Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/253

Rh beyond the muckle through-stane that stands on sax legs yonder, abune some ane of the Ravenswoods; for there is mony of their kin and followers here, de'il lift them! though it isna just their main burial-place."

"They are no favourites then of yours these Ravenswoods," said the Master, not much pleased with the passing benediction which was thus bestowed on his family and name.

"I ken na wha should favour them," said the grave-digger; "when they had lands and power, they were ill guides of them baith, and now their head's down, there's few care how lang they may be of lifting it again."

"Indeed!" said Ravenswood, "I never heard that this unhappy family deserved ill-will at the hands of their country. I grant their poverty—if that renders them contemptible."

"It will gang a far way till't," said the sexton of Hermitage, "ye may tak my word for that—at least, I ken naething else that suld