5

278 NOTEiS.
Dr. Smith is, that Beal and Teiitates are attributes of the same
god, in after times individually deified; but they are no more
s/noaimes than Areltenens and Intonsus.
Note XXXIV.—Page 116.
Cam Lhadron.—The reader will here notice a word of the
same import with the Roman Latro. The similarity betweea
the Greek, Roman, and Gaelic languages, is strongly marked.
This Gaelic word has also got into our colloquial language ; for
there is nothing more common among the vulgfir, than to call a
worthless person o. filthy laydron. The Celtic language only
gare way, on the continent of Europe, in Britain and Ireland,
la. proportion as the Gothic encroached ; and hence the Celtic
language was not expelled, but merely gothicized, as will most
obTiousIy appear to any one acquainted with the structure of
these languages. It would be in vain to search for the radix of
Laydron in the Gothic language.
Note XXXV.—Page 116.
Otter.—The proper signification of this word is a rock.^ or
shelve, projecting into the sea. (jun.otler, in the vicinity of
Stonehaven, is a noble illustration of this analysis, both in name
and situation. Dun-otter literally signifies the ybrf on the rock
projecting into the sea.
Note XXXVT.—Page 117.
Between Bel's two fires,—As Mr. Toland, tit
his note on this
passage, informs us, the Irish phrase is Ittir dha theine Bheil,
Dr. Smith has also given us the Scottish phrase, Gabha Bheil^
i, e, the jeopardy of Bel. Both agree that these expressions de»
note one in the most imminent danger. Mr. Toland says Ihs
men and beasts to be sacrificed passed between two fires, aiul
that hence the proverb originated. Doctor Smith, on the con.
trary, imagines that this was one of the Druidical ordeals,
whsreby ciiminaU were triefl; and, instead of making them