226 NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 



we leisure to experience them ; but time, like us 

 and our occasion, rides post. 



Theoph. If opportunity and importunity strike 

 difficulties dead, then why do we ramble these 

 rolling streams, and produce nothing ? 



Am. Yes, but we do, if only to tell the 

 world that the Marquess JVIontross, a peer of the 

 kingdom, and a general of incomparable conduct 

 and courage, in these solitary fields (though with 

 but a small brigade of souldiers) fought with his 

 country-men, and totally routed them. And to 

 make the miracle yet more miraculous, this fa- 

 mous martialist obtained another signal victory ; 

 though when under those ill circumstances, as 

 not to reinforce himself; yet with that bravery 

 he redoubled his resolution, and fought them 

 under the very walls of this flourishing Aber- 

 deen, from whence he brought off the trophies. 

 And this is that famous Aberdeen, whose west- 

 ern suburbs are guarded by the hills ; as are 

 those levels more easternly saluted by the ocean. 



Theoph. Is this that Aberdeen so generally 

 discoursed by the Scots for civility ? 



Arn. Yes, and humanity too ; for it's the pa- 

 ragon of Scotland. 



Theoph. Why do not you call it by the name 

 of a city ? 



Arn. It matters not much for that, since the 



