Page:A Companion and Useful Guide to the Beauties of Scotland.djvu/146

128 so narrow, that it is probable it was only a gateway, and drawbridge. The chapel of Roslin has been the burying-place of the Sinclairs of Caithness for ages; but at present they have no property at Roslin.

As one generally learns the legend of the spot one visits, from some garrulous guide, that of Roslin Chapel must not be forgotten; but it was told in language so unintelligible, by the good wife who shewed it, that I fear my tale will be but imperfect. An abridgment, however, may not be amiss. I shall, therefore, only take up her tale from the apprentice's pillar; which is certainly very different from all the others.

The architect employed to build this chapel, could not discover the intent of the plan given him; he was therefore obliged to go to Rome to learn his lesson. In the mean time his apprentice, having more penetration than his master, discovered the design; and in the absence of the architect, wrought the pillar that goes by his name. When the master returned, and found that his lad had more skill than himself, he struck him a violent blow upon his temple, which instantly killed him.

Over what I suppose to have been the great