scaffold.

When they ushered us forth it was yet starlight, but the day was coming
over the Forth. And the hum and confused noise of rustling and speech
told us of the presence of a great multitude of people about us. They
had indeed come from far, even from the wild Highlands, for such a
heading had not been known for years. Our keepers gave us a good room,
and an excellent breakfast was ready for us in a house contiguous to the
scaffold. When we came in, the Earl was at the head of the table, and
the gentlemen of his name about him, Anton and I standing apart by
ourselves. Then the Dean of Edinburgh, Mr. Annand, came and asked us to
be seated. Anton would not, but went to the window and stood commending
himself to the God in whose presence he was so soon to appear. However,
since it seemed to be expected of a gentleman to command his spirit
before death, for the honour of his party and cause, I sat me down with
the others, and ate more heartily than I could have expected, though the
viands tasted strange, dry, and savourless. They gave us also wine to
wash them down withal, which went not amiss.

When they saw that it was growing lighter, they put out the candles, and
we were brought down the stairs. When I came to the outside and heard
the murmur of the crowd, suddenly and strangely I seemed to be
breathing, not sweet morning air, but water chilled with ice. And I had
to breathe many breaths for one. There seemed no sustenance in them.

Now Cantyre, being a very great man, was allowed his chief friends to be
with him. Eight of them attended him in full mourning to the scaffold,
chiefly Montgomeries of Skelmorly and Campbells of Skepnish and
Dunstaffnage--all noble and well-set men. And Anton Lennox and I were
permitted to walk with him without any disgrace, but with our hats on
our heads and in our own best attire, which the Chancellor had allowed
to be provided for us. At least so it was with me. For Anton Lennox
would have none of these gauds, but was in an ordinary blue bonnet and
hodden grey. But for me, though I was to die for the faith, I saw no
reason why I should not die like a gentleman.

As we went by the way, the people hushed themselves as we came, and many
of them sank on their knees to give us a parting prayer to speed us on
our far journey. The Dean and other Divinity men of the ruling party
approached, to give us what ghostly counsel they could. But, as I
expected, Anton would have none of the Dean