THE BRAEMAR GATHERING. 63 



Farquharson's men, who received the toast with accla- 

 mation, shouting loudly, "with Highland honours." 

 Thereupon every man jumped on his seat, placing one- 

 foot on the table ; the glasses jingling and trembling, 

 whilst the rafters rung with the lusty cheers, repeated 

 again and again in the heartiest manner, speaking 

 volumes for the popularity of their Highland chieftain. 

 After heartily thanking Mr. Foggo for his kindness 

 and attention I took leave of the festive party, and 

 bent my steps homewards. By this time the moon had 

 risen high, and 



Spreading herbs and flowerets bright 

 Glistened in the dew of night. 



The scenery was grand in the extreme seen by moon- 

 light as we journeyed slowly over the mountainous 

 pass, and the clock had chimed the hour of twelve long 

 ere we reached the Manse. Quickly I sought my 

 couch, tired with the pleasure and excited with the 

 brilliancy of the gathering I had witnessed, and was 

 soon far away in the land of dreams, answering a 

 fancied inquiry as to what brought me, a stranger, to 

 Braemar in the words of Fitzjames when confronting 

 that stern and valiant chieftain, Rhoderick Dhu : 



Yet why a second venture try, 

 A warrior thou, and ask me why ? 

 Moves our free course by such fixed cause 

 As gives the poor mechanic laws ! 

 Enough, I sought to drive away 

 The lazy hours of peaceful day, 

 Slight cause will thence suffice to guide 

 A knight's free footsteps far and wide ; 

 A falcon flown, a greyhound strayed, 

 The merry glance of mountain maid, 

 Or if a path be dangerous known, 

 The danger's self is ure alone.. 



