Walter Scott tells us another anecdote, of a less tragic nature, although he does not vouch for its authenticity. The story goes that the gallant Claverhouse had heard of the fame of a certain Lady Elphinstone, aged upwards of a century, and was very desirous to see her. Now the centenarian was a staunch Whig, and required some persuasion to induce her to receive the enemy of her party, but she, perhaps, had some feminine grain of curiosity in her composition, and was tempted by the notion of seeing the far-famed captivating monster.
In the course of conversation the soldier remarked that the lady, having lived so long, must have witnessed many wonderful changes. ‘Hout na, sir,’ answered the stout-hearted old Whigamore; ‘the warld is just wi’ me where it began. When I was entering life, there was ane Knox deaving[[2]] us a’ wi’ his clavers,[[3]] and noo I am ganging out, there is ane Claver’se deaving us wi’ his knocks.’
[2]. Deaving, i.e. deafening.
[3]. Clavers, idle chattering.
There can be little doubt the old lady’s courage and humour were equally appreciated by the General.
Lord Dundee married Jane, youngest daughter of Lord Cochrane, and (as before mentioned) granddaughter of the first Earl of Dundonald, by whom he had an only son, James, who succeeded to his father’s titles, but died a few months after.
No. 138.
FREDERICK, KING OF BOHEMIA.
Profile. Oval. Armour. White Collar, blue Ribbon and Order.