And aw for rest made boun.—P. [385]. v. 2.
All commonly occurs in our old writers. But aw is here used, as corresponding with the general pronunciation in Scotland; especially as it has the authority of Dunbar, in his Lament for the Deth of the Makaris.
His form a gaist uprear'd.—P. [385]. v. 8.
It is believed in Angus, that the spirit of the waters appears sometimes as a man, with a very frightful aspect; and, at other times, as a horse. The description, here given, must therefore be viewed as the offspring of fancy. All that can be said for it is, that such attributes are selected as are appropriate to the scenery.
Twa huge horse-mussells glar'd.—P. [386]. v. 1.
South-Esk abounds with the fresh water oyster, vulgarly called the horse-mussel; and, in former times, a pearl fishery was carried on here to considerable extent.
Frae yon deep glack, at Catla's back.—P. [387]. v. 1.
Part of the Grampian mountains. Catla appears as a promontory, jutting out from the principal ridge, towards the plain. The Esk, if I recollect right, issues from behind it.
Thy mortal life to tyne.—P. [387]. v. 2.
The vulgar idea is, that a spirit, however frequently it appear, will not speak, unless previously addressed. It is, however, at the same time believed, that the person, who ventures to speak to a ghost, will soon forfeit his life, in consequence of his presumption.