Download files
Complete book:
Individual page:
Thumbnail gallery: Grid view | List view
MADE BY CHARLES EDWARD STUART 17
who see things in their just proportions and understand
that glory won by true courage is not destroyed by the
caprice of fortune, and that merit lacks nothing so long as
neither pluck nor prudence are wanting. For myself, if
Edward had recovered the kingdom he deserved and was
now in London on the throne of his fathers, I might count
him more fortunate, but not more brave or prudent, nor
more deserving of the praise that is the right of virtue.
Indeed, to my mind, he might well be deficient in the
greatest of his quahties—I mean his steadfast and im¬
perturbable constancy in misfortune and adversity.
Neither his friends nor his troops have any share in this
quality.! It is a merit all his own and one that will give
ample material for my pen. Thus I am about to embark
upon a narrative admirable in its early stages, successful
and varied as it progressed, melancholy in its end, yet
throughout shedding endless lustre upon Edward and the
glory of his name. And before all else, in order to refute
the charge of rashness that has been brought against this
distinguished Prince by the ignorant, I will begin by
setting forth the reasons and motives that prompted the
enterprise.
From his boyhood Edward, called Prince of Wales, was
brought up never to abandon the desire and the hope of
recovering his kingdom. As a young man he was therefore
instructed in all the arts of government. Nature herself
had endowed him with the highest gifts that belong to the
most honoured Princes ; rare beauty and charm, combined
with the grave dignity that becomes a prince ; a character
high-minded, liberal, and lively ; an active mind, capable
not only of conceiving, but of carrying out the most daring
enterprises. Agile and strong in body, he was full-blooded
and energetic. He was also hard-working, neglecting
nothing that is expected of a king. Most notable was a
1 This statement is a remarkable one. Failure though the expedition was, it
at least stands out as an example of the steadfastness of many of the Prince’s
leaders and followers. ‘Imperturbable constancy’ may surely be credited to
such men as Lord George Murray, Lochiel, the Duke of Perth, and many others
of all ranks.
B
who see things in their just proportions and understand
that glory won by true courage is not destroyed by the
caprice of fortune, and that merit lacks nothing so long as
neither pluck nor prudence are wanting. For myself, if
Edward had recovered the kingdom he deserved and was
now in London on the throne of his fathers, I might count
him more fortunate, but not more brave or prudent, nor
more deserving of the praise that is the right of virtue.
Indeed, to my mind, he might well be deficient in the
greatest of his quahties—I mean his steadfast and im¬
perturbable constancy in misfortune and adversity.
Neither his friends nor his troops have any share in this
quality.! It is a merit all his own and one that will give
ample material for my pen. Thus I am about to embark
upon a narrative admirable in its early stages, successful
and varied as it progressed, melancholy in its end, yet
throughout shedding endless lustre upon Edward and the
glory of his name. And before all else, in order to refute
the charge of rashness that has been brought against this
distinguished Prince by the ignorant, I will begin by
setting forth the reasons and motives that prompted the
enterprise.
From his boyhood Edward, called Prince of Wales, was
brought up never to abandon the desire and the hope of
recovering his kingdom. As a young man he was therefore
instructed in all the arts of government. Nature herself
had endowed him with the highest gifts that belong to the
most honoured Princes ; rare beauty and charm, combined
with the grave dignity that becomes a prince ; a character
high-minded, liberal, and lively ; an active mind, capable
not only of conceiving, but of carrying out the most daring
enterprises. Agile and strong in body, he was full-blooded
and energetic. He was also hard-working, neglecting
nothing that is expected of a king. Most notable was a
1 This statement is a remarkable one. Failure though the expedition was, it
at least stands out as an example of the steadfastness of many of the Prince’s
leaders and followers. ‘Imperturbable constancy’ may surely be credited to
such men as Lord George Murray, Lochiel, the Duke of Perth, and many others
of all ranks.
B
Set display mode to:
Universal Viewer | 
Mirador |
Large image | Transcription
Images and transcriptions on this page, including medium image downloads, may be used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence unless otherwise stated. 
| Scottish History Society volumes > Series 3 > Miscellany of the Scottish History Society (Fourth volume) > (30) Page 17 |
|---|
| Permanent URL | https://digital.nls.uk/127652265 |
|---|
| Description | Edinburgh : Printed at the University Press by T. & A. Constable for the Scottish History Society, 1926. Contents: Commentary on the expedition to Scotland made by Charles Edward Stuart, Prince of Wales / by Guilio Cesare Cordara ; edited by Sir Bruce Seton -- The manuscript history of Craignish / by Alexander Campbell ; edited by Herbert Campbell -- Miscellaneous charters, 1165-1399, from transcripts in the collection of the late Sir William Fraser / edited by William Angus. |
|---|---|
| Shelfmark | SCS.SHS.90 |
| Additional NLS resources: | |
| Attribution and copyright: |
|
More information
|
|
| Attribution and copyright: |
|
|---|
| Description | Over 180 volumes, published by the Scottish History Society, containing original sources on Scotland's history and people. With a wide range of subjects, the books collectively cover all periods from the 12th to 20th centuries, and reflect changing trends in Scottish history. Sources are accompanied by scholarly interpretation, references and bibliographies. Volumes are usually published annually, and more digitised volumes will be added as they become available. |
|---|