# XV: Bids Farewell to a Scots Laird explained — Midwinter

> Chapter companion for Midwinter by John Buchan.

## What happens

Alastair, accompanied by the Spainneach, encounters Charles Hay and his troop of Elcho's Horse on the road to Brightwell. They plan to apprehend the traitor Kyd. At Brightwell, they confront Kyd, who pleads his case with a sentimental appeal to patriotism. The Duchess Kitty of Queensberry condemns him to exile, and Mr. Johnson denounces his cant. Edom Lowrie, despite Alastair's offer, remains loyal to Kyd's service.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Kyd's betrayal of the Jacobite cause is contrasted with Edom Lowrie's steadfast loyalty to his family and master.

### Deception and Disguise

Kyd's sentimental plea for mercy is exposed as cant by Johnson, revealing the deception behind his patriotic words.

### Honor and Duty

Alastair and Charles Hay act out of a sense of duty to the Prince and justice, while Edom Lowrie's duty to his family name overrides political allegiance.

## Character check-ins

### Alastair Maclean

Rides with the Spainneach, meets Charles Hay, and leads the confrontation with Kyd at Brightwell.

### Charles Hay

Commands a patrol of Elcho's Horse; agrees to assist Alastair in capturing Kyd.

### Mr. Nicholas Kyd

Confronted at Brightwell; pleads for mercy with a sentimental appeal to Scotland, but is condemned to exile.

### Kitty of Queensberry

Pronounces judgment on Kyd, vowing to ensure his permanent exile.

### Mr. Samuel Johnson

Denounces Kyd as a 'canting rogue' and delivers a famous rebuke about patriotism.

### Edom Lowrie

Remains loyal to Kyd despite Alastair's offer, citing family tradition and service.

## Key lines

> With you, sir, patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Johnson accuses Kyd of using love of country as a cover for his villainy.

_A famous line from the chapter, encapsulating Johnson's contempt for Kyd's hypocrisy._

> I'm like auld Lockhart o' Carnwath—my heart can hold just the one land at a time.

Kyd claims his loyalty is solely to Scotland, not to any political faction.

_Kyd's attempt to justify his actions by appealing to Scottish patriotism._

> It's no a sma' thing like poalitics that'll gar a Kyd and a Lowrie take different roads.

Edom Lowrie declares that family loyalty outweighs political differences.

_Edom's decision to remain with Kyd despite Alastair's offer, highlighting the theme of loyalty._

## Links

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