I thought , where folk differed , it was the part of gentlemen to differ civilly ; and if I did not , I may tell you I could find a better taunt than some of yours . '' Alan had stopped opposite to me , his hat cocked , his hands in his breeches pockets , his head a little on one side . He listened , smiling evilly , as I could see by the starlight ; and when I had done he began to whistle a Jacobite air . It was the air made in mockery of General Cope 's defeat at Preston Pans : `` Hey , Johnnie Cope , are ye waukin ' yet ? And are your drums a-beatin ' yet ? '' And it came in my mind that Alan , on the day of that battle , had been engaged upon the royal side . `` Why do ye take that air , Mr. Stewart ? '' said I. `` Is that to remind me you have been beaten on both sides ? '' The air stopped on Alan 's lips . `` David ! '' said he . `` But it 's time these manners ceased , '' I continued ; `` and I mean you shall henceforth speak civilly of my King and my good friends the Campbells . '' `` I am a Stewart -- '' began Alan . `` O ! '' says I , `` I ken ye bear a king 's name . But you are to remember , since I have been in the Highlands , I have seen a good many of those that bear it ; and the best I can say of them is this , that they would be none the worse of washing . '' `` Do you know that you insult me ? '' said Alan , very low . `` I am sorry for that , '' said I , `` for I am not done ; and if you distaste the sermon , I doubt the pirliecue * will please you as little . You have been chased in the field by the grown men of my party ; it seems a poor kind of pleasure to out-face a boy .
Both the XXXXX and the Whigs have beaten you ; you have run before them like a hare .
Alan Campbells David General Highlands King Preston Stewart a-beatin pirliecue