The Keeldar Stone, by which the Northumbrian chief passed in his incursion, is still pointed out, as a boundary mark, on the confines of Jed forest, and Northumberland. It is a rough insulated mass, of considerable dimensions, and it is held unlucky to ride thrice withershins[77] around it. Keeldar Castle is now a hunting seat, belonging to the Duke of Northumberland.
The Brown Man of the Muirs is a Fairy of the most malignant order, the genuine duergar. Walsingham mentions a story of an unfortunate youth, whose brains were extracted from his skull, during his sleep, by this malicious being. Owing to this operation, he remained insane many years, till the virgin Mary courteously restored his brains to their station.
THE COUT OF KEELDAR.
NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED—J. LEYDEN.
The eiry blood-hound howled by night,
The streamers[78] flaunted red,
Till broken streaks of flaky light
O'er Keeldar's mountains spread.
The lady sigh'd as Keeldar rose:
"Come tell me, dear love mine,
"Go you to hunt where Keeldar flows,
"Or on the banks of Tyne?"
"The heath-bell blows where Keeldar flows,
"By Tyne the primrose pale;
"But now we ride on the Scottish side,
"To hunt in Liddesdale."
"Gin you will ride on the Scottish side,
"Sore must thy Margaret mourn;
"For Soulis abhorred is Lyddall's lord,
"And I fear you'll ne'er return.