The tree has now disappeared, but I well remember its[728] imposing appearance as it stood, in a decayed state, by the side of the high road leading from Penrith to Appleby. This whole neighbourhood abounds in interesting traditions and vestiges of antiquity, viz., Julian's Bower; Brougham and Penrith Castles; Penrith Beacon, and the curious remains in Penrith Churchyard; Arthur's Round Table,[729] and, close by, Maybrough; the excavation, called the Giant's Cave, on the banks of the Emont; Long Meg and her Daughters, near Eden, etc., etc.--W. W. 1835. [727] "So say the Countess's Memoirs; but they probably mistake Redkirk for Ninekirks in this parish. A runnel, called Hart-horn Sike, in Whinfell Park, is mentioned in the partition of the Veteripont estate, between Isabella and Idonea."--Burn's _History of Westmoreland and Cumberland_.--ED. [728] 1845. but the author of these poems well remembers its ... 1835. [729] 1845. Table; the Excavation ... 1835. XXIII FANCY AND TRADITION The Lovers took within this ancient grove Their last embrace; beside those crystal springs[730] The Hermit saw the Angel spread his wings For instant flight; the Sage in yon alcove[731] Sate musing; on that hill the Bard would rove, 5 Not mute, where now the linnet only sings: Thus every where to truth Tradition clings,[732] Or Fancy localises Powers we love. Were only History[733] licensed to take note Of things gone by, her meagre monuments 10 Would ill suffice for persons and events: There is an ampler page for man to quote, A readier book of manifold contents, Studied alike in palace and in cot. FOOTNOTES: [730] 1835. There fell the Hero in this ancient grove The lovers pledged their faith beside these springs. MS. [731] 1835. ... this alcove MS. [732] 1835. Thus to the truth Tradition fondly clings MS. [733] 1835. Were History only ... MS. XXIV COUNTESS' PILLAR[734] On the roadside between Penrith and Appleby, there stands a pillar with the following inscription:-- "This Pillar was erected, anno 1656, By ye Rt honoble Anne Countess Dowager of Pembrock etc., Daughter and sole heire of ye Rt honoble George Earl of Cumberland, etc., for a memorial of her last parting in this place with her good and pious mother, ye Rt honoble Margaret, Countess Dowagr of Cumberland ye 2d of April 1616. In memory whereof she also left an annuity of four pounds to be distributed to ye poor within this parish of Brougham every 2d day of April for ever, upon ye stone table here hard by. Laus Deo!"--W. W.