MICHAEL SCOTT 193 



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 current in the country, especially as it is 

 very circumstantial, 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 

 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 quantity sufficient to form one of the hills, 

 which he deposited where he was commanded, and 



* " Quel' altro Michele Scoto fu, chi veramente 

 Delle magiche Frodi seppe il Gioco." DANTE. 



