MICHAEL SCOTT. 183 



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

 motive 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 circumstan- 

 tial, 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 assiduous 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 con- 

 stant employment. 



Him he commanded to place a mountain to the west 

 of the monastry, 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 quantity 

 sufficient to form one of the hills, which he deposited 



* " Quel' altro Michele Scoto fu, clii veramente 

 Delle raagiche Frodi seppe il Gioco." Dante. 

 N 4 



