"For God's sake," said Ellieslaw, "spare us your folly atpresent, Mareschal."

"Well, then," said his kinsman, "I'll bestow my wisdom upon youinstead, such as it is. If we have gone forward like fools, donot let us go back like cowards. We always have done enough to drawupon us both the suspicion and vengeance of the government; donot let us give up before we have done something to deserve it.--What, will no one speak? Then I'll leap the ditch the first."And, starting up, he filled a beer-glass to the brim with claret,and waving his hand, commanded all to follow his example, and torise up from their seats. All obeyed-the more qualified guestsas if passively, the others with enthusiasm "Then, my friends, Igive you the pledge of the day--The independence of Scotland, andthe health of our lawful sovereign, King James the Eighth, nowlanded in Lothian, and, as I trust and believe, in fullpossession of his ancient capital!"

He quaffed off the wine, and threw the glass over his head.

"It should never," he said, "be profaned by a meaner toast."

All followed his example, and, amid the crash of glasses and theshouts of the company, pledged themselves to stand or fall withthe principles and political interest which their toastexpressed.