132 



Western Islands, in the number of which it is well known the Isle of 

 Lewis is included." But why Lewis ? Evidently for the sake of 

 rhyming with Sir Bewis. Had the third line runs thus, 



Like Samson, Wallace, and the Bruce, 



the next would have followed, 



And Fyn-Mac-Cowl beside Dunluce : 



with full as much propriety. But granting that Fyn, on account 

 of some legend, were more properly spoken of in connexion with the 

 Lewis, still this circumstance would no more determine his country, 

 than the placing of Samson in connexion with Wallace, would de- 

 monstrate the slayer of the Philistines to be a native of Scotland. 

 Nelson of the Nile, was not an Egyptian; nor was Wellington of 

 Waterloo, born in the Netherlands. 



Sir John's next proof is taken from some lines addressed by Kirk, 

 to his translation of the Psalms of David, published at Edinburgh in 

 Gaelic, anno 1684. 



" Little volume go boldly forth. 

 Raise whom you reach to pure and godly strains ; 

 Hail the generous land of Fingal's heroes. 

 The Highland tracts and isles of the Hebrides." 



These lines are given as the literal Aversion of four lines in Gaelic. 

 The t\yo last lines in the original are these : 



" Cuir failte ar fonn fial nab fionn, 

 Ar gharbh chriocha is Inseabh Gall." 



