[923] Description of the Western Islands of Scotland; including an account of the Manners, Customs, Religion, Language, Dress, etc., of the Inhabitants, by M. Martin, 1703.—Ed.
[924] In Johnson's Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland the following occurs in the section on "Icolmkill:"—"The place is said to be known where the Black Stones lie concealed, on which the old Highland chiefs, when they made contracts and alliances, used to take the oath, which was considered more sacred than any other obligation, and which could not be violated without the blackest infamy. In these days of violence and rapine, it was of great importance to impose upon savage minds the sanctity of an oath, by some particular and extraordinary circumstances—they would not have recourse to the Black Stones upon small or common occasions; and when they had established their faith by this tremendous sanction, inconstancy and treachery were no longer feared."—Ed.
[925] 1835.
Here on their knees, they swore, the stones were black,
Black in men's minds and words, ...
MS.
[926] 1835.
To saints, to fiends, ...
MS.