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Student Workbook
for use with

Prepared by

FLOYD VOGT
and KIM WOODMAN
Unit 24: Ceiling Finish
Chapter 75 Suspended Ceilings ........................................................... 281
Chapter 76 Ceiling Tile ......................................................................... 285
Unit 25: Interior Doors and Door Frames
Chapter 77 Description of Interior Doors............................................... 287
Chapter 78 Installation of Interior Doors and Door Frames .................. 291
Unit 26: Interior Trim
Chapter 79 Description and Application of Moulding ............................ 295
Chapter 80 Application of Door Casings, Base,
and Window Trim ............................................................... 299
Unit 27: Stair Finish
Chapter 81 Laying Out Open and Closed Staircases ........................... 303
Chapter 82 Finishing Open and Closed Staircases .............................. 307
Chapter 83 Installing Balustrades ......................................................... 311
Unit 28: Finish Floors
Chapter 84 Description of Wood Finish Floors ..................................... 315
Chapter 85 Laying Wood Finish Floor................................................... 317
Chapter 86 Underlayment and Resilient Tile. ....................................... 321
Unit 29: Cabinets and Countertops
Chapter 87 Description and Installation of
Manufactured Cabinets ...................................................... 325
Chapter 88 Countertop and Cabinet Construction ................................ 329
Section 4: Building for Success............................................................ 333

vi NEL
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Preface

This workbook is designed to accompany Carpentry, • Sketching Exercises provide an opportunity for
Third Canadian Edition, and is intended to provide you to practise identifying key print symbols.
you, the student, with a wide variety of activities to • Discussion Questions get you thinking! Potential
reinforce the important topics introduced in your scenarios are presented to encourage you to
textbook. Each chapter includes a set of corresponding practise your creativity and problem-solving
questions and exercises that will help you successfully skills.
accomplish the course content, including the following: • Four Building for Success Exercises accompany
• Multiple Choice Questions highlight key concepts each section of chapters and units and provide
and help you prepare for quizzes and exams. practical advice about developing key initiatives
• Completion Questions allow you to practise and traits for advancing in the construction
learning key terms and definitions for industry—the promotion of safety, effective
communicating on the jobsite. communication, solid teamwork, and quality
• Identification Exercises help you to appropriately workmanship.
identify components of wood products and After reading each chapter in Carpentry, it is advisable
carpentry procedures. to practise the questions and exercises included in the
• Math Problem-Solving Exercises provide word corresponding chapter. If need be, refer back to your
problems containing various situations where Carpentry text until you are confident that you have
math skills are critical to the accurate completion mastered the material. Remember, practice makes
of a job. perfect!

METRIC AND IMPERIAL MEASURE IN CANADA


By 1970, well over 90 percent of the world’s Why did the industrial and commercial sectors
population was either using the metric system or was change, while the residential sector resisted? Concrete
in the process of converting. Just as English has pours as easily in cubic metres as cubic yards, and steel
become the global language of commerce, the metric is manufactured in lineal metres as easily as feet, but
system has become the global language of sheathing has remained 4′ × 8′ in size. This
measurement. The metric system was made legal for necessitates framing on 12″, 16″, 19.2″, or 24″ centres
use in Canada (in addition to the British Imperial to minimize waste. Wood is the main currency of the
system) in 1873, but was voluntary. Only the scientific housing market. Imperial tapes are essential for layout.
community used metric regularly in Canada before Hence, house plans have remained Imperial. Today’s
1970. Canadian carpenters must be fluent in both systems to
In 1971, the government appointed the Metric be functional and efficient.
Commission to plan and implement the complete In this workbook, Imperial measure is stated first,
conversion. A target of 1980 was adopted. Government and metric equivalents or approximations are placed in
services, highway signs, package weights, weather parentheses where appropriate. Common usage is not
forecasts, and commercial and industrial construction always exact. For instance, we would order 2 × 4s,
all were converted. But residential construction has which are expressed in their nominal size, with actual
remained mostly Imperial. The proverb says, “It’s dimensions being 112″ × 312″. However, when using
never a good idea to have one foot in each canoe,” but metric, actual sizes are stated. Hence, the reference in
two measurements is the current reality for the code books to 38 mm × 89 mm. (For the record, I
tradespeople and builders in Canada. Although bricks, have never ordered a lift of 38 × 89s from my
concrete blocks, and plywood thicknesses are suppliers.) A little confusing? Yes. But unless we
metric, lumber is still ordered in Imperial sizes (2 × 4s, adopt a single system, this is our reality.
not 38 × 89s).
Blueprints initially were “soft metric” (designed in
Imperial and converted to metric equivalent), but soon
were “hard metric” (round, even numbers when
possible). Our code books became metric, with Kim Woodman
conversions or tables for finding the Imperial
equivalent. As a result of the “hard” metric
conversions, the maximum unit rise for residential
stairs went from 8″ to 200 mm (778″). Other examples
abound.
NEL vii
Copyright 2017 Nelson Education Ltd. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content
may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Copyright 2017 Nelson Education Ltd. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content
may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
SECTION ONE

TOOLS AND
MATERIALS
Unit 1: Wood and Lumber
Chapter 1 Wood
Chapter 2 Lumber
Unit 2: Engineered Panels
Chapter 3 Structural (Rated) Panels
Chapter 4 Non-Structural Panels
Unit 3: Engineered Wood Products
Chapter 5 Laminated Veneer Lumber and Cross-Laminated Timbers
Chapter 6 Parallel Strand and Laminated Strand Lumber
Chapter 7 Engineered Joists: Open Joist TRIFORCE®
Chapter 8 Glue-Laminated Lumber and Wood I-Joists
Unit 4: Fasteners
Chapter 9 Nails, Screws, and Bolts
Chapter 10 Anchors and Adhesives
Unit 5: Hand Tools
Chapter 11 Layout Tools
Chapter 12 Boring and Cutting Tools
Chapter 13 Fastening and Dismantling Tools
Unit 6: Portable Power Tools
Chapter 14 Saws, Drills, and Drivers
Chapter 15 Planes, Routers, Sanders, and Plate Joiners
Chapter 16 Fastening Tools
Unit 7: Stationary Power Tools
Chapter 17 Circular Saw Blades
Chapter 18 Radial Arm and Mitre Saws
Chapter 19 Table Saws and Other Stationary Power Tools
Unit 8: Architectural Plans and Building Codes
Chapter 20 Understanding Architectural Plans
Chapter 21 Floor Plans
Chapter 22 Sections and Elevations
Chapter 23 Plot and Foundation Plans
Chapter 24 Building Codes and Zoning Regulations
Building for Success

NEL 1
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Copyright 2017 Nelson Education Ltd. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content
may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Name ________________________________________________________ Date __________________________

1 Wood
Multiple Choice
Write the letter for the best answer on the line next to the number of the sentence.

______ 1. The carpenter must understand the nature and characteristics of wood to ___________.
A. protect it from decay
B. select it for the appropriate use
C. work it with the proper tools
D. all of the above

______ 2. Wood resists the flow of heat energy ______ times better than brick and ______ times better than
concrete of equal thickness.
A. 6, 10
B. 6, 14
C. 10, 12
D. 14, 6

______ 3. ___________ is a wood that is known for its elasticity.


A. Oak
B. Maple
C. Pine
D. Hickory

______ 4. The natural substance that holds wood’s many hollow cells together is called
___________.
A. pith
B. cambium layer
C. lignin
D. sapwood

______ 5. Tree growth takes place in the ___________.


A. heartwood
B. medullary rays
C. pith
D. cambium layer

______ 6. The central part of the tree that is usually darker in colour is called the ___________.
A. sapwood
B. heartwood
C. springwood
D. medullary rays

______ 7. Wood growth that is rapid and takes place in the ___________ is usually light in colour
and rather porous.
A. spring
B. summer
C. fall
D. winter

NEL 3
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
______ 8. Periods of fast or slow growth can be determined by ___________ of the tree.
A. counting the annual rings
B. measuring the height
C. studying the width of the annual rings
D. measuring the circumference

______ 9. ___________ is an example of a hardwood that is softer than some softwoods.


A. Basswood
B. Oak
C. Redwood
D. Cherry

______ 10. All softwoods are ___________.


A. close-grained
B. cone-bearing
C. open-grained
D. A and B

Completion
Complete each sentence by inserting the best answer on the line near the number.

________________ 1. ___________ trees lose their leaves once a year.

________________ 2. Softwoods come from ___________ trees, commonly known as evergreens.

________________ 3. Water passes upward through the tree in the ___________.

________________ 4. Wood that comes from deciduous trees is classified as ___________.

________________ 5. Fir comes from the ___________ classification of wood.

________________ 6. Oak is an example of ___________-grained wood.

________________ 7. The ___________ of cedar, cypress, and redwood are extremely resistant to decay.

________________ 8. Open-grained lumber has large ___________ that show tiny openings
or pores in the surface.

________________ 9. Cedar can always be identified by its characteristic ___________.

________________ 10. The best way to learn the different types of wood is by ___________ with them.

4 NEL
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Identification: Cross-Section of Wood
Identify each term, and write the letter of the best answer on the line next to each number.

______ 1. pith

______ 2. sapwood

______ 3. cambium layer

______ 4. medullary rays

______ 5. heartwood

______ 6. annual rings

______ 7. bark

NEL 5
Copyright 2017 Nelson Education Ltd. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content
may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Math Problem-Solving
Solve the following math problems.

___________ 1. A logger signs a contract with a homeowner to cut trees from her property. If 17 ash, 36 cherry,
21 fir, 45 hemlock, 75 maple, and 3 oak trees are cut, what is the total number of trees?

___________ 2. What is the total number of hardwood logs to be cut?

___________ 3. What is the total number of softwood to be cut?

___________ 4. Add the whole numbers 246, 1350, 78, and 9.

___________ 5. What is the length of measurement A in figure shown below?

___________ 6. What is the length of measurement B in figure shown below?

6 NEL
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Name ________________________________________________________ Date __________________________

2 Lumber
Multiple Choice
Write the letter for the best answer on the line next to the number of the sentence.

______ 1. The process of restacking lumber in a way that allows air to circulate uses
pieces known as ___________.
A. blocking
B. spacers
C. stickers
D. stackers

______ 2. The best appearing side of a piece of lumber is its ___________ side.
A. face
B. visage
C. veneer
D. select

______ 3. Most logs are sawed using the ___________ method.


A. plain-sawed
B. quarter-sawed
C. edge-grained
D. a combination of the plain- and quarter-sawed

______ 4. Cracked ceilings, sticking doors, squeaking floors, and many other problems can
occur from using ___________ lumber.
A. recycled
B. green
C. seasoned
D. quarter-sawed

______ 5. The moisture content of lumber is expressed as a percentage ___________.


A. of its total weight
B. of its total volume
C. of the weight of its free water
D. of weight to volume

______ 6. Wood has reached its___________ when all of the free water is gone.
A. equilibrium moisture content
B. stabilization point
C. fibre-saturation point
D. dehydration point

______ 7. Lumber that is under 2 (51 mm) thick has the classification of ___________.
A. timbers
B. boards
C. dimensional
D. joists

NEL 7
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
______ 8. Dimension lumber is in the following category: ___________
A. under 2 (51 mm) thick
B. 2–4 (51 mm–102 mm) thick
C. 5 (127 mm) and thicker
D. open-grained only

______ 9. The best grade of hardwood as established by the National Hardwood Association is
___________.
A. select
B. first and seconds
C. No. 1 commons
D. choice

______ 10. Parallel cracks between the annual rings in wood that are sometimes caused by
storm damage are known as ___________.
A. shakes
B. crooks
C. checks
D. cups

Completion
Complete each sentence by inserting the best answer on the line near the number.

________________ 1. ___________-sawed lumber is the least expensive method of sawing.

________________ 2. ___________-sawed lumber is less likely to warp or shrink.

________________ 3. The ___________ uses a great amount of skill in determining the most
efficient and conservative way to cut a log.

________________ 4. When lumber is first cut from the log it is called ___________ lumber.

________________ 5. The heavy weight of green lumber is due to its high ___________ content.

________________ 6. The low form of plant life that causes wood to decay is known as ___________.

________________ 7. Wood with a moisture content of below ___________ percent will not decay.

________________ 8. Lumber used for framing should not have a moisture content over
___________ percent.

________________ 9. Lumber used for interior finish should not have a moisture content over
___________ percent.

________________ 10. ___________ moisture content occurs when the moisture content of the
lumber is the same as the surrounding air.

________________ 11. S4S means the lumber was surfaced on ___________ sides.

________________ 12. Crooks, bows, twists, and cups are classified as ___________.

8 NEL
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Identification: Cut Lumber
Identify each term, and write the letter of the best answer on the line next to each number.

______ 1. crook

______ 2. quarter-sawed

______ 3. twist

______ 4. cup

______ 5. check

______ 6. bow

______ 7. plain-sawed

Math Problem-Solving
Solve the following math problems.

___________ 1. If one 2 × 6 × 10 (38 mm × 140 mm × 3.05 m) board weighs 35 pounds (15.9 kg), how
many pounds will 50 boards weigh?

___________ 2. One person can stack and sticker 222 boards in one hour. How long will it take
to stack and sticker 3330 boards?

___________ 3. How many board feet of wood are there in 4 boards that are 1 × 6 × 12 (19 mm ×
140 mm × 3.66 m) long?

___________ 4. How many board feet of wood are there in 750 boards that are 2 × 10 × 16 (38 mm ×
235 mm × 4.88 m)?

___________ 5. How many 1 × 12 × 10 (19 mm × 286 mm × 3.05 m) boards are there in 1000 board feet?

NEL 9
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Discussion
Write your answer(s) on the lines below.

1. Describe the difference between air-dried and kiln-dried lumber.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe the difference between nominal and actual dimensions.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Describe some of the factors one must keep in mind when properly storing lumber on the jobsite.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

10 NEL
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Name ________________________________________________________ Date __________________________

3 Structural (Rated) Panels


Multiple Choice
Write the letter for the best answer on the line next to the number of the sentence.

______ 1. A(n) ____________ is a very thin layer of wood.


A. underlayment
B. comply
C. span
D. veneer

______ 2. With the use of engineered panels, ____________.


A. construction progresses faster
B. more surface protection is provided than with solid lumber
C. lumber resources are more efficiently used
D. all of the above

______ 3. Cross-graining in the manufacture of plywood refers to ____________.


A. touch sanding the grain
B. the use of open-grained hardwoods
C. the grain of each successive layer is at a right angle to the next one
D. the placement of the peeler log on the lathe

______ 4. The American Plywood Association is concerned with quality supervision and testing of
___________.
A. waferboards
B. composites
C. oriented strand board
D. all of the above

______ 5. The letters A, B, C, and D indicate __________.


A. span rating
B. exposure durability classification
C. the quality of the panel veneers
D. strength grades

______ 6. Douglas fir and southern pine are classified in the ____________ strength grade.
A. plugged C
B. group 1
C. 303
D. 32/16

______ 7. A performance-rated panel meets the requirements of the ____________.


A. panel’s end use
B. sawyer
C. APA
D. Canadian Forest Service

NEL 11
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
______ 8. The left-hand number in a span rating denotes the maximum recommended support spacing
when the panel is used for ____________.
A. roof sheathing
B. subflooring
C. siding
D. underlayment

Completion
Complete each sentence by inserting the best answer on the line near the number.

________________ 1. The ____________ is the largest trade association that tests the quality of plywood
and other engineered panels.

________________ 2. The sheets of veneer that are bonded together to form plywood are also known as
____________.

________________ 3. Specially selected logs mounted on a huge lathe are known as ____________ logs.

________________ 4. The highest appearance quality of a panel veneer is designated by the letter _____.

________________ 5. Panels with a ______ grade or better are always sanded smooth.

________________ 6. V-groove, channel groove, striated, brushed, and rough-sawed are all special
surfaces used in the manufacture of ____________.

________________ 7. Most panels manufactured with oriented strands or wafers are known as ____________.

________________ 8. Exposure durability of a panel is located on the ___________.

Matching
Write the letter for the best answer on the line near the number to which it corresponds.

______ 1. veneer A. may be exposed to weather during moderate delays

______ 2. span rating B. wood fibres arranged in layers at right angles

______ 3. exposure 1 C. cross-laminated, layered plies glued and bonded under pressure

______ 4. exposure 2 D. may be exposed to weather during long delays

______ 5. exterior E. term used to describe the layers or plies of engineered panel

______ 6. plywood F. appears as two numbers separated by a /

______ 7. oriented strand board G. may be permanently exposed to weather or moisture

______ 8. grade stamp H. assures the product has met quality and performance
requirements

12 NEL
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Identification: Label Information
Identify each term, and write the letter of the best answer on the line next to each number.

______ 1. thickness

______ 2. mill number

______ 3. panel grade

______ 4. national research board report number

______ 5. exposure durability classification

______ 6. span rating

NEL 13
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Math Problem-Solving
Solve the following math problems.

___________ 1. Each sheet of plywood measures 4′ × 8′ (122 cm × 244 cm). How many square feet (and
square metres) will 24 sheets cover?

___________ 2. What is the average thickness of a ply in a piece of 1⁄2′′ (12.5 cm) plywood if it is
constructed with 4 plies?

___________ 3. One board weighs 2 pounds per foot (2.98 kg per metre) and a 3⁄4-ton truck is able to carry
1500 pounds (680.4 kg). How many boards 12′ (3.66 m) long can the truck carry?

___________ 4. What percent is 7 of 55?

___________ 5. What is the percent moisture content if 3 ounces (85 g) of water is removed from a wood
block with a dry weight of 14 ounces (397 g)?

14 NEL
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may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Nelson Education reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Name ________________________________________________________ Date __________________________

4 Non-Structural Panels
Multiple Choice
Write the letter for the best answer on the line next to the number of the sentence.

______ 1. Non-structural particleboard is used in the construction industry for ___________.


A. cabinet construction
B. kitchen countertops
C. the core of veneer doors
D. all of the above

______ 2. The best choice of plywood to be installed as a painted soffit is ____________.


A. A-A
B. A-B
C. A-C
D. A-D

______ 3. The highest quality particleboard ____________.


A. contains the same size particles throughout
B. is 100 percent sawdust
C. has large wood flakes in the centre with the particle size decreasing the closer to the
surface
D. usually has a rough surface texture

______ 4. High-density fibreboards are called ____________.


A. particleboard
B. softboard
C. oriented strand board
D. hardboard

______ 5. Masonite is a brand name for ____________.


A. softboard
B. duraflake
C. hardboard
D. particleboard

______ 6. ____________ is a brand name for softboard.


A. Tentest
B. Fibrepine
C. Masonite
D. all of the above

______ 7. To protect exterior softboard wall sheathing from moisture during construction, it is
impregnated with ___________.
A. lignin
B. asphalt
C. oil
D. creosote

NEL 15
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Another random document with
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was determined to be upsides with them, for the way she had jilted
me.
In the meanwhile my mother, that never, when she had a turn in
hand, alloo’t the grass to grow in her path, invited Miss Betty Græme
to stay a week with us; the which, as her father’s family were in a
straitened circumstance, she was glad to accept; and being come, and
her mother with her, I could discern a confabbing atween the twa
auld leddies—Mrs Græme shaking the head of scrupulosity, and my
mother laying down the law and the gospel;—all denoting a matter-
o’-money plot for me and Miss Betty.
At last it came to pass, on the morning of the third day, that Miss
Betty did not rise to take her breakfast with us, but was indisposed;
and when she came to her dinner, her een were bleared and
begrutten. After dinner, however, my mother that day put down,
what wasna common with her housewifery, a bottle o’ port in a
decanter, instead o’ the gardevin for toddy, and made Miss Betty
drink a glass to mak her better, and me to drink three, saying, “Faint
heart never won fair leddy.” Upon the whilk hint I took another
myself, and drank a toast for better acquaintance with Miss Betty.
Then the twa matrons raise to leave the room, and Miss Betty was
rising too; but her mother laid her hand upon her shouther, and said

“It’s our lot, my dear, and we maun bear with it.”
Thus it came to pass that I and Miss Betty were left by ourselves in
a very comical situation.
There was silence for a space of time between us; at last she drew a
deep sigh, and I responded, to the best o’ my ability, with another.
Then she took out her pocket-napkin, and began to wipe her eyes.
This is something like serious courting, thocht I to myself, for sighs
and tears are the food of love; but I wasna yet just ready to greet;
hoosever, I likewise took up my pocket-napkin, and made a sign of
sympathy by blowing my nose, and then I said—
“Miss Betty Græme, how would ye like to be Leddy of Auldbiggins,
under my mother?”
“Oh, heavens!” cried she, in a voice that gart me a’ dinnle; and she
burst into a passion of tears—the whilk to see so affectit me that I
couldna help greeting too; the sight whereof made her rise and walk
the room like a dementit bedlamite.
I was terrified, for her agitation wasna like the raptures I expectit;
but I rose from my seat, and going round to the other side of the
table where she was pacing the floor, I followed her, and pulling her
by the skirt, said, in a gallant way, to raise her spirits—
“Miss Betty Græme, will ye sit doon on my knee?”
I’ll ne’er forget the look she gied for answer; but it raised my
courage, and I said, “E’en’s ye like, Meg Dorts”—and with a flourish
o’ my heel, I left her to tune her pipes alane. This did the business, as
I thocht; for though I saw her no more that night, yet the next
morning she came to breakfast a subdued woman, and my mother,
before the week was out, began to make preparations for the
wedding.
But, lo and behold! one afternoon, as Miss Betty and me were
taking a walk, at her own request, on the high road, by came a whisky
with a young man in it, that had been a penny-clerk to her father,
and before you could say, hey cockolorum! she was up in the gig, and
doon at his side, and aff and away like the dust in a whirlwind.
I was very angry to be sae jiltit a second time, but it wasna with an
anger like the anger I suffered for what I met with at the hands of
Annie Daisie. It was a real passion. I ran hame like a clap o’ thunder,
and raged and rampaged till Mrs Græme was out of the house, bag
and baggage. My mother thought I was gane wud, and stood and
lookit at me, and didna daur to say nay to my commands. Whereas,
the thocht o’ the usage I had gotten frae Annie Daisie bred a heart-
sickness of humiliation, and I surely think that if she had not carried
her scorn o’ me sae far as to prefer a bare farmer lad like John
Lounlans, I had hae sank into a decline, and sought the grave with a
broken heart. But her marrying him roused my corruption, and was
as souring to the milk of my nature. I could hae forgiven her the
watering; and had she gotten a gentleman of family, I would not have
been overly miscontented; but to think, after the offer she had from a
man of my degree, that she should take up with a tiller of the ground,
a hewer of wood and a drawer of water, was gall and wormwood.
Truly, it was nothing less than a kithing of the evil spirit of the
democraws that sae withered the green bay-trees of the world, when
I was made a captain in the volunteers, by order of the Lord
Lieutenant, ’cause, as his lordship said, of my stake in the country.
—“The Last of the Lairds.”
THOMAS THE RHYMER:
AN ANCIENT FAIRY LEGEND.

By Sir Walter Scott.

Thomas of Erceldoune, in Lauderdale, called the Rhymer on


account of his producing a poetical romance on the subject of
Tristrem and Yseult, which is curious as the earliest specimen of
English verse known to exist, flourished in the reign of Alexander III.
of Scotland. Like other men of talent of the period, Thomas was
suspected of magic. He was also said to have the gift of prophecy,
which was accounted for in the following peculiar manner, referring
entirely to the Elfin superstition. As Thomas lay on Huntly Bank (a
place on the descent of the Eildon hills, which raise their triple crest
above the celebrated monastery of Melrose), he saw a lady so
extremely beautiful that he imagined it must be the Virgin Mary
herself. Her appointments, however, were those rather of an amazon,
or goddess of the woods. Her steed was of the highest beauty, and at
his mane hung thirty silver bells and nine, which were music to the
wind as she paced along. Her saddle was of “royal bone” (ivory), laid
over with “orfeverie” (goldsmith’s work). Her stirrups—her dress—all
corresponded with her extreme beauty and the magnificence of her
array. The fair huntress had her bow in hand, and her arrows at her
belt. She led three greyhounds in a leash, and three raches, or
hounds of scent, followed her closely.
She rejected and disclaimed the homage which Thomas desired to
pay to her; so that, passing from one extremity to the other, Thomas
became as bold as he had at first been humble. The lady warns him
that he must become her slave, if he should prosecute his suit
towards her in the manner he proposes. Before their interview
terminates, the appearance of the beautiful lady is changed into that
of the most hideous hag in existence. A witch from the spital or
almshouse would have been a goddess in comparison to the late
beautiful huntress. Hideous as she was, Thomas’s irregular desires
had placed him under the control of this hag, and when she bade him
take leave of the sun, and of the leaf that grew on the tree, he felt
himself under the necessity of obeying her. A cavern received them,
in which, following his frightful guide, he for three days travelled in
darkness, sometimes hearing the booming of a distant ocean,
sometimes walking through rivers of blood, which crossed their
subterranean path. At length they emerged into daylight, in a most
beautiful orchard. Thomas, almost fainting for want of food,
stretches out his hand towards the goodly fruit which hangs around
him, but is forbidden by his conductress, who informs him that these
are the fatal apples which were the cause of the fall of man. He
perceives also that his guide had no sooner entered this mysterious
ground, and breathed its magic air, than she was revived in beauty,
equipage, and splendour, as fair or fairer than he had first seen her
on the mountain. She then proceeds to explain to him the character
of the country.
“Yonder right hand path,” she says, “conveys the spirits of the blest
to paradise. Yon downward and well-worn way leads sinful souls to
the place of everlasting punishment. The third road, by yonder dark
brake, conducts to the milder place of pain, from which prayer and
mass may release offenders. But see you yet a fourth road, sweeping
along the plain to yonder splendid castle? Yonder is the road to
Elfland, to which we are now bound. The lord of the castle is king of
the country, and I am his queen. And when we enter yonder castle,
you must observe strict silence, and answer no question that is asked
at you, and I will account for your silence by saying I took your
speech when I brought you from middle earth.”
Having thus instructed her lover, they journeyed on to the castle,
and entering by the kitchen, found themselves in the midst of such a
festive scene as might become the mansion of a great feudal lord or
prince.
Thirty carcases of deer were lying on the massive kitchen board,
under the hands of numerous cooks, who toiled to cut them up and
dress them, while the gigantic greyhounds which had taken the spoil
lay lapping the blood, and enjoying the sight of the slain game. They
came next to the royal hall, where the king received his loving
consort without censure or suspicion. Knights and ladies, dancing by
threes, occupied the floor of the hall, and Thomas, the fatigues of his
journey from the Eildon hills forgotten, went forward and joined in
the revelry. After a period, however, which seemed to him a very
short one, the queen spoke with him apart, and bade him prepare to
return to his own country.
“Now,” said the queen, “how long think you that you have been
here?”
“Certes, fair lady,” answered Thomas, “not above these seven
days.”
“You are deceived,” answered the queen; “you have been seven
years in this castle; and it is full time you were gone. Know, Thomas,
that the archfiend will come to this castle to-morrow to demand his
tribute, and so handsome a man as you will attract his eye. For all the
world would I not suffer you to be betrayed to such a fate; therefore
up, and let us be going.”
This terrible news reconciled Thomas to his departure from Elfin
land, and the queen was not long in placing him upon Huntly Bank,
where the birds were singing. She took a tender leave of him, and to
ensure his reputation bestowed on him the tongue which could not
lie. Thomas in vain objected to this inconvenient and involuntary
adhesion to veracity, which would make him, as he thought, unfit for
church or for market, for king’s court or for lady’s bower. But all his
remonstrances were disregarded by the lady, and Thomas the
Rhymer, whenever the discourse turned on the future, gained the
credit of a prophet whether he would or not; for he could say nothing
but what was sure to come to pass.
Thomas remained several years in his own tower near Erceldoune,
and enjoyed the fame of his predictions, several of which are current
among the country people to this day. At length, as the prophet was
entertaining the Earl of March in his dwelling, a cry of astonishment
arose in the village, on the appearance of a hart and hind, which left
the forest, and, contrary to their shy nature, came quietly onward,
traversing the village towards the dwelling of Thomas. The prophet
instantly rose from the board; and acknowledging the prodigy as the
summons of his fate, he accompanied the hart and hind into the
forest, and though occasionally seen by individuals to whom he has
chosen to show himself, he has never again mixed familiarly with
mankind.
Thomas of Erceldoune, during his retirement, has been supposed,
from time to time, to be levying forces to take the field in some crisis
of his country’s fate. The story has often been told, of a daring horse-
jockey having sold a black horse to a man of venerable and antique
appearance, who appointed the remarkable hillock upon Eildon hills,
called the Lucken-hare, as the place where, at twelve o’clock at night,
he should receive the price. He came, and his money was paid in
ancient coin, and he was invited by his customer to view his
residence. The trader in horses followed his guide in the deepest
astonishment through several ranges of stalls, in each of which a
horse stood motionless, while an armed warrior lay equally still at
the charger’s feet.
“All these men,” said the wizard in a whisper, “will awaken at the
battle of Sheriffmuir.”
At the extremity of this extraordinary depôt hung a sword and a
horn, which the prophet pointed out to the horse-dealer as
containing the means of dissolving the spell. The man in confusion
took the horn, and attempted to wind it. The horses instantly started
in their stalls, stamped, and shook their bridles; the men arose and
clashed their armour, and the mortal, terrified at the tumult he had
excited, dropped the horn from his hand. A voice like that of a giant,
louder even than the tumult around, pronounced these words:—
Woe to the coward that ever he was born,
That did not draw the sword before he blew the horn!

A whirlwind expelled the horse-dealer from the cavern, the entrance


to which he could never again find. A moral might, perhaps, be
extracted from the legend,—namely, that it is best to be armed
against danger before bidding it defiance. But it is a circumstance
worth notice, that although this edition of the tale is limited to the
year 1715, by the very mention of Sheriffmuir, yet a similar story
appears to have been current during the reign of Queen Elizabeth,
which is given by Reginald Scot. The narrative is edifying as
peculiarly illustrative of the mode of marring a curious tale in telling
it, which was one of the virtues professed by Caius when he hired
himself to King Lear. Reginald Scot, incredulous on the subject of
witchcraft, seems to have given some weight to the belief of those
who thought that the spirits of famous men do, after death, take up
some particular habitations near cities, towns, and countries, and act
as tutelary and guardian spirits to the places they loved while in the
flesh.
“But more particularly to illustrate this conjecture,” says he, “I
could name a person who hath lately appeared thrice since his
decease, at least some ghostly being or other that calls itself by the
name of such a person, who was dead a hundred years ago, and was
in his lifetime accounted as a prophet or predicter, by the assistance
of sublunary spirits; and now, at his appearance, did also give
strange predictions respecting famine and plenty, war and
bloodshed, and the end of the world. By the information of the
person that had communication with him, the last of his appearances
was in the following manner:—‘I had been,’ said he, ‘to sell a horse at
the next market town, but not attaining my price, as I returned
home, by the way I met this man, who began to be familiar with me,
asking what news, and how affairs moved through the country. I
answered as I thought fit; withal I told him of my horse, whom he
began to cheapen, and proceeded with me so far that the price was
agreed upon. So he turned back with me, and told me that if I would
go along with him, I should receive my money. On our way we went,
—I upon my horse, and he on another milk-white beast. After much
travel, I asked him where he dwelt, and what his name was. He told
me that his dwelling was a mile off, at a place called Farran, of which
place I had never heard,[20] though I knew all the country round
about. He also told me that he himself was the person of the family of
Learmonths,[21] so much spoken of as a prophet. At which I began to
be somewhat fearful, perceiving we were on a road which I had never
been on before, which increased my fear and amazement more. Well!
on we went till he brought me under ground, I knew not how, into
the presence of a beautiful woman, who paid me the money without
speaking a word. He conducted me out again through a large and
long entry, where I saw above six hundred men in armour laid
prostrate on the ground as if asleep. At last I found myself in the
open field, by the help of the moonlight, in the very place where I
first met him, and made a shift to get home by three in the morning.
But the money I received was just double of what I esteemed it when
the woman paid me, of which, at this instant, I have several pieces to
show, consisting of ninepennies, thirteenpence-halfpennies, &c.’”
20. In this Sir Walter confesses himself “in the same ignorance as his
namesake Reginald, though having at least as many opportunities of information.”
21. In popular tradition, the name of Thomas the Rhymer was always averred
to be Learmonth, though he neither uses it himself, nor is described by his son
other than Le Rymour. The Learmonths of Dairsie, in Fife, claimed descent from
the prophet.
It is a great pity that this horse-dealer, having specimens of the
fairy coin, of a quality more permanent than usual, had not favoured
us with an account of an impress so valuable to medallists. It is not
the less edifying, as we are deprived of the more picturesque parts of
the story, to learn that Thomas’s payment was as faithful as his
prophecies. The beautiful lady who bore the purse must have been
undoubtedly the Fairy Queen, whose affection, though, like that of
his own Yseult, we cannot term it altogether laudable, seems yet to
have borne a faithful and firm character.
LACHLAN MORE:
A TRADITIONARY TALE OF THE WESTERN
HIGHLANDS.

Lachlan More Maclean, of Duart, was one of the most remarkable


men connected with the Highlands of Scotland in his days. His father
having died early, King James the Fifth took a considerable interest
in this young man, and he was educated at his expense. Lachlan’s
grandfather had been at the fatal battle of Flodden, with a large body
of his clan, and he was killed in the immediate defence of his
unfortunate prince.
The son and successor of James the Fourth was not unmindful of
this, and he was desirous of forming a matrimonial connection
between the young chief and the heiress of Athole. Preliminaries
having been settled among the parties, the bridegroom was suddenly
called to his own country, and on his way he visited the Earl of
Glencairn, at his castle on the banks of the Clyde. Cards were
introduced in the evening, and Maclean’s partner was one of the
earl’s daughters. In the course of the evening the game happened to
be changed, and the company again cut for partners; on which
another of the daughters whispered in her sister’s ear, that if the
Highland chief had been her partner, she would not have hazarded
the loss of him by cutting anew. The chief heard the remark, and was
so pleased with the compliment, and so fascinated with the charm of
Lady Margaret Cunningham, that a match was made up between
them, and they were speedily married. Maclean thus gave great
offence to the king, and lost the richest heiress at that time in
Scotland.
Lachlan More’s sister was married to Angus Macdonald, of Islay
and Kintyre, then the most powerful of the branches which sprung
from the Lord of the Isles. These two chiefs appear to have been
much of the same disposition,—both were violent, ambitious, and
turbulent. Their bloody feuds were productive of much misery to
their people, and ended injuriously to all parties. Macdonald, on his
return from the Isle of Skye, was forced to take shelter in that portion
of the island of Jura which was the property of Maclean; and it
unfortunately happened that two villains of the clan Macdonald,
whose bad conduct had induced them to take refuge in Mull, to
escape punishment from their own chief, happened to be then in
Jura. It would seem that they delighted in mischief, and they adopted
an expedient which effectually answered their purpose.
Maclean had some cattle close to the place where the Macdonalds
lay; the two renegades slaughtered some of these, and carried away
many more of them. They left Jura before daylight, and contrived to
convey information to Lachlan More that Macdonald had done him
all this damage. Duart collected a considerable number of his men,
and arrived in Jura before the Macdonalds departed. Without
making proper inquiry into the circumstances, he rashly attacked the
other party, and many of them were slain, but their chief escaped. It
appears to be admitted on all hands that this was the beginning of
the sanguinary warfare which followed, and Maclean was certainly
culpable. Mutual friends interfered, and endeavoured to effect a
reconciliation between persons so nearly connected. The Earl of
Argyle was maternal uncle to Lachlan, and chiefly by his powerful
intercession the further effusion of blood was prevented for a time.
Macdonald had occasion to be again in Skye, and on his return he
was invited by Maclean to visit him in the castle of Duart. After
dinner, some unfortunate circumstance occurred which produced a
quarrel. Tradition varies in regard to what immediately followed. It
seems, however, that Maclean demanded that the other should yield
to him possession of the whole island of Islay, of which he then held
but the half. Some consideration was to have been given in return for
this concession; but Maclean chose to detain as hostages, to ensure
the fulfilment of the treaty, the eldest son of Macdonald, then a boy,
and also a brother, together with several other persons of some note.
Maclean soon after set out for Islay to take possession of that island.
His nephew accompanied him, but the other hostages were left in
Mull until the whole business should be arranged. What ensued was
no more than might have been expected: Macdonald pretended to be
disposed for an amicable adjustment of the terms formerly agreed
upon, and prevailed on Lachlan More to visit him at his house in
Islay, where nothing appeared to create alarm.
After supper, Maclean and his people retired to a barn for rest; but
Macdonald soon knocked at the door, and said he had forgot to give
his guests their reposing draught, and desired to be admitted for that
purpose. A large force had by this time been collected, and Lachlan
soon understood that he would be made to suffer for his former
conduct. He was determined, however, to make a resolute defence.
He stood in the door fully armed, and in his left hand he held his
nephew, who lay with him. He was a man of extraordinary size and
strength, as the appellation More indicates, and his situation
required all his prowess. Macdonald, desirous to save the life of his
son, agreed to permit Lachlan to quit the barn, which had by this
time been set on fire. The greater part of his attendants also followed
their chief; but the two Macdonalds, who had first fomented this
unhappy quarrel, were consumed in the flames.
Macdonald of Islay having now recovered possession of his son,
was determined to put Maclean and all his people to death; but
fortunately for them, he had a fall from his horse, by which one of his
legs was fractured. This retarded the execution of his fell purpose,
and enabled the Earl of Argyle to make a representation of the case
to the government. Maclean was permitted to return to Mull; but
several of the principal gentlemen of his clan, who had accompanied
them to Islay, were retained as hostages for the safety of those who
still remained in the same condition at Duart.
Very soon after Maclean’s departure from Islay, Macdonald of
Ardnamurchan, commonly distinguished by the patronimic of Mac-
vic-Ian, the son of John’s son, arrived there, and falsely informed
Macdonald that Lachlan More had destroyed all his hostages on his
return home. This was retaliated on Maclean’s hostages, who were all
put to death, and the next day the other hostages arrived safely from
Mull.
This is a specimen of the deplorable state of barbarism into which
Scotland sunk during the minority of James the Sixth. The whole
kingdom was full of blood and rapine, but the Highlands were in the
worst condition of all. For a century afterwards very little
amelioration seems to have taken place; but it is pleasing to reflect
that for the last fifty years there is not in Europe a country where the
law bears more absolute sway than in the Scottish Highlands.
Macdonald and Maclean were both committed to ward, one in the
Bass, and the other in the Castle of Edinburgh, where they were
detained for several years. They were liberated on strong assurances
of peaceable conduct, and on giving hostages. Maclean was
afterwards ordered to join the Earl of Argyle, who took the command
of the army appointed to oppose the Earls of Huntly and Errol, then
in open rebellion against the government of James the Sixth.
The two armies encountered at Glenlivat, and the rebels were
victorious. Argyle, though brave, was young and inexperienced, nor
were all his officers faithful to their trust. Innes, in his History of
Moray, asserts that some of the principal men of his own name were
in correspondence with the enemy; and other writers ascribe much
effect to the cannon used by the rebel earls. On this occasion Lachlan
More was greatly distinguished for bravery and for prudence, having
acted the part of an experienced commander, and gained the
applause of both armies.
It were well if he had always confined his warfare to such
honourable combats. Soon after we find him again engaged in Islay
against his nephew, James Macdonald, Angus, his former antagonist,
being dead. On this occasion, it would seem, however, that he was
disposed for peace. Lachlan had embraced the Protestant religion;
and it was a practice with his Catholic ancestors to walk thrice in
procession around the shores of a small island lying in Lochspelvie,
invoking success to the expedition on which they were about to be
engaged. With singular absurdity, Lachlan resolved to show his
contempt for Catholic superstition: he walked thrice around the
island, but his ancestors had always walked right about, or in the
same course with the sun; but this enlightened Protestant reversed it.
The day following he departed with his forces for Islay, and he never
returned. The weather became boisterous, and he was compelled to
bear away for Island Nare, in the mouth of Loch Gruinard. A day was
appointed for a conference between himself and his nephew; and
Lachlan, attended by a small portion of his men, was to be met by
Macdonald with an equal number. Macdonald had, however, placed
a large body in ambush at some distance. The conference
commenced under favourable appearances, but a misunderstanding
soon arose, and swords were drawn. A dreadful conflict ensued, and
Maclean fought with astonishing bravery. The reserve which had lain
concealed joined their friends; but both were on the eve of being
defeated, when a body of auxiliaries from the island of Arran arrived,
and Lachlan More was killed, with all those who had accompanied
him on this fatal expedition.[22]
22. Lachlan More was killed in the year 1598.
His son had remained on the island with a much larger force, but
the pacific appearances deceived him, and he neglected to keep the
boats afloat. When the fight commenced on shore, he and his men
were looking on, but could not launch their heavy boats, or render
assistance. The Macdonalds suffered severe loss, and James
(afterwards Sir James) was left for dead on the field.
A poor woman of his own clan, assisted by her son, conveyed
Lachlan’s body on a sledge to the church of Kilchomen, in Islay,
where she got him buried. By the jolting of the sledge, the features of
the body acquired a particular expression, at which the young man
smiled. His name was Macdonald, and his mother was so enraged at
his sneer, that she made a thrust at him with a dirk, and wounded
him severely.—Lit. Gazette.
ALEMOOR:
A TALE OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.

Sad is the wail that floats o’er Alemoor’s lake,


And nightly bids her gulfs unbottomed quake,
While moonbeams, sailing o’er her waters blue,
Reveal the frequent tinge of blood-red hue.
The water-birds, with shrill discordant scream,
Oft rouse the peasant from his tranquil dream;
He dreads to raise his slow unclosing eye,
And thinks he hears an infant’s feeble cry.—Leyden.

Chapter I.
In one of those frequent incursions which the Scottish Borderers
used to make into the sister territory, it was the misfortune of Sir
John Douglas, a gallant and distinguished warrior, to be taken
prisoner by Richard de Mowbray, who, to a naturally proud and
vindictive temper, added a bitter and irreconcilable hatred to that
branch of the house of Douglas to which his prisoner belonged.
Instead of treating the brave and noble youth with that courtesy
which the law of arms and the manners of the times authorised, he
loaded his limbs with fetters, and threw him into one of the deepest
dungeons of his baronial castle of Holme Cultrum. Earl de Mowbray,
his father, was then at the English court, in attendance on his
sovereign, so that he had none to gainsay his authority, but yielded,
without hesitation or restraint, to every impulse of his passions. To
what lengths the savage cruelty of his temper might have led him in
practising against the life of his youthful prisoner is not known, for
he was also summoned to London to assist in the stormy councils of
that distracted period.
Meanwhile, Douglas lay on the floor of his dungeon, loaded with
fetters, and expecting every hour to be led out to die. No murmur
escaped his lips. He waited patiently till the fatal message arrived,
only regretting that it had not pleased Heaven to suffer him to die
sword in hand, like his brave ancestors. “Yes!” he exclaimed, as he
raised his stately and warlike form from the ground, and clashing his
fettered hands together, while his dark eye shot fire; “yes! let false
tyrannical Mowbray come with all his ruffian band—let them give me
death by sword or by cord—my cheek shall not blanch, nor my look
quail before them. As a Douglas I have lived, as a Douglas I shall
die!” But the expected summons came not. Day after day passed on
in sullen monotony, more trying to a brave mind than even the
prospect of suffering. No sound broke in on the silence around him,
but the daily visit of a veteran man-at-arms, who brought him his
scanty meal. No entreaties could induce this man to speak, so that
the unfortunate prisoner could only guess at his probable fate.
Sometimes despondency, in spite of his better reason, would steal
over his mind. “Shall I never again see my noble, my widowed
mother? my innocent, playful sister?—never again wander through
the green woods of Drumlanrig, or hunt the deer on its lordly
domain? Shall my sight never again be greeted by the green earth or
cheerful sun? Will these hateful walls enclose me till damp and
famine destroy me, and my withered limbs be left in this charnel-
house, a monument of the cruelty and unceasing hatred of De
Mowbray?”
Seven long weeks had rolled tediously along when the prisoner was
surprised by his allowance being brought by a stranger in the dress of
a Cumbrian peasant. Eagerly, rapidly he questioned the man
respecting Mowbray, his intentions, and why he had been so long left
without being allowed to name a ransom. The peasant told him of De
Mowbray’s absence, and added that, as there was to be a general
invasion of Scotland, all the men-at-arms had been marched away
that morning to join their companions, except the warders, by whom
he had been ordered to bring food to the prisoner. Joy now thrilled
through the heart and frame of the youthful warrior, but he had still
enough of caution left to make no further inquiries, but allow his new
jailer to depart without exciting his suspicions too early.
It is well known to those who are conversant with the history of
that period, that, however bitter the animosities of the two nations
were while engaged in actual warfare, yet in times of peace, or even
of truce, the commons lived on friendly terms, and carried on even a
sort of trade in cattle. All this was known to Sir John, who hoped,
through the means of his new attendant, to open a communication
with his retainers, if he could not engage him to let him free, and
become a follower of the Douglas, whose name was alike dreaded in
both nations. But events over which he had no control were even
then working for him, and his deliverance was to come from a
quarter he thought not of.
At the date of this tale, the ladies of rank had few amusements
when compared to those of modern times. Books, even if they could
have been procured, would sometimes not have been valued or
understood, from the very limited education which, in those days,
was allowed to females. Guarded in their inaccessible towers or
castles, their only amusement was listening to the tales of pilgrims,
or the songs of wandering minstrels, both of whom were always
made welcome to the halls of nobles, and whose persons, like those
of heralds, were deemed sacred even among contending parties. To
be present at a tournament was considered as an event of the first
importance, and looked forward to with the highest expectation, and
afterwards formed an era in their lives. When such amusements were
not to be had, a walk on the ramparts, attended by their trusty maid,
was the next resource against the tedium of time. It was during such
a walk as this that Emma, only daughter of Earl Mowbray, addressed
her attendant as follows:—
“Do you think it possible, Edith, that the prisoner, whom my
brother is so solicitous to conceal, can be that noble Douglas of
whom we have heard so much, and about whom Graham, the old
blind minstrel, sung such gallant verses?”
“Indeed, my sweet lady,” replied her attendant, “the prisoner in
yonder dungeon is certainly of the house of Douglas, and, as I think,
the very Sir John of whom we have heard so much.”
“How knowest thou that?” inquired her lady, eagerly.
“I had always my own thoughts of it,” whispered Edith cautiously,
and drawing nearer her mistress; “but since Ralph of Teesdale
succeeded grim old Norman as his keeper, I am almost certain of it.
He knows every Douglas of them, and, from his account, though the
dungeon was dark, he believes it was Sir John who performed such
prodigies of valour at the taking of Alnwick.”
“May Heaven, then, preserve and succour him!” sighed the Lady
Emma, as she clasped her hands together.
Emma De Mowbray, the only daughter of the most powerful and
warlike of the northern earls, was dazzlingly fair, and her very
beautiful features were only relieved from the charge of insipidity on
the first look, by the lustre of her dark blue eyes, which were shaded
by long and beautiful eye-lashes. Her stature was scarcely above the
middle size, but so finely proportioned, that the eye of the beholder
never tired gazing on it. She was only seventeen, and had not yet
been allowed to grace a tournament, her ambitious father having
determined to seclude his northern flower till he could astonish the
Court of England with her charms, and secure for her such an
advantageous settlement as would increase his own power and
resources. Thus had Emma grown up the very child of nature and
tenderness. Shut out from society of every kind, her imagination had
run riot, and her most pleasing hours, when not occupied by
devotional duties, were spent in musing over the romantic legends
which she had heard either from minstrels, or those adventurers who
ofttimes found a home in the castle of a powerful chief, and which
were circulated among the domestics till they reached the ear of their
youthful lady. These feelings had been unconsciously fostered by her
spiritual director, Father Anselm, who, of noble birth himself, had
once been a soldier, and delighted, in the long winter evenings, to
recount the prowess of his youth; and in the tale of other years, often
and often was the noble name of Douglas introduced and dwelt upon
with enthusiastic rapture, as he narrated the chief’s bravery in the
Holy Land. In short, every circumstance combined to feed and excite
the feverish exalted imagination of this untutored child. Had her
mother lived, the sensibilities of her nature had been cherished and
refined, and taught to keep within the bounds of their proper
channel. As it was, they were allowed to run riot, and almost led her
to overstep the limits of that retiring modesty which is so beautiful in
the sex. No sooner, then, had she learnt that Douglas was the captive
of her haughty brother, and perhaps doomed to a lingering or
ignominious death, than she resolved to attempt his escape, be the
consequences what they would. A wild tumultuary feeling took
possession of her mind as she came to this resolution. What would
the liberated object say to her, or how look his thanks? and, oh! if
indeed he proved to be the hero of her day-dreams, how blessed
would she be to have it in her power to be his guardian angel! The
tear of delight trembled in her eye, as she turned from the bartisan of
the castle, and sought the solitude of her chamber.
It was midnight—the last stroke of the deep-toned castle bell had
been answered by the echoes from the neighbouring hills, when two
shrouded figures stood by the couch of the prisoner. The glare of a
small lantern, carried by one of them, awoke Douglas. He sprung to
his feet as lightly as if the heavy fetters he was loaded with had been
of silk, and in a stern voice told them he was ready. “Be silent and
follow us,” was the reply of one of the muffled visitors. He bowed in
silence, and prepared to leave his dungeon,—not an easy
undertaking, when it is remembered that he was so heavily ironed;
but the care and ingenuity of his conductors obviated as much as
possible even this difficulty; one came on each side, and prevented as
much as possible the fetters from clashing on each other. In this
manner they hurried him on through a long subterraneous passage,
then crossed some courts which seemed overgrown with weeds, and
then entered a chapel, where Douglas could perceive a noble tomb
surrounded by burning tapers. “You must allow yourself to be
blindfolded,” said one of them in a sweet, musical, but suppressed
voice; he did so, and no sooner was the bandage made fast, than he
heard the snap as of a spring, and was immediately led forward. In a
few minutes more he felt he had left the rough stones of the church,
and its chill sepulchral air, for a matted floor and a warmer
atmosphere; the bandage dropped from his eyes, and he found
himself in a small square room, comfortably furnished, with a fire
blazing in the chimney; a second look convinced him he was in the
private room of an ecclesiastic, and that he was alone.
It need not be told the sagacious reader that this escape was the
work of Lady Emma, aided by Father Anselm, and Ralph Teesdale,
who was her foster-brother, and therefore bound to serve her almost
at the risk of his life—so very strong were such ties then considered.
No sooner did Douglas learn from the venerable ecclesiastic to whom
he owed his life and liberty, than he pleaded for an interview with all
the warmth of gratitude which such a boon could inspire.
Recruited by a night of comfortable repose, and refreshed by
wholesome food, our youthful warrior looked more like those of his
name than when stretched on the floor of the dungeon. It was the
evening of the second day after his liberation, while Douglas was
listening to his kind and venerable host’s account of the daring deeds
by which his ancestor, the good Lord James, had been distinguished,
when the door opened, and Lady Emma and her attendant entered.
Instantly sinking on one knee, Sir John poured forth his thanks in
language so courtly, so refined, yet so earnest and heartfelt, that
Lady Emma’s heart beat tumultuously, and her eyes became suffused
with tears.
“Suffer me,” continued Douglas, “to behold the features of her who
has indeed been a guardian angel to the descendant of that house
who never forgave an injury, nor ever, while breath animated them,
forgot a favour.”
Lady Emma slowly raised her veil, and the eyes of the youthful pair
met, and dwelt on each other with mutual admiration. Again the
knight knelt, and, pressing her hand to his lips, vowed that he would
ever approve himself her faithful and devoted champion. The
conversation then took a less agitating turn, and, in another hour,
Lady Emma took her leave of the good father and his interesting
companion, in whose favour she could not conceal that she was
already inspired with the most fervent feelings. Nor did she chide
Edith, who, while she braided the beautiful locks of her mistress,
expatiated on the fine form and manly features of Douglas, and
rejoiced in his escape.
It was now time for Sir John to make some inquiries of Father
Anselm about the state of the country, and if the Scotch had beat
back their assailants in the attack made upon them, and learned, to
his pleasure and surprise, that the enemy were then too much
divided among themselves to think of making reprisals, the whole
force of the kingdom being then gathered together to decide the
claims of York and Lancaster to the crown of England; that Earl
Mowbray and his son, adherents of the queen, were then lying at
York with their retainers, ready to close in battle with the adverse
party. It might be supposed that this intelligence would inspire the

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