The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott ... Notes & life of the author.

jotte to Zap of the La nt RlUiitrl.
CANTO FIRST.
NOTE I.
The feast was over in Branksome tower.
In the reign of James I. Sir William Scott, of Buccleuch, chief of the
clan bearing that name, exchanged with Sir Thomas Inglis of Manor,
the estate of Murdiestone in Lanarkshire, for one-half of the barony of
Branksome or Branxholm, lying upon the Teviot, about three miles
above Hawick. He was probably induced to this transaction from the
vicinity of Branksome to the extensive domain which he possessed in Et.
tricke Forest and in Teviotdale. In the former district he held by occu.
pancy the estate of Buccleuch, and much of the forest land on the river
Ettricke. In Teviotdale, he held the barony of Eckford, by a grant from
Robert II. to his ancestor, Walter Scott, of Kirkurd, for the apprehending
of Gilbert Ridderford, confirmed by Robert III., 3rd May, 1424. Tradition imputes the exchange betwixt Scott and Inglis to a conversation, in
which the latter, a man, it would appear, of a mild and forbearing nature,
complained much of the injuries which he was exposed to from the
English borderers, who frequently plundered his lands of Branksome.
Sir'lilliam Scott instantly offered him the estate of Murdiestone, in exchange for that which was subject to such egregious inconvenience.
When the bargain was completed, he drily remarked, that the cattle in
Cumberland were as good as those of Teviotdale, and proceeded to commence a system of reprisals upon the English, which was regularly pursued by his successors.
NOTE Il.
Nine and twenty knights of fame
Hung their shields in Branksome Hall.
The ancient Barons of Buccleuch, both from feudal splendour, and from
their frontier situation, retained in their household, at Branksome, a num.
her of gentlemen of their own name, who held lands from their chief for
the military service of watching and warding his castle.
NOTE Ill.
And with Jedwood-axe at saddle-bow.
"Of a truth,b' says Froissart, "The Scottish cannot boast great skill
with the bow, but rather bear axes, with which, in, time of need, they
give heavy strokes."
NOTE IV.
They watch against Southern force and guile,
Lest Scroop or Howard, or Percy's powers,
Threaten Branksome's lordly towers,
From Warkworth, or Naworth, or merry Carlisle.
Branksome Castle was continually exposed to the attacks of the English,
both from its situation and the restless military disposition of its inhabi.
tants, who were seldom on good terms with their neighbours.
NOTE V.
While Cessford owns the rule of Car.
The family of Ker, Kerr, or Car, was very powerful on the Border.
NOTE VI.
His form no darkening shadow traced
Upon the sunny wall I
The shadow of a necromancer was independent of the sun. Glyeas in.
forns us that Simon Magus caused his shadow to go before him, making
pe)tle betieve it was an attendant spirit.
NOTE VII.
By wily turns, by desperate bounds,
Had baffled Percyv's best blood-bounds,
The Kings and heroes of Scotlard, as well as the Border-riders were