Page:Gallant exploits of Lord Dundee.pdf/24

24 the island, until the boats should arrive, but finding upon examination, the ford, though difficult, not impossible, they recording to be custom or highlanders in wading through rivers, joining their hands together, and entering the river in a line with its current, the strongest men in the upper pare, and the speaker below, so that those who were highest up the stream, broke all its force; and tying their arms and clothes co their shoulders passed to the island in sight of both armies on the opposite banks, and drove ten times their number from the lodgment. The French cried out in admiration, "A gentleman, in whatever season, is still a gentleman!" "Le gentilhomme est toujours gentilhommes" The place is called Ise d'Ecosse to this day.

All collective human virtues are sullied with the selfishness of individuals. The officers, to whom they had yielded their independence, and whom they had chosen to command their equals, cheated them of their pay, poor is it was of their clothes, and of presence which the generous had sent them. The French, inattentive to their patience, fatigues and services, sent them from from the frontiers of Spain to Alege, a march as long as the former. In this route, their clothes fell to tatters: after they passed Lyons, the country was covered with snow they often wanted the necessaries of life; yet no complaints were heard amongst them, except for the sufferings of him whom they accounted their sovereign. After six years service, they were broke; when the peace was concluded, on the higher part or the Rhine, 1500 miles from their homes, and without any provision made for them. At that time, only sixteen of them had survived, the fate of their companions; and of these only four arrived in Scotland, to give warning by their example to their countrymen, though to too many of them in vain, to distrust for ever the premises and flatteries of France.