Scotland/Scots > Life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor

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by woody eminences ; the bold pro*
montcry, opposed to the foa ning ecean,
and sometimes adorned by the castle of
a chieftain ; the still bosom of .the lake,
that reflected the surrounding land¬
scape ; and the dreaiy silence of the ca¬
vern,” were objects that influenced his
youthful feelings, disposing his mind to
the cultivation of gen-rous and manly
sentiments. These impressions were
never alter eradicated. They continued
to bless his temper, and t® give it a cast
of romantic chivalry, which he exem¬
plified in many of his future actions.”
Rob Roy being no.v determined to
follow the quiet avocations of a rural
life, rented a tract of grazing land at
Balquhidder, and for several years, pur¬
sued a quiet and inoffensive course. But
his cattle were often stolen, aiong with
those of nis neighbours, by hordes of
banditti from the northern shires, who
wasted the country. In order to pro¬
tect himself from these marauders, he
was constrained to maintain a select
party of men ; and to this cause may
partly be attributed the w.idike habits
which he afterwards acquired.
A considerable number of Macras,
from the western part of Ro^s, having