Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-12-19
the use Of the national gnrb, and all the ap-
purtenances Of Highland chiyalry."


Highland Watch, since the gallant forty-sec.
ond regiment; and the time Of its formation, a
corps Of so peculiar a character as to have no
parallel IN British history Obtaining leave OF
absence for a week, he returns to acquaint his
mother with what he has done, provide for her
maintenance, and take his leave. Part OF
thor conversation runs thus: Hamish says
49, do not repent my engagement, unless that
II must make me leave you oon.'--'L Leave
me! how leave me! Silly boy, think you I
know not what duty belongs TO the wife or
mother of a daring man! Thou art but a hoy
yet; and when Thy father had been the dread
OF the country for twenty years. he did not des-
pise my company and assistance, but often said
my help was worth that Of two strong gillies.'
: It is not on that score, mother; but since l
must leave the country Leave the
county,! replied his mother, intcrrupring him
and think you that ! am like a bush, that is
rooted 10 the soil where il grows, and must
die il carried elsewhere | have breathed
other winds than these Of Ben CIuachan-I
have followed your father to the wilds of Ross,
and the impenetrable deserts Of Y Mac Y
Mhor--Tush, man. my limbs, old as they are.
will bear me as far as your young feet can
trace the way ALAS! mother said the
young man, with a ~faltering accent, but TO
cross the sea- The sea! who am I that
l should ear the sea! Have I never been in
a hirling in my life never known the Sound
of Mall, the Isles o Treshornish, and the
rough rocks Of Harris p Alas! mother, ! 90
far, for from all Of these--I am enlisted in one
Of the new regime S, and we 60 against the
French in America 'Enlistedn uttered the
asionished mother against my will-without
my consent; you could not you would not
then rising u , and assuming a posture Of
almost imperial command, 'Hamish, you dar-
ed not! Despair, mother. dares every thing
answered H,mish in a tone Of melancholy re-
solution. what should l do here, where,
| can scarce get bread for myself and you, and
when the times are growing daily worse!
Would you but sit down ana listen, l would
convince you l have acted for the best With
a bitter smile, Elspat sat down, and the same
severe ironical expression YVES on her features,
as, with her lips firmly closed, she listened to
his vindication. Hamish went on, without be-
ing Disconnected by her expected displeasure.
{ When l left you, dearest mother, it was TO go
to Ma Phadraick's house; for although l
know he is crafty and worldly, after the fash
ion of the SasseDach, yet he is wise, and |
thought how he would teach me, rs it would
cost him nothing, in which way I could mend
our estate in the world sour estate in the
world!' said Elspat, losing patience at the
word; and went you to a base fellow with a
soul no better than that of a cowherd, to ask
counsel about your conduct? Your father ask
cd none save at his courage aud his sword
{ Dearest mother, answered. Hamish, show
snail | convince you that you live in this
land of our fathers as if our fathers were
yet living? You walk as it were m a dream,
surrounded by the phantoms of those who
have been long with the dead. When my
luther lived and fought, the great respected
the man of the strong right hand, and the rich
feared him. He had protection from Mac Al
Ian Mhor, and from Caberfe. and tribute from
meaner men. That is ended; and his son
would only earn a disgracefnl and unpitieC
death, by the practices which gave his father
credit and power among those who wear the
brea can. The land is conquercd--its lights
are quenched, Gle ary, Lochiel Perth, Lord
Lewis, all tie high chiefs are dead or in exile
we may mourn for it, but we cannot help it.
Bonnet, broadsword, and sporran- power,
and wealth, were all lost on Drum
mossie-muir. 1t is false!' said Elspat, fierce
ly; you. and such like dastardly spirits, are
quclled by your own faint hearts, not by the
Of the enemy; you are like the fear
full Waterfowl, to whom the least cloud in the
sky seems the shadow Of the eagle Moth
en- said Hamish, proudly, lay not faint heart
to my charge. l go where men ore wanted
who have strong aims and bold hearts TOO.
leave Il desert, for a land where | may gather
BY infusing a sleepy potion into his parting
quaich, or cup, the miserable mother causes
her son to break his word to his captain, out
stay his frrlough, aud subject himself to dis
graceful punishment as u dcserter. A FORE
warning vision of his father mpresses a deep
interest on this part of t.,e story; but we must
no. be too covetous Of its detai!s;-and proceed
to [ e finale. When Hamish awakes, too late,
from his siupor, in vain is the attempt to
soothe him..
"'I have lost all, mother! replied Hamash,
. since I have brol en- my word, and lost my
honor Il might tell my tale, but who, oh, who
would believe me = The unfortunate young
man again clasped his hands together, and,
pressing them to $ forehead, hid his face upon
the bed Elspat was nov really alarmed ana
perhaps wished The fatal deceit had been left
Uninterrupted. She had no hope or refuge saw
ing in the cloquence Of persuasion. OF which
she possessed no small share, though her total
ignorance Of the world as il actually existed,
rendered ITS energy mavailing. She urged her
so by every tender epi,het which a parent
CO. d bcstow to take care for his own safety.
= Leave me- sbo said to bale your pursuers.
I will save your life-I will save your honor
l will tell them that my fair. haired Hamisi fell
from the Corrio Dhu (black precipice) into the
gulpl Of which human eye never bchcld the
bottom. | will tell them tins, and [ will fling
your plaid on the thorns which grow on tho
Drink Of the precipice, that they may believe
my words. They will believe, and they will
return to the Dan Of the doublc-crest; for
.l-.-l A.. Cu.a I... - Ill a. 80, a.
die, it cannot recall tue dead TO their sIayish
standard. Then will we travel together far
northward 10 the salt lakes Of Kintail, and
place glens aud mountains botwixt us and the
sons OF Dermid. We will visit the shores Of
Tho dark lnkn and mu Linsncn-Ifnr mns mi