Compulsive Hospitality

The lords of Newtvle, in Forfarshire, used to keep cannon pointed to the road near by their old castle, so as to
compel the wayfarers to come in be he regaled.

It is also worth telling, that the lairds of Hangingshaw, in Selkirkshire, kept a large goblet, known far and wide as The Hangingshaw Ladle,” which they administered full of ale to every person, of whetever degree, whether willing or unwilling, who entered the house.

A circumstance still more to the point is related regarding a former proprietor of Crichton Castle, in Edinburghshire. A stout baron, with a goodly retinue, having presumed to pass this person’s gates, without the usual homage of stopping to take refreshment, the Laird of Crichton mounted his horse, with all his merry men, and overtaking the reluctant traveller, brought him back, and threw
him, with all his attendants, into the dungeons of the castle. Afterwards, taking fear to himself for the result of
such a strange exploit, he liberated the traveller, and, planting him at table, endeavoured to restore him to good humour, by formally waiting upon him personally.

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