Minstrelsy of the Scottish border - National Library of Scotland

210 MINSTREI^SY OF
at length born, and their belief in the jirophecy confirm-
ed beyond a shadoAv of doubt.
Another memorable prophecy bore, that the Old
Kirk at Kelso, constructed out of the ruins of the Al)be3-,
should " fall -when at the fullest." At a very crowded
sermon, about thirty years ago, a piece of lime fell from
the roof of the church. The alarm, for the fulfilment
of the words of the seer, became universal ;
and happy
were they, who were nearest the door of the predestined
edifice. The church was in consequence desei-ted, and
has never since had an opportunity of tumbling upon
a full congregation. 1 hope, for the sake of a beautiful
specimen of Saxo-Gothic architecture, that the accom-
plishment of this prophecy is far distant.
Another prediction, ascribed to the Rhymer, seems
to have been founded on that sort of insight into futu-
rity, possessed by most men of a sound and combining
judgment. It runs thus :
At Eildon Tree if you shall be.
A brigg ower Tweed you there uiay see.
The spot in question commands an extensive prosjject
of the course of the river ; and it was easy to foresee,
that when the country should become in the least de-
gree improved, a bridge would be somewhere thrown
over the stream. In fact, you now see no less than three
bridges from that elevated situation.
Corspatrick (Comes Patrick,) Ear) of March, but
more commonly taking his title from his castle of Dim-