Poems, and other pieces from Laing MS. no. 447. Edited with introd., appendices, notes, and glossary by George Stevenson

Presented to the

LIBRARY of the

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

hy
The Estate of the late

PROFESSOR A. S. P. WOODHOUSE

Head of the

Departiuent of English
University College

^hc Scottisb Zcvt Society S

Poems of Alexander Montgomerie

And Other Pieces from Laing MS. No. 447

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Poems

OF

Alexander Montgomerie

And Other Pieces from Laing MS. No. 447

SUPPLE ME JSITARY VOLUME

EDITED
IV/TI/ INTRODUCTION, APPENDICES, NOTES, AND GLOSSARY

BY

GEORGE STEVENSON, M.A.

Prtntetr for tfje Society fis

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS

EDINBURGH AND LONDON

I 9 I O

All Rights reserved

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CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION ......

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE —

LAING AND WALDEGRAVE TEXTS .

WREITTOUN TEXT .....

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART —
TULLIBARDINE AND HARLEIAN TEXTS

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS FROM THE LAING MANUSCRIPT-
I. Luif Still in hope with pacience .

Sueit hairt, reiofs in mynd

Wo worth the fall of fourtounis quheill .

Prepotent palme Imperial!

King Cupaid, grades god of glaikes

Nan luffis bott fullis vnlud agane

Fresche flureis fair, and lusum ladie quhyte

8. As eis ar message to pe hairt

9. Och, Luif, in langour heir I ly .
Redolent roils, my onlie schois .
My freind, if Jjow will credeitt me in oucht
O fragant flour, fair and formoife
Grund the on patience, blind not thy conscience
The luif I beare is fixtt on one .
Suppois I be of simple clan

16. In somer quhen ]je feildis ar fair

17. I wiis I wair transfigurat in ane ring

18. Glade am I, glade am I .

19. I hoipe to fierve, sane syne to deserue .

20. My breist is maid the verray graif of woo

21. Ane Dreame ....

2.

3-

4-

5-
6.

7-

10.
II.
12.

ij-
14.

IS-

PAGE

vii

I

71

129

192

194
195

196

198

200
201
204

205
208

210

212

213

214

214

215

216
216
217
217

218

VI

CONTENTS.

22. Your outuard gesture, forme, and fassions fair

23. I serve ane dame moir quheiter than the snaw

24. The royall palice of ])e heichest hewin .

25. The tender snow, of granis soft & quhyt

26. Ane Scottis sonnett

27. Sonet .....

28. Sonnett ... .

29. Some men for suddane Joy do weip

30. Peccaui pater, meserere mei

31. O Lord, my god, to J)e I cray, heir my complent

32. O Lord, my god, sen I am brocht to greitt distres

33. Quha so dois put jjair confidence

34. Harken, herkene, me think ane trompett dois stund

35. The weicht of sin is wondir greitt

36. Consider, man, how tyme do pas

APPENDICES —

A. The Genealogy of Alexander Montgomerie (with Chart)

B. Montgomerie in the Scottish Law Courts
c. New sources of Montgomerie's Poetry .

D. Life-Records of Montgomerie ....

NOTES —

To "The Cherrieand the Slae" . . . .

To " The Fly ting of Pol wart and Montgomerie " .
To Miscellaneous Poems from Laing MS. No. 447

GLOSSARY .......

218
219
219
220
221
221
222
222
226
229

232
237

243
247

249
262
286

•^00

337
348
354

370

LIST OF FACSIMILES.

1. LAING MS. NO. 447, FOL, 15a (EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY) . Frontispiece

2. TITLE-PAGE OF WALDEGRAVE's FIRST EDITION OF "THE

CHERRIE AND THE SLAE " (BRITWELL COURT, BUCKS.) To face p. I

3. TULLIBARDINE MS. OF THE " FLYTING," FOL. 9a. . n 337

INTRODUCTION.

§ I. The object of this supplementary volume may be
briefly explained. During the interval of now rather more
than twenty years since the late Dr Cranstoun edited
the poems of Montgomerie for the Society, a consider-
able amount of new material has been found which has
an important bearing on the text of the poet's writings,
and which also adds in a most interesting way to our
scanty knowledge of his personal history. Especially
notable is the recovery of three neglected manuscripts,
the first public mention of which we owe to Dr Rudolf
Brotanek of Vienna,^ whose valuable monograph on
Monteomerie deserves to be better known in Scotland
than it is. Two of these at least, and possibly also the
third, although this is not so likely, date, there can be
no reasonable doubt, from Montgomerie's own lifetime.
One, the TuUibardine copy of the " Flyting with Polwart,"
goes back, indeed, if the present editor's view as to the

^ ' Studien zu Alexander Montgomerie ' : Oscar Hoffmann (Englische
Studien, xx. band, 1895); ' Untersuchungen iiber das Leben und die
Dichtungen Alexander Montgomerie': Rudolf Brotanek (Wien und Leipzig,
1896).

vm INTRODUCTION.

date of its transcription is correct, to a time almost if
not actually contemporary with the memorable encounter
of the two poets, and in that case supplies us with a
version nearly fifty years earlier than the printed edition
of 1629 which Dr Cranstoun, in common with Laing
and other editors, was of necessity obliged to rely on.
Besides its linguistic value, in providing us with a text
free from the anglicising tendencies of the Scottish
printers, the Tullibardine manuscript will be found to
possess some other interesting features — of ownership,
augmentations of the text, variant readings, and of a
differing arrangement of the " invective " epistles of the
"flyters" — which are duly noted and discussed later on.
A like interest and value attaches to the transcript of
" The Cherrie and the Slae," which, along with a collection
of hitherto unpublished anonymous poems, some of which
are not improbably by Montgomerie himself, forms the
contents of another of these manuscripts. The third,
belonging to the Harleian collection in the British
Museum, is a somewhat later copy of the " Flyting."
It need only be remarked at present that in any future
critical edition of Montgomerie's writings these new
sources of the text must certainly be taken account of
as of primary importance. The personal documents and
references of one kind or another which have been found
are more extensive than might have been expected at
this late day. By means of these it has been possible
to fill out a little the hitherto very meagre accounts of
the poet's life. Finally, as an outcome of the renewed
study of his writings, following the publication of Dr
Cranstoun's volume in 1887, valuable light has been
thrown on the literary influences affecting Montgomerie

INTRODUCTION. IX

in his poetical compositions.^ It has seemed desirable
that this supplementary material, touching the career and
work of the last of the " Makaris," should find a place
amongst the Society's publications, and it is to this end
the present volume has been undertaken.

§ 2. The new biographical matter will be found set
forth and discussed at length in the Appendices, and
need not be further dealt with here : a few words to
point its general importance, however, may be a con-
venience. The account given of the poet's genealogy
(Appendix A, chart and notes) is based for the most
part on evidence drawn at first hand from authentic and
unpubhshed documents — charters, wills, protocol books,
Court of Session, Commissary, and other records — in the
Register House, Edinburgh, and has involved, it may be
permissible to say, a lengthy and rather irksome search.
Some of the results of this investigation are of consider-
able importance. Thus it is now possible for the first time
to show with certainty, and without the usual dependence
on conjecture, to which generation of the Montgomeries
of Hessilheid, a branch of the Eglinton family, the poet
belonged. His connection, indeed, with this noble house
has hitherto been vouched for in no very sufficient way.
Our new sources of information, however, put it now
beyond question that the poet was a younger son of
John Montgomerie, the fourth laird of Hessilheid. It
will be noted that this corrects an error which, since the
date of James Paterson's valuable account of the family,

1 Unfortunately Dr Brotanek does not appear to have had an opportunity
of examining the Laing and Harleian MSS. which he noted in catalogues,
and was able to make but a cursory inspection of the Tullibardine MS.
Now that the contents are before him it is to be hoped that he may yet express
his views on the new texts.

X INTRODUCTION.

contained in his well-known history of Ayrshire, published
in 1847, has persisted down to the present time. Paterson
in his genealogy places the poet in an earlier generation
of the family, assigning to him as his father Hugh, the
third laird of Hessilheid. For this statement, however,
he adduces no evidence at all, and there need be no
hesitation now in saying that the Ayrshire antiquary is
here covertly indulging himself in the pleasure of con-
jecture.

§ 3. An interesting result of this arrival at the true
parentage of the poet is the discovery that through his
mother, Margaret Fraser, a great granddaughter of Sir
John Stewart of Derneley, Montgomerie could claim a
not very distant kinship with James VL, in whose house-
hold, it has long been known, he held for some years a
position as one of his majesty's servitors. That the
king's interest in the poet's fortunes would be all the
livelier on account of this family relationship is probable
enough, and it may serve to explain the intimate footing
on which Montgomerie at one time appears to have stood
with James, In one of a series of juvenile poems, dis-
covered some years ago in the Bodleian Library,^ the
king addresses Montgomerie in the affectionately familiar
style of "Belouit Sandirs," and in the year 1583 made
him the recipient of a substantial pension. The friend-
ships which Montgomerie likewise enjoyed with Esme
Stewart, first Duke of Lennox, and afterwards with his
son Ludovic, the second duke," were in all likelihood the

^ Since edited by Mr R. S. Rait under the title of ' Lusus Regius.'
^ A line in one of Montgomerie's sonnets, addressed to Ludovic Stewart,
suggests a close intimacy. " Adeu, swete duke, whose father held me deir."
A sonnet was also inscribed by the poet to the wife of this nobleman, " M.
L. Ruthuen, Duchess of Lennox."

INTRODUCTION. XI

outcome also of this bond of kinship which through his
mother united him to the Stewart line. The exact degree
of relationship in which he stood to James and to the
Lennoxes may be seen in the genealogical table on
page 253.

§ 4. Of the life-records, eleven in all, given in Appendix
D, three only have hitherto been known, Nos. II., VI.,
and XL, and of these II. is now printed for the first
time ; while the copy of VI., which appears in an article
contributed to 'Notes and Queries' (January 4, 1868)
by James Paterson, the Ayrshire antiquarian, already
referred to, is neither strictly accurate nor complete.^ A
reprint of this, taken from Paterson's article, is also
appended by Dr Brotanek to his study of the poet.
The interesting record, No. XL, connecting Montgomerie
with Barclay of Ladyland's Catholic plot to land Spanish
troops on the island of Ailsa Craig in the summer of
1597, is given in precis in the published Register of the
Privy Council, but without recognition on the editor's
part that the Montgomerie referred to is the poet.
The verbatim copy printed in our Appendix is taken
from the original document in the Register House. Dr
Brotanek draws attention to this record, but being misled
by Paterson's erroneous genealogy of the poet, he is
under the impression that it has reference to a nephew
of Montgomerie.^ An important letter, discovered among

^ Dr Irving is the first to draw attention to these documents recording the
grant of Montgomerie's pension. See his Introduction to the 182 1 edition of
the poems, p. xi. It is probable that he owed his knowledge of them to
David Laing.

2 Mr T. F. Henderson ('A History of Scottish Vernacular Literature,'
p. 253) also notes this entry in the Privy Council Register ; but accepting as
he does the old and mistaken view of jSIontgomevie's parentage, it is not easy

Xll INTRODUCTION.

the State Papers relating to Scotland in the Record
Office, London, from Robert Bowes, Elizabeth's am-
bassador at the Scottish Court, to Lord Burghley,
throws additional light on this conspiracy, showing it to
have been of wider extent than is indicated in the meagre
record of the Scottish Privy Council.^

§ 5. The discovery of Montgomerie's implication in
Barclay of Ladyland's Catholic plot, a conspiracy which
ended in a desperate scuffle off the shores of Ailsa Craig,
in which the Ayrshire laird lost his life, throws a new
and unsuspected light on the public interests of the poet.
The records, however, are still too scanty to enable us
to determine how far Montgomerie was mixed up in
the Catholic intrigues of the time ; but it is clear that
he had to some extent been drawn into the tangled
politics of James's reign. An attempt to deal with this
point has been made in Appendix B, where also may
be found an account of the circumstances which involved
the poet in the embittering litigation that inspires a well-
known series of his sonnets. This chapter of his life has
hitherto been .wrapt in all but complete obscurity, noth-
ing previously having been known of the matter beyond
its connection with the king's grant of a pension to him
in the year 1583. In the account given in Appendix B,
important information is drawn from official records of
the suit, which the editor has had the good fortune to
discover in the Register House, Edinburgh. These are

to see how he reconciles his identification of the Montgomerie referred to in
the record with the poet. His further statement that "old Hugh," the
third Laird of Hessilheid, was alive at the date of this record (July 14, 1597)
is inaccurate: "old Hugh" died on January 23, 1556. (See 'Register of
Testaments, Commissariot of Glasgow,' vol. ii. p. 58.)
^ See Appendix D, p. 334.

INTRODUCTION. XUl

printed in full among the life-records in Appendix D
(Nos, v., VIII., IX., X.). The most important is the
long "Decreet," No. X., which reviews at great length
the opposing arguments of the litigants, and contains
the final judgment of the court. Besides the personal
and linguistic interest of these records, it is hoped they
may have some historic value as examples of legal pro-
cedure in the Scottish civil courts of the sixteenth century.
The punctuation and numbered paragraph divisions are,
of course, editorial.

§ 6. Attention may be drawn to one or two other new
records of interest. Nos. III. and IV. relate to a debt
of £s^o sterling, incurred by the poet, along with two
others, in the year 1580, for the purchase of a vessel
from a Southampton merchant, by name Henrie Gelis
(or Gyllis). Some discussion of this curious transaction,
which probably has to do with the Catholic intrigues of
the time, vnll be found in Appendix B, p. 264. Further
light is thrown on the friendly relations existing between
Montgomerie and his kinsman and patron Ludovic, second
Duke of Lennox, by record VII., this being a ratification
of the poet's pension by the Duke (" for guid and thank-
full service done and to be done be ]?e said Capitane
Alexander to ws"), who, at this date, November 2, 1591,
was claiming to have "vndoutit rycht" to the bishopric
of Glasgow {v. p. 279). The poet's pension, it should be
mentioned, was a charge on the revenues of the see.
Finally, we have in record I. a print of the last will and
testament of Montgomerie's mother, in which the poet
is named as her executor, A copy of his father's will,
dated January 4, 1558/9, is also given on p. 258,

§ 7. Before proceeding now to an account of the three

xiv INTRODUCTION.

new manuscripts, the contents of which are here for the
first time made public, and offering some appraisement of
their value for textual purposes, it may be well first of
all to briefly review what has hitherto been done towards
producing a critical text of Montgomerie's writings. No
very clear account of this has yet been given by previous
editors. Although there is not the least question of the
high contemporary reputation of the poet, both at the
court and in the country at large,^ remarkably little of
his work would seem to have been known through the
medium of printed texts in his own lifetime. Most of
his poetry, perhaps the best of it, has survived to modern
times in manuscript. The principal of these sources is
the well-known Drummond Manuscript,^ preserved in the
library of the University of Edinburgh, which contains
almost all of Montgomerie's miscellaneous lyrics, sonnets,
occasional and devotional poems. This important manu-

^ In the course of some youthful compositions, King James twice hails

Montgomerie as the " Maister Poete" of his court, and in another place

addresses him as " Belouit Sandirs, maister of oure airt." These poems of

the king appear to have been written round about the year 1582 (see

Appendix B, p. 267). Some ten years later one of the court rhymers, a

certain Rob Stene (see note, p. 352), lamenting his own unfitness to sing the

praises of his royal master, expresses the hope that he may soon hear —

Montgumry with his 'ornat style
And cunning, quhilk nane can rehearse,
Your wit and vallour put in verse ;
For quhy, your poyet laureat
Your gifts sowld only registrat.

By the beginning of the seventeenth century, Montgomerie's reputation

appears to have been widely spread. Timothy Font's reference to him as

that "renomit poet" is well known. Another contemporary, the historian

David Calderwood, credits him with "a singular vaine of poesie," and further

alludes to him as "that excellent poet Mr Montgomerie." When in 1601

there was a question in the General Assembly of preparing a fresh version of

the Psalms for use in the Scottish churches, the same historian records that

it was "Montgomerie and sum vthers principalis of inglish poesie" who

volunteered their services. The offer was declined.

2 Collation, i.-iv., 1-S3 text, V.-X., measuring 5X by Jji inches.

INTRODUCTION. XV

script was gifted to his old university by Drummond in

the year 1627. Of its history previous to this nothing is

known ; but from the character of the writing — a clear

Italian hand — and the style of the orthography, it may

be safely inferred that it was written out no very long

time before the date of Drummond's parting with it.

On the back of the first leaf is inscribed the signature

" Margaret Ker." The following conjecture as to who

this unidentified lady was, apparently a previous, if not

the first, owner of the manuscript, may be taken for what

it is worth. At the time when it may be presumed the

manuscript was written, a Margaret Ker, wife of Mark

Ker, the first Earl of Lothian (created 1606), and daughter

of John Lord Herries, was residing at Newbattle Abbey,

near the town of Dalkeith, a few miles from Edinburgh.

It is not improbable that this is the lady in question.

Her husband, like Montgomerie, was attached to the

court, occupying the position of Master of the Requests.

Her brother-in-law, George Ker, was the notorious

Catholic intriguer who was caught with the Spanish

Blanks in December of 1592. Through his position at

the court and his Catholic sympathies, it is more than

likely Montgomerie had formed a friendship with the

Kers of Lothian. In one of his sonnets he joins with

the names of two other supporters of the Catholic cause,

that of a person call " Keir," who may possibly have been

a member of the Lothian family, perhaps the notorious

George Ker himself.^ Newbattle Abbey, the seat of the

1 Adeu, suete Duke, vhose father held me deir ;
Adeu, companiones, Constable and Keir ;
Three treuar halrts, I trou, sail neuer tuin.

The duke here referred to was Ludovic, second Duke of Lennox ; Constable
was the poet, author of 'Diana,' and an active intriguer in the Catholic
interest, both in England and Scotland.

XVI INTRODUCTION.

Lothians, is only a few miles distant from Hawthornden,
the home of Drummond, and that a friendship existed
between these neighbouring county families is scarcely
to be doubted. Through this channel, then, it is possible
that the manuscript of Montgomerie's poems came into
the possession of Drummond.

§ 8. The other hitherto known manuscript sources of
the poet's works are the Maitland Quarto, now in the
Pepysian Library at Cambridge, and George Bannatyne's
Manuscript in the Advocate's Library at Edinburgh.
The former contains the two lyrics, written by Mont-
gomerie in praise of his kinswoman, Lady Margaret
Montgomerie, eldest daughter of the third Earl of
Eglintoun, some time prior to her marriage in 1582 with
Lord Seton, afterwards created Earl of Wintoun. Two
other poems from the same manuscript have been con-
jecturally assigned to the poet. The earliest source,
however, of Montgomerie's writings is the Bannatyne
Manuscript. This contains seven of his compositions, four
of which are certainly of the original date of the manu-
script, 1568; the other three were probably engrossed
some time later. It should be noted in passing that
Montgomerie's appearance among the poets of Banna-
tyne's original collection disposes of the statement in the
* Dictionary of National Biography ' and elsewhere that he
was born in 1556.^

§ 9. It does not appear that Montgomerie himself made
any effort to publish his poems. All of his writings
which, so far as can be ascertained, found their way into
print during his own lifetime, amounts to barely a third
of what he is known to have written. Among the pref-

^ See Appendix A, p. 257.

INTRODUCTION. . xvii

atory sonnets to James VI. 's " Essayes of a Prentise"
(1584) is one by Montgomerie ; this, and a few citations
taken by the king to illustrate points in his discussion
of Scottish prosody, are the earliest examples of his verse
to appear in print. Two of these quotations are from
" The Cherrie and the Slae." Thirteen years later, in
1597, an unfinished and corrupt version of this poem was
published by Waldegrave, and was followed by a second
impression in the same year, freed from the obvious
blunders of the first print. These issues of Waldegrave
have been a source of some perplexity to Montgomerie's
critics and editors. Dr Brotanek, the last to discuss the
question, puts forward the theory that the first edition
was printed from one of the no doubt many manuscript
copies of the poem then in circulation, and that it was pub-
lished without the poet's sanction ; and that afterwards a
version freed from the errors and corruptions of transcribers
was sent to the printer by Montgomerie himself in his own
defence. This view, Dr Brotanek holds, is substantiated
by the statement, which appears on the title - page of
Waldegrave's second impression, that it was " Prented
according to a Copie corrected by the Author himselfe."
There is, however, a difficulty in the way of accepting
this seemingly reasonable view of the matter. Walde-
grave's second impression contains some errors which it
is hard to believe would have been allowed to remain in
any manuscript read by the author himself and intended
for the press ; and these are not of a kind to be charged
to the printer. Moreover, Ritson's point that it is ex-
tremely unlikely that Montgomerie would have corrected
a copy for such a purpose, without at the same time seizing
the opportunity to bring his poem to some sort of con-

XVIU INTRODUCTION.

elusion, — as issued in both of Waldegrave's prints it breaks
off abruptly in the middle of a stanza, — is not to be so
lightly set aside as Dr Brotanek is disposed to do. It is
much more probable that neither edition was issued with
the author's sanction.

§ ID. Doubtless it was the publication of these corrupt
and incomplete texts which prompted Montgomerie in
later life to revise and finish his allegory. In this its final
form, however, it did not appear until 1615, some time
after the poet's death. Hart was the printer. The
alterations and additions introduced are very extensive.
Besides minor changes throughout the already written
portion, forty-seven new stanzas are added. The first
five stanzas and the seventh are more or less recast,
and stanzas 10 (11. 127-140), 58-66 (11. 799-924), 78-114
(11. 1071-1595) are new. In all, the poem is increased
from 930 to 1596 lines. The general effect of these
changes and amplifications is to elaborate, without, it
must be admitted, improving, the opening conventional
description of a morning in May, a description which
owes all its features to the established tradition of the
court allegories ; and further and more especially to em-
phasise the didactic element in the poem by prolonging
the discussion between Experience, Reason, Skill, Wit,
Hope, Courage, Will, Dread, Despair, and the other
allegorical figures that range themselves in opposing
sides to thrash out the question whether the hero's
enterprise to pluck the cherries is a wise or foolhardy
one. Hart's edition naturally superseded the earlier
issues of Waldegrave, and it is this final version of
the poem only which throughout the two succeeding
centuries continued to be reprinted. Its popularity was

INTRODUCTION. xix

astonishing. With the single exception of Blind Harry's
'Wallace,' no poem in Scotland was more widely and
continuously read during the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries than " The Cherrie and the Slae." Including
Waldegrave's earlier versions, twenty-two editions at least
were printed, besides a Latin translation which was twice
reissued. It may be well to give the dates of these, since
a number are unnoted in Dr Cranstoun's bibliography :
1615, 1636, 1645, 1668, 1675, 1682, 1698, 1700 (at Belfast),
1706, 1722, 1724, 1726, 1746, 175 1, 1754, 1757, 1768, 1779,
1782, 1792; Dempster's Latin version, 1631, 1696, and an
undated edition. In the early years of the eighteenth
century Montgomerie's reputation appears to have been
as high as ever it was. An interesting, though obviously
exaggerated, testimony to his popularity at this time is
found in a document written by one of his kinsmen (see
page 255), who mentions the fact that the Edinburgh advo-
cates were in the habit then of interlarding their pleadings
with " Oratorious and SatyricuU Apothegems " taken from
both the " Flyting " and " The Cherrie and the Slae." And
James Kelly, the compiler of a well-known collection of
Scottish proverbs, published in 1721, refers to the latter
poem as " an ingenious Scottish book, ... so commonly
known to Scottish men that a great share of it passes
for proverbs." No doubt it was the neatly rhymed
expression of these old saws and sayings, fitting them
for ready quotation, which more than anything else gave
to the poem its prolonged life and popularity.

§ II. The most notable of the editions printed in the
first quarter of the eighteenth century was that included
in the ' Evergreen ' in 1724 by Allan Ramsay. This was
avowedly an " edited " text. Ramsay's own account of

b

XX INTRODUCTION.

his sources is given in a footnote. " This edition," he
writes, " is taken from two curious old ones, the first
printed by Robert Waldegrave in 1597, according to a
copy corrected by the author himself; the other by
Andro Hart, printed in 161 5." This remains the only
proof we have of Hart's edition, for since Ramsay's
time all copies of it have disappeared. It is of some
importance to determine how Ramsay discharged his
editorial duties, since the texts of David Laing and Dr
Cranstoun are largely based on the ' Evergreen ' version.
This, however, can only be done approximately, since but
one of his sources, Waldegrave's print, is now available
for purposes of comparison. Between the date of Hart's
lost edition, however, and the publication of Ramsay's
text, ten reprints at least of the poem were issued, and
copies of these exist. The nearest in point of time to
Hart's edition is Wreittoun's, published in 1636. There
is no reason to suppose that this is anything but a reprint
of Hart's earlier edition, with the spelling probably modi-
fied to some extent in an English direction. The other
issues immediately following show only a few unimportant
variations from Wreittoun's text, and these are obviously
due to the printer's oversight. Wreittoun's version, then,
we may safely take as reproducing, save in the matter
of a certain proportion of the spellings, Hart's lost edition.
§ 12. The basis of Ramsay's text is the 161 5 edition,
and this he would seem, on the whole, to have followed
closely; but from time to time he introduces a reading
from Waldegrave's earlier version, and occasionally im-
ports an emendation of his own. Had these changes
been acknowledged, and the displaced readings given in
footnotes, no objection, of course, could be taken to his

INTRODUCTION. xxi

editorial procedure, although the value or necessity of
his alterations might often be doubted. How far Ramsay
interfered with the orthography of Hart's edition it is
impossible to say, but it is hardly doubtful that he did
take liberties in this respect, and curiously enough
usually in the direction of giving to the language of
the poem a more Scottish complexion than it is likely
to have had in the 1615 edition. At this date, and
even a good deal earlier, the tendency to Anglicise the
spelling of books published in Scotland was strongly
marked, and there can be little doubt that Hart's print
of " The Cherrie and the Slae " would be in keeping with
this rapidly growing practice. But the remarkable thing is
that the ' Evergreen ' text is little if any less Scottish in
its orthography than even the earlier editions of Walde-
grave. In a number of instances, indeed, characteristic
northern spellings appear in Ramsay's text where both
of Waldegrave's 1597 prints have southern forms. Thus
"come," "some," "go," "so," "of," "two," " oft-tymes,"
"have," "most," "mo," " na," "grave," " deadlie," in
Waldegrave, appear in the corresponding passages in the
' Evergreen ' as " cum," " sum," " gae," " sae," " aft,"
"twae," " aftentymes," "half," " maist," " mae," " nae,"
" graif," " deidlie." It is little likely that these spellings
were found in Hart's edition. Forms like " gae," " sae,"
^' twae," " mae," " nae," " aftentymes," are, indeed, charac-
teristic rather of Scottish orthography in Ramsay's time
than in Montgomerie's.

§ 13. In certain instances of grammatical usage Ramsay
would seem also to have interfered with his original texts ;
but in these, contrary to his dealing with the orthography,
he gives a more modern cast to the constructions. Thus

xxii INTRODUCTION.

the northern ending in -s, or -is(es), of the present indicative
singular and plural, when the nominative is other than
a personal pronoun, or when a pronoun, is separated from
its verb, is invariably dropped. This there is not the least
doubt must be a departure from the idiom of the texts
he was using. The verbal form in question of course
appears regularly in Waldegrave ; but that it was also used
in Hart's edition may be inferred from its appearance in
Wreittoun's later reprint of 1636, a text, as already noted,
showing English influence strongly in its orthography.
Thus Wreittoun's lines, "The strong ay with wrong ay.
Puts weaker to the walls," appear in the ' Evergreen ' as
" The Strang ay with wrang ay, Ptd weaker to the walls."
Other examples are —

If yee were sent for we suspect,

Because the Doctours doubts.

Your yeares now appeares now

With wisdom to be vext.

— Wreittoun.

Gif ze were sent for we suspect,

Because the Doctour douis,
Zour zeirs now appeir now

With wisdom to be vext.

— 'Evergreen.'

i_ I grip fast if the ground be good,

k.ndi fleets where it is false.

— Wreittoun.

I grip fast gif the grund be gude,

Andfleit quhair it is false.

— ' Evergreen.'

By Ramsay's time this regular idiom of early Scots had
probably come to be regarded as a vulgarism ; hence its
disappearance from the ' Evergreen.' Again, in the char-

INTRODUCTION. XXIU

acteristic Middle Scots' usage of ' ane ' before substantives
beginning with a consonant, Ramsay is much less uniform
than Wreittoun, though he is supposed to be reproducing
a text of considerably earlier date. The truth is, Ramsay
was not a trustworthy transmitter of texts, even allowing
for the laxer conceptions of an editor's duty in those days.
The antiquarian enthusiasm with which he set himself
to recover the remains of early Scottish poetry, was not
accompanied by any corresponding zeal for strict ad-
herence to the letter of his original texts. Where it is
possible to compare his publications with his originals,
as in the case of his printed selections from the Bannatyne
Manuscript, his editorial license is manifest and notorious.
A similar, if not quite so extensive, liberty he has clearly
taken in his edition of " The Cherrie and the Slae." For
the purposes of a text society it is of little or no value :
it cannot be regarded as representing the language of the
originals, and it does not even reproduce the vernacular
of Ramsay's own day.

§ 14. The text of " The Cherrie and the Slae," pre-
pared by David Laing in 1821, and reproduced by
Dr Cranstoun for the Scottish Text Society in 1887,
is made up partly from the ' Evergreen ' and partly
from Waldegrave's second print of 1597, which Ramsay
had used. It is pieced together in the following way :
lines 1-140, Waldegrave ; 141-154, 'Evergreen'; 155-812,
Waldegrave; 813-938, 'Evergreen'; 939-1084, Walde-
grave ; 1085-1596, 'Evergreen.' Laing here discards the
opening stanzas as they were finally shaped and revised
by the poet, preferring to retain these in their original
form : the rest of the earlier text he also preserves, adding
to it the new stanzas of the poet's final version as these

XXIV INTRODUCTION.

appear in Ramsay's contaminated edition. The result is
a composite text, of which we may be quite sure the
poet would most strongly have disapproved. It is to be
regretted that Dr Cranstoun thought fit to follow Laing
in this composite arrangement of his, and did not rather
adopt the sounder plan of printing separate texts of both
versions of the poem. As it is, notwithstanding the
editorial labour which has been expended on " The Cherrie
and the Slae," no convenient prints of the poem, in either
of its forms, have hitherto been made available for readers
of Montgomerie. The recovery of a neglected copy of
the earlier version from among the Laing Manuscripts
in Edinburgh University Library has suggested the
desirability of supplying this need. In the present
volume, accordingly, will be found set out on opposite
pages, for convenience of reference, the first printed
edition (Waldegrave's first issue of 1597) and the re-
covered text of the Laing Manuscript. The latter supplies
some interesting variants, which throw light on certain
obscure passages. It has besides the additional in-
terest of being the only contemporary manuscript of
the poem, and reproduces a somewhat older orthography
than either of Waldegrave's prints. It pretty certainly
was engrossed at an earlier date.^ In footnotes to our
reproduction of the first printed edition are also given
every variant, other than unimportant differences in
spelling, found in Waldegrave's second issue of 1597.
The reader is thus put in possession of all the material
available for getting at the text of the poem in its
earliest known form. The later revised and expanded
version of 161 5 is separately printed in its entirety, not,

1 See notes, §§ 5 and 6, pp. 345, 346.

INTRODUCTION. XXV

however, in Ramsay's doctored text, but as it appears
in Wreittoun's edition of 1636. In point of time this,
as we have already noted, is the nearest print which
can now be had to the lost edition of 161 5. Save in
the matter of orthography, there is no reason to suspect
any interference on Wreittoun's part with his original.
It is clearly a bookseller's reprint, in which the spelling
has been modified to suit the changing linguistic fashion
of the time, and possibly also to secure it a wider sale
in the English market. As such it has the further interest
of throwing light on the rapidity with which in printed
books Southern English was supplanting the native
dialect. Ramsay's variant readings, where these are not
merely orthographical, are given in the footnotes. For
further discussion of Wreittoun's text, see notes, {5 6,
p. 346.

§ 15. The remarkable popularity of "The Cherrie and
the Slae " during the century following the poet's death
probably helped in no small measure to keep alive an in-
terest in the "Flyting with Polwart," the humour of which
it is difficult nowadays to appreciate. As is pointed out
later, there is reason to believe that the "Flyting" was
written about the year 1582, and quotations from it
appear two years later in King James's " Reulis and
Cautelis." If the exchange of "invective" epistles be-
tween the rival poets was carried on by means of printed
broadsides — which is probable enough, seeing that the
"Flyting" was a contribution to the court amusements
in the first irresponsible years of James's reign, — these
sheets are not known to have been gathered into a
single volume till Hart put out an edition in 162 1, and
of this edition all copies have perished. The only

XXVI INTRODUCTION,

knowledge we have of it is derived from a descriptive
entry in the catalogue of the long - since dispersed
Harleian Library. Following Hart's edition, no fewer
than eight issues of the " Flyting " appeared down to the
time of its publication in Watson's ' Choice Collection '
in 17 II, when it ceased to be reprinted, till the modern
impressions of Laing and Dr Cranstoun. The dates of
these successive issues, some of which are overlooked
by Dr Cranstoun, are 1629 (Edin., two editions, — one
by the Heires of Andro Hart, the other by the Heires
of Thomas Finlayson for John Wood), 1632, 1665, 1666,
1679, 1688, 171 1. Portions were also included in
Sibbald's 'Chronicle' in 1802. Laing's text (reprinted
by Dr Cranstoun) is taken from the edition issued by
the heirs of Andro Hart in 1629. On the title-page
of the other edition printed in the same year for John
Wood there appears the statement that it was "newlie
corrected and enlarged." ^ According to Laing, how-
ever, who submitted the two impressions to a " minute
comparison," they in no material way differ from
one another ; " and," continues Laing, " if these poems
ever were ' corrected and enlarged,' we have no means
left to ascertain the extent of the alteration." That the
verse epistles of the " Flyting " did, however, undergo
alteration at some time or other is now made certain
by the recovery of a manuscript copy of much earlier
date than the editions examined by Laing. The credit
of first drawing attention to this neglected manuscript,
advertised in a sale catalogue of the library of Mr Robert
S. Turner, sold in 1888 by Messrs Sotheby, Wilkinson,

^ This is rather misleading, seeing that Montgomerie died at least fourteen
years prior to the appearance of Wood's edition.

INTRODUCTION. xxvii

and Hodge, is due, as has already been mentioned, to
Dr Brotanek. Unable, however, to obtain more than a
cursory glance at it (" nur eine oberflachliche Besichti-
gung desselben") from Mr Quaritch, into whose pos-
session it had passed, Dr Brotanek was not in a
position to give any detailed account of the manu-
script. It has since been acquired for the purpose
of the present volume, and is now printed for the first
time. This new version of the " Flyting " presents some
interesting variations from the earlier surviving texts. In
the first place, the epistles, or verse " invectives," are
arranged differently, those of Montgomerie being first
given and then Polwart's : in the printed editions they
are placed in the order of alternate attack and reply.
Montgomerie's first invective, the opening epistle in the
printed texts, beginning "Polwart 5ee peip like a mouse
amongst thornes," is, however, awanting. The binding
of the manuscript makes it impossible to follow the
"gatherings," so that we cannot say whether or not
a leaf has been torn out at the beginning. Two new
stanzas are found in Montgomerie's second epistle (p.
154); but they are of no literary value whatsoever,
being merely a further addition to the string of abusive
epithets with which he castigates his opponent. A
third new stanza occurs in Polwart's last invective (p.
182), which levels at Montgomerie the interesting and
suggestive charge of pilfering proverbial sayings from
Italian sources.^ Besides these actual additions to the
text, a considerable number of the stanzas show im-
portant variations from the corresponding passages in
the printed editions.

^ See App. C, p. 291.

XXVlll INTRODUCTION.

§ i6. The statement in the original sale catalogue (re-
peated by Quaritch), that the manuscript is in the poet's
own handwriting, is without vouchers of any kind, and
must, in the meantime at any rate, be set aside as a mere
conjecture. A special interest of another kind, however,
attaches to the manuscript. On the first page, under
the title " Invectiues Capitane Allexander Montgomeree et
Pollvart et cetera," is written a sonnet inscribed " To his
Majestic," and signed "Tullibardine." In the left-hand
corner there is also traced the coat of arms of the Murray
family, showing the three mullets pearl within a double
tressure and the five fleurs-de-lis. On one side of the
shield the letter W is inscribed, and on the other M.
The only member of the family to whom these initials
can well be referred is Sir William Murray, who died on
March 15, 1582/3 (Nisbet's 'Heraldry,' vol. ii., App., p.
191). He held the position of Comptroller to the King,
and was a member of the Privy Council. It is note-
worthy that one of Montgomerie's sonnets (Cranstoun,
p. 121) is addressed to a " W. Murray," who may have
been the same man. The complimentary sonnet to his
Majesty may reasonably be taken as indicating that the
manuscript had at some time or other been presented to
James. During the ten months from August 1582 to
June 1583 the king was in the hands of the Ruthven
raiders, and as we know that the " Fly ting " was a con-
tribution to the court amusements, it may be inferred
that it was carried through some time prior to the Raid.
In all probability, then, taking into account the date of
Sir WiUiam Murray's death, this poetic encounter be-
tween Polwart and Montgomerie is to be dated from
the year 1582.

INTRODUCTION. XXIX

The Tullibardine Manuscript is nicely bound in full
roan leather, and consists of sixteen leaves, measuring
8 by 6^ inches. It is carefully written in a neat
legible hand, characteristic of the second half of the
century, and is without ornamentation. The text begins
on f. 2a and ends on f. I5<^; f. \a contains the title
and dedicatory sonnet to the king; ff. \b, \^b, i6a,
and i6d are blank. Of the importance of the manu-
script for textual purposes there can be no question.
It antedates by at least forty -six years the earliest
surviving print — Hart's edition of 1629 — which hitherto
has been relied on by modern editors. The language
shows far less admixture of Southern forms, and prob-
ably approximates closely to the actual words of the
rival poets.

§ 17. Dr Brotanek draws attention to another neglected
manuscript of the "Flyting," which he has noted in the
Harleian Collection in the British Museum. It is bound
up (Harl. MS. 7578, No. 3) in a folio volume of mis-
cellaneous pieces, some on parchment and some on
paper, and of widely varying date. The descriptive
entry in the Museum catalogue begins: "(i) A single
leaf, verse and prose. (2) Nineteen vellum leaves, con-
taining Lydgate's Proverbs to f. 12, and thence a col-
lection of his Balades of the 15th century. (3) On
paper, an old set of poems in several parts, entitled
'Polwart and Montgomerie flyting.' At the end,
'Scriptum per me Johannem Rutherford,' 12 leaves.
Also on the outside, 'John Rutherford his bulk.' (4) Part
of Drama entitled, ' Nebuchadnezzars fiery furnace.' On
paper 4to, p. 321-368, original pages," &c. With the ex-
ception of one blundering omission of eleven lines, this

XXX INTRODUCTION.

copy of the " Flyting " is carefully written, and may have
been engrossed any time during the first quarter
of the seventeenth century, — it is not likely to have
been earlier. The arrangement of the epistles is the
same as appears in the printed editions ; but the
absence of the address "To the Reader," and the
presence of variant readings throughout the body of
the text, show that it is not taken from Hart's edition
of 1629. Possibly it is a copy of the lost edition
of 1621 ; but more likely it represents an independent
manuscript tradition. It throws light on several obscure
passages of the text, and must take rank as the second
earliest source of the "Flyting."

§ 18. It is noteworthy that during the time of Mont-
gomerie's widespread popularity in the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries, no edition of his shorter poems was
published. These, it will be remembered, are, with some
half-dozen exceptions, preserved in the Drummond Manu-
script. A few pieces, seven in all to be precise, are
usually appended to the earlier reprints of " The Cherrie
and the Slae " ; but excepting these, the whole of the
comparatively large collection of miscellaneous lyrics,
sonnets, devotional and occasional poems, amounting
to some two - thirds of his verse, remained unprinted
down to modern times. A Scottish printer at the
beginning of the seventeenth century might well have
hesitated to venture on their publication. Like the
most of the poetry, other than religious, which is
known to have been composed in Scotland in the
last two decades of the sixteenth century, Montgomerie's
writings reflect almost exclusively the literary interests
of the Court, and these interests were obviously not in

INTRODUCTION. XXXI

tune with the temper of the nation generally. It may
seem surprising, however, that a century later, when led
by collectors like Watson and Ramsay there was a
revival of interest in old Scots poetry, Montgomerie's
lyrics and sonnets were not laid under contribution for
the poetic miscellanies then appearing. The explana-
tion of this seeming neglect is, there can be little doubt,
the simple fact that the existence of the Drummond
Manuscript was at that time unknown ; and it would ap-
pear that until a much later date its existence continued
to be unknown. Neither Hailes nor Pinkerton alludes to
it, nor does either of them draw on its contents, although
the latter prints ('Ancient Scotish Poems,' 1786) two of
Montgomerie's lyrics from the less important Maitland
Quarto. It is also clear that the existence of Mont-
gomerie's miscellaneous poems was not even preserved
as a family tradition, since William Montgomery of
Rosemount, in his account of his kinsman the poet,
written at the beginning of the eighteenth century, makes
no reference to them, although he is careful enough
to mention the titles of the few poems appended to the
reprints of "The Cherrie and the Slae.''^ The first to

1 The possibility of a printed edition of the shorter poems of Montgomerie,
all copies of which might be assumed to have perished (like the 1615 edition
of "The Cherrie and the Slae" and the 162 1 edition of "The Fiyting with
Polwart"), is raised by an account given of the poet by Thomas Dempster,
author of the ' Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum.' Dempster, whose
interest in Montgomerie is shown by his translation into Latin hexameters of
"The Cherrie and the Slae," was born in Aberdeenshire in 1579. His
education was chiefly obtained abroad, and as a Catholic scholar there was in
later years no place for him in the universities of his own country. He taught
successively in Paris, Pisa, and Bologna, where he died in 1625. 'The
Historia Ecclesiastica ' appeared two years later. The erudition of this work
is unfortunately marred by many inaccuracies, and still more by deliberate

XXXll INTRODUCTION.

draw on the Drummond Manuscript was Sibbald, who
in his 'Chronicle' (Edin., 1802, 4 vols.) prints a number of
Montgomerie's shorter poems (see Cranstoun's list, p. Iv).
A further selection of some nine or ten pieces was made
by Dr Irving to illustrate his account of the poet given in
his ' Lives of the Scotish Poets ' (1804). It was, however,
reserved for David Laing to issue the first collected and
edited text of Montgomerie's poems, drawing on all the
then known sources of the poet's writings. This appeared
in 1 82 1, with a critical and biographical introduction by
Dr Irving. An announcement five years later by " Messrs
W. & D. Laing " that a new edition was in preparation
of ' The Poems of Alexander Montgomerie and Sir
Patrick Hume of Polvv^art ' in two volumes, octavo, re-
mained an unfulfilled promise. It is of interest, however,
to know that Laing had contemplated a revision of his
earlier work.

§ 19. Valuable at the date of its publication, as pre-
senting for the first time a collected text of Montgomerie's
writings, Laing's volume, judged by present-day standards
of editing, is not an entirely satisfactory production.
Attention has been drawn to his dealing with " The

falsifications, the names even of writers and books being invented for the
purpose probably of exalting his country in the eyes of Continental friends.
In his notice of Montgomerie he mentions, besides " The Cherrie and the
Slae " and " The Fly ting with Pol wart," two other volumes : ' Epigrammata,'
lib. i., ' Cantiones Amatorise, lib. i.' A charitable interpretation of his
mention of these unknown books may be that through transmission of manu-
script copies he had come to a knowledge of the fact that Montgomerie was
the author of a considerable body of miscellaneous poems, and that he gave
the poet the benefit of a genuine doubt in his mind as to whether or not
these had appeared in printed form. But it is noteworthy that he makes
no comment on them, whereas on both the " Flyting " and "The Cherrie
and the Slae " he passes extravagant eulogiums.

INTRODUCTION. XXXIU

Cherrie and the Slae." Further editorial liberties are
taken with a number of the minor poems in the
Drummond Manuscript. In these, changes are made
(without acknowledgment) in the scribe's order of the
lines, an interference which has the effect of altering
the structure of the stanzas. Thus in No. XLIV. of
the miscellaneous poems, the lines of the stanza are
arranged as follows in the manuscript : —

Remember rightly, vhen 3e reid,

The woe and dreid,

But hope to speid,
I drie into despair.
My hairt within my breist does bleid

Vnto the deid,

Vithout remeid ;
I'm hurt, I wot not vhair.
Alace ! vhat is the cause, think I,
But grace that I in langour ly?

And so on throughout the poem. This in Laing's text
becomes —

Remember rightly, vhen 30 reid,

The woe and dreid, but hope to speid,
I drie into dispair.

My hairt within my breist does bleid

Vnto the deid, vithout remeid ;
I'm hurt, I wot not vhair.

Alace ! vhat is the caus, think I,

But grace that I in langour ly?

The form of the stanza is here shortened ; but in No.
XVI. the editorial arrangement has a precisely opposite
effect. The manuscript places the lines in the following
order : —

XXXlV INTRODUCTION.

O vhat a martyrd man am I !
I freat — I fry — I wreist — I wry-
I wrassil with the wind ;
Of duill and dolour so I dry,
And wot not vhy this grit invy

Of fortun now I find;
But at this tyme hir spyt I spy :
O vhat a martyrd man am I !

Lainsf turns this into —

't>

0 vhat a martyrd man am I !

I freat — I fry —
I wreist — I wry —

1 wrassil with the wind ;

Of duill and dolour so I dry,

And wot not vhy

This grit invy
Of Fortun nou I find :
Bot at this tyme hir spyt I spy :
O vhat a martyrd man am I !

Unwarrantable liberties of a similar kind are taken
with Nos. XXL, XXVIIL, and XXXIV. Again, instead
of obtaining accurate copies of the three poems which
he prints from the Maitland Quarto, he is content to
reproduce Pinkerton's very inaccurate transcripts.

§ 20. Some account of the Laing Manuscript may now
conveniently precede a discussion of the anonymous
miscellaneous poems which, in addition to the version of
" The Cherrie and the Slae," are contained in it. There
is no way of ascertaining definitely when the manuscript
passed into the possession of Laing ; but it is clear,
since he makes no reference to it in the 1821 edition
of Montgomerie's poems, that it was subsequent to that
date. On the fly-leaf there is an inscription which con-

INTRODUCTION. XXXV

veys the information that it was presented to Laing by
" W. L. Melville," and a label affixed to the sheepskin
cover shows that it at one time belonged to the library
of the Earl of Leven and Melville. There can be no
doubt that the donor was the Honourable William
Henry Locke Melville, third son of the seventh Earl
of Leven, whose literary interests are shown in several
published works.^ It is possible that the manuscript
was presented to Laing shortly after the publication of
Montgomerie's poems in 1821, and as a consequence of
the interest evoked by that volume ; and it may have
been the discovery of this additional textual source
which suggested to him the project of a new edition,
advertised in 1826, but never carried out. Along with
the bulk of Laing's great collection, the manuscript
passed into the possession of the University of Edin-
burgh in 1878, after the owner's death. From the
pagination it would appear that it originally consisted
of eighty-four leaves. The original sheepskin covers are
still preserved. When first inspected by the present
writer, the manuscript presented a most dilapidated
appearance, the binding being loose, one of the covers
imperfect, and several of the leaves detached. It has
since been carefully repaired by the binder who works
for the Bodleian Library. The first three leaves are
lost, and a gap of twenty-one leaves occurs between
folios forty-eight and sixty-nine : leaf forty-six appears
to have been cancelled. An examination of the quires
shows that some leaves had been torn out previous to
the present numbering of the pages. In this way a

^ It is known that Mr Leslie Melville presented Laing with several
manuscripts.

C

XXXVl INTRODUCTION.

leaf has been removed after folio fourteen, and several
after folio thirty-one. As it now is, the manuscript
consists of sixty leaves measuring 7| by 5f inches. The
manner of its original compilation is rather a puzzle.
Over a dozen hands, all characteristic of the late sixteenth
century, can be traced in the transcriptions. It might
be presumed that these indicate a series of succeeding
owners were it not that the hands do not follow one
another in regular order. Poems in different parts of
the manuscript are found written out by the same scribe.
Thus three persons have been at the transcription of " The
Cherrie and the Slae," one of whom has also written
Nos. I, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 (except a few lines), 14, 15, 16, 20, 28.
Another hand has transcribed Nos. 5, 6, 11, 29, 31, 33, 34.
These may suffice to show how the manuscript has been
compiled. The writing in most of the poems shows
haste, a circumstance which, together with the constantly
changing hand, makes the manuscript not an easy one
to decipher. On one or two of the pages there is some
scribble in French. A possible explanation of these
peculiarities is that we have here an early and crude
example of an album of verses, or perhaps a poetical
commonplace book, belonging to some household in-
terested in poetry. It is likely that it was long in
the possession of the Melvilles, and it may well have
originated with some member or members of this family.
One of these who was living at the time, William
Melville, the fourth son of Sir John Melville of Raith,
from whom is descended the family of Leven and
Melville, was Commendator of Tungland and Kilwinning,
and it is a curious fact that a tradition, recorded some
seventy years after Montgomerie's death, connects the

INTRODUCTION. XXXvii

poet with this place.^ As a Lord of Session from
1587 to 1614 (it was during these years Montgomerie
figured in the Court of Session as a litigant), William
Melville must have spent much of his time in Edin-
burgh, and have come into contact with the court
circle of poets. Another of the Melvilles with whom
our manuscript may possibly have originated, was the
older brother of the above. Sir Robert Melville of
Murdocairney. Holding responsible offices of state under
James, and figuring prominently at the court, he could
scarcely fail to have been familiar with the group of
writers, Montgomerie among the rest, whom the king
was pleased to have around him. It is altogether
too airy a speculation, perhaps, to suggest that the
manuscript-book in question lay in the house of one or
other of these members of the Melville family, by
whom from time to time a court versifier was invited
to engross an occasional composition ; yet in this way
might be explained the appearance of so many differing
hands in the manuscript. .

§ 21. Of the miscellaneous poems, numbering thirty-
six, which, together with the version of " The Cherrie and
the Slae," make up the contents of the Laing MS., two
are variants of well-known compositions of Montgomerie,
namely, the devotional piece entitled "A Godly Prayer"
(No. XXX.), the earliest copy of which is found in
Bannatyne's Manuscript, and the verses, "Nan Luffis
bott Fullis vnlud agane" (No. VI.). The latter piece is
found complete in the Drummond Manuscript : the

^ Recorded in 'A Large Description of Galloway,' by Mr Andrew Symson
(MS. Adv. Lib., Edinburgh), 1684, enlarged 1692. The passage is quoted
by Dr Cranstoun, p. xvi.

XXXVIU INTRODUCTION.

version in the Laing MS. has only the first three
stanzas, and these are, to judge by certain manifest
errors and omissions, the transcription of an imperfect
memory ; but the language is less tinctured with English
forms. Dr Brotanek has pointed out that the refrain,
''Nan luffis bott fullis vnlud agane," is no doubt a
rendering of Ronsard's line, " Car un homme est bien
sot d'aimer si on ne I'aime" (see App. C, p. 297). A
version of Hume's devotional poem beginning "The
Weicht of Sin is wondir greitt " is found in No, XXXV.
This is the only known transcript of the poem contem-
porary with its composition, and from the character
of the orthography it is probably nearer in point of
spelling to the poet's original than Waldegrave's printed
version in the edition of Hume's ' Hymns,' published in
1599.^ A special interest attaches to No. XI. beginning,
" My freind, if ]?ow will credeitt me in oucht." It appears
in an English dress in ' The Paradyce of Dainty Devises,'
first published in London in 1576, and is there ascribed
to Jasper Heywood, son of the dramatist (see notes).
This is an interesting addition to the increasing body
of evidence that the Scottish poets of James's reign
were by no means unacquainted with the poetic mis-
cellanies of the Elizabethans. Of the remaining poems
of the Laing MS. none, so far as the editor has been
able to ascertain, has appeared in print before. Like

^ The change in spelhng coming over the language at this time was largely
due to the tendency of the Scottish printers to anglify the orthography of
manuscripts placed in their hands for publication. Wherever it is possible
to compare printed and manuscript versions of contemporary date, the former
will invariably be found to have a more anglified form of spelling. Compare,
for example, Waldegrave's prints of " The Cherrie and the Slae " with the
Laing Manuscript copy, or the TuUibardine " Fly ting " with the print of 1629.

INTRODUCTION. XXXIX

the selections above mentioned, all, with one exception,
appear in the manuscript without indication of their
authorship. The " I. Nisbit " whose name appears at
the end of No. VII., a conventional supplication of a
lover to his mistress, beginning " Fresche flureis fair,
and lusum ladie quhyte," it has not been possible to
identify. Under sonnet No. XXIII., which opens with
the attractive lines —

I serve ane dame moir quheiter than the snaw,

Quhois straichtnes dois ]?e Ceder treis exceid,
Quhois teith surpasfl jje oriant peirle in hew,

Quhois coUourit lippis surmountis ]?e skarlet threid.
The hinging lokkis that cuwzmis from hir heid,

Dois staingje the grace and glorie of ])e gold ;
The braith qu/iilk dois out of hir mouth proceid,

Dois moir than floz^ris a sweitar smell vnfauld,

is carelessly inscribed the name of " I. Arnot," but without
the customary " quod " before it. That this is intended
to imply authorship may be doubted ; under Sonnet No.
XXV., commencing " The tender snow, of granis soft and
quhyt," are scribbled in like manner the signatures of
" goirg hay, lames Arnot, Ihone Hay, Joannes Arnot."
These cannot be traced ; but see note on page 362. The
fact that " The Cherrie and the Slae " appears anony-
mously in the collection, as also one or two shorter pieces
by Montgomerie and Hume, naturally suggests the pos-
sibility that others are by the same writers. Including a
group of nine sonnets, some twenty pieces in the manu-
script belong to the conventional style of amatory court
poetry of the period ; the remaining numbers are of a
religious or devotional kind. In point of style, and in
the general tone of their sentiments, some of these latter

xl INTRODUCTION.

poems strongly recall the manner of Hume ; ^ notably is
this the case with Nos. XXXI.-XXXIIL, and XXIX.
and XXXIV., which reproduce the ballad quatrain that
Hume employs in his best -known piece, "The Day
Estival." Even more reminiscent of Montgomerie are
some of the love poems in the collection. The accent
and lilt of his verse are caught in such a stanza as the
following : —

Prepotent palme Imperiall,

Of perfyte pulchritude preclair !
O lusume Lamp Etheriall,

Quhais beamis bricht hes no compair !
Zour angell face, fragrant and fair,

Hes me bereft of my puir hairt,
Quhais perfytnes I will declair,

Gif ze vvald tak it in gude pairt.— (No. IV., p. 196.)

Montgomerie's disposition to revert to his own phrases
and images, to play the plagiarist on his own compositions
even to the extent of repeating himself through entire
lines, is commented on by both Dr Brotanek and Dr
Cranstoun, and should be apparent to any careful reader
of his poems. It may strengthen the supposition, then,
that the lyric from which the above stanza is quoted is
his, to find in it an exotic simile of the euphuistic kind,
which is already used in two of his accredited poems.
Compare lines 49-52 —

Lyke as it is the ]i3airtis kynd,
Of mannis face to pray hir fude,

So nature still steris vp my mynd
To wew 3our peirles pulchritude,

^ Compare especially Hume's " Recantation " and " Of God's Omnipo-
tence."

INTRODUCTION. xli

with the following from one of the lyrics in the Drummond
MS. (Cranstoun, p. 189) —

Lyk as the lyssard does indeid

Leiu by the manis face,
Thy Beutie lykuyse suld me feid,

If we had tyme and space.

He returns to the simile in one of his sonnets where, in
reference to King James, he writes —

I feid affection vhen I sie his Grace,
To look on that vhairin I most delyte ;

I am a lizard fainest of his face,
And not a snaik with poyson him to byte."

Compare also with the third and fourth lines of the stanza
quoted the following from another of Montgomerie's lyrics
(Cranstoun, p. 185) —

O lovesome Lady, lamp of licht,

Freshest of flouris fair !
Thy beutie and thy hemes bright

Maks me to sigh full sair.

Not less reminiscent is the poem commencing, " King
cupaid, grades god of glaikes " (p. 198), which elaborates
into seven eight - line stanzas the lover's conventional
defiance of Cupid, a sentiment which inspires Mont-
gomerie's sonnet " Against the God of Love " (Cranstoun,
p. 124). Besides the familiar description of Cupid in "The
Cherrie and the Slae " (stanzas 8 and 9), there are through-
out Montgomerie's miscellaneous lyrics frequent references
to the god of love. No special significance, of course, can
be attached to this, since such allusions are quite common
in this class of poetry ; but here again phrases of Mont-
gomerie's known compositions occur. Thus the line, " For

xlii INTRODUCTION.

I hawe leirnid to countt my kinch," recalls " The man may
ablens tine a stot who cannot count his kinch," from " The
Cherrie and the Slae" (p. iii, 1. 1099); and p. 199, 1. 19,
"Than, drocht, do att ])at ])ow dow," is all but an exact
repetition of a line in " The Flyting," " Do, droche, quhat
]?ow dow" (p. 136, 1. 64). Similar parallels are found scat-
tered throughout a number of the other poems in the manu-
script, but these must be sought in the notes. The most,
perhaps, that can be made of these resemblances is to give
us warrant for suggesting that there is at least a strong
probability that some of the compositions in question
are the work of Montgomerie.^ It is not to be supposed
that all of his miscellaneous poems are gathered into the
Drummond Quarto and those other poetic collections
already mentioned : others there must have been afloat in
manuscript in his own day. It should also be borne in
mind that the Scottish poets who in James's reign culti-
vated this style of poetry were few in number, and probably
confined to the Court circle. The most active exponents
of it, after Montgomerie, were the unknown Stewart of
Baldynnis, and William Fowler, the Queen's secretary, and
uncle to Drummond of Hawthornden. Stewart himself
made a careful collection of his poems in manuscript for
the king, which James carried with him to England.
It is now in the Advocates' Library. None of the poems
in the Laing MS. appear in it. Fowler is best known
for his translations from Petrarch's " Triumphs," and a
sonnet cycle, entitled " The Tarantula of Love," the
manuscripts of which are both in Edinburgh University

1 Those which seem to the editor to have most claim to be regarded as
possibly Montgomerie's for the reasons given are Nos. I., IV., V., VIII.,
X., XII., XIV., XX.-XXVII.

INTRODUCTION. xliii

Library. His private papers, including a prose trans-
lation of a large part of Macchiavelli's ' Prince,' and
a bundle of miscellaneous verse, passed, after his death,
into the hands of his nephew, the poet Drummond.
These are now in the library of the Society of Scottish
Antiquaries. They include none of the pieces in question;
nor, it may be added, do any of these poems appear in
the greater collections of Maitland, or of Bannatyne. If
the best of them are not the workmanship of Montgomerie,
it would seem, then, that he had closer rivals in the art
of writing this artificial form of amatory poetry than has
hitherto been supposed.

§ 22. The appearance of a batch of sonnets in this
haphazard gathering of verse in the Laing MS. is sug-
gestive of the vogue which the sonnet at this date was
enjoying in Scotland. It has scarcely yet been suffi-
ciently recognised how popular this form of verse was
with Scottish writers in the reign of James VI., probably
for the reason that most of the surviving examples re-
main still unprinted. Among the unpublished ' Rapsodies '
of Stewart of Baldynnis' " 3ovthfull Braine" are thirty-
three sonnets. A few of his titles will serve to show
the nature of his subjects : " Vpone the Portrait of
Cupid," "Of the Qualities of Luif," "Of the Assaultis
of Luif," "In going to his Luif," "Of Chastitie," "Of
Fidelitie," "Of Trewth," "Of Ambitious Men," "At
Command of His Maiestie In Praise of the Art of
Poesie." Some eighty of Fowler's sonnets survive, of
which seventy-one comprise " The Tarantula of Love," —
a sonnet -sequence in the manner of those appearing so
plentifully in England and on the Continent. Prefatory
sonnets to Fowler's translation of Petrarch's ' Triumphs '

xliv INTRODUCTION.

are inscribed by a number of writers whose identity can
only be vaguely conjectured — such as R. Cokburne and A.
Colville ; and by others the initials of whose names are
only given— E. D., F. D., M. W. " Maister Johnne Murray,"
a sharer in the later desperate fortunes of Francis Stewart,
the Earl of Bothwell, left a collection of sonnets which
at one time was among the Drummond manuscripts (No.
26 in catalogue). It appears to have been lost. A hint
of what his style was like is found in a sonnet addressed
to him by Montgomerie, who ventures the advice —

File louer, Phcenix. Feirs thou not to fyre
Invironing the aluayis upward ayr?
Vhich thou must pas, before that thou come thair,
Vharas thy sprit so spurris thee to aspyre.

His cousin, Sir David Murray of Gortley, Comptroller of
the King's Household in 1600, and himself a sonneteer,^
apparently had a high notion of his poetic gift, as appears
from the following lines in the first of two eulogistic
sonnets —

While eagle like vpon the lofty wings

Of thy aspiring Muse, thou flies on hie,

Making th' immortall sprites in loue with thee, &c.

Besides the two Hudsons, "violaris" of the Court, whose
names are familiar, and King James, who appears to
have been fond of the sonnet, others who are known
to have tried their hand at this form of verse are John
Burel, the Master of the Scottish Mint; 2 John Dikes,

^ He wrote a sonnet cycle (twenty-six in number) entitled 'Coelia,' but,
like Drummond, in southern English. Also a poem, "The Tragical! Death
of Sophonisba," prefixed to which is a sonnet by John Murray.

^ See his ' Historic of Pamphilus and other Poems.' Waldegrave,
undated.

INTRODUCTION. xlv

minister at Kilbrennie, who wrote " Eucharistic sonnets
— so he calls them — for his Majesties preservation " ; ^
and James Melville (author of the 'Diary'), who has a
dedicatory sonnet prefixed to his ' Morning Vision,' and
addressed "To my gracious and dreade Soveraigne,
James the Sext, King of Scottes, and Prince of Poets
in his language," which is subscribed, "Your Majesties
maist humble Oratour and new Prentise in Poesie." A
couple of sonnets by the Hew Barclay of Ladyland, with
whom Montgomerie was embroiled in Catholic intrigue,
are found in the Drummond MS. ; one also by a lady of
the name of Christen Lyndesay, and another by Ezechiel
Montgomerie, possibly a relative of the poet's. An
anonymous author inscribes a prefatory sonnet to Marie
Maitland's quarto manuscript, dated 1586, "In com-
mendatioun of hir bulk." A little further research
would doubtless extend this evidence of the sonneteering
in Scotland. It should be pointed out that no ex-
amples are found in the Bannatyne and Maitland
folios ; and all the evidence we have goes to show
that the writing of Scottish sonnets did not begin until
the early years of James's personal reign. By this time
the great outburst of sonneteering in the South had
started, and it seems little doubtful that it was from
this quarter, notwithstanding the fact of Montgomerie's
indebtedness to Ronsard, that the first impulse to sonnet-
writing in Scotland came. With but few exceptions —
Montgomerie himself supplies almost all of them — the
sonnets of the Scotchmen follow the dominant English
model of three quatrains of alternately rhyming lines
and a final couplet ; but these quatrains they interlace

^ Spotswood, p. 467.

xlvi INTRODUCTION.

with rhyme in the manner of Spenser's favourite form,
which gives the scheme ababbcbccdcdee. The
sonnets in the Laing MS. are examples of this. Dr
Hoffmann is bold enough to suggest that this variation
in the English sonnet-form originated with Montgomerie,
and that Spenser noted it in the examples occurring in
the ' Essayes of a Prentise.' It is in this brochure of the
king's that the first Scottish sonnets appear in print —
nineteen in number, and all of them in the form associated
with Spenser's name. It is true that these precede by
seven years the English poet's first published examples
in the "Visions," included in the volume of 'Complaints'
of 1 591 ; none the less it seems unsafe to make such use of
the fact as Dr Hoffmann does. Spenser's familiarity with
the sonnet, there can be no doubt, was of much earlier date :
it appears there is even a probability that the " Visions "
were finished as early as 1580, although publication was
delayed for eleven years. Dr Hoffmann overlooks the
fact, moreover, that in a publication dated 1592, en-
titled, 'Foure Letters and certaine Sonnets, especially
touching Robert Greene,' a sonnet of Spenser's appears
inscribed to Gabriel Harvey, dated from "Dublin this
xviij of July 1586," in v/hich the scheme of rhymes in
question is adopted. Now there is good reason to believe
that up to this time Spenser had not been out of Ireland
since his arrival there in 1580 with Lord Grey of Wilton,
and in this case it is very unlikely that a copy of the
king's 'Essayes' should have reached him.^ After all,

1 It may be presumed, however, that James's first experiments in author-
ship would be speedily known in England. A copy of the 'Essayes' was
forwarded in December of the year in which it was published, by the
Earl of Arran to Lord Burleigh, accompanied by the following (hitherto
unrecorded) letter: "My very gude Lord, I have heirwith Imparted to

INTRODUCTION. xlvii

there is no great difficulty in supposing that this sHght
variation in the interlacing rhymes of the sonnet should
not have suggested itself to the two poets independent
of one another. Still the fact remains that, so far as
can be ascertained, priority of publication rests with the
Scottish writers.

§ 23. A question of wider interest is the extent to
which in Montgomerie's day the cultivation of Scottish
poetry in general was affected by the influence of
Elizabethan writers. Any lengthy discussion of this
would be out of place here ; but attention may be drawn
to some neglected scraps of evidence which tend to show
that the literary intercourse of the two countries was
more intimate than has as yet perhaps been supposed.
One initial difficulty, serious enough too, in the way of
reaching a satisfactory conclusion on this debatable
matter, is the comparative scantiness of the poetic re-
mains which have come down to us from James's reign.
It would appear that in Montgomerie's time there was
no widely diffused interest in, and consequently but
little demand for, general literature, — a circumstance
attributable in large measure, no doubt, to the narrow-
ing controversies of the Reformation, which warped the

3o«r Lordship his hienes first pruif and prentissage in poesie, Be the reiding
<\uheroi Joz/r Lordship will persaue a gude Inclinatioun in his ma/^rtie to
do Weill. I doubt not hot his nixt sail mak these fruictis to seme abortif.
Remitting the present consideration of thame to ^oux Lo7-dshipis discretioun
I commit jour gude Lordship to goddis holy protectioun. Arran. halyrude-
hous this xxviii of december 1584. To the richt honourabile my very gude
Lord, my L. Burghley L. heich thesaurer of England" (Lansdowne MSS.
No. 7, Brit. Mus.) It is very interesting to compare this very temperate
opinion of James's " first pruif and prentissage in poesie," expressed in a
private letter, with the adulation which the royal author was receiving in
public.

xlviii INTRODUCTION.

literary taste of the Scottish people in a way to which
there is hardly a parallel in the southern kingdom.
Of the secular poetry that was written, only a small
part appears to have been published ; and although a
fair amount still survives in manuscript, and some
(Montgomerie's own, for instance) has since been put
into print, there is reason to believe that not a little
has perished. It is extremely doubtful whether this
vernacular poetry would have had any better fortune
at the hands of the Scottish printers had it reached a
higher degree of excellence than it did. Montgomerie's
verse, after all, is as tolerable, to say the least, as that
of not a few of the Elizabethan minor poets whose work
apparently found an easy market among English readers.
In Scotland at this time, it must be remembered, the
development of a taste for general literature, and for
poetry in particular, was deprived of the stimulus which
in the south emanated from two most potent sources.
The humanising influences of the Renaissance had never
penetrated the Scottish universities, and it may be sur-
mised that, unlike their sister institutions in England,
they were pervaded by much too rigorous a spirit to
permit of any dalliance along the primrose path of
letters. The young wits — if so they may be termed —
trained in their schools could hardly be passing out with
eager thoughts for the betterment of Scottish verse ; nor
was it possible for them under the circumstances of the
time to drift into the ranks of a company of roisterous
pamphleteers in their native metropolis, there to spread
a taste among the citizens for picaresque tales, romance,
and lyric poetry. Scotland at this time, too, lost its
only chance of a national drama. The effect of the

INTRODUCTION. xlix

Elizabethan stage, presenting its daily round of romantic
comedy, tragedy, and burlesque, must have been enormous
in the way of educating and stimulating among the
people a taste for poetry and imaginative literature in
general ; and hardly less important is it to consider how
this continual mimic presentation of the real passion and
humour of life, touched and blent with the attractive
colours of romance, would invade and help to destroy the
artificialities of coterie verse-making, with its ingenious
ringing of the changes on worn-out sentiments and far-
fetched fancies. An occasional visit of a London company,
or a court or college masque — even these under the frown
of the Presbyterian fathers — was all that Scotland knew
of these southern delights.

§ 24. The only place indeed where it may be claimed
that a detached interest in literature existed was the
Court, and apparently this interest was strongest there in
the earlier years of James's personal reign, when Catholic
influence was at its height. The effect upon the young
king of his companionship with Esme Stewart,^ Lord
of Aubigny (later the Duke of Lennox), whose arrival in
1579 as a secret emissary of the Guises opens a new
chapter of Catholic intrigue in Scotland, has been repro-
bated by Scottish historians, possibly with justice enough ;
but if James's morals were not improved by this contact
with Aubigny and his retinue from the Court of Henry
III., it is little doubtful that he was introduced to a more
liberal atmosphere in matters literary than would other-
wise have surrounded him. To the zealous Presbyterian
of those days poetry, when it was not chartered in

^ James laments his death in one of his best poems, "The Phoenix," in-
cluded in the ' Essayes of a Prentise.'

1 INTRODUCTION.

the service of religion, was " a profane and unprofitable
exercise." Alexander Hume, in condemning the singing
of " prophane sonnets and vaine ballats of loue," or the
rehearsing of " fabulos faits of Palmerine, Amadis, or such-
like raueries," at " Princes' courts, in the houses of greate
men, and at the assemblies of yong gentlemen and yong
damesels," is voicing, in a way that recalls the tone of
Stephen Gosson's " abuse," the spirit of Scottish puritan-
ism in its attitude to the culture of letters. But within
the circle of the Court, from about 1580 onwards for
some ten or twelve years at least, poetry was freely
cultivated under the king's patronage. Contributions of
James's own are seen in the ' Essayes of a Prentise,'
and the 'Poetical Exercises,' published in 1584 and 1591
respectively ; and the new poems, including portions of a
masque, found some years ago in a neglected manuscript
in the Bodleian Library, are not likely to have been
written later than the ' Essayes.' It is to this time also,
and to this restricted centre of literary activity, that the
translations from Petrarch and Ariosto by Fowler^ and

^ The dedication of Fowler's manuscript to " Ladye leane Fleming Ladye
Thirlstane, spous to the right honorable Sir lohne Maetland,"is dated " Edin-
burgh the ix. December 1587." A passage from it will show the spirit in
which the translation was undertaken : " Francis Petrarch, a noble Florentine,
hes dewysed and erected these Triumphs in the honour of her whome he
lowed, thairby to mak hir more glorious and himself no left famous ; which
when I had fullye pervsed, and finding thame bothe full and fraughted in
statelye verse, with morall sentences, godlye sayings, brawe discoursis,
propper and pithie arguments, and with a store of sindrie sort of historeis,
enbellished and inbroudered with the curious pasmentis of poesie and golden
frenizeis of eloquence, I was spurred thairby and pricked forward incontinent
be Iranslatioun to mak thame sumwhat more populare than they ar in thair
Italian originall ; And especiallye when as I perceaued, bothe in Frenche and
Inglish traductionis, this work not onely traduced, bot evin as it wer mayled
and in everie member miserablie maimed and dismembered, besydis the barbar

INTRODUCTION. U

Stewart, and from Du Bartas by Hudson/ are to be
assigned. One of Montgomerie's many appropriations
from Ronsard can be traced in a sonnet penned in
1582; and in the same year, as we have seen, he is
charged by his opponent in the " Flyting " with pilfering
the Italians. Alexander Hume, after his return from a
four years' sojourn in France (i 579-1 580?), and before he
had turned puritan, was for a time at the Court, delighting
in those " prophane sonnets and vaine ballatis of love,"
and practising that " frivolous form of verse," which in
later years he so strongly condemned and lamented. To
this poetry he was doubtless first attracted during his
residence in France. On the 24th of June 1587, the
French ambassador, M. Courcelles, reports the arrival of
Du Bartas, " whom the kinge sente for a yearr past to
expound his poesie." ^ James had already shown his
interest in Du Bartas, who at that time was dividing
with Ronsard the allegiance of French readers, by in-
cluding a translation of his " Uranie " in the ' Essayes
of a Prentise.' There is in all this the evidence of
French and Italian influence at work upon the coterie

grosnes of boyth thair translationis, which I culd sett doun by prwif (wer not
for prolixitie) in twoe hundreth passages and more. Bot Madame as I pur-
pose not be debaising of thair doings to enhawse my awin, nor by extenuating
thair trawellis, and derogating from thair desertis, to arrogat more praise to
myself, so do I now expose the same to the sight and vew of all the world
whose iudgement and censeur I must vnderlye." But apparently Fowler
never found his publisher.

^ 'The Historic of Judith,' published 1584.

^ ' Extracts from the Despatches of M. Courcelles, French Ambassador at
the Court of Scotland, 1586-1587' (Bannatyne Club). In Sir James Mel-
ville's ' Memoirs,' p. 363 (Bannatyne Club), the visit of the French poet is thus
alluded to : " Thir ambassadoirs was not weill imbarkit, when Monsr. du
Bartas arruit heir to vesit the Kingis Maiestie, who, he hard, had him in gret
esteem for his rare poesies set out in the Frenche tong."

d

Hi INTRODUCTION.

of Scottish Court poets ; but it is also not less certain
that they were well acquainted with, and to some extent
affected by, the poetry of " the refined and gallant school
of Surrey," and of yet later developments in English
verse. Clear indications of this in the work of Mont-
gomerie have been traced with painstaking and scholarly
care by Dr Brotanek, to whose monograph the reader may
be referred,^ and also to what is noted in Appendix C.

§ 25. It is also significant in this connection that, as
has already been noted, one of the poems in the Laing
MS. is a Scottish rendering of a piece occurring in ' The
Paradyce of Dainty Devises.' In the Drummond MS.
the lyric beginning, " My fancie feeds vpon the sugred
gall," hitherto ascribed to Montgomerie, is also, as Dr
Brotanek points out, taken from another of the English
miscellanies, Procter's ' Gorgious Gallery of Gallant In-
ventions' ; and attention has been drawn by Dr Hoffmann
to the appearance in this same manuscript of one of
Henry Constable's 'Diana' sonnets. There can be little
doubt, too, that Montgomerie was familiar with the earliest
and most influential of the Elizabethan verse collections
— Tottel's ' Miscellany.' An interesting reference to two
of these anthologies, which confirms the view that they
were known by the Scottish poets, occurs in the intro-
ductory note to one of the unpublished poems of
William Fowler, found among his private papers in the
library of the Society of Scottish Antiquaries. Ad-
dressing the " Christian Reader," in explanation of the
title of one of his poems, which he calls " The Pest,"
he writes as follows : " Efter the conception and delyverie
of this poesie, I was in a long doubt with myself how to

^ Capital 4, ' Der Gedankenhalt und die Quellen der einzelnen Dichtungen,'
pp. 84-135.

INTRODUCTION. Hu

name it, but being at last resolved I haif called it ' the
pest,' not for noveltie, na]?er 5it for terrour, but after
the practised example of Hebrew wemen quha gaive
ther children thair names by sic accidents as surprised
tham in thair delyverie ... I culd in following and
in borrowing from others (lyk to the Inglish wrytars
who Intitulut pair bookes with glorious inscriptions of
* the Gorgeous gallerye of gallant Inventionis,' or ' the
Paradice of Dayntie deuysis'), haif niknamed the same
also with ' the deplorable and more than Tragical discourse
of all the infernall furyes ' ; bot that were boythe vanitie
and follye." ^ An unpublished sonnet prefixed to Fowler's
translations of Petrarch, by one of the ladies of the Court,
whose identity is concealed under the initials " F. D.," is
also in this connection worth quoting for its literary
references : —

The glorious greiks dois praise thair Homer's quill,

And citeis sevin dois strywe quhair he was borne ;

The Latins dois of Virgill vante at will,

And Sulmo thinks her Ouid dois adorne ;

The Spanzell laughs (sawe Lucan) all to scorne,

And France for Ronsard stands, and settis him owt ;

The better sort for Bartas blawis the home.

And Ingland thinks thair SURRYE first but dout.

^ In view of the Society possibly undertaking at some future date an edition
of Fowler's writings, the following hitherto unrecorded references to a number
of his autograph letters in the Record Office, London, may be noted : State
Papers relating to Scotland, Vol. 30, No. 58 ; Vol. 31, Nos. 16, 23, 24, 127 ;
Vol. 32, Nos. 3, 5, 8, 9, II, 13, 16, 19, 20, 41, 51, 53, 54, 56, 60, 61, 62, 91 ;
Vol. 33, No. 90. Fowler at this time was apparently in the pay of the English
Government, conveying information as to the movements of the Catholic in-
triguers. Writing to Patrick, Master of Gray, on October i, 1584, Mary Queen
of Scots warns him of Fowler : " You have also to beware of Fowler, who
was formerly in the service of the Countess of Lennox, my mother-in-law, in
as much as he will not fail to accost you to extract what he can from you."

liv INTRODUCTION.

To praise thair owen these countries gois about :
Italians lyke Petrarchas noble grace,
Who well deserwis first place amange that rout.
Bot FOULAR, thou dois now thame all deface,
No vanting grece nor Romane now will strywe ;
They all do yield sen Fouler doith arrywe.

§ 26. Between the two countries in James's reign a
channel of Hterary communication was kept open by the
coming and going of soldiers of fortune, Government
envoys, and political intriguers of one kind or another,
who happened to be, according to the manner of that
age, men of letters as well.^ A veteran of this type was
Thomas Churchyard, whose literary career begins with
Tottel's 'Miscellany,' and stretches over into the next
century. In the first two decades of Elizabeth's reign,
a time of small achievements in literature, he was one
of the most popular poets of the day. Contributions of
his appear in 'The Mirror for Magistrates' and 'The
Paradyce of Dainty Devises.' Indefatigable to the last,
he was, however, unable to keep pace with the later
developments of English poetry, and suffered the taunt
from Spenser of having sung himself hoarse. No one
could have been more familiar with the literature of the
Elizabethan period, or a better guide to it. Among his
intimate friends were Sidney and Raleigh ; and he had

1 One of Montgomerie's sonnets is dated from London. He was probably
doing duty there as an envoy. Thomas Hudson (translator of Du Bartas'
'Judith,' and a contributor to 'England's Parnassus') appears to have been
an Englishman, and likewise Robert Hudson, another of James's Court
musicians and poets (probably a brother of the former), whom Montgomerie
eulogises in the following couplet : —

Thy Homer's style, thy Petrark's high invent,
Sail vanquish deathjand live eternally.

Only four of his sonnets have survived.

INTRODUCTION. Iv

also taken a vigorous hand in the ceaseless literary
squabbles of the time, the object of his especial enmity-
being the novelist Nash. As a soldier of fortune he had
fought in Scotland, France, and in the Low Countries.
In later life he enjoyed some measure of Court patron-
age, and was employed on several occasions to arrange
pageants for the Queen's entertainment. We first hear
of Churchyard in connection with Scottish affairs presum-
ably as early as 1547, when he served in the army which
Somerset in the autumn of that year led into Scotland.
He was present at the rout of Pinkie, and in June of the
following year was captured at St Monans in Fife, and
for the next three years held a prisoner, probably at St
Andrews. Ten years later we find him again in Scotland,
serving in the English army which, under Lord Grey,
co-operated with the Scots in laying siege to Leith, at
that time held by a French emissary force in the interests
of the Queen Regent. Of this and of the later siege of
Edinburgh Castle, Churchyard has left accounts in two
poems, published in his volume, ' Churchyarde's Chippes
from Scotland' (1575). It is, however, in a visit which
he made to the Scottish Court in 1580 that our interest
here chiefly centres. Chalmers in his memoir of the poet
notes this visit, and also the circumstance that some mis-
demeanour had necessitated his temporary withdrawal from
England. He then hazards the opinion that '' Elizabeth's
agents perhaps made use of his blandishments of tale-
telling and poetic scribbling to soothe the king." Certain
it is that Churchyard was at the Court, and evidently in
high favour with James. This appears from the follow-
ing reference in an unpublished letter of Randolph's to
Walsingham, dated June 22, 1580: " Churchyarde is here

Ivi INTRODUCTION.

grate in the Court, and, as he sayth hymselfe, kingis man.
I pray your highness lette me knowe what he was that
he slewe last, which, as he saythe, is the cawse of his
commynge hyther." In the Treasurer's accounts also
there is a record that in February 1581 payment was
made to "Thomas Churchyard, Inglisman, conform to
the kingis precept," a sum of two hundred pounds
" Scotch money." Churchyard, who seems to have had a
touch of the swaggering swashbuckler about him, appears
to have incurred the jealous enmity of certain unknown
persons in Edinburgh, who on more than one occasion
attempted his life by firing on him. Accordingly, in the
end of June 1581, he obtained the king's leave to depart
southwards again. This visit of Churchyard's to the
Scottish Court, which extended for over a year, coincides
with the period of James's dawning literary ambitions,
and of his beginning to play the part of a patron of
letters. In such literary surroundings as have been
described, Churchyard was not the man to hide his light
under a bushel ; his presence at the Court and the king's
patronage of him he doubtless owed to his prestige as
an English poet. Nothing is more likely than that he
took a part in promoting the literary activities of the
Court, and it is easy to think that in the circumstances
he would vigorously press upon the attention of the
Scottish poets English models.^

§ 27. Another of these gentlemen of fortune who

^ In his poem entitled "A Praise of Poetsie" he commends "Dauy Lindzay
and Buckananus " (the latter he had possibly met in Edinburgh), and in the
marginalia notes, " lames the first that was King of Scotland and K. lames
the sixt now reigning, great poets." Has this evidence of James's authorship
of the ' Quair' been noted? Churchyard no doubt got his information at the
Scottish Court during his residence there.

INTRODUCTION. Ivii

brought in the train of their more serious business a
knowledge of English poetry to Scotland, was Henry-
Constable, author of the * Diana,' a collection of sonnets,
first published in 1592, which, according to Drayton,
rivalled in popular favour those of Sidney and Daniel.
Sprung of an ancient Catholic family, Constable was born
in 1562, and graduated from Cambridge by special grace of
the senate in 1580. Thereafter he seems speedily to have
embarked on a career of political intrigue in the Catholic
interest. In this connection he was inevitably brought
into touch with Scottish affairs, for the northern kingdom
in those years was the centre towards which for the
time being the various lines of Catholic scheming con-
verged. On certain grounds of evidence which, how-
ever, he does not disclose, Mr W. H. Hazlitt concludes
that " Constable spent no inconsiderable portion of
his time in Scotland during his earlier life, and it
is surmised that he obtained some employment about
the person of the Queen, after whose death he con-
tinued to enjoy the esteem of her son, to whom some
of his sonnets are addressed." To the king's ' Poetical
Exercises,' which came out in 1591, Constable con-
tributed a prefatory sonnet,^ and in the following year
four more appeared in the ' Diana ' with the following
titles : " To the King of Scots, touching the subject of
his poems dedicated wholie to heavenly matters." "To
the King of Scots upon occasion of a sonnet the King
wrote in complaint of a contrarius wind which hindered

1 To this the "sensible old English critic, Edmund Bolton," alludes in his
* Hypercritick ' : " Noble Henry Constable was a great master in the English
tongue, nor had any gentleman of our nation a more pure, quick, or higher
delivery of conceit, witness among all other that sonnet of his before his
Majesty's LepantoP — Warton's 'History of English Poetry.'

Iviii INTRODUCTION.

the arrival of the Oueene out of Denmark (1589)." "To
the King of Scots upon occasion of his longe stay in
Denmark, by reason of the coldnesse of the winter and
freezing of the sea." ^ " To the King of Scots, whome
as yet he had not seene." The allusions in these sonnets
point to personal and friendly relations having been
established with James sometime after the publication of
the ' Essayes of a Prentise,' and some years before the
date of the ' Poetical Exercises.' A reference to him in
a letter of Thomas Fowler's to Lord Burghley, written
on October 20, 1589, gives definite evidence of his presence
in Scotland at that date. A year later he was maturing
a scheme by which the Catholic Powers were to make
certain James's accession to the throne of England, on the
understanding that he would relieve the English Catholics
of their existing disabilities. In October 1597 he is re-
ferred to by a Scottish correspondent as " one Constable,
a fine poetical wit, who resides in Paris, has in his head
a plot to draw the Queen [i.e., of Scotland] to be a
Catholic." Probably his last visit to Scotland was paid
in March 1599, when he arrived in Edinburgh armed with
a commission from the Pope. But after a vain effort to
negotiate with the king, he was obliged to take himself
off in September. A year later he fell under suspicion
of being the author of a book entitled ' A Counterfeit
Discourse,' to which allusion is made in a letter from
George Nicolson to Sir Robert Cecil (July 22, 1600) :
" The kz'ng- is much offended thereat, accompting some
practising Papist to have made it. Walter Quin, as I

^ James sailed for Norway on October 22, 1589, and did not return till
May of the following year.

INTRODUCTION. lix

hear, judgethe that Henry Constable hathe made it; for
he saythe that Constable is a very great writer, and that
the booke hath his method and reasons. The king" hathe
given it to Mr John Sharpe ^ to answere." Invincible
to the last in his devotion to the Catholic cause. Constable,
after suffering imprisonment in the Tower in 1602, died
at Liege in 16 13.

§ 28. Between Montgomerie and Constable there is
good reason to believe a warm friendship existed, and
it may well have been their common attachment to the
Catholic interest which first drew them together. The
affectionate allusion which the Scottish poet makes to
Constable has already been noted, and the fact also of
one of Constable's sonnets in a Scottish dress appear-
ing amongst the collection of Montgomerie's poems in
the Drummond MS. That poetry was often a subject
of their conversation is not to be doubted, nor can we
suppose that Constable would fail to communicate to
his Scottish friend what he knew and could commend of
the yearly rich issues of verse in the southern kingdom.

§ 29. For another and greater of the Elizabethans,
namely. Sir Philip Sidney, King James appears to have
entertained an admiration and an affection, which it
would certainly be easier to understand if it could be
shown that he had actually come under the spell of
Sidney's personal charm. Unfortunately we have no
direct evidence of Sidney's presence in Scotland. There
can, however, be no question of the king's familiarity with

1 In all likelihood the " M. J. Sharpe," a Scottish advocate, who was
bitterly attacked by Montgomerie in a couple of sonnets, apparently for
supposed or actual mismanagement of his suit against Erskine.

Ix INTRODUCTION.

his poems, and this knowledge was doubtless shared by
the writers of his Court. We first hear of Sidney in
connection with Scottish affairs on the occasion of the
coming to London of the Banished Lords, when he acted
as Ehzabeth's messenger in communicating with the
exiled nobles (Calderwood, iv. 356). On this occasion
he appears to have set himself to promote friendly
relations between the two countries. Writing to Sir
Edward Wotton ^ on September 4, 1585, Walsingham
remarks, " The poor Earl of Angus and Earl of Mar
received here [ie,, at the English Court] little comfort
otherwise than from Sir Philip Sidney." With the Master
of Gray he also about this time struck up a friendship,
and even appears to have been privy to Gray's plot to
overreach the Earl of Arran (v. ' Hamilton Papers,' vol.
ii., July 28, 1585). One of his last letters, dated from the
camp at Nimeguen on May 17, 1586, is addressed in
friendly terms to Gray (Salisbury MSS.); while in a
letter to Archibald Douglas (November 6, 1586) Gray
writes feelingly of the loss of his " dear friend and brother,
Sir Philip Sidney, the most sorrowful death that I ever
heard of in my time" (Salisbury MSS.). It seems that
Sidney had also some share in negotiating the grant of a
pension to James from Elizabeth in 1585. Referring to
this matter, Walsingham, in a letter dated 23rd May of
that year, to Wotton at Edinburgh, remarks : " The writing
of the enclosed that you shall receive from Sir Philip
Sidney, which he hath prayed me to peruse, groweth
upon an advice delivered unto him by Mr Douglas [i.e.,
Archibald] touching the offer of a pension which you are
^ English ambassador in Scotland.

INTRODUCTION. Ixi

directed to make unto the king." It would be pleasant
to think that these negotiations had brought Sidney to the
Scottish capital. How friendly in any case the relations
between James and the English poet were may be shown
from several contemporary references. The news of
Sidney's fatal wound at Zutphen was received with dis-
may in the Scottish Court. Writing from Edinburgh to
Archibald Douglas on October 24, 1586, Roger Aston
remarks : " The hurt of Sir Philip Sidney is greatly
lamented here, and chiefly by the king himself, who
greatly lamenteth and [is] so heartily sorry as I never
saw him for any man. To-morrow his Majesty is de-
termined to write him" (Salisbury MSS.).^ But Sidney
was already dead, having died on the 17th of the month.
An account of an interview with James by Henry Leigh,
in the 'Calendar of Border Papers' (vol. i.), records the
following expression of the king's admiration for Sidney's
writings : " Then he commended Sir Philip Sidney for
the best and sweetest writer that ever he knew — surely
it seemeth he loved him much," This interest of the
king in Sidney is further corroborated by Fulke Greville,
who, in referring to the honour paid to Sir Philip by
various sovereigns, writes : " As first with that chief and
best of princes, his most excellent Majesty, then King of
Scotland, to whom his service was affectionately devoted,
and from whom he received many pledges of love and
favour." At the date of Sidney's death, October 17,

^ For these interesting references to Sidney in the Salisbury MSS. the
editor is indebted to Professor Malcolm Wallace of Toronto University, whose
forthcoming life of the poet, based as it is on a more thorough investigation
of all the records and possible sources of information than has yet been
attempted, should prove a work of great value.

Ixii INTRODUCTION.

1586, James was twenty years of age, and had never
been out of his kingdom.^

§ 30. If the evidence were not too circumstantial to
admit of any reasonable doubt that Edmund Spenser
was in Ireland in 1583, there might be a possibility that
he was the envoy, " Maister Spenser," referred to in the
following postscript to one of James's letters to Queen
Elizabeth, dated from St Andrews, on July 2 : " I have
staied maister Spenser upon the lettr^ quhilk is writtin
with my awin hand, & quhilk sail be readie within tua
dales." That Spenser's poetry was known at the Scottish
Court, however, there is interesting confirmation in the fact
that the king was greatly annoyed at the aspersions cast
on his mother in the fifth book of the ' Fairie Oueen,'
where she figures as the " False Duessa." He complained
of this to the English agent in Scotland, Robert Bowes,
who promptly addressed a letter to Lord Burghley on the
subject : " The King hath conceaued great offence against
Edward Spencer \sic\ publishing in prynte in the second
part of the Fairy Queene and ixth chapter some dis-
hono?^rabIe effectis (as the King demeth thereof) against
himself and his mother deceased, he alledged that this
booke was passed with previledge of her mazVj-tes comis-
sion^^-s for the veiwe and allowance of all writinsfes to
be receaued into Printe. But therin I haue (I think)
satisfyed him that it is not giuen out \Ni\.h such previledge,

^ Prefixed to a small volume of Latin poems on the death of Sir Philip
Sidney by various hands, published at Cambridge, February lo, 1587, is a
sonnet in English by King James. It is also worth noting that an edition (the
third printed) of the ' Arcadia ' was published in Edinburgh in 1599, and that
a MS. of the Astrophel and Stella sonnets, which is likely to have been
William Fowler's, was in the collection gifted by Drummond to Edinburgh
University.

INTRODUCTION. Ixiii

yet he still desyreth that Edward Spencer for his faulte
may be deuly tryed and punished. Edin, 12 nov. 1596."
(State Papers relating to Scotland, Record Office,
London.) The matter continued to rankle in the king's
mind. As late as February 25, 1598, George Nicolson,
in a letter to Sir Robert Cecil, after mentioning " a book
by Walter Quin concerning the king's title to England,"
which Waldegrave had refused to print " until the Acts
of Parliament almost done should be ended," goes on to
say, " Quyn is also answering Spencer's book whereat
the king was offended."^

§ 31. In bringing to a conclusion these introductory
notes, the editor would offer his sincere thanks to

1 An earlier letter of Nicolson's to Bowes, dated June 18, 1595, brings to
light an amusing instance of James's annoyance with another English writer,
Barnaby Rich. In Rich's ' Farewell to the Militarie profession : containing
verie pleasant discourses fit for peaceable tyme,' there appears a story of how
the devil enticed a girl unwittingly to marry him, and was afterwards so plagued
by her constant demands for new clothes to keep pace with the changing
fashions of the time, that in despair he fled into Scotland, "never staiying till
he came to Edenbrough where the Kyng kept his court. And now forgettyng
all humanitie which he had learned before in Englande, he began againe
afreshe to plaie the devill, and so possessed the King of Scots himself with
such straunge and unacquainted passions that by conjecture of phisitions and
other learned men, that were then assembled together to judge the kinges
diseases, thei al concluded that it must needes be some feende of hell that so
disturbed their prince. Whereupon proclamatiouns were presently sent forthe
that whosoever could give relief should have a thousand crounes by the yere
so long as he did live. The desire of these crounes caused many to attempt
the matter, but the furie of the devill was such that no man could prevail."
The humour of this story failed to commend itself to James, and his displeasure
is thus noted by the correspondent above mentioned : " In the conclusion of
a booke in England called Rich his farewell printed by V, S. for Tho. Adams
at the signe of the white lyon in Paules churchyard 1594 such matter is noted
as the King is not well pleased thereat ; so as one grief comes in thend of
another, it wold please the King some thinck that some order were taken
therewz't/i. The King %2xt's, litle but thinkes more." — (State Papers relating to
Scotland, Vol. 56, No. 13, Record Office, London.)

Ixiv INTRODUCTION.

those who have helped him in his labour of prepara-
tion. He is specially indebted to Dr Brotanek for
courteously placing at his disposal an elaborate series
of variant readings from successive issues of "The
Cherrie and the Slae," which have been used in
framing note, § 6, page 346, and for directing his at-
tention to the hitherto unnoted Harleian MS. of the
" Flyting." For the elucidation of some obscure and
intractable passages in the texts, and the clearing up of
a number of puzzles in the glossary, he has greatly to
thank Dr W. A. Craigie ; and to the Rev. John Anderson,
Curator of the Historical Department of the Register
House, as well as to his colleague, Mr William Angus,
he is under obligations for invaluable guidance in his
search among the Edinburgh records. Mr Angus also
very kindly undertook the transcription of the legal
documents connected with Montgomerie's lawsuit, printed
in Appendix D ; but responsibility for the accuracy
of these must rest with the editor, since by him they
have twice been collated with the originals.^ To his
friend Mr H. W. Meikle, the editor is also much indebted
for a transcription of Waldegrave's second edition of
"The Cherrie and the Slae," from the unique copy in
the Advocates' Library, which has been used for purposes
of comparison with the first issue. On behalf of the
Society acknowledgment is also to be made to the
Keeper of the Manuscripts in the British Museum, and to
the Library Committee of the University of Edinburgh,
for the privilege readily granted of printing in full the
Harleian and Laing MSS. ; and to Mr Christie Miller of

^ The editor is also responsible for the transcript and collation of the
Laing, Harleian, and Tullibardine MSS.

INTRODUCTION. Ixv

Britwell Court, for similar courteous permission to reprint,
from his unique copy, Waldegrave's first edition of " The
Cherrie and the Slae." It only remains to make grateful
acknowledgment that the opportunity to carry out the
research necessary for the preparation of this volume
has been made possible for the editor by his tenure of
a Fellowship under the Carnegie Trust for the Uni-
versities of Scotland.

Toronto, October 26, 1910.

THE CHERRIE

AND THE SLAYE.
Compofed into Scottis Aleeter,

byAlfXANDER MONT-
COM ERIE.

- .^t^ - -

EDINBVRGH

TXJJ^EV "BE %0'

bert UValde-graue Trintcr

to the Kings MajefUc. Anno

I-OEIIS OF ALEX-ASDER MOSTCOMEHIE
SUPPLEMENTARY VOLUME

SCOniSH TEXT SOCIETV

Title-page of Waldegrave's First Edition of
'The Cherrie and the Slae'

(Britwell Court)

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE

(LAING AND WALDEGRAVE TEXTS)

LAING text]

OFF THE CHERRY AND pE SLAE.

F. 15 a. (I^^^^^BOUT ane bank, quhair birdis on bewis

Ten thousand tymes J>air nottis renewis

Ilk hour into the day,
Quhair merle and maveis micht be sene,
Wz'th progne and w/th phelomene, 5

Qi^kilk causit me to Stay.
I lay and lenit me to ane buft,

To heir Ipe birdis beir ;
Thair mirth was so melodius,

Throw nature of J^e ^eir : 10

Sum singing, sum springing.

So heich into Ipe skye ;
So nimlie and trimlie
Thir birdis flew me by.

2.

I saw the hurchun and the hair,
Qu/iilk fed amange the flouris fair,

war happin to and fro :
I saw the cwnyng and the kat,
Quhais downis wi\/i the dew was wat,

WA/i mony beistis ma.
The hairt, the hynd, the da, the rae,

the fumart, and the fox,
was skippin all frome bray to bray,
Amang the waiter brokis ;
Sum feidding, sum dreidding,
In cais of suddane snairis ;
Wi't/i skipping, and trippin,
thay hanttit ay in pairis.

IS

20

25

[WALDEGRAVE TEXT

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE.

BOUT ane bank, quhair birds on bewes
ten thousand times //zair notes renewes

ilk houre into the day,
The Merle, the ^ Maveis, may ^ be seine,
the Progney and the Philomeine, 5

Qu/u\k caussit me to stay.
I laye and leind ^ me to ane busse,

to heir thir'^ birdis beir;
Thair noyce are ^ so melodiousse,

throwe natour of J>e 5eir : 10

Some singing, some springing

with wingis into ]?e skye ;
So nymlie and trimlie,*^
thir birds thay flew me by.

2.

I sawe the Hurchone and the Haire,
quha fed amang the flowers faire,

that'^ hopping to and fro :
I sawe the Cunnin and the Cat,
quhais downes with the dewe was wat,

WztA other ^ beastis mo.
The Hairt, the Hynd, the Dae, the Rae,

the Fulmarte, and the Fox,
Were skippand ^ all from bray to bray,
Amang the watter brox ;

Some feiding, some'dreiding.

In caice of suddane snairis j
Some tripping, some skipping,^*'
thay huntit all in pairis.

15

20

^5

1 &.

^ mirth was.
^ Monie.

2 micht. ^ leynit,

^ trimlie and nimlie.

* the.
7 Wer.

skowping.

''■'> With skipping and tripping.

THE CHERRY AND J?E SLAE.

laing]

F. 15 b. The air was so attemperat,

But ony mist Immaculatt, 30

Baith purefeit and cleir :
The feildis ower all was flureischit,
As natour haid thame nurischitt,

Bayt/; delicat and deir :
And euerie blume on branche and bewch 35

So prettillie thay spred,
hingang thair heidis out ower the heuch,
In mayis cuUoz/r cled ;

Sum knapping, Sum drapping

Of balmie liquor sweit, 40

Destelling and smelling
Throw phebus helsum heit.

4-

The Coukou and J^e cussatt cryid,
the turtill, on the vj^er syde,

Na plesure haid to play : 45

Sua sc[h]ill in sorow was hir sang,
That w/th hir voce the rochis rang,

for echo a??suerit ay,
Lamenting still Narcissus' ^ cais,

That steruit at the well; 50

Quha throw J^e schadow of his face
for luif did slay him sell :
Sair weiping and creiping,
about ]?at well he baid ;
quhylis lying, quhylis crying, 55

Bot it na a;^suer maid.

1 MS. narrascus.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 5

3. [WALDEGRAVE

The ayr was so attemperat,

but ony mist Immaculat, 30

baith puryfeit and cleir :
The flouris fair ware flurischit,
as natour had thame nurischit,

bait/^ delicate and deir ;
And every blome on branche and bewche 35

so prettillie was ^ spred :
Syne ^ hang thair heids out over ane ^ hewche,
in Mayis cullowr cled ;

Some knopping, Some dropping

the * balmie Hquour sweit, 40

Distelling and smelHng

Throw Phoebus healthsome ^ heit.

4-

The Cuckoe and the Cuschate cryit,
The Turtill, on the vther side,

no plesour had to play : 45

So schill in sorrowe was hir sang,
that throwe hir voce the roches rang,

and ^ Ecchoe answerit aye,
Lamenting fair Narcisses cace,

that steruit at the well ; 50

Quhairthrowe '^ the shadow of his face
for luife that slewe ^ him sell :
Sair^ weiping and creiping,

about the well he baid ;
Quhyllis lying, quhyllis crying, 55

bot it na answer maid.

^ were. ^ And. ^ the. ■* of. ^ hailsum.

^ for. ^ Quha with. ^ did slay. ^ Quhylis.

6 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

laing] 5.

F. 16 a. The dew as dyamontis did hing

Vpoun the tender twiskis ^ing,

OwertwinkUng all ]>e treis :
And ay qu/iaiv flouris did flureis fair, 60

Thair suddanlie I saw repair

Ane suarme of sounding beis.
Sum sueitlie hes the hony socht,

Qu/itll thay war claggit soir ;
Sum willinglie the wakx hes wro^/zt 65

To keip it vp in store ;
So heipping, for keiping,

Into thair hyvis thay hyd it ; ^
preceislie and viselie,

for winter thay provydit. 70

6.

To pen the pleasur of ]?at park,

how euerie blaysum, brench, and bark,

Aganis the sone did schyne,
I leave to poyetis to compyle,
In staitlie verft and ornate style : 75

It passit my ingyne.
Bot as I movit me allone,

I saw ane rever Rin
Out ouer ane craig and Roch of stone,

Syne lichtit in ane lin : 80

W/th tumbling and Rumbling,

Among the rockis round,
Devalling and falling
Into J?e pitt /r^'found.

1 MS. hydit.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. J

5. [WALDEGRAVE

The dewe as Dyamondis did hing
vpon the tender tuistis 5ing,^
overtwinkling all the treis :
And ay quhair flouris flourischit faire, 60

thair suddainlie I sawe repaire

ane swarme of sownding beeis,^
Some sweitly hes the hony socht,
qz//«'ll thay ware cloggit soire :
Some cunninglie ^ the wax hes wrocht 65

to heape it vp in stoire ;
So heiping, for ^ keiping,

into thair hyues thay hyd it : ^
Preciselie and wiselie,

for winter thay prouydit.^ 70

To pen the plesouris of ]7at Park,

how every blome on branche and bark/

aganes the Sunne did schine,
I leife thir ^ Poets to compyle,
in staitlie verse and ornat^ style : 75

it passis my Ingyne,
Bot as I muiffit ^^ myne allane,

I sawe ane Ryuer rin
Out over ane Craig and rock of stane,^^

syne lichtit in ane Lin : 80

Wz'th tumbling and rumbling,

amang the rockes round,
Devalling and falling
into that pit profound.

1 twistis and jing. ^ In swarmes the sownding beis.

3 willingly. * with. ^ Orig. hydit.

® prouyde it. ^ blossome, branche, and bark. ^ to.

9 lofty. 10 mussit. " craggie Rok of stane.

8 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

laing] 7.

F. 16 6. To heir the stertlie streameis cleir, 85

Me thocht it mvvsick to ]>e eir,
Quhair daskene did abound,
With trubill sueit, & tennoz^r lust ;
And ay the echo reparcust

hir diapassoun sound, 90

Set with ]?e ci soil fa uthe clewe,^

Thairby to know the note.
Sounding ane michtie senabrewe
Out of ]>e elphis thrott :

Discreittlie, mair sueitlie, 95

Nor craftie amphioun ;
Or mwssis that vsis

That fountoun eloquon.

8,

Quha wald hawe tyrit to heir that tune,^

pe birdis corrobrat ay abone, 100

Throw schuitting of J^e larkis?
sum flew so heiche into ]>q skyis,
Quhill cupid walknit w/th the cryis

Of naturall chappell clerkis ;
Quha leaving all the heavinis aboue, 105

alleichtit on ]?e jeird.
Lo,^ heir J)at littill god of luif
Befoir me J>air appeird ;
So myldlyke and childlyke,

W/th bow threis quarteris skant ; no

So moylie so coyhe,
he luikit lyk ane sant.

^ Lines 90 and 91 had puzzled the scribe : he writes —
Hir Drafiassoun sound
Set with ])e resoll fair Ruthe clewe(!).
^ ' Towne ' has been stroked out and ' tune ' written in above.
3 MS. To.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 9

7. [WALDEGRAVE

To heir the ^ starthng streames cleire, 85

1 2 thocht it musike to the eire,
quhair deskant did abound,
With treble sweet, and tenor just ;
and ay the eccho repercust,

the Diapason sound ; 90

Set with the C. sol fa ut cleife,
quhairby ^ to knaw the note,
Thay sownd^ ane michtie semebreife,
out of the Elphis throte ;

Discreitlie, mair sweitlie, 95

nor craftie Amphion,
Nor muisses that vses
at fountaine Helicon.

8.

Quha wald haue tyrit to heir that tune,

quhilk birds corroborate abune,^ 100

throw schouting of the Larkis ?

Quha flewe ^ sa hie into the skyis,

quhil Cupid walknit throw ^ the cryis,

of natures chappell clarkis ;

Quha leueing all the heuins aboue, 105

syne lichtit on ^ the eird :

Loe, how that littil God of loue

befoir me thair appeird,

So mildlike and childlike,

w/th bowe thrie quartars scante; no

So moylike and coylike,^

he luikit like ane Sancte.

1 thae. 2 j„e_ 3 Thairby.

* Thair soundt. ^ ay abune. ® Sum flies.

' walkinnes with. ^ Alighted in. * moylie and coylie.

lO THE CHERRY AND JjE SLAE.

laing] 9.

F. 17 a. Ane cleirlie crisp hang ower his eis,

his quaver be his nakkit theis

hang in ane siluer caift : 115

Of gold betuix his schoulderis grew
Tua prettie wingis quhairw/t,^ he flew,

On his left arme ane brace.
That god of all his geir he schowk,

And layit it on ]?e ground : 120

I ran als bissie for to luik

Quhair fairleis micht be fund :
I maisit, I gaisit,

To se that geir so gay :
Persaving my having, 125

he comptit me his pray.^

10.

" Quhat wald thou gif me frend," q//^d he,
" To haue thir prettie wingis to flie,

To sport the for ane quhyle ?
Or quhat, gif I suld lend the heir 130

my bow and all my schuting geir,

Sum bodie to begyle?"
" That geir," quod I, " can noch\. be botr/zt,

3it wald I haue it fane."
" Quhat gif," quod he, " it cost >e nocht, 135

Bot rander it agane ? "

His wingis ]?an he bringis than.
And band ]?ame on my bak :
" Go, flie now," quod he now,

And so my leif I tak. 140

1 The re\4sed edition of 161 5 introduces an additional stanza here. See
p. 76.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. II

9. [WALDEGRAVE

Ane cleinly cirspe hang ouer his eies,
his quauer be his naikit thies

hang in ane siluer lace : 115

Of gold betwein ^ his schoulders grewe
twa proper - wings quhairwzt/z he flewe,

on his left arme ane brace.
This God of all his geire he schuik,

and laid it on the ground : 120

I ran als bessie for to luik

quhair farleyis micht be found :
Ama3ed, I ga5ed,

to sie that geir sa gay :
Persaueing my haueing, 125

he comptit me his pray.

10.

'* Quhat wald thow giue, my freind," quod he,
" till haue thir ^ prettie wings to flie,

to sport thee for ane quhile?
Or quhat, gif I suld lend thee heir 130

my bowe and all my schuitting geir,

some bodie to begyle ? "
" That geir," quod I, " cannot be bocht,

3it wald I ^ haue it faine."
" Quhat gif," quod he, " it cost thee noc/zt, 135

Bot rander ^ it againe ? "

His wings than he brings than,
and band thame on my bak :
" Go 6 flie now," quod he now,
and so my leife I tak. 140

^ betwix. 2 pretty. ' thae.

■* I wald. ^ randring. ^ So.

12 THE CHERRY AND ]>E SLAE.

LAING] II.

F. 17 6. I sprang vpoun cwpidozV wingis,

the bow and quaver bayth resingis,

To lene me for ane day.
As Icarus wztk borrowit Hyc/it,
I muntit heichar nor I mycht, 145

Oure perrellus ane play.
Than furt/^ I drew that deidlie dairt,

that sumtyme hurt his mother ;
quhairwzt/^ I hurt my wantoun hairt.

In hoip to hurt ane v]?er. 150

I hurt me and bruit me,
the ofter I it hanteil ;
Sum se now, In me now,
the butterfle and candill.

12.

As scho delyttyth in the low, 155

So was I browdin of my bow,

As ignorant as scho :
And as scho fleis qukill scho be fyrit,
So, v:i\k the dairt that I desyrit.

My handis hes hurt me to. 160

As fulyche faetoun, by suit,

his fa]?eris cairt obtenit,
I langit in cupiddis bow to schuit,
bot wist Doc/it quhat it menit.

Mair wilfull nor skyltull, 165

to flie I was so fund,^
desyring, Inspyring,

And sa was sene appond.

1 MS. forfund.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 13

[WALDEGRAVE

II.

I sprang so heich on Cupid's ^ wings,
quha bowe and quauer baith resings,

to lend me for ane day,
As Icarus w/t/^ borrowit fiic/it,
quha 2 mountit heicher nor he^ micht, 145

ore perrellous ane play.
Than furt/^ he ^ drew that deadly dairt
quhilk sometyme hurt^ his mother;
Quhairwith I hurt my wanton hairt,

in 6 hope to hurt ane vther. 150

It hurt me and brunt '''me,

the ofter I it handle :
Cume sie now, In me now,
the Butterflie and candle.

12.

As scho delyttis into the lowe, 155

so was I browdin on ^ my bowe,

as ignorant as scho :
And as scho flies quhill scho be fyrit,
so, with the dairt that I desyrit,

my handis ^ hes hurt me to. 160

As fulisch Phaetone, be suite,

his fathers cairte obteind,
I langit in luiffis bowe to schuite,
and wist not quhat it meind.

Moir wilfuU nor 10 skilful!, 165

to flie I was so fond,
Desyring, Impyring,

and so was scene append.

^ I sprang up on Cupidoes. ^ I. ^ I.

* I. 5 schot. « I. ''it hurt.

* in. ^ hand. ^^ than.

14 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

laing] ^ 3-

F. i8 a. To lait I leirnit, quha hewis he,

the spaill sail fall into his ey : 170

To lait I went to scuillis :

To lait I hard the suallow preich,

1
4 . • • •

The scuilmaister of fuillis :

To lait I find the nest I seik,

quhan as ]?e birdis ar flowne : 175

To lait the stable duir I steik,

quhan as ]>q steid is stowin.

To lait ay >air stait ay

All fulych folk espy :

behind so, ]>ai find so, 180

remeid, and so do I.

14.

Gif I had ryplie bene aduysit,
I had noc/it rachle Interprysit

To flie -wit/i borrowit pennis ;
Nor 5it had sayit the ercher craft, 185

Nor schot my self wt't/i sic ane schaft,

As reassoun quyt miskennis.
fra wilfulnes gaif me my wound,

I had na force to flie ;
Than come I grainand to the ground : 190

" freind, welcum hame ! " quod he ;
" quhair flew ^e ? quhome slew 36 ?

or quha bringis hame ]?e buitting ?
I se weill," quod he weill,

" 5e haif bene at the schuitting ! " 195

1 Line omitted in MS.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 1 5

13- [WALDEGRAVE

To lait I knaw, quha hewes to hie,

the speill sail fall into his eye : lyo

to lait I went to schooles :
to lait I hard the swallow preich,
to lait experience dois teich —
the School-maister of fooles :
To lait I^ find the nest I seik, 175

quhen all the birdis are flowne :
To lait the stabill dure I steik,
quhen all the steids are stolne.
To lait ay thair state aye

all foolish folke espye : 180

They find to, behind to,^
remeid, and so do I.

14.

Bot had I ^ ryplie bene aduysit,
I had not raschelie Interprysit,

to soire with borrowit pennis ; 185

Nor 5it haue sayit the Archere craft,
nor schot my selfe \fhh sic ana schaft

as ressoun quite miskennis.
Fra wilfulnes gaif me the '^ wound,

I had na force to flie : igo

Thane come I granand to the ground :
" friend, welcome hame 1 " quod he ;
*' Quhair flew ^e ? quhom slew ^e ?

or quha bringis hame the buiting?
I see now," quod he now, 195

" 5e haue bein at the schuiting ! "

^ to. 2 Behynd so, they fynd so.

3 Gif I had. 4 n,y.

l6 THE CHERRY AND JjE SLAE.

laing] 15.

F. 18 b. As scorne cuwis comonlie v^ith skayt/^,

swa I behuiffit to byd )>ame bayt/^,

And J'at in stakarin stait.
For vnder cuir I gat sic chak,
]?at I mycht nowther deme nor nek, 200

bot a]7er stell or meit ;
my agony was so exstreme,

I swet and sownit for feir ;
bot or I waknyt of my dreme,

he spuil^eit me of my geir : 205

w/t/^ fly^r/zt J)an oure heych J^an,
spran[g] cupide in ]?e skyis ;
forgetting, and setting

At nochi my cairfull cryis.

16.

Sa lang ^iih fly^/;t^ I followit him, 210

(\uhi\\ that my feiblit eyis grew dim,

for stairing on ]?e starnis ;
quha flew sa thik befoir my eyne,
sum reid, sum 3allow, sum blew, sum grene,

that trubht all my harnis ; 215

c^uhiW ewerie thing appeirit twa

to my barbul^eit brane ;
bot lang mycht I haiff luikit so
or cupide cum agane :

quha thundring, -vfith woundring, 220

I hard vpthrow the air ;
throw cluidis so he thudis so,
he flew I wist not <\uhaix.

1 See the better reading on opposite page.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 1/

15. [WALDEGRAVE

As scorne comes commonlie v^ixh skait-^,
sa I behuifit to bide thame bait/z :
oh ! quhat ane stakkarand stait !
For vnder cuire I got sic check, 200

that I micht neither muife ^ nor neck,

bot ather stale or mait ;
myne - agonie was sa extreme,

I swate ^ and swound for feire ;
Bot or I walknit of my dreame, 205

he spuil^eit me of my geire :
With flicht than on hicht thane,

sprang Cupid in the skyis ;
For3etting, and setting

at nocht my cairfull cryis. 210

16.

So long with sicht I followit him,
(\uhi\\ baith my febillit eyis grewe dim,

throw stairing * on the starnes ;
quhilk flawe ^ so thick before my eyne,
some reid, some yeallowe, blew, and greine, 215

quhilk ^ trubillit all my harnes ;
QzihiW every thing appeirit two,

to my barbuil3eit braine ;
Bot lang vcachX. I lye luiking tho,'^

or Cupid come againe j 220

Quhais thundering, whh wondering,

I hard vpthrowe the ayr ;
Throwe cloudis so he thuidis so,
and flewe I wist not quhair.

^ Quhilk I micht nocht remuif. 2 ^y^ 3 gwelt.

* staruing. ^ flew. ® Sa. "^ so.

1 8 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

LAINg] 17-

F. 19 a. Fra tyme I saw that god was gane,

And I in lango?^r left allane, 225

And soir tormenttit, to,
Sumtyme I sychi quhan I wald sane,
Sumtyme I niusit and maist gaine maid,

I wist no^y^t quhat to do ;
sumtyme I raiffit iialf in ane rage, 230

as ane into dispair :
To be opprest w/t/z sic ane paige
Lord ! gif my hart was sair !
Lyk dido, cwpido

I widdill and I werie, 235

quha reft me, and left me
In sic ane fere farie.

18.

Than feld I currage and dispair
Inflamyng my breist mih vncowth fyr,

To me befoir vnknawin ; 240

bot now na bluid in me remanis,
bot brunt and bould wzUin my wanis,

And all away was blawin.
To quenche me soir I was devorit,

with schiftis I went about ; 245

bot ay \>e mair I schep to smorr it,^
the baldar It brak out,
ay pressing but seissing,

(\uhi\\ it mychi brek ]>e boundis ;
my hew so, furth schew so, 250

the dolo?^r of my woundis.

^ MS. smorrit.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. I9

17. [WALDEGRAVE

Bot fra^ I sawe that God was gane, 225

and I in langour left allane,

and soire tormentit, to,
Sumtyme I sicht quhill I was sad,
sumtyme I muissit, and maist gane mad,

I wist not quhat to do ; 230

Sumtyme I ravit halfe in ane rage,

as ane into dispaire :
To be opprest with sic ane page
Lord ! gif my hairt was saire !

Like Dido, Cupido 235

I widill and I warye,
Quha left me, and reft me,'^
In sic ane furye farye.

18.

Thane felt I currage and desyre

inflame my hairt ^^iih vncowth fyre, 240

to me befoir vnknawin ;
Bot now na bluid in me remaines,
vnbrunt and bruil^eit throw ^ my vaines,

be luiffis bellowes blawin.
To quenche it or I was devorit, 245

with siches I went about ;
Bot ay the moire I schape to smor it *
the baulder it brak out,
Aye pressing but sessing,

quhil it may breik the bounds : 250

My hewe so, furth schew so,
the dolour of my wounds.

^ Fra that. 2 Quha reft me, and left me.

* boyld within. ^ Orig. smorit.

20 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

laing] 19.

F. 19 d. Wttk deidlie wissag, paill and wane,

moir lyk ane attomie nor ane man,

I widderrit clene away :
Lyk walx befoir >e fyre, I feld 255

My hart wzt/iin my bosum melt,

And peice and peice decay ;
my wanis wA/i branling lyk to brek —

my punsft lap wz'tk pyth —
So [feruently] ^ did me Infect 260

that I was wexit - ]?airw/t/^
My hart ay did start ay
the fyrie flamis to flie,
Ay hoipping, throw loipping, 'f

to com to libertie. 265

20.

Bot och ! allace ! byd it behuififit,
WzUin my cairfull corpis me luiffit,

and preissoun of my breist,
mtA sychis sobbit and oz^rsett,
Lyk to ane fysche fanggit in J^e net, 270

In deid-thraw vndeceist,
quha thoc/it in wane do strywe be strenth

for to pull out hir heid ; S

It profifeittis nathing at >e lenth,

bot haistis hir to hir deid : ^75 ji

wiVi wreisting and thrysting,

the faster stykis scho :
thair I so did ly so,

my dayth a[d]uansing to.

1 Blank space in MS. The reading in the text is taken from W^.

2 MS. 'weyit.'

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 21

1 9- [WALDEGRAVE

W/t/^ deadlie visage, paill and wan,
mair like ane attomie nor man,

I widderit cleine away: 255

As wax befoir the fyre, I felt
my hairt within my bosome melt,

and peece and peece decay :
My vaines w/t/z brangling like to brek —

my punsis lap wzty^ pithe — 260

So [feruently] did me Infeck,
that I am ^ vext z'/zairwith.
My hairt ay did start ay

The fiery flames to flie,
aye houping, throwe louping, 265

to win to libertie.

20.

Bot 5it,2 allace, bide it behuiffit,^
Wzt/^in my cairfuU corpis me incluissit,

and ^ pressone of my breist,
W/t>^ sichis^ soippit and oresette, 270

like to ane fische fast in the nette,

in dead-thraw vndeceist,
quhais ^ thocht in vaine dois striue for strenth

for to pull out her head ;
Quhilk profeittis nathing at the lenth, 275

bot haistes hir to hir dead :
Ay wristing and thristing,
the faster still is scho :
And I so dois '" lye so,

my death advancing to. 280

^ was. 2 o. 3 behuissit. ^ In.

* sichis sa. ^ Quha. ' did.

22 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

LAING] 21.

F, 20 a. The mair I wreslit vft'lk the wynd, 280

In faster stait my selff I find ;

na myrth my mynd culd meifi :

moir noy nor I had neuir nana

1

• • • • •

throw drewt/^ of my disseis.
5 it waiklie, as I myckt, I raift ; 285

my sycht grew dim and dark ;
I stakkerrit at J?e windil strayis,
Na taikin I was stark.

bayt^ sychtles and my^>^tles,

I grew almaist at anis : 290

22.

With sober paice so I approche
Towardis ]>e revar and }?e roche,

quhairoi I spak befoir ;
quhais cu;/;ming sic ane rumowr maid ;
and to the sie It softlie slid : 295

the craig was stay and schoir.
than pleasour did me so provok,

perforce ]?air to repair,
betuix ]?e rever and the rok,

qtihaix hoip grew with dispair. 300

ane tre J>air, I sie ]7air,

of scherreis in J»e breyis ;
belaw, to, I saw, to,
ane buft of bitter slayis.

Line omitted. ^ Last two lines omitted.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 23

21. [WALDEGRAVE

The mair I wressellit -wiih the wind,
the faster^ still my selfe I find ;

na mirth my mind could ^ mease :
Mair noye nor I tried ^ neuer nane,
I was sa alterrit and oregane, 285

throw drowt/^ of my disease.
5it* weaklie, as I xmcht, I rayis;
my sicht grewe dim and dark ;
I stakkerit at the windilstrayis,

no takin I was stark. 290

Bait/^ sichtles, and mi^y^tles,
I grewe almaist attanes :
In anguisch, I languisch,
With mony grievous granes.

22.

With sober pace I did approche 295

hard to the River and the roche,

i\uhatroi I spak befoir ;
Quhais running sicke ane murmure maid,
as to the sey It swiftlie ^ slaid,

ore craig, ore clewch, ore schoir ; ^ 300

Thair '^ plesoure did me so prouok,

perforce for ^ to repaire,
Betuix the River and the rock,
qukat'r hoipe grewe wi't/i dispaire.

Ane trie thair, I see thair,^ 305

of cherreis on ^"^ the brais ;
Belawe, to, I sawe, to,
ane bush of bitter Slat's.

1 faschter. " micht. » had. ^ Than. '' softlie.

" The craig was high and schoir. '' Than. ^ thair.

* A trie than, I sie than. ^" in.

24 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 23.

F. 2o3. The cherreis hang abone my heid, 305

Lyk tuinkling rubeis round and reid,

so hie vp in Ipe heuch ;
quhais schaddow in J^e rever schew,
als graithlie glansing, as J^ai grew

on trimbling tuiskis teuch ; 310

qu/ii\k bowit throw burding of J>air byrth,

Inclyni^g doune ]7air toppis :
reflex of phebus in ]>e firth
now cullorit all J)air knoppis,

mtk dansing, and glansing, 315

In tirlis ^ lik dornik champ ;
wz't/i stremi«g and lemi«g,
throw lychtnes - of J^at lamp.

24.

Wit/i ernest ey, J^air I espy

the fruit betuix me and J^e sky, 320

half gait almaist to hevin ;
the craige so heych of growth and tryme,^

as ony arrow evin ;
I callit to mynd how daphnes did

Into the Lowrell schrink, 325

quhan frome appollo scho hir hid :
Ane thowsand tymes I think
that trie J»air, to me J^air,

als hie as lowrell tho^/?t :
and spying, but trying, 330

to get the fruit I thoc/it.'^

1 MS. cuik. 2 Ms_ < lycchtles.'

^ The scribe has run two lines into one. See opposite page.

^ See the better reading on opposite page.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE, 25

23. [WALDEGRAVE

The Chirries hang abune my heid,

like twinkling rewbeis round and reid, 310

so hich vp in ]>& hewch ;
Quhais schaddovves in Ipe River schew,
Als graithlie glansing, as thay grewe,

on trimbling twistis tevvch ;
Quhilk bowed throw burding of thair birth, 315

in hanging ^ downe thair toppis :
Reflexe of Phoebus in the firth
orecouerit ^ all the ^ knoppis,
WiU dansing, and glansing,

in tirles dornik champ : 320

Quhilk streimet, and gleimet,^
throw lichtnes ^ of that lamp.

24.

Whk ernest eye, I can ^ espye
the fruit betwix me and the skye,

halfe gaite almaist to hevin : 325

The craige so cumbersome to clime,
the trie so hich of growth and trime,

as ony arrow evin ;
I call to minde how Daphne did

within the Laurell schrink, 330

Quhan from Appollo scho hir hid :
ane thousand times I think
That trie then, to me then,

as hich as *" laurell tho^/^t :
Espyring, but tyring, 335

to get the ^ fruit I socht.

' Inclining. ^ Newe colourit. ^ thair.

^ Ay streimand and gleimand, ' brichtnes.

« quhil I. 7 As he his, » that.

26 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

laing] 25.

F. 21 a. To clyme ]>at craig it was na buit,

Lat be to preis to pull the fruit

In top of all the trie ;
I saw na way qukai'rhy to cum, 335

by ony craft, to gett it clum,

appeirrantlie to me.
The rok was vglie, stay and dreich,

the tre bayt/% hie and small ;
I was affrayit to mynt so heych, 340

for feir to gett ane fall,
affrayit to say it,^

I luikit vpoun lofte ;
quhyllis mynting, quhyllis staying,^

I changit pvrposft oft. 345

26.

Bot d[r]eid, with danger, and dispair,
forbad me mynting ony mair,

to rax abone my reich.
"tuich !" quod currage, "man, go to,
he is bot daft >at hes ado, 350

that spairis [for] ony speiche.
I haif oft hard suyth men say,
As we may sie oure selffzV,
that fortoun helpis ]>e hardie ay,

and pultronis plane repellis. 355

than feir not, nor heir noc/it,
Dreid, dangeir, or dispair :
[To fa^arts hard] ^ hasardis
Is dreid, dangeir, and dispair.*

1 MS. 'sayit.' ^ See the better reading on opposite page.

* Blank space in MS. ^ For correct reading see opposite page.

THE CHERKIE AND THE SLAVE. 27

25. [WALDEGRAVE

To clime the Craige it was na buit,
lat be to presse to pull the fruit

in top of all the trie ;
I saw na way quhairby to cum, 340

be ony craft, to gett it clum,

appeirandlie to me.
The Craig was vgly, stay and dreiche,

the trie heich, lang and smal ;
I was effrayit to mount so heich, 345

for feir to get ane fall.
I freyit,^ to sey it,

I luikit vpon loft :
Quhillis minting, quhillis stinting,

my purpose changit oft. 350

26.

Thane d[r]eid, with danger and dispaire,
forbad me - mounting ony maire,

to raxe abune my reiche.
"Quhat? tusch !" quod curage, "man, go to,
he is bot daft that hes ado, 355

that stayis ^ for every speiche ;
For I haue oft hard wise men say,

and we may sie it* oure selfis,
That fortune helps the hardie ay,

and pultrones plaine repellis. 3^°

Thane feir not, nor heir not,
dreid, danger, or dispaire :
To fa3arts hard hasarts

is dead, or thay come thaire.
1 Affrayit. ^ ^y^ 3 ^nd spairis. " Omits ' it.'

28 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 27.

F. 21 b. " Quha speiddis, bot sic as heych espyris ? 360

quha triumphis nochi, bot sic as tyris

To win ane noble name ?
of schrinking, (\uha\. bot schame succeidis ?
Than do as thow wald haif ]?ai deidis

In register of fame. 365

I put the cais, thow wochx. preveUis,

so thow vihh honoz^r die,
thy lyf, bot no^>^t thy currage faillis,
sail poettis pen of \t.

thy name than, frome fame than, 370

sail neuir be cut of:
thy graife ay sail haif ay
ane honnest epitaphe.

28.

" Quhat can thow lofi, quhan hono^^r levis?
renowne thy vertew ay revevis, 375

gif wail3eantlie thow ende."
quod danger: "huUe, man, tak heid,
Vntymous spurring spyllis the speid :

tak tent quhat 36 pretend,
\kvQch1 currage counsall the to clyme, 380

be war thow kep na skayth :
haif thow na help bot god and him,
thay may begyll ]?e bayth.
thy sell now can tell now

the counsall of \2x clarkis ; 385

qz^A^/rthrow jit, I trow jit,

thy breist dois beir the markis.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 29

27. [WALDEGRAVE

"Quha speids, bot sik as hie aspyris? 365

quha tryumphis not, bot sic as tyris

to win ane nobill name ?
Of schrinking, quhat bot schame succeidis ?
thane do as thou wald haue thy deidis

in register of fame. 370

I put the caice, thou not preuailV

swa thou wz'tA honor die,
Thy life, bot not thy curage faill,^
sail Poettis pen of thee.

Thy name than, from fame than, 375

sail never be cut oflf :
Thy graue aye sail haue aye
ane ^ honest Epitaphe.

28.

" Quhat can thou lose, quhen honor Hues ?

renowne thy vertewe ay reviues, 380

gif vail^eantly thou end."
Quod danger, " hulie, friend, tak heid,
vntymeous spurring spillis the speid : *

tak tent quhat 3e pretend.
Thoc/ii. currage counsall thee to dim, 385

beware thou kep na skaith :
Haue thou na help bot hope in ^ him,
he may begyle 56 ^ baith.
Thy sell now can tel now

the counsal of these ^ clarkis ; 390

Qukairihrov/ ^it, I trowe ^it,
thy breist dois beir the markis.

^ preuaild. - faild. ^ That. * steid.

5 &. 6 the. ' thae.

30 THE CHERRY AND IpE SLAE.

laing] 29.

F. 22 a. " Brunt barne wit/i fyre the danger dreidis ;

sa I beleife thy bosum bleiddis,

sen last that fyre thow felt : 390

besyddis ]>at, sindall tymes thow seyis,
that euir currage keippis J^e keyis

of knawledge be his belt :
tho^/^t he go fordward wit/i the gvvnnis,

small ^ powder he provydis : 395

be noc/it ana novice wt't/i the Nunnis,
that red nockt bayt/^ the syddis :
fuill haist ay, almaist ay,

ouresyllis the syckt of sum,
quha luikis noc/it, nor huikis noc/it, 400

quhat efterwart ^ may cum.

30-

" Bot wysdome biddis the wyslie way
the sentence of phelosophie —
ane lessoun worthe to leir —
qu/itlk is, in tyme for to tak tent, 405

and nockt quhan tyme is past, repent,

ay by repentance deir.
Is thair na honoz^r efter lyfe,
except thow slay thy selff?
qti/iaz'rioT hes atropus that knyfe? 410

I trow thow can noc/it tell
qu/iat bot it, wald cuit it,

quhik clotho ^ skarft hes spun :
distroying thy loying,

befoir it be begun. 415

1 MS. 'sniam.' 2 ms. efterwart. ^ ]yjg_ gchesth.?

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 3 1

29. [WALDEGRAVE

" Brynt bairne •^i\.h fyre the danger dreids ;
Sa I beleife thy bossome bleids,

sen first the ^ fire thou felt : 395

Besides that - sendill tymes thou ^ seis,
that every * currage keipis the keyis

of knawledge be ^ his belt :
Tho(r/^t he bid fordwart wzt/^ the gunnes,

small poulder he pwvides : 400

Be not ane novis of the Nunnes,
that sies ^ not bait/^ the sydes :
Fuill haist aye, almaist aye,

oresettis '' the sicht of some,
Quha huiks not, nor luiks not, 405

quhat efterward may come.

30-

" 3it wisdome wisses thee to wie
the sentence ^ of Philosophie —

ane lessoun worth to leir —
Q«Mk is, in tyme for to tak tent, 410

and not quhen tyme is past, repent,

and buy repentance deir.
Is thair na honoz/r efter lyfe,
except thou slay thy sel ?
quhairfoir hes Attropus the ^ knyfe ? 415

I trow thou can not tell.
That but it, wald cut it,

that Clotho skairse hes spun :
Distroying thy joying,
befoire it be begun. 420

1 last that. 2 this. '' the.

* euer. ^ at. ^ saw.

^ Owrsyhs. ^ This figure. * that.

32 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

LAING] 31.

F. 22 b "All ouxis ar reput to be wyft —

oux heych, oux law, oux rasche, out nyce,

our het, or 5it oux cauld :
thow semyis vnconstant be thy signis ;
thy thor/^t is on ane thowsand thingis ; 420

thow wait not c^uhaX. thow wald.
Lat fame hir petie on the pour,

quhan all thy banis ar brokkin :
3 on sla, suppois thow think it sour,
will satisfie to slokkin 425

thy thryst now, I traist now,
gif \a\. Jjow wald it preife ;
and may to, I say to, 1

thy panis all releife.

I

32-
" Quhat fuill art thow to de of thryst, 430

And thow may quensche it, gif thow list,

so easalie but pane !
moir honoz^r is to winques ane,
nor feycht wz'ty^ ten sum and be tane,

and nowther hurt nor slane : 435

Pe practik is to bring to pas,

and xxQcht to Interpryft ;
It is als guid drinking out of glas,

as gold in ony wayis. Ik

I leuir haif euer 440

In hand ane foull or twa,
nor seand ten thowsand
abone my heid all day.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 33

31. [WALDEGRAVE

" All owers ar recknit ^ to be vice —
ore hie, ore law, ore rich, ore wyis,^

ore heit, or ^it ore cauld :
Thou seemes vnconstant be thy sings ;
thy tho<r/^t is on ane thousand things ; 425

thou wattis not quMt thou wald.
Let fame hir pittie on the poure,

quhill 3 all thy banes ar brokin :
5one Slaye, suppose thou think it soure,
may satisfie to slokkin 430

Thy thrist now, I traist now,

gif that thou wald it preife :
I say to, it may to
thy painis all releife.*

32.

" Quhat fuill art thou to die for ^ thrist, 435

and syne may quenche it, quhen ^ thou list,

so easilie but paine !

Maire honor is to vanquisch ane,

nor feicht w/t>^ tensum and be tane,

and ather hurt or slaine : 440

Now all the practick is to passe,''

and not to interprise ;

Now as ^ gude drinking out of glasse,

as gold in ony wise.

I had^ lever haue ever, 445

ane fouU in hand or tway,

Nor seand ten fleand

aboue me all the day.

^ repuit. - nyce. ^ Quhair.

^ Thy drouth now, O youth now,

Quhilk drownis thee with desyre :

Aswage than thy rage, man ;

Foull water quenches fyre.
® of. ® gif. ^ The practick is to bring to passe.

8 Andals. » Omits 'had.'

34 THE CHERRY AND }?E SLAE.

laing] 33.

F. 23 a. " Luik quhair thow \ycht befoir thow loip,

and slip na certantie for hoip, 445

quha gyddis the bot be ges."
quod currage : " cowarttis takis na cuir
to sit vfiih schame, sa thay be suire :

I lyk ]?ame all the les.
(\tiha\. pleaft?(!r purchest is but pane, 450

or honour win -wzth eyis ?
he will nochi ly quhaix he is slane,
that dowtis befoir he deis.
for feir than, I heir than

bot only ane remeid 455

that latt is, and ]>ai is,
for to cuit of ]7e heid.

34-

" Quhat is the way to haill thy hurt ?
c\uha\. way is J>air to stay ^ thy sturt ?

<\uhat menis may mak the myrrie ? 460

qiihat is the confort that thow craiffis ?
suppois thayis sophystis the dissauis,

thow knawis it is the chyrrie.
sen for it only thow bot thristis,

the sla can be na buit : 465

In it als thy helth consystis,
and in na v}?er fruict.

thow quaikkis now, and schaikis now,

and studies ^ at o?^r stryfe :
auise ^it, it lyis 5it, 470 nj

on na les nor thy lyfe.

^ MS. slay. Cf. pp. 35, 89. "^ MS. standis. Cf. pp. 35, 89.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE.

35

33- [WALDEGRAVE

" Luik quhair thow ^ licht befoir thou loupe,

and slip na certaintie for hope, 450

quha gydis thee bot be gesse."
Quod currage : " cowartis takis na cuire
to sit with schame, sa thay be suire :

I like thame all the lesse.
Qu/iat plesour purchessit is but paine, 455

or honor woone wh/i ease ?
He will not lye qu/zat'r he is slaine,
that douttis befoir he deis.
For feir than, I heir than,

bot onlie ane remeid : 460

That latt is, and thatt is
for to cuttee ^ off the heid.

34-

" Quhat is the way to heall thy hurt ?
qu/iat way is thair to stay thy sturt ?

quAat meanes may mak thee merrie ? 465

Qu/mt is the comfort that thou craues ?
suppois the Sophists thee dessaues,

thou knawis it is the Cherrie.
Sen for it only thou bot thristis,

the S/ae can be na buit : 470

In it also thy health consistis,
and in na vther fruit.

Thou quaikis aye,^ and schaikis aye,^

and studies at our strife :
Aduise ye, it lyis ye, 475

on na lesse nor thy life.

to. 2 cut_

now.

36 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 35.

F. 23 b. " Gif ony patient wald be pancit,

quhy suld he loip quhan he is lancit,

or schrink quhan he is schorne ?
For I haif hard scherurgeanis say, 475

oftyraes posponi;2g of ane day

may nochK. be mendit the morne.
tak tyme in tyme, or tyme be tint,

for tyme will no^/zt reman e :
o^haX. force hes fyre out of the flint 480

bot als hard mache agane ?
delay no^/zt, and stay no<r^t,

and thow sail sie it sa :
sic gettis ay, as settis ay

stout stomakis to the bray. 485

36.

"ThofAt all begy«ni«g be maist hard,
anes rytches haif than efterward \ ^

than schrink wochi for ane schoure :
fra anis that thow thy ga«ni;/g gett,
thy pane and travell is for^ett : 49°

the sweit exceiddis the soure.
go to now quyklie, feir wochX. thir,

for hoip and hap haddis heiche." 2
quod danger : " be x\och\. dreddand, f^/r,

the mat^r is of my<r>^t : 495

fyrst spy bayt/z, and try bayt-^,

aduysment dois no ill :
I say than, thow may than,
be wilfuU quhan thow will.

1 Line corrupt. Cf. pp. 37, 90, - Line corrupt. Cf. pp. 37, 90-

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE 37

35. [WALDEGRAVE

'* Gif ony patient wald be panssit,
quhy suld he loup quhan he is lanceit,

or schrink quhen he is schorne ?
For I haue hard Chirurgianes say, 480

oft tymes defiferrand of the ^ day
may ^ not be mend the morne.
Tak tyme in tyme, or tyme be tint,

for tyme will not remaine :
Quhat forssis ^ fyre out of the flint, 485

bot als hard matche againe?
Delay not, nor stay not,
and thou sail sie it sa :
Sic ^ gettis ay, as ^ settis ay

stout stomakis to the bray. 490

4

36.

" Thocht all beginnings be most hard,
the end is plesant^ efterward;

now '^ schrink not for ane schoure :
Fra anes that thou thy grening get,
thy paine and trauell is for5et : 495

the sweet exceids the soure.
Go to now ^ quicklie, fear not thir,
for hope gude hap hes heichte."
Quod danger : "be not suddane, schir,

the matter is of weichte : 500

First spye bait/^, and trie bait//,

aduisment dois na ill :
I say to,® thou may to,®
be wilfull quhen you will.

^ ane.

2 micht.

^ force hes.

4 So.

5 that.

6 And yschewis plesand,

7 Then.

8 than.

" than . . . than.

38 THE CHERRY AND }?E SLAE.

laing] 37.

F. 24 a. " Bot 3it to mynd the proverb call, 500

' quha vsft perrellis perysch sail ' ;

schort C{uhi\\ ]?air lyffis lestis."
" and I haif hard," quod hoip, " that hie
suld nivir scheip to saill the sie,

that for all perrellis castis. 505

how money throw^/^t dispair ar deid,

that neuer perrellis previtt !
how mony also, gif ^e reid,
of lyffis hes bene releiffit.

quha being, sum deing, 510

but danger and dispair :
ane hunder, I wunder,
bot thow hes hard declair.

38.
" Gif vertew held no^>^t vp thy hert,
(\uhi\k is the best and noblest pa/rt, 515

thy work wald nochx. go weill :
r^;^sidd erring thy compan5eonis can
persuad ane syllie sempte man

to hasart for his heill.
suppois thay haife dissauit sum, 520

or we and \>2a vaycht meit,
thay gett na creiddit oji/iak we cum,
In ony men of spreit :

be reassoun J)air treassoun

be ws is fyrst espyit ; 525

reveilling ]?air deilling,

quhiWi dow nochl be denyit.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 39

37. [WALDEGRAVE

"Bot jit to mind thir proverbs^ call, 505

' quha vsis perrellis perrisch sail ' ;
schort quhile thair lyffis ^ lastis."
" And I haue hard that hoip," quod he,
" maid never schip to saill the see,^

that for all perrils castis. 510

How many throw dispaire ar dead,

that never perrellis preiuit !
How many also, as we read,^
of Hues hes bene ^ releiuit.

Some deing, some being,*^ 515

but danger or dispaire : "^
Ane hunder, I woonder,
that I haue hard declair.^

38.

" Gif we twa hald not vp thy hairt,

qu/itlk is the cheife and nobillest pazVt, 520

thy work will ^ not gang weill,
Considdering that ^^ companions can
perswade ane sillie sempill man

to haissard for his heill.
Suppois thay haue disswadit^^ some, 525

or we and thay ^^ mi^j^t meit,
Thay get na credit qu/iai'v we come,
in ony man of spreit :
Be ressoun thair tressoun

be vs was first espyit ; 530

Preveilling ^^ thair deilling,
quhilk dowe not be denyit.

^ the proverbe. ^ lyfe them.

3 And I haif hard (quod Hope) that he
Sail nevir schaip to sayle the se.
^ gif thow reid. ^ we haue. ^ Quha being euin deing.

'' bot dispaird. ^ got thou hes hard declaird. " wald.

1" thae. " desauit. ^'^ Or thay and we. '* Reveiling.

40 THE CHERRY AND J?E SLAE.

LAING] 39.

F. 24 b. " W/ty^ sleikie sophismes semyng sweit, J

as all J^air doingis war discreit,

>ai wis ]?e to be wyse ; 530

posponiwg tyme fra hoz^r to hour,
bot, fayt/^, In vnderneth the floure,

the lurkin serpent lyis,
suppois thow sie hir not ane styme,

till \a\. scho stang thy fuit. 535

persauis thow nocht ojihaX. pretious tyme
thy slowthing dois oz^rfleit ?
allace, man, thy cais, man,
In langerring I lament :
go to now, and do [now], 540

that currage be content.

40.

" Quhat gif malancolie cum in,

and gett ane greip or thow begin?

than is thy lawboz^r lost ;

for he will hald j^e hard and fast, 545

1

• • • • ■

o^hiW. thow gif vp the gaist :
than salbe gravin on ]?e stane,

that on thay graife is laid,
' sumtyme thair levit sic a ane ' —
bot heir sail it be said, 550

' heir lyis now, but prys new.

Into dishonorit bed,
ane cowart, (as thow art),

qukilk frome his fortoun fled.'

^ Line omitted in MS.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 4I

39. [WALDEGRAVE

**W/t/z sleikit sonats ^ seiming sweit,
as all thair doings war discreit,

thay wis thee to be wise ; 535

Postponing tyme from hoz^r to hour.
bot, fait/^, In vnderneath the flour,

the lurking Serpent lyis,
Suppois thou seis hir not ane styme,

till tyme scho stang thy fute. 540

Persauis thou not qj/Aat pretious tyme
thy slewthing dois oreschute ?
Allace, man, thy cace, than,

in lingring I lament :
Go to now, and do now, 545

that curage be content.

40.

" Quhat gif melanchollie come in,
and get ane grip or thou begin ?

than is thy labour lost :
For he will hald thee hard and fast, 550

till tyme and place and all ^ be past,

that ^ thou giue vp the ghost :
Thane sail be gravin on ^ the stane,

quhilk on thy graue is ^ laid,
'Sometyme there liuet sic a ane' — 555

bot how sail ^ it be said ?

' Heir lyis now, but prise now,

into dishonors bed,
Ane cowart, (as thou art),

that from his fortune fled.' 560

^ Sophismis. ^ and fruit. ' Till.

•* grand upon. ^ beis. ^ said.

42 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

laing] 41.

F. 25 a. " Immageni;zg gif thow war laid 555 |

In graif, and syne mycht heir it said,
wald thow noc/it sweit for schame?
3it, fayt/z, I dow* nocht hot thow wald ;
thairfoir, gif thow hes eis, behald

how thay wald smoir thy fame ! 560

go to, and mak na mair excuift,

or lyfe and honor loift,
and owther thame or ws refuift ;
thair is na v]?er choift :

Considder, Togidder, 565

that we can neuir duell :
at lenth ay, by strenth ay,
thay pultronis we expell."

42.

Quod danger : " sen I vnderstand

that counsall can be na <:omma.nd, 570

I haif na mair to say ;
Except bot gif thow think it guid,
Tak counsall 3it, or we concluid,

of wyser men nor }>ai,
that ar bot rakles, 3oung and rasche, 575

suppois 3e think ws fleit :
gif of our fallowschip ^e fasche,
gang witk [thame] hard[l]ie beit.
god speid 50W, thay leid 50W,

that hes noc^t meikle wit : 580

expell ws, 3e will tell ws,
heirefter qu/iat cuwis jit."

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 43

41. [WALDEGRAVE

" Imagine than ^ gif thou were laid

in graue, and syne niicht heir that ^ said,

wald thou not sweat for schame ?
Yes, fait/^, I dout not bot thou wald ;
thairfoir, gif thou hes eyes, behald 565

how thay wald smoir thy fame !
Go to, and mak na mair excuse ;

now life or honor lose,
and ather thame or vs refuse ;

Thair is na vther chose : 570

Considder, togidder,

that we can never dwell :
At lenthe aye, be ^ strenth aye,
sic ■* pultrons we expell."

42.

Quod danger : " sen I vnderstand 575

that counsall can be na command,

I haue na mair to say ;
Except that gif he think ^ it gude,
tak counsall ^it, or 3e conclude,

of wiser men than '^ thay : 5^°

Thay ar bot witlesse " young and rasche,

suppois thay think vs fleit : ^
Gif of our fellowschip you fasch,
gang wz't^ thame hardlie beit.^

God speid you, thay leid you, 585

that hes not meikill wit :
Expell vs, and tell vs,
heirefter cowes not 5it."

^ man.

2 this.

3 be.

^ Thae.

^ gif that he thocht.

s nor.

^ rakles.

8 fleid.

9 beid,

44 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 43.

F. 25 b. Quhill danger and dispair reteirrit,

expereance come in, and sperit,

Qjxha\. [all] ]?e xcvdXer menit. 585

•^hh him come ressoune, wit, and skill,
and ]7ai begound to speir at will,

" o^ihaix male ^e to, my freind ? "
"To pluik 3o\vn lustie cherrie, lo ! "

quod he, "and nochi the slay." 590

quod \d\ : " is ]?air na mair ado,
or 3e win vp the bray,
bot to it, and do it,

perforce the fruit to pluik ?

Qux mater to conduct.

44.

595

" I grant je may be guid aneuch,
bot 5it ]7e hasard vp the heuche

requyris ane greittar gyd.
als wyse as 3e ar may gang wrang ; 600

thairfoir tak counsall, or 5e gang,

of sum that standis besyd.
bot qz^i^/lk war thai thre je forbad

3o2^r company rych now?"
quod will : " thre preichouris, to p^rsuad 605

the poysonit slay to pow.
thay tratlit, and ratlit,

ane lang half ho//r and mair :
fuill haist ]?am ! ^ thay call thame

dreid, danger, and dispair. 610

^ Line omitted in MS., space blank. ^ MS. })an.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 45

43. [WALDEGRAVE

Quhill danger and dispair reteirit,

Experience came in, and speirit, 590

(\u}ia\. all the matter meind :
W/t/z him came ressonn, wit, and skill,
and thay began to speir at will,

" Qjihak male je to, my friend ? "
" To pull 1 3one lustie cherrie, loe ! " 595

quod he, " and not the slaye."
Quod thay : " is thair na mair adoe,
or 3e gang vp the braye,
Bot to it, and do it,

perforce the fruit to pluck? 600

Weill brother, some other,
wer better ^ to conduck.

44.

" I grant ^e may be gude aneuch,
bot 3it the hassard of ane ^ hewch,

requyris ane better ^ gyde. 605

As wise as ^e ar may gang wrang ;
thairfoir tak counsall, or ^e gang,

of some that stands beside.
Bot (\uhi\k wer 3one thrie 3e forbad,

yo?^r company richt now?" 610

Quod will : " thrie prechours, to p^/-swad
the poyssonit Slae to pow.
Thay trattell,^ thay rattell,^

ane lang halfe houre and mair :
Foul fall thame ! they cal thame 615

dreid, danger, and dispair.

1 pluk. ^ meter. ' Jon.

■* grauer. ^ tratlit . . . ratlit.

4.6 THE CHERRY AND JjE SLAE.

laing] 45.

F. 26 a. " Thay ar mair fascheous nor of effect :

3on fasarddis ^ durst noc/it, for J^air nek,

clyme vp the craig w/t/; ws.
fra we determenit [to] die,
or ellis to clyme the chyrrie trie, 615

thay baid about the buft.
thay ar conditionat lyke the catt —

thay wald noc/it weit thair feit ;
bot 5it gif of the fruict we gett,

thay wald haif fane to eit. 620

tho^//t thay now, I say now,

to hasard hes na hert ;
5 it luik we, and pluik we
the fruit, ]?ai wald haif p^/rt.

46.

"Bot fra we gett our way age win, 625

thay sail noc/it than the cherrie can,

that wald noc/tt InterpryGs."
"weill," quod expereence, "36 host;
bot he that counttis w/t/^out his ost,

oftymes he counttis twyft. 630

5e sie the bair skin on his bak,

bot byd q?//z/ll 5e it gett ;
quha/z 5e haif done, it is tyme to crak :
5e fysche befoir ]>e net.

qu/iat haist, sch/r, 5e taist,^ schz'r, 635

the cherrie, or 5e pow it :
bewar jit, je ar jit,

mair talkattiue nor trowit."^

MS. hasarddij-. ^ Mg. traist. ^ ms_ t^o^y it_

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 47

45. [WALDEGRAVE

" Thay ar maire faschious nor of feck :
3one faissard ^ durst not, for his ^ neck,

clime vp the Craig with vs.
For we determinate war 2 to die, 620

or else to clime ^one Cherrie trie :

thay baid about the busse.
Thay ar conditionate like the Cat,

that ■* wald not weit her ^ feit ;
Bot 5it gif of the fruite we gat, 625

thay wald be faine to eit.
TYiOchi thay now, I say now

to haissard hes na hart ;
5it luck we, and pluck we,
the fruit, thay wald haue part. 630

46.

" Bot gif "^ we get our voyage won,
thay sail not than our " Cherrie con,

That wald not InXer^xisQ."
"Weill," quod experience, " 3e boist;
bot he that comptis without his oist, 635

oft tymes he comptis twise.
5e sell the Bear skin on his bak,

bot bide quhill je it get ;
Quhe« 5e haue done, its tyme to crak :

fisch not ^ befoire the net. 640

Qjihai haist, sch/r, 36 taist, schir,

the Cherrie, or 36 povv it :
Beware 3it, 3e ar 3it,

Mair talkatiue nor trowit."^

faijardis. '^ thair, ^ Omits ' war.' ■* They. ^ their,

fra. '' the, * 3^ fische. ^ Orig. trow it.

48 THE CHERRY AND ])E SLAE.

laing] 47.

F. 26 6. " Call danger bak agane," quod skill,

"To sie qu/iat he can say to will, 640

we se him schod to strait :
we may noc/it trow qu/iat ilkane tellis."
quod danger : " we concluddit ellis,

he sch/ruis not for o?/r mait : ^
for I can tell 50W all perqueir, 645

His counsail, or he cum."
quod will : " qu/iairto suld he cum heir
for to behald his cunning?
he speikis ay, and seikis ay,

delay of tyme by dryftis : 650

he greiffis ws, and devis ws,
with sophistrie and schiftis."

48.

Quod ressoun : " quhy was he debard ?
the tail! is euill may noc/it be hard :

3it lat ws heir ]?ame anis." 655

than danger to declair ^ begane,
how hoip and currage tuik ])e man,

to leid him all Ipair lanis;
for ]?ai wald haif him win the hill,

but ather stop or stay : 660

and quha was welcumer nor will ?
he wald be formast ay,
he culd do, and suld do,

quha euir wald or noc/tt
sic speidding pwceidding 665

Vnlyklie was, I tho^/^t.

1 MS. nait. 2 ^js_ dispair.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 49

47. [WALDEGRAVE

" Call danger back agane," quod skill, 645

"and^ see quMt he can say to will,

We see him schod to ^ strait :
We may not trowe that ilk ane tells."
quod curage : " we concludit ells,

he serues not for otfv mait : 650

For I can tell you all perqueir,

his counsall, and 5e will."^
Quod wil : " quhairto suld he come heir ?
he can not hald him still.'*

He speiks ay, and seiks ay, 655

delayis of tymes ^ be drifts :
He grieues vs, and deues vs,
w/t^ sophistries and schifts."

48.

Quod ressoun : " quhy was he debard ?

the tale is ill may not be hard ; 660

3it let vs heir him anes."
Thane danger to declaire began e,
how hope and curage tuik the man,

and led him all thair lanes ;
For thay wald haist^ him vp the hill, 665

but ather stop or stay :
And quha wes welcomer nor will ?
he wald be foremaist ay.
He culd do, and suld do,

quha ever wald or nocht. 670

Sic speiding preceiding
Vnlikelie was, I tho<r//t.

^ To. - sa. ^ or he cum.

* his tung. ^ Delay of time. " haif.

D

50 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 49-

F. 27 a. " Thairfoir I wis J)ame to be war,

and ryche not to run oux far
w/t/^out sic gyddis as je."
quod currage : " freind, I heir 30W faill ; 670

remember better on 3o«r taill :

36 said it culd nochi be :
besyddis ]>a\. he wald nocht be con\.Qw\.,

that euir we suld clyme."
quod will: "for my p^/rt, I repent 675

■ we saw ]7ame mair nor him :
for J>ai ar the stayar

of ws, als Weill as hie :
I think now, thay schrink now ;

go fordward, lat }?ame be. 680

5°-
" Go, go, we do wochi heir bot gukkis ;
thay say ]>a\. wayage neuir luckis

<\7ikaix ilk ane hes ane woit."
quod wysdome graiflie : " sch/r, I grant
we war na war '^oux wit to want, 685

sum sentence now I not :
suppois je spak it bot be ges,

sum fruit ]>airm we fynd :
36 wald be fordward, I c<?;^feft,

and cu?;ns oftymes behind. 690

It may be, that thay be

Dissauit that neuir dowtit :
Indeid, sch/r, that heid, schzr,
hes meilcle wit about it."

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 5 1

49. [WALDEGRAVE

" Thairfoir I wisse him ^ to be war,
and raschlie not to run ore far,

w/t/z sic ane 2 gyde ^ as 36." 675

Quod curage : " friend, I heir 56 ^ faill ;
remember better on yo?^r taill :

3e said it micht ^ not be :
Beside th^t 5e wald not consent,

that ever we suld cHm." 680

Quod will : "for my part, I repent
that we saw you or him ; ^
For thay ar the stayer

of vs, als weill as he :
I think now, thay schrink now ; 685

go fordwart, let thame be.

50-

" Go to, quhat do we heir bot gucks ? ''
thay say that voyage never lucks,
quhair ilk man ^ hes ane voit."
Quod wisdome grathlie:^ "sch/r, I grant, 690

we were the ^^ war your voite to want,

some sentence now ^^ I note :
Suppois 36 speak it bot be gesse,

some fruit tha/nn I find :
5e wald be fordwart, I confesse, 695

and comes oft tymes behind.
It may be, that thay ^^ be

dissavit that never doutit :
Indeid, sch/r, that heid, sch/r,

hes meikill wit about it." 700

^ wischt them. - without sik. ^ gydis. ^ Jou.

■' culd. ^ We saw them mair nor him.

^ Go, go, we do not heir bot guckis. * ane.

^ grauelie. ^" na. " heir. ^^ may.

52 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 51-

F. 27 b. Than wilful! will begane to raige, 695

and sweir he saw na thing in aige,

bot anger, lyr, and gruge :
" and for my self," quod he, " I sueir
To quyt all my companjeonis heir,

and l?ai admit 50W ludge. 7 00

experience hes growne sa auld,

that he begy^^nis to raife :
the laif, but currage, ar sa cauld,
na haisartting J'ai haife :

for danger, for stranger, 705

he maid ]?ame go fra >ame ;
We pray J^ame,^

That nowther dow nor dar.

52-

" Quhy may nocht we twa leid >is ane?

I led ane hundret/; all my lane, 7^0

but counsall of ]?ame all."
" I grant," quod wysdome, " je haif led ;
bot I wald speir, how mony sped,

or fortherit but ane fall ?
bot owther few or nane, I trow, 715

experience can tell,
he sayis \a\. man [may] wit bot 30W,
the fyrst tyme >at he fell.

he kennis now, quhais pe«nis now

thow borrowit him to flie. 720

his woundis 3it, q//y^/lk stoundis 3it,
he gat )>ame euir of \>t."

1 Rest of line blank. For correct reading of this, and preceding line, see
opposite page.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 53

51. [WALDEGRAVE

Thane wilful will began to rage,
and sware he fand na thing in age,

bot anger, yre, and grudge :
" And for my selfe," quod he, " I sweir
to quite all my companions heir, 705

and thay admit you ^ ludge.
Experience is growne sa auld,

that he begins to raue :
The laife, but curage, are sa cauld,

na hassarting they haue : 710

For danger, for stranger,

hes ever maid thame ware ^
Go fra thame, we pray thame,
that neither do nor dare.

52.

" Quhy may not we ^ three lead this ane ? 715

I led ane hundret,^ myne allane,'*

but counsall of thame all."
" I grant," quod wisdome, " je haue led ;
bot I wald speir, how many sped,

or ford ward ^ but ane fall ? 720

For thair is nane or few,^ I trow.

Experience can tell :
Men sayis th^t he "^ may wite bot you,
the first tyme that he fell.

He kens now, quhais pe;mes now 725

thou borrowit fra the Clarkis.^
His wounds jit, qu^ilk sounds jit,
I trowe dois beir the markis." ^

1 the. ^ Hes maid them nor they war.

3 these. ■* all my lane. ® furderit.

® But uther few or nane. ^ He sayis that man.

8 Thou borrowit him to flie. ^ He got them than throw thee.

54 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 53.

F. 28 a. " That," quod ex[p]erience, " is trew :

will flatterrit him quha?z first he flew,

and sett him, in ane low. 725

will was his counsall and convoy,
to borrow fra the blindit boy

bayt-^ quaver, wingis, and bow ;
quAaiTwitk befoir he sayit [to] schuit,

he neuir 3eild to ^owt/^, 730

nor 3it had neid of ony fruit,
to quensche his deidlie drewth :

qti/nlk py;znis him, and dwy«nis him,

To deid, I wait not how :
gif will J>an did 111 'pa.n, 735

himselff remember now.

54.

"Fyrst, I, experience, was ]?air,
Lyk as I wse to be all qu/mir,

quhat tyme he wyttis will
to be maist [cause] of his myscheife; 740

I my selif can be ane ^ preife

and witnes J^amntill.
thair is na boundis bot I haif bene,

nor secreittis fra me hid ;
nor secreit thing bot I haif sene, 745

that he or ony did :

thairfoir now, na moir now,
Lat him think to recyll ;
For quhy now, evin I now,
am detbozmd to reveill. 750

1 MS. na. Cf. pp. 55, 99.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAYE. 55

53. [WALDEGRAVE

"Than," quod Experience, "is it trew:i

Wil flatterit him, quhaw that he flew,^ 730

and set him in ane low.
Wil, was his counsall and convoy,
to borrowe fra the blindit boy
baith quiver and his ^ bow ;
Quhairwith befoir he seyit to schuit, 735

he never "* yeild to youth,
Nor 5it had need of any fruit,
to quench his deadly drouth :

QziMk pynis him, and dwinis him,

to deid, I wat^ not how : 74°

Gif Will than did ill than,
himselfe considder ^ now.

54.

" For I, Experience, was thair,
like as I vse to be all ojihaix^

quhai tyme he wytis " will 745

To be the ^ cause of his mischeife ;
for I my self can be ane preife,

and witnesse thamntill.
Thair is na bounds bot I haue bene,

nor heich things ^ from me hid ; 75°

Nor secreit things bot I haue sene,
that he or any ^° did :

Thairfoir now, na moir now,

let him think to conceill ; ^^
For quhy now, evin I now, 755

am detbond to reveill.^^

1 That (quod Experience) is trew. " when first he flew.

3 wingis, and. * neither. ^ he wattis.

6 remembers. ^ wytit. ^ maist.

i* Nor hidlingis. ^^ onie. " conceild. ^^ reveild.

56 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

LAING] 55.

F. 28 b. " My custome Is for to declair

the trewt/z, and nowther eik nor pair,

for ony man, ane lott :
gif wilful! will delyttis in leis,
exampte in thy selff thow seis, 755

how he can turne his coit,
and w/t>^ his langage wald alloure

the 5it to brek thy banis.
sum tyme thow saw gif he was suir :

thow vsit his counsall anes : ^ 760

quha wald 3it behald jit.

To wrak J)e war nor we.
think on now, of jon now,"
quod wysdome than to me.

56.

"I will," quod experience, "gi{])at he 765

submittis him self to 50W and me,

I wait qu/iat I suld say :
oure guid adwyft he suld noc/it want,
provyding alwayis ])at he grant

to put 5on will away, 7 70

and bainnis bayt-^ him and dispair,

]>at all guid purpois spillis ;
swa he will mell wz't/^ him na mair,
lat J)ame twa flyt J^air fyllis.

sic cossing, but lossing, 775

all honest men may vse."
"that change now war strange now,"
quod ressonn, "to refuift."^

^ MS. oftymes.

'^ The revised edition of 161 5 introduces nine additional stanzas here. See
pp. 100-104.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 57

55. [WALDEGRAVE

" My custome Is for to declair
the truet>^, and nather ^ eik nor pair,

for any ^ man, ane jot :
Gif wilfull will delytis in leis, 760

exempill in thy selfe thou seis,

how he can turne his cote,
And wzik his language till ^ allure

thee for * to brek thy banes.
Some tyme je sawe ^ gif ^e war ^ sure : 765

thow vsit his counsall anes,
Quha wald ^it, behauld '' jit.

To wrak thee, war than ^ we.
Think on now, of jone now,"

quod wisdome than to me. 770

56.

"Than," 9 quod Experience, "gif that he
will come himselfe ^° to you and me,

I wat quhat I suld say :
Gif he be wise,^^ he sail not want,
providing alway that ^^ he grant 775

to put 3one will away,
And banisch bait>^ him and dispaire,

that all gude purpose spillis ;
Swa he wald mell -with vs ^^ na mair,

let thame twa flyte thair fillis : 780

Sic coissing, but loissing,

all honest men may vse."
'* That change now were strange now,"
quod ressoun, "to refuse."

^ nevir. ^ onie. ^ wald. * 3'^.

* thou knawis. * he was. ' be bald. ^ wer not.

" Weill. ^° Submittis himself. " Our gude advyse.

12 alwayis gif. ^^ Sa he will melle with them.

58 THE CHERRY "and ])E SLAE.

laing] 57.

F. 29 a. Than altogidder ]7ai began

To say, '* cum on, thow marterit man, 780

and do as we devyfte."
abbaysit, ane bony quhiW I baid,
I maysit, or I my anft/r maid ;

I turnit me anis or tuyse,
behaldin euerie ane about: 785

I ferrit to speik in haist.
sum semit asuird, sum dred for dout,
will ran reid wod almaist,
w/t^ wringing, and thringing,

his handis on v\>qx dang : 790

dispair to, for kair to,

wald neiddis himselff go hang.

58.

Quhill than experience persauit,
quod he : " remember gif he ^ raiffit,

as will alleggit of lait, 795

quhan as he sueir, no^y^t ellis he saw
In aige, bot anger, slak and slaw,

and cankarrit of consait :
he culd nocht luik, as he alleggit,

J)at all openyonis sperit. 800

he was sa frak and fyre edgit,
he ihochi ws sone bot feirde.
* quha pances quhai chancis,' ^

quod he, ' na wirschip wynnis :
ay sum best sail cum best, 805

that hap weill, raik weill ry«nis.'

1 Cf. p. 105. 2 MS. chanchis.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 59

57. [WALDEGRAVE

Thane altogidder thay began 785

to say, " come on, thou martyrit man,

and do as we devise."
Abaisd, ane bony quhile I baid,
and muissit, or I ^ answer maid,

and turnit 2 me anes or twise, 790

Behalding every ane about :

I feirit to speik in haist.
Some seimd assurit, some dred for dout,
Some ^ ran reid wood almaist,

\Nith wringing, and thringing, 795

his hands on vther dang :
Dispaire to, for cair to,
Wald needs himselfe go hang.

58.

Fra time ^ experience persauit,

quod he : " remember 3e ressauit,^ 800

as will alledgit of laite,
Quhen as he sware, nocht else ^ he saw
in age, bot anger, slack and slaw,

and cankerit of consait :
He ''' culd not luck, as he alledgit, 805

that all opinions speirit.
He was sa frak and fyerie edgit,
he thocht not to be feirit.^
* Quha pansis on chancis,'

quod he, 'na worschip winnis : 810

Ay some best sail come best,
that hapweill, rakwell ri«nis.'

^ And musd or I my. ^ I turnd. ^ Will.

* Quhilk quhen. ^ remember gif we rauit.

® nocht else. '' 3e. * He thocht us four bot feirit.

60 THE CHERRY AND ]>E SLAE.

laing] 59.

F. 29 i. " 5it>" quod experience, " behald,

for all the taillis that he hes tauld,

how he him self behaiffis.
becaus dispair culd cum na speid, 810

Lo ! qti/iair he hingis, all bot the heid,

and in ane widdie wayffis.
gif Jjou be suir,i now thow may sie
To men that v/itk J^ame mellis :
gif ]7ai had hurt or helpit the, 815

considder be Jjanie selffis.
than chuift ]>e to vse J>e,

be ws, or sic as 5on :
say sone now, haif done do,

mak owther of or on." 820

60.

" Persawis Jjow now (\uhak fra pwceiddis
the franik fantassais J>at feiddis
thy fureous flamyis of fyre ?
qw-^/lk dois thy belfuU breist combure,
that nane bot we quha can the cuir, 825

nor knawis o^uhai dois requyre.
the passiones of ]?i persing spreit,

that waistis thy wettal breth,
hes held thy havie hairt \ii\.h heittis :

dyftz'r drawis on the drewth.^ 830

thy pvnces renv«ces

all kynd of quyet rest ;
that fewar hes euir

thy persoun so opprest."

1 MS. besuir. "^ Cf. pp. 61, 106.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 6l

59. [WALDEGRAVE

"3it)" quod experience, "behauld,
for all the tales that he hes tauld,

how he himselfe behaues. 815

Because dispair culd come na speid,
luik,^ qtihaix he hangs, all bot the held,

and in ane withie wanes.
Gif thou be sory,^ thou may see

two men that viixh thame mellis : 820

Gif thay haue hurt or helpit thee,
considder be thame selfis.
Than chuse ^e,^ to vse ^e,^
With ^ vs, or sic as 5one :
Say sone now, haue done now, 825

male ather off or one."

60.

" Persaues thou not quhair fra proceids
the frantick fantasses that feids

thy furious flaming fire ?
Quhilk dois thy bailfull breist combuir, 830

bot 5 nane bot we " (quod thay) " can cuir,

nor kennis ^ quhai dois require.
The passions of thy pensiue spreits,'^

that waists thy fatall ^ breath,
Hes heaht ^ thy heavie hart with heits : '^^ 835

desire drawes on the ^^ death.
Thy punssis denuncis ^^
all kind of quiet rest ;
That fever, hes ever,

thy person ay ^^ opprest." 840

I Lo. 2 Gif Jou be suir ains. » the . . . the. * Be.

^ That. ^ or knawis. ^ The persing passion of thy Spreit.

8 vitall. " hoUt. ^° heit.

II thy. ^^ Renuncis. ^^ sa.

62 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 6i.

F, 30 a. Quod thay : "war thow acquentit w/t/z skill, 835

he knawis (\uhai hvmoris dois the ill,
C]uhak throw thy cairris contractis ;
he knawis the ground of all thy greif,
and recepie for thy releife ;

all medecinis he makis." . 840

" cum on," quod skill, " content am I

To put to ray helping hand ;
prouyding alwayis he apply
To counsall and comwand.

qjihiW we than," quod he than, 845

"ar myndit to returne,^
gif place now, in cais now,
3e get ws nochi agane.

62.

" Assuir thy selff, gif ]>ai we sched,

thow sail nocht get thy pvrpois sped ; 850

tak tent, we haif the tauld.
haif done, and dryfe nocht of the day :
the man that will nocht quhan he may,

he sail nocht quhan he wald.
<\uhat will thow do, I wald we wist : 855

accept, or gif ws oure."
quod he : 2 "I think me mair nor blist
to find sic famous foure
besyd me, to gyd me,

now quhan I haif to do, 860

considdering the sueiddring
I fand me first Into.

^ Cf. pp. 62,, 107. - ' I ' in Wreittoun and all later editions.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 63

61. [WALDEGRAVE

Quod thay : "were thou acquaint wz't// skill,
he knawis quhat humors dois thee ill,

quhair thou thy cares contraks ;
He knawis the ground of all thy griefe,
and recepts ^ to for thy releife ; 845

all medicines he maks."
"Come on," quod skill, "content am I

to put my helping hand ;
Providing alwaies he apply

to counsall and command. 850

QiihzW we than," quod he than,

*' ar mindit to remane ;
Gif place now, in caice now,
thou get vs not agane.

62.

"Assure thy selfe, gif that we sched, 855

thou sail not get thy purpose sped ;

Tak tent, 1 2 haue thee tauld.
Haue done, and driue not of the day :
the man that will not, quhen he may,

he sail not quhen he wald. 860

Quhat will ^ you do, I wald we wist :

except, or gif vs over."
Quod he : "I think me mair nor* blist,
to find sic famous foure

Beside me, to gyde me, 865

now quhen I haue ado,^
Considering the swidering
3e fand me first Into.

recept. - we. ^ wald. * than. ' to doe.

64 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 63.

F. 30 b. " Quhan currage craiffit ane stomak stout,

and danger draife me Into dowt,

W/t/^ his companjeoun dreid : 865

quhyllis will wald vp abone the air,
quhyllis I was arplonit ^ in dispair ;

quhyllis hoip held vp my heid.
sic prettie reassonis and replyis,

on ewerie syd thay schew, 870

that I, quha was nocht werray wyse,
tho^>^t all thair taillis was trew.
Sa mony, and bony,

auld pwblames thay pwponit,
bayt/^ quyklie and lyklie, 875

I mervellit meifeie on it.

64.

" 3 it hoip and currage wan the feild,
tho<:>^t dreid and danger never 3eild,

bot fled to find refuige.
swa, fra the foure come, \z\ war fane, 880

becaus he callit thame bak agane,

and gled \ai 5e war ludge ;
(\uhaix thay war fugitive befoir,

now ]7ai ar frak and fre,^
to speik and stand in ^ aw no moir," 885

quod reassoun, "sa suld be :
ofttymes but crymes,

bot evin be force •* It faillis :
the strange ay, yiiih wrang ay,

pvsft waikar to [the] wallis ; 890

1 Scribal error for ' oreplon[g]it ' ? ^ MS. fure.

3 MS. na. ^ MS. befoir.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 65

6$. [WALDEGRAVE

" Than currage with ^ ane stomack stout,

and danger drewe me into dout, 870

Wz't/i his companione dreid :
QuhiUis will wald vp abune the ayre,
quhillis I was dround into dispaire ;

quhillis hope held vp my heid.
Sic pithie ressounis and replies, 875

on every side thay schewe,
That I, quha wes not very wise,
ihocM all thair tales wer 2 trewe.
So monie, and bonie,

auld probleames thay expound,^ 880

Bait-^ quicklie and liklie,
I marvein meikill ond.

64.

** 3it hope and currage wan the feild,
thockt dreid and danger wald not ^ jeild,

bot fled to find refudge : 885

Fra we conveind, sa ^ thay were faine,
because he "^ cald thame bak againe,

thay glaid to get him ^ Judge ;
Qukai'r '•* thay were fugitiue befoir,

now ar thay ^^ franck and fre, 890

To speak and stand in awe na moir." ^^
quod ressoun : " swa suld be :
Oft tymes nowe, but crimes now,

men being forced falls : ^^
The Strang ay, wit/i wrang ay, 895

puts waiker to the walls j

^ Quhen Courage crau'd. 2 ^^.^g^

^ propond. ^ marveld. » Danger nevir.

^ Swa fra Je fowr met. ' je.

^ And glad that Je war. » For. " thay are.

" stand na awna moir. 12 j^q^ gyj„ ^^g f^^^.^^ j^ f^jjj._

E

66 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

laing] 65.

F, 31 a, " QuMk Is ane fait, thow man confeft ;

strenth Is no^Ty^t ordanit to oppreft

wit/i rego?<!r by the ry^/^t ;
bot, be the contrar, to sustene
the waik, that over burdenit bene, 895

ais meikte as ]7ai myc/it."
" sua hoip and currage did," quod I,

•' experience sic lyk,
schew skill and wit reassonis quhy

that danger lap the dyk." 900

quod dreid : " ft/r, tak heid, ft/r,
Lang speiking part man spill :
Incist noc/it, we wyst noc/it,
we want aganis oure will.

66.

" Wit/t currage we war sa content, 905

3e neuir socht oure small consent ;

of ws je stand na aw.
thair Logeik Ressonis je allowit ;
36 war determenit to trow it : ^

alleggences past for law. 910

for all l^e proverbes we pervsit,

5e ihoc/it thame skantlie skyllit ;
oure reassonis had bene ats weill refusit,
had 3e bene ats weill willit ^

To oz^r syd, as ^our syd, 915

sa trewlie I may term it : ^
we sie now In the now
effectioun dois afiferm it." *

1 IMS. trowit. 2 Ms^ ^jn j^^ 3 termit. ^ MS. affermit.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 6^

65. [WALDEGRAVE

" Qz^/izlk is ane fault, 36 ^ man confesse 3
strength Is not ordanit to ^ oppresse

W/t/^ xxgoux. by the ric/^t ;
Bot, be the contrair, to susteine 900

the waik anes, that oreburdenit beine,

als meikill as thay mi^/^t."
*'So hope and currage did," quod I,

" Weill exprementit like,^
Schaw skills and wills occasion quhy* 905

that danger lap the dike."

Quod dreid : " schir, tak heid schir

lang speiking ^ari will ^ spill :
Insist not, we ^ wist not,

we went aganis our will. 910

66.

*' Wzt/z currage ^e were sa content,
5e never socht our small con^tXiX ;

of vs 3e stand na awe.
Thair logick Ressouns ^e allowit ;
3e wer determinate to trow it : 915

alledgeance past for lawe.
For all the proverbs 3e "^ pervsit,
3e ihocAt vs ^ skantly skillit ;
Our ressouns had bene als weill vsit,^

had 3e bene als weill willit 920

Till oz^r side, as yo«r side,

sa trewlie as wes 1° termit :
I ^^ see now In thee now,
efifection ^^ dois affermit."

^ thow. 2 ordaynd till. ^ Experimented lyke.

■* Schaw skild and pithie resouns quhy. ^ man.

® je. 7 they. 8 them. » rusit.

i» is it. 11 We. 12 Affection.

68 THE CHERRY AND ]?E SLAE.

latng] 67.

F. 31 b. Experyence than smyrtling smyllit :

"we war no barnis to be begyld," 920

quod he and schuik ^ his heid :
" for awthoris quha allegis ws,
thay man no<r/^t ga about the buB,

For all thair deidlie feid."

Finis quod mongomerie
1 MS. schuit.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAVE. 69

67. [WALDEGRAVE

Experience thairat blinkt and smylit : ^ 925

" We are na bairns to be begylit,"

quod he, and schuik his heid :
'* For authours quha alledgis vs,
thay may not win ^ about the bus,

for all thair deadly feid." 930

Printed be R. W.
cum Privilegio Regali.

^ Experience then smyrkling smyld. " ga.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE

(WREITTOUN TEXT)

wreittoun]

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

A Bout a Bank with balmie bewes,
xV where nightingals their nots renews,

With gallant Goldspinks gay,
Z'he Mavise, Mirle, and Progne proud,
The Lintwhite, Lark, and Laverock loud, 5

Saluted mirthful May.
When Philomel had sweetly sung,

To Progne she deplored,
How Tereus cut out her tongue.

And falsely her deflorde ; 10

Which storie, so sorie.

To shew ashamd she seemde,^
To heare her so neare her,
I doubted if I dream'd.

2.
The Cushat crouds, the Corbie cries, 15

The Cuckow couks, the pratling Pyes

To geek her they begin.
The largoun of- the iangling layes,
The craiking Crawes, the keckling Kayes,

They deav'd me with their din. 20

The painted Pawne, with Argoes eyes.

Can on his Mayock cal ;
The Turtle wailes on withered trees,
And Echo answered ^ all,

Repeiting, with greiting, 25

How faire Narcissus fell.
By lying, and spying,
His shadow in the Well.

1 E, To schaw hir self scho seimt.

2 Orig. Largoun or. E. Jargoun or. ^ E. answers.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 73

3. [WREITTOUN

I saw the Hurcheon and the Hare

In hidlings hirpling heere and there, 30

To make their morning mange ;
The Con, the Conny, and the Cat,
Whese dainty dounes with dew were wat,

With stiffe mustaches Strang ;
The Hart, the Hynd, the Dae, the Rae, 35

The Fulmart, and false Foxe :
The bearded Buck clamb up the brae,
With birsie Baires and Brocks.
Some feeding, some dreading,

The Hunters subtile snares, 40

With skipping and tripping,
They plaid them all in paires.

The aire was sober, soft and sweet.
But ^ mistie vapours, wind, and ^ weet,

But quyet, calnie and cleare, 45

To foster Floras fragrant flowres,
Whereon Apollo s paramours

Had trinckled many a teare ;
The which like silver shakers shynde,

Imbrodering beauties bed, 50

Wherewith their heavy heads dechnde.
In Mayes colours clad :

Some knopping, some dropping

Of balmie liquor sweet,
Excelling in ^ smelling, 55

Through Phcebus wholsome heat.

1 E. Nae. 2 £_ nor. ^ e.W.2 and.

74 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun]

Mee thought an heavenly heartsome thing,
Where dew like Diamonds did hing,

Ou'r twinckling all the trees,
To study on the flourishde twists, 60

Admiring natures alcumists,

Laborious busie Bees,
Whereof some sweetest hony sought

To stay their lives to ^ sterve ;
And some the waxie vessels wrought, 65

Their purchase to preserve :
So heaping for keeping.

It in their hyves they hide ;
Precisely, and wisely,

For wmter they provide. 70

To pen the pleasures of that Parke,
How every blossome, branch, & bark,

Against the Sun did shine,
I passe to Poets to compile
In high heroick stately stile, 75

Whose Muse surmatches mine.
But, as I looked mine alone,

I saw a river rinne
Out ou'r a steepie rock of stone,

Syne lighted in a linne, 80

With tumbling, and rumbling,
Amongst the Roches round,
Devalling, and falling.
Into a pit profound.

1 E. frae.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 7$

7. [WREITTOUN

Through routing of the river rang 85

The Roches, sounding like a sang,

Where Descant ^ did abound,
With Treble,^ Tenor, Counter, Meene ;
An 3 echo blew a Basse between,

In Diapason sound, 90

Set with the C-sol-fa-uth cleife,

With long and large at list,
With Quaver, Crotchet, Semi-briefe,
And not a Minim mist :

Compleetly, and * sweetly 95

She firdound ^ flat and sharp.
Than Muses, which uses ^
To pin Apollos harpe.

8.

Who would have tyr'd to heare that tone ?

Which birds corroborate ay abone, 100

With layes of lovesome Larks ;
Which climb so high in Christal skyes,
While Cupid wakned "^ with the cryes

Of natures chappel Clarks ;
Who, leaving al the heavens above, 105

Alighted on the eard.
Lo ! how that litle Lord of love
Before me there appeard !
So mild-like, and child-like,

With bow three quarters skant ; no

Syne moylie, and coylie,
Hee looked like a Sant.

1 E. Das Kane. Cf. L. p. 8. ^ E. Triple. * E.W.2 And.

* E.W.2more. ^ E. fridound.

8 E.W.2 Nor Muses that uses. ' E. walkens, \V.2 walkinnes.

76 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun]

A cleanly crispe hang over his eyes ;
His Quaver by his naked thyes

Hang in a silver lace : 115

Of gold betweene ^ his shoulders grew
Two pretty wings wherewith he flew,

On his left arme a brace.
This god soone off his geare he shook

Vpon the grassie ground : 120

I ran as lightly for to looke
Where ferlies might be found :
Amazed, I gazed

To see his geare so gay ;
Perceiving mine having, 125

He counted mee his prey.

10.2

His youth and stature made mee stout ;
Of doublenesse I had no doubt,

But bourded with my Boy.
Quoth I, "how call they thee, my child?" 130

" Cupido^ sir," quoth he, and smilde;

" Please you mee to imploy ?
For I can serve you in your sute,

If you please to impire,
With wings to flee, and shafts to shute, 135

Or flames to set on fire.

Make choice then of those then,

Or of a thousand things ;
But crave them, and have them : "

With that 1 woo'd his wings. 140

1 E. betwixt ; W.^ betwix.

2 This stanza first appears in the revised version of 1615.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 77

II. [WREITTOUN

" What would thou give, my heart," ^ quoth he,
" To have these ^ wanton wings to flee,

To sport thy sprite a while ?
Or what if love ^ should send thee heere
Bow, quaver, shafts, and shooting geare, 145

Somebody to beguile?"
" This ■* geare," quoth I, " cannot be bought,

Yet I would have it faine."
" What if," quoth he, "it cost thee nought

But rendring all againe ? " 150

His wings then he brings then.

And band them on my back :
" Goe flye now," quoth he now.
And so my leave I take.

12.

I sprang up with Cupidds wings, 155

Whose shots ^ and shooting geare resignes,

To lend me for a day :
As Icarus with borrowed flight,
I mounted higher than ^ I might,

Ou'r perilous a play. 160

First ''' foorth I drew the ^ double dart
Which sometimes ^ shot his mother,
Wherewith I hurt my wanton heart,
In hope to hurt another.

It hurt me, or burnt mee, 165

While either end I handle :
Come see now, in mee now.
The Butterflee and candle.

1 E.W.2 freind. ^ b. thir. ^ E.W.2 I.

4 E.W.2 That. '" E. Quha bow. ^ E.W.2 nor.

^ E. Then ; W.^ than. » £_ that ; W.- that deadlie. » E.W.'^ sumtyme.

78 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 13.

As she delites into the low,

So was I browden of my bow, 170

As ignorant as she :
And as she flyes while she is ^ fir'de,
So with the dart that I desirde,

Mine hands hath ^ hurt mee to.
As foolish Phaeton by sute, 175

His father's chaire ^ obtainde,
I longed ^ in loves bow to shoote,
Not marking what it mean'de :
More wilful, than skilful,

To flee I was so fond, 180

Desiring, impyring,^

And so was seene upond.

14.

Too late I knew, who hewes too high,
The spaile shal fall into his eye :

Too late I went to schooles : 185

Too late I heard the swallow preach.
Too late Experience doth teach —

The Schoole-raaster of fooles.
Too late I find ^ the nest I seek.

When all the birds are flowne ; 190

Too late the stable door I steeke,
When as the steede is stowne.''
Too late ay, their state ay.

As ^ foolish folk espy ;
Behind so, they finde so 195

Remead, and so doe I.

1 E.W.^ quhyl scho be. - E.W.^ My hand hes. - E.W.^ cart.

^ E. sa langt I. ^ E. aspyring. Cf. L. p. 12. ^ E.W.^ to fynde.

'' E.W.2 Quhen all the steids are stowin. » E.W.2 all.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 79

15. [WREITTOUN

If I had ripely beene advisde,
I had not rashly enterprisde

To soare with borrowed pens ;
Nor yet had sayde the Archer-craft, 200

To shoot myselfe with such a shaft

As Reason quite miskens.
Fra Wilfulnes gave me my wound,

I had no force to flee ;
Then came I groning to the ground : 205

" Friend, welcome home ! " quoth he.
"Where flew you? whom slew yee?
Or who brings home the booting ?
I see now," quoth he now,

" Ye have beene at the shooting ! " 210

16.

As scorne comes commonly with skaith.
So I behovde to bide them baith :

So staggering was my state.
That under cure I got such check,
Which I might not remove nor neck, 215

But either staile or mait.
Mine ^ agony was so extreame,

I swelt and swound for feare ;
But, ere I wakned off^ my dream e,

He spoild me of my geare. 220

With flight then, on hight then.

Sprang Cupid in the skyes.
Forgetting, and setting

At nought my carefull cries.

E.W.2 My, 2 E, or I walkynt of.

80 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 17.

So long with sight I followed him, 225

While both my dazeled eyes grew dimme

Through staring of ^ the starnes ;
Which flew so thick before mine eyne,
Some red, some yellow, blew, and ^ greene,

Which troubled all mine ^ harnes, 230

That every thing appeared two

To my barbuilied braine ;
But long might I lye looking so
Ere ^ Ciipid came againe ;

Whose thundring, with wondring, 235

I heard up through the Aire ;
Through clouds so, he thuddes so.
And flew I wist not where.

18.

Then when ^ I saw that god was gone,

And I in langour left alone, 240

And sore tormented too,
Sometime I sigh'd while I was sad.
Sometime I musde, and most gone mad,

I doubted ^ what to doe ;
Sometime I rav'd halfe in a rage, 245

As one into despare :
To be opprest with such a page
Lord ! if my heart was saire !
Like Dido, Cupido

I widdle and I wary, 250

Who reft mee, and left mee,
in such a feirie farie.

1 E. With stairing on. " E. sum. * E.W.^ my.

* E.W.'-or. 5 E. frae. « E.W.2 wist not.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 8 1

19. [WREITTOUN

Then felt I Courage and Desire
Inflame mine heart with uncouth fire,

To me before unknowne 3 255

But then ^ no blood in me remaines,
Vnburnt or ^ boyld within my vaines,^

By loves bellowes blowne.^
To drowne ^ it, ere ^ I was devourde.

With sighs I went about ; 260

But ay the more I shoope to smoor'de,
The bolder it brake out,
Ay preasing, but ceasing.

While it might break the bounds :
Mine '^ hew so, foorth shew so, 265

The dolour of my wounds.

20.

With deadly visage, pale and wan.
More like Anatomie ^ than man,

I withered cleane away :
As waxe before the fire, I felt 270

Mine heart within my bosome melt.

And piece and piece decay.
My veines by ^ brangling like to break —

My punses lap with pith —
So fervency did mee infect, 275

That I was vext therewith.
Mine heart ay, it ^^ start ay,

The firie flames to flee :
Ay howping, through lowping,

To leape at libertie. 280

1 E.W.2 now. 2 E.W.2 Unbrunt and. ^ Qrig. braines.

* E. By Luve his Bellies blawin. » E.W,^ quench. « E.W.2 or.

7 E.W.2 My^ 8 cf. pp. 20, 21. 9 E.W.2 with. 19 E.W,2 did.

F

82 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

WREITTOUn] 21.

But O ! alas ! it was abusde,
My carefull corps kept it inclusde

In prison of my breast,
With sighs so sopped and ou'rset,
Like to a fish fast in a ^ net, 285

In deadthraw undeceast ;
Which, though in vaine it strives - by strength

For to pul out her head,
Which profites nothing at the length,

But hastning to her dead ; 290

With thristing and wristing ^

The faster still is sho ;
There I so, did lye so,
My death advancing to.

22.

The more I wrestled with the wind, 295

The faster still my selfe I finde :

No mirth my minde could * mease.
More noy than ^ I had never none,
I was so altered and ou'rgone.

Through drouth of my disease : 300

Yet weakly, as I might, I raise,

My sight grew dimme and dark ;
I staggered at the windling strayes,^
No token I was stark.

Both sightles, and mightles, 305

I grew almost at once ;
In anguish I languish.

With many grievous groanes.

1 E.W."^ the. ^ E. Quha thocht in vain scho stryve.

3 E.W.2 wristing . . . thirsting. ^ E.W.^ micht.

* E.W.2 nor. ^ E. windill-straes.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 83

23. [WREITTOUN

With sober pace yet I ^ approach

Hard to the River and the Roch, 310

Whereof I spake before ;
The river such a murmure made,
As to the sea it softly slade :

The Craige was stay and shore. ^
Then Pleasure did me so provoke 315

There partly to repaire,
Betwixt the River and the Rocke,
Where Hope grew with Despare.
A tree then, I see then,

Of Cherries on the Braes ; 320

Below, too, I saw, too,
A bush of bitter Slaes.

24.

The Cherries hang aboue mine head,
Like trickling ^ Rubies round and red,

So high up in the Heugh; 325

Whose shadowes in the river ^ shew,
As graithly [glancing], as they grew

On trembling twists and teugh,
Whiles 5 bow'd through burden of their birth,

Declining downe their tops : 330

Reflexe of Fhcebus off ^ the firth
Now coloured all their knoppes,
With dancing, and glancing,

In tirle as '^ Dornick champe,
Which streamed,^ and learned, 335

Through lightnes of that lampe.

^ E.W.2 I did. 2 ■£,. The craig hich, stay and schoir. Cf. pp. 22, 23.

^ E.W.- twynkland. Cf. pp. 24, 25. ■* Orig. rivers.

5 E.W.2Quhilk. 6 E. aff.

' E. In tirles. Cf. pp. 24, 25. s £_ streimaned.

84 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 25.

With earnest eye, while I espy

That ^ fruite betwixt me and the skye,

Halfe gate almost to Heaven ;
The Craige so cumbersome to climb, 340

The tree so tall of growth, and trim

As ony arrow even ;
I calde to minde how DapJme did

Within the Lawrel shrinke,
When from Apollo she her hid : 345

A thousand times I thinke
That tree there to mee there,

As hee his Lawrel thought ;
Aspyring, but tyring,

To get that fruite I sought. 350

26.

To climb that - Craige it was no buite,
Let bee to prease to pul the fruite

In top of all the tree :
I know 2 no way whereby to come.
By any craft, to get it clum, 355

Appearandly to mee :
The Craige was ugly, stay and dreigh,

The tree long, sound and small ;
I was affraide to climb so high.

For feare to fetch a fall. 360

Affrayed, I stayed,"*

And looked up aloft.
Whiles minting, whiles stinting.
My purpose changed oft.

1 E.W.2 The. 2 E.W.2 the. ' g^w.^ saw. ^ E. affrayit to sey it.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 85

27. [WREITTOUN

Then Dread, with Danger, and Despare, 365

Forbade me ^ minting any mare,

To raxe above my reach.
"What? tush!" quoth Courage, "man, go to.
He is but daft that hath to doe,

And spares for everie speach ; 370

For I have oft heard sooth men say,

And we may see't - ourselves.
That Fortune helps the hardie ay.
And pultrons ay ^ repels.

Then care not, an[d] feare not,^ 375

Dread, Dafiger nor Despare :
To fazards, hard hazards

Is death,^ or they come there.

28.

"Who speeds, but such as high aspyres?

Who triumphs not, but such as tyres 380

To win a noble name ?
Of shrinking what but shame succeeds ?
Then doe as thou would have thy deeds

In register of fame.
I put the case, thou not prevailde, 385

So thou with honour die,
Thy life, but not thy courage failde,
Shal Poets pen of thee.

Thy name then, from Fame then,

Can 6 never be cut off 3 390

Thy grave ay shal have ay
That honest Epitaph.

1 E.W.^my. 2E.W.2see. ^ e.W.''^ plaine.

■• E. Then feir nocht nor heir nocht. ^ g-^y.^ deid. « E.W.^ Sail,

86 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 29.

" What canst thou losse, when honour lives ?
Renowne thy vertue ay revives,

If valiantly thou end." 395

Quoth Da72ger: "huly, friend, take head;
Vntimous spurring spilles the stead :

Take tent what yee pretend.
Thogh Courage counsel thee to climb,

Beware thou kep no skaith : 400

Have thou no helpe, but Hope and him,
They may beguile thee baith.
Thysell now can ^ tell now

The counsel of these - Clarkes ;
Wherethrow yet, I trow yet, 405

Thy breast doth beare the marks.

30-

" Burnt bairne with fire the danger dreads ;
So I believe thy bosome bleeds.
Since last that fire thou felt :
Besides that seindle times thou sees 410

That ever Coiirage keeps the keyes

Of knowledge at his belt :
Though he bid fordward with the ^ Gunnes,

Smal powder he provides :
Be not a Novice of that Nunnes 415

Who * saw not both the sides.
Fooles haste ^ ay, almaist ay,
Ou'rsyles the sight of some,
Who luikes not, or huikes not,^

What afterward may come. 420

1 E. may. ^ e,w.2 thae. * E. his. * E.W.^ That.

^ E. fule-haist : W.^ fuil-haist. ^ E. Quha huikis not, nor luikis not,

I

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 87

31. [WREITTOUN

" Yet WiSEDOME wisheth thee to way
This figure in Philosophy —
A lesson worth to leare —
Which is, in time for to take tent,
And not, when time is past, repent, 425

And buy repentance deare.
Is there no honour after hfe
Except thou slay thy sel ?
Wherefore hath Atropiis that knife ?

I trow thou canst ^ not tell, 430

Who but it, would cut it.

Which Clot ho scarce hath spun,
Destroying the ^ ioying,
Before it be begun.

32.

*' All ou'rs are repute to be vice — 435

Ou'r high, ou'r low, ou'r rash, ou'r nice,

Ou're hote, or yet ou'r cold :
Thou seemes unconstant by thy signes ;
Thy thought is on a thousand things ;

Thou wats not what thou would. 440

Let Fame her pitty on thee powre,
When all thy bones are broken :
Yon Slae, suppose thou think it sowre,
Would 2 satisfie to sloken

Thy drouth now, of youth now, 445

Which dries thee with desire :
Asswage then, thy rage then,*
Foule water quencheth fire.

1 E.W.2 can. " E.W.2 thy. ^ g.w.^ May.

* E.W.2 Asswage than thy Rage, Man.

88 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 33.

" What foole art thou to die a thirst/

And now may quench it, if thou list, 450

So easily, but paine ?
More honour is to vanquish ane,
Than fight with tensome and be tane,

And either hurt or slay[ne] :
The practick is to bring to passe, 45 5

And not to enterprise ;
And as good drinking out of glasse
As gold in any wise.^
I lever have ever

A fowle in hand, or tway, 460

Then seeing ten flying ^
About me all the day.

34-

" Looke where thou lights * before thou loupe,
And slip no certainty for Hope,

Who guides thee but be gesse." 465

Quoth Courage, " cowards take no cure
To sit with shame, so they be sure :

I like them all the lesse.
What pleasure purchast is but paine,

Or honour won with ease ? ^ 470

He wil not lye where he is slaine.
Who ^ doubts before he dies.
For feare then, I heare then,

But onely one remead,
Which latt is,'^ and that is, 475

For to cut off the head.

^ E. of Thrist. ^ E. ony ways. ^ E.W.- Nor seand ten fleand.

* E. light. 5 E.W,2 wyn with eis. « E.W.^ That. ' Orig. lattis.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 89

35. [WREITTOUN

" What is the way to heale thine ^ hurt ?
What way is there ^ to stay thy sturt ?

What meanes to ^ make thee merrie ?
What is the comfort that thou craves ? 480

Suppose these Sophists thee deceaves,

Thou knowes it is the Cherrie.
Since for it onely thou but thirsts,

The Slae can bee no buite :
In it also thine ** health consists, 485

And in none^ other fruite.

Why quakes thou,^ and shakes thou,

Or "^ studies at our strife ?
Advise thee, it lyes thee,

On no lesse than thy life. 490

36.

" If any patient would be pansde,

Why should he loupe when he is lansde.

Or shrinke when he is shorne ?
For I have heard Chirurgians say.
Oft-times deferring of a day 495

Might not be mend the morne.
Take time in time, ere ^ time be tint,

For time will not remaine :
What forceth fire out of the flint.

But as hard match againe ? 500

Delay not, nor ^ fray not,

And thou shall see it sa :
Such gets ay, as sets ay,^*^
Stout stomackes to the brae.

1 E.W.2 thy. 2 E_ Qujiat is the way. » e.W.^ may.

^ E.W.2 thy. 5 E^w.'-^ na. 6 E. now. Cf. pp. 34, 35.

7 E.W.2 And. 8 E.W.2 or. » E. and. Cf. pp. 36, 37.

^0 E. Sic (W.2 So) gets ay that setts ay.

90 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 37.1

"Though all beginning ^ be most hard, 505

The end is pleasant afterward ;

Then shrinke not for no ^ showre :
When once '* that thou thy greening get,
Thy paine and travel is forget :

The sweete exceeds the sowre. 510

Goe to then quickly, feare no ^ thir,
For Hope good hap hath height."
Quoth Danger^ " be not sudden, Sir,
The matter is of weight.

First spy both, then ^ try both, 5 1 5

Advisement doth none ill :

Thou may then, I say then,''

Be wilful when thou ^ will.

38.9

" But yet to minde the proverbe call,

* Who uses perils perish shal ' ; 520

Short while their life them lasts."
" And I have heard," quoth Hope^ " that he
Should ^*^ never shape to saile the sea.

That for all perils casts.
How many through Despare are dead 525

That never perils priev'd !
How many also, if thou read.
Of lives have we releiv'd !
Who being even dying,

But Danger, but desparde ; 530

A hunder, I wonder,

But thou hast heard declarde.

' In orig. wrongly numbered 38. ^ E.W.^ beginnings.

» E. a ; W.2 ane. ^ g^V.^ Frae anes. ^ e.W.^ not.

« E, and ; W.2 syne. ^ E.W.^ I say than, 3e may than. 8 e.W.^ je.

" In orig. wrongly numbered 37. i" E.W.^ sail.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. QI

39. [WREITTOUN

" If we two hold not up thine ^ heart,
Which is the chiefe and noblest part,

Thy works '^ would not goe well ; 535

Considering the ^ companions can
Disswade a silly, simple man

To hazard for his heale.
Suppose they have deceived some,

Ere we and they* might meete, 540

They get no credance where we come,
In 5 any man of sprite ;
By reason, their treason

By us is plainely spyde ; ''
Revealing their dealing, 545

Which dow not be denyde.

40.

"With sleekie^ Sophismes seeming sweete.
As all their doing ^ were discreet.

They wish thee to be wise ;
Postponing time from^ houre to houre 550

But, faith, in underneath the flowre,

The lurking serpent lyes ;
Suppose thou seest her not a stime,
While that she sting ^o thy foote :
Perceives thou not what precious time 555

Thy sleuth doth ^^ overshoote ?
Alas, man, thy case, man.

In lingring I lament :
Goe to now, and doe now.

That Courage be content. 560

1 E.W.2 thy. -^ E.\V.2 wark. ^ £^.2 thae. Cf. pp. 38, 39.

4 E.W.2 Or thay and we. ^ ^ ^jth. 6 E.W.- first espyit.

7 E.W.2 sleikit. s e.W.^ doings. » E, frae.
1" E. Till that scho stings. " E.W.2 slewthing.

92 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 41.^

" What if Melancholy come in,
And get a grip ere thou begin ?

Then is thy labour lost ;
For he will hold thee hard and fast,
Til time and place and fruite be past, 565

And thou give up the ghost :
Then shal be graven upon that place,^

Which on thy tombe is ^ laid,
* Sometime there liv'd such one ' — alas,*

But how shal it bee said ? 570

' Heere lyes now, but prise now,

Into dishonours bed,
A cowart, (as thou art),

Who ^ from his fortune fled.'

42.S

" Imagine, man, if thou were laid 575

In grave, and syne might heare this said.

Would thou not sweat for shame ?
Yes, faith, I doubt not but thou would ;
Therefore, if thou have eyes,'^ behold

How they would smore thy fame ! 580

Goe to, and make no more excuse,

Ere life and honour losse.

And either them or us refuse :

There is no other chose.

Consider, togidder, 585

That we doe ^ never dwell :
At length ay, but ^ strength ay,
The ^^ pultrons we expell."

^ In orig. wrongly numbered 42. ^ E.W.^ gravd upon the stane.

^ E. graif is ; W." graue beis. ^ E.W,^ liued sik a ane.

^ E.W.2 That. '^ In orig. wrongly numbered 43. "^ E. has ene.

8 E.W.2 can. ^ E. by. i" E.W.2 Thae.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 93

43. [WREITTOUN

Quoth Danger, "since I understand

That counsall can be no command, 590

I have no more to say ;
Except, if that you thinke ^ it good,
Take counsel yet, ere ye conclude,

Of wiser men then 2 they :
They are but rackles, young and rash, 595

Suppose they thinke us fleit :
If of our fellowship ye fash,
Goe with them hardly beit.
God speed you, they lead you,

Who have ^ not meekle wit ; 600

Expel us, yeeil tell us,

Heereafter comes not yet." ^

44.

While Danger and Despare retir'de.
Experience came in, and spear'de

What all the matter meande \ 605

With him came Reason^ Wit^ and Skill.
Then they began to aske ^ at Will,

" Where make you to, my friend ? "
" To pluck yon lustie Cherrie, loe ! "

Quoth he, "and quyte the slae." 610

Quoth they, " is there no more adoe.
Ere yee win up the brae,
But doe it, and to it,<5

Perforce your '^ fruite to pluck ?
Well, brother, some other 615

Were better to conduct.

1 E.W.2 he thocht. "- E.W.2 nor. ^ y,^N? That hes. ^ Cf. p. 42.

5 E.W.2 speir. '^ E.W.- Bot to it, and do it. ^ E.W.2 the.

94 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 45.

" We grant yee may be good enough,
But yet the hazard of yon heugh

Requyres a graver guide.
As wise as yee ar may goe wrang ; 620

Therefore take counsel), ere ye gang,

Of some that stands ^ beside.
But who were yon three yee forbade

Your company right now ? "
Quoth J^z7, " three preachers to perswade 625

The poysonde Slae to pull.
They tratled and pratled,

A long halfe hour and mare ;
Foul fal them ! they call them
Dread, Danger, and Despare. 630

46.

"They are more fashious than - of feck :
Yon fazards durst not, for their neck,

Climb up the Craige with us.
Fra we determined to die.
Or then ^ to climbe the * Cherrie tree, 635

They bode about the bush.
They are conditionde like the Cat —
They would not weete their feete ;
But yet if any fish we ^ gate.

They would be apt ^ to eate : 640

Though they now, I say now.

To hazard have no heart ;
Yet luck we, or '^ pluck wee

The fruite, they would not ^ part.

1 E. stand. 2 e,w.2 nor. » E.W.2 else. * E.W.2 jon.

5 E. ?e. « E.W.2 fayne. 7 E.W.2 and. 8 E.W.2 have.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 95

47. [WREITTOUN

" But when ^ we get our voyage wun, 645

They shal not then a Cherrie cun,

Who 2 would not enterprise."
" Well," quoth Experience^ " ye boast ;
But he that reckon'd but his hoast,^

Oftimes he counteth twise.* 650

Ye sell the Baires skin on his back,

But bide while ye it get ;
When ye have done, its time to crack :
Ye fish before the net.

What haste, sir, ye taste, sir, 655

The Cherrie, ere yee pow it :
Beware, sir, ye are, sir,^
More talkative nor trowit."

48.

" Call Danger back againe," quoth Skil^

" To see what he can say to Wily 660

We see him shoad so straite :
We may not trow what each one tels."
Quoth Courage, " we concluded els.

He serves not for our mate ;
For I can tel you al perquiere 665

His counsel ere he come."
Quoth Hope,^ "whereto should he come here?
He cannot hold him dum : "
He speaks ay, and seeks ay

Delayes oft times and drifts,^ 670

To grieve us, and dieve us,^
With Sophistrie ^^ and shifts."

iE.W.2fra. 2E_-VV.2That. ^ E.W.2 countis without his oist.

^ E. He aftentymes counts twyse. ^ E.W.^ Bewar jit, Je ar jit.

6 E.W.''^ Will. 7 E. He cannot hald his himdumb (!).

^ E.W.2 Delay of tyme be driftis. ® E.W.- He greuis vs and deues vs.
10 E.\V.2 sophistries.

96 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 49.^

Quoth Reason, " why was he debarde ?
The tale is ill cannot ^ be heard ;

Yet let us heare him anes." 675

Then Danger to declare began,
How Hope and Courage tooke the man,

To leade them ^ all their lanes ;
How * they would have him up the hill.

But either stoppe or stay ; 680

And who was welcomer than Will ?
He would be foremost ay :

He could doe, and should doe,

Who ever would or nought.
Such speeding proceeding 685

Vnlikely was, I thought.

50.S

" Therefore I wisht him ^ to beware,
And rashly not to run ou'r far.
Without such guides as yee."
Quoth Courage, ** friend, I heare you faile, 690

Take better tent unto your tale,

Ye said it could not bee :
Besides that ye would not consent

That ever we should dim."
Quoth Wil, " for my part I repent, 695

We saw them more than him j
For they are the stayare
Of us, as well as hee :
I thinke now they shrinke now :

Goe forward, let them bee. 700

^ In orig. wrongly numbered 57. ^ E.W.^ may not.

' E. him ; W.2 and led him. * E.W.2 For.

^ In orig. wrongly numbered 58. ^ E.W.^ them.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 97

51- [WREITTOUN

" Goe, goe, we doe nothing ^ but guckes :
They say the voyage never luckes,

Where each one hath a vote."
Quoth Wtsedome gravely, " Sir, I grant,
We were no worse your vote to want, 705

Some sentence now I note :
Suppose you speake it but be gesse,

Some fruite therein I finde ;
Ye would be foremost ^ I confesse,

But comes oft-times behind. 710

It may be that they bee

Deceiv'd that never doubted :
Indeed, sir, that head, sir,
Hath meekle wit about it."

52.

Then wilful Will began to rage, 715

And swore he saw nothing in age,

But anger, yre, and grudge :
" And for myselfe," quoth he, " I sweare
To quyte all my companions heere.

If they admit you iudge. 720

Experience is growne so old,

That he begins to rave :
The rest,^ but Courage are so cold,
No hazarding they have ;

For Danger^ farre stranger, 725

Hath made them than they were ;
Goe fra them, we pray them,'*
Who neither 5 dow nor dare.

1 E. we naithing do. 2 E.W. 2 ford ward. » E.W.siaif.

* E. Gae frae then, we pray then. ' E. That nouther.

G

98 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 53.

" Why may not wee ^ three leade this one ?

I led an hundreth mine alone, 730

But counsel of them all."
" I grant," quoth Wisedome, " ye have led ;
But I would speere, how many sped,

Or furthered but a fall ?
But either few or none, I trow, 735

Experience can tell.
He sayes that ^ man may wite but you.
The first time that hee fell.

He kens then, whose pens then,

Thou borrowed him to flee. 740

His wounds yet, which ^ stounds yet,
He got them then through thee."

54.

" That," quoth Experience, " is true :
Will flattered him, when first he flew,

Wil set him in a low. 745

Will was his counsell and convoy ;
Will borrowed * from the blinded Boy

Both Quaver, wings, and bow ;
Wherewith before he say'd to shoote,

He neither yeeld to youth, 75°

Nor yet had need of any fruite,
To quench his deadly drouth ;

Which pines him, and dwines him.

To death, I wot not how :
If Will then, did ill then, 755

Himselfe remembers now.

1 E.W.2 these. ^ e. the. '^ E. that. * E.W. 2 To borrow.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

99

55-

*' For I, Experience^ was there,
Like as I use to bee all where,

What time hee wited Will
To be the ground of all his griefe.
As I my selfe can bee a priefe

And witnes thereuntill.
There are no bounds but I have beene,

Nor hidhngs from mee hid.
Nor secret things but ^ I have seene,
That he or any did \

Therefore now, no more now,

Let him thinke to concealde ;
For why now, even I now
Am debtbound to reveald."

[WREITTOUN

760

765

770

56.

•' My custome is for to declare
The truth, and neither eke nor paire

For any man a ioate :
If wilful Will delytes in lyes.
Example in thy selfe thou sees, 775

How he can turne his coate,
And with his language would allure

Thee yet to breake thy bones :
Thou knowes thyself if he be ^ sure :

Thou usde his counsell ones ; 780

Who would yet behold ^ yet

To wreak thee, were not wee.*
Thinke on you on yon now,"
Quoth Wisedome then to mee.

1 E. that. 2 E. W.2 was. » E. be bauld Jet ; W.- be bald jit.

^ Cf. pp. 56, 57.

100 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 57.

"Wei," quoth Experience^ "if hee 785

Submits himselfe to you and mee,

I wote what I should say :
Our good advise he shall not want,
Providing alwayes that hee grant

To put yon PFz7/away, 790

And banish both him and Despare,

That all good purpose spils ;
So he will mell with them no mare,
Let them two flyte their fils :

Such cossing, but lossing, 795

All honest men may use."
" That change now were strange now,"
Quoth Reason, " to refuse."

58.^

Quoth Willf "fy on him, when he flew.

That powde not Cherries then anew ^ 800

For to have staide his hurt." ^
Quoth Reason, " though he beare the blame,
He never saw nor needed them,
While * he himselfe had hurt.
First when he mistred not, he might, 805

He needs, and may not now :
Thy folly, when he had his flight,
Empashed him to pow.

Both hee now, and we now.

Perceives^ thy purpose plaine, 810

To turne him, and bume him,
And blow on him againe."

^ Stanzas 58-66 first appear in the revised version of 1615.

2 Orig. a new. =» E. sturt. * E. Till. « E. Perceiv.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. lOI

'59. [WREITTOUN

Quoth Sktl, "what would wee ^ longer strive?
Far better late than never thrive ;

Come let us helpe him yet : 815

Tint time we may not get againe,
We waste but present time in vaine : "

"Beware with that," quoth Wit:
" Speak on, Experience, let ^ see ;

We think you hold you dumb." 820

" Of bygones I have heard," quoth he ;
" I know not things to come."
Quoth Reason, " the season.

With slouthing slydes, away ;
First take him, and make him 825

A man, if that you ^ may."

60.

Quoth Will, " if he be not a man,
I pray you, sirs, what is he than ?

He lookes like one at least."
Quoth Reason^ " if he follow thee, 830

And minde not to remaine with mee,

Nought but a bruital beast.
A man in shape doth nought consist.

For all your tanting tales ;
Therefore, sir Will, I would yee wist 835

Your Metaphysick failes.
Goe leare yet, a yeare yet,

Your Logick at the schooles.
Some day then, yee may then

Passe Master with the Mules." 840

1 E. Quhy suld we. 2 •£.. let's. * E. ye.

102 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 6 1,

Quoth Will, " I marvel what you meane j
Should I not trow mine own two eyne,

For all your Logick schooles?
If I did not, I were not wise."
Quoth Reason, " I have told you thrise, 845

None ferlies more than fooles ;
There be more ^ senses than the sight,

Which ye ov'rhaile for haste,
To wit, if ye remember right,

Smel, hearing, touch, and taste. 850

All quick things have such 2 things,

I meane both man and beast.
By kinde ay, we finde ay,^
Few lackes them at ^ the least.

62.

" So, by that consequence of thine, 855

Or Syllogisme said like a swine,

A Kow may learne ^ thee laire.
Thou uses onely but the ^ eyes :
She touches, tastes, smels, heares, and sees ;

Which matches thee, and maire. 860

But since no ^ triumph yee intend,

As presently appeares,
Sir, for your Clergie to be kend.
Take yee two asses eares.

No Miter perfyter 865

Got Midas for his meed ;
That hood, sir, is good, sir.
To hap your braine-sick-head.

^ E. mae. ^ E. sick. ^ E. Be kynd then, we fynd then. * E. in.

5 E. teach. « E. thyne. '' E. to.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. IO3

63. [WREITTOUN

" Ye have no feele for to defyne,

Though yee have cunning to dedine 870

A man to bee a moole :
With Uttle work yet, yee may vowde
To grow a gallant horse and good,

To ride thereon at Yoole.
But to our ground where wee began, 875

For all your gustlesse iests,
I must be master of ^ the man,
But thou to bruital beasts ;
So wee two must ^ bee two,

To cause both kinds be knowne ; 880

Keep mine then from thine then,^
And each one use their owne."

64.

Then WtVl, as angry as an ape,

Ran ramping, swearing, rude and rape,

Saw he none other shift ; 885

He would not want an inch his * wil.
Even whether't ^ did him good or ill,

For thirty of his thrift :
He would be formest in the field,

And master, if he might j 890

Yea, hee should rather die than yeeld,
Though Reason had the right.
" Shal he now, make mee now

His subiect or his slave ?
No, rather my father 895

Shal quick goe to the ^ grave.

1 E. to. 2 E. maun. ^ E. keip thyne then frae myne then.

•» E. of. ^ E. quhither it. ^ E. his.

104 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 65.

" I height him, while mine heart is haile,
To perish first, ere he prevaile.

Come after what so may."
Quoth Reason, " doubt yee not, indeed, 900

Yet ^ hitte the naile vpon the head :

It shall bee as yee say.
Suppose yee spur for to aspire.

Your bridle wants a bit ;
That marke^ may leave you in the myre, 905

As sicker as yee sit.

Your sentence repentance

Shall leave ^ you, I believe,
And anger you langer,

When yee that practick prieve. 910

66.

" As yee have dyted your decreet,
Your prophecy to bee compleat.
Perhaps, and to your paines ;
It hath beene said, and may be so,
* A wilful man wants never woe ' 915

Though he get ^ little gaines.
But since ye thinkt an easie thing ^

To mount above the Moone,
Of your owne fiddle take a spring,

And dance when yee have done. 920

If than, sir, the man, sir.

Like ^ of your mirth, hee may ;
And speare "^ first, and heare first.
What he himselfe will say."

1 E. ze. 2 E. Meir. ^ E. learn. ^ E. gets.

* E. But sen Je think it easie Thing. ® E. lykes. '^ E. but speir.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. I05

67. [WREITTOUN

Then altogether they began 925

And said,^ " Come on, thou martyrde man,

What is thy will, advise."
Abasde, a bony while I stood,^
And musde, ere I mine ^ answere made ;

I turnd me once or twise, 930

Beholding everyone * about.

Whose motions mov'd ^ me maist.
Some seem'd assured, some dread for doubt,
Wt7/ ran red-wood for haist.
With wringing and flinging, 935

For madnes Uke to mang ;
Despare too, for care too,
Would needs himselfe goe ^ hang ;

68.

Which when Experience perceiv'd,

Quoth he, " remember if I '^ rav'de, 940

As Will allegde of late.
When as ^ he swore, nothing he ^ saw
In age, but anger, slack and slaw.

And cankred in ^*^ conceite :
Ye could not lucke, as he alledgde, 945

Who ^1 all opinions spearde.
Hee was so frack and firie edg'd,
He thought us foure but feard.
' Who pauses what chanses,'

Quoth hee, 'no worship wins. 950

To some best shal come best.
Who ^'-^ hap wel, rack well rins.'

1 E.W.2Tosay. 2 E.W.2 baid. 3 E.w.2 my. * E. ilky ane.

5 Orig. mo'vd. ^ E. himsell gae. ^ E. gif we. ^ E. Quhen that.

3 E. he naithing. " E. of. " E. That. '^ e,w.2 That.

I06 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 69.

"Yet," quoth Experience^ "behold,
For all the tales that ye have ^ told.

How hee himselfe behaves. 955

Because Despare could come no speed, ^
Loe I heere he hings,^ all but the head,

And in a widdy waves.
If you be sure once, thou may see,

To men that with them mels \ 960

If they had hurt or helped thee,
Consider by themsels.

Then chuse thee, to use thee

By us, or such as yon :
Syne* soone now, have done now; 965

Make either off or on."

70.

" Perceiv'st ^ thou not wherefra proceeds
The frantick fantasie that feeds

Thy furious flamming fire ?
Which doth thy bailfull brest combur, 970

That none, indeed," quoth they,^ " can cure,

Nor helpe thine " hearts desire.
The piercing passions of the spirit,^
Which ^ wastes thy vitall breath.
Doth hold^*^ thine heavy heart with heate : 975

Desire drawes on thy death.
Thy punces pronunces ^^

All kinde of quyet rest ;
That fever hath ever

Thy person so opprest. 980

^ E.W.2 he hes. ^ E. not cum speid. ^ E.W.'^ quhaire he hangs.

* E. sae ; W.- say. ^ E.W.^ persaues.

' E.W.2 That nane bot we, quod thay. Cf. p. 60.

7 E. Or help thy. s £. W.^ passion of thy spreit. ^ e.W.2 That.

'0 E.W.2 Hes holit.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 10/

71. [WREITTOUN

"Couldst^ thou come once acquaint with Sktl,
Hee knowes what humours doth 2 thee ill,

And how thy cares contracts ; ^
Hee knowes the ground of all thy griefe,
And recipies of ^ thy reliefe : 9^5

All medicines hee makes."
Quoth Skil, " come on,^ content am I

To put mine helping hand :
Providing alwayes hee apply

To counsel and command. 99°

While wee then," quoth he then,

" Are minded to remaine,
Give place now, in cace now
Thou get us not againe.

72.

" Assure thy selfe,^ if that we shed, 995

Thou shalt not get thy purpose sped ;

Take heede,'^ wee have thee told.
Have done, and drive not off the day :
The man that will not when he may,

He shal not when hee would. looa

What wilt 8 thou doe ? I would we wist :

Accept, or give us ou'r."
Quoth I, " I think me more than blest
To finde such famous foure

Beside mee, to guide mee, 1005

Now when I have to doe ;
Considering what ^ swidering
Ye found me first into.

1 E. cond. - E, He kens quhat Humors dois. ^ E. cair contraks.

* E.W.2 for. 5 E.W.2 Cum on, quod Skill. " E. thysell.

7 E.W.2 tent. 8 E.\V.2 wald. ^ E.W.^ the.

I08 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

WREirrouN] 73.

" When Courage crav'd a stomack stout,

And Danger drave mee into doubt, loio

With his companion Dread:
Whiles Wil would up above the aire ;
Whiles I am^ drownde in deepe Despare ;

Whiles Hope held up mine head.
Such pithie reasons and repHes, 1015

On every ^ side they shew,
That I, who was not very wise,
Thought all their tales were true.
So mony and bony.

Old problemes they proponit, 1020

But ^ quickly and likely,
I marvell meekle on it.

74.

"Yet Hope and Courage wan the field,
Though Dread and Danger never yeeld,^

But fled to finde refuge : 1025

Yet, when ye foure came,^ they were faine,
Because ye gart us ^ come againe :
The[y] griende to get you iudge.
Where they were fugitive before,

Yee made them frank and free 1030

To speak and stand in aw no more."
Quoth Reason^ " so should bee :
Oft-times now, but crymes now.

But even perforce, it fals.
The strong ay with wrong ay 1035

Puts '^ weaker to the wals \

2 E. ilka. =* E.W.2 Baith.

^ E. neir wald ^eild. ^ E. Swa fra Jon (je, W.^) Four met.

« Read ' them,' as in W.^, p. 65. ' E. put.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. IO9

75. [WREITTOUN

** Which is a fault, ye must ^ confesse :
Strength was ^ not ordained to oppresse

With rigour by the right ;
But, by^ the contrare, to sustaine 1040

The loaden which ^ ov'rburthend beene,

As meckle as they might."
*' So Hope and Co2irage did," quoth I,

" Experimented Hke,
Show skilde and pithy reasons why 1045

That Danger lap the dyke."

Quoth Dreid^ " sir, take heed, sir ;

Long spoken part must spill ; ^
Insist not, we '^ wist not

We went against our will. 1050

76.

" With Courage ye were so content,
Ye never sought our smal consent ;

Of us ye stood not ^ aw.
Then ^ Logick lessons ye allowit.
And was ^^ determined to trow it : ^^ 1055

Alleageance past for Law.
For all the proverbs wee perusde,

Yee thought them skantly skild ;
Our reasons had beene as well rusde,

Had ye beene as well wil'de 1060

To ^^ our side as your side,

So truely I may tearme it ;
I see ^3 now in thee now
Affection doth affirm't."

1 E.W.2 maun. 2 g w.^ is. ^ £_ on. ^ E.W.2 The waik anes that.

^ Orig. Danger ; E.W.^ Dreid. " E.W.^ Lang speiking Part maun spill.

7 E.W.2 je. 8 E. stude nae. » E.W.2 thair. i» E.W.^ je ware.

" Orig. trowit. 12 e.W.2 Till. " E.W.2 We se.

no THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 77.

Experience then smirking^ smilde: 1065

" We are no bairnes to be beguild,"
Quoth he, and shooke his head ;
" For Authors who alledges us,
They stil would win ^ about the bus

To foster deadly feede : ^ 1070

For wee are equal for you all ;

No persons wee respect ;
We have been so, are yet, and shall
Be found so in effect.

If we were as ye were, 1075

We had comde unrequyrde ;
But wee now, ye see now,
Doe nothing undesirde.

78.

** There is a sentence said by some,

'Let none uncald to counsell come, 1080

That welcome weines to bee ' ;
Yea, I have heard another yet,
* Who came * uncald, unserv'd shuld sit ' ;

Perhaps, sir, so may yee."
" Good-man, grande mercie for your gecke," 1085

Quoth Hope, and lowly lowts :
" If yee were sent for, we suspect.
Because the Doctours ^ doubts.
Your yeares now appeares ^ now

With wisedome to be vext, 1090

Reioycing in gloysing.

Till you have tint your text.

^ E.W.'' smyrkling. ^ E. They wald not gae. ^ Cf. pp. 68, 69.
■* E. cum. ' E. Doctour. " E. appeir.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. Ill

79. [WREITTOUN

" Where yee were sent for, let us see
Who would be welcomer than wee ?

Prove that, and we are payde." 1095

" Wei," quoth Experience, " beware ;
You know ^ not in what case you are ;

Your tongue hath you betrayde.
The man may able ^ tine a stot

Who 2 cannot count his kinch ; 1 100

In your owne bow you are ov'rshot,
By more then halfe an inch.
Who wats, sir, if that, sir,

Is ^ sowre, which seemeth sweet ?
I feare now ye heare now 1105

A dangerous decreete.

80.

" Sir, by that sentence yee have said,
I pledge, ere ^ all the play bee plaid,

That some shall lose a laike.
Since yee but put me for to prove mo

Such heads as help for my behove,

Your warrand is but waike.
Speare at the man your selfe, and see,

Suppose you strive for state.
If hee regrated ^ not how hee 1 1 1 5

Had leamd my lesson late.
And granted hee wanted

Both Reason^ Wit^ and Skill ;
Compleaning, and meaning,

Our absence did him ill. 11 20

^ E. Ye ken.

^ E. ablens.

3 E. That,

'• E. be.

5 E. or.

® E. regarded.

112 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 8i.

" Confront him further face for ^ face,
If yet hee rewes his rackles race,
Perhaps and ye shall heare ;

For ay since Adam and since Eve,

Who first thy leasings did believe, 1 125

I sold thy doctrine deare.
What hath beene done, even to this day,

I keep in minde almaist :
Ye promise further than ye pay,

Sir Hope^ for all your haste ; 1 130

Promitting, unwitting.

Your heghts yee never hooked ;
I show you, I know you ;
Your bygones I have booked.

82.

" I would,2 incace a count were crav'd, 1 135

Shew thousand,^ thousands thou deceivde.

Where thou was true to one ;
And, by the contrare, I may vant.
Which thou must,* though it grieve thee, grant,

I trumped never a man, 1140

But truely told the naked trueth
To men that meld with mee,
For neither rigour nor for rueth,
But onely loath to lie.
To some yet to come yet 1 145

Thy succour shall ^ be slight \
Which I then must ^ try then,
And register it right."

1 E. to, 2 E. could. 3 E. thousands.

^ E. maun. ^ E. will. " E. maun.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. II3

83. [WREITTOUN

" Ha, ha ! " quoth Hope^ and lowdly leugh,

" Ye'r^ but a prentise at the pleugh, 1150

Experience^ yee prieve.
Suppose all bygones as yee spacke,
Ye are no Prophet worth a plack,

Nor I bound to believe.
Yee should not say, sir, till yee see; 1155

But, when yee see it, say."
" Yet," quoth Experience, " at thee
Make many mints I may,

By signes now, and things now,

Which ay before mee beares, 11 60

Expressing, by gessing.
The perill that appeares."

84.

Then Hope replyde, and that with pith.
And wisely weigh'd his words therewith

Sententiously and short 3 1165

Quoth hee, " I am the Anchor grip
That saves the Sailers and their ship

From perill, to their port."
Quoth hee, " oft times that^ Anchor drives,

As wee have found before, 1170

And loses many thousand lives
By shipwrack on the shore.
Your grips oft but slips oft,

When men have most to doe,
Syne leaves them, and reaves them 11 75

Of my companion too.^

1 E. ze are. ^ E. the, ^ E. thy Companzions to.

H

114 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 85.

'* Thou leaves them not thy selfe alone,
But to their griefe when thou art gone

Gars Courage quite ^ them als."
Quoth Hope, "I would ye understood, 1180

I grip fast if the ground be good,

And fleets ^ where it is false.
There should no fault with mee be found,

Nor I accusde at all.
Wyte such as should have sound ^ the ground 1185
Before the Anchor fall.

Their leede ay, at neede ay,

Might warne them, if they would ;
If they there would stay there,

Or have good anchor-hold. 1190

86.

" If yee read right, it was not I,
But onely Ignorance, whereby

Their Carvels all were cloven.
I am not for a trumper tane."
"All," quoth Experience, "is ane; 1195

I have my processe proven,
To wit, that we were cald, each one,

To come before wee came ;
That now obiection ye have none,

Your selfe may say the same. 1200

Ye are now, too * farre now.
Come forward, for to flee ;
Perceive then, ye have then
The worst end of the tree."

^ E. quhat. 2 £_ flggt, 3 £_ plumd. ■* E. owre.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. II5

87. [WREITTOUN

When Hope was gald into the quick, 1205

Quoth Courage^ kicking at the prick,

" Wee let you well to wit ;
Make hee you welcomer than wee,
Then bygones, bygones, farewell he.

Except hee seeke us yet. 12 10

Hee understands his owne estate,

Let him his chiftanes chuse ;
But yet his battel will bee blate,
If hee our force refuse.

Refuse us, or chuse us, 1 2 1 5

Our counsel is, hee dim ;
But stay hee, or stray hee.
We have none ^ help for him.

88.

"Except the Cherrie be his chose,

Bee ye his friends, wee are his foes; 1220

His doings we despite.
If we perceive him satled sa
To satisfie him with the Slae,

His company we quite."
Then Dread and Danger grew so ^ glad, 1225

And wont that they had wun ;
They thought all seald that they had said.
Sen they had first begun.

They thought then, they mought then

Without a partie plead ; 1230

But yet there, with Wit there,
They were dung downe indeed.^

^ E. nae. ^ E. full. ^ E. with speid.

ii6

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun]

89.

" Sirs, Dread and Danger" then quoth Wit,
" Ye did yourselves to niee submit ;

Experience czn^xovQ." 1235

" That," quoth Experience, " I past :
Their owne confession made^ them fast;

They may no more remove.
For, if I right remember mee,

This maxime then they made, 1240

To wit : the man with Wit should wey
What Philosophs had ^ said.
Which sentence, repentance

Forbade him deare to buy ;
They knew then how true then, 1245

And preasde not to reply."

90.

Though hee dang Dread and Dajiger down,
Yet Courage could not [be] overcome,

Hope heght him such an hyre :
He thought himselfe, so ^ soone he saw
His enemies were laid so law,

It was no time to tyre.
Hee hit the yron while it was hait,

Incace it might* grow cold;
For he esteemde his foes defaite,
When once he found them folde.
" Though we now," quoth hee now,
" Have beene so free and franke,
Vnsought yet, ye ^ mought yet
For kindnesse cund us thanke.

E. Thair awin Confessions make.
E. should.

E. haif.
E. he.

1250

i

1255

1260

'•* E. how.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 11/

91. [WREITTOUN

" Suppose it so as thou hast said,
That unrequyrde wee offered ^ aide,

At least it ^ came of love.
Experience, yee start too ^ soone,
Yee dow nothing while ^ all be done ; 1265

And then perhaps yee prove
More plaine than pleasant, too, perchance :

Some tell that have you tryit ;
As fast as you your selfe advance,

Ye dow not^ wel deny it. 1270

Abide then your tide then.

And waite upon the wind ;
Ye know, sir, ye ow, sir,
To hold you ay behinde.

92.

"When yee have done some doughty deeds, 1275
Syne ye should see how all succeeds.

To write them as they were."
" Friend, huly, haste not halfe so fast.
Lest," quoth Experience^ " at last

Ye buy my doctrine deare. 1280

Hope puts that haste into your head,
Which boyles your barmie braine ;
Howbeit, Fooles haste comes hulie speede ;
Faire heights make fooles be faine.*^

Such smyling, beguiling, 1285

Bids feare not for no freets \ ^
Yet I now deny now

That al is gold that gleets.

1 E. proffert. " E. that. ^ E. owre.

•* E. Ze naithing dow till. ^ E. cannot. ® E. will mak fulis fain.

' E. Bids feir not any freits.

Il8 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 93.

"Suppose not silver all that shines :

Oft times a tentlesse Merchant tines, 1290

For buying geare be gesse ;
For all the vantage and the winning
Good buyers gets ^ at the beginning."

Quoth Courage, "not the lesse,
Whiles as good Merchant- tines as wins, 1295

If old mens tales bee true.
Suppose the pack come to [the] pins,
Who can his chance eshew ?
Then, good sir, conclude, sir,

Good buyers have done baith ; 1300

Advance then, take chance then,
As sundry good ships hath.

94.

" Who wist what would bee cheape or deare
Should neede to traffique but a yeare,

If things to come were kend. 1305

Suppose all bygone ^ things be plaine,
Your Prophecy is but prophane ;

Ye're "* best behold the end.
Yee would accuse mee of a crime

Almost before wee met ; 13 10

Torment you not before the time.
Since dolour payes no debt.
What ^ by past, that I past.

Ye wot if it was well :
To come yet, by doome yet, 13 15

Confesse ye have no feele."

•* E. get. - E. Merchants. ^ Orig. bygones.

^ E. ye had. '" E. Quhats.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. II9

95. [WREITTOUN

" Yet," quoth Experience, " what than ?
Who may be meetest for the man,

Let us his answere have."
AVhen they submitted them to mee, 1320

To Reason I was faine to flee,

His counsell for to crave.
Quoth he, " since you yourselves submit

To doe as I decreet,
I shal advise with Skil and Wit^ 1325

What they thinke may bee meete."
They cryde then, " we byde then

At Reason for refuge ;
Allow him, and trow him,

As governour and iudge." 1330

96.

So 1 said they all, with one consent,
"What he concluds, we are content

His bidding to obey.
Hee hath authority to use ;
Then take his chose whom he would- chuse, 1335

And longer not delay."
Then Reason rose and was reioysde :

Quoth he, "mine^ hearts, come hither;
I hope this play may bee composde.

That we may goe ^ together. 1340

To all now I shall now

His proper place assigne ;
That they heere shal say heere.
They thinke none other thing."

1 E. then. "^ E. will. » Orig. mine. * E. gang.

I20 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 97.

"Come on," quoth he, "companion, Skill, 1345

Ye understand both good and ill,

In Physick yee are fine ;
Be medciner unto this^ man.
And shaw such cunning as yee can.

To put him out of paine. 135°

First gard the ground of all his griefe,

What sicknes ye suspect ;
Syne looke what hee lackes for ^ reliefe,
Ere ^ further he infect.

Comfort him, exhort him, 13 55

Give him your good advice ;
And pause not, nor skanse not,
The perill nor the price.

98.

" Though it be cumbersome, what recke ?

Finde out the cause by the effect 1360

And working of his veines.
Yet while we grip it to the ground.
See first what fashion may bee found

To pacific his paines.
Doe what ye dow to have him haile, 1365

And for that purpose prease :
Cut off the cause, the effect must * faile,
So all his sorrowes cease.
His fever shall never

From thencefoorth have no force ;^ 1370

Then urge him to purge him,
He will not waxe the worse."

^ E. mediciner to the. '^ E. quhat laiks for his. ^ E. or.

* E. maun. * E. Frae ihencefurth haif a Forss.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 121

99. [WREITTOUN

Quoth Skil: "his senses are so sicke,
I know no liquor worth a leeke

To quench his deadly drouth ; 1375

Except the Cherrie help his heat,
Whose sappy sloking/ sharp and sweet,

Might melt into his mouth,
And his melancholy remove,

To mitigate his minde. 1380

None wholesomer for your ^ behove,
Nor more cooling of kinde ; ^
No Nectar directar

Could all the gods him give,
Nor send him, to mend him, 1385

None like it, I believe.

100.

"For drowth decayes as it digests."

" Why, then," quoth Reason, " nothing rests

But how it may bee had ? "
" Most true," quoth Skil, " that is the scope, 1390
Yet we must * have some helpe of Hope."

Quoth Danger, " I am rad
His hastines breeds ^ us mishap,

When he is highly horst :
I would ^ wee looked ere'' wee lap." i395

Quoth Wif, " that were not worst.
I meane now, conveene now
The counsell one and all ;
Begin then, cal on ^ then : "

Quoth Reason, "so I shall." 1400

■• E. slokning. ^ E. his. ^ E. Nor of mair cooling kynd.

^ E. maun. ^ £_ ^red. « E. will. ^ E. or. » ■£.. in.

122 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] ioi.

Then Reason rose with gesture grave,
Belyve conveening all the lave,

To see ^ what they would say ;
With silver scepter in his hand.
As Chiftane chosen to command, 1405

And they bent to obey.
He pansed long before he spake,

And in a study stood;
Syne hee began and silence brake :

"Come on," quoth he, "conclude 1410

What way now we may now

Yon Cherrie come to catch ;
Speak out, sirs, about, sirs ;
Have done — let us dispatch."

102.

Quoth Courage, "scourge him first that skars; 141 5
Much musing memory but marres ;

I tell you mine intent."
Quoth Wit, "who will not partly panse
In perils, perishes perchance,

Ov'r rackles may repent." 1420

"Then," quoth Experience, and spake,

" Sir, I have seene them baith,
In bairnlines ^ and lye aback.
Escape and come to skaith.

But what now of that now? 1425

Sturt foUowes all extreames:
Retaine then the meane then.
The surest way it seemes.

^ E. heir. ^ E. braidieness.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 1 23

103. [WREITTOUN

"Where some hes further'd, some hes faild;

Where part hes perisht, part prevaild : 143°

Alike all cannot lucke.
Then either venture, with the one,
Or, with the other, let alone

The Cherrie for to plucke."
Quoth Hope, "for feare folke must^ not fash." 1435

Quoth Danger, "let not light."
Quoth Wit, " bee neither rude nor rash."
Quoth Reaso?i, " yee have right,"
The rest then, though[t] best then,

When Reason said it so, 1440

That, roundly and soundly,
They should together goe

104.

To get the Cherrie in all haste.
As for my safety serving maist.

Though Dread and Danger feard 1445

The peril of that irksome way,
Lest that thereby I should decay,

Who then so weake appearde.
Yet Hope and Courage hard beside,

Who with them wont contend, 1450

Did take in hand us for ^ to guide
Vnto our iourneyes end ;
Impleadging, and waidging,

Both two their lives for mine.
Providing the guiding 1455

To them were granted syne.

1 E. maun. ^ E. us all.

124 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 105.

Then Dread and Danger did appeale,
AUedging it could not ^ be well,

Nor yet would they agree \
But said they should sound their retreate, 1 460

Because they thought them no wise meete

Conductores unto mee,
Nor to no man in mine estate,
With sicknes sore opprest ;
For they tooke ay the nearest gate, 1465

Omitting oft the best.
Their nearest perquearest

Is alwayes to them both,
"\Miere they, sir, may say, sir,

" What recks them of your skaith ? '' 1470

106.

" But as for us two, now we sweare
By him, before whom we - appeare,

Our ful intent is now
To have you whole, and alway ^ was,
That purpose for to bring to passe ; 147 5

So is not theirs, I trow."
Then Hope and Courage did attest

The gods of both these parts,
If they wrought not all for the best

Of mee, with upright hearts. 1480

Our Chiftane than liftane

His scepter, did enioyne
" No more there uproare there ! "
And so their strife was done —

■• E. neir. ^ E. befoir we maun. ^ E. always.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 1 25

107. [WREITTOUN

Rebuiking Dread and Danger sore, 1485

Suppose they meant well evermore

To me, as they had sworne ;
Because their neighbours they abusde,
In so farre as they had accusde

Them, as ye heard beforne. 149°

" Did ye ^ not else," quoth he, " consent

The Cherry for to pow ? "
Quoth Danger, " we are well content ;
But yet, the maner how ?

We shal now, even all now, i495

Get this man with us there ;
It rest is, and best is.

Your counsel shall declare." ^

108.

"Wei said," quoth Hope and Courage, "now

We thereto will accord with you, 1500

And shall abide by them ;
Like as before we did submit.
So wee repeate the samine yet ;

We minde not to reclaime.
Whom they shal chuse to guide the way, 1505

Wee shal him ^ follow straight ;
And further this man, Avhat we may,
Because wee have so height;
Promitting, but flitting,

To doe the thing we can 15 10

To please both, and ease both,
This silly sickly man."

^ E. he. - E, It rests then, ands best then

Zour counsell to declair.
3 E. them.

126 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 109.

When Reason heard this, " then," quoth hee,
" I see your chiefest stay to bee,

That we have nam'd no guide ; 15 15

The worthy counsel hath, therefore.
Thought good that Wit should goe before.

For perils to provide."
Quoth Wit, " there is but one of three

Which I shall to you show, 1520

Whereof the first two cannot bee.
For any thing I know.

The way heere so stay heere

Is, that wee cannot dim
Even ov'r^ now, we foure now : 1525

That will bee hard for him.

no.

•* The next, if we goe downe about
While that this bend of Craiges run out.

The streame is there so starke.
And also passeth wading deepe, 1530

And broader farre than we dow leape,

It should be idle work.
It growes ay broader nere ^ the sea,

Sen over the lin it came ;
The running dead doth signifie 1535

The deepnes of the same.
I leave now to deave now,

How that it swiftly slides.
As sleeping and creeping ;

But nature so provides. 1540

1 E. owre. ^ E. braider to.

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 12/

III. [WREITTOUN

" Our way then lyes about the Lin,
Whereby, a ^ warrand, we shal win,

It is so straight and plaine ;
The water also is so shald,
We shal it passe, even as we wald, 1545

With pleasure and but paine ;
For as we see the ^ mischief grow

Oft of a feckles thing,
So likewise doth this river flow

Foorth of a pretty spring ; 15 5°

Whose throat, sir, I wot, sir,

You may stop with your neive ;
As you, sir, I trow, sir.
Experience, can prieve."

112.

"That," quoth Experience, "I can ; 1555

All that 2 yee said sen yee began,

I know to be of* truth."
Quoth Skill, "the samine I approve."
Quoth Reason, " then let us remove.

And sleepe no more in sleuth. 1560

Wit and Experie?ice,'" quoth he,
"Shall come^ before apace;
The man shall come, with Skill and mee,
Into the second place.

Attour now, you foure now 1565

Shall come into a band ;
Proceeding, and leading,
Each*' other by the hand."

1 E. I. 2 E_ a. 3 E, And all.

4 E. I ken to be a. ^ E. gae. « E. Ilk.

128 THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

wreittoun] 113.

As Reason ordeinde,^ all obeyde ;

None was ov'r rash, nor none ^ affraide, 1570

Our counsel was so wise :
As of our iourney Wit did note,
We found it true in every ^ iote :

God bles'd our * interprise.
For even as wee came to the tree, 1575

Which, as yee heard mee tell,
Could not be clum, there suddenly
The fruite for ripnes fell.
Which hasting and tasting,

I found myselfe relievde 1580

Of cares all and sares all

Which minde and body grievde.

114.

Praise be to God, my Lord, therefore,
Who did mine health to mee restore,

Being so long time pinde ; 1585

Yea,^ blessed bee his holy Name,
Who did from ^ death to life recleame

Mee, who was so unkinde.
All Nations also magnifie

This everliving Lord ; 1590

Let me with you, and you with mee,
To laude him ay accord ;
Whose love ay wee prove ay

To us above all things ;
And kisse him and blesse'^ him 1595

Whose Glore eternall rings.

^ E. ordert. " E. nane was. ^ E. ilka. ^ E. bliss the.

5 E. And. « E. frae. '' E. bliss.

THE FLYTING

BETWEEN

MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART

(TULLIBARDINE AND HARLEIAN TEXTS)

tullibardine]

CAPITANE

ALLEXANDER MONTGOMEREE

&

POLLVART & CETERA

TO HIS MAIESTIE.

All reddie as al reddie I have bene,

All reddie shall I be quhill lyf may lest ;

All reddie evir sorrow to sustene,

On land and sey, at large or fetterit fast ;

In trubleous tyme, in boist of fortounes blast, 5

In heich estate, or 3it in law degree,

In wea[l]the or woe, in healthe or secknes cast,

As I have bene al reddie shall I bee.

Then if my dewtie may deserve sick fee,

Forget not me quhois hart is whoillie 3ouris, 10

Quhois lyf and deathe sayis bot, forget not mee,

Submitting all into your princelie poueris.
And since alreddie (S/r) I am your thrall.
Forget not me amangis your servantis all.

Tullibardine.

1 F. I i. blank.

[harleian

POLWART AND MONTGOMERIE

FLYTING.

/lliontGomerie to polwart.

F.22a. Polwart, 3e peip like a mouse amongest thornes;
Na cuning ^e keip ; Polwart, ^e peip ;
3e luik lyk a sheipe and 5e had two homes :
Polwart, 3e peip like a mous amongest thornes.

Bewer what thow spekes, litle fouU earthe taid, 5

With thy canigait breikes, Bewar what thow speiks,
Or ther shall be weit cheikes for the last ])at thow made :
Beware what thow speikes, litle foull earth taid.

FouU mismaid miting, borne in the merft,

Be word and by writting, foulle mismaid miting, 10

Leiv aff thy Flyting, come kis my erfte,

Foule mismaid miting, borne in the merfte.

And we mell thou shall 5ell, litle cultron cuist ;
Thou shall tell even thy sell, and we mell thou sail ^ell.
thy smell was so fell, and stronger nor muist ; 15

And we mell thou shall ^ell, litle cultron cuist.

Thou art deand and dri[d]land like ane foule beist ;

Fykand and fidland lyke Robene reid breist,

Strydand and strydland, doand and dridland ;

Thow art doand and dridland hke ane foull beist.^ 20

^ These lines do not occur in the TuUibardine MS.

132 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.
tullibardine]

F. 7 b. THE FIRST FLYTTING, IN FORME OF REPLY

TO ALEX"". MONTGOMEREIS FIRST FLYTTING,
BE POLLART.

DiSPiTFULL speidder ! puir of spreit ! 15

Begune w/t/^ baibling me to blame ?

gok, wyt not me to gar the greit ;

thy tratUng, trewcour, I sail tame.

(\uhaix J?ow beleivit to win a name,

thow sail be blasit of ane beild, 20

and sail resaue baith skaith and schame,

and syne be forcit to flie the feild.

Thy raggit roundaillis, reifand royt,

sum schort, sum lang, and [out] of lyne,

y;ith skabrous collouris, fowsome floyt, 25

proceiding from ane pynt of wyne,

quhilk haultis for fault of feit lyk myne —

5it, fuuill, ]?ow thocht na schame to wreit ];ame,

at menis coz^zmand that laik ingyne,

qw/^zlkis doytit dyvouris gart the dyt ]?ame. 30

Bot, gokit guift, I am rycht glaid

thow art begun in wreit to flyt.

sen, loun, thy language I have laid,

and put }?e [to] thy pen to wryt,

Bot, dog, I sail Jje so dispyt, 35

yiiih priking put [J^e] to sik speid,

and caus ]7e, cur, that worklum quyt,

syne seik ane hoill to hyd thy heid.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 33

[harleian

IPohvarts repli? to /iDontGommrie.

DispitefuU Spider ! poore of Spreite !

Begines with babling me to blame ?

Gooke, wyte me not to garre the grete ;

Thy trailing, truiker, I shall tame.

Where thow beleives to win ane name, 25

thow shall be banished of all beild,

And syne receaue bothe skaithe and schame.

And so be forced to leaue the field.

Thy ragged roundells, ravand Royte,

Some schort, some long, some out of lyne, 30

With scabrous colours, foulsome floyt,

Proceided frome ane pynt of wyne,

Whilk hailts for laike of feitt lyk myne —

3eit, foule, thow thoght no schame to wreit them,

at mens command that laikes Ingyne, 35

Whilk doyted dyvors gars the dyte theme.

Bot, gooked goose, I ame richt glaid

Thow art begune in wreit to flyte.

Senn, loune, thy language I have laid.

And put the to thy penn to wryt, 40

Now, dogg, I shall the so despyte,

With pricking put the to such speide,

And cauft the, cure, that warkloume quyte.

Syne [seeke] ane hole to hyd thy hede.

134 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

5it, knave, acknawledge thyne offence,

or I grow crabit, for to clair the. 40

ask merce, mak obedience

In tyme, for feir that [I] forfair the.

Evill sprit, I will no langer spair the.

Blaid, blek ]>e, to bring in ane gwyse ;

And to mak pennance sone prepair the ; 45

Syne pas furth as I sail devyse.

F. 8 a. first fair, threid bair, vft't/i fundrit ^ feit,

recanting thy vnseamelie sawis,
In pilgramage to allareit ;

suin be content to quyt the caus, 50

and in thy teith bring in the tawis,
■wi'tA bekis my bidding to abyd,
quhidder thow will let belt thy bawis,
or kift all cloffis that standis besyde.

And of thir tua tak thou ^ thy choift, 5 5

for thy awin profeit I procure the,

or, with ane prik in to thy noift,

To stand content, I sail coniure the ;

Bot at this tyme think I forbuir the,

becaus I can not trait Ipe fairer. 60

sit ]30w this charge, I will assure the

the secund salbe sumthing sairer.

1 MS. fundeit. ^ ^S. to.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 35

[harleian

F. 22 b. 3it, knave, acknowledge thy offence 45

Or I grow crabeit, and so clair the.
Aske mercie, mak obedience
In tyme, leist for ^ feirleft I forefaire [the].
Ill spreite, I will no longer spare thee.
Blaidde, blecke the, to bring in [ane] gyfte ; 50

And [to] drie pennaunce sone prepare the ;
Syne pas foorth as I shall devyfte.

First faire, thred baire, withe fundred feite,

Recanting thy wnseemlie sawes,

In pilgrimag to allareitt ; 55

Syne be content to quyt the cauBe,

And in thy teithe bring me the tawes,

With beck^.f my bidding to abid,

Whither thou wilt let me belt thy ^ bawes,

Or kis all cloffs that stands beside. 60

And of thir twa take thow thy choofte.

For thy [awin] profeitt I procure the,

Or, with a prick into thy Nofte,

To stand content, I shall conjure the ;

Bot all this tyme thinke I forebuir the, 65

Becaus I cannot treat the fairer.

Sitt thow this chairge, I will assuire the

The Second shalbe something sairer.

1 Omit. ^ 'belt thy' repeated in MS.

136 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.
tullibardine]

F. 2 a. ANE FLYTTING OR INVECTIVE BE CAPITANE
ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE AGANIS THE
LAIRD OF POLLART.

Fals feckles fowlmart, Loe heir a defyance !

Go, sey thy science : do, droche, quhat ]?ow dow.

Gang trot in ane tow, mandrak but myance : 65

We will heir tyance, peild pellet, on that pow.

For mony ^eld 50W thow cald fra ane know.

And hid ]?ame in ane how, stark theif, quhen ]?ow staw ]?ame,

Mensweirand thow saw thame, and maid hot a mow ;

Syne fyld by the row, quhen they come that aw J?ame. 70

Thy dittay wes deid ; Jjow docht not deny it :

Thy trumperie wes tryd ; thy falset they fand :

Burrio the band : " cor mundum," Jjow cryd,

Condempnit to be dryd, and hung vp fra hand. 74

Quhill Jjow payit ane pand, in that stour ]?ow did stand ;

With ane willing wand ]?ow wes weill scurgit ;

Syne finallie furgit quhy thow left ]?e land.

Now, Sz'r, I demand how this poyd may be purgit ?

Schort mischappin schit, that schuip sick ane swn^ie,

Als proud as ^e prun^ie, ^our pen salbe plukkit. 80

Cum kift quhair I cuckit, and change me ]?at cwn^ie.

3our gruntill lyk grun^ie is grades and gukkit ;

3oz^r mowthe wald be mwkkit, till 5e wer instructit.

'^our flirdome wanfuckit, 3e tersell of ane taid,

"^oux meitter mismaid has louslie lukkit : 85

thow cwmelie conductit thy termes on ane slaid.

F. 2 b. Arpit angrie Ettercoip, and auld vnsell aip,
Thow ^ grenis to gaip vpon the grey meir.
Ga pley w/t/^ thy peir, I sail pay the lyk a paip ;
Thow will rax in ane raip or ]?e end of the ^eir. 90

1 MS. Throw.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 37

[harleian

/iDontgomrie to jpolwart

4'

Fals fecles foumart, Lo heir a defyance !

Go, asay thy sayance : doe, droche, quhat thow dow. 70

Trote, tyke, to a towe, mandrag but myance :

Wee will heir tythance, peild polwart, of thy pow.

Manie ^eild 50W hes [thow] cald over a know.

Syne hyd them in a how, stark theife, qu/ien thow staw them,

Mensweiring thow saw them, and maid hot a mow ; 75

Syne fyld in the row, quhen the men come that awe them.

Thy dittay was deith ; thow darr not deny it :
Thy trumperie was tryed ; thy falsit they fand :
Borrow the band : " cor mundum " thow cryed,
Condemned to die, and [be] hung vp fre hand. 80

While thow paid a pand, in that stour thow did stand ;
W/ty^ a willie wand thy skin was weill scourged ;
F, 23 a. Syne fein^eithe forged, thow left the land.

Now, sirs, I demaund how [t]his podd can be purged ?

3it, wanshappen schitt, thow schup such a suin^ei, 85

As proud as 3e pruin^e, 5our penns shalbe plucked.

Come kis where I cucked, and change [me] that cun^ie.

3our gryses grun3ie is grades and gooked ;

3our mouth must be ^ mucked, quhill ^e be Instructed.

Foule flirdome ^ wanfucked, tersell of a taid ! 90

Thy metter mismaid hes lousHe luicked :

I graunt thow conducted thy termes in a staid.

Little angrie attercope, & old vnsell ape,

5e grein for to gaipe vpon the gray meir.

Play with thy peir, or I will pull the lyk a pape ; 95

Go ryd in a rope for this Noble new ^eir.

1 MS. me. 2 MS. frildome.

138 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

I promeis the heir to thy chaftis ill cheir,
Till pow gang and leir to lik at ]?e lowderis ;
With pottingeris poulderis except jjow ovrsmeir,
that scab that 50 beir will scall the to ]?e schoulderis.

Tusche, twyscheillit trumpowr, witA tratling ])ow trowis, 95

Makand vane vowis to mache ]?e vfh/i me :

With ]?e poynt of ane kie weill brunt on thy browis,

Now god seu kowis quhairfra come ^e.

I tell J?e, bumbie, ane doggis deid ]?ow will die,

Quhen I sail syne sie the hung be ])e heillis, 100

for stuff Jjat J70W steillis ; into Jje cuntrie

Na man may save the, for ]?ow art past the seillis.

Proud, poysonit pykthank, perverft and puir,

I dow not induir to be dobbit wz't/i ane duik ;

I'se fell the lyk ane fluik, flat on ]?e fluir. 105

thy scrowis obscuir ar borrow[it] fra sum bulk ;

fra lyndsay ]?ow tuik, ]?ow art bot chawceris cuik ;

Ay lyand lyk ane ruik, if na man wald scar the.

Bot I sail debar the Ipe kingis kitching nuik ;

Thow art fleyit for ane luik, bot I sail ryd nar the. no

Stif, stridand stikdirt, I'se gar Ipe stink,

To teiche ]?e to think vfitA thy maister to mel.

On sick as thy sell, pert pratling prink,

Culd ]?ow not wair ink, thy tratlingis to tel ?

Hy, 5e huirsone, to hel, amangis Ipe feyndis fel, 1 1 5

And drink of Jjat wel that poysonit thy pen,

Quhair devillis in ]7air den dois 3a?72mer & ^ell :

Heir I the expell from all christinit men.

F. 3 a. Finis be ApoUois poet

Of his first reply to poUart

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 39

[harleian

I promeis the heir to thy chaftes ill cheir,

Except thow go leir to lick at the louder ;

With pottingars poudar thy self thow oversmeir,

The castell 5e weir weill seald on ^our shoulder. 100

This twyfte sealed trumper, with his tratling he trows,

Making vaine voues, to match him with me :

Withe the print of a key weill brunt on thy browes,

Now god save kowes quhairfra com 5ee.

For all 5our Bombee, ^e^ warred a little wie: 105

I think for to see 30W hing by the heilki',

For tearmes that thow steiki' of aid poetrie.

Now quha shuld trow 50W that is past both the seales ?

Proud, poysond pykthank, perverst & perjured !

I dow not Indur it,^ to be bitten with a duik ; no

I shall fell the lyk a fluik, flatlings on Jje fluir.

Thy sorrowes obscure is borrowed fro some bulk ;

Fro Lindsey thow tuik ; thow art chawsers cuik ;

Still lieing lik a ruik, if men would not skarr the.

Bot, beist, I debare [thee] the kings chimney nuik ; 115

Thow fliees for a luik, bot I shall ride nere the.

Fals strydand stickard, I will garr the stink.
How durst thow mint with thy maister to mell ?
On such as thy sell, littill pratling pink,
Could thow not warre Ink, thy tratling to tell? 120

F. 23 d. How, horsone, to hell, among the feind^^ fell.
To drinke of that well that poysond thy penn,
Wher divelkj in ther denn dois ^eammer & ^ell ;
Heir I the expell from all cristian men.

1 Hart, je'r. 2 ^3. Indurit.

140 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

THE SECUND INVECTIVE AGANIS
ALEX"". MONTGOMERIE, REPLYING
TO HIS SECUND FLYTTING THAT BEGINIS
IN }?IR WORD/5 r^

Blaird, baibling bystour-baird, obey :

Learne, scybald knave, to knave thy sell, 120

Vyld vagabound, or I Invey,

Cuistroun, yjiih cuiffis the [to] compell,

Tryit, trailing trewcowr, ]?e trewth to tell,

Stowp ]70w nocht at the secund charge,

Mischevous mischant, we sail mell, 125

In landward langwad[ge] we sail mell.

Quhairfoir, loun, as }70w luifis thy lyf,
I bothe command and counsall j^e
for till eschew this sturtsome stryf,
and vikk thy manlie maister grie. 130

F. 8 b. for J?is effect I sumo?<;nd the

Be publict proclamatioune ;
Cum and compeir vpon thy knie.
And kift my fair fundatioun.

Bot, lord ! I lawche to sie the bleitter, 135

gloir in thy ragmentis, rasche and raill,

w/t/^ ma/zkit, manscho<r-^t, ma^zkit meitter,

Trottand and twmbland top over taill.

As carlingis comptis Jjair fartis, doyd snaill,

Thy rowstie ratryme, maid but mater, 140

I culd Weill follow, wald I saill,

Or pres to fische w/t/^in thy watter.

^ Blank space in MS.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. I41

[harleian

Ipolwart to /Iftonntgomrie.

!BlCit5t babling bystor-baird, obey ; 125

Leirne, skybald knaue, to knaw thy sell,

Vyld vagabound, or I Invey,

Custrone, with cuiffs the to compell.

5et, traitland truiker, trewth to tell,

Stoupthow not at the secund chairge, 130

Mischeivous mischant, we shall mell.

With laidlie language, loud & lairge.

Whair, lowne, as thow loveth thy lyffe,

I both commaund and counsell thee

For to eschew this sturtsome stryffe, 135

And with thy manlie maister grie.

To this effect I summound thee

Be Publick Proclamatioun,

Gouk, to co;72peir vpon thy knee,

And kis my foule foundatioun. 140

Bot, lord ! I lauch to see the blooster,

Gloir in thy ragment^^, rash to raill

With mingtie, mankit, mangleit metter, ,

Tratland and traland top over taill.

As carlingw ther farts, doild snaill, 145

Thy rustie ratrymes, maid but matter,

I culd Weill follow, would I seall.

Or preaft to fishe within thy watter.

142 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Onlie becaus, oule, ]70w dois vs it,

I will wreit verft ofif comwune kynd —

And, swin3eoz^r, for thy saik refuis it — 145

To crab j^e, buwlar, by thy mynd.

Pudlar, I pittie the so pynd,

To buckill him that beiris the bell ;

lak stro, Be better anes Ingynit,

Or I will flyt aganis my sell. 150

Bot breflie, beist, I anft^r the.

In ftermone schort I am content.

And sayis thy similitudis vnslie

Ar nawayis verie pertinent :

Thy coyd comparisonis asklent 155

Ar monstrous lyk to the that maid thame ;

Thy barking borrowit is vnlent,

3it wer they waik let the invaid Jjame.

F. 9 a. Also I may be Chawceris man,

And [3et] thy maister not the les ; 160

Bot, wolf, thow waistis in cop and Can,

In gluttonie, thy grace I ges.

ga, drunkin dyvour, ]?e addres,

or borrow ]?e Ambassattis ^ brekis,

To heir me now J^ei prais expres, 165

Knaif, if ]?ow ca«, vnwait thy cheikis.

First, of thy iust genologie,

Tyk, I sail tell ]?e trewth I trow ;

Thow wes begottin, sum sayis to me,

betuix ]?e devill and ane duin kow, 170

sa quhen the feynd wes a nicht fow,

In banket birland at the beir ;

Thow sowkit syne ane broid blak sow,

Amangis ]?e middingis, mony ^eir.

^ In the margin of the MS. the scribe has written, ' ambassatzV Is l^e name
of ane fuilL' Cf. 'Als Jhone Makrery, the kyngis fule gat dowbyll gar-
moundis agane the Yule' (Lyndsay, vol. i. pp. 53, 283-4).

THE FLVTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWAKT. 143

[harleian

Only becaus, owle, thow dois vfte it,

I will wryt verft of common kynd — 150

And, Swingeor, for thy saik refuse it ^ —

To crab thow, humbler, by thy mynd.

Pedler, I pittie the so pynd,

To buckle him that^ beres the bell ;

lockstro, be better one Ingynd, 155

Or I shall flit against my sell.

F. 24 a. Bot breiflie, beist, to aunsweire thee,
In sermon schorte I ame content ;
And says ^ thy similitud^j wnslie

Ar* nowayes verie pertinent : 160

Thy tyrd comparisones asklent
Are monstrous lik the mule that maid them ;
Thy borrowed barking is violent,
3ett war they warse, let men owt wear them.

Also I may be Chausers mane, 165

And 5et thy maister nocht the les ;

Bot, volfe, that waists both cop and cane

In gluttonie, thy grace I gese.

Go, drukin divor, the addrese.

And borrow the ambassed breekw, 170

To heir me now thy praift exprese,

Knaue, if thou can, without wett chokes.

First, of thy lust genalogie,

I shall tell the treuth I trow ;

Thow was begottin, some says to me, i 75

Betwixt the Devill and a Dumme^ kow,

And at nicht c^uhen that the feind was fow.

At banqueit birland at the beir ;

Thow sowkit^ syne ane sweit bed sow,

Among the midings, mony a yeir. 180

1 MS. that. 2 'him that' repeated in MS. * MS. asays.

* MS. Or. ^ sic ! ^ MS. swallowed !

144 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

On ruittis and rui«scheochis on ]?e feild, 175

wz't/^ nolt ]?ow nurischit neir a ^eir,

quM\ that ]?o\v past both puir and peild,

Into argyle, sum guide to leir ;

As, Ipe last nicht, did weill appeir,

quhill ]70w stuid fidging at the fyre, 180

fast fykand vfitk [thy] hieland cheir,

my flytting forcit J?e so to flyre.

Into ]?e land quhair J^ow wes borne,

I reid of nocht bot it is scant,

of cattell, clothing, and of come, 185

Or welth and weilfair bothe dois want.

now, taidface, tak Ipis for ane tant,

I heir ^owr bowsing is richt fair,

quhair howland howlattis ay do hant,

w/tA robene reidbrest but repair. 190

F. 9 d. The cuntre folkis wtt/i'm the land,

I knaw, ar men of meikill rent
And luifing, as I vnderstand ;
qw/^/lk in ane Innes wilbe content
To live, and leave Jjair hous in lent. 195

In lent moneth, and long in suwmer ;
Qu/iair tuelf knichtis kichingis hes a vent,
It will to furnes ^ do J?ame cwwmer.

In stoir of lambes and lang taillit wedders,

]?ow wattis quhair money cupple gais, 200

In scheilling, tyit fast in tedderis.

In felloun flokis of anes and twais.

Abreid, athort ^owr bankis and brais,

3e do abound in coill and calk ;

and thinkis, lyk fuillis, to fly all fais, 205

viith targettis, twil^eis, and twm talk.

^ MS. furmes.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. I45

[harleian

On ruits and ruinchs in the feild,

With nolt thow nurished was a yeir,

Whill that thow past both puir and peild,

Into Argyle, some lerr to leir ;

As, the last night, did weill appear, 185

quhen thow stood fidging at the fyre,

Fast fykand with thy hiland cheir.

My flyting forct the so to flyre.

Into the land quher thow was borne,

I reid of naucht bot it was scant, 190

1

* ■ ■ • •

Wher welth & weilfair baith doth want.

Now, taid ^-face, take this for no tant,

I heir ^our housing is rigy^t fayer,

(\uhaix houlring houlat<?x ay doth hannt, 195

W/tA robein reid-breist bot repaire.^

F. 24 b. The lords and lairds within that land,
I know, are men of meikle rent
And leiving, as I wnderstand ;

Whilk in ane Innes will be content 200

To leiv, and lett ther houft in lent,
In lentron moneth & the long sommer,
Wher Twelv Knights chimneys hes ane vent,
Whilk for to furnish doth them cumber.

For store of lambes and long taild wedderes, 205

Thow knowes quhair many couples goes,

For steilling, tyed fast in tedder^J,

In fellon flocks of anes and twaes.

Abyd, athort ^owr banks and braes.

Ye do abound in coll and calk ; 210

And thinks, lik fools, to flee all faes.

With Targets, tuil^es, & toome talk.

^ Line awanting in MS. ^ MS. taider. " MS. repover.

K

146 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Alias ! puir hudpyk, hunger bittin,

Accustomit w/t/^ scurrulitie,

bydand lyk bystouris all beschittin,

In feildis w/t/^out felicitie, 210

Bair, barrane, but fertilite,

for fault of cattell, come, & gersft ;

'^ouT bankettis of sick vilitie,

deir of ]?e dog brane of ])e merft.

woif, witles vanler, war nor wys, 215

cwstroun, Jjow wald " cor mundum" [cry].

Over laidnit loune witk lang taillit lyse,

Thy doyttit dytmentis sone deny,

Trewcour, or I thy trumperie try,

And mak a legent of thy lyf ; 220

for, flyt I aneis, folk will cry, "fy !"

Then ]?ow wilbe warreit with ilk wyf.

F. lofl. FOLLOWIS ANE INTERLUDGE

AGANIS C. ALEX'. MONTGOMERY,
BEFOIR POLLARTIS THRID AND LAST
INVECTIVE.

S/R swYNGE06^R, Being I want wairis
And sawis, to slaik the of thy sairis,
This pr^^<;nt from ])e pottingaris, 225

I think meit to amend ])e.

for feir thy fevir feidis on foUie,

\\t\/i fasting stomak, tak oydolUe

mixt w/t/z ane mowthfuU of melanchollie,

from flew me for to defend the ; 230

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 147

[harleian

Allace ! poore hog-pyks hunger bittin,

Accustomed with scurrillitie,

Bystaud lyk bystors all beschittin, 215

In feilde wzt/^out fertility,

Bare, barron with sterility/

For fait of cattell, corne, & gresse ;

Your banqueits of most nobility

Deir of the dogbran in the merft. 220

Witles vaunter, were thow wyfte,

Custron, thow would " cor mundum " cry.

Over-laiden loun mih long taild lyc[e],

Thy doytit dytting sone - deny,

Trooker, or I thy trumperie try, 225

And mak a legend of thy lyf ;

Or, flyt I anes, folk will cry, " fy ! "

Then thow will be warred with everie wyf.

Ipolwarts /Il^e^ecine to /iDountaoumr^.

Sir Suingeor, seing I want wairres
And Salues, to slaik the of thy saires, 230

This present from \)q potingares.
Me think meit to amend thee.

First, or thy fevour feid on folic.
With fasting stomack, tak oyldolie,
Mixt with a mouthfuU of melancholie, 235

frome floome for to defend thee :

1 MS. stertily. 2 ^g ^^^^^

148 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Syne pas ane space, and smell ane flour,
Thy Invart pairtis to purge & scour,
Tak Jje thre byttis of ane ill hour,
And rubarb, baich and bitter.

This dewlie done, but onie din, 235

Syne sup sex soipis, but sumthing thin,
of the deill scad, thy guttis v^hh in,
To ^ haill Jje of >e skitter.

Vnto ane bed syne mak ^pe boun ;
Tak ane sweit serop worth ane croune, 240

And drink it viiih J?e devill ga doun,
To recreat thy sprit.

And, last of all, craig to ane coird,
send for ane powder, and pay ford,
callit J?e vengence of J?e lord, 245

for thy muuge mowthe so meit.

F. 10 b. Gif this preserve ^e nocht from pane.

Pas to the potticaris agane ;
Sum recepeis dois ^it remane

To haill bruik, byle, & blister. 250

As diadregma quhen ^e dyn,
And diagducolicuw wat w/t>^ wyne,
V^iih powder I drait verie fyne,

And mair ^it quhen 3e mister.

1 MS. The.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. I49

[harleian

Syne pas ane space, and smell ane flour.
Thy Inward patrte to purg and scour,
Tak the three byts of ane blacke hour,

And ruberb, bache & bitter. 240

This dewly doone, but any dinne,
Supe syne sax soopis,^ bot somthing thinn,
Of the devill scade, thy gutes within,
To heall the of thy skitter.

Wnto thy bed syne make the boune ; 245

Take ane sweet sorrop woorth a croune.
And drynk it w/t^ the devill go doune,
To recreat thy spreit.

And, last of all, craig in a cord,

Send for a powder, and pay ford, 250

Cald the vengeanc[e] of the lord.
For thy mug mouth most meit.

Iff this preserv the not from paine.
Pas to the pottinggars againe ;

Some recipies doth ^et remaine 255

To haill bruik, byll, or blister.

F. 25 d. As diadragma quhen ^e dyne,

Or diabolicon watt in wyne.
With pouder I droit fellon fyne.

And more ^it quAen ^e mister. 260

^ MS. soopine. The scribe has probably taken down the ' ne ' from the
word ' doone ' in the line above.

I50 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.
tullibardine]

THE SECUND INVECTIVE.

Vyld venymous vipper, wanthreivinest of thingis, 255

Half ane elph, half ane aip, of nature denyit,

Thow^ flyttis and ]?ow freittis, ]?ow fartis and ]?ow flingis ;

Bot this bargane, vnbeist, deir sail Jjow by it.

" The kuif is weill wairit ]?at twa home bringis,"

This proverb, peild pellet, to J?e is applyit : 260

Spruug speidder of spyt, thow spewis furt[h] springis ;

Wanschaippin wowbat, of ])e weirdis Invyit,

I can schaw how, quhair, and quhat begate the ;

Quhilk wes nather man nor wyf,

Nor humane creature on lyf ; 265

Fals stinkand steirar vp of stryf,
Hurkland howlat, have at the !

Into the hinderend of harvest, on ane alhallow evin,

quhen our goode nichtbouris ryddis, if I reid richt,

sum buklit on ane bwnwyd, and sum on ane bene, 270

ay trippand in trowpis fra the twie-licht ;

sum saidlit ane scho aip all grathit into grene,

sum hobling on hempstaikis, hovand on hicht.

the king of pharie, wh/i Jje court of the elph queue,

with mony alrege incubus, ryddand that nicht. 275

Thair ane elph, and ane aip, ane vnsell begate,

In ane peitpot, by powmathrone ;

That brachart in ane buft wes borne ;

They fand ane monstour on the morne.

War facit nor ane cat. 280

F. 3 i>. The wird sisteris wandering, as they wer wont than,
Saw revinis ruge at ]?is rat be ane rone-ruite.
They musit at Jjis mandrak mismaid lyk ane man ;
Ane beist bund w/t/^ ane bunwyd in ane auld bute.

1 MS. Throw.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 151

[harleian

MONTGOMERYES ANSWEIR TO POLUART.

Wyld venemous viper, wanthriftiest of things,

Halff ane elph, half ane ape, of natur denyit,^

Thow flait with a Cuntrey, the quhilk was the kings ;

Bot that bargaine, wnbeist, deare shalt thow buie it.

"The cuiff is weill waired that twa hombe brings," 265

This proverb, foull pett, to the is applyit :

First, spider, of Spit thow speus out springs ;

Yet, wanshappen wolbet, of the weard^j' invyit,

I can tell the, how, quhen, or quhere, & quha gat the ;

The quhilk was netheir man nor wyfe, 270

Nor humane creatur on lyfe :

Thow stinkand steirar vp of stryff,
Fals houlat, hav at thee !

In the hinder end of harvest, on ahallow even,

Quher\. our good neighbo?^r^^ doth ryd. If I reid xycht, 275

Sum bukled on a buinvand, and some one a bene.

Ay trottand in trowp^ j- from the twyly<r>^t ;

Some saidland a sho aipe all graithid into greine,

Some hobland one ane hempstalk, hovand to J^e heicht.

The King of pharie, and his Court, yihh the elph queine, 280

With mony elrich Incubus, was rydand that x\ych\..

Ther ane elph, on - [ane] ape, ane vnsel begat.

Into ane pot, by powmathorne ;

P^t brachart in ane bus was borne ;

Thei fand a monsto?/r on ]?e morne, 285

Ware faced nor a cat.

F. 26 c. The weird sisters wandring, as they were woont then,
Saw Reavenes Rugand at that ratton be a rone-ruit.
They mused at the mandrak vnmaid lyke a man ;
A beist bound with a boonwand in ane old boott. 290

1 MS. deny it. 2 ^s. one.

152 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

How this ghaist haid bene gottin, to ges they begane, 285

Swir sweillit in ane swyneskin and smeirit our witk sute ;

The beUie that it buir they bitterlie ban.

Of that mismaid mowdywart, mischeif they mwte.

That cankerit camscheOfT/^t, vncristnit, they curft ;

And baid Jjat it suld nevir be but 290

The glengoir, gravell, & ]?e gut,

And all ])e plaigis ]?at euir wes put
In pandorus poysonit purs.

" The coche, Ipe con^oche, the coUik, and ]?e cauld,
The coirdis, J?e colt evill, ]>e claspis, and the cleikis, 295
The hunger, Ipe hart euill, Ipe hoist, mot ];e hauld ;
The boche, and J^e barbillis, and Ipe cannogait breikis,
The ringbane, the banescheven, on thy sprung spauld,
The feirsie, J^e falling evill, that fellis mony freikis,
Ourgane yvh/t angilberreis, as thow growis auld, 300

The choikis, the charbunkill, wi'tk ]?e wormis in thy cheikis,
The snuf, Ipe snoir, Ipe scheippisch, the schanker,

W/t/^ the bleid[s] and bellithrow,

thy bytting battis, the baneschaw,

the mischeif on thy melt & maw, 305

The scabbis, and Ipe canker.

"The frenesie, the fluikis, the fykis, and Ipe felt,

The feveris, the totteris, witk the spen^ie fleis,

The doyt, and the dysmell, indifferentlie delt,

the pelodie, the palsie, Ipe poikis lyk peis, 3 1 o

the [sjneising, the snytting, wz't>^ swaming to swelt,

the wandevill, Ipe wildfyre, J?e womeit, ])e weis,

Ipe mair, the migram, Ipe mureill, ])e melt,

the warbillis, Ipe wood-worme, that doggis of deis.

The phtiseik, Ipe twith3aik, Ipe tittis, and Ipe tirrillis, 315

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 53

[harleian

How that gaist had bene gottin, to gesse thei began,

Weill sweddelled in a swyns skine and smeirit over vizih suit ;

The bellie at it first bare full bitterlie they bann.

Of this mismaid mowdewart, mischeife they muit.

That crooked, cramschohe cryll, wncristend, they curft 5295

They bad that baith should not be but

The glengoir, graveill, and the gut.

And all the plagues that first was put
Into Pandoraes purine.

"The coch and the cannoch, the colik & cald, 300

The cordes and the Goutewill, the claspis & the cleiks.
The hunger and the hairtill, and the host schall ]3e hold ;
The botche and the barbies, with the canigait hxQikes,
W/t/^ bokblud, bainespavin, sprong in Jje spald,^
The fersie, the falling-evill, that fells monie a freek, 305
Overgane all withe angleberries, as thow growes auld.
The kinkhost, the charbuncle, & wormes in thy cheeik^x.
The snufe and the snore, the chaudpift, and the canker.

With the bladdes and bellithraw.

The bleirring battes and the baneschaw, 310

With mischeif of the melt and maw.
The clap and canker.

"The frencie, the fluxes, the fyke, and the felt.
The feaveirs, the fercie, with the Spen^ie flies.
The doit and the dismall, indefferantlie delt, 315

The powlings, the palsie, with pockei" lik peis,
The swerfe and the sweiting, with sounding to swelt.
The wonbill, the wildfyre, the vomit and the veis,
The mair and the Ingrame,^ with meiths in thy melt.
The warbles, the wood-worme, wherof dogs deis, 320

¥.26b. The tisicke, the toothaike, the tit^j and tirles,

^ This line is written in the margin by the scribe.
- ' Mygrame ' in the margin in a later hand.

154 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

F. 4 a. The panefull poplasie, the pest,
The rottin roup, }?e auld rest,
with paines and parlasie opprest,
And nippit \iiih Jje nirrilis.

"The bruik, |)e byllis, with blisteris and blainis, 320

baith beld and bleirit, brokin bakit, staneblind,
wirriand on wind flaiffis, and windie wainis,
the hoikis in Jji choikis, hakkit heillis ay behind,
Thy swyne poikis, |?e poistrume, and, pisching w/t/z pane,
Hydropasie, herschaw, and hyves, sail the bind, 325

The skuwnering cattaris and hartskaid remanis,
baith kruikit and crampit, and chitterrit to the chin,
the stayne and ]?e stu[r]die, the stane and ]?e sturdie,
Lipper lispane of the Udder ill,

of dubbis & dreggis to drink thy fill ; 330

no wyf will wische the worft -with hir will,
for ]?ow art not wurdie.

" The messillis, the mwillis, J^e mallange mak J?e mantane,
The fumyng, ]?e flewme, ]?e foothing, the flame,
The gelling, ];e guXsocht, ]?e gall-hauld, J?e gauntane, 335
The stane worme, Jje ringworme, not slaiking of swame,
The wirsome, Jje wraittis, not wormis be thow wantane.
The pluirasie, \>t pluckeuill, ay dwynand in ane dwame,
Hoikis hoillis in thy heillis, with the fyre of St Antane,
The louslie phirasie, the tarrie vncame, 340

Ay ryvand of ane reif of venymeous water.

The lymphat, lunscheo^r/^t lithargie,

The aikand aixis extasie,

Desyrand daylie for to die,

Bot nevir the better.^ 345

1 These stanzas occur only in the Tullibardine MS.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 55

[harleian

The painfull poplisie and Pest,

The rotte, the roupe, and the old rest,

With parleis and plurasies opprest,

And nipd with the nirleis. 325

156 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

" Wo worth," quod ]?e weirdis, " the wicht[is] that the wrocht !

Threid bair be thair thrift as thow art vanthrewin !

Als hard be thair hansell Ipat helpis ]?e [to] ocht !

The rottin rim of thy womb mt/i ruikis salbe revin ;

All boundis, quhair J?ow byddis, to baill salbe brocht; 350

Thy gall and thy gwiftorne to ]?e glaidis salbe gevin ;

Ay schort be thy sollace ; m't/i schame be []?ou] socht :

In hell mot ]?ow hawnt, and hyd the from heavin ;

And ay as ]?ow growis auld, So eik in [thy] anger,

To live y/i't/i lymweris and outlawis, 355

With hurcheonis, aittand hipis & hawis ;

Bot quhen ];ow cumes quhair ]?e cok crawis,
Tarie no langer.

" Botht schame and sorrow on hir snowt that sufferis the to sowk;

Or scho J?at cairis for thy creidill, cauld be hir cast; 360

Or bringis onie bedding for thy blae bowk ;

Or lowsis af thy lud^eotis so long as they lest ;

Or offerris the ony thing all the lang oulk ;

Or first refreschis ]?e -wztk fuide, albeit J?ow suld fast ;

Or quhen thy duddis ar bedirtin, ]?at givis thame ane dowk ; 365

A[l]s gromes, quhair thow grainis, at thy gruwtill be agast ;

Als freamit be thy fortoune. As foule is thy forme.

First, sewin 3eir, be thow du;;/ and deif ;

And eftir that, a comwoun theif :

Thow art markit for a meischeif, 37°

Foule vnworthie worme !

" Vntrowit be thy tounge, ^it tratling all tymes.

Ay fals be thy fingeris, bot laith to co«fef^.

All cuntreis quAat'r thow cwmes accuse J?e of crymes ;

Ay ]7e langer that thow live thy luk be the left. 375

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART, 1 57

[harleian

"Woe woorthe," quothe the weirdes,^ "the wicht^^ ]mt the wroocht!

Threid-baire be there thrift as thow art wanthriuen !

As hard be ther handsell that helps the to ought !

The rottin rime of thy wombe with rock^^ shall be reaven ;

All bound^j, wher thou bides, to baill shalbe broucht ; 330

Thy gall and thy guisserone to gled^^ shalbe given ;

Ay schort be thy solace ; with schame be [thou] sought ;

In hell mot thou haunt, and hide the from heavin ;

And ay as thou auld growes, swa eikand be thy anger.

To Hue with limmers and owtlawes, 335

Vith Hurcheons, eitand hippes and haes ;

Buit quhen thow comes quhaix cock^ ^ crawes,
Tarie ther no longer.

" Shame and sorrow on her snout that suffers ]?e souk ;

Or sho that cair^^ for thy cradle, cald be her caste ; 340

Or bring^^ ony bedding for thy blae bouk ;

Or XovL^es aff thy ling5eiki- so lang as they may lest ;

Or o^tres the any thing all [the] long owke ;

Or fyrst^ refresheith the^ withe food, howbeit thow should fast;

Or, quhen thy dnMes are beshitten, that giues the ane douk ;

All groomes, quhen thow greit^i', at thy ganting be agast. 346

Als froward be thy fortune, as fouU ill thy forme.

First, seavin ^ears, be thow dumbe & deiff;

And after that, ay a common theife :

Thuft art thow marked for mischeif, 350

Foull wnwoorthie worme !

¥.27 a. " Wntrowed be thy tongue, yett tratling all tymes.

Ay the longer that [thou] lives thy lucke be the lesse.
All Cuntreys quher thow comes accuft the of crym^^ ;
And fals be thy fingers, bot lothe to confeft : 355

' MS. wordes. ^ Interlineation. * Interlineation.

158 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

5 it still be ]?ow reivand, bot rude of thy rymes.

All ill be ])ow vsand, and ay in exceft.

Ilk moone be J?ow mad, fra past be the pryme[s] ;

Syne plaigit mtk povertie, thy pryde to oppres. .

With wolfis and wilcattis thy weird be to wander; 380 1

Draiglit throw dirtie dubbis and dykis ; i

Taigilt and towsilt witk toun tyk/x.

Say, lowsie lowne, Q(uhat evir ]?ow lykis ;
Thy tounge is no sclander."

F. 5 a. Fra ]7e weird sisteris saw the schaip of that schit, 385

" Littill luk be thy lot," quod they, '^(\uhair |?ow lyis."
" Thy fowmart face," quod Jje first, •' to flyt salbe fit."
" Nikniven," quod }?e nixt, " sail nureische J?e thryse ;
To ryde post in Elphin none abiller nor it."
" To dryve doggis furth to dryt," |?e third did devyse :
" All they dayis sail ]?ow be of thy bodie bot a bit. 391
As suche as ]?ow seames, als scharp be thy syse."
Then dewlie they deimit, quhat deid it suld die.

The first said, " suirlie of a schot " ;

The nixt said, " In a ryn^and knot " ; 395

The thrid, " be thrawing of ]?e throt,
Lyk a tyk on a trie."

The[n] wilfullie voitit the weirdis in ane voce,

The deid of ]?at daiblet, and then they w/t/zdrew ;

To let it ly ]?air allone, they \hocht littill lose, 400

In ane den be ane dyksyde, or the day dew.

Thair a cleir cumpany cum eftir close,

Nickniven w/t>^ hir nymphis, in nomber anew,

With chairmes from cathnes and chanrie of Roft,

Quhais cw«ning co;?sistis in casting a clew ; 405

Sein ]?at same thing they said to ]?ameself :

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 59

[harleian

Ay reaving and raigne in rood raterrymes.

All ill be thow vftand, and ay in excese.

like moone be thow madd, Fra past be the prymes ;

Still plagued with povertie, thy pryd to oppresse.

With warwoolffs and wild cat^^ thy weird be to wander ; 360

Draiglit throw durtie dubbej & dik^^- ;

Tousled and tugled with toun tykes.

Say, lowsie lyar, quMt thow lykw ;
Thy tongue is no sclander."

Fra the sisters had sene the schaip of that sheitte, 365
" Littill lucke [be] thy lote, ther quhare thow lyes.
Thy froward face," quoth the first, " to flytte shall be fitt."
" Nieniren," quoth the nixt, " shall nurish the twyfte ;
To ryd post to Elphin non ableer nor it."
"To dryve dogg^j out^ of dirt," the third can devise : 370
" All thy dayes schall thow be bot of thy bodie a bitt.
Als suith is this sentenc, as scharp is the sysse."
Syne dewly thej demannd, qukat deith it should dy.
The first said, " surlie of a schoote " ;
The secund, " of a runing knotte " ; 375

The thrid, " be the throuing of his throat,
Lyk a tyk over a tree."

Quhen the weirdsister^^ had thus voted, all in a voice.
The deid of the dablet, and syne then withdrew ;
To lett it ly all alane, thej tho«r/zt it litle losse, 380

In a den by a dyk, or the day dew.
Then a cleere companje and soone after closse,
Nieniren with her Nimph^J, in number anew.
With charmes from caitnes and chanrie of Rosse,
¥.276. Whois cuning consists in casting of a clewe ; 385

They seing this sarrie thing, said to themselves :

^ Interlined, and might be 'but.'

l60 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

"This maikles monstoz^r is meit for ws,
And for our craft commo6.\o\i^ ;
Ane vglie aip and incubus,

And gottin of Elf." 410

Thir venerabill virginis quhome 56 wald call wiches,
In tyme of thair triumph, they tirlt me that taid ;
Sum bakward on broidswis, & sum on blak bicheis,
Sum, in steid of ane staig, over ane stark munk straid.
From the heavinis to the hellis, sum hobbillis, sum hichis ;
\Nhk J?air mowthis to ])e moone, sick murgeonis they maid.
F. 5<5. Sum, be force, & effect, the four windis fichis ; 417

And, nyne tymes, wirdersones, about the thorne raid ;
And glowrand to J^e ground grivouslie gaipis.

By craft co^Hurand feyndis by force. 420

Furth of ane carne, bysyde ane croce,

Thir ladyis licht fra thair horft,
And band ]?ame vfith raipis.

Syne bairfute and bair ledgit, to bapteift that barne,

To ane well went thy west, by ane wood syde ; 425

They saw the schit all beschyttin and soipit in charne.

On ane thre headit hecate in haist J^air they cryit :

" As we have fund in this feild this fundhn forfarne,

First, his faith he forsaikis, in the feynd to co«fyde.

Be vertew of thir wordis & of this raw 3arne, 430

And thryse thre and threttie knottis on ane blew threed ;

And of deid menis memberis, weill schewit in ane schoe,

Quhilk we have band from top and tae,

Ewin of ane hundreth men and mae :

Now grant ws, devillis, ere ve gae 435

Our dewtie to doe.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. l6l

[harleian

*' This thriftles thing is meit for ws,
And for our craft comodious ;
Ane vglie ape and Incubus,^

Gottin with ane elffe." 390

Thir venerable virgin^j whonie the world call witchw,

In the tyme of ther triumphe, tirrd me the taide :

Some backward raid on broodsowes, and some one black bitch^^,

Some, in stead of a staug, over a stark monnke strade.

Fra the how to the heicht, some hobles, some hitch^x; 395

Withe their mouths to the moone, murgions thej maid.

Some, be force, in effect, the four wend^^ fitch^j ;

And, nyne tyms, withershini?j-, about the throne raid ;

Some glowring to ground, some greivously gaipif^r ;

Be craft conjurand feind /(?H"orce. 400

Foorth of a cairne, besyd a croce,

Ther ladies lichtand home their horse.
And band them with raip^x.

Syne bairfoote and bairlegd, to baptise that bairne.

Till a watter they went, be a wode syde ; 405

They fand the shitte all beshittin in his ^ owin shairne.

On three headed Hecatus, to heere them, thej crjde :

" As we haue found in the feild this foundling foorfairne,

Firstt, his faith he forsakes, in the to confide,

Be v,?rtew of ther wordi?^ and be this raw ^airne; 410

And quhill their thryse threttie knott/x on this blew threid byd ;

And of ther mens members, weell sowed to a schoo,

^Vhilks we have taine, home top to tae.

Even of ane hundreth men & mae :

Now grant ws, goddesse, or we gae, 4 1 5

Our dewties to doe.

1 MS. Ineubus. 2 ^5. the.

l62 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART,

tullibardine]

" Be ]?e moving of J?e mone, mapamone/ & ]?e kingis ell,

Be phlegitoun, the sevin starnis, and Ipe Chairlvane,

Be the hicht of ])e heavin, and lawnes of hell,

Be all the brether of belliaUis buird in ane band, 440

Be the pollis, J)e planeittis, and singis all tuell.

Be Jje michtis of J?e moone — lat mirknes remane, —

Be the elementis [all] that our craft ca;^ compeW,

Be the floodis Infernal!, and fureis of pane.

Be all the ghaistis of our gang, that dwellis ])air doun, 445

In signe of stikis, that stinking strand,

And pluto, that ouv court command,

Resave this harlot of our hand.
In name of Mahoun.

F. 6 a. " That this worme, in our wark, sick wonder ca« wirk ; 450
And, throw poysoun of ];is poyd, o?^r practic prevaillis
To cut of our cwwmer to cum to the kirk.
For the half of our help I hauld heir is haill.
Let nevir ]?is vndoche of evill doing Irk,
All boundis quhair it bydis may brocht be to baill. 455
Of blift let it be als bair as ]?e birk,
That tittest ]?at taidrell may tell ane ill taill :
Let no wo in Jjis warld to ]?is wrache be wantit."

Be they haid said, the fyre flauch flew ;

Bothe thunder, weit, and windis blew ; 460

Quhair be the cw/«ing cuw/meris knew
Thair asking wes grantit.

Quhen Ipe cuwmeris that crab vfitk pluto co^tractit,^
They promeist, as parentis, [syne,] for thair awin pairt,
Ane mother of mischeif, an they micht mak it, 465

Ane Imp of all ill most meit for Jjair airt.

^ maxamone.

^ The order of this stanza and the next is reversed in Hart's edition of 1629
(see Cranstoun's print). The Harleian text would appear to have been copied
from a version following the same order as Hart's ; but the scribe has omitted
thirteen lines by passing from the tenth line of the stanza to line eleven of the
next. See opposite page.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POL WART. 1 63

[harleian

" Be the heiht of the hevins, & be the howneft of hell,

Be the weind^i', and the weird^j, & the charlewaine,

Be the homes, the handstaffe, and the kinges Ell,

Be thunder, be fyreflaucht^j, be drouthe, & be raine, 420

Be the PoUes, and the plannetts, & the sign^^ all twell.

Be the mirknes of the moone — lett mirknes remaine —

Be the element^j- all, that our craft^i- ^ can compell,

Be the feind^j' infernall, and the furriex in paine —

Gar all the gaists of the dead, that dwels ther doune, 425

In Lethe and Styxe the stinkand ^ strand[s],

And Pluto, that ^oz/r courts commands,

Receiv this howlett aif our hands,
In name of Mahoune ;

" That this worme [, in our] worke, some wonders may wirk; 430

And, throgh the poysone of that podde, our partiquies prevaill

To cutt off our cumber frae coming to the kirke,

For the halfe of our help and hes it heir haill.

Lett never this vndoght of ill doing irke,

Bot ay blyth to begin all barrett & baill. 435

Off all blis lett it be all^ bair as the birk,

That titest the taidrell may tell ane ill telle :

Lett no vice in this world in this wanthrift be wanted."

Be they had said, the fyrefiauchts flew ;

And as they could the[y] maid it whryne. 440

Itt shaine the self ay sensyne
The baird of it so bair.^

Fra the kumwers that crab had with Pluto contracted.
They promist, as parents, syne, for ther owin pc^e,
A mover of mischeife, and thej mycht, for to do it ; 445

as an imp * of all ill, most apt for ther art.

1 MS. drafts. 2 ^g. sturkand.

^ Cf. lines 486-8 on page 164. See footnote on page 162.

* MS. a Nimphe !

l64 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Nikniven, as nwrische, to teich it, gart tak it,

To saill the see in a sive, bot compas or cairt ;

And milk of ane harin tedder, that wyfis suld be wrakit,

And Ipe kow give ane choppin wes wont give a quart ; 470

That bairnis suld bane baith bloode & banis,

Quhen they haue neither milk nor meill ;

Compellit be hunger for to steill.

Then sail they give him to the deill,

Ofter nor anes. 475

Fra the dames devoitlie haid done J^air devoir,
In having that hurchoun, they haistit ]?ame hame,
of |?at mater to mak amangis ]?ame na moir,
saifing, nixt, ]?at Ipe Nunes ]?at nirlend suld name,
thay cowit ther [the] kytrell, the face of it bair, 480

And nippit it so done neir, that to sie it wes schame ;
Syne callit it peild poUart, they peild it so sair,
" Quhair we clip " quod J^e cwwmeris, " it cu;/zmeris na kame,
F.6^. For we have [heght] to Mahoun for hansell his hair."

They maid it lyk a scrapit swyne ; 485

And ay as they pold it, they gart it quhryn,
And schuif, as we may sie syne,
I'he face of it bair.

Be ane eftir midnicht, }?air office they endit ;

for then it wes na tyme for trumpowrzi' to tairie : 490

sum bakvard on biches and broodsowis bend[it],

that cruikit crokadeill [they] quyt w/tA Jjame they carie.

vnto Ipe cocatrice in ane creill they send it ;

quhair, sevin ^eiris, it sowkit, sweillit, singit and sarie.

The [kin of it] be Ipe cry, incontinent kend it, 495

feching fude for to feid it, from the feild of pharie.

Ilk elph of J?ame all broch ane almond oisteris ; ^

* Cf. correct reading on p. 165.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 65

[harleian

NiENiREN, as Nurish, to teach [it], gard tak it

To saill sure in a seif, but compas or cairt ;

And milk of ane hairne tedder, tho<r-^t wyffes should be wraik/t,

And the kow giv a choppin was woont to giv a quart. 450

Mony hahes and bairn^j shall blis thy bair banes,

Qu/ien they haue nether milk nor meill ;

Compeld for hunger to steall :

Then shall thej giv to ])q devill.

Able ofter nor anes. 455

Being after midnycht, ther office was ended :

Al that tyde was no tyme for trumpers to tarrie :

Syne backward, on horsebacke, breiflie they bended ;

That camiosed cokatrift they quyt with them cary.

To Kait of Creif, in a creill, soon they gard send it ; 460

Wher, sevin ^ears, it satt, baith singled & sarrie,

The kinne of that, be the cry. Incontinent kend it ;

Syne fetchet food for to feid it, furth fra the pharrie.

Ilk elffe of them all brought ane almous hous oster ;

1 66 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Bot wes no dayntie dische ;
Ane foul phlegmatik fowsum fiche :
Insteid of sawthe, on it they piche. 500

Sic fude [feid] sick foisteris !

And first fra ]?e father, syne sindrie haid fed it,
Mony mwnkis and marmaidynis come w/t/^ ]?e mo];er.
"Black boiche on ]7air bouk," quod thay, "that first breid it!"
Ay offerring J?at vndoche fra ane to ane viper : 505

quhair that serpent [had] sowkit, sair wes to sched it.
bot belyve it began to bwkill the brother.
In ]7e bark of ane bowrtrie, quhylluwis they bed it.
Thair taillis wM the tounge of it, they lyk and ruther ;
Sum fartand, sum flyrand, thair phisnomeis ]?i flyp ; 510

Sum schevilland ]?air chaftis, and slavere chek[is] ;

sum luiking lyce in ]?e crown of it keikis ;

sum in thair oxteris it cleikis,
Lyk a bagpype.

¥.70. With mudgeounes, and murgeounis, and mowing ]?e bane,
They leit it, they lift it, they loif it, they lak it, 516

They graip it, they grip it ; It greitis, they grane ;
They bind it, they baw it, they bed it, they brat it.
It skitterit, it squeillit ; they startit ilk ane,
quhill ])e ky in the cuntrie startillit and chaisit, 520

qz^/^/lkis rairing ran rid wood, rowtand in a rane.
]>e wild deir in thair den Jje din hes displasit.
The cry wes [sa] vglie, of aipis, elfis, and owlis,

That geift and geislingis cryis & craikzly ;

In dubbis dowkit duikis & draikis ; 525

All folkis, for feir, Jje feild/j forsaikis ;
And the toun tykis 5owlis.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 167

[harleian

Indeed it was a dentie Dishe; 465

A Foull flegmutricke foulsome fishe ;
In staid of sault, on it they pyshe.
Sike food feid sike a foster !

Syne, fra the fathers side fynlie had fed it,
Mony monkes and marmasits come with the mother — 470
Blacke botche fall the breist and the bellie that bred it !
Ay offered they that vndoght fra ane to another :
Where that smatched hade sucked, so sair it was to shed it.
But beleife it begane to buckie the brother.
In the barke of ane bourtrie, whylloms they bed it. 475
All talking ^ vfkh ther tongues the ane to another,
With flirting and flyrring, ther fisnomie thej flipe ;
F. 29fl. Some, lookeand lyce, in the croune of it keik^'.y;-

Some choppis Jje kedd/5 into ther cheekes ;

Some in there oxtere hard it cleek^5, 480

Lyk ane auld bagpype.

Withe mud3ons, and murgeon^-, And moving the braine,
They lay it, they last it, they lowfte it, they lease it,
.They graipe, they gripe it ; It greets, and the[y] graine.
They bed it, they baw it, they binde it, they braste it. 485
It skittered, it scarted ; they skirlde Ilk ane :
All the kye in the cuntrey they skarred & chased,
That roaring they ^ woodraine, and rowted in a raine.
The wyld deir fra there denne ther dine hes displaced.
The cryes so vglie, of elphs, aips, and Oules, 490

That geese and geisling cry^i- & craikw ;

In dubes doune [douks the] doiks & draikes ;

All beist^i-, for feare, the feildes forsaikes ;
And the toune tykes 3oulles.

1 MS. tuckine. ^ jyis. breikzV. =* MS. th.it.

1 68 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Sick ane mirthles music theft menstralkV did mak,

That cattell keist capriellw behind vihh Ipair heilhV ;

Bot littill tent to Jje toune []?air time ^] leit Jjame tak, 530

Bot rameist ran reid-wood, and raveld ]>e reill[is].

fra Ipe cuwmeris thame knew, they come wz't/^ a crak,

To co«iure the vndoche, mtk clewis and creill[is] ;

All J?e boundis Jja/rabout grew bleknit & blak :

for the din of that daiblet raisit Jje devilb>. 535

To cowiure wit/i a clap, fra caves they came far ;

And for godbarne gift they gave.

To teich that theif to steill & rave ;

Bot ay Ipe langer ]?at it live,

The warld be pe war. 540

Finis quod alex"". Montgomerie

Pollart.

F. 10^. THE LAST AND THRID FLYTTING AGANIS
C. ALEX''. MONTGOMRIE, AS ANE REPLY
TO HIS THIRD INVECTIVE, BEGINAND
IN THIR WORD/5: IN THE HENDi5R END.

Infernall, froward, fumus fureis fell !

Curst, crabit, ca??kert sclawe, cowper to quell

5on chairibald, ^on cative execrabill.

provok my pen profundlie to distell

Sum dour dispyt, to daunt ^on dewill in hell, 545

And dryve, w/t>^ duill, to deid detestabill,

That mad, malitious, monstowr miserabill ;

Ane tyk tormentit, tratling out of Tun,

That rynis reid-wood, at ilk mid/V of ]?e moone.

^ MS. to twne.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 69

[ha R LEI AN

Sike a nurishles musick ther menstrales did mak, 495

Whilk kye caist capreles behynd with ther heeles ;

Little tent to their tyme the tone ^ leot them take,

But ay remaniest reid-woode, and raveild in ther reiWes.

Then the kumer(?i that 3e ken came all with a clake,

To conjur that Cod3oigh, with clewes in ther creeles ; 500

Whill all the bounds them about grew blaickned & blacke :

For the dinn of theift daiblett^i' raisd all the devills.

To concurre in the cause they were come so farre ;

For they were godbairne gifts wald giv,

To teache the child to steall and reaue ; 5°5

And ay the longer that it leiv,
The warld should be the warr.

Ipolwarts 3 flvtim against /iDountgoumrie,

JntCrnall, frawart, feaming furryes fell !

Curst, cankerd, crabd clotho ! help to quell

3on caribald, ^on cative execrable : 510

Provyd my penne profoundlie to distell

Some dure dispyte, to daunt ^on devill of Hell,

And dryve, with dulle, to death detestable.

This mad, maliciouft, monstoz^r miserable ;

Ane tyk tormented, trotting out of towne, 515

That rynes reidwoode, at ilk mides of the moone.

1 MS. tome.

lyo THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

ReveilP ^our rairing [rage] and eger Ire, 550

Inflamit wz't/^ fairfuU thundring thudis of fyre

To plaig the poisonit pykthank pestalent.

yiiih fleing fyreflauchis burning bricht and schyre,

Devoir ^on devillish dragone, I desyre ;

And waist his wareit venym violent. 555

Co^iure ]?is beistlie begger impotent :

Suppres all power of king pluttois sprit,

That ^ byddis and barkis in him als blak as let.

Bot, reikis rewkis and rewinis, ere 56 ryve him,

desist, delay his death, quhill I discryve him; 560

Syne ryplie to his rude raving reply.

To doolfuU dollo?^r derflie, or ^e dryve him,

Throw plutois power, all pleaft?^r I depryve him ;

The loun ^ ma;^ lik his womeit, and deny

His schameles sawis, lyk sathanis slavish smy,* 565

Quhais maneris, with his mismaid memberis heir,

Dois correspond, as planelie dois appeir.

His peild pallat, and vnpleasant pow.

The fowsome fidkis of flaeis dois overflow,

with vamis and wond/^; all bleknit full of blainis 570

Out our ]?e nek ; athort his nittie now

Ilk lowsie lyce lurkand lyk ane lint bow,^

His hairie hair, and bruisit, birny branis

Weill baillit, ]3e bluid evanischit from his wanis ;

wz'tA scoiris and crakis athort his froisnit front, 575

In runkillis run ruwth in ]7e stewis brunt.

His luggis baith lang and lasie quhz. can bot lak,

That to ]?e trone he can so mony tak ?

yjtih blastit bowellw, boldin v^ixh bristin ^ baill,

and streichlie hairis blavin widdersins abauk. 580

^ Hart, Renew, ^ MS. And. ^ mS. toun.

* MS. slavishing. ^ MS. pow. « MS. brist in.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 171

[harleian

F. 29<J. Resceiv ^our roaring rage and eager Ire,

Inflamed with fearful! thundring thudded of fyre,

To plague this poysond pykethanke pestilent.

With flieing fyreflaughts burning brycht & shyre, 520

Devore ^on develishe dragon, I desyre ;

And waist his wearied venome virolent.

Conjure this braislie begger Impotent :

Suppres all power of this evill spereit,

That bid^i- & bark^^ in him alft black as leit. 525

But, Reikie Rookes and Ravens, or ^e riue him,
Desist, delay his death, whill I descryue him ;
Syne Ryplie to his Reauing rood Reply.
To dreadfuU doUour derflie, or ^ea dryue him,
Throgh Plutoes power, pleasure to depryue him, 530

The loune may licke his vomit, & deny
His schameles sawes, lykes Sathans slaiuish smy,
Whois maner^^, with his mismaid members heere.

His peild pallat, and vnpleasant pow, 535

The fousoume flocke of fleaes dois overflow,

With wames and woundes ; all blackned full of blaines

Out over the necke ; athort [h]is neatie nowe

Ilk louft lyes lucked lyk a lardge Hnt^ bow.

That hurtes his harnes and pearce them to his paynes ;

Whill witt and v^^-tue vanished fra the vaines ; 541

With scarts and scores athort his fro^in fronnt,

In Rankells rune, within the stew brunt.

His luggs baith lang and leane quha can but lacke,
That to the trone hes tane so many a take ? 545

With blasted bowels, bounden with bruised bluid ;
And happing hairs blowin withershines Aback.

1 Line omitted in MS. ^ Illegible in the MS.

1/2 THE FLYTJNG OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

for fundrit i beistis, for fault of humoz^r wak,

Hes not J^air hairis so sned as totheris gude.

The blairit buk and bystour, to conclude,

Hes richt trim teith, sum quhat sett on ane thraw,

Ane toppit turde richt tewchlie for to taw. 585

With laidlie lippis, and ly;^ning-syd turnd out ;
His noift weill lit in bacchus blude about ;
his stinkand end corroptit as men knawis ;
Contageous cankerft clairis his sneivilling snowt ;
his schewin schoulderis schawis ])e mijrkis, but dout, 590
of tarledderis tewch, tyris and v]?er tawis,
and girdis of gaylayis, growand new in gawis.
F. II 6. Swa all his fowsome forme thair[to] effeiris,

quhair v^t't/i, for filth, I will not fyll 3o?^r earis.

BoT of his conditionis to carp for a quhyll, 595

and compt 50W his qualiteis compassit wi'tk cair,

appardoun me, poettis, to alter my styil,

And wissel my werft, for fylling ]?e air.

Return/«g directlie agane to Argyle,

Qti/tair last ]?at I left him baith bairfute & bair, 600

Quhen richtlie I raknit thy race verie vyld,

Discendit of a dewill, as I did declair —

Bot quAilk of ]?e godis sail gyde me aricht,

Abhorring sa abhominabill,

Sua doolfull and detaistabill, 605

sua knavishe, canker [d], execrabill,
And vareit ane wicht ?

^ MS. fundeit ; Hart, foot-foundred.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 173

[harleian

For fundred beiste^, for fault of foodde full weak,
Hes not there haire so snood as other good.
The blaired bucke and bysto?^r, to conclude, 550

Hes right trume teathe, somwhat sett in a thrawe,
Ane Toped turde right tewchlie for to taw.

F.3oa. With laidlie lipps, and linning-syde turnd out ;
His nose weill little in bacchus blood about ;
His stinking end corrupted as men knawes ; 555

Contogiouft cankers carues his snasting snoote ;
His shaven shoolders schawes the markes, no dout,
Of tewch tairledders, Tyrs and other tawes,
And girdes of galeyes, ground now in gawes.

Swa all his foulsome forme therto effeires, 560

Vith whilk, for filth, I will not fill '^our eares.

Zbc Second pairt of polwarts 3 jflining.

JSOt of his conditiones to carpe for a quhile,

And count 50W his qualities compast with caire,

Appardone me, Poetes, to alter my style,

And wyslie my verfte, for fylling the air. 565

Returning directlie againe to argyle.

Where last J^at I left him baith bairfoote & baire.

Where rightlie I reckned his race verie vyld,

Descending of devills, as I did declaire —

But quhilk of the gods will guyd me aright, 570

Abhorring so abhominable,

So dulefull and detestable.

So knavishe, cancerd, execrable.
And wearried a wicht ?

174 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

In Argyle, with ]?e gate, he ^eid amange glennis,

Ay vsing Ipe office J?air of a beist,

Quhill blistles was banisit for handling Ipe hennis ; 6io

Syne fordward to flanderis fast fleid or he ceist.

from Ipe poore anis ])e pultrie he plukit be ]?e pe«nis,

Incressing In corpis ; Ipe hart in his breist,

And Curage, inclynit to knaverie, men ken^is,

To pestilent purpoisft planelie he preist.^ 615

Bot trewlie, to tell Jje trewth vnto 30W,

In nawayis wes he wyse ;

He vsis cairtis and dyce,

And fled na kynd of vyce,

Or few, as I trow. 620

F. 12 a. He was ane fals schismatik, notor[ious]lie namit ;
Baith hurdome, & homeceid, vnsell he vsit ;
for schismes, and Symonie, ]?at smachart wes schameit ;
Pryde, Ire, and Invy, that vndoche abvsit.
Of caching, and coweitting, bitterlie blameitj 625

for baidrie, and bordaling, lukles he lufit ;
[Thrist ^], drynes, and drinking, that devill defamit ;
fals, fen3eit, and flytting w/t/z [flaterie] infusit ;
Maist sinfull and sensuall — schame to reherf^ !

Quhais feckles fuilichnes, 630

And beistlie brukilnes,

Can na ma«, I ges,
Weill put in verft.

Ane vairloche, ane woirwolf, ane wo what of hair, 634

Ane devill, and ane dragoun, ane doyld dromodarie ;
Ane counterfute cuistroun that clerkis dois not cair ;
Ane claverand cohubie that crakis of pe farie ;
Quhois favourles phisnome dois dewlie declair
His vyces and viceousnes. thocht I wald warie,

^ MS, preisft. ^ Blank space in MS.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. I75

[harleian

In argyll, among Gaites, he ^ead within glenns, 575

All there vsing Offices of a bruit beast,
Whill blisles wes banished for handling of henns ;
Syne forthward to flanders fast he fled or he ceast.
Frome poore anes the pultrie he plucked be the penns,
Delighting in thift ; the hart in his breist, 580

And Couraig, inclyned to knavery, men kennis,
To pestilent purpos^^ playnly he preast.
Bot trulie, to tell all the treuth wnto 30W,

In nowayes wes he wyse ;

He vsed both caird & dyce, 585

And fled no kynd of vyce,
Or fewe,^ as I trow.

F. 30*. He was ane fals Chismatick, notoriouslie named;

Both hoordoome, homicid, vnsell he vsed ;

With all the sevine sinnes, the smatched wes schamed ;

Pryde, Ire, and Invye, this vndooght abused. 591

For greedie coveteouftnes bitterlie blamed ;

For badrie, and bordelling, luckles he loved ;

Thrist, drynes,2 & drunknes, the dytour defamed ;

• Fals, fein3eid, with flytterie & flaterie infused ; ^ 595

Maist sinful! and sensuall — shame to rehearse !

Whof^ fecles folishnes

And beastlie brucklenes,

4

• • • •

Weill put into verfte. 600

Ane warloche, ane warwoolffe, Ane volbet but hair,

Ane devill, and a dragon, ane deid dromadarrie ;

Ane counterfit Coustro?m that clarcks doth cair,

Ane clavering Coohoobee that craks of the pharie,

Whais favo?^rles fisnome doth dewlie declaire 605

His vices and viciousnes. altho I wald wearrie,

1 MS. flewe. ^ MS. dryves.

^ MS. refused. ^ Line omitted in MS.

1/6 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Arcandam astrologia, a lanterne of lair, 640

Affirmis his bleiritnes, to wisdome contrair,
betaikniwg bothe bobbing and beldnes in aig,
Greit fraud, and fals dissait,
Capping •vfiih coyd conceat ;

witnesft sum verf^ he wreit, 645

Half in a rage.

Ane Anagrame,^ also, concerning that race,

Suirlie sayis, it is a signe of a licherous lowne.

His pailnes mixt pairtlie •^ith broun in the face,

Arcandam ascryvis to baibling ay boun, 650

And tratling Intemperat, tymeles but place ;

Ane cowart, ^it cholerik, and drunk in^ ilk toune.

And als his asft earis, an signe in schort space,

That frenatik fuil sail grow mad lyk mahoun,

Bot 5it sail he live lang, allace, q?/-^/lk wer loB ; 655

for sick ane traitling trato/^r.

And baibling blasphimat07/r,

wes nevir formit of ndXoui —
Sua gukit ane guise.

Quhois honorabiW origine, ])t note of his name, 660

Callit etimoligie, beiris richtlie record :

His surname, it flowis fra tua ti^nnes of defame —

from mont & gomorath, (\uhaix dewill/>, be ]?e lord.

His kynsmen, wes clenelie cast out, to his schame,

That is of J?air clan, quhome chryst hes abhord ; 665

and beiris of J?e birth place J^e horribill name,

Quhan sodomeit synneris w/t/z smwik wer smord.

Now sen all is suth is said son3ie,^

Vnto ]>e cappit clerk,

A prettie peice of wark, 670

That bitterlie dois bark,
I mak * ]?is reply.

1 MS. Indagine. ^ MS. drunkin.

* Line incomplete. ' Sonjie,' scribal error for 'smye.' Cf. p. 177.
■* MS. has 'k' written over 'y.'

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. I77

[harleian

Arcandams astrology, ane lainterne of laire,
Affirms his blairdnes, To wisdome contrairrie,
Betaiking baith baibling and boldness of ag[e],

Great fraude, and fals deceat, 610

Capped with quyet conceat ;
Witnes some verse he wreat,
Halff daft in a rage.

His Anagrame, also, concerning that race,

Says surlie, it is a signe of a lecherous loune. 615

His palen[e]s mixt pairtlie with broun in the face,

Arcandam descryues to babling ay boun,

And tratling Intemperat, tymles, but place ;

A Cowart, ^ett collerick, and drunk in ^ in ilk town.

And als his asse eares, they signe in short space, 620

The frantick fooll shall grow made lyke mahoun,

But 3it shal he - Hue long, quhilk, allace ! were a los ;

for sic a tryed t[r]aito?cr,

and babling blasphematoz^r,

wes never formed of nature — 625

Sa gooked a goosse.

F. 31 a. Whais origine noble, the note of his name,
Called ETiMALOGiE, heirs x-^ch'CixQ. record :
his surname doth flow from twa terms of deffame —
frome Mount and Gomora, where devils, be the lorde,
his kinsmen, wes cleinlie cast out, to his shame, 631

That is of there Clan, quhom chryst hes abhored ;
And beirs of the birthplace the horrible name,
Where sodomeit sinners with stinking were smorde.

Now sen all his suith that's said of this smye, 635

Wnto that capped clarke.
And prettie pece of wark,
That bitterlie doth barke,
I may this reply.

1 MS. drukin. ^ MS. shalhe.

M

178 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.
tullibardinr]

ANE VTHER.

Vyle villane, vane, and war nor I have cald ]?e,

Thy widderit vane ^ is dawmischit, deid &, dryit.

Beschittin bystour bodie, I forbaid ]?e 675

To mache with me, or elis J?ow sail deir by it.

Thy speich but purpois, sporter, is espyit.

That wreitis of wichis, warlochis, & of wratches ;

Bot Invective aganis him J)ow defyit,

Rob stene,^ ^e raif, forgetting quhom ^e mache. 680

Leve boigillis, brouneis, gyr carlingis, & ghaistis :
dastard, ]?ow daffis, that wi'tA sic dewillrie mellis.
Thy peild perambillz'^ alft prolixtlie lastis ;
Thy reasonis sawres of reik and nothing ellis ;
F. 13 a. Thy sentences of swit richt sweitlie smellis, 685

Thow [sat] neir the chymlay [nuik] }?at maid ]?ame,
Seik be J^e ingle, amangis jje oister scheUis,
Dreidand my danger, durst not weill debait Jjame.

Thy tratling, tinklar, wald gar ane taid spew.

And cairl cattis veip vinager vfz'tk bothe J^air ene. 690

Thow said, I borrowit blaidis, qukilk is not trew :

The clene contrarie, smachart, salbe sene.

I neuir haid of that making ^e mene

ane verft in wreit, in print, or ^it perquere ;

quAUk I can prive, & clenge me wonder clene ; 695

ThoiT/^t singill votes no wreit^r can forbeir.

^ Hart, wame.

^ In the margin of the MS. the scribe has written, ' Kot stene }>e kingw
fuile.'

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. I79

[harleian

polwarts last fl^tiuGC against
/IDountaomrie.

THH^l^ villane, vaine, and warse nor I haue cauld [thee],

Thy withered vane is damnified and dryd, 641

Beschittin bystour, bauldlie I forebad thee

To mell with me, or els thow should deir buy it.

Thy speach but purpose, sporter, is espyed,

That wryts of witchs, warloks, wraths, and wratchs ; 645

But invectives against him weill defyed,

IROb stevin, thou ravis, forgetting whom thow matches.

Leife boggils, bruneis, gyre carlings, and gaists ;

Dastard, thow daffs, that with such develirie mels.

Thy peild preamables our prolixlie lests ; 650

Thy reasons savoz/rs of reeke & nothing els :

Thy sentences of suit rycht sweetlie smells,

Thow satt so neare the chimney nuik that made thame.

Fast be the Ingle, among the oister shells,

Dreadand^ in danger, durst no weell debate thame, 655

F. 31 b. Thy tratling, Truiker, wald gare taid<?^ spew,
And kerle catts weepe vinegar with ther ein.
Thow said, I borrowed bladw ; that is not trew :
The contrarie, fals smatched, shalbe sene.
I never had of that making ^e mene 660

Ane verft in wryt, in print, or 5it perqueir ;
quhilk I can prove, & clenge [me] wonder cleene ;
Thor/^t single word^J no wryter can forbeare.

1 MS. Dread and.

l80 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

To prive my speikin probabill & plane,

Thow m&n confeft ]?ow vsit my Inventioun :

I raknit first thy race ; syne ]30w agane,

In ]?e same sort, maid of thy maister mentioun. 700

Thy wit is walk, with me to have dissentioune,

for to my speichis Ipow nevir maid reply.

at libertie to ly is thy intentioun :

I a«ft?/(?r ay, quhilk ]?ow dar not deny.

Thy freindis ar feyndis ; of aipis ]?ow fen^eis myne ; 705

witk my assistance, saying quhat ]?ow can.

I compt sik kynred ^ better 3it nor thyne —

Cheiflie of beastis ]?at ar most lyk to men.

grant, guif^, ]?at myjinventioun waris the tha;/,

wit/i out ]?e quh'lk |70w micht haue barkit waist : 710

and laid the ground quhairon thow, beist, begane

to big Ipe barge ^ quhairon ]?ow braggis maist.

The lak of Judgment may be als persa.wit.

Thir tua cheif pointis of reasoun wantis in Ipe :

Thow attribuittis to aipis, quhair thow hes ravit, 7 1 5

The illis of horft ! a monsterous sicht to sie !

na vaerveW that ill wyn ill wairit be ;

for all thir illis thow staw, I am certane,

from simplis dytmentis of ane horft did die.

Or port^rfeildis that dwellis into dumbartane. 720

F. 13 b. Amangis theft illis of aipis, quhiWi thow hes tauld,
Thocht to ane horfte perteining properlie,
Thow puttis J?e spaven in \>q former spauld,
Quhilk vsis in Jje hinder hocht to be.
fra horsmen anes thy cunning heir and sie, 725

I feir auld AUane haue no moir ado :
AUace ! puir ma« ! he may ly doun and die,
Syn thow succeid to weir the siluer scho.

1 MS. kynrik; Hart, kindred. Cf. p. 181.

2 Hart, brig. Cf. p. 181.

THE FLYTING OK MONTGOMERIE AND POLWAKT. l8l

[harleian

To proue my speeches probable and plaine,

Thow must confesse thow vseed my Invention : 665

I reckened first thy race ; syne thow againe,

In that same sorte, made of thy maister mencioun.

Thy witt is weake, with me to have discention,

For to my speeche thow never made reply.

Att libertie to ly is thy Intention : 670

I Answeire ay, quAilk thow cannot deny.

Thy freind^.f ar k'mdes ; of Aips thow fen3es myne ;

With my assistance, saying all thou cane.

I count such kinred better 3it nor thyne —

Cheiflie of beast^.y that most resemble mane. 675

Grant, if that my invention wars thyne then,

Without the quhilk thow might haue barked waist :

I laid the grounde whairon thou, beast, begane

To big the bridge whairof thou bragw maist.

Thy lake of ludgment may be als perceaued. 680

Ther twa cheif poynt^^ of reason wantw in thee :

Thow attribut^^ to aips, quher thow hes reaued.

The Ills of horft ! ane monstrous sight to see !

No marveill thoght ill wyne ill waired bee ;

For all the ills thow stawe, I ame ryc/it certayne, 685

from Semples ditmente^ of ane horB did die,

of PoRTERFEiLD£.? that dwelt into Dumbartane.

F.32a. HmonOS the lUs of aips, that thow hes taulde,
Thogh to a horsse perteyning properlie,
Thow pnttes the Spavein in the forder spald, 690

That vses in the hinder hoche to bee.
Fra horse-men anes thy cuning heir & see,
I feir auld Allane gett no moir adoe :
Allace ! puir mane ! he may ly doune & dye.
Syne thow shall succeede to weare the silver shoe. 695

1 82 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Forder ]?ow fleis \i\.h vther foulis vingis,

0?/rcled w/t^ cleirar coViouxis nor thy awin, 730

But spea'allie wzt/^ sum of simpilbV thingis,

Or for ane plukit guif^, thow haid bein knawin ;

Or lyk ane cran, In mowt-tyme soone owrthrawin,

That man tak ay nyne steppis befoir scho flie ;

So in ]?e gut ]?ow micht have stand and blawin, 735

As long as thow lyis graveUit, lyk to die.

I speik not of y:>ux viteous divisiounes,

Quhair thow ^ pronuncit, bot ^it pwponit bot pairt ;

Incuwmerit \vi\.h so mony coyd infusiounes :

qz^/^/lk schawis ye rimde ^ but rethorik or airt. 740

Thy memorie is schort — beschirew thyn hairt !

Speikand of ane thing, twyse or thryl^ at aneis,

And can not from ane proppit place depairt,

Except I wer to force the w/t/^ quhin staneis.

for crokodeill thow ^ 745

of ignorence, fy ! fuill, thinkis }?ow no schame ?

Thy pikkillit, puir paremeonis, but skill,

pykit from Irisch Italianis, ar to blame ;

beggit from poetis brokingis for to blame,

for laik of language I wat weill ]?ow dois it, 750

making that vertew vice to thy defame,

Quhair evrie mi^nym * aucht to be refuisit.^

F. 14 a. The thingis I said, gif ]?ow wald now deny,
Weining to wry ]7e veritie wz't/z wylis ;
Lik quhair I laid, and pikill of that py : 755

Thy knaverie knawin, credence from J)e expellis ;
The feckles folic all |7e air defylis ;
I find so mony faultis, ilk ane oar vther,
first, I man tell the all thy staitlie styllis,
Henc[e] I beteich Jje to thy birkin brother. 760

' MS. throw. - MS. rinde. ^ The rest of this line is avvanting.

^ MS. miwmyn. ^ This stanza appears only in the Tullibardine MS.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 183

[harleian

jf Hl*t)Cr thow flies with other (oules vfinges,

over-clade withe cleerere collo^^rs then thy awin,

but specialHe with some of Semples things,

or for ane plucked goofte, thow had bein knowin ;

Or lik ane Craine, in mounting sone ouerthrowen, 700

That must take ay nyne stepps befoir she flie ;

So in J?e Goute thow might have stand & blowen,

Als long as thow lay graveled, lyk to dye.

I speak not of thy vitiouft diuisions.

Where thow pronounces, and ^it propones bot pat'n ; 705

Incombred with so many tryed confusions :

Quhilk schaws thy ryme But rethorick or airt.

Thy memorie is short — beschrew thy hairt !

Telling ane thing over, twyfte or thryse at^ines

And cannot frome ane proper place depairt, 710

Except I were to frigg the with quhin stones.

The things I said, if that thow would deny,

Weaning to wrye the veritie withe wyls ;

Lick quher I laid, and pickle of that pye :

Thy knaverie credence fra the quyt exylls ; 715

Thy fecks follie all the air defyls ;

I fynd so many faults, ilk ane over other.

First, I must tell the all thy staitlie styls,

And syne bequeth the to thy birken brother.

184 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

POLLART GUID NIGHT.

FoNND flytter, scheitt schytter, baccoun bytter, befyld !

blunt bleitter, padok speitter, pudding eitter, perverft !

hen pluker, closet muker, hous cukker, vere vyld !

Tanny cheikis, [I] think ];ow speikis \iith thy breik/i', foul erft !
Woodelyk hudepyk, ay lyk to live in lak ! 765

flour ])e pin, scabbit skin ! eit it in Jjat J?ow spak.

Gum gait, gallit and scald, foul fawit, quhy flait Jjow ?

Steill 50W, fill tow, J?ow dow not defend ]?e.

Rum royt, found floyt, doyld doyt, sillie fuuill !

Quhat if I wald out cry, fy ! fy ! folk wald fell the. 770

Sweir sow, ay fow, doyld kow, foul fall thy banis !

Richt styld, defyld, wood wyld, ilk mone aneis.

Tairie taid, mismaid, Invaid me if ]?ow dow ;
Lik laidill, husche paidill, schyt ]?e saidill, ]70wis be drest.
Kreschie sowtter, scho cluitter, mensche mowter, dar ]?ow mow ?
Swamp sandie, come fra candie, w/t/z grandie opprest, 776

Led preif, lo theif, mischeif on thy lippis !

blaird baird, thy revaird is prepaird for thy hippis !

Bumbill baitie, Ise defait the : now debait the, if Jjow dar.
Tarmigant, and ]?ow vant, Ise dant ]?ew/t// dinging. 780

Taid bak, swith pak, and thow crak, cum not nar.
Sillie snark, lene raik, rak ane aik vfiih ];e hinging.

vnhallat, peillit pallat, ryp wallat, quhen Jjow spotches ;

mischanchit, ill pancit, thryse lancit of Jje boches !

F,i4*, Saitling slaiker, glaid glaiker, rum raiker for releif, 785

Lounatik, frenatik, schismatik swin^eoz^r, sob !

Tuirdfacit, ay chaisit, almaist fyld for ane theif!

Meslie kyt, and J70w fiyt, deill dryt in thy gob.

Cruik mow, widdiesow, soone bow, or I wand the,

Hellis ruik, y^hh thy buik, leif ]?e nuik, I commdiad. ];e. 790

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 185

[harleian

jfOUC) flytter, shite shytter, bacon bytter, all defyld 1 720

Blunt bleitter, paddock pricker, puddein eatter, /^rverft !
Henn plucker, clossett mucker, houft caker, very vyld !
Tannie cheeks, I think thow speiks vthh thy breeks, foull ers !
Wood tyk, hoodpyk, ay like to live into lake !
Floure the pinn, scabbed skine ! eit it in ]>at thou speiks. 725

32^- (BulUGaC), bald skade, foull ^ faide, quhy flait thow ?
Steil 30W, fill tow, now thow dowe not defend thee.
Wha kend thy end, fals fiend,^ phantastick muill !
theif smye ! they wald cry, fy ! fy ! to gar end thee.
Sweir sow, doild kow, ay fow, foull fall thy banes ! 730

Verie vyld, defyld, ay woodwyld, ilk month anes.

Tarrie taid, thows defait ; now debait the, if thow dow.

Hush padle, lick ladle, shyt sadle, thows be drest.

Creishie soutter, shoo clooter, minche moutter, dar thow mow ?

3

• ••••••*

Fals preife, lean theiff ! mischeif fall thy lipps ! 735

Blaird baird, thy rewaird is prepared for thy hipps !

Erse slaiker, gled glaiker, roome Raiker for releiffe,

Lunaticke, frenatick,* Swingeor ! Sobb.

Turd facd, ay chasd, almost fyld for a theife !

Mislie kite, and thow flyte, lUe dryte in thy gobb. 740

Tout mowe, woodie sow, sone bowe, or I wand thee,

Hell ruik ! with thy book, leiue ]?e nuike, I comwand thee.

1 Repeated in MS. - MS. flend.

3 Line omitted in MS. "• MS. frematick.

1 86 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

Land lowper, licht scoipper, raggit rowpper, lyk a revin,
Halland schaiker, drawcht raiker, bannok baiker beschittin.
Craig in perrell, twm barrell, quyt ]?e querrell, or be schevin.

Hellis spark, skald dark, & ]?ow bark, I sail belt ]?e.

Scaid scald, oux bald, soone fauld, or I melt the. 795

Laisie luggis, leap luggis ! twm mwggis on J?e midding ;
Tanny flank, reidschank, pyk thank, I man pay the.
Spew blek, brek nek, cum and bek at my bidding.
Fals loun, mak ]?e boun, mahoun xndifi have Jje ;

Rank ruitto?^r, scurliquito«r, and luittowr, nane fower, 800

Decrest, opprest, possest w/t^ plutois power.

Cappit knaif, proud slaif, ^e raif vnrokkit ;

Quhill/^ slaiverand, quhiWis claverand, and vaiferand wzU vyne.

greidie gukkit, puir vnplukkit, ill Instructit, ^eis be knokit.

Gleyit gangrell, auld mangrell, to ]7e hangrell \tXh pyne. 805

Callumniatowr, blasphimatoz^r, fals trato?^r most vntrew,
Thy cheiping and peiping, w/t/^ weiping J70W sail rew.

Mad manter, vane vanter, & hanter of sclavrie,
Keillie lippis, kis ^ my hippis, in grippis Jjowft behint.^
Pudding prikker, bang |7e bicker, nane quiker in knaverie. 8 1 o
Baill brewer, poysone spewer, mony trewer hes bene tint.

Swyne keiper, dirt dreiper, throt steiper fra ])q drowth !

Lieand lywmer, mony trimmer, I ma/? sky?«mer in thy mowthe.

Fleyit fwill, mad mule, die in duil on ane aik.

knave kend, christ send euill end on ];at mow ! 815

Pudding wricht, out of sicht thowse be dicht lyk a draik.

lok blunt, thrawin frunt, kis ]?e cunt of ane kow.

Purspeiller, hen steiller, cat keiller, now I knaw ]?e.

Rubiato//r, fornicato^r by natowr, foul fa the !

1 Line omitted in MS. ^ MS. Kif.

« Cf. lines 809-810 with Harl. MS., which has the same order as Hart.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART. 1 87

[harleian

Land louper, light skouper, ragged Rouper, lik a Raven,
Halland shaiker, draught raiker, bannock baiker, all beshittin.
Craig in parrell, toome the barrell, quyte the quarrel!, or be
shavi[n]. 745

Rude ratler, commone tratler, poore pratler outflittin !
Hell sparke, scalded clairk, & thow bark, I shall belt ])ee.
Scad skald, overbald, sone fald, or I melt thee.

Lousie \ugges, leape luggs ! toome the muggs on ])e midding ;
Tanny flank, reedeshank, pykethanke, I must pay thee. 750

Spew blecke, wooddie necke, come & becke at my bidding.
Fals loune, make the boune, Mahoune must have thee ;
Ranke riato«re, scurliquhittor ! and luitore, nane ^ fower,
Decrest, opprest, possest with plutoes power.

Capped knaue, proude slave, ^e reave ay wnrocked ; 755

Whils slauerand, whils stamerand & wavering with wyne.
greedie gouked, poore and plucked, ill Instructed, ^ew be knoked.
33«. Gleyde gangrell, auld mangrell, to the hangrell, & sua pyne.
Calumniatoure, blasphematour, wyld traitor vntrew,
Thy cheiping and peiping, withe weep[ing] thow shalt rew. 760

/IDa5t) man tor, vaine vaunter, ay haunting in slavery,
Pudding pricker, baing the bicker ! none quicker in knavery.
Kaillie lipps, kis my hipps, into grips thowft behind.
Baill brewer, poysan spewer, monie trewer had bein pynd.
Swyne keeper, landleeper, tuird steipar frome ]7e drouthe ! 765
Leane limmer, steell gimmer, I shall skimmer in thy mouth.

Fleyd foole, madd moole, die with doole on 2 ane aik.

Knave kend, cryst send [ill end] on that mowe !

Pudding wrycht, out of sight thow shall be dight lik a draik.

lock blunt, thrawin frunt, kill the cunt of a kowe. 770

Purfte peiller, henn steelier, catt killer, now I quell thee.

Rubiatowr, fornicator by nato?^r, foull befall thee !

1 MS. mane. ^ MS. or.

1 88 THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART.

tullibardine]

F. 15(7. Tyk stikker, spewd viccer, pot likker, I man pay ]?e. 820
feird fleir, loud leir, & gleir in ];e gallowis !
w/t/z a cunt, deid runt, I sail dunt qti/itW I flie the.
Buttrie bag, fill the knag, ];ow will wag witk the morrowis.
Coyd clatterer, skin batterer, and flatterer of freindzx,
Vyld, widderit, mathie midderit, & co^zfedderit wlt/i
feyndw ! 825

Blind brok, kift dok, boird bloik, banischit townes !

Allace ! theifis face, na grace for that gvun^ie !

Beld bissat, marmissat, lancepissat ^ to the lownes !

Deid dring, dryd sting, j^ow will hing but a sun^ie.

Lik butter, throt cutter, fisch gutter, fyl ])e fetter ! 830
Cum bleitand, and greitand, and eitand thy letter.

Finis

^ MS. lance pissat.

THE FLYTING OF MONTGOMERIE AND POLWART, 1 89

[harleian

Tyk stiker, Poysand vickar, pott lickar, I mane pay Jjee.

Feard flyer, loud Iyer, gocked gleyer on Ipe gallous !

locke blunt, deid runt, I shall dunt whill I sla thee. 775

Buttrie bagg, fill knagg, thow will wagg whA thy fellows ;

Tyrd clatterer, skine batterer, & flatterer of freinds,

Vyld, woodered, misordered, confeddered w/t/z feinds

:l

Blind blocke, loose dock, bord block, banishd tounes !

Alace ! theifs face, no grace for ]?«t groon^ee ! 780

bald bisset, marmisset, landprei^ed to ];e louns !

Deid dring, dryd sting, thow will hing bot a soon5ee.

lick butter, throat cutter, fishe gutter, fill ];e fetter !

Sone bleitand, & greetand, fast eitand thy laidlie letter.

finis,

Scriptum per me iObanCtU rUtbCrtUtt)
cum manu mea et non aliena.

jfinnis. Hmen.^

1 On F. 33 ^., besides some scribble, is written, " Vir sapit qui pauca loqui-
tur, the man is wyfie that speikf5 few things."

John rutherford
his buik.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS

(FROM THE LAING MANUSCRIPT)

LAING MS.]

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

F. 8 a.

[LUIF STILL IN HOPE WITH PACIENCE.]

UIF still in hope with pacience,

My gentill hairt, for all thy woo.
Quhy ar[t] thow euer so [in] suspence ?
Quhy threat je in jour body so ?
Quhy is all plesure past je fro ? 5

Quhy art thow so dismaid but sence ?
Quhy art thow to thy self sic fo ?
Luif still in hope w/t/z pacience.

F. 8fi.

Althor>^t I leive in mirthles mone,

Half mingled wzth melancolie,
Wald god ]>e day sail come anone,

That ]?ow thy awin desyre sail sie ;
Altho^T/^t it cum no^,^t instantlie,

As 5e wald wift with diligence,
5it on na wayis je weirie be,

Bot luif in hope with pacience.

In Luifis court quha listis to duell.

At euerye schoure J?ai may nocht schrink,
Bot oft man suffer stormes fell,

And of J>e well of dolo?^r drink ;
No thing can gar ]7ame wray nor wrink,

No thing can do to thame offence,
Bot pacientlie that thay will think,

To luif in hope with pacience.

10

15

20

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 93

[laiNG MS.

Hope is J»e onlie meit remeid, 25

For J>ame J>at lyis in memorie ;
Hope causis captivis demit to deid,

In presoun Strang richt blyith to be ;
Hope causis men in rageing see,

To sowme ihockt ]?ai sie no defence : 30

Hope causft luifaris, verrilie,

To luif in hope w/th pacience.

Hope causit Jacob fourtene 5eiris

In bondage baft for to remane ;
F. 9 a. Hope causit atrides and his feiris 35

In Troy ten jeiris to fecht full fane ;
Houpe causit penelopie to refrane

Lang tue«tie 3eiris in obseruance :
Hope causit luifaris to constrane,

And luif in hope w/th pacience. 40

My Ladyis hert is nocht of Stone,

I watt sche will noc/it sie me die ;
I watt sche is noc/it sic ane one

As, god forbid, se crueltie.
Hir gentilnes assuris me 45

My service sche will recompance.
Assuring hir that qu/iill I die.

To luif in hope with pacience.^

O peirles peirle of pulchritude !

O cheif charbucle of chaistitie ! 50

O deaisie deir ! O rubie rude !

The fairest flour of feminie.
O plicht-anker of constancie !

Eccept my seruice but offence,
Assuring 50W J^at quhill I die, 55

To luif in hope w/th pacience.

Finis.

^ The MS. has a line dravm between the last two stanzas, perhaps to indicate
that the poem is not completely given.

N

194 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

II.

[SUEIT HAIRT, REIOS IN MYND.]

F. 9 b. SuEiT hairt, reioft in mynd,

With conforte day and nicht,
3e haue ane luif as kynd

As euer luifit weicht ;
Thochi I be out of sicht, 5

Latt nochi jour courage fall,
My JoyfuU hert and licht,

3e haif and euer sal.

My bony burde, be blyith,

And 36 sail find me so lo

Imprent to jow, I kyith,

To latt 30W nocht be woo ;
Quhaireuer I ryde or go,

3e sail nochi sorie be,
My leill luif, hert, and loo, 15

Nane hes my hairt bot je.^

And jie, my trew luif sueit.

This do 3e nocht gang stand,
My blyithnes for to beit,

As I serve at 30ur hand ; 20

To think me nochi constand,^

My bony burd, lat be :
My constant hairt sail stand

To 30W (]uhi\\ ]?at I die.

^ A stroke is drawn between this stanza and the next.
2 MS. has ' d ' written over ' t'

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 195

[laing MS.

F. 10 a. I bid no mair of 30W, 25

But god grant 30W his blift :
God be als blyith of 30W,

As I wald be of Jjis,
5our lillie lippis to kift,

Thinkand J'at mynd of 30uris, 30

My awin trew luif sche is,

That luifis hir paramouris.

Finis quod nescio.

III.

[WO WORTH THE FALL OF FORTOUNIS
QUHEILL.]

F. 10 a. Wo worth the fall of fourtounis quheill,

That was so cheangeabile vnto me !
Than, quhen I thor/^t me sure and weill,

Thow threw me down rycht suddanHe ;
Syne causit all my pleasures be 5

Turnit in doloz^r day and nicht,
For absence of hir fair bewitie,

Quha onlie hes my hairtis licht.

Schir Troyalus was nocht opprest

W/t/i sic lamentabill peirsit payne 10

For Cresceidis luif, quhome he luifit best,

Wald into troy turne ViOchX. agane ;
Bot 5it, sueit hairt, I mak 50W plane

Of ]?is oure pairting so suddanlie,
I may nochi langer ]?is remane, 15

Sen all my pleasure is gone from me.

196 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

F. 10 b. I am into dispair, allace !

Agane I will 50W newer sie,
Remane or hant into >e place

Quhair I may beir 50W company ; 20

Bot 5it, sueit hairt, I testifie,

My constant hairt sail noc/zt remove,
Albeit 5e haue fra me absent be,

Quha onlie hes my hairtis love.

Finis quod nescio.

IV.

[PREPOTENT PALME IMPERIALL.]

F. 13 a. Prepotent palme Imperiall,

Of perfyte pulchritude preclair !
O lusume Lamp Etheriall,

Quhais beamis bricht hes no compair !
3 our angell face, fragrant and fair, 5

Hes me bereft of my puir hairt,
Quhais perfytnes I will declair,

Gif 3e wald tak it in gude pairt.

My witt of knawlege is to faint,

W/th barrane speich and harbour brane, 10

My toung vnabile is to paint

That constant lufe }>at dois remane
Within my hairt, w/th greif and payne.

For laik of knawlege to furth schawe ;
Sens I can noMt \t same explane, 1 5

O wald to god 302<;r grace wald knawe !

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 197

[laiNG MS.

0 happie war the Rethoriciane,

That with sueit wourdis wald lament it !
Alft happie war the gude musiciane,

Wald sett and caus it to be prentit; 20

And in ^our graces hand present it,^

Sua that 36 wald reid and pervs it,^
To knaw so soir I am tormentit,

So that my grosnes war excusit.

F. 13 d. The vehement wodnes of the wind, 25

Or rageing of J^e Roring sey,
Nor cannownis w/th ]?air thundering din,

Nor 3et in battels for to be,
Throw force of armes tho^At I suld die,

War nockt so grevous to my hairt, 30

As to schaw furt/^ my mynde to J>e,

Or latt 30W knaw my painfull pairt.

For quhen I haue declairit at large

My mynde to 50W w/th diligence,
And hes committit all J^e charge 35

To 30ur wisdome and excellence,
Or jit to 50W suld do offence,

That I so bauldlie durst proceid.
Than suld I tak in patience.

Ilk day to die ane sindrie deid. 40

Quhairfore I humele pray jour grace,

Latt my complaint cuw peirf^ jour eareis,
Gif pitie in jour hairt hes place.

As be jour pulchritude appeiris ;
Than suld I noc/tt, w/th fludis of teiris, 45

Bevaill the day, nor weip ]>e nicht.
Nor jit be faischet w/th deidis feiris,

Throw absence of ^otiv bewte bricht.

1 MS. presentit. ^ MS. pervsit.

198 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

F. 14 a. Lyke as it is the li3airtis kynd,

Of mannis face to pray hir fude, , 50

So nature still steris vp my mynd

To wew 30ur peirles pulchritude ;
Quhairfore schortlie to conclude,

Lat clemencie in 30W be schawin,
And nocht of mercie so denude, 55

As rigorouslie to slay '^oux awin,

Quhat vantage hes ane armit knychi,

His 5eild in presoun for to kill ?
Or be (\uhat equitie or richt,

May he on him his rage fulfill ? 60

Lykewyse, sens I am in joz^r will,

And for ^oux pitie dois imploir,
Lat 30ur sueit confort cum vntill

5our bundman now and euir moir.

Finis quod ane luifFar.

[KING CUPAID, GRACLES GOD OF GLAIKES.]

F. 32 a. King cupaid, grades god of glaikes,

Sen ))ou tskis pastym for to pyne
Thay sarwandw '\>a\. sick pleftz/r takis

To leif lyk sempell slaives of thayne,
Thow sell nocht hurtt >is hairtt of myne ;

I sell lett all }?ai flanis fle bay :
Schott on, thow sail bott trawill tyne :

Deirtt In J^ai nok, I ]:ie defay.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 199

[lAING MS.

I call >e king bott in to s[c]ourne,

Thay mo]?er, gwklett goddes quene ; lo

For sene ]>e our Ipat I was borne,

Thay baneist rebell I hawe bene.
Thay curtt I hawe contemitt dene,

And ever sell do quhiW I die :
In spaitt of >€, itt selbe sene, 15

Fra leuff I sell leif ever fre.

Blind ^ best, I bid >e bend >ai bowe,

Schairp w[e]ill ]?ai schaft, bind on J^ai braice ;
Than, drocht, do att ]>at >ow dow,

For luf I sell nocht say, ' aleft ! ' 20

Nocht throw gud gaiding, bott be grace,

I hawe eschewitt ]pai deidlie dairtt/V :
My freddome I'ow dar nocht defaice.

For all ]?ai bowttw of bludie hairttZ-y.

F. 32 6. In nathing 3eitt I hawe bene wyft, 25

except I newer folowitt ]>e ;
For all >e wylUs Ipovf can dewayft,

]?ai sleichtis sell neu[i]r subgek me.
na presens, nor perswationis slie,

sell newer mouf my mynd ane Inch ; 30

nor bewtie sell nocht blind my eie,

For I hawe leirnid to countt my kinch.

Thay painfull plessur/j & annoyis,

Thay hnkzs ]>at hundrethe hes orthraune,
Thay schortt delytt in constantt loyis, 35

Thy creweltie is ever schawin
Bott contra sik as is [thayne] awin ;

Sa, Fas tratour, vngraitt & periurd,
By art & prouff, >ai craff Is knayne

To me, quha newir >is kyndnes curd. 40

1 MS. Belind.

200 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Now of Jiai outtlawes I am ane,

Sell newer ser the for reward,
Be trane or tressone be I tene,i

For panis will be for me prepairitt ;
I sell nocht houp for to be speritt, 45

])at hes ]?ai dedlie wraithe deserwitt ;
Bott I sell stand vpoun my gaird,

Ay bodin as I wald be serwitt.

F. 33 a. 3itt sair, alas, I pittie some,

Thatt hes bene men of knawlege kend, 50

And jitt w/th the hes bene owircuw,

Quhais witt I can na wayis commend ;
As for mysellff, I sel defend,

And cairis nocht by J>ai feid ane ble,
Dischairging frindschip ; and so I end : 55

Fair will J^^t day I dyne wit/i the !

Finis. Amen.

VI.

[NAN LUFFIS BOTT FULLIS VNLUD AGANE.] 2

F. 36 d. Nan luffis bott fullis vnlud agane,

Quha spendis ^ J>air tyme and cumis na speid ;
Mak Ipis ane mexeme to remene,

Thatt luifis ^ beiris nan bott fullis at feid ;
And ]7ai gett ay ane gud geis heid 5

In recompence of all Jiair pane :
So of nacessetie man succeid,

Nan luifis bott fullis vnlude agane.
^ MS. sene.

2 This poem is by Montgomerie. See Cranstoun (Misc. Poems, x.) for
complete version of six stanzas from the Drummond MS.
^ tyns. i I,ove.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 201

[laING MS.

3itt wilP ane wyft man weilP be war,

And will nott wenter butt adwyft : lo

Gritt foullis, for me, I think ]?ai ar.

That seikw hett ^ watter wnder yse.
5itt sum mair welfull ar nor wyft,

Thatt for ]?air lufis saik wald be slene *
Bayand repentance on ^ ]?att pryce : 1 5

Nan luffis bott fulw vnnlud agane.

Thocht sume we sie In evere age,

Lyk as gukitt ^ fnh's gangis '^ gukitt gaittis,
Quhair ressone gettis na place for [r]age,

Thay luf Jjame best J>at J>ame bott cancent/j® 20
Same ^ of j^air ^^ foUeis wyttis Ipe fattes,

As desteneis ^^ did Jiame disdane
[Quhilks are bot cappit vane conceats] : ^'-

Nan lufis bott fulbV onlud ^^ agane.

VII.

[FRESCHE FLUREIS FAIR, AND LUSUM
LADIE QUHYTE.]

F. 82 a. Fresche flureis fair, and lusum ladie quhyte,
Off na.touris work in erthe the maist perfyte,
Gewe eir vnto my wofuU he wines :
This sedell schorte my sorrowis sail resyite,
And bitter greife, that dois my bowellis byte, 5

1 3e wot. 2 will. ' warme. ■* MS. bestene.

•' Buy on repentance of. ^ Lyk glaikit. "^ gang.

* They love best them vhilk thame bot halts. " Syne.

^^ Repeated in the MS. " Destinie. ^^ Line omitted in MS.

" MS. on lud.

202 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

That toung, nor tyme, nocht trewlie can expres ;
Bot being drewin throw dolour to distres,
Pane doithe me preis this paper to present,
In my absence, my langonr to lament.

For as the seik in dainger oft is sene, lo

lang tyme he hoipis for help of medecein,

his sair to cuir, and dollo«r to remeid ;

Sua haif I fund aganis my predestene,

The lang dissimulance of my cairis kene,

To my grit greife and sorrow to succeid ; 1 5

Q2^y^^/rthrow at lenthe, taisting the stoundis of deid,

Forceit I am ^our mercie to Imploir,

To be my leiche, or doUo^^ir me dewoir.

Oft in deserte I wander myne alone,

From day to nicht in mynd makand my mone, 20

Calling to count ])e caussis of my cair.

Sum tyme guid hoip ^our luiff trowis to obtane,

Sum tyme dispair byddis me lat it alane :

"^ouv hie estait to myne is na compair.

Sum tyme I think, quMidoiv sould I dispair, 25

Sen luiffe is blind, & fleis but Judgement ?

Qu/ian luiffe doith licht sould nane be miscontent.

F. 82 k Sua esperance my fyrie flameis doith feid,
Prowoiking will in purpois to pwceid,
Dryweand of tyme in rampart of the laife ; 30

And I agre, thocht I sould suffer deid,
Tyme to prowyde, quhill tyme prowyde remeid,
For tyme of tymeis to luiffaris is ^ releife ;
QuMk tyme, I dout nocht, gewe je haid to preife,
And my trew pairt and Fayt,^full constantnes, 35

Bot sumtyme 3e wald pitie my distres.

1 MS. ar.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 203

[laiNG MS.

Christ, gewe my Breist war of the cristell cleir,

That my trew hairt in presence micht appeir,

With ludgeing eis befifore 30W to be sene,

Thair sould 36 se ^our portratour but peir, 4°

5o?<;r face so sueit to me that is sa deir,

3o//r cheik, '^our chin, joz^r lywelie cristell ene ;

Thair sould 36 se ]>e dairtis and arrowis kene,

quhilk in ^our handis my bludie hert doith pers,

mair crewalie nor I can heir reherse. 45

With perceing eis, fra that I did persaife

the guidlie gift ]?at nato?/r to 30VV gaife,

5o?/r bewtie Bricht, ^our bountie but compair,

the wantoune 50uthe, qtiMk libertie doith craiffe,

Fredome forsuik & vald na fredome haiff, 50

bynding myself to be ^out pressoner ;

my mynd also opprest with crewell cair,

Into 5oz<!r will dois 3eld mt/iont ane straik,

refuseand lyfe and Fredome For 30z^r saik.

F. 83 a. O sueit, contreit, my spreit talk in ^oza hauld, 55

With hert Inwart, conwert my cairis cauld ;
lang thoc/it hes socht, and brocht me to this place ;
persaife ■^our slaiff, 36 hawe me as je wald,
heir to fulfill 3o«r will, my ffeit I fawld ;
Sen I apply, deny me nocht 30?<!r grace, 60

In neid, vith speid, remeid my crewall caift ;
It war to Far to mar me but offence.
Sen stay 3e may alway my wiolence.

Sueit thing, conding, benyng of memorie,

my Paneis to lane war wane but remedie ; 65

But sen 3e ken qu/iainn the msiter standis,

my sair dispair prepair to pacifie.

hawe reuthe, with trevftk, let nocM ^ota sch/ruand[is]

204 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

For stownd of wond ar found amang ^onr handzV ;

Bot sen 36 ken that men ar in 30z^r bandis, 70

Crowall at all 36 wilbe callit awayis,

to sla >e ma.n that 3eldw at '}out deuyse.

Finis. Amen, quod I Nisbit.

VIII.
[AS EIS AR MESSAGE TO pE HAIRT.]

F. 6 a. As eis ar message to ]>e hairt,

The hairt consultis w/th ]>e thocht,
So thocht and mynd consultis Inwart

To will, and quhen that thay haue wrocht,
Directis J>e handis, and handis hes brocht 5

This bill vnto 30ur guidlie heidis ;
3our guidlie heidis this send hes socht,

And socht is mercy and remeid.

Remeid man mend my mellodie,

Than mellodie is my desyre, 10

Desyre is medicene for me,

And medicene >at I requyre,
And I requyre luif to inspyre,

5our hert to myne, as myne is 3ouris,
That 3ouris ower myne may haif impyre, 1 5

And myne to serve 30W at all houris.

As at all hour I salbe readie,

quhen 36 ar readie to ressaue it,
Ressaue it, 3e [quha] ar my Ladie,

for 36 ar Ladie quha suld haif it, 20

Sen 5e suld haif it quha can craif it,

Craif it can none bot 30W allone,
To 30W allone now heir I laif it,

Now laif 3e it, my hairt is gone.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 205

[lAING MS.

IX.
[OCH, LUIF, IN LANGOUR HEIR I LY.]
F. 6 b. " OcH, Luif, in langour heir I ly

Interrogatis.l W/th WOfuU chcir ;

In luifis rage opprest am I,

As 36 sail heir,
That I am cassin clene in cair, 5

And confortles,
And woundit in jour bewtie fair

Wz'th sic distres.
Och love, haue pitie on my payne

And constancie, 10

And caus my wofuU cair refrane :

Sueithairt haue reuth on me."

She anfs««-w.2 «' '^ouv lust & languore I lament

Wi't/i hairt richt soir ; ^
3our Ramping rage, and jour intent, 15

Dois evill dischore ;
That je ar cassin clene in cair,

And confortles,
And woundit in my bewtie fair

With sic distres — 20

3e may gang seik sum medicene,

Bot nocht at mee.
Sum viper may that may 30W deine

3our lust to satisfie."

^ 2 In the margin in a different hand.
' Originally these two lines read —

och, loue, haif pitie on my payne,
with hert richt soir.

The alteration in the text has been made in a contemporary, but different, hand.

206 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

" My burd so bricht, baytA day and nicht, 25

W/th wofuU cheir,
Quhen Jjat 56 ar out of my sicht,

And luif but weir,
It dois me peirft so veheme;?t

In at my braynis ; 30

Sueit hairt, je suld be weill content

To eift my paynis.
It is 3^/^r luif J^at I do choif^

& crawe trewlie,
Al v])ir vemen to refuis : 35

Sueit hert haif Reuthe on me." ^

F. 7 a. " Quhy call 5e me 5our burde so bricht,

AnfsMn-M.2 Be day or nicht?

My freindis will cheis sum v]?er weicht

For me, I say, 4°

That of great kin and clan is cuwmit,

To be my maik ;
Thairfoir I pray 30W hald 3our tung,

3 our paynis to slaik,
And nockt perturbe 5our mynd no moir 45

in vanitie ;
Latt wit and wisdome 30U restoir,

And seik no louf of mee."

" O fragrant flouris of eloquenc[e],3

of femini[e], 5°

Sen euer in 30W is my pretens,

Quhill >at I die,

' Last four lines added in the same hand as has amended lines 13 and 14.
- In the margin in a different hand.
^ MS. eloquent.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 207

[lainG MS.

And sen I schaw Ipe suith full sueit

To 30W but weir,
Ane temperat tree will bear gud frute 55

Ainis in ]>e 3eir,
Althor>^t ]>e branches dois noc/it glance

In wemenis eie ;
3 it for 5our humble obseruance,

Sueit hert haif reuth on mee." 60

*' As fragrant ^ flouris of eloquence

I neuer knew,
Now as I sie, 56 man go hence,

And nocht persew,
F. 7 6. Nor braik ^our brane for me in vane 65

In ony wayis,
For sindrie tymes I schew [je] plane

Thair was na may is.
Go,2 plant 5our treis quhair euer je pleis,

And latt me bee; 70

Ressaue jour frute w/th mekill eis,

And seik na luif of mee."

" Now, I possessour of all cair,

Sueit ladie fair,
Till oppin my pak and sell no wair, 75

I say no mair,
For gif my life lay in jour luif,

Than war I lost ;
Quhen I offend, je may repruif

Me w/th gryte bost 3o

Heir as I meane je may obstene

From feminie,
Les nor jour grace, do as je meane :

Sueit hairt haif reuth on me."

1 MS. flagrant. 2 j^jg^ j^^

208 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

" O lustie lufe of luferis all," 85

This lady sayis,
" 3our wordis vv/th weping makis me fall,

This all my dayis,
To pas with 30W in ony place,

Quhair euer ^e pleift," 90

Into hir armes sche did him brace,

And to him sayis :
F. 8 a. " O trew luif myne, quMk is myne awin,

And ay salbe,
Desyring ^ow ]7at it war knawin, 95

That 3e wad marie me."

" To marie the ! " he sayis agane,

" How micht l?at be?
For sindrie tymes ^e schew me plane

My law degree, 100

And said thy frendis wald no<r/zt consent,

Nor gif 5e leive,
And bad me seik sum medicene,

Qiihilk did me greive ;
Most rissolut expell[t] my suite ^ 105

In termis hie : -
3e and 30ur freindis thay may go hence,

And seik no luif of me."

Finis quod nescio.

X.

[REDOLENT ROIS, MY ONLIE SCHOIS.]

F. 72 a. Redolent roift, my onlie schois,

I man disclois my siching sair ;
my frendle fois, thro<:/^t passing wois,

for to reioft I may no mair.
1 MS. frute. ^ Written over the word " intermitive," which is stroked out.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 209

[lAING MS.

qu/iat cruell cair, qti/iat deip dispair, 5

maybe compa.\rt into my pairt ?
quha may repair my siching sair,

or sail prepair to mand my smairt ?

Except my sueit, w/th hairt ^^«treit,

I do repeit w/th fervencie, 10

q?<j/^/Ik to retreit, luif causis fleit,

for sorrow, heit of ardencie.
Sen destinie, my libertie,

Alluterlie is reft away,
assuring me that I sail die, 15

Except 36 be ]>e onle stay.^

Sen ]>at I now on force mun bow

to 30W, in deid, to seik remeid,
houping thairthro 3e will allow,

to quha I bow I sail proced, 20

seiking but dreid, fsLvour, or steid,

Till atropis threid my lyve devoir :
To seik my deid, ^our name will spreid,

as homicede for euermore.

my hairt, convert ]?is dairt fra me, 25

my luif, remow J»is ruif of cair,
my deir, apeir, ]7at feir my ^ fle,

my dow, be now my conforter ;
F. 72 d. my bird, ^our word, as suord, is sair ;

my breist, is persit w/t/^ uyolence : 30

me saif, I craif, to haif na mair

bot hert for hert in recompence.

^ Between this stanza and the next a line is drawn in the MS.
^ my = may.

210 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

qnMk hert, as rube in this ring,

I do coniwr into '^our cuir,
Hoiping it sail get conforting, 35

ft^ruand ^our plesand portrato?/r ;
qukt]k, gif 56 do ressaue, be suir,

noc/it cowntting >is my crwell cair,
my lyfe my na langer Indwre,

quhill meittingi ... 4°

XI.

[MY FREIND, IF POW WILL CREDEITT
ME IN OUGHT.]

F. 33 a. My freind, if J>ow will credeitt me in oucht,

To quhome ]?e treuthe in trayall weill appeiris,
Nott worthe is witt quhill it be derlie bocht :

Thair is na wisdome bott in hoirie hairis.
5itt, gif I can of wisdome aucht defyne, 5

As Weill as wj^airis hawe of happynes,
Than to may wordis, my freind, >i eris inclyne :

The thingis >at male >e wyse ar thes I ges :

Feir god, and knaw >i self in eiche degrie ;

Be freind to all, familiar bot to few ; lo

to hcht of credeit se ]?ow newer be,

for trayall oft in trust dois tresone schawe ;
To wthairis faultis cast not to muche >ai eir ^ ;

Accuse na man of guild, amend lpa.i awin ;
of medling muche dois mischeif of [t] aryis, 15

And oft debaitt by tiekill toung is sawin.

1 Unfinished in the MS.

■^ ' eyes,' correctly in English version. See note.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 211

[laiNG MS.
F. 33 d. Quhat thing }7ow willtt hawe hid, to nane declair,
in word or deid bewer of had I wist ;
So spend ])a.\ gud J>at sum ]70w ever spair,

For freindis lyk halkzV dois soir frome emptie fist.^ 20
Cutt outt ]?ai cott according to ]>a.\ claithe ;
Suspectit persounes se ])ow alwayis flie ;
Beleue not him Jtat anes hes broken his treuth,^
Nor 5itt of gilt wz't/^out desert be fre.

Tyme quickUe slippis, be war how thow it spend ; 25

of wantoun 3outh repentz'x ane panefull aige ;
Begin na thing butt ane eye to ]?e end,

nor bow j^ai eir frome counsell of )?e saige.
gif thow to far lett out J^i fansie sleip,

and wittles will frome reasonnes rewle outstartt, 30

thy folie sell at lenthe be maid ]>\ quhipp,

And soir ]?e stryippis of schame sell caus J^e smartt.

To do to muche ftbr auld men is bott lost;

Of freindschip had to wemen comes ^ lyik gane ;
Bestow not J^ow on childrene to much cost, 35

For (:\uhaX. ]?ow dois for thais is all [in] waine.
The auld man, or he can requyt, he deis ;

Vnconstand is ]>& womanis wauering mynd ;
Full sone ]>e boy thy freindschip will despyis,

And him for luif ]70w sell ingratfuU find. 40

The agit man is lyik J^e barrane ground ;

The woman lyik ]?€ reid '\>at waggis w/t/z wind ;
Thair my na trust in tender age be fund ;

And of ]?e thre the boy is most vnkynd.
Ifif \>o\v haif fund ane faithfull freind indeed, 45

Bewer ]?ow lose not loufe of suche a one;
He sell sumtyme stand ]7e In better steid.

Than treasure greitt of gould or pretious stone.

^ I remember an old verse of Chaucer, ' With empty hand men should no
hawkis lure' (Maitland of Lethington to Cecil, Jan. 20, 1560),
- English version, ' troath,' to rhyme with 'cloath.'
^ MS. comemes.

212 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

XII.

[O FRAGRANT FLOUR, FAIR AND FORMOIS.]

F. 75 a. O FRAGRANT flour, fair and formoift,

And nyc/^tingall in to the nycht,
Quhat suld I say? thow art the choift,

Ane Lantern and ane Lamp of Lyc/^t.
I wait thair is na warldlie yiycht, 5

That for ^our favoz/r mair remanis ;
Quhan I think on 5oz/r bewteis hxycht.,

My spreit is pacefiit from panis.

I suffer tormenttis for 50?^r saik,

So \>zX my eyes wz't// tereis dois weir. 10

Ane cuwlie mak, 3e haif na maik,

Nor 3it in p^rsoun hes na peir.
Bot wnto fantus I efifeir,

Becaus I am tormentit so ;
Quhan he Xhocht on his darling deir, 15

his hairt was woundit ay with wo.

To teirris he did himself apply,

The dairttzV of luif so did him lance ;
Into the lyk estait am I,

Vpoun 50?/r persoun quhex\ I panft. 20

Quha;? of 5owr face I gett ane glanft,

'^oux bewtie dois my body bind ;
My panis wald pacefie, perchance,^

In caifi I culd 5o?ifr favour find.

F. 76 a. Suppoift ^om self I do no^//t sie, 25

3it I ly trappit In 50?^r tranis,
And \hoch\. my body absent be,

My constant hairt w/tA 30W remanis.

^ MS. perchanche.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 21 3

[lAING MS.

"^ouT cuwilie corpis so me r^??stranis,

That I for favo^^tr man procuir. 30

Be memorantive of my panis,

Qu/iilk for ■^our saik I do Induir.

VV/t/z dolour damone did dekay

for mentas luif, a[nd] so he deis,
quha had hir pictour present ay, 35

hung in ane brod befoir his eyes.
5it pancing on hir pr^iperteis,

maist madlie ^ ]?air he did amaift :
my luif surmunttes in ma degreis,

howbeid that daytA distroyit his dayis. 40

Now sen my lyf lyis in 3o?<!r handis,

remeid J>e doloz^r qu/iilk I dree ;
I am sa bund into ^ouv bandis,

that frome '^our kiif I can nocM flie,
beseiking 30W sa guid to be 45

me of my tormenttis to relax,
that onlie adamand ar 36,

Qjthairto my luife adheranttis takis.

XIII.

[GRUND THE ON PATIENCE, BLIND NOT THY

CONSCIENCE.]

F. 76 b. Grund the on patience, blind not thy conscience,
Do to God reuerance, thankand him ay ;
Preis the with dilligence to put away negligence ;
Content the with sufficience ; this worlde will away.^

^ MS. modlie. ^ Written in a later hand and repeated on F. 77 f>.

214

LAING MS.]

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

XIV.

[THE LUIF I BEARE IS FIXTT ON ONE.]

F. 8i b. The luif I beare is fixtt on one ;

I can Xiochx. declair >e lufe I bear ;
Itt dois me drav to leif alone :
The lufe I beir is fixtt on one.

Absence I meane garris me lament, 5

And wourkis me tene \

Absence I meane,

It garris me grene for my intent :

Absence I meane garris me lament.

Euen for hir saik, I tak >is cair ; i o

My hairt will braik, euen for hir saik ;
No grace dois laik, J^is flour so fair ;
Euen for hir saik, I tak l^is cair.

XV.

F. 10 b. Followis the ravisching of Beggis donaldsoun, future
spous to Thomas louthian, Merchea;/d.

JOHNNE NeSBIT.

F. II a. Suppois I be of simple clan,

Of small degrie and michtie name,
My father is ane welthe man,

Howbeit he be of littill fame.
To tell the treut/z I think noclA schame : 5

For sen I was compellit to file,
I durst xvQchX. duell w/th freindis at hame,

For feir that folkis suld raveis me.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 21 5

[laING MS.

Quhat fairlie ihoc/it I tuke ]>e flicht ?

I was persewit w/th lad and loun : 10

Rycht quyetlie into ]>e nicht,

From the falkirk I maid me boun.
My parentis may spair mony croun,

Of gold and geir thay ar richt ryfe ;
Thairfor thay brocht me to ]7is toun, 1 5

Heir for to be ane burges wyfe.

It is nocht lang sen he began(?,

My fatheris hous for to frequent :
Thay bad me tak ane mercheant man,

Quhome w/th I was richt weill content. 20

Fra tyme to him I gif consent,

My iveindis in haist gart feche me heir ;
That mariage he may sair repent,

As his schaft-bleid can witnes beir.

XVI.
[IN SOMER QUHEN pE FEILDIS AR FAIR.]

F. 14 a. In somer quhen J>e feildis ar fair,

W/th fragrant flouris ouer spred,
The grund depaintit euerie quhair,

Wz'th cullo«ris costlie cled ;
Quhen ]?at priapus out foirth fair, 5

That god of garding gay,
And beuche and branche and all was fair

Of all kynde frute I say.^

^ This is apparently the first stanza of a poem, the rest of which is awanting.
It concludes F. 14 a. F. 14 d. is blank, after which a leaf has been torn out.

2l6 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

XVII.

[I WIS I WAIR TRANSFIGURAT IN ANE RING.]

F. 69 b. I wift I wair transfigurat in ane ring,

To link about my maistris finger fyne ;
Or ellis into hir snaw quhyte hals to hing,

To be inclosit into hir bosome fyne.
Gif it war day, I culd my myne inclyne, 5

To wring hir handis and vew hir bewtie fair ;
Gif it war nicht, think \t that I suld tyne

That precious tyme \a\. war presentit ]?an ?
No, surelie, no, no, no, my maistris than

Suld find ane ring transformit in ane man. 10

XVIII.

[GLADE AM I, GLADE AM I.]

F. 79 a. Glade am I, glade am I,

my mother is gone to henislie,

steiche \^ dur & cache me,

lay me doun & streche me,

ding me, & dang me,

3e, gif I cry hang me —

3e, gif I die of J^e same,

Bury me, burie, in godd/j name.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 217

[lAING MS.

XIX.

[I HOIPE TO S^RVE, SANE SYNE TO DESERUE.]

F. 74 a. I HOIPE to fterve, sane syne to deserue,

Syne never for to suerue from hir ]>at I luif best ;
Qiihaix for, minerve, Imply my pen to ft^rve,
for to deserue su?n favour that may lest.^

XX.

[MY BREIST IS MAID THE VERRAY GRAIF

OF WOO.]

F. 12 a. My breist is maid the verray graif of woo ;

My sichis ar windis and tempestis of my cair ;
My hairt, allace, quMlk peirsit is in two,

Owerquhelmit lyis w/th cluddis of cauld dispair.
O thow, my sueit, my deirrest, and my fair, 5

quhois cristell eis my passioun hes increst,
drop doun sum grace q«/zzlk may my paynis impair,

And pitie him quhois mynd is woyd of rest.
This for jour saik and luif I am molest ;

This for jour saik thir sorrowis I sustene ; 10

This for jour saik I am so sore opprest,

That euermore in sadnes I remane ;
And euer sail qt^/iill that jour hevinlie face
Pronunce my dume, or ellis grant me sum grace.

Giffand w/th all dew reuerence, 15

Peirsit wz'th luif be violence,
To jow my hairt in governewce,

My ladie deir,
Quhois neue sueit wordis of eloquence,

Excell now heir. 20

Finis quod Constancie.

^ Written at the top of the leaf, the rest of which is blank.

2l8 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

XXI.

ANE DREAME.

F. 70 a. I DREAMIT ane dreame, o that my dreame wer trew !

Me thof/^t my maistris to my chalmer came,
And wztA hir harmeles handis the cowrteingis drew,

And sueithe callit on me be my name :
"Art 3e on sleip," quod sche, " o fy for schame ! 5

haue 5e XiOch\. tauld that luifaris takis no rest? "
Me X^ciochi I awsuerit, " trew it is, my dame,

I sleip no^-^t, so ^our luif dois me molest."
W/th that me tho^rAt hir nicht-gowne of sche cuist,

Liftit \q. claift and lichtit in my armis ; lo

Hir Rosie lippis me tho^r/^t on me sche thirst,

And said, " may this nochx. stanche 50W of 30?^r harmes ! "
" Mercy, madame," me thor/^t I menit to say,
Bot quhen I walkennit, alace, sche was away.

XXII.

[YOUR OUTUARD GESTURE, FORME, AND
FASSOINS FAIR.]

F. 73 b. Your outuard gesture, forme, and fassoins fair,

decleris ]7e invard secrettis of ingyne,
quheir is contenit sic verteuis hed and cair,

]?at al ]7e warld dois se in 50W to schyne,
resembling weil \q. verteuis raice & lyne 5

(\uhairoi ^e com ; quhois name to last for ay
is eternissid be 30W, and mede devyne

in register ]>al never sal decay.
quhairhy I hoip, mestres, hap (\uhai so mey,

for sic revard, as Justly I expect 10

to cum fra hir, qukm'r vertew beiris Ipe sway,

qi/hilk alvayis suld produice ]?e awin effect.
Sens as be nature, so ^e ar inclynde,
piece constancie into Ip'is verteuis my?;de.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 219

[laiNG MS.

XXIII.

[I SERVE ANE DAME MOIR QUHEITER
THAN THE SNAW.]

F. 74 b. I SERVE ane dame moir quheiter than the snaw,

Quhois straichtnes dois >e Ceder treis exceid,
Quhois teith surpasl^ ]?e oriant peirle in hew,

Quhois coUourit Uppis surmountis \)e. skarlet threid.
The hinging lokkis that cuwmis from hir heid, 5

Dois staing^e the grace and glorie of ]>Q gold ;
The braith qiehiWi dois out of hir mouth proceid,

Dois moir than fiotcns a sweitar smell vnfauld.
5it sche, allace, w/thin hir breist dois hauld

Moir feirsnes than the lyoun feirs and vyld ; lo

Sche hes ane hairt for seasoun hard and cauld,

That from my mynd all pleaftz^r hes exyld.
Loo, this my dame dois work my lesting soir ;
3it will I serve, altho<://t I die thairfore.

I. Arnot.

XXIV.
[THE ROYALL PALICE OF PE HEICHEST HEWIN.]

*

F. 77 b. The royall palice of ]>q heichest hewin,
the staitlie fornace of ]>q sterrie round,
the loftie wolt of wandring planettis sewin,
Jje air, J^e fyre, ]>e wattzV, & )>e ground —

220 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

suppois of thais Ipe science be profound, 5

surppassing far our gros & sillie sens,
The pregnant spreittis ^it of ]>e leirnit hes fund,

by age, by tyme, & lang experience,
Thair pitche, thair powir, and Inflwence,

the cowrs of natwre & hir mowingis all; 10

Sa J)at we neid nocM now be in suspence

off erthelie thingis, nor jit celestiall ;
Bot onlie of J)is monstwre luif we dout,
quhais craftie cowrs no owning can find out.

XXV.

[THE TENDER SNOW, OF GRANTS SOFT
& QUHYT.]

F. 78 i. The tender snow, of granis soft & quhyt,

Is no^y^t so sone conswm'it vith phebus heit,
As is my breist, beholding my delyte,

Pyneit \ttA Ipe ^presence of my lady sueit.
The surgeing seyis, wt't/i stormie streameis repleit, 5

Tormoylit no^>^t ]?e wandring shipis sa sair,
As absence dois torment my werie spreit,

fleitting a Roc/it betuixt hoip & dispair.
My cative corps consumis with cursed cair ;

Mistrust & dreid hes baneist esperance, 10

That I am forceit to perische quhae sould mair,

& trast ]>e wyte vpo;^ rememberance ;
Than absence, p;'^.f^nce, remembrance, all thre,
Torment me for hir saik eternallie.^

f
^ Underneath this sonnet are scribbled the names ' goirg hay,' ' lames
Arnot,' 'Ihone Hay,' ' loannes Arnot.'

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 221

[laING MS.
XXVI.

ANE SCOTTIS SONNETT.

F. 79 a. FIRST scrvc, sync sute, quhiles seme to lichlie luif,

gif thow intend to win thy ladyis grace ;
Serve hir, and sche thy constancie sail pruif,

gif in hir mynd that modestie haue place ;
Persewing hir may rander the relaise, 5

Or ellis thow can nocht conqueis hairtis desyre.
appeirantlie sumtyme to forgett, I gaise,

Hes na les force to kendill cupydis fyre.
hes thow nochi hard of mony leirant schyre

Thus sayit, 'flie luif and it will fallow the '? 10

Quhi[\i na wayis cowmandis the to espyire,

Bot wald ]>o\\ suld nocht perrell libertie.
Be trew, craue tyme, assoyt nocht gif thow can :
Find sche ]>& deschit, thow art ane marterit man.

XXVII.
F. 83 ^. SONET.

Thocht Polibus, pisander, and vith them,

Antinous, vith monie wowaris, than
Did preis for to suppryse, & bring to schame,

Penellope, in absence of hir man,
5it sche remanit chast as sche began, 5

To tyme vlisses happinit to cum hame;
That nane of thais as ^it, do quhat ]?ai can,

lang saxtene ^eiris dowr/^t to defyle hir fame.
Ewin so, most sueit, discreit, and mansueit muse,

Remewber on 5o?^r joldin ft/ruiture : 10

Thoill nane "^otix blaseme bewtie to abuse,

IhochX. thai vith leing lippis vald 30W allure ;
Bot sen my lyffe dois on "^our luife depend,
In trew luiflf with Penellope contend.

Finis.

222 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

XXVIII.

SONNETT.

F. 5 a. Nevere, madame, of ^our mercie me infold,

That I may remerciat, throuch •^oux mercie so,

To crave 50ur mercie, gif I durst be so bold :
W/thout 50ur mercie, my lyfe can haif no ho.

Craifing jour mercie, as hes done mony mo, 5

3our merciles peirles persoun, most preclair,

Imprent with mercie intill all tyme ago.

1

That, but 3our mercie, is trappit in '^oux snair.

Abyding jour mercie, and can no wayis eschew, 10

Sen bountie and bewetie, but mercie, ar but rair,

Haue mercie on me ]>at is jour lufair trew,
For except ]>a\. je mak mercie of remeid,
My awin tua handis, but mercie, salbe my deid.

Finis. Amen.

XXIX.

[SOME MEN FOR SUDDANE JOY DO WEIP.]

F. 34 a. Some men for suddane Joy do weip,

And some for sorrow sing,
Quhen ]7at ]>a.\ ly in danger deip,
To putt away mur[n]ing.

Retenen ]?ame tua, j^is I begin, 5

being in Joy and pan,
In siching to lament my sin,

bott jitt reioce agane.

' Line omitted.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. ~ 223

[laING MS.

My sinfull lyf dois still increft,

My sorrow is ]7e mor ; lo

Frome wiketnes I can nocht ceift,

Wo is my hairtt J^airfor.

Som tyme quhen I think to do wiell

And serue god nicht and day,
My wiecket natur dois rebell, 15

And leidis me astray.

As bonnd and capteue wnto sin,

Qukilk grewis me full soire,
This miserie I do Hue In ;

Wo is my hairtt ]7airfor. 20

In deid sumtyme I do repent,

And pardon dois obtene ;
bott 3itt, alace, Incontenentt,

I fall to sin agane.

F. 34 6. My corrup nature is so ill, 25

Oifending mor and more,
That I offend my lord god still ;
Wo is my hairtt ]7airfor.

Wo is my hairt, wo is my mynd,

Wo is my saull and spritt, 30

That to my lord I am vnkynd,

In quhome I suld delytt.

Hes lowe alwayis I suld regerd,
Qu/a'lk towarttzlf me was so peure ;

bott I with sin do him reward, 35

Most vnkynd creature,

224 ' MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

The best, ]>e bird, ]>e fiche, ]>e fowll,

Thair maker do obeay ;
Bott I, ]?att am ane leiffing sauU,

Am far much worft ]?an ]>a.\. 40

For Jjai, according to }>air kynd,

To serue him do nocht ceaft;
Bott I, w/t/^ sinffull hairtt and mynd,

Do daylie him displeift.

Thes do I sore complene of sine, 45

And withe king david weip.
For I do ffeill my hairt wt't/i'm,

The wairthe of god full deip.

F. 35 a. To hevene my eyis I dar nocht lift,

Aganest it I hawe trespast ; 50

Nor In Ipe eirthe I find no scheift,
Nor succoure ]>at can lest.

Quhat sell I do ? sell I dispair,

And frome my saweoure slyd ?
Nay, god forbid, )>air is na feir, 55

Sen chrest for me hes deid.

God became man and for ws men,

He died and rais again ;
Hes merci greitt, we may se J>an,

For ever dois remane. 60

Thairfoir my sinns will I confeft.

To god and mur[n]ing mak,
Quha will forgeif j^e same dowttles,

For his sonne Chrystis saik.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 225

[lAING MS.

If sin In me god suld respect, 65

Than do I knaw full will,
has Justice wald me sone rewers

To ]?e deip pitt of hell.

His glorius eyis can nocht abayd

the full and^ fillthe smuk, 70

quhairw/t/^ I am, on everie said,

Coweritt as mih ane Clok.

F, 35 b. Bott he in Chryst dois me behald,

In quhome he dois delytt ;
And myn offences manifold, 75

throw him releiffitt quytt.

Reputting me amang the Just,

Forgeifing all my sun,
Thairfor my faithe, my houp, my trest,

Sell ever be In hem. 80

O Lord, Increft trew faithe In me.

Thy guid spritt to me geif,
Thatt I my grow in lowe to the.

And evir seik to leiff

In trew obedience of ]>ai will, 85

And thankfullnes of hairtt ;
And yvixh ]?ai graice so gaid me still,

Thatt [I] my newir depairtt

Frome thy trew[th], lord, and testament,

all \>Q dayis of my lyff ; 90

nor frome ^ J^ai Churche most Innocentt,
thy awin trew spous & wyf.

i MS. fuUane. 2 ms. frome.

P

226 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Bott frome >att fillthie hour of rome,

Lord keip me ever more,
as gratiouslie as l^ow hes done, 95

thank/j- be to ]?e j^airfor.

F. 36 a. And sen thow hes of gudnes,

Forgevine all my sine,
Strenthe me >ai trewthe for to confeft,

And boldlie die J»airin. 100

Thatt as I hawe confessitt >e,

Befor ]>e wickitt sortt,
Thow may in >ai guid tyme knaw me,

to my Joy & confortt.

My Saull, returne vnto l?ai rest, 105

Thow artt will satisfeitt ;
The lord hes grantit >ai requist,

And nothing >e denayitt.

Prais be to god, >e Fa>er of micht,

praift be to ]>e, o Cryst, 1 10

praift be to >e, Helie gost,
Thre in on most heist.

Ft'm's.

XXX.

[PECCAUI PATER, MESER^i?E MEL]

F. 80 a. Peccaui pater, meser^re mei,

I am nocht worthie to be callit thy chyld,
quha stubburnelie hes went so lang astray,

nocht lyk the sone, but lyk the prodigall wyld.
my sillie saull with synnis is sa defylit, 5

That sathan seikw to cache it as a prey,
god ^ grant me grace that he may be begylit :
Peccaui, paXer, meserere mei.
1 MS. got.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 227

[lAING MS.
I am abaysed how I dar be sa bauld,

Befoir thy godUe presens till appeir; lo

Or ha^aret anis the heavinis for to behauld,

Quha am nocht wourdie that ]'e earth suld beir.
3it damne me no^/^t, quhome thow hes bo^/^t so deir ;

Sed saluum me fac, dulcis fili dei,
For out of luke Jfis leasing now I leir, 15

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei.

Gif thow, o lord, wz'tk rigour wald reuenge,

quhat flesche befoir ]>e fatles suld be fund ?
Or quho is he quhais conscience culd him clenge,

Bot by his brother is to sathan bund ? ^ 20

5it, of thy grace, thow tuke away ]?at ground,

And send thy sone our penulties to pay,
To saif ws from j^e hideous, hellische hund :

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei.

F. 80 d. I houpe for mercie, thocM my sinnis be hudge : 25

I grant my guilt, and gronis to ]?e for grace.
Thoc/^t I wald flie, qii/iatr suld I find refuge ?

Till heavin ? o lord, l?air is thy duelling place :
The earth, thy futestule, 3ea, in hels palace,^

doun w/t/^ ])Q deid ; bot all most ]pe obey. 30

Thairfoir I cry, quhtW I haif tyme and space,

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei.

0 gracious god, my guiltines forgeve,

In sinneris deith sen thow dois nocht delyte,
Bot rather ]?at \i2.\ suld convert and leive 3.<;

as witnes for thy sacret holy wryte.

1 pray the, than;z^, thy promeis to perfyte
Wz'th me, and I sail wzth ])t psalmes ^ say,

To pen thy prais, and wondrous workis Indyte,

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei. 40

^ ' Bot by his birth to Satan he is bund ?' — Drummond MS.

'^ 'alace,' Drummond MS. ^ 'Psalmist,' Drummond MS.

228 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Suppois I sled, lat me noc/it sleip in sleuth,

In stinkand sty w/th sathanis sinfull suyne;
Bot mak my tung Ipe trumpett of thy treut/z,

And len my verse sic vingis as ar devyne.
Sen Jjow hes grantit me so gude ingyne 45

To luif J)e, Lord, in galland style and gay,
Lat me no moir so trim ane talent tyne :

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei.

F. 81 a. Thy spreit, my spreit to speik, wt't/i speid, inspyr.

Help, holie ghost ! and be mongomries muse ; 50

flie doun on me in forkit tungis of fyre,

as ]?ow did on thyne awin apostles vse ;
And wz'tA thy fyre me ferventlie infuse

To luif ^ ]?e, lord, and langer noc/zt delay.
My former folische fictionis I refuis : 55

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei.

Stoup, stubborne stomak, ]>at hes bene so stout ;

Stoup, filthy flesche, careoun of clay ;
Stoup, hardned hairt, before J>e lord, and lout ;

Stoup, stoup in tyme, defer noc/it day by day. 60

Thow watt not [weill] quhen thou man pas away ;

[The Tempter, als, is bissie to betrey.] 2
Confef^ thy synnis, and schame nocM for to|say,

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei.

To gryte lehova salt all glore be givn, 65

Quha schwpe my sauU to his similitude ;
And to his sone, quhome he send doun from heavin,

quhen I was lost, to by me wz'th his blude ;
And to ]>e holy ghost, my gyder gude,

Quho mot confirm my fayty^ to tak na fray, 70

In me cor mundum crea — I conclude :

Peccaui, pater, miserere mei.

1 Maud,' Drummond MS.

^ Omitted line supplied from the Drummond MS.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 229

[laING MS.

XXXI.

[O LORD, MY GOD, TO PE I CRAY, HEIR
MY COMPLENT.]

F. 37 a. O Lord, my god, to ]?e I cray, heir my complent.
With sinnis so sair opprest am I that I wax fantt ;
My hairt is wexit Inwartlie w/t/t pane & greif,
That I am forst to cum to ]?e to seik releif,
Confessing all my sinfuUnes in thy presence, 5

beseiking ]?e to grant me grace for my offence,
my sinnis hes so provokit thyne Ire, ]>a\. I, allace !
Deservvitt hes \)t hellis fyr for my trespaft.

3itt, Lord, to the I call and cray with hairtt Intreit :

Thy word dois say nocht anis at all thow hes delytt 10

In sinneris deithe, bott wald J)at ]7ai suld turne;

qiihiWi promift, lord, keip wnto me ]7^t sair dois murne.

If ]?at l^ow, lord, did call to mynd oux sinis ilkane,

than lustifeit of adame kynd J^air sell be nana.

Except J^ow of [thy] fre merce saf ws frome deid, 15

We ar all damnett eternalie w/t/^outt remeid.

Sen nan can throu his awin desertis be maid p^rfyt,

we ]>t beseik into our hairt, grant ws J)ai spreitt ;

For nan can come to ]>& excep \>a\. ]70w him draw.

As chryst vnto his awin electt dois planlie schaw; 20

Bott latt ^ thy spritt ^i\.h ws remane we \>t exhort.

In all oux anguishe, greif, & pane ;

and for ]>d.\ names saik defend }?ai flok ilk ane,

dispersit to ]>t warldis end, & bring thame hame

^ MS. |)att.

230 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

F. 37 b. Into thay fald, \a\. now is wyd scatteritt abrod : 25

be )>ow ]7air protectour, and gaid, ]?air lord, \ah god.
thow artt our heid, and over ^ }7ai scheip, & ever sell
thay faithfull folk defend, & peik frome pitt/j all ;
evin as ]70w keipit ]?ai serwand noy }>e ark wzt-^in,
quhen J^ow did all ]?e warld distroy for adame sine ; 30
and sauitt lott, quhen. In thayne air, ]70w did reproue
Sodom, v^hh furius flames of fyre frome hevine abou[e.]

Thow brocht Iserall throw \t. reid sie, baith saif & sund ;
and pharaoh, wz't// his gritt armie, J^airin J^ow drownde ;
and lonas, in ]?e quhelb'^ bellie, ]?ow safit thre dayis, 35
syne send him into neniwe to preiche Jiai wayis.
Thow did also preseru & keip ]?ai serwand/x thrie,
sidrach, misache, abendnago, quhen, cruelie
be nebagodneser king, ]7ai wer ^ all tene,
syne to his presoun causit bring J^ir thrie ilkane. 40

And furiouslie, into his yre, thir cheldrene thre

he cast into ane flame of fyre, ]?air bruntt to be ;

bott thy angell withe J'ame abod ]?e fyre to suaige,

J^at hurtt was no hair of J^air heid for all his raig.

Jjow did, o lord, defend and keip Susana 45

frome ludges fals, qw/^/lk did prete«d to wirk hir schame;

And daniell in \t lyouns dene ]?ow did preserue :

Sic is ]?ai fawore to all ]7ame \a\. do ]?e ft^rue.

F. 38 a. Amangis ]?ir exemplis all, we may imbring, 49

How thow preserwit Dauid frome sauU, and maid him king j
And efter }?at, of presone Strang l^ow did relewe
pauU ]?e sulderis frome amang, \a\. none him greif.
quhatt mister I to multiplie exampellis awld ?
thair restis an wark of J'ai merci jitt to behald, 54

of lames the sext, our nobill king, quhom^ chryst vaochi keip
W/t/i Dauid, thow did him for to bring of danger/^ deip.

' MS. 'evare.' 2 Mg, ^^,iii.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 23 1

[lAING MS.

Quhen ]>at hes fois begud to fane and him persew,

Achitophell and absalon thow >an overthrew ;

And >ow did dullfuUe doun ding >ame, did >hame deir :

Chryst, grantt him lang over ws to ring in >ai trew fair. 60

Nott onlie dois ])ow [>ame] defend frome perelis gritt,

bott als oft [als] >ai do offend, ]?ow dois remeitt

thair sinnis ilk ane, and dois nocht lay >ame to >az> chairg,

As in Ipe scriptur fund we may the same at large.

Now sen ]?at ]?ow hes heirtofor ^ >ai {^erua,nU's sawitt, 65

and sufferitt nane to be forlone, Ipat mercy crawitt,

wztk petie than behald my greif, my pane, & smartt,

and for ]7ai names saik releif my troublitt hairtt.

The sowme of all ]>at I wald haue is lpa.i merci,

The qi(Mk for chrystis saik I craue of >e onlie, 70

Forgeif me, quhen I haue offenditt, & finalie ^

bring me, quhen ]>at my lyf is enditt, to glore wM >e.

Fz'm's.

XXXII.

[O LORD, MY GOD, SEN I AM BROCHT TO
GREITT DISTRES.]

F. 38 6. O LORD, my god, sen I am brocht to greitt distfes,
and In my bodie ]?air is nocht bott hewenes,
mak haist In tyme to succur me, o richteous ludge,
sene I haue nane In eirth bott ]>e for my refuge.
My onlie hoip and confidence In ]>e is sett,
assuring me J>att myne offence sell be for^itt,
And all my tormenttis sell tak end wzt/z suddan speid,
quhen J^ow sick confortt sell me send as I haue neid.

1 MS. heir to for, ^ MS. fimalie.

232 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Lord, strenthen me w/t/z patience to suffer ay

quhatt pleasis best ]?ai excellence on me to lay, lo

and lett me nocht declyne att all In tyme of neid,

bott ever more on ]>e to call for ray remeid.

help me to beir my burden, lord, for I am weik,

and lett J^ai strenthe and cair accord, for ]?ai name saik.

assist me w/t>^ ]jai holie spreitt, ]>at I may still, 15

wztk constantt hairtt and houp repleitt, abaid ]7ai will.

At leist sum pairtt, I ])q beseik, to suaige my pane ;
as thow artt loving, kynd, & meik, ];ai wrathe refrane ;
Into thy iustice and iudgment deall nocht wtt/ie me,
bott, sen ])at I am panitent, grantt me mercie. 20

Quhen strenthe and senses ar all gone, & wordz> faill,
my hairtt and mynd in ])e alone sell be all heill.
>ai promefi, nor tender love, na tyme, nor tyd,
butt of my hairtt will I remoue, nor ^itt lett slyd.

F. 39 a. If ]?at }7ai pleasur be, J^at I sell now depairtt, 25

I recommend my saull to ]?e w/t/^ thankfuU hairtt •
quhen it sell hawe ane duelling plaice wz'tk zngelUs hie,
to ring in hevenlie loy and peice perpetualie.
If ]7att ]?ai pleasure be my lyf to spair,
releif me of my miserie and presentt cair, 30

remeid me ]7at am lyk to mange, and sor opprest,
And [I] will sing ]?ai praift as lang as I my lest.

I

XXXIII.

[QUHA SO DOIS PUT PAIR CONFIDENCE.]

F. 39 a. QuHA so dois put >air confidence,

and treistis in me wt'tA trew accord,
to thame I sell be ane defence,

In tyme of neid (thus sayis >e lord)

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 233

[lAING MS.

If ]?ai stand stiflie be my word, 5

Frome dangeris gritt J^ai selbe frei ;

thocht weickit perische be ])e suord,
to myne ane bukler will I be.

Thocht Pharoth wt't/i his gritt armie,

Israeli to kill he did Intend, 10

I led l^ame saiflie ^ throw J>e sea,

And from his bost did J^ame defend,
quhair he maid ane mischeifus end,

baith he and all hes compannay ;
Thairfor to all I mak itt kend, 1 5

to myne ane bukler will I be.

F. 39 d. Thocht I did all >e warld distroy,

becaus J^e wickit wald nocht mend,
3itt sawitt I my sarwantt Noy,

And frome >e flud did him defend ; 20

quhair Sodem maid ane weickit end,

1 2 sawitt lot, as ^e may sie :
To weickitt thocht greitt plaigis I send,

to myne ane bukler will I be.

Thocht wickit saull, and absalon, 25

Dauid his kingdom wald haue rentt,
5itt causit I him to ring abone.

And did ]7ame plege vfitA punischeme«t.
For Saull by his awin suord wes schent,

And absalom was hangitt hie ; 30

Be y\s it is richt euident,

to myn ane bukler will I be.

Becaus wickitt lesabill, ]>e quene,

Eleas blod scho snair to spill,
On hir gritt sorrow }?ir was sene ; 35

5itt him I sawitt frome her 111.

1 MS. throw saiflie. - MS. and.

234 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

For hors ran over hir at ]?air will,

Doggis knew hir baneis assuretlie :
Thocht wickitt wald my sarwand/j kill,

To myne ane bukler will I be. 40

F. 40 a. Thocht wickitt haman gartt vp sett

Ane pair of gallows, lairg and lang,
Belewene surelie for to gett

Mordecai thairon to hang ;
3itt I red him out of ]7at thrang ; 45

Haman J^airon was hangit hie :
quhair ever myne dois ryd or gang,

to myne ane bukler will I be.

Quhen Dan[i]ell wes overthrawin,

in presoun deip wi'tk lyonnes Strang, 50

To him they did no thing bot fane.

And lickit him wh/i tungis sa lang ;
Bot quhen his fais come }?ame amang,

they did J^ame ryis dispytfulie :
Thocht myne sumtyme dois suffer wrang, 55

to ]>ame a bukler will I be.

Quhen susanna was In point of deid,

to me scho did boithe cray & call,
And me bethocht to mak remeid,

and I did heir hir by and by. 60

Thay J)att accusitt hir wranguslie,

ane schamefull deid I gartt J^ame die :
Thocht my sarwandis In danger lay,

To ]?ame ane ^ bukleir will I be.

1 MS. ' my.'

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 235

[lAING MS.

F. 40 b. Now je J»at ar myne cheldrene deir, 65

and be with me enteritt in band,
3e knaw full oft 3e stuid in feir

of tensall baith of lyf and land ;
For quhen grett king did 50W gainstand,

and als ^our preistis \a\. ar so hie, 70

As Jjen I sawitt 30W fra ]7air hand,

Sa will I^ 3itt jour bukler be.

3e knaw they thocht 30W to distroy,

quhairfor J^ai sett J^air men of weir,
thinken ]pairwith 30W to annoy, 75

and daylie to 30W do grett deir ;
Bott 3itt to feicht I did 30W leir,

and I gaue 50W J^e wictorie ;
As }?an I did jour baner beir,

Sa will I jitt jour bukleir be. 80

Sen I frome boundage maid jow frie.

And outt of egypt did 30W call,
Thair wickitt lawes se je latt be —

to ]7ame attend na thing at all.
And be not lyk ]?e doge j^att sell 85

His womett lik maist schamfulie,
Do 30W so, plaiges sail on jow fall,

And I sail nott jour bukler be.

F. 41 a. And thocht I hawe begone to seme,

according to J^e law je sett, 90

Fra je begin and for to sweirue,
jour richteuousnes sell be forjett.

1 ' Will I ' repeated in the MS.

236 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Than I in haist, bott ony latt,

Sail plaige 50W for Inequitie,
Besyd Ipe plaig, ]7at ^e sell gett, 95

I sail no mor jour buckleir be.

Hovvbeit the wickitt did mak lawis

for to suppreft my word of licht,
Compelling myne be greitt ouerthrawis,

the sam obey be ]?air gritt myr/^t. 100

Now sa far as they ar not ryc/it,

bot saweris of Idolatrie,
Do }?ame ganstand, both day and nicht,

And ay jour buckler will I be.

Thocht nabucadonosor king 105

cast sidrach and abendnago,
And mesach als, into ]>e fyre,

becaus on na wayis ]?ai wald go
Worschip the Imag he maid tho,

bott prayitt to me richt ardentlie ; no

And I did saife ]?ame frome ]?air fo :

Lyk wayis jour bukler will I be.

F. 41 d. Thocht I the wickit tholl jow kill,

and violent deith do jow deuoir,
This promeft sure I mak jow^ till, 115

Ane 2 better lyf I sell restoir
To 30W, quhair ]>at je sell In glore

Ay ^ ring withe me cowtinulie ;
quhair je sell dwell ^ for evermore ;

quhair I sell ay jour bukleir be. 120

Ft'm's.
1 MS. to. 2 MS. and. ^ MS. Do. * MS. dewll.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 237

[laing MS.

XXXIV.

[HARKEN, HERKENE, ME THINK ANE
TROMPETT DOIS STUND.]

F. 41 b. Harken, herkene, me think ane trompett dois stund,
blawing ane dreidfull blast ;
aryft, ^e deid, outt of \z grund,
cum to 5our Judgme^mtt Last.

The king of kingis, and god most hie, 5

sail mak Jjis blast to blaw ;
for he sell cuz?/ In maistir[ie],

to Judge boithe hie and law.

Ten hundreth thousand angellis bricht,

appostellis, and prophettis, 10

His marteris all in oppin sicht,

Sell sit In Judgment sett,

F. 42 a. For to beir witneft, schairp and schor,
aganis }?e wickit trane,
quhome cryst sell dame for ever more 15

wnto eternall pane.

For god, dowtles, most neidis be Just,

and thocht it seames lang,
ane compt of all men tak he must,^

of all ]5air evell and wrang. 20

Quhat evere man befor hes done,

In secreitt or In sicht.
In presence of Jjat feirfull throne,

It selbe brocht to licht.

^ MS. most.

238 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Bott sowme will say, I wein, 25

and lauche goddis word to scorn :

" the warld is now as it hes bene,
sene mankynd first was borne.

" Thairfoir it is vncredabill,

thatt chryst sould come sa sone ; 30

It is also wnpossibille,

this warld suld be vndone.

" Thir thingis ar feynit of subtill men,

as thingis to mak ws feir :
Come, lett ws tak oure pleseure than, 35

as lang as we be heir."

F. 42 6. To this sanct peter ansuoris,

contrary J^air desyre,
that bothe ]>q heven,^ and eik ])e arthe,

ar keip in stor for fyre, 40

Unto Ipe day of last iudgment,

and of perditioune,
quhair wz't;^ ]?e vngodlie selbe brunt,

w/t>^ greitt distructioun.

Our god, quhilk promisit to come, 45

his promeft will nocht beir ;
quhairfor he will not tary lang,

his coming is not far.

Ane day is had as muche wz'tk him,

as we ane thowsand ^eir/j ; 50

Agane ane thousand 3eiris whk him,
bott as ane day appeiris.

^ MS. hevenen.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 239

[lAING MS.

Not onlie peter wryttis so,

that this day is at hand ;
hot we haue ressonis money mo, 55

as 56 sell vndirstand.

Our maister, Cryst, himsellff dois say,

Sa dois ]>e apposell/5 all,
that }?is same last & dreidfuU day,

Lyk to ane theif cnm sell. 60

F. 43 a. Quhen >ai sell wein }?at all is will,

In peice and quyit rest,
euen than sell fall distrouctioun fell,
quhen J)ai think on it left.

Thai bocht and sauld befor ]?e fluid, 65

thy drank and spairit na coist,
thy tuik >air lust, as >ai wor wod,

and suddenlie wer lost.

Sa sell >ai do befor the dome,

as chryst dois plainlie say ; 70

we sie the lyk to pas is come,

quhy doutt we of >is day ?

Sanct lames did beir the lewis in hand,

now money 5eiris befor,
that Chryst, >e ludge, did present stand, 75

and knokit at >e dure.

In his appocalipft, sant Ihone,

dois planUe testifie,
that chryst sayis [in] his awin persone,

"behald, I come schortlie." 80

240 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Sant peter wrett ane vj^air quhair,i

and I beleif it trew :
The finell end of all is neir,

and schortlie will Insew.

F. 43 b. If they did think \t end at hand, 85

sa mony ^eiris ago,
muche moir aucht we to vnderstand,
thair be not money mo.

This by \q. scripturis evident,

it planlie dois appeir : 90

now proue we sell by argume^zt,

J>at this same day drawis neir.

All thingis J^att be vnd^?- J^e sonne,

manis sauU exceptit plane,
Lykwyse as they [did] anis begune, 95

sa sell thay end againe.

The fyre w/tA heitt, and rege ferwent,

Dois sor consume and burne,
As sur and sertene argument.

That all to it sell turne. 100

Quhat so dois waist in evere pairt,

the haill most neidis decay :
the warld dois waist in evere airthe,

quhairfor it most away.

The sune, J^e mone, ]?e starnis so fair 105

and all \a\. hevenlie host,
the wateris, and ]?e mowing air,

Sum of Jjair strenthe heve lost.

1 Sic.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 24I

[laING MS.

F. 44 J. The erthe of auld gaue heir encreft,

wzt/zout tillage or pane ;^ no

bott now hir strenthe is les and les,
and les J>e workmanis gane.

Now herbes haue lost thair auncient strenthe,

that they did hawe beforn ;
Thais do laik thair breid and lenthe, 115

and smaller is ]>q. corn.

The bodie[s] of all beistis grow les

then they hawe bene before ;
thairby may je planlie ges,

thair kynd is febHt soir. 120

We hawe hard tell of gyanttis fell,

that wer in elder tyme ;
bot now we be lyk emmettis small,

if we compair to ]>ame.

Euerie thing quhen it is new, 125

then it is fresche and fair ;
bott 3eitt we find this resoun trew,

it waxis auld and bair.

Religioun trew was anis ferwent,

bott now we see it cauld ; 130

that is ane certene argument,

this warld is faint and auld.

Bott quhat so ever waxis auld,
it wenischis away ;
F. 44 b. thairfor by resone manifald, 135

this warld must neidis decay.

^ MS. laboz/r.
Q

242 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Quhen nott on dall, nor 5itt on hill,

36 sie ]>e sune do stand,
na langer dowtt, I think, ^e will,

that nicht is neir at hand. 140

So quhen no wertew wsit is,

in greitt, nor ^ett in small,
than may we trewlie trust to this,

the warld sell hawe ane fall.

Quhen naturall hert dois man forsaik, 145

and wynature dois abound,
It cawsis ^ him w/t/^ fefeir quaik,

and dois his lyf confound.

[So] quhen ])e lowe to god is small,

and self lowe dois exceid, 150

then certenlie some plaige mortall,
sone efter lett ws dreid.

Now luf to god is out of land,

and sellff luf waxis strange ;
quhairfor ])e warld most ceaft to stand, 155

I think, or it be lang.

Quhen daithe drawis nereist man vnto,

thy raig in ]?air mad moid ;
thy hawe no skyll to say or do,

bott feir as ]?ai war wode. 160

F. 45 a. Before ];e end of all lykwayfi,

salbe in quyet rest ;
Now Antechryst dois stile deuyfi
the godle to molest.

^ MS. cawsit.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 243

[laING MS.

Bott lett >at beist still rage and roir, 165

and kill by sea and land,
feir not, ^e folk of Chryst, thairfor,

for 3our iudge is at hand.

He will 30W tak to heven full hie,

and raift 30W frome ])e ground : 170

Prepair 3o\v then to heir, schortlie,

this ioyfull trompit sound.

Our King is lames, Ipe we pray,

Lord, saif him w/t/z ]?ai grace ;
Keip all his subiectis in gud stay, 175

and all his foes defece.

Come, Lord, come quicklie, we J>e pray,

and tak ws wp on hie,
that we may sing [in bliss] for ay

eternall praif^ to the. 180

Fiftz's.

XXXV.
[THE WEIGHT OF SIN IS WONDIR GREITT.]

F. 45 3. The weicht of sin is wondir greitt,

quha may ]>at grevus burden beir.
my god, maist huuwle I submeitt

my sellf befoir >ai heichnes heir,
och, reuthfuly Inclyne >ai eir

wnto my peitifuU complentt :
Thy punysme;^tw & plaigis reteir

frome me, pure pyning pennite;?t.

244 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

quhen darknes hes [t]he hevenes rewest,

But ather mone or starrie licht ; lo

quhen ma« and beist is at ther rest,

throw secreitt silence of ]>e nicht ;
I, waltering lyk ane wofuU wicht,

Still walking in my bed I lay :
My sinis presentis thame in my sicht, 15

Och, harkin ! lord, for help I cray.

My pansing dois ogmewt my pane,

becauft I can nocht be excusitt ;
I am sa oft relapis agane

Into ]>e sin qu/iilk I refussit. 20

Thaj clemenci I haue abussitt,

he leiding of ane wickit lyff;
My spreit, w/t//in }?is flesch Infusitt,

is lyk to pereish in the stryff.

Och, to my fais than sell I 5eild, 25

and all J^ai merceis quyt dispair ?
och, sell I now gif over Ipe feild,

and newer luik for mercy mair.?
F. 47 a. qz////lk hes so oft, baith leitt and air,

Sung praift to ])q whA joy full hairt? 30

no, lord, preserwe me frome ])at snair,

and leit J^is cup frome me depairtt.

I hawe assurance of )»ai spreitt,

that ]70w l^e laidneitt will releif,
qu/iilk cw/iis to ]?e w/t/z hairtt contreitt, 35

and in ]>i bontie dois beleif.
my feibill faith, o lord, revieue,

for thocht my sinis be lyk ]>e sand,
3it >ow art habill to forgif,

and raift me w/t/z J^ai helping hand. 40

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 245

[laING MS.
Quha can onfen3eitlie repentt ?

quha can frome wickeitnes abstene
vnles ]?ai grace be to J^ame lentt,

to sich & sob yiiih weiping ene ?
]7e prayer pwfeitt/j nocht ane prene, 45

except l^e same from faith pr^ceid :
Latt faithe and graice In me grow grene,

that I may turne to ]>e In neid.

Lord, yf}hh my sellff I am disspleisitt,

and weirreis of Yxs burdene fasst ; 50

thay wreyt/^, J^airfor, let be appeisitt :

forjett my full offen[c]is past.
I feir, I faint, I am agast,

quhen I prepend my awin estait ;
hot ]?is releif I find at last, 55

my penitence is no to leitt.

F. 47 b. Albeitt ]>ow be ane vp richt Iudge,i

thow art my faj^^r nocht }>& les,
My bukler, & my sur refuge,

My only - confort I confeft. 60

Hawe peitie on my greitt distres,

cast nocht me catewe clene away :
thow knawis \>q Inwartt hevenes,

for sin to suffer everie day.

This ^an, my god, of graice I craif, 65

"SRiih humell hewe hairtt of ]>q,
my sinis ar lyk me to dissayff,

bot let me nocht desaiffit be.
tak nocht ]>2a helping hand frome me,

for I am fraell and Imperfytt ; 70

gif me nocht over to drone & dei,

Into my flechely hairtzV delytt.

1 MS. lugde. '^ Repeated in the MS.

246 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

LAING MS.]

Thy werking spreitt, let me assist,

Into J^is feirce & fechting feill,
that I may wail5eandle resist 75

the fleche, ]?e warld, ]?e dewell, & hell.
My secreitt sinis frome me expell ;

My natur hes currupit ]70w knawis :
Mak me to precteis, & furth tell,

Thy preceptzs, prayem, & holy lawis. 80

Thir giiU's, I grant, I meritt nocht,

For I in sin was borne & bred ;
hot lesus Chryst he hes me bocht

Frome deith, evene wzt/^ his blud he sched ;
hes meritt/i- hes me frelie fred, 85

mak me ]?airfor p^z-ticipentt :
F. 48 a. Let me be wz't/i his Justice cleid,

and conteit ]?ai redemitt santt.

Nocht he, bot I, hes deith deservvitt,

Nocht I, bot he, dois merit graice ; 90

For me, nocht for him sellff, he sterwitt,

W/t/z the to purches me a plaice,
throw him I am in happie caif^,

evin w/t/z J^ai godheid reconseild;
to the, throw him, quhome I Imbraice, 95

Be prail^, quha hes })ir loyis reweild.

Finis.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 247

[lAING MS.

XXXVI.

[CONSIDER, MAN, HOW TYME DO PAS.]

F. 71. Consider, man, how tyme do pas,

And lykvayis how all fleche is gairft ;

As tyme consumes Ipe strongest ark.

So daithe at last sell straik >e stark.^

Thocht luistie 3outhe dois bewtie beire, 5

5itt 30uthe, be aige, In tyme dois weir ;

And aige at last a deithe doithe bringe

to riche & poure, eniprioure & king.

Thairfoir Hue as thow suldest die,

thay sauU to saiv frome lepardie ;

And as >ow waldest be done vnto,

So to >ai nichtbourw alwayis do.

The hevinlie loyis at lenthe to sie

Lat faithe In chryst In authoz/r be.

FiNNis quod.2

1 MS. strak.

'- The name ' hay ' has been stroked out.

10

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE.

• Alexander, ist Lord Monigomerie.

*• Sir John Stewart of Demeley,
I

:st Earl o( Lennox, marrUJ Margaret Montgomerie.-

Matthew, and I-^irl o( Lennox.
WiiJJAM, Master of Lennox.

I

John, jrti Earl of Lennox.

M John Stewart of Glandersion,
m. Marion, daughter of Sir
Thomas Scmple of EUiotston.

M Margaret Stewart,

I. John Fraser of Knock,

Ayrshire.

Matthew, ^ih Robert, 6[h

Eirl of Lennox. Earl of Lennox.

Regent of Scotland,

John Stewart,
Lord of Aubigny.

HenhV. Lord Darnley.
ffl. QuicGN MA;<y,

I

• .■\LEXANDEF

of Montgoi

■■» Hugh, and Lord

Monigomerie .ind ist

Earl o( Eglinion.

I

26 Hugh, and Earl of

EgliDlon (grandson

of I St Earl).

^ Hugh. 3rd Earl of
Eglinton, d. 1585,

3 .\lexander, Master of Monigomerie.

T

I

8 Hugh

MONTGOMEHIE, ISt

Liiird of Hessilheid
(d. r»ftcr5lh July 1476).

» Robert MontgomiiRIE

t Laird of Rr-iidstanc.

■ Sir John
MONTUDMEBnc. and
Laird of Hewilheid.
Killed at Flodden.

I

I

3» Hugh, 4lh Earl of

Eglinton, m. daughter

of Robert, 4th Lord

Boyd ; assassinated

1586.

I

" Hugh, sth Earl of

Eglinton.

[
»a Robert, m, Jean,

daughter of Sir M,
Campbell of London
(she subsequently m.

Ludovic, Duke of
Lennox).

" MAR

I

RGARET, III.

(1582) Robert, 6th

Lord Seion and 1st

Earl of Winlon, d.

1624.

K Alexander, 6ih

Earl of Eglinton.

■s Agses, m. Robert,
4th Lord Sempill.

" Hugh

Monfgomerte, 3rd

Laird of Hessilheid

(d. 1556), M. daughter

of Houston of that

Ilk, Ayrshire.

" Robert, and L.iird.

!" RoBi'.BT, 3rd Laird.

^ Adam, 4th Laird,

33 AnAM, sth Laird,

m. Elizabeth,
daughter o( John, 4th
Laird ol Hessilheid.

** Sir Hugh, 6ih
Laird, isi Viscount of
Ardres, Co. Down,
Ireland ; b, c. 1560.

»>John Eraser, "Jean, m. m Daughior, nt. " Daughter, w.

m. Jean Brisbane. John Bovle Thomas Kelso Patrick Crawford
of Kelbum. of Kelsoland. of Auchinames.

" Margaret Eraser,

." John Montgomerie,

4th Laird of Hessilheid

(d. 1558).

I

I

" Marion, m.

(i) William, and

Lord Sempill.

(2} John Caupbell

of Skippenehc.

■2 Janet, m. John
Hamilton of
Canibuskeith,

1* Hugh Montgomerie,
jth Laird of Hessilheid

{d. 1602), PI. (I) Marion
Semph.L; (2) daughter

of Robert, 4lh Lord Boyd.

r

i« Elizabeth, m. Adam,
5 th Laird of Braids tan c.

I

' Captain ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE

(I545?-I6ii?).

■' Agnes (>/. 1596). n
John Smollat.

I

M Robert

Montgomerie, 6th Laird

of Hessilheid (d. 1623).

I

■m Robert |

Montgomerie, 7ih '' Alexandei
Laird of Hessilheid
[d. 1648).

»' Robert

Montgomerie, 8th Laird

{d, before igih November

1672).

** Mary Montgomerie, w. Mac^ulay of

Ardiocaple, who sold the Hesst-lheid property.

(According to Paterson. a daughter of theirs married

Smollcl of Bonhill, grandfather of the author of

' Roderick Random.')

S'^ John of Auchinbothy
{d. 1603).

^ Elizabeth, m. Sir
William Murk

of Rowallan.
I

^ Alex-vnder.

■» DauglllM, n

John Sumpili

I

*3 Margaret, m.

Alexander

Vali.anck,

burgess of Glasgow.

^Sir WiL

lAM

3F ale:^

M

Ei

Reg

ist Earl of Lennox,

iTEWART of dander:
iRiON, daughter of S
s Semple of Elliotsto

\RGARET Stewart,
IN Fraser of Knocl
Ayrshire.

King James \

Henry, Lord Dai
m. Queen Ma*argaret Fraser,,

N

48 Mary 1
Ardincaple
(According to
Smollet of 1

APPENDIX A.

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE.

The chart affixed to this appendix practically summarises the results
of the present inquiry into Montgomerie's family history. The in-
formation on which it is based has been drawn from rather widely
scattered, and in part, at least, not very readily accessible sources.
These are sufficiently indicated in the detailed references given in
the notes. It may be well, however, since the following account
of the poet's genealogy is at variance in certain important points
with what has been hitherto known of the subject, to state with
some fulness the more authoritative parts of the evidence. Those
interested in the matter will thus be in a position to judge for
themselves of the editor's conclusions. It should be mentioned
that the order of birth assigned in the chart to the members of
each generation is, with the exception of the eldest born, mostly
conjectural. In the case of a family having a landed succession, it
is usually, and for obvious enough reasons, not difficult to ascertain
the names of succeeding heirs. On the other hand, to settle the
respective positions of younger members is far from easy and often
impossible. Of the generation to which the poet himself belonged
we know that at least two brothers were born before him ; but with
regard to his sisters, of whom there is authentic evidence of two,
it is, as pointed out later, impossible to say with any degree of
certainty whether they were older or younger than the poet. The
genealogy of the Montgomeries of Braidstane, a collateral branch,
is given as far as the sixth laird, since it throws some light on
the question of Montgomerie's parentage. His relationship to the
Eglinton family is also shown, and to Margaret Montgomerie,
Countess of Winton, the lady for whom lie has been supposed, on
very trivial grounds however, to have indulged a hopeless passion.
His mother's connection, too, with the House of Stewart is indicated
in order to bring out clearly Montgomerie's own degree of kinship
to James VI. and to the two dukes of Lennox, who were his friends
and patrons.

The view now generally accepted, that the poet belonged to a well-
known Ayrshire family of the sixteenth century, the Montgomeries
of Hessilheid, a junior branch of the noble House of Eglinton, has

250 APPENDIX A.

been fairly well established, although the evidence hitherto adduced
is, it must be admitted, rather less precise than one might wish.
At the time Dr Irving wrote his hrst account of jNIontgomerie,
published in 'Lives of the Scotish Poets' in 1802, any evidence
there had been to connect the poet with Hessilheid had appar-
ently dropped entirely out of sight, and the notion is accordingly
dismissed by Irving as mere conjecture. As far back as 1710,
however, Sir Robert Sibbald, in his 'Account of the Writers
who treat of the Description of Scotland' (p. 22), had drawn
attention to a passage in Timothy Font's 'Topographical Account of
the District of Cuninghame ' (at that time in manuscript), written
about the year 1604, in which reference is made to Hessil-
heid Castle as being famous as the birthplace " of that renomet
poet, Alexander Montgomery." Pont, whose accuracy has been well
vouched for in other particulars, was perfectly familiar with the
district, and writing at a time when Montgomerie was probably still
alive, he is not likely here to have made a mistake. Some time
after the publication of ' Lives of the Scotish Poets,' Pont's account
of Hessilheid was rediscovered by Chalmers, the well-known literary
antiquarian ; and on the strength of this contemporary evidence Dr
Irving, to whom the information had been passed on by David
Laing, ventures the remark in his second account of the poet, prefixed
to the collected edition of Montgomerie's poems, published in 1821,
that it is " more than probable that the poet w^as a younger brother
of Montgomerie of Hazelhead." ^

A further step towards establishing Montgomerie's connection with
the family at Hessilheid was taken a few years later. In 1827 a
contributor to the notes in Thomas Lyle's 'Ancient Ballads and
Songs' (p. 102) drew attention to the fact that Sir William Mure
of Rowallan, in a poem addressed to Charles I., then Prince of
Wales, had claimed descent from the family of the poet Mont-
gomerie. The lines are well known now, but it may be permissible
to quote them here.

Matchless Montgomerie in his native tongue,
In former times to thy great Sire- hath sung,
And often ravish'd his harmonious ear
With strains fit only for a prince to hear.

1 It is not quite clear which laird of Hessilheid Irving is here referring to.
Pont mentions that the owner of the estate at the time he was writing was Robert
Montgomerie. This was the sixth laird, and, as it now turns out, a nephew of
the poet. It may be worth mentioning that the Robert Montgomerie to whom
Pont refers succeeded to the estate in 1602, which shows that it was after that
date that the ' Topographical Account of the District of Cuninghame ' was
written. In the Maitland Club edition the date of Pont's Manuscript is given
as "about 1600."

- James VI. of Scotland.

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE. 25 1

My Muse, which nought doth challenge worthy fame,
Save from Montgomery she her birth doth claim
(Although his Phoenix ashes have sent forth
Pan for Apollo, if compared in worth)
Pretendeth title to supply his place.
By right hereditar to serve thy grace.

The note in Lyle's volume goes on to state that Mure of Rowallan
was the son of EHzabeth Montgomery, who " appears to have been
daughter to Hugh Montgomery of Hazelhead, Ayrshire (descended
of Eglintoun), by Marioun Sempill, daughter of Lord Sempill, and
sister to Montgomery, author of 'The Cherry and the Slae.'" Oc-
casion will be taken later to show that this conjecture as to Rowallan's
parentage on his mother's side is so far erroneous, inasmuch as
it confuses two Elizabeths of the Hessilheid family belonging to
different generations. But otherwise the connection of Sir William
Mure with the Montgomeries is well vouched for.

A detailed account of the House of Montgomerie in its various
branches was included by James Paterson, a well-known antiquary of
last century, in his ' History of the County of Ayr,' published in 1847.
Unfortunately, in the section dealing with the Hessilheid family no
specific references are given to his sources of information ; but it is
quite clear he had access to authentic documents of some kind.
The successive heads of the family from its origin to its close are
traced with accuracy : this it has been possible to verify from in-
dependent sources. On the other hand, as will be shown later,
junior members are not always assigned to their proper generations ;
some are included that probably ought not to be,^ while a number,
well authenticated, pass unnoted. In his preface Paterson mentions
that for the general purposes of his history, in which he includes
genealogies of all the more important Ayrshire families, he had
consulted the public records and various private charter- chests.
Further, it appears he had examined two manuscript accounts of
the family of the Montgomeries, — one written by a Hugh Mont-
gomerie of Broomlands (another of the junior branches), not later
than the year 1750; the other of more recent date by Captain John
Hamilton Montgomerie of Barnahill, County Ayr. He was also
acquainted with a printed volume entitled 'The Montgomerie Manu-
scripts, 1603-1706.' This interesting work was compiled by a certain
William IMontgomery of Rosemount in the County of Down, Ireland,
early in the eighteenth century ; but it did not actually appear in
print till 1830, in which year it was published at Belfast. In 1869

1 The most notable example is the statement that Robert Montgomerie, the
well-known Archbishop of Glasgow, was the poet's brother. I have not been able
to find any definite evidence to connect him with the Hessilheid family. Sibbald
is probably the source of this conjecture. See ' Chronicle of Scottish Poetry '
(1802), vol. iii. p. 343, where he describes Robert as "perhaps the brother of
Captain Montgomery."

252 APPENDIX A.

it was reissued with elaborate editorial notes, not always accurate,
however, by the Rev. George Hill. It contains a great deal of
interesting information about the various branches of the Mont-
gomerie family, but singularly ill arranged ; without the editorial
apparatus provided by Mr Hill in the second edition it is a con-
fusing work to consult. Paterson was necessarily in his perusal of
it confined to the first edition, and would appear indeed to have
read even this with no very great care.

Seventeen years after the publication of his history of Ayrshire
and its families, Paterson returned to the subject of Montgomerie's
genealogy in an article contributed to 'Notes and Queries,'^ in
which he also advances arguments to prove that the poet was
married and had a family. Brotanek alludes to this article as "der
einzige bedeutende Beitrag zur Biographie des Dichters," and as
"James Patersons wichtige Mittheilungen." In point of fact, how-
ever, it adds nothing material to what had been already more
concisely stated in the history of Ayrshire.

Two elaborate histories of the IVIontgomerie family, one - published
in 1863, the other ^ in 1891, are sometimes cited as works of authority
on the question of Ale.xander's parentage. An examination of these,
however, shows that neither in treating of the Hessilheid branch
has gone outside the writings of Paterson for information.

From this brief r/j«;«/ of what has been done to establish Mont-
gomerie's genealogy it will be seen that the poet's connection with
the family at Hessilheid is still rather scantily attested. Ultimately
it rests on two scraps of evidence, — Timothy Pont's statement that
Montgomerie's birthplace was Hessilheid Castle, and the lines quoted
from the poem of Sir William Mure of Rowallan. The rest is con-
jecture. No authentic evidence of any kind has been brought forward
to show exactly to which generation of the family the poet belonged,
or who were his parents. If the information given in the note,
already referred to, in Lyle's 'Ancient Ballads and Songs' were
correct, Montgomerie's father would appear to have been Hugh, fifth
laird of Hessilheid, and his mother either Marioun Sempill or a
daughter of Robert Lord Boyd, for the fifth laird of Hessilheid was
twice married. But, as will be shown later, this Hugh Montgomerie
was undoubtedly the poet's eldest brother. The view generally ac-
cepted regarding Montgomerie's parentage, and that which appears
in the usual text-books and works of reference,* is taken from Pater-
son. According to this writer, Alexander Montgomerie was the second
son of Hugh, third laird of Hessilheid, and of a lady of the name of

1 January 4, 1868.

- 'A Genealogical History of the Family of Montgomery,' by J. H. Mont-
gomery, published at Philadelphia, U.S.A.

3 ' A Family History of Montgomery of Ballyleck,' by George S. Montgomery.

* For example, the ' Dictionar}' of National Biography.' The article on Mont-
gomerie is written by Dr Cranstoun.

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE. 253

Houston, daughter of a well-known family in Ayrshire at that time.
Nowhere, however, does Paterson advance any evidence in support
of this statement, and it is doubtless a mere guess. In any case
evidence can now be brought forward to show that the poet was the
son, pretty certainly the third son, of John Montgomerie, fourth laird
of Hessilheid. This correction would not perhaps be of so much im-
portance (although it is satisfactory at least to place Montgomerie's
parentage beyond dispute) were it not for the fact that it brings
to light an interesting relationship for the poet through his mother's
family, a relationship which we may not unfairly assume had some
considerable influence on his career at the Scottish Court. John
Montgomerie, we shall see, married Margaret Fraser, a grand-
daughter of Sir John Stewart of Glanderston, younger son of Sir
John Stewart of Derneley, first Earl of Lennox, from whom were
descended in direct line King James VI. and the two dukes of
Lennox, Esme and Ludovic. The King's friendly regard for Mont-
gomerie is well known. He addresses him in one of his poems as
"Belovit Sandirs, maister of oure airt," and employed him at the
Court as one of his " servitors," often summoning him to his presence
when, as Montgomerie himself states, " he took pleasure into poesie."
The fruit of their conversation is no doubt seen in the King's ' Reulis
and Cautellis.' In 1583 the poet received from his royal kinsman
a pension for life, — not, however, a happy gift as it turned out. With
the Lennoxes Montgomerie was on equally cordial terms. He makes
affectionate reference to them in his sonnets, and was at one time
in the service of Ludovic. All this friendly interest in the poet was
no doubt quickened by the fact that he was a member of the Stewart
clan, and no very distant kinsman of his exalted patrons. The exact
degree of relationship may be seen from the following table : —

Sir John Stewart, ist Earl of Lennox.

I I

Matthew, 2nd Earl of Lennox. John Stewart

I of Glanderston.

William, Master of Lennox. |

I Margaret Stewart,

John, 3rd Earl of Lennox. m. John Eraser of Knock.

I I Margaret Fraser,

Matthew, 4th Earl, John Stewart '«• John Montgomerie

Regent of Scotland. of Aubigny. of Hessilheid.

Henry, Lord Darnley, Esmi^:, Alexander Montgomerie.

m. Queen Mary. ist Duke of Lennox.

I I

King James VI. Ludovic,

2nd Duke of Lennox.

The most trustworthy account of the house of Montgomerie in its
main branch (the Eglinton family) will be found in vol. ii. of 'The
Scots Peerage,' now in process of publication. The article is from the

254 APPENDIX A.

trustworthy pen of the Curator of the Historical Department of the
Register House, Edinburgh. The family history, it appears, reaches
back to a Norman ancestor, Roger, whose eldest son came to England
with the Conqueror, and afterwards figured in history as the Earl of
Shrewsbury. It is conjectured that a grandson of this earl was the
first of the family to settle in Scotland. The genealogy of the Scottish
branch, however, does not become authentic until Sir John Mont-
gomerie of Eaglesham ^ is reached in the second half of the fourteenth
century. Through his marriage with the daughter of Sir Hugh Eglin-
ton of that Ilk, the estates of Eglinton and Ardrossan passed into the
possession of the Montgomeries.^ Further lands were acquired in
the next generation by Sir Hugh Montgomerie, who married the half-
sister of King Robert II. Sir Hugh is included in Dunbar's " Lament
for the Makaris," and is also celebrated as a poet in Wynton's
' Chronicle.' In 1445 the head of the house, Alexander, was raised
to the peerage as Lord (Baron) Montgomerie. His eldest daughter
married Sir John Stewart of Derneley, afterwards first Earl of Lennox.

It is tolerably certain that the founder of the Hessilheid branch
of the family was a grandson of the first Lord Montgomerie. In
Douglas's ' Peerage of Scotland ' he is described as " Hugh of
Hislot."^ Elsewhere he is sometimes designated as of " Bagraw,"
the name of another part of the family possessions.'* The earliest
charter references, however, to Hessilheid which I have noted are
two entries in the Register of the Great Seal, dated 25th April
and i6th June 1505, in which Sir John Montgomerie (usually denoted
as of Corsecraigs), son of " Hugh of Hislot," is found owner of the
estate.^ According to Paterson, Sir John, whom we may describe as
the second laird of Hessilheid, fell at the battle of Flodden in 1513.
He was succeeded by his son Hugh," whom Paterson, as already
pointed out, erroneously states to be the father of the poet.

The first hint that Paterson's genealogy is at fault on this point
was obtained from a neglected account of the poet given in ' The
Montgomerie Manuscripts,' a volume to which reference has already
been made. The writer, William Montgomerie, belonged to the
Braidstane branch of the family, founded by Robert Montgomerie,

1 He is mentioned by Froissart as having distinguished himself at Otterburn in
1388, talving Hotspur prisoner.

'- Report on the muniments of the Karl of Eglinton and Winton (Historical
Manuscript Commission).

3 I.e., Hessilheid. In the records the name is spelt variously.

* Paterson gives the date of his death as 1452, but the following charter shows
that he was alive at a much later time : 5 Jul. 1476, Apud Edinburgh ; Rex con-
cessit Hugoni Montgomery de Bagraw et heredibus ejus, — terras de Ireland in
baronia de Kilbryde, vie. Lanark, &c.

5 ' Heichedis, Heslyhedis et Bawgraw.'

'' Died 23rd January 1556: Register of Testaments, Comnii-sariot of Glasgow,
vol. ii. f. 58.

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE. 255

brother of "Hugh of Hislot" (see chart). He had in his possession
family documents dating back as far as 1603. Discussing the accom-
plishments of his ancestors, this writer notes amongst them the "gift
of poesy," and mentions "Imprimis, Cap. Alex'"- Montgomery, mother
brother to our 6' Laird. This gentleman was an Excellent Poet, wit-
ness his poesy called the cherry & ye Slae (that magazine of pithy
witt), and his sett matches of flyteing in verse (agt the Laird of Pol-
wart before King James 6* & his Scotish Court), out of w^h two
poems of few Sheets The Advocates in Edinbrugh take many Ora-
torious and SatyricuU Apothegems. Also his Dumb Solsequium : and
his confession of a sinner (entituled his Lamentation) haveing for a
Chorus (as it were at ye end of every Stanza) those words — viz :
Peccavi Pater ! misere mei. Then you may read his Non ardes ad
Deum converti, it being his morning Muse : and also See his Declina
a malo, & fac bonum, wci» smal remainders of his elegant writeings
have had (as I verily beleive) above a thousand impressions in
London, Edinbrugh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen (if altogether be rec-
oned), & will never faile to be reprinted again & again in Scotland :
I do not think they have as yet been out done, tho paralleled. The
first named of them is lyrical, & is Sung to an harmonious musical
tune, & was turned into Latin verses with the Same number of foot
and unisons as in the Original : a stupendious work indeed ! fitt for
the acute witts of that Scotish friary (beyond our Seas) w^h under-
took it."

The sixth laird of Braidstane, to whom Montgomerie is here stated
to have stood in the relationship of "mother brother" {i.e. uncle), was
Sir Hugh Montgomerie, who (according to Paterson) early in the
seventeenth century received from James VL a portion of the forfeited
lands of O'Neil in Ulster, where he proceeded to establish his family.
In 1622 he was created Viscount of Ardres. His father was Adam,
fifth laird of Braidstane, who in Burke's ' History of the Commoners
of Great Britain and Ireland' is stated to have married Elizabeth
(a sister of the poet, according to 'The Montgomerie Manuscripts'),
daughter of John Montgomerie of Hessilheid.^ This then clearly points
to Alexander Montgomerie having been the son not of Hugh, the third
laird (as affirmed by Paterson), but of John, fourth laird of Hessilheid.
It is possible now to definitely prove this by evidence obtained from
official records. The first entry in the Register of Acts and Decreits
(vol. 109, f. 243), dealing with the Erskine-Montgomerie lawsuit,-
begins as follows : " 24th December, 1586. The quhilk day the lordis

1 In Lodge's 'Peerage of Ireland,' published in 1754, there is the following
passage : " Adam, the fifth laird {i.e., of Braidstane), purchased lands from Hugh,

Earl of Eglinton, and married the daughter of Montgomery, Laird of

Ilasilheads, by whom he had issue four sons, viz. (i) Sir Hugh, his Successor,
created Viscount Montgomery," <S;c. See also notes to this Appendix.

2 An account of this suit is given in Appendix B.

256 APPENDIX A.

of counsall of consent of the parteis procuratouris vnderwritten, advo-
cattis the actioun and caus persewit of befoir be Williame, now
Archibischope of Glasgow, aganis Alexander Mongomery, brothair-
germane to Hew Mongomery of Hissilheid," &c. The " Hew Mon-
gomery " of this date was, on Paterson's own showing, the fifth
laird, who succeeded to the estate on the death of his father, John
Montgomerie,^ in 1558, and was in possession until 1602. His
brother is here seen to be the poet.

A further interesting piece of corroborative evidence may be cited.
John Montgomerie married, as already stated, Margaret Fraser,
whose will, dated 7th July 1584, is fortunately preserved in the
Register of Testaments of the Commissariot of Edinburgh (vol. 13).
It is therein stated that the will was " Faythfullie maid & gevin vp be
Alexander Montgummerie, hir lauchfuU sone, quhome scho nominal
& maid hir executour and intromettour with hir gudis & geir." ^

Lastly, there is in the Register of the Privy Council of Scotland,
under date 14th July 1597, an entry recording that "Alexander
Montgomerie, bruther to the laird of heslott, wes arte parte, at the
leist vpoun the counsale, devise, and foirknaulege, with vmquhile
hew barclay of ladyland" in a " treasounable interprise" to facilitate
the coming of a "Spanishe armey" for the subversion "of the trew
religioun, alteratioun of the estate, and disturbing of the publict peace
and quietnes of this haill Hand." The " laird of heslott" in 1597 was
the Hugh Montgomerie already referred to in the entry in the
Register of Acts and Decreits^ quoted above. Of the poet's intimacy
with Hew Barclay of Ladyland we have clear evidence in the sonnets
of the ' Drummond Manuscript.' These various items of information
leave no room for doubt as to who were the father and mother of
Alexander Montgomerie.

The date of the marriage of Montgomerie's parents, which would
have been of some assistance in determining his birth year, has not
been ascertained ; but that it was prior to 21st April 1548 is certain.
On that date there is an entry in the first protocol book of William
Hegait, a notary of Glasgow, recording the sale of certain properties
to "John Monthtgumry, younger, of Hesilheide,'* and Mergarete
Frissell his spous." The marriage of Margaret Fraser's parents took
place, according to Robertson,'' "about the year 1520," and that she
herself was married to John Montgomerie some sixteen or seventeen
years later seems fairly deducible from an entry in Hegait's second

1 John Montgomerie's last will and testament is quoted further on.

- A print of the will is given on p. 300.

3 His last will and testament is given in "Glasgow Protocols."

•* His father, Hugh Montgomerie, the third laird of Hessilheid, was still alive at
this date. He died on 23rd January 1556 (Register of Testaments, Commissariot
of Glasgow, vol. ii. f. 58).

* ' Genealogical Account of the Principal Families in Ayrshire,' p. 352.

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE. 257

protocol book. On 4th November 1560, the notary enters the sale of
a " tenement of land " by George Montgomerie, " fiar of the property,"
second son of " Margaret Frissall, relict of q. John Mvvngumry of
Hesilheid."^ It is not likely, seeing that there is no mention of the
sale having been made with consent of curators, that at this date
George Montgomerie was under twenty - one years of age, which
would carry his birth-year back to about 1539. Besides George and
his eldest brother Hew, the fifth laird, there were at least three other
members of the family: Agnes, who married John Smollat- (pretty
certainly an ancestor of the author of 'Roderick Random'), and
died in 1596; Elizabeth, already mentioned as wife of the fifth
laird of Braidstane ; and Alexander. Whether the poet was older
than his two sisters it is impossible to say. On the whole, however,
it would seem that David Laing's original conjecture of 1545, as about
the year of Montgomerie's birth, is near the mark. Laing had only
one piece of definite evidence to go upon, — the appearance of Mont-
gomerie among the poets of the Bannatyne MS. written in 1568. In
the 'Dictionary of National Biography'^ and elsewhere the date
1556 is given as the poet's birth year, but this is obviously impossible.
Montgomerie could scarcely have attained a place in Bannatyne's
Manuscript at the age of twelve !

It is of importance now, as establishing Montgomerie's connection
with the house of Stewart, to determine the genealogy of his mother,
Margaret Fraser. Paterson, in his 'History of the County of Ayr'
(vol. ii. p. 290), records that "John Montgomerie of Hessilheid
married Margaret, daughter of John Fraser of Knock by Margaret
his wife, daughter of the Hon. John Stewart of Glanderston, fourth
son of John, first Earl of Lennox." This is given with a circum-
stantiality which seems to point to its being based on definite
documentary evidence. It is possible that Paterson derived his
information from the Broomlands Manuscript, a genealogical history
of the Montgomeries of Ayrshire, to which, as already stated, he had

1 An earlier entry, dated 13th June 1558, recording the resignation of "a tene-
ment of land with yard and pertinents" by "John Mwmgwmry of Hesilhede," in
"favour of his son George," indicates that John Montgomery, the poet's father,
was still alive at this date ; but there is evidence to show that he died before the
close of the year.

2 The marriage contract, dated 5th September 1564, is recorded in the Register
of Deeds, vol. viii. f. 464a.

3 Dr Cranstoun, who wrote the article for the Dictionary, took this date from
G. S. Montgomery's 'Family History of Montgomery of Ballyleck,' where it is
given without any citation of authority. The author of this family history, as
already pointed out (p. 252), drew on Paterson for his statements about the
Montgomeries of Hessilheid, but is himself responsible for this conjectural vari-
ation as to the poet's birth year, Paterson suggesting the date 1554. Mr T. F.
Henderson (' Scottish Vernacular Literature ') puts it at " probably about 1540,"
but on what evidence does not appear.

R

25S APPENDIX A.

access. In any case corroboration is found in Crawford's manuscript
Baronage/ where it is stated that John Montgomerie "left issue by
Margt Fresile, daughter to John of Knok." The intimacy of the
Erasers of Knok and the Montgomeries of Hessilheid is vouched for
by the fact that various members of the two families appear as joint-
witnesses in documents which have been preserved. Two examples
may be cited from records in the Register House, (i) In the Register
of Acts of Caution and Consignation in Bills of Suspension, vol. xii.,
under date 19th June 1592, is an entry recording that Neil Mont-
gomerie of Langschaw had become surety for Patrick Crawford of
Auchinames, and among the witnesses are the following : John Boyll
of Kelburn, Johnne Fraser of Knock, Hew Montgomerie of Hessil-
heid (the poet's eldest brother). John Boyll and Patrick Crawford
were married to sisters of John Fraser of Knock, and would accord-
ingly stand in the relationship of uncles by marriage to the other
witness, Hew Montgomerie, assuming that Paterson's statement
regarding his mother's parentage is correct. (2) The last will and
testament of John Montgomerie, the poet's father, is preserved in the
Register of Testaments of the Commissariot of Glasgow (vol. ii. f.
68b), and is in the following brief terms : " Sen J^air Is na thing mair
certane nor ])e deid, nor mair vncertane nor J^e hour of deid. This Is
It, J'at ]^e said Johne Montgumery, seik in body and haill in spreit, be
his hand-wry tt declaris in effect as eftir folio wis : In ]:>e first, leifand
his saull to god omnipotent, and his body to be burreit in ])e p^resche
kirk of beith, he constitut and nominal mczrgaret fresfii?r, his spous,
and hew muntgumry, his eldast sone and apparent air, his executorzV,^
and committet to him be quhatsumeuer/^' person or personw, and
siclyk ]?e dettis awchtand be him to quhatsuwzeu^r person or pi?rsonis,
as ]7ai will anfier befoir j^e sicht of ])e he luge. The quhilk hand-
wrytt and subscription was maid & writtin ]>& foirsaid the ferd day
of lanuar, the Jeir ofgod 1"^ v^ Iviij 3eiris, Befoir ]>i'r witnes, Patrik
Muntgumry of giffen,^ Robert Ker of Kerrisland, lohne fresflier of
Knok, and lohne frasfier, his sone and apperand air, with v]nris
dyueril" John Montgomerie died in the same year that he made
his will, two years after his father, and was probably a comparatively
young man. Robert Ker of Kerrisland, who signs as a witness, was

1 Preserved in the Advocates' Library.

2 The scribe has evidently omitted a part of the original.

3 In her last will and testament Margaret Fraser is described as "Lady Giffeii
and Hessilheid, relict of vmq?^//2'Ie Johne Montguwmerie." It would appear from
this that after the death of her first husband she had married into the family of the
Montgomeries of Giffen. This must have been subsequent, however, to 5th
September 1564, for on that date her name appears as "Margaret Freser, Lady
Hessilheid," in the marriage contract of her daughter Agnes with John SmoUet,
son and apparent heir to William Smollet, burgess of Dumbarton. But it is note-
worthy that in this contract Patrick Montgomery of Giffen appears as one of Lady
Hessilheid's sureties (Register of Deeds, vol. viii. f. 464a).

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE. 259

his brother-in-law. It would seem natural that some relative of his
wife should be among the witnesses, and from what has been already
advanced there can be no reasonable doubt that the two Frasers who
adhibit their signatures to the will are the father and brother of
Margaret Eraser, the mother of Alexander Montgomerie.

It has been already mentioned that John Fraser of Knock, whom
we may now regard as the poet's grandfather, married Margaret,
daughter of Sir John Stewart of Glanderston. There is charter
evidence to prove this.^ The genealogy of Stewart of Glanderston is
well ascertained, and is recorded in various peerages and histories of
the house of Stewart. He was, as Paterson states, the fourth son of
Sir John Stewart of Derneley, first Earl of Lennox, from whom was
descended Lord Henry Darnley, husband of Queen Mary, and father
of King James VI.

Reference has been made to Paterson's article on Montgomerie
in 'Notes and Queries' (Jan. 4, 1868), one object of which is to
establish the point that the poet was married and had a family. "-^
According to this account Montgomerie had two children, named
Alexander and .Margaret, the former of whom went to Ireland, was
settled in Derry by his kinsman, Hugh, Viscount of Ardres, and
became prebend of Do. Quoting from ' The Montgomerie Manu-
scripts,' Paterson points out that this Alexander Montgomerie was an
Episcopalian, and that, despite his clerical office, he had shown a
valiant spirit in the wars of the Irish Rebellion, obtaining a mihtary
command. He died in 1658. His son John entered the army and
became proprietor of several estates in Ireland. His will is recorded
in the Probate Court in Dublin on 2Sth August 1679. "Singular
enough," continues Paterson, "adhibited to his signature are the arms
oi \}s\& Montgomeries of Hessilkeid^ with the initials 'A. M.' above."
But the main evidence adduced to prove Montgomerie's marriage is
taken from a trial for witchcraft recorded by Pitcairn,'* which took
place in Glasgow on 23rd March 1622. It appears there that a
certain Margaret Wallace was accused of having bewitched the child
of Alexander Vallange or Vallance, burgess of Glasgow, and Margaret
Montgomery, his spouse. " Mr Alexander Montgomery," brother to
Mrs Vallange, had been called as a witness, but had absented himself
on the ground of sickness, forwarding a certificate in proof of this.
For the defence it was urged that his (Mr Alexander's) deposition
could "nocht haue bene ressauit gif he had compeirit becaus it wald
have bene objectit contrair him that he and Margaret Montgomerie
(Mrs Vallance) are brother bairns of the hoiis of Hessilheid quhais
dochter is allegit to have bene witchit," &c. " Now, there was no
one," adds Paterson, "to whom the expression ' brother bairns' could
apply save to the children of Captain Alexander Montgomerie, whose

1 See notes to chart. "- Dr Brotanek accepts this as proved. Op. cit., p. 22.

3 The itahcs are Paterson's. •* Criminal Trials, vol. iii. p. 535.

260 APPENDIX A.

elder brother John ' succeeded to the family estate of Hessilheid.
True, when the trial took place in 1622, Robert, the grand-nephew
of the poet, was in possession of the property ; but the passage
does not state the precise relationship of the parties ; it merely
says that they were ' brother bairns of the hous of Hessilheid,' and
there are no others in the pedigree of the family to whom such refer-
ence could be made but to the brothers John and Alexander."

This somewhat positive statement of Paterson it is now possible,
from charter evidence, to definitely disprove. The Margaret and
Alexander Montgomery who appear in the trial for witchcraft were
the children not of the poet but of his nephew, John Montgomerie of
Auchinbothy. This appears from the following charter: "Apud
Edinburgum, 22 Feb., 1634. Rex, . . . ratificavit cartam de data apud
Stranrawer et Glasgow i et 10 lul., 1632, per Margaretam, Annam,
et Cristinam Montgomeries, filias et heredes portionarias quondam
loannis Montgomerie de Auchinbothy, cum consensu Alexandri
Wallange, mercatoris, burgen. de Glasgow, mariti dicte Marg,
et Hugonis Montgomerie de Grainscheoch, mariti dicte Anne, factam
Roberto Montgomerie de Hessilheid, heredibus ejus et successoribus,
— de earum septima parte terrarum et molendini granorum de
Watterheidis (Watterlandis), et terrarum de Halkettis, in baronia de
Cunynghame, vie. de Air . . ."^ Margaret Montgomerie, the wife of
Alexander Vallange, is here seen to be the daughter of John Mont-
gomerie of Auchinbothy.^ His will is recorded in the Register of
Testaments of the Commissariot of Glasgow, vol. iii. f. 97, and therein
appear the names of his three daughters as given in the charter
above. It is also clear that the Alexander referred to in the witch-
craft trial was another of Auchinbothy's family. Who the Alexander
Montgomerie was who went to Ireland and became the prebend of
Do. it is impossible to say. He may have been Auchinbothy's son,
or he may have been the son of Hugh Montgomerie, fifth laird of
Hessilheid, which would equally or rather better explain the appear
ance of the Hessilheid arms attached to the will registered in Dublin.
The point is of no great consequence. It is at least certain that
Paterson's belief in the poet's marriage is devoid of any valid
evidence.

The question of Montgomerie's relationship to Sir William Mure of
Rovvallan remains to be dealt with. Dr Cranstoun and Mr Tough
concur in stating that Mure was a nephew of Montgomerie, being the
son of his sister Elizabeth. But this, there can be no doubt, is a mis-
take. Dr Cranstoun cites, apparently as his sole authority, the note,
already quoted at the beginning of this article, which appears in Lyle's

1 As already shown, he was the poet's father.

2 Register of the Great Seal of Scotland.

^ That he was a nephew of the poet is proved by charter evidence, to which
reference will be found in the notes to the genealogical chart.

THE GENEALOGY OF ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE. 261

'Ancient Ballads and Songs' (1827). It is there stated that "This
lady [i.e., Elizabeth Montgomerie] appears to have been daughter to
Hugh Montgomery of Hazelhead, Ayrshire (descended of Eglintoun),
by Marion Sempill, daughter of Lord Sempill, and sister to Mont-
gomery, author of ' The Cherry and the Slae.' This statement is
curiously complicated with error. The Hugh Montgomerie who
married Marion Sempill was Alexander Montgomerie's eldest brother,
the fifth laird of Hessilheid. The Hugh Montgomerie who has been
supposed to be the poet's father was the third laird. The poet had
a sister Elizabeth, but, as has been pointed out, she married Adam
Montgomerie of Braidstane. The following charter conclusively
prov-es who the Elizabeth Montgomerie was that married into the
Rowallan family and became the mother of Sir William Mure.

"24 Ian., 1593. Rex confirmavit cartam Willelmi Mure de Row-
allan, qua, proimpletione contractus matrimonialis inter se et Wil.
Mure filium suum et heredem apparentem ab una, Hugonem Mont-
gomery de Hessilheid et Eliz. Montgomery ejus filiam legitimam ab
altera partibus de data apud Hessilheid 23 Sept., 1592, vendidit
dicte Elizabethe Montgomery (spouse dicti filii sui) in ejus pura
virginitate in vitali redditu, 40 solidatos terrarum antiqui extentus de
Glassoch . . ."1 At the date this charter was granted the laird of
Hessilheid was Hugh Montgomerie, the poet's eldest brother, and it is
his daughter Elizabeth who is here seen to have been contracted in
marriage with the laird of Rowallan. Her son, Sir William Mure
the poet, born in the following year, 1594, was accordingly a grand-
nephew of Alexander Montgomerie.-

1 Register of the Great Seal of Scotland. Among the witnesses signing appears
" lo. Montgomery de Auchinbothy," brother of the Elizabeth mentioned in the
charter.

2 From two entries in the manuscript Protocol Book (1612-1620) of Robert
Brown, notary public, preserved in the Drummond Collection, Edinburgh Uni-
versity Library, it would appear that by 1620 Sir William Mure had succeeded to
the family estate, and that he was also at this date married and had a son named
Alexander.

APPENDIX B.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS.

One of the few facts hitherto ascertained about Montgomerie's
personal history is that at some period of his hfe he was involved
in a prolonged and embittering lawsuit. Exactly how this case
arose has never been satisfactorily elucidated ; and even opposite
views have been taken as to the final judgment of the Court. There
is, however, no dubiety as to what the litigation was about. The
poet's right to a pension of five hundred merks, granted to him by
James VI. in 1583, and made chargeable on certain rents of the
Archbishopric of Glasgow, had been challenged, and apparently with
sufficient reason to necessitate a lengthy trial. So much can be
gathered from a series of sonnets written by Montgomerie himself
during the course of the legal proceedings, and from two entries, one
in the ' Register of Presentation to Benefices,' the other in the ' Register
of the Privy Seal,' to both of which attention was first directed by Dr
Irving in 1821. The first of these entries is merely an official record
of the King's grant to the poet, dated at Falkland on September 27,
1583 ; the other, of date March 21, 1589, is of much greater interest.
It is primarily a ratification and re-conferment of the former grant,
made necessary by the difficulties which Montgomerie was now
experiencing in the uplifting of his pension ; but, incidentally, it adds
in an interesting way to our knowledge of the poet's career and
friendly relations with the King. Unfortunately, it falls short at a
point where curiosity is naturally aroused. It offers no explanation
at all of how a pension, formally conferred by roj^al grant, and
enjoyed by Montgomerie for a number of years, had come to be
interfered with, nor does it name the person or persons by whom this
had been done. On these points the sonnets also throw no clear
light. These poems, however, give a most lively record of the feel-
ings with which the poet followed the changing phases of the case.
We gather from them that he had obtained some initial success in the
proceedings, which leads him to address the Lords of Session in
complimentary terms, and to chafif in good-humoured confidence the
opposing side. This mood is succeeded by one of growing anxiety

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 263

and irritation. He appeals to the King to come to his assistance,
raises points for the judges' consideration, complains querulously of
their long delays, and urges them to make a speedy end of the
matter —

" Then mak the poet pensioner, I pray,
And byde be justice, as Je haif begun.
Sen I haif richt, vhy suld I be ou'r-run ? "

There is, finally, a complete loss of temper and an unedifying dis-
play of reckless abuse and bitter invective, in which he spares neither
the Lords of Session nor his own counsel. Were there no other
evidence, the mood in which these sonnets close should be sufficient
to assure us that the final pronouncement of the Court had been
adverse to Montgomerie. Later, when the first rage of disappoint-
ment had spent itself, he recovers, and writes with some approach to
dignity about his loss. There can be scarcely any doubt that the
following sonnet was penned at this time : —

" Adeu, my King, Court, Cuntrey, and my Kin :
Adeu, suete Duke, vhose father held me deir :
Adeu, Companiones, Constable and Keir :
Thrie treuar hairts, I trou, sail neuer tuin.
If byganes to revolve I suld begin.

My Tragedie wald cost 30U mony a teir
To heir how hardly I am handlit heir,
Considring once the honour I wes in.
Shirs, je haif sene me griter with his grace.

And with 3our vmquhyle Maister, to, and myne :
Quha thoght the Poet somt3'me worth his place.
Suppose 3e sie the}' shot him out sensyne.
Sen wryt, nor wax, nor word is not a word :
I must perforce ga seik my fathers suord. "

It is clear from what we now know of the circumstances that the
result of this lawsuit had a disastrous effect on Montgomerie's for-
tunes. Besides depriving him of a substantial pension, it would
necessarily involve him in a heavy monetary loss. The legal pro-
ceedings had engaged the Courts, off and on, for seven years. The
view hitherto held that the writ of the Privy Seal, already alluded to,
subsequently restored to the poet his pension is quite erroneous, for,
as we shall see, the decision in the trial was reached five years after
the date of the writ. Far more serious to Montgomerie than these
pecuniary losses was the breach occasioned in his friendly relations
with the King, and his consequent expulsion from the Court. That
this was in some way due to the lawsuit is tolerably certain. It
will be more convenient, however, to return to this point later, when
the reader has been made acquainted with what can now be told of
the matter.

264 APPENDIX B.

The circumstances out of which these troubles arose prove, on
investigation, to have been closely connected with the tangled politics
of James's reign, from 1583 (the year in which Montgomerie received
his pension) to 1593, when a final decision was given in the lawsuit.
To understand how this came about, we must first try to see by
what means Montgomerie came to be mixed up in politics at all,
and on which side his interests were engaged. It is well known
from authentic records, and from several references in his own
poems, that he was engaged as a servitor at the Scottish Court, a
position he probably owed to his family connections. There is,
unfortunately, no means of ascertaining in what year he received
this appointment. The view, first tentatively put forward by Dr
Irving, the poet's earliest biographer, and since generally accepted,
that he was engaged in the service of the Regent Morton as early
as 1577, depends on a supposed identification of the poet with a
certain " Captain Montgomerie," referred to by James Melville in
his diary as "a good honest man, the regent's domestic" ; and also
on an interpretation of a personal allusion in one of the sonnets.
It seems now quite certain that the poetical reference is not to
Morton, but to the first Duke of Lennox, who came to Scotland
in 1579; and the fact, which Dr Irving himself points out, that
amongst the gentlemen of Morton's household was a Captain Robert
Montgomerie, must make it, until better evidence is adduced, exceed-
ingly doubtful whether Melville's remark was intended for the
poet. Although this particular evidence rather crumbles away on
examination, there is nothing improbable in the notion that Mont-
gomerie was at the Court in 1577. The earliest official informa-
tion on the subject, however, is of date seven years later. This
is the King's grant to Montgomerie of his pension, which, we learn
from an entry in the Register of Deeds (vol. 40, f. 40), was made
on July 7, 1583. It is afterwards recorded, in the 'Register of
Presentation to Benefices' on September 27, where it is mentioned
that payment was to date from the previous year. We may fairly
assume this was a reward for past services, the more so since
there is authentic evidence that Montgomerie was acting as servitor
to his Majesty in 1584. This we know from two interesting records
which appear in the ' Register of Deeds.' These have reference to
a curious transaction in which the poet was concerned. The
first, dated November 3, 1584, is an acquittance by a certain Henrie
Gelis, merchant of Southampton, in favour of Montgomerie, in
w^hich the former, in consideration of "certane gratitudis and guid
deidis done, and sovmes of money realie ressauit be me in novmerit
money fra Alexander Montgomerie, gentillman of Scotland, quherof
I hald me weill contentit and payit," relieves the poet of his share
of a debt^of £300 sterling contracted along with two others, " Richert
Ramsay and Andro Mertyne, Scottismen." The second entry,
dated eight weeks later (December 30), is a renunciation and dis-

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 265

charge by Montgomerie of this acquittance. No reason is assigned
for this curious act, but it appears that the ;^30o debt was "the pryce
of ane bark callit the 'James Bonaventor ' of Southampton," purchased
by the three debtors on December 2, 1580. The original document
conveying Montgomerie's renunciation is fortunately preserved in
the Register House, and has the poet's autograph signature at the
foot. It begins, "I, Alexander Montgomeray, servitor to the Kingis
maiestie," but it does not appear whether this position was held
by the poet at the time the ' James Bonaventor ' was bought. Neither
is any hint given of the purpose for which Montgomerie and his
two companions acquired a vessel of this size, nor what the occasions
may have been for the payment of the "sovmes of money" which
the Southampton merchant acknowledges. We may suspect, how-
ever, from what is known of Montgomerie's career at a later date,
that his dealings with Henrie Gelis were connected with political,
and if so, pretty certainly with Catholic, intrigue. Into this it
will be necessary to enter more fully presently. As throwing light
on Montgomerie's connection with the Court at this time, we may
note an affectionate reference in one of his sonnets to his kinsman,
Esmd Stewart, first Duke of Lennox, who, it may be mentioned,
at the date of the Southampton transaction was secretly sharing
in Jesuit schemes for the overthrow of Protestantism both in Scot-
land and England, and the restoration of Mary Queen of Scots.

Unless we assume that Montgomerie had made acquaintance with
the Duke at an earlier period on the Continent, his friendship with
his noble kinsman must have been formed at the Scottish Court
between 1579 and 1582. Lennox first arrived in Scotland in Sept-
ember 1579, and in a very short time became the chief favourite
of the young King. Under the guidance of this gay and accom-
plished courtier, versed in all the arts of depravity practised at
the Court of Henry III. of France, James, for the next few years,
was introduced to a round of debasing revels. He was taught to
hate the Presbyterians, and even to dally with the notion of be-
coming a Catholic. His latent disposition to act as an absolute
ruler was sedulously encouraged. One of the charges brought
against Lennox at a later date was that he had " debauched " the
morals of his youthful sovereign. The opposition which these
ongoings aroused culminated in the Ruthven Raid in the summer
of 1582. In December Lennox escaped to France, where he died
on May 26, 1583. The strongest evidence we have that Mont-
gomerie was a well-known figure at the Court during Lennox's
ascendency is furnished by the TuUibardine MS. of the 'Fiyting.'^
It has long been known from quotation in James's treatise on
Scottish prosody, the ' Reulis and Cautelis,' that the ' Flyting' must
have been written as early as 1584. The TuUibardine MS., how-

1 Note also "The Navigatioun " (Miscellaneous Poems), dating probably from
1579.

266 APPENDIX B.

ever, enables us to date it somewhat earlier. This encounter
between Montgomerie and Polwart, we are also informed by the
compiler of "The Montgomerie Manuscripts," was carried through
"before King James VI. and his Scottish Court." ^ It was, in fact,
a rather gross contribution to the Court amusements of those years.

Interesting light is thrown on the King's friendship with Mont-
gomerie at this time by the discovery some years ago of a number
of poems by James, contained in an autograph manuscript in the
Bodleian Library. One is addressed to Montgomerie in the follow-
ing terms: " Ane Admonitioun to the Maister Poete to leaue of
greit crakking quhich he did shau, leist he not only sklander himself
but alsua the haill professours of the Airt." The opening stanzas
indicate a friendliness of spirit towards Montgomerie which amply
confirms the claim he puts forward in several of his sonnets to
have stood high in the King's regard.

" Gif patient eire to sumthing I man say,
Belouit Sandirs, maister of oure airt :
The mous did help the lyon one a day,
Sa I protest ye tak it in guid pairt.
My admonition cumming from a hairt
That uishis weill to you & all youre craft ;
Quha uald be sorry for to see you smairt,
Thocht uther poetes trouis ye be gain daft.

A freind is ay best kend in time of neid,
Quhilk is the caus that garris me tak sik caire
Nou for youre state, sen thair is cause indeid,
For all the poetis leaue you standand baire.
Auld cruiked Robert makis of you the haire,
And elf-gett Polluart helpis the smithy smuik ;
He countis you done, & hopes, but ony maire,
His time about to uinn the chimlay nuik.

But as the guid cherurgian oft dois use,

I meane to rype the uound befoir he heald.

A pardon me ! & think it na excuse,

Suppois I tell the cause quhy thay haue raild ;

And sine considder quither ye haue failde.

Or quhat hes causid thaim this uay to bakbite you,

In to that craft thay neuer yit preuaild

Abeit of lait thay hope for till out-flyte you. "

At the close of this friendly but admonitory poem a sonnet is
appended, the opening lines of which run as follows : —

" Remember of my protestatioun now
And think that loue hes gert me tak thir pan is ;
Fullis counsall quhiles uill help uise men, I trow ;
Quhilk is the cause that garris me brek my branis."

1 See page 254.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 267

In another sonnet, addressed to Bacchus, the King adverts to
Montgomerie in terms which seem to give some colour to a charge
of intemperance made many times in the 'Flyting' by Polwart —

' ' O michtie sunne of Semele the faire,
Bacchus, borne be loue the god of micht,
O tuis borne boy, quho euer dou & daire
Subdue all mortall uith thy liquore uicht,
Quho uith thy pouer blindit hes the sicht
To sum ; to utheris thou the eirs hes deafed ;
Fia sum thou takis the taist ; sum smelling richt
Dois laike ; some tuiching ; sum all fiue bereaued
Are of. The greit Alexander craued
Thy mercy oft. Oure maister poet nou
Is uorred be the : ue smaller then sail leue it
To strive uith the. Then on his tombe I uou
Sail be : heir lyis quhom Bacchus be his uine
Hes trappit first, & maide him rander sine."

The allusion in the first of these quotations to " elf-get t PoUuart"
is a reminiscence of one of Montgomerie's lines in the 'Flyting,' "There
ane elph and ane aip ane vnsell begate," referring to Polwart. A
very probable date for the composition of the King's ' Admonitioun '
would be shortly after, or perhaps just before, Pol wart's last epistle
in the ' Flyting.' That is in the year 1582. James was then barely
seventeen, which may account for the unwonted tone of deference
that accompanies his laboured' admonition to the much older poet.
Montgomerie was at least twenty years the King's senior. In later
times, after his expulsion from the Court, Montgomerie recalls how

James —

' ' laughed som tym for to look,
Hou I chaist Polwart from the chimney nook."

There is an interesting allusion in another of his sonnets, addressed,
in the days of his banishment, to his friend Robert Hudson, a poet
and musician, who also took part in the revels of the Court at the
time we are considering. He reminds Hudson of happier days —

" 3it 3e half sene his Grace oft for me send,
Quhen he took plesure into Poesie."

These interviews with the King to discuss and read poetry could
not have taken place later than 1586, for in that year Montgomerie
left Scotland under a royal licence to travel on the Continent for five
years, and there is good reason, as we shall see, for believing that
he did not again resume his former place of favour at the Court. It
is not likely, however, that the conversations with James took place
during the time the King was in the hands of the Ruthven Raiders
— that is, from August 1582 to June 1583. Either, then, Montgomerie
is referring to the time when Lennox was the ruling spirit of the

268 APPENDIX B.

Court, or to the years immediately after the downfall of the Raiders,
when James again gathered his old favourites around him. The
King's friendship for the poet at this later time is shown by the
pension which he bestowed on Montgomerie a month after he had
escaped from the Raiders.

There is a special interest in thus endeavouring to fix within
definite limits the period of Montgomerie's conversations on poetry
with the King, because of a suggestion thrown out by Dr Hoflfmann
that our poet was the inspirer of James's famous tractate, the ' Reulis
and Cautehs.'^ This, it will be remembered, was published in 1584.
[It may be worth while to mention here that there is authentic evi-
dence of Montgomerie's presence in Edinburgh in this year. His
mother, the "richt honorabill Ladie Margaret Frafier, Ladie Giffen
and Hessilheid," died in August 1583. Her will is registered on
July 7 of the following year, and the " Commissaris" of Edinburgh
certify that the poet had appeared to take the necessary oath before
assuming the "office of executorie." Further, in the second of the
two entries in the 'Register of Deeds' dealing with the purchase of the
'James Bonaventor' from Henrie Gelis of Southampton, it is mentioned
that Montgomerie "compeirit personallie " before the Lords of Council
on December 30, 1584.] There is much to be said for Dr Hoffmann's
suggestion. At the time the 'Reulis' appeared James was seventeen
years old. Astonishingly precocious as he no doubt was, it yet seems
highly improbable that, without a good deal of " coaching," he could
have formulated the elaborate counsels on Scots versification which
appear in his tractate. The old notion that they were derived from
his early instructor, George Buchanan, has nothing to commend it.
There is no reason to believe that the Humanist poet ever wrote a line
of vernacular verse. He died in 1582 when the King was fifteen, and
for some time previous to this had ceased to take active supervision
of James's education. He had openly forsworn the trivialities of his
early muse, and was engaged in the arduous undertaking of his prose
history of Scotland. That he devoted any time to schooling his
youthful pupil in the artificialities of Middle Scots prosody is
scarcely conceivable. On the other hand, the King's tractate is,
in the principles of versification which it expounds, related in the
closest way to Montgomerie's practice as a poet. Several of the
"reulis" and "cautelis" are, in fact, illustrated by quotations from
his verse. The purpose of the tractate, no doubt, was to formulate,
after the manner of the numerous contemporary treatises on prosody
appearing in England, the principles of the "new poetry" which at
the Court of James had largely displaced the style and tradition of
the "makaris" of the Golden Age. Of this movement Montgomerie
was the chief exemplar, and, as we have seen, he is hailed by James
himself as the " Maister poete" of the Court.

1 See also Anglia, Beiblatt, 1894, p. 162 f.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 269

Montgomerie could scarcely have been at the Scottish Court dur-
ing these early years of James's reign without being drawn into
the eager politics of the time. The interest of European diplomacy
was for the moment centred in the intrigues then going on in
Scotland. Catholic emissaries from France and Spain were flitting
to and fro, with no lack of encouragement from a large section,
probably a third, of the Scottish nobles. The King's adherence to
the Catholic side was zealously sought, and doubtless he would
have been quite prepared to yield this, had it been clear to him he
would thus further his chances of ascending the throne of England.
The dangers of a Catholic invasion by way of the north were well
known to Elizabeth, and her policy was directed to strengthening
the hands of the Protestant party in Scotland. There can be little
doubt that Montgomerie's interests were engaged on the side of the
Catholic earls. His family connections, both on his father's and
on his mother's side, belonged to this party. Lennox, his kinsman
and patron, had come to Scotland "as the express emissary of the
Guises to work by all means in his power for the restoration of
Mary Stewart and of the ancient religion." ^ When in 1581 Jesuit
agents, representing Spanish aims, were in Scotland, among the
nobles who cordially received them was the head of Montgomerie's
house, the Earl of Eglinton. Mendoza, the Spanish ambassador in
England, writing in the same year to Philip of Spain regarding this
movement in Scotland, reports that one of their emissaries, Father
Holt, "then went to Edinburgh where he was received ... by the
principal lords and counsellors of the King, particularly the Duke
of Lennox, the Earls of Huntly, Eglinton, Argyle, Caithness, and
others, who are desirous of bringing the country to the Catholic
faith." Later he adds, "Holt and his predecessor have converted
many, and said mass and preached on Christmas Day and Epiphany
at Lord Seton's house." Lord Robert Seton, later on the Earl of
Wintoun, was, next to Lennox, probably the most active of the
Catholic lords. He was a son-in-law of the Earl of Eglinton,
having married in 1582 the Margaret Montgomerie whose charms
are celebrated by her relative the poet in terms so warm as to have
raised the suspicion that Montgomerie was something more than
an impartial admirer.^ With another of the noted Catholics of
that time, Lord Robert Semple, he was also on terms of intimacy.
Semple was married to Agnes Montgomerie, a sister of the Lady
Margaret just mentioned ; and his daughter married the poet's

1 Hume Brown, 'History of Scotland,' vol. ii. p. 175. Also Dr Law, 'Edin-
burgh Review,' April 1898.

2 Um dieselbe Zeit (April 10, 1582) fand ein Herzens-roman des Dichters seinen
Abschluss durch die Heirat Lady Margaret Montgomerys des Tochter Hughs of
Eglintoun mit Robert, Maister of Seyton dem nachmaligen Earl of Wintoun
(Brotanek, p. 12).

270 APPENDIX B.

eldest brother, Hugh, the fifth Laird of Hessilheid. Montgomerie
sings his praises in a poem of welcome on his return from France,
the second stanza of which begins —

"Then welcome hame, my lord,
Suete Sample, welcome hame ;
Quhais vertues wan the word
That formest flies with fame."

At a later date, 1591, we find Ludovic, second Duke of Lennox,
acknowledging Montgomerie's services, and amongst those who
witness the document are such well-known Catholics as the Earl of
Huntly, Lord Claud Hamilton, and others.^ Finally, as establishing
the poet's connection with the Catholics, we have authentic evidence
of his implication in a plot to land Spanish soldiers in the island of
Ailsa Craig, and of his denunciation in consequence by the Privy
Council. But this was at a much later time, and will best be
discussed afterwards.

We have seen that Montgomerie received his pension soon after
the overthrow of the Ruthven Raiders in the summer of 1583. The
political party to which there can be no doubt he was attached was
once more in office, and under the leadership of Arran pursued a
policy of systematic revenge upon the Presbyterians. The most prom-
inent members of the Raid faction were forced to flee the country.
During this time Montgomerie was in attendance on the King as one
of his servitors. It is unnecessary here to trace the events which
brought about the downfall of the Arran Administration, and the re-
turn to power of the Banished Lords in November of 1585. But this
change, we shall see, had most important consequences for the poet.
One of those who had for the past two years been living across the
English border, and who now returned to share in the restored pros-
perity of the Raiders, was a certain William Erskine, cousin of the Earl
of Mar. He is mentioned in the Act of Abolition, passed by the new
Parliament in December 1585, as " Maister Wm. Erskin, persoun of
Campsie," and is, along with many others, relieved of the " dome of
foirfaltour" passed upon him during the time of the Arran supremacy.
He appears at the first meeting of the new Privy Council, and as mem-
ber of the Parliament which met at Linlithgow in December to ratify
the revolution. Some time prior to 1579 he had been appointed to the
Chancellorship of Glasgow University.- It was this man, a prominent
member of the Raid party, an enemy of the Catholics, who was now
to be the immediate cause of Montgomerie's troubles.

Amongst those who, on the downfall of Arran, had returned to
Scotland, was Lord Claud Hamilton, for many years an exile from
his country. Formerly he had held the position of Commendator ot
Paisley, but had been foirfalted as far back as 1568, and again in

1 See Life-Records, No. VII., p. 311.

- ' Register of the Privy Council,' February 14, 1579-80.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 27 1

1579. In the latter year his comniendatorship was given to William
Erskine.i Owing to the change now brought about in the political
situation, Hamilton was able to return to Scotland, and a special Act
of Pacification was passed in December 1585 rescinding all previous
sentences against him, and restoring him to the full possession of his
former "landis, benefices, levingis," &c. He accordingly resumed
the comniendatorship of Paisley, and some means had to be sought
to meet the claims of Erskine. This was done by his elevation to
the Archbishopric of Glasgow, the appointment being recorded on
December 21, 1585, both in the 'Register of Presentation to Benefices'
(vol. ii. f. 139a) and in the ' Register of the Great Seal.' It will be
remembered that Montgomery was at this time drawing his pension
from the revenues of the see.

It is hard to follow the windings and involutions of James's
diplomacy both at this time and later ; but it is scarcely possible that
Erskine's appointment could have had his willing consent. For four
years, ever since the death of Archbishop Boyd in 1581, he had been
engaged in a bitter wrangle with the Kirk through his obstinate
efforts to place Robert Montgomerie, a worthless but pliant " tulchan,"
in the vacant see ; and as late as May 1584 the Arran Parliament had
passed a special Act proclaiming this Robert Montgomerie Archbishop
of Glasgow in defiance of the Kirk's pronouncement of excommunica-
tion upon him. But now, in the terms of Erskine's appointment, not
only is Robert Montgomerie's claim ignored, but also all and every
kind of gift made from the lands and revenue of the bishopric (and
there had been many) "be our said souerane lord sen the deceis of
the said vmquhile Mr James Bo)^d, last archiebischop of the said
bishoprik, with all and quhatsumeuir fewes, rentalles, takks, and
pensiones, maid and grantit be our said souerane lord or ony vther
persoun vpoun the said bischoprick, or onie pairt J^airof, sen ]7e deceis
[1581] of the said vmquhile Mr James [Boyd]," are declared "to
ceas and to be of nane avale, force, nor effect." ^ The Lords of
Council and Session are ordered to grant the necessary forms for
giving effect to Erskine's appointment, and from another source we
know this was done. One grant only is excepted — namely, a pension
of 200 merks to a certain "Nicoll Carnecorfi." ^

No reason is given for this particular exemption, but possibly
Carnecors was not one on whom the restored party had any cause to
take vengeance. If the King had a desire, and it is reasonable to
suppose he had, to save Montgomerie's pension, apparently he was
not in a convenient position to press the matter. Neither the poet
nor the other pensioners of the bishopric, however, were willing to

1 ' Register of Presentation to Benefices,' vol. ii. f. '22.0.

- Ibid., vol. ii. f. 139^.

^ In a ratification of this pension granted by Parliament in April 1592 he is
described as the King's " louit Nicoll Carnecors, son lauchfull to Nicoll Carnecors
of Calf hill."

272 APPENDIX B.

surrender their privileges without a struggle. There was always the
possibility that the law-courts, biassed by the strong running currents
of political feeling, might endeavour to thwart this attempt to force
the King to undo his former gifts to his friends. Erskine was not
slow to put the matter to the test. Within twenty-five days of
the date of his appointment, an action is filed in his name in the
Commissary Court of Edinburgh against James Boyd, second son of
James Boyd of Kipps, to have his pension from the revenues of the
see of Glasgow reduced.^ Other suits of a similar kind follow in
rapid succession. He even sues Robert Montgomerie "to make
paymient of the soumis and rentis of ])e bischoprik of Glasgow
of sindrie 3eiris bigane,'' which shows that Montgomerie, despite
the Kirk, had succeeded in intromitting with the revenues of the
diocese.2

It is not until the very end of 1586 that we come on the first
documentary evidence of proceedings against the poet. This is an
Interlocutor of the Court of Session, dated December 24. The
record, however, shows that earlier in the year proceedings had
been taken against Montgomerie in the Commissary Court of Edin-
burgh. But for some reason not specified it had been agreed to
transfer the action to the higher Court. The Interlocutor of the
Lords of Session accordingly discharges the Commissary Court
from all further proceeding in the matter. This is explicitly stated
to have been done "with consent of the parteis concerned." The
Interlocutor further fixes January 6, 1586/7, and days following,
for the hearing of the case. Unfortunately, at this point the
records fail us, the 'Register of Acts and Decreets' containing no
account of what happened when the action was resumed. There
is, of course, the possibility that in the interval of twelve days
some arrangement had been come to which for the time being obvi-
ated the necessity of further litigation.

An explanation of the difficulty may perhaps be found in the
fact that some time in the year 1586 Montgomerie, under a royal
licence, left the country to proceed to " Flanderis, Spane, and vthiris
beyond sey." It is not stated in the ' Register of the Privy Seal,'
from which this information is derived, in which month Montgomerie
set out. The year, it is to be remembered, did not end till March
24, of what in the new style would be 1587. It is thus possible
that the poet's departure had been forced upon him at the very
time the case was in the Court, and that proceedings were by
arrangement suspended during his absence. One thing at least
is certain, that when Montgomerie started for the Continent no judg-
ment had been given against him, since the record in the ' Privy

1 ' Commissariot of Edinburgh — Decreits,' 15th January 1585/6.
' He is described in this record ('Register of Acts and Decreits,' vol. 104, f.
399(7) as " Robert, allegit Archibischope."

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 273

Seal Register' states that James undertook to protect, maintain,
and safeguard his pension.^ The formal and emphatic wa}^ in which
the King's promise is recorded in the Register, suggests of itself
that the poet had been despatched abroad on business touching
the King's interests, and at a time when his pension was being
threatened. The licence to go abroad, which is for a period of
five years, is stated to have been given "vpoun speciall and guid
respectis moving our said souerane loird," and the record further
informs us that Montgomerie "depairtit of ]?is realme to ]^e pairtis
of Flanderis, Spane, and v];iris beyond sey."

The temptation is strong here to connect this journey of the
poet with the activities of the Scottish Catholics on the Continent,
to which James at this period was paying special and indulgent
attention. There was great need for such services as Montgomerie
could render as courier or spy. About this time we hear of
Robert Bruce, a well-known secret agent, being despatched to the
Ki^g of Spain by Huntly, Morton, and Lord Claud Hamilton, to
urge that the Armada attack should be made by way of Scotland.
James was not a party to the scheme, but he was acquainted with
it, and prepared without scruple to turn events to his advantage
whichev-er way things might happen. It is an interesting
coincidence, if nothing more, that in 1586 a licence to go
abroad for five years was given by the King to two notorious
Catholic intriguers with whom there is reason to believe Mont-
gomerie was on friendly terms. These were Hew Barclay of Lady-
land and Sir William Stewart of Houston. Barclay was a west
country laird, and one of the most daring promoters of the Catholic
interest in Scotland. ^ Two sonnets by him are found in the Drum-
mond MS., one of which is addressed in a friendly way to Montgom-
erie. It was he who hatched the abortive plot to land Spanish soldiers
on Ailsa Craig, for his share in which we shall see Montgomerie
was denounced as a rebel in 1597. Sir William Stewart had been
the prime mover in rescuing James from the Ruthven Raiders, and
as Captain of the King's Guard at the time Montgomerie was
acting as one of his Majesty's servitors, must have known the poet
well. In 1584 we find his servitor, John Young, witnessing Henrie
Gelis's acquittance to Montgomerie for his share of the debt incurred
in connection with the 'James Bonaventor.'^ The royal licence,

1 See Appendix D, VI. It is clear from this that some time between the date of
Erskine's appointment and Montgomerie's departure the King had "restored" to
the poet his pension, but obviously without the sanction of the new Archbishop.

2 He was mixed up in the affair of the Spanish Blanks, and along with others
was denounced by Act of Parliament on January 5, 1593.

3 There seems a possibility that Montgomerie had at an earlier date come into
contact with Stewart in Flanders. In 1575, if not even before then, Stewart was
serving with other Scots under the Prince of Orange. Five years later, as Colonel,
he had five companies of Scots under his command. ^ jFrom a line in the ' Flyting,'

S

274 APPENDIX B.

dated in the 'Register of the Privy Seal,' May 21, 1586, granting
permission to Barclay and Stewart to leave the country, states that
they are about to " procede to ]7e pairtis of France, Flanderis, and
vjiiris be3ond sey, during the space of fyve 3eiris, for performyng
certane honorabill effairis committit to ]?air charge, to ]>e profitt and
commoditie of ]?e publict estait of ]?is realme. And alsua to ]ie
avancement of vj)iris his maiesteis honorabill intentions." Shortly
after his departure we find Stewart in Paris avowing himself to
Mendoza (the Spanish Ambassador), the accredited agent of the
Catholic earls of Scotland.

Montgomerie, we learn from the Privy Seal record, set out for the
Continent in the same year as Barclay and Stewart, and his business
appears to have been of a hazardous kind. In no long time he had
fallen under suspicion of some sort and was thrown into prison, but
in which part of the Continent it is impossible to say. In March 1589
he is still "deteynit and halden " in captivity, "to the greit hurt and
vexatioun of his persoun, attour the lose of his guidis." But the King
continues a kindly interest in him. The writ of the Privy Seal,
from which we derive our information of this unfortunate chapter in
the poet's life,^ refers to Montgomerie's "service" as meriting " aug-
mentatioun " rather than " diminisching," and also speaks of providing
"better occasioun" for the poet continuing in his majesty's employ-
ment " in all tyme heireftir." This was in March 1589. By that time
Montgomerie had been probably about two years in captivity. In
some of his poems he writes with great bitterness of this experience.

written, as we have seen, not later than 1582, it appears that Montgomerie some
time previous to this had got into trouble in Argyle, and had fled to Flanders.
Polwart's statement could scarcely be a pure invention, although he turns the
occasion to humorous account (F., 1. 611). In Flanders at this time, Mont-
gomerie, who since Polwart calls him a " redshank " and Dempster an " eques
montanus," was certainly a soldier of some sort, would not unnaturally seek to
attach himself to the Scots Brigade. Later on, strong efforts were made by the
Catholics to detach the Scots from the Dutch. Queen Mary herself even interposed
(with what success is not known) to bribe Stewart with the promise of a substantial
pension. Now, in a letter written by Dr Wilson, agent for the Low Countries, to
Davison, dated January 25, 1578, there is the following suggestive passage: "I
told M. de Famara lately, and willed him to signify to the Prince, that practices
were laid to corrupt the Scots ; and I named two men especially. Captain Wyer
and Captain Montgomerie, who are suspected to be of Don John's faction for the
Scottish Queen's sake. . • ." It is impossible, of course, to say whether the
Captain Montgomerie here referred to was the poet ; and for this, amongst other
reasons, that his relative Robert Montgomerie of Braidstane held a captaincj-,
and was an emissary in negotiating Scottish aid to the Prince of Orange. (' Cal-
endar of State Papers,' Scottish Series, vol. iv. p. 602.) But at least it may be
said that in what little is known of this Robert Montgomerie, there is no reason
to believe that he had any share in or sympathy with the ever-recurring Catholic
plots of this period. It is otherwise, we have seen, with the poet.
1 See Appendix D, VI.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 275

One of them, evidently composed during his confinement, contains
these stanzas : —

" Quhen men or vvemen visitis me,

My dolour I disguyse,
By outward sight that nane may sie

Quhair inward langour lyes.
Als patient as my pairt appeiris,
With hevy hairt, vhen no man heirs,
For baill then burst I out in teirs,

Alane with cairfull cryis.

All day I wot not vhat to do,

I loth to sie the licht ;
At evin then I am trublit, to,

So noysum is the nicht.
Quhen Natur most requyrs to rest,
With pansing so I am opprest.
So mony things my mynd molest,

My sleiping is bot slicht."

And then his mind reverts to happier times at the Court —

" Remembring me vhair I haif bene,
Both lykit and belov't,
And nou sensyne vhat I haif sene,
My mynd may be commovt,"

At a later date, when the decision of the Commissary Court had
gone against him, and his pension had been annulled, he taunts the
King with his broken promise —

"Was Bishop Betoun bot restord agane,
To my ruin reserving all the rest,
To recompence my prisoning and pane?
The worst is ill, if this be bot the best.
Is this the frtite, sir, of your lirst affectione
My pensioun perish vnder your protectione ? "

In these lines it would seem to be implied that the restoration of
Bishop Betoun and Montgomerie's imprisonment were in some way
related to one another. Curiously enough, the first official informa-
tion there is of James's intention to restore Betoun to the Bishopric
of Glasgow is in an entry in the ' Register of the Privy Council,' dated
March 17, 1586/7, and of course the scheme would be on foot pre-
vious to its official announcement. The plan was accordingly taking
shape at the very time we have seen reason to believe that proceed-
ings in the Court of Session over the question of Montgomerie's
pension had been suspended. It is a mere conjecture, but not
without some shadow of support in the few facts that are known,
that the poet had been sent to the Continent to carry despatches to
Betoun, and perhaps to put himself at the bishop's disposition as a
courier or agent of some sort. Service of that kind was attended

276 APPENDIX B.

with sufficient risk, and if Montgomerie had been caught with com-
promising letters it might very well have led to a lengthy term of im-
prisonment. In one of his sonnets to the King on the subject of his
pension, he remarks that he had kept himself " Of crymes . . . clene,"
and then goes on to use these words —

" With, not without, 3our warrand, ^\t I went ;
In wryt , not words : the papers are in place.
Sen chance, not change, hes put me to this pane,
Let richt, not reif, my Pensioun bring agane."

In the sonnet following he rehearses to the King this catalogue of
his woes —

" If lose of guids, if gritest grudge or grief,

If povertie, imprisonment, or pane,

If for guid will, ingratitude agane,

If languishing in langour but relief,

If det, if dolour, & to become deif,

If travail tint, and labour lost in vane,

Do properlie to Poets appertane —

Of all that craft my chance is to be chief."

If these troubles had befallen Montgomerie whilst engaged in the
way suggested, the sarcastic reference to the King having recom-
pensed him by restoring Betoun to the see of Glasgow would have
considerable point.

James's object in seeking to reinstall Betoun in his former position
was that he might use him for political purposes on the Continent.
Circumspection, however, had to be exercised in bringing this about,
for Betoun was a notorious enemy of the Reformation, a Catholic,
and, till her death, the trusted agent of Queen Mary. It is interest-
ing to note the steps by which the King sought to carry out his plan,
and how, later on, the question of Betoun's restoration became the
central argument in Montgomerie's lawsuit. James had, in the first
place, to deal with Erskine, who, as we have seen, was raised to the
bishopric in December 1585. The terms of Erskine's appointment,
as recorded in the Register of the Great Seal and in the Register of
Presentation to Benefices, are without the slightest ambiguity in their
meaning. But on March 17, 1587, occurs a curious entry in the
•Register of the Privy Council' "explaining" Erskine's appointment,
of two years previous. It is declared to have been merely contingent,
and that the King now "meaning to imploy James sumtyme Archie-
bischope of Glasgow in his service " has " restoirit and reponit in
integrum the said James . . . aganis the sentence of foirfaltour and
baratrie given against him.''^

1 Betoun (a nephew of the Cardinal) was consecrated Bishop of Glasgow in 1552
at Rome. In 1560, to escape " the wild fury of the Reformers," he left Scotland,
carrying with him to France the muniments of his see, "which he carefully de-
posited partly in the Scots College, partly in the Charter House or Monastery of

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 277

Erskine, however, is to be permitted to enjoy the temporalities of
the see until Betoun's restoration is ratified by Act of Parliament. On
the day following this entry in the ' Privy Council Register,' Forster
wrote to Walsingham : " I thinke your honour hathe knowledge
that the Bischope of Glasgow is restored by opyn proclamatioun
at Edinburgh to the said bischoprick, and is appoynted by the
Kinge to be his ambassadour in France as he was in his late
mother's tyme." Four months later Parliament assembled. Whether
it was because the King was apprehensive of some difficulty in
getting the estates to acquiesce in Betoun's restoration, or because
a compromise had been forced upon him, the fact remains that in
July a measure was introduced and passed, which, although its
immediate purpose was to reinstall Betoun, does not mention his
name or his office. Later on we shall see that Erskine took full
and successful advantage of the ambiguity thus created. The bill,
which passed in July, took the form of a general ratification of the
Acts of Pacification, passed in 1573, and of Abolition, passed in the
interests of the Ruthven Raiders in 1585. These measures rescinded
in general terms sentences of foirfaltour and barratrie passed at
various times previous, and extending in their operative power
to the date of Queen Mary's return to Scotland on August 19,
1561. But in the Act of Abolition of 1585 Betoun is by name
expressly exempted from its provisions. With the obvious purpose
of getting over this difficulty, a clause is accordingly inserted in
the July Act of 1587 explicitly stating that the Acts of 1573 and
1585 shall apply "without ony maner of exceptioun, a]?er of personis
or crymes, except as sal be exceptit in the present act." That
this Act was interpreted at the time as applying to Betoun is shown
by the fact that before the session of Parliament closed applica-
tions were lodged on behalf of certain individuals to whom grants
out of the bishopric had previously been made, craving that the
restoration of Betoun might not interfere with their existing rights.

Meantime it would seem that Erskine had been persuaded or
forced into acquiescing in this plan for placing Betoun again in
the see of Glasgow. The party to which he belonged was not now
all powerful as it had been at the time of his appointment in Decem-
ber 1585, and James would be freer to take his own way. There
were, however, ties of intimacy between Erskine and the King, going
back to James's boyhood, before he had assumed the duties of his
royal office in 1579 ; and while it was necessary for the scheme which

Carthusians in Paris." He became Queen Mary's ambassador at the French
Court. As late as 1569 he is referred to in charters as Archbishop of Glasgow
in absentia. Sentence of barratrie was passed upon him on September 19, 1570.
On February 12, 1573, he is denounced (along with others) in the ' Register of the
Privy Council ' as a rebel and a traitor. On November 9 of the same year James
Boyd of Trochrig was appointed Archbishop of Glasgow. Boyd died in 1581.

278 APPENDIX B.

the King now had on hand, that Erskine should demit his ecclesi-
astical office, James would be willing that some compensation should
be given. There can be little doubt that this is the meaning of the
following curiously reticent entry in the 'Register of Presentation to
Benefices' (vol. ii. f. i77<5-)> dated July 23, 1587 — that is, a few days
after the so called Act of Restitution had been passed : "Remember-
ing the of aid gude, trew and thankfuU Deruise done to his maiestie
at all tymes be his familiare and well belouit fieruitour, Mr Willia.i>i
Erskin, p^rsoun of campsie, ^rc'^tinewallie fra the tyme of his hienes
birth ; the diligent caires, panes, and travellis tane be him in his
maiestie's educatioun, not onlie in tender 3eiris bot als cairfullie
]7airefter onto the tyme his hienes pleased accept the regiment of
this realme in his awin p^rsoun, and now sensyne ; Be the quhilk
daylie and continewall lang IVruice, the said Mr Wz7//a;;z hes not
allan^rlie bestowit and debursit thairthrow his haill leving and
patrimonie, bot als consumit ]:>e best pa/rt of his tyme & 3eiris,
w/t/mut ony respect bot depending vpoun his graces onlie provisioun
of ane honest lyfe and leving." Remembering these things, the
King had (this record goes on to state) promoted Erskine "to ane
honorabill place, calling, and leving, quhilk jj^/reftir he, at his
maiesteis speciall desyr dimittit and oiirgave agane, disappointing
himself of that thing quhilk iiis hienes prouidit to him for ane
honorabill lyfe & leving : Quhairfoir his grace, not being ony wayis
willing the said Mr Wz7//a;/z sal be frustrat of his expectatioun and
lang fi^ruice foirsaid, bot rather considdering his greit loyaltie,
prone, prompt and reddie fi^ruice & obedience at all times by past,
willing to gif him gud occasioun to continew steidfast and affectionat
])aznn, according to his guid dispositioun and nature, knawin to his
hienes," confers upon him a pension of " 24 chalderis beir." For
greater security thereof, " his maiestie promittis in verba to caus
ratefie j^e samin in parliament in maist ample forme." There is no
record of any such ratification. In view of what had gone before,
and what was to follow, these references to Erskine are truly re-
markable. A prominent member of the Ruthven Raid faction, he had
been foirfalted and obliged to flee the country. Along with Mar
and others, he had in August 1584 been summoned for "treasoun"
by the Parliament. In 1585 he had ousted Robert Montgomerie,
the King's nominee, from the see of Glasgow. Later on he opposed
Betoun in the law courts, and, for a time at least, successfully vin-
dicated his title to the bishopric.

The indirect method by which the King had attempted to bring
about Betoun's restoration proved ineffectual. The flaw in the
scheme lay in this, that while the Ratification Act of 1587 expressly
cancels any exceptions to the general pardon given by the Acts of
1573 and 1585, it does not, on the other hand, take cognisance of
the fact that these Acts are by their own terms stated to be applicable

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 279

only to those who had conformed to the principles and practice of
the Reformed Church, and had acknowledged the King's authority.
Betoun, whatever might be argued with regard to the second of these
conditions, had certainly never complied with the first. This weak
point was readily detected by Betoun's opponents, and Erskine, later
on in his further proceedings against Montgomerie (whose chief
argument is that Erskine has no right to call in question his pension
since he is no longer Archbishop), makes successful use of it before
both the Court of Session and the Commissary Court.^

The wrangle over Betoun's attempted restoration continued for
some years. The references to it in the ' Register of the Privy Council '
are rather conflicting. Thus, in an entry dated March 21, 1588/9
it is referred to as still holding good. But two months later
(29th May) a resolution was passed proclaiming that Betoun, and
others in similar case, were still under the ban of their former
sentences of foirfaltour. The point, however, was not finally settled
until 1592, when Parliament by an "Act of Interpritatioun"
determined that the benefits of the Pacification of 1573, the Act
of Abolition of 1585, and of the Act of Ratification of 1587, only
applied to such as had "professed the trew religioun,"^

By this time, however, the situation had become further com-
plicated. James, in November 1587, had bestowed the temporal
possessions of the see on Walter Stewart, Prior of Blantyre, and
now, when the scheme to restore Betoun (who it had been intended
should only get the teind -sheaves along with the ecclesiastical
title) was seen to have failed, he proceeded to an attempt to
hand the bishopric over to his kinsman and favourite, Ludovic
Duke of Lennox.

Montgomerie, on his return to Scotland, probably in 1591, must
have found his title to draw his pension considerably embarrassed
by the unsettled state in which the legal occupancy of the bishopric
of Glasgow was now placed. His first step seems to have been
to get his status recognised by Lennox. This we learn from an
interesting entry in the 'Register of Deeds,' ^ under date November 2,
1591, in which Lennox ratifies the poet's pension (but reduced
from 500 to 400 merks), "seing we half now vndoutit rycht to ]>e
said bischoprik of Glesgw and haill temporall landis J^erof, being
willing that all questioun and pley may be removit and takin
away quhilk may impeid ]7e said Capitane Alexander in the peceable
bruiking & vptaking of ]?e said pension," the ratification being

1 Decreet, § 41, p. 327.

- According to a statement in his argument against Montgomerie before the
Commissary Court, Erskine obtained decree against Betoun in June 1592, " dis-
chairgand ]?e said Mr James Betoun to trubill jje tennenttis of the said bischoprick
for |>air dewteis as pairtie fundin to haiwe na rycht ])erto." (Decreet, § 50, p. 331.)

2 Vol. 40, f. 40.

28o APPENDIX B.

likewise made with " expres consent and assent of Walter, priour
of Blantyre for all rycht, titill, entres and clame he hes, or may
hair, to ]}& said pensioun, or ony part J^erof." It is significant of
Montgomerie's connection with the Catholic faction that this
benefit is conferred " for guid & thankfull seruice done & to be
done be ]?e said Capitane Alexander to ws [z.e., Lennox], and
to gif him occasioun to continew j^erin," and that the document
is signed by (amongst others) Huntly, Robert Lord Setoun, and
Claud Hammiltoun.

Montgomerie, however, had now to reckon with Erskine, who was
vigorously pressing his title to the bishopric before the Lords of
Session. 1 Under the conditions of Erskine's appointment in 1585, we
have seen that all pensions drawn from the bishopric were, with one
exception, that to NicoU Carnecors, rescinded. There can be no
doubt, however, that either privately, or by writ of the Privy Seal
which has not been preserved, the King had, after the terms of
Erskine's appointment were announced, restored to Montgomerie his
pension. Accordingly we find, when the poet left Scotland in 1586,
James undertaking to safeguard, maintain, and protect his pension.
But by whatever means it came about, the royal safeguard certainly
proved ineffectual, for Erskine succeeded in uplifting, w-ith the rest of
the revenues of the see, Montgomerie's pension for 1586 and 1587.2
To recover this was the poet's first step when, after his return to
Scotland, he resumed legal proceedings in the Court of Session
against Erskine.^ The answer which Erskine made to this challenge
was to raise the whole question of Montgomerie's title to draw a
pension at all from Glasgow. This he did in the Commissary Court
of Edinburgh, calling upon the poet to produce his " letteris of
pensioun." Montgomerie appealed to the Lords of Session to have

1 In Decreet, § 44 (iii.), p. 329, Erskine refers to an action about this time
in which the Lords of Session had upheld his " vndouttit rycht to the said
bischoprik." See also § 47, and § 50 in which he states that he " obtenit
decreii" against Betoun in June 1592.

2 It is to this action of Erskine that the writ of the Privj' Seal (2TSt March
1588/9), ratifying and reconferring Montgomerie's pension, no doubt refers when
it states that " nochtwithstanding of ])e said licence and protectioun, the said
Capitane Alexander his factouris and servitouris hes bene maist wranguslie
stoppit, hinderit, and debarrit in the peceabill possessioun of his said pensioun,
but ony guid ordour or forme of lustice." That this was an irregvilar seizure on
Erskine's part would seem to be indicated by a reference [Remit, § 5 (ii.), p. 313]
to a successful action of double poinding raised by the poet (probably through
his factors in 1587), in which the Lords of Session decerned that pa\'ment should
be made to Montgomerie of his pension for 1386, "and in tyme cuming, as partie
fund be the saidis Lordis to haif best richt ))erto, and dischearging the said Mr
William [Erskine] of all calling and troubling of the saidis tennentis (i.e., those
who were responsible for the payment of the pension) as partie fund be the saidis
lordis to have na richt."

3 Remit, § 2, p. 312.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 28 1

this action taken out of the Commissary Court and brought before
the Court of Session, on the ground that the Commissars "being
dependents of the House of Mar" were prejudiced in favour of
Erskine and sure to give a partial judgment ; and, further, that one
of the Commissaris, John Prestoun, was acting as Erskine's procura-
tour in the action which Montgomerie himself had raised to recover
his pension for 1586-7. This appeal was so far sustained by the
removal of Prestoun from among the judges, but the action was
remitted once more to the Commissary Court. This we learn from a
Remitt of the Court of Session, dated December 10, 1592. The
next record is an Interlocutour of the Commissary Court, Feb-
ruary 23 following, in which Montgomerie being called and not
appearing to maintain his defences lodged, decree is given against
him. The effect of this Interlocutour is to uphold the relevancy of
Erskine's principal action, which it would seem had been challenged
by Montgomerie, and to permit him to go forward with his proof, his
"summondis reductive." The final pronouncement of the Court is
given five months later, on July 13, 1593. It is a "decreit" review-
ing at great length the arguments of both parties. For all practical
purposes the judgment is wholly in favour of Erskine. It "reducis,
retreittis, rescindis, cassis and annuUis" the poet's pension from
the time of Erskine's appointment to the bishopric and during
all his future occupancy of the see; but "reseruand alwayis to
the said Capitane Alexander actioun of improbatioun as accordis
of the law." In short, the finding of the Court is that the poet
has no title to his pension from 1585 onwards, unless he can prove
that Erskine is not, and never was, the Archbishop of Glasgow.
This had been one of the main defences laid before the Court on
Montgomerie's behalf to defeat Erskine's claim ; and it rested on the
extraordinary argument that Betoun's restoration was not only accom-
plished by the Act of 1587, but that it had a retrospective effect,
annulling all appointments to the see since Betoun fled from Scot-
land in 1561 ; that, in fact, Betoun had never, since his appointment
in 1552, ceased to be the Archbishop of Glasgow. A further point
in Montgomerie's case brings to light a curious transaction between
James and the Archbishop. To maintain the position that Betoun's
restoration was a valid one, it was necessary to get over the difficulty
of his not having professed the true religion or acknowledged the
King. Montgomerie's counsel urges that James, having employed
Betoun as his ambassador in a foreign court, had z'/^j'^ 7^?^/^ purged
him of any disability on that score, and further states that a special
dispensation had been given by the King in his own handwriting,
relieving Betoun from the necessity of making any confession of faith
or public acknowledgment of the royal authority.^ The argument is

1 Decreet, § 14, p. 321.

282 APPENDIX B.

pressed home with the vigorous statement that such dispensation,
coming from the " Prince," is of force to invahdate any decrees in
the law courts against Betoun, and, moreover, to nullify Erskine's
appointment in 1585.

It is significant of the shadowy character of Lennox's claim tliat
throughout his defences in the final stage of the legal proceedings
Montgomerie ignores him altogether.^ Neither James nor the Duke,
who must both have been following the case with keen interest, could
have viewed with approval this extreme way of pressing Betoun's
title.2 It was an awkward time to raise his claims at all. Parliament
in July 1592 had passed the Act of " Interpritatioun" which was
aimed against Betoun, and in the beginning of 1593 the country had
been shaken by the discovery of the Spanish Blanks. At such a
time James could not have come to Montgomerie's help to secure
a judgment in his favour, which would, by proclaiming at the same
time Betoun's restoration, have seemed to flout the action of the
Parliament, and have played into the hands of the extreme Protestant
faction.^ Montgomerie would be left to fight his own battle. There
might well be irritation on the King's part, and the sonnets show
that there was certainly vexation and virulence on the poet's. The
explanation of his breach with James and forfeiture of his position at
the Court probably lies here. In one of his later sonnets, written in
exile, addressing two of his old Court companions, " Constable and
Keir," he refers to his dismissal —

" Shirs, 3e haif sene me griter with his grace,
And with Jour vmquhyle Maister, to, and rayne ;
Quha thoght the Poet somtyme worth his place,
Suppose Je sie they shot khn out sensyne."

Erskine, in defence of his title to the archbishopric, and in sup-
port of his claim to have Montgomerie's pension reduced, takes his
stand on the following (amongst other less important) arguments :
(i) he was lawfully provided to the bishopric in 1585; (2) the
Privy Council had decided that he should enjoy the fruits of the

1 Erskine refers to him (Decreet, § 44 (iii.), p. 329) as "pretending ane factorie
to \)e bischoprik of Glasgow."

- It is worth noting that on July 21, 1593, an Act of Parliament w as passed in
favour of Lennox, in which it is stated that he already was in possession of the
rent and patrimony of Glasgow, and is now gifted with "the rycht of the
superioritie of the haill temporall landes," &c.

'^ It is also not at all improbable that Montgomerie was himself now something
of a person "suspect." It appears to have been possible to obtain surreptitiously
"pretended decreets" from the Privy Council in cases which were still pending in
the Court of Session. ( Vide Hill Burton's Introduction to the Register of the Privy
Council, vol. II. p. xxvii.) In a case recorded in 1573 there was "a direct chal-
lenge " on the part of the Court of Session to the Privy Council, affirming that
they were not competent judges in the matter.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 283

bishopric till Betoun was restored by Parliament ; (3) Betoun has
not yet been restored, for he is not " comprehendit " in the Act of
1587; (4) the Privy Council, in May 15S9, had definitely pronounced
Betoun to be still under the ban of his former sentences of barratrie
and foirfaltour; (5) the Act of " Interpritatioun" of 1592 had given
statutory sanction to the view that Betoun, and others similarly
placed, could not enjoy any benefits from the Acts passed in 1573.
1585, and 1587; moreover, this had been settled by decision of
the Court of Session ; (6) the terms of his (Erskine's) appoint-
ment only admitted the right of Nicol Carnecors to continue
drawing a pension from the revenues of the bishopric ; (7) that
decrees of reduction had been obtained against the other claimant
pensioners ; (8) that even from the beginning Montgomerie's pension
had been granted in violation of the common law, which provided
that when a bishopric was vacant (as was the case with Glasgow in
1583) the sovereign had no legal right to prejudice the future
occupant by making grants out of the revenues of the see.^

After the judgment given against him in the Commissary Court
in July 1593, Montgomerie does not appear to have attempted an
appeal to the Court of Session. At least no record of such has
been found. Some years later (1597) we find him once more in
serious trouble. This was in connection with Barclay of Ladyland's
abortive scheme to land Spanish troops in the island of Ailsa, one
of the interminable Catholic plots that continued to be hatched
in Scotland down to the close of James's reign, the history of which
yet remains to be written. Barclay, who, like Montgomerie, came
of a well-known Ayrshire family, was a zealous Catholic, and appears
in the records as a daring intriguer. At an earlier date (1593) he is
found masquerading in Rome under the name of Don Ugo. Later
we hear of him being apprehended in Scotland and committed to
the Tolbooth of Edinburgh. Subsequently he was removed to
the Castle of Glasgow. From thence he managed to effect his
escape, and fled to Spain, where, according to the 'Register of the
Privy Council,' he " trafficqued and had intelligence with the
enemeyis of the said trew religioun." He then formed the scheme
of capturing the island of Ailsa, and of fortifying and victualling
it "for the ressett and conforte of the Spanishe army, luiked for
be him to cum and arryuit at the saidis pairtis for invasioun of

1 Montgomerie seems to anticipate an argument of this kind, based on the
common law, in the Remit of November 1592, § 7, p. 314, where he pleads that
even were the see vacant in 1589 (which, of course, he does not admit) when his
pension was reconferred upon him by writ of the Privy Council, yet the temporal
lands of the bishopric had two years previously been annexed to the Crown, and
that on that account the King's grant to him " convalesis." But this argument
would not hold good for the earlier period from 1583 to 1587, the date of the Act
of Annexatioun.

284 APPENDIX B.

this Hand." The plot was discovered by a certain " Maister Andro
Knox, minister at Paisley," who had already made himself con-
spicuous by his success in tracking Catholic intrigues. It was he
who had apprehended in the Isle of Cumray George Ker, brother
of Mark Ker, Lord Newbattle, and discovered on him the famous
" Spanish Blanks." Getting together a company of friends, as
zealous in their hatred of Catholics as himself, Knox encountered
Barclay on his arrival at Islay, and demanded his surrender, " mean-
ing nawayes his hurte nor drawing of his blude." To do this
Barclay "absolutelie refusit," and defending himself against "sic
as drew narrest him . . . and at last passing backwart in the deip,
drownit and perisheit in his awne wilfull and disperat resolutioun."

How far Montgomerie was actually implicated in this plot we have
no means of knowing. The only record which connects him with it
states that he " wes arte, parte, at the leist vpoun the counsale, divise,
and foir knawlege with vmquhile hew barclay of ladyland in the lait
treasounable interprise diuisit tuiching the surprising and taking of
Ilisha." 1 He was summoned to appear before the Privy Council,
and on failing to do so was denounced as a rebel on July 14, 1597.

After this date Montgomerie disappears from the public records,
and of his subsequent life nothing more has been discovered. It is
assumed that he died some time between the years 1605 and 161 5.
For the latter of these dates there is authentic evidence in the fact
that on the title-page of the edition of 'The Cherrie and the Slae'
published in that year, it is stated that the poem had been "newly
altered, perfyted, and divided into 114 Ouatuorzeims, not long before
the Author's Death." The date 1605, however, may be given up as hav-
ing any bearing on the question when Montgomerie died. It has been
taken into account because of the publication in that year of a small
volume of metrical psalms in Scots, entitled 'The Mindes Melodie,'
authorship of which has been assigned to Montgomerie, since two of
the psalms in the collection are known from other sources to have
been written by him ; and from the fact that it appeared anonymously,
it is concluded that the author could not have been dead, because the
publisher in that case would have been sure to put his name upon the
litle-page. The inconclusiveness both of the reason for ascribing
the book to Montgomerie at all, and of the argument drawn from it,
need scarcely be criticised. David Laing in the 1821 edition of Mont-
gomerie's poems includes 'The Mindes Melodie' ; but in 1852, when he
published a "Specimen of a proposed Catalogue of a portion of the
Library at Britwell House," he, with more caution, describes this
book as having been " attributed to Alexander Montgomery." Demp-
ster, who was a contemporary of the poet, but living abroad and
always a careless chronicler, gives the date of Montgomerie's death as
MDXCL, which may possibly be a slip, either of the author or the
1 See ' Life-Records,' No. XI., p. 334.

MONTGOMERIE IN THE SCOTTISH LAW COURTS. 285

printer, for MDCXI. It is rather curious tiiat a mistake of a pre-
cisely similar kind occurs in the record which Dempster gives of
Semple's death.^ The year 161 1 would seem to approximate fairly
well to the time of Montgomerie's death suggested by the statement
on the title-page of 'The Cherrie and the Slae,' and may, perhaps, be
taken as the nearest approach which can now be made to the actual
date.2 Dempster further informs us that the news of Montgomerie's
death was received with great grief by the King, 7iiagno regis dolore.
If this be true, there is, perhaps, some ground for believing that,
although no record survives, James had come to the assistance of the
aged poet in his closing years. Some reparation he may have made
to him for the loss of his pension, a loss which, from all that can
now be gathered of the circumstances, seems to have befallen the
poet through no fault of his own, but to have been due to the tangled
and conflicting political rivalries of the times.^

1 Brotanek points out that Dempster falls into another similar error in record-
ing the date of Sir Patrick Hume's death.

2 George Chalmers, the well-known Scottish antiquary, states in some notes,
preserved in the Laing Collection in Edinburgh University Library, that Mont-
gomerie died as early as 1598, and that the King honoured the poet's memory
with an epitaph. He cites no authority, however, and the value of his state-
ments cannot in consequence be tested. G. S. Montgomery, in his 'Geneal-
ogical History of the Family of Montgomerj',' printed for private circulation
at Philadelphia in 1863, gives the date of the poet's death as 161 1, but without
citing his authority. A similar unsupported statement is quoted in the Appendix
of this book from a letter of the Rev. Robert Leask of Belturbit, who assigns
Montgomerie's birth to the year 1540 and his death to 1607.

3 The restoration of Betoun was finally, and beyond all question, effected by an
Act of Parliament passed on June 29, 1598, in which statutory sanction is given to
the very arguments advanced by Montgomerie in the Commissary Court — namely,
that the Pacification of February 1572/3 (ratified by Parliament in April 1573), the
Act of Pacification and Abolition of 1585, and the Act of Restitution of 1587 did
extend to Betoun, "and speciallie dispensand with the Act of 1592" — that is, the
so called "Act of Interpritatioun." Had this view of these Acts been accepted
by the Commissary Court in 1593, Montgomerie could hardly have lost his
pension.

APPENDIX C.

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE'S POETRY.

Although we may accept the interpretation which the unknown
editor of the 1629 edition of the ' Flyting ' gives of the spirit in which
Montgomerie and Polwart carried through their famous encounter —

" No cankering envy, malice, nor despite
Stirred up these men so eagerly to flyte ;
Bot generous emulation " —

it would be quite a mistalce to suppose that all of the abusive charges
which the opponents fling at one another are to be taken in a purely
Pickwickian sense. To do so would be to miss a good deal of the
point and savour of the ' Flyting.' Under cover of the game, person-
alities of a most pointed kind were indulged in, sometimes slyly,
sometimes delivered with amazing directness and vigour. We may
suspect that these were the parts most relished by the circle at the
Court for whose amusement the " sett matches of flytting " were
undertaken.^ There is no mistaking the intention of Polwart's re-
peated references to Montgomerie's intemperance, even had we not
on this point a further testimony froni King James himself.^ The
most interesting, however, of these personalities, which have in them
a suggestion of malice prepense, are the accusations of plagiarism
which the two poets bring against one another. Montgomerie him-
self is the first to introduce this charge. In his second epistle he
thus takes Polwart to task —

" Thy scrowis obscuir ar borrowit fra sum buik ;
Fra Lyndsay })0w tuik ; Jjow art bot Chawcer's cuik. "

And again, more vigorously —

" I think for to see Jow hing by the heills,
For tearmes that thow steills of auld poetrie."

1 See Appendix A, p. 255. 2 See Appendix B, p. 267.

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE'S POETRY. 28/

To which his opponent replies —

" Forder ])ow fleis with vper foulis vingis,
Ourcled with cleirar coUouris nor thy awin ;
But speciallie with sum of Sempillis things,
Or for ane pluckit guift thow had bein knawin."

And in an interesting passage which occurs only in the Tullibardine
MS.—

" Thy pykillit puir paremeonis but skill,
Pykit fra Irisch Italianis ar to blame."

Montgomerie's charge he flings back with some warmth —

"Thow said I borrowit blaidis, quhilk is not trew ;
The clene contrarie, smachart, salbe sane.
I neuir had of that making Je mene
Ane verse in wreit, in print, or Jit perquere,
Quhilk I can prive, and clenge me wonder clene ;
Thocht singill wordis no wreiter can forbeir."

This little passage-at-arms is not without its value as evidence of
the way in which the gentle art of plagiary was viewed in those days.
How the matter actually stands with regard to Polvvart there is scant
means of testing, for little of his poetry beyond his share of the
'Flyting' survives. In Montgomerie's case the question has now
an entirely new interest, since the discovery made some years ago of
his indebtedness to Ronsard, and to certain writers in England — an
indebtedness which would appear to fully justify Polwart's accusation.
It is, however, highly improbable that Polwart had Ronsard in view.
He specially names Sempill ; and the allusion seems scarcely appro-
priate. In Sempill's verse, as we have it, there is little to suggest
comparison with Montgomerie. He writes in the vein of an older
tradition, without any of the French and Italianate graces cultivated
by the poets of James's Court. There is, of course, the possibility that
Polwart is alluding to earlier compositions of Montgomerie, which
have not survived, written, it may be, in the manner of those pre-
served in Bannatyne's manuscript, before he had felt the attraction
of the new poetry in England and France.

A general discussion of the literary influences afifecting Mont-
gomerie's practice as a poet scarcely falls within the limits ap-
propriate to this volume. - The subject has already received scholarly
treatment from two continental writers, Dr Oscar Hoffmann and
Dr Rudolf Brotanek, the former tracking Montgomerie's debt to
Ronsard, and the latter more particularly examining the influence of
Wyatt and Surrey, and their followers.

It may be permissible, however, without trenching unduly on the
results which these writers embody in their dissertations, to set forth
here certain specific instances of borrowing discovered in Mont-
gomerie's works. It is, of course, open to argument whether he had

288 APPENDIX C.

any intention of passing off the translations in question as original
poems. That at least may be said of some of them ; in the case of
others it is less easy to resist the conclusion that we are detecting
the poet in deliberate plagiarism. In considering the point, how-
ever, it is to be remembered that, so far as is known, Montgomerie's
miscellaneous poems were not published in his lifetime; and that,
with but minor exceptions, our only source is the Drummond MS.,
which was written out probably not long before Drummond's books
and manuscripts became the property of Edinburgh University in
1627. A collection made by an admirer of the poet a number of
years after his death, and probably from floating manuscripts, would
obviously be liable to contain pieces wrongly attributed to him.
Dr Brotanek draws attention to what seems a clear instance of such
wrong ascription. On fol. 81 of the Drummond MS. is engrossed
a devotional poem, beginning "Auay, vane world, bewitcher of my
hairt." Both Laing and Cranstoun accept it as Montgomerie's. It
forms, however, part of Lady Culross's ' Godly Dreame,' printed in
Edinburgh in 1603, while the authoress was yet living.

Of greater interest is the case, also pointed out by Dr Brotanek,
of one of the poems of the Drummond MS. appearing in the well-
known Elizabethan miscellany, Procter's ' Gorgious Gallery of
Gallant Inuentions.' To facilitate comparison the two versions
may be given : —

" My fansie feeds vpon the sugred gall ;

Against my will, my weill does work my wo ;
My cairfull chose does chuse to keep me thrall ;
My frantik folie fannis vpon my fo :

My lust alluirs my licorous lippis to taist
The bait vharin the suttle hook is plaic't.

My hungrie hope doth heap my hevy hap ;

My syndrie sutes procuris the mair disdane ;
My stedfast steppis 3it slydis into the trap ;
My tryed treuth intanglis me in trane :
I spy the snair, and will not bakuards go ;
My resone Jeelds, and 3it sayis na thairto.

In plesand path I tred vpon the snaik ;

My flamming thrist I quench with venemous w^'ne ;
In daintie dish I do the poyson tak ;

My languour bids me rather eit nor pyne :
I sau, I sett — no flour nor fruit I find :
I prik my hand, Jit leaves the rose behind."

— [Drummond MS.,/i 36 6.]

" My fancy feedes vpon the sugred gaule ;
My witlesse will vnwillingly workes my woe ;
My carefull choyse doth choose to keepe mee thraule ;
My franticke folly fawns vpon my foe :
My luste alluers my lickering lyppes to taste
The bayte wherin the subtill hooka is plaste.

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE'S POETRY. 289

My hungry hope doth heape my heavy hap ;
My sundry sutes procure my more disdayne ;
My stedfast steppes 3'et slyde into the trap ;
My tryed truth entangleth mee in trayne :
I spj'e the snare, and will not backward go ;
My reason yeeldes, and yet sayeth euer, no.

In pleasant plat I tread vpon the snake ;

My flamyng thirst I quench with venomd wine ;

In dayntie dish I doo the poyson take ;

My hunger biddes mee rather eate then pine.

I sow, I sett, yet fruit, ne flowre I finde :

I pricke my hand, yet leaue the Rose behinde."

— ['Gorgious Gallery of Gallant Innentions.']

It seems reasonable to suppose that the English version is the
original. Procter's Miscellany was published in London in 1578,
and next to the poem in question is another which is evidently a
companion piece. Although Montgomerie appears as early as
1568 in Bannatyne's manuscript, it is not until sixteen years later,
in the ' Essayes of a Prentise,' that any speciineh of his poetry is found
in print, and then only a prefatory sonnet, and a few isolated passages
to illustrate some of the King's "reulis and cautellis." The possibility
that copies of his poems had been carried into England before the
date of Procter's publication is remote ; and even had this happened
it is unlikely that they would have excited sufficient interest for one
of them to have appeared in Southern form in a collection like the
' Gorgious Gallery.'

In the case of another of the Drummond poems — sonnet 40 — which
is found in Henry Constable's sonnet sequence, entitled ' Diana :
the praises of his Mistres in certaine sweete Sonnets,' the circum-
stances are rather different, although consideration leads to a similar
conclusion.

The two versions are as follows : —

"Thine eye the glasse where I behold my hart ;

mine eye the window through the which thine eye

may see my hart, and there thy selfe espy

in bloody cullours how thou painted art.
Thine eye the pyle is of a murdring dart ;

mine eye the sight thou tak'st thy leuell by,

to hit my hart, and neuer shootes awry :

mine eye thus helpes thine eye to worke my smart.
Thine eye a fire is both in heate and light ;

mine eye of teares a riuer doth become.

oh, that the water of mine eye had might

to quench the flames that fro;« thine eye doth come ;
Or that the fire that's kindled by thine eye.
The flowing streames of mine eyes could make drie."

— [' Diana : The Praises of his Mistres.]
T

290 APPENDIX C.

" Thyne ee the glasse vhare I beheld my [hairt ;]

Myn ee the windo throu the vhilk thyn ee

May see my hairt, and thair thy self espy

In bloody colours hou thou painted art.
Thyne ee the pyle is of a murth[ering dart ;]

Myne ee the sicht thou taks thy levell by,

To shute my hairt, and nevir shute aury :

Myn ee thus helpis thyn ee to work my smarte.
Thyn ee consumes me lyk a flamming fyre ;

Myn ee most lyk a flood of teirs do run.

Oh, that the water in myne ee begun

Micht quench the burning fornace of desyre ;
Or then the fyr els kindlit by thyn ey,
The flouing teirs of sorou micht mak dry."

— [Drummond MS.,/. 71 a.]

The first edition of the 'Diana' was published in London in 1592.
By that time Montgomerie had in all likelihood considerable repu-
tation as a poet ; and there is reason to believe that before this date
he had visited London. Dr Hoffmann, who first drew attention to
the appearance of the sonnet in Constable's volume, does not hesitate
to ascribe it to Montgomerie. But this can scarcely be conceded.
The Drummond MS., the sole authority for including it among
Montgomerie's poems, cannot have been written out much before the
end of the first quarter of the seventeenth century, — that is, a good
thirty years after the date of the publication of the 'Diana,' and long
after Montgomerie's death. There is, accordingly, no evidence at all
that Montgomerie ever laid claim to the sonnet. An interesting fact
is mentioned by Dr Brotanek which bears on the point. A manu-
script of Constable's sonnets, written about 1590 (known as Todd's
MS.), is published in ' Harleian Miscellany,' vol. ix. p. 489 ff. There
the sonnets are divided into three parts, " each parte contayning 3
severall arguments, and every argument 7 sonets." The sonnet in
question appears as the third in the first part. It thus takes its
place as one of a definite sonnet scheme conceived and written by
Constable. For the variations which appear in the Scots and
English versions, Dr Brotanek offers the ingenious explanation that
the Drummond transcript was made from an early draft of the
sonnet which was subsequently altered by Constable.

The question of authorship in the case of this poem derives a
further interest from the fact that there is a strong probability that
Montgomerie and Constable were well known to one another, if not,
indeed, intimate friends. Constable, who, it may be mentioned,
graduated at Cambridge in 1580 at the age of 18, was much in
Scotland during the reign of James VI. A sonnet of his in praise
of the King is prefixed to the 'Poetical Exercises' (see also Intro-
duction). It is significant, in view of his possible intimacy with
Montgomerie, that as a Catholic he fell under suspicion of being im-

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE'S POETRY. 29 1

plicated in treasonable dealings with France against Elizabeth, and
was forced to leave England for five years. There can be little doubt
that it is to him Montgomerie refers in the opening lines of sonnet
xvii. (see Cranstoun's edition) : —

"Adeu, my King, court, cuntry, and my kin:
Adeu, suete Duke, vhose father held me deir :
Adeu, companions, Constable and Keir,
Thrie treuar hairts, I trou, sail neuer tuin."

This is the sonnet in which Montgomerie alludes to his dismissal
from the King's service, and it could not have been written prior to
the adverse judgment of the Commissary Court on July 13, 1593,^
a year after the publication of the ' Diana.' If Constable had, as Dr
Hoffmann seems to suggest, cribbed one of Montgomerie's sonnets,
it would appear at any rate to have occasioned no breach in their
friendship !

Attention is drawn in the Introduction to a Scots rendering, found
in the Laing MS. and printed in this volume,^ of a poem by Jasper
Heywood (son of the dramatist), which appears in yet another of the
Elizabethan miscellanies, "The Paradyce of Dainty Devises," pub-
lished in 1576. These translations are valuable evidence of the
interest taken at this time by Scotchmen in the lyric collections of
England. In Montgomerie's case there can be no doubt that
somewhat of his poetic nurture was drawn from this source. The
parallel references given by Dr Brotanek fully establish this. But
other influences, coming both from France and Italy, were affecting
the poets of James VI.'s Court. The older Chaucerian tradition,
which moves so strongly in the period from Henryson to Lyndsay,
is almost entirely displaced by those fresh interests. Possibly there
is an allusion to Montgomerie's practice in the new style in these
scornful lines of Polwart : —

" Thy raggit roundaillis, reifand royt,
Sum schort, sum lang, and out of lyne,
With skabrous collouris, fowsome floyt,
Proceiding from ane pynt of wine."

Dr Hoffmann and Dr Brotanek are apt to assume too readily an
ignorance on Montgomerie's part of Italian poetry. The point re-
quires further investigation. In the translations of Fowler and
Stewart there is at least evidence of first - hand knowledge of
Petrarch and Ariosto among the Court poets ; and it is also worthy
of mention that Fowler composed a sequence of seventy-one sonnets
in the manner of Petrarch, to which he gives the characteristically
Italian title, "The Tarantula of Love."

In one of the new stanzas found in the Tullibardine MS. of the

1 See Appendix B, p. 281. 2 p, 210.

292 APPENDIX C.

' Flyting' occurs a jibe of Polwart's which indeed directly affirms that
Montgomerie borrowed from Italian sources. The stanza is unfor-
tunately incomplete and somewhat obscure in part ; probably for this
reason it was not included in the printed editions. But the charge
of borrowing gnomic sayings from "Irisch [i.e., contemptible]
Italianis" is clear enough: —

"Thy pikkillit, puir paremeonis, but skill,
Pykit from Irisch Italianis, ar to blame."

Dr Hoffmann, however, has a strong case when he asserts that
it was to Ronsard, " welcher bekanntlich Petrarca und Ariosto
nachahmte und theilweise iibertrug, verdankt Montgomerie wohl
auch zum grossten theile diejenigen gedankeii, welche an den
petrarchismus erinnern." ^ His discovery of Montgomerie's transla-
tions, and, it must be admitted, appropriations from Ronsard, is of
great interest. It is disappointing to find among the poems taken
from the French poet the sonnet addressed by Montgomerie to his
kinswoman, Margaret Montgomerie, daughter of the Earl of Eglinton,
on the occasion of her wedding with Robert Lord Seton in 1582.
If, as Dr Brotanek affirms, this marriage brought to a close "ein
Herzens-roman des Dichters," it cannot be said there is any keen
sense of disappointment in the sonnet he borrowed from Ronsard to
commemorate her union with Lord Seton.

" Heureuse fut I'estoile fortun^e.

Qui d'vn bon ceil ma Maistresse apperceut :

Heureux le hers, et la main qui la sceut

Emmaillottes le iour qu'elle fut n^e.
Heureuse fut la mammelle en-mann^e,

De qui le laict premier elle receut :

Et bien-heureux le ventre qui conceut

Telle beauts de tant de dons ornfe.
Heureux parens qui eustes cest honneur

De la voir naistre vn astre de bon-heur !

Heureux les murs naissance de la belle !
Heureux le fils dont grosse elle sera,

Mais plus heureux celuy qui la sera

Et femme et mere, en lieu d'vne pucelle ! "

OF MY LADY SEYTON.

M. M.

' ' O happy star, at evning and at morne,

Vhais bright aspect my Maistres first out f[and.]
O happy credle, and O happy hand
Vhich rockit hir the hour that sho wes b[orne.]
O happy Pape, 3e rather nectar hor[ne ;]
First gaiv hir suck, in siluer suedling band !

1 Op. cit., p. 38.

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE'S POETRY. 293

O happy wombe coiisavit had beforne

So brave a beutie, honour of our land !
O happy bounds, vher dayly Jit sho duells,

Vhich Inde and Egypts happynes excells !

O happy bed vharin sho sail be laid !

O happy babe in belly sho sail breid !
Bot happyer he that hes that hap indeid,
To mak both wyfe and mother of that [maid.] "

— [Drummond MS.,/. 74 a.]

Of a numbered sequence of three sonnets found in the Drummond
MS. (Nos. 39, 40, 41 in Cranstoun), the first and third are derived
from Ronsard ; the second is the sonnet already quoted as occurring
in Constable's 'Diana.' The first is suggested by, rather than a
translation of, a sonnet in ' Le Premier Livre des Amours,' beginning
" CEil, qui des miens a ton vouloir disposes"; but both words and
thought are borrowed in the concluding lines : —

" Tousiours grauez en I'ame ie ne parte
Vn oeil, vn ris, vne larme, vne main.
3it vhil I live at leist I sail regrate
Ane ee, a teir, a sigh, a voce, a hand."

For the third Montgomerie appropriates a portion of a Chanson
of thirty-four lines from ' Le Second Livre des Amours' : —

Chanson.

" Harsoir, Marie, en prenant maugr^ toy

Vn doux baiser acoud6 sur la couche,

Sans y penser ie laissay dans ta bouche

L'ame en baissant qui s'enfuit de moy.
Comme i'estois sur le poinct de mourir,

Et que mon ame amus^e a te suiure,

Ne reuenoit mon corps faire reuiure,

Ie renuoyay mon cceur pour la querir.
Mais mon coeur pris de ton osil blandissant

Aima trop niieux estre chez toy, Madame,

Que retourner, et non plus qu'4 mon ame

Ne luy chalut de mon corps perissant.
Lors si ie n'eusse en te baisant rauy

De ton haleine vne vapeur ardente,

Qui depuis seule (en lieu de I'arme absente

Et de mon Ccear) de vie m'a seruy :
Voulant harsoir mon tourment appaiser,

Par qui sans ame et sans ccEur ie demeure,

Ie fusse mort entre tes bras k I'heure

Que maugre toy ie te pris vn baiser.
Bien que ton ceil me face vne dure ecarmouche,

Moy veincu de sa flame et luy tousiours veinqueur :

Bien que depuis trois ans sa cruelle rigueur

Me tienne prisonnier de ta beaut^ farouche :
Bien que son traict meurtrier iusqu' ^ l'ame me touche,

294 APPENDIX C.

Si ne veux-ie eschapper de si douce langueur,

Ne viure sans avoir ton image en mon coeur,

Tes mains dedans ma playe, et ton nom en ma bouche.

Ce m'est extreme honneur de trespasser pour toy,
Qui passes de beauts la beauts la plus belle.

Vn soudart pour garder son enseigne et sa foy,
Meurt bien sur le rempart d'vne forte Rochelle.

le mourray bien-heureux s'il te souuient de moy.
La mort n'est pas grand mal, c'est chose naturelle."

"So suete a kis 3istrene fra thee I reft,

In bouing doun thy body on the bed,

That evin my lyfe ■witkin thy lippis I left

Sensyne from thee my spirits wald neuer shed ;
To folou thee it from my body fled ;

And left my Corps als cold as on Kie.

Bot vhen the Danger of my Death I dred,

To seik my spreit I sent my harte to thee ;
Bot it wes so inamored with thyn ee,

With thee it myndit lykuyse to remane :

So thou hes keepit captive all the thrie,

More glaid to byde then to returne agane.
Except thy breath thare places had suppleit,
Euen in thyn Amies thair doutles had I deit."

— [Drummond MS., f. 71 i>.]

Sonnets 56 and 57 in the Drummond MS. form part of a sequence
of tive. Both are from Ronsard,

" Pardonne moy, Platon, si ie ne cuide

Que sous le rond de la voute des Dieux,

Soit hors du monde, ou au profond des lieux

Que Styx entourne, il n'y ait quelque vuide.
Si I'air est plein en sa voute liquide,

Qui re9oit done tant de pleurs de mes yeux,

Tant de soupirs que ie sanglote aux cieux,

Lorsqu'a mon dueil Amour lasche la bride?
II est du vague, ou si point il n'en est,

D'vn air press6 le comblement ne naist :

Plus-tost le ciel, qui piteux se dispose
A receuoir I'effet de mes douleurs,

De toutes parts se comble de mes pleurs,

Et de mes vers qu'en mourant ie compose."

" Excuse me, Plato, if I suld suppone

That onderneth the heuinly vauted round
Without the world, or in pairts profound
By Stix inclos'd that emptie place is none.
If watrie vauts of Air be full echone,
Then vhat contenis my teirs vhich so abound
With sighis and sobbis vhich to the hevins I sound
Vhen Love delytis to let me mak my mone?

-'r

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE S POETRY. 295

Suppose the solids subtilis ay restrantis,

Vhich is the maist, my maister, 3e may mene ;
Thoght all war void, 3it culd they not contene
The half, let be the haill of my Complaintis.
Vhair go they then ? the Question wald I cfrave]
Except for suth the hevins suld thame [ressave]."

— [Drummond MS., f. 76 a."]

"Qui voudra voir comme Amour me surmonte,
Comme il m'assaut, comme il se fait vainqueur,
Comme il r'enflamme et r'englace mon cueur,
Comme il re9oit vn honneur de ma honte :

Qui voudra voir vne ieunesse pronte
A suiure en vain I'obiet de son malheur,
Me Vienna lire : il voirra la douleur,
Dont ma Deesse et mon Dieu ne font conte.

II cognoistra qu' Amour est sans raison,
Vn doux abus, vne belle prison,
Ou vain espoir qui de vent nous vient paistre :

Et cognoistra que I'homme se decoit,
Quand plein d'erreur vn aueugle il re9oit
Pour sa conduite, vn enfant pour son maistre."

" Vha wald behold him vhom a god so grievis?
Vhom he assaild, and danton'd with his [dairt,]
Of vhom he freijis and inflams the hairt,
Vhais shame siclyk him gritest honour givis?
Vha wald behold a Jouth that neuer [leives]
In vain, to folou the Object of his smarte?
Behold bot me, persaiv my painfull pairt.
And th' archer that, but mercy, me misch[eivis.]
Thair sail he sie vhat Resone then can do
Against his bou, if once he mint bot to
Compell our hairts in bondage basse to be[ir,]
3it sail he se me happiest appeir.
That in my hairt the Amorous heid does [lie]
Vith poyson'd poynt, vhairof I glore [to die.] "

— [Drummond MS., f. 76 a.]

Two remaining sonnets, 47 and 60 in the Drummond MS., are
taken, one from ' Le Premier Livre,' the other from ' Le Seconde
Livre des Amours' : —

"Petit barbet, que tu es bienheureux,

Si ton bon-heur tu s9auois bien entendre,
D'ainsi ton corps entre ses bras estendre,
Et de dormir en son sein amoureux !
Ou moy ie vy chetif et langoureux.

Pour s9auoir trop ma fortune compendre.
Las ! pour vouloir en ma ieunesse apprendre
Trop de raisons, ie me fis malheureux.

29(3 APPENDIX C.

le voudrois estre vn pitaut de village,
Sot, sans raison et sans entendement,
Ou fagoteur qui trauaille au bocage :

le n'aurois point en amour sentiment.
Le trop d'esprit me cause men dommage,
Et men mal vient de trop de iugement."

TO HIS MAISTRES MESSANE.

" Ha ! lytill Dog, in happy pairt thou crap,

If thou had skill thy happynes to spy.

That secreit in my Ladyis Armis may 1\',

And sleep so sueitly in hir lovely lap.
Bot I, alace ! in wrechednes me wrap,

Becaus ouer vveill my misery knou I

For that my 3outh to leirne I did apply

My ouer grit skill hes maid my oune misha[p
Vhy half I not, O God, als blunt a b[raine]

As he that daylie worbleth in the wyne
Or to mak faggots for his fuid is fane?

Lyk as I do I suld not die and diiyn :
My pregnant spreit, the hurter of my harte,
Lyk as it does, suld not persave my smarte."

— [Drummond MS., f. 73 (?.]

" Si j'avois un haineux qui me voulust la mort,

Pour me venger de luy, je ne voudrois luy faire

Que regarder les yeux de ma douce contraire.

Qui, si fiers contre moy, me font si doux effort.
Ceste punition, tant son regard est fort,

Luy seroit une horreur et se voudroit d^faire ;

Ny le mesme plaisir ne luy scauroit plus plaire,

Seulement au trespas seroit son reconfort.

Le regard monstrueux de la Meduse antique
Au prix du sien n'est rien que fable poetique :

Meduse seulement tournoit rhomme en rocher,
Mais ceste-cy en-roche, en-eaue, en glace, en foue,

Ceux qui de ses regards osent bien approcher,

Et si eu les tuant la mignonne se joue."

" Had I a foe that hated me to dead.

For my Reuenge, I wish him no more ill

Bot to behold hir eyis, vhilk euer still

Av feirce against me with so sueet a feid,
Hir looks belyve such horrour suld him b[reid,]

His wish wold be, his cative corps to kill.

Euen plesurs self could not content his wi[ll ;]

Except the, Death, no thing culd him reme[id.]
The vgly looks of old MEDUSA'S eyi[s.]

Compaird to hirs ar not bot Poets leyis ;

For hirs exceids thame in a sharper sort :
The GORGON bot transformit men in sta[nis,]

Bot she inflammis and freizis both at anis ;

To spulzie hairt, that Minion maks hir sp[ort.] "

— [Drummond MS., f. -j-j a.]

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE'S POETRY. 297

These citations by no means exhaust the tale of Montgomerie's
debts. Rather is it in the numerous reminiscent lines and phrases,
in thoughts and images skilfully wrought into the fabric of his verse,
that one finds the strongest evidence of Montgomerie's obligations
to Ronsard. Dr Brotanek gives references to some sixty of these.

"Nan luifis bott fullis vnlude agane,"

the refrain of one of Montgomerie's best known minor poems, seems
a happy rendering of Ronsard's —

" Car un homme est bien sot d'aimer si on ne I'aime."

In the fine "Sang on the Lady Margaret Montgomerie," lines

31-35.

" Or had this nymphe bene in these dayis
Quhen Paris judgit in Helicon
Venus had not obtenit sic prayis,"

are probably suggested by — *

" Et si Paris qui vit en la val^e
La grand beauts dont son coeur fut epris
Eust veu la tienne, il t'eust donne le pris
Et sans honneur Venus s'en fust allee."

Both thought and phrase of Ronsard are found in the lines—

" But she inflanimis and freizis both at anis ;
To spulzie hairt, that Minion maks hir sport."

"Renflame et renglace mon coeur" is from one poem and from
another —

" . . . . mais quand je te veux dire
Quelle est ma mort, tu ne t'en fais que rire
Et de mon mal tu as le coeur joyeux."

Montgomerie was fond of this last thought, and repeats it more
than once —

" My pane is but hir pastyme and hir play."

And again —

" I pray thee, nou, thy cunning for to kyth
And burne hir breist that of my baill is blyth."

An interesting example of the transmission of a poetic image
occurs in his lyric " In Prais of his Maistres." Montgomerie

writes —

"The mold is lost vharin vves maid
This A />er se of all."

Dr Hoffmann finds it in Ronsard —

" Lorsque le Ciel te fit, il rompit le modelle."

298 APPENDIX C.

And again —

' ' Ou bien va-t'en la haul crier
A la Nature et la prier
D'en faire une aussi admirable ;
Mais j'ay grand peur qu'elle rompit
Le moule alors qu'elle la fit,
Pour n'en tracer plus de semblable."

The thought, however, is of earlier origin than Ronsard. It occurs

in Surrey's "A praise of his Love," in which Nature is made to

lament that —

" When she had lost the perfit mold

■ • • • •

She could not make the lyke agayne."

In this instance, however, it is more likely that Montgomerie
borrowed neither from Ronsard nor Surrey, but from an anonymous
lyric, "A praise of his Ladye," which, like Surrey's, appears in
Tottel's 'Miscellany,' and is usually assigned to John Heywood. It
is without doubt an imitation of Surrey's poem. The fourth stanza

runs —

" I thinke nature hath lost the moulde,
Where she her shape did take :
Or els 1 doubt if nature could.
So faire a creature make." 1

And there are other interesting parallels between this poem and
IMontgomerie's. Heywood, for example, writes —

" The vertue of her liuely lokes,
Excels the precious stone :
I wishe to haue none other bokes
To read or loke vpon.
In eche of hir two cristall eyes
Smileth a naked boye
It would you all in harte suffise
To see that lampe of ioye."

With which may be compared Montgomerie's lines —

" The bony blinks my courage feeds

Of hir tua christall ees,
Tuinkling illuminous,
With beams Amorous ;
Quhairin tua naikit Boyis resorts,
Quhais countenance good hope reports ;

For they appeir

Vith smyling cheir,

As they vald speir

At me some sports."

Moralising on the practice of poetic larceny, common among his
1 The image goes back to Ariosto (Orlando Furioso, canto x. 1. 84).

NEW SOURCES OF MONTGOMERIE S POETRY. 299

contemporaries in England, Sir Philip Sidney, himself far from
immaculate, writes in one of his "Astrophel and Stella" sonnets —

" You that poor Petrarch's long deceased woes,
With newborn sighs and denizened wit do sing :
You take wrong ways ! Those far-fet helps be such
As do bewray a want of inward touch ;
And sure at length, stolen goods do come to light."

These lines are quoted by Dr L. E. Kastner,^ in an interesting
examination of Drummond's indebtedness to Phillippe Desportes,
where he also refers to the " larcenous acts " of Montgomerie and
William Alexander of Menstrie. Dr Kastner concludes with the
reflection : " In whatever way we look at the matter, the methods
of these Scottish poets do betray a 'want of inward' touch, and
must in future affect considerably the estimate of their poetic talent."
From the latter part of this judgment we must venture to demur.
The estimate which has been generally formed of Montgomerie's
poetic talent is not, indeed, a very high one ; but it is unlikely that
it will be in any way diminished by the discovery of his indebtedness
to Ronsard and the poets of the English miscellanies. He has left
a sufficient body of poetry of his own to maintain the position he
now holds in literary history. It would certainly occur to no one to
suggest that he is a poet of striking originality. The gift he has of
graceful, fluent, and occasionally even beautiful verse-making, he
employs (leaving out of count his devotional poetry, some personal
sonnets, and his share of the 'Flyting') in expressing in various
combinations the allegorical images, conceits, and fanciful similes
which, at the time, were, it may be said, the common property of
poets. The artificiality of all this he rarely invades and elevates
with a genuinely deep personal emotion. He seldom if ever, in conse-
quence, rises above the level of a minor poet. Judged from the point
of view of comparative criticism, his chief claim to consideration
probably lies in this, that he was the acknowledged master of a
little group of Court poets in Scotland, who, by their translations,
imitations, and original efforts, were displaying in the Scots vernac-
ular, as far as their limited powers would admit, the fashions of a
new style of poetry in vogue throughout Europe. Had the language
of Scotland continued to be the medium of a cultivated poetry, this
experiment would doubtless have assumed a greater importance ; for
Montgomerie at least must have credit for developing the native
prosody, and for adding not a little to the grace and cadence of the
poetic diction of his countr)\

1 ' The Modern Language Review,' October 1907.

APPENDIX D.

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE.

[TESTAMENT of Margaret Eraser, Lady Giffen and Hes-
SILHEID,^ dated at Irvine, 27th August 1583. Registered 7th
July 1584.]

The testament testamewtar and Invewtar of ])e guch's, geir, soumes
of money, & dettis, p^rteni«g to vmqu/itle ane richt honorabill Ladie
Margaret Frafier, Ladie Giffen and Hessilheid, relict of vmq2///z'le
lohne Montguwmerie of Hessilheid the tyme of hir deceis, Quha
deceist in the moneth of August, the 3eir of god I'^^v'^Ixxxiij 3eris,
ffayt/zfuUie maid & gevin vp be Alexander Montguwmerie hir lauch-
fuli sone, quhome scho, no;//i;2at & maid hir executoz^r and intromet-
toz^r vv/t/z hir gudw & geir in hir latter will, vnderwrittin off ]>e dait,
at ]?e toun of Irrwine, the xxvij day of August, the 3eir of god foirsaid,
as ]?e samzVz at lenth proportis.

In the first, ]?e said vmqzz/zzle m^rgaret frafier, Ladie Giffen and
Hessilheid, had J^e gudzj, geir, soumes of money, & dettis of J^e avale
& pfz'ces eher following p<?rteni;zg to hir, as hir awine proper gudis
& geir ]?e tyme of hir deceis foirsaid, viz. : Ite;;z in vtencilis & domi-
cilis, wzt^ Ipe abul3eme;ztis of hir body, estimat to pe soume of tuentie
pundis.

Summaofthe Inve«tar . xx*.

fifollouis ])e dettis awand to ]:>e deid. [A long list is then given of
the deceased lady's debtors.]

Su;;zma of j^e dettis awand to ]7e deid . iij''lxxxxvij'"' xviij^''^ viij"*.

Suwzma of the Inventar wz't/z j^e dettis . iiij'^xvij'"* xviij**'^ vuyK

Na diuisioun.

The quot is componit for . . . x merkis.

ffollouis ]'e deid/j' legacie & latter will.

At the toun of Irrwine, the xxvij day of August, the 3eir of god
jmyc]xxxiij 3eris, the qz//zzlk day ane honorabill Ladie Margaret
Frafier, Ladie Giffen and Hessilheid, maid her Legacie & latter will
as follouis, viz. : Item, I leive my saule to god, my maker, and my

1 The poet's mother.

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 301

body to be bureit in J^e cowmoun buriall of Jie kirk of Irrvvine.
Item, I mak a\e\ander montgu;«mrie, my sone, my executoter & in-
tromettoz^r \v/t/z my gudis & geir. Item, as to ]7e Invewtar of my
gudzs and geir and dettis awand to me, I leive ]?ame to the vpgeving
of my said executoz^r. Item, I leive my haill gudzs, geir, & dettis
awand to me, to be gevin vp, as said is, to my said sone, alexa^zder
montguwmrie, confornie to my dispositioun, maid of befoir in my
former testame/zt be guUime nasmyt^, notar at ]>e burgh of Irwine,
off ]>e dait the 3eir of god i^v'^lxxxj Jeris, the xiiij day of September,
as ]7e same;? in Ipe self mair fullelie proportis. This Legacie & latter
will, abouewrittin, wes maid be j^e mouth of ])e deid, and writtin be
me, Mr lohn 3oung, Mz>2Ster at Irrvvine, at hir co;;zmand in hir awine
chalmer in ]:>e toun of Irrwine, day, ^eir, moneth, & place aboue-
writtin, Befoir thir witnesfi, hew montguwery of hessilheid, Thomas
montguwery in lugdoz^rig, William baillie, {Sevvatid to ]5e said hew
montgu;/2ery, & Thomas boyd, suwtyme redar at ]?e Kirk of Bayt/z
in Cuny«ghame, w/t/; nthexis divi?ns. Sic subscribitur Mr lohne
3oung, MzVzster at Irwine for ]'e tyme.

We, Mi^^j-rs eduard he;zrysoun, ■AX&xander sym, lohne prestoun,
Cojiimxssar'xs of tdinburgh, special ie cons\.\X.ut for <r£>«firma/zbne of
testamentis, be ]?e tenor heirof ratifeis, apprevis, & confirvms ]?is
pr^i'^nt testame/it or inve??tar, in sua far as j^e samyn is dewlie &
lauchfuUie maid, of ]7e gndis & geir aboue specifeit allani?Hie, &
gewis & co7nn\ittis ]?e intromissioun wz't/z j^e samen to ]?e said alex-
andex muntguwrie, (tx&cutoiix testamentar to ]7e said vrnqz/Zzzle
vc\argare\. Frafier, his mother, Rerseruand compt to be maid be him
]?^rof, as accordzi' of })e law. And ]?e said alexa«^^r, being suorne, hes
maid faith trewlie to execute \& said office of executorie ; And hes
fundin cawtion \2X \t gwdis & geir aboue writtin salbe furthcuwand
to all parteis haifand entres, as law will. qz//z^rvpoun caution is
fundin, as ane act maid ]7^rvpoun beris. (Commissariot of Edin-
burgh, Register of Testaments, vol. 13.)

11.

[REGISTRATION of a grant of a Pension of 500 merks
yearly to Alexander Montgomerie, dated at Falkland,
27th September 1583.]

Cure souerane lord ordanis ane letters etc., Gevand, grantand, and
disponand, to Alexaw^^r Montgomerie, ane 3eirlie pensioun of fyve
hundreth merk/i- money of this realme, for all the dayis o! his liftyme,
To be 3eirlie tane and vpliftit of j^e reddiest maillis, teindzj, fruitis,
rentis, proffeittis, emolumentis and dewiteis, of the tua pairt of J>e

302 APPENDIX D.

bishoprik of glasgow. And for the mair suir payment, to ]?e said
Alexander, of ]>e said pensioun, assignand & disponand to him, ]?e
victuall of j^e landis vnderwrittin, pertening to ]?e said archibischoprik :
That is to say, furth of dalbethe, nyne boUis malt, sevin boUis meill ;
furth of comflattis, threttein bolHs tua firlottis malt, and ellevin bollis
meill ; furth of kenmure, nyne bollis malt, sevin hollis ane pect meill ;
furth of deldovvy wester, nyne hollis malt, aucht hollis tua firlottis
meill ; furth of j^e fo«r pairtis of sheddilstoun, fourtie bollis malt, and
threttie hollis meill ; furth of dalmernok, threttie tua bollis meill — To
be Jeirlie tane vp and intromettit w/t//', be ]7e said dtXexandex and his
factouris, in his name, in tyme cu;/;ming, for ]7e space foirsaid, fra ]?€
handis of ]?e fewaris, fermoraris, takismen, tennentzV, rentellarz> and
possessozmj' of ]?e saidis landis, present and being for ]?e tyme, at ]?e
termes of payment vsit and wount ; Beginnand ]?e first payment ]>eroi
anno Ixxxij Jeiris, and siclike 3eirlie in tyme cuwming, during ]>& said
space. With power etc. With coinmz.n.di ])er\n to the lordis etc.
Subscriuit at Falkland ]>& xxvij day of September 1583. (Register
of Presentations to Benefices, &c., vol. 2, f. 9211^.)

III.

[ACQUITTANCE by Henrie Gelis, Merchant, Southamp-
ton, in favour of Alexander Montgomery. Registered
3rd November 1584.]

In pr^i-^nce of ]?e lordis of counsale, compent personaVie henri
gelis, mi?rchand of ]?e toun & cuntie of southamptoun in Ingland,
and gaif in ]?is acquittance & discharge vnderwrittin, sub^muit
wit/i his hand, & desyrit j^e sa.min to be insert & regislYa.t in J^e
buik/^ of counsal to haif ]?e strenth, force, & effect of pair act &
decreit in tyme tocum <?/ ad perpeiiiam rei memoriam. And ]7e saidis
lordis dec;Y/t & au//^«7;7'tie to be int<?rponit perto, w/t/z lellers &
execuloriaWs to be direct ]>ervpoun in maner specifeit ]7^nntill. The
c[u/ii\k desir ])e saidis lordis thocht ressonable, and J^^rfor hes
ordanit & ordanis ]?e said acquittance & discharge to be insert
& regislrat in the saidzi' buk/j-, to haif ]?e strenth, force, & effect
of ]7air act & decmt in tyme to cum el ad perpehiam rei memoriam ;
and hes int^rponit & int^rponis \air decreit & aut/zt'r/tie \er\.o,
and dec^mis & ordanis li?//^rs & execuloriaWs to be direct Iper-
upoun in manner specifit ]vrintill off the qiihlk the tenor followis :
Be it kend till all men be ]>ir present leilres, me, henrie gelis,
merchand of ]?e toun & cu«tie of southhamptoun in Ingland, for
my self, & takand 'pe burding on me for all \>e admi?zstrato?^r/i- &
assignais in and to pe actioun wz't/zin specifit, ffor c^rtane gratitudis

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 303

& guid deidis done, and sovmes of money realie ressauit be me in
novm^nt money fra Alexander mo-'/tgom^ry, gentillman of Scotland,
qu/ierof I hald me weill co^tentit & payit. To half renu«cit &
dischergit, lik as be ])e tenoz^r heirof for me & in name & behalf
forsaid, I renuwce & simpliciter discherges all action, title, int^res,
or clame qw/zcztsuweuir c<?wpetent to me, or myne, aganis j^e sazW
Alexander for his awin pai'rt allan,?rlie be wrtew of qz^//^?tsu;/zeuir
band, obligation, or promess maid be him to me, or myne, befor Ipe
day & dait heirof; And in spe«all my action & clame aganis him
for payment of ]?€ sovm of thre hundret/^ poundw striueling vpon his
obligation, daitit vpon ])e secund day of December 1580 Jeiris, seilit
& subscrzuit be him, wzt/i all Ipat may follow or result J'^jrupoun for
]7e sazd Alexanders pairt j^^rof allan^Hie, as said is, Byndand &
oblissand me & my forsaidis be J'ir ipresentis nevir to call, follow,
nor persew ]>e s^/d dUiexandex, nor ony in his name, \erior be law, nor
by law in lugeme^t, nor outwz/h in Scotland, nor ellis quheir ; And
to releif him, his facto«rz> & ■s,er\A\.otixis , of quhatsuweuir lettres of our
admiralite of Ingland, purchest or raisit be me aganis him, his gudis,
or geir, quhenevir j^e sami/z may be apprihendit, and to keip him, and
his, fre & scayt/zless \eroi for now & evir ; Providing alwayis J^at
Jjis my renu?/ciatioun & discherge be r\och\. extendit to richert
ra;;zsay and andro mertyne, scottismen, bund wz't/z \e srtzd alex-
andex con\\xtiz^X\e & several ie to me in \e sazd sovm, as ]?e saz'd
obligatioun ; Bot ]?at noc^twz't/zstanding heirof I may p^rsew J^az/z, or
ony of ]7a//z, \erior in solidiivi, pro rata, and to vse \>e power of my
saidis l^//res of admiralite aganis ]?a;;z, ]->air gudis & geir, as gif ]ns
said discharge had nevir bene gevin ; And for '\>e mair securite I am
conter^i & c<?«sentis j^'at J^ir pr^j^ntis be actit & registrat in the bukz>
of our sou^rane lordis cczzzzsale, and sc/n'rzfies or C(?;;zmissarz> bukis of
Edinburr/^t, or ony of j^az/z ad perpetuani rei meinoriam and \air
auctorite to be inti?rponit herto : In Witnes of ]7e quhzlk thing to ])zr
my pr^'^d'nt \eUxes of renuzzciatioun & discherge, I haif subscrz'uit J^e
sami;z wz't/z my hand as foUowis at ]'e bur^/zt of ]?e ca/znogait, besyd
Edinburf/zt ]^e tuelf day of October ]->e ^eir of god I^vc fourscoir &
four ^eiris, Befor j^ir witnes : maist^r Ihone Chalmer of Corrayth,
PatnTc Tumour, burges of Y^Ainburgh, Patrik Blacader, Ihone ^oung,
Sijrvitour to Wz7/zV?m Coz/zmendatcr of Pettinveme, Ihone Robesoun,
writt^T, & James Logane, noXar publict. Sic subscribitur.

Henre Gelis.

Maister Ihone Chalmer of corrayth, witnes.

Ihonne 30UNG, as witnes.

PATie/K TuRNOUR, Witnes.

Iames Logane, as witnes.

Ihone Robesoun, as witnes.

(Register of Deeds, vol. 22, f. 415 b)

304 APPENDIX D.

IV.

[RENUNCIATION and DISCHARGE by Aexander Mont-
gomery in favour of Henry Gyllis, Merchant of South-
ampton, Registered 30th December 1584.]

In presens of the lordis of Counsale, compeirit personalHe alexander
Montgomorie, i3/ruitour to the Kingis Mai^rtie, and gawe in this
renu;?ceatioun and dischairge vnderwrittin, subscryveit wit/i his hand,
and desyreit the sami/2 to be insert and regz^/rat in ]?e buikis of
counsale, To remane ]i^rin ad perpetuam rei ntemoriam. To haif the
strent/z, force, and effect of ane act and decreit of the iordis J^airof in
tyme tocum. The qz^/z/lk desyre tlie saidis lordis thochi ressonable,
and ]vH"oir hes ordanit and ordanis the said renu;/ceatioun and
dischairge to be insert and regzj'/rat in thair saidis buikzj, To remane
'perin ad perpetuam rei memoriatn, To hawe ]?e strent^, force, and
effect of \air act and decreit in tyme tocum, and hes int^rponit and
inti?rponeis j'lair decreit and aut/zcrz'tie ]:>airlo, Off the qz^/zz'lk the
tennour foUowis : I, Alexander Montgomeray, fizruitor to the kingis
maiestie, be the tennor heirof renuncis, dischargeis, and simpliciter
reuokis all and quhatsumeuer dischargeis and acquittances quhat-
sumeuer allegeit gevein and grantit to me be henry gyllis,
Inglisman, merchand of the toun and comptie of Southhamptoun
In england ; and speciallie ane allegeit discharge, maid and gevein
be the said he^zry gellis to me, of ane band and obligatioun maid
and subscryuit be me to him anent the payment of the sowme of thre
hundrethe pundis sterling, as for the pryce of ane bark callit the
James bonaventor of southhamptoun, coft be me, Richart ramsay,
and andro martene, as equall portionaris, byaris, and Intromettoris
thairof, as the said obligatioun of the dait the second day of
December 1580 Jeiris at mair lenth proportis : And forder, I am
content, and be thir presenlis consentis, that the said allegeit acquit-
tance and discharge be null and of nane availl In the selff, and the
samin to haiff na strenth, force, nor effect, nather In lugment nor
outwith in ony tyme cuming ; And to that effect I am content and
consentis that the said henrie haiff full powar and libertie to call and
persew for the haill contentis and poyntis of ]:'e said obligatioun and
sowme of money thairin conteinit, befoir quhatsumeuer ludge or
ludges within this realme siklyk, and als frelie as he micht haiff done
In ony tyme befoir the making of the said allegeit discharge, not-
withstanding of the saminn. And for the mair securitie, I am co/ztent
and co/zsenttis that this my revocatioun and discharge be insert and
regz>/rat in the bukis of cure sou^rane lordis counsale and sessioun
ad perpetuaiit rei memotiam, To hawe the strent/z of ane act and

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 305

decreit of the Lordis thairof, and ]>ar aut/iorzWe to be int^rponeit
theirto, withe executoriallis to be direct heirvpoun in forme as effeiris.
In Witnes of J^e qu/n'lk thing, I hawe subscryveit ]ns my reuocattioun
& dischairge wi't/i my hand At edinburgh, the aucht day of December,
the ^eir of god I™vc fourscoir and four 3eiris, Befoir thir witnesfi ;
Thomas Hay, messinger, Henry Logane, Johnne Robesoun, Alex-
ander Campbell, Wrytteris, and James Logane, notter publict. Sic
Subscribitur

A. MONTGOMORYE.

Thoj/as Hay, as Witnes.

James Logane, as Witnes to the premisfi.

Henry Logane, as Witnes.

John Robesoun, as Witnes.

[Indorsed on back of principal.]

Penultimo 'Dece/iibris 1584. Rodert ressaue this k//^re &: reg/j/rat
the same, becaus a\exander mo//gomery hes comperit p^rsonallie, and
cofisentit to the regw/ratioun thairof.

A. H., Clen'cus Regz'^/re.

"&'

Penultimo Decembris 1584.

In presens of ]:ie clerk of register, co;/ipetfit personalie sAexander
mowtgomery, Seruitour to J^e kingis mazesiz'e, &. desyrit J>is Renu;zcia-
tioun & Discharge to be reg/j'/rat ad perpetuain rei memoriam etc. &
Xettx&s & exe^«/^r/alis direct ]7^rupoun &c. [Signed] R. ScOTT.

(Register of Deeds, vol. 23, f. 80.)

V.

[INTERLOCUTOR, in causa, Williame Archbishop of
Glasgow, V. Alexander IMongomery. 24th December
1586.]

The q«///lk day the lordis of counsall, of cojistnt of J^e pdirtiis pr*?-
cvLxatoris vnderwrittin, aduocattis ]>e actioun and caus p^rrsewit of
befoir be williame, now archibischope of glasgow, aganis z\exai7der
mo«gomery, bro]?air-germane to hew mo;/gomery of hissilheid, befoir
the C(?wmiss^?ris of 'Edmburg/i, tuiching ]ie productioun befoir thame
of ane gift of pensioun maid be the said archibischope '^ to the
said A.\e.xander of ane 3eirlie pensioun of v chalde7-is, xv hollis, ij

1 The record here is wrong ; the gift was made not by the Archbishop but by
the King. Errors of this sort occasionally creep into the Register through the
carelessness of the clerk making the "extracted proces" from the papers laid
before the Court.

U

306 APPENDIX D.

{irlofis, i ^ect meill, and v chalderis, ij iirlotis malt, 3eirlie, to be
vpliftit furt// of the rediest fruttis and rentis of the said archi-
bischoprik, and certane land/j- assignit to him, wzt/zin the baroney
of glasgow, for suir payment thairof to the said 2\&y.andex during
his lyftyme ; and to haif hard and sene ]?e sam/;/ reduceit, rescindit,
cassit, and an;mllit, for certane causfl» specifiit in the said precept,
raisit in the said mati?r, as at mair lenth is ^c'^tenit in the said
Conivcixssaxis precept, direct in the said mater To thame selffis to be
pr<7ceidit befoir ]7ame siclytc and in the samzV; maner as it my^/;t or
suld haif bene pr<7ceidit befoir the saidzj' Co7nm\ssarzs ; And hes
assignit and assignls to mr Jo//n russeill, procurafozir for the said
alexancfer mo;/gomery, ]?e sext/i day of lanuar nixt - tocu;;/, wz't/i
continewah'oun of dayis, to awfto^r to ]?e said pr,fcept, sua Ipat J^^refoir
)>e said/j lord/j may pr^ceid and do forder iustice in the said mater as
efferis ; And ]yerfo\r dischairgis the saidz> C<77;zmiss«ris of all forder
preceding in the said matt'r, and of thair offices in j^^t part ; And in
the mez/tym r(7;/tinuis J^e said mat^r etc. vnto ]>e day foirsrt/d : The
said Bischope of glasgow c^;«perand be mr alexa^^^r king, his pro-
curafot/r, and Ipe said Alexander Mozzgomery (Ti^z/zpeirand be J^e said
mr lo/zn russell, qzz/zzlkis ar wairnit heirof aj>ud acta. — (Register of
Acts & Decreets, vol. 109, f. 243.)

VI.

[RATIFICATION by writ of the Privy Seal of the pension of
500 merks to Capitane AlexR- Montgomerie, dated 21st
March 1588/9.]

Ane k//re maid makand mentioun that oure souerane loird, ffor
diveris gude causfi and considerationis moving his hienes, and for
}7e gude trew and thankfuU service done and to be done to his
maiestie be his ^tide servitoz^rr Capitane Alex""- Montgomerie, with
avise and consent of \e loirdis of his maiesties secreit counsall,
Gevand, grantand, and disponand to him ane 3eirlie pensioun, during
all the dayis of his lyiftyme, of ]?e sowme of fyve hundreth m^rkis
money of ]?is realme, To be Jeirlie tane and vpliftit furth of ]?e reddiest
maillis, teindis, fruittis, rentis, proffittis, emolimentis, and dewiteis of
J>e tua paz'rt of \e bischoprik of glasgw ; and for ]?e mair sure payment
)>airof to be maid to the said capitane alexi"-, assignand to him the
victuals of \q. landis vndirwrittin pertenyng to }?e said bischoprik — That
is to say, furth of dalbathe Nyne bollis malt, Sevin bollis meill ; ffurth
of conflattis xiii bollzV, tua firlottis malt, and ellevin bollis meill ; furth
of Kenmv[r]e Nyne bollis malt, sevin bollis ane peck meill; furth of
daldowy wester nyne bollis malt, aucht bollis tua firlottis meill ; furth
of ]5e foure pairtis of scheddilstoun fourtie bollis malt, and threttie

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 307

boUis meill ; and furth of dalmernok threttie tua bollis meill — To be
3eirlie tane vp and Intromettit with be J^e said alexr-, and his factouris
in his name, In tyme cuwing for ]7e space foirsaid, fra J^e handis of j^e
fewaris, fermoraris, tennentis, takismen, rentallaris, and possessouris
of ]7e saidis landis present and being for ]>e tyme, at ]7e termes of pay-
ment vsit and wount ; Beginnand J^e first payment ]?airof ofif ]7e crope
and 3eir of God Ii"vc four scoir tua 3eiris, and siclyke 3eirlie in tyme
cu;«ing during ];e said space : according to ]7e qu/iz\k, ]?e said capi-
tane alexander obtenit decreit of the loirdis of counsall with W/res in
}?e foure formes ]7airupoun ; Be vertew of ]>e quhilkis he become in
peceabill possessioun of vplifting and intrometting wzt/^ his said pen-
sioun fra Ipe tennentis, and vj^iris addettit in payment ]?airof, Continu-
allie q?/M\ ])e 3eir of God I™vc foure scoir sex 3eiris ; at ]?e quhilk
tyme, vpoun speciall and guid respectis moving our said souerane
loird, his hienes gave and grantit to Ipe said capitane alex""- his
maiesties licence to depairt and pafi of ]?is realme to j^e pairtis of
france, flanderis, spane, and vf'iris be3ond sey, for ]?e space of fyve
3eiris J^aireftir ; during ]?e qt^/izlk space oza said souerane loird tuik
]}e said capitane alex^- and his said pensioun vnder his maiesties pro-
tectioun, mantenance, and saufgaird, as the protectioun maid ]iair-
vpon at mair lenth beiris. According to ]?e qu/alk, he depairtit of
J'is realme to J^e pairtis of flanderis, spane, and vj^iris beyond sey,
qti/ieras he remanit Continewallie sensyne deteynit and halden in
prison and captiuitie, to the greit hurt and vexatioun of his persoun,
attoz^r Ipe lose of his guidis. In ])e menetyme, nochtwzt/^standing of
])e said licence and protectioun, the said capitane alex""- his factouris
and servitouris hes bene maist wranguslie stoppit, hinderit, and
debarrit In the peceabill possessioun of his said pensioun, but
ony guid ordoz^r or forme of lustice, to his greit hurt, hinder,
and preiudice ; quhair as his guid service meritit rather augmen-
tatioun, nor diminisching of ]?e said pensioun. His hieness, ]:'air-
foir, movit with the premisfi, and willing Ipe said capitane alex""-
sail have bettir occasioun to continew in his said service, to his
maiestie in all tyme heireftir, Now — eftir his hienes lauchfull
and perfyte aige of xxi 3eiris compleit, and generaW revocatioun
maid in parliament — Ratefeand, apprevand and confermand to
]7e said capitane alexr. all and haill ])e W/res of pensioun aboue
specifeit, And all and sindrie poynttis, pasfi, clausfi, and articlis
contenit J^airintill, and willis and grantis, and for his hienes, and his
successouris, perpetuallie decernis and ordanis the samin to stand
guid, valiabill, and efifectuall in ]?e self, Eftir J^e forme & tennoz^r
]7airof in all poyntis, nor/^twzV/standing qz///atsumevir revocatioun,
decreit, sentence, suspensioun, or vlpir pri?/^ndit rycht or restitutioun
intervinand In ]?e meantyme; and speciallie the restitutioun of James
bischope of glasgw, out of J>e quhilk, oz^r said souerane loird now, as
IpSLTi, speciallie exceptis and reservis to J^e said capitane alex""- ]>e

308 APPENDIX D.

said pensioun, Sua ]:'at he may bruik ])e samin, siclyke as gif j^e said
prefendit restitutioun had nevir bene grantit. Atto/zr his hienes of
new gevis, grantis, and disponis to Ipe said capitane alex"^-, during all
the dayis of his lyfetyme, all and haill ]ie said Jeirlie pensioun of
fyve hundreth me-rkis money foirsaid ; and for sure payment J^airof,
assignand and disponand to him the victuall of ])e tovvnis and landis
aboue writtin, To be vpliftit and payit to him In maner aboue ex-
premit ; Beginnand J^e first termes payment of Ipe crope and 3eir of
god Ii^vc fourescoir sex Jeiris 3eirlie, sensyne this instant crope and
3eir of god I^^vc fourescoir aucht 3eiris, fourescoir nyne 3eiris, approche-
and, and siclyke 3eirlie, and termelie, in tyme cu;;;ing during his said
lyiftyme : ffor payment qu/iairof oure said souerane loird willis and
grantis ]yat ]'>e l^/Zres in ]?e foz^r formes, purchest be }>e said capitane
alexf- vpoun his said first gift, salbe als valiabill, guid, and sufficient,
for causing of him to be ansuerit and obeyit of his said pensioun of
]7e croppis and 3eiris of god foirsaid and In tymes cuwing, Siclyke as
gif ]?e samin had past be ane new decreit, and kZ/res of foz^r formes
]?airvpoun &c. With co7;miand in J>e samin to officiaris of armes to
put j^ir saidis W/res in ]ie foz^r formes, purchest be j^e said capitane
alexa/ider vpoun his said first gift, to dew executioun In all pointis for
causing of him to be ansuerit and obeyit of his said pensioun of ]:>e
croppis and 3eiris of god foirsaid, and in tyme cuming, noc/ttwztA-
standing of ony suspensioun or discharge gevin, or to be gevin, to
Jjame In ]7e contrair, vndir ]?e pane of deprivatioun : q?^//a/rvnto ]:'e
sicht of Yir pri^j-^ntis salbe ane sufficient warra^d, With co;;miand
alsua gif neid beis, to ]?e loirdis of counsall, to grant and direct k//res
conforme heirto In forme, as effeiris &c. At halieruidhous, the xxi
day of merche, The 3eir of god I"^vc fourescoir aucht 3eiris.

Per Signaturam.

(Register of the Privy Seal of Scotland, vol. 59, f. 88 a.)

VII.

[GIFT AND RATIFICATION of a Pension of 400 merks to
Capitane Alexander Montgomerie by Lodovik, Duke
of Levenox. 2nd November 1591.]

In presens of j^e lordis of counsall, co»2peirit p^rso;?alie Mr Alex-
andex King, procnraiour speiTzallie constitut for Lodovik, Duke of
Levenox, and his curatoz/r/j- vnderwr/ttin, be J^isgift and Ratifica/zoun
vnderwr/ttin, Giffin in subscryuit wh/i \>azr handis, And desyrit \>g
samyn to be ins^^rt & regz'^/iat in ]ie buikis of counsall, To haif J^e
strenth, force, and effect of ane act & decreit of ]>e. lordis j^^rof, Thair
decreit and aut//cr/tie to be Int^rponit J^^rto, And l,?//res and execu-

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 309

ioriaWs to be derect wpone thame for fulfilling ]vrof in all pointis in
maner spetVfeit ]?^/intill ; The quhilk desyre J^e saidis lordis thocht
resso/zrti^ill, and Jj^rfoir hes ordanit, & ordanis, ]7e foirsaid gift and
ratifica//oun to be insert and regzV/rat in ]:>e saidis buikis, to haif ]>t
strenth, fforce, and effect of ]>air act & decreit in tyme to cum, And
hes int^rponit, & int^rponis, ]>a2?' decreit & a.uthori\.\e ]>erto, And
decernis and ordanes l^//res and execu/ormWs to be derect wpone
thame for fulfilling Iperof in all point/>, in man^r specefeit ]:>i?nntill ;
Off ]?e quMk the tennoz/r followis : Be it kend till all men be J^ir
^present leUres, We, Lodovik, Duke of Lennox, Earl Darnelie, Lord
Tarboltoun and Obin3ie, etc., fforsamekle as our sou^rane lord, vpone
]>e sevint day of Julii, the 3eir of god l^^v^ fo/^rscoir thrie 3eiris, wz't/i
aduise of ])e lordis of his hienes secreit counsale, be his li'//res vnder
]?e privie seill gaif, grantit, & disponit to Capitane Alexcmder Mont-
gomrie, for all ]?e dayes of his lyfetyme, Ane 3eirlie pensioun of Ipe
sowme of ffyve hundret/^ m^rkis moTzey of ]?is realme, to be 3eirlie
vpliftit of the reddiest mailes, teyndis, fruittis, rentis, proffeittzi-,
emolumentis, and devvteis of j^e twa pairt of J^e bischoprik of glesgw;
And for ]ye mair sure payment to ]7e said capitane alexantfer of ]?e
said pensioun assignit & disponit to him ])e victuall of ]:'e landis
vnderwr/ttin p^rtening to l?e said Archibischoprik — That is to say,
ffurt/i of dalbethe, nyne bollis malt, sevin bollis meill ; ffurth of com-
flattis, xiij bollis twa firlottzV malt, and alevin bollis meill ; ffurth of
kenm//r, nyne bollis malt, vij bollis i pect meill; ffurth of daldowie
wester, nyne bollis malt, audit bollis twa firlottis meill; furt/z of J^e
foure p^^-tis of scheddilstoun, foz/rtie bollis malt and xxx hoUz's meill ;
And furt/« of dalmernok, xxxij bollz> meill; to be 3eirlie tane vp &
Intromettit w/t/z be ]7e said capitane alexander, and his factoun's, in
his name in tyme cuwing for ]^e space foirsaid, ffra the handis of J^e
fewaris, fi?rmoraris, tennentzj, takismen, rentallar/V, and possesso?/rz>
of J^e saidis landis present and being for ]?e tyme, at ]>e termes of pay-
ment vsit & wont ; Begy;mand ]^e first payment j^^rof in ])e 3eir of god
Imyc foz/rscoir twa 3eiris, And siclyk 3eirlie in tyme cu;/zing durmg }?e
said space, as J^e \ettres of gift, maid to ]?e said alexa«^i?r ))^rvpone, at
mair lent/z /rc>portis ; Ouhilkis wer d\\ier£) tymes ratefeit be ot/r
sou^rane lord efter his hienes /^rfyte aige, And ]>& said pensioun of
new disponit to ]>e said capitane aX&xander, q«//erby he hes guid rycht
J>i?rto during his lyftyme, alwayes seing we haif now vndoutit ry^^t to
]7e said bischoprik of glesgw, and haill temporall landis Iperof, being
willing J>at all questioun and pley may be removit and takin away
OuAilk may impeid ]?e said capitane alexander in the peccable
bruiking & vptaking of ]?e said pensioun in man^r following :
Thairfore w/t/z expres consent & assent of Waher, prio//r of blantyre,
for all ryc/n, titill, entres, & clame he hes or may haif to ]?e said
pensioun or ony part ]>ero{, and als wt'tk consent of oz/r curatozzr/^
vndersubscryveand for ]>ai'r int^res, for guid & thankful! fii?ruice done,

310 APPENDIX D.

& to be done, be j^e said capitane a.\exa7ider to ws, and to gif him
occasioun to cowtinew ])er\n, Witt 3e ws to haf gevin, grantit, and
disponit, and be }nr \)reseni\s with consent foirsaid, gevis, grantis, &
disponis to ]?e said capitane aXexander, during all ]7e dayes of his
lyfetyme, All and Haill J^e Jeirlie pensioun of ffoure hundret/^ merkis
mo7zey of J^is realme in full satisfactioun & contenta/z'oun of ]?e
pensioun abouewr/ttin ; Lyk as we bind & obleis ws, ottr airis &
successo«i7j, be our selfifis, our chalmi?rlanis and iz.cX.ourts^ in our
name to mak guid & thankfull payment to j^e said capitane alex-
atider, during ]>& space foirsaid, off all & haill J^e said pensioun of ffoure
hundret>^ merkis mo«ey foirsaid, Jeirlie & UrmYxe, at two tonnes in
]?e 3eir, witsonday and m^rtymes in winter, be equale portionis,
Begynnand j^e first t£?rmes payment }vrof at J^e terme of witsonday,
in ]?e 3eir of god I^^vc foz/rscoir ten 3eiris, and sua furt/z Jeirlie &
t^rmlie in tyme cu;«ing, during all ]^e dayes of his lyfetyme ; and in
cais it sail happin ws, or o?/r foirsaidzV, to fail3ie in thankfull payment
of ]7e said pensioun, as said is, be j^e space of Twentie dayes efter ony
of ]?e saidis t^rmes, Than & in J^iat cais It salbe lesum, Lyk as we wz't/i
consent abouespe«'feit grantis & aggreis, J^at ]>e said capitane alex-
ander sail haif full and frie regres & Ingres to ]?e haill victualh'^
respective, aboue expremit ; And \vit/i power to him, and his factoz/rz>
in his name, to intromet w/t/z & vptak ]7e sarny;; victuall/V of all 3eiris
& cropes efter ]7e said fail3ie, but ony declaratozzr fra ]:'e fewarzj,
iermorz.ris, rentellar/j-, tennentis, taxmen, occupearz'j-, & possessozm^
of ]7e samy/?, 3eirlie and t^;'mlie, in tyme cuwing, during ]ie space
foirsaid, and ]vrvpone to dispone at his plef!i<?zzr acquittances &
dischairges of ]:'e said pensioun, to mak, gif, subscryue, & delyu<?r,
c^ithilkis salbe als sufficient to ]^e ressauer/j ]->eroi as gif ]:>ai wer gevin
& subscryuit be ws, but ony reuoca//oun or agane-calling (\ukais\ijn-
evir. And we foirsuith with consent foirsaid, our airis, successozzrz>,
and a.ssig}i\s, sail warrand, acquiet, & defend \>t said capitane alex-
ander during all \e dayes of his lyfetyme. All & haill the said 3eirlie
pensioun of ffozzr liundretA rx\er\iis money foirsaid, 3eirlie To be payit as
is abouewrzttin, lelilie & trewlie, but fraud or gyle, Aganis all deidlie :
And for the mair securitie, we ar content & consentis j^at \\r pz'^j^ntis
be insert & regzV/rat in ]:>e buikis of counsall, to haif ]:>e strent/z of ane
decreit int^rponit ]>erto, wit/i kV/res and execuforialis of poinding &
horning to be vpone ane simple charge of sax dayes allan^Hie, ]?e ane
but prejudice of ]?e vj^er. And for Reg/j/ring heirof, makis and con-
stitutis mt" Alexander king, aduocat, and ilkane of hame, cozzjunctlie
& seui^rallie, our verie laur/z/z/U & vndoutit^r^curcr/t'/zr/j-. To cowpeir
befoir ]?e saidis lordis and consent to ])e registring heirof in man^r
foirsaid. In Witnes of ]?e qu//i\k thing, we, & oz^r foirsaid/i' curatozzrzV,
In taikin of ]mir consentis, and ]'>e said cowendator, hes subscryvit
]7ir presentis wzt/z ozzr handis at eAinburgh^ \e fyft day of August, \e
3eir ofgod Inn-c fourscoirellevin3eiris, Befoir j^irwitnesfi: George Erie

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 3II

of Huntlie, Claud Lord Paislay, Andro Maister of Vchiltrie, Robert
Lord Setoun, M^" Rodert Dowglas, provest of Linclowden, ]o/in
Murray of Tullibardin, and^ Setoun of Parbroth, Controller.

Sic Subscribitur

Lenox.

J. L. Thyrlstane.

Blantyre.

HUNTLY.

R. Lord Setoun Witnes.
Claud Hati/miltoun as Witnes.
Andro, Maister Vchiltrie, as Witnes.

CULLUTHY.-

Lynclouden Witnes.
Parbroth Controller Witnes.
Tullibardin as Witnes.

(Register of Deeds, vol. 40, f. 40.)

VIII.

[REMITT m causa Capitane Alexander Montgomery against
M' Williame Erskin, Person of Campsie. loth Novem-
ber 1592.]

§ I. Anent o//r souerane lordis \ef feres, purchest at the instance of
capzVane alexcj;/^^r montgomery, Aganis m'' Williame erskin, persone
of campsie, & Messrts lohnne prestoun, edward bruce, lohnne arihour,
and lohnne nicolsone, comwissar/j of edifihirg/i, for ]^air interes,
Makand mentioun that, <i\iiher \e said M^ Williame hes intentit ane
pr^/^ndit su;;miound/^ and actioun befoir the co;;/miss(7rz'j of
tAiiiburgh aganis ]?e said capz/ane aXexaitder for productioun befoir
thame of the \etter\s of pensioun, gra«tit be o?/r souerane lord to the
said capz'/rtne alexander, of the soume of fyve hundreth merkis
^eirlie. To be vpliftit furth of the reddiest fruitis of the Arche-

1 Space blank in MS.

2 In a charter, dated November 23, 1583 (Reg. Mag. Sig.), the name of Eufamie
Wemys is entered as the "spouse of magister David Carnegj' of Culluthy." This
may have been the lady to whom jMontgomerie addressed his sonnet (number 44
in Cranstoun) beginning with the punning hne, " TrEU FAME WE MIS thy
trumpet for to tune." CulUithy was one of the Lords of Session, a Privy Coun-
sellor, and Commissioner of the Treasury. In the Register of the Privy Council,
December 28, 1594, there is this curious entry in reference to another Eufame
Wemys: "Bond of Caution by Andro Wemys of Myrecairnie for Eufame
Weyms his daughter 5000 merks to remove herself from the Queen's company,
not to come within eight miles of her presence without the King's licence, and
to have no intelligence with her by word, writing or message."

312 APPENDIX D,

blschoprik of glasgow, and for suir pament thairof, having asslgnit
to the said capz/^zne alexander ]:'^rintill, Sex chalderis malt, and fyve
chahieris meill, To be tane vp furth of the landzV of scheddlestoun,
conflattis, daldowie, and \])ert=, speciall landzj, liand within the
baronie of glasgow, Togidder w/t/z q?z//rttsumeuir \efteres of ratifica-
tioun, gra;ztit be his Mai^i'tie to the said cap//(7ne alex^w^Vr, of the
said gift of pensioun, with qz/r/z^tsumeuir new gift, or Leffere, grantit
or gevin to the said CapzV^ne A\exa7ider be his hienes thairof, at ony
tyme sen the said M"" Williames pre/endit provisioun to the said
archibischoprik, To be sene and considerit be ]'e saidzV cowmissarzV,
and to heir and sie ])e sami«, retreittit, rescindit, cassit and a;znuUit
for certane pr^/^ndit ressonis, contenit in the said pre/en6\t swn-
mondz'j; Conforme to J^e qn/nlk the saidz'j- co;zzmissrtrz,y intendis to
proceid, and gif pr^/^ndit decreit cont7-ax the said Capz'Azne alexander,
Albeit J^ai be very suspect and incompetent to be luges \erX.o ; Becaus
the saidz'i' cowmisscrrz'j-, at J^e leist, M^i-jrs lohnne prestoun, edward
bruce, & lohnne nicolsone, ar ordiner "^rocKratouxis, favourarzV, and
dependaris of the hous of mar, and freindis thairof, and is onlie
counsillorz> and assisteris of thame in all thair actionis. § 2. lyk as
the said m"" lohnne prestoun is ordiner ^roatratoux for the said
mr williame, not onlie in all his actionis, bot in speciall in the
actioun depending at the said capzVczne alexanderis instazzce befoir
the saidzV [Lordis] aganis the said my wtlliaxxx, for the wrangus
intromissioun wz't/z his pensioun of the croppis and 3eirzj' of god
Ixxxvj and Ixxxvij 3eiris, As J^e su;/zmoundis depending ]vranent, and
minites thairof, schawin to the lordis of counsall, beiris ; In the
(\uhi\k the said m^ lohnne, is^ \)Xocuratoux for the said m"" williamy
in defence of his richt and prouisioun to the said benefice, and
impugning of his provisioun to the said pensioun, Ouhairby he can
na wayis be luge competent in the said pr^/^ndit reductioun, the
sami;z being lykwayes coincident wz't/z the first vpoun the richt of
the said capz'/^ne alexanderis pensioun foirsaid, and deweties thairof
of ]7e 3eiris foirsaidz>; And albeit it micht appeir that he wer declynit
in the said -pretendiXX. reductioun, 3it he is onlie assister & movear of
the said M^ VJiHiam J^^rto, and at his plesozzr advisis the proces
thairof. And not onlie daylie sittis in iugeme;zt, pronu;zces ]>t int^'r-
loquutozzrz'i-, Bot also at the advising of the proces Continewallie
-preser\t with the saidis co;/zmisseris, ressonis wz't/z thame, and solistis
thame in favozm's of the said m"" willia;;z, qzz/zz'lk l^e said capz'/«ne
alexandex Referris simplicit^r to the aithis of ])e remane/zt co;/zmis-
sarz'i-, qu/iex he hes nather pan'ie nor procuratour to ressoun for him
in the said caus, at the tyme of the advising j^^rof, qu/nlk forme,
obfi^ruit be the said M"" lohnne, is not onlie contrair to the lordz'j- of
counsall (for sa oft quhen ane of J^e saidz'i- lordis ar dischairgit, he is

1 MS. "as."

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 313

removit at the advising of the proces) ; Bot also the sitting- of the said
M"" lo/m in iugement, ]:'e advising of the proces with the remane;?t
commxssarzs, The keping of the haill dyettis in iugeme/zt, and pro-
nu^ceing of ]->& haill intt'rloquuto/mj-, makis the remanent co/zzmis-
sarts partialitie mair manifest, in sufferring the pr^misfi. § 3. And
also the saidzj niessvis edward bruce and lohnne nicolsone, pro-
curatouxis and favoz/ran'j' of the said hous of mar, be p^rsuasioun of
the said M"" lo/m prestoun, will not faill maist partiallie to proceid in
the said pr^/^'ndit reductioun aganis the said Capz7(a:ne alexander,
to his greit wraik, gif they be sufferit to cognosce ])erin, Seing the
co7;zmoditie ])ero{ redound/^ to the said m"" williame erskene, ana
of the maist sper/all freindis of the said houfi, & quhome the saidz>
commissari's grittumlie favoz^r, and ar vnder freindschip ; and ilk ane
of thame hes already gevin counsall to him ])er'in, for his furtherance
contraix the said capitane PA&\andex. § 4. And als \& saidis co;«-
missrtrz> in deductioun of the said proces, hes co;/zmittit manifest
iniquitie in repelling of the allegeance, q/z/«lk wes fundin relevant
and admittit be the saidz> lordis interloquutoz/r in {^.vouxis of the
prioz/r of Blantyre, in the cans foirsaid, as is recent in the saidzj lordis
memories — To wit, the saidis coz/zmissarzj hes maist partialie repellit
restitutioun of bischope Betoun, without ony conditioun co;ztenit in
the act of restitutioun. § 5. Attour, the said preiendit actioun of
reductioun is, and will not onlie be pr^iudiciali, (i) to the said actioun
depending at ]?e said capzVrtne alexanderis instance befoir the said/j-
lordis aganis the said M"" Williame, for repayme/zt to him of the said
pensioun, wranguslie intromettit \vzt/z and tane vp be him the said/i-
tua 3eiris Ixxxvj and Ixxxvij, qu/ierln the said mr lohnne prestoun,
ane of the saidis co;;zmissrt:rz'j', hes comperit pxoctira^oziv for the said
[Mr Williame Erskin]^ as said is, As the said su;;zmoundzj- ]:>eroi
schewin to the saidz'j- lordis beiris ; (ii) Bot alsua to the decreit of
double poinding, gevin at the said capzVrtine alexa^idex/s instance
befoir the saidzj- lordis, decerning the tennentis of the saidzj landis
To anViuex and mak pament to him of the said pensioun of the crope
and 3eir of god Ixxxvj Jeiris, and in tyme cunzing, as partle fund be
the saidz> lordis to haif best richt ]v;to, and dischearging the said
Mr Williame of all calling and troubling of the saidz^y tennentis for
the samin, as partie fund be the saidzV lordzj to have na richt, not-
withstanding the haill defensfi proponit be him in the contrax, as
the said decreit schawin to the saidz> Lordis at lenth beiris. § 6. Lyk
as the said reductioun is only movit to tak away the said capz/«ne
alexanderis repament to him of the said pensioun, wranguslie tane
vp be the said m'' wz7//am, he knawing that he will gett sic favour-
able and suznmer proces in the said pri?/^ndit reductioun befoir thame,
as he pleisfi desyr, sua that J'e said capzYcnie alexander salbe

^ MS. has erroneously "cap?Vane 7\crx.andex ."

314 APPENDIX D.

alluterlie wraikit, and the haill richt of his pensioun & actioun
during his lyftyme \vra;?guslie evictit fra him, qu/tenn Ipe saidis
commissaris aucht nawayes to be sufferit to proceid in preiudice,
and befoir the decisioun of the said capz/ane alexanderis pensioun
foirsaid, depending befoir the saidi's lordis as said is.^ § 7. And
last, the saidt's cowmisseris p^rtialitie is mair manifest, and ]>air
iniquitie clerlie appeiris, be repelhng of tua maist relevant excep-
tionis : (i) the ane berand that \>e said m'^ williame had na power
to reduce nor retreat the said pensioun, In respect that albeit the
samyn wes gra«tit sede vacaiite be his mai^jtie, 3it the said pensioun
being grawtit out of the temporall \zx\dis of the said Bischoprik
of Glasgw, be J^e act of annexatioun^ convalesfi, In sa far as the
said act not onlie annexis the temporall land/j to the croun, Bot
alsua reseruis all pensionis gra;/tit furth ]'^rof, q/^/^zikis ather hes tane
effect be posfiioun or decreittis, as the said capzV^ne zX&yiaiidexis pen-
sioun hes.^ And albeit be ]'e said act the pr^lattis lyfre;zt be refi^ruit,
3it he hes na power to reduce, in respect reductioun will tak away the
pensioun and caus the sami;z ceis efter his deceis. (ii) And forder,
it wes maist relevantlie allegit that the said nx^ williawz erskynis
provisioun wes be the restitutioun [of James Betoun] tane away,
quha wes restoirit puirlie and simplie without ony kynd of conditionis,
and sua be ]7e said/j- lordis int^'Hoquutoz^r restorit, qzz/zz'lk restitutioun
& benefite of parliament could not be tane away be ony interpreta-
tioun in this posterioz/r p«rliame;zt, haldin in luin Ixxxxij ^eirz's, without
ane new calling and cozzvocatioun, as in the saidzV twa exceptionis at
lenth qualifiet in the proces is be ]>e saidis cowmisseris signatozzrz'j'
writtin with Ipaz'r clerkis handwrite repellit. As ])e samizz merkit vpoun
the margene producit befoir ]?e saidzj lordis testifies. The proces
lykwayis shawin (qz//zzlk the said capzVrtine a.\exander repeitis as ane
■part of this his supplicatioun) qu/ierhy they [i.e., the defenders] be ])azr
signatoz/rzj hes repellit maist iust and relevant exceptionis and eikis
proponit for the said capz'/^ne alexanderis part, not onlie foundit
vpoun the saidzj lordzj decreittis and intrz-loquutoz/rzj-, Bot alsua vpoun

1 There is no record of how this action ended.

- This refers to the Act of Parliament passed on the 29th July 1587, annexing the
temporalities of benefices to the Crown.

3 The wording in the Act of Parliament on which this argument is based is as
follows: "And Becaus thair ar diuerfi pensionis grantit to mony personis furth
of pe saidis annext landis, alsweill be ]>e saidis prelattis and v])iris ecclesiasticall
personis as be our souverane lord, the benefice vacand in his hienes handes, ather
throw deceifi or be proces of foirfaltoz^r or barratrie led aganis the possessour of
]>e benefice, Oure souverane lord, and his saidis thrie estaittis of parliament,
decernis and declairis ]>at the saidis pensioneris sail nawayes be hurt nor preiugit
in pair saidis pensionis (thay being lauchfullie prouidit ))arto) be ])e said annexa-
tioun, sua ])at pe saidis pensioneris have bene authorizit be decreittis of pe lordis
of counsall, or o))er luges ordiner, or have bene in lauchfuU possessioun of J)air
pensionis at ony time preceding."

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 315

the expres actis of parliament and ratificatioune of the said capitane
alexanderis pensioun, grawtit be his mai^j-tie. § 8. And albeit the said
Bischope betoun had neuir bene effectualie restoirit, and the said
m"" williames pr^/t?ndit provisioun co/ztinewallie stand, 3it he can not
be hard to reduce the said cap//ane AlexanderzV pensioun, gevin be
his mai^j-tie 3eirlie, to be vpliftit furth of the temporall landz^ of the
said bischoprik, In respect that lyk as the temporalitie to ws be the
said persewaris deceiss, sua will ])e said capz7ane alexanden's pen-
sioun convales, And ]ns being proponit in the proces at greit lenth is
maist partialie & wilfuUie repellit be the saidis cofnmissarz's, as the
proces producit befoir J^e saidw lord is beiris. And Iperio'ir the saidzV
commissarz's aucht and sould be s'lmpUd/er dischairgit of all preceding
in the said mat^r, And ]>e sami;? aduocat to the saidzV lordis. § 9.
And anent the charge, gevin to the said m'' william. erskyn and
co7>imissaus foirsaidis for }:>«?> interes, To haif comperit befoir ]>t lordzj
of counsall, at ane C(?;'tane day bigane, Bringand with thame the pr.?-
tendixt precept persewit in the said mat^r. And to haif hard and sene the
said caus advocat to the saidis lordz'j, And ]?e saidz> cojnmxssaris dis-
chairgit of all forder preceding ]7mntill in tyme cuwzing, ffor thecaussf)
foirsaidz'j-, Or ellis to haif allegit ane ressounable caus quhy the sami;z
sould not have bene done, as at mair lenth is co;ztenit in the saidis
\etiexes : The said Capitahe alexander montgomrey, Comperand be
Messn's lohnne scharpe and alexander king, his procurator's, and the
said M'' lohnne prestoun, ane of the saidz'i' co;;zmissrtrz> of edzVz^zzrg/z,
being p,?rsounalie present for him selff, and as procurator for the said
M"" Wz//tam erskene, and Jje remanent coz/zmiss^rz^ being lykwayes
p^rsounalie present, Thair richtis, ressounes, & allegationis being
hard sene and considerit be j^e saidzV lord/.r, and they ]>er\\iih being
ryplie advisit, the lordis of counsall Remittis ]je foirsaid actioun and
caufii, persewit be the said m'' williame erskene aganis the said capz'-
/ane alexrt:;z^c'r mo;ztgomery, agane To Messrz's edward bruce, lo/zn
arthour and lohnne Nicolson, thrie of j^e saidis cowmiss^rz^ of
edtnfiurg/i, Allanerlie, and ordinis thame to proceid and minister
iustice ]:'^nntill, as they will aniSuer to the kingis MazV^tie vpoun the
executioun of ]Wr offices, notwzt/zstanding the haill ressoun aboue-
wrz'ttin of ]?e saidz'i- \etie\&s of aduocatioun ; As also in respect ]>& saidis
thrie cojnmxssaris being p^'rsounalie present, as said is, and being
inquirit gif they had gevin ony partiall counsall in the said mat^-r to
ony of the saidz> parties, maid faith ]?at they had gevin nane. § 10.
And the saidzV lordis Ordains }'e said m"" lohnne prestoun, the fourt
co;«missar foirsaid, to be removit frome all cognosceing or decyding
in ]?e said caus, or to sitt or be present with the rest of the saidis
cowmissarz-s-, the tyme of ]Wr consulta/z'onis ]->mntill, In respect the
said m"" lohnne declairit that he had gevin counsall to the said
M"^ Wii/iam [Erskin], as ordiner pxocuratour for him in all his
actionis, and had removit him self willinglie out of lugeme/zt the

3l6 APPENDIX D.

tyme of the first intenting and deductioun of the said proces befoir ]?e
saidz> co7nm\ssav/s : And in the menetyme, cowtinewis the said mater,
depending betuix the said/> parties, in the same forme, force & effect,
as it is now, but preiudice of partie. And ]^e parties cowperand as
said is ar warnit heirof apud acta. § ii. Attoz^r, the saidzi- lordis
decernis & ordains the said Capz'/cme ■d\^\aiidex montgomery To re-
found, content, and pay to the said M"" \\illiaxa. erskin, ]7e soume of
fyve pund/i' mo;zey, as for expensft of pley, maid, debursit, and
sustenit be him in obtening the said mater remittit, Togidder \\i\.h \&
soume of v]:'ir fyve pundz> pait be him to the said/'j- lordis, Conforme
to \air act & ordinance, maid ]7i?ranent, and ordinis L^//^res to be
direct heirvpoun, gif neid beis, in forme as etferis. (Register of Acts
& Decreets : vol. 138, f. 207.)

IX.

[INTERLOCUTOR in causa Mr Williame Erskyne against
Capitane Alexander Montgomerie. 23rd February

1592/3-]

In ]:>e terme assignit be j^e saidzV commxs'&axis to geiwe and
pronu;/ce interlocutoz/r, in \& actioun and caus persewit be m"^
Wilhame erskyne aganis capitane Alexander montgomerie, and
vpoun ]7e defensf), alsweill principall, eikit, as reformit, proponit
for J>e pairt of \& said defendar, and vpoun j^e ans/i'ms maid J>airto
^<7//forme to J^e last act ; The said M^ Williame erskyne, persewar,
cowperand be lames Stirling, his procuratour, And J^e said capitane
Alexander Montgomerie, defendar, being oftentymes callit and nocht
cowperand, The saidz> cofnmissarz's be ]3air interlocutoz/r, Repellis J>e
haill excep/Zonis proponit for j^e pairt of Ipe said defendar, alsweill
principall, eikit, as reformit defensf), jZ^r<7ponit for ]?e pairt of the said
alexander montgomerie, aganis ]?e su;;zmu/?dis reductiwe, persewit be
Jje said m"" williame erskyne aganis him ; And admittis ]?e poyntis of
J>e said/i' summundis to J^e said m"" williame erskyne his proba//oun,
togidder w/t// ]>e replyis following : That is to say, the reply proponit
aganis J»e first pr\r\ci/>a\l defence, and aganis ]?e first principall eik,
As alsua ];e replyis maid to ]7e secund eikis. As alsua ])e replyis maid
to the last eikit secund exceptioun. And for prewing of Ipe saidz'j
su;;miu;zdis and replyis respecf'me, assz^nis to him literatorie pro
prijna, and ordanis him to haiwe preceptis to suz/zmund sic witnesfl,
& to produce sic richtis and docume;z/is as he will vse for proha.-
/z'oun ]>erof, and ordanis him to wairne ])e pairtie heirto. (Commis-
sariot of Edinburgh : Decreets, vol. 23.)

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 317

X.

[DECREET William Erskyne, Persone of Campsie, against
Capitane Alexander Montgomerie. 13th July 1593.]

§ I. Anent J)e actioun and caus intentit and persewit befoir ]ie
saidis comm'issaris be M"" Williame erskyne, persone of campsie,
laufullie prowydit be oure souerane lord to J^e archibischopre of
glasgow, and hawand vndoutit rycht, be vertew of his said prowisioun,
to ])e fruittis, rentis, teindis, mailiis, fermis, proffeittis, emolumentis,
dewteis, and casualiteis of Ipe samyn, of all Jeiris during his prowi-
sioun, And sua hes guid ryc/it to persew jie actioun of reductioun
vndervvrittin aganis capitane aX&xander montgomerie ffor productioun
and exhibitioun whk him befoir ]pe said/V Co!nm\ssaris [of] ane ^re-
tend\i letters of pensioun of ]?e sowmie of fywe hundr^//^t m^rkis
money, to be vpliftit furtZ; of ]7e reddiest fruittis of ]7e said archi-
bischoprie of glasgow, And for suir payme/zt ])ero{, hawing assignit
to him j^mntill sex chalderis malt, and fyiwe chalderis meill, or
Iperhy, To be tane vp 3eirlie (urt/i of ]ie land/j of scheddelston,
conflattis, daldowie, and vtheris spe«'all land/s lyand wz't/im Ipe
barronie of glasgow, alleo-/t, grantit and gewin to him for all ]?e
dayis of his lyiftyme be oure souerane lord, alle^/t hawand power to
geiwe ]5e samyn as vacand in his hienis handis of ]7e daitt ])&
day of the Jeir of god I">vc ^eiris,^ Togidder

v/z\/i quhatsumewer prefendit k/'/^ris of ratifica//oun, grantit be oure
souerane lord ]?^rftir, of ]?e said p;v/^ndit gift of pensioun to ]:>e said
capitane alexandev, -wz't/i quhatsuweuir new gift or l^//^re, grantit and
gewin to him be oure said souerane lord, of }>& foirsaid pensioun,
sen }ie said cw/;plenaris prowisioun foirsaid of ])e said archibischop-
rie, of quhatsumeuir daitt or daittis J^e saidz'j k//6'ris of ratifica/zoun
and new gift of ]?e said pensioun be of; To be sein and cw/sidderit be
l^e said/i' comm'issan's, and to haiwe hard and sein ]>e samy;? first
pr^/'^ndit W/^re of pensioun, wzt/i ]ie said ratifica^/oun and new gift
of ]>e samyn, grantit be our said souerane lord to ]?e said capitane
alexa;/^d.'r as said is, sua far as ]?e samyw may be extendit to J>e
3eiris during ]>e qu/nlk Ipe said c^wplenar stuid fullilie prowydit to
J>e said archibischoprie as said is, Be retreittit, rescindit, cassit,
a/muUit, decernit, and declairit to haiwe bein frome ]:'e hegyn'wg,
and to be in all tyme cumming, null and of nane awaill, force, nor
effect, wi't/t all ]?at hes followit, or [^at may follow ])erupoun, for
]>e causs/j following : § 2. In the first, Becaus ])e said pr^/i?ndit gift
of pensioun was grantit and gewin to ]>e said capitane alexander
furt/z of J^e said archibischoprie be oure said souerane lord, hawand

J Spaces blank in MS.

3l8 APPENDIX D.

Jjan onlie ]:'e ryr/^t of patronage of j^e said archibischoprie, In respect
of ]>e place and seate ])eroi being vacand in his hienis handis, And sua
during ]7at tyme had na power to geiwe ony pensiounis furt^ of J>e
samy??, nor diminische J^e patrimonie ])eroi in preiudice of ]7e archi-
bischope to be electit ; And }?at be expres prowisioun of ])e c<7;;zmoun
law, prowyding J^at sua lang as ]?e place episcopall vaikis J^air suld be
na innowa/zoun maid in preiudice of him quha is to be electit, and
spe«allie in hurt and diminutioun of j^e patrimonie of ]?e benefice ;
§ 3. Lyik as it is of veritie, eftir ]7e granting and gewing of \>e said
pr^/^ndit l^/Z^re of pensioun to ]ie said capitane alexander, The said
C(9OTplenar, in ]^e monet-^ of Decembir 3eir of god Irayclxxxv 3eiris,
was deulie and laufullie prowydit to ]7e said archibiscoprie as said is,
wzt//out ony excep/z'oun or reserua//oun mentionat ]?^rintill of ]?e said
\ettere of pensioun, bot be J>e contmir r<?;?tenand and berand ane
expres claus of reuoca//oun of all pensiounis grantit be oure said
souerane lord to ony persoun or personis furt/^ of ]7e said archie-
bischoprie sede vacante, Except onlie of ane pensioun of tua hundret^
m^rkis grantit to nicoll carnecors/ Sua j^at be ]?e (:(?;/zpIenaris prowi-
sioun foirsaid the force and strent/z of \& said capitane alexa^^^r
his l^//6're of pensioun foirsaid, maid and grantit to him during \%
tyme ]3at ];e said seate vaikit, is extinct, expyrit, and of na force at all
tyme Ipereitir ; § 4. And albeit l^e said prefendh \ettex& of pensioun
had been ratefeit be oure said souerane lord at ony time efter j^e said
cowplenar was lau//^/lie prowydit to ]?e said archibischoprik, or 3it of
new disponit to him. The said ratifica/zbun or new dispositioun,
grantit eftir \& said prowisioun, can nathir mak j^e first \ettex&
of pensioun of ony better estaitt, nor of gritter strent/z & force
nor ]?e samy;z was befoir \& said ratifica/zbun ; nather 3it can
J^e said ratifica//oun, or new dispositioun, mak ony new xychx. to
]?e said capitane 2^eyiandex for bruiking of ]3e said pensioun of J>e
3eiris foirSf^zdzV, The said cwzzplenar than being lauyzz/lie prowydit to
J)e said benefice as said is ; And ]7^rfoir J^e said p;r/^ndit \ettcxt of
pensioun, gewin to j^e said capitane alexa;zrt'(?r scde vacante be oure
said souerane lord, hawand j^an na power to geiwe ]?e samy;z as said
is and ratifica//oun \eroi, vvz't/z j^e said preiendit new gift and disposi-
tioun quhatsu/zzewir sensyne of j^e samy;z pensioun eftir, ]?e said
C(7;;zplenaris prowisioun as said is, aucht, and suld be, retreittit,
rescindit, cassit, a;znullit, decernit, and declairit to haiwe been frome
])e tyme of ]:>e said prowisioun, and to be in all tyme cu;;zmi?zg. Null
and of nane avvaill, force, nor effect, wzt/z all ]?at hes followit, or ]7at
may follow j^^rvpoun, for ])e causszj- foirsaidzj-. As ]7e suz^mu/zdis and
\ybenh precept raisit Jj^rvpoun at lent/z beris. § 5. The said m""
williame erskyne, persewar, cw/zperand be James Stirling his pro-

1 A special ratification of this pension was passed by Parliament in 1592 ; but no
reason is assigned for its grant. Carnecors is there described as "sone lauchfuU
to Nicoll Carnecros of Calfhill."

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 319

curatour, And ]->e said capitane alexander montgomerie, defendar,
being lau/z/^lie wairnit to ]?is day To haiwe hard sentence and decreitt
^ronuncit in ]>e said matter, and c^w/perand wz't// James King his
procuratoz/r, Ouha befoir sentence allegit j^at na sentence aucht to be
/>ronunc\t, Becaus he offerit him to impreiwe directlie l^e persewaris
admissioun, qu/iilk fallin, j^e persewar can haiwe na ryc/it, In respect
he is presentit be his pr^j-^'nta/Zoun contena.nd ane expres co7«mand
to ressaiwe and admitt, and ]:>^rfoir na sentence aucht to be pronu;/cit
in ]?e said matter, bot ane day assignit to him for im/r(?ba//oun in
maner foirsaid. § 6. The rychtis, ressonis, allega/Zonis, of hayUi ])e
saidis pairteis, Togidder wz't/z J^e writtis, richtis, and titles producit be
j^ame /line i7ide being be ]?e saidzj cowmiss^rz'j' hard, sein, and con-
sidderit, and ]?ai ryiplie ^erwhh aduysit, The saidzj' conmxssaris, not-
wzt/zstanding of ]>e said alleagance, be ]?air decreitt Reducis, Re-
TREiTTis, rescindis, cassis, and a^/nullis, J^e said 'prctend\i \ettex& of
pensioun, w/t/z ]>& said ratifica//oun and new gift of ]?e samy«,
grantit be our said souerane lord to ]>e said capitane alexaw^^r, as
said is, sua far as J^e sarny;/ may be extendit to ]>& ^eiris during J)e
quhiXk J>e said cowplenar stuid fuUie prowydit to ]?e said archi-
bischoprie, as said is, and decernis and declairis }>e saxnyti to haiwe
bein ]?e tyme of j^e said archibischopis prowisioun, and to be in all
tyme cu;;/mi;/g during his lyiftyme and prowisioun to j^e said bene-
fice, null and of nane awaill, force, nor effect, wzt/^ all ]:>at hes followit,
or ]7at may follow J^^rvpoun, Res^mand alwayis to J^e said Capitane
Alex^^^^r Montgomerie actioun of improba/zbun as accordis of ]>g.
law. § 7. Becaus in ]>& first principall exceptioun, pro^omi for ];e
pairt of ]7e said capitane alexrt/zrtVr aganis }:>e ressoun reductiwe of
]?e saidis su;/zmu;zdis, It was exceptit ]7at ]5e said capitane alex-
ander aucht to be simpliciter assoil3eit frome J^e said pr^/^ndit pre-
cept and haill f^;ztentis ]7erof, and [that] J^e pi?rsewar can nawayis be
hard to quarrell his gift of pensioun producit, nor ratifica/zbnis past
Ipervpoun, In respect ]7at giff ony ryc/it, title, or prowisioun, ]?e perse-
war had to ]7e said archiebischoprie of glasgow. The samy;z was
grantit to him be deceis of vmqzz///le bischope lames boyde, qz^//z'lk
vmqnhtle bischope lames boyde was prowydit be j^e foirfaltorie, or
baratrie, of bischope lames betoun, quhiWi bischope lames betoun,
lang befoir \t intenting of ]?is caus, viz. : in J^e monet/z of luly, a«no
lxxxvij,'was restoirit aganis quhatsumewir proces or dome of foirfaltorie,
or baratrie, led or deducit aganis him, \3X pure et simpr\c\\.tr wzt/z-
out onykyind of restrictioun or conditioun, quhairby ]>e. said bischope
lames betonis prowisioun to ]->t said archiebischoprik of glasgow
(quha was/r<?wydit ]>eno lang befoir ]:>e persewar and his authozzr)
not onlie cowualescit, bot alsua was redintegrat, and all prowisiounis
grantit to quhatsuz/zeuer persoun or personis, throwch or be his foir-
faltorie, rescindit and azznullit : And sua ]'e persewaris rychi and title
being be expres act of parliament tane away, he can neuir be hard be

320 APPENDIX D.

virtew ]vrof [to] quarrell ])& said defender. § 8. And quhair it is
meanit, ]?at in J^e act of parliament, maid at edindur^A, ]>e fyrst day
of lunii, a«no Ixxxxij 3eiris, It was expreslie fund j^at ]7e ratifica/zbun
condudh at perthe and J^^refter ratefeit in parliament, w/t/z ]7e act of
abolitioun, maid at linlithgovv in ]?e monet/z of december, anno
Ixxxv ^eiris, And ]^e act maid in ]?e parliament haldin at linlithgow
in ]?e monet/z of lunii, anno Ixxxvij, ratifeand j'e saidis actis, wz't/z
]5e haill eikis maid ]>erto, was onlie extendit and maid in fauoz^r of sic
personis quha professit ]>e trew religioun (as the samyn is pr^j^ntlie
professit wzt/zin ]?is realme), and hes acknowledgit his hienes
aut/z(9;7/ie, and J^airby wald infer jiat J^e said bischope lames betoun
is nawayis restoirit, he nather acknowledging the kingis mai^jtie, nor
3it professand ]?e religioun prd-j-fntlie professit wzt/zin j^is realme —
To ]7at it is ansz/mt, ]:)at ]7e said act of parliament nawayis derogatis
to J^e said bischope lames betonis restitutioun, nor takkis away ]?e
effect jj^rof for dyuerss and sindrie causszV efter me/ztionat : § 9. In
the first, gewand, & not grantand, Jjat J^e actis of linlithgow and
'EdinbttYgh, maid in j^e 3eiris of god Ixxxv and Ixxxvij 3eiris, war
relatiwe to ]ie pacifica//oun maid at perthe, And ]7at it war expreslie
prowydit in J^e said pacifica/z'oun ]'at J^e samyn suld be extendit to na
persoun except these onlie quha ar professoris of the Kingis mai^J'teis
aut-^<?r//ie and religioun, 3it It is of veritie ]7at in J^e said act of pacifi-
ca/zoun, it is expreslie ^r<?wydit j^at in caice J^ai be in ]7e cuntrie of
Scotland quha ar restoirit ]:'airby, J^ai sail be subiectt to \>e. said con-
di/zoun and prowisioun ; 1 And ]:>e act of parliament producit, maid
in ]?e 3eir of god Ixxxxij, qzit/zzlk is alle^z't to be ane interprita/z'oun of
J^e said act of pacifica/z'oun, '\>e samy/z can not be ane interprita-
/z'oun maist cleir and manifest in \>e. selff, spec^allie J^e said interpri-
ta/z'oun can not be extend direct contra'ir to ]?e wordis and meaning of
]?e said former act, qz^/^z'lk astrictis onlie ]>e present personis wzt/zin
oz^r realme to be subiect to the makking confessioun of ]:>air fayt/z.
And be j^e expres meani/zg and wordis ]vrof is [not] nor can not be
extendit to sic personis, as was furt/z of ozzr realme ]'e tyme of J^e
granting of j^air pacifica/z'oun, and as 3it remanis furt/z ]7eroi ; § 10.
And trew it is j^at J^e tyme of j^e restitutioun of ]>& said bischope
betoun, and tr(?ntinuallie sensyne, he was and hes remanit furt-^ of
ozzr realme, quhairby nather ]?e said first act of pacifica/zoun, nor 3it
j'e last act interpreting j^e samyn, can be extendit to him and he
]>erhy excludit fra j^e benefite of pacifica/z'oun. § 11. Secundlie,
Becaus ])e act maid in anno Ixxxxij 3eiris is onlie extendit to j^e act
of abolitioun maid in ]>e 3eir of god Iniv^lxxxv, and noc/tt to ]?e act of
pacifica/z'oun maid ]:>at 3eir,^ Ozz/zz'lk act of pacifica/z'oun is ]'>e ground

1 That is, only those in Scotland at the time of the Act of Pacification are
required to profess the reformed religion, not those who were abroad. See reply
to this argument in § 44 (i).

2 The Statute here referred to is entitled in the Acts of Parliament : "Actis of

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 32 1

and fundamewt of restitutioun of foirfalt or barat personis ; And J»is
act of pacifica/zoun, maid now in anno Ixxxxij 3eiris, not being extendit
to l^e said act of pacifica/zoun maid at linlithgow, ])e samy« remanis
haill to all/d'rsonis foirfalt, notw/t//stan ding ony deroga/zoun ]:)at may
be cowzprehendit in }7is present act. § 12. Thridlie, tine said act of
interprita/zbun maid in ]?e monet/^ of lunii, anno Ixxxxij 3eiris, can
nawayis derogate nor preiudge ]?e act maid in ])e ^eir of god Ixxxvij/
quhairby ]?e said bischope lames betoun is restoirit, Becaus not onlie
is Ipe said act pure et sunpl'\c\\.Q.x conteanit wz'tAout ony kyind of
limita/zoun or cozzditioun, but also \& said act of restitutioun of ]?e
said bischope is fund be J^e lordis of sessioun to be effectuall to him,
and he J^airby restoirit, notwz't/zstanding the non makking cowfessioun
of his fayt/^, & acknowledging ]7e kingis maii^jteis auZ/zon'tie ;
§ 13. And sua ]?e said act being be j^e lordis of sessioun alreddie
interpretit and extendit in favozzris of ]:>e said bischope betoun, ]?air is
na <:<?«trair interpreta/zoun, albeit be act of parliame;^t,^ can or may
be ressauit to ]?e hurt, prejudice, and deroga/zoun, of ane grace anis
grantit in p«rliamezzt wz't/zout ony conditioun or limita/z'oun, qzz,^zlk
grace can nocht be takkin away be ony kyind of posterior act, wz't,^out
ane new calling or co;zvictioun vpoun ane new deid or cryme, seing be
]7e said act of restitutioun all former deidis and crymes ar alluterlie
extinct and tane away. § 14. And attozzr, gifif ony fact was in \^
persoun of the said bischope lames betoun ]?e tyme of his restitutioun
foirsaid, throwcA nocht makking fci/zfessioun of his fayt/^ and acknaw-
ledging of J^e kingis mai^jteis authoritie, It is alle^z't and offerit to be
prowin Jiat befoir ]?e makking of \& said act in a;zno Ixxxxij 3eiris,
]:'e samyzz war sufficiezztlie purgit, in sua far as ozzr souerane lord
directit ane co/zzmissioun to ]?e said archiebischope, gewand and
grantand to him cwzzmissioun to intreate and do his maii?i-teis efifairis
with foraine princes and natiounis, makand and constituand him his
mai^jteis ambassadozzr, qzz/zzlk c^zzzmissioun ]7e said archiebischope
acceptit ; And forder, lang befoir ]?e makking of J^e said act of inter-
prita/zbun foirsaid, oure souerane lord be his speciall handwritt
dispensit wz't/z ]?e no;z makking of J^e confessioun of j^e said bischopis
fayt^, and acknowledging of ]?e kingis mai^j'teis aut/z(?rz'/ie ; quhairby
It is cleir and manifest Jjat ]7e said act of interprita/zbun producit can

the restitution of the noblemen and otheris ressauit to pe kingis maiesties fauowr
and abolitioun of the force of processis of foirfaltotzr and other niateris concerning
thame. " In the 1587 Act it is referred to as " \& said general restitutioun, pacifi-
catioun, and abolitioun, maid at lynlithgow." Montgomerie's point seems to be
that the Act of 1592 is to be interpreted as applying only to a section of the Act
of 1585. It is rather remarkable, on the other hand, that in Erskine's argument
it is not pointed out that the Act of 1585 expressly excepts Betoun by name from
its benefits.

1 MS. has Ixxxxii, an obvious error.

- This places the interpretation of the Court of Session above that of Parliament.

X

322 APPENDIX D.

nawayis be extendit to ]7e said archiebischope, na mair than he had
bein suche ane persoun as had maid c^^fessioun of his fayt^, and
acknowledgit ]7e kingis maiifj-teis aut^oriYie, q7//z/lk in effect he hes
done, in sua far as J>e kingis mai^jtie hes dispensit ]>erwn/i. in maner
foirsaid. § 15. To the qu/ulk It was eikit : Last, the said alexander
aucht to be simpl/^z7i?r assoil3eit fra ]>e said preiendit precept and
haill contenUs ]>ero(, and ]>e persewar can haiwe na entres to persew
reduc//oun of J^e said Alexander his gift, Becaus It is of veritie j^at,
giff ony ryc/it ]?e persewar can pretend to ]?e said bischoprik of
glasgow, the samy« is as prowydit Iperto be deceis of vmqu/n\e
bischope boyde, or ]>a.n be the foirfaltorie of bischope betoun ; And
trew it is J^at ]?e said benefice neuer vaikit be ]>e foirfaltorie of
bischope lames betoun, nather Ipe tyme Jiat ])e persewar was
prowydit, nor 3it his predecessowr, In respect ])e said bischope
betoun was neuer as ^it foirfalt ; § 16. And albeit ]7air was sentence
of baratrie gewin and pronu«cit aganis him, jit it is trew ]7at
nather ]?e persewar nor his predecessoz^r, was prowydit to ]7e said
archiebischoprie as vacand throwr^t J>e said sentence of baratrie;
And albeit thay or ather of ]7ame had bein prowydit on J^at maner,
3it ]>e said sentence fallin and being tane away, ]:'e persewaris
prowisioun, grantit to him ihrowcM Ipe deceis of vmqzi/izle bischope
lames boyde, quha was prowydit throwr/zt ]?e inhabilitie of ]'e said
vmqz</n\e bischope betoun of necessitie man fall; And trew it is ]7at
]?e said sentence and effect ]?^rof is tane away, in sua far as sen ])e
gewing Iperof, viz. : in ])e 3eir of god Imvclxxxvij, our souerane lord
hes gewin and grantit to J^e said arcliiebischope lames betoun, com-
missioun to intreate his mazesteis effairis furt/^ of ]>e cuntrie and hes
maid him ambassadoz^r to his mazesi'ie, and ]>erby hes allowit j^e depar-
ture furt/i of ]:>e contne, and Ipe remani^zg furt/i of ])e samyn, qu/iilk
takkis away ]?e said sentence of baratrie and effect Iperof, Qze/n'\k sen-
tence is onlie gewin and pronu;7cit aganis ]7e said archiebischope for
his depairting and remani;/g furt/^ of J^e cu7?trie, wzt/iout our souerane
lordis licence and traffiqueing wzt/z foraine natiounis, and Iperfoir Ipe
said archiebischopis departing and remaning furt/z of j^e cu«trie
being allowit in maner foirsaid, The said sentence of baratrie being
Jiairby nocht onlie tane away, bot also J^e persewaris gift dependa?zd
}>^rvpoun lyikwayis falland, absoluitoz^r aucht to be gewin simplzVz"/(?r
frome ]:'e said ^prefe\^dlt precept. § 17. Lyik as alsua in ])e secund
reformit eikis, proponit for ]?e pairt of ])e said defendar aganis ])e
ressoun reductiwe of J^e saidis sutfzmufzdz's, and Ipe persewaris entres
<:(?«iu;/ctlie. It was exceptit pere7;7pt07^rlie, jjat absoluitozifr aucht to be
gewin fra ])e said haill ressoun, Becaus the persewar can neuer
pretend him selff to be laufullie prowydit to Ipe bischoprik of glasgow
be his yyc/it and title producit, ffor in sua far as his pensioun is tane
away be pe deceis of vmqu/zz\e M"" lames boyde, last pr^/^ndit
archiebischope of glasgow, ])e persewaris ry^V^t in Ipat pairt man fall,

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 323

seing he be his new prowisioun can be in na belter conditioun ]?an ]'e
said vmquhle m"" lames, quha in veritie was neuer laufullie provvydit,
lpa\r being ane vther persoun on lyiff prowydit and institute in J^e said
benefice, wzt/z lang and co«tinuall possessioun following ]>ervpoun,
neuer as 3it laufullie tane away ; At the leist J^e said m^ lames, giff
ony be or may be preiendk, be speaall act of parliament is reducit,
retreittit and rescindit ]>eroi\ it folio wis ]:'at ]?e persevvaris author is
ry^y^t being tane away, his rycht and prowisioun, in sua far as j^e
samy« leins be ]?e said M"" James deceis, man also fall. § 18. And on
J)e vther pairt, in sua far as ]?e samyin prowisioun takkis fundament
fra ]7e allegit foirfaltowr of vmqz//;/le lames archiebischope of glasgow,
It is crawit atite ojiixna '\>sX ]?e said pr^/^ndit foirfaltowr salbe producit,
seing it is exceptit negatiue \a.t he was neuer foirfalt to J'is hour ;
and J'air is na spea'all caus sett doun in ]'e prowisioun bot j^e deceis
of boyde, and foirfalto/zr of betoun, nather of ]:ie tua being causfi
efficient to mak j^is benefice &c. in our souerane lordzj' handis, seing
be boydis deceis, hawing na ry^^t, nathing culd fall, and be ]?e
allega/Zonis of beatonis foirfaltowr, na sic foirfaltowr being, far les
can fall. § 19. And it is crawit j^at 3o2^r lordshzps diligentlie aduert
to ]?is argument, J^at na vther subiect be tane in in ]7is iudgment for
mantenance of ]>& said prowisioun, bot j^e speciall caus r^ntenit in
J)e gift producit ; fifor quhair indirectlie It is meanit ]?at seing nather
be ]>& deceis of boyde, nor foirfaltonr of betoun, qz////lk was not,
ony rychi can be establischit or prt'/^ndit, sentence of baratrie is
obtrudit be \& persewaris ansuer, It is crawit ]:'at ^ozzr \ordships
be nor/zt mowit ]vrby, ffirst, seing j^e prowisioun is nocht tane in
J^at respect, nor makkis ony mentioun of ]?e said sentence; Nixt,
seing ]?air is na sentence of baratrie producit to ]ie q«/z/lk,
giff \^ persewaris prowisioun suld lein, it man be ane pairt
of his ry^/^t, And ]''e excipient man be hard to obiect }7air
aganis ; And It is merwellit j^at 3o«r lordships be 3o//r decisioun will
suddanlie proceid in Yxs matter, quhen as ]>& samy« argument and
sentence of baratrie being vsit befoir ]>& lordis of counsaile, in J^e
caus of ]7e reductioun of J^e rheto/zr persewit be J^e kingis aduocate,
and }>& laird of balfour, aganis andro lamb for retreitting of ane
Sifruice, q«//^rby bischope betoun was spruit g^n^rall and nearest air
to vmq«Me lohnne beytoun ^ of balquhairge, his father. The lordis
fand ]5e said matter sua intricate and difficill J^at ])e samyn lyis as
3it vndecydit. § 20. And 3it of superabundance to a.r\sieex forder,
certane it is, ]7at anis bischope betoun was laufullie prowydit, and his
prowisioun cled nocht onlie \Ktih arriennal bot with diriennal pos^d'^-
j'ioun,^ and ]?^rfoir his rycht anis standing man stand continuallie

1 MS. has "seytoun."

2 So in the original, but clearly a scribal error for " triennal " and "dicennal,"
These terms have reference to a privilege extended by tlie law of Scotland
to churchmen at this date, which is explained in the following passage from

324 APPENDIX D.

during his lyiftyme, except it be laufuUie tane away ; gifif it stand,
ergo ]7e persewar is na bischope ; gifif it fallis, it man be of necessitie
ather be foirfaltoz/r, or be ]?e baratrie ; noc-^t be ]?e foirfalto//r, becaus
\>ii\r was neuer nana, nor can n0ir/?t be verefcit ; noc/it be ]:'e baratrie,
qu/ii\k is nocAt as 3it producit ; becaus gifF ony sic be, it is expreslie
tane away be Ipe act of parliament ; And sua, giff j^e persewar hes na
rycAt to }?e bischoprik, far les lie is f<?7/tradicto?^r to j^e reductioun
of ]'>e pensioun ; § 21. And quhair maist indirectlie j^air is ane vn-
proffitable disputa/zbun tane in J^is iuclgme;zt vpoun ]?e interprita//oun
of J^e act of parliament, It is crawit J^at 3o?/r Xordship'-, will not exceid
J)e boundis of 3o7/r jurisdictioun in J^at pairt ; And 3it certane it is j^at,
be l^e act maid in luly Ixxxvij, bischope betoun is anis laufuUie and
deulie restoirit and reintegrat to J^e title of his benefice ; And all and
quhatsumeuer prowisiounis (And r£>«sequentlie ]?e persewaris authoris
^r(9uisioun q«//^rvpoun his awin dependis) proceding vpoun his foir-
faltoz^r or baratrie, expreslie retreittit and rescindit; \ieri6\x j^air man
be sum posterior fact or deid, statute or constitutioun, Qj.ihi\k. may
mak him to tyne and anuU J^at benefice o^iihiSk. was acquyrit. § 22.
As to ]7e gewing of ]?e rci/zfessioun of his fayt/z, for ane schort zx\suex,
]?air is na statute, nor act of parliame;zt, maid sen ]?e said monet//;
of luly, I"ivclxxxvij, cc«teni;zg ony sic limita//oun. § 23. And now
ansz^mng to ]?e reply maid to ]?e last eik, as to ony decreitt, retouerit
of doubill punding at J^e persewaris instance aganis bischope betoun,
Jjc samyn is onlie gewin for null defence in his absence, and nawayis
gewin inforo contradictorzo, and sua can nochx. preiudge ]?e excipie/zt;
§ 24. Item as to J^e nixt pairt, J^at bischope boyde was prowydit to
]?e benefice, and be vertew of his prowisioun in possessioun be J^e
space of sex or sewin 3eiris, and sua hawing ane title standing with
ane trie;mal possessioun — It is ansz^mt J^at, he had nather title nor
possessioun ; ffor as to his title, j^air was ane vthir persoun standing
laufuUie prowydit, quha is 3it on lyifif, and his prowisioun neuer tane
away, And as to J)e possessioun it is rather intrusio in beneficio
vnientis. § 25. As to J^e nixt argument, ]7at ]:'e allega//oun of bischope

Erskine's 'Institute of the Law of Scotland,' Book III., § 33: "Our law has,
however, so far favoured churchmen, because their rights are more exposed to
accidents than those of other men, through the frequent change of incumbents,
that thirteen years' possession is accounted sufficient to support a churchman's
right to any subject as part of his benefice, though he should produce no title in
writing to it. But this is not properly prescription : For prescription establishes a
firm right in the possessor, which stands good against all grounds of challenge ;
whereas the dicennalis et triennalis possessio confers on the churchman no more
than a presumptive title ; his possession is presumed to be well founded, till the
contrary appear ; and hence the rule is thus expressed by the canonists Decennalis
et triennalis possessor non ienetur docere de titulo ; his title is presumed from his
possession ; but as it is barely a presumption, it may be elided by a contrary
proof." See also 'An Institute of the Laws of Scotland,' by Andrew M'Douall,
vol. ii. (1752), pp. 39, 40.

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 325

'betonis not foirfalto;/r is ius tertii, ansz^^ris, it is exclusum iuris
agefitisj and quhidder \& excipient hes rych\. fra bischope betoun or
nof/^t, the persewar can neuer be hard to reduce his pensioun. § 26.
And quhair in ]ie thrid pairt of ]7e said reply, \& persewar offerit him
to preiwe, Jiat j^e caus of J^e vaca//oun of \& benefice of glasgow
procedit no^//t onlie becaus of \& foirfalto^r, bot also of ]?e baratrie,
yiur lordships can ressaiwe na vther proba/zbun by ]?e persewaris
prowisioun producit. § 27. As to ]>& last pairt of ]?e reply, first, anent
}>e decreitt of ]>e secreitt counsall, to wit, J^at it was decernit in }:)e
persewaris fauorzj ]?at he suld be asisuerxi and obeyit of ]?€ fruittis of
J>e said archiebischoprik ay and q?//«ll bischope betoun war restoirit,
]7e excipiewt ansz^ms tua thingis : fifirst, J^e secreitt counsell war r\ocht
iudges competent to decyid in ony sic caus; next, res inter alios acta
and can noch\ preiudge J^e excipie«t. § 28. The samy;z ans^^r is
repeittit aganis J^e last decreitt of \->& sessioun, qzz/z/llc is also gewin
for won cowperance, na pairteis ryjr/zt tryit, And far les can be vsit as
ane argument aganis \^ excipient, quha neuer co;;zperit to tak away
his prowisioun. § 29. In respectt of the f\uhi\kis premisfi, absolui-
toz^r man be gewin fra ]:'e saidzj- su;;/mu;?dis of reductioun, protesting
in caice 3o?/r \ordships do in \t contrah for reductioun of J^e proces,
nullitie ]7erof, remeid of law, tyme, and place. § 30. And last of all,
in ])e last eikit reformit excep/zonis proponit for ]>e pairt of ]?e said
Alexander, It was exceptit and allegit, j^at j^e said Alexander aucht to
be simpliciter assoil^eit frome j^e said pretendk precept of reduc/zbun,
BECAUS It is of veritie ]7at, giff ony ry^-^t or title ]:>e persewar hes to
]?e benefice and bischoprik of glasgow, ])e samy/z is throwche and
be j^e deceis of vmq/z/zzle bischope lames boyde, or inhabilitie of
bischope betoun, qu/iilk bischope boyde was lyikwayis prowydit be
J>e inhabilitie of bischope betoun, qzz/zzlk bischope betoun was onlie
maid vnhabzle to bruik j^e said benefice throwch proces and sentence
of baratrie, led and deducit aganis him vpoun ]^e xix day of Septez/z-
ber, Iiiyclxxo 3eiris, Be ])e qzz/zzlk J^e said bischope is dec^z-nit and
•declairit to haiwe incurrit j^e panis of prescrip/zbun, and his benefice
of J>e said archiebischoprie of glasgow to vaik, r^^zzforme to ])e act
of parliamezzt — qzz/z/lk sentence being tane away, ]7e persewaris ryc/it
of all necessitie man fall. § 31. And trew it is ]?at }>e said sentence
of baratrie is tane away, in sua far as sen jie gewi«g ]>eroi, videlicet,
in }5e 3eir of god Ii^vclxxxvij 3eiris, our said souerane lord gaiwe and
grantit full cozzzmissioun to j^e said bischope betoun to trawell in his
m&iesteis efifairis wz't/z foraine natiounis and princis, makand and co«-
stitutand ])e said bischope his m?i.iesieis ambassadoz/r, qz^/«'lk cow-
missioun is ane sufiicient ground and caus to tak away ]>t said
decreitt of baratrie, in sua far as ]'e said decreitt is gewin and pro-
nuwcit allanerlie aganis the said archiebischope for his departure and
remanizzg furt/z of ]?e cuzztrie without oure souerane lordis licence,
and nocht returniz/g to ]?e samyzz, being chairgit to j^at effect ; q«/zzlkis

326 APPENDIX D.

deids ar sufficie«tlie purgit and tane away be ]>e said c<?7«missioun ;
And sua J^e said decreitt and effect Iperoi is fallin, qu/iilk being fallin
J^e persevvar and his authoz^ris ryc/it of all necessitie is fallin, quherhy
J>e persevvar hes nather ryc/it nor entres to reduce. § 32. And
J^is co;;/missioun grantit to ]?e said bischope betoun is as effectuall
[to] ]?e said decreitt of baratrie and giftis following ])er\'poun, as giff
]>e said decreitt wz't/i all Jiat hes followit ]7.?;^'vpoun had bein m foro
coiitradidorio retreittit, In respect ]?at ane sentence gewin for ane
cryme may be tane away, w/t/i all ]?at hes followit J'^rvpoun, be ane
gracious restitutioun ; and }:'e cowmissioun abowe spe«_/it is in effect
ane gracious restitu/zoun. § 33. And quhair 3o7zr lordships meanis in
3oz^r signatozifr to repell J^e princ/^zll alleaga^zce, quhairvnto Jns eik is
maid, in respect of ]>e replyis To ansz^^r ^erto, it is trew and of
veritie, J^at j^e saidis replyis of nawayis meittis ]7e saidz> excep^/onis,
nor elidis ]?e samyn ; ffor albeit vmqz^/zzle bischope boyde was prowy-
dit to ]ie said archiebischoprik be our souerane lord, and be vertew
Iperoi <:(?«tinewit in possessioun to J^e ho«r of his deceis, and had ane
prowisioun w/t/z trie;mal possessioun, and [that] eftir his deceis ]>e
persewar was prowydit, and not onlie continew'it in possessioun, bot
also obtenit decreittis, 3it J^at is na argume/zt to elyde Ipe said excep-
//oun, q///«'lk is not foundit nor groundit vpoun ony nuUitie of }?e
said decritt of baratrie, or prowisiounis following Ipervpoun, bot vpoun
ane posterior deid done be ])e prince; q///^zlk is in effect ane gracious
restitutioun, and takkis away noc/it onlie ]?e haill decreitt, bot also l^e
haill prowisiounis. § 34. And quhair It is alle^/t ]?at l^air is na ryc/zt
qualifeit in ]>e persoun of ])e defendar, To ]?at it is ansz/mt, j^at ]>e
defendar, being prowydit to ane pensioun, hes gud entres to propone
]?e said excep/z'oun, and to exclude j^e persewar bayt/z in his rycAt
and persute. § 35. .A.nd quhair zV is alle^zt ]?at, be J^e granting of ]?e
said cowzmissioun, ]?e decreitt of baratrie is not tane away bot man
byid ane reduc/zoun. To Ipat it is anszz^rit, ]7at ])e cofitra.\r Iperof is of
veritie, for ane sentence and dome vpoun ane cryme may alsweill
be tane away be ane gracious restitutioun, as be ane reductioun.
§ 36. And quhair It is allej^z't l^at, sen pe granting of ])e said co?/zmis-
sioun, ])e persewar hes obtenit decreittis aganis bischope betoun, To
]^at it is azzszz^rit, ])at these decreittis militatis nathing in }>is caice, in
respectt ]^e saidis decreittis ar gewin for null defence, And j^e said
defendar nather callit nor cozzzperand to ])e gewing ])ero(, quha, noc/it-
wz't^standing the samy/z, man be hard to use his defensfi, resultand
vpoun ]?e said cozzzmissioun ; § 37. And albeit bischope betoun wald
noc/it use his defensfi, 3it ]'>e said defendar, hawand ryc/zt of ane pen-
sioun to be takin out of ]?e said bischoprik, and be vertew Iperof noc/it
onlie in possessioun be vplifting ]:'e samyzz, bot also be recouering of
decreittis z'n foro cowiradictorio aganis j^e samyzz persewar lang efti?r
his ry^^t and prowisioun producit, Sua J^at ]7e decreitt gewin aganis
]5e said bischope can militate nathing aganis ]?€ defendar, bot he

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 327

may vse quhatsumeuer defence cowpetent, no^r-^twzVzstanding }?e saidis
decreittis.i § 38. Secundlie, absoluitoz^r aucht to be gewin fra ]7e said
pr^^^ndit precept of reductioun, Becaus ]>e persewar hes na kynd of
Tyc/it nor entres to persew j^e samy//, and his pre/end\t rychtis and
titlis of J'e said benefice ar allutterlie extinct and tane away, in sua
far as l^e samyn originallie dependis vpoun ])e inhabilitie of bischope
betoun, qu/n'lk inhabilitie is, be act of parliament maid in ])e 3eir of
god I™vclxxxvij 3eiris, tane away be ]ye restitu//oun of ]?e said bischope,
qu/iilk restitutioun extendis bayt/i to foirfaltorie and baratrie ; And
the said bischope being fullie restoirit, all prowisiounis grantit & gewin
of his benefice throwch his inhabilitie fallis. § 39. And quhair It is
alle^/t in ])e pri?/^ndit reply. That be act of counsell It is declairit &
fund Ipat Ipe said archiebischope was neuer effectuallie restoirit, and
]?at ]?e act of parliame;zt aucht nawayis to be extendit to him, And
lyikwayis jjat ]?e act of parliament maid in J^e 3eir of god In^vclxxxvij
is relatiwe to ]>e former actis of pacifica/zoun, and spe^zallie ]>e act of
perthe quhairintill it is expreslie prowydit, J^at J>e act of pacificaz'zoun
salbe onlie extendit to J^ame quha professis the kingis aut/iofifie and
religioun, qz/,^zlk J^e said bischope betoun hes noc/it done — To Ipat it is
ansz^^rit, J)at notwz't^standing J>e said prowisioun conten'it in the act
of perthe, and notwzt^standing the saidis actis of counsell, the said
archibischope is fund be ]'e lordis of sessioun anis effectuallie &
fuUilie restoirit, quhairby ]>e persewaris ryc/n is alluterlie tane away ;
And ]>e lordis hawing fund ]>e samy;z, 3our lordships man find ]?e
lyik. § 40. And as to )>e act of interprita/zbun maid in Y\s instant
3eir of god I^vclxxxxij 3eiris, ]je samy;z is na ground for \& persewar,
in respect l^at, befoir \& makking \eroi^ noch\. onlie is ]?e said bischope
pure restoirit, bot also fund be interlocutozzr of J^e lordis of sessioun
effectuallie restoirit; qz/Zzzlk nather be posterior act of parliament, nor
be interprita/zoun, can neuer be tane away ; fifor ane grace anis grantit
can neuer be tane away, albeit ane persoun vpoun ane new cryme be
of new cowvictit ; In respect quhairof absoluitoz/r aucht to be gewin
simplzVZ/t'r fra ]7e said pr^/(?ndit precept, as \& saidis exceptiounis and
eikis maid \ier\.o in J^ameselff at lent/z beiris.

§ 41. To THE QUHiLK IT was replyit for \& pairt of ]?e said
m"^ williame erskyne, persewar : And first to J^e first prin«}>all
exceptioun proponit for \^ pairt of ]7e said capitane alexf^na'^r,
defendar. That The first pr^/(?ndit eik, or new defence, foundit
vpoun bischope lames betonis restitutioun alle^z't grantit pure et
simplzVz/er, wz't/zout ony conditioun or restric/zoun, aucht to be re-
pellit; Becaus noc/zt onlie be act of counsell maid in \& 3eir of god
Ixxxvj 3eiris,^ It is expreslie sett doun and ordanit \a\. ]?e persewar suld
intromett wz'tA J>e fruittisof ]7e said bischoprik, co«forme to his prowi-

1 The grammar of this sentence has got twisted, though the meaning is clear
enough.

3 17th March i58«.

328 APPENDIX D.

sioun of ]?e crope Ixxxvij, and 3eirlie ]>erehh qu/u'W >e said bischope
lames betoun suld be lau///lie restoirit in parliament, Bot als it is of
veritie, J^at ]?e said biscliope I awes betoun on navvayis was cowpre-
hendit in >e said act of parliame;/t maid in ]->e monet/; of luly Ixxxvij
3eir, nor 3it culd clame ony benefite of restitu/zoun ])erhy ; Becaus j^e
said act of parliament maid in luly Ixxxvij 3eiris ^r^^tenis ane ratifica-
//oun and confirmsinoun of j^e act of parliament maid in dece;nber
Ixxxv 3eiris, quA/lk also ratifeis and apprewis ]?e first pacifica//oun
concludit at Perthe in j^e monei/i of februar Ix tuelfif 3eiris, And
])ere{tir co/ifirmk in J^e parliament haldin at Edinburgh, in ]>&
monet/z of apryile Ixxiij 3eiris, quher'm it is sper/rtUie prowydit, ]?at
na personis suld bruik ]:>e benefite of ]?e samyn act, except jmi quha
sail male confessioun of ]?air fayt/z, and acknawledge j^e trew re-
ligioun prt'J-^ntlie ^r^fessit w/t/Hn ]>\s realme. § 42. lyik as ]>& kingis
mddestie^ and lordis of secreitt counsell, hes vpoun ]:>e xxix day of
May, Ixxxix 3eiris, and by dyuersz^ vtheris actis sensyne, dec^rnit &
ordanit all actis of parliament maid in oz^r souerane lordis minoritie
aganis quhatsumeuer [persounis], sustenand J>e proces of baratrie, foir-
faltorie, or exconzmunica//oun, and quha hes nochi gewin confessioun
of ]7air fayt/^, jj^r^fessand ]?e trew religioun pr^^^ntlie /r^fessit wzt/zin
]?is realme, and spe«allie aganis bischope lames betoun — to stand in
J)e awin strent^ aganis ]7ame, nor^tw/t/zstanding quhatsumeuer vtheris
actis of pacificatioun, abolutioun, or restitutioun ; discharging sim-
plzVzV^r all dispensa/z'onis or vther indulgence quhatsumeuer, ob-
tenit be ]7e saidis personis contrair to ]>& tenozzr of ]>& saidis actis,
dispensand with Jjair noc^t gewing confessioun of J^air fayt/z, and
decernand >e saidis dispensa/zonis to haiwe na fayt/z in iudgment,
nor outwzt>^ ]7e samyn. And trew it is J^at, ]>& said bischope lames
betoun as 3it hes gewin at na tyme confessioun of his fayt/z, nor 3it
professit ]7e trew religioun pr^^^ntlie professit wzt/zin jjis realme ;
And J^airfoir, the said act of pacifica/zbun, nor na benefite ])er\r\ contenit,
can be extendit to ]?e said bischope lames betoun ; [J^is] and was ex-
preslie decydit in j^ir samyn termis befoir J^e lordis of sessioun, betuix
george munro of mekle tarrell and lohnne roi\ proweist of nairne, as
]:>e practique heirwzt/^ producit testefeis. § 43. And forder to remowe
all scrupel, be spea'all act of parliament concludit be ]?e estaittis &
haill body of parliament in ]>& monet/z of luly ixxxxij 3eiris, It is
expreslie fund decernit and declairit j^at, j^e act of pacificaz'zoun
concludit at perthe, j^e act of abolitioun maid at linlithgow Ixxxv
3eiris, wz't/z >e act maid in ]:>e parliament haldin at ^(Mnbuxgh Ixxxvij
3eiris, ratifeand ]?e said actis, wzt^ ]?e haill eikis maid \erXo, Be \t
qzz/zzlk \& defendar p;-.?/^dis l^e restitutioun of jje said bischope lames
betoun, ar onlie extendit and maid in fauoz^r/j- of sic personis quha
professis J^e trew religioun, as \& samyn is prt-j^ntlie professit wz't/zin
this realme ; And J^at na persoun nor personis quha war forfalt,
convict of baratrie, or quha tint J^air benefice ipso facto, may be hard

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 329

to seik Ipe benefites of ]>e saidis actis, or clame restitu//oun ]?airby,
befoir J^at ]:'ai profes ]?e trevv religioun as said is, as J)e said act of
parliament presefitWe producit beirs ; And ]'>er{o\r seing as 3it ]>e said
bischope lames betoun hes not maid coftfess'wun of liis fayt/i, he can
pretend na restitutioun. § 44. And quhair It is alle^z't be ]?e defendar,
IpaX ])e said act of parliament in J^e ixxx tuelff ^eir, derogatis nathing
to J>e said bischope betonis restitutioun, for ]:'e thrie ressonis sett doun
in l^e said excep/zoun, It is anszirmt : (i) first, g^n^rallie That it contenis
no^^t ane derogatioun to J^at qu/u'lk was neuer, viz., to ]>e said
bischopis restitutioun, quha was neuer restoirit; And to ]?e first
ressoun ]>e samyn is irrelewant, uoc/it affirmand j^at Ipe saidis actis of
restitutioun dispensis wzt/i ])e confessioun of ]?air fayt^ quha is absent
furt^ of Ipe realme ; fTor ]5e trewt/z is ]?at Ipe first act of pacifica/zbun,
as als ]pe act of abolutioun maid at linlithgow, exceptis Ipe benefitit
personis furt/z of the reahne, and excludis jmme fra the benefite ])ero{ ;
(ii) Attoure, bayt/z j^e first and secund ressoun ^wztenit in ]^e said
exceptioun aucht to be repellit, in respect of Ipe speaall wordis
contenit in J^e said act of parHame«t maid in the Ixxx tuelfif 3eir,
statute and declara/zoun ])erin cozztenit, qzz/zzlk is ane law and aucht
ito rewle j^e subjectis ; (iii) And to ]?e thrid ressoun, I repeitt noc/it
onlie ]'e lordis practique and decisioun betuix Ipe saidis george mu/zro
and lohnne ros, bot also j^e said act of parliamezzt maid in Ipe Ixxx
tuelff 3eir, and expres statute and declara/zbun Iperin cozztenit, Sen ];e
qtiAtJk ])e said defendar can allege na decisioun of ]>e lordis in fauoris
of the said bischopis restitutioun, bot be ]?e conlra\r ]7air being ane
matter of triple punding, persewit at ]''e instance of certane tezzne;ztis
of jje lordschip of glasgow, aganis J^e Duke^ on J^e ane pairt, pr^z'^nd-
ing ane factorie to Ipe bischoprik of Glasgow be ]:)e alle^zt restitutioun
of ]ye said M"" lames betoun & his inhabilitie ]:>^reftir declairit, and
aganis ]?e priozzr of blantyir as fewar of Ipe saidz> landis on j^e secund
pairt, and me, on ]:'e thrid pairt. The samyzz argument being proponit
anent ])e said M"" lames betonis restitutioun : The lordis hes decernit
Ipe persewar to be ansz^mt and obeyit be vertew of his prowisioun,
as hawand vndouttit ry<c-/zt to ]?e said bischoprik, and ]7at of all 3eiris
sen ]?e parliament haldin in J^e Ixxxvij 3eir, and 3eirlie in tyme
cuznming during his lyiftyme. § 45. And quhair it is allegit, J>at Ipe
said impediment, be noc/it gewing of ]>e confessioun of his fayt/z, was
purgit be J^e directing of ane coz/zmissioun to ]:'e said bischope to
treate his mai(?j'teis effairis as ambassadozzr, and j^at his mai^^tie be
his spe<:zall hand writt dispensit wz't/z him for noc/it gewing confessioun
of his fayt,4, ffor anszzt'/- j^erto, I repeitt, (i) ]^e act of counsell producit,
maid in ]?e persewaris fauourzV in ])e Ixxxvij 3eir^ of god, Ordaizzing him
to be anszz^rit of ]je fruittis of l^e said benefice, quhill m'' lames
betoun war fullie restoirit in parliament; (ii) Nixt, }?e act of counsell

^ Ludovic, Duke of Lennox. ^ 17th March is8f .

330 APPENDIX D.

maid in May, Ixxxix, annulled all sic dispensa/Zonis grantit in maner
speci/it in >e said act, and declarand ]>& samy« to mak na fayt/« ; ^
(iii) Thridlie, ]>e persewar repeittit >e said act of parliament ; (iv) And
last, albeit sic dispensa/Zonis war, 3it >e kingis dispensa/Zoun can noc/it
preiudge his ryc/it, nather can l?e said priwie dispensa/zoun haiwe ]>e
force of ane act of parliament, befoir ]>& samyw war ratifeit in parlia-
ment : In respect quhairof, and of ]?e expres deroga/Zonis maid to j^e
dispensa/Zonis be ]:'e saidis actis of counsell & parliament, ]>e said
pr^/^ndit exceptioun aucht to be repellit. § 46. And Nixt, It Was
replyit to ]?e eik proponit for ]?e pairt of ]>e said Alexander Mont-
gomerie to ])e said first exceptioun proponit aganis ]>e persewaris
title and prowisioun. That >e samyn aucht to be repellit. In respect of
his prowisioun standand, wt't/i ]>& lordis decreitt inti?rponit ]>eno
decerning le//t;res in all ]>e four formes for ans?/^ring and obeying of
him of |je fruittis of ]>e said benefice, conforme to his prowisioun,
according to ]>q quMk he hes bein in possessioun of Ipe fruittis of j^e
said benefice rwninuallie sen his said prowisioun be vplifting of ane
pairt, and recouering of decreittis of ane vther pairt ; § 47. Lyik as he
hes obtenit ane decreitt aganis ])e said m>- lames betoun, alle^'t
bischope of glasgow, and certane tennenttis of ]?e said bischoprik,
decernand ]7ame to ansz/ri?r and obey him conforme to his prowisioun
of ]?e croppis In^vc Ixxxvij, Ixxxviij, Ixxxix, Ixxxx, Ixxxxj, and j^is
instant crope Ixxxxij 3eiris, and syiclyik 3eirlie in tyme cu;nming, as
pairtie fundin be ]>e sa'idts \ordis to haiwe best ryc/^t l^^rto, as ]>&
saidis decreittis presentWe produdt beris ; In respect of >e qtiMkis
prowisioun and decreitt standand in the awin strent//, vnreducit or
quarrellit, Ipe said pr^Z^ndit eik auc/it to be repellit. § 47. Attour,
giff neid beis, he offerit him to preiwe, >rtt bischope lames boyde
his predecesso?<!r was prowydit to ]>e said benefice be oure souerane
lord, beand laufuU patroun and hawand >e ryc/it. of >e dispositioun of
]ye title of ]7e said benefice, quha, be vertew of his prowisioun, was
in peaceable possessioun to ])e tyme of his deceis, be ]?e space of
sex or sewin 3eiris, or j^airby, be vplifting of ]?e dewteis, etc., quha
deceisit in august, or ]7airby, Ixxxi, and sua hawand ane title wttk ane
triennal and pacifick possessioun, vnquarrellit in his tyme ; & he [i.e.,
Erskine] beand prowydit throwche his deceis, ba.yt/i >air prowisiounis
standand, >e said eik aucht to be repellit. § 48. fforder, qujjair the
defendar alleges, J^at vmqt/Me bischope lames boydis prowisioun, as
alsua his [i.e., Erskine's], is grantit vpoun >e foirfaltowr of >e said
bischope lames betoun, and >at he was never foirfaltit, It is ansz/mt :
(i) ffirst, >at >e defendar deducis na ryc//t in his persoun frome ]>e said
bischope lames betoun, bot onlie allegis ins tertii, quhiV^ can noc/zt
eWd per viam excepiionismyne, andmyne predecessoz/ris, prowisiounis,

1 This refers to a writ of the Privy Council, of date May 29, 1589, in which
Betoun (along with others) is expressly declared to be still under the ban of his
former sentence of foirfaltour.

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 33 1

cled vjiih possessioun, standand vnreducit, and authori3it with J^e
lordis decreittis, and spea'allie aganis }'e said m'' lames betoun in
maner foirsaid ; (ii) Nixt, my prowisioun is grantit to me be quliat-
sumewir rycht ]>& samy« myc/ii haiwe cuwmiit in oure souerane lordis
hand/j; And sua in caice J^e said benefice vaikit be J^e said sentence
of baratrie, specifeit in ]>& said eik, 3it J>at samyw cans is includit in
]:'e generall caus of vaca//oun, sp(?a/eit in my prowisioun ; (iii)
Thridlie, he ofiferit him to preiwe, gif neid beis, J^at J^e caus of JJC
vaca^z'oun sp^'a/eit in ]7e said \mqt(/ii\e bischope lames boydis
prowisioun to J^e said bischoprik of glasgow, is noc/tt onlie be ressoun
of Ipe foirfalto/^r led aganis }'e said bischope lames betoun, bot also
be ressoun of ]?e proces and sentence of baratrie led aganis him, and
spea/ek in the said last eik producit be ]7e defendar. § 49. And
quhair It is allegit, ]7at J^e said sentence is tane away, in sua far
as in ])e 3eir of god, etc., Ixxxvij, oure souerane lord gaiwe cowzmis-
sioun of ambassadorie to the said bischope lames betoun, and J^^rby
hes allowit his depairting and remaning out of Scotland, That pairt is
altogidder irrelewant ; fifor albeit he had gewin him cow^missioun, 3it
it foliowis noc/n ]>a.t ather his hienes hes allowit his first <lepairti«g out
of J)e cuntrie, nor 3it takkis j^e samy;? away ]'>e decreitt of baratrie
gewin aganis him ; ffor albeit now, ex post facto, he wald geiwe ane
speciall allowance of his first depairting, 3it ]:>e decreitt of baratrie
wald stand wz't//out ane spe^/all reductioun ; lyik as ))e posterior allow-
ance culd be na relewant caus of reductioun of ]?e decreitt gewin of
befoir. § 50. Attoure, no^y^t onlie in ]?e said Ixxxvij 3eir of god is jjair
ane speaall act of counsell sett doun ordani«g him to be answ^rit of
l^e fruittis of J^e said benefice, ay and q?//«ll lames betoun war fullie
restoirit, and ]3at co;/forme to his/rtiuisioun, As \q act producit beiris,
Bot also he hes obtenit decreitt aganis \& said nT" lames betoun sen
j^e said fourscore sewin 3eir of god, viz., in Junij 1592, dischairgand
}'e said m"^ lames betoun to trubill ]ie te;me«ttis of ]:'e said bischoprik
for ]?air dewteis, as pairtie fundin to haiwe na xychx. Iperto, In respect
quhairof Ipe said pretendit eik aucht to be repellit. § 51. Thridlie,
It was replyit to ]:'e reformit secund eikis, proponit aganis ]?e ressoun
reductiwe of ]?e saidzly summundz's, and ]?e persewaris entres con'
iuwctlie. That ])e first and secund pairt of ]>e said eik, /r^'ponit aganis
]7e persewaris entres, aucht to be repellit, In respect of ])e titles
producit, and of }:'e precept desiring reduc//oun of ]?e said pensioun
during J^e 3eiris and tyme of Ye said persewaris prowisioun allanerlie;
lyik as Ipe persewar declairis ]:'at he insistis in reductioun of Ipe
pensioun onlie for J^e tyme of his prowisioun during his lyiftyme
allanerlie, And is content. ]5at }ie defendaris pensioun be res^ruit to
him irielie efter }:>e persewaris deceis, and declairis ]?at he insistis for
reductioun of J^e said pensioun in tyme cumm\ng during his lyiftyme
allanerlie. § 52. And quhair j^e said defendar, ansz/i?rand to )ie
ressoun of Ipe saidz'j su;;zmu?7dis, opponis aganis ])e persewaris title

332 APPENDIX D.

& ^roms'ioun of vrnqii/iile m"" lames boyd, be quhais deceis ]?e
persevvar is allegit to be prowydit, It is answ^rit Iperto, that J>e samy«
au£"^t to be repellit, In respect of (i) vmqt//n'\e bischope lames boydis
prowisioun standand vnreducit, qu/iilk was noc/ii onlie cled \vzt/z
posfiioun during his lyiftyme be ]>e space of aucht or nyne 3eiris,
lyik as he deit in possessioun J^^rof in "pe monet/; of [August] 3eir
of god Ixxxj 3eiris, bot als his prowisioun was authori3it be dyuerfi
decreittis of ])e lordis of sessioun, & vtheris iudgis ordinare gewin
})^rto ; (ii) As als in respect of j^is persewaris prowisioun gewin be ]?e
deceis of ]?e said vmq?//«le nT" lames boyde, and vtherwayis in maner
spea/ek in his/rcwisioun, Be vertew quhairof ]?e said persewar noc/it
onlie hes bein in posf)ioun in maner sprtv/eit in ]>e ansz^^r maid to
J^e last eik /rcducit, bot lyikwayis ]?e said prowisioun is authori3ed
nocAt onlie be J'e lordis decreitt decernand \etteres for ansz<fi?ring and
obeying of him conforme \>erto, bot also be ane vth^r decreitt of
doubill punding vpoun \etter&s raisit at ]>& te/mewtis instance aganis
]:>e said persewar on ]>& ane pairt, ]:>e said m>" lames betoun, on j^e vther
pairt, and J>e Duke of le/mox pr^/^ndit ry^r/zt be factorie to ]7efruittis of
]:»e said benefice, on ]>t thrid pairt, Be ]:>e quhilk decreitt l^e said per-
sewar is decernit to be a.n?,uex\t and obeyit as pairtie hawand onlie ry<:/;t
to ]?e fruittis of ]>& said benefice, and ]>& Duke and ]?e said m"- lames
dischairgit to truble & molest ]?e saidis te;me;ztis, as pairteis hawand
na ryc/;t to j^e fruittis of ]>& said benefice, in maner specifcxt in J^e
ansz^i?r maid to ]?e last eik and decreitt heirwzt/z producit ' ; (iii) As
also ^pt said persewar hes bein in use to reduce dyuers pensiounis,
be vertew of his rycht gewin sede vacante vpoun ]?e samyw ressoun
r^iwtenit in j^is precept : In respect quhairof, and of ]7e said persewaris,
& his predecessoz/res, prowisioun standand cled w/t/z possessioun sua
mony 3eiris, authori3ed be J)e saidis decreittis standand lyikwayis in
J'air awin strent/z, ]?e said defendar can no^^t be hard to obiect J^e
said pretendixX. eik aganis \& said persewaris, or his predecessoz/ris,
prowisioun ; (iv) nor 3it can ]:>e persewar be co7;zpellit to enter in dis-
puta/z'oun wzt/z J^e defendar ]?^rvpoun, quha deducis na ryt'-^t in his
persoun frome |?e said bischope lames betoun ; (v) nor 3it aucht J>e
/^rsewar to be coz/zpellit to produce j^e foirfaltoz/r, or sentence of
baratrie, qzz/z^rvpoun ather his or his predecesssozzris prowisioun is
foundit, ]ie saidis prowisiounis standand cled wzt/z possessioun &
authori3ed w/t/z decreittis, as said is ; (vi) And qiihex It is meanit })at
j^e foirfaltozzr led aganis ]?e said bischope lames betoun, & all pro-
wisiounis gewin J^^rvpoun, is retreittit & rescindit, J^e same is suffi-
cie«tlie anszzmt to in ]?e reply maid to ]?e pxmcipaW excep/zbun,
qzz/zzlk we repeitt in ]?is place ; (vii) And als qiihex ]?e defendar
meanis \a\. we wald obtrude ane sentence of baratrie as l^e cans of
vaca/zoun o{\& said benefice, qzz/zzlk is nor/zt sp^cz/eit in j^e gift/r<?-

1 This decree is not to be confused with that given in the action of triple
poinding referred to in § 44 (iii).

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 333

ducit, — To ]?at it is a;/s?/mt, that ]7e samyw is includit in ]->e generaW
caus of vaca/z'oun, as als j^e said se;?te//ce of baratrie is ane of J^e
causfi spe^'allie expressit in ])e /riswisioun of \mqu/ti\e bischope
lames boyde, o?/r predecesso?/r ; (viii) Item, to ]>e last eik berand ane
ansz/^r to J^e reply maid to j'e defendaris eik, ^r^ducit of befoir, I
repeitt Ipe said reply or ansuer maid to ]ie said eik maid befoir as ane
sufficie/'/t ansut'r heirto. § 53. And last of all, It was replyit to j^e last
reformit eikis proponit for ]?e pairt of J^e said Alexander, That ]Je first
pr<?/^ndit eik J^erof, foundit vpoun ane alle^/t cowmissioun of am-
bassadrie gewin to bischope lames betoun, q2////'lk tacite importis, as
the defandar wald meane, ane gracious restitutioun, That J^e said eik
is onlie bot ane repeti/zoun of ])at q///z/lk was alle^/t and decydit in
]>e principaW defensfi ; And ]vrfoir ]?e persewar repeittis his ans?/^r
maid to ]iat pairt of pe pvmay>a\\ excep/Zonis, as ane sufficient ansuer
heirto. § 54. Secundlie, ]>e secund prt-Ztjndit eik is lyikwayis decydit
befoir, for ])e defendar hes done na mair in }?ir last eikis bot repeittit
his principall defensf!>, and maid tua eikis of J^at qi/Zifik was ane
defence befoir, and ]?(,7-foir ]?e persewar lyikwayis repeittis his former
a/zs/z^-ris maid }vrto. § 55. And qu/iev ])e defendar in ];e said last eik
wald meane Jjat ]^e said bischope lawes betoun is fund be the lordzj
of sessioun to haiwe bein fuUie anis restoirit. It is ans//mt ])erto ])at
]>e con/rar is manfest be ]^e decisioun of the lord/j-/^r(?ducit in/;-<?ces,
and decreittis gewin aganis j^e said bischope lames betoun at ]?e
persewaris instance; Lyik as ]?e persewar offeris him to preiwe, gift"
neid beis, ]^a\. in j^e proces of dubill punding, qz///£'rvpoun ])t last
decreitt proceidit, qu/nlk now is lyand in proces, ]?e said alleagazzce
of bischope betonis restitutioun was/r^ponit & repellit be J^e lordis
of sessioun ; As alsua be expres act of parliame/zt producit lyikwayis
in proces, it is fund ]mt ]>e benefite of restitu//oun was neuer extendit
to ]?e said bischope lames betoun, nor to na v]?^ris quha hes no^^t
gewin cozzfessioun of j^air fayt/z ; for albeit ]7e said act of restitutioun
war extezzdit g(?n,?rallie to all p^z'sonis, ^it it is euer wz't/z l^e/z-ciuisioun
& cau/zoun cozztenit in ]7e first act of pacifica/zbun, ratifeit in J^e said
Ixxxvij 3eir of god, To wit, lpa\ sail geiwe cozzfessioun of J^air fayt/z
etc.. Sua ])at albeit all p^rsonis war restoirit wzt,^ ])at prouisioun, 3it
nane cazz inioy J^e benefite of ])e said restitu/z'oun quAt'W ]7ai fulfill j^e
said prowisioun in sic soirt j^at, albeit j^e said Xnschope lazzzes betoun
war nof/zt exceptitfurt/z of J^e said pacifica/zbun bot cozzzprehendit vndi?;'
l?e samyzz, 3it he culd neuer clame ]?e benefite \e\oi befoir he geiwe \e
cozzfessioun of his fayt/z ; And giff he wald cozzzpeir pr^'j^ntlie and
geiwe cozzfessioun in \a\. caice, it myr/zt be ]?at he nxychx. inioy \e
benefite of \e said act of pacifica/z'ozzzz, vj^^rwavis wochx, as at mair
lent>^ is f^zztenit in \e. anszzms maid to \e first excep/zbnis. In
respect qiihexoi \e said pr^z'^ndit secund eik a\\ch\. to be repellit, As
J'e saidis replyis maid to \e saidis e.xcep/z'onis and eikis xzspect'we
in ]jame selff" at lent/z beris. — Qzz/zzlkzV replyis, wz't/z ]'>e poyntlis of

334 APPENDIX D.

Ipe summundis, being fund relewa^^t, and admittit to probatt'oun and
dyuerfi t^rmes by, he prevvit J?e samy« sufficient. (Commissariot of
Edinburgh, Decreets, vol. 24, f. 26a.)

XL

[DENUNCIATION of Alexander Montgomerie by the
Privy Council. 14th July 1597.]

Anent oure souerane lordis lettres direct, makand mentioun, for
sa mekle as it is vnderstand to the kingis maiestie and lordis of his
secreit counsale, That Alexander ]\Iontgomerie, brother to the laird of
heslott, wes arte, parte, at the leist vpoun the counsale, divise, and
foirknowlege with vmquhile hew barclay of ladyland in the lait
treasounable interprise diuisit tuiching the surprising and taking of
llisha, within the boundis and dominionis of this realme, fortifeing
and victualling of the same for the resett and conforte of the Spanishe
armey, louked for and procurit be the said vmquhile hew to haue cum
and arryvit in the saidis pairtis for subuersioun of the trew religioun,
alteratioun of the estate, and disturbing of the publict peace and
quietnes of this haill Hand : And Anent the charge gevin to the said
Alexander, To haue compeirit personalie before the kingis maiestie
and lordis of secreit counsaile this xiiii day of luly instant. To haue
ansuerit to sic thingis as sould haue bene particularlie inquirit of him
concerning the premisf), and to haue vndirlyne tryale and pvnish-
ment for the same, according to the lawis of this realme, vnder the
pane of rebellioun &c., with certificatioun &c., lyke as at mair lenth
is contenit in the saidis lettres, executionis, and indorsationis thairof :
Quhilkis being callit and the said alexander not comperand, The
lordis of secreit counsale ordanis lettres to be direct To denunce him
&c. (Register of the Privy Council, vol. v, f. 555.)^

1 The following hitherto unpublished communication from Robert Bowes, the
English ambassador at the Scottish Court, to Lord Burghley, dated July 4, 1597,
throws interesting light on this Catholic plot : " It is reveyled and knawin to be
of veretye that the conspiracye to have ben acomplished by the taking and
forcinge of Ilishay was de\'ysed by the Larde of Ladyland, corronall hakerson,
the Spanish Ambassadoz^r, quha convenit in Fraunce in the towne of Nants in
October last, qukair Ilishay was termed the Isle of Guyanna and giuen out as
very fertile and comodious for fisching, but inhabited by barbarous people, and
anes possessed nockl recouerable be no enemy out of thandzj- [i.e. the hindis]
of men of warr. For taking whereof ther was contributioz^n pn;misit by sondry
noblemen of Fraunce and of England & of Scotland, the names wherof sail, god
willing, come shortlie to hnawledge. The trofiquers for this contributioun was in
Fraunce Hakerson, In Ingland Richard Skeldon, .\nd in Scotland Ladylande
himself. The chiefe ende of the taking hereof was, first, to set off and raanteyne

LIFE-RECORDS OF MONTGOMERIE. 335

XII.

The following extract from Calderwood (vol. 3, p. 708), which
further research may show to have reference to Montgomerie, has
been noted since Appendix B was put into type. But it may be
well to record it here : —

"Captain Montgomerie being directed from the king required the
Assemblie in his Hienesse' name not to meddle with removing anie
of the members of the Colledge of Glasgow speciallie the Principal
seeing his majestic is patron and erecter of the said Colledge." If
this is the poet, it is likely that he was in attendance on the king
during his detention by the Ruthven Raiders, for the passage has
reference to the General Assembly which convened at Edinburgh on
April 24, 1583. Calderwood further mentions [vol. 8, App. 250] that
"upon Fryday the Secund (August, 1583) the king's old houshold
servants were changid for the most part and the rest were likewise
to be removed, as James Murray of Powmaes, Captain Montgomerie,"
&c. Montgomerie received his pension from the King on July 7, 1583,
ten days after his escape from the Raiders.

ane publique masfi in this Islande qu/iilk sould be patent to all distressed
pap}'[s]te[s] q7^/zazrfra so euer they sail come. Ane place of releife & refresh-
ment to the Spanyart, or rather a porte to them at ther arryvall in Ireland, And
ane store house to keipe furnishing & all thingw profytable to the vse of therle
[i.e. the erle] of TjTone, with the qukt/k Erie Ladylande by his comisfiars hes
ben buissy sen his last coming to Scotland. After the taking of the said Island,
Ladyland deuysed to have sent wilhfjm Liddell to Spayne w/th message of ther
interpryse, and to crave mony & furnishing. The bark that was fugetyue, out of
the qu/iilk Ladylande came qi//ien he drowned, is arryued at Southamtcn ; his
coffers broken vp and ane great quantety of k//«res gottin therein. Sua that if
the said •v/illiam may be apr^hended, and hope to doe, god willing, shortlie, ther
wilbe ane great revelatio?^n of treason touching both the countryes." [State
Papers relating to Scotland (Record Office, London), vol. 61, no. 12. i. endorsed,
' Discoverie of Ladylands dissygnes in taking of Ilishaye.'j

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NOTES

TO

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

§ 1. Allusions to Classical Mythology. — In the annotations
appended to Dr Cranstoun's edition of Montgomerie's poems, the
various references to legendary story found in 'The Cherrie and the
Slae' are already traced to their classical sources. Allusions of this
kind, it ought, however, to be remembered, form a conventional feature
of the class of poem to which Montgomerie's allegory belongs, and are
not to be taken as indicating a close acquaintance on the poet's part
with the classical writers who first gave these legends currency in
Europe. His 'mythological lore,' which Dr Cranstoun inclines to
regard as too ostentatiously paraded, is, as a matter of fact, drawn
from a common stock, open and familiar to the romantic allegorists,
both in England and Scotland, during the fifteenth and sixteenth
centui-ies. Montgomery, out of his own knowledge of the classics,
makes no fresh contribution to the ordinary round of these allusions.
With Chaucer, Gower, and Lydgate to draw upon, and the works of
their Scottish imitators, he had no occasion indeed to go farther
afield. The following notes, supplementing Dr Cranstoun's, make
this clear : i —

7-14. Legend of Progne and Philomela. Told at length by Chaucer
in the ' Legend of Good Women' (No. vii.). See also 'Troilus,' II.,
64 ff. ; Lydgate, ' Temple of Glas ' (11. 97-99)—

" Ther sawe I writen eke fie hole tale
Hov Philomene into nyjtyngale
Iturned was, and Progne vnto a swalow."

See also his 'Falls of Princes' (f. ()a.); ' Reson and Sensuallyte'

1 Unless when otherwise stated, the notes refer to the expanded version of the
poem published in 1615, represented in this volume by Wreittoun's print of 1636.

Y

338 NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

(11. 4302 ff.); and 'Complaint of the Black Knight' (1. 374) ; Gower's
'Confessio Amantis' (V., 11. 5551-6047); 'The Kingis Quair' (stanza
55); Gavin Douglas's 'Palice of Honour' (Small, I., p. 23, 1. 4).

48-56. Echo and Narcissus (1597 ed.). The legend is related in
the 'Romance of the Rose' (11. 1469-1538). Montgomerie had in all
likelihood read Chaucer's translation. 'Here starf the faire Nar-
cissus,' the epitaph which the dreamer of the 'Romance' found
written in 'lettres smale' on a stone by the well's side, is echoed
in Montgomerie's lines —

" Lamenting sair Narcissus cace
Quha staruit at the well."

See also 'The Boke of the Duchesse' (11. 735-6); Gower's 'Confessio
Amantis' (I., 11. 2275 ff.), where the story is told at length ; 'Palice of
Honour' (Small, I., p. 23, 1. 23).

96. Craftie A7nphiou7i (1597 ed.). Cf. Chaucer, 'The Maunciples
Tale' (11. 1 1 6-1 18)—

"Certes the King of Thebes, Amphioun,
That with his singing walled that citee,
Coude never singen half so wel as he " ;

'The Knightes Tale' (1. 1546); 'The Merchantes Tale' (1. 1716) ;
Lydgate, 'The Temple of Glas' (11. 1310-1312)—

"And Amphioun jjat hath such excellence
Of musike, ay dide his bisynes
To please and queme Venus Jie goddes."

See also Skelton, 'Garland of Laurel' (11. 272-273); Douglas, 'The
Palice of Honour' (Small, I., p. 21, 1. 2).

103 ff. Cupid. The description which Montgomerie gives of the
god of love, a principal figure necessarily in the romantic allegories,
preserves the conventional features. Cf. Chaucer, 'The Knightes
Tale' (11. 1105-1108)—

" Beforn hir stood hir sone Cupido,
Up-on his shuldres winges hadde he two ;
And blind he was, as it is ofte sene ;
A bo we he bar and arwes brighte and kene."

^The Kingis Quair' (stanza 94) —

" There sawe I sitt the blynd god Cupide,
WitA bow in hand \a\. bent full redy was,
And by him hang thre arowis in a cas."

See also the 'Romance of the Rose' (1. 877 ff.) ; 'The Goldin
Terge ' (11. no, in); ' Palice of Honour ' (Small, p. 19, 1. 24 ff).

NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 339

158. Icarus. See Gower, ' Confessio Amantis' (IV., 1. 1035 ff.),
where the legend is recounted at length.

175. Phaeton. Gower, 'Confessio Amantis' (IV., 1. 979 ff.).

249. Dido. Chaucer includes the story of Dido in his 'Legend
of Good Women.' Cf. also 'Hous of Fame' (11. 140-382); 'Boke
of the Duchesse' (11. 731-734); 'Parliament of Foulis' (1. 289);
Gower, 'Confessio Amantis' (IV., 11. 77-146); Lydgate's 'Falls
of Princes' (II., 1. 13); 'Complaint of the Black Knight' (1.

375)-
343 flF. Daph7ie a7id Apollo. Cf. Lydgate, ' The Temple of Glas '

(11. 111-115)—

" I sawj hov Phebus with an arow of gold
Iwoundid was, |)uru3oute in his side,
Only bi envie of J>e god Cupide,
And hou })at Daphne vnto a laurer tre
Iturned was, when she did fie."

See also Lydgate's 'Reson and Sensuallyte' (11. 2466-2486) ; Gower,
'Confessio Amantis' (I., 1. 336, III., 1. 1684 fF.) ; Chaucer, 'Knightes
Tale' (11. 1204-1206) ; 'Troilus' (III., 1. 726-728).

429 ff. Atropiis and Clotho. The Fates are often alluded to in the
romantic allegories. Cf. Chaucer, 'Troilus,' iv., 1208. Atropos
figures in Lydgate's 'Assembly of Gods,' and is assigned an important
place in the action, being identified with Death. References also are
found in 'The Story of Thebes' (ff. 359 d, yiAi &c.) ; 'Reson and
Sensuallyte' (f. 219 a) ; 'Life of Our Lady' (f. g5 b\ where all three
Fates are mentioned — Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos; 'Temple of
Glas' (11. 782-783); Lyndsay, 'Experience and ane Courteour,' 'Tyll
Atrops cut the fatell threid' (1. 373, Laing) ; ' Papyngo,' 'Sen Atropus
consumit haith my glorie' (1. 231).

§ 2. Allegorical Figures. — The 'debate' (concerning the poet's
enterprise to pull the Cherrie), which is opened at stanza 27 by Dread,
Danger, and Despare, on the one hand, and Courage and Hope on
the other, and continued from stanza 44 to the end with the help of
Experience, Reason, Wit, Skill, Will, and Wisdom, belongs to the
same romantic allegorical tradition. Montgomerie invents no new
figures, and pursues a thoroughly conventional method in the develop-
ment of his allegory. In the 'Romance of the Rose' Daunger is the
'cherl' that lies in wait, with Wikked-Tonge and Shame, to intercept
adventurous lovers attracted by the beauty of the Rose (11. 3016 ff.).
As in ' The Cherrie and the Slae,' Reasoun figures among the counsel-
lors of the lover to warn him of the perils of his quest (11. 3189 ff.).
Cf. also the long discussion between Reasoun and the lover (11. 4629 ff.).
Drede, also (11. 3958 ff.), and Hope (11. 4435 ff.) appear in the Romance.
The lover in Gower's 'Confessio' (Bk. III., 11 58 ff.) describes a con-
test in his heart between Wit, 'with Resoun in compaignie,' on one
side, and Will, ' which hath Hope of his acord,' on the other. Lyd-

340 NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

gate's knight in tlie ' Temple of Glas ' (1. 641 ff.) is drawn from side
to side by Hope and Dread, and Danger and Despair. Usually in
allegories of this type, Danger, the lover's most forbidding opponent,
is accompanied by one or other of the following — Disdain, Pride, or
Dread, and is opposed by Hope, Courage, Grace, and Pity. Cf. ' Par-
liament of Foules,' 1. 136; 'Confessio Amantis,' III., 1537 ff., V.,
6613 ff.; 'Temple of Glas,' 11. 198, 631, 646, 652, 739, 776, 895, 1141 ;
' Falls of Princes,' f. 311 ^ ; ' Reson and Sensuallyte,' ff. 236 a, 238 b,
280 a ; 'Complaint of the Black Knight,' 11. 13, 250 ; ' Court of Love,'
11. 831,973, 1036; 'The Goldin Terge,' 11. 150-153, 156, 169-171, 223.
Amongst the allegorical figures which appear in Gavin Douglas's
'King Hart' are Danger (Small, p. 97, 1. i ff.), Dreid of Disdane
(p. 92, 1. 5), Reassoun, Wit (p. 106, 1. 18 ff., p. 114, 1. 24), Wisdom
(p. 108, 1. 28 ff., p. 113, 1. 13 ff.). These allegorical figures of the
Romances become part of the stock machinery of the sixteenth cen-
tury lyric writers. Compare, for example, Wyatt's ' Complaint upon
Love to Reason, with Love's answer.' ' Despair counselleth the de-
serted Lover to end his woes by Death, but Reason bringeth comfort.'
In another of Wyatt's poems (Aid. ed., p. 138) appear Will, Hope,
Desire, Love.

§ 3. Conventional Nature References.— Dr Cranstoun (p. xvii)
is inclined to support a long held opinion that the descriptive
passages at the commencement of 'The Cherrie and the Slae' were
inspired by the beautiful scenery along the banks of the river Dee,
where it joins the Tarffe two miles above the town of Kirkcudbright.
At this point still stand the mins of Compston Castle, which a local
tradition — to be traced as far back as 1684^ — points to as at one time
the dwelling-place of the poet. No doubt it is true, as Dr Cranstoun
states, that 'balmy bewis,' 'the routing river,' 'the stark streim,'
'reflex of Phebus in the Waters,' 'roches sounding like a sang,'
'swarms of sounding bees,' ' lays of luvesome larks,' and 'the skip-
ping and tripping of four-footed creatures,' may be noted in and
around this charming spot; and that the place-names, Hartland,
Buckland, Borland, Brockloch, point to the existence in the district
of the 'dae,' the 'rae,' the 'boar,' the 'brock,' although they are
now no longer to be found there. But such expressions and lists of
animals are mere commonplaces of the romantic allegory. In the
' Kingis Ouair' (§ 155-157) are enumerated, amongst others, the hart,
roe, hare, rabbit, bear, fox. James does not include the hedgehog,
but he has the porcupine and the marten, if not, like Montgomerie,
the pole-cat. It is possible that Montgomerie had Henryson's 'Par-
liament of Foure-futtit Beistis' in mind when he made his catalogue.
All of the animals mentioned in 'The Cherrie and the Slae' appear

1 ' A Large Description of Galloway ' (1684-1692), by Mr Andrew Symson, MS.,
Advocates' Library.

NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 341

at the Parliament. Cf. also such resemblances between the enumer-
ations of the two poets as these :

" I saw the Hurcheoun and the Hare
In hidlings hirpling heere and there."

— Montgoraerie, 11. 29, 30.

" The hardbakkit hurcheoun and the hirpland hair."

— Henryson, 1. 895, S.T.S. ed.

"The Hart, the Hynd, the Dae, the Rae."

— Montgomerie, 1. 35.

"The Da, the Ra, the hornit Hart, the Hynd."

— Henryson, 1. 892.

So far as English poetry in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries is
concerned, the ultimate source of these conventional lists of animals
assembled in the parks and meadows of the romantic allegory is, of
course, Chaucer, and Chaucer himself in this is but an imitator of the
court poets of France. The persistence of the tradition is well seen
by comparing the opening of 'The Cherrie and the Slae' with a
stanza like this from the ' Parlement of Foules' —

"On every bough the briddes herde I singe.
With voys of aungel in hir armonye,
Som besyd hem hir briddes forth to bringe ;
The litel conyes to hir pley gunne hye,
And further al aboute I gan espye
The dredful roo, the buk, the hert and hinde
Squerels, and bestes smale of gentil kinde."

— 11. 190-196.

Many of the terms used by Chaucer in his descriptions of these
imaginary parks and gardens came to have a kind of consecrated
usage, and others were gradually added until a language of conven-
tional expressions was evolved on which the later allegorists but ring
the changes over and over. There are few of the epithets employed
by Montgomerie in the descriptive stanzas of 'The Cherrie and the
Slae' which cannot often be paralleled in earlier writers. ' Pratling
Pj'es' and ' iangling layes' recalls Chaucer's 'jangling pye' and
'scorning jay';^ 'keckling kayes' may be suggested by Lyndsay's
•kekill lyke ane ka' (' Papyngo,' 1. 94). A single stanza of Lyndsay's
*Dreme' (11. 92-98) supplies a number of Montgomerie's phrases. Cf.
'balmy liquor sweet,' 'O fair Phebus ! quhare is thy hoilsum heit?'
'mystie vapouris,' with Montgomerie's ' balmie liquor sweet' (1. 54),
'through Phoebus wholsome heat' (1. 56), ' mistie vapours' (1. 44).
Other expressions occurring in the ' Dreme,' 'I musit myne allone'
(1. 116), 'I leif to poetis (1. 439) to describe,' 'Throw vertew of the

1 Cf. also 'Man of Law's Tale,' 1. 676, ' thou janglest as a jay'; 'Garland of
Laurel,' 1. 1262, 'iangelyng iays.'

342 NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

temperat air serene' (1. 763), 'reflex of Phebus bemis brycht,' recall
Montgomerie's ' Bot as I mussit myne allane' (1. ']'j\ ' I leife to Poets
to compyle' (1. 74), 'The air was so attemperat. But ony mist Imma-
culatt' (11. 29-30), 'Reflexe of Phcebus in the firth' (1. 317). Lynd-
say's lines, 'The Poeitis auld in style heroycall ... So ornatlie to
thair heych laude and glorie, Haith done indyte, quhose supreme
sapience Transcendith far the dull intellygence Of Poetis now . . .'
(' Papyngo,' 11. 4-10) may have been in Montgomerie's recollection when
he wrote, ' I leife thir Poets to compyle (cf. sitpra) In staitlie verse
and ornat style It passis my Ingyne' (11. 74-76), the two last lines of
which, in the 161 5 edition, he changed to, 'In high heroick stately
stile, Whose Muse surmatches mine.' The second line of 'The
Cherrie and the Slae' in its revised version, 'Where nightingals their
nots renew,' echoes a line in 'The Buik of Alexander' (p. 107, 1. 3).
'And nichtingalis thare notis neuis,' which in its turn may have been
suggested by 'Nichtgalis with notes newit there songe' from the
older 'Destruction of Troy' (1. 12, 973), which has been credited to
the 'mysterious' Huchown of Awle Ryale. That Montgomerie also
acquired part of his poetic vocabulary from Dunbar is clear from the
following resemblances —

"The birdis sang vpoun the tendir croppis
With courius nottis, as Venus chapell-clarkis

• ••■••

The skyis rang for schowtting of the larkis."

— 'The Goldin Terge,' 11. 20, 21, 25.

" Quha wald haue tyrit to heir that tune,
Quhilk birds corroborate abune,

Throw schouting of the Larkis?
Quha flewe sa hie into the skyis
Quhil Cupid walknit throw the cryis
Of natures chappell clarkis."

— ' Cherrie and the Slae,' II. 99-104.

Here also in Dunbar's poem appear the familiar phrases, 'reHex of
Phebus visage bricht' (I. ■})'h)' ' cristall air' {yj), 'the mirry fowlis
armony' (46), 'balmy levis' (97), and ' rossis reid,' with 'knoppis,'
' powderit bricht with hevinly beriall droppis' (22-23). Cf. Mont-
gomerie's description of the flowers hanging 'thair heidis out ower
the heuch. In mayis cuUour cled ; Sum knapping. Sum drapping, Of
balmie liquor sweit' (11. 37-40).

Through these imaginary meadows of the romantic allegory a river
almost invariably runs, and the poet's description is scarcely complete
without a reference to the sound of its waters (see 'The Cherrie and
the Slae,' stanzas 6 and 7). Compare the 'Romance of the Rose'
(II. 1 10-134), where the stream comes down 'full stiff and bold . . .
from an hille that stood ther neer'; also the line in the 'Palice
of Honour' (p. 8, 1. 5), 'the flude rumland as thonder routit.' (Cf.

NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 343

' Through routing of the river rang the Roches,' C. and S., 11. 85, 86).
In the ' Kingis Quair' (§ 152) we have —

" The cristall water ran so clere and cold
That in myn ere maid contynualy
A maner soun mellit v/itA armony."

In 'The Cherrie and the Slae' the 'deskant' of the running
'streames' is echoed back —

" And ay the eccho repercust
The Diapason sound."

—11. 89, 90 ;

while in the 'Palice of Honour' it is the melody of the birds —

" Quhais schill noitis fordinned all the skyis,
Of repercust air the echo cryis
Amang the branches of the blomed treis."

— p. 2, 11. 4-6.

Descriptive lists of trees are frequently given (cf., for example, ' The
Parlement of Foules,' 11. 176-182), and enumerations of birds as in the
garden of Romance of the Rose,' where in May-time is heard the
'jargoning' of nightingales, finches, turtles, laverokkes, thrustles, and
mav^'s (cf. Montgomerie's list). Along the banks of the river that
flowed through the 'lusty plane' of the 'Kingis Ouair,' the poet sees
*a long[e] rawe of treis . . . full of leuis grene' and ' fruyte delitable '
(§ 152) ; and in the ' Romance of the Rose' mention is even made of the
very tree Montgomerie chose as the symbol of his love aspirations —

"And many hoomly trees there were,
That peches, coynes, and apples here,
Medlars, ploumes, pere, chesteynes,
Cheryse, of which many on fayn is."

—11. 1373-1376.

A reference in ' The Cherrie and the Slae ' to bees busy storing their
hives (11. 62-70) is paralleled by a line in the Prologue to the 'Palice
of Honour,' 'And beis wrocht materiall for thair hyue ' (1. 45). Other
parallels might be cited to show how thoroughly conventional the
opening description of Montgomerie's poem is. He is writing with
his eye on the traditionary gardens and meadows of the 'rose' alle-
gories, and not on the river scenery of the Kirkcudbrightshire Dee,
where, indeed, the nightingale does not sing nor the cherry ripen
in the month of May. There is little, if anything, in Montgomerie's
poetry to warrant the statement that he shows 'a realistic fidelity to
nature,' and it must be allowed that in this respect he has nothing to
compare with Hume's notable poem, 'The Day Estival.'

§ 4. Proverbs. — The popularity of 'The Cherrie and the Slae'
during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries appears to have
been mainly due to the rich store of proverbial sayings which it con-

344 NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

tains. 'That magazine of pithy witt,' the editor of 'The Montgomery
Manuscripts' calls it, from which, and the ' Flyting,' 'the Advocates
in Edinbrugh take many Oratorious and SatyricuU Apothegems.'
James Kelly (the compiler of a volume of Scottish Proverbs) some
years later, in 1721, refers to 'The Cherrie and the Slae' as 'so
commonly known to Scottish men that a great share of it passes for
proverbs.' Something of his proverbial wisdom Montgomerie may
have gathered from the wiseacres of the market-place ; but here
again it is clear that he is following a well-marked tradition of the
romantic allegory. The ' Romance of the Rose' is rich in adages of
a homely sort. ' Burnt bairne with fire the danger dreads/ Mont-
gomerie writes (1. 407) ; but William of Lorris has it, 350 years
earlier, 'Brent child of fyr hath muche drede' (1. 1820). Such 'wise
saws' as 'A fooles belle is sone runge,' 'For no man at the first
stroke, Ne may nat felle doun an oke,' 'The maister lesith his
tyme to lere, Whan the disciple wol not here,' are found on almost
every other page of the Romance. Chaucer acquired the practice
from his French masters, and gathered into his poems a store of
proverbs derived probably more from books than from the lips of
living men. The 'Troilus' is a mine of wisdom of this kind. Lyd-
gate, as might be expected, is particularly partial to the adage.
'Better late than never' ('Assembly of Gods,' 1204), 'Such as ye
haue sowe must ye nedes reepe' (1244, 1245), 'He must nedys go
that the deuell dryues'(2o, 21), are the kind of proverbs the monk
delights in. It is possible sometimes to trace these sayings through
a succession of writers. In the ' Confessio Amantis' (1917-1918) the
lover is warned of setting his love on one beyond his reach —

" Ful ofte he heweth up so hihe
That chippes fallen in his yhe."

Lydgate (' Secrees of the Philosophres,' 1. 459) follows with —
" Yit were me loth ovir myn hed to hewe."

An anonymous writer in the Bannatyne Manuscript (f. 257 <5.) brings
down the saying a stage further —

" Now quho so evir hewis to hie
I heir men say and soth it is
The spailis will fall and hurt his ee."

Finally, it appears in 'The Cherrie and the Slae' (11. 183, 184) —

" Too late I knew who hewes too high
The spaill shall fall into his e3'e." 1

The Scottish poets of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries are par-
ticularly fond of interlarding their poems with this sort of old-world

1 In the modernised version by J. D., published in 1779, this line is rendered —
" The chips may fall and chase his eye."

NOTES TO THE CHERKIE AND THE SLAE.

345

wisdom. None succeeded better than Montgomerie in couching
these proverbial sayings in neat and memorable lines, and it is
probable that in Scotland but for 'The Cherrie and the Slae' a
number of those 'sweete sawes' had long since perished.

§ 5. The Laing MS. and Waldegrave Texts.— The number of
important variations in these texts from one another makes it clear
that they are quite independent copies of the poem. Sometimes two
of the texts are in agreement against the third, but this happens in
no regular and consistent way. In the footnotes to the print of
Waldegrave's first edition, I have given the variants of his second
impression in every instance, except where it is merely an unim-
portant difference of spelling. The reader is thus in a position to
make a comparison for himself of the three texts, and in this way
sometimes to clear up an obscure passage. A few examples of how
the three versions vary may be of interest —

Laing MS.

The feildis ower all was
flureischit (32)

Ane suarme of sounding beis
(62)

And all away was blawin (243)

qtihais cuw/ming sic ane

rumoz^r maid ;
and to the sie It softlie slid :
the craig was stay and

schoir. (294-296)

thy thryst now, I traist now,
gif {)iit ))0W wald it preife ;

and may to, I say to,

thy panis all releife. (426-429)

for to behald his cu«ni«g?

(648)

he kennis now, quhais
pe«nis now
thow borrowit him to flie.
his woundis Jit, qw/jzlk
stoundis Jit,
he gat Jiame euir of {)e.

(719-722)

the passiones of ])i persing
spreit. (827)

swa, fra the foure come, bai
war fane, (880)

for all Jje proverbes we pervsit,

Je thocAt thame skantlie

skyllit; (912-913)

Waldegrave, First Edition.
The flouris fair ware flurischit

aneswarme of sownding beis

be luiffis bellowes blawin

Quhais running sicke ane

murmure maid,
as to the sey It swiftlie slaid,
ore craig, ore clewch, ore

schoir.

Thy thrist now, I traist now,
gif that thou wald it preife :
I say to, it may to

thy paiiiis all releife.

he can not hald him still.

He kens now, quhais pewnes

now
thou borrowit fra the

Clarkis.
His wounds Jit, qa/;/lk sounds

I trowe dois heir the
markis.

The passions of thy pensiue
spreits.

Fra we conveind, sa they were
faine.

For all the proverbs Je pervsit.
It thoir/jt vs skantly skillit ;

Waldegrave, Second Edition.
The flouris fair wer flurischit

In swarmes the sounding beis

By lufBs bellies blawin

Quhais running sic a murmure

maid,
That to the Sey it softlie

slaid ;
The craig was high and schoir.

Thy drouth now, O youth now,

Quhilk drownis thee with

desyre ;

Aswage than thy rage, man —

FouU water quenches fyre.

(Cf. reading on p. 87.)

He cannot hold his tung.

He kennis now quhais pennis
now
Thou borrowit him to flee :
His wounds Jit quhilk sounds
Jit,
He gat them than throw
thee.

The persing passion of thy
spreit.

Swa fra Je fowr met they were
fayne.

For all the proverbs they
perusit,
Je thocht them skantly skild.

346 NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.

§ 6. Notes to Wreittoun's Text (1636).— The following notes
include all the textual variations from Wreittoun's version of the
poem found in four representative editions published between the
dates of Wreittoun's issue and Ramsay's 'Evergreen' text of 1724.
The four editions selected are Edward Raban's (Aberdeen, 1645,
denoted here as R.), the Edinburgh edition of 1682, published by
Andrew Anderson's heir (A.), Sander's Glasgow edition of 1698 (S.),
and the text printed by Watson in his 'Choice Collection of Comic
and Serious Scots Poems,' the first part of which, containing 'The
Cherrie and the Slae,' appeared in 1706 (W.)- To record the in-
creasing editorial liberties with the text of later editions would be a
useless task. But the notes here, taken along with the variants of
the ' Evergreen ' version from Wreittoun's text, all of which (except
orthographical) are set forth in the footnotes to the present edition,
will enable those who are interested in the question to see how far
Ramsay 'edited' his text. Where Ramsay has a reading which is
not in Waldegrave, nor in Wreittoun, nor in any of the four texts
from which the variants here recorded are taken, it may fairly be
assumed that he is interpolating an emendation of his own. The
following variants will also be found useful in clearing up some
obscure passages in the poem : —

18. Jargoun of] orig. Largoun or, an error repeated in R.A.S., Jar-
goun or W. 44. vapours] vapour A. ; and] nor S. 48. trinckled]
trickl'd W. 55, in] and S. 87. Descant] Dascant R., Descants A.
95. and] more R.S.W. 96. firdound] friddound R., fir'd down (!) W.
98. pin] tune A. 156. shots] shafts S. 174. hath] have A.W. 218.
swound] sound R.S., sown'd A. 227. of ] on A.W. 230. mine] my A.
232. barbuilied] barboyled R., barbuiled A., barboulied S., parboiled (!)
W. 244. I doubted] In doubting S. 250. wary] wearie S. 258.
By loves bellowes blowne] All by Loves bellows blown S., By Love
his Bellows blown W. 274. punses] pulses R.S.W. 287. it] she W.
303. Windling strayes] windle-strayes R., windle-straes A.W. 327.
glancing as] colourd as R., when A., as above S. ; for whole line S. has
Their Shape as graithly as they grew. Cf. pp. 24, 25. 334. tirle as]
Tirleis R., trile as A.S.W. Cf. Laing MS., p. 24. 354. know] knew
W. 375. Then care not, an[d] feare not] Then fear not, and hear not
R., Then spare not, and fear not A.W. 404. these] those R., their
A. 419. or] nor R., who A.S.W. 449. a thirst] a thrist W., of thirst
R. 459. I lever] lie ever W. 463. lights] light R.A.S.W. 470. Or
honour won] Of honour win R. 477. thine] thy A.W. 503. as] who
A.W. 505. beginning] beginnings S.W. 511. no] not R.A.S.W.
536. the] these R.W. 540. we and they] they and we S. 548. doing]
doings S.W. 592. you thinke] thou think A.S., yee think R.W. 607.
aske] speir S. 613. But doe it and to it] Bot to it and do it A.S.
622. stands] stand A. 639. we] they R.W. 644. they would not]
they would have R.W., We would not A. 649. that reckon'd] that

NOTES TO THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE. 347

reckons A., who reck'ned W. 650. counteth] counted R., has counted
W. 670. Delayes oft times] delay oft times A., Delay of Time W.
678. them all] them A., him all S.W. 781. behold] Bee bold. 795.
cossing] tossing W., scoffing A. 801. hurt] sturt A.W. 810. per-
ceives] Perceiv A.W. 813. would we] should wee R., would you W.
819. let] let's W. 826. you] ye R. 847. more] mo R. 851. such]
sick A.W. 861. no] to R.A.S.W. 886. his] of R., of 's. 905. mark]
mare R.W. 908. leave] learn R. 916. get] gets W. 923. and
speare] but speir R. 954. Ye have] he hes R.W., I have S. 957.
heere] where R. 971. That none indeed (quoth they)] omits indeed
R., That indeed (quoth he) W. 973. passions of the spirit] passion,
&c., A.W., passions of the sprit A.S., passions of thy sp'rit (W.), spirit
R. 977. pronuncis] renuncis R.S.W. 981. couldst] coud A. 985.
of] for R. 1013. am] was R. 1021. But] baith R. 1026. ye] the
A.W. 1047. Dreid] Danger A.S.W. 1083. came] come R. 1115.
regrated] regarded W. 1121. for] to A.SAV. 1135. would] could R.
1136. thousand] thousands S. 1176. my companion] thy companion
R., companions W. 1185. sound] found S. 1194. trumper] trumpet
R.S.W. 1200. may] must R.A.W.S. 1218. none] no R.A.S. 1237.
made] make W. 1248. [be] overcome] ojiiits be A.S., bee overcome
R.W. 1250. so] how. 1254. might] should A. 1259. ye] he A.W.
1284. make] makes R.A.W. 1295. Merchant] Merchants S.W.
1297. come] comes A.S.W. 1308. ye're] yee are R., ye'ad S., ye'd
W., ye had A. 1335. would] will R. 1348. medciner unto] medi-
ciner to W. 1370. thencefoorth] henceforth A.W. 1377. sloking]
slockning A.S.W. 1381. your] his R.A.S.W. 1393. breeds] breed
A.,bredR.S. 1399. on] in R.A.S.W. 1474. alway] alwas W. 1478.
of] at A.W. 1491. ye] he A.W. 1533. nere] than R.W., then A.
1570. nor none] none was W. 1574. bles'd] bless R.A.W. 1579.
hasting . . . tasting] tasting , . . hasting R.A.W.

NOTES

TO

THE FLYTING OF POLWART
AND MONTGOMERIE.

To the editions of 'The Flyting' recorded by Dr Cranstoun (Intro-
duction, pp. liii, liv), the following three, noted by Dr Brotanek, may
be added : i. 'The Flitting betwixt Montgomerie and Polvvart,
Edinburgh, Printed by John Wreittoun. 1632.' 4to. The only
known copy of this edition is in the Library of Worcester College,
Oxford. 2. 'The Flyting betwixt Montgomerie and Polwart. Newly
corrected and amended. Edinburgh, Printed Anno Dom. 1666.' 8vo.
(See Hazlitt, Third and Final Series of Bibliogr. Collections and
Notes, p. 163.) 3. 'The Flyting betwixt Montgomerie and Pohvart.
Newly corrected and amended. Printed in the year 1679.' i2mo.
(See Hazlitt, Second Series of Bibliogr. Collections and Notes,
p. 402.)

Reference should also be made to Dr Brotanek's interesting dis-
cussion of the origins of the 'Flyting' as a form of literature both in
England and Scotland.^ While agreeing with the accepted view
that the ultimate source is probably to be found in the jeux-partis
and serve?2tois of French poetry, Dr Brotanek maintains the imme-
diate influence of the invectives of Poggius' ' Florentinus' (1380-1459).
Poggio, well known, it seems, to Englishmen before he accepted the
invitation of Cardinal Beaufort in 1419, was the author of a diatribe,
'In Felicem Anti - papam,' three 'In Philelphum,' and five 'In
Laurentium Vallam.' (See Basel edition, 1538, pp. 155-251.) These
works appear to have been known in this country. In the ' Palice of

1 P. 96 ff.

THE FLYTING OF POLWART AND MONTGOMERIE. 349

Honour ' (Small, vol. i. p. 47, 1. 13) there is a reference to his invectives
against Laurentius Valla —

"And Poggius stude with mony girne and grone,
On Laurence Valla spittand and cryand ' fy ! ' "

Sl<elton also mentions him^

" Poggeus also, that famous Florentine,
Mustred ther amonge them with many a mad tale."

Dr Brotanek quotes a number of passages from Poggio to show
that between the 'streitschriften' of the Humanist scholar and
Dunbar's 'Fly ting' there is a probable connection. Some of these
parallels are remarkably close, but perhaps none sufficiently in-
dividual to make it impossible that they are but common abusive
epithets expressive of the coarse controversial habit of the age. It
is always, however, a possibility that the court 'flyters' were partly
burlesquing the more serious invectives of the scholars and theo-
logians of the early renaissance.

The indebtedness of 'The Flyting of Montgomerie and Polwart'
to that of Dunbar and Kennedy is sufficiently brought out in Dr
Cranstoun's elaborate notes. A few additional points are here dealt
with : —

131. 13. ailtron. Probably a false form of culroicn, culrttn, through
association with cush-oji, cuistroiin. The meaning of the two words
came to be much the same, that of ' base - born rascal, low - bred
fellow.' {Custron derives from O.F. coisirojt, coestroft, and originally
signified 'a scullion,' N.E.D.) Sir James Murray suggests that
culroun may be a corrupt form oi cullion, 'rascal, vile fellow.' If
ciiisthe. taken as a truncated form of aiistron, the preceding word
cultroii would qualify adjectivally. Cf. 'Where is yon cullion knave'
('Peebles to the Play').

131. 17-20. The scribe has misplaced lines 18 and 19 of this stanza,
which should run as printed by Hart —

" Thou art doeand and dridland like ane foule beast ;
Fykand and fidland, thou art doeand and dridland,
Strydand and stridland like Robin red-brest :
Thou art doeand and dridland like ane foule beast."

132. 20. blasit of atte betid. The Harleian MS. and later printed
versions read 'banished of all beild.' The 'ane,' as Dr W. A.
Craigie suggests to me, may be a misrendering by the Tullibardine
scribe of 'a',' meaning all. The only interpretation of 'blasit' seems
to be that given in the Glossary, proclaimed, hounded out of every
dwelling or shelter — i.e., as a disreputable person.

132. 25. with skabrous collouris. Cf. ' His verse is scabrous and
hobbling' (Dedication to Dryden's translation of 'Juvenal') ; 'Lucre-

350 NOTES TO THE FLYTING OF

tius is scabrous and rough in these [archaisms] (Ben Jonson's 'Dis-
coveries')) N.E.D.

134. 44. to bring iti atie gwyse, to lead in a masked dance.

136.73. Burrio — i5i7rr(9'Zf (137. 79), hangman. Fr. bourreau. Cf. —

"For why? a thousand lovers not the les
Thoght they persaiv'd that Burrio Death to bost
Within [hir] eyis and sau him vhar he sat,
3it fairies ran they. . . ."

In Hart's edition the word appears in a form nearer to the French —
viz., 'burreaue.'

138. 98. kowis — kowes {\'i<^. 104). Hart (1629) prints 'crowes,'an
apparent misreading which led Dr Cranstoun astray in his anno-
tation. In the 1688 edition the word is changed to 'witness.' The
meaning of the line is obscure, but may possibly be interpreted as
'God give his protection to cattle in the countryside where you hail
from.' Montgomerie in this epistle has already accused Polwart of
stealing ewes (1. 67 ff), and later on Polwart retorts by bringing a
charge of pilfering hens against Montgomerie (1. 610 if.). It is part
of the fun of the flyting.

138. 102. past the seillis—past loth the seales (139. 108). It is prob-
able that this has its source in some legal expression. The seals
referred to may be the Privy and the Great Seal ; and to 'be past the
seals' (which from the context would seem to mean to be in a
position beyond the help of any man) may imply a judgment that
would or could not be rescinded either by the Privy or the Great
Council, to whom in criminal causes there was an ancient right of
appeal in Scots law.

142. 155. coyd. I am indebted to Dr Craigie for pointing out to
me that this is a variant spelling of cude, cuide, glossed in Jamieson
as ' hairbrained, appearing as one deranged, Border; synon. skeer^
Later scribes and printers had apparently failed to recognise the word
in this unusual form. In Hart's edition of 1629 and in the Harleian
MS. it is rendered tyrd, which with the context is meaningless. The
word occurs in three other places in the TuUibardine MS. Line 739 —

" Incum»zerit with so many coyd infusiones."

The last word should be ' confusiones.' Hart's edition (1629) and j
the Harleian MS. read —

" Incombred with so many tryed confusions."

' Tryed' here neither alliterates nor makes good sense. Line 644 —
" Capping with coyd conceal "

in the TuUibardine MS. is rendered in Hart's edition —

" Cappit with quyet conceit."

POLWART AND MONTGOMERIE. 35 1

So also in Harleian MS. Line 824 —

" Coyd clatterer, skin batterer, and flatterer of freindis."

Harleian and Hart read, ' Tyrd clatterer,' &c.

154.329. Udder, variant oi Uther, 'sloth, laziness.' Cf. '111! he's
just ill wi' the lidder' (Jamieson, ' Suppl.').

154, 335. gellmg. Probably from the v&rh gel I, 'to ache or tingle
with cold.' Cf. 'The growlan fishwives hoise their creels, Set a' their
banes a gelling' (Picken's 'Poems,' 1788, Jamieson).

154. 343. aixis. Scottish form of access, meaning the approach of
some feverish illness, hence an attack of ague, fever, &c. Cf.
*Troilus,' II., 1316, 'A charme . . . The whiche can helen the of
thyn accesse' (N.E.D.) ; ' Kingis Quair,' 467, ' Bot tho began myn
axis and turment.'

166. 516. they loifit, they lak it. Cf. ' First to lofe and syne to lak,
Peter, it is schame' (' Rauf Coilzear,' 1. 87).

166. 518. Baw. Dr Cranstoun takes this in the sense of 'hush,
lull.' From the context it is perhaps more likely to be a northern
form of 'ball.' Cf. 'Tale of Beryn,' 1. 1026—

"And stert up in a wood rage,
And ballid on his croun."

—(N.E.D.) See Glossary

168. 541. Infernal, froward, fwnus, fureis fell. Cf. Lydgate,
'Bochas,' VII., ii. (1554), 166/^—

" Hasty, fumous, with furies infernal,
Of wilful malice innocentes blood to shede."

170. 573. birtty. An adjective derived from bir7is, the charred
stems of burnt heath, suggesting the blackened, sour appearance
of the moor after burning. Birny brains probably means here a
mind worn to moroseness and sour exhaustion through intemperate
living. Cf. ' Why shud ony woman marry wi' a man that has a birny,
sour, or wolfish kind of temper' (Ford, 'Humorous Scotch Stories,'
1904, p. 103).

170. 574. baillit. The dictionaries do not record any verbal form
of the common substantive bail {bale, bele, beal, &c.), 'flame, fire,
blaze' ; but the context here is not inconsistent with the interpreta-
tion given in the glossary. The N.E.D. derives the substantive from
O.N. bdl rather than from O.K. bkl. Dr W. A. Craigie suggests
beillit, bealed, 'festered, suppurated,' as a possible reading, and this,
on the whole, would seem to be the more probable meaning of the
word. Beillit is used by Wyntoun to describe the appearance of
marshy land, and the word is also applied figuratively to the mind.
Cf. Montgomerie's use of beill (' Misc. Poems,' vi. 10), and bealing
('Misc. Poems,' xxxvii. 20).

352 NOTES TO THE FYTING OF

172. 590-592. Jamieson explains these lines thus: 'His peeled
shoulders show the marks of the cat-and-nine-tails. Of these, and
of the marks of other instruments for flogging, there are tires or
rows ; as well as of the strokes received on board the galleys which
grow in different cicatrices.'

178. 680. Rob Stem. A poem entitled ' Rob Stene's Dream,' an
allegorical satire on Sir John Maitland, Chancellor of Scotland (1587-
1 595)5 is printed in the publications of the Maitland Club. It con-
tains the following reference to Montgomerie —

" Muntgumry, quhome sacred nymphis
In Helicon, with hallowit lymphis,
And in Parnase, the Muses myld,
Did foster as thair proper chyld."

There is no very certain evidence to identify the author, Rob Stene.
Mr G. Neilson points out in an interesting article in the 'Scottish
Historical Review' (April 1905) that in all probability he was the
Robert Stevin whose name appears in the Exchequer Rolls as re-
ceiving wages from the King during the year 1587-8: 'Item to
Robert Stevin for his vaiges during the spaice foresaid, takand
monethlie £6. summa ^^72.' His office is not disclosed; but if
the sidenote in the TuUibardine MS. (see footnote, p. 178) refers
to the same person, he apparently fulfilled the function of a court
jester. This, however, does not seem to harmonise very well with
Mr Neilson's further identification of Robert Stene with Robert
Stevin, master of the Grammar School of the Canongate. The
possibility of two persons having the same name in Edinburgh at
that time is not to be underrated. There is a further reference to
Rob Stene in a passage in King James's ' Admonitioun' to Mont-
gomerie (see App. B., p. 268) —

" Quhen a' was done ye had sa ill a grace,
Ye sta away and durst na maire be sene ;
Ye sta away and luikit lyke Rob Stene."

One of the poems of Stewart of Baldyneis is introduced with the

following lines —

' ' Ane New Sort of rymand rym
Rymand alyk in rym and
rym Rymd efter
sort of Rob Steine Teine
is to purches Robs teine."

170. 575. froisnit. Perhaps a scribal error for frotisit, ' wrinkled,
puckered.' Cf. Henryson, ' The Paddock and the Mouse,' 1. 43 ff —

"The mous beheld vnto hir fronsit face,
Hir runkillit cheikis, and hir lippis syde,
Hir hingand browis," &c.

But Harleian MS. has/rtfs-/«, and Yi^xi frozen. «

POLWART AND MONTGOMERIE. 353

180. 719. Porterfield. The person referred to here may have been
'Robert Portarfeild, clerk to o?^r souerane lordis houfi,' whose name
appears frequently in the Register of the Privy Seal — e.g.^ on 27th
March 1585, 24th June 1586, 9th June 15S7.

182. 746. paremeonis. False plural oi parcemia^ 'adage, proverb.'
Cf. Puttenham, 'English Poesie' (Arber), 199, 'Parimia or Prouerb,
or, as we vse to call them, old said sawes, as thus : As the olde cocke
Crowes so doeth the chick,' &c. (N.E.D.).

182. 747. Irisch Italianis. Irisch here can only have the sig-
nificance of 'contemptible.' Ersch is applied by Dunbar to Kennedy
as an expression of the lowlander's contempt for the highlander
(' Flyting,' 1. 273). This contemptuous reference of Polwart to the
Italians, by whom the Scottish poets, like their contemporaries in
England, were being influenced, may be compared with Ascham's
protest against the invasion of English poetry by Italianate fashions
in the second quarter of the sixteenth century. See App. C, pp.

293, 294.

182. 760. birkiti brother. Dr Cranstoun suggests ' poverty stricken
brother' by analogy from the saying, 'As bare as the birk' (birch
tree). The reference to 'staitlie styllis' in the preceding line rather
points to birkeit, being merely a variant of birky, ' strutting, preten-
tious.' A possible meaning, however, is ' birched, well flogged,' from
birken^ 'to birch.' Cf. 'They birkened those they met, from the
rump to the crown of the head.' The brother referred to was
probably Hew Montgomerie, fifth laird of Hessilheid.

184. 766. Flour \e pin. This is probably one of the many ex-
pressions which Polwart uses in referring to Montgomerie's intem-
perance. Pin, in the sense of a four-and-a-half gallon cask, was in
use as early as 1570 (N.E.D.). Flour is probably an early example
oi floor, meaning, 'to finish, empty, dispose of.' Cf. 'I was the first
man that floored his gallon.' Polwart in another line of the ' Flyting '
(187. 745) applies the term ' toome the barrell ' to Montgomerie, which
conveys the same idea. Flour \e pin is interpreted by Dr Cranstoun
as 'gambler,' but it is difficult to see how this meaning is derived.

184. 769. royt., a disorderly or dissipated person, rather than
'babbler,' as Dr Cranstoun glosses it. Cf. ' Royet lads may mak
sober men' (Ramsay's 'Proverbs').

184. 789. Cruik-mow. Cf.—

" O kend my minny I were wi' you,
lU-fardly wad she crook her mow."

— Herd, 'Collected Songs,' ii. 51.

186. 792. Halland schaiker. Lit. one who shakes the 'hallan' or
light partition wall built in former times in cottages between the
door and the fireplace to act as a draught-screen. It was on this
that wandering beggars rattled when they came asking alms.

Z

NOTES

TO

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.
(Laing Manuscript.)

I.

192. 1. Luif still in hope with patience. Cf. the unidentified lines
quoted by King James in chapter two of his Reulis and Cautelis : —

" Sen patience I man have perforce
I live in hope with patience."

192. 18. At euerye schoure \ai may nocht schrink. Cf. Mont-
gomerie, 'Misc. Poems,' xl. 45, 'I shaip not for no suddan schours
to shrink ' ; ' Cherrie and the Slae,' 1. 48, ' Than schrink nocht for ane
schoure.' Montgomerie's fondness for ringing the changes on his own
phrases is noted both by Dr Cranstoun and Dr Brotanek, and cannot
fail to impress any careful reader of his poems.

193, 51. O deaisie deir. Cf. Montgomerie, ' Misc. Poems,' xxxix. i,
'Adieu, O desie of delyt.'

The subject of the poem is a variation on a well-worn theme in the
chivalric love poetry which has its rise in the ' Romance of the Rose.'
Cf 11. 25-40 with the following passage of William of Lorris's poem
as given in the English translation : —

"And so for lovers in hir wening,
Whiche Love hath shit in his prisoun ;
Good-Hope is hir salvacioun.
Good-Hope, how sore that they smerte
Geveth hem bothe wille and herte
To profre hir body to martyre ;
For Hope so sore doth hem desyre
To suffre ech harm that men de\yse,
For joye that aftir shal aryse.

NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 355

Hope in desire [to] cacche victoria ;
In Hope, of love is al the glorie,
For Hope is al that love may give ;
Nere Hope, ther shulde no lover live.

Hope kepith his bond, and wil abyde
For any peril that may bet3'de ;
For Hope to lovers, as most cheef
Doth hem endure[n] al mischeef ;
Hope is her help whan mister is."

—1. 2766 ff., 'Fragment B.'

III.

195. 1. IVo Tvorth the fall of fortounis guJieill. References to the
wheel of fortoun are constantly met with in the love poetry of which
the Romance of the Rose is the principal source and great exem-
plar. Cf. Chaucer's 'Fortune,' Troilus, I. 1. 848 ff; ' Kingis Quair,'
stanzas 159-165 ; also Montgomerie, 'Invective against Fortun.'

195. 10. Peirsit payne. Cf. Montgomerie, ' Misc. Poems,' Hi. 7, ' My
hairt is pynd and persit so with panis.' 12. Relative ' Ouha' omitted
at the beginning of the line in accordance with a common Middle
Scots usage.

196. 23. Haue which spoils the line metrically should be omitted.

IV.
198. 49-52.—

' ' Lyke as it is the li'^airtis kytid,
Of mannis face to fray hir food" &c.

Cf. Montgomerie, 'Misc. Poems,' xxxix. 7-10 —

" Lyk as the lyssard does, indeid,
Leiv by the manis face,
Thy beutie lyukyse suld me feid,
If we had tyme and space."

Also sonnet xxvii. 3 —

" I am a li3ard fainest of his face."

Alexander of Menstrie, in one of the songs (7) of his 'Aurora,' makes
use of the same simile —

" Behind a little bush (O poore refuge)
Fed with her face, I Lijard-like remane."

Dr Cranstoun explains the simile in an interesting note on p. 339 of
his edition of Montgomerie's poems.

356 NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

199. 10. Gwklett. The intrusion of an '1' into the spelling of this
word is possibly due to association with 'glaikit,' which has much
the same meaning, viz. ' silljs giddy.' Cf. Montgomerie, 'A Descrip-
tione of Vane Lovers,' 1. i8, ' Lyk glaikit fools, gang gooked gaits.'
Cf. p. 20I, 1. 1 8, and variant in footnote.

199. 17. Blind, best, dr^c. Cf. Montgomerie, ' Against the God of
Love,' 1. I, ' Blind brutal boy, that with thy bow abuses.'

199. 19. Than, drocht, do ait ])at ])ow doiu. A corrupt line : ' att
may be a scribal error for 'all.' Cf. Montgomerie, ' Flyting,' 1. 70.
'Doe, droigh, what thow dow.'

199. 32. For I haive leirnid to coicntt my kinch. Cf. Montgomerie,
' Cherrie and the Slae,' 11. 1099, iioo —

" The man may ablens tine a slot
Who cannot count his kinch."

The meaning, as well as the philological source, oi kinch is somewhat
uncertain. The N.E.D. connects it, but doubtfull}', with 'kinch'
(parallel form of 'kink,' cf. bene, bench), 'a noose,' in its secondary
sense of 'a catch, hold, advantage,' and suggests '(one's) lot' as a
further derived meaning. Cf. ' Our Heroick burials are oft led like a
martial triumphe. . . . But, alas, if in death we could count our just
kinsh we might rather dismay and feare.' Birnie, kirk-buriall {1606).
' To reckon up one's fortune, to take a just measure of one's lot,'
seems to suit the context in the passages quoted. Dr Cranstoun
glosses kinch as ' cattle, kine,' and quotes from Henderson's 'Scottish
Proverbs,' 'The man may eithly tine a stot that cannot count his
kine.^ But this, there can scarcely be any doubt, is a corrupted form,
through popular usage and misunderstanding, of Montgomerie's lines
in ' The Cherrie and the Slae.'

VL

The fact that this and another authentic poem of Montgomerie,
No. XXX., appear anonymously in the Laing MS. strengthens the
supposition that some of the other pieces are by him. The refrain,
' Nan luifis bott fallis vnlude agane,' is no doubt a rendering of
Ronsard's line, ' Car un homme est bien sot d'aimer si ou ne I'aime.'
See App. C, p. 299.

VIL

202. 30. Dryweand oftyme in rampart of the laife. This line seems
hopelessly obscure. Apparently it modifies 'will' in the preceding
line, and perhaps has some such meaning as 'putting off time, loiter-

NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 357

ing behind the rest ' {i.e., other lovers or suitors). Cf. Hawes, ' Pas-
time of Pleasure,' xvi. 29, 'Dryve of no lenger but tell me your
mynde.' 'Rampart' may be a scribal error for 'rearwart.'

203. 59. my ffeit I fawld—t.e., in sign of subjection. Cf. Mont-
gomerie, 'Misc. Poems,' li. 35, 36 :—

" Quhen lupiter the schap of bull did tak,
Befoir Europe quhen he his feit did fauld."

The expression is found as early as ^Ifric, Gen. xlix. 32, ' He feold his
feet [vulg. collegit pedes suos] uppon his bed' (N.E.D.) Cf. also
colloquial use, 'Ye hinna faul't yer fit i' my hoose this tovvmon'
(Alexander, Johmiy Gibb).

203. 57. Ia7ig thocht hes socht, and brocht me to this place. Cf.
Montgomerie, 'Misc. Poems,' xxxiv. 5, 'For thoght hes wroght and
broght me to despair.' 61. In neid, vith speid, revieid my crewall
cai^. Cf. Montgomerie {ib. 1. 4), ' Remeid with speid, or deid I
must sustene.' 64. Siceit thing, cottdtJtg, betiyng of memorie. Cf.
Montgomerie {ib., 1. 2), ' Sueit thing, bening, and 3ing, of 3eiris grene.'

IX.

This is apparently a crude imitation or burlesque of the pastoral
wooing of Henryson's 'Robin and Makyn,' with the position of
the wooers reversed. Here it is the maid who first rejects the
advances of her lover and afterwards repents, only to find she
has lost her chance. It is a feeble production, and apparently
was not revised by its author. Some other hand has tried to
mend it.

207. 65. braik '}otir braite. The expression is frequently met
with in old Scottish poetry. King James uses it in the sonnet,
part of which is quoted on page 268 — 'Quhilk is the cause that
garris me brek my branis'; also Montgomerie (Sonnet xlvi, 1. 9),
*To brek 3our brains, 3e bunglers, is no bute.' Cf. modern ex-
pression, 'to cudgell my brains.'

207. 75. Till oppiti my pak and sell no wair. A proverbial
expression. Cf. 'To what purpose should you open your pack and
sell none of your wares . . ..?' (Letter of Maitland of Lethington
to Cecil, 15th August 1581.)

X.

209. 22. Till atropis threid my lyve devoir. Cf. Montgomerie,
* Misc. Poems,' xxxiv. 38, ' My life from stryfe or knyfe of Atropus,
also 'The Cherrie and the Slae,' 1. 429, 'Wherefore hath Atropus that
knife.'" See notes to 'The Cherrie and the Slae,' § i, p. 339.

358 NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

210. 33. Qiihilk hert as rube in this ring. Cf. Montgomerie,
'Misc. Poems,' xxv. 13, 'A rubie rich within a royal ring.' The
expression is common, and can be traced to Chaucer.

XL

This poem appears in the Elizabethan miscellany, 'The Paradyce
of Dainty Devises' (1576), and is there attributed to Jasper
Heywood, the younger son of the dramatist. This transcript into
Scots may have been made by Montgomerie. Father Jasper
Heywood was a noted Catholic intriguer, and a prominent figure
in the Jesuit schemes for the reconversion of Scotland to
Catholicism in the early years of James's reign. Montgomerie's
connection with Catholic intrigue is discussed in App. B. He may
have become acquainted with Heywood through this connection.
The English version of the poem is as follows : —

"Who mindes to bring his ship to happy shore,
Must care to know the lawes of wisdomes lore.

My freend, if thou wilt credit me in ought,
To whom the trueth by triall well appeares,
Nought worth is wit till it be deerely bought :
There is no wisdome but in hoarie haires.
Yet, if I maj' of wisdome ought define,
As well as others haue of happinesse,
Then to my wordes, my freend, thy eare incline :
The things that maks thee wise are these I gesse :

Feare God, and knowe thyselfe in each degree ;
Be freend to all, familier but to fewe ;
Too light of credit see thou neuer bee.
For triall oft in trust dooth treason shewe ;
To others faults cast not too much thy eyes ;
Accuse no man of guilt, amend thy owne ;
Of medling much dooth mischiefe oft arise,
And oft debate by tickle tung is sowne.

What thing thou wilt haue hid, to none declare,
In woord or deede beware of had I list ;
So spend thy good that some thou neuer 1 spare.
For freendes like Haukes do soare from emptie fist.
Cut out thy coat according to the cloath ;
Suspected persons see thou alwaies flee ;
Beleeue not him that once hath broke his troath,
Nor yet of gift without desart be free.

1 ' Ever ' in Laing version.

NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 359

Time quickly slippes, beware how thou it spend ;

Of wanton youth repents a painefuU age ;

Begin nothing without an e)'e to th' end.

Nor bow thine eare from counsaill of the sage.

If thou too farre let out thy fancie slippe,

And witlesse will from reasons rule out start,

Thy folly shall at length be made thy whip,

And sore the stripes of shame shall cause thee smart.

To doo too much for olde men is but lost ;
Of freendship had to women come[s] like gayne ;
Bestow not thou on children too much cost,
For what thou doost for these is all in vaine.
The olde man or he can requite, he dies ;
Unconstant is the woman's wauering minde ;
Full soone the boy thy freendship will despise,
And him for loue thou shalt ungratefuU finde.

The aged man is like the barrane ground ;

The woman like the reede that waggeth with the winde ;

There may no trust in tender yeeres be found ;

And of the three the boy is most vnkinde.

If thou haue found a faithful freend indeede,

Beware thou loose not loue of such a one ;

He shall some time stand thee in better steede,

Than treasure great of golde or precious stone."

Finis. lesper Heywood.

Heywood was born in 1535; educated at Oxford; B.A., 1553,
M.A., 1558; Probationer Fellow of Merton College, 1554-8; Fellow
of All Souls College, 1558, but resigned on account of religious diffi-
culties ; admitted to the Societ)' of Jesus at Rome, 1562 ; Professor at
Dillingen, in Bavaria, for seventeen years ; came to England in 1581
with Father William Holt^ on Jesuit mission; imprisoned, 1583;
transported to France, 1585 ; died at Naples on 9th January 1598.
Translated two of Seneca's Tragedies. (See Diet, of Nat. Biog. and
article by Dr Graves Law on ' English Jesuits and Scottish Intrigues,
1581-2,' 'Edinburgh Review,' April 1898.)

212. 26. "^it I ly trappit in ^our tranis. Cf. Montgomerie, ' Misc.
Poems,' viii. 41, 'To sie my love attrappit in a trane'; Sonnet
xxxviii. 5, ' I wyt the trane that took me with a trap.'

XIV.

The triolet or common rondel is used by Montgomerie in the open-
ing epistle of the ' Flyting with Polwart.' The only other Scottish
poet of the period I have noted using this verse form is Sir John

1 See App. B., p. 271, for reference to Holt's visit to Scotland as a Jesuit agent
in 1581.

36o NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

Maxwell of Southbar, to whom there is a reference in the line, ' Sprang
thou from Maxwell and Montgomerie's Muse,' in a sonnet addressed
to Sir William Mure of Rowallan, by a writer whose identity is con-
cealed under the initials A. S. William Motherwell, in an article in
the 'Paisley Magazine,' August i, 1828, quotes examples of Maxwell's
verse from a manuscript in his possession, of which he gives the
following description : "A small MS. of thirty-six leaves closely and
beautifully written, the first date of which is 17th March 1584, and the
last date 3rd July 1589. It appears to be nothing else than a book
of boyish exercises and attempts at verse-making," &c. Of several
triolets quoted this is an example : —

' ' I die for Iwife of sweit Susanna
But rest or rwife,i I die for lowe,
I wald remove, sir, yet I canna,
I die for lowe of sweit Susanna."

The manuscript also contains a transcript of Montgomerie's sonnet to
King James prefixed to the ' Essayes of a Premise.'

XV.

The following charter from the Register of the Great Seal of Scot-
land throws an interesting light on the subject of these verses, which
are apparently only a portion of a longer poem : —

24M September 1597. Rex concessit Thome Lowthiane mercatori
burgensi de Edinburgh, heredibus ejus et assignatis, terram posteri-
orem infra duo tenementa terre dicti Tho. per eum noviter edificat.
(continen. 3 cellaria, 3 cameras et solium cum superiore horto)
ex parte australi vici regii burgi de Edinburgh prope montem castri
(inter terram dicti Tho. ab Adamo Wallace conquestam, et terras
Francisce Weir) ,• que fuit quondam Roberti Donaldsoun in Falkirk
burgensis de Striviling ; et regi devenit ob existentiam dicti Rob.
mense Aug. 1597 convicti et mortem passi pro quibusdam criminibus
magice, sorcerie, diabolice incantationis et consultationis cum sagis :
Tenend. in libero burgagio : Test, ut in aliis cartis oc.

The Beggis (Beatrice.?) Donaldsoun of the poem was no doubt the
daughter of Robert Donaldsoun, who, according to the above charter,
was put to death for sorcery in August 1597. Evidently by this date
Beggis had become the wife of Thomas Louthian, hence the royal
grant of part of her father's land to her husband. In the Register
of the Privy Council there is an entry on the 6th October 1584 record-
ing the complaint of "Beigis Wyise, spouse to William Donaldsoun,

1 Misprinted 'rwise' by Motherwell. Cf. 'My luif remow l)is ruif of care,'
p. 209, 1. 26.

NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 361

burgess of Striviling," against Lord Robert Semple,^ 'prior of Quhit-
terne.' It is not improbable that this is the same Donaldsoun,
although the Christian name is different.

XVI.

215. 5. Cf. Dunbar, 'Goldin Terge,' 1. 118, ' Thair wes the god of
gardynis, Priapus.'

XX.

It is hard to believe that this and the following four sonnets could
have been written by any other Scottish poet than Montgomerie.
They are clearly the work of a practised verse-maker, and with the
exception of Montgomerie there is no known poet^ writing in Scots
at this time who used the sonnet form with any distinction.

XXI.

The subject of this sonnet is a variation of a common theme in the
amatory poetry of the century, both in England and in France. Cf.
Philippe Desportes, ' Diane,' Livre II. xxviii. : —

" Celle que j'aime tant, lasse d'estre cruelle,
Est venue en songeant la nuic me consoler :

• ■ • • • • •

Ouvrant ce beau coral qui les baisers attire,
Me dist ce doux propos : ' Cesse de soupirer,
Et de tes yeux meurtris tant de larmes tirer,
Celle qui t'a bless6 peut guarir ton martire.'

O douce illusion ! O plaisante merveille !
Mais combien peu durable est I'heur d'un amoureux
Voulant baiser ses )-eux, helas ! moy, malheureux !
Peu a peu doucement je sens que je m'^veille
Encore long-tans depuis d'une ruse agreable.
Je tins les yeux fermez et feignois sonimeiller :
Mais, le songe pass^, je trou\ e an reveiller
Que ma joye 6toit fausse et mon mal veritable."

Cf. also Livre I. xliv. : —

" O songe heureux et doux ! oil fuis tu si soudain,
Laissant a ton depart mon ame desol^e?" &c.

1 Semple's daughter was married to Montgomerie 's eldest brother, Hugh, the
fifth Laird of Hessilheid. See p. 271.

" The only other Scottish sonneteers who have left any considerable body of
poems in this form are W'illiam Fowler and Stewart of Baldynnis.

362 NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

A sonnet of Wyatt's deals with the same theme : ' The Lover having
dreamed enjoying of his Love, complaineth that his Dream is not
either longer or truer ' (Aldine Edition, p. 4). Compare also the poem
entitled 'A most rare and excellent Dreame ' in the Elizabethan
miscellany, 'The Phoenix Nest' (1593), where the line occurs, 'She
with hir hand doth put the curtaine by,' a close parallel to 'And
with hir harmeles handis the cowrteingis drew,' 1. 3 of the sonnet
in the Laing MS. Sonnet li. in Alexander of Menstrie's Aurora
has the same subject : —

" I dream'd the nymph that ore my fancie reignes
Came to a part whereas I pans'd alone
Then said, ' What needs you in such sort to mone ?
Have I not power to recompense your pains ? ' " &-c.

The ultimate source of his fancy is no doubt to be found in the
'Romance of the Rose.' Cf. II. 2552-2585.

XXI n.

The appearance of the name 'I. Arnof' at the end of this sonnet,
without the customary ' quod ' before it, does not warrant us in taking
this to be the name of the author. Underneath Sonnet xxv. are
scribbled four names {v. p. 220 n.), two of which are lames and loannes
Arnot. There is no means of identifying these. A 'Johnne Arnot'
was provost of Edinburgh in 1589 {v. Pitcairn's 'Criminal Trials,' 14th
May 1589). Another, or perhaps the same, John Arnot appears in the
Register of the Privy Council in 1606, and is described as burgess of
Edinburgh and servitor to the King. In the same year also appears
the name of ' Sir Johne Arnote, Treasurer-depute.' See also Letters
and State Papers of the reign of James VI., p. 153 (Abbotsford Club).
The sonnet is quite in the manner of Montgomerie.

219. 3. Quhois teith surpasiS ]>e oriant peirle in hew. Cf. Mont-
gomerie, xxxv. 44, 'Hir teeth lyk pearle of orient.'

XXIV.

The author of this sonnet has probably had in mind a passage from
Henryson's fable of 'The Preiching of the Swallow' : —

" The firmament payntit with sternis cleir
From eist to west rolland in cirkill round
And euerilk Planet in his proper Spheir
In mouing makand Harmonie and sound ;
The Fyre, the Air, the Watter, and the ground —
Till understand it is aneuch, I wis.
That God in all his werkis wittie is."

It may strengthen the supposition that the sonnet is by Mont-
gomerie to point out that Henryson's fable of the Swallow is alluded

NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 363

to in 'The Cherrie and the Slae' (1. 172), and that Montgomerie
nowhere else makes reference to any other of Henryson's poems.

220. 9. Pitchy highest point or altitude (of a star). Cf. ' Blazing
comets . . . when they begin to decline from their pitch, they fall
to the earth ' (N.E.D.).

XXVL

221. 9, 10. Hes thow noc/^t hard of mony leirant schyre thus sayit,
'flie luif and it will follow the'? Cf. Montgomerie, 'Misc. Poems,'

xlii. 22-24: —

" For folou love, they say, and it will flie,
Wald je be lov'd, this lessone mon ^e leir ;
Flie vhylome love and it will folou thee."

221. 12. Ane 7narterit man. Cf. Montgomerie, 'The Cherrie and
the Slae,' 11. 779, 780 :—

" Than altogidder ]5ai began
To say, ' Cum on, thou marterit man.' "

xxvn.

221. 11. Blaseme or blaseine. The manuscript may be taken to
read either way. As 'blaseine' the word would mean, 'bright,
shining.' Cf Spenser's use in the ' Fairie Queen' (L iv. 8), 'Her
bright blazing beautie.' The other alternative is a northern variant
of ' blossom ' (cf. blaysum, p. 6, 1. 72), making ' flowerlike beauty.' Cf.
the theme of the sonnet with Montgomerie's lines (Cranstoun, p. 1 55) :—

" Then lyk Penelope appeir,
Quha wes so constant tuenty Jeir :
Quhen Jour Vlysses is not neir,

Tentation may assay Jou ;
2it vary not, I 30U requeir,
And I sail stoppe Vlysses eir.
Fareweill, my Love and Lady cleir ;

Be permanent, I pray 30U."

Cf. also 'Tottel's Miscellany', the second edition, 1557 (Arber's

reprint, p. 241) : —

"I that Vlysses yeres haue spent
To find Penelope," &c.

XXIX.

This poem may possibly be one of Hume's compositions. He uses
the same stanza in his ' Day Estivall,' and the tone is in keeping with
his 'Hymnes and Sacred Songs,' one of which, it is to be noted, appears

364 NOTES TO MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

anonymously in the Laing Manuscript {v. p. 243). Montgomerie has
no example of this stanza form, and the coarse allusion to the Church
of Rome in 1. 93 could not have come from one whose Catholic
sympathies are well vouched for.

XXX.

One of Montgomerie's most popular devotional poems, and com-
posed early in his life. It appears in both the Bannantyne and
Drummond MSS., and was printed along with one or two other
pieces as an appendix to the frequent editions of ' The Cherrie and the
Slae,' published in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is
to be noted that it appears in the Laing MS. without any ascription
to Montgomerie.

XXXI.-IV.

In style and general tone these four poems closely resemble Hume's
'Hymnes and Sacred Songs.' Cf. especially Hume's 'Recantation,'
and 'Of God's Omnipotence.'

XXXV.

This is one of Hume's ' Hymns,' number viii. in the edition published
by Waldegrave at Edinburgh in 1599. (Edited, with Hume's other
publications, for the Scottish Text Society by Professor Lawson
in 1902.) A manuscript volume in the Advocates' Library contains,
besides various poems by Burel and Sempill, seven out of the eight
'Hymns' which Hume wrote. The eighth awanting is the poem
which appears here in the Laing MS. No other manuscript copy
is known to exist. The appearance of one of Hume's poems in the
manuscript without his name attached to it strengthens the supposi-
tion that the four preceding poems may also be his.

245. 59. Jfy bukler, and my sur refuge. Cf. refrain ' To myne
ane bukler will I be ' in poem xxxiii., p. 232.

NOTES TO APPENDIX A.

The following notes and references show the sources of the
evidence on which the genealogical chart fronting Appendix A. has
been based. For the reference numbers see the chart.

1. 'The Scots Peerage,' vol. iii., edited by Sir James Balfour Paul.
The article on the Eglinton Family is contributed by the Rev. John
Anderson, Curator of the Historical Department, Register House,
Edinburgh. 2. 'The Complete Peerage,' edited by G. E. C. The
marriage contract is given in the Historical MSS. Report on the
muniments of the Earl of Eglinton and Winton, App. I. p. ii. In
1461, July 20, King James III. granted a charter of resignation to
' John Lord Dernele and Margaret Montgomery, his spouse, and the
longest liver of them, of the dominical lands of Torboltone, Drumley,
Dregarne, and Ragahill, on the resignation of the said John Lord
Dernlee.' — 'Archaeological and Historical Collections relating to the
Counties of Ayr and Wigton,' vol. ii. p. 151. 3. 'The Scots Peerage.'
4. 'The Scots Peerage.' 5. For the genealogy of the Montgomeries
of Braidstane see 'The Montgomery Manuscripts,' edited by the
Rev. George Hill, 1869; 'A Genealogical History of the Family of
Montgomery, comprising the Lives of Eglintoun and Braidstane, &c.'
(pp. 35-39), by Emilia G. S. Reilly (a descendant of the Montgom-
eries of Braidstane), published 1842; Paterson's 'History of the
County of Ayr' (1847) ; Lodge's 'Peerage of Ireland,' 1754; Burke's
' History of the Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland ' ;
G. E. C.'s ' Complete Peerage,' vol. v. ; Nisbet's ' System of
Heraldry' (1722), p. 384. A charter, dated May 4, 1468, records
the grant of the lands of Braidstane by Alexander Lord Montgomerie
to his grandson, Robert Montgomerie v. Laing Charters, No. 156,
edited by the Rev. John Anderson. On p. 3 of 'The Montgomerie
Manuscripts' it is stated that "the first introducer and encourager"
of the Braidstane family in Ireland was Sir Hugh Montgomerie,
subsequently Viscount of Ardres, who is further described as the
"6th Laird of Braidstane." His genealogy is then given as follows :
"The said Hugh was the eldest son of Adam (the second of the
name), the fifth Laird who married the daughter of Montgomery,
Laird of Hasilhead (an ancient family descended of the Earls of

366 NOTES TO APPENDIX A.

Eglintoun). This second Adam (besides breeding his four sons)
purchased land from one of the said Earles (I have the deed
thereof) ; which Adam was the eldest son of Adam (the first Mont-
gomery of that name) and 4th Laird of Braidstane. This Adam
married Colquhoun's sister (the Laird of Luss, chief of his ancient
sept). This Adam the first (last-mentioned) was son to Robert, the
3rd Laird of that name, who was son of Robert, the second Laird
of that name, who was son of Robert, the first of that name, and
first Laird of Braidstane, who was the second son of Alexander,
one of the earls of Eglintoun." Lodge's genealogy of the family,
published in 1754, agrees with this. Paterson's account is con-
tradictory : he gives two genealogies in different parts of his
history, one in agreement with the above and one at variance. 6.
Reg. Mag. Sig., July 5, 1476, at which date Hugh Montgomerie was
still living; Douglas's 'Peerage of Scotland.' 7. Reg. Mag. Sig.,
April 25, 1505; May 27, 1508; Nov. 3, 1509 ; May 8, 1550; Jan. 19,
1607 (confirming charter dated June 16, 1505); Crawford's MS.
Baronage. 8. Reg. Mag. Sig., May 4, 1529; Oct. 16, 1548; Nov. 19,
1552; Pitcairn's 'Criminal Trials,' vol. i. p. 388; Reg. Privy
Seal, June 22, 1602; Crawford's MS. Baronage; 'The Historic and
Descent of the House of Rowallane,' p. 86 ; Hist. MSS. Commission,
Tenth Report, p. 25. Hugh, the third laird, died Jan. 23, 1556, v
Register of Testaments, Commissariot of Glasgow, vol. 2, f. 58.
9. Paterson's 'History of the County of Ayr'; Index to Deeds
(Register House, Edinburgh), July 10, 1555; March 13, 1556;
March 26, 1558; Crawford's MS. Baronage; Reg. Privy Seal,
June 22, 1602 ; Calendar of Charters, vol. viii., June 18, 1554
Register House, Edinburgh) ; Register of Testaments, Commissariot,
of Glasgow, vol. 2, i. 68(5. In the last Will and Testament of
Hugh, second Earl of Eglinton, dated i8th and 31st August 1546,
he is described as ' Johne Montgumry, young Laird of Hessilheid.'
(Eraser, ' Memorials of the Montgomeries,' vol. ii. p. 142.) 10. Henry
Gibsone's Protocol Book, Feb. 19, 1559; Paterson's 'History of the
County of Ayr ' ; ' The Scots Peerage.' 11. Glasgow Protocols,
vol. v. p. 14; Pitcairn's 'Criminal Trials,' vol. i. pp. 381-386; G. E. C.'s
'Peerage,' vol. vii. p. no; 'The Scots Peerage,' vol. iii. p. 437. In an
action recorded in the Register of Decreits, Commissariot of Edin-
burgh, Nov. 17, 1590, ' Robt. Boyd' is described as 'relict of vmquhile
Marion Montgomerie.' 12. Calendar of Charters (Register House,
Edinburgh), Sept. 19, 1544; Reg. Mag. Sig., Sept. 6 and 11, 155 1.
13. Register of Testaments, Commissariot of Glasgow, vol. ii., ff. 58^
and 68. 14. Reg. Mag. Sig., Sept. 11, 1551 ; Feb. 2, 1576; Mar. 20,
1579. 15. Index to Deeds (Register House, Edinburgh), Mar. 14,
1561 ; Reg. Privy Seal, Mar. 4, 1580; Reg. Mag. Sig., Feb. 13 and
Mar. 18, 1590-gi ; Reg. of Cautions, &c., in Suspension, June 19,
1592 ; Jan. 4 and 24, 1593 ; Reg. Privy Seal, June 22, 1602 ; Pitcairn's

NOTES TO APPENDIX A. 367

* Criminal Trials ' ; Gibsone's Protocol Book, vol. i. {v. Glasgow Proto-
cols, vol. V. p. 14). His last Will and Testament given in Glasgow Pro-
tocols, vol. ii., f. 68 ('Archsological and Historical Collections relating
to the Counties of Ayr and Wigton,' vol. i. p. 179 note). The evidence
that Hugh, the poet's eldest brother, married Marion Semple is clear,
although Paterson thinks otherwise. In the ' Historic of the House
of Rowallane' it is stated that the wife of Hugh Montgomerie and
mother of the Elizabeth Montgomerie who married Sir William Mure
was 'one of eleven daughters to the Lord Sempill.' This is also men-
tioned in Crawford's MS. Baronage. Her last Will and Testament
is given in the Register of Testaments, Commissariot of Edinburgh.
She died in 1593. Her name is there given as Marioun. In
Pitcairn's 'Criminal Trials' an entry, dated December i, 1576,
alludes to her as 'Marioun Sempill, Ladye Hasilheid,' and there is this
further reference, ' Hew Montgomerie of Hasilheid, Marioun Sempill,
his spous,' &c. In Sir A. Hay's ' Estimate of the Scottish Nobility,'
edited by Rogers for the Grampian Club in 1873 (PP- 33^ 57, 61),
Hugh Montgomerie's wife is given as a daughter of Lord Boyd. Bro-
tanek accepts this, and adds that it is on this Lord Boyd that the poet
wrote the epitaph which appears in his words (v. Cranstoun, p. 222).
16. The Montgomery MSS. ; Burke's 'Commoners'; Lodge's
'Peerage' (ed. 1754, vol. ii.) ; Paterson, in 'History of the County
of Ayr,' states that she had issue 'Hugh, Viscount Montgomerie
of Ardres, 1560.' 17. Calendar of Charters (Register House,
Edinburgh), vol. viii., June 18, 1554; William Hegait's Second
Protocol Book (Register House, Edinburgh), June 13, 1558; Index
to Deeds (Register House, Edinburgh), May 21, 1563; Glasgow
Protocols, vol. V. p. 14. 18. The Montgomerie MSS. ; Font's Topo-
graphical Account of Cunningham, Ayrshire ; Reg. Privy Council,
July 14, 1597. 19. In the Register of Deeds, vol. viii., f. 464a, under
date Sept. 5, 1564, is recorded the marriage contract of the poet's
sister Agnes, to John SmoUet, son and apparent heir to William
SmoUet, burgess in Dumbarton. Hew Montgomerie, 5th laird of
Hessilheid, and Patrick Montgomerie of Gififen, appear as sureties for
' Margaret Freser, Lady Hessilheid ' ; Reg. Mag. Sig., Aug. 26,
1583 (confirming charter of date July 20, 1570); Reg. Privy
Council, May 26, 1592; Paterson, 'History of the County of Ayr.'
20. See entries under 5. 21. See entries under 5. 22. Laing
Charters (edited by Rev. John Anderson), No. 2243 ; see also entries
under 5. 23. The Montgomery MSS.; Laing Charters, No. 924;
Burke's ' Commoners ' ; Lodge's 'Peerage' (ed. 1754, vol. ii.) 24. The
Montgomerie MSS.; Paterson's 'History of the County of Ayr';
Laing Charters, No. 1582 (May 15, 1636), No. 1499 (infefted as heir of
his father Adam in certain lands in Beith). 25, 26, 27. 'The Scots
Peerage.' 28. 'The Scots Peerage.' Born 1563. His younger
sister, Margaret, who married Robert, 6th Lord Seton in 1582,

368 NOTES TO APPENDIX A.

must have been at least 20 years younger than Alexander Mont-
gomerie, whose sonnets to her have led both Dr Cranstoun and
Dr Brotanek into the fanciful supposition that the poet enter-
tained a hopeless passion for her. 29a. 'The Scots Peerage,' vol. ii,
p. 442. 29. 'The Scots Peerage.' 30. The marriage bond is
dated April 10, 1582. Hew Montgomerie appears as one of the
'cautionaris and sureties.' Fraser, 'Memorials of the Montgom-
eries, &c.,' vol. ii. p. 321; also vol. i. p. 48. 31. 'The Scots
Peerage.' 32. ' The Scots Peerage.' 33. Paterson's ' History
of the County of Ayr'; Reg. Mag. Sig., Mar. 18, 1590-91;
Jan. 19, 1607 ; Reg. Privy Seal, Sept. 29, 1603. 3ia. Reg.
Privy Seal, Sept. 24, 1583. 34. Reg. Privy Seal, June 22, 1602,
Register of Testaments, Commissariot of Edinburgh (Marion Sem-
pill's last Will and Testament, Dec. 27, 1593); Robert Brown's
Protocol Book, p. 192 {v. Archaeological and Historical Collections
relating to Ayrshire and Galloway, 1895). 35. Reg. Privy Seal, Mar.
4, 1580; June 22, 1602; Reg. Mag. Sig., Jan. 5, 1590: this charter
records the transference of the lands of Auchinbothie from John
Spreuleto John Montgomerie; Mar. 18, 1590; Jan. 24, 1593 ; Feb. 22,
1634 ; Reg. of Testaments, Commissariot of Glasgow, Oct. 1603, vol.
iii., f. 97. 36. Reg. Mag. Sig., Sept. 1592, Jan. 24, 1593; 'The
Historic and Descent of the House of Rowallane,' written prior to
1657 by Sir W. Mure, v. p. 86. The mother of Elizabeth was a
daughter of Lord Sempill, 7/. 15. 37. Reg. Privy Council, Sept. 1623.
38. Crawford's MS. Baronage. 39. Laing Charters, No. 1294, Craw-
ford's MS. Baronage. 40. Paterson's ' History of the County of Ayr.'
41. Pitcairn's ' Criminal Trials,' Mar. 22, 1622. 42. A natural son.
See Robert Brown's Protocol Book, p. 192 (Archaeological and
Historical Collections relating to Ayrsliire and Galloway, 1895).
43. Pitcairn's 'Criminal Trials,' Mar. 22, 1622; Reg. Mag. Sig., Feb.
22, 1634; Aug. 5, 1646; Register of Testaments, Commissariot of
Glasgow, Oct. 1603, vol. iii., f. 97. 44 and 45. Reg. Mag. Sig., Feb.
22, 1634; Aug. 5, 1646; Laing Charters, Oct. 13, 1647. 46. Reg.
Mag. Sig., Sept. 23, 1592. 47 and 48. Paterson's 'History of the
County of Ayr.' 49. G. E. C.'s ' Complete Peerage.' 50. Reg. Mag.
Sig., Nov. II, 1537. 51. Reg. Mag. Sig., Nov. 11, 1537; Sept. 13,
1571 ; Register of Testaments, Commissariot of Glasgow, vol. ii., f.
68/5 ; ' Genealogical History of the Stewarts,' by Andrew Stewart
(1798); Robertson's 'Genealogical Account of the Principal Families
in Ayrshire,' p. 352. 52. Register of Cautions in Suspension, vol.
xii., June 19, 1592 ; Register of Testaments, Commissariot of Glasgow,
vol. ii.jf. 68(5. 53. Register of Cautions in Suspension, vol. xii., June 19,
1592. Jean Eraser's son John (a full cousin of Alexander Montgomerie)
married (i) Marion, da. of Hugh Crawford of Kilbirny, (2) Elizabeth,
da. of Barclay of Ladyland (v. Paterson, vol. ii. p. 141, and Crawford's
MS. Baronage). This was pretty certainly a sister of Hew Barclay

NOTES TO APPENDIX A. 369

who figures in Montgomerie's sonnets, and who was the leader of the
Catholic plot of 1597 in which the poet was involved. Montgomerie
also refers to Kilbirny {v. Cranstoun, p. 123). From an entry,
dated June 6, 1548, in the Protocol Book of Henry Preston (Register
House, Edinburgh), f. 221c?, we learn that Archibald, Earl of Argyle,
and David Barclay (brother of Hew), became equal cautioners for
Hugh Crawford de Kylburny. 55. Burke's ' Commoners,' vol. i.
P- 553; Crawford's 'History of Renfrew'; Nisbet's 'Heraldry,' vol.
ii. App., p. 90. 56. William Hegait's Second Protocol Book, Nov.
4, 1560; Paterson's 'History of the County of Ayr'; Glasgow
Protocols, vol. v. p. 31, Nov. 12, 1560. 57. Reg. Mag. Sig., May
8, 1550.

2 A

GLOSSARY.

The abbreviations employed are of the usual kind : sb. substantive ; v. pp.
verb, past participle ; p7-on. pronoun, &c. The reference numbers are
to page and line.

Abaid, abayd, v. abide, endure,
225. 69, 232. 16 ; abod, pa. I.
remained, 230. 43.
Abaysed, v. pp. abashed, 227. 9.
Abone, adv. above, 233. 27.
Abreid, adv. abroad, 144. 203.
Abulzementis, sb.pl. wearing-apparel,

300. 18.
Accordis, v. pr. t. agrees, is in harmony

with, 301. 27.
Adamand, sb. adamant, 213. 47.
Addettit, v. pp. indebted, 307. 12.
Adheranttis, sb. adherence, 213. 48.
Affrayit, v. pp. frightened, afraid,

26. 340.
Agit, ///. adj. aged, 211. 41.
Aik, sb. oak, " the gallows," 186.

814.
Aikand, ///. adj. aching, 154. 343.
Ainis, adv. once, 207. 56.
Air, adv. early, 244. 29.
Airthe, sb. direction, quarter, 240. 103.
Aithis, sb. pi. oaths, 312. 40.
Aixis, sb. ague fit, 154. 343.
Alels, interj. alas, 199. 20.
A levin, numer. adj. eleven, 309. 23.
Allanerlie, adv. only, merely, 301. 23.
Alleggit, V. pa. t. alleged, 58. 795.
Alleichtit, v. pa. t. alighted, 8. 106.
Alluterlie, adv. completely, 209. 14.
Amaift, v. wonder, be astonished,

213. 38.
Aneuch, anew, adv. enough, 44. 597,

100. Soo.
Angilberreis, sb. pi. fleshy excrescences
on the feet of sheep, cattle, &c.
(Jamieson), 152. 300.
Ansuoris, v. pr. t. answers, 238. 27.

Apeir, v. imper. appear, 209. 27.
Appeirantlie, adv. apparently, 221. 7.
Appond = upon it, 12. 168.
Apprewis, v. pr. t. approves, 328. 8.
Ardencie, sb. ardency, 209. 12.
Ark, sb. chest, coffer, 36. 3.
Arpit, adj. quick, ready, precocious,

136. 87.
Aryis, v. pr. t. arise, 210. 15.
Asay, V. imper. try, put to the test,

137- 70-

Ascryvis, v. pr. t. attributes, 176. 650.

Asklent, adv. aslant, beside the mark,
142. 155.

Assoilzeit, v. pp. absolved, acquitted,
319. 29. . . ,

Assoyt, v. tviper. become mfatuated,
221. 13.

Astrictis, v. pr. t. lays under obliga-
tion, 320. 30.

Ather, conj. either, 244. lo.

Athort, prep, across in all directions,
all about, 144. 203, 170. 571.

Attemperat, ///. adj. temperate, mild,
4. 29.

Attomie, sb. one havmg a wasted ap-
pearance, a living skeleton, 20. 253.

Aucht, oucht, sb. anything, aught,
210. I, 5.

Avale, sb. value, 300. 15.

Aw, awe, v. pa. t. owned, 136. 70.

Awayis, adv. always, 204. 71.

Awin, adj. own, 192. 12.

Baibling, sb. foolish talk, 176. 650.
Baich, bache, adj. ill-tasted, nauseous,

148. 234.
Baid, V. pa. t. remained, 4. 54.

GLOSSARY.

371

Baidrie, badrie, sb. bawdry, unchastity,

174. 626.
Baill, sb. mischief, evil, torment,

156. 350, 186. 811.
Baillit, V. pp. festered, bealed (?),

170. 574.
Baine-spavin, sb. a. disease of horses,

hard swelling on the inside of the

hock joint, 153. 304.
Bainnis, v. pr. t. banish, 56. 771.
Bairnliness, sb. childishness, 122. 1423.
Band, sb. agreement, 303. 8 ; bandis,

pi. bonds, 204. 70, 213. 43.
Bane, v. curse, 164. 471.
Baneis, sb. pi. bones, 234. 38.
Baneist, banisit, v. pp. banished,

220. 10, 174. 610.
Baneschaw, banescheven, sb. sciatica,

or hip-gout, 152. 304.
Banket, sb. banquet, 142. 172; //•

bankettis, 146. 213.
Barat, adj. convicted of baratrie, 321. i.
Baratrie, sb. the oftence of trafficking in

ecclesiastical preferments or offices

of state, 319. 36.
Barbillis, barbies, sb. pi. inflammatory

disease of the mucous membrane

under the tongue of horses and

cattle, 152. 297.
Barbour, adj. barbarous, uncultured,

196. 10.
Barbuljeit, barbuiljeit, barbuilied,

ppl. adj. confused, bewildered,

16. 217, 80. 232.
Barmie, adj. flighty, full of ferment,

117. 1282.
Barrane, adj. bare, unattractive,

146. 211, 196. 10.
Barret, sb. strife, contention, 163. 435.
Bafi, adj. base, servile, 193. 34.
Battis, sb. pi. a skin disease caused by

parasitical worms ; also used to

denote colic, 152. 304.
Baw, V. pr. t. thump, shower blows

on (?), 166. 518.
Bay, adv. by, 198. 6.
Be, prep, by, 247. 6.
Bedirtin, v. pp. defiled with dirt,

156. 365.
Begud, V. pa. t. began, 231. 57; pp.

begone, 235. 89.
Behuiffit, V. pa. t. had to, was obliged,

16. 197.
Beild, sb. shelter, 132. 20.
Beir, sb. beer, 142. 172.
Beir, v. shout, 2. 8. Cf. schouting of

the larkis, 9. loi.
Beir, v. carr)-, bear, 33. 79, &c. ; pa, t.

buir, 152. 287.

Beit, V. kindle, increase, 194. 19.
Beld, adj. bald, 154. 321.
Belewene, v. pr. p. believing, 234. 43.
Bellithraw, sb. colic, 153. 309.
Belyve, adv. immediately, 166. 507.
Benyng, adj. gracious, benign, 203. 64.
Beschirew, v. iinper. beshrew, mischief

take, 182. 741.
Beschittin, beshitten, v. pp. befouled

with excrement, 146. 209, &c.
Beseik, v. pr. t. beseech, 229. 18 ;

beseiking, pr. p. 229. 6.
Best, sb. beast, 199. 17.
Betaikning, v. pr. p. betokening, 176.

642.
Beteich, v. pr, t, hand over, 182.

759-
Beuche, bewch, sb, bough, 215. 7, 4.

35 ; P^- bewis, 2. i.
Bewer, v. iinper, beware, 131. 5,

211. 46.
Bewitie, sb, beauty, 195. 7 ; bewteis,

//. 212. 7.
Bicker, sb. drinking cup, goblet, 186.

810.
Bid, V. pr. t. entreat, pray, 195. 25.
Big, V. build, 180. 712.
Bill, sb. petition, 204. 6.
Birk, sb. birch tree, 162. 456.
Birkin, adj. strutting (?), 182. 760.
Birland, v. pr, p, carousing, swilling,

142. 172.
Birny, adj. like charred heath stems (?),

170- 573-

Birsie, adj. bristly, 73. 38.

Bissat, sb. buzzard, 188. 828.

Bladdes, bleid[s], sb. pi, a disease like
smallpox, 153. 309, 303.

Blae, adj. livid, pallid, 12. 151.

Blaid, sb. fellow, rascal, 134. 44.

Blaidis, sb, pi. large portions, long
passages, 178. 691.

Blainis, sb. pi. pustules, small ulcera-
tions, 154. 320.

Blaird, blairit, bleini, bleirit, a^'. blear-
eyed, foul-eyed, 140. 119, 172. 583,
&c.

Blaseine or blaseme, adj. shining, or
blossom-like. See note, 221. 11.

Blasit, V. pp. proclaimed, publicly de-
nounced (?), 132. 20.

Blasphimatour, sb. blasphemer, 176.

657.
Blate, adj. slow, dull, 115. 1213.
Blaysum, sb. blossom, 6. 72.
Bleid[s]. See Bladdes.
Bleird, bleirit. See Blaird.
Bleiritnes, blairdnes, sb. blurred vision,

blindness (mental), 176. 641,

372

GLOSSARY.

Bleirring, ppl. adj. dimming the sight,

153- 310.
Bleitand, v. f?: p. bleating, com-
plaining, 156. 361.
Bleitter, v. bluster, 140. 135.
Bleitter, sb. blusterer, 184. 762.
Blek, V. imper. blacken (thyself),

134. 44.
Bleknit, ///. adj. blackened, polluted,

1 68. 534- .
Blistles, adj. miserable, 174. 610.
Boche, boiche, botche, sb. boil, ulcer,

152. 297, 166. 504; pi. 184. 784.
Bodin, V. pp. prepared, armed, 200. 48.
Boird, bord, ppl. adj. bored, 188. 826.
Boist, host, sb. threat, menace, boast,

130. 5, 207. 80, 33. 12.
Bokblud,^^. blood-vomiting, 153. 304.
Boldin, V. pp. swollen, 170. 579.
Bombee, sb. bluster, 139. 105.
Bonnd, adj. being in a state of serf-
dom, 223. 17.
Bordaling, bordelling, sb. frequenting

brothels, 174. 626.
Bouk, bowk, sb. body, 166. 504, 156.

361.
Bould, V. pa. t. boiled, 18. 242.
Boun, adj. ready, 148. 239.
Boarded, v. pa. t. jested, joked, 76.

129.
Bowrtrie, sb. elder tree, 166. 508.
Bowttzj, sb. pi. spoil, plunder, 199. 24.
Brace, braice, sb. a covering for the

arm (part of a suit of armour), lO.

118, 199. 18.
Brace, v. embrace, 208. 90.
Brachart, sb. little brat, 150. 278.
Braislie, adj. blustering, 171. 523.
Brane, sb. brain, 196. 10.
Brane, sb. flesh of animals as food,

146. 214.
Branling, brangling, vbl. sb. agitation,

pulsing, 20. 258.
Brat, V. pr, t. wrap up in a clout, 166.

518.
Breid, sb. breadth, 241. 115.
Breikes, sb. pi. breeches, 131. 6.
Breyis, sb. pi. steep river banks, 22.

302.
Bristin,///. adj. bursting, 170. 579.
Brod, sb. frame, 213. 36.
Broid, adj. brood, having a litter, 142.

173.
Broid-swis, sb. pi. brood-swine, 160.

413-
Brok, sb. dirty rascal, 188. 826.
Brokingis, sb. pi. fragments (?), 182.

749-
Brokis, brox, sb. pi. beavers, 2. 24.

Brouneis, bruneis, sb. pi. a kindly dis-
posed elf or sprite, so called from its
supposed shaggy brown appearance,
178. 681.

Browdin, v. pp. enamoured, 12. 156.

Bruik, sb. boil, 148. 250, 154. 320.

Bruik, V. enjoy, 308. i.

Bruilzeit, v. pa. t. grew hot, burned,
19. 243.

Bruit = burt, v. pa. t. pierce, prick,
188. 831.

Brukilnes, sb. unfaithfiilness, 174. 631.

Brunt, V. pp. burned, 138. 97, &c.

Buckie, v. strike, push roughly, 167.
274.

Buckill, bwkill, v. grapple with, to
"tackle," 142. 148, 166. 507.

Buie, by, v. buy, 151. 264, 228. 68.

Buir, V. pa. t. bore, 152. 287.

Buird, sb. council, 162. 440.

Buit, sb. remedy, means of help, 26.
332, 34. 465.

Buitting, sb. booty, plunder, 14. 193.

Buk, sb. swaggering fellow, 172. 583.

Bukler, sb. shield, protector, 233. 8.

Buklit, V. pa. t. mounted, 150. 270.

Bumble, 5^. braggart, 138. 99.

Bumbill-baitie, sb. silly bungler, 184.

779-
Bumbler, bumlar, sb. bungler, 143.

152, 142. 146.
Bunwyd, bwnwyd, boonwand, buin-

wand, sb. hemp- or flax-stalk ; hollow

stems of cow-parsnip, 150. 270, 284.
Burd, sb. sweetheart, maiden, 194. 9,

206. 25.
Burding, sb. burden, 302. 39.
Bureit, v. pp. buried, 301. i.
Burrio, sb. hangman, 136. 73.
Bufi, sb. bush, 2. 7.
But, prep, without, 202. 26, &c.
Byaris, sb. pi. buyers, 304. 26.
Bydand, z*. /r. /. remaining, dwelling,

146. 209.
Byle, byll, v. to cause to suppurate,

148. 250.
Byllis, sb. pi. boils, 154. 320.
Bystaud, v. pp. situated, placed, 147.

215.
Bystour, sb. braggart, swaggerer, 172.

583 ; //. 146. 209.
Bystour-baird, sb. bragging rhymster,

140. 119.
Bystour-bodie, sb. braggart, 178. 675.
Bytter, sb. eater, 1S4. 761.

Cache, V. imper. catch, 216. 3.
Caching, vbl. sb. self-seeking, catching
at (for one's own advantage), 1 74. 625.

GLOSSARY.

373

Cair, V. to drive backwards and for-
wards, 174. 636.

Caiil-cattis, kerle-catts, sb. pi. tom-
cats, 178. 690.

Cairtis, sb. pi. cards, 174. 618.

Caifi, sb. case, lot, chance, 203. 61.

Calk, sb. chalk, 144. 204.

Camiosed, adj. flat-nosed, 165. 459.

Camscheof/it, sb. crooked, ill-grained
person, 152. 289.

Candie (?), 184. 776.

Capping, V. pr. p. excelling (?), 176.
644; capped,//, crowned (?), 177.
611.

Cappit, adj. saucy, impudent, touchy,
186. 802.

Capriellis, sb. pi. caprioles, the capers
or leaps a horse makes without ad-
vancing, 168. 529.

Careoun, sb. carrion, body, 228. 58.

Carlingis, sb. pi. old women, hags,
140. 139.

Carp, V. talk, 172. 595.

Carvels, sb. pi. small, fast-sailing ship,
114. 1 193.

Cassin, cuist, v. pp. cast, 205. 5,
218. 9; pa. t. keist, 168. 529.

Cassit, V. pp. annulled, quashed, 312.
II.

Cast, sb. lot, destiny, 156. 360.

Catewe, cative, adj. wretched, miser-
able, 245. 62, 220. 9.

Cattaris, sb. pi. inflammation of the
mucous membrane of the throat and
nose, a running cold in the head,
154. 326.

Chaftis, sb. pi. cheeks, jaws, 138. 91,
166. 511.

Chairibald, caribald, sb. monster, 168.

543-
Chak, sb. check, 16. 199.
Chalmer, sb. bedroom, 218. 2, 301.

Champ, sb. the cloth ground on which

embroidery is worked, 24. 316.
Charbunkill, cliarbucle, sb. carbuncle,

152. 301, 193. 50.
Chaudpiss, sb. gonorrhoea, 153. 308.
Chitterit, v. pp. made to "chatter"

with cold, 154. 327.
Choikis, sb. pi. jaws, neck, glands of

the throat, 154. 323.
Choi ft, sb. the chosen one, the "flower,"

212. 3.
Choift, cheis, v. choose, 206. 33, 39.
Choppin, sb. a Scottish half - pint

measure, 164. 470.
Chymlay, sb. chimney, 178. 686.
Claggit, V. pp. clogged, 6. 64.

Clair, V. maltreat, 134. 40; pr. t.
clairis, 172. 589.

Claifi, sb.pl. clothes, 218. 10.

Claithe, sb. cloth, 211. 21.

Clake, sb. clattering noise (of geese
or other birds) ; applied contemptu-
ously to women's noisy talk, 169.

499-

Clap, sb. gonorrhoea, 153. 312.

Claspis, sb. pi. " an inflammation of the
termination of the sublingual gland,
a disease of horses " (Jamieson),
152. 295.

Claverand, ///. adj. palavering, bab-
bling, 174. 637.

Cieikis, sb. pi. " cramp in the legs "
(Jamieson), 152. 295.

Cleirlie, adj. bright, shining, 10. 113.

Clenge, v. exculpate, 227. 19.

Clew, sb. ball of worsted, twine, &c.,
158. 405;/''- 168. 533.

Clewch, sb. precipitous gorge or rav-
ine, 23. 300.

Clofiis, sb. pi. clefts, arses, 134. 54 ;
cloffs, 135. 60.

Closet-muker, sb. one who cleans out
water-closets, 1S4. 763.

Cluitter, sb. cobbler, botcher, 1S4. 775.

Clum, V. pp. climbed, 26. 336.

Cocatrice, cokatrifi, sb. basilisk, used
as term of contempt, 164. 493.

Coche, sb. cough, 152. 294.

Codjoigh, sb. "puny wight" (Jamie-
son), 169. 500.

Coft, V. pa. t. bought, 304. 25.

Cognosce, v. adjudicate, 313. 10 ; vbl.
sb. cognosceing, 315. 41.

Cohubie, coohoobee, sb. booby, 174.

637-
Coil], sb. coal, 144. 204.

Coirdis, sb. pi. a disease of the sinews

of a horse, 152. 295.
Coit, cote, sb. coat, 56. 756.
Colt-evill, sb. a disease of the penis

affecting horses, 152. 295.
Comde, v. pp. come, 1 10. 1076.
Compair, sb. equal, compeer, 196. 4.
Comper, v. iinper. compeer, appear,

168. 542.
Compt, sb. count, reckoning, 237. 19,

301. 26.
Comptis, V. pr. t. counts, 140. 139.
Con, sb. squirrel, 73- 32.
Conding, adj. worthy, 203. 64.
Coniwr, v. solemnly make over, 210.

34-
Connoche, sb. murrain (?), 152. 294.
Conny, sb. rabbit, 73. 32.
Conqueis, v. to gain, win, 221. 6.

374

GLOSSARY.

Conteit, v. pp. counted, reckoned, 246.

88.
Contemitt, v. pp. scorned, 199. 13.
Contentatioun, sb. compensation, satis-
faction of monetary claim, 310. 6.
Contreit, adj. penitent, 203. 55.
Convales, v. become valid, 315. 9;

pa. t. conualescit, 319. 43.
Convert, conwert, v. transform, 203.

56 ; turn aside, throw back, 209.

25.
Corbie, sb. raven, 72. 15.
Cossing, vbl. sb. exchanging, 56. 775.
Cott, sb. coat, 211. 21.
Couks, V. pr. t. utters the note of the

cuckoo, 72. 16.
Coweitting, vbl. sb. coveting, 174.

625.
Coweritt, v. pp. covered, 225. 72.
Cowit, V. pa. t. clipped, 164. 480.
Cowrs, sb. course, 220. 10.
Cowrteingis, sb. pi. curtains, 218. 3.
Coyd, adj. hare-brained, 142. 155,

176. 644, 182. 739, 188. 824.
Crab, V. enrage, 142. 146.
Craff, sb. craft, 199. 39.
Craif, craiffe, crawe, v. crave, 203. 49,

204. 21, 206. 34 ; pp. crawitt, 231.

66.
Craig, sb. neck, 148. 243, 186. 793.
Craiking, ///. adj. croaking, 72. 19.
Crak, V. boast, brag, 46. 633 ; /;-. t.

184. 781.
Cramschohe for Camschohe, adj.

crooked, ill-grained, 153. 295.
Cray, v. cry, 234. 58.
Creill[is] sb. pi. wicker-baskets, 168.

533-.

Creishie, kreschie, adj. greasy, 184.

775- .
Crewalie, adv. cruelly, 203. 45.
Crewall, crewell, crowall, adj. cruel,

203. 61, 52, 204. 71.
Crisp, cirspe, sb. curl (of hair), 10. 1 13.
Cruik-mou, sb. twisted mouth, sour-

visaged person, 184. 789.
Cry 11, sb. dwarf, 153. 295.
Cuckit, V. pa. t. voided excrement,

136. 81.
Cuiffis, sb. pi. slaps, 140. 122.
Cuist. See Cassin.
Cuist for cuistroun, 131. 13.
Cuistroun, custrone, cwstroun, sb.

scullion, rascal, 140. 122, 174. 636.
Cukker, caker, sb. defiler, 184. 763.
Cultron, sb. vagabond, rascal, 131. 13.

See note.
Cumber, Cw;«mer, v. inconvenience,

embarrass, 144. 198 ; pr. t. cum-

meris, troubles, 164. 483 ; sb. ob-
struction, hindrance, 162. 452.

Cumlie, adv. comely, 12. 11.

Cuwmeris, cwwmeris, sb. pi. witches,
hags, 162. 461, 164. 483.

Cummis, v. pr. t. comes, 219. 5 ; pp.
cummit, 206. 41.

Cun, V. taste, 46. 626 ; //. cund,
experienced, 116. 1260.

Cunt, sb. female pudenda, 186. 817.

Cupaid, sb. Cupid, 198. I.

Curd, V. pa. t. cared for, troubled
about, 199. 40.

Currupit, v. pp. become corrupt, 246.
78.

Cushat, sb. wood-pigeon, 72. 15.

Cussat, cuschate, cushat, sb. wood-
pigeon, 4. 43, 72. 15.

Cwmelie, adv. fittingly, appropriately,
136. 86.

Cwning, sb. skill, cunning, 220. 14.

Cwnyng, cunnin, sb. rabbit, coney, 2.
18.

Cwnzie, sb. coin, 136. 81.

Daffis, V. pr. t. playest the fool, 178.

682.
Daiblet, sb. little devil, imp, 158. 399,

168. 535 ; pi. 169. 502.
Daithe, dayth, deithe, sb. death, 242.

157,213. 40, 247. 7.
Dall, sb. dale, 242. 137.
Dammischit, v. pp. damaged, 178.

674.
Dang, V. pr. t. knock, pierce, 216. 5 ;

pa. t. (of ding) struck, smote, 58.

790.
Dant, V. subdue, quell, 184. 780.
Daskene, 8. 87. See Deskant.
Deaisie, sb. daisy, 193. 51.
Deand, v. pr. p. acting, discharging,

131. 17.
Deav'd. See Devis.
Debaitt, sb. strife, 210. 16.
Decrest, v. pp. shrunken, 186. 801.
Defaice, defece, v. destroy, deface,

199. 23, 243. 176.
Defaite, v. pp. undone, defeated^

116. 1255.
Defay, v, pr. t. defy, 198. 8.
Deflorde, v. pp. violate, ravish, 72. 10.
Dei, V. die, 245. 71 ; pr. t. deis,

213- 34-
Deid, sb. death, 193. 27 ; poss. deidis,

death's, 197. 47.
Deid-tbraw, sb. death-throe, 20. 271.
Deill, sb. devil, 184. 788.
Deimit, v. pa. t. judged, 158. 393.
Deine, v. think fit, 205. 23.

GLOSSARY.

375

Deir, sd. hurt, injury, 231. 59, 235. 76.
Deir, adj. beloved, 212. 15.
Deirtt, v. imper. dart, shoot, 198. 8.
Dekay, v. fall into a decline, 213. 33.
Delt, V. pp. apportioned, 152. 309.
Deme, v. decide, 16. 200; //. demit,

condemned, 193. 27.
Denayitt, v. pp. denied, 226. 108,
Depaintit, v. pp. adorned, 215. 3.
Derflie, adv. violently, 170. 562.
Desaiffit, v. pp. deceived, 245. 68.
Deschit, v. pp. abashed, discouraged,

221. 14.
Deskant, sb. harmonised music, 9. 87.
Detbound, ppl. adj. obliged, under

obligation, 54. 750.
Deuyse, sb. will, pleasure, command,

204. 72.
Devalling, v. pr. p. falling, 6. 83.
Devis, V. pr. t. deafens, worries (wiih

talking), 48. 651 ; pa. t. deav'd,

72. 20.
Devoir, sb. devour, 209. 22.
Dew, V. pa. t. dawned, 158. 401.
Dewayls, v. devise, 199. 27.
Dewoir, v. devour, 202. 18.
Diadregma, sb. 148. 251.
Diagducolicum, sb. 148. 252,
Diapassoun, adj. harmonious, 8. 90.
Dicht, V. pp. handled, treated,

186. 816.
Ding, V. strike, knock, pierce, 216. 5,

231- 59; p(^- t- dang, 58. 790; vbl.

sb. dinging, 184. 780; //. dung,

155. 1232.

Dischore, v. reveal, 205. 16.

Discryve, v. pr. t. describe, 170. 560.

Disponis, v. pr. t. convey, assign in

■ legal form, 308. 3.

Dissait, deceat, sb. deceit, 176. 643.

Dissayff, v. deceive, 245. 67.

Dittay, sb. indictment, judgment, 136.

71.
Dobbit, v.pp. pecked, dabbed, 138. 104.
Docht, dowcht, pa. t. 136. 71, 221. 8.
Doild, doyld, doyd, adj. stupid,

141. 145, 174. 635, 140. 139, &c.
Dok, sb. buttocks, fundament, 188. 826.
Dome, sb. the last judgment, 239. 69.
Dornik, adj. of Tournay cloth, 24. 316.
Dow, sb. dove, 209. 28.
Dow, V. can, be able, 199. 19, &c.
Dowk, sb. a plunge into water,

156. 365-
Doyd. See Doild.

Doyt, sb. idiot, fool, 184. 768 ; idiocy,

152. 309.
Doytit, adj. stupid, crazy, 132, 30,

146. 218.

Draiglit, v. pp. befouled with dragging

through mud, 158. 381.
Drait, v. pa, t. voided excrement,

148. 253.
Drav, V. draw, 214. 3.
Drawcht-raiker, sb. a privy scavenger,

186. 792.
Dree, drie, v. suffer, 135. 51, 213. 42.
Dreich, adj. difficult to climb, "stiff,"

26. 338.
Drevvin, v. pp. impelled, driven, 202.

Dridland, v. pr. p. " urinating in small
quantities" (Jamieson), 131. 17.

Dring, sb. a low or base fellow,
188. 829.

Droche, drocht, sb. dwarf, 136. 64,
199. 19.

Drone, v. to drown, 245. 71.

Dryftis, sb. pi. off-puttings, procrastina-
tions, 48. 650.

Dryt, V. void excrement, 184. 788,
158. 390.

Dryweand, v. pr. p. putting off,
spending (time) (?), 202. 30.

Dubbis, sb. pi. puddles, small pools
of rain water, 154. 330, 158. 381.

Duddis, sb. pi. clothes, rags, 156. 365.

Duik, sb. duck, 138. 104.

Duill, sb. sorrow, grief, 168. 546.

Duin, adj. dark, dingy coloured,
142. 170.

Dullfulie, adv. dismally, 231. 59.

Dume, sb. doom, 217. 14.

Dung, V. pp. struck, knocked,
115. 1232.

Dunt, V. thump, beat, 188. 822.

Dur, sb. door, 216. 3.

Dwame, sb. sorrow, fainting fit,

154- 338.
Dwywnis, v. pr. t. causes to waste or

pine away, 54. 733 ; dwinis, 55.

739 ; dwynand, pr. p. wasting

away, languishing, 154. 338.
Dysmell, dismall, sb. melancholy,

152. 309.
Dyt, V. write, compose, 132. 30; pp.

dyted, 104. 911.
Dytmentis, sb. pi. compositions,

146. 218, 180. 718.
Dytour, sb. writer, author, 175. 594.
Dytting, sb. writing, composition, 147.

224.
Dyvour, divor,j^. beggar, ne'er-do-well,

142. 163 ; //. 132. 30.

Eccept, V. imper. accept, 193. 54.
Effeir, v. pr. t. appertain, belong to,
212. 13; effeiris, 172. 593, 316. 12.

376

GLOSSARY.

Effrayit, v. pp. frightened, scared, 27.

345-
Eiche, adj. each, 210. 9.
Eik, V. augment, add to, 56. 752 ;

pr. p, eikand, 157. 334; pp. eikit,

322. 5-
Eikis, sb. pi. supplementary statements

or arguments in legal documents,

,314- 31-

Eird, sb. earth, 9. 106.
Eis, sb. eyes, 203. 39, 217. 6.
Eis, sb. ease, 207. 71.
Eift, V. ease, relieve, 206. 32.
Eitand, aittand, v. pr. p. eating, 156.

356, 188. 831.
Elidis. See Elyde.
Elis, ellis, els, adv. else, 178. 676, 216, 3.
Ehich, alrege, adj. weird, hideous,

150- 275-
Elyde, v. to refute, overturn, 326. 20 ;

pr. t. elidis, 326. 15.
Emmettis, sb.pl. ants, 241. 123.
Empashed, v. pp. prevented, hindered,

100. 80S.
Eris, sb. the buttocks, fundament, 1S4.

764.
Eschewitt, v. pp. escaped, 199. 22.
Esperance, sb. hope, 202. 28.
Espyire, v. aspire, 221. 11.
Eternissid, v. pp. made eternal, 218. 7.
Eitercoip, attercope, sb. spider, yff. an

ill-natured person, 136. 87.
Evanischit, v. pa. t. vanished away,

^ 170. 574-
Excipient, sb. defendant in a law case,

323- 39-

Executoriallis, sb. pi. "any legal au-
thority employed for executing a
decree or sentence of court " (Jamie-
son), 305. 2.

Expremit, v. pa. t. expressed, 308. 7.

Extasie, sb. ecstasy, 154. 343.

Eyis, sb. ease, 34. 451.

Faide, sb. scum (?) (Cranstoun), 185.

726.
Failjie, v. fail, 310. 23.
Fair, v. pa. t. went, 215. 5.
Fairlie, sb. wonder, 215. 9.
Fais, sb. pi. foes, 234. 53.
Faischet, v. pp. afflicted, troubled,

197- 47-
Faissard, sb. coward, 47. 618; //.

fazarts, 27. 363.
Falling- will, sb. epilepsy, 152. 299.
Falset, falsit, sb. falsehood, 136. 72.
Fand, v. pa. t. found, 136. 72.
Fane, v. fawn, 231. 51, 57.
Fane, adv. gladly, 193. 36.

Fangit, v, pp. caught, 20. 270.

Fantassais, sb. pi. morbid fancies, 60.
822.

Fantt, adj. faint, 229. 2.

Farie, pharie, sb. fairy-folk, 174. 637.

Farleis, farleyis, sb. pi. wonders, lO.
122.

Fas, adj. false, 199. 38.

Fascheous, faschious, adj. trouble-
some, 46. 611.

Fash, V. bother, be troubled, 123.

1435-
Fassoins, sb.pl. features, face, 218. I.
Fatles, adj. faultless, 227. 18.
Fattes, sb. pi. Fates, 201. 21.
Fawld, V. fold, 203. 59 ; fauld, v.

imper. yield, crouch, 186. 795.
Fawore, sb. favour, 230. 48.
Fajarts. See Faissard.
Feaming, />//. adj. foaming, 169. 508.
Feblit, V. pp. become feeble, 241.

120.
Feche, v. fetch, 215. 22 ; pr. p.

feching, 164. 496 ; pr. t. fichis,

160. 417 ; pa. t. fetchet, 165. 463.
Fecht, feicht, v. fight, 193. 2)^;ppl.

adj. fechting, 246. 74.
Feckles, fecles, adj. weak, feeble,

worthless, 136. 63, &c.
Feele, sb. knowledge, understanding,

103. 869.
Fefeir, sb. fever, 242. 147.
Feid, sb. enmity, 200. 54.
Feid, V. feed, 202. 28.
Feill, sb. field, 246. 74.
Feill, V. feel, 224. 47.
Feinzeitlie, adv. deceitfully, 137. 83.
Feir, sb. fear, 209. 27 ; //. 197. 47.
Feir, v. fear, 238. 34.
Feird, adj. frightened, timid, 188. 821.
Feirie-farie, fere-farie, furye-farye, sb.

bustle, confusion, 18. 237, 80. 252.
Feirsie, fersie, phercie, phirasie, sb. a

disease resembling glanders, 152.

299> 154- 340.
Feit, sb. feet, 203. 59.
Fell, adj. strong, disgusting, 131. 15;

ruthless, cruel, 192. 19.
Felloun, adj. great, huge, 144. 202.
Felt, sb. the stone, 152, 307.
Feminie, sb. womankind, 193. 52,

206. 50.
Fennels, v. pr. t. feigns, 180. 705 ;

feynit, //. invented, 238. 33.
Fere-farie. See Feirie-farie.
Ferlies, v. pr. t. wonders, 102. 846.
P"etter(?), 1S8. 830.
Feynit. See Fenjeis,
Fiche. See Feche.

GLOSSARY.

377

Fichis, V. pr. t. fetches, i6o. 417.
Fidging, v. pr. p. fidgeting, 144. 180.
Fid land, v. pr. p. fussing about trifles,

131. 18.
Firdound, v. pa. t. warbled, 75. 96.
Flaeis. See Fie.
Flait. See Flyttis.
Flame, sb. (?), 154. 334.
Flanis, sb. pi. arrows, 198. 6.
Flatlings, adv. at full length, flat,

139. III.
Fie, sb. flea, 200. 54; //. flaeis, 170.

569-
Flegmutricke, sb. phlegmatic person,

167. 466.
Fleit, V. to pass away, 209. 11.
Fleitting, v. pr. p. floating, 220. 8.
Flewme, floome, sb. phlegm, mucous

secretion ; in old physiology one of

the four bodily "humours," 146.

230, 154- 334-
Fleyit, pa. adj. frightened, 138. no,

186. 814.
Flirdome, sb. bounce, bluster, 136.

84 ; braggart, 137. 90.
Flocht, sb. a state of anxious suspense,

"a flocht," in a flutter, agitation,

220. 8.
Floyt, sb. scum, 132. 25, 184. 769.
Fluik, sb. flounder, 138. 105.
Fluikis, fluxes, sb. pi. diarrhoea, 152.

307.
Flureis, sb. blossom, 201. i.
Flureis, v. flourish, 6. 60 ; //. flureis-

chit, 4. 32.
Flyp, V. pr. t. turn inside out, 166.

510.
Flyre, v. to grimace, fleer, 144. 182;

pr. p. flyrand, 166. 510.
Flytterie, sb. contention (in words),

wrangling, 175. 595.
Flytting, vbl. sb. word combat,

"slanging match," 174. 62S.
Flyttis, V. pr. t. scoldest in vitupera-
tive fashion, 150. 257; flait, pa. t.

didst wrangle, 151. 263, 184. 767.
Foirfalt, adj. having had one's estates

and offices confiscated ( = forfeited),

321. I.
Foirfaltorie, sb. the legal confiscation

of a person's estates and offices,

319- 35-
Fois, sb. pi. foes, 20S. 3.
Foothing, j-;). = foot-halt (?), a disease

which attacks the feet of sheep,

^ 154- 334-

Foraine, adj. foreign, 321. 30.
Forbuir, v. pa. t, put up with, spared,
134- 59-

Ford = for it, 148. 244.

Forfair, v. pr. t. destroy, 134. 42 ;

forfarne, foorfairne, //. exhausted,

perished, 160. 428.
Formoifi, adj. beautiful, comely, 212. i.
Forst, V. pp. forced, 229. 4.
Fortherit, v. pp. made progress, 52.

714.
Forjett, V. imper. forget, 245. 52 ; //.

forjitt, forgotten, 231. 6.
Foster, sb. foster-child, nursling, 167.

468 ; //. foisteris, 166. 501.
Fower, adj. comp. more drunken,

tipsy, 186. 800.
Fowlmart, foumart, fumart, fulmarte,

sb. pole-cat (as term of contempt),

2. 22, 136. 63.
Fowsome, rt^;^'. foul, offensive, 132. 25.
Frack, frak, adj. prompt, eager, con-
tentious, 58. 801, 105. 947.
Fraell, adj. frail, 245. 70.
Franik, adj. wild, frenzied, 60. 822.
Fray, sb. alarm, fright, 228. 70.
Freamit, adj. adverse, unpropitious,

156. 367.
Fred, v. pp. freed, 246. 85.
Freek, sb. man, 153. 305 ; //. freikis,

152. 299.
Freets, sb. pi. superstitions, omens,

117. 1286.
Freittis, v. 2 pr. t. frettest (peevishly),

150- 257.
Frenatik, adj. frantic, frenzied, 176.

654 ; sb. one who is frantic, a

lunatic, 1 84. 786.
Frendle, adj. friendly, 208. 3.
Frenesie, frencie, sb. delirium, insanity,

152. 307.
Froisnit, frojin, ///. adj. dried up,

withered as by frost, 170. 575, 171.

542.
Frunt, sb. face, 186. 818.
Full, adj. foul, 245. 52.
Fulyche, fulisch, adj. foolish, 12. 161.
Fumart. See Fowlmart.
Fumus, adj. angry, furious, 168. 541.
Fundred, adj. lame, broken down,

134. 47, 173. 548.
Fuuill, fwill, foule, sb. fool, 132. 28,

186. 814.
Fykand, v. pr. p. fidgeting, fussing,

131. 18, 144. 182.
Fyke, sb. piles (?), 153. 313 ; pi. 152.

307-
Fyl-the-fetter, sb. one who defiles the

"fetter," 188. 830.
Fyld, V. pa. t. dirtied, 136. 70 ; pr. p.

fylling, polluting, 172. 598.
Fyld, V. pp. condemned, 184. 787.

378

GLOSSARY.

Fyre-flauch, sb. lightning, 162. 459 ;
//. fyre flauchts, fyre flauchis, 163.
439, 170. 553-

Gaid, V. guide, 225. 87 ; pr. t. gyddis,
34. 446; /;-./. gaiding, 199. 21.

Gaird, sb. guard, 200. 47.

Gairfs, gers, gresse, sb. grass, 247. 2,
146, 212.

Gaise, v. pr. t. guess, 221. 7.

Gait, sb. way, 24. 321.

Gall-hauld, sb. gall disease, the stone

(?), 154- 335-
Gallit, V. pp. galled, irritated, 184.

767.
Gangrell, sb. vagabond, 186. 805.
Ganning, sb. profit, reward, 36. 489.
Canting, vbl. sb. gaping, yawning, 157.

366.
Gar, V. make, cause, 132. 17, 192.

21 ; pr. t. gars, garris, 133. ^d,

214. 5; pa. t. gart, 132. 30, &c.
Garding, sb. garden, 215. 6.
Gate, sb. goat, 174. 608;//. gait€S,

175- 575-
Gauntane=gantmg, 154. 335.

Gawis, sb. scars, cicatrices, 172. 592.

Gaylayis, galeyes, sb. pi. galleys, 172.
592.

Geek, V. mock, 72. 17.

Gecke, sb. jibe, taunt, 1 10. 1085.

Geir, sb. dress, attire, 10. 119.

Gelling, sb. a shivering cold accom-
panied with aches, 154. 335.

Gersls, gresse. See Gairfi.

Ges, gaise, "v. pr. t. guess, 210. 8.
221. 7.

Gesture, sb. bearing, manner, 218. i.

Gewe, coiij. if, 202. 34, 203. 37.

Gewis, V. pr. t. gives, 301. 24 ; pr. p.
giffand, 217. 15.

Girdis, sb.pl. strokes, blows, 172. 592.

Glaid, gled, gleyit, gleyde, adj. squint-
eyed, 184. 785, 186. S05.

Glaidis, gledes, sb. pi. kites, 156. 351.

Glaiker, sb. one who befools, a wanton
deceiver, 184. 785.

Glaikes, sb. pi. tricks, trickery, 198. I.

Glaikit, adj. silly, senseless, 201. 18.

Gleets, V. pr. t. glitters, 117. 1288.

Gleimet, v. pa. t. gleamed, 25. 321.

Gleir, gleyer, sb. squinter, 188. 821.

Glengoir, sb. syphilis, 152. 291.

Gleyit. See Glaid.

Gloir, V. glory, 140. 136.

Glore, sb. glory, 228. 65.

Glowrand, v. pr. p. staring, 160. 419.

Gloysing, vbl. sb. emending or ex-
plaining a text, no. 1091.

Gob, sb. mouth, 184. 788.
God-barne, sb. god-child ; god-barne

gift = a present made to a god-child,

168. 537.
Gok, gooke, gouk, sb. fool, 133. 23,

141. 139.
Gokit, gooked, gukit, gukkit, adj.

stupid, foolish, 132. 31, 176. 659,

136. 82.
Goldspinks, sb. pi. goldfinches, 72. 3.
Graif, sb. grave, 217. i.
Graiflie, adv. solemnly, 50. 684.
Grainis, v. pr. t. groans, 156. 366 ; //.

grane, 166. 517; v. pr.p. grainand,

granand, 14. 190.
Graip, v. pr. t. grasp, seize, 166. 517.
Graithlie, adv. finely, 24. 309.
Grandie (?), 184. 776.
Granis, sb. pi. grains, 220. i.
Grathit, v. pp. arrayed, bedecked,

150. 272.
Grathlie, adv. promptly, 51. 690.
Gravell, graveill, sb. gravel, 152.

291.
Gravellit, v. pp. prostrated with

gravel, 182. 736.
Greening, vbl. sb. longing, 90. 508.
Greit, grete, v. crj', weep, 132. 17 ;

pr. p. greitand, 188. 831.
Greit, adj. great, 29. 59.
Grene, v. yearn, long for, 214. 8 ; jr.

t. grein, 137. 94 ; grenis, longest

for, 136. 88.
Grening, greening, vbl. sb. object of

desire or longing, 37. 494, 90. 508.
Grewis, v. pr. t. grieves, 29. 18.
Grie, v. agree, 140. 130.
Griende, v. pa. t. longed, 108. 1028.
Gritt, gryte, adj. great, 231. 61, 233.

6, 35, 228. 65, 207. 80.
Grittumlie, adv. greatly, 313. 13.
Gromes, sb. pi. men, 156. 366.
Gronis, v. i pr. t. groan, 30. 26.
Grund, v. i?nper. rest, establish, 213.

I.
Grund, sb. ground, 215. 3.
Gruntill, sb. snout, 136. 82, 156. 336.
Grunzie, sb. snout, mouth, 136. 82,

188. 827.
Gryses, sb. pig's, 137. 88.
Gryte. See Gritt.
Gud, guide, sb. substance, wealth,

211. 19 ; good, 144. 178.
Guild, sb. guilt, 210. 14.
Guifi, sb. goose, 132. 31, 180. 708.
Gukit. See Gokit.
Gukkis, sb. pi. foolish sayings, 50.

681.
Gulsocht, sb. jaundice, 154. 335.

GLOSSARY.

379

Gumgad, gum -gait, sd. one galled
with after effects of gonorrhoea (?)
(cf. gum - gall'd whore, N.E.D.),
184. 767.

Gut, sd. gout, 182. 734.

Gwifiome, guisserone, s!>. gizzard,

156. 351-

Gwklett, ac(;. silly, giddy, 199. 10.

Gwyse, gyfie, sd. "A dance or per-
formance in disguise or masks"
(N.E.D.), 134. 44.

Gyanttis, sb. pi. giants, 241. 121.

Gyd, sb. guide, 44. 599.

Gyddis. See Gaid.

Gyder, sb. one who guides, 228. 69.

Gyr-carlingis, sb. pi. witches, hags,
178. 681.

Habill, adj. able, 244. 39.
Haddis, v. pr. t. holds, 36. 493.
Haiff, V. have, 203. 50.
Haisartting, vbl. sb. 52. 704.
Hait, adj. hot, 1 16. 1253.
Hakkit, ///. adj. hacked, 154. 323.
Halkis, sb. pi. hawks, 211. 20.
Halland-schaiker, sb. a wandering

beggar, 186. 792.
Hals, sb. neck, 216. 3.
Hangrell, sb. a gallows, 186. 805.
Hansell, sb. reward, 156. 348; gift

expressive of good wishes, 164. 484.
Hant, V. betake oneself to, go to, 196.

19-
Hard, v. heard, 48. 654, 241. 121.
Harin, adj. made of hair, 164. 469.
Harnis, harnes, sb. pi. brains, 16. 215,

171, 540.
Hartskaid, sb. heartburn, 154. 326.
Haultis, hailts, v. pr. t. halts, 132. 27.
Ha3aret, v. pr. t. hazard, 227. 11.
Hed, sb. regard, 218. 3.
Heght, V. pa. t. promised, 116. 1249 ;

pp. heichte, height, 37. 498, 90. 512.
Heghts, 5(^. //. promises, 112. 1132.
Heich, heych, adj. high, 2. 12, 16. 206;

comp, heichar, 12. 145 ; super I.

heichest, 219. i.
Heichnes, sb. highness, 243. 4.
Heiht, sb. height, 163. 417.
Heill, sb. welfare, prosperity, 38. 519.
Heill, adj. whole, 232. 22.
Heitt, sb. heat, 240. 97.
Helie, adj. holy, 226. iii.
Helsum, adj. wholesome, 4. 42.
Hem, proti. him, 225. 80.
Herschaw, sb. (?), 154. 325.
Hert, hairt, sb. heart, 194. I, 7. 15.
lies, pron. his, 231. 57, 246. 85.
Heuch, hewche, sb. crag, 4. 37.

Hevenes, sb. heavens, 244. 9.
Hew, sb. hue, 219. 3.
Hewe, adj. heavy, 245. 66.
Hewenes, sb. heaviness, 231. 2, 201. 3.
Hewin, sb. heaven, 219. I.
Hewis, V. pr. t. l^ews, 14. 169.
Hichis, V. pr. t. hitches, hobbles,

160. 415.
Hidlingis, sb.pl. hiding-places, 54. n. ;

in hidlings, adv. stealthily, secretly,

73- 30-

Hie, adj. high, 9. 102, 34. 169.

Hirpling, v. pr. p. moving with short
limping motion like a hare, 73. 30.

Ho = hold, 222. 4.

Hocht, hoche, sb. hough, 180. 724.

Hoikis, sb. pi. a disease usually affect-
ing the face or eyes, 154. 323, 339.

Hoillis, sb. pi. holes, 154. 339.

Hoirie, adj. hoary, 210. 4.

Hoist, sb. cough, 152. 296.

Homicede, sb. homicide, 209. 24.

Houlring, adj. howling, 145. 195.

Houp, V. hope, 200. 45.

Hour, sb. whore, 226. 93.

Hovand, v. pr. p. rising, ascending,
150. 273.

How, sb. hollow, 136. 68.

Howland, vbl. adj. howling, 144. 189.

Howlat, sb. owl, 150. 267.

Hudge, adj. huge, 227. 25.

Hudpyk, hudepyk, sb. stupid, simple-
ton, 146. 207, 184. 764.

Huirsone, horsone, sb. whoreson,
bastard, 138. 1 15.

Hukis, sb. pi. hooks, 199. 34.

Hulie, i7iterj. gently, cautiously,
28. 377-

Humele, huuwle, adv. humbly,
197. 41, 243. 3.

Humell, adj. humble, 245. 66.

Hurchoun, hurchun, hurchone, sb.
hedgehog, 2. 15, &c. ; //. 156.

356.

Hurdome, hoordoome, sb. whoredom,
174. 622.

Hurkland, vbl. adj. crouching, cower-
ing, 150. 267.

Husche-paidill, sb. lump-fish, 184. 774.

Hydropasie, sb. dropsy, 154. 325.

Hyre, sb. wage, reward, 116. 1249.

Hyves, sb. pi. any eruptive disease of
the skin — e.g., chicken-pox, 154. 325.

Imbiing, v. introduce, 230. 49.
Impair, v. lessen, mitigate, 217. 7.
Impire, v. to rule as an absolute

monarch, 76. 134; pr. p. impyring,

78. 181.

380

GLOSSARY.

Impleadging, v. pr. p. putting in
pledge, pledging, 123. 1453.

Imply, V. imper. employ, 217. 3.

Impreivve, v. disprove, 319. 5.

Imprent, v. pp. imprinted, fixed in the
mind, constant, 194. 11, 222. 7.

Improbatioun, sb., Sc. Law term, an
action raised to prove a document
(writ, title, &c.) to be false or
forged, 319. 25.

Impyre, sb. empire, sway, 204. 15.

Incubus, sb. "a feigned evil spirit or
demon (originating in personified
representations of the nightmare)
supposed to descend upon persons
in their sleep" (N.E.D.), 150. 275.

Ingle, sb. fire on the hearth, 178. 687.

Ingiame, scribal error for migram
{q. v.), 153. 319.

Ingvne, sb. mind, intellect, 132. 29,
218. 2.

Ingynit, v. pp. minded, disposed,
142. 149.

Inhabilitie, sb. disability or disqualifi-
cation (for an office), 322. 22.

Insert, v. pp. inserted, 302. 25.

Insew, V. follow, 240. 84.

Interponis, v. pr. t. interposes,
302. 34; //. 302. 28.

Invaid, v. imper. attack, 184. 773.

Invey, v. pr. t. come with hostile in-
tention, attack, 140. 121.

Invyit, V. pp. envied, 150. 262.

Inwartlie, adv. inwardly, 229. 3.

loate, sb. jot, whit, 99. 773.

loo, sb. sweetheart, 194. 15.

luittour, sb. tippler, drunkard, 186.
800.

Kayes, sb. pi. jackdaws, 72. 19.
Keckling,^//. a^'. chattering, cackling,

. 72. 19-
Keikis, v. pr. t. looks, searches, 166.

Keillie, adj. besmeared with kail or

broth, 186. 809.
Keip, V. pp. kept, 238. 40.
Keist, V. pa. t. cast, 168. 529.
Kep, V. pr. t. catch, 28. 381.
Kichingis, sb. pi. kitchens, 144. 197.
Kie, sb. key, 138. 97.
Kinch, sb. possessions, lot, fortune (?),

III. 1 100, 199. 32. See note.
Kinkhost, sb. hooping-cough, 153. 307.
Knag, sb. keg or small barrel (knaggie,

wooden mug), 188. 823.
Knapping, v. pr. p. budding, 4. 39.
Knayne, knawin, v. pp. known,

199. 39, 208. 95.

Knoppis, sb. pi. the rounded flower
or seed-vessels of a tree or plant,
here applied to the clusters of
cherries, 24. 314.

Kowis, sb. pi. cows, 138. 98.

Kruikit, ///. adj. crooked, bent, 154.

327.
Kuif, sb. cuff, 150. 259.
Kyith, V. pr. t. declare, 194. II.
Kynrik, sb. kingdom, 180. 707.
Kyt, sb. kite, 184. 788.
Kytrell, sb. a vile or filthy wretch,

164. 480.

Laidlie, adj. foul, loathsome, 172. 586.
Laidnit, ppl. adj. ladened, 146. 217 ;

laidneitt, vbl. sb. 244. 34.
Laif. See Lave.
Laif, V. pr. i. leave, 204. 23.
Laik, V. lack, 214. 12; sb. 196. 14.
Laike, sb. a stake at a game, iii.

1 109.
Lair, sb. learning, 176. 640.
Laisie, lasie, adj. lousy, 186. 796,

170. 577.
Lak, V. pr. i. scold, abuse, 166. 516.
Lak, sb. want, 184. 765.
Lance, v. pierce, 212. 18 ; //. lancit,

lanced, lansde, 36. 473, 184. 784,

84. 492.
Lancepissat, landpreized, sb. lance-
corporal, used as term of contempt,

188. 828, 189. 781.
Land-lowper, land-leeper, sb. vaga-
bond, 186. 791, 187. 765.
Landpreized. See Lancepissat,
Landward, adj. rustic, boorish, 140.

126.
Lane, all my = all by myself, 52. 710.
Lane, v. conceal, 203. 65.
Lansde, v. pp. lanced, 89. 492.
Latt, sb. delay, 236. 93.
Lauche, lawche, v. laugh, 238. 26,

140. 135 ; pa. t. leugh, 113. 1149.
Lauchfullie, adv. lawfully, 301. 23.
Lave, laif, sb. rest, those remaining,

52. 703, 122. 1402, 202. 30.
Lay, V. pr. t. lie, 244. 14, 234. 63.
Leare, leir, v. learn, teach, 87. 423,

235- 11 ; pr. t. 138. 92 ; pp. leirnid,

199. 32.
Lease, v. pr. t. lace, 167. 483.
Leasing, sb. gleaning, saying, 227. 15.
Leasings, sb. pi. lies, falsehoods, 112.

1125.
Leede, j/'. ship's lead, 114. 1187.
Leiche, sb. physician, 202. 18.
Leif, V. live, 199. 16; ///. adj. leiff-

ing, 224. 39.

GLOSSARV.

381

Leill, adj. leal, true, 194. 15.

Lein, v. rest, depend on, 323. 29 ;

pr. t. supports (itself by), 323. 9.
Leir. See Leare.
Leirant, adj. learned, 221. 9.
Leit, V. pa. t. laid, cast down, 166.

516.
Leit, -'. imper. let, 244. 32.
Leitt, adv. late, 244. 29, 245. 56.
Lelilie, adv. faithfully, 310. 34.
Leming, vbl. sb. gleaming, flashing,

24- 317-

Les, V. to make less, degrade, 207. S2.

Lest, V. last, exist, 217. 4, 232. 32.

Lesum, adj. lawful, permissible, 310.
18.

Leuff, sb. love, 199. 16.

Levit, liuet, v. pa. t. lived, 40. 549.

Lichlie, v. despise, disdain, 221. i.

Licht, adj. ready, easy, 210. 11.

Licht, V. kindle, 202. 27.

Lichtit, V. pa. t. alighted, 6. 80, 218.
10.

Lidder, sb. sloth, laziness, 154. 329.

Liftane, v. pr. p. raising, lifting, 124.
1481.

Ling^eil^j-, sb. bandages, 157. 342.

Lint-bow, sb. the pod which holds the
seeds of the flax, 170. 572.

Lintwhite, sb. linnet, 72. 5.

Lipper, sb. "term of contempt fre-
quently applied to a dog " (E.D.D.),

154- 329-
Lispane, v. pr. p. lisping, 154. 329.
Lithargie, sb. lethargy, state of torpor,

154- 342.
Lijairtis, sb. pass, lizard's, 198. 49.
Loif, V. pr. t. love, 166. 516.
Loip, V. pr. t. leap, 34. 444 ; pr. p.

loipping, louping, 20. 264.
Louder, sb. "lever or handspoke for

lifting the mill - stones ; any long

stout rough stick" (E.D.D.), 139.

98 ; //. 13S. 92,
Louf, sb. love, 206. 48.
Loun, lowne, sb. scamp, rascal, 215.

10, 140. 127 ; //. 1 88. 828.
Louslie, adj. lousy, filthy, 154. 340 ;

adv. meanly, scurvily, 136. 85,
Louis, sb. louse, 171. 539.
Lout, v. bow, make obeisance, 228.

59-

Low, lowe, sb. flame, 12. 155.

Lowe, sb. love, 223. 33.

Lowsie, adj. lousy, filthy, 158. 383,

170. 572.
Lowfte, v. pr. t. loose, 167. 483 ; pr. t.

lowsis, loosens, sets free, 156. 362.
Loyis, V. lies, is found to be, 199. 35.

Lucked (?), 171. 539.

Luckis, V. pr. t. succeeds, 50. 682 ;

pp. lukkit, luicked, 136. 85.
Ludjeotis, sb. pi. infants' cloths (?),

156. 362.
Lufair, sb. lover, 222. 12 ; pi. luifaris,

luferis, 208. 84, 193. 31.
Lunscheocht, sb. lung disease, 154.

342.
Lusum, adj. lovely, loveable, 196. 3.
Lycht, V. pr. t. alight, 34. 444.
Lyik, adj. like, 211. 34.
Lyis, V. pr. t. lies, 193. 26.
Lykwayfe, adv. likewise, 34. i6r,

36. 2.
Lymmer, sb. rogue, 186. 813 ; //.

156. 355-
Lymphat, adj. maddening (?), 154.

342.
Lynning-side, adv. inside, 172. 586.
Lyse, lyc[e], sh. pi. lice, 146. 217.
Lywelie, adv. lively, bright, 203. 42.

Ma, adj. covip. more, 213. 39.
Mache, v. to match, contend, 17S.

676.
Maik, sb. companion, husband, 206.

42.
Maikles, adj. matchless, 160. 407.
Mair, v. waste, 220. 11.
Mair, sb. nightmare, 1 52. 313.
Maisit, V. pa. t. was astonished,

amazed, 10. 123.
Maistir[ie], sb. authority, power,

237- 7-
Mak, sb. equal, match, 212. 11.
Mallange (?), 154. 333.
Man, mun, v. aux. must, 180. 697,

209. 17, c&C.
Mand, v. to heal, make better, 209. 8.
Mandrak, mandrag, sb. poisonous

plant, used as term of abuse, 136.

65, 150. 283.
Mang, mange, v. to become distracted,

105. 936, 232. 31.
Mange, sb. a meal, 73. 31.
Mangrell, sb. mongrell, 186. S05.
Mankit, ppl. adj. mangled, mutilated,

140. 137.
Manschocht, ///. adj. munched (?),

140. 137.
Mansueit, adj. gentle, 221. 9.
Mantane, v. pr. p. stammering (?),

154- 333-
Manter, sb. stammerer, 186. 808.
Mar, z>. grieve, distress, 203. 62.
Marmissat, sb. marmoset, as term of

contempt, 188. 828;//. marmasits,

167. 470.

382

GLOSSARY.

Marterit,///. adj. martyred, tormented,

221. 14.
Mathie, adj. maggoty, filthy, 188. 825.
Maw, sb. stomach, 152. 305.
May, sb. maiden, 203. 23.
May, pron. my, 210. 7,
Mayock, sb. mate, 72. 22.
Mede, v. pp. made, 218. 7.
Meikle, nieekle, mekill, meckle, adj.

much, great, 50. 694, 108. 1022, 109.

1042, 207. 71.
Meifi, mease, v. appease, calm, 22.

282.
Meit, mait, sb. checkmate, 16. 201.
Meit, adj. fit, proper, 193. 25.
Meiths, sb. pi. maggots, 153. 319.
Meitter, sb. metre, 136. 85.
Mel, V. come to blows with, fight,

meddle, 56. 773, 138. 112, 131. 13,

&c. ; pr. t. mellis, 178. 682 ; pa. t.

meld, 112. 1 142.
Melt, sb. melt, spleen, 152. 305,

313-

Melt, V. " to knock down ; properly

by a stroke in the side where the
melt or spleen lies " (Jamieson), 186.

795-
Memorantive, adj. mindful, 213. 31.
Mensche, mowter, minche, moutter (?),

184. 775-

Menstrallis, sb.pl. minstrels, 168. 528.

Mensweirand, v. pr. p. perjuring, 136.
69.

Merle, sb. blackbird, 2. 4.

Merls, sb. low flat ground usually be-
side a river or sea, or between hills ;
the district of Berwickshire between
the Lammermoors and the Tweed,
131. 9.

Meslie, adj. measly, contemptible, 184.
788.

Messillis, sb. pi. measles, 154. 333.

Mestres, sb. mistress, 218. 9.

Mey, V. aiix. may, 218. 9.

Midderit, sb. midriff (?), 188. 825.

Midding, sb. dunghill, 186. 796;//.
142. 174,

Midis, sb. middle, 168. 549.

Migram, sb. severe headache usually
affecting one side of the head only,

152. 313-

Mingtie, adj. mixed up, 141. 143.

!Mi«nym {?), sb. minim, smallest por-
tion, particle, 182. 752.

Mint, V. venture, strive, 139. 118.

Mints, sb. pi. threatening gestures,
113. 1158.

Mischanchit, adj. unlucky, ill-fated,
184. 784.

Mischant, sb. wretch, villain, 140. 125.
Mischappin, ///. adj. ill-shaped, de-
formed, 136. 79.
Mismaid, adj. deformed, 150. 283.
Mister, v. pr, t. to have need of,

require, 148. 254, 230. 53 ; pa. t.

100. 805.
Miting, sb. a creature of diminutive

size, 131. 9.
Mo, adj. comp. more, 239. 55.
Mof^t. See Mot.
Mone, sb. complaint, lamentatioun,

202. 20.
Money, adj. many, 239. 55.
Moole, muill, sb. mule, 187. 767, 103.

871, 185. 728.
Most, V. must, 237. 17, 19. 102.
Mot, mof/it, V. may, can, 228. 70,

230. 55 ; mought, /a. /. 115. 1229.
Mouf, V. move, 199. 30.
]Mow, V. to grimace, make faces,

mouth, 184. 775.
Mow, sb. mouth, 186. 815 ; grimace,

136. 69.
Mowdywart, sb. mole, 152. 288.
Mowt-tyme, sb. moulting-time, 182.

733-

Moylie, moylike, adv. demurely, 8.
Ill, 9. III.

Mudgeounes, mudzons, sb. pi. motions
of the face denoting discontent, scorn,
&c. (Jamieson), 166. 515.

Muist, sb. musk, 131. 15.

Mun. See Man.

Munge, adj. grumbling, 148. 246.

Mureill (?)_, 152. 313.

Murgeounis, sb. pi. murmurs, grum-
blings, 166. 515 ; grimaces, twisting
of body and face, 160. 416.

Mwggis, sb. pi. mugs, 186. 796.

Mwillis, ^i^. pi. kibes, chilblains, 154.

333-
Mwkkit, V. pp. cleaned out, 136. 83.
Mwssis, muisses, sb. pi. muses, 8. 97.
Mwte, muit, v. pr. t. mutter, 152.

288.
My, V. aiix. may, 209. 27, 210. 39,

211. 43, 225. 88, 232. 32.
Myance, sb. means, wages, 136. 65.
Myne, sb. mind, 216. 5.
Mynt, V. mount, 26. 340.
Mynting, v. pr. p. venturing, 26. 344.

Nan, pron. none, 229. 17.

Nek, neck, v. to prevent receiving

check, a term in chess, 16. 200.
Neniwe, sb. Nineveh, 230. 36.
Nichtbouris, sb. pi. neighbours, 247.

12.

GLOSSARY.

383

Nimlie, adv. nimbly, 2. 13.
Nirlend, sh. puny creature, 164. 479.
Nirrilis, nirleis, sb. pi. an eruptive skin

disease, species of measles, 154. 319.
Nittie, neatie, adj. lousy, having nits

or lice, 170. 571.
Noift, sb. nose, 134. 57.
Nok, sb. point of an arrow (?), 198. 8.
Nolt, sb. cattle, 144. 176.
Now, sb. crown of the head, 170. 571.
Noy, sb. annoyance, 22. 283.
Noy, sb. Noah, 230. 29.
Nuik, sb. corner, 138. 109.
Nureische, nwrische, v. nourish, 158.

388, 164. 467.

Oblissand, v. pr. p. obliging, laying

under obligation, 303. 14.
Obstene, v. to refrain from, withhold,

207. 81.
Ocht, adv. in any degree, in any way,

156. 348.
Ogment, v. augment, 244. 17.
Onfenzeitlie, adv. sincerely, 245. 41.
Openyonis, sb. pi. opinions, 58. 800.
Or, adv. ere, before, 134. 40, &c.
Oreschute, v. pr. t. overpass, allow to

pass, waste, 41. 542.
Oriant, adj. orient, 219. 3.
Orthraune, v. pp. overthrown, 199.

34; pr. t. 236. 99.
Oster, sb. oyster, 165. 464 ; //. oisteris,

164. 497.
Ought, sb. anything, 157. 328.
Oulk, owke, sb. week, 156. 363.
Our, sb. hour, 199. 11.
Ouresyllis, v. pr. t. covers, blinds,

beguiles, 30. 399.
Ourfleit, v. pass away, waste, 40. 537.
Oursett, oresette, v. pp. overcame, 20.

26^; pr. /. 31. 404.
Oursmeir, v. pr. t. oversmear, 138. 93.
Outflittin, v. pp. beaten in a "flytting"

match, 187. 746.
Outstart, v. break away from, 211. 30.
Owerquhelmit, v. pp. overwhelmed,

217. 4.
Owther, conj. either, 52. 715.
Oxteris, sb. pi. armpits, 166. 513.
Oyldolie, oydoUie, sb. olive oil, 146.

228.

Pacefie, v. pacify, 212. 23 ; pp. pacefiit,

212. 8.
Padok-speitter, sb. one who impales

frogs with a spit, 1S4. 762.
Paip, pape, sb. pap, 136. 89.
Pair, V. to impair, make less, 56. 752.
Pak, sb. pedlar's pack, bundle, 207. 74.

Pallat, pellet, sb. crown of the head,
170. 568, 1 84. 783, 136. 66.

Palsie, sb. palsy, 152. 310.

Paneis, sb. pi. pains, 203. 65.

Panse, v. imper. think of, contemplate,
120. 1357, 212. 20; /;-. t. pansis,
pances, 59. 803 ; pr. p. pancing,
213- 37 ; //• paused, 122. 1407 ;
vbl. sb. pansing. 244. 17.

Panssit, pansde, pancit, v. pp. cured,
healed, 36. 472, 89. 491, 184. 784
(Fr. panser, to apply medicines).

Paramouris, sb. sing, lover, 195. 32.

Paremeonis, sb. pi. proverbs, adages,
182. 747. (False plural of " par-
oemia.")

Parlasie, sb. palsy, 154. 318; parleis,

155- 324-
Partiquies, sb. pi. practices, 163. 431.
Pasfi, sb. pi. passages, 307. 38.
Pawne, sb. peacock, 72. 21.
Pay (?), 136. 89.
Peik, V. raise, 230. 28.
Peild, adj. shaven, 136. 66, 170. 568;

stripped, destitute, 144. 177.
Peip, V. pr. t. squeak (like a mouse),

131. I.
Peir, sb. equal, 203. 40, 212. 12.
Peiile, sb. pearl, 23. 3, 193. 49.
Peirless, adj. peerless, 193. 49.
Peirsit, ///. adj. pierced, 195. lO.
Peitpot, sb. hole formed by digging

peat, 150. 277.
Pellet. See Pallat.
Pelodie (?), 152. 310.
Penns, sb. pi. plumes, feathers, 52.

719, 136. 80.
Perambillis, sb. pi. preambles, 1 78.

684.
Perfyte, adj. perfect, 201. 2.
Perqueir, perquere, adv. exactly, forth-
with, by heart, 48. 645, 178. 694;

perquearest, siiperl. readiest, 124.

1467.
Pers, V. pierce, 203. 44.
Persaife, v. perceive, 203. 46 ; //.

persawit, 180. 713.
Persew, v. pursue, 207. 63; pp. 215.

10.
Perticipentt, sb. a partaker, 246. 86.
Pervs, V. peruse, 197. 22.
Petie, sb. pity, 231. 67.
Pett, sb. peat as a term of obloquy (?),

151. 266.
Peure, adj. pure, 223. 34.
Pharie, sb. fairyland, 150. 274, 164.

496.
Phelomene, philomel, ^<^. the night-
ingale, 2. 5, 72. 7.

384

GLOSSARY.

Phirasie, phercie. See Feirsie.
Phisnome, fisnome, sb. face, physiog-
nomy, 174. 638.
Phtiseik, sb. a lung disease, 152. 315.
Piche, pyshe, v. pr. i. urinate, 166.

500;//-. p. 154. 324.
Pikill, V. imper. nibble, eat sparingly,

182. 755 ; pp. pikkillit, picked out

one by one, 182. 746.
Pin, sb. a four and a half gallon

cask (?), 184. 766.
Pin, V. tune (?), 75. 98.
Pink, sb. a diminutive creature, brat,

elf, 139. 119.
Pitche, sb. highest point or altitude (of

a star), 220. 9.
Plack, sb. small copper coin ; used

proverbially (as in text) to express

worthlessness, 113. 1153.
Plaig, sb. plague, 236. 95 ; //. 235.

87.
Plaige, plege, v. plague, 236. 94, 233.

28.
Piece, t*. imper. place, put, 218. 14.
Pleifs, V. please, 208. 89.
Plesand, adj. pleasant, 210. 36.
Plefsur, sb. pleasure, 198. 3.
Pley, sb. plea, action at law, 309. 40.
Plicht-anker, sb. sheet-anchor, 193.

53-
Pluckeuill, sb. pimply rash (?), disease

of the" pluck "(?), 154. 338-
Pluirasie, sb. pleurisy, 154. 338.
Poikis, sb. pustules, 152. 310, 154.

324; swyne-poikis = swine-pox (?).
Poistrume, sb. falling sickness (?), 154.

324-
Pold, V. pa. t. cropped, clipped, 164.

486.
Poplasie, poplisie, sb. apoplexy, 154.

316.

Portratour, sb. image, figure, 203. 40,

210. 36.
Potticaris, pottingaris, pottingeris,

sb. pi. apothecaries, 138. 93, 146.

225, 148. 248.
Pow, sb. head, 136. 66.
Powde, V. pa. t. pulled, 100. 800.
Powlings, sb. pi. (?), 153. 316.
Poyd, sb. toad, 136. 78, 162. 451.
Preasde. See Preis.
Precept, sb. legal writ, 322. 6.
Preclair, adj. famous, illustrious, 196.

2, 222. 6.
Precteis, v, practise, 246. 79-
Predestene, sb. foreordained lot, 202.

Preichouris, sb. pi. preachers, 44.
605.

Preife, sb. witness, 185. 735.
Preife, v. put to the test, 202. 34.
Preis, V. press, 213. 3, 221. 3 ; pa. t.

preist, preast, preasde, urged, 174.

615, 116. 1246.
Prepend, v. contemplate, 245. 54.
Prepotent, adj. all powerful, 196. I.
Presens, sb. pi. presents, 199. 29.
Pressoner, sb. prisoner, 203. 51.
Pretens, sb. purpose, claim, design,

object of desire, 206. 51.
Previtt, preiuit, v. pa. t. proved, put

to the test, 38. 507 ; pr. p. prewing,

316. 34.
Prink = pink.

Procuir, v. solicit earnestly, 213. 30.
Progne, sb. the swallow, 2. 5.
Prolixtlie, adv. prolixly, 178. 683.
Properteis, sb.pl. 213. 37.
Proportis, v. pr. t. sets forth, declares,

300. 13.
Proppit, ///. a^'. (?), 182. 743.
Prunjie, pruin3e, v. pr. t. trim, deck,

dress, 136. 80.
Pryme, sb. the first half of the houis

between sunrise and mid-day, 158.

378.
Pudding wricht, sb. pudding maker (?),

186. 816.
Pudlar, pedlar, sb. trifler (?), 142.

147.
Pulchritude, sb. beauty, 193. 49.
Pultrie, sb. poultry, 174. 612.
Pultronis, sb. pi. cowards, 26. 355.
Punsfi, punces, punssis, sb. pi. pulses,

20. 259, 60. 831.
Pure, adj. poor, 243. 8.
Purspeiller, sb. purse - stealer, 186.

818.
Pvsfs, V. pr. t. pushes, 64. 890.
Pyes, sb. pi. magpies, 72. 16.
Pykit, V. pp. stolen, 182. 748.
Pykthank, sb. flatterer, parasite, 13S.

103, 170. 552-
Pyne, v. to cause to suffer, torment,

198. 2 ; //. pynd, pyneit, 142, 147,

220. 4 ; ppl. adj. 243. 8.
Pyne, sb. torment, 186. 805.
Pyth, pithe, sb. vigour, force, 20.

259.

Quhair, sb. book, 240. 81.
Quhaireuer, adv. wherever, 194. 13.
Quhan, adv. when, 212. 7.
Quheill, sb. wheel, 195. i.
Quheir, adz>. where, 218. 3.
Quheiter. See Quhyt.
QuhelhV, sb. pass, whale's, 230. 35.
Quhiles, adv. sometimes, 221. i.

GLOSSARY.

385

Quhill, adv. until, 193. 55, 217. 13.
Quhin-staneis, sb. pi. whin-stones, 182.

744-
Quhipp, sb. whip, 211. 31.
Quhois, fron. whose, 217. 6.
Quhryn, whryne, v. squeal, 163. 440,

164. 486.
Quhyllumis, aciv. at times, 166. 508.
Quhyt, quhyte, aJJ. white, 220. I, 216.

3 ; compar. quheiter, 219. i.
Quite, quyt, v. quit, leave, 52. 699,

93. 610, 114. 1 179, 132. 37, 186. 793.
Quyet, quyit, adj. quiet, 239. 62, 242.

162.
Quyetlie, adv. quietly, 215. 11.
Quytt, adv. quite, 225. 76.

Rachle, raschelie, adv. rashly, 14. 183.
Rad, adj. afraid, 121. 1392.
Ragnientis, sb. pi. rigmaroles, 140.

136.

Raif, v. pr. t. rave, talk wildly, 178.
680 ; pa. t. raiffit, 58. 794 ; pr. p.
reifand, ravand, reivand, reaving,
132. 23, 133. 29, 158. 376, 159. 356.

Raigne, v. pr. p. ragmg, 159. 356.

Raik, sb. a very lean person, 184. 782.

Raiker, sb. scavenger, 184. 785.

Raine. See Rane.

Rak, V. imper. strain, 184. 781.

Raknit, v. pa. t. reckoned, 172. 601.

Rameist, adj. crazy, frantic, 168. 531.

Ramping, ///. adj. violent, blustering,
205. fs.

Rane, in a = continuously, without ces-
sation, 166. 521.

Rape, adv. quickly, 103. 884.

Ratryme, sb. rigmarole, doggerel verse,
140. 140; pL raterrymes, 159. 356.

Ratton, sb. rat, 151. 288.

Rave, reaue, v. to plunder, 168. 538 ;
pp. ravit, 180. 715.

Raveis, v. ravish, 214. 8.

Raveld, v. pa. t. entangled, l6S. 531.

Rax, v. to reach, stretch, 26. 348, 136.

9°-.
Reaving. See Raif.

Reconseild, v. pp. reconciled, 246. 94.

Recyll, v. drawback, 54. 748.

Red, V. pa. t. removed, rescued, 234.

45-
Redintegrat, reintegrat, v. pp. renewed,

restored, 321. 43, 326. 13.
Refrane, v. iinper. refrain, withhold,

193- 37, 205. II, 232. 18.
Rege, sb. rage, 240. 97.
Registrat, v. pp. registered, 302. 25.
Regrated, v. pa. t. regretted, ill.

1115.

Reich, sb. reach, 26. 348.
Reid, sb. reed, 211. 42.
Reidschank, sb. nickname for a High-
lander, from the colour of his bare

legs, 186. 797.
Reid-wood, rid-wood, adj. furious with

rage, distracted, 168. 531, 166. 521.
Reif(?), 154. 341.
Reifand, ravand. See Raif.
Reik, sb. smoke, 178. 684.
Reikie, adj. blackened with smoke,

171. 526; reikis, 170. 559.
Reill[w], sb. pi. reels, lively dances,

168. 531.
Reintegrat. See Redintegrat.
Reioft, v. rejoice, 208. 4 ; imper. 194.

I.
Reivand. See Raif.
Relaise, j'l^. release, liberation, 221. 5.
Relapis, v. pp. relapsed, 244. 19.
Relewe, v. relieve, 230. 51 ; pp. re-

leiffit, 225. 76.
Remaniest = rameist.
Remeid, v. remedy, succour, 202, 12;

imper. 213. 42, 232. 31 ; sb. 193.

-5-.
Remeitt, v. remit, forgive, 231. 62.

Remow, v. remove, 209. 26.

Reparcust, repercust, v. pa. t. rever-
berated, 8. 89.

Repleitt, adj. full, abounding, 232. 16.

Reputting, pr. p. reckoning, 225. 77.

Requyt, v. repay, 21 1. 37.

Respect, v. take note of, 225. 65.

Ressaue, v. receive, 204. 18 ; imper.
resceiv, 171. 517.

Ressaueris, sb. pi. receivers, 310. 28.

Resyite, v. recite, 201. 4.

Reteir, v. withdraw, 243. 7.

Retenen, v.pr. p. remembering, 222. 5.

Rethoriciane, sb. rhetorician, 197. 17.

Retreit, v. reject, 209. il.

Reuthe, sb. ruth, 203. 68.

Revieue, v. imper. revive, 244. 37.

Revin, reavin, v. pp. riven, torn, 157.

3-9-.
Revinis, reavenes, rewinis, sb. fl.

ravens, 150. 282, 170. 559,

Reweild, v. pp. revealed, 246. 96.

Rewers, v. reverse, banish, 225. 67.

Rewest, v. pp. clothed, covered again.
244. 9.

Rewkis, sb.pl. rooks, 170. 559.

Rhetour, sb. a return made to Chancery
of the brieve of inquest relative to
the service of an heir, with the ver-
dict of the jury upon it ; a special
return of the value of lands (N.E.D.),
323- 34-

B

386

GT,OSSARY.

Rid-wood. See Reid-wood.

Ring, V. reign, 231. 60, 232. 28 ; pr.

L 128. 1596.
Ringbane (?), 152. 298.
Roift, sh. rose, 208. I.
Rone-ruit, sb. root of the mountain-
ash, 150. 282.
Rood, adj. rude, 159. 356.
Roundaillis, sb. pi. rondels, 132. 23.
Roupe, sb. croup, hoarseness, 154. 317.
Rowper, sb. crier, croaker, 186. 790.
Rovvstie, adj. rusty, rough, unpolished,

140. 140.
Rowtand, v. pr. p. bellowing, 166.

521.
Royt, sb. a disorderly or dissipated

person, 132. 23, 184. 769.
Rubiatour, sb. robber, " a swearing

worthless person" (?), 186. 819.
Rude, adj. red, 193. 51.
Rude, adv. roughly, rudely, 103. 884.
Ruge, V. tear, tug, 150. 282 ; pr. p.

151. 288.
Ruif, sb. an iron rivet or washer, here

figuratively in the sense of bond or

fetter, 209. 26.
Ruik, sb. cheat, swindler, 138. 108,

184. 789.
Ruinchs, ruinscheochis, sb. pi. wild

mustard, 144. 175, 145. 181.
Ruittis, sb. pi. roots, 144. 175.
Ruittour, sb. rioter, roysterer (?), 186.

800.
Runkillis, rankells, sb. pi. wrinkles,

creases, 170. 576.
Runt,j^. hardened cabbage-stalk, a term

of contempt applied to a wizened

old man or woman (?), 1S8. 822.
Rusde, V. pp. commended, 109. 1059.
Ruther, v. pr. t. roar, 166. 509.
Ruwth, adv. plentifully, 170. 576 (?).
Ryche, v. reach, strive, 50. 668.
Rynnand, ppl. adj. running. 158. 395.
Ry[vwallat, sb. pickpocket, 184. 783.
Rytches (?), 36. 4S7.
Ryve, V. pr. t. tear, 170. 559; pr. p.

154- 341-

Saidland, v. pr. p. burdening, riding

on, 151. 278 ; /a. t. 150. 272.
Saitling, ///. adj. (?), 184. 784.
Samyn, samen, adj. same, 301. 22,

24.
Sane syne, adv. afterwards, 217. i.
Santt, sb. saint, 246. 88.
Sarwantt, sb. servant, 233. 19; //.

sarwandis, 198. 3.
Sailed, V. pa. i. settled, determined,

iii;. 1222.

Sauitt, sawitt, v. pp. saved, 230. 31,

233- 36-
Saweoure, sb. Saviour, 224. 54.
Saweris, sb. pi. sowers, 236. 102.
Sawis, sb. pi. salves, 146. 224.
Sawres, v. pr. t. savours, 178. 684.
Sawthe, sb. salt, 166. 500.
Sayance, sb. skill, 137. 70.
Sayit, v. pp. tried, essayed, 14. 185.
Scablais, sb. pi. the itch, skin disease

produced by parasites, 152. 306.
Scaid, scald, adj. scabbed, 186. 794,

795, 184. 767.
Scald, sh. a scold, "flyter," 186. 795 (?).
Scall, V. burn, pain, 138. 94.
Schaft-bleid, sb. jawbone, 215. 24.
Schanker, sb. gonorrhoea, 152. 302.
Sched, V. pr. t. separate, part, 62. 849 ;

schod, shoad, //. parted with, cast

off, 48. 641, 95. 661.
Scheift, sb. resource, help, 224. 51 ;

pi. schiftis, devices, expedients, 18.

245.
Scheilling, sh. a shelter for sheep (m

the hills during night, 144. 201.
Scheip, schip, v. plan, try, contrive,

fashion, 38. 504 ; pa. t. schep,

schape, schuip, shup, schwpe, 18.

246, 136. 79, 228. 66.
Scheippisch = chaudpifs, sh. gonor-
rhoea, 152. 302.
Scheitt, schit, shite, sb. excrement,

as term of contempt, 158. 385,

184. 761.
Schent, v. pp. killed, 233. 29.
Scherreis, sb. pi. cherries, 22. 302.
Scherurgeanis, chirurgianes, sb. pi.

surgeons, 36. 475.
Schevilland, v. pr. p. distorting, 166.

511-
Schevin. See Schuif.

Schew, V. pa. t. showed, 18. 250, &c.

Schewit, V. pp. sowed, 160. 432 ; pp.

sewin, scattered, 219. 3.

Schiftis. See Scheift.

Sch?ruand[is], sb. pi. servants, 203.

68 ; fieruantis, 231. 65.

Schiruis, v. pr. t. serves, 48. 644.

Schismatik, chismatick, sb. one who

joins in a schism, 174. 621.

Schoir, adj. steep, threatening, craggy,

22. 296; severe, 237. 13.

Schois, sb. choice, chosen one, 208. i.

i Schorne, v. pp. shorn, 36. 474.

i Schuif, V. pa. t. shaved, 164. 487 ;

I schevin, pp. shaven, 186. 793.

I Schuip, schup. See Scheip.

I Schuit, V. shoot, 12. 163 ; schott,

imper. 198. 7.

GLOSSARY.

387

Schuit for Schuik, v. pa. t. shook,

68. 922.
Schuitting, v. pr. p. shouting, 8. loi.
Schyne, v. shine, 218. 4.
Schyre, adv. clear, bright, 170. 553.
Schyre, sh. sir, 221. 9.
Scoipper, sb. a giddy, unsettled

creature, 186. 790.
Scrowis, sh. pi. scrolls, 13S. 106.
Scurliquitour, sh. scurrilous babbler (?),

186. 800.
Seald, V. pp. fixed (?), 139. 100.
Seames, v. pr. t. seems, 237. 18.
Sedell, sh. writing, 201. 4.-
Seif, sive, sb. sieve, 165. 448.
Seissing, sessing, v. pr. p. ceasing,

18. 248.
Sell, V. atix. shall, 198. 5.
Semabrewe, semebreife, sh. semibreve,

in music a whole note, 8. 93.
Sempell, adj. simple, 198. 4.
Sen, sene, conj. since, 132. 33, &c.
Send, V. pa. t. sent, 227. 22, 228. 67,

230. 36.
Send, sh. message, prayer, 204. 7.
Ser, V. serve, 200. 42 ; /;-. /. fseruand,

210. 36 ; //. serwitt, 200. 48.
Serop, sorrop, sb. syrup, 148. 240.
Sertene, adj. certain, 240. 99.
Sey, sb. sea, 197. 26 ; seyis, 220. 5.
Sey, V. imper. try, 136. 64.
Shairne, charne, sb. excrement, 160.

426.
Shakers, sb. pi. spangles (?), 1}^. 49.
Shewin, ppl. adj. shaven, narrow, 172.

-,.590-

Sic, sick, adj. such, 193. 43, 198. 3.

Sich, V. sigh, 245. 44 ; pr. p. 222. 7 ;

vbl. sb. 208. 2.
Sichis, sychis, sb. pi. sighs, 20. 267,

217, 2.
Sicker, adv. surely, 104. 906.
Sindall, sendill, adv. seldom, 30. 391.
Sindrie, a^'. different, 197. 40, 208. 99.
Singit, ///. adj. puny, slirivelled, 164.

.494-

fiiruiture, sb. servitour, attendant,

221. 10.
Skabrous, adj. blotched, 132. 25.
Skade, sh. wizened creature, 185. 726.
Skald. See Scaid.
Skarr, v. scare, frighten, 139. 114.
Skarfi, skairse, adv. scarcely, 30. 413.
Skayth, sb. harna, 16. 196.
Skirlde, v. pa. t. screamed shrilly,

167. 486.
Skitter, sb. diarrhoea, 148. 238.
Skunnering, ///. adj, disgusting,

sickening, 154. 326.

Skybald, scybald, sb. scoundrel, lazy
ne'er-do-well, 140. 120.

SkylHt, adj. skilled, 66. 913.

Skymmer, v. (?), 186. 813.

Slaid. See Slyd.

Slaid, sb. den (?), 136. ^6.

Slaiff, sb. slave, 203. 58.

Slaik, V. alleviate, soothe, cure, 206.
44 ; pr. p. 154. 336.

Slaiker, sb. one who licks in a slobber-
ing way, 184. 785.

Slaverand, v.pr.p. slavering, 186. 803.

Slayis, slais, sb. pi. sloes, 22. 304.

Sled. See Slyd.

Sleichtis, X(5. //. acts of cunning, 199.
28.

Sleikie, sleikit, adj. smooth, deceitful,
40. 528, 41. 533.

Sleip, v. slip, 211. 29.

Sleuth, sh. sloth, 228. 4I.

Slie, adj. sly, 199. 29.

Slokkin, V. quench, 32. 425.

Slowthing, slewthing, sh. delay, neg-
lect, 40. 537, loi. 824.

Slyd, pa. t. sled, slaid, 23. 299, 228.
41 ; V. slide, 224. 54.

Smachart, smatched, sb. term of con-
tempt for a small person, 178. 692,
167. 473.

Smeirit, v. pa. p. smeared, 152. 286.

Smore, smorr, v. extinguish, 18. 246,
92. 580; //, smord, suffocated, 176.
667.

Smwik, sb. smoke, 176. 667.

Smy, sb. minion, sneak, 170. 565, 177.
635, 185. 729.

Smyrtling, v. pr. p. smiling, 68. 920.

Snair, v. pp. plotted, 233. 22,-

Snair, sb. snare, 222. 9.

Snark, sh. grumbler (?), 184. 782.

Snasting, ///. adj. running with nasal
mucus, 173. 556.

Sned, snood, adj. neat, trim, 172.
582.

Sneivilling, ppl. adj. snivelling, 172.

- 589-

Snoir, snore, sb. sniv^els, a disease

amongst animals (?), 152. 302.
Snytting, vbl. sh. clearing the nose

with a snort, 152. 311.
Soipis, sh. pi. small portions of food

or drink, 148. 236,
Soipit, V. pp. steeped, soaked, 160.

426.
Soippit, sopped, ppl. adj. faint, weary,

overcome, 21. 270, 82. 284.
Soir, V. soar, 211. 20.
Sonne, sb. sun, 240. 93,
Sonzie (?), 176. 668.

?88

GLOSSARY.

Sounding, v. pr. p. swooning, 153.

317-

Sowkit, V. pa. t. sucked, 142. 173.
Sowme, sb. sum, 231. 69.
Sowme, adj. some, 238. 25.
Sowme, V. swim, 193. 30.

Sownit, V. pa. t. swooned, 16. 203.

Sowre, adj. sour, 87. 443.

Spain, sh. splinter, chip, 14. 170.

Spairit, v. pa. t. spared, 239. 66.

Spaitt, sb. spite, 199. 15.

Spauld, spald, sb. shoulder, 180. 723,
152. 298.

Spaven, sb. a disease of horses affect-
ing the hock -joint, 180. 723.

Speidding, vbl. sb. progressing, 48.
665.

Spenzie, adj. Spanish, 152. 308.

Speritt, V. pp. spared, 200. 45.

Spew-blak, sb. one who vomits black
bile, 186. 798.

Spill, V. destroy, 233. 34; /;-. /.
spyllis, 28. 378, 56. 772.

Spotches, V. pr. t. poachest, 184. 783.

Springis, sb. pi. lively tunes, 150. 261.

Spruug, ///. adj. brisk, 150. 261.

Spuiljeit, V. pp. robbed, 16. 205.

Staingje, v. stain, make to seem tar-
nished, 219. 6.

Stakarin, stakkarand, ppl. adj. stagger-
ing, 16. 198.

Stakkerrit, v. pa. t. staggered, 22.
287.

Stale, stell, sb. stale, term in chess, 16.
201.

Stanche, v. heal, 218. 12.

Stark, adj. strong, 22. 288.

Stark, adj. barefaced, shameless, 136.
68.

Starnis, sb. pi. stars, 240. 105.

Staw, V. pa. t. stole, 136. 68, 180.
718.

Stay, adj. steep, 22. 296, 26. 33S.

Stayar, sb. hinderer, 50. 677.

Stayis, v. pr. t. stops, holds back, 27.

356-
Stayne, stane, sh. the stone, 154. 328.
Steel-gimmer, sb. one who steals gim-

mers (a gimmer is a two -year -old

ewe), 187. 766.
Steid, sb. support, 209. 21.
Steik, V. pr. t. shut, 14. 176; steiche,

ifuper. 216. 3.
Steill-3ow, sh. one who steals ewes,

184. 768.
Steris, v. pr. t. stirs, 198. 51.
Sterrie, adj. starry, 219. 2.
Stertlie, adj. leaping, rippling, 8. 85.
Stcrwilt, V. pa, t. died, 246. 91.

Stew, sb. battle, brawl, 170. 576 :
stewis, /ow. 171. 543.

Stickard, Ji^. =:stickdirt, term of con-
tempt, 139. 117.

Stiflie, adv. firmly, 233. 5.

Stikis, sb. Styx, 162. 446.

Stikker, sb. stabber, slayer, 1S8. 820.

Stime, sb. smallest portion, 91. 553.

Stinting, v. pr. p. holding back, 27.

349-
Stor, sb. store, 238. 40.
Stoundis, v. pr. t. smarts, aches, 52.

721.
Stour, sb. trouble, perilous situation,

136. 75- , .

Stownd, sb. pang, spasm of pam, 204.

69; stoundis, pi. 202. 16.
Stowp, V. imper. yield, stoop, 140.

124.
Straichtnes, sb. straightness, 219. 2.
Straik, v. strike, 247. 4.
Straik, sb. stroke, 203. 53.
Strak = stark, adj. stiff, rigid (as in

death), 36. 4.
Strange, adv. strong, 242. 154.
Streche, v. imper. stretch, 216. 4.
Streichlie, adj. in wisps like flax (?),

170. 580.
Strenthe, v. imper. strengthen, 226.

99.
Striueling, adj. sterlmg, 303. 10.
Strydand, v. pr. p. striding, 131. 19,

139. 117.
Sti^dlaiid, v.pr.p. straddling, 131. 19.
Stryippis, sb. pi. stripes, 211. 32.
Strywe, v. strive, 20. 272.
Sturdie, sb. a disease affecting the

brain of sheep and cattle, making

them run about in giddy fashion,

154. 328.
Sturt, sb. trouble, vexation, 34. 459.
Sturtsome, adj. troublesome, vexa-
tious, 140. 129.
Styme, sb. glimpse, glimmer, 40.

534-
Suaige, v. assuage, 230. 43.

Subgek, V. subject, 199. 28.
Subscriuit, v. pp. subscribed, 302. 24.
Sueiddring. See Swidering.
Suin, syne, adv. afterwards, then, 134.

Sun, sb. sm, 225. 78.

Sun3ie, swnjie, suin^ei, sb. excuse,

188. 829, 136. 79.
Surmatches, v. pr. t. excels, 74. 76.
Surmunttes, v. pr. i. surpasses, 213.

39-

Sute, V. imper. sohcit, 221. i.

Suync, sh. swine, 228. 42.

GLOSSARY.

389

Suytli, adj. trustworthy, 26. 352.
Swame, sb. tumorous growth (?), 154.

336.
Swaming, sb. dizziness, swooning,

^ 152. 311- .

Swamp-sundie (?), 1S4. 776.
Sweillit, V. pa. t. swaddled, 152. 2S6.
SweiUit, V. pa. t. swilled, drank to

excess, 164. 494.
Sweir, adj. unwilling, obstinate, 184.

771.
Swelt, sb. suffocation, 152. 311, 79.

218.
Swerfe, sh. swoon, 153. 317.
Swidering, sueiddring, ibl. sb. swither-

ing, hesitation, 107. 1007, 62. 861.
Swin5eo«r, swingeor, swyngeour, suin-

geor, sb. scoundrel, 142. 145, 146.

233, 184. 7S6.
Swir, adv. unwillingly, 152. 286.
Swit, sb. soot, 178. 685.
Swith pak (?), 184. 781.
Swn3ie. See Sunjie.
Sycht, v. pa. t. sighed, 18. 227.
Syne, adv. then, 195. 5.
Syse, sb. judgment, doom, 158. 392.

Taid, sb. toad, 13 1. 5, 136. 84.
Taidrell, sb. puny creature, 162. 457.
Taiglit, V. pp. harassed, wearied, 158.

3S2.
Taikin, sb. token, 22. 288.
Tairie, adj. tar-smeared, dirtv, 1S4.

773-
Tairie, v. tarry, delay, 164. 490.
Tanny, adj. tawny, dirty (?), 184.

764.
Targettis, sb. pi. ornaments in the

cap, tassels, 144. 206.
Tarledderis, sb.pl. thongs, 172. 591.
Tarmigant, sb. brawler, noisv braggart,

1S4. 7S0.
Taw, V. chew, suck greedily, 172. 585.
Tawis, sb. pi. a leather belt or lash

used by schoolmasters, 172. 591.
Tedder, sb. tether, halter, 164. 469 ;

//. 144. 201.
Teirris, sb. pi. tears, 212. 17.
Tene, sb. trouble, 214. 6.
Tensall, sb. loss, 235. 68.
Tensum, sb. ten at a time, 32. 434.
Tent, sb. heed, 168. 530.
Tersell, sb. puny creature, 136. 84.
Teuch, adj. tough, 24. 310.
Tewchlie, adv. toughly, 172. 585.
Thai, thais, thayis, pron. those, 44.

603, 211. 36, 34. 462.
^2i\,pyoi!. they, 193. 30 ; thy, 210. 13,

14, 243. 174.

i>hame, /WW. them, 231. 59.

Thay, /row. thy, 199. 13.

Thayne, /;-(?«. thine, 230. 31, 198. 4.

Theis, thies, sb. pi. thighs, 10. 114.

Thes, adv. thus, 224. 45.

Thes, /r^iw. these, 210. 8.

I^i, pron. thy, 211. 7, 29.

Thinkand, ihinken, z'. /r. /. thinking,

195- 30, 235. 75.
Thir, pron. these, 217. 10.
J>ir, adv. there, 233. 35.
Thirst, V. pa. t. thrust, 218. il.
This, adv. thus, 195. 15, 208. 88, 217.

9, 219. 13.
Thocht, conj. though, 193. 30, &c.
Tholl, v. tolerate, endure, 236. 113;

imper. thoill, 221. 11.
]jowirs=:thou's, thou shalt, 186. 809.
Thrang, sb. strait, 234. 45.
Thraw, in a, irregularly, 172. 584.
Thrawin, adj. twisted, distorted, ex-
pressive of ill-nature, 186. 817.
Threat, v. vex, distress, 192. 4.
Thrift, sb. fortune, luck, 156. 347.
Thringing, vbl. sb. thrusting, pressing,

58. 709.
Thristis, v. pr. i. thirsts, 34. 464.
Throt-steiper, sb. drunkard, 186. 812.
Throuch, throw, prep, through, 222. 2,

197. 48.
Thy, /row. they, 242. 158, 159.
Tiekill, adj. unreliable, gossiping (?),

210. 16.
Tine, tyne, -'. lose, in. 1099, 198. 7 ;

ppl. adj. tint, lost, loi. 816.
Tinklar, sb. vagabond, 178. 689.
Tirle, sb. rippling wave-like movement,

S3- 334 ; pi- 25- 320.

Tirrd, tirlt, v. pa. t. stripped, turned
over, 161. 392, 160. 412.

Tirrillis, tirles, sb. pi. some disease ;
St Vitus's dance (?), 152. 315.

Tisicke, sb. a hacking cough, 153. 321.

Tittest, adv. soonest, most quickly,
162. 457.

Tittis, sb. pi. a disease of horses, caus-
ing their legs to contract spasmodi-
cally (E.D.D.), 152. 315.

Tormoylit, v. pa. t. disturbed, agitated,
220. 6.

Totteris, sb. pi. staggers, a disease of
sheep, 152. 308.

Tout-mowe, sb. drunkard, 185. 741.

Tow, sb. halter, 136. 65.

Towsilt, V. pa. p. roughly handled,

158. 382.
Traitland, tratland, trailing, vbl. adj.
chattering, idle talk. 141. 129, 144,
&c.

390

GLOSSARY.

Traland, v. pr. p. trailing, 141. 144.
Trane, sb. artifice, snare, 200. 43 ; //.

212. 26.
Trane, sb. company, procession, 237.

14.
Trailing, v. pr. p. trotting, 168. 54S.
Trawill, sb. labour, 198. 7.
Trayall, sb. trial, 210. 2, 12.
Treistis, v. pr. t. trusts, 232. 2.
Trest, sb. trust, 225. 79.
Trewcour, trooker, truiker, sb. loose

fellow, trickster, 146. 219, 140.

123, &c.
Trim, adj. fine, stront^, 228. 47.
Trimmer, sb. virago, scold, 186. 813.
Trinckled, v. pp. shed, 73. 48.
Trone, sb. pillory, 170. 578.
Trottand, z'. pr. p. trotting, 140. 138.
Trubill, sb. treble, 8. 88.
Trumped, v. pa. t. deceived, 112.

1 140.
Trumper, trumpour, sb. deceiver,

114. 1 194; //. 164. 490, 138. 95.
Trumperie, 5/;. deceit, worthlessness,

136. 72,
Tryme, Trume, adj. trim, 24. 322, 173.

551.

Tuckine (?), 167. 476.

Tugled, V. pp. pulled, jerked about,

159. 362.
Tuich, tusch, interj. tush, 26. 349,

138. 95-
Turd, sb. lump of excrement. 185. 739,

1 72. 585-
Twil^eis, tuiljes, sb. pi. quarrels,

squabbles, 144. 206.
Twistis, twiskis, sb. pi. twigs, 25. 310,

6. 58.
Twith^aik, sb. toothache, 152. 315.
Twm, toome, adj. empty, 144. 206.
Twne, tone, sb. tune, 168. 530.
Twys-cheillit = twice sealed, 138. 95.
Tyance, tythance, sb. tidings, 136. 66.
Tyk, sb. dog, loose fellow, 142. 168,

&c. ; //. 158. 382, 166. 527,
Tyne. See Tine.
Tyre, v. grow tired, relax effort, 116.

1252 ; pr. t. 28. 361.
Tyris, sb. pi. bands, 172. 591.

Uyolence, sb. violence, 209. 30.

Vaiferand, v. pr. p. wavering, sway-
ing, 186. 803.

Vaikis, v. pr. t. is vacant, 318. 6 ;
pa. t. 318. 21.

Vailjeanlly, adv. valiantly, 29. 381.

Vairloche. See Warloche.

Vamis, sb. pi. blisters, spots, 170. 570.

Vanthrewin. See Wanthriuen.
Vareit, v. pp. cursed, 172. 607.
Yemen, sb. pi. women, 206. 35,
Viccer, vickar (?), 188. 820.
Yilitie, sb. vileness, 146. 213.
Vmquhile, adv. and adj. formerly,

former, "the late," 300. 5, &c.
Vnbeist, sb. monster, 150. 258.
Vncame (?), 154. 340.
Vncowth, adj. strange, unknown, 18.

239-
Vndirlyne, v. pp. undergone, been

subjected to, 334. 21.
Yndoche, vndoght, sb. puny creature,

good-for-nothing, 162. 454.
Vngiaitt, adj. ungrateful, 199. 38.
Ynhallat,///. adj. unholy, 184. 783 (?).
Vnrokkit (?), 186. 802.
Vnsell, sb. a wicked or worthless

person, 174. 622; adj. worthless,

wretched, 136. 87.
Vnslie, adj. unskilful, 142. 153.
Vntrowit, v. pp. unbelieved, dis-
credited, 156. 372.
Vnwait, adj. unwet, 142. 166.
Votes, sb. pi. (?), 178. 695.
Yl>ir, v})er, v])air, pron. and adj. other,

206. 35, 39. 23, 240. 81 ; wl)airis,

//. 210. 6.

Wad, wald, v. aiix. would, 208. 96.

Wailjeandle, wailjeantlie, adv. vali-
antly, 28. 376, 246. 75.

Wair, sb. ware, commodities, 207. 75 ;
pi. 146. 223.

Wair, warre, v. spend, exhaust, 138.
114 ; //. 150. 259, 180. 716.

Wairthe, sb. wrath, 224. 48.

Waist, adz), in vain, to no purpose,
180. 709.

Walking, v. pr. p. lying awake, 244.
14 ; //. 218. 14.

Wallat, sb. wallet, 184. 783.

Waltering, v. pr, p. tossing about,
244. 13.

Wand, V. pr. i. lash, thrash, 184. 789.

Wandevill, sb. some kind of disease,
152. 312.

Wane, adj. vain, 20. 272.

Wanfuckit, v. pp. misconceived, mis-
begotten, 136. 84.

Wanis, sb. pi. veins, 20. 258.

Wanschaippin, wanshappen, adj. de-
formed, misshapen, 137. 85, 150.
262.

Wantane, v, pr. p. lacking, 154. 337.

Wanthrift, sb. prodigal, 163. 438.

Wanthriftiest, adj. siiperl. most prodi-
gal, 150. 255."

GLOSSARY.

391

Wanthriuen, vanthrewin, ///. adj. ill-

thriven, sickly, stunted, 156. 346 ;

superl. wanthreivinest, 150. 255.
Warbillis, warbles, sb. pi, worms that

breed between the outer and inner

skins of beasts, 152. 314.
Wareit, warreit, ppl. adj. cursed, 146.

222, 170. 555.
Warloche, vairloche, sb. wizard, 175.

601, 174. 634 ;/>/. warloks, 179. 645.
Warreit, v. pp. tormented, worried,

146. 222.
Warwoolffe, woirwolf, sb. man-wolf,

175. 601 ; //. 159. 360.
Wat, wait, v. pr. t. know, 182. 749,

212. 5, &c.
Way, wey, wie, v. weigh, ponder, 30.

402, 116. 1241.
Wayage, sb. voyage, 46. 625.
Wayffis, V. pr. t. waves, 60. 812.
Wedders, sb. pi. wethers, 144. 199.
Weicht, sb. weight, 243. i.
Weicht, wicht, sb. wight, man, 206.

39, 194- 4, 244. 13.
Wein, V. pr, t. ween, suppose, 238.

25 ; pr. p. 182. 754.
Weir, V, wear, wear out, 212. 10, 247.

6.
Weir, sb, doubt, uncertainty, "but

weir " = without doubt, 206. 28.
Weir, sb. war, 235. 74.
Weird, sb. doom, destiny, 158. 380:

pi. weards, the Fates, 150. 262.
Weirreis, v. pr. t. wearies, 245. 50.
Weis, sb. some kind of disease, 152.

Wenischis, v. pr. t. vanishes, 241.

134-
Wettal, adj. vital, 60. 82S.
Wew, V. view, 198. 52.
Wexit, V. pp. vexed, 229. 3.
Wey. See Way.
Whryne. See Quhryn.
Wichis, sb. pi. witches, 178. 679.
Wicht. See Weicht.
Widderrit, T'. pa. t. withered, 20. 254 ;

ppl. adj. 178. 675.
Widdersins, witharshines, adv. back-
wards, contrariwise, 170. 580, 160.

418.
Widdie, withie, sb. rope of willow

twigs, halter, 60. 812.
Widdiesow, woodiesow, sb. 184. 789.
Wieckett, adj. wicked, 223. 15 ; wiket-

nes, 223. II.
Will, adv. well, 199. iS, 225. 66,

239. 61.
Wind-flaiffis, sb.pl. belches of wind i'?),

154- 322.

Windil-strayis, windling-strayes, sb.pl.
stalks of withered grass, yfo-. trifles,
22. 287, 82. 303.

Winques, v. vanquish, 32. 433.

Wirriand, v. pr. p. growling, com-
plaining, 154. 322.

Wirsome, sb. pus, foul matter, 154. 337.

Wifi, V. wish, 192. 14.

Wissag, sb. visage, 20. 252.

Wissel, V. change, 172. 598.

Wited. See Wyt.

Witt, sb. mind, knowledge, 196. 9,
210. 3.

Wod, adj, mad, 239. 67.

Wodnes, sb. madness, 197. 25.

Woif, adj. mad, hare-brained, 146.

215-
Woit, .r<^. vote, 50. 683.
Wolt, sb. vault, 219. 3.
Womeit, womett, sb. vomit, 170. 564,

235. 86.
Wonbill, sb. some kind of disease,

153- 318.
Wond, sb. wound, 204. 69.
Woo, adj. sorrowful, 194. 12.
Woodelyk, adj. mad-like, 184. 765.
Woodie - necke, sb. gallow's - neck,

gallow's-bird, 187. 751.
Woodraine, v. pa. t. ran madly, wildly,

167. 488.
Wood-wyld, adj. stark mad, 184, 772.
Wor, V. pa. t. were, 239. 67.
Worklum, warkloume, sb. instrument,

pen, 132. 37.
Wourdie, adj. worthy, 227. 12.
Wowaris, sb.pl. wooers, 221. 2.
Wowbat, wolbet, sb. a hairy cater-
pillar, puny dwarfish creature, ii;o

262, 174. 634.
Woyd, adj, void, 217. 8.
Wraithe, sb. wrath, 200. 46.
Wraittis, sb.pl. warts, 154. 337.
Wratches, sb.pl. evil spirits, 179. 645
Wray, v. turn (M.E. wreien, wrier

deceive, 192. 21.
Wreisting, wristing, vbl. sb. twist*

writhing, 20. 276.
Wreitis, v. pr, t, writes, i"]?

pa. t. wreit, wreat, wrett.

240. 81.
W^reyth, sb. wiath, 245. '
Wring, v. ring, 216. 6.
Wrink, v. change, turn.
Wry, V. twist, equivocf
Wj)airis. See Vpir.
Wurdie, adj. worthy,
Wylis, sb. pi. wiles, a'
Wynature, sb. drunk
Wyft, adj. wise, 19Q

i

392

GLOSSARY.

Wyt, V. i7nper. blame, 132. 17 ; pa. t.

wited, 99. 759.
Wyte, sb. blame, 220. 12.

jammer, v. pr. t. howl in whining

fashion, 138. 1 17.
3arne, Jaime, sb. 160. 430.
3eild, sb. captive, 198. 58.
3eild, V. yield, 244. 25.
3eird, sb. earth, 8. 106.

3eis = ye's = ye shall, 186. 804.

3eitt, 3itt, adv. yet, 199. 25.

3eld, Jeild, adj. barren, not in milk,

136. 67.
3eld, V. yield, 203. 53 ; pr. t. 204. 72.
3oldin, ///. adj. yielded, surrendered,

221. 10.
3ow, sb. ewe, 136. 67.
3owlis, V. pr. t. howls in whining

fashion, 166. 527.

THE END.

PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS.

rra

''« otu r. fvwH - b 1967

PR

2315
M7A6
1910

Montgor.erie, Alexander,
1545?-l6ll?

Poems, and other
pieces froii Laing MS. no
447.

Blackwood (1910)

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