Chapter XV: Conclusion--Charles interrupts the Congress--Is (6)

Now Charles, the Prince yet kept the field,
And loth was he to flee or yield:
Major Kennedy with some troops of horse,
Out of the field he did him force,
About five miles from Inverness,
The water of Nairn they did pass,
As they had been for Bad’noch bound;
But spread throughout the country round.
And those behind on field who staid,
Ran ev’ry where, be’ng so afraid;
But those who ran by Inverness,
Were hotly handled in the chase.
Lord Ancram and general Bland,
This fierce pursuit they took in hand.
With Kingston’s horse and Kerr’s dragoons,
They thro’ the bonnets clave their crowns,
Struck with such vigour and desperation,
Some hands were swell’d on this occasion,
Within the hilting of the sword,
That to pull out, they seem’d full _gourd_.
They would not yield as vanquish’d men,
Such discipline they did not _ken_,
To ground their arms or turn their sword,
Nor knew they ought of Quarters word;
But _madly run_, was all their chance,
And never turn’d to make defence.
The pursuers had them at their will,
Nought but follow and safely kill.
Some hundreds who fell that day,
Were a mean of throwing their life away.
Two thousand lay upon the field,
And those who took flight for their bield,
Through Inverness and all about,
Were hew’d down in this bloody rout:
For Kingston’s men were young and rude,
Of mercy nought they understood,
When answer’d by a Highland tongue;
But used cruelty all along.
Of prisoners were told and seen,
Full seven hundred and fifteen;
But many more were after this,
Which not into this number is;
Lord Lewis Gordon, marquis of Giles.
And Stapleton this number fills,
Four ladies too, here taken was,
And one of them into man’s dress,
Who as a Captain did appear,
In fighting for her Chevalier.
Five thousand stand of arms were found,
Ten brazen cannons, smart and sound,
Twelve stand of colours were ta’en, I know,
’Twas the Royal Standard’s fate also
For to be left, that fatal hour,
On the field of Culloden Muir,
With the baggage and milit’ry chest
(Its contents did of nought consist.)

Then brigadier Mordaunt was sent,
Nine hundred chosen with him went,
For to subdue all arm’d who were,
Into the Frazer’s country there,
Search’d ev’ry corner and each _quorum_,
Thinking that Charles was still before ’em.
Strathallan fell when on his flight,
Lord Balmarino the next night,
Into the hands of Grant he fell,
Who made him pris’ner, as they tell,
And to the Duke sent him also,
Who soon to London made him go,
And with him many a hundred more,
To English jails and London-tower,
Cargoes by sea were sent away;
But to return ne’er saw the day.

Now Charlie safe to Bad’noch rode,
Where council held, and they conclude,
That all of them should sep’rate be,
And differ’nt ways for safety flee,
For the miscarriage of their plan,
They blam’d both Murray and Sullivan,
For sending some brave Clans away,
A hunting of the _Gowke_ that day.

Earl Cromartie and hundreds more,
Were taken that morning before,
Being sent home to’s own countrie,
For raising men and more supplie.
Lord Rae’s militia, hearing this,
Upon him came at unawares:
As each mischief follow’d another,
Things went to wreck just altogether,
Their parting was at Badenoch,
With wat’ry eyes and loud _Och-hoch_:
Their bag-pipes mournfully did _rore_,
And _Piperoch Dhonail_ was no more.
This was a day of lamentation,
Made many brave men leave their nation.
Their eyes were open’d, all was vain,
Now grief and sorrow was their gain.

NORTH SIDE.

The D. of Perth and L. Ogilvy’s Reg. not to fire Inverness
without Orders, and to keep close up as fresh Corps ⌂⌂ Town
of Reserve. Total 8350.
__________________________________________________

C. Roy Stewart L. L. Gordon and Those of the above
and those of Glenbucket’s to be who have only guns,
the above who ready to advance under Lord Kilmar-
have only Guns. when needful. nock’s command.
______________ _______________ ________________
3rd Column. Pretender’ First Column.
2nd Column.

___________ Fitz James Culloden Hussar Guards. ____________
___________ Horse. ⌂⌂ & P. Squadron. ____________
___________________________ House _____________________________

Brig. Stapleton’s Pic. L. J. Drum. Picquet.
Athole. Stewarts. Frasers. M‘Intosh. M‘Leans. Keppoch.
Camerons. M‘Phersons. M‘Intosh. Farqhar. MacLeods. Clanron. Glengary.
________ _______ ________ _______ ________ _______ ________

4 | | | | Cannon. 4 | | | | Cannon. 4 | | | | Cannon.
L. George Murray. L. John Drummond. Duke of Perth.

_The HIGHLAND ARMY._

WEST EAST
SIDE. SIDE.
_The KING’S ARMY._

____________ ___________ _________ __________
| Barrel’s and S. Fuzileer’s Cholmon Dragoons and
| Monroe’s. and Price’s. & Royals. Light Horse.
| |||| |||| ||
| 4 Can. 4 Can. 2 C.
|
| Here stood the DUKE.
| _______ ________ _________ ___________ __________ ___________
| Wolf’s. Bligh’s. Semple’s. Ligonier’s. Fleming’s. Old Buff’s.
| ___________ __________ ___________
| Blackney’s. Batterau’s. Poultney’s.
¦>|
¦ Three regiments marching in
¦ cover’d way towards the park.
¦
¦Campbell’s Light-Horse and Dragoons,
broke down this Park Dyke.

SOUTH SIDE.
]

CHAP. X.

_Charles’ flight. Arrival in the Isles. Hardships, hidings and narrow escape._

The Prince from Badenoch that night,
Over the mountains took his flight.
With only six in’s company,
And one who led them on the way.
O’er many a rock, thro’ glens they past,
And to Invergary came at last.
About two hours ere break of day;
But none within that house did stay,
Only one servant, the laird being gone,
Bed or provisions there were none:
No drink but water to be had,
On the cold floor he made his bed,
All in their clothes thus sleeping lay,
Till near the middle of the day:
Having had no sleep five nights before,
And little food, you may be sure.
No bread or cheese there could they find,
Or ought to eat of any kind.
No living poultry could they get;
But in the water found a net,
Wherein two salmon were present,
Which they took as a blessing sent,
And on them heartily did dine,
Having no liquor but Adam’s wine.
Then to their journey set again,
For Donald Cam’ron’s at Glen Bean,
Where they arrived late that night,
Thro’ Lochiel’s country, ’twas their fright
Of being known by friends or foes:
He drest himself into Burke’s clothes,
The rest be’ng gone but only three,
No more was in his companie.
Then on the morrow, the eighteenth day,
To Clan-Ronnald’s country took their way,
And in Mewboll lodged that night,
Being kindly us’d, but still in fright,
Delay’d next day some hours, to hear
How all was gone; but yet for fear
They quit their horse, and took the hill,
O’er mountains climb’d scarce passible,
To Arisaig or Borasdale:
And here themselves they did conceal
At Kinloch Moidart, where they lay,
Not knowing what to do or say.
There came lord Elcho and O’Neil,
Who to their Prince did plainly tell
How all had gone at Inverness,
Since the fatal day of their distress;
That all the Clans were scattered,
So as rally again, they ne’er cou’d;
For the Duke had parties ev’rywhere
To burn and plunder, none did spare
Who with them were the least concern’d,
So where to flee must be determin’d.
Here Sullivan and many more
Their council gave as bad’s before,
Their Prince to flee into some isle,
And there to ly _incog._ a while,
Sending for one Donald MacLeod,
Who knew the isles and safest road.
And while they were a-planning this,
An alarm came for to dismiss,
A party coming was that way,
Direct as knowing where they lay,
Then to the woods all of them fled,
Took sundry ways be’ng sore afraid.
The Prince himself bewilder’d ran,
And with him there was not a man,
Being thus dejected and all alone,
Thro’ the wild woods he made his moan.
While thus he melancholy lay,
MacLeod came past on’s road from Sky;
The Prince cried boldly, What art thou?
And he reply’d, What’s that to you?
My name’s MacLeod, from Gaultergill,
I’m not afraid it to reveal.
Then said the Prince, ’Tis thee I want,
I am the man who for thee sent,
The Son of your King, your Prince I am,
And for your pity here I came.
On you, Donald, myself I throw,
Do what you will, prove friend or foe.
Then Donald, in tears, stood all amaz’d,
With dumb surprize he on him gaz’d:
My Prince, my Prince and here to lurk!
Oh! this would move the heart of Turk,
To see the turns of time and fate,
From honour to a wretched state;
I’m old, I’m old, thus did he cry;
Yet t’ serve my Prince I’d live and die.
Then said the Prince, Since it is so,
With these two letters, wilt thou go,
To Sir Alexander? though that he
And th’ laird of MacLeod’s my enemie,
I’ll yet their clemency request,
If humanity lies in their breast,
In noble hearts pity is found,
They’ll land me safe on German ground.
No, no, said Donald, that will not do;
For now they’re both in search of you:
But my service sha’n’t cost you a groat,
Near this there lies an eight oar’d boat,
Get all you have, ready on sight,
And we will go on board this night.

To this the Prince did well comply,
They went in search of all was nigh,
To wit, brave O’Neil and Sullivan
With Allan M‘Donald of Elen-o-ron,
Alex. M‘Donald, Edward Burke,
And four stout men the boat to work,
Donald MacLeod was pilot too,
No more were in his retinue.
For store they had four pecks of meal,
A pot they bought for making kail:
This was on April twenty-sixth,
They put to sea, full sore perplext,
At the same place he came on shore,
When first he landed the year before.
Dark was the night, the wind blew high,
The rain drove on, black was the sky,
No deck or cover was to be got,
Pump or compass had they not;
Before the wind they durst not stand;
Because they knew not where to land:
In all the Isles were armed men;
But in what place they did not ken.
Ev’ry wave threat’ning their last,
And shipt great seas, which o’er them past;
Yet kept above from sand and rock,
Till to morrow ’bout seven o’clock,
They made Rushness-point, on the long isle,
Call’d _Benbecula_ in Gallic style,
Two hundred miles in eight hours space,
Past many a rock and dang’rous place,
Where militia boats were out on spy,
Which otherwise he’d not got by:
But this vi’lent storm they could not stand,
All fled for shelter to the land.

Now on this isle they landed were;
But found no house or shelter there,
Except an old stye of a byre,
Wherein they kindled up a fire,
Shot a cow and did her boil,
And made fine brochan of her oil.
The place was hollow and remote,
Upon dry land hauld up their boat;
But when they view’d the raging sea,
They prais’d their Maker heartilie,
To think what dangers they’d come by
’Twixt the isles of Cole, Mull and Skye.

The storm it still increased high’r,
For fourteen hours it blew like fire.
They spy’d, for dangers, round about,
And then to sleep their prince was put.
No bed-clothes but the sail all wet,
Without straw, bolster, or a matt,
Where cows had lain all night before,
A poor palace without a door,
A bed of state, all wet with _shern_:
This may the great humil’ty learn.
Here they remain’d for nights two,
Until the storm did overblow:
And then for Stornaway set sail,
But meeting with a desp’rate gale,
Were drove on _Scalpa_-isle, or _Glass_,
Which to one MacLeod belonging was,
By whom they wou’d been _gripped_ fast;
But for a shipwreckt crew they past,
Old Sullivan the Prince’s father,
And ev’ry one gave names to other.
They said, they were to Orkneys bound,
And here great lenity they found
From Donald Campbell, a farmer there,
Who for a passage did prepare
A boat of his own for Stornaway.
Which went off on the first of May,
With Donald MacLeod, his trusty guide,
Who went a vessel to provide,
To get to the Orkneys by all means:
For there he thought to meet with frien’s,
Who, well he knew, would use their pow’r,
To land him on the German shore.
And in three days a message came,
That a ship was ready at his deman’.
Another boat was mann’d with speed,
And to Storn’way they did proceed,
Landing upon MacKinnon’s ground
At Loch Seaforth, then to walk round,
Long thirty miles, upon their foot,
Before to Ayrnisk point they got.
None with him but only Sullivan,
Brave O’Neil and another man,
Who was to guide them on the way;
Yet by good chance led them astray:
Long eighteen hours this stage it was,
Through a long Muir all wet to _plash_:
But had they come the nearest way,
They had been catch’d in Stornaway.
About a half mile from the town,
Faint and weary they all sat down,
And sent their guide for Donald MacLeod,
To bring refreshment if he cou’d,
Who brought them brandy, cheese and bread,
Which cheer’d their hearts in time of need.
Then took him to Lady Kildoun’s,
The only friend found in that bounds,
Who kindly did them all intreat
And well refresh’d he went to sleep.

So Donald return’d into the town,
And found all to confusion grown,
Above two hundred in arms were,
And _furich ha nish_ every where.
A clergyman from the South Uist
He sent a letter, for truth almost,
That the Prince, with above five hunder,
Was coming for to burn and plunder.
Then Donald to their Chiefs did go,
And curs’d and swore it was not so:
For the Prince has not got a man but three,
And I one of his number be.
So gentlemen, think what you do,
Lest, when too late, you come to rue;
For if Seaforth himself were here,
A hair of’s head you durst not _steer_;
For, if you kill him, or catch alive,
Think not for such an act to thrive.
This island lies far out at sea,
In faith it will revenged be
By favourites he hath abroad,
So stop your fury, cries brave MacLeod,
For surely, gentlemen, if you do it,
Your babes unborn may come to rue it.

Then said they, Well, since it is so,
Out of this island let him go;
For if the rabble come to hear it,
They’ll do it through a zealous sp’rit.
The wind is fair and so be gone,
We’ll still the people and send them home.
Keep all right snug and let none know
Whether he’s in this isle or no.
The boatmen hearing of such a rout,
And fearing what might be their lot,
Two with the boat fled to the sea,
And two up to the muirs did hie.

MacLeod and Burke, here left on shore,
Went to their Prince with hearts full sore.
Cry’d Sullivan, We’ll take the hill,
No, said the Prince, We’ll stand it still:
Since here is friendship in the least,
Take ye no fear, we’ll be releas’d,
So in that night return’d again
Their boat from sea, with the two men;
But the other two who took the hill,
Where they ran I cannot tell.
Next morn they put to sea again,
Though hard beset for want of men,
Having only three who understood
Either to row, or sail to crowd.
For store they got two pecks of meal,
Brandy, beef, butter and ale,
So bid adieu to brave Kildoun,
As to the Orkneys they were boun’.

But to the south as they did steer,
Two English ships there did appear,
Which made them all in haste to turn,
And put into the isle of Euirn,
A desart place, where none abode,
One mile in length, another broad,
Where fishers oft frequent by day;
But seeing them all fled away,
Thinking they were the King’s press-boat,
Their fish behind was all forgot,
Both fresh and drying on the rock,
Of Cod and Ling, the poor men’s stock;
And here they stay’d a day or two,
Until the ships were out of view,
And on the fish well did they fare,
Although their lodging was but bare,
An old hut, like a swine’s stye
Which fishers us’d to occupy:
They had no bed but heathry feal,
The hut’s roof cover’d with the sail.
They roasted fish and brandy drank,
No host they had to pay or thank.
For what they did the fishers bereave,
He was amind money to leave:
But Donald says, No not a _snishing_;
For that would cause a strong suspicion,
That some good fellows had been here;
Therefore be not so mad, my dear,
For ’tis the men of wars’ men’s way,
To take all fish, but not to pay.

Now here to stay they thought was vain,
On the tenth of May set sail again,
And back to Scalpa came once more,
Where they were kindly us’d before,
And offer’d money for men and boat;
But such a thing could not be got,
To venture with them out to sea,
To Noraway or Germanie.----
But here they found danger to stay,
So in all haste they put away;
For men in arms in ev’ry place,
In search of him were in full chace.
Ships and boats watching by sea,
So without fresh store they’re forc’d to flee:
And coming past the South of Uist,
An English ship before they wist,
Commanded by one Ferguson,
For three full leagues came chasing on:
They kept by shore, to windward lay,
Till in the Loch call’d Esca-bay.
Got on an island, and then by chance,
Wind contrary rose and drove them thence.
Rain and fog did favour shew,
So who they chac’d they did not know.
Well, said Charles, I see my lot
Is neither to be drown’d nor shot,
Nor can they e’er take me alive,
While wind and rain against them strive.
Yet piercing hunger’s hard command:
For here no fresh water they _fand_,
And to big isles they durst not go;
But such as were a mile or two.

So here they were so hard bestead,
Of salt water they _dramack_ made,
And of it hastily did eat,
Hunger for sauce, made it good meat.
If e’er I mount a throne, said he,
I’ll mind who din’d this day with me.
A bottle of brandy then he took,
And to them all drank _better luck_.
So then for _Benbecula_,
They hoisted sail, and steer’d awa’:
And landed there among the rocks,
Where Crab-fish and Partan flocks,
To fishing these, with speed went all,
And soon did fill a wooden pail.
The hut was two miles from the shore,
Where Charles carried this store,
Lest suspicion should arise,
This he did for mere disguise:
And when near to this hut they drew,
Such a cottage one did ne’er view,
On feet and hands they _crawled_ in,
Sowre was the smoke their eyes to blin’:
Then Edward Burke digg’d down the door
And made the entry somewhat more.
’Twas here Clan-Ron. did visit make,
To see what measures they could take,
For sending him to France again,
To see him so, it gave him pain,
No shirts he had excepting two,
And these unwash’d like _dish-clouts_ blue;
Sculking, lurking, here and there,
A prey to all like hounds on hare,
Though in times of prosperity,
He was extoll’d most gallantly.
Thus he no longer here could trust;
But to Cardail into South Uist,
He caus’d him to remove and go,
And did provide for him also
Bread, brandy, wine and clothes,
And such necess’ries as he chose.

At this time the faithful MacLeod,
In Campbell’s boat the sail did croud,
And steer’d for the main land again;
How matters stood he long’d to _ken_
With brave Lochiel and Murray too,
And have their council what to do.
Murray’s answer was, My money’s gone,
And help from me you can get none.
Then Donald laid out what cash he had
For liquor and for other trade,
Whereof his master stood in need,
And so return’d again with speed,
Being only eighteen days away,
Which to his Prince seem’d a long stay.
No counsel he brought, as I heard tell;
But ev’ry man do for himsel,
Which made his Master quite amaz’d,
And for a time he on him gaz’d:
It pierced Donald’s heart to see
A Prince into such misery,
Confin’d into a stinking stye,
And ’bove his head two hydes of _kye_,
To skonce away the sooty rain.
And all his clothes in dirty stain.
At this time soldi’rs came to Raski,
An island, in length but miles three,
Lying ’twixt Barra and South Uist;
And therefore flee again he must.

The Prince, O’Neil and Sullivan,
Edward Burke and Donald the man,
Just from the foot of Corradail,
In Campbell’s boat they did set sail,
And landed in the isle of Ouia,
From South Uist not far awa’,
And there they stayed a few nights;
But constantly were in sad _plights_:
For armed boats still passing by,
They knew not where to hide or ly.
Charles, O’Neil and a sure guide,
Went thence unto Rushness to hide;
But was not there above nights two,
Till information was all thro’,
Where he lodged at Rushness,
Which trusty Donald did distress:
So he, that night, with Sullivan
Set sail, to save him if they can,
And got him once more safe on board;
But wind and rain upon him pour’d:
So at Ushness point they shelter took,
And lodg’d under a clifted rock.
This storm it did the whole day blow,
And then at night they came to know
Of a party, distant, but miles two:
So to sea again they’re forced to go.
And as they steer’d to Loch Boisdale,
One of the sailors a swearing fell,
He saw a boat full of Marines,
Which prov’d a rock at some distance.
Cry’d, Hardy weather, and ship about,
Then to Celie-stella that night they put.
On next day Donald spy’d afar,
Two sail of English men of war;
Yet here they stayed for some days,
And could not rest in any ways.
Hearing captain Scot on shore was come
At Kilbride, two miles off from them.
Thus now they all were forc’d to part,
Their Prince went off with heavy heart,
And with him took none but O’Neil,
Whose heart he found as true as steel.
Two shirts apiece, for baggage they took,
Tied up into a wallet or pock,
Around the Prince’s neck and shoulder,
Like master and man they trudge together.
So here we leave them for a while
In lonesome caves and mountains wild.

The others two days hover’d near,
And sunk their boat through perfect fear,
Both night and day lay in the field,
Nought but the sails they had for bield,
The red coats swarming all around,
And yet by chance none of them found.
Then Donald MacLeod he went away,
And was ta’en at Slate in isle of Sky,
By Allan M‘Donald, the laird of Knock,
Who him on board the Furnace took,
Where gen’ral Campbell and Ferguson
For to examine him thus began----
_Gen._ Was you with the Pretender, or was you no?
_Heth_ was I, _quoth_ Donald, and that you know.
_Gen._ Do you know what’s bidden for his head?
Thirty thousand pound, a bra’ sum indeed!
_Prutish_, quo’ Donald, it’s no worth a straw,
Her ain sound conscience is better nor’t a’:
Tho’ I’d got Scotland and England, a’ for my pains,
I wadna see him hurt, for your muckle gains.
He’s a good civil shentleman, his life on me threw,
Wad I kill him, or drown him, or gie him to you.
And deil care what ye do, he’s now far awa’,
The win ran awa’ wi’m, the like you ne’er saw:
For the win and water, Sir, did sae combine,
Carri’d him twa hunder mile in aught hours time,
They thought Donald a fool of the honest kind,
He confessed so freely all to their mind,
Suppos’d the Prince might lurking stay
Into the isle of St. Kilday,
A little island which does stand,
Far nor-west from isles or land,
The property of the laird MacLeod,
A barren soil, and poor abode,
Famed most for Soland Geese;
Sea fowl and fish their living is:
And there they thought, as Donald spake
The Young Pretender for to take.
Poor Donald to London they sent away,
Where he twelve months in prison lay;
Yet got his liberty at last,
When the act-indemnity was past.
Gen’ral Campbell with an armed fleet,
Around St. Kilda came complete,
Which frightened the poor natives there,
Who ran to holes like fox or hare:
And when they reach’d the wretched shore,
They catched some who to them swore,
That none did in that place sojourn,
But who were in St. Kilda born:
Of a Pretender they nothing knew;
But what they heard of a boat’s crew,
How the laird MacLeod had arm’d his men,
To fight against some ill woman,
Who lived somewhere far away;
And this was all they had to say.
So the gen’ral soon return’d again
And saw St. Kilda for his pain.

And here we’ll leave the Prince a while,
Who hunted was from isle to isle,
O’er hills and mountains, wood and glen,
As afterwards I’ll let you ken.
Poor Edward Burke was left alone,
For now companions had he none,
Lodg’d in a cave for weeks three,
Ate Dulce and Lampets from the sea:
In short, he thought he would turn wild,
Seeing no man, woman, or child;
Till an honest Souter and his wife,
Agreed for to sustain his life,
For two long months, he said, and more,
Some meat each night they to him bore,
Their like was not in all North Uist,
For to pity rebels no man durst:
Because ev’n at that very time,
It had been made a mighty crime,
Read from the pulpits by the priests,
That none should pity man or beasts,
Who had along with Charlie been,
Give them no victuals, nor close their een
In sleep, or warm within a door,
Or excommunicate to be therefore,
Besides, the pains of milit’ry law,
Hanged or shot one of the twa.

Of this act I know not what to say,
Since Solomon speaks another way,
And a great, yea wiser King than he,
Bids us to feed our enemie,
And give him water for to drink:
For me, I know not what to think.
But Burke of all at last got free,
When th’ act of grace gave libertie,
And home to Edinburgh came again,
For’s love to Charles got nought but pain,
And yet if Charles return, to morrow,
He vows he’d go tho’ on a barrow.

CHAP. XI.

_Procedure of the King’s men against the suspected. Confusion in the Army and severity against the Clans._

Now, the royal Duke, at Inverness,
Did the whole North fully possess,
Encamp’d, and sent his parties out
To burn and plunder round about
All the offenders, who for their crime,
Were severely punish’d at this time.
All those who were loyal and true,
Had some acknowledgement as their due.
He number’d first what he had lost,
And what his signal vict’ry cost.

Lord Robert Ker was ’mong the slain,
A brave captain of Barrel’s men;
Of Price’s reg’ment, captain Grossot
Here did fall, it was his lot,
Captain Campbell of Argyleshire men,
Was likewise found among the slain.
Near six hundred, rank and file, lay there,
Two hundred and forty wounded were.
His sole reflection was, in the chase,
The Pretender’s rout he could not trace,
Any farther than that afternoon,
He drank with Lovat when all was done,
When his very tears mingl’d with wine;
But never could be catch’d _sinsyne_.
As some ran east, and some ran west,
To south and north in crouds they past;
Some to Argyleshire, through Kintyre,
And into Ireland flew like fire.
Tullibairn by Loch Lomond came,
Fled from the battle into the flame,
Into the house of Drummiekill,
Who stood on the cross way, to kill
Those who from the battle fly,
Against all such does Moses cry,
As in the sacred Write, we read,
They’re curs’d who’re guilty of such deed:
Yet here was Tullibardine gripped,
When from the roaring guns escaped,
And prisoner to London led;
Yet dy’d there quietly in his bed.

Duke William still camp’d in the north,
All was in stir beyond the Forth,
Ports, pass, and ferries guarded,
Who catch’d a rebel was well rewarded.
Few but preachers, at this day,
Were counted righteous in this way:
For where the minister said the word,
To life and liberty they’re restor’d,
Resign their arms, with Mess John’s line
That they were prest for to combine
To go with Charlie, and his crew,
By force control’d---- ’Tis very true,
Most of the common men were prest,
Drove to the slaughter like a beast:
But one thing of Highlanders I see,
To them they serve they’ll faithful be;
For those who serv’d King George, just here,
’Gainst the rebels proved most severe,
And rebels, who afterwards did list,
Loyaller hearts no man could trust:
And, ev’n the conquering of this field,
Unto the English I will not yield:
Had Scots and Irish run away,
They’d found it hard to gain the day;
Yet after all they ’gan to boast,
’Twas they only who rul’d the roast,
And even where in camp they lay
To upbraid the Scots, and oft did say,
Mocking the mis’ries that befel,
“These Scotsmen are but rebels all,
“For which they all should hanged be,”--
Which rous’d the Scots most veh’mentlie:
And when they did complain thereof,
Were answer’d with a mere _put off_:
This did enrage them still the more,
Vengeance to seek by the _Clay-more_,
Which all into confusion threw:
The Scots into a body drew,
Irish, by blood and love allied,
Did join unto the Scottish side.
His Grace, the Duke, perceiving this,
Into this broil most active was,
Who, as with no party he would stand;
But charg’d them by his high command,
For to be still, and silent be,
Till he’d the dispute rectifie;
Then agents from each side were chose,
Whom he in council did enclose,
Where they made a solemn act,
“That by a thousand on the back,
“Every man should punish’d be,
“Who’d thus upbraid any countrie.”

So this again cemented peace,
Thro’ mediation of his Grace,
Which was indeed a virtuous scheme,
And adds great honour to his name:
For had they once come on to blows,
’T had been the glory of their foes,
And the murd’ring of one another;
But now they’re Britons all together,
And yet the spite ended not here,
As afterwards you’ll come to hear;
But agitated the Parliament,
Though contrary, it with them went,
To put the Scots beating away,
A march which vex’d them ev’ry day:
Because it was a grief to hear it,
And very irksome to their spirit,
The dinging down of _Tamtallan_,
They swore it mean’d some other _dwallion_.
The bonnets, plaids, and spotted coats,
A dress long time worn by the Scots,
These by an act were laid aside,
Thro’ nought, I think, but spite and pride:
For when the Scots they came to need,
They were restor’d again with speed,
Ev’n by an order of the crown;
But _Tamtallan_ was ne’er beat down,
The Scots still kept by their old march,
In spite of all their foes could urge.

But the cause of the Duke’s long stay here,
Was to find out the Chevalier,
As Scotland round by sea was guarded,
If catch’d on land, so high rewarded
The apprehender was to be,
There was no hopes he could get free.
Hesse camps, did at Perth and Stirling stand,
Armed militia through all the land,
And parties searching ev’ry isle:
Being heard of ev’ry other while,
They still kept on a close pursuing,
Hard was the hunt for Charlie’s ruin.
All prisoners, they catch’d, of note,
On ship-board were securely put,
And to England sent, trial to stand,
But deserters judg’d were in Scotland,
Who had as soldiers with Charlie gone,
They hang’d and shot them every one:
For Hawley’s verdict was so quick,
“Go hang the dogs up by the neck,”
Which was no sooner said than done,
No pity he shew’d on woman’s son.
The Duke, by half, not so severe,
Did often the condemn’d set clear,
Made his soldiers say, he was too civil;
But swore, That Hawley wou’d hang the devil.
The Duke did love to burn and plunder,
And sweet revenge upon them thunder,
On house and huts made devastation,
As it had been a foreign nation.
Their whole utensils, rock and reel,
To see in flames he loved well,
With dogs and cats, the rats and mice,
And their old shirts, with nites and lice,
Were all unto the flames consign’d,
To bring them to a better mind,
And never more for to rebel,
A doleful time for _her nain sell_,
For all that _she_ had done or said,
_She_ thought it more than double paid;
Eating kirns, and supping sheese,
And codding of the Lothian pease,
Or taking a bit of beef to eat,
When _she_ could get no other meat;
And when _she_ met a Lalan-rogue,
_But pate a shainshment on her brogue,
The soger has done a ten times mair,
Brunt her house, taen a her geer,
And after that cuts aff her head,
An shot on them that frae her fled_.

For all who did from the soldiers fly,
Were fir’d upon immediately,
By which, many a poor innocent
Was put to death, by them unkent,
Their flying away caus’d the error,
The red-coats were to them a terror.

Now Charles concealed was in Uist,
And there to stay no longer durst,
The Campbells were coming _a ho_, _a ho_,
He durst not bide, and could not go:
Every day he saw them well,
And had none with him but O’Neil.
The day was long and hot the sun,
About the twenty first of June,
Upon a mountain top they lay,
And saw their motions ev’ry way,
From glen to glen, caves and rocks,
As ever hounds did search for fox,
Campbells, and lads with the red coat,
With them guides knew every spot,
And corner of that country side;
So here it dang’rous was to bide.
But in a desart place remote,
They found a lonely dismal hut,
And there to stay they judged best,
Until part of the hurry past.
Such venison as they could take,
Of ev’ry thing a prey they make:
It was not out of cov’tous greed;
But only as they stood in need.
O’Neil alone was out at last,
To hear of what was done or past,
And met a lady whom he knew,
Miss MacDonald good and true,
To her their straits he did reveal,
Who did with tears their sorrows feel,
And vow’d by all was dear within her,
She’d them relieve, if they should skin her:
Then hasten’d O’Neil to him away,
Appointing where to meet next day,
And to the Prince with him did go,
Her servant did the secret know,
One Neil MacKechnie, an honest heart,
Who in ev’ry point did act his part,
There, they their whole plan did frame:
And then to Malton came again
Miss Flora and her man next day,
Going to Clan Ronald’s house were they,
For to perform the enterprize,
And get clothes fit for his disguise.
By a party of militia men,
Both of them prisoners were ta’en,
Miss ask’d who was their officer,
And they in answer told it her:
He prov’d her father-in-law to be,
Preferr’d, for suppos’d loyaltie,
No less than a king’s officer,
She thought she might the better fare,
And there did tarry all that night,
Before of him she got a sight.
Greatly surprized then was he,
His step-daughter prisoner to see,
Call’d her aside to know the matter,
And gave her both a pass and letter,
For herself, her lad, and Betty Burke,
A woman who was to spin and work,
Being a maid for her mother hir’d
So all was done as she requir’d.

Then to Clan Ronald’s house they came,
And let the lady know the same,
Where ev’ry thing in haste was got,
Apron, gown, and a petticoat:
Of printed cotton the gown it was,
Just fitting for a servant lass:
Then to the hut they went away,
To get him drest without delay;
And as they entred into the door
They found their Prince, surpriz’d him sore,
A cooking something for to eat,
A sheep’s pluck on a wooden spit.
This put them all in Brinish tears,
A Prince brought to such low affairs!
But he reply’d, Why weep ye so?
’Tis good for Kings sorrow to know:
And ev’n the great, won’t after rue,
They suffer’d part of what I do.

That night they stayed all in the hut,
Ere ev’ry thing was ready got,
And on the morrow a message came
For lady Clan-Ronald, in haste extreme,
That cap. Ferguson, with Campbell’s men,
Did all night in her house remain.
And to confirm what they had said,
The Captain took up her own bed.

Now Charles by this time was drest,
Like a Dutch frow, I do protest,
His _brogues_, indeed, had leather heels,
And beard, well shaven, all conceals;
But gown and petticoat so short,
Shew’d too much legs, but no help for’t.
He of the lady took his leave,
And left O’Neil behind to grieve,
Who thro’ the world with him would go;
But Flora said it would not do:
Because their pass that number bore,
And one too much was not secure,
Herself, her servant, and Betty Burke,
Who was going to her mother’s work.
The boat’s prepar’d, away they set;
But lady Clan-Ronald was in a strait:
For soon as she had reached home,
Was strict examin’d by Ferguson----
Pray where now, Madam, have you been,
Seeing a sick child, a dying frien’;
My servants might have told the matter;
But the child now is somewhat better.
For this no proof was but her lips,
So he put them both on board of ships,
I mean Clan-Ronald and his dame,
Who did in sep’rate ships remain,
Until to London they were sent,
And nothing of each other _kent_,
Long twelve months there they did remain;
Before they saw their homes again.

Now poor O’Neil was left alone,
And through the hills a wand’ring gone,
By chance he met with Sullivan;
As on the shore they both did stan’
A French cutter came in their sight,
With pendent flying, colours bright,
O’Neil her hail’d, and to she came,
To _fetch_ the Prince was all her aim.
O’Neil desir’d them there to stay,
And he to bring him back wou’d try:
Then off he sets along the shore,
A trav’lling for a day or more,
As the wind had contrary been,
Into some creek they might be seen:
But finding he was gone for Sky,
He thought to touch there going by,
Knowing the secret, the way plann’d,
The very place he was to land.
Night and day he did not spare,
Back to the cutter he did repair;
But ere he came she was away,
Sullivan would no longer stay:
For’s life was preciouser to him,
Than all the princes in Christendom.
He saw some ships afar at sea,
Then pray’d the French with him to flee:
But had they got O’Neil on board,
From Sky the Prince had been secur’d;
Yet here O’Neil was left behind,
Who soon was taken and confin’d,
And sent to Berwick upon Tweed,
Where he remain’d some time indeed,
Thence by cartel was sent to France
Pass’d for an officer from thence.

Sullivan was got home before him,
The cow’rdliest cur in all the _quorum_:
For had he staid three hours in Uist,
They’d carry’d their Prince safe off the coast:
For O’Neil would made them touch at Sky,
The very place which they past by,
Where he knew the Prince was to ’bide:
But Sullivan sav’d his own hide,
And with all speed went home to France,
Left them behind to Providence.

As the Prince, Miss Flora and her man,
Were just about to quit the land,
Four king’s wherries came in their view,
Where armed men were not a few:
Back to the heather they’re forc’d to fly,
And there some time conceal’d to ly,
These wherries soon went out of sight,
And then came on a pleasant night,
Their boat ready they put to sea;
But were not gone past leagues three,
’Till dark and dismal grew the skies,
The wind and waves did dreadful rise,
In open boat, no compass had,
Only two men, whose skill was bad.
Here Charles’ courage was at a stand,
Tempests by sea and storms by land;
For wind and wave did fight again’ him
And nothing seemed to befrien’ him.
Miss Flora she fell fast asleep,
The rest by oars and helm did keep,
And when the day light did appear,
They knew not to what hand to steer,
The wind had vary’d in the night:
At last of Sky they got a sight.
At _Waternish_, the west of Sky,
Upon that point to land did try;
But the red-coats were swarming there,
To ship about they did prepare:
They smartly fir’d to bring ’em too,
But all in vain, it would not do.
Two men of war were hov’ring by,
And there it was no time to stay;
So, off they set before the wind,
And all their foes they left behind.
The alarm up to the village went;
Yet to pursue they were not bent,
Knowing all boats were in a fright;
So about they put when out of sight,
And landed in a little creek,
Under a rock did shelter seek,
The men to rest and be refresh’d,
Who all the night were sorely dash’d:
And then to sea again did go,
Lest some should of their landing know.
They were not half a mile from shore,
Till they see’d pursuers half a score,
All running to the very place,
Which they had left a little space.
Then to the north twelve miles they stood,
At _Tornish_ made their landing good.
Near Alexander MacDonald’s house,
Where went Miss Flora bold and crouse,
As Sir Alexr. was not at home;
But to visit Duke William gone,
Only his factor, who prov’d a friend,
And how to act Miss to him mean’d:
As a military officer was there,
She told him where he should repair,
And meet the Prince in woman’s dress,
To whom he went in full express,
With bread and wine, and other food,
Then took the hills, a private road
To his own house to be conceal’d,
Though afterwards it was reveal’d.
Miss Flora on horseback, and another
Kept the high-way, for to discover
What militia or foes might be;
From all dangers to keep him free,
Miss Flora, her man, and a Highland maid,
Coming on the way, She to Miss said,
“That _Lawland Carlin gangs_ like a man,
“She strides o’er far by half a span,
“I wonder Kingsborough’s not afraid,
“To crack sae wi’ that English jade:
“See how her coats _wamels_ again,
“These English women can fight like men.”
No, said Miss, She’s an Irish woman:
Cries, Lady Marg’ret, Are you coming?
(Not liking what the girl had said)
Go after Kingsborough yon road,
And you’ll be there as soon as we,
Thus she kept him from suspicion free;
And to the house they came at last
Before elev’n o’clock was past.
But Kingsb’ro’s wife was gone to bed,
Thinking that no such stranger wad,
At such a time come to her door:
For th’ two young ladies were oft before.
She sent them word to take the key,
With all in the house for to make free;
But Kingsbro’ said that would not do,
Herself must rise, and quickly too.
The child ran back and told her plain,
Such a lang wife she ne’er saw nane,
As that was walking through the ha’,
Her like was never there awa’,
Therefore she’d go no more for fear,
Then up she rose and did appear:
And the one who walked through the hall,
Did her salute and kiss with all,
Whereat she started and was afraid,
Being so prick’d with a lady’s beard:
Then to her husband said, whisp’ring ways,
Is not this a gentleman in disguise?
His pricking beard does me convince,
Pray ask him, What’s come of the Prince?
The Prince, my dear, Why this is he----
Oh, said she, then we’ll hanged be----
A well, said he, We’ll die but once,
Get supper for him, cakes and scones,
Butter and cheese, we have eggs enow:
What! That for a Prince will never do.
Yes, for rarities be nowise griev’d;
You little know how he has liv’d:
And with ceremony be not affected,
Lest by your servants he be suspected,
He supp’d that night and went to sleep
As a stranger lady, all snug was kept.
On the morrow he rose and was drest,
And for their kindness thanks exprest:
Miss Flora and the other Miss,
They had him in his robes to dress,
The gown, the _mutch_, and petticoat,
Such stuff to wear he loved not;
But because to them in such he came,
He should go off wearing the same,
Lest by enquiry they might provoke
What they were, being stranger folk.
Then Kingsborough’s wife did them desire,
To ask a _pickle_ of his hair.
And they in _Galick_ did debate,
Who should it ask, they were so blate:
He understood, the reason _speir’d_
Of their debate, desir’d to hear’t,
This freely granted as soon as told,
And to their sheers his head did hold,
The lock was parted ’mongst the three,
Of their dear Prince mindful to be,
An ancient _freit_, a Highland _charm_,
Look on that hair her heart will _warm_.
Kingsb’rough a bundle of men’ clothes took
Far from his house, to a wood _nuik_,
Remounted him in Highland dress,
There he much kindness did express----
They wept, they kiss’d, and off he goes,
While drops of blood fell from his nose.
Their hearts were great, you may weel _ken_,
They parted ne’er to meet again.
A guide sent wi’m the mountain way,
Had a boat ready, the freight did pay,
At _Portree_, or the king’s port,
Miss Flora’s there ere he came to’t.
And here they parted at Portree,
Where thanking her most heartilie,
Miss Flora did no longer wait;
But went to ’r mother’s house at _Slate_.

Now Kingsborough did Raaza send
To meet the Prince, and be his friend,
With sev’ral of his trusties there,
Who in his expeditions were,
Both at Culloden and Falkirk.
To _Portree_ came when it was dark,
Both John MacKenzie and Donald Frier,
Who had been with him far and near,
They set off in a little boat,
And safely into _Glam_ all got:
In a mean hut their dwelling made,
For kid and lamb young Raaza _gade_:
There was no bedding to be found,
They’re oblig’d to lie upon the ground:
His pillow was a _wisp_ of Ling:
Poor state for a pretended king!
This was in July the first day,
And here _incog._ some time they lay.

Now Ferguson got the sure tract
From the two men, as they went back,
Who did him and Miss Flora bring
Out of Uist, and everything,
His coat, his _mutch_, his very gown,
From whence they came, and whither boun’,
How Malton’s daughter and Kingsborough too,
Went all together out of their view.
Then Ferg’son with a party came
To Kingsb’ro’s house, and did deman’,
Which way the young Pretender went?
Where he and Miss Flora were sent?
Whether they lay in one bed together?
What clothes he came in, or went thither?
Few answers to him Kingsb’rough made:
What! said his wife, “Miss Flora’s maid,
“They staid all night and went away,
“Whether man or woman was I to try?”
Then, said he, Show where they were laid,
Where lay the Miss? where lay the maid?
Now then, quoth he, I have you fast:
Because the maid’s bed is the best.
Then Kingsborough away was led
To Fort-Augustus, hard bestead,
Plunder’d of’s watch, buckles and shoes,
And all the cash was in his trews,
In a dungeon deep, iron’d he lay,
Thence to Ed’nburgh castle sent away,
And there confin’d was kept one year,
Till by the Act of Grace set clear.
For love of Charlie he got this,
And poor Miss Flora no better was:
For she was scarce ten days at home,
Until she got a card to come
And speak unto an officer,
Who had no great good will to her:
This for a night she did delay,
And on the morrow, by the way,
A party meets, in search of her,
By whom she was made prisoner,
And carry’d instantly away,
On board a ship that very day,
The Furnace, captain Ferguson,
Who did show lenity to none.
But good for her, as fortunes were,
That gen’ral Campbell, as judge sat there:
Though she before made ’quivocation,
She told to him the true relation,
And the general did use her well,
Since she the truth did not conceal:
For of the deed she thought no shame,
To any in need she’d do the same.
Said she, “I’ve no cause to betray,
“Or yet to wish his life away,
“Wherefore then should I do him wrong?
“To you soldiers does such belong.
“If that a price be on his head?
“’Tis for those by blood who have their bread.”

The gen’ral then had nought to say;
But gave her leave, on the next day,
Of her friends to go and take farewel;
Her mother heart-sore grief did feel:
An officer and forty men
Did guard her there, and back again.
Then she unto the _Nore_ was sent,
Five months on sea, where no friend _kent_,
At last to London was convey’d,
There with a messenger to bide,
Till the month of July Forty Seven,
That she was home to Edinburgh driv’n,
When by the Act of Grace reliev’d,
She’s now in Sky, yet unmischiev’d.

Now Charles at Glam, in Raaza lay,
Long, long he thought to get away,
Hard was his living, poor his hut,
Upon all heights they watches put.
A stranger to this island came
To sell tobacco, perhaps a sham;
For after all his roll was sold,
He daily through the island stroll’d,
And to the hut one day drew nigh;
Then Raaza swore he was a spy,
And cockt his pistol, him to shoot,
The Prince cry’d, No, You shall not do’t.
That poor man may innocent be,
Without a fault he shall not die.
The poor man then went stepping by,
And did not ev’n look to their _stye_.
Now, said the Prince, what would ye said,
If innocent blood had here been shed?
Too much, indeed, on my account:
At this some seem’d to take affront;
Yet as a joke he past it by,
And then propos’d to go for Sky,
In the small boat which brought them there,
So for the voy’ge they did prepare.

Toward ev’ning they put to sea,
And then the wind rose wond’rous high,
The boatmen begg’d to put about;
But he was obst’nate on his rout,
And told them life was but a chance,
They were in hands of Providence:
He leav’d the water with a scoop,
And bid them in their Maker hope,
The boat is making a good way,
No man will die but him that’s _fey_,
We’ve all in dangers been ere now:
At Nicolson’s rock they brought her to,
Near _Scorebreck_ in _Trotternish_,
Their lodging in a byre it was,
All wet and weary as they were,
Lay on the ground, sleep seiz’d him there,
In which he sigh’d, and starting said,
“Poor people, poor people, hard bestead!”
He then awak’d, and thus did say,
“Malcom, dear captain, is it yet day?
“You’ve watch’d too long, now take a sleep,
“And I myself will centry keep.”
“No, said MacLeod, Sir, if you please,
“I know this ground best, take your ease,
“There’s not a house near by two mile,
“Our friends are few into this isle,
“The red coats are not far from us,
“To slip my charge is dangerous.”