d may blow,
the tempest roar, without disturbing the friendly group. There may be
now less highly-gifted bards in the Highlands, romance and chivalry
may have yielded to other ideas and pursuits, but still much of the
same characteristic spirit remains: the love of ancient tradition and
song exists, and the superstitions of bygone ages are unforgotten.
Those who do not venerate their poets, and have respect to the early
history of their country, are a dull, besotted people.

Not unfrequently were poets and other men of genius regarded as
wizards or magicians. As an instance, we refer to the history of
Michael Scott, the celebrated philosopher and poet, who lived in the
thirteenth century. He was a native of Fife, and in early life became
versant in occult science. After studying in Scotland, he went to
Oxford and Paris, where he attained wonderful proficiency in
philology, mathematics, natural philosophy, and theology. He visited
other foreign countries--in particular, Norway, Germany, and Spain.
His fame spread over the whole of Europe. His knowledge of natural
magic procured for him the appellations of enchanter, magician,
wizard. His works recommended him to the favourable notice of
Frederick II. of Germany, by whom he was appointed his royal
astrologer. To Scott, it is reported, the heavens were as a great
book, wherein was written not only the history of nations, but of
individuals also. In the vaulted heavens, he declared, man might read
his own fortune. He predicted when, where, and how the Emperor
Frederick's death would take place. Scott returned to Scotland, when
he had the honour of knighthood conferred on him. He performed almost
innumerable miracles; and so thoroughly was he believed to be in
league with the Devil, that he was tried for sorcery, but through his
influence in high quarters, or his subtle arts, he escaped the fangs
of the law. Tradition says that upon a certain occasion, being
embarrassed by evil spirits, he undertook to find the wicked ones
constant employment. Not a few strange feats were gone through, which
Scott thought were impossible for Satan himself to perform.
Nevertheless, they were done. One day, the spirits demanded more work;
and the wizard ordered that a dam-head should be built across the
Tweed at Kelso, to prevent the flow of the river. Next morning the
work was found completed. More work was demanded; and this time Scott
requested that the Eildon Hill, which had only one cone