Minstrelsy of the Scottish border - National Library of Scotland

398
MINSTRELSY OF
Frae yon deep glack, at Caila's back.—P. 391. v. 1.
Part of the Grampian mountains. Cafla appears as a pro-
montory, jutting out from the principal ridge towards the plain.
The Esk, if I recollect right, issues from behind it.
Thy mortal life to tyne.—P. 391. v. 2.
The vulgar idea is, that a spirit, however frequently it appear,
will not speak, unless previously addressed. It is, how-
ever, at the same time beheved, that the person who ventures
to speak to a ghost, forfeits his Hfe, and will soon lose it, in
consequence of his presumption.
His bridlefrae viy mow.—P. 392. v. 1.
The popular tradition is here faithfully described ; and,
strange to tell ! has not yet lost all credit. In the following
verses, the principal articles of the \'ulgar creed in Angus, with
""respect to this supposed being, are brought together, and il-
lustrated by %\xch facts as are yet appealed to by the credulous.
If I mistake not, none of the historical circumstances men-
tioned are older than half a century. It is only about thirty
years since the bridge referred to was built.
For sair-brizz'd back and banes.—P. 392. v. 2.
It is pretended that Kelpie celebrated this memorable event
in rhyme ; and that for a long time after he was often heard to
cry, with a doleful voice,
" Sair back and sair banes,
" Carryin' the Laird of Murphy's stanes !"
And it thai Kelpie nam't.—P. 392. v. 3.
A head, like that of a gorgon, appears above the arch of the
bridge. This was hewn in honour of Kelpie.
His shroud I had prejxir'd.— P. 393. v. 1.
A very common tale in Scotland is here alluded to by the
poet. On the banks of a rapid stream the Water Spirit was