The Heart of Mid-Lothian

47

He meant, probably, stillicidium.

48

By dint of assiduous research I am enabled to certiorate the reader, that the name of this person was Saunders Broadfoot, and that he dealt in the wholesome commodity called kirn-milk (Anglice', butter-milk).— J. C.

49

The fact is certain. The single epistle was addressed to the principal director of the British Linen Company.

50

The last three days of March, old style, are called the Borrowing Days; for, as they are remarked to be unusually stormy, it is feigned that March had borrowed them from April, to extend the sphere of his rougher sway. The rhyme on the subject is quoted in the glossary to Leyden's edition of the 'Complaynt of Scotland'—

               [March said to Aperill,
                   I see three hogs upon a hill,
                A young sheep before it has lost its first fleece.
                   But when the borrowed days were gane
                The three silly hogs came hirplin hame.]

51

John Emery, an eminent comedian, played successfully at Covent Garden Theatre between 1798 and 1820. Among his characters, were those of Dandie Dinmont in Guy Mannering, Dougal in Rob Roy, and Ratcliffe in the Heart of Mid-Lothian.

52

Concealed a knife.

53

Lay ourselves down to sleep.

54

A homely proverb, signifying better wed a neighbour than one fetched from a distance.—Mixen signifies dunghill.

55

Author of the Union of Honour, a treatise on English Heraldry. London, 1641.

56

A proverbial and punning expression in that county, to intimate that a person is not very clever.

57

Crabbe's Borough, Letter xii.

58

See Horace Walpole's Reminiscences.

59

The hilly pastures of Buckholm, which the Author now surveys,—'Not in the frenzy of a dreamer's eye,'—are famed for producing the best ewe-milk cheese in the south of Scotland.

60

It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest.