Commission for the consideration of some of the more important questions
which had arisen between the two kingdoms, owing mainly to Buccleuch's
exploits, she ultimately yielded the point, and it is an interesting and
significant fact that during the time of the sitting of the Commission
Buccleuch was busily engaged in ravaging with fire and sword some of the
fairest districts within the English Border. The magnitude of his offences
had evidently impressed them. They hardly knew what to say about him. In
the first paragraph of the report which they issued we read:--"We have
accomplished the treaty of the Border causes with all the diligence
possible, though not to so great advantage to the realm as we desired. Yet
we have revived articles of the former treaties discontinued, supplied
many old defects, and made new ordinances. Slaughters we were forced to
leave as they were (the Scots protesting that they could not, under their
instructions, deal with them); but we trust as the punishment is left to
the princes, her Majesty will so consider the same, that it shall be found
far better that we have left that article at large, than if we had
condiscended to any meane degree of correccion for so barbarous acts ...
specially by Baklugh, who is _flagellum Dei_ to his miserably distressed
and oppressed neighbours."[98]
But, however distressing Buccleuch's conduct may have been to the English
members of the Commission, it is evident that neither King nor Council in
Scotland was disposed to regard him as a "scourge of God." He went up to
Edinburgh at this time, when things seemed to be going so much against him
in the Commission, and had an interview with James, and so obtained his
favourable countenance, that "they laughed a long time on the purpose."
The Council took an equally favourable view of the situation, affirming
that "it was found that his last invasion of England was just, for
'repetition' of goods stolen a short time before, and the slaughter was
but of special malefactors, enemies to the public weal and quiet of both
countries."
Elizabeth, however, took a different view of the matter, and put her foot
down with such purpose and determination that James speedily became
convinced that he must either surrender his favourite, or involve the
country in a war with England. The latter alternative was out of the
question, as it might have imperilled his claim to the succession, and so
Buccleuch was compelled to place himself as a prisoner in the hands of
Sir William Bowes, who conducted him to Berwick, and put him in ward,
there to await the Queen's pleasure. Sir John Cary was then governor of
the town, and it was with much perturbation and many misgivings that he
undertook the safe custody of such a notorious and masterful captive. In a
pathetic letter which he addressed to Lord Hunsdon, he says--"I entreat
your lordship that I may not become the jailor of so dangerous a prisoner,
or, at least, that I may know whether I shall keep him like a prisoner or
no? for there is not a worse or more dangerous place in England to keep
him in than this; it is so near his friends, and besides, so many in this
town willing to pleasure him, and his escape may be so easily made; and
once out of the town he is past recovery. Wherefore I humbly beseech your
honor let him be removed from hence to a more secure place, 'for I protest
to the Almighty God, before I will take the charge to keep him here, I
will desire to be put in prison myself, and to have a keeper of me!' For
what care soever be had of him here, 'he shall want no furtherance
whatsoever wit of man can devise, if he himself list to make an escape.'
So I pray your lordship, 'even for God's sake and for the love of a
brother,' to relieve me from this danger."[99]
This passionate appeal, to be relieved from the responsibility of taking
charge of Buccleuch, does not seem to have received much attention.
Buccleuch remained under Cary's guardianship, and, needless to say, proved
himself one of the most tractable of prisoners. He could not well have
acted otherwise, for he must by this time have become fully convinced that
Elizabeth was determined to have her way, and that, in the peculiar
circumstances in which the Scottish King was placed, he could ill afford
to thwart her wishes. Sir Robert Ker was also induced to place himself in
the hands of the English authorities. Strange to relate, he was placed in
charge of Sir Robert Cary, with whom he lived for a considerable time on
the most intimate and friendly terms. "Contrary to all men's
expectations," says Cary, "Sir Robert Car chose me for his guardian, and
home I brought him to my own house after he was delivered to me. I lodged
him as well as I could, and took order for his diet, and men to attend on
him; and sent him word, that (although by his harsh carriage towards me,
ever since I had that charge, he could not expect any favours, yet)
hearing so much goodness of him, that he never broke his word; if he would
give me his hand and credit to be a true prisoner, he would have no guard
set upon him, but would have free liberty for his friends in Scotland, to
have ingress and regress to him as often as he pleased. He took this very
kindly at my hands, accepted of my offer, and sent me thanks.
Some four days passed; all which time his friends came unto him, and he
kept his chamber. Then he sent to me, and desired me I should come and
speak with him, which I did; and after long discourse, charging and
recharging one another with wrongs and injuries, at last, before our
parting, we became good friends, with great protestations on his side,
never to give me occasion of unkindness again. After our reconciliation,
he kept his chamber no longer, but dined and supped with me. I took him
abroad with me, at least thrice a-week, a-hunting, and every day we grew
better friends. Bocleugh, in a few days after, had his pledges delivered,
and was set at liberty. But Sir Robert Car could not get his, so that I
was commanded to carry him to York, and there to deliver him prisoner to
the archbishop, which accordingly I did. At our parting he professed great
love unto me for the kind usage I had shown him, and that I would find the
effects of it upon his delivery, which he hoped would be shortly."[100]
Sir Robert Ker was as good as his word. After he had regained his freedom,
by the delivery of the pledges demanded, he returned to his duties as
warden of the East March, and seems to have conducted himself to the
entire satisfaction of his generous opponent. Cary says that they often
met afterwards at days of truce, and that he had as good justice as he
could have desired--their friendship remaining unbroken to the end.
The fortunes of the "Bold Buccleuch," after his imprisonment in Berwick,
were of a varied, but by no means of an unpleasant character. He returned
to his duties as Keeper of Liddesdale, and applied himself with energy and
ability to the arduous task of keeping his unruly charge, as far as
possible, within due bounds of law. This was an almost impossible
undertaking, as the Armstrongs and Elliots and other "broken men" of the
district had been so long accustomed to a lawless life that they quickly
resented any interference with their liberty. The change which had come
over the spirit of Buccleuch's dream was not at all to their liking, and
consequently they turned against him, and assailed him with much
bitterness. He was "in contempt with them" because of his just dealing
with Cary. They would gladly have shaken off his yoke, and were privately
working for his overthrow, that they might have the "raynes louse" again.
But difficult as the task was, Buccleuch was not easily turned aside from
his purpose. He had evidently become convinced that a change of policy was
desirable in the interests of the country, and he was determined to carry
it out, however formidable might be the opposition with which he had to
contend. The fact is significant, and ought to be carefully borne in mind.
Buccleuch's indiscretions during the earlier part of his official life
were manifold, and severely reprehensible. The only defence which can be
offered in his behalf is, that he was placed in a position of great
responsibility before he was old enough to appreciate to the full extent
the consequences of his actions. His extreme youth, fiery temperament, and
fervid patriotism, account for many things in his life which otherwise
would be difficult either to explain or justify. But if he sinned greatly,
he also repented sincerely. It is really to him we owe the first impulse
in the social regeneration of the Borders. From 1597 onwards, he
contributed more towards the establishment of good order in the district
over which he presided--and it was infinitely the worst district in the
country--than any other man of his time. It may be said, indeed, that in
him many of the finest qualities of the Scottish Borderer came to full
fruition. He was brave, resolute, independent, quick to resent injuries,
but withal, warm-hearted and generous. We do not greatly wonder at the
large place he has filled in the traditional story of the country. His was
a powerful and fascinating personality, and though, from a national point
of view, the sphere of his activities was comparatively limited, his name
is not unworthy of being associated with some of the greatest names in
Scottish history.
Towards the close of the year 1599 he went to London to make his peace
with the Queen. In a letter to Cecil, written by Sir Robert Cary, we have
striking testimony given of the change which had taken place in
Buccleuch's attitude towards the English government. "He will be
desirous," Cary says, "to kiss the Queen's hand: which favour of late he
hath very well deserved, for since my coming into these parts, I do assure
your honour he is the only man that hath run a direct course with me for
the maintenance of justice, and his performance hath been such as we have
great quietness with those under his charge. Nor have I wanted present
satisfaction for anything by his people: and he has had the like from me.
There is not an unsatisfied bill on either side between us."[101]
Considering the terms of this letter, we are not surprised to learn that
the "Bold Buccleuch" was received at Court with considerable favour. If it
be true that Elizabeth at one time was privy to a plot to assassinate him,
she must surely have had some qualms of conscience when at last this
"stark reiver" stood before her. The scene is a memorable one. The Queen
demanded of him, with one of those lion-like glances which used to throw
the proudest nobles on their knees, how he dared to storm her castle, to
which the Border baron replied--"What, madam, is there that a brave man
may not dare?" The rejoinder pleased her; and, turning to her courtiers,
she exclaimed--"Give me a thousand such leaders, and I'll shake any throne
in Europe!"
XIII.
MINIONS OF THE MOON.
"Diana's Foresters, Gentlemen of the shade,
Minions of the Moon."--FALSTAFF.
"_Reparabit Cornua Phoebe._"--MOTTO: HARDEN FAMILY.
"The siller moon now glimmers pale;
But ere we've crossed fair Liddesdale,
She'll shine as brightlie as the bale
That warns the water hastilie.
"O leeze me on her bonny light!
There's nought sae dear to Harden's sight:
Troth, gin she shone but ilka night,
Our clan might live right royallie."
FEAST OF SPURS.
The more famous reivers whose names have been handed down in the
traditions, poetry, and history of the Scottish Border, are seldom
regarded with any very pronounced feelings of aversion. The Armstrongs,
Elliots, Graemes, Stories, Burneses, and Bells; the Scotts, Kers, Maxwells,
and Johnstones--whose depredations have been recorded with much fulness of
detail in the annals of the country, were no doubt quite as bad as they
have been described. They cannot be acquitted of grave moral
delinquencies, judged even by the standard of the age in which they lived.
But at this distance of time many are disposed to regard their
depredations and lawless life, if not with a kindly, at least with an
indulgent eye. It must be frankly admitted that there was an element of
genuine heroism in their lives, which goes far to redeem them from the
contempt with which, under other conditions, we would have been compelled
to regard them. What they did was, as a general rule, done openly, and
evidently with a certain sub-conscious feeling that their actions, if
rightly understood, were not altogether blame-worthy. Their reiving was
carried on under conditions which developed some of the best as well as
worst elements of their nature and manhood. The Border reiver, whatever he
was, can certainly not be described as cowardly. He carried his life in
his hands. He never knew when he went on a foraging expedition, whether he
might return. The enemy with which he had to contend was vigilant and
powerful. Before he could drive away the cattle, he had, first of all, to
settle accounts with the owner. He might be worsted in the encounter, and
instead of securing his booty, he might find himself a captive, with the
certainty of being strung up on the nearest tree, or drowned in some
convenient pool. Such incidents were of almost every day occurrence.
Reiving was therefore one of the most exciting and hazardous of
occupations, demanding on the part of those engaged in it, a strong arm
and a dauntless spirit. The burglar who sneaks up to a house while the
inmates are asleep, and plies his nefarious calling in silence and under
shade of night, and is ready to start off, leaving everything behind him,
the moment the alarm is raised, is a contemptible miscreant, for whom the
gallows is almost too mild a form of punishment. But the Border reiver was
made of different metal; was, indeed, a man of an essentially higher type.
He was prepared to fight for every hoof or horn he wished to secure. It
was a trial of skill, of strength, of resource, with the enemy. No doubt
he had occasionally to ride during the night, aided only by the mild rays
of the moon. The way was often long, the paths intricate, and the dangers
manifold; but he was also prepared, under the full blaze of the noonday
sun, to challenge those he had come to despoil, to protect and retain
their property if they could. It was open and undisguised warfare on a
miniature scale. This, of course, was not true of _all_ the reivers on the
Borders. Some of them were hardly worthy of their profession. There are
black sheep in every trade--men who represent the baser qualities of their
kind, and who bring discredit on their associates.
In looking back over the long list of famous reivers there are many names
which, somehow or other, we are disposed to regard with a more or less
kindly feeling. This may be difficult to explain, but the fact is
undeniable. Perhaps the feeling is due, to a certain extent at least, to
the fact that, despite the mode of life adopted by these men, they
represented many really admirable qualities, both of intellect and heart.
Johnie Armstrong of Gilnockie, for example, was one of the most notorious
of the clan to which he belonged, and yet he was evidently regarded as a
great hero, who had been most shamefully treated by the King. It is also
interesting to find that he had a high opinion of himself. He prided
himself on his _honesty_. However much injury he had inflicted on the
unfortunate Englishmen, who had to bear the brunt of his onslaughts, it
gives him infinite pleasure and satisfaction to affirm that "he had never
skaithed a Scots wife a puir flee." It is possible, too, that his tragic
end may have something to do with the kindly feeling with which his memory
is cherished, though this in itself is not sufficient to account for the
place he occupies in the Valhalla of Border heroes.
In the same way a halo of romance has gathered round the name of the "Bold
Buccleuch," whose spirit of chivalry has gone far to redeem his memory
from opprobrium. The penetrating eye of the English Queen was quick to
discern in him qualities of a high order which only required the proper
sphere for their development. He may well be regarded as a truly great
man who was compelled by the circumstances in which he found himself
placed, to devote his time and talents to tasks which were quite unworthy
of his genius. Hence, when the opportunity occurred, he speedily proved
himself not only a great leader of men, but a most potent factor in the
social and moral regeneration of the district with which he was so
intimately associated.
But of all the Border reivers whose names have been handed down in song
and story, none is regarded with more kindly, we might almost say
affectionate interest, than that of "Auld Wat of Harden." For many years
he played an important part in Border affairs, and was always to the front
in harassing and despoiling the English. We have already noticed the
assistance he gave his near kinsman, the "Bold Buccleuch," in the assault
on Carlisle castle, when Kinmont Willie was so gallantly rescued from
imprisonment. But, four years prior to this event, in the year 1592, he
took part, under the leadership of Bothwell, in the famous "Raid of
Falkland," when the King was surprised in his Palace, and would have had
short shrift from the Borderers, had not timely warning been given him of
his danger. This escapade entailed on the laird of Harden somewhat serious
consequences. An order was issued by the King, with the consent of the
Lords of his Council, to demolish the _places, houses, and fortalices_ of
Harden and Dryhoip, pertaining to the said Walter Scott. The order runs
thus--"Apud Peiblis, xiij die mensis Julij, anno lxxxxij (1592)--The
Kingis Majestie, with aduise of the Lordis of his Secreit Counsale, Gevis
and grantis full pouer and Commission, expres bidding and charge, be thir
presentis, to his weil-belouitt Williame Stewart of Tracquair, to DIMOLEIS
and cause to be dimoleist and cassin doun to the ground, _the place and
houssis of_ TYNNEIS, quhilkis pertenit to James Stewart sumtyme of
Tynneis; as alswa, the lyke pouer and commissioun, expres bidding and
charge, to Walter Scott of Gouldielandis and Mr Iedeon Murray, conjunctlie
and seuerallie, to dimoleis and caus be dimoleist and cassin doun to the
ground, _the placeis, houssis, and fortalices of_ HARDEN _and_ DRYHOIP,
pertening to Walter Scott of Harden, quha, with the said James Steuart,
wes arte and parte of the lait tresonabill fact, perpetrat aganis his
hienes awin persone at Falkland: And that the foirsaidis personis caus the
premisses be putt in execution with all convenient expeditioun in signne
and taikin of the foirsaidis uthiris personis tressounable and unnaturall
defection and attemptat, committit be thame in manner foirsaid. As thay
will ansuer to his hienes upon thair obedience."[102]
This was a severe blow to the laird of Harden, but he doubtless bore it
with that fine philosophical indifference for which he was distinguished.
The motto of the Harden family, "We'll hae moonlight again," breathes the
spirit of optimism, and indicates that the reverses of fortune were never
regarded as irreparable. Hope sprang eternal in the Harden breast!
But Auld Wat was never disposed to linger unduly, even when courting the
smile of the capricious Goddess. He believed in himself, and relied mainly
for his good fortune on his own energy and skill. He was a man of the
world--keen, subtle, far-seeing, energetic--never allowing the grass to
grow under his feet. He believed in taking time by the forelock--in making
hay while the sun shone. Rarely did he ever miss a favourable opportunity
of increasing "his goods and gear." And his reiving was carried on in no
paltry or insignificant fashion. He was a man of large ideas, and he
carried them out on a splendid scale. For example, we find that in 1596 he
ran a day foray into Gilsland, and carried off "300 oxen and kye, a horse
and a nag." This was a large addition to make to his stock, and one cannot
help thinking that the "dell" in front of Harden castle, where he kept his
captured nowte, must have often been unduly crowded. But then it ought be
remembered that the demands on his hospitality were numerous and not
always easily met. He had a numerous body of retainers, as was befitting a
man of his position, who had to be kept in "horse meat and man's meat,"
and having so many to provide for, his large herds often disappeared with
great rapidity. The result was that he was constantly under the necessity
of crossing the Border in order to replenish his stock. It is related that
on one occasion he overheard the town herd calling out to some one, as he
was passing, to "send out Wat o' Harden's coo." "Wat o' Harden's coo!" the
old reiver indignantly exclaimed, "My sang, I'll soon mak ye speak of Wat
o' Harden's kye," and so he at once gathered his forces, marched into
Northumberland, and before long he was seen on his way back driving before
him a big herd of cows and a basson'd bull. On his way he passed a large
sow-backed haystack. Turning round in his saddle and looking at it
wistfully, he said, in a regretful tone of voice, "If ye had four feet, ye
wadna stand long there!"
It is perhaps to this successful foray that Lord Eure refers in a letter
addressed to Cecil under date July 15, 1596, in which he says:--"Watt
Ellatt, _alias_ Watt of Harden, with other East Tividale lairds had 300 or
400 able horsemen, laying an ambush of 300 or 400 foote, brake a day
forray a myle beneathe Bellinghame, spoiled the townes men in
Bellinghame, brake the crosse, toke all the cattell upp the water to the
number thre or fower hundred beastes at the leaste, hath slaine three men
of name and wounded one allmoste to deathe, fired noe houses. The fray
rose and being brought to me at Hexhame about ix(o) or x(o) houers in the
morning, I rose myself with my household servuantes, caused the beacons to
be fired and sent the fray eche way rounde aboute me, and yet could not
make the force of the countrie iiij{xx} horsemen and some six score
footmen. I followed with the horsemen within twoe or three myles of
Scotland, and except Mr Fenwick of Wellington, together with the Keaper of
Tindale, Mr Henry Bowes, ther was not one gentleman of the Marche to
accompanie me, or mett me at all; and when all our forces were togeither,
we could not make twoe hundredth horsse, nor above twoe hundredth
footmen.... With shame and greife I speake it' the Scottes went away
unfought withall."[103]
It will thus be seen that within a few months this famous freebooter had
transferred from English soil some six or seven hundred head of cattle. No
doubt like his neighbours, who were engaged in the same precarious line of
business, he had many unsuccessful raids to recount, but he was certainly
one of the most wary and successful of the reivers on the Scottish side of
the Border.
Sir Walter Scott, who was a descendant of Wat of Harden, has an
interesting note in his "Border Minstrelsy" regarding the family. "Of this
Border laird," he says, "commonly called _Auld Wat of Harden_, tradition
has preserved many anecdotes. He was married to Mary Scott, celebrated in
song by the title of 'The Flower of Yarrow.' By their marriage contract,
the father-in-law, Philip Scott of Dryhope, was to find Harden in horse
meat and man's meat at his Tower of Dryhope for a year and a day; but five
barons pledge themselves, that, at the expiry of that period, the
son-in-law should remove without attempting to continue in possession by
force! A notary-public signed for all the parties to the deed, none of
whom could write their names. The original is still in the charter-room of
the present Mr Scott of Harden. By 'The Flower of Yarrow' the Laird of
Harden had six sons; five of whom survived him, and founded the families
of Harden (now extinct), Highchesters (now representing Harden), Reaburn,
Wool, and Synton. The sixth son was slain at a fray, in a hunting match,
by the Scotts of Gilmanscleuch. His brothers flew to arms; but the old
laird secured them in the dungeon of his tower, hurried to Edinburgh,
stated the crime, and obtained a gift of the land of the offenders from
the Crown. He returned to Harden with equal speed, released his sons, and
showed them the charter. 'To horse, lads!' cried the savage warrior, 'and
let us take possession! The lands of Gilmanscleuch are well worth a dead
son.'"
Hogg's description of "Auld Wat" as he set out for Edinburgh on this
occasion is humourously realistic:
And he's awa' to Holyrood,
Amang our nobles a',
With bonnet lyke a girdle braid,
And hayre lyke Craighope snaw.
His coat was of the forest green,
Wi' buttons lyke the moon;
His breeks were o' the guid buckskyne,
Wi' a' the hayre aboon.
His twa hand sword hang round his back,
An' rattled at his heel;
The rowels of his silver spurs
Were of the Rippon steel;
His hose were braced wi' chains o' airn,
An' round wi' tassels hung:
At ilka tramp o' Harden's heel,
The royal arches rung.
* * * *
Ane grant of all our lands sae fayre
The King to him has gien;
An' a' the Scotts o' Gilmanscleuch
Were outlawed ilka ane.
But Harden's best fortune came to him with his wife--the far-famed "Flower
of Yarrow."
This beautous flower, this rose of Yarrow,
In nature's garden has no marrow.