its mouth, and was probably exhibited in that form to gratify the pride of the cook, who piqued himself more on the plenty than the elegance of his master’s table.  The sides of this poor animal were fiercely attacked by the clansmen, some with dirks, others with the knives which were usually in the same sheath with the dagger, so that it was soon rendered a mangled and rueful spectacle.  Lower down still, the victuals seemed of yet coarser quality, though sufficiently abundant.  Broth, onions, cheese, and the fragments of the feast regaled the sons of Ivor who feasted in the open air.

The liquor was supplied in the same proportion, and under similar regulations.  Excellent claret and champagne were liberally distributed among the Chief’s immediate neighbours; whisky, plain or diluted, and strong beer refreshed those who sat near the lower end.  Nor did this inequality of distribution appear to give the least offence.  Every one present understood that his taste was to be formed according to the rank which he held at table; and, consequently, the tacksmen and their dependants always professed the wine was too cold for their stomachs, and called, apparently out of choice, for the liquor which was assigned to them from economy. [Footnote:  See Note 22.] The bag-pipers, three in number, screamed, during the whole time of dinner, a tremendous war-tune; and the echoing of the vaulted roof, and clang of the Celtic tongue, produced such a Babel of noises that Waverley dreaded his ears would never recover it.  Mac-Ivor, indeed, apologised for the confusion occasioned by so large a party, and pleaded the necessity of his situation, on which unlimited hospitality was imposed as a paramount duty.  ‘These stout idle kinsmen of mine,’ he said, ’account my estate as held in trust for their support; and I must find them beef and ale, while the rogues will do nothing for themselves but practise the broadsword, or wander about the hills, shooting, fishing, hunting, drinking, and making love to the lasses of the strath.  But what can I do, Captain Waverley? everything will keep after its kind, whether it be a hawk or a Highlander.’  Edward made the expected answer, in a compliment upon his possessing so many bold and attached followers.

‘Why, yes,’ replied the Chief, ’were I disposed, like my father, to put myself in the way of getting one blow on the head, or two on the neck, I believe the loons would stand by me.  But who thinks of that in the present day, when the maxim is, “Better an old woman with a purse in her hand than three men with belted brands"?’ Then, turning to the company, he proposed the ’Health of Captain Waverley, a worthy friend of his kind neighbour and ally, the Baron of Bradwardine.’

‘He is welcome hither,’ said one of the elders, ’if he come from Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine.’

‘I say nay to that,’ said an old man, who apparently did not mean to pledge the toast; ’I say nay to that.  While there is a green leaf in the forest, there will be fraud in a Comyne.