Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series - 1819.djvu/315

Rh sons had levied against the King, to the manifest forfaulture, as it stated, of their allegiance, and to the breach of the pacification between the two kingdoms. It enjoined all subordinate authorities to be obedient and assisting to Montrose in his enterprise; gave him the power of making ordinances and proclamations, punishing misdemeanours, pardoning criminals, placing and displacing governors and commanders. In fine, it was as large and full a commission as any with which a prince could entrust a subject. So soon as it was finished, a shout burst from the assembled chiefs, in testimony of their willing submission to the will of their Sovereign. Not contented with generally thanking them for a reception so favourable, Montrose hastened to address himself to individuals. The most important chiefs had already been long personally known to him, but even to those of inferior consequence he now introduced himself, and by the acquaintance he displayed with their