James Peden

Among the many hiding-places to which this man occasionally retreated was the solitude of Sanquhar Glendale, about three miles to the east of Glendale stretches eastward, winding among the hills, for nearly three miles. The width of the glen at the bottom is in many places little more than five times the breadth of the brawling brook that rushes through it. Dark, precipitous mountains rise on either side from the level of the valley to an immense height. On the eastern extremity of the glen a cluster of hills gather to a point, and form an eminence of great height, from which a broad view of the surrounding country is obtained. Near the lower end of this defile, and where it terminates its winding course with one majestic sweep, reaching forward to the bleak moorlands beneath, Peen had selected for himself a place of refuge. This spot, deeply concealed by the green mantle of the forest, was known only to a few. It happened on one occasion that, having emerged from his covert, he stood for a moment by the margin of the wood, on the beautiful slope of the mountain above. It was in the balmy month of May; the forest was vocal with the sweetest music; the wild bees were humming among the honeyed blossoms of the hawthorn; the scented wind breathing over the fragrant heath was playing with the rustling foliage; the brook was murmuring in the ravine below; the lambs were gambolling on the lea; while on the distant hill the shepherd, wrapped in his plaid and followed by his dog, wound his way slowly up the steep ascent. The good man's heart was filled with rapture. Delighted, he cast his eyes over the charming variety of hill and dale, and then above to the glorious sun and all the splendid scenery of the sky. In the midst of this great temple of nature he experienced an unusual elevation of soul, and all the freshness and buoyancy of youth seemed once more to thrill his aged frame. Lifting his blue bonnet, and letting his silvery hair stream over his shoulders, he raised his trembling hands in praise and honor to God, whose works are truth and whose ways are judgment.