Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor.pdf/5

 by woody eminences; the bold promontory, opposed to the foaming ocean, and sometimes adorned by the castle of a chieftain; the still bosom of the lake, that reflected the surrounding landscape; and the dreary silence of the cavern, were objects that influenced his youthful feelings, disposing his mind to the cultivation of generous and manly sentiments. These impressions were never after eradicated. They continued to bless his temper, and to give it a cast of romantic chivalry, which he exemplified in many of his future actions."

Rob Roy being now determined to follow the quiet avocations of a rural life, rented a tract of grazing land at Balquhidder, and for several years, pursued a quiet and inoffensive course. But his cattle were often stolen, along with those of his neighbours, by hordes of banditti from the northern shires, who wasted the country. In order to protect himself from these marauders, he was constrained to maintain a select party of men; and to this cause may partly be attributed the warlike habits which he afterwards acquired.

A considerable number of Macras, from the western part of Ross, having