Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume 24

_Sir Alex_.--Oh, what is honour to a father's heart? Can it extinguish nature--soothe its feelings-- Or make the small still voice of conscience dumb? My sons! my sons! Though y...

_Provost Ramsay_.--Brither Scotchmen! it is my fixed an' solemn opinion, that the King o' England has entered into a _holy alliance_ wi' the enemy o' mankind! An' does he demand...

_Sir Alex_.--Would Heaven that all go well with my dear boys! But there's that within me that does tear My bosom with misgivings. The very sun To me hangs out a sign of ominous...

_Elliot_--You heard, my townsmen, how our gracious governor Did talk to us of honour--! you all heard him! Can any of you tell us what is _honour? He_ drinks his wine, _he_ feed...

_Sir Alex_.--Woe to thee, Elliot! this defeat is thine. Where was the caution ye but preached this morn, That ye should madly break our little band, And rush on certain ruin? Fi...

_Percy_.--In truth, your Grace, they are right _haughty_ burghers. One wondrous civil gentleman proposed To write his answer on your servant's tongue-- Using his sword as clerks...

_Richard_.--Rather than purchase life at such a price, And have my father sell his faith for me, And sell his country, I would rather thou, My brother in my birth and in my deat...

_Percy_.--I learn, my liege, we've got two glorious allies-- Two most right honourable gentlemen-- Aiding the smooth-tongued orator: _Disease_ and _Famine_ have espoused our cau...

_Sir Alex_.--To-day, my townsmen, I shall be your leader; And though my arms may lack their wonted vigour, Here are my pledges [_pointing to his sons_] placed on either side, Th...

_Friar_.---'Tis now thick midnight. All round me sleep, And not a star looks from the curtained heaven. The very sentinels cease to pace their round, And stand in calm security....