In this way we should cut them off from the Strath of Clyde, and either compel them to come out of their stronghold, and give us battle on fair terms, or, if they remain here, we will attack them so soon as our infantry has joined us, and enabled us to act with effect among these ditches, bogs, and quagmires." "Pshaw!" said the young Cornet, "what signifies strong ground, when it is only held by a crew of canting, psalm-singing old women ?" "A man may fight never the worse," retorted Major Allan, "for honouring both his Bible and Psalter.

These fellows will prove as stubborn as steel; I know them of old." "Their nasal psalmody," said the Cornet, "reminds our Major of the race of Dunbar." "Had you been at that race, young man," retorted Allan, "you would have wanted nothing to remind you of it for the longest day you have to live." "Hush, hush, gentlemen," said Claverhouse, "these are untimely repartees .-- I should like your advice well, Major Allan, had our rascally patrols (whom I will see duly punished) brought us timely notice of the enemy's numbers and position.

But having once presented ourselves before them in line, the retreat of the Life-Guards would argue gross timidity, and be the general signal for insurrection throughout the west.

In which case, so far from obtaining any assistance from my Lord Ross, I promise you I should have great apprehensions of his being cut off before we can join him, or he us.

A retreat would have quite the same fatal effect upon the king's cause as the loss of a battle--and as to the difference of risk or of safety it might make with respect to ourselves, that, I am sure, no gentleman thinks a moment about.