Fleance, Banquo’s son, who escaped from the murderous designs of Macbeth, fled into Wales; where for some time he kept himself close, and having afterwards married Nesta, the daughter of Griffith ap Llewelin, prince of North Wales, he begat Walter, who returning into Scotland, suppressed the rebellion of the Highlanders with the reputation of so much bravery, and managed the king’s revenues in those parts with so great prudence, that the king made him _Steward_ of the whole kingdom of Scotland. Whereupon, this name of an office gave the surname of Stewart to his posterity: which, spreading through all parts of Scotland in many noble branches, and being advanced to several honours, hath long flourished there. Three hundred and thirty years ago, Robert Stewart, a descendant of this house, in right of Marjorie his mother, daughter of King Robert Bruce, obtained the kingdom of Scotland. ❦ [Sidenote: Uncertainty.] There are many people who falter and tremble as long as there is any mixture of doubt in their minds as to what they can, or what they ought to do, but who, the moment that doubt ceases, have power and will to dare every thing. ❦ _The Drowning Fly._ In yonder glass behold a drowning fly, Its little feet how vainly does it ply! Its cries we hear not, yet it loudly cries; And gentle hearts can feel its agonies. Poor helpless victim! and will no one save? Will no one snatch thee from the threat’ning wave? Is there no friendly hand, no helper nigh? And must thou, little struggler, must thou die? Thou shalt not, whilst this hand can set thee free, Thou shalt not die; this hand shall rescue thee. My finger’s tip shall prove a friendly shore; There, trembler, all thy dangers now are o’er. Wipe thy wet wings, and banish all thy fear; Go, join thy num’rous kindred in the air. Away it flies, resumes its harmless play, And lightly gambols in the golden ray. Smile not, spectators, at this humble deed; For you, perhaps, a nobler task’s decreed! ❦ [Sidenote: Mulgrave Family.]