I can at least cheerfully join in the prayer of the honest
Presbyterian clergyman, that, as he has come among us seeking an earthly
crown, his labours may be speedily rewarded with a heavenly one. [The
clergyman's name was Mac-Vicar. Protected by the cannon of the Castle,
he preached every Sunday in the West Kirk, while the Highlanders were in
possession of Edinburgh; and it was in presence of some of the Jacobites
that he prayed for Prince Charles Edward in the terms quoted in the
text.] I shall willingly give my parole not to attempt an escape without
your knowledge, since, in fact, it was to meet you that I came to
Scotland; and I am glad it has happened even under this predicament. But
I suppose we shall be 'but a short time together. Your Chevalier (that
is a name we may both give to him), with his plaids and blue-caps, will,
I presume, be continuing his crusade southward?'
'Not as I hear; I believe the army makes some stay, in Edinburgh, to
collect reinforcements.'
'And to besiege the Castle?' said Talbot, smiling sarcastically. 'Well,
unless my old commander, General Preston, turn false metal, or the
Castle sink into the North Loch, events which I deem equally probable,
I think we shall have some time to make up our acquaintance.
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