This is most probably for abandounly; signifying, “without regard to danger,” as it is indeed explained in the following line. In Edit. 1594, it is rendered,—All but abaissing; 1620 and 1648, abasing.
He bar a sasteing in a boustous poille.—V. 33.
A sting signifies a pole; but this sasteing must have been something fixed in a larger poille or pole. Norw. sjaastang is explained, “a pole wherewith skins are taken off or laid on smoky vents.” Sjaa itself signifies the skin taken from the stomachs of animals, of which parchment is made. V. Hallager Ordsamling. But as Scottish say signifies a water bucket, this may refer to the pole used for carrying it. The following definition might seem to throw light on this singular term. “So or soa, a tub with two ears to carry on a stang.” Ray’s Collection of North Country Words. The term was most probably pronounced saysting; as a, in our old writers, must often have been sounded ai.
The Aperse of Scotland left in cayr.—V. 170.
In MS. it is,—Prophesye out Scotland is left, &c.
As this has no meaning, I have altered it, according to the reading of Edit. 1594, 1620, and 1648:
The Apersie of Scotland is in greit cair.
Celimus was maist his geyeler now.—V. 234.
In editions Cellinus. In MS. the initial letter is wanting, as is generally the case in MSS. which were afterwards to be illuminated. But from the copies it appears probable that it was C. This name is certainly given figuratively, or in reference to some jailor, celebrated in the romances then in vogue. Or could the Minstrel allude to Celaeno, one of the fabled harpies? If so, Cellinus would perhaps be the original reading.