Being thus remanded to the vicinity of Preston, Waverley lost the Baron of Bradwardine's solemn act of homage.So little, however, was he at this time in love with vanity, that he had quite forgotten the ceremony in which Fergus had laboured to engage his curiosity.But next day a formal Gazette was circulated, containing a detailed account of the battle of Gladsmuir, as the Highlanders chose to denominate their victory.It concluded with an account of the Court afterwards held by the Chevalier at Pinkie-house, which contained this among other high-flown descriptive paragraphs:---``Since that fatal treaty which annihilates Scotland as an independent nation, it has not been our happiness to see her princes receive, and her nobles discharge, those acts of feudal homage, which, founded upon the splendid actions of Scottish valour, recall the memory of her early history, with the manly and chivalrous simplicity of the ties which united to the Crown the homage of the warriors by whom it was repeatedly upheld and defended.But on the evening of the 20th, our memories were refreshed with one of those ceremonies which belong to the ancient days of Scotland's glory.After the circle was formed, Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine, of that ilk, colonel in the service, etc.etc.etc., came before the Prince, attended by Mr.
D.Macwheeble, the Bailie of his ancient barony of Bradwardine (who, we understand, has been lately named a commissary), and, under form of instrument, claimed permission to perform, to the person of his Royal Highness, as representing his father, the service used and wont, for which, under a charter of Robert Bruce (of which the original was produced and inspected by the Masters of his Royal Highness's Chancery, for the time being), the claimant held the barony of Bradwardine, and lands of Tully-Veolan.His claim being admitted and registered, his Royal Highness having placed his foot upon a cushion, the Baron of Bradwardine, kneeling upon his right knee, proceeded to undo the latchet of the brogue, or low-heeled Highland shoe, which our gallant young hero wears in compliment to his brave followers.When this was performed, his Royal Highness declared the ceremony completed; and embracing the gallant veteran, protested that nothing but compliance with an ordinance of Robert Bruce could have induced him to receive even the symbolical performance of a menial office from hands which had fought so bravely to put the crown upon the head of his father.The Baron of Bradwardine then took instruments in the hands of Mr.Commissary Macwheeble, bearing, that all points and circumstances of the act of homage had been _rite et solenniter acta et peracta;_ and a corresponding entry was made in the protocol of the Lord High Chamberlain, and in the record of Chancery.We understand that it is in contemplation of his Royal Highness, when his Majesty's pleasure can be known, to raise Colonel Bradwardine to the peerage, by the title of Viscount Bradwardine, of Bradwardine and Tully-Veolan, and that, in the meanwhile, his Royal Highness, in his father's name and authority, has been pleased to grant him an honourable augmentation to his paternal coat of arm, being a budget or boot-jack, disposed saltier-wise with a naked broadsword, to be borne in the dexter cantle of the shield; and, as an additional motto, on a scroll beneath, the words, `_Draw and Draw off._' ''
``Were it not for the recollection of Fergus's raillery,''
thought Waverley to himself, when he had perused this long and grave document, ``how very tolerable would all this sound, and how little should I have thought of connecting it with any ludicrous idea! Well, after all, every thing has its fair, as well as its seamy side; and truly I do not see why the Baron's boot-jack may not stand as fair in heraldy as the water-buckets, waggons, cartwheels, plough-socks, shuttles, candle-sticks, and other ordinaries, conveying ideas of any thing save chivalry, which appear in the arms of some of our most ancient gentry.'' This, however, is an episode in respect to the principal story.
When Waverley returned to Preston, and rejoined Colonel Talbot, he found him recovered from the strong and obvious emotions with which a concurrence of unpleasing events had affected him.He had regained his natural manner, which was that of an English gentleman and soldier, manly, open, and generous, but not unsusceptible of prejudice against those of a different country, or who opposed him in political tenets.
When Waverley acquainted Colonel Talbot with the Chevalier's purpose to commit him to his charge, ``I did not think to have owed so much obligation to that young gentleman,'' he said, ``as is implied in this destination.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.<*> I shall * 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.
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.I have a guess that this gallant Chevalier has a design that I should be your proselyte;and, as I wish you to be mine, there cannot be a more fair proposal than to afford us fair conference together.But as Ispoke to-day under the influence of feelings I rarely give way to, I hope you will excuse my entering again upon controversy till we are somewhat better acquainted.''