Note 26 — AN ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN, &c.
Reading edition
Though a poetical authority is of no weight in antiquarian argument, it would be wrong to omit quoting Sir Walter Scott’s account of the famous fiery cross formed of twigs.
“The grisly priest, with murmuring prayer, A slender crosslet framed with care, A cubit’s length in measure due; The shaft and limbs were rods of yew. ... The cross, thus formed, he held on high, With wasted hand and haggard eye.” The Lady of the Lake, canto iii. stanza viii.