h nan Fonn (i.e. of
the songs), and when he has drunk the juice, bid him keep, for the sake
of Vich Ian Vohr, the shell of the gourd which contained it.' The gift
was received by Mac-Murrough with profound gratitude; he drank the wine,
and, kissing the cup, shrouded it with reverence in the plaid which
was folded on his bosom. He then burst forth into what Edward justly
supposed to be an extemporaneous effusion of thanks, and praises of his
Chief. It was received with applause, but did not produce the effect
of his first poem. It was obvious, however, that the clan regarded
the generosity of their Chieftain with high approbation. Many approved
Gaelic toasts were then proposed, of some of which the Chieftain gave
his guest the following versions:--'To him that will not turn his back
on friend or foe.' 'To him that never forsook a comrade.' 'To him that
never bought or sold justice.' 'Hospitality to the exile, and broken
bones to the tyrant.' 'The lads with the kilts.' 'Highlanders, shoulder
to shoulder,'--with many other pithy sentiments of the like nature.

Edward was particularly solicitous to know the meaning of that song
which appeared to produce such effect upon the passions of the
company, and hinted his curiosity to his host. 'As I observe,' said
the Chieftain, 'that you have passed the bottle during the last
three rounds, I was about to propose to you to retire to my sister's
tea-table, who can explain these things to you better than I can.
Although I cannot stint my clan in the usual current of their festivity,
yet I neither am addicted myself to exceed in its amount, nor do I,'
added he, smiling, 'keep a Bear to devour the intellects of such as can
make good use of them.'

Edward readily assented to this proposal, and the Chieftain, saying a
few words to those around him, left the table, followed by Waverley. As
the door closed behind them, Edward heard Vich Ian Vohr's health invoked
with a wild and animated cheer, that expressed the satisfaction of the
guests, and the depth of their devotion to his service.

CHAPTER XXI

THE CHIEFTAIN'S SISTER

The drawing-room of Flora Mac-Ivor was furnished in the plainest and
most simple manner; for at Glennaquoich every other sort of expenditure
was retrenched as much as possible, for the purpose of maintaining, in
its full dignity, the hospitality of the Chieftain, and retaining and
multiplying the number of his dependants and adherents. But there was no
appeara