imaginations, to oppose the infernal powers by whom such caverns were believed
to be haunted. A very romantic scene of rocks, thickets, and cascades, called
Crichope Linn, on the estate of Closeburn (Dumfriesshire), is said to have been
the retreat of some of these enthusiasts, who judged it safer to face the
apparitions by which the place was thought to be haunted, than to expose
themselves to the rage of their mortal enemies.
Another remarkable encounter betwixt the Foul Fiend and the champions of the
Covenant, is preserved in certain rude rhymes, not yet forgotten in Ettrick
Forest. Two men, it is said, by name Halbert Dobson and David Dun, constructed
for themselves a place of refuge in a hidden ravine, of a very savage character,
by the side of a considerable waterfall, near the head of Moffat Water. Here,
concealed from human foes, they were assailed by Satan himself, who came upon
them grinning and making mouths, as if trying to frighten them, and disturb
their devotions. The wanderers, more incensed than astonished at this
supernatural visitation, assailed their ghostly visitor, buffeted him soundly
with their Bibles, and compelled him at length to change himself into the
resemblance of a pack of dried hides, in which shape he rolled down the cascade.
The shape which he assumed was probably designed to excite the cupidity of the
assailants, who, as Souters of Selkirk, might have been disposed to attempt
something to save a package of good leather. Thus,
 
»Hab Dab and David Din,
Dang the Deil ower Dabson's Linn.«
 
The popular verses recording this feat, to which Burns seems to have been
indebted for some hints in his »Address to the Deil,« may be found in the
Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, vol. ii.
It cannot be matter of wonder to any one at all acquainted with human nature,
that superstition should have aggravated, by its horrors, the apprehensions to
which men of enthusiastic character were disposed by the gloomy haunts to which
they had fled for refuge.
 
50 The sword of Captain John Paton of Meadowhead, a Cameronian famous for his
personal prowess, bore testimony to his exertions in the cause of the Covenant,
and was typical of the oppression of the times. »This sword or short shabble« (
sciabla, Italian) »yet remains,« says Mr. Howie of Lochgoin. »It was then by his
progenitors« (meaning descendants, a rather unusual use of the word) »counted to
have twenty-eight gaps in its edge; which made them afterwards observe, that
there were just