Lairds of Glenlyon

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APPENDIX.
GLEN LYON BROOCH (Frontispiece and page 289).
The Glenlyon Brooch, represented in the frontispiece, and referred to
at page 289, is described by Thomas Pennant in his "Tour in Scotland,"
anno 177 1. He states that Colonel Campbell of Glenlyon, showed him
" a very antient brotche, which the Highlanders use like the fibula of
the Romans to fasten their vest ; it is made of silver, is round, with
a bar cross the middle, from whence are two tongues to fasten the
folds of the garments ; one side is studded with pearl or coarse gems
in a very rude manner ; on the other the names of the three kings of
Cologne, Gaspar, Melchior, Balthazar, with the word Consummation.
It was probably a consecrated brotche, and worn, not only for use,
but as an amulet. Keysler's account of the virtues attributed to their
names confirms my opinion. He says that they were written on slips
of paper in this form, worn as preservatives against the falling sick-
ness : —
" Gaspar fert Myrrham, Thus Melchior, Balthazar Aurton,
Solvilur a morbo Christi pulale caduco."
That is to say : —
" Gaspar brings myrrh, Melchior incense, Balthazar gold,
By the mercy of Christ one is set free from the falling sickness."