to a penitent of no small importance. This was an elderly man, of
a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of
which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over
his bosom. The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse
of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed
more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce
them when they were refused. The good nature of the expression was
so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of
character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue
resistance. Amongst the grey locks of this personage was placed a
small circlet or coronet of gold, upon a blue fillet. His beads,
which were large and conspicuous, were of native gold, rudely
enough wrought, but ornamented with Scottish pearls of rare size
and beauty. These were his only ornaments; and a long crimson robe
of silk, tied by a sash of the same colour, formed his attire.
His shrift being finished, he arose heavily from the embroidered
cushion upon which he kneeled during his confession, and, by
the assistance of a crutch headed staff of ebony, moved, lame and
ungracefully, and with apparent pain, to a chair of state, which,
surmounted by a canopy, was placed for his accommodation by the
chimney of the lofty and large apartment.

This was Robert, third of that name, and the second of the ill
fated family of Stuart who filled the throne of Scotland. He had
many virtues, and was not without talent; but it was his great
misfortune that, like others of his devoted line, his merits
were not of a kind suited to the part which he was called upon to
perform in life. The king of so fierce a people as the Scots then
were ought to have been warlike, prompt, and active, liberal in
rewarding services, strict in punishing crimes, one whose conduct