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l. 481. The reference is to Edward I, who went as Prince Edward to Palestine in 1270, so that the legend at this point embodies an anachronism. Edward became king in 1274. His shield and banner were emblazoned with 'three leopards courant of fine gold set on red.'
Stanza XXIV. l. 472. Largs, on the coast of Ayrshire, opposite Bute.
l. 479. The ravens on the Norse banners were said to flutter their wings before a victory, and to let them droop in prospect of a defeat.
l. 487 For an account of the expedition to Copenhagen in 1801, see Southey's "Life of Nelson," chap. vii'—Lockhart. There may possibly be a reference to the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1867.
Stanza XIV. l. 487. The slight wound was due to the start mentioned in l. 462. He had been warned against letting his heart fail him.
l. 503. Scott quotes thus from the essay on 'Fairy Superstitions' in the 'Border Minstrelsy,' vol. ii., to show 'whence many of the particulars of the combat between Alexander III and the Goblin Knight are derived':—
'Gervase of Tilbury (Otiæ Imperial ap. Script. rer. Brunsvic, vol. i. p. 797), relates the following popular story concerning a fairy knight: "Osbert, a bold and powerful baron, visited a noble family in the vicinity of Wandlebury, in the bishopric of Ely. Among other stories related in the social circle of his friends, who, according to custom, amused each other by repeating ancient tales and traditions, he was informed, that if any knight, unattended, entered an adjacent plain by moonlight, and challenged an adversary to appear, he would be immediately encountered by a spirit in the form of a knight. Osbert resolved to make the experiment, and set out, attended by a single squire, whom he ordered to remain without the limits of the plain, which was surrounded by an ancient intrenchment. On repeating the challenge, he was instantly assailed by an adversary, whom he quickly unhorsed, and seized the reins of his steed. During this operation, his ghostly opponent sprung up, and darting his spear, like a javelin, at Osbert, wounded him in the thigh. Osbert returned in triumph with the horse, which he committed to the care of his servants. The horse was of a sable colour, as well as his whole accoutrements, and apparently of great beauty and vigour. He remained with his keeper till cock-crowing, when, with eyes flashing fire, he reared, spurned the ground, and vanished. On dis-