Part 23 (1/2)

692. =There are who have.= How does this differ from the prose idiom?

801. =pity 'twere such cheek should feel the midnight air.= Was there anything in the Highland character and training which would make these words seem particularly cutting? Notice how the insult is deepened later by the a.s.sumption on Rhoderick Dhu's part that Malcolm is capable of treachery toward Douglas and the Clan of Alpine.

809. =henchman.= This word is said to have been originally ”haunch-man”

because it was the duty of this retainer to stand beside his master's chair (at his haunches as it were) at the feast, in readiness to do his bidding or to defend him if attacked.

831. =Fiery Cross.= The signal for the gathering of the clan to war. The preparation and carrying abroad of this cross is described in the next canto.

CANTO THIRD

39. =cushat dove.= Better known as the ringdove.

63. =s.h.i.+vers.= ”Slivers” is the more common word, but the verb ”to s.h.i.+ver,” meaning to break in pieces, keeps the original meaning.

74. =Benharrow.= This mountain is near the north end of Loch Lomond.

87. =strath.= A wide open valley, distinguished from a glen, which is narrow.

104. =fieldfare.= A species of thrush.

116. =virgin snood.= See note to I, 363.

154. =River Demon.= Concerning this creature Scott gives the current observation: ”The River Demon, or River-horse, is an evil spirit, delighting to forebode and witness calamity. He frequents most Highland lakes and rivers; and one of his most memorable exploits was performed upon the banks of Loch Vennachar: it consisted in the destruction of a bridal party with all its attendants.”

156. =noontide hag.= A gigantic emaciated female figure which, contrary to the general rule of ghostly creatures, appeared in the full blaze of noon.

168. =Ben-s.h.i.+e's boding scream.= The ben-s.h.i.+e or banshee was a tutelar spirit, supposed to forebode by midnight howlings the death of a member of a family to which it was attached. The superst.i.tion is still prevalent in Ireland.

191. =Inch-Cailliach.= An island in Loch Lomond, used as a place of burial for several neighboring clans, of whom the descendants of King Alpine were the chief. The name means ”Isle of Nuns,” or ”Isle of Old Women.”

Stanza IX. Notice the change in the rime system which marks the break from flowing narrative to solemn dramatic speech, and is continued through the stanza to increase the effect of solemnity.

253. =Coir-Uriskin, thy goblin cave.= This cave and the pa.s.s of Beala-nam-bo were on the slopes of Ben Venue, a mountain near Loch Katrine. See notes to 622 and 664.

286. =Lanrick mead.= This meadow is still pointed out to the traveler on the road from Loch Vennachar to the Trossachs.

300. =dun deer's hide.= It was their shoes made of untanned deer's hide, with the hair outwards, which gave the Highlander's their nickname, ”Red-shanks.”

349. =Duncraggan.= A village between Loch Achray and Loch Vennachar.

369. =coronach.= Death-song.

386. =correi.= Scott explains this as ”the hollow side of the hill, where game usually lies.”

387. =c.u.mber.= Trouble, perplexity.

394. =Stumah.= The name of a dog, signifying ”faithful.”