BOOK V. saw and heard, no longer thought it of use to 1706. keep any measures with the duke. On receiving

a frivolous and futile message from him by lord Kilsyth, "to inform the KING, that nothing could contribute so much to his service as the gaining of lord Marlborough and lord Godolphin," he answered, "that he was not come to Scotland to ask the duke of Hamilton's advice about the king's affairs-that his majesty did not want itthat the duke did not deal fairly—that he used tricks unbecoming a person of his character—that he pretended to want to treat, but did not take measures for it-that he was tired of all his shuffling evasions; and that, if he would not do any thing, he should perhaps find means to save Scotland without him*."

That dangerous clause in the act of security, authorising all the protestant heritors and the burghers to provide arms, and to discipline and exercise their fencible men, was suspended by the Scottish parliament at the commencement of the treaty of union, and the lieges were prohibited from assembling on any pretence during the session; a wise and necessary measure, by which the chieftains, who were adverse to the union, and preparing force to oppose it, were suddenly and effectually restrained. The duke of Queens

*Secret History of Colonel Hooke's Negotiations.

1706.

berry discovered also much political dexterity and BOOK V. address in gaining over the leaders of the Cameronians, and other disaffected clans, who, as we are assured, were secretly permitted by him to indulge in various excesses, in order to keep up the delusion of a serious opposition; such as burning the articles of the union at the marketcross of Dumfries, and even demolishing some houses of the unionists in that quarter; after which they dispersed and retired to their respect-. ive homes*.

the Union

The debates of the Scottish parliament on this Articles of great and solemn occasion were, in respect both debated. of argument and eloquence, equal perhaps to those of any public assembly whose transactions have been the subject of historic regard. Every consideration of honour, interest and safety, which can touch the human heart, or awaken the dormant passions of the soul, was urged by the members in opposition to deter the house from the adoption of this fatal project. Fletcher of Saltoun, with all the energy of Roman patriotism, declared, "that the nation was BETRAYED by the commissioners ;" and when vehemently called upon for an explanation, he persisted in his charge alleging, "that he could find no other word than TREACHERY to express his ideas of their conduct. It was harsh indeed, but it was truth; and, if the

LOCKHART SOMERVILLE'S History, p. 220.

BOOK V. house thought him guilty of any offence in mak1706. ing use of this expression, he declared himself willing to submit to their censure." A vote of

censure, however, no one dared to move. And Speech of lord Belhaven, in a speech yet famous in Scothaven. land, depictured with most impressive imagery

Lord Bel

Caledonia as sitting in the midst of the senate looking indignantly around her, and covering herself with her royal robe, attending the fatal blow, breathing out with tender and passionate emotion the exclamation, "Et tu quoque, mi fili!"-"I see," said this animated orator, "a free and independent kingdom tamely resigning that which has ever been considered amongst nations as the prize most worthy of contention-a power to manage and conduct their own affairs, without any foreign interference or control. We are the successors of those who founded our monarchy, framed our laws, and who, during the space of 2000 years, have handed them down to us with the hazard of their lives and fortunes. Shall we not then zealously plead for those rights which our renowned progenitors so dearly purchased? Shall we hold our peace, when our country is in danger? GOD forbid!—England is a great and glorious nation. Her armies are numerous, powerful, and victorious; her trophies splendid and memorable; she disposes of the fate of kingdoms; her navy is the terror of Eu

1706.

rope; her trade and commerce encircle the globe; BOOK V. and her capital is the emporium of the universe. But we are a poor and obscure people, in a remote corner of the world, without name, without alliances, without treasures. What hinders us then to lay aside our divisions, to unite cordially and heartily, when that liberty which is alone our boast, when our all, our very existence as a nation, is at stake? The enemy is at our gates. Soon will he subvert this ancient and royal throne, and seize these regalia, the sacred symbols of our liberty and independence. Where are our peers and our chieftains? Where are the Hamiltons, the Douglases, the Murrays, and the Campbells? Will posterity believe that such names yet existed, when the nation was reduced to this last extremity of degradation, and that they were not eager in such a cause to devote themselves for their country, and die in the bed of honor? My heart," said this noble patriot, "is full of grief and indignation, when I consider the triumph obtained by England, which has at length brought under subjection this fierce and warlike people, who for so many ages shed the best blood of the nation to establish their independency. It is superfluous, added he, "to enter into a formal examination of the articles of this treaty; for though we should even receive a carte blanche from England, what is

BOOK V. this in exchange for our sovereignty? But does 1706. not in fact this pretended union amount to political annihilation? I see the English constitu tion remaining firm-the same two houses of parliament, the same municipal laws, the same commercial companies, the same courts of judicature; while we make an ignominious and entire surrender of our national polity, our rights, our liberties, our honor, and our safety."

These were the sentiments by which the Scottish nation was almost universally actuated, and by which a generous and high-spirited people could not fail of being at such a crisis very powerfully impressed. The speech of lord Belhaven drew tears of anger and disdain from his auditors. And it was in vain that a few disinterested and dispassionate patriots, who from principle acted in conjunction with the numerous band of courtiers, placemen, and pensioners, who composed a majority of the parliament, forcibly urged the great and solid advantages which must result from this union. "That the actual situation of Scotland in a political view," said one of the commissioners-Mr. Seaton of Pittmeddenof Pittmed- who addressed the house on this occasion,

Of Seaton

den.

is

disadvantageous and ineligible, no one will venture to deny. Two kingdoms subject to one sovereign, and having separate interests, must be liable to endless emulations and jealousies; and