MICHAEL SCOTT. 203 



Now as to the Eildons, I do not exactly see what mo- 

 tive the wizard could have in cleaving them in three ; 

 I therefore rather lean to the story, which is still cur- 

 rent in the country, especially as it is very circum- 

 stantial, and most agreeable to sober reason. It runs 

 as follows : — 



Old Michael Scott, the wizard, whose fame as a 

 powerful magician had spread over most part of 

 Europe* (the same alluded to as having cleft the 

 Eildon Hills in three), was at continual feud with the 

 holy monks of Old Melrose, and constantly playing 

 his cantrips on them. They on their part were assi- 

 duous in using exorcisms, and such means as put 

 Michael Scott's power in some danger ; so the wizard 

 resolved that they should not have the light of the 

 sun during vespers, but that they should either abstain 

 from them altogether, or be put to the expense of oil 

 or candles. 



To effect his purpose, he summoned a spirit or imp, 

 or something very like a real devil, who was subject 

 to his bidding, and for whom he was obliged to find 

 constant employment. 



Him he commanded to place a mountain to the west 

 of the monastery, so as to intercept from it the rays 

 of the setting sun. The imp being ingenious, and 

 strong withal, looked around him, and found his affair 

 in the Cheviot Hills. Thither he hied, and with an 

 iron shovel, he took away from them at one scoop a 



Quel' altro Michele Seoto fu, chi veramente 

 Delle magiche Frocli seppe il Gioco." Dante. 



