Proximate Landscape. 237 



large arch, and above it a balcony in order to enlarge 

 and improve the view." 



On entering the village, going towards Dalkeith, 

 the first thing that meets the eye is the announcement 

 regarding the " Gilmerton subterranean cave." This 

 cave was long considered a great curiosity, and was 

 visited by people from all parts of the country. It is 

 still shown to the public, and well repays inspection. 

 It is said to have been hewn out of the solid rock by 

 a blacksmith named George Paterson, who, after five 

 years' hard work, finished it in 1724. There he lived 

 with his family, and conducted his business as a 

 blacksmith till his death m 1735. Pennycuick, the 

 poet, left an inscription on it to the following effect : — 



" Upon the earth thrives villainy and woe, 

 But happiness and I do dwell below : 

 My hands hew'd out this rock into a cell, 

 Wherein from din of Hfe I safely dwell : 

 On Jacob's pillow nightly lies my head, — 

 My house when living, and my grave when dead. 

 Inscribe upon it, when I'm dead and gone, 

 ' I Hv'd and died within my mother's womb. ' " 



In the reign of David II. the barony of Gilmerton 



