The list of those who have suffered death at the Maiden extends to at least one hundred and twenty names, not a few of whom Scotland delights to honour, including Sir John Gordon, of Haddo; President Spottiswood, the Marquis and the Earl of Argyle.
The unfortunate Earl of Argyle met his doom with firmness; when laying his head on the grim[133] instrument of death, he said it was "a sweet Maiden, whose embrace would waft his soul into heaven." The tragic story of the Earl of Argyle has been ably told by Mr. David Maxwell, C.E., and his iniquitous death is one of many dark passages in the life of James II.[28]
In 1710, the use of the Maiden was discontinued. It now finds a place and attracts much attention in the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, at Edinburgh.
EXECUTION OF THE EARL OF ARGYLE.
FOOTNOTES:
[26] Rogers's "Social Life in Scotland," 1884.
[27] Chambers's "Book of Days," Vol. I., page 728.
[28] David Maxwell's "Bygone Scotland," 1894.