THE LEGEND OF MICHAEL SCOT 201 



twelfth or thirteenth century, to which period this 

 legend is attributed. Behind this person is a white 

 horse rearing, and in the background a view of 

 Alderley Edge. The story is thus told of the 

 tradition to which the sign relates : 



* A farmer from Mobberly was riding on a white 

 horse over the heath which skirts Alderley Edge. 

 Of the good qualities of his steed he was justly 

 proud, and while stooping down to adjust its mane 

 previously to his offering it for sale at Macclesfield, 

 he was surprised by the sudden starting of the 

 animal. On looking up he perceived a figure of 

 more than common height, enveloped in a cowl, and 

 extending a staff of black wood across his path. 

 The figure addressed him in a commanding voice : 

 told him that he would seek in vain to dispose of 

 his steed for whom a nobler destiny was in store, 

 and bade him meet him when the sun was set, 

 with his horse, at the same place. The farmer, 

 resolving to put the truth of this prediction to the 

 test, hastened on to Macclesfield fair, but no pur- 

 chaser could be obtained for his horse. In vain he 

 reduced his price to half; many admired, but no 

 one was willing to be the possessor of so promising 

 a steed. Summoning, therefore, all his courage, he 

 determined to brave the worst, and at sunset 

 reached the appointed place. The monk was 

 punctual to his appointment. " Follow me," said he, 

 and led the way by the Golden Stone, Stormy Point 

 to Saddle Bole. On their arrival at this last- 

 named spot, the neigh of horses seemed to arise 

 from beneath their feet. The stranger waved his 

 wand, the earth opened and disclosed a pair of 

 ponderous iron gates. Terrified at this, the horse 



