human
My dear Major, we must give up the place.
gpt
Is it even so? said Major Bellenden.
human
I was in hopes you had brought reinforcements and supplies.
gpt
Not a man--not a pound of meal,
human
Yet I am blithe to see you, returned the honest Major;
gpt
I have, myself, no choice, said Lord Evandale;
human
I am a prisoner, released on parole, and bound for Edinburgh. You and the ladies must take the same route. I have, by the favour of a friend, a safe conduct and horses for you and your retinue--for God's sake make haste--you cannot propose to hold out with seven or eight men, and without provisions-- Enough has been done for honour, and enough to render the defence of the highest consequence to government. More were needless, as well as desperate. The English troops are arrived at Edinburgh, and will speedily move upon Hamilton. The possession of Tillietudlem by the rebels will be but temporary.
gpt
If you think so, my lord, said the veteran, with a reluctant sigh,--
human
I know you only advise what is honourable--if, then, you really think the case inevitable, I must submit; for the mutiny of these scoundrels would render it impossible to man the walls.--Gudyill, let the women call up their mistresses, and all be ready to march--But if I could believe that my remaining in these old walls, till I was starved to a mummy, could do the King's cause the least service, old Miles Bellenden would not leave them while there was a spark of life in his body!