in Scotland,- at that period. They were often beautifully fashioned, and ornamented with silver; and when blown by those well trained to their use, emitted a very martial, far-reaching, and by no means badly modulated sound.

Note 17. p. 69.

"And would delight to serve thee still,
With thy permission and good will ;
For such the office, followed long,

Of that stark Race I mix among," &c.

It was customary for this order of Spirits, after attracting the notice of those they wished to serve, by the unexpected performance of one or more friendly deeds, to reveal themselves either personally or by voice, and request permission to be allowed to continue their services. If this was granted, they manifested great joy, and always served with uncommon zeal and fidelity. If it was refused, they often resented the refusal as an insult, and became as actively hostile, as they before were disposed to be partially friendly. They were also at all times extremely susceptible of offence, even from those to whom they were most attached; so that it was a matter of no small difficulty to retain uninterruptedly their favour.

This, however, in its philosophical sense, means no more

was

than that it was difficult for the human race whom they served, to continue any length of time consistently in the course of thought and action which first gained their friendship. "The nature of Brownie," says Dalyell, pacific and munificent,-but, spite of his unwearied services, when offended once, he appeared no more."—Just like the “golden opportunity" of Fortune, whom men call fickle, when their own actions provoke her to withdraw it.

Note 18. p. 69.

"Gregor, of Alpine race most old,
Here long did my allegiance hold;

But, dwindled now from ancient fame,

Doomed stand they both in sway and name," &c.

The Gregors are accounted among the very oldest of the Celtic tribes that inhabited those regions; and hence they are called by way of eminence Clan Alpin, or sons of that alpine country first possessed by them. Some strange judgment seems to have impended over them from a very early period; for, but a few generations previous to the era of the Poem,—namely, the middle of the 15th century,they possessed the greater portions of Breadalbane, Balquhidder, and some other contiguous districts; but began then to dwindle, and continued doing so for about three centuries, when they may be said to have publicly expired

in the person of the celebrated Rob Roy. One powerful branch of their Clan resided in Glen-Strae; and a Chief of this branch actually fell by the arms of the Chief of Glen-Orchay, about the time that the villain M'Corquadale was slain, and his Clan broken and dispersed, for the treachery and murders truly ascribed to him in the Poem. Many touching legends exist concerning the M'Gregors during the long course of their extirpation; and among others the following, which, while it strikingly illustrates the manners of the period, displays as fine an instance of nobility of nature, as any with which Sir Walter Scott has adorned the character of his more modern hero :

A son of one of the Chiefs of Glen-Strae, chancing to be out hunting, met the young Laird of Lamond from Cowal, travelling towards Fort-William, and joined him to dinner on the Black Mount, some way from King's House. Quarrelling, however, after dinner, dirks were mutually drawn, and young M'Gregor was killed; upon which Lamond instantly fled, hotly pursued, towards the residence of his slain antagonist's father, and having with difficulty reached it, besought his hospitality and protection. “You are safe here, whatever you may have done,” replied the father, at the same time conveying Lamond into the house. The pursuers immediately afterwards arrived, announcing what had happened, and, backed by M'Gregor's distracted wife and children, demanding the fugitive, that he might instantly be put to death. But the old Chief, though weeping for the loss of his son, sternly refused to surrender the fugitive; but, desiring them to be silent,-" Let none of you," said he, "dare to injure the man. I have pro

mised him safety, and, as I live, he shall be safe while here." He entertained young Lamond hospitably, and afterwards, with a party, escorted him home. On bidding him farewell, 66 Now, Lamond," said he, "you are safe on your own land. I cannot, and will not, extend to you my protection farther. Keep away from my people; and may God forgive you for what you have done!" Shortly after, the name of M'Gregor was proscribed, and the aged Chief of Glen-Strae a wanderer, without a name or home. The Laird of Lamond had now an opportunity of partly discharging his obligation, by protecting M'Gregor and his family; and this he did in the most grateful and friendly

manner.

Note 19. p. 71.

"And thus base and degenerate grown,
Old eagle honour hence is flown," &c.

The whole picture of degeneracy among the Clans, and tirade against Churchmen as its principal authors, contained in this and the preceding and following Stanzas, is not only in keeping with the enmity entertained by the Pagan mythological Powers, against the Christian religion and its professors who were supplanting them; but also in barmony with the sentiments of many among the Clans them

selves, as to the degenerating effects upon them of the peaceful doctrines, and more artificial habits and manners, introduced and spread by Christianity. The works of many old Poets and Chroniclers are filled with complaints on this subject; and even so late as the end of last century, the Irish Historian O'Halloran, contrasting the effects on the Celtic Tribes of the old Druidic and subsequent Christian systems, does not hesitate thus to express himself:

"The reception of Christianity, was a mortal blow to the greatness of Ireland. This new religion introduced a kind of doctrine, before unknown to the people. Instead of those elevated notions of military glory, of intrepidity, and independence, so much cherished by their ancestors, they were now taught patience, humility, and meekness. Steady in acting up to whatever they held to be the truth, the Irish adhered to the letter of the law, and early began to reduce its tenets to practice. Hence it is, that we afterwards find their spirit turned into a new channel, and the sons and grandsons of princes and heroes, become schoolmasters and priests!"

It is the same view which leads young Orchay to complain of his father having become a Knight Templar, and gone abroad to jeopardize his own life and the existence of his Clan, as being kindred results of the same Churchpropagated deteriorating system.

Y