And to the viands before them with knife and with fork they beset them: Venison, the red and the roe, with mutton; and grouse succeeding; Such was the feast, with whisky of course, and at top and bottom Small decanters of sherry, not overchoice, for the gentry. So to the viands before them with laughter and chat they beset them. And, when on flesh and on fowl had appetite duly been sated, Up rose the Catholic Priest and returned God thanks for the dinner. Then on all tables were set black bottles of well-mixed toddy, And, with the bottles and glasses before them, they sat, digesting, Talking, enjoying, but chiefly awaiting the toasts and speeches. Spare me, O great Recollection! for words to the task were unequal, Spare me, O mistress of Song! nor bid me remember minutely All that was said and done o’er the well-mixed tempting toddy; How were healths proposed and drunk ‘with all the honours,’ Glasses and bonnets waving, and three-times-three thrice over, Queen, and Prince, and Army, and Landlords all, and Keepers; Bid me not, grammar defying, repeat from grammar-defiers Long constructions strange and plusquam-Thucydidean; Tell how, as sudden torrent in time of speat[7] in the mountain Hurries six ways at once, and takes at last to the roughest, Or as the practised rider at Astley’s or Franconi’s Skilfully, boldly bestrides many steeds at once in the gallop, Crossing from this to that, with one leg here, one yonder, So, less skilful, but equally bold, and wild as the torrent, All through sentences six at a time, unsuspecting of syntax, Hurried the lively good-will and garrulous tale of Sir Hector. Left to oblivion be it, the memory, faithful as ever, How the Marquis of Ayr, with wonderful gesticulation, Floundering on through game and mess-room recollections, Gossip of neighbouring forest, praise of targeted gillies, Anticipation of royal visit, skits at pedestrians, Swore he would never abandon his country, nor give up deer-stalking; How, too, more brief, and plainer, in spite of the Gaelic accent, Highland peasants gave courteous answer to flattering nobles. Two orations alone the memorial song will render; For at the banquet’s close spake thus the lively Sir Hector, Somewhat husky with praises exuberant, often repeated, Pleasant to him and to them, of the gallant Highland soldiers Whom he erst led in the fight;—something husky, but ready, though weary, Up to them rose and spoke the grey but gladsome chieftain:— Fill up your glasses, my friends, once more,—With all the honours! There was a toast I forgot, which our gallant Highland homes have Always welcomed the stranger, delighted, I may say, to see such Fine young men at my table—My friends! are you ready? the Strangers. Gentlemen, here are your healths,—and I wish you—With all the honours! So he said, and the cheers ensued, and all the honours,