to take up arms. Douglas, Traquair, Roxburgh, Hume, all friendly
to the royal cause, would counterbalance," he said, "the
covenanting interest in the south; and two gentlemen, of name and
quality, here present, from the north of England, would answer
for the zeal of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Northumberland.
Against so many gallant gentlemen the southern Covenanters could
but arm raw levies; the Whigamores of the western shires, and the
ploughmen and mechanics of the Low-country. For the West
Highlands, he knew no interest which the Covenanters possessed
there, except that of one individual, as well known as he was
odious. But was there a single man, who, on casting his eye
round this hall, and recognising the power, the gallantry, and
the dignity of the chiefs assembled, could entertain a moment's
doubt of their success against the utmost force which Gillespie
Grumach could collect against them? He had only farther to add,
that considerable funds, both of money and ammunition, had been
provided for the army"--(Here Dalgetty pricked up his ears)--
"that officers of ability and experience in the foreign wars,
one of whom was now present," (the Captain drew himself up, and
looked round,) "had engaged to train such levies as might require
to be disciplined;--and that a numerous body of auxiliary forces
from Ireland, having been detached from the Earl of Antrim, from
Ulster, had successfully accomplished their descent upon the main
land, and, with the assistance of Clanranald's people, having
taken and fortified the Castle of Mingarry, in spite of Argyle's
attempts to intercept them, were in full march to this place of
rendezvous. It only remained," he said, "that the noble Chiefs
assembled, laying aside every lesser consideration, should unite,
heart and hand, in the common cause; send the fiery cross through
their clans, in order to collect their utmost force, and form
their junction with such celerity as to leave the enemy no time,
either for preparation, or recovery from the panic which would
spread at the first sound of their pibroch. He himself," he
said, "though neither among the richest nor the most powerful of
the Scottish nobility, felt that he had to support the dignity of
an ancient and honourable house, the independence of an ancient
and honourable nation, and to that cause he was determined to
devote both life and fortune. If those who were more powerful
were equally prompt, he trusted they would deserve the thanks of
their King, and the gratitude of posterity."
Loud applause followed this speech of Lord Menteith, and
testified the general acquiescence of all present in the
sentiments which he had expressed; but when the shout had died
away, the assembled Chiefs continued to gaze upon each other as
if something yet remained to be settled. After some whispers
among themselves, an aged man,whom his grey hairs rendered
respectable, although he was not of the highest order of Chiefs,
replied to what had been said.
"Thane of Menteith," he said, "you have well spoken; nor is there
one of us in whose bosom the same sentiments do not burn like
fire. But it is not strength alone that wins the fight; it is
the head of the commander, as well as the arm of the soldier,
that brings victory. I ask of you who is to raise and sustain
the banner under which we are invited to rise and muster
ourselves? Will it be expected that we should risk our children,