The mouse satire

When a place is infested to a troublesome extent with rats or mice, and all other means of getting rid of the pests have failed, the object can be accomplished by composing a song – advising them to go away, telling them where to go and what road to take, the danger awaiting them where they are, and the plenty awaiting them in their new quarters. This song is called the rat (or mouse) satire, and if well composed the vermin forthwith take their departure.

When the islet of Calv, which lies across the mouth of Tobermory harbour, was let in small holdings, the rats at one time became so numerous that the tenants subscribed sixpence apiece and sent for Iain Pholcrain to Morvern to come and satirise the rats away. He came and made a long ode in which he told the rats to go away peaceably and take care not to lose themselves in the wood. He told them what houses to call at, and what houses (those of the bard’s own friends) to avoid, and the plenty and welcome stores – butter and cheese and meal – to be got at their destination. It is said that after this there was an observable decrease in the number of rats in the island!

John Gregorson Campbell (1834–1891)

from Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland (1900)


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