A Monk of Fife
Page 35
APPENDIX B--ELLIOT'S RING
The Ring of the Maid, inscribed with the Holy Names, is often referred toin her Trial ("Proces," i. 86, 103, 185, 236, 238), and is mentioned byBower, the contemporary Scottish chronicler ("Proces," iv. 480), whosework was continued in the "Liber Pluscardensis." We have also, in thetext, Norman's statement that a copy of this ring was presented by theMaid to Elliot Hume.
While correcting the proof-sheets of this Chronicle, the Translatorreceived from Mr. George Black, Assistant Keeper of the National Museumof Antiquities in Edinburgh, a copy of his essay on "Scottish Charms andAmulets" ("Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland," May 8,1893, p. 488). There, to his astonishment, the Translator read: "Theformula MARI. IHS. occurs on two finger-rings of silver-gilt, one ofwhich was found at Pluscarden, Elginshire, and the other in an oldgraveyard near Fintray House, Aberdeenshire." Have we in the Pluscardenring a relic of the Monk of Pluscarden, the companion of Jeanne d'Arc,the author of "Liber Pluscardensis"?
FOOTNOTES
{1} Several copies of this book, the Liber Pluscardensis, are extant,but the author's original MS. is lost.
{2} This was written after the Act of the Scots Parliament of 1457.
{3} Daggers.
{4} Rude wall surrounding a keep.
{5} Sisters in the rule of St. Francis.
{6} These tricks of sleight-of-hand are attributed by Jean Nider, in his"Formicarium," to the false Jeanne d'Arc.--A. L.
{7} Very intimate.
{8} When the sky falls and smothers the larks,
{9} This quotation makes it certain that Scott's ballad of Harlaw, in"The Antiquary," is, at least in part, derived from tradition.
{10} This description confirms that of the contemporary town-clerk of LaRochelle.
{11} The staircase still exists.
{12} "My neck would learn the weight of my more solid proportions."
{13} Neck.
{14} "Frightened by a ghost."
{15} "Airt," i.e. "quarter."
{16} "Fright for fright."
{17} Lameter, a lame.
{18} Bor-brief, certificate of gentle birth.
{19} Howlet, a young owl; a proverb for voracity.
{20} Battle-axe.
{21} Bougran, lustrous white linen.
{22} There are some slight variations, as is natural, in the Fierboisrecord.
{23} Equipped for battle.
{24} That is, in the "Liber Pluscardensis."
{25} Englishman.
{26} Heavy and still.
{27} Daughter of God, go on, and I will be thine aid. Go on!
{28} Lyrat, grey.
{29} The king's evil: "ecrouelles," scrofula.
{30} Darg, day's work.
{31} "Par mon martin," the oath which she permitted to La Hire.
{32} See Appendix A, 'Norman's Miracle,' Appendix B, 'Elliot's Ring.'
{33} That in to say, some two thousand combatants.
{34} Echevins--magistrates.
{35} "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas."
{36} Pavises--large portable shelters.
{37} Block-houses.
{38} The Grahames had not yet possessed themselves of Netherby.--A. L.
{39} Substituting 'or' for 'argent,' his bearings were those of thedistinguished modern novelist of the same name.--A. L.
{40} Cande = Kennedy.