THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH was published in April 1828, and became popular
at once; it commenced a second series of the "Chronicles of the
Canongate." The narrative is founded upon an interesting event in
Scottish history. Two clans who were at variance deputed thirty
champions to fight out a quarrel of old standing in the presence of
King Robert III., his brother the Duke of Albany, and the whole Scottish
Court, at Perth, in the year 1396. Two characters in the novel, the
glee-maiden and Conachar are regarded as among Scott's very best
conceptions.
The accompanying illustration represents an interesting scene. The Fair
Maid and the Carthusian monk are seated at the foot of Kinnoul hill,
which commands the beautiful vale of the Tay. The monk, who wore his
white gown and scapular, sat for some time with his eyes fixed on the
glorious prospect, of which even the early and chilly season could not
conceal the beauties. At length he addressed his proselyte: "When I
behold this rich and varied land, with its castles, churches, convents,
stately palaces, and fertile fields, these extensive woods, and that
noble river, I know not, my daughter, whether most to admire the bounty
of God or the ingratitude of man. He hath given us the beauty and
fertility of the earth, and we have made the scene of His bounty a
charnel-house and a battle-field. He hath given us power over the
elements, and skill to erect houses for comfort and defence, and we have
converted them into dens for robbers."
"Yet surely, my father, there is room for comfort," replied Catherine.
"Yonder four goodly convents, and their inhabitants, who have separated
themselves from the world for the service of Heaven, bear witness that
if Scotland be a sinful land, she is yet sensible to the claims of
religion."
"Verily, daughter," answered the priest, "what you say seems truth, but
it is to be feared that the love of many has waxed cold."
*****
The second illustration is from the pencil of Cruikshank. The common
people had throughout the day toiled and struggled at football. The
usual revels had taken place, and the carnival was closing quietly in
general, but in some places the sport was still kept up. One company of
revellers seemed unwilling to conclude their frolic. The Entry, as it
was called, consisted of thirteen persons, habited in the same manner,
having doublets of chamois leather sitting close to their bodies,
curiously slashed and laced. They wore green caps with silver tassels,
red ribands, and white shoes, had bells hung at their knees and around
their ankles, and naked swords in their hands. This gallant party,
having exhibited a sword-dance before the king, with much clashing of
weapons, and fantastic interchange of postures, went on gallantly to
repeat their exhibition before the door of Simon Glover, where, having
made a fresh exhibition of their agility, they caused wine to be served
round to their own company and the bystanders, and with a loud shout
drank to the health of the Fair Maid.
[Illustration: 123]
[Illustration: 124]