8 DIARY OF PATRICK GORDON. [1653 Latlne in the Colledge, only had enquired and written downe some words

Passages from the diary of General Patrick Gordon of Auchleuchries : A.D. 1635-A.D. 1699"

8 DIARY OF PATRICK GORDON. [1653

Latlne in the Colledge, only had enquired and written downe some words
necessary for askeing the way, victualls, and such like. My portmantell 1
carved for ease on my back, betwixt villages, or when I did see no body ;
but comeing to any village or meeting any body, I took it under my arme.
Thus accoutred I went privately round the old towne, P. Menezes only
convoying me to the high way. I walked the well knowne way through
the wood to Frawensberg, pleasing my self either with trifling fancies or
such objects as offered in the way.

Being come to Frawensberg, I resolved not to go to Father Blackball for
fear of being chidden for leaving the Colledge, he haveing alwayes diswaded
me from takeing any other course as to be a scholler and turne religious.
And so excuseing my self to him hereafter by a letter, pretending my being
in company who would by no means make any stopp there, I went through
the towne without going in any where ; and keeping the high roadc, about
half a mile off", I did meet a coach with some gentlemen in it, who, stopping,
look't very ernestly upon me, and asked me in Dutch something, which I
not understanding passed by on my way. A mile and a halfe further, at
the entring of a wood the way divideing, I was doubtful! which to hold, yet
the midle being the liklyest I entred that. After I had gone a pretty way
into the wood, and doubting whether I was right or not, I began with
serious thoughts to consider my present condition, calling to mind from
whence I was come, from my most loveing parents and friends, and where I
was now, among strangers, whose language I understood not, travelling my
self knew not well whither, haveing but seven doliers by me which could
not last long, and when that was gone, I knew not ^^ here to gett a farthing
more for the great jorney and voyage wliich I intended. To serve or work
I thought it a disparagement, and to begg a greater. With those and
such like thoughts I grew so pensive and sadd, that, sitting downe, I began
to lament and bewalle my miserable condition. Then, haveing my recourse
to God Almighty, I, \Nith many teares, implored h:s assistance, cravving
also the intercession of the Blessed Virgin and all the Saincts in heaven.
Then getting up, I went forward, continuing in prayer with great fervency,
when on a suddaine, from the right hand, came an old man rideing, whose
gray haires might exact and force reverence from the haughtiest heart.
He, seing me crying, in crossing my way said to me in Dutch, which I
understood so : Cry not my child ; God will comfort you. I was very
astonished at his suddaine appearance and words, and also ashamed that any