through which I made my escape, with rubbish sought the outlet I had observed the robber vanish through, and which, to [Page] my extreme surprise and joy, restored me to liberty."

[Page]

CHAP. XIX.

—In thy right hand lead with thee

The mountain nymph, sweet liberty

MILTON.

"FAINTLY can I picture the sensations at that moment, in which all remembrance of my past sorrows were for a time suspended. The mist of night was fleeting fast, while in the east the ruddy tinted sky announced the arrival of the god of day, and cast its influence on the bosom of the ocean. The air after so long confinement I could ill bear: still the necessity of my quick departure gave me fresh vigour, and urged me on. I travelled towards my castle, and at length the turrets of my mansion shewed themselves, when the appearance of an aged peasant caused me to make towards him, and I quickly recognized his features; his [Page] life had been spent in the vassalage of my ancestors.

"I accosted him as a stranger, determined to know whether the remembrance of Glencairn obtained a place in his mind.

"Friend," quoth I, "I have travelled [...]ar: say, does the spring of hospitality influence the portal of yon edifice?"

"Seek it not," quoth he, "the story of woe is in vain repeated at that gate, nor is the weary traveller e'er invited to enter it."

"Indeed!" answered I, "and was it always so?"

"Alas!" replied the hind, "the former owner would with his own hand administer comfort to the meanest creature; with him the poor lost a benefactor [Page] the oppressed a champion, and the vicious a monitor."

"Think me not, Eldred, guilty of vanity, in repeating the words of the poor fellow; for that, of all passions, is most deserving our contempt—but let this teach thee how to act the proper part of man. Reflect, that Being who places thee in an exalted station, can hurl thee lower than thy dependant; and, oh! my son, be assured the greatest luxury riches can purchase, is releiving the b [...]ting wants of penury, and securing the prayers of our fellow creatures!

"I ventured to discover myself, and his joy at seeing me was extreme, but was suddenly checked by recollecting where I was.

"My Lord," he cried, "fly this hostile place! should you be known, your life would answer."

[Page] "Hold!" I interrupted, "for my life I care not; know you any tidings of my son?"

"I know but little," returned the peasant, "'twas here believed you were assassinated; a short time after, Sir James sent for your son to Edinburgh, and garrisoned the castle with his own followers, discharging yours. Since the departure of my young Lord, no Tidings have reached us."

"What could I think? From his inhuman treatment to me, what could I suppose but you were no more?

"Almost distracted, I knew not what to do. But after a time, imagining I had by some involuntary crime, drawn down the vengeance of heaven on me and mine; so I imagined the only method to reconcile the Deity, would be by performing some action that might appear laudable to him, and nothing seemed more suited than [Page] undertaking a pilgrimage to the Holyland. I therefore provided myself with a habit for the purpose, and commenced my journey, having sworn the old man never to divulge his knowledge of my existence, and was accompanied by his good wishes,

"Long, long and tedious was the way: unprotected from the scorching heat of the Asiatic sun, I wandered, and having reached the destined spot, performed my mission. I then traversed the eastern continent, still in Palmer's weeds, and afterwards returned to Europe, most part of which I crossed. At Italy, I met with some more of my own calling, who proposed making the tour of England. I accompanied them, and being so near my native country, I was by an involuntary impulse compelled to visit it. I sought the castle of Wallace, and claimed entertainment there; I learned from the conversation of the domestics, you had been reared by your uncle until [Page] a short time previous, when you had absconded with the daughter of Sir James.

"I last night threw aside my disguise, and entered his room: he instantly remembered my features, but supposing me dead, imagination caused him to consider me as the spirit of the brother he had so much wronged. I had this night retired to the closet adjoining his apartment, with an intention to disclose myself, and seek to soothe him to repentance, when the words I heard convinced me you were my son; and I will no more complain of the sickle goddess, since you are restored to me."

Here the Lord Glencairn concluded his narration.

On the following day the cavern was searched; they removed the rubbish and entered the passage; the noises which had been heard were again repeated. [Page] At length they discovered several cells, and delivered innumerable captives who had long groaned in confinement, and whose appearance accounted for the disturbances experienced by Eldred and his father, while in confinement. They moreover secured the banditti, and resigned them to the rigour of the law. In short, justice was again practised, and the whole neighbourhood rung with the names of Eldred and Glencairn.

It is now proper to mention Donald, whom we left a laurelled conquerer at Roxburgh. Flushed with conquest, and rendered more arbitrary from the fevorable opinion entertained of him by the queen, he repaired to the Castle; and Jane still persisting in her refusal of his hand, he resolved by force to make her his. His confessor, who for the consideration of a little yellow dross, cleansed his soul, and gave him a absolution, appeared a proper person. Choosing the dead of night, by force he entered [Page] the chamber of his intended victim, attended by his sacerdotal friend and bade her yield her hand.

The unhappy maid upon her knees, intreated death in preference; conjuring him by every solemn argument to refrain from his design. But as effecually might the trembling lamb plead for life to the voracious wolf, as she have softened Donald's inflexible mind.

"Thy prayers are vain, weak maid," he cried, "I am preparing for thy happiness. What canst thou wish for? If power, my wide domains will give thee that, accompanied by wealth; if love, behold me now, though with the smooth and artful tale of hypocrites I cannot plead my passion, yet at thy feet I freely lay my heart."

"Hold!" exclaimed Jane, "Dissembling villain? too well I see through thy poor artifice: but here, in the sight [Page] of heaven, I swear I will never be thine!"

"Indeed, my saucy dame?" returned the Baron, "we'll try thy boasted perseverance. Come father, execute your office."

The priest had just begun the ceremony, when they were startled by loud and reiterated jars against the castle gate. Donald himself appeared careless of this unexpected intrusion, and again ordered the monk to proceed. He did so, and the irrevocable ring was about to be placed on the trembling hand of Jane, when the chamber door was violently burst open, and an armed warrior stood before the astonished Donald!

"Monster!" said the stranger, "release the lady, and oppose the strength of one more equal to thee!"

[Page] So saying, he immediately assailed the Lord of the Isles: their swords cast round a dreadful gleam, and victory seemed doubtful; when fortune, turning her wheel out of its usual track, a thing too rare, favored the juster cause; the unknown cavalier disarmed his antagonist, who was now entirely in his power.

"Thy life is fairly mine," exclaimed the conqueror, "but let the compassion I extend to thee, teach thee to practice mercy to thy enemies. Live and repent!"

Jane, who had been an anxious spectator of the combat, was wrapped in silent gratitude, when the stranger raising his beaver, disovered the face of her loved Glencairn. The sudden change from deep despair to joy deprived her of all power, and she sunk insensate into the arms of Eldred.

[Page] By this time the Lord Glencairn joined his son; they used their endeavours in restoring Jane, and at length succeeded; when the latter introduced her to his father, who received him with a parental affection.

During these transactions, the followers of the two Noblemen entirely vanquished the retainers of Donald; they searched the castle, and gave liberty to Edric, who was joyfully received by the young Lord Eldred; and in a dungeon had found Andrew, but in a very weak condition.

"Here," says one of the officers, "is a prisoner, but he seems to be in so bad a state, that were he released, he would scarce be able to leave the place."

"You are mistaken," replied the Squire, "were my prison doors now open, notwithstanding the pain these steel ornaments with which they have honored me, have caused, I could skip [Page] away as nimbly as a flea over a Friar's nose."

They liberated and conducted him to his master; his grotesque appearance excited a smile on the features of his spectators: his red beard was grown to an enormous length, and from the dirt which was gathered therein, gave him more the resemblance to a demon than a human being. Immediately on his entrance, he cried; "Ah, my Lord, is it possible it is you? Alas? you thought your cares were all over when last you quitted this infernal dwelling, but you are so precipitate; recollect an old proverb that I oft repeated to you; An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit! By the mass there stands old Pluto, alias Donald! the last time I saw him he looked as hot as if he had been eating Tewksbury mustard."

"Silence," replied Eldred, (then presenting his father) "do you know this person, Andrew?"

[Page] "Hey! what! Oh, a ghost! a ghost!"

"No my honest fellow," returned Archibald, "I am no ghost!"

"Huzza! huzza!" cried the overjoyed Squire, "he's alive."

"Andrew," said Clencairn, "for your fidelity to my son, you shall be rewarded. I will place you—"

"Not in the army, I hope my Lord," interrupted Andrew, believe me, I shall make but a pitiful soldier. I have so great an antipathy to steel, that I would not be taylor to his majesty, merely because I should have been▪ obliged to handle a needle."

"Fear not," exclaimed his master, "your post shall be exempt from danger."

[Page] "I thank you, my Lord," replied his servant, "that post will just suit me."

They now prepared to depart, and having sentenced the priest to perpetual imprisonment, and pardoned Donald, (who lived many years a sincere penitent) they pursued their journey to Aberdeenshire. In the way, Eldred informed Jane of her father's death, at which she betrayed evident marks of grief: they however sought to console her by saying, that on her arrival she would meet with one, who would more than make reparation for her loss.

[Page]

CHAP. XX.

Vain are all sudden sallies of delight:

Convulsions of a weak, distemper'd joy.

Joy's a fix'd state; a tenure, not a start.

YOUNG.

ON arriving at the castle, Glencairn retired, but soon returned, leading in a lady, whom he presented to his niece; saying, "behold the mother whose fate you so regret."

The stranger fell upon her neck, and they mingled their tears of love and tenderness; while the drop of sympathy more precious than the indian pearl, sell from the eyes of Eldred and his father, and Jane instantly recognized the figure she had so often seen at old Maud's.

All now was happiness at the castle, save that the breast of Eldred was touched with remorse for his ungrateful [Page] conduct to the hermit. He could not bear to suffer in the opinion of so worthy a creature, and instantly dispatched a messenger in quest of him. His letter said.

"THE person he had so hospitably entertained at his cell was now restored to happiness, and wished the anchorite to share his joy."

Jane entreated her parent to relate, by what strange means she had been torn from her, and why she so long took up her abode at the cottage of Maud.

"Alas! my child," replied Matilda, "I have suffered much: my history is unentertaining, and my misfortunes have been solely created by imperious man. My father, heaven rest his ashes, first forbade me to love the youth to whom my heart was so firmly attached, that even now the passion lurks at my breast. Compelled to marry one who bore me not the least [Page] affection, who sought my alliance to gratify his avarice, who drove me from my native land, and immured me within the lofty walls of a mouldering convent. Carol was the person he fixed on to conduct me."

"Villain!" exclaimed Glencairn, "he has escaped too well! On hearing I was alive, and with my son, in the apartment of his Lord, he fled. Oh! had he fallen into my power, the most galling cruelties tyranny ever invented had been his!"

"Happy am I," returned Lady Wallace, "he is not. If the Almighty think fit to spare him, and grant him leisure for repentance, shall man refuse it?"

"But to resume my tale. He lodged me in the convent, the abbess of which for some time, treated me with tenderness and affection; at length she hinted a distant wish that I should take [Page] the viel; but finding I would not understand her, she spoke more plainly, I then peremptorily refused; since when she endeavored by every rigorous means to compel me, but in vain. I rather would have fallen a sacrifice at the altar, than offer a divided heart to heaven.

"My life was now become a burden to me, when I recollected an old french soldier, who daily implored charity at the grate. I resolved on bribing him; I told him frankly the treatment I had received, and promised him a purse of gold, if he would assist me in making my escape, and that he would be under the garden wall in the dusk of the evening. He assured me of his fideliity, vowed to die in my service, and moreover offered to accompany me till I was assured of my safety.

"At sun set I equipped myself with a Friar's habit▪ which he had furnished me with in the course of the day, [Page] and was suffered by the porter to depart without the least suspicion. My trusty soldier was waiting for me, and we took a long leave of the convent.

"He procured me a passage in a vessel bound for Scotland, for which place I embarked, after having rewarded him, and landed safely in my native country. I instantly repaired to the cottage of Maud, where I have since tarried, and consoled myself by being near you, my daughter. I am the person who was introduced to you by the good old woman, on the morning of your elopement: I am the object who caused your terror at the cavern, by addressing you, and who have since beheld your cousin Eldred there. He sought to overtake me, but the mazes and windings of the rocks favored my flight, and I escaped him.

"My reason for these walks was, that as I was fearful of being seen, which I must have been, had I ventured [Page] out by day light, I embraced the hour of darkness to enjoy the fresh invigorating air. On the rumour of Sir James's decease, of Eldred succeeding him in the estate, and that my brother lived, I hastened to the castle. Time had not so much altered the lineaments of a sister, but that I was known, and received with such unfeigned marks of affection, that a life of gratitude will scarce repay what I owe."

"No more of that," said Archibald, "our hours of misery, I trust, are past; be those to come, of joy!"

In a few days Eldred's messenger returned, announcing the arrival of father Ambrose. The young Lord hurried out from the company to welcome him, and presently returned leading in the hermit, who no sooner entered the apartment, than he sunk lifeless upon the floor.

[Page] All ran to him, and were busy in reviving him: at last they succeeded in their endeavors, and on seeing Lady Wallace, he exclaimed, "Gracious heaven! Matilda!"

The well known voice struck conviction to her heart, and notwithstanding the many years they had been absent from each other, she straightway knew her Alan! her beloved Alan! whom she supposed to have perished in the Gallic wars.

They renewed their vows of everlasting love. Glencairn welcomed him as the companion of his youth; while Jane and Eldred stood wrapped in wonder at the scene.

They all removed to the castle of Glencairn, where, after the tedious interval of a year from the death of Wallace, Alan Duntrone received the hand of his widow, and at the same time Eldred was blest with his lovely Jane.

[Page] The antique pile now rung with mirth and festivity. Bonfires blazed; the mantling juice of the grape swelled on the hospitable board; the pliant fingers of the bards flew o'er the strings of the soul-subduing lyre, while their tongues alternately rehearsed the deeds of wariors, and constancy of maidens.

The castle of Wallace was converted into an alm's house, where age and infancy met with a sanctuary from the iron gripe of indigence, and of which the philosopher Andrew was constituted governor.

Edric was maintained as the Squire of Eldred; Duncan, the son of Carrol▪ as his steward: Maud enjoyed a considerable pension from the purse of Eldred. In short, no one who had contributed to his welfare went unrewarded.

Duntrone, with his lady, resided at the mansion of his ancestors; Eldred [Page] and Jane at the castle of Lord Glencairn, who grew old amidst a numerous offspring of grand-children.

Thus did this family exhibit a picture to convince the [...], that the road of Virtue, though [...] craggy and [...], leads [...]o a happy goal; while the facile and flowery path of Vice, [...] ends in a labyrinth of guilty conscience and despair.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

The haunted cavern: a Caledonian tale. : [Eight lines of verse] / By John Palmer, Junior.

Palmer, John, Jun.

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI :

Date

2008-09.

ID [DLPS]

N23384

ID [TCP]

N23384

ID [STC]

Evans 30954

ID [NOTIS]

APW5400

ID [IMAGE-SET]

30954

ID [EVANS-CITATION]

99011522

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This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 30954.

Notes

(Evans-TCP ; no. N23384)

Transcribed from: (Readex Archive of Americana ; Early American Imprints, series I ; image set 30954)

Images scanned from Readex microprint and microform: (Early American imprints. First series ; no. 30954)

Source

— The haunted cavern: a Caledonian tale. : [Eight lines of verse] / By John Palmer, Junior., Palmer, John, Jun., Farren, Miss, dedicatee..

Extent

iv, [1], 6-197, [1] p., [1] leaf of plates : ill. ; 17 cm. (12mo)

Re-printed by Anthony Haswell. For the booksellers New York.,. Bennington [Vt.]. :: 1796.. (Dedicated to Miss Farren.)

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