141 



been the origin of the term as then applied to that district on the 

 Border, and such I beUeve — notwithstanding very learned opinions 

 given to the contrary — to have been the original significance of 

 the term as applied to the county in which we are. 



We have grouped together by the hand of a master, some of the 

 most prominent characters who formed the subject of Cumbrian 

 Border song, in the Lay of the Last Minstrel of Sir Walter Scott — 

 Buccleuch, Lord Howard or " Belted Will," and Lord Dacre, are 

 all brought before us in their character of Border chieftains. The 

 gathering of the Cumbrian and Scottish Border clans by the signal 

 of the long line of bale-fires* which, when occasion required, could 

 speedily send their light from the German Ocean to the Solway, is 

 there very forcibly illustrated ; while another name noted in Cum- 

 brian legend and song is introduced in the person of the world- 

 renowned wizard, Michael Scott. The terrible consequences that 

 resulted from the opening of his tomb at Melrose, may serve to 

 show what the Border ballad singers thought about his supposed 

 power of enchantment ; — though I may remark that another well 

 known Abbey — that of Holm Cultram, upon the Cumberland side 

 of the Border — lays claim to him as one of its prelates, and as 

 having furnished his last resting place when he died. 



This poem gives a vivid sketch of the scenes of warfare which 

 for many an age gave the tone and character to Cumberland songs, 

 ballads, and legends ; and Sir Walter Scott has incorporated into 

 the narrative old Cumberland ballads and songs which he obtained 

 upon the Border ready made to his hand. I may instance his 

 description of the gathering upon the Borders, his account of 

 Lord Dacre and Belted Will, and the song which he introduces — 

 "The Sun shines fair on Carlisle wall." 



Wat Tinlinn, who is introduced therein, may well serve as the 



* The startling suddenness with which the light of those Border bale-fires 

 rose at times upon the horizon is thus described in the Lay of the Last Minstrel. 

 Canto III., 25. 



Is yon the star o'er Penchryst Pen, 



That rises slowly to her ken, — 



And spreading broad its wavering light, 



Shakes its loose tresses on the night ? 



Is yon red glare the western star ? 



O, 'tis the beacon-blaze of war ! 



