[6] (See Oxonian in Norway, second edition, p. 170.) Close to this desolate spot lives the möller-gut (miller’s lad) as he is called, whose real name is Tarjei Augaardson. This man is a famous fiddler. His countryman, Ole Bull, hearing of his musical talents, sent for him, and he often played in public at Christiania and Bergen. He now only exercises his talents at bryllups (weddings), receiving at times ten dollars and upwards, which are chiefly contributed by the guests. With the money earned by him in the capital he bought a farm in this desolate spot; but he seems but ill-adapted for the bonder’s life, and is much in debt. Could not he emulate Orpheus, and set some of these rocks dancing off which now encumber the land?
[7] “Yea” and “nay,” in Wiclif’s time, and a good deal later, were the answers to questions framed in the affirmative. “Will he come?” To this would have been replied “yea” and “nay,” as the case might be. But “Will he not come?” To this the answer would have been “yes” or “no.” Sir T. More finds fault with Tyndal that in his translation of the Bible he had not observed this distinction, which was evidently going out even then,—that is, in the reign of Henry VIII.; and, shortly after, it was quite forgotten.—Trench’s Study of Words.
[8] “Under circumstances of most privation I found no comfort so welcome as tea. We drank immoderately of it, and always with advantage.”—Dr. Kane’s Arctic Voyage.
[9] The greatest height at which grouse have been seen was by Schlagentweit in the Himalaya, 11,000 feet above the sea.
[10] Many of these stones are so nicely balanced, that they may be moved without losing their equilibrium. Hence they are called Rokke-steene (rocking-stones). Formerly they were looked upon as ancient funereal monuments, like similar upright stones in Great Britain and elsewhere. Lieut. Mawry, who overturned the Logan stone, and was forced to set it up again at his own expense, might indulge his peculiar tastes with impunity in this country.
Anton Shiel he loves not me,
For I gat two drifts of his sheep.
Border Ballad.
[12] Tordenskiold was a renowned admiral. According to tradition, he never would have a man on board his ship who would not stand up at a few paces with outstretched arm, and a silver coin in his fingers, and let him have a shot at it. The Norwegian still considers it an honour to trace his descent from one who served under Tordenskiold.