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less when he dreaded he had met his match; and, even, then, it was only manoeuvre, to gain time, or to deceive. His flag approached the edge of the bog. Sir Robert held a flag sacred: had it borne by Clavers himself, he had honoured it. He demanded the purpose for which he came. 'I come,' said he, 'in the name of his sacred Majesty, and of Colonel Grahame, to offer you a pardon, on condition that you lay down your arms, and deliver up your ring-leaders.'-'Tell your officer,' said Sir Robert, 'that we are fully aware of the deception he practises. He is not clothed with any powers to treat, nor was he sent out to treat with us, and attempt a reconciliation. The Government against whom we hawe risen, refuses to redress our grievances, or to restore to us our liberties. Had the tyrant wished to render us justice, he had not sent by the hands of such a ferocious assassin as Claverhouse. Let him, however, shew his powers, and we refuse not to treat; and we shall lay down our arms to treat, provided he also lay down his. Thou hast my answer.'—'It is a perfectly hopeless case.' said Burley, while he called after the flag-bearer—'Let me add one word, by your leave, General. Get thee up to the bloody dragoon, Clavers, and tell him that we will spare his life, and the lives of his troops, on condition that he your Cavers, lay down his arms, and the
