Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/314

 x: 'she was uncertain if it were the gipsy, or her wraith. The most notable use of the word and the superstition in recent poetry is in Rossetti's 'King's Tragedy':—

l. 148. Æneid, III. 19

l. 159. 'This passage is illustrated by "Ceubren yr Ellyll", or the Spirit's Blasted Tree," a legendary tale, by the Reverend George Warrington, who says:—

'"The event, on which the tale is founded, is preserved by tradition in the family of the Vaughans of Hengwyrt; nor is it entirely lost, even among the common people, who still point out this oak to the passenger. The enmity between the two Welsh chieftains, Howel Sele, and Owen Glendwr, was extreme, and marked by vile treachery in the one, and ferocious cruelty in the other. The story is somewhat changed and softened, as more favourable to the character of the two chiefs, and as better answering the purpose of poetry, by admitting the passion of pity, and a greater degree of sentiment in the description. Some trace of Howel Sele's mansion was to be seen a few years ago, and may perhaps be still visible, in the park of Nannau, now belonging to Sir Robert Vaughan, Baronet, in the wild and romantic tracks of Merionethshire. The abbey mentioned passes under two names, Vener and Cymmer. The former is retained, as more generally used." — See the Metrical Tale in Sir Walter Scott's Poetical Works, vol. vii. pp. 396–402.'—

l. 161. By a victory gained at Maida, 6 July 1806, Sir John Stuart broke the power of the French in southern Italy.

l. 163. The Daoine shi, or Men of Peace, of the Scottish High-landers, rather resemble the Scandinavian Duergar, than the English Fairies. Notwithstanding their name, they are, if not absolutely malevolent, at least peevish, discontented, and apt to do mischief on slight provocation. The belief of their existence is deeply impressed on the Highlanders, who think they are particularly offended