Sir David Bruce had also duly in readiness a very handsome town chariot, which he had caused to be built for the occasion. This was drawn by four handsome horses, and guided by two postillions, preceded by two outriders, and in the rere followed by two footmen on horseback, their housings ornamented with the Bruce crest in embroidery, and from each holster peeped forth travelling pistols, mounted in chased silver, and richly ornamented. The outriders had the additional appendage of belts slung from their shoulders, to each of which were attached small silver powder flasks, or priming horns. The same state attended upon the duke and duchess. Six running footmen, (the fashion of the day,) with ribbons streaming at their knees, and with long white walking-poles, entwined with ribbon and surmounted with favours, preceded the carriage of the duke, and as many were the precursors of the carriage in which were seated the duchess and the beauteous bride. Such was to be the pomp and procession destined for this illustrious bridal.
Old Cormac seemed resolutely determined that he at least should not be omitted in the _dramatis personæ_ of this most memorable day. At an early hour, therefore, with due intention of the full performance of his resolve, he was seen flitting from alley green to the dark embowered wood, bearing his constant companion, his harp; and as the old gardener somewhat quaintly expressed it, "he was for a' the warld like a hen on a het girdle!"
Old honest Cormac's intention could not long be mistaken or misunderstood; for soon with right shoulder forward, and strong intuitive confidence, he stoutly marched onward, nor did the veteran halt until he had reached Lady Adelaide's flower garden, where he was often accustomed to sit and play; where having arrived, he soon seated himself upon a rustic chair, beneath the casement of the Lady Adelaide's chamber, where anon he began to strum and tune his harp. The moment that the sightless bard had begun his minstrelsy, vocal and instrumental, it was with considerable delight and joy that he distinctly heard the casement window of Lady Adelaide to be thrown open. Meanwhile the lovely fair (in whose honest praise the poetic raptures of the ancient minstrel were composed) looked down upon her old, faithful, and favourite bard, while mirthfully he sung and accompanied the following:--