History of the Frasers of Lovat

176 HISTORY OF THE FRASERS.
honestly by such a treasure, he was suspected of having
stolen it, and was put to the torture to extract a confession.
His obstinacy, however, baffled his tormentors, and he
ultimately died in chains, in the vault of Beauly, carrying
his secret along - with him, and leaving his wealth to his
family, six of his daughters, not long after his death, having
married well to-do men in good positions. It is remarkable
how much religion, superstition, and cruelty went hand-in-
hand in those days, and indeed for generations afterwards,
even amongst the most highly educated.
In February, 1646, Lord Lovat finding himself getting
every day weaker and realising that his end was near, called
his three surviving sons to the sick chamber in presence of
the ministers who were never absent from his room, and
addressed them in the following terms, preserved in writing
by one of the clergymen present on the occasion : —
" My dear children, I go this day the way of all the earth. I am
the man that has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath, and God
only supported me. The death of an excellent wife and hopeful
children I felt severely, but I have fought a good fight, and I know
there is a crown of Righteousness laid up for me. Beware of the sins
of the persons with whom you are, and the time and places where you
are. Be sober, temperate, and chaste, and as you wish that others
should do unto you do you so unto them. Fear God and honour the
king, and meddle not with them that are given to changes. The way
to reform others is to reform yourselves. Keep the honour, antiquity,
and true history of your ancient family still in your view. Encourage
virtue in every one, vice in no one. God preserve you from being
tainted with the corruption of the times. My son Alexander, thou
wilt be great and have many advantages, and a happy, flourishing and
peaceable time when these storms blow over, but it is my fear that
thou wilt want management and skill to improve these advantages.
Easiness and credulity are the bane of many. Give a deaf ear to
sycophants. What was your brother Hugh's ruin I am afraid will be
thine. Prepare to die for you will never reach my days. My son
Tom, thou wilt wrestle with the world, but thou wilt be the man yet,
live long, and see many days. And from thy loins shall they come
who will do great things. Thy temperance and moderation will
lengthen thy days. My son James, thou art my youngest, thou wilt
appear on the stage and then vanish."
His Lordship then blessed his children, took leave of his