many Roman altars and monuments have been found in the vicinity.

Awoke, when Rokeby's turrets high.-P. 345.

This ancient inanor long gave name to a family by whom it is said to have been possessed from the Conquest downward, and who are at different times distinguished in history. The Rokeby, or Rokesby, family continued to be distinguished until the great civil war, when, having embraced the cause of Charles I., they suffered severely by fines and confiscations. The estate then passed from its ancient possessors.

What gales are sold on Lapland's shore.-P. 348.

Olaus Magnus states that the Findlanders were wont formerly to sell winds to merchants that were stopped on their coasts by contrary weather.

How whistle rash bids tempests roar.-P. 348.

That this is a general superstition is well known to all who have been on ship-board, or who have conversed with seamen. The most formidable whistler that I remember to have met with was the apparition of a certain Mrs. Leakey, who, about 1636, resided, we are told, at Mynehead, in Somerset.

Of Erick's cap and Elmo's light.-P. 348.

"Ericus, King of Sweden, in his time was held second to none in the magical art; and he was so familiar with the evil spirits, which he exceedingly adored, that which way soever he turned his cap, the wind would presently blow that way. From this occasion he was called Windy Cap."-Olaus Magnus.

The Dæmon-frigate braves the gale.-P. 348.

This is an allusion to a well-known nautical superstition concerning a fantastic vessel, called by sailors the Flying Dutchman, and supposed to be seen about the latitude of the Cape of Good Hope. She is distinguished from earthly vessels by bearing a press of sail when all others are unable, from stress of weather, to show an inch of canvas.

How, by some desert isle or key.-P. 348.

What contributed much to the security of the Buccaneers, about the Windward Islands, was the great number of little islets, called in that country keys. These are small sandy patches, appearing just above the surface of the ocean, covered only with a few bushes and weeds, but sometimes affording springs of water, and in general much frequented by turtle. Such little uninhabited spots afforded the pirates good harbours, either for refitting or for the purpose of ambush; they were occasionally the hiding place of their treasure, and often afforded a shelter to themselves.

Before the gate of Mortham stood.-P. 350.

The castle of Mortham, which Leland terms "Mr. Rokesby's place, in ripa citer, scant a quarter of mile from Greta Bridge, and not a quarter of a mile beneath into Tees," is a picturesque tower, surrounded by buildings of different ages. The battlements of the tower itself are singularly elegant, the architect having broken them at regular intervals into different heights; while those at the corners of the tower project into octangular turrets. A wall with embrasures encloses the southern front, where a low portal arch affords an entry to what was the castle court. At some distance is most happily placed, between the stems of two magnificent elms, the monument alluded to in the text. It is said to have been brought from the ruins of Eglistone priory, and appears to have been a tomb of the Fitz-Hughs. The situation of Mortham is eminently beautiful, occupying a high bank, at the bottom of which the Greta winds out of the dark, narrow, and romantic dell which the the text has attempted to describe.

And bid the dead your treasure keep.-P. 351.

If time did not permit the Buccaneers to lavish away their plunder in their usual debaucheries, they were wont to hide it, with many superstitious solemnities, in the desert islands and keys which they frequented. The most cruel of mankind are often the most superstitious, and these pirates are said to have had recourse to a horrid ritual in order to secure an unearthly guardian to their treasures. They killed a Negro or Spaniard, and buried him with the treasure, believing that his spirit would haunt the spot, and terrify away all intruders.

Of Brackenbury's dismal tower.-P. 355.

This tower is situated near the north-eastern extremity of the wall which encloses Barnard Castle, and is traditionally said to have been the prison.

In Redesdale his youth had heard.-P. 358.

The inhabitants of the valleys of Tyne and Reed were, in ancient times, so inordinately addicted to depredation, that in 1564 the Incorporated Merchant-adventurers of Newcastle made a law that none born in these districts should be admitted apprentice. The inhabitants are stated to be so generally addicted to rapine, that no faith should be reposed in those proceeding from "such lewde and wicked progenitors." This regulation continued to stand unrepealed until 1771.

When Rooken-edge and Redswair high.-P. 358.

Reidswair, famed for a skirmish to which it gives name, is on the very edge of the Carter-Fell, which divides England from Scotland. The Rooken is a place upon Reed-Water.

Of old, the cavern strait and rude.-P. 364.

The banks of the Greta, below Rutherford Bridge, abound in seams of a greyish slate, which are wrought in some places to a very great depth under ground, thus forming artificial caverns, which, when the seam has been exhausted, are gradually hidden by the underwood which grows in profusion upon the romantic banks of the river.

The Baron of Ravensworth prances in pride.-P. 372.

The ruins of Ravensworth Castle stand in the North Riding of Yorkshire, about three miles from the town of Richmond, and adjoining to the waste called the Forest of Arkingarth. It belonged originally to the powerful family of Fitz-Hugh, from whom it passed to the Lords Dacre of the South.

Who at Rere-cross on Stanmore meets Allen-a-Dale.-P. 372.

This is a fragment of an old cross with its pediment, surrounded by an intrenchment, upon the very summit of the waste ridge of Stanmore. The situation of the cross, and the pains taken to defend it, seem to indicate that it was intended for a land-mark of importance.

When Denmark's Raven soared on high.-P. 373.

About the year of God 866, the Danes, under their celebrated leaders Inguar (more properly Agnar) and Hubba, sons, it is said, of the still more celebrated Regnar Lodbrog, invaded Northumberland, bringing with them the magical standard, so often men tioned in poetry, called REAFEN, or Rumfan, from its bearing the figure of a raven.

Thundering o'er Caldron and High Force.-P. 373.

The Tees rises about the skirts of Cross-Fell, and falls over the cataracts named in the text before it leaves the mountains which divide the North Riding from Cumberland. High Force is seventyfive feet in height.

602

Fixed on each vale a Runic name.-P. 373.

The heathen Danes have left several traces of their religion in the upper part of Teesdale. Balder-garth, which derives its name from the unfortunate son of Odin, is a tract of waste land on the very ridge of Stanmore; and a brook, which falls into the Tees near Barnard Castle, is named after the same deity. A field upon the banks of the Tees is also termed Woden-Croft, from the supreme deity of the Edda. Thorsgill, of which a description is attempted in Stanza II., is a beautiful little brook and dell, running up behind the ruins of Eglistone Abbey. Thor was the Hercules of the Scandinavian mythology.

Who has not heard how brave O'Neale.-P. 375.

The O'Neale here meant, for more than one succeeded to the chieftainship during the reign of Elizabeth, was Hugh, the grandson of Con O'Neale, called Con Bacco, or the Lame. His father, Matthew O'Kelly, was illegitimate, and, being the son of a blacksmith's wife, was usually called Matthew the Blacksmith. His father, nevertheless, destined his succession to him; and he was created, by Elizabeth, Baron of Dungannon. Upon the death of Con Bacco, this Matthew was slain by his brother. Hugh narrowly escaped the same fate, and was protected by the English. Shane O'Neale, his uncle, called Shane Dymas, was succeeded by Turlough Lynogh O'Neale; after whose death, Hugh having assumed the chieftainship, became nearly as formidable to the English as any by whom it had been possessed. He rebelled repeatedly, and as often made submissions, of which it was usually a condition that he should not any longer assume the title of O'Neale; in lieu of which he was created Earl of Tyrone. But this condition he never observed longer than until the pressure of superior force was withdrawn. His baffling the gallant Earl of Essex in the field, and over-reaching him in a treaty, was the induction to that nobleman's tragedy. Lord Mountjoy succeeded in finally subjugating O'Neale; but it was not till the succession of James, to whom he made personal submission, and was received with civility at court.

The Tanist he to great O'Neale.-P. 375.

"It is a custom amongst all the Irish, that, presently after the death of one of their chiefe lords or captaines, they doe presently assemble themselves to a place generally appointed and knowne unto them, to choose another in his stead; where they do nominate and elect, for the most part, not the eldest sonne, nor any of the children of the lord deceased, but the next to him in blood,—that is, the eldest and worthiest, as commonly the next brother unto him, if he have any, or the next cousin, or so forth, as any is elder in that kindred or sept; and then next to him doe they choose the next of the blood to be Tanist, who shall next succeed him in the said captainry, if he live thereunto." was the heir-apparent of his power.-Spenser. The Tanist, therefore, of O'Neale,

His plaited hair in elf-locks spread.-P. 376.

The ancient Irish dress was (the bonnet excepted) very similar to that of the Scottish Highlanders. The want of a covering on the head was supplied by the mode of plaiting and arranging their hair, which was called the glibbe.

With wild majestic port and tone.-P. 376.

The Irish chiefs, in their intercourse with the English, and with each other, were wont to assume the language and style of independent royalty.

His foster-father was his guide.-P. 377.

There was no tie more sacred among the Irish than that which connected the foster-father, as well as the nurse herself, with the child they brought up.

Great Nial of the Pledges Nine.-P. 379.

Niell Naighvallach, or Of the Nine Hostages, is said to have been monarch of all Ireland, during the end of the fourth or beginning of the fifth century. He exercised a predatory warfare on the coast of England and Bretagne, or Armorica; and from the latter country brought off the celebrated Saint Patrick, a youth of sixteen, among other captives, whom he transported to Ireland. Neal derived his epithet from nine nations or tribes, whom he held under his subjec tion, and from whom he took hostages.

Shane Dymas wild, and Geraldine.-P. 379.

Shane Dymas, or John the Wanton, held the title and power of O'Neale in the earlier part of Elizabeth's reign, against whom he rebelled repeatedly. The O'Neales were closely allied with the powerful and warlike family of Geraldine; for Henry Owen O'Neale married the daughter of Thomas Earl of Kildare, and their son Con More married his cousin-german, a daughter of Gerald Earl of Kildare. This Con More cursed any of his posterity who should learn the English language, sow corn, or build houses, so as to invite the English to settle in their country. Others ascribe this anathema to his son Con Bacco.

In that old time to chivalry.-P. 380.

Originally the order of chivalry embraced three ranks:-1. The Page; 2. The Squire; 3. The Knight;-a gradation which seems to have been imitated in the mystery of free-masonry. But before the reign of Charles I., the custom of serving as a squire had fallen into disuse, though the order of the page was still, to a certain degree, in observance. This state of servitude was so far from inferring anything degrading, that it was considered as the regular school for acquiring every quality necessary for future distinction.

The ancient Hall before him lay.-P. 389.

The ancient castle of Rokeby stood exactly upon the site of the present mansion, by which a part of its walls is enclosed. It is surrounded by a profusion of fine wood, and the park in which it stands is adorned by the junction of the Greta and of the Tees.

Nought know'st thou of the Felon Sow.-P. 393.

The ancient minstrels had a comic as well as a serious strain of romance. The comic romance was a sort of parody upon the usual subjects of minstrel poetry. One of the very best of these mock romances, and which has no small portion of comic humour, is the Hunting of the Felon Sow of Rokeby by the Friars of Richmond.

The Filea of O'Neale was he.-P. 393.

The Filea, or Ollamh Re Dan, was the proper bard, or, as the name literally implies, poet. Each chieftain of distinction had one or more in his service, whose office was usually hereditary.

Ah, Clandeboy! thy kindly floor.-P. 394.

Clandeboy is a district of Ulster, formerly possessed by the sept of the O'Neales; and Slieve-Donard, a romantic mountain in the same province. The clan was ruined after Tyrone's great rebellion, and their places of abode laid desolate.

On Marwood-chase and Toller Hill.-P. 395.

Marwood-chase is the old park, extending along the Durham side of the Tees, attached to Barnard Castle. Toller Hill is an eminence on the Yorkshire side of the river, commanding a superb view of the ruins.

And Scotland's vaunted Hawthornden.-P. 396. Drummond of Hawthornden was in the zenith of his reputation as a poet during the civil wars. He died in 1649.

MacCurtin's harp should charm no more.-P. 396.

MacCurtin, hereditary Ollamh of North Munster, and Filea to Donough, Earl of Thomond and President of Munster. This nobleman was amongst those who were prevailed upon to join Elizabeth's forces.

O'er Hexham's altar hung my glove.-P. 420.

This custom among the Redesdale and Tynedale Borderers is mentioned in the interesting Life of Bernard Gilpin, where some account is given of these wild districts, which it was the custom of that excellent man regularly to visit.

A horseman armed, at headlong speed.-P. 426.

This, and what follows, is taken from a real achievement of Major Robert Philipson, called, from his desperate and adventurous courage, Robin the Devil.

THE LORD OF THE ISLES.

Thy rugged halls, Artornish ! rung.-P. 432.

The ruins of the castle of Artornish are situated upon a promontory on the Morven, or mainland side of the Sound of Mull, a name given to the deep arm of the sea which divides that island from the continent. The situation is wild and romantic in the highest degree, having on the one hand a high and precipitous chain of rocks overhanging the sea, and on the other the narrow entrance to the beautiful salt-water lake called Loch-Alline, which is in many places finely fringed with copse-wood. The ruins of Artornish are not now very considerable, and consist chiefly of the remains of an old keep, or tower, with fragments of outward defences. But, in former days, it was a place of great consequence, being one of the principal strongholds which the Lords of the Isles, during the period of their stormy independence, possessed upon the mainland of Argyleshire. castle of Artornish is almost opposite to the bay of Aros, in the island of Mull, where there was another castle, the occasional residence of the Lord of the Isles.

Rude Heiskar's seal through surges dark.-P. 432.

The

Seals display a taste for music, and will long follow a boat in which any musical instrument is played; and even a tune simply whistled has attractions for them.

O'erlooked, dark Mull! thy mighty Sound.-P. 434.

The Sound of Mull, which divides that island from the continent of Scotland, is one of the most striking scenes which the Hebrides afford to the traveller. Sailing from Oban to Aros, or Tobermory, through a narrow channel, yet deep enough to bear vessels of the largest burden, he has on his left the bold and mountainous shores of Mull; on the right those of that district of Argyleshire called Morven or Morvern, successively indented by deep salt-water lochs, running up many miles inland. To the south-eastward rises a prodigious range of mountains, among which Ben Cruachan is pre-eminent; and to the north-east is the no less huge and picturesque range of the Ardnamurchan Hills. Many ruinous castles, situated generally upon cliffs overhanging the ocean, add interest to the scene.

From where Mingarry, sternly placed.-P. 435.

The castle of Mingarry is situated on the sea coast of the district of Ardnamurchan. The ruins, which are tolerably entire, are surrounded by a very high wall, forming a kind of polygon, for the