Field Meeting — Burnfoot. 145 



numerous handsome examples of Indian and Persian arms and 

 articles illustrative of native habits ; and the staircase is covered 

 with skins of lions, tigers, leopards, and zebras, trophies of the 

 chase accumulated during residence in Eastern lands. A choice 

 collection of Eastern antiquities includes a brick from Babylon, 

 with cuneiform inscription in seven lines, setting forth the name 

 and titles of one of the Kings Nebuchadnezzar; an Assyrian 

 marble, with figures in relief ; Egyptian and Indian carved work. 

 Native antiquities also are represented, among one of the objects 

 being a fine example of the old British targe ; and there are 

 numerous zoological specimens and a good collection of minerals. 

 An unexpected treat was afforded to the party by the sight 

 of the Otterburn relics from Cavers, Captain and Mrs Palmer 

 Douglas having very kindly brought over the treasured heirlooms 

 for their inspection. First in natural sequence we ought to 

 mention the gauntlets. The story attaching- to these is that Earl 

 James Douglas, having in 1388 made a raid across the border, 

 penetrated as far into Northumberland as the town of Newcastle, 

 and before its castle walls he hurled a personal defiance at Earl 

 Percy, who was in command of the garrison. 



" If thou'rt the lord of this castel. 

 Come down and fight wi' me, 

 For e'er I cross the Border fells 

 The tane o' us shall dee." 



He took a long spear in his hand. 



Shod with the metal free, 

 And forth to meet the Douglas then 



He rode richt furiouslie. 



But oh, how pale his lady look'd 



Frae atf the castle wa', 

 When doun before the Scottish spear 



She saw proud Percy fa'. 



Thus sings the ancient minstrel in the voluminous stanzas of 

 " Chevy Chase." This Earl Percy was the Hotspur whom 

 Shakespeare makes Henry IV. describe, with envious praise, as 



A son who is the theme of honour's tongue ; 

 Amongst a grove the very straightest plant. 



When he came down to encounter the Douglas in single combat 

 he carried on his lance his lady's favour, after the chivalrous 



