Blair Collection > Mackintosh's collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familar phrases

216
text, " Let each man take birds from the rocks for himself." The
other, with equal indifference, letting go his hold, said, " Let
every man hold a rope for himself."
Note (*) page 192.
This proverbial verse is in allusion to an instance of fraternal
affection, combined with prudence. A matron, whose husband,
son, and only brother, had been made prisoners of war, was desir-
ed to pitch on one of these three as her choice, who should be
restored to her instantly. On repeating the stanza alluded to,
in which she points out her brother as her choice, she obtained
the release of her husband and son also, as the reward of her
sisterly affection, and self controul.
Note (15) page 193.
" Go unto the people, and say, hearing ye shall hear,
and shall not understand ; and seeing ye shall see, and not per-
ceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their
ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed ; lest
they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and
understand with their heart, and should be converted." — Vide
the Acts of the Apostles, ch. xxviii. ver. 26, 27,