Page:A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland - Johnson (1775).djvu/317

 reward for deserting their Chief and clan. Many have departed both from the main of, and from the Islands; and all that go may be considered as subjects lost to the crown; for a nation scattered in the boundless regions of  resembles rays diverging from a focus. All the rays remain, but the heat is gone. Their power consisted in their concentration: when they are dispersed, they have no effect.

It may be thought that they are happier by the change; but they are not happy as a nation, for they are a nation no longer. As they contribute not to the prosperity of any community, they must want that security, that dignity, that happiness, whatever it be, which a prosperous community throws back upon individuals.

The inhabitants of have not yet learned to be weary of their heath and