Вальтер Скотт - The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 2

Pass.

Seal.

Justice of Peace.

The executioner, in livery of black or dark grey and silver, likened by low wit to a magpie.

He meant, probably, stillicidium.

By dint of assiduous research I am enabled to certiorate the reader, that the name of this person was Saunders Broadfoot, and that he dealt in the wholesome commodity called kirn-milk ( Anglice', butter-milk). – J. C.

The fact is certain. The single epistle was addressed to the principal director of the British Linen Company.

The last three days of March, old style, are called the Borrowing Days; for, as they are remarked to be unusually stormy, it is feigned that March had borrowed them from April, to extend the sphere of his rougher sway. The rhyme on the subject is quoted in the glossary to Leyden's edition of the "Complaynt of Scotland" —

[John Emery, an eminent comedian, played successfully at Covent Garden Theatre between 1798 and 1820. Among his characters, were those of Dandie Dinmont in Guy Mannering, Dougal in Rob Roy, and Ratcliffe in the Heart of Mid-Lothian. ]

Concealed a knife.

Lay ourselves down to sleep.

A homely proverb, signifying better wed a neighbour than one fetched from a distance. – Mixen signifies dunghill.

[Author of the Union of Honour, a treatise on English Heraldry. London, 1641.]