J. F. Campbell Collection > Popular rhymes of Scotland

300 POPULAR RHYMES OF SCOTLAND.
drama which they are accustomed to perform on each of
the four above-mentioned nights, and which, in various
fragments or versions, exists in every part of Lowland
Scotland. The performers, who are never less than three,
hut sometimes as many as six, having- dressed themselves,
proceed in a band from house to house, generally contenting
themselves with the kitchen for an arena, whither, in man-
sions presided over by the spirit of good-humour, the whole
family will resort to witness the spectacle. Sir AV alter
Scott, who delighted to keep up old customs, and could
condescend to simple things without losing genuine dig-
nity, invariably had a set of guizards to perform this play
before his family both at Ashestiel and Abbotsford. The
editor has with some difficulty obtained what appears a
tolerably complete copy.
GALATIAN, A NEW- YEAR PLAY.
Dramatis Person je— Two Fighting-men or Knights, one of whom is called
Black Knight, the other Galatian (sometimes Galatius or Galgacus>,
and alternatively John ; a Doctor ,- a fourth Personage, who plays the same
talking and demonstrating part with the Chorus in the Greek drama ,- a Young
Man, who is little more than a bystander,- and Judas, the purse-bearer.
Galatian is (at the royal burgh of Peebles) dressed in a
good whole shirt, tied round the middle with a handkerchief,
from which hangs a wooden sword. He has a large cocked-
hat of white paper, either cut out with little human profiles,
or pasted over with penny valentines. The Black Knight
is more terrific in appearance, his dress being, if possible,
of tartan, and his head surmounted by an old cavalry cap,
while his white stockings are all tied round with red tape.
A pair of flaming whiskers adds to the ferocity of his
aspect. The Doctor is attired in any faded black clothes
which can be had, with a hat probably stolen from a neigh-
bouring scarecrow.
Enter Talking Man, and speaks.
Haud away rocks, and baud away reels,
Hand away stocks and spinning-wheels.
Redd room for Gorland, and gi'e us room to sing,
And I will show you the prettiest thing
That ever was seen in Christmas time.
Muckle head and little mt, stand aliint the door ;
But sic a set as we are, ne'er were here before.
— Show yourself, Black Knight I