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

NOTES TO CANTO SIXTH.
which succeeded the battle of Flodden, and occupied the minority of
James V. Feuds of ancient standing broke out like old wounds; and
every quarrel among the indepen lent nobility, which occurred daily, and
"lmost hourly, gave rise to fresh bloodshed.
NOTE II.
- I only meant
To show the reed on which you leant,
Deeming this path you might pursue
Without a pass from Roderick Dhu.
This incident. like some other passages in the poem, illustrative of the
character of the ancient Gael, is not imaginary, but borrowed from fact.
The Highlanders, with the inconsistency of most nations in the same
state, were alternately capable of great exertions of generosity, and of
cruel revenge and perfidy.
NOTE III.
On Bochastle the mouldering lines,
Where Rome, the empress of the world,
Of yore her eagle wings unfurled.
The torrent which discharges itself from Loch Vennachar, the lowest
and eastmost of the three lakes which form the scenery adjoining to the
Trosachs, sweeps through a fiat and extensive moor, called Buchastle.
Upon a small eminence, called the Drn of Bochastle, and, indeed, on the
plain itself, are some entrenchments which have been thought Roman.
There is, adjacent to Callender, a sweet villa, the residence of Captain
Fairfoul, entitled the Roman Camp.
NOTE IV.
See, here, all vantageless I stand,
Armed, like thyself, with single brand.
The duellists of former times did not always stand upon those punctilios
respecting equality of arms which are now judged essential to fair combat. It is true, that in formal combats in the lists, the parties were, by
the judges of the field, put as nearly as possible in the same circum.
stances. But in private duel it was often otherwise.
NOTE V.
Ill fared it then with Roderick Dhu,
That on the field his targe be threw.
A round target of light wood, covered with strong leather, and studded
with brass or iron, was a necessary part of a Highlander's equipment.
In charging regular troops, they received the thrust of the bayonet in this
buckler, twisted it aside, and used the broadsword against the encumbered
soldier.
NOTE VI.
For, train'd abroad his arms to wield,
Fitz-James's blade was sword and shield.
The use of defensive armour, and particularly of the buckler or target,
was general in Queen Elizabeth's time, although that of the single rapier
seems to have been occasionally practised much earlier.
NOTE VII.
The burghers hold their sports to-day.
Every burgh of Scotland, of the least note, but more especially the
considerable towns, had their solemn play, or festival, when feats of
archery were exhibited, and prizes distributed to those who excelled in
wrestling, hurling the bar, and other gymnastic exercises of the period.
o
NOTES TO CANTO SIXTH.
NOTE I.
These drew not for their fields the sword,
Like tenants of a feudal lord,
Nor own'd the patriarchal claim
Of chieftain in their leader's name.
The Scottish armies consisted chiefly of the nobility and barons, with
52.
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