We have positive evidence, which, though from neutral persons, is not perhaps the best that may be wished for, that the former, in the third or fourth century, sprang from the latter; we have no evidence at all that the latter sprang from the former.

I shall add, that the name of Erse, or Irish, given by the low country Scots to the language of the Scotch Highlanders, is a certain proof of the traditional opinion delivered from father to son, that the latter people came originally from Ireland.] [Footnote 2: NOTE B, p.90.There is a seeming contradiction in ancient historians with regard to some circumstances in the story of Edwy and Elgiva.

It is agreed, that this prince had a violent passion for his second or third cousin, Elgiva, whom he married, though within the degrees prohibited by the canons.

It is also agreed, that he was dragged from a lady on the day of his coronation, and that the lady was afterwards treated with the singular barbarity above mentioned.

The only difference is, that Osborne and some others call her his strumpet, not his wife, as she is said to be by Malmsbury.