The iron clash, the grinding sound,
Announce the dire sword-mill.—P. [295]. v. 5.
The author is unable to produce any authority, that the execrable machine, the sword-mill, so well known on the continent, was ever employed in Scotland; but he believes the vestiges of something very similar have been discovered in the ruins of old castles.
No spell can stay the living tide.—P. [297]. v. 3.
That no species of magic had any effect over a running stream, was a common opinion among the vulgar, and is alluded to in Burns's admirable tale of Tam o' Shanter.
FOOTNOTES:
[77] Withershins.—German, widdersins. A direction contrary to the course of the sun; from left, namely, to right.
[78] Streamers—Northern lights.
[79] Urchin—Hedge-hog.