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

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CANTO SIXr..
NOTE I.
She wrought not by forbidden spell.
Popular belief, though contrary to the doctrines of the churth, made a
favourable distinction betwixt magicians, and necromancers or wizards;
the former were supposed to command evil spirits, and the latter to serve,
or at least to be in league and compact with those enemies of mankind.
The arts of subjecting the daemons were manifold; sometimes the fiends
were actually swindled by the magicians.
NOTE II.
A merlin sat upon her wrist.
A merlin, or.sparrow-hawk, was usually carried.by ladies of rank, as a
falcon was, in time of peace, the constant attendant of a knight or
baron.
NOTE IlI.
And princely peacock's gilded train.
The peacock, it is well known, was considered, duringthe times o
chivalry, not merely as an exquisite delicacy, but as a dish of peculiar so.
lemnity. After being roasted, it was again decorated with its plumage,
and a sponge, dipt in lighted spirits of wine, was placed in its bill. When
it was introduced on days of grand festival, it was the signal for the ad.
venturous knights. to take upon them vows to do some deed of chivalry,
"before the peacQck and the ladies."
NOTE IV.
And o'er the boar-head, garnished brave.
The boar's head was also a usual dish of feudal splendour. In Scotland
It was sometimes surrounded with little banners, displaying the colours
and achievements of the baron at whose board it was served.
NOTE V.
Smote with his gauntlet, stout Hunthill.
The Rutherfords of Hunthill were an ancient race of Border lairds,
whose names occur in history, sometimes as defending the frontier against
the English, sometimes as disturbing the peace of the conntry. Dickon
Draw-the-sword was son to the ancient warrior, called, in tradition, the
Cock of Hunthill.
NOTE VI..-.. old Albert Greeme,
The minstrel of that ancient name.
"'John Grahame, second son of Malice Earl of Monteith, commrnonly
surnamed' John with the Bright Sword,' upon some displeasure risen
against him at court, retired with many of his clan and kindred into the
English Borders in the reign of king Henry the Fourth, where they seated
themselves; and many of their posterity have continued there ever
since."
NOTE VII.
And he a solemn sacred plight
Did to St. Bryde of Douglas make.
This was a favourite saint of the house of Douglas; and of the Earl of
Angus in particular; as we learn form the following passage. The Queen.
regent had proposed to raise a rival nob e to the ducal dignity; and dis.
coursing of her purpose with Angus,. he answered, " Why not, madam?
we are happy that we have such a princess, that can know and will aae
knowledge men's service, and is willing to recompence it. But, by the
might of God (this was his oath when he was serious. and in anger; at
other times it was by Saint Bryde of Douglas), if he be a Duke, I will be
a Drake." So she desisted from prosecuting ofthat purpowe.-.Godesoroft