Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-09-17

My business was soon despatched ana was
preparing to return to my native country, when
the "Scottish Chiefs" of Miss Porter falling
in my way became so deeply interested in the
story of Wallace and his deeds that could
not think Of leaving Great Britain without vis-
ting the theatre Of his exploits s-"For Scot
land, them" said I, and Immediately set out
on an excursion to the North.
To describe my moonlight wsnderings and
nightly con,emplatons-my travels o'er hill
and dale; through glens and forests might be
interesting to minds Of particular cast, but
the generality Of readers would soon be sated
with such common place narrative, I will
hasten to the more eventfu period of my jour
ney.
Having weared myself one day with crcum-
ambulatng the battle ground Of Falkirk, sat
down in The evening upon broken column Of
a ruined tower, and was ruminating on the
changes and revolutions which time was every
day producing in the world. Where now are
those high souled knights whose mailed foot
steps resounded through these deserted halls
Silent are those claymores which rung around
these runs-tbe white hand which beckoned
from the portals Of these towers to the favourite
knight is mingled with its mother dust. Beau
ty, valour, and patriotism in ore promiscuous
ruin have gone down to the grave, and perhaps
| at ;his moment the ghost Of some slain hero
wanders, invisible to mortal eyes, beneath
these broken arches pondering on the days of
chivalry and frowning Indignantly at the pusil-
lanimitv OF his descendants.
As if expecting to behold the creature Of my
fancy, raised my eyes, and 10! behind tall
column I saw the shadow Of human being
Determined to satisfy my curiosity, framed
question for the ear Of this individual should he
be Of mortal clay, and should he indeed prove
and incorporeal wight left the subject Of the
conversation to the spur of the moment.
advanced softly toward the column and per-
cevng that he was soliloquizng, kept in its
range that might remain undiscovered long
enough TO observe mis- motions sufficiently to
become acquainted with his character.
He was an old and decrcpid man--his white
locks ifoated gracefully on his broad shoulders,
his cheeks were wan and hollow; his eyes
small. black and PIERCING and his voice al
though tremulous was rich and melodious.
His silver beard reachedto to his breast, and he
was wrapped in an old plaid after the manner
ofthe highlanders. He rested on long staff
and with eyes raised to Heaven thus went on:
snow buried in thy bloody grave! For forty
long years have been cxiled from my native
land-during that time peace has been stran-
ger to this distracted bosom-I loved thee!
Heaven knows loved thee but who shall an
swer that! Those are now fostering in their
shrouds who might have vndcated my charac-
ter and one aye, she lives still in this breast
like vuture tearing my vitals!"
He ceased; bnt the tears coursed down his
withercd checks and deep groans burst from
his aged bosom.
Being willing to know more Of his history
slowly retreated and turning an angle came
upon him in front, when starting as If had
seen him for the first time. "Od man." said
I, "Is there shelter in this neighborhood for a
benighted travelier''
"lf you can share my humble fare, answer
ed he .'you are welcome"
cordially accepted the offer and we sot out
together for his habitation. He led the way
amonga path which wound round the base Of
a hill and entered dark wood. After clrm-
bcrng ever many rugged rocks and fording
,ecanbal
mountain whose sides were covered with I'M
Jerwood, brambles and thistcs, when having
gained the suramit he turned to door in the
side of mound and calling out several times,
civilian! Wam!"-it was al length opened
and was usilered inta a gloomy cavern lit by
small taper which disclosed a couple of
heather beds, book, and several rude domes-
tic utensils; but tho companion Of his solitude
was no where to be seen.
"Here," said the hermit. "is the place Of
my sojourn -"Circumstances of a painful ma
turo have cut me oil from the world, and in this
cell have | resided from my YOUTH stranger
to the hopes and fears Of mankind, wrctched
recluse, and an undone, ruined and dcspairlng
outlaw! The story Of my woes has never yet
reached mortal ears, save one, who is abun'
dainty capable Of sympa,hizing with me in
my distress; but he, even he cannot be the
companion Of my SORROWS. We may bear all
the painful vicssitudes Of fortune shafts
Of adversely may wound, but time can heal the
mischief-wc may believe that the most awful
visitations Of divine providence are intended
for onr good, and bow in resignation to his will
but guilty conscience VINO can bcar'"