NOTES TO THE POEMS
Sir Patrick Spens.
The poet has confused the two following incidents:—
1. In 1281, in the reign of Alexander III, a number
of Scottish nobles accompanied Alexander's daughter
Margaret to Norway, where she was to be married to
King Eric. On the return voyage, a storm came on,
and many of the nobles were drowned.
2. On the death of Alexander III, an expedition
was sent to Norway to bring over Margaret, the Maid
of Norway, Alexander's granddaughter, heiress to the
Scottish throne. On the voyage to Scotland, she died
at Orkney in 1290.
P. 3,1. i. Dunfermlim : then capital of Scotland.
1. 3. Skeely : skilful.
1. 9. Braid: broad, i.e. important, probably a letter-
patent, or open letter, with the royal seal.
1. 19. Neist: next.
P. 4,1. 9. Hoysed: hoisted.
l.iy. Testreen : yesterday evening.
1. 19. Gang : go.
1. 23. Lift: sky.
1. 24. Gurly : dark, stormy.
1. 25. Lap : leapt, sprang.
P. 5,1. 3. Wap : to knock or stuff the material into the
ship's side, by way of caulking the seams.
1. 12. Aboon : above.
1, 25. Aberdour : a port on the north shore of the Firth
of Forth, about 5 miles from Dunfermline.
Helen of KirconnelL
Sir Walter Scott gives the following account of the
occurrence on which this poem is founded :—
" A lady of the name of Helen Irving, or Bell (for
this is disputed by the two clans), daughter of the laird
of Kirkconnell, in Dumfriesshire, and celebrated for
her beauty, was beloved by two gentlemen in the
neighbourhood. The name of the favoured suitor was
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