In the number of persons of all ranks who assembled at the same table, though by no means to discuss the same fare, the Highland Chiefs only retained a custom which had been formerly universally observed throughout Scotland.  ‘I myself,’ says the traveller Fynes Morrison, in the end of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the scene being the Lowlands of Scotland, ’was at a knight’s house, who had many servants to attend him, that brought in his meat with their heads covered with blue caps, the table being more than half furnished with great platters of porridge each having a little piece of sodden meat.  And when the table was served, the servants did sit down with us; but the upper mess, instead of porridge, had a pullet, with some prunes in the broth.’—­Travels, p. 155.

Till within this last century, the farmers, even of a respectable condition, dined with their work-people.  The difference betwixt those of high degree was ascertained by the place of the party above or below the salt, or, sometimes, by a line drawn with chalk on the dining-table.  Lord Lovat, who knew well how to feed the vanity and restrain the appetites of his clansmen, allowed each sturdy Fraser, who had the slightest pretension to be a Duinhe-wassel, the full honour of the sitting, but, at the same time, took care that his young kinsmen did not acquire at his table any taste for outlandish luxuries.  His Lordship was always ready with some honourable apology, why foreign wines and French brandy—­delicacies which he conceived might sap the hardy habits of his cousins—­should not circulate past an assigned point on the table.

NOTE 19.—­CONAN THE JESTER

In the Irish ballads relating to Fion (the Fingal of Mac-Pherson), there occurs, as in the primitive poetry of most nations, a cycle of heroes, each of whom has some distinguishing attribute:  upon these qualities, and the adventures of those possessing them, many proverbs are formed which are still current in the Highlands.  Among other characters, Conan is distinguished as in some respects a kind of Thersites, but brave and daring even to rashness.  He had made a vow that he would never take a blow without returning it; and having, like other heroes of antiquity, descended to the infernal regions, he received a cuff from the Arch-fiend; who presided there, which he instantly returned, using the expression in the text.  Sometimes the proverb is worded thus:—­’Claw for claw, and the devil take the shortest nails, as Conan said to the devil.’

NOTE 20.—­WATERFALL

The description of the waterfall mentioned in this chapter is taken from that of Ledeard, at the farm so called on the northern side of Lochard, and near the head of the Lake, four or five miles from Aberfoyle.  It is upon a small scale, but otherwise one of the most exquisite cascades it is possible to behold.  The appearance of Flora with the harp, as described, has been justly censured as too theatrical and affected for the ladylike simplicity of her character.  But something may be allowed to her French education, in which point and striking effect always make a considerable object.