Of ye hoos of Leir.”
The cloisters also show much fine carving. In the true Gothic, nature alone was imitated, which accounts for the endless variety of design. At the top of the east wall of the cloisters is an excellent representation of a negro’s grinning face; at the corner is seen the figure of a flying angel. The roof is quite gone, as are the pillars which supported it. The beholder realizes the ruin and decay more here than in any other portion of the abbey. The ornamentation of the central tower can best be seen from the cloisters. There is a legend that Cromwell once turned his cannon upon the abbey from Gattonside heights, and marks on the north wall are shown to carry out the tale.
Grand as is the interior, the visitor is more impressed by the massive yet graceful exterior, with its pinnacles, flying buttresses and its exquisite pillars and windows. The zealous Scottish reformers pulled down nearly all the statues, only two remaining, those of the Virgin and child, and of St. Andrew.
A famous and grotesque gargoyle, a pig playing upon bagpipes, projects from the roof in a noticeable manner.
West of the south entrance is a pedestal supported by the figure of a monk holding a scroll, on which is inscribed:
“Cu : Venit : Tes : Jeg : Cessabit : Umbra.”
(When Jesus came the darkness of the world ceased.)
On the opposite side of the doorway is another inscription held by the figure of an aged monk:
“Passens : c : q : ipse : voluit.”
(He suffered because he himself willed it.)