To trace all the turns and doublings of his course, during the year 1689 and the earlier part of 1690, would be wearisome.

[208] That course became somewhat less tortuous when the battle of the Boyne had cowed the spirit of the Jacobites.

It now seemed probable that the Earl would be a loyal subject of their Majesties, till some great disaster should befall them.

Nobody who knew him could trust him; but few Scottish statesmen could then be trusted; and yet Scottish statesmen must be employed.

His position and connections marked him out as a man who might, if he would, do much towards the work of quieting the Highlands; and his interest seemed to be a guarantee for his zeal.
He had, as he declared with every appearance of truth, strong personal reasons for wishing to see tranquillity restored.