In Barnan wod he had his lugyng maid.—V. 692.
Birnane, Edit. 1594. This is evidently Birname wood, that has derived such celebrity from its connection with the history of Macbeth.
“The hill of Birnam, rendered classic ground by the magic pen of Shakespeare, rises with a rude and striking magnificence to an elevation higher than that of the Sidla hills in Forfarshire, opposite to it. A round mount at the bottom of Birnam hill in the south-east, is worthy of remark. It is faced with steep oaks [q. rocks?] except for a few yards where it was fortified by art. This eminence has been known for time immemorial, by the names of Court-hill, and Duncan’s-hill, and is believed to have been on some occasions occupied by the unfortunate Scottish king of that name. It looks full in the face, at the distance of about twelve miles, the celebrated Dunsinan-hill, the seat and fortress of Macbeth.” Stat. Acc. VII. 355. 374.
Fersly thai fled, as fyr dois out off flynt.—V. 746.
The reading in MS. is, Freschly thai ferd. But to this no meaning can be attached. I have therefore given it as in the editions. But I suspect that there has been some corruption of the original here, as fled is introduced in the next line.
Till Ardargan he drew him prewaly.—V. 768.
This, I suppose, must be the place now called Ardargie, in the Ochil Hills, parish of Forgandenny, Perthshire.
Apon the morn, with fyftene hundreth men,
Till Black Irnsyde his gydys couth them ken.—V. 785.