e appears to have been impressed in a favourable manner
with the ingenuity of the machine, and gave directions for a model of it
to be made, and on his return home, in the year 1565, he had a similar
gibbet constructed. On account of remaining so long before it was used,
so runs the popular story, it was known as "The Maiden." Dr. Charles
Rogers says that its appellation is from the Celtic _mod-dun_,
originally signifying the place where justice was administered.[26] It
is generally believed that the first victim beheaded at the Maiden was
the Earl of Morton himself, but such was not the case, for he did not
suffer death by it until June 2nd, 1581. He ruled Scotland for ten
years, winning the approbation of Queen Elizabeth, but finally he fell a
victim to the court faction. It has been said that probably it could not
have availed against him but for his own greed and cruelty. In trying
to picture the scene of Morton's execution, says a painstaking author,
it must have been a striking sight when the proud, stern, resolute face,
which had frowned so many better men down, came to speak from the
scaffold, protesting his innocence of the crime for which he had been
condemned, but owning sins enough to justify God for his fate.[27] He
died by the side of the City Cross, in the High Street, Edinburgh, and
for the next twelve months his head garnished a pinnacle on the
neighbouring Tolbooth.

[Illustration: THE SCOTTISH MAIDEN.]

It is agreed by authorities that the first time the Maiden was used was
at the execution of the inferior agents in the assassination of Rizzio,
which occurred at Holyrood Palace, on the 9th of March, 1566.

The list of those who have suffered death at the Maiden extends to at
least one hundred and twenty names, not a few of whom Scotland delights
to honour, including Sir John Gordon, of Haddo; President Spottiswood,
the Marquis and the Earl of Argyle.

[Illustration: EXECUTION OF THE EARL OF ARGYLE.]

The unfortunate Earl of Argyle met his doom with firmness; when laying
his head on the grim instrument of death, he said it was "a sweet
Maiden, whose embrace would waft his soul into heaven." The tragic story
of the Earl of Argyle has been ably told by Mr. David Maxwell, C.E., and
his iniquitous death is one of many dark passages in the life of James
II.[28]

In 1710, the use of the Maiden was discontinued. It now finds a place
and attracts much attention in the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries