The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

OLD MORTALITY. 497
will be shortly reduced within such a number as can consult and act together; and in them thou shalt have a free voice, as well as in ordering our
affairs of war, and protecting those to whom mercy should be shown-Art
thou now satisfied?"
"It will give me pleasure, doubtless," answered Morton, "to be the
means of softening the horrors of civil war; and I will not leave the post
I have taken, unless I see measures adopted at which my conscience revolts. But to no bloody executions after quarter asked, or slaughter without trial, will I lend countenance or sanction; and you may depend on my
opposing them, with both heart and hand, as constantly and resolutely, if
attempted by our own ollowers, as when they are the work of the enemy."
Balfour waved his hiand impatiently.
"Thou wilt find," he said, "that the stubborn and hard-hearted generation with whom we deal, must be chastised with scorpions ere their hearts
be humbled, and ere they accept the punishment of their iniquity. The
word is gone forth against them,'I will bring a sword upon you that shall
avenge the quarrel of my Covenant.' But what is done shall be done
gravely, and with discretion, like that of the worthy James Melvin, who
executed judgment on the tyrant and oppressor, Cardinal Beaton."
"I own to you," replied Morton, " that I feel still more abhorrent at coldblooded and premeditated cruelty, than at that which is practised in the
heat and zeal of resentment."
"Thou ait yet but a youth," replied Balfour, " and hast not learned how
light in the balance are a few drops of blood in comparison to the weight
and importance of this great national testimony. But be not afraid, —thyself shall vote and judge in these matters; it may be we shall see little
cause to strive together anent them."
With this concession Morton was compelled to be satisfied for the present;
and Burley left him, advising him to lie down and get some rest, as the
host would probably move in the morning.
"And you," answered Morton, —" do not you go to rest also?"
No," said Burley; " my eyes must not yet know slumber. This is no
work to be done lightly. I have yet to perfect the choosing of the committee of leaders, and I will call you by times in the morning, to be present
at their consultation."
HIe turned away, and left Morton to his repose.
The place in which he found himself was not ill adapted for the purpose,
being a sheltered nook, beneath a large rock, well protected from the prevailing wind. A quantity of moss, with which the ground was overspread,
made a couch soft enough for one who had suffered so much hardship and
anxiety. Morton wrapped himself in the horseman's cloak which he had
still retained, stretched himself on the ground, and had not long indulged
in melancholy reflections on the state of the country and upon his own condition, ere he was relieved from them by deep and sound slumber.
The rest of the army slept on the ground, dispersed in groups, which
chose their beds on the fields as they could best find shelter and convenience. A few of the principal leaders held wakeful conference with Burley on the state of their affairs, and some watchmen were appointed, who
kept themselves on the alert by chanting psalms, or listening to the exercises of the more gifted of their number.
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