ession excited an insurrection, he had
recourse to cunning people, supposed to be in league with Satan. He
sent one of his particular friends to a distant island to an old
woman, said to be skilled in necromancy, to inquire whether any of his
courtiers were seeking his destruction. The sorceress, having
consulted her familiar spirits, answered that Natholocus would die a
violent death by the hand of one of his most intimate friends. On
being pressed to disclose by whose hand the blow would be struck, she
replied, "By thine own." The messenger reproached the woman, and told
her that he entertained the greatest friendship for his master. He was
afraid to tell Natholocus what the fortune-teller had said, and
therefore entertained him with such false predictions as he knew would
inspire confidence. For what reason we are not informed, but this is
certain that the servant's friendship turned into hatred, and before
long he verified the witch's prophecy.

Constantine, the son of Constantius Chlorus, being proclaimed his
father's successor, caused Maxentius to declare war against
Constantine. The latter, although a heathen, implored the true Deity
to assist him. His prayers were heard. As he was marching with his
army, about mid-day, he, and all who were with him, beheld in the
heavens a bright cross of light, with an inscription over it, "By
this, conquer." Constantine was greatly surprised at the vision, and
the troops were equally astonished. On the following night a holy
being appeared to him, and ordered him to make a representation of
what he had seen in the sky, and use it for an ensign in battle. Next
morning he called workers of fine material, and instructed them to
make a standard according to tracings he prepared. It was made,
adorned with gold and sparkling precious stones; and we scarcely
require to say that Constantine was victorious when he fought under
such a famous standard.

Queen Guanora, widow of Arthur, was, after the king's fall, about the
middle of the sixth century, taken prisoner, and kept as such during
the remainder of her life at Dunbar. She was buried at Meigle; and, if
tradition can be trusted, every female walking over her grave is
doomed to perpetual sterility. Speaking of the grave reminds us of a
son of Clotaire, who was desirous of executing vengeance against his
enemy Bason. He was prevented from doing so by the latter fleeing to
St. Martin's Church for sanctuary. The prince, fearing that