The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

LORD OF THE ISLES. 347
Item, thre platis of silver.
Item, tuelf salfatis.1
Item, fyftene discheis2 ouregilt.
Item, a grete gilt plate.
Item, twa grete bassingis 3 ouregilt.
Item, FOUR MASARIS, CALLED KING ROBERT THE
BRocIS, with a cover.
Item, a grete cok maid of silver.
Item, the hede of silver of ane of the coveris of masar.
Item, a fare dialle.4
Item, twa kasis of knyffis.5
Item, a pare of auld kniffis.
Item, takin be the smyth that opinnit the lokkis, in
gold fourty demyis.
Item, in Inglys grotis 6 - - - - - - - - xxiiii. li. and the
said silver given again to the takaris of hym.
Item, ressavit in the cloissat of Davidis tour, ane haly
water-fat of silver, twa boxis, a cageat tume, a glas
with rois-water, a dosoune of torchis, KING ROBERT
BRucIS SERi."
The real use of the antiquarian's studies, is to bring
the minute information which he collects to bear upon
points of history. For example, in the inventory I
have just quoted, there is given the contents of the
black kist, or chest, belonging to James III., which
was his strong box, and contained a quantity of treasure, in money and jewels, surpassing what Inight
have been at the period expected of " poor Scotland's
gear." This illustrates and authenticates a striking
1 Salt-cellars, anciently the object of much curious workmanship.-2 Dishes.-3 Basins.-4 Dial.-5 Cases of knives.6English groats.