END OF VOL. XV.
[1] Absurd as this may seem, it is a FACT.
[2] Since the author of the "Tales of the Borders" first published the tale of "Grizel Cochrane," a slightly different version of it appeared in "Chambers' Journal." There is no reason to doubt the fact of her heroism; but we believe it is incorrect, as is generally affirmed, to say that she was the grandmother of the late Sir John Stuart of Allanbank. We may state that the author of these tales received a letter from Sir Hugh Stuart, son of Sir John referred to, stating that his family would be glad to have such a heroine as Grizel connected with their genealogy, but that they were unable to prove such connection.
[3] This kind of wound is called a "Lockerby lick"—the place which bears that name being in the immediate vicinity of the field of battle.
[4] "The music of the most accomplished singer," says Goldsmith, in his "Essays," "is dissonance to what I felt when an old dairymaid sang me into tears with 'Johnnie Armstrong's Last Good-night.'" Of this ballad only two stanzas (which are subjoined) have survived till modern times. The beauty of these only deepens the feeling of regret at the loss of the rest.
"This night is my departing night,
For here nae langer must I stay;
There's neither friend nor foe o' mine
But wishes me away.
"What I have done, through lack o' wit,
I never, never can recall:
I hope ye're a' my friends as yet—
Good-night, and joy be with you all!"