A SCOTTISH MOTHER.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."]
Srs,—I have often read of the Scottish woman who told Robert the Bruce that six of her sons had been killed fighting for Scotland, but that if she had six more he should have had them, " that Scotland might be free"; also all Scots know the old song :- " I hae but ae eon, my bonny young Donald,
But if I had ten they should a' follow Charlie." I had, however, been inclined to put these down as historical and rhetorical flourishes until I came across a Scottish mother in real life this week, whose patriotism equalled anything told in history. I went into Cupar to make a business call in a small office, and in course of conversation asked the Scotswoman I was talking to, a perfect stranger to me, if she had any one " at the front." The answer of this noble and heroic woman (who was evidently quite unaware that she was giving expression to the spirit of Scotland springing up eternally through the centuries) was " Three eons have I given to the wars. Two have been killed, one at Loos and one later. Tho third is safe as yet, though he is in France. Sorely I grieved when I heard, but I do not grudge them. If I had ten sons I would give them all gladly for the defence of the country. I think shame of the women who hide away their men folk." This was said in a perfectly natural voice free from the slightest touch of flamboyance. With women like this, who bear men like these, why should there be any question of peace until we get full security for the future? I speak without embarrassment myself as having my only son spending his third winter in the trenches.—I any
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