, however freely slices were carved
from it for hungry mortals. Such was the effect produced on Rusticus's
mind by this miracle, that he forsook heathenism and became a
Christian.

HOW THE POETS HAVE FANNED THE FLAME OF SUPERSTITION.

CHAPTER XVI.

Prophetic Verse--Druids called Bardi--The Bardi as
Instructors--Virtue of Serpents' Eggs--Bards
maintained by Noblemen--Queen Elizabeth and the
Bards--Effects of Prophetic Sayings, and of Pipe
Music--Message, how conveyed to another World--Voices
of Deceased Friends heard in the Gale--Human Forms in
the Clouds--Evenings in the Highlands--Michael
Scott--Constant Work for Evil Spirits--Stemming the
Tweed--How the Eildon Hills were formed--Place of
Torment--Ropes of Sand--Scott and his Magic Books
buried at Melrose--Ossianic Poems--Stories by Bards.

Poets have done much to fan the flame of superstition. They have
indulged in prophetic verse, and handed down to posterity the strange
belief of our ancestors. Certain Druids, called Bardi, were well known
to be versed in astrology. They are supposed to have been the same, in
particular respects, among the Britons as the Sophi among the Greeks,
or the Magi among the Persians. Having been chosen from the best
families in the land, the Bardi were held in the highest esteem by the
common people; and the children of the chiefs were instructed by them.
Their practical verses were never written, but given to their pupils
_viva voce_, that they might assist in conveying them orally to the
people. The Bardi dealt in particular charms, such as serpents' eggs,
gathered in a particular way, and under certain phases of the moon.
These eggs were imagined to be effectual for the gaining of law-suits,
and for the securing of the good graces of princes. The Vates (another
class of Druids), if not the Bardi, sought for omens among the
entrails of victims offered in sacrifice.

The Bards, at various periods, possessed uncommon privileges, but
these were from time to time diminished or increased, according to the
caprice of those under whose government they lived. Almost every
nobleman of distinction maintained bards in his family, and treated
them with great consideration. Queen Elizabeth, however, acted
differently: she ordered bards and minstrels to be hanged as traitors,
as she believed they instigated rebellion by their songs. Bards
followed clans to the field, wh