We think the first reading is the true one; and that the second is, probably, a typographical error. We have come to this conclusion after an inquiry into the meaning of the words "Shellycoat" and "Kow." The definitions of these words, from the best authorities we know of, are subjoined; which will enable such of our readers as have any curiosity in the matter to judge for themselves. "_Shellycoat_, a spirit, who resides in the waters, and has given his name to many a rock and stone upon the Scottish coast, belongs also to the class of bogles. When he appeared, he seemed to be decked with marine productions, and in particular with _shells_, whose clattering announced his approach. From this circumstance he derived his name.--_Shellycoat_ must not be confounded with _Kelpy_, a water spirit also, but of a much more powerful and malignant nature." [_Scott's Minstrelsy_, vol. i., Introd. civ. cv. "_Shellycoat._ One of those frightful spectres the ignorant people are terrified at, and tell us strange stories of; that they are clothed with a coat of shells, which make a horrid rattling; that they'll be sure to destroy one, if he gets not a running water between him and it: it dares not meddle with a woman with child, &c." [_Ramsay's Poems._ vol. i., 4to edition, 1721. "_Kow_ or _Cow_" a hobgoblin; also, a scarecrow, a bugbear. _Cow-man_, the devil." [_Jamieson's Scottish Dictionary._ "_Wirrikow_," the devil. [_Hogg's Mountain Bard._ The above definitions of _Shellycoat._are very precise: that of _Kow_ is less so. Both are spirits, and frightful in character; yet apparently of distinct habits. Hence the _first_ of the readings given above,--the oldest and that adopted in the text-- "She fled as frae a shellycoat or kow," is quite natural and proper: the _second_ (though susceptible of explanation,) seems much less so. * * * * * At page 57, a variation from the text given in the present edition, is found in nearly all the more modern editions: it is as follows:-- "_Enter_ BAULDY [_singing_]. SANG XVI. Jocky _said to_ Jenny, Jenny, _wilt thou do't? Ne'er a fit, quoth_ Jenny, _for my tocher-good; For my tocher-good, I winna marry thee: E'en's-ye-like, quoth,_ Jocky, _I can let you be._ _Mause,_[59] Well liltit, Bauldy, that's a dainty sang. [Footnote 59: In some editions, _Madge_.] _Bauldy,_ I'se gie ye't a', it's better than it's lang. _I have gowd and gear, I have land eneugh, I have sax good owsen ganging in a pleugh; Ganging in a pleugh, and linkan o'er the lee, And gin ye winna tak me, I can let ye be._