Part 37

The life and character of Flora Macdonald exemplify how true it is, that, in the performance of daily duties, and in domestic life, the loftiest qualities of woman may be formed; for the hourly practice of self-controul, the exercise of judgment, the acquisition of fortitude, tend to the perfection of those virtues which ennobled her career. In all her trials she acted a woman's part. Her spirit was fortified by a strength that was ever gentle. She was raised by circumstances above a private sphere; when these ceased to actuate her, she returned cheerfully to what many might deem obscurity, but which she gladdened by a kind and cheerful temper. No vain-glory, no egotism, vulgarized her one great effort. The simplicity of her character was inherent and unextinguishable; and the deep interest which was attached to her character was never lessened by any display. Her enthusiasm for the Stuart cause ceased only with her life. When any person thoughtlessly, or cruelly, applied the term "Pretender" to the Prince whom she reverenced, her anger for a moment was aroused. But contention ill accorded with the truly feminine, yet noble and well-principled, mind of Flora Macdonald. Upon the error or truth of that belief in hereditary and indefeasible right which she entertained, it is of little moment, in estimating her virtues, to pass an opinion. Perhaps we may venture to conclude with Dr. Johnson, "that being in rebellion, from a notion of another's right, is not connected with depravity; and that we had this proof of it, that all mankind applaud the pardoning of rebels, which they would not do in the case of murderers and robbers."

FOOTNOTES:

General Stewart's Sketches of the Highlanders, vol. ii. p. 5. App.

See General Stewart's Sketches.

Chambers. Note, p. 106.

Lockhart's Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 540.

Stewart, vol. i. p. 105.

Brown's Highlands, p. 284.

Donald Macleod's Narrative, in Bishop Forbes's collection.

Home, App. p. 45.

O'Neil's Narrative.

Brown's History of the Highlands, p. 285, note, vol. iii.

Maxwell of Kirkconnel, p. 178.

Chambers' Traditions of Edinburgh, p. 255.

Eglintoune House was situated on the west side of the old Stamp-office Close, High Street. It is now occupied by a vintner.--Chambers' Traditions, p. 256.

Boswell, p. 320.

A Genuine Account of the Prince's escape.--Scots' Magazine for 1749.

Captain Roy Macdonald's Narrative. Forbes, p. 419.

Chambers. Edit. for the People, p. 101.

Note in Scots' Magazine for 1749; from a MS. by Colonel Macalister.

Donald Macleod's Narrative. Forbes, p. 391.

Boswell's Journey to the Hebrides, p. 207.

Chambers, p. 102, and note.

It was, (be it known, for the gratification of those curious in such matters,) "sprigged with blue."

Jacobite Memoirs, p. 448.

Forbes, p. 449.

Forbes, p. 413.

Curious Tracts in the British Museum, vol. iv. Scotland.