IN SIGHT OF SIX KINGDOMS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 193, 16 August 1871, Page 4

IN SIGHT OF SIX KINGDOMS.

o John Mackie, M.P. for Kikcudbrightshire, used to describe an extensive view which one of a friend's hills commanded. Tbis he never failed to call the attention of his English visitors to when the weather was clear. Willie, the shepherd, was always the guide on such occasions, as he knew precisely tbe weather that would suit. One forenoon an English friend was placed under Willies charge to mount the hill, in order to enjoy the glorious view. 'I am told shepherd you are going to show me a wonderful view., ' That's quite true sir.' ' What shall I see ? ' Weel, you'll see a feck (many) o' kingdoms, the best part o' sax, sir.' 'What the deuce do you mean shepherd ? ' ' Well sir, I mean what I say.' 'But tell me all about it.' Til tell ye naething mair, sir, until we're at the tap o' the hill.' The top reached, Willie found everything he could desire in regard to a clear atmosphere. ' Noo, sir, I hope you've got good e'en,' ' Oh my eyes are excellent.' Then that's a' recht (right) sir. Noo, div you see yon hills awa yonder ? ' ' Yes I do.' ' Weel sir, those are the hills of Cumberland, and Cumberland's iv the kingdom of England; that's ac kingdom. Noo, sir, please keep count. Then, sir, I must uoo trouble you to look ower (over) yonder. Div you see what I mean?' 'Yes I do.' 'That's a' recht. That's the Isle of Man, and that was a kingdom and a sovereignty iv the families of the Earls of Derby and the Dukes o* Athol, frae the days o' King David o' Scotland, if ye ken ony thing o' Scotch history.' 'You are quite right shepherd/: ' Quite recht div ye say ■ I wouldna ha brocht ye here, sir, if I was ito be wrang. Weel, that's twa kingdoms. Be sure, sir, to keep count. Noo, turn a ween about. Div ye see yon land yonder ? It's a bit ; farder,' but never .mind/that, *.sac langj as,' ye sefe it?' .'I see it distinctly.' ■ V ' Weei>* that's all that It careiaboot.' < Noo; 'sir, keep count, for that's Irelaud, and makes thre.e kingdoms ; the^snrtfe'trbiible albobt j the niest (nextycforsye're stannio-i on't — I mean Scotland.; that makes four

kingdoms ; div ye admit that, sir.* 'Yes, that makes four* and you have two more to show me.' ' That's true, sir, but don't be to sic (such) a hurry. Weel, sir, just look up aboon (above) your heed, and this is by far the best of a' the kingdoms ; that, sir, aboon is Heeven. That's five j and the sixth kingdom is that doon below yer feet, to which, sir, I hope you'll never gang ; but that's a point on which Icanna speak with oDy certainty.'