The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction | Page 2

of the Iron Gates. The sign represents a pair of
ponderous gates of that metal, opening at the bidding of a figure,
enveloped in a cowl; before whom kneels another, more resembling a
modern yeoman than one of the 12th or 13th century, to which period
this legend is attributed. Behind this person is a white horse rearing,
and in the back ground a view of Alderley Edge. The story is thus told
of the tradition to which the sign relates:
_The Iron Gates, or the Cheshire Enchanter._
A farmer from Mobberley was riding on a white horse over the heath,
which skirts Alderley Edge. Of the good qualities of his steed he was
justly proud; and while stooping down to adjust its mane, previously to
his offering it for sale at Macclesfield, he was surprised by the sudden
starting of the animal. On looking up he perceived a figure of more
than common height, enveloped in a cowl, and extending a staff of
black wood across his path. The figure addressed him in a commanding
voice; told him that he would seek in vain to dispose of his steed, for
whom a nobler destiny was in store, and bade him meet him when the
sun had set, with his horse, at the same place. He then disappeared. The
farmer resolving to put the truth of this prediction to the test, hastened
on to Macclesfield Fair, but no purchaser could be obtained for his
horse. In vain he reduced his price to half; many admired, but no one
was willing to be the possessor of so promising a steed. Summoning,
therefore, all his courage, he determined to brave the worst, and at
sunset reached the appointed place. The monk was punctual to his
appointment. Follow me, said he, and led the way by the Golden Stone,
Stormy Point, to Saddle Bole.[2] On their arrival at this last named spot,
the neigh of horses seemed to arise from beneath their feet. The
stranger waved his wand, the earth opened and disclosed a pair of
ponderous iron gates. Terrified at this, the horse plunged and threw his
rider, who kneeling at the feet of his fearful companion, prayed

earnestly for mercy. The monk bade him fear nothing, but enter the
cavern, and see what no mortal eye ever yet beheld. On passing the
gates he found himself in a spacious cavern, on each side of which
were horses, resembling his own, in size and colour. Near these lay
soldiers accoutred in ancient armour, and in the chasms of the rock
were arms, and piles of gold and silver. From one of these the
enchanter took the price of the horse in ancient coin, and on the farmer
asking the meaning of these subterranean armies, exclaimed, "These
are caverned warriors preserved by the good genius of England, until
that eventful day, when distracted by intestine broils, England shall be
thrice won and lost between sunrise and sunset. Then we awakening
from our sleep, shall rise to turn the fate of Britain. This shall be when
George, the son of George, shall reign. When the Forests of Delamere
shall wave their arms over the slaughtered sons of Albion. Then shall
the eagle drink the blood of princes from the headless cross (query
corse.) Now haste thee home, for it is not in thy time these things shall
be. A Cestrian shall speak it, and be believed." The farmer left the
cavern, the iron gates closed, and though often sought for, the place has
never again been found.
The latter part of the monk's prophecy has been fulfilled. Nixon, the
well-known Cheshire seer foretold the same events in nearly the same
words; but the belief in his dreams of futurity, has been much
diminished by the decease of our late monarch. Recourse has been had,
as in other works of greater moment, to various readings, and the
probable mistakes of early transcribers, and many emendations have
been proposed to supply the place of the name of George, but adhuc
sub judice lis est. The Cestrian rustics of the neighbouring villages, still
believe that at midnight the neighing of horses is audible under
Alderley Edge.
H.
[2] All places in the neighbourhood of Alderley Edge and Mobberley.
* * * * *
ANTIQUARIAN SCRAPS.

(_To the Editor._)
I went the other day over the ruins of St. Dunstan's, and whilst gaping
about, saw over one of the portals (inside) an old harp, with an
inscription, which, as far as I could make it out, ran thus:--
St. Dunstan's harp against a wall, Upon a pin did hang'a, The harp itself,
with ly' and all, Untouched by hand did twang'a.
The harp was supposed to play by itself on St. Dunstan's Day: ly'
means lyre.
Can any of your