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The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700

Inventory of George Ruthven's Collection in Perth

Henry Adamson Brent Nelson editor

STC 135 (2nd ed.) Copy text: EEBO reproduction of Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery copy. First transcription based on Huntington copy (TCP), proofed. The pages are very close-trimmed, so that text from several notes is missing. The marginal notes perfected and proofed from BL copy C.39 c.10.

Adamson, Henry The muses threnodie, or, mirthfull mournings, on the death of Master

Gall Containing varietie of pleasant poëticall descriptions, morall instructions, historiall narrations, and divine observations, with the most remarkable antiquities of Scotland, especially at Perth By Mr.

H. Adamson Printed at

Edinburgh in King Iames College, by

George Anderson1638 Second edition.

THE
MUSES THRENODIE,
OR,
Mirthfull Mournings, on the death
of Master

Gall.
Containing varietie of pleasant Poëticall
descriptions, morall instructions, historicall narra-
tions, and divine observations, with the
most remarkable antiquities of

Scot-
land, especially at

Perth
By Mr.

H. ADAMSON.

Horat. in Arte.
Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci.[*]He has achieved every point who has mixed the useful and the delightful.
Printed at

Edinburgh in

King Iames College,
by

George Anderson 1638. blank i To his native
town of

Perth:
The Lord Provest[*]ceremonial civic head,
Baillies[*]a civic officer in a Scottish Burgh, and
counsel thereof,
his worthie patrons,
Wishing them all happinesse
heere, and hence, dedicateth
these his recreations their
devoted Servant
Mr.

Hen. Adamson;
Student in Divine, and
Humane Learning. ii A. VIRTVTE. ORTA. OCCIDVNT. RARIVS. TO THE READER. Courteous Reader, ITt is not amisse thou bee a little informed concer-
ning the Poet, and the persons of the defunct and
mourner. The Poet wrote this for his owne exercise, and the
recreation of his friends; and this peece, although accom-
plished to the great contentment of many that read
and heard it, yet could not the Author be induced to
let it thole[*]Scots: to be foreced to undergoe the presse, till the importunitie of many
learned men urged him unto it: And the last brash was
made by a Letter of the prime Poet of our kingdome,
whereof this is the just copie. iii To my worthie Friend,

Mr. Hen. Adamson.
Sir, THhese papers of your mournings on

Master Gall ap-
peare unto me as Alcibiadis Sileni[*]Proverbial for a thing that on the outside seems worthless of devoid of interest, but when probed further, appears on the inside to be wonderful and valuable. See the opening paragraph of Erasmus's Sileni Alcibiadis, 1515, which ridicu-
lously look, with the faces of Sphinges, Chimeraes,
Centaures on their outsides, but inwardlie containe rare
artifice, and rich jewels of all sorts, for the delight and well
of Man. They may deservedlie beare the word, Non in-
tus ut extra[*]It is not inside as it is outside.. Your two Champions, noble Zannies, di-
scover to us many of the Antiquities of this Countrey more
of your auncient towne of

Perth, setting downe her situati-
on, founders, her hudge colosse, or bridge, walls, fousies[*]Scots: a fousie is a ditch, a-
queducts, fortifications, temples, monasteries, and many
other singularities. Happie hath

Perth beene in such a Ci-
tizen: not so other townes of this kingdome, by want of so
diligent a searcher and preserver of their fame from oblivi-
on. Some Muses neither to themselves, nor to others do
good; nor delighting, nor instructing; yours performe both:
And longer to conceale them, will be to wrong your

Perth
of her due honours, who deserveth no lesse of you than that
she should be thus blazoned, and registrate to posteritie, to
defraud your selfe of a monument; which after you have
left this transitorie world shall keepe your name and memo-
rie to after times. This shall bee preserved by the Towne
of

Perth for her owne sake first, and after for yours. For
to her it hath beene no little glory that she hath brought
forth, such a citizen, so eminent in love to her, and so dear
to the Muses.

Edinburgh, Julij 12. 1637.

W. D. iv [Introduction] ANnent[*]In line with; side-by-side; in company with the defunct, his name was

M. Iames Gall,
a Citizen of

Perth, and a Gentle-man of a good-
ly stature, and pregnant wit, much given to pa-
stime, as golf, archerie, curling; and Joviall companie. A
man verie kinde to his friends, and a prettie poet in
liberall merriments, and tart satyres; no lesse acquaint
with Philœnus[*]

Venus, and the

Acidalian Dame[*]Or, Philoxenus, ancient Greek writer on food in his Deipnon (4th-c BCE), than with the
Muses. For the mourner, he yet lives and mournes: and see-
ing he is of purpose to set forth the webbe of his life,
which is verie long, now almost an hundred elnes, coun-
ting an elne for a year, it is needlesse to speak of him
here, all know him (that know him) to be a good man;
and hath beene occasion of mirth to many, to none of
mourning, as

M. Gall by his immature death hath beene
to him. It seemeth sufficient, untill the time he him-
self set out the historie of himself, to set down here the
inventar of the ornaments of his Cabin, which, by a Ca-
tachrestick name, he usually calleth

Gabions. This Inventarie we have in a torn, and worn copie,
and in respect there are some lines in it we can not read,
pray thee, gentle Reader, be content of that, that is to
the fore, till we can obtaine from

M. George the whole
piece, which was alleaged to be written by

M. Gall,
although, in veritie, the Author of this book did write
it, and as I think, not without

M. George his owne
advice, and for his friends recreation. v The Inventarie of the

Gabions,
in

M. George his Cabinet. OFf uncouth formes, and wondrous shapes,001 Like Peacoks, and like

Indian apes,002 Like Leopards, and beasts spoted,003 Of clubs curiously knoted,004 Of wondrous workmanships, and rare,005 Like Eagles flying in the air,006 Like Centaurs, Maremaids in the Seas,007 Like Dolphins, and like honie bees,008 Some carv'd in timber, some in stone,009 Of the wonder of

Albion;010 Which this close cabine doth include;011 Some portends ill, some presage good:012 What sprite

Dædalian hath forth brought them,013 Yee Gods assist, I thinke yee wrought them,014 Your influences did conspire015 This comelie cabine to attire.016

Neptune gave first his awfull trident,017 And

Pan the hornes gave of a bident,018 Triton his trumpet of a buckie[*]DOST: The shell of a whelk or other mollusc,019 Propin'd[*]to offer, as a gift to him, was large and luckie:020

Mars gave the glistring sword and dagger,021 Wherewith some time he wont to swagger,022

Cyclopean armour of

Achilles,023 Fair

Venus purtrayed by

Apelles,024 vi The valiant Hectors weightie spear,025 Wherewith he fought the

Trojan war,026 The fatall sword and seven fold shield027 Of

Ajax, who could never yeeld:028 Yea more the great

Herculean club029 Brusde

Hydra in the

Lernè dub[*]Scots: to consign, condemn.030 Hote

Vulcan with his crooked heele031 Bestow'd on him a tempred steele,032

Cyclophes were the brethren Allans,033 Who swore they swet more then ten gallons034 In framing it upon their forge,035 And tempring it for Master

George:036 But

Æsculapius taught the lesson037 How he should us'd in goodly fashion,038 And bad extinguis't in his ale,039 When that he thought it pure and stale[*]Scots: chiefly of ale: having stood for a time and become clear, free from lees, ready for drinking040 With a pugill[*]measurement: a large pinch of polypodium[*]extract of the fern genus:041 And

Ceres brought a manufodium[*]Parkinson: a nonce formation, perhaps macaronic (manu, ‘by hand’ + fodium, ‘food’? ‘dug up’?); bread is conventionally the gift of Ceres (Ovid, Met. 11.145, 13.639):042 And will'd him tost it at his fire043 And of such bread never to tyre;044 Then

Podalirius did conclude045 That for his melt was soverainge good.046 Gold hair'd

Apollo did bestow047 His mightie-sounding silver bow,048 With musick instruments great store,049 His harp, his cithar[*] OED: Any of various plucked stringed instruments similar in form to, or believed to have derived from, the cithara (citing Adamson), and mandore[*] OED: A large early form of mandolin (citing Adamson),050 His peircing arrowes and his quiver:051 But

Cupid shot him through the liver052 And set him all up in à flame,053 To follow à Peneïan Dame:054 But being once repudiat055 Did lurk within this Cabinet,056 And there with many a sigh and groane,057 Fierce

Cupids wrong he did bemoane,058 vii But this deep passion to rebet059

Venus bestow'd her Amulet,060 The firie flame for to beare downe,061 Cold lactuce and pupuleum;062 And thenceforth will'd the poplar tree063 To him should consecrated be.064 With twentie thousand pretious things,065

Mercurius gave his staffe and wings:066 And more this Cabine to decore,067 Of curious staffs he gave fourescore,068 Of clubs and cudgels contortized:069 Some plaine worke, others crispe and frized,070 Like Satyrs, dragons, flying fowles,071 Like fishes, serpents, cats, and owles,072 Like winged-horses, strange Chimaeraes,073 Like Unicorns and fierce Pantheraes,074 So livelike that a man would doubt,075 If art or nature brought them out.076 The monstrous branched great hart-horne,077 Which on

Acteon's front was borne:078 On which doth hing his velvet knapsca[*]Scots: A kind of close-fitting metal defensive headpiece, a metal skull-cap, commonly worn under a bonnet or other fabric covering (DSL). Parkinson: Writing to his father-in-law Andrew Simson, James Carmichael recalled how, in 1560, as schoolmaster of Perth, Simson led the forces of reform ‘with the reade knapska’ (Wodrow Misc., pages 441–2, qtd in Durkan, 132)..079 A scimitare cut like an haksaw[*]i.e. hacksaw. OED: A saw with a narrow fine-toothed blade set in a frame, used esp. for cutting metal, citing Adamson,080 Great bukies[*]DOST: The shell of a whelk or other mollusc, partans[*]DOST: crab, toes of lapstares,081 Oster shells, ensignes for tapsters,082 Gadie[*]Gaudy beeds and crystall glasses,083 Stones, and ornaments for lasses,084 Garlands made of summer flowres,085 Propin'd him by his paramoürs,086 With many other pretious thing,087 Which all upon its branches hing:088 So that it doth excell but scorne089 The wealthie

Amalthean horne[*]Amalthea ("tender goddess"), nursed and nurtured Zeus. In some versions she suckled him in the form of a female goat, and in others, she is a nymph who gives Zeus milk from a goat. In both cases, Zeus broke off one of the goat horns, which became the cornucopia, or horn of plenty (Leeming, The Oxford Companion to World Mythology). .090 This Cabine containes what you wish,091 No place his ornaments doth misse,092 [viii] For there is such varietie,093 Looking breeds no sacietie.094 In one nooke stands Loquhabrian axes[*]DOST: Lochaber-ax(e), n. A variety of long-handled battle-axe, described as having a single elongated blade, appar. originating in the Highland district of Lochaber. ,095 And in another nooke the glaxe[*]glaxe OED, glaik, n., sense 3, ‘A child’s toy or puzzle’, citing W. Gregor’s note on Dunbar’s use of glaiks (65.497): ‘I have seen a toy called ‘the glaykis’ which was composed of several pieces of notched wood fitted into each other in such a manner that they can be separated only in one way.’ is.096 Heere lyes a book they call the dennet,097 There lyes the head of old Brown Kennet,[*]A Kennet is a small hunting dog (DOST). Possibly the name of a “defunct” hunting dog, whose head was preserved in some way. 098 Here lyes a turkasse[*]Turkis. Scots: a pair of smith's pincers, and a hammer,099 There lyes a

Greek and

Latine Grammer,100 Heere hings an auncient

mantua bannet[*]i.e. bonnet. OED: A hat or cap of a kind traditionally worn by men and boys; esp. a soft, round, brimless cap resembling a beret; a tam-o'-shanter. Now chiefly Scottish.,101 There hings a Robin and a Iannet,[*]DOST cited Adamson but can provide no definition102 Upon a cord that's strangular103 A buffet stoole[*]OED: A low stool; a footstool. Now only Scottish and northern dialect. In the 15th cent. described as a three-legged stool sexangular:104 A foole muting in his owne hand;[*] lines 105-108. Parkinson: The earthy image is dispelled with an allusion to Proverbs 27.22; raising and suppressing interest in bodily functions is characteristic of ‘M. George’, as in the outcomes of his account of a horn-blowing competition, XXI.61–76.105 Soft, soft my Muse, sound not this sand,106 What ever matter come athorter[*]Athwart,107 Touch not I pray the iron morter.108 His cougs,[*]A wooden vessel made of hooped staves (DOSL) his dishes, and his caps[*]A wooden bowl or dish (DOST).,109 A Totum,[*]Parkinson: a four-sided disk with a letter transcribed on each side: T totum, A aufer, D depone and N nihil. The disk was spun like a top, the player’s fortune being decided by the letter uppermost when the disk fell’ (DOST). and some bairnes taps[*]A child's spinning-top (DOST, citing Adamson);110 A gadareilie,[*]Parkinson: not in DOST or OED. Related to gaud, ‘a plaything, toy … a gewgaw’ (OED, gaud, n.2, sense 2)? Or DOST, gade, n1, sense 3, ‘A bar of wood’? See DOST, (rele,) reil(l, n., sense 1b, ‘A reel on to which cord or rope may be wound up in a controlled manner …’; or sense 2, ‘A whirling or turning motion; an action that communicates such motion; a roll or stagger.’ and a whisle,111 A trumpe, an Abercome mussell,[*]Could be either a mussel or a muzzle (both senses in the DOST)112 His hats, his hoods, his bels, his bones,113 His allay bowles, and curling stones,114 The sacred games to celebrat,115 Which to the Gods are consecrat.116 And more, this cabine to adorne,117 Diana gave her hunting horne,118 And that there should be no defect,119 God Momus gift did not inlake[*]inlaik, v. to be deficient; to come or run short; to be wanting or missing (DOST):120 Only * * *,[*]Parkinson: possibly Eris, giver of the golden apple of discord that led to the Judgement of Paris and hence the Trojan War was to blame121 Who would bestow nothing for shame;122 This Cabine was so cram'd with store123 She could not enter at the doore.124 This prettie want for to supplie125 A privie parlour,[*]An apartment in a monastery set aside for conversation (DOST) stands neere by126 ix In which there is in order plac't127

Phœbus with the nine Muses grac't,128 In compasse, siting like a crown.129 This is the place of great renown:130 Heere all good learning is inschrynd,131 And all grave wisedome is confin'd,132

Clio with stories ancient times,133

Melpomené with Tragick lines,134 Wanton

Thalia's comedies,135

Euterpe's sweetest harmonies,136

Terpsichore's heart-moving cithar,137 Lovely

Erato's numbring meeter,138

Caliope's heroick songs,139

Vranias heavenly motions;140

Polymnia in various musick141 Paints all with flowres of Rhetorick,142 Amidst sits

Phœbus laureat,143 Crown'd with the whole

Pierian State.144 Here's

Galene and

Hippocrates,145 Divine

Plato and

Socrates,146 Th'

Arabian skill and exccellence,147 The

Greek and

Romane eloquence,148 With manie worthie worke and storie149 Within this place inaccessorie.150 These models, in this Cabine plac'd,151 Are with the world's whole wonders grac'd:152 What curious art or nature framd,153 What monster hath beene taught or tamd,154 What

Polycletus in his time,155 What

Archimedes rich ingine,156 Who taught the Art of menadrie[*]The sub-discipline of mechanics pertaining to machines that leverage force, such as cranes and pulleys. See Jessica Wolfe, Humanism, Machinery, and Renaissance Literature (CUP, 2004), p. 59.157 The

Syracusan synedrie.158 What Gods or mortals did forth bring159 It in this cabinet doth hing,160 x Whose famous relicts are all flowr'd,161 And all with precious pouldar stowr'd:162 And richly deckt with curious hingers,163 Wrought by

Arachne's nimble fingers.164 This is his store-house and his treasure,165 This is his Paradise of pleasure,166 This is the Arcenall of Gods,167 Of all the world this is the oddes:168 This is the place

Apollo chuses,169 This is the residence of Muses:170 And to conclude all this in one,171 This is the

Romaine Pantheon.172
An apologie of the Author,
done as by the Mourner, to
the Lovers of Learning. LETLet none offend, though in mine age I sing001 Swan-like, some lawfull joyes youthead did bring:002 My songs are mournings, which may clearly shew003 Th'inconstant course of all things here below:004 Yet guided by that steadfast hand alwayes005 Which, midst confusions great, the ballance stayes:006 Thus

Heraclitus-like sometimes I mourne007 At giddie Fortunes reelings: thence I turne008 Like to

Democritus in laughter wholly009 To see th'inconstant changes of her folly.010 Thus do I mourne, and laugh oftimes, by course,011 As giddie Fortune reeles from good to worse:012 For neither is the battell to the strong,Eccles. 9. 11.013 Nor doth unto the swift the race belong,014 Nor bread to these whose wit should have commanding,015 Nor riches to the men of understanding:016 xi Nor favour doth to men of knowledge fall,017 But chance (as would appear) doth order all.018 So, if the second causes we do view,019 We shall finde out a paradoxe most true.020 But O thou prime and supreme cause of all,021 Nothing to thee by fortune doth befall,022 For Thou, in midst of all these great confusions023 Foresees, and workes most permanent conclusions,024 Keeping most comely order in varieties,025 And making concord in all contrarieties.026 Hence doth it come to passe of thy benignitie,027 That wicked men possesse both wealth and dignitie.028 But, as its written, riches are preserv'd,Eccles. 5. 12029 And for the evill of th'owners are reserv'd:030 And as a mightie load the bearers smothers,031 So some to their owne burt rule over others,032 Not looking to th'account they must needs make,Eccles. 8. 9.033 Nor bow their smiling fortune may turn back,034 Whose honour like the sea doth ebbe and flow,035 Whose beautie hath the time to fade and grew,036 Whose riches, like the Eagle, hath their wings,037 Now lighting down on earth, to Heaven then springs.Prover. 23. 5.038 The body's Summer rose is quickly gone,039 By winters stormie age all overblowne,040 To shew earths constant changes: and that all041 Which here on earth do spring must likewise fall.042 Thrise happie he that state who quickly findes,043 Which is not shaken with earths contrare windes!044 Hence Solitarie and poore content I live,045 Sith bitter hap blind fortune doth not give:046 And, like

Diogenes, contemplate all,047 Within my Cabine, that here doth befall:048 Which gives me subject both to sing and mourne,049 The times ov'rpast, which never shall returne.050 xii I praise the worthie deedes of Martiall men,051 And I do wish the whole world might them ken:052 I praise their vertues: No, their Vertuous deeds053 Do praise themselves, and as most lively seeds054 Beget like children: so commemoration055 Begets them native sons by imitation.056 Native! more native than by blood descended,057 Who with their fame their fortunes have mispened.058 For what availes to point a noble race059 By long descent of branches, if in faceIuven. Sat. 8.060 Like vertue doth not shine, and equall worth061 Ignoble deeds belie a noble birth;062 Maugre all contrare thoughts, this true shall trie063 Vertue alone is true nobilitie.064 If one most vitious in my line should be065 Five hundred years ago, what is't to me,066 Who vertuous am;? What? can it derogate067 To my good name? or violate my state?068 Or if antcestors brave shall me preceed,069 And I do prove the knave, what shall proceed070 By their Heroick vertues unto me,071 Whose vitious life denies my progenie?072 For linage and forebears,

Naso said,073 Are not cal'd ours, nor what our selves not made.Metam. 13.074 To prove this paradoxe I durst be boldArist. Ethic.
lib. 1. cap. 11075 With judgement of the learned but I hold076 My pen: for all do know of old what's said,077 I rather that

Thersites were my daid,078 And I

Achilles-like, most noble, ratherIuven. Sat. 8.079 Then I

Thersites, he to be my father:080 True generositie doth so esteeme,081 Though ignorance the contrare would maintaine.082 But

Momus must needs carp, and

Misanthrópos083 Be

Ariopagita-like Scythropos.084 xiii Scarce were these lines as yet come to the birth085 When some false flattering sycophant gave forth086 Most foule aspersions, making rumors spread,087 That citing of some auncient stories bred088 No small disgrace unto the present times,089 Places, and persons of most auncient stemmes.090 And that I write of purpose to attaint them;091 I wish of this their wrong it might repent them:092 For as the contrare's true, so I protest093 I never bad a purpose to infest094 The meanest, far lesse these of better sort,095 Where birth and grace do make a sweet consort.096 Yea, more I do protest, against my will097 These lines were reft from under my rude quill:098 I never did intend so great a height099 That they should touch the presse, or come to light:100 But now, sith more there is then my designe,101 I forced am my just defence to bring102 Gainst my traducers, who maliciouslie,103 With banefull invie's tooth, have snatch'd at me104 But I appeale to all judicious learning,105 Whose wits are exercised in decerning,106 If I your approbation do finde,107 I care nought these

Ardelio's catching winde;108 Nor other Patrons do I seek but you,109 To take of this small piece a litle view,110 And give just censure joyn'd with your protection,111 More worth then

Zoilus hate

Gnatho's affection;112 Your favours shall me shelter and defend113 Against all invies rage to live to end;114 Trusting in God to keepe my conscience pure,115 Whose favour most of all shall me secure.116 Farewell. xiv De Authoris præmaturo obitu,
Elegidion. A Damsone jaces, raptus florentibus annis?001 Totque animi dotes hausit acerba dies?002 Tam carum

Phœbo letali tabe lev are003 Artes

Phoebæ non potuere ca put?004 Quod tibi si canam fas aspexisse senectam,005 Pectoris & diti promere clausa sinu:006 Inferius Tiberi non Taus nomen haberet:007 Et Romae aequaret

Pertha superba decus.008 Haec vide, quae primâ lusit vernante juventâ009 (Talis erat

Ciris Virgiliique

Culex)010 Aspice, conatu quam nil molitur inepto,011 Grancia seu memoret, sive jocosa canat.012 Martia grandiloquo memorat dum bella cotburno,013 Maeoniam credas incinuisse tubam.014 Si laudes canat Heroum, aut facta inclyta

Iovae,015 Daunigenam jures increpuisse fides.016 Ad jeca si laetae demittat plectra

Thaliae,017

Bilbilidae dicas plectra movere sales.018 Si canit historias, diae si dogmata legis;019 Dixeris his omnes invigilasse dies.020 Denique sic unus cunctâ proludit in arte,021 Ceu brevis ars, illi vitaque longa foret.022 Quòd si tantus honos florum; quae gloria messis023 (Hanc nisi praeriperent fata inimica) foret?024 At tu quae primae dederas spiramina vitae,025 Cui vitae aeternum reddidit ille diem,026 AEternos titulos spiranti in marmore scribas,027 Vsque memor civis, inclyta

Pertha, tui.028

Th. Crafordius. xv TO

PERTH, ANENT TWO
of her Sons, her two Suns, Mr.

Henrie
Anderson, and Mr.

Henrie Adamson,
his Nephew. TWoTwo Henries, like two Suns, upon thee rose,001 The Uncle, and the Nephew, and did close002 The one à summer, th'other a winter day,003 Nor longer could on our Horizon stay.004 With home-bred beames the one on thee did shine,005 Th'other with rayes brought from the coast

Lavine.006 But herein These excell fair

Phœoebes brother,007 He and his beames do rise, and set together;008 Their rayes shine most, themselves when under earth,009 And shall perpetuall splendor give to

Perth.010 So be it ay, upon thee, noble Town,011 May many such suns rise, & so go down.012

I. A. xvi Ad Authorem proximi Epigrammatis,
de tertio Perthi Sole, Patricio Adam-
sono, Poeta & Oratore elegantissimo, qui

Perthi
natus & educatus, ob eximias animi dotes,
insignem eruditionem, & incomparabilem
eloquentiam, pari pietate conjunctam, in Ar-
chiepiscopatum Andreanum evectus est,
Επανορθωτιχον PErtha

Pertha duos tantùm vidit, sua pignora, Soles001 Laetifica claram spargere Luce diem?002 Hinc

Adamsoni discussit nubila lampas,003 Hinc Andersoni fulserat ante jubar.004 Tertius hinc ortus (gentilis & ipse nepotis)005 Clarus in arctoo

Phoebus & orbe fuit.006 Nec tantùm Arctoo; sed & hunc quoque

Gallia Soles007 Aequantem stupuit quos sua terra dabat.008 Aequantemque suos mirata est

Anglia Soles,009 Lumine multiplicis enituisse facis.010 Non alius quisquam docti pollentior oris011 Fulmine: non calamo qui superaret, erat.012 Prompta illi

Graiae &

Latiae facundia linguae:013 Nota illi veterum dogmata cuncta Sophoon.014 Illius, orbatae

Buchanani in funere, Musæ015 Pectora ceu sacros incoluere lares.016 Nota magjus nulli divina oracula: nullus,017 Hæc melius posset qui reserare, fuit.018 Nec, quanquam occiduas currum demisit in undas,019 Nox tenebris radios occuluisse potest.020

T. C. xvii In Authorem Libri. NVperNvper

Adamsonus vicit splendore Triones,001 At nunc occiduum spissior umbra tegit.002 Non tamen in caecas omnino evanuit auras,003 Liquerat en patrio lumina clara solo.004 Perthigenasque suos secus hand intermicat ille,005 (Accendens radio nobiliore diom)006 Ac Phoebe, reliquis praefulgens lucida stellis,007 Noctigenam pleno dum movet orbe facem.008 Ad

Pertham. QVidQvid fles? Quid tristi rumpis praecordia luctu?001 Pone modum lachrymis, inclyta

Pertha, tuis.002 Occiderat tuus (heu) fato

Adamsonus iniquo:003 Non tamen interiit: sed redivivus adest.004 To the memorie of
the Author. Dear Soul, thou hast obtain'd more lasting Fame,001 In follies collours wisedome setting forth,002 Than if ten fabriks like

Mausolios frame003 Were for thee rear'd in witnesse of thy worth.004 Thy

Perth may boast of such a gratefull son,005 Who thus hath honoured his deare aged another,006 Thy Muse such glorie and such fame hath won007 To her, as no oblivioun can it smother.008 xviii Art, wit, and learning; learning, wit, and art009 Do joyntlie justle here, each of them striving010 Which carrie shall the prise, and beare chiefe part011 In these thy layes, thy native Town describing.012 Thy

Georges gabions shew to underlings013 That all things trifles be, that heaven not reaches,014 By what thy Gall and he, in rapture, sings,015 Much wisedome divine and humane thou teaches.015 Thy death the Muses darlings all shall mourne,017 And shall a tombe erect unto thy name018 Of teares turn'd cristall; and upon thine urne019 These words shall write, as blazon of thy fame:020 Heere lyes his dust, by whose most learned quill021 He and his

Perth doe live, and shall live still.022 IO. MOORE. Faults escaped. Courteous Reader, who intends to read this book, may it please thee amend with thy pen these faults before thou read. Pag. 29. lineâ ultimâ, for where, read with. pag. 48. lin. 25. for Thus entring through well straitly, read, Thus entring, though well straitly, pag. 52. lin. 17. say, read see. pag. 56. lin. 10 sault, read salt. Pag. 71. lin. 4. And wraks of that citie, read, And of that cities wrake. p. 76. l. 10. cooleslineâ ultimâ, cools, read coole. 11 OFOf

Master George Ruthven the
teares and mournings,
Amids the giddie course of Fortunes tur-
nings,
Vpon his dear friends death,

Master James Gall,
Where his rare ornaments bear a part, and
wretched Gabions all. The first Muse. NOWNow must I mourne for

Gall, since he is gone,001 And yee my Gabions help me him to mone;002 And in your courses sorrow for his sake, The author
of this book
did write the
Pantheon,
which was
fathered on

Master Gall003 Whose matchlesse Muse immortall did you make.004 Who now shall pen your praise, and make you known?005 By whom now shall your vertues be forth-shown?006 Who shall declare your worth? Is any able?007 Who dar to meddle with

Apelles table?[*]Echoing almost verbatim the penultimate line of Joshua Sylvester’s “Lectoribus” (“Not daring meddle with Apelles Table”), which prefaces his translation of du Bartas’s Divine Weeks. Here Sylvester is deferring to Sidney and his now lost and incomplete translation of the same. Sylvester likens his situation, as the inferior poet and translator, to that of the painters who refused to attempt completion of the painting of Venus that Apelles (widely understood as the greatest painter of Greek antiquity) left unfinished at his death. One of three references Adamson makes to this analogue. 008 022 Ai me there's none: And is there none indeed?009 Then must yee mourne of force, there's no remeed:010 And I, for my part, with you in my turne011 Shall keep a dolefull consort whilst ye mourne:012 And thus, with echoing voice, shall houle and cry,013

Gall, sweetest

Gall, what ailed thee to die?014 Now first my

Bowes begin this dolefull song,

Bowes.015 No more with clangors let your shafts be flung016 In fields abroad, but in my cabine stay,017 And help me for to mourn till dying day.018 With dust and cobwebs cover all your heads,019 And take you to your matins and your beads,020 A requiem sing unto that sweetest soul,021 Which shines now, sancted, above either pole.022 And yee my Clubs, you must no more prepare.023 To make you bals flee whistling in the aire,Clubs.024 But hing your heads, and bow your crooked crags,025 And dresse you all in sackcloth and in rags,026 No more to see the Sun, nor fertile fields,027 But closely keep you mourning in your bields,028 And for your part the trible to you take,029 And when you cry make all your crags to crake,030 And shiver when you sing alace for

Gall!031 Ah if our mourning might thee now recall!032 And yee my Loadstones of

Lidnochian lakes,Curling
stones.033 Collected from the loughs, where watrie snakes034 Do much abound, take unto you a part,035 And mourn for

Gall, who lov'd you with his heart:036 In this sad dump and melancholick mood037 The Burdown yee must bear, not on the flood,038 023 Or frosen watrie plaines, but let your tuning039 Come help me for to weep by mournfull cruning.040 And yee the rest, my Gabions lesse and more041 Of noble kinde, come help me for to roare,042 And of my wofull weeping take a part,043 Help to declare the dolour of mine heart.044 How can I choose but mourne? when I think on045 Our games Olympike-like in times agone;Archerie.046 Chieflie wherein our cunning vve did try,047 And matchlesse skill in noble archerie;048 In these our dayes vvhen archers did abound049 In

Perth (then famous for such pastime found.)050 Amongst the first for archers vve vvere knovvn,051 And in that art our skil vvas lovvdly blovvn;052 What time

Perths credit did stand vvith the best053 And bravest archers, this land hath possest.054 We spar'd nor gaines, nor paines for to report055 To

Perth the vvorship, by such noble sport:056 Witnesse the links of

Leith, vvhere

Cowper,

Grahame,057 And

Stewart vvin the price and brought it home;058 And in these games did offer ten to three059 There to contend: Quorum pars magna fui.060 I mourn good

Gall, when I think on that stead,061 Where yee did haile your shaft unto the head,062 And with a strong and stedfast eye and hand063 So valiantly your bow yee did command;064 A slidrie shaft forth of its forks did fling,065 Clank gave the bow, the whistling aire did ring,066 The bowlt did cleave the clouds and threat the skyes,067 And thence, down falling, to the mark it flies,068 044 Incontinent the aimer gave a token,069 The mark was kill'd, the shaft in flinders broken:070 Then softlie smyling, good

Gall, thus quod I,071 Now finde I time my archerie to try,072 And heere by solemne vow I undertake,073 In token of my love, even for thy sake,074 Either to hit the mark, else shall I never,075 More with these armes of mine use bow and quiver.076 Therewith my ligaments I did extend,077 And then a noble shaft I did commend078 Unto my bow, then firmelie fixt mine eye,079 And closelie leveld at

Orions knee,080 A star of greatest magnitude, who kend it The pre-
tended Poet
When he shot
at rivers, used
to say Have
it the knee of
Oríon.081 So well as I, prayes you be not offended;082 (For I did use no magick incantation083 For to couduct my shaft I will finde cation.)084 Then cleverly my flen soone can I feather,085 Upon my left arme was a brace of leather;086 And with three fingers hailing up the string,087 The bow in semicircle did I bring;088 With soft and tender lowse out went the shaft,089 Amids the clouds the arrow flew aloft,090 And, as directed by a skilfull hand,091 With speedie flight the steadfast mark it sand,092 The aimer gave his signe, furth-with was known,093 The shot was mine, the boult in flinders flown,094 Above his shaft, in such difficile stead,095 Closely I hit the mark upon the head;096 Then on the plain we capreld wonder fast,097 Whereat the people gazing were agast;098 055 VVith kinde embracements, did we thurst and thrimble,09 (For in these dayes I was exceeding nimble)100 VVe leapt, we danct, we loudly laught and cry'd:101 For in the earth such skill was never try'd102 In archerie, as we prov'd in these daies,103 Whereby we did obtaine immortall praise.104 Then Gossop

Gall (quod I) I dar approve105 Thou hast a trustie token of my love.106 VVhat shall be said of other martiall games?107 None was inlaking from whence bravest stemmes,108 Victorious trophees, palmes, and noble pynes109 Olives and lawrels, such as auncient times110 Decor'd the

Grecian-victors in their playes,111 And worthie

Romanes in their brave assayes,112 For tryall of their strength, each match'd with other,113 Whose beautie was, sweat mix'd with dust together.114 Such exercises did content us more115 Then if wee had possest

King Crœsus store.116 But O! ye fields my native

Perth neerby,117 Prayes you to speak, and truely testifie,118 What matchlesse skill we prov'd in all these places,119 Within the compasse of three thousand paces,120 On either side; while as we went a shooting,121 And strongly strove who should bring home the booting,122 Alongst the flowrie banks of

Tay to

Amound,123 Ay when I hit the mark I cast a gamound;124 And there we view the place where some time stood125 The ancient

Bertha, now ov'rflow'd with flood

Bertha126 Of mightie waters, and that Princely hold127 VVhere dwelt

King William, by the streame down rold,128 066 Was utterly defac'd, and overthrown,129 That now the place thereof scarce can be known.130 Then through these haughs of faire and fertile ground,131 Which with fruit trees, with cornes, and flocks abound,132 Meandring rivers, sweet flowres, heavenly honey,133 More for our pastime then to conquesh money134 We went a shooting, both through plaine and park,135 And never stay'd till wee came to

Lowswork:136 Built by our mightie Kings for to preserve us,137 That thenceforth waters should not drown, but serve us;138 Yet condescending it admits one rill139 Which all these plaines with cristall brooks doth fill,140 And by a conduit large three miles in length141 Serves to make

Perth impregnable for strength142 At all occasions; when her clowses fall,143 Making the water mount up to her wall.144 When we had viewd this mightie work at randon,145 We thought it best these fields for to abandon,146 And turning home-wards, spar'd nor dyke nor fowsie

Bowsie, or

Balhousie.147 Untill we come unto the boot of

Bowsie,148 Alongst this aqueduct, and there our station,149 We made, and viewed

Balhowsies situation,150 O'reluking all that spacious pleasant valley,151 VVith flowres damasked, levell as an alley152 Betwixt and

Perth, thither did we repair153 (For why the season was exceeding fair)154 Then all alongst this valley did we hye,155 And there the place we clearlie did espye.156 The precinct, situation and the stead, The battell
of the north157 VVhere ended was that cruell bloodie fead158 077 Between these cursed clans, Chattan, and Kay Inch betwixt
thirtie and
thirtie.159 Before

King Robert,

Iohn; upon the day160 Appointed, then and there, where did conveene161 Thirtie 'gainst thirtie matcht upon that greene,162 Of martiall fellows, all in rageing mood163 Like furious

Ajax, or

Orestes wood,164 Alonely arm'd with long two-handed swords,165 Their sparkling eyes cast fire in steed of words,166 Their horride beards, thrown brovves, brusled mustages167 Of deadly blovves t'enshevv vvere vive presages.168 Thus standing Fortuns event for to try,169 And thousands them beholding, one did cry170 VVith loud and mightie voice, Stay! hold your hands!171 A little space vve pray; The case thus stands;172 One of our number is not heere to day;173 This suddaine speach did make some little stay174 Of this most bloodie bargaine, th'one partie fight175 VVould not unlesse the number vvere made right176 Unto the adverse faction, nor vvas any177 That vvould it take in hand amongst so many178 Beholders of all ranks into that place:179 On th'other side none vvould sustaine disgrace180 To be debarred from his other fellovves,181 He rather hung seven yeeres upon the gallovves.182 Thus as the question stood, vvas found at length183 One

Henry wind, for triall of his strength184 The charge vvould take, a sadler of his craft,

Henrie wind185 I vvot not vvell vvhether the man vvas daft,186 But for an half french crovvn he took in hand,187 Stoutly to fight so long as he might stand,188 088 And if to be victorious should be tide him,189 They should some yeerly pension provide him.190 The bargaine holds: and then withall their maine191 Their braikens bukled to the fight againe;192 Incontinent the trumpets loudlie sounded,193 And mightilie the great bag-pipes were winded:194 Then fell they to't as fierce as any thunder,195 From shoulders armes, and heads from necks they sunder;196 All raging there in bloud, they hew'd and hasht,197 Their skin coats with the new cut were outstasht;198 And scorning death, so bravely did they fight it,199 That the beholders greatlie were affrighted:200 But chiefly this by all men was observed,201 None fought so fiercely; nor so well deserved202 As this their hired Souldier,

Henrie Winde,203 For by his valour victorie inclinde204 Vnto that side; and ever since those dayes205 This proverb current goes, when any sayes,206 How come you heere? This answere doth he finde,207 I'm for mine owne hand, as fought

Henrie Winde.208 So finely fought he, ten with him escapt,209 And of th'other but one, in flood who leapt,210 And sav'd himself by swimming over

Tay:211 But to speak more of this we might not stay.212 Thence did we take us to the other hand,213 From this divided by a crystall strand:214 From whence the King beheld with open sight215 The long-time doubtfull event of this fight,216 From of his pleasant gardins, flowrie wall,217 Which we the guilted Arbor yet do call;218 099 And here some monuments we did descrie,219 And ruin'd heaps of great antiquitie:220 There stood a temple, and religious place,221 And here a palace; but ah wofull cace!

Black Friers
where killed
was

King
Iames the
first.222 Where murthered was one of the bravest Kings223 For wisedome, learning, valour, and such things224 As should a Prince adorn; who trads and arts225 By men of matchlesse skill brought to thir parts,226 From

Italie,

Low Germanie, and

France,227 Religion, learning, policie to advance,228

King Iames the first, of everlasting name,229 Kill'd by that mischant traitour,

Robert Grahame,230 Intending of his crown for to have rob'd him,231 With twentie eight wounds in the breast he stob'd him.232 Unnaturall parricide, most bloudie traitour!233 Accursed be thou above any creature,234 And curst be all, for so it is appointed,235 That dar presume to touch the Lords anointed.236 This

phoenix Prince our nation much decord,237 Good letters and civilitie restord,238 By long and bloudie wars which were defaced,239 His royall care made them be reembraced:240 And he this citie mightilie intended241 To have inhanc'd, if fates had condescended:242 For which if power answer'd good-will, we would243 With

Gorgias Leontinus raise of gold244 A statue to him of most curious frame,245 In honour of his dear and worthie name.246 He likewise built most sumptuouslie fair247 That much renownd religious place, and rare,248 1010

The Charterhouse of

Perth, a mightie frame, The Charter
House, or Car-
thusian mo-
nastery, wher
buried was

King James
the first, was
built by him249 Vallis virtutis by a mystick name,250 Looking alongst that painted spatious field,251 Which doth with pleasure profite sweetly yeeld,252 The fair south Inch of

Perth, and banks of

Tay.253 This abbayes, stiples, and it's turrets stay254 While as they stood (but ah where sins abound255 The loftiest pride lyes leveld with the ground!)256 Were cunningly contriv'd with curious art,257 And quintessence of skill in everie part;258 My grandsire many times to me hath told it259 He knew their names this mightie frame who moldit:260

Italians some, and some were

French men borne,261 Whose matchlesse skill this great work did adorne.262 And living were in

Perth some of their race263 When that, alace, demolish'd was this place,264 For greatnesse, beautie, statlinesse so fair265 In

Britans Isle, was said, none might compare266 Even as

Apelles for to prove his skill267 In limming

Venus with a perfect quill,268 Did not on some one beautie take inspection,269 But of all beauties borrowed the perfection:270 Even so this Prince to policie inclinde,271 Did not on some one fabrick set his minde272 To make the prototype of his designe,273 But from all works did all perfections bring,274 And rarest paterns brought from everie part,275 Where any brave Vitruvius kyth'd his art,276 So that this great and princelie enterprise277 Perfections of all models did comprise.278 1111 And in this place where he doth buriedly279 VVas kept the Relict wherein he did dye;280 His doublet, as a monument reserv'd,281 And when this place was raz'd, it was preserv'd:282 VVhich afterwards I did see for my part,283 VVith hols through which he stab'd was to the heart.284 Then, good

Gall, thus quod I, what shew of reason285 Mov'd this unnaturall traitour work such treason?286 Reason! good Monsier,

Gall did thus reply,287 Reason! so much in shew I do deny,288 Reason! No reason did he have at all,289 But wormwood, bitter malice

Stygian gall290 VVithin this traitours heart did closely lurk,291 VVhich moved him this tragedie to work:292 And I would truelie tell this wofull storie,293 But that my tongue doth faile, mine heart's so sorie:294 Yet whiles that we unto the town do go,295 Monsier, the true occasion, will I show.296 This worthie Prince, according to the taillie297 Made by

King Robert, when heirs male should faillie,298 Of his Son

David then

Earle of

Statherne,299 So soone, I say, the King as he did learne,300 That heirs male of this

David were surceast,301 Into these lands he did himself invest:302 For

David leaving after him no son,303 His lands by right come back unto the crown,304 Yet after him one daughter did survive,305 In mariage which to

Patrick Grahame they give,306 To vvhom she bare a son, one

Melisse Grahame,307 VVhose parents dying young,

Robert did clame,308 1212 As uncle, and as tutor, of these lands309 To have the charge devolved in his hands:310 Which when the king most justlie did deny311 To give, and gravelie shew the reason why,312 This bloodie traitour from his gorge did spew313 Words treacherous, nor to be spoke, nor true.314 For which he justlie traitour was declar'd,315 But he the Kings authoritie nought car'd,316 But more and more pursuing his intent,317 To

Walter Earle of

Athole straight he went,318 Whom well he knew to have the like designe,319 Above all things for to cut off the king,320 And all the race sprung of

Eliza Mure,321 With witches did consult and sprits conjure,322 This to effect, and all th'infernall furies323 With draughts and spels, and such unlawfull curies:324 At length he finding that incarnat fiend,325 Believ'd his response should have stedfast end,326 Which was, that he should once before he die327 Be crowned King with great solemnitie:328 Which came to passe indeed, but not with gold,329 For his familiar sprit keept that untold:330 Thus these two traitours cruelly did hatch331 The treason, which this good king did dispatch.332 Both of these traitours at the crowne did aime,333 Th'one thought his nephew might it some time claime,334 And he without all question would succeed:335 For well he knew to cut the fatall threed:336 Likewise that other Hell-taught traitour

Walter337 Believ'd by no meanes his response could alter,338 1313 Thus both of them fed with ambitious hopes,339 Keep'd secret by themselves their partiall scops,340 But mutually this one thing they intend,341 The king must die; and heere their thoughts they spend.342 But this Earle

Walter subtile more than th' other343 His quaint designe gan cunningly to smother,344 Observing well the

Grahames proud haughtie braine,345 Greatly aggreag'd the wrongs he did susteine,346 Affirming that there was none had a heart347 But would avenged be, and for his part348 He would assist, and when that turne were ended349 Against all deadly

Grahame should be defended.350 Thus by ambition witcht, and rage demented351 This traitour execut what was intented.352 Who from the famous

Trojan had his name353 And from the woods, when he did hear the fame

Æneas
Sylvius.354 Of this infamous fact at

Edinburgh then355 Residing to make peace between these men356 Who of the

Greeks and

Trojans are descended,357 O how he was inrag'd! O how offended!358 To see so brave a Prince so traiterouslie359 Cut off, he roard and rail'd outragiouslie360 'Gainst all the nation; but when he justice done361 Had seene upon the traitours, then his tune362 He quicklie chang'd, now have I seene (said he)363 A cruell crime revenged cruellie.364 This tragick task, Monsier, in hand to take365 Mine eyes do melt in teares, mine heart strings crake,366 What! shall I speak of

Priam King of

Troy367 By

Pyrrhus kild? that cannot much annoy:368 1414 Or shall I of brave

Iulius Cæsar tell,369 VVhom these two traitours did in Senat kill?370 These may affect us with some small compassion,371 But for to speak of this is a tentation.372

Cæsar for valour, learning and meek mind,373 And ah too much like

Cæsar in his end.374 Excusa moi, Monsier, mine heart's so sorie,375 That I can tell you no more of this storie.376 VVhen I think with what gravitie and grace377 This tragedie was told, teares weet my face:378 And I do wish good

Gall, thou were on live,379 That vvith

Meonian stile thou mighst descrive380 Such memorable acts; or else thy spirit381 In some nevv bodie plac'd, it to inherit:382 Ai me, this can not be, vvhich makes me cry,383

Gall, svveetest

Gall, vvhat ailed thee to die?384 The second Muse. BUtBut this sad melancholick disquisition001 Did not befit our Joviall disposition002 In these our dayes: Therefore vvhen we had mourned003 For this good king, vve to the tovvn returned,004 And there to cheere our hearts, and make us merrie,005 VVe kindely tasted of the noble berrie;006 Melancholie and grief are great men-killers:007 Therefore from

Tamarisk, with some capillars008 1515 Infusde we drank; for to preserve our splens009 From grief, our lungs from cough, and purge our reins.010 But this recept

Gall did not keep alway,011 VVhich made him die, alace, before his day.012 Then home we vvent unto our beds to rest us,013 To morrovv againe vve to the fields addrest us;014 And in my bed as I did dreaming ly,015 Me thought I heard vvith mightie voice, one cry016 Arise, Monsier, the day is vvondrous fair,017 Monsier arise, then ansvvered I, Who's there?018 Arise, Monsier, the third time did it call.019 VVho's there? Quoth I, It is I Master

Gall.020 Then I avvoke, and found it so indeed;021 Good morrovv Master

Gall. Monsier, God speed.022 Good Master

Gall, Dreames did me much molest023 This night, and almost rave me of my rest.024 Monsier, quoth

Gall, What motion might that be?025 Said I, I dream'd I vvas in archerie026 Outmatcht so far, that I was striken dumbe,027 For verie grief to be so overcome.028 Monsier, said he, That's beene a mightie passion,029 That hath you striken dumb in such a fashion.030 A passion, so great, that I did sweat,031 My sinewes tremble, and my heart did beat.032 At length, respiring, these few words did speak,033 O noble heart, of force now must thou break!034 For to these dayes was never in this land035 That did o'rcome this matchlesse maiden hand;036 And dreaming, as I grudg'd with Master

Gall,037 Incontinent a voice on me did call;038 1616 Arise Monsier, arise: then I awoke,039 And found it was

Gals voice unto me spoke,040 Which made me doubt, if so could come to passe:041 Then answer'd

Gall, although your bow were brasse,042 That might be done; and I'm the man will do it043 VVhat say you

Gall? Quod I, then let us to it.044 Foorthwith we drest us in our archer grath,045 And to the fields we came, like men in wrath:046 When we our nerves and tendons had extended,047 Incontinent our bowes were bravely bended;048 The skie was wondrous cleer,

Apollo fair049 Greatlie delighted to behold us there:050 And did disperse the clouds, that he might see051 What matchlesse skill we prov'd in archerie.052 The cristall river

Phæbus beames reflected;053 As glad of us, them in our face directed:054 The flowrie plains, and mountains, all the while055 That we were shutting, meriely did smile.056 Meane while, for honours praise as we were swelting057 The sweat from of our brows and temples melting,058

Phæbus, as seeming to envie our skill,059 His quiver with some firie shafts did fill,060 And from his silver bow at us he darted061 These shafts, to make us faint and feeble hearted:062 Whose mightie force we could not well oppose,063 Vnder a shade we therefore did repose064 A pretie while, hard by a silver streame,065 Which did appear some melodie to frame.066 Running alongst the snow white pibble stones067 Mourning did murmure ioyes, commixt with moanes:068 1717 A cup I had of

Woodbind of the wall069 And drinking, said, This to you Master

Gall.070 Quoth he, Monsier, sith that we have no better,071 With all mine heart I will you pledge in water:072 This brook alongst the flowrie plain meanders,073 And in a thousand compasses it wanders;074 And as it softly slides so many wayes,075 It sweetlie sings as many rowndelayes,076 And, harmonie to keep, the honie bees077 Their trumpets sound amongst the flowres; and trees078 Their shadowes from their shaggie tops down sending079 Did bow, in token of their homage rendring080 But in short while

Phæbus his face withdrew;081 Then freshly fell we to't again of new,082 And kyth most skilfull, and most pleasant game,083 While to the lands of

Loncartie we came.084 Then thus, quod I, Good

Gall, I pray thee show,085 For cleerly all antiquities yee know,086 What meane these skonses, and these hollow trenches087 Throughout these fellow-fields, and yonder inches?088 And these great heaps of stones, like Pyramids?089 Doubtlesse all these yee know, that so much reads.090 These trenches be (

Gall answering, did reply)091 Where these two armies

Scots and

Danes did ly092 Incamped, and these heaps the trophae's be,093 Rear'd in memoriall of that victorie,094 Admir'd unlook't for, conquest in that day,095 Be th'only vertue of a Hynds-man,

Hay,096 And his two sons, from whence immortall praise097 He gain'd, and glory of his name did raise098 1818 To all succeeding ages; as is said099 Of

Briareus an hundreth hands who had,100 Wherewith he fought, or rather as we see101 A valiant

Sampson, whose activitie102 With his asse-bone kills thousands, or a

Shangar103 With his oxe-goad kills hundreths in his anger:104 Even so, this war-like wight with oxens yoak105 Beats squadrons down by his undaunted stroke,106 And did regain the victorie, neere lost,107 Vnto the

Scots, by his new gathered host108 Of fearfull fleers, in a wofull plight,109 By his incouragements infusing might110 Into their nerves, new spirits in their arters,111 To make them fight in bloud unto the garters,112 Against their hatefull foes, who for to be113 Did fight, more than for price or victorie.114 Such cruelties their bloudie hearts possest115 To have old quarrells on us

Scots redrest,116 For utterly quail'd

Pights, and for their own117 Armies by us so often overthrown.118 This worthie chieftains happie enterprise119 Which sav'd this countrie from the tyrannies120 Of cruell

Danes, and his two

Mars-like sons121 Do for all ages wear the quernall crowns,122 Like

Thrasibulus; ever bluming bayes123 Do adde much splendour to these worthie

Hayes.124 And alwayes since they for their weapons weild125 Three rubrick targets in a silver shield.126 Which shield the soaring falcon doth sustaine,127 To signifie these three men did obteine128 1919 The publick safetie, and the falcons flight129 By mounting, shews their worth; by lighting, right130 Unto their lands; for honours high regard:131 Which in all ages should have due reward.132 Like shall all finde, who loyall to the state133 And countries well do prove, though small or great:134 Men shall them praise, God shall preserve their stemmes,135 Immortall fame shall canonize their names.136 Thence forward went we unto

Campsie-lin,137 From whence the river falling makes such din

Campsie-lin138 As

Nilus Catadups: There so we sported139 It is impossible for to report it:140 Whither we walk't, or did we sit, or stand,141 Quiver was ty'd to side and bow in hand;142 So that none thought us to be mortall wights143 But either

Phœbus, or fair

Phœbes's Knights.144 There we admir'd to see the Salmond leap,145 And overreach the waters mightie heap,146 Which from a mountain falls, so high, and steep,147 And tumbling down devals into the deep,148 Making the boyling waters to rebound,149 Like these great surges neere by

Greenland found:150 Yet these small fish ov'rcome these watrie mountains,151 And kindely take them to their mother fountains,152 With what affection everie creature tenders153 The native soile! Hence comes great

Iove remembers154 His cradell Creet, and worthie more than he,155 Let th'idle Cretians at their pleasure ly,156 Even these most worthie Kings, of mightie race157 Come of great

Fergus, long to see the face158 2020 Of their deare

Caledonia, whose soyle159 Doth make their kindelie hearts within them boyle,160 To view these fields where Martiall men of armes161 Great monuments have rear'd, with loud alarmes162 Of thundring trumpets, by a hundreth Kings163 And seven, one Queen; what auncient Poet sings164 The like descent of Princes, who their crowns165 And scepters have bestow'd upon their sons166 Or neerest kinsmen? Neither is it so167 That this continued line had never fo The old
enemies of

Scotland.168 To interrupt the same, witnesse these standers169 That bear the

Romane Eagle, great commanders170 Of most part of the glob, and cruell Danes171 Victorious elsewhere, but not in our plaines,172

Pights and old

Britans; more than these to tell,173 Who in the compasse of this Iland dwell174 But, praisde be God,

Britaine is now combinde175 In faith and truth, one God, one King, one minde.176 Let scoffers say that neither wyne nor oyle177 (Whose want stay'd conquest) growes within this soyle:Commodi-
ties of

Scot-
land.178 Yet if gold, pearle, or silver better be,179 As most men them account, it doth supplee:180 Yea things more needfull for mans use it yeelds,181 Heards, flocks, and cornes abound heere in our fields,182 Wilde beasts in forrests, of all kindes in plentie,183 Rare fowls, fruits, fishes, and what else is daintie;184 Perpetuall fire; to speak it in a word,185 The like no where is found, it doth afford.186 Thus providence divine hath it ordained,187 That humane commerce may be intertained,188 2121 All soyls should have, yet none brings all things forth,189 Yea grounds most barren oft have greatest worth190 Contained in their bowels: this to tell us,191 Non omnia producit omnis tellus.192 Hence comes that men their gold for yron change,193 And so far from there native countries rainge,194 Their softest silk for coursest canvasse give,195 Because by commerce men do better live,196 Then by such things their native grounds forth measure,197 By traffike they do finde more gaine and pleasure:198 Yea things more simple much more usefull are,199 And for mans well more profitable far.200 Thus yron serves for all brave arts, much more201 Then gold, let

Midas heap it up in store:202 And canvasse serves for ventrous navigation,203 Where silks are only for cloths green seek fashion,204 And though wyne glad the heart, yet stirres it strife,205 But graine the staffe is which sustaines our life:206 So humane fellowship to intertaine,207 Our fishes and our corners bring oile and wyne.208 But above all our soile throughout all parts209 Beares bravest Chiftans, with couragious hearts: Couragious
worthies of

Scotland.210 These be the bar of conquest, and the wall,211 Which our most hatefull foes could never scall.212 Would you behold one

Hanniball o'returne213 Fourscore of thousands? looke to

Bannokburne:214 Or would you see Xerxes his overthrow215 And flight by boat?

Edward the second know:216 Or

Carthaginian towres with all their mights217 Destroy'd? view

Camelon with faithlesse

Pights:218 2222 Or would yee know great

Castriot, whose bones219 Could Martiall vertue give, dig'd from the stones,220 Where he did buried ly? take for that part221 The

Brusse and

Douglas, carrying his heart222 Through many lands, intending it to have223 Solemnly buried in the

Holy-grave.224 This heart though dead, within their hearts begetting225 Brave hearts, 'gainst dangers their bold breasts outsetting.226 VVould you a King for zeale unto Gods house227 Like Israels

David? Our Saint

David chuse.228 Or know

King James the first, like

Iulius Cæsar,229 Or

Gregorie like

Alexander; these are230 VVith many more the vvorthies, vvhose renovvn231 By martiall deeds have keeped close this crown.232 Yea more to speak of such heroick themes,233 VVho knoweth not the worthie great

King James234 Of

Britains union first; whose vertues great235 VVere more than equall to his royall seat;236 VVhose matchlesse wisedome, and most learned quill237 Did nectar and ambrosia distill,238 And ravisht with amazements all who heard him,239 But most for active prudence all admir'd him.240 Happie in all his life, whose worthie name241 A peaceable

Augustus did proclaime.242 VVho conquered more by wit, than by the sword,243 And made all Europe muuhmuch regard his word.244 And good

King Charles the son of such a Father,245 Thrise happie by thy Virgine Crovvn; yea rather246 More happie, if more happinesse can be,247 In earthly things, by thy high pedegrie;248 2323 But most of all by Heaven, vvhich hath appointed249 This maiden crovvn for thee, the Lords Anointed,250 The man of his right hand, and for thy seed,251 VVhich God mot blesse and all vvho shall proceed252 Forth of thy loines, and stablish in thy place253 So long as Sun and Moone shall run their race.254 Then reigne, great

Charles, our nostrels svveetest breath,255 Long may thou reigne Defender of the Faith,256 Inthron'd among these vvorthie peerlesse pearles,257 And let all say, God save our good

King Charles;258 And deeply in his heart imprint that zeale,259 To make the lavv supreame the peoples vvell.260 VVhat shall vve speak of Martiall Chiftans more?261 Of

Gideons, and of

Sampsons vve have store,262 VVhom God did raise, for to defend our state263 Miraculously, in times most desperate.264 VVhat braver

Hector, or more brave

Achilles265 In

Greece, or

Phrygia, than

Sir William Wallace?266 And

Iohn the

Grahame, his mate, and brother svvorn,267 VVhose living fame his name doth much adorn?268 And if vve list this subject more to handle,269 What Governour like good Earle

Thomas Randall?270 Or doughtie

Douglas vvith couragious heart,271 Whose name vvrought dreadfull terrour in each part?272 But this heroick theme, so passing great,273 Impossible it is all to relate,274 Our worthie rulers even unto thir dayes275 They do not want their own deserved praise,276 Nor shall they for my part want due renown,277 Vertue t'advance, and vice to trample down.278 2424 These be the wall of Gods own work and framing279 Against our foes, and of his own maintaining,280 Wherefore we blesse his holy Name that made us,281 And pray that never forraine scepter lead us,282 T'impose hard lawes, and tributaries make us,283 To chastise us with scorpions, and to rake us;284 And likewise pray, that

Ajax-like, we would not285 Undo our selves, which all our enemies could not.286 But O dear

Caledonia! What desire

Edin-
burgh.287 Have all men who have heard thy fame t'admire288 Thy monuments? How much more these who be289 Thy sons, desire thy maiden soile to see?290 Thy maiden castle, and fair

Maiden burgh,291 The stately winged Citie, which is through292 All ages much renow'nd with streets so fair,293 And palaces so mounted in the air294 That if the deepnesse of imagination295 Could limme a landskape by deep meditation,296 Scarce could it match, where bravest youths abound,297 And gravest counsellours are alwayes found:298 Where Justice joineth hand with true Religion,299 And golden vertue keep the middle region,300 As register, where these acts are enrold,301 Better than in

Corinthian brasse or gold.302 Let Poetaster-parasits, who fain,303 And fawn, and crouch, and coutch, and creep for gain,304 And, where no hope of gain is, huffe, and hur,305 And bark against the Moone as doth a Cur;306 Let such base curs, who nought but gobbets smell,307 Wish the disgrac'd, and deeply sunk in hell308 2525 Whether themselves do go; yet shalt thou stand,309 And see them ruin'd all that thee withstand:310 God shall be-friend thy friends, and shall all those311 Aray with shame that causelesse be thy foes:312 Thou art this ancient Kingdomes bravest part,313 For wit and worth thou art its hand and heart,314 And who the Kingdomes compend brave would see315 Needs do no more but survey take of thee.316 Hence these desires fair

Caledonias soile317 To view, where bravest stratagems with toile318 Have acted beene, hence comes these kindly wishes,319 To see these fields, even like these kindly fishes,320 Which we behold ov'rcome this mightie lin,321 And seeke the fountaines where they did begin.322 The third Muse. THusThus as wee did behold the Salmond sporting,001 Wee spyed some Countrie clowns to us resorting, Countrie
clowns half
asses.002 Who striken were with suddain admiration003 To see us graithed in such antique fashion,004 Their stairing eyes grew blinde, their tongues were dumb,005 A chilling cold their senses did benumme.006 Said we, What moves you Ghosts to look so griesly?007 They scarcely muttering, answered, and not wisely,008 2626 Oft have we heard of such strange wights as yee,009 But to this time we did them never see,010 If yee be men or not, scarce can we tell,011 Yee looke like men, yet none such heere do dwell.012 Then said good

Gall, Monsier, these fellowes stupid,

Gall was a
tale & good-
ly man, M.

George a
bonnie little
man.013 Doubtlesse take me for

Mars, and you for

Cupid;014 Therefore let us be gone, we will not tarie,015 Yon clownes will swear that they have seene the

Farie016 When they come home at night, and by the fire017 Will tell such uncouth tales, all will admire,018 Both man and wife, the laddes and all the lasses,019 For be yee sure such clownes are verie asses.020 Thence downe the river bank as we did walk,021 And mirrielie began to chant and talk,022 A prettie boat with two oares we espy'd023 Fleeting upon the waters, then we cry'd,024 HOW boatman come; two fisher men neerby025 Thus answered us againe, And who doth cry?026 Said we, Good friends, to favour us delay not,027 The day is verie hot, and walk we may not,028 Therefore your kindly courtesie implores,029 To let us have these little pair of oares030 For down the river we would make our way,031 And land at

Perth, With all our heart, said they,032 For we likewise at

Perth would gladly be,033 Only we want such companie as yee.034 All men were glad of us, none did refuse035 What ever thing it pleasde us ask or chuse,036 Then we inbarked with two boyes in train,037 Who recollect our shafts, and these two men:038 2727 As down the river did we softlie slide,039 The banks most sweetly smyld on other side:040 To see the flowres our hearts did much rejoice041 The banwort, dazie, and the fragrant rose;042

Favonius in our faces sweetlie blew043 His breath, which did our fainting sprits renew.044 Then with

Sicilian Muse can we dissemble045 Our secret flammes, making our voices tremble;046 While as we sweetlie sung kinde Amaryllis,047 And did complaine of sowre-sweet lovely Phyllis,048 So sadly, that the Nymphs of woods and mountains,049 And these which haunt the plains and crystall fountainsNymphes.050 Bare-legged to the brawns, armes bare and brest,051 Like whitest evorie bare unto the waste,052 The lillies and the roses of their faces053 Running more pleasant made, their waveing tresses,054 VVell curled with the winde: all these drew nye055 The waters brink, in song to keep reply,056 Treading the flowres, VVhen

Gall them so espy'd057 O! how he cast his eyes on either side.058 And wish't t'have smeld one flovvr, vvhere they had traced,059 Judge vvhat he vvould have given to have embraced.060 But chiefly Echo fettred vvas in love,061 At everie vvord vve spoke her tongue did move,Echo.062 Then did vve call, Svveet Nymph, pray thee dravv nye?063 She ansvveering us most vvillingly, said, I064 Dravv neere said

Gall, for gladlie vvould I please thee,065 Do not deny to heare me. She said ease thee,066 Then comesvveet Nymph, thy face faine vvould I knovv,067 She quickly ansvvering him againe, said, No.068 2828 Why so, said he? Heere is there no

Narcissus.069 To this her old loves Name did answer, kisse us.070 Kisse us, said he, with all my heart, againe.071 This is the thing I would: she answered, Gaine:072 Gaine! such a gaine, said he, I crave alway;073 No countenance she shews, yet answers ay;074 And bashfuly obscures her blushing face,075 Lest from

Cephisus son she finde disgrace.076 But if that she had known Gals tender minde,077 She had not prov'd so bashfull and unkinde.078 When ended were our songs with perfite close,079 We thought it best to merrie be in prose;080 Then seriously and truely to discourse,081 Of diverse maters grave, we fell by course,082 But chiefly of this blinde worlds practice bad, Contempt of
learning.083 Preferring unto learning any trade.084 For these evill times hold not in such account085 Men learned, as the former ages wont:086 But if the worth of learning well they knew,087 Good

Gall (quoth I) they would make much of you,088 In Poetrie so skild, and so well redWhat a Poet
can do.089 In all antiquitie, what can be said090 Whereof you fluently can not discourse,091 Even like the current of this rivers course?092 Things absent you can present make appear,093 And things far distant; as if they were near,094 Things senselesse unto them give sense can yee,095 And make them touch, taste, smell, and heare, and see:096 What can not Poets do? They life can give097 And after fatall stroke can make men live;098 2929 And if they please to change their tune or note,099 They'le mak mens names on earth to stink and rote.100 Who did fixe

Hercules amongst the stars?101 And

Diomedes for his wit in wars102 Made equall to the gods? But odious103 For vice

Thersites vile, and

Sisyphus?104 These were th'immortall muses, who do sing,105 As vice and vertue do their subjects bring,106 Therefore this counsell wisedome doth impart you,107 Flee filthie vice and intertaine fair vertue.108 Yet 'tis not so that everie spirit fell109 Whose wicked tongue is set on fire of Hell,110 Nor everie

Momus, nor

Archilochus,111 Whose mouths do vomite venome poysonous,112 Hath inspiration of the sacred Muses,113 Such wickednesse th'

Aonian band refuses:114 But he who vice most gravely censure can,115 And vertues praise advance in any man116 With perfect numbers, such one is a Poet,117 But in thir dayes, alace, few men do know it,118 Like my dear

Gall: who gravely did reply119 A good Mecaenas lets not Poets die,120 Poets make men on gold wing'd fame to flie121 When lands with losse; life chang'd with death shall be.122 As we thus talk'd our berge did sweetly passe123 By

Scones fair pallace, sometimes Abbay was:124 Strange change indeed, yet is it no new guyse,125 Both spirituall lands and more to temporise.126 But pallace fair, which doth so richly stand,127 WhereWith gardens, orchards, parks on either hand,128 3030 VVhere flovvres, and fruits, the hart, and fallovv deere,129 For smell, for taste, for venison and cheere,130 The nose, the mouth, and palate vvhich may please,131 For gardine chambers for delight and ease,132 Damask't with porphyrie and alabaster,133 Thou art not subject for each Poetaster,134 But for a Poet, Master in his art,135 VVhich thee could vvhole descrive, and everie part,136 So to the life, as t'vvere in perspective,137 As readers that they see thee might beleeve.138 Meane vvhile our boat doth vvith the river slide139 The countrie Nymphs vvho in these parts abide,140 VVith many a shout moving both head and hand141 Did us invite, that vve vvould come a land.142 Not novv, said vve; and think it not disdaine143 For vve do promise for to come againe,144 And view where some time stood your Cathedrall,145 And mount, which Omnis terra you do call.Bridge of

Tay.146 Just by this time we see the bridge of

Tay147 O happie sight indeed, was it that day;148 A bridge so stately, with elleven great arches,149 Joining the south and north, and commoun march is150 Unto them both, a bridge of squared stone,151 So great and fair; which when I think upon,152 How in these dayes it did so proudly stand,153 Ov'rlooking both the river and the land;154 So fair, so high, a bridge for many ages155 Most famous; But alace, now through the rages156 Of furious swelling waters, thrown in deep,157 Mine heart for sorrow sobs, mine eyes do weep.158 3131 And if my tongue should cease to cry and speak,159 Undoubtedlie my grief-swoln heart would break.160 But courage, Monsier, my good Genius sayes,161 Remember yee not how

Gall in those dayes162 Did you comfort, lest melancholious fits163 Had you opprest, your spleen so neerelie sits,164 And told you in the yeer threescore thirteene165 The first down-fall this Bridge did ere sustaine,166 By ruine of three arches nixt the town,167 Yet were rebuilt. Thereafter were thrown down168 Five arches in the yeer fourescore and two,169 Reedified likewise, and who doth know170 Monsier, but ah, mine heart can scarcelie sober!171 Even that great fall the fourteenth of October,172 Six hundred twentie one, repaird may bee,173 And I do wish the same that I might see:174 For

Britaines Monarch vvill it sure repair,175 Courage therefore, Monsier, do not despare;176 Is't credible to bee believ'd or told,177 That these our Kings, who did possesse of old178

Scotland alone, should such a work erect179 And

Britaines mightie Monarch it neglect?180 Absurd it is to think, much more to speak it;181 Therefore good Monsier yee do far mistake it;182 For never had yee King vvas more inclinde183 To do great vvorks; nor of a braver minde,184 Providing he can have due information,185 His vvord vvill prove of powerfull operation:186 For Kings are Gods on Earth, and all their actions187 Do represent th'Almighties great perfections.188 3232 Thus Gals sweet words often do me comfort,189 And my good Genius truely doth report190 Them unto me, else sure my splene should wholly191 Be overcome with fits of melancholie;192 Therefore I courage take, and hope to see193 A bridge yet built, although I aged be,194 More stately, firme, more sumptuous, and more fair,195 Then any former age could yet compare:196 Thus

Gall assured me it would be so,197 And my good Genius truely doth it know:198 For what we do presage is not in grosse,199 For we be brethren of the Rosie Crosse;200 VVe have the Mason word, and second sight,201 Things for to come we can foretell aright;202 And shall we show what mysterie we meane,203 In fair acrosticks CAROLUS REX, is seene204 Describ'd upon that bridge, in perfect gold:205 By skilfull art; this cleerelie we behold,206 With all the Scutcheon of great

Britaines King,207 Which unto

Perth most joyfull news shall bring,208 Loath would we be this mysterie to unfold209 But for

King Charles his honour we are bold.210 And as our Boat most pleasantly did passeFirst building
of the bridge
of

Tay.211 Upon the cristall river, clear as glasse,212 My dearest

Gall, quoth I, long time I spend213 Revolving from beginning to the end214 All our records, yet searching can not finde215 First when this bridge was built; therefore thy minde216 Faine would I know: for I am verie sorie217 Such things should be omitted in our storie.218 3333 Monsier, said

Gall, things many of that kinde219 To be omitted often do vve finde:220 Yea time hath also greatest vvorks destroyed,221 Wherein the learn'dest pennes have beene imployed.222 But if that I should tell what I do knovv,223 An ancient storie I could to you shovv,224 Which I have found in an old manuscript,225 But in our late records is overslipt,226 Which storie no lesse probable is, than true,227 And, my good Monsier, I vvill show it you.228 I leave to speak vvhat

Hollinshed hath told229 Of

Cunidag, vvas

Britaine king of old,230 The time

Vzziah was of

Iuda king,231 And

Ieroboam did ov'r

Israel reigne,232 Ere

Rome a citie was yeers fourtie five,233 Ere sons of

Rhea did for masterie strive,234 Hovv that this Heathen built three cels of stone,235 To

Mercurie at

Bongor built he one,236 His vvay for to direct: then to

Apollo237 At

Cornuel another did he hallovv,238 For favourable response: the third to

Mars,239 Where

Perth novv stands, for to assist his wars.240 But good Monsier this storie is too old,241 Therefore I leave the rest of it untold,242 The time vvill not permit me to out-read it,243 I'm sure in

Hollinshed yee often read it.244 I will a storie of no lesse credite tell,245 In after ages truely what befell.246 When mightie Romaines came into this soile,247 With endlesse labour and undaunted toile,248 3434 After great conflicts and uncertaine chance249 Of Fortunes dye, they did in armes advance,250 At length unto these parts where

Perth doth stand251 Under the conduct and victorious hand252 Of that most valiant Chieftain of great fame253 Brave

Iulius Agricola by Name.254 And there hard by a river side they found255 The fairest and most pleasant plot of ground,256 That since by bank of Tiber they had beene,257 The like for beautie seldome had they seene,258 Of eighteene hundreth paces good, in length,259 From

Muretowne brays to foot of

Carnaks strength,260 King of the Pights, which stood on

Moredune hill,261 The foot thereof from Friers dwelt thereintill262 Now named is, in breadth eight hundreth paces,263 Painted with white, red, yellow flowrie faces,264 So equall fair; which when they did espy,265 Incontinent they

Campus Martius cry,266 And as an happie presage they had seene,267 They fixt their tents amidst that spatious greene,268 Right where now

Perth doth stand, and cast their trenches269 Even where

Perths fowsies are, between these inches,270 The south and north, and bastalies they make,271 The power and strength of

Scots, and Pights to brake,272 Who presently would fight, by wise cunctation273 They frustrat all their hope and expectation:274 For well this most victorius

Romaine knew275 T'abate his Enemies rage and courage too.276 Finding the place even to their hearts desire,277 With grasse for pasture stor'd, and wood for fire,278 3535 The river likewise verie opportune279 For lighter vessels to passe up and downe,280 And correspondence with their Navie make,281 As Souldiers wise, they all occasions take,282 And do conclude to winter in that place,283 To foile their foes, by voluntarie chace.284 Meane while couragiously they do advise285 A bridge to build, for further enterprise,Wright
work.286 Then forthwith fall they with redoubling stroaks287 To fell the tall firre trees, and aged oaks;288 Some square the timber with a stretched line,289 Some do the tenons, and the morties joine,290 Some frame an ovall, others make a cub,291 Some cut a section, other some do grub,292 Some with great compasse semicircles forme,293 Some drive the wadges, painfullie some worme,294 Some do hoyse up the standers, others fixe them;295 And some lay goodly rafters ov'r betwixt them;296 What strength or skill can work, from point to point297 They cunningly contrive with angular joint,298 And do most strongly binde these contignations,299 To make them stand against all inundations.300 All men are set on frame, all hands are working,301 And all ingines are bussied without irking.302 Thus in short space, a bridge they strongly make,303 With passage fair; and for their safeties sake304 A mightie strength to be, they frame withall,305 On either end, a bridge to lift and fall,306 That souldiers might within it keep at ease,307 Admitting, or repelling, as they please308 3636 Thus fortified, lest that they should neglect309 Due honour to their gods, they did erect310 To

Mars a temple, rather did restore311 The temple built by Cunidag before:312 For time on all things worketh demolition,313 And heathen men maintaine like superstition.314 Then did this valiant chiftaine name the river315 In

Italies remembrance

Neo-Tiber.316 Which afterwards it kept for many a day,317 How long I know not, now its called

Tay.318 Likewise an house of mightie stone he framed,319 From whence our Castell-gavell, as yet is named.320 And, if

Domitian had not cald him home,321 I think he should have built another

Rome.322 But all these monuments were worne away323 Ere did

King William

Perths foundation lay,324 Only

Mars temple stood upon that greene,325 And th'house built by Agricola was seene,326 And some characters cunningly incisde327 With

Iulius Agricola imprisde328 In solid marmor, and some print was found,329 Where camped had an armie, and the ground330 Where there had beene a bridge: all which did yeeld331 Occasion to

King William for to beild,332 After old

Bertha's overthrow, that citie,333 These ancient walls, and famous bridge; ah pitie334 If they were as! But what doth not the rage335 Of men demolish and consuming age?336 For good

King William seeing where had beene337 Of old a passage, forthwith did ordaine338 3737 A mightie bridge of squaired stone to be.339 These famous wals and fusies which we see,340

Perth his chief strength to make, and seat of power341 Did with most ample priviledge indue her.342 These be the first memorials of a bridge,343 Good Monsier, that we truely can alledge.344 Thus spake good

Gall and I did much rejoice345 To heare him these antiquities disclose;346 Which I remembring now, of force must cry,347

Gall, sweetest

Gall, what ailed thee to die?348 The fourth Muse. THisThis time our boat passing too nigh the land,001 The vvhirling streame did make her run on sand,002 Aluif, vve cry'd, but all in vain, t'abide,003 We were constrain'd, till flowing of the tide.004 Then

Master Gall, quod I, even for my blessing005 Now let us go, the pretious pearles a fishing, Fishing of
pearles.006 Th'occasion serveth well, while heere we stay007 To catch these mussels, you call toyts of

Tay:008 It's possible, if no ill eye bewitch us009 We jewels finde, for all our dayes t'enrich us:010 3838 The waters here are shald, and clear, and warme,011 To bath our armes and lims will do no harme,012 For these sweet streames have power to bring back013 Our spirits which in outward parts make slake014 Our naturall strength, but when these sprits retire015 They multiplie our heat and inbred fire,016 Helping our vitall, and our naturall parts,017 Our lungs, our levers, stomachs, and our hearts,018 And mightily refrigerat our reanes,019 But above all they do refresh our spleans.020 For such a bathing bravely doth expell021 Melancholie, which makes the splean toswellto swell.022 More than it should, causing an atrophie,023 That we like skelets rather seeme to be024 Then men, and

Atropos appears to laugh,025 Thinking we look liker an Epitaph,026 Then marriage song; likewise it doth us make027 Both supper and collation freshly take.028 Content said

Gall: Then off our shoes we drew,029 And hose, and from us we our doublets threw,030 Our shirt sleeves wreathing up, without more speeches,031 And high above our knees pulling our breeches,032 In waters go, then streight mine armes I reach033 Unto the ground, whence cleaverly I fetch034 Some of these living pearled shels, which do035 Excell in touching and in tasting too,036 As all who search do by experience try,037 And we oftimes; therewith I lowdlie cry,038 Good

Master Gall, behold I found a pearle,039 A Jewell, I assure you, for an Earle.040 3939 Be silent, said good

Gall, or speak at leasure,041 For men will cut your throat to get your treasure,042 If they its worth did know so well as I.043

Harpocrates my patience will try,044 Said I againe, for I am not like such045 Who hurd their treasure and their speach asmuchas much.046 But

Gall, to stay long, no wayes could be mov'd047 This element, said he, I never lov'd.048 To land: on goeth our cloaths, alongst the way049 Then did we go, and taking cleare survey050 How proper

Perth did stand, one might have drawn051 Its landship fair, on paper, or on lawn.052 Good

Gall, said I, ofttimes I heard of oldThe wals of

Perth.053 To be of truth these things ere while you told:054 But of these wals I doubt that which you said055 That good

King William their foundations layd.056 Their founding is more late, I you assure;057 That we from strangers rage may be secure,058 They builded were, even then when

Iames did reigne059 The second, and in minor age was king,060 Vpon a bloodie slaughter, I hear tell,061 Which twixt our town and highland men befell;062 For taking, as the custome was, a staig063 At Midsummer; said

Gall, Monsier, you vaig.064 Which word indeed my spleane almost did move:065 Then

Gall, said I, if that I did not love066 You most intirely, I would be offended.067 Said he, good Monsier, Would you have it mended?068 Then I that storie will you truely tell,069 And if I faile so much as in a spell,070 4040 Speak all your pleasure, I my peace shall hold,071 And grant my tongue in speaking was too bold:072 Therefore Monsier, be not so much annoy'd,073 These walls have oft been built, and oft destroy'd074 And stratagems of war have acted been,075 As worthie as the world hath heard or seene.076 By Sojours as good as the Earth hath born,077 This boldly to avow I dar be sworn:078 Englands first

Edwards three can shew the same,079 And

Scotlands

Wallace,

Bruce, and

Stewarts fame,080 Whose prowes vvithin this Isle vvere not confin'd081 The

Netherlands and

France scarce them contain'd,082 Nor other parts of

Europ, and it's cleare083 What great exploits they bravelie acted heere,084 These stories are vvell known, I must not slack,085 For by and by the tide vvill call us back,086 When

Edward Langshanks

Scotland did surprise,087 The strengths first did he take, as Chiftaine vvise,

Wallace ex-
pelleth the

English out
of

Perth.088 But his cheif strength to keep both South and North089 Lovv-lands and high-lands on this side of Forth,090

Perth did he chuse, and stronglie fortifie091 With garisons of foot and chavalrie.092 And vvhat the former times could not outred093 In vvalls and fovvsies; these accomplished.094 Thereafter vvorthie

Wallace first expell'd them,095 And for to leave these vvals by force compell'd them.

Wallace sur-
renders the
government.096 Whom after foughten vvas that fatall field097 VVofull

Falkirk, envie did force to yeeld098 Up his governement; to

Perth then came,099 And in the Nobles presence quatte the same.100 4141 Leanfac'd envie doth often bring a nation101 To civill discord, shame, and desolation.102 Such bitter fruit we found, all to confusion103 At once did run, was nothing but effusion104 Of guiltlesse bloud: Our enemies did take105 Our strengths again, and all things went to wrake,106 Such was our wofull state, unto the time107 The brave King,

Robert Bruce, came to this clime,

Bruce.108 Most happily, yet small beginnings had:109 For many yeers before this land he fred110 From enemies rage, till wisely he at length111 By soft recoiling recollected strength;112 Then came to

Perth, and did the same besiege Buchan. lib.
8. pag. 272.113 And take; who through persuit and cruell rage114 Kil'd

Scots, and

English all were in it found,115 Brake down the walls, them equal'd to the ground.116 But after this victorious King did die,117 And brave Earle

Thomas Randolf, by and by118 All things perplexed were, the

Baliol proud119 With

English forces both by land and floud

Baliol.120 In

Scotland came, arrived at

Kinghorne,121 And through the countrie mightily did sorne.122 Our Governours, the Earles of

Merche and

Marre123 Sufficient armies levying for warre124 This pride for to represse, did fixe their tents125 At

Dupline camped

Marre: mine heart it rents

Duplin field126 To tell the wofull event, in the night127 This Earle and all his hoste surprisde by sleight,128 Yee know the storie, all to death neer brought,129 The

Englishmen on

Scots such butcheries wrought.130 4242 Thus

Baliol proud to

Perth did make his way,131 The city all secure ere break of day132 For to surprise, naked of walls and men,133 As pray most easie did obtaine, and then134 To fortifie the same, in haste, did call,135 Go cast the fousie, and repair the wall.136 The Earle of

Merch, hearing the wofull chance,137 Incontinent his armie did advance138 To

Perth, hoping the same he might regaine,139 Did straitly it besiege, but all in vaine,140 He forc'd was to reteir;

Baliol to

Scone141 Then went, was crown'd, rather usurp'd the crown.142 By these fair Fortuns having gain'd a faction,143 Not for the countreyes peace, but for distraction144 Did overswey the ballance, none with reason145 Durst call the

Baliols enterprise a treason,146 Because it had good successe; so doth reele147 Th'inconstant course of giddie Fortunes wheele.148 Constant in changes of blindfolded chance.149 Meane while King

David Bruce did flee to

France150 As yet a child, his tender life to save151 From tyrannizing

Baliols bloodie glave.152

Baliol install'd, in guarding leaves the town153 To some true traitours, not true to the crown.

Perth besei-
ged three
months.154 Hereafter Nobles and commons all combinde155 Whose kin wer kild at

Dupline, in one minde156 Aveng'd to be, did come in awfull maner157 Unto the citie, with displayed banner;158 And strongly it beseige three months and more,159 Till strong assault, and famine, urgeing sore,160 4343 Forc'd them to yeeld, the traitours openly kild161 The wals were raz'd againe, and fousies fild. Is taken, and
her wals ra-
zed.162 Yet

Baliol once more did obtaine the same,163 And with new Fortunes much advance his name164 But who doth not finde Fortunes fickle chance?165 Whom erewhile she so highly did advance166 To hold a scepter, and to weare a crown,167 Now tyrannizing proudly pesters down:168

King Edward came with fiftie thousand brave169 To

Perth, the Baliol, lead as captiv'd slave.

King Edward
the third ta-
keth captive
the

Baliol,
takes in

Perth
and rebuildes
her wals.170 Trust not in Kings, nor Kingdomes, nor applause171 Of men, the World's a sea that ebbes and flowes,172 A wheele that turnes, a reele that alwayes rokes173 A bait that overswallowed men choaks.174 Seditions rise againe, this

Edward Windsore175 With greater forces came, and made a winde sore176 To blow through

Scotland, minding a new conquest,177 Did all things overwhelme, even as a tempest178 Castles ov'rcome, strongly beligger

Perth179 It take, rebuild her wals, all thrown to Earth,180 Upon the charges of sex Abacies,181 With bulwarks, rampiers, rounds, and bastilies182 Of squared stone, with towres and battlements,183 Houses for prospect, and such muniments,184 For strong defence, clouses and water fals,185 With passage fair to walk upon the wals,186 And spacious bounds within sojours to dreele,187 To merch, to string, to turne about, and wheele.188 These were the Abacies,

Couper,

Landores,189

Balmerinoch,

Dumfermling,

Saint Androes,190 4444 And

Aberbrotok; who these works did frame,191 For merite, and for honour of their name:192 Such zeale had they, though blinde; ah now a-dayes193 Much knowledge is profest, but zeale decayes.194 Thus was the citie strongly fortified, King

Robert
the second
beliggereth

Perth, assisted
by the

Dou-
glas, &

Earle
of Rosse.195 Till

Robert the first Stuart first assayed196 With foure great armies, yet by force repell'd197 And after three months sage with grief compell'd198 To sound retreat,

Douglas meane while in

Tay199 Most happ'ly did arrive: then they assay200 To reinforce the charge, and with munition201 For batterie new prepard, and demolition,202 Most furiously assault, a month and more,203 Yet nothing could availe their endevoure,204 Untill the

Earle of Rosse with new supplie205 Did fortifie the leaguer, and drew by206 The water, which the wall did compasse round,207 By secret conduits, and made dry the ground.208 Then after sharp assault, and much bloud spended,209 Bravely pursued, and no lesse well defended,210 Finding themselves too weak who were within211 More to resist, to parlie they begin,

Perth surren-
dered by the

English.212 And treat of peace; both parties jump in one,213 With bag and baggage that they should be gone,214 And so it was: The citie they surrender215 No

English since hath been thereof commander.216 Read

George Buchanane Boëce, Master

Mair217 These histories they word for word declare.218 After this seige the wals some part thrown down219 But were not wholly razde, to keep the town220 4545 In some good sort, readie for peace or war,221 If not a bulwark, yet some kinde of bar.222 Thus did they stand, untill these heighland men223 Amidst their furie kil'd a Citizen; The Heigh-
land men kill
a Burges of

Perth.224 A Citizen to kill, an odious thing225 It then was thought; no sacrifice condigne226 Could expiat the same, though now each knave227 Dar to account a citizen a slave;228 No such conceat in all the World againe,229 As proudlie-poor such fondlings do maintaine.230 This suddaine slaughter made a great commotion,231 The Burgesses without further devotionAre persued
by the citi-
zens to

Hogh.
-
mansstaires232 As men with war inur'd, to armes do flie,233 Upon these Heigh-land men aveng'd to be,234 Which they performe, chaffed in minde as beares,235 And do persue them unto

Hoghmansstaires;236 In memorie of this fight it hath the name,237 For many men lay there, some dead, some lame,238 On which occasion they gan fortifie,239 And build these walls againe, as now we see; The last
building of
the wals.240 Though not so brav'ly as they were before,241 For that did far surpasse their endevour,242 Yet some resemblance they do keep and fashion243 For they be builded neere the old foundation.244 These are the wals, Monsier, as I have shown,245 Which often have beene built, ofttimes down thrown246 With stratagems of war, fame hath renownd them,247 And if not

Mars, yet martiall men did found them.248 But now, good Monsier, needs none more at all249 Them to destroy: they of themselves will fall.250 4646 So said good

Gall, and humbly begged leave251 For that offence so rashly he did give.252 Oh! if he were on life to say much more,253 For so he was disposde some times to roare.254 The fifth Muse. YEtYet bold attempt and dangerous, said I,

Perths old
Burgesses all
chosen men
of greatest
manhood, for
defence of
that strength,
Buch. lib. 16.
pag. 593001 Upon these kinde of men such chance to try002 By nature inhumaine, much given to blood,003 Wilde, fierce, and cruell, in a disperat mood.004 But no such danger, answer'd Master

Gall,005 As fearfullie you deeme, was there at all:006 For

Perth was then a citie made for war,007 Her men were souldiers all, and bold to dar008 Such motion attempt, a souldier keene009 The smallest outrage hardly can susteene.010 Many such stratagems declare I might,011 Which

Perth hath acted in defence of right:012 How

Ruthvens place, and

Duplins, in one day The battell
of the bridge
of

Tay its
event.013 Were burn'd, or battell of the bridge of

Tay,014 With manly courage fought, where, kil'd were many,015 Vpon the day sacred to

Magdalené,016 4747 Five hundreth fourtie foure, for which she mournes,017 And many times her cristall teares she turnes018 In flouds of woes, remembring how these men019 Were justly by their own ambition slaine,020 Thinking to sack a town, some through despaire021 Did overleap the bridge, and perish there:022 Some borne on spears, by chance did swim a land.023 And some lay swelting in the slykie sand,024 Agruif lay some, others with eyes to skyes,025 These yeelding dying sobs, these mournfull cryes.026 Some by their fall were fixed on their spears,027 Some swatring in the floud the streame down bears,028 By chance some got a boat, What needs more words?029 They make them oars of their two handed swords:030 Some doubting what to do, to leap or stay,031 Were trampled under foot as mirie clay;032 Confusedly to fight and flee they thrimble,033 The shifring spears thurst through their bodies tremble,034 And strongly brangled in splents do quicklie flee,035 The glistring sword is changed in crimson dye;036 To wrak they go; even as the raging thunder,037 Rumbling and rolling roundly, breaks asunder038 A thick and dampish cloud, making a showre039 Of crystall gems, on Earths dry bosome powre,040 So broken was that cloud, the purpure bloud041 In drops distilling, rather as a floud,042 The dry and dustie ground doth warmely draine;043 And dying bodies in their own blood staine,044 Or as the comets, or such meteors driven045 Or stars which do appear to fall from heaven:046 4848 So tumbling headlong spears in hand they traile;047 As firie dragons, seeme to have a taile;048 Or

Phaëton, or some sulphureous ball,049 So from the bridge in river do they fall.050 I pray the

Gall, quoth I, that storie shovv The occasi-
on of the bat-
tell.051 Some things I heard of it, and more vvould knovv,052 Tell it I pray. No, no,

Gall did reply,053 Lest I offend our neighbour tovvn neerby,054 When they shall hear hovv malice did provoke them,055 Ambition them guide and avarice choak them;056 Thinking upon our spoyles triumph to make,057 And on th' occasion given our tovvn to vvrak,058 With full commission purchast for the same,059 T'intrude a Provest, else vvith svvord and flame060 All to destroy, given by the Cardinall,061 At vvhose devotion then vvas govern'd all:062 So in that morning soon by break of day063 The tovvn all silent did beset, then they064 To clim the bridge begin and port to skall, The enemie
entereth the
towne too
boldly.065 The chaines they break, and let the dravvbridge fall;066 The little gate of purpose vvas left patent067 And all our Citizens in lanes vvere latent,068 None durst be seene, the enemies to allure069 Their ovvn destruction justlie to procure;070 Thus entring through,, though vvell straitly, one did call,071 All is our ovvne, Come fellovv-souldiers all,072 Advance your Lordlie pace; take and destroy,073 Build up your Fortunes; O vvith vvhat great joy074 These vvords vvere heard! Then did they proudly step075 As men advanc'd on stilts, and cock their cap.076 4949 With roulling eyes they looke, and hand in side077 Throwing their noses, snuffe, and with great pride078 Selflooking set their brawnes, themselves admire079 And doubting at their own hearts closely speare080 If it be they; thus wondering do they pause081 A prettie while, anone they quickly loose082 With swifter pace; and turning round, they move083 If there be any gazer to approve084 Their great conceat; thus, inly fil'd with glie,085 They wish their wife or mistres might them see:086 Scorning

Alcides, they his strength would try,087 And in their braine the World they do defie.088 With such brave thoughts they throng in through the port089 Thinking the play of Fortune bairnely sport,090 And as proud peacocks with their plumes do prank091 Alongst the bridge they merche in battell rank,092 Till they came to the gate with yron hands,093 Hard by where yet our Ladies chappell stands,094 Thinking to break these bars it made some hover,095 Too strong they were, therefore some did leap over,096 Some crept below, thus many passe in by them,097 And in their high conceat they do defie them.098 Forwards within the town a space they go,099 The passage then was strait, as well ye know,100 Made by a wall, having gain'd so much ground101 They can exult: Incontinent did soundThe enemie
fleeth.102 A trumpet from a watchtowre; then they start,103 And all their bloud doth strike into their heart;104 A wondrous change! even now the bravest fellows105 In their own fansies glasse, who came to quaile us106 5050 The vitall sprits their artires do containe,107 Their panting hearts now scarcely can sustaine.108 Our souldiurrs then, who lying were a darning,109 By sound of trumpet having got a warning110 Do kyth, and give the charge; to tell the rest111 Yee know it well, it needs not be exprest,112 Many to ground were born, great bloud was shed,113 He was the prettiest man that fastest fled.114 Yea happie had they been, if place had served115 To flee, then doubtlesse more had been preserved.116 Within these bars were kill'd above threescore117 Upon the bridge and waters many more.118 But most of all did perish in the chace,119 For they pursued were unto the place,120 Where all their baggage and their canon lay,121 Which to the town was brought as lawfull prey.122 What shall I more say? if more you would have,123 I'le speake of these three hundreth souldiours brave,

S. Johnston
riband.124 Like these renown'd

Lacedemonians,125 Couragious

Thebans, valiant

Thespians126 Resolv'd to die, led by

Leonidas,127 Stop't

Xerxes armie at

Thermopylas.128 Such were these men who for Religions sake,129 A cord of hemp about their necks did take,130 Solemnly sworn, to yeeld their lives thereby,131 Or they the Gospels veritie deny:132 Quiting their houses, goods, and pleasures all,133 Resolv'd for any hazard might befall,134 Did passe forth of the town in armes to fight,135 And die, or they their libertie and light136 5151 Should lose, and whosoever should presume137 To turn away that cord should be his doome.138 Hence of

Saint Iohnstoun riband came the word139 In such a frequent use, when with a cord140 They threaten rogues; though now all in contempt141 It speak, yet brave and resolute attempt,142 And full of courage, worthie imitation,143 Deserving of all ages commendation144 Made these men put it on, symbole to be,145 They readie were for

Christ to do or die.146 For they were Martyrs all in their affection147 And like to

Davids Worthies in their action;148 Therefore this cord should have beene made a badge149 And signe of honour to the after age.150 Even as we see things in themselves despised,151 By such rare accidents are highlie prised,152 And in brave skutsheons honourablie born,153 With mottoes rare these symbols to adorn.154 Thus some have vermine, and such loathsome swarmes,155 Yet honourably borne are in their armes,156 And some have myce, some frogs, some filthie rats,157 And some have wolfs, and foxes; some have cats;158 Yet honourable respect in all his had,159 Though in themselves they loathsome be and bad,160 Thus

Millaine glories in the bainfull viper,161 As none more honour misterie none deeper;162 The auncient

Gaules in toads, in lillies now163 Metamorphosde: The

Phrygians in their sow.164

Athens their owle with th'Eagle will not barter,165 And Honi soit who thinks ill of the garter.166 5252 What shall be said then of this rope or cord?167 Although of all men it be now abhord,168 And spoke of in disdaine, their ignorance169 Hath made them so to speak, yet may it chance170 When they shall know the truth, they will speak better,171 And think of it as of a greater matter,172 And truely it esteeme an hundreth fold173 Of much more honour than a chaine of gold.174 Thus may you see Monsier, men of renown175 Of old time have possest this ancient town.176 And yet this may we boast, even to this day177 Men of good wit and worth do not decay;178 For to this houre some footsteps still remaines179 Of such couragious hearts and cunning braines.180 Good

Master Gall, quoth I, I know that well181 Whereof you speak, and clearly can it tell,182 For I did saysee these Men, being then of age183 Some twelue or threttene years, a prettie page,184 As easely you may guesse, and can you show185 Some partiall poynts whereof you nothing know.186 Nor are they written. Then answered

Master Gall,187 A witnesse such as you is above all188 Exception, therefore show what you did see,189 Or heare, good Monsier, Your antiquitie190 Is of great credit:

Master Gall, quoth I,191 Much did I see, and much more did I try:192 My Father was a man active, and wight193 In those dayes, and who helped for to fight194 The battell of the bridge: within few yeeres195 Thereafter was I borne, then all our quires196 5353 And convents richly stood, which I did see197 With all their pomp; but these things told to me198 First will I shew; a storie of much ruth199 How that our Martyrs suffered for the truth Persecution
at

Perth for
the truth.200 Of

Christs blest Gospell, on

Pauls holy day201 Before the fight was of the bridge of

Tay202 In that same yeere; the sillie Governour203 Led by the craftie Cardinall, with power204 Held judgement on these men, and under trust205 Condemned them; nothing their bloudie lust206 Could satiat: The Citizens made sure207 Their neighbours should nor losse nor skaith indure,208 Go to their homes, forthwith the Cardinall209 Causde lead them unto execution all.210 And from the Spey towre window did behold211 Doome execut, even as his Cleargie would:212 Which treacherous fact did so enrage the town,213 No credit more to black, white, nor gray gown214 After these dayes was given: Thus in the place215 Where malefactors end their wicked race,216 These innocents do make a blessed end,217 And unto God their sprits they recommend,218 In witnesse of the faith, for which they die,219 And by the Sprit of truth did prophesie220 These vvords, looking and pointing vvith the hand221 Tovvards our Monasteries, vvhich then did stand222 Most sumptuously adorn'd vvith steples, bels,223 Church ornaments, and vvhat belongeth else,224 "These foxes which do lurke within these holes,225 "Delighting in the earth like blinded moles,226 5454 "Drown'd in their lusts, and swimming in their pleasures227 "Whose God their belly, whose chief joy their treasures;228 "Who caused have our death, shall hunded be229 "Forth of these dens, some present heere shall see230 "The same ere it be long, then shall yee say,231 "Its for Gods truth that we have dyed this day.232 "And all these sumptuous buildings shall be cast233 "Down to the earth, made desolat, and wast:234 "This to performe Gods zeale shall eat men up,235 "To fill the double potion in their cup:236 "The apples then of pleasure, which they loved237 "And lusted after, shall be all removed.238 "Yea scarcely shall they finde a hole to hide239 "Their heads (thus by the Sprite they testified.)240 "And in that day true Pastours shall the Lord241 "Raise up to feed his flock, with his pure word,242 "And make Christs people by peculiar choice243 "Dignosce the sheepheards from the hyrelings voice.244 Which as they did foretell did come to passe245 Some sixteene yeeres or thereby, more or lesse,246 Thus with cleare signes, by Gods own Sprit exprest,247 In full assurance of heavens blesse they rest.248 Meane while

Saint Catharins Chaplan standing by,249 Wringing his eyes and hands, did often cry,

S. Catharins
chaplan.250 Alace, alace, for this unhappie turn,251 I feare for it one day we shall all mourn,252 And that by all it shall be plainlie said,253 That we blind guides the blinded long have led;254 Some Churchmen there, bad pack him heretick,255 Else certainelie they should cause burne him quicke,256 5555 This done, friends take their bodies and with mourning257 Do carie them towards the town, returning258 With heavie hearts, them to this chappell bring,259 But no Soule Masse nor Dirigé durst sing.260 Yet this good Priest did lay them on the altar,261 And all night read the pistle, and the psalter,262 With heart devote, and sad; from th'evening vapers,263 Placing upon the altar burning tapers264 Unto the dawning: exequies thus ended.265 Their bodies to the Earth are recommended.266 This Chapell some time stood by our theater,267 Where I my self sprinkled with holie water,268 After these dayes did often heare the Messe269 Albeit I knew not what it did expresse,270 But this I saw, a man with a shaven crown,271 Raz'd beard, and lips, who look't like a baboun,272 Perfum'd with odours, and in Priestlie vestures,273 Did act this mimik toy with thousand gestures;274 A misterie indeed, nor which no fable275 Acted on stage to make you laugh more able.276 After these innocents were martyred thus277 As you have heard, Churchmen were odious,278 And, when occasion serv'd, so did they finde,279 For, so soone as did blow a contrare winde,280 The houre was come, and then our

Knox did sound,281 Pull down their idols, throw them to the ground.

Knox preach-
eth, idols are
throwndownthrown down
and religious
places.282 The multitude, even as a spear, did rush then283 In poulder beat; and cald them all Nehushtan.284 Our blak Friers Church and place, white friers, and gray285 Prophan'd, and cast to ground were in one day.286 5656 The Charterhouse like a Citadale did hold The charter-
house thrown
down.287 Some tvvo dayes more, untill these nevves vvere told288 We should be raz'd and sackt, and brought to ground,289 Not so much as a footstep should be found290 Where vvas such citie; neither sexe, nor age291 Should saved be, untill the cruell rage292 Of fire and svvord should satiat that moud,293 Quenching the fire vvith Citizens ovvne bloud294 And vvith destructions besome svveep from station,295 And savv vvith sault; perpetuall desolation296 To signifie: These nevves made great commotion,297 The fearfull people ran to their devotion:298 Doctrine and prayers done, chief men advise,299 To take in hand first vvhat great enterprise.300 Said one, This place hard by our tovvn doth stand301 A mightie strength, vvhich easely may command,302 And vvrake our citie, therefore let us go303 In time, and to the ground it overthrovv,304 For sure our Enemies vvill possesse the same,305 And us from thence destroy vvith svvord and flame,306 Even at their pleasure. Then they all conclude307 In armes to rise; and rushing as a floud308 VVhich overflovves the banks, and headlongs hurles309 The strongest bulvvarks vvith devouring vvhirles,310 Svvallovving the mightie ships them overvvhelme,311 Nothing availes his skill that guides the helme;312 Even so the multitude in armes arise313 VVith noise confusde of mirth and mourning cryes314 For that fair Palace, then sexscore nine yeeres315 VVhich had continued; turning of the spheres316 5757 The fatall period brought, to ground it must,317 And all its pomp and riches turne to dust.318 Even as these Martyrs truelie did foretell319 In everie point the judgement so befell.320 Towres fall to ground, Monks flee to hide their heads,321 Nothing availe their rosaries and beads;322 Then all men cry'd, Raze raze, the time is come,323 Avenge the guiltlesse bloud, and give the doome.324 Courage to give was mightilie then blown325

Saint Iohnstons huntsup, since most famous known

S. Iohnstons
huntsup.326 By all Musitians, when they sweetlie sing327 With heavenly voice, and well concording string.328 O how they bend their backs and fingers tirle!329 Moving their quivering heads their brains do whirle330 With diverse moods; and as with uncouth rapture331 Transported, so doth shake their bodies structure:332 Their eyes do reele, heads, armes, and shoulders move:333 Feet, legs, and hands and all their parts approve334 That heavenlie harmonie: while as they threw335 Their browes, O mightie straine! that's brave! they shew336 Great phantasie; quivering a brief some while,337 With full consent they close, then give a smile,338 With bowing bodie, and with bending knee,339 Me think I heare God save the Companie.340 But harmonie which heavens and earth doth please341 Could not our Enemies furious rage appease;342 Cruell

Erinnis reignes destruction shoring,343 Ten thousand souldiours like vvilde Lyons roaring344 Against our tovvn do merch, fame desolation345 Proclaimes; the church then nam'd the Congregation346 5858 Makes for defence: But ah the

Burghs distractions!347 Papists and Protestants make diverse factions;348 The town to hold impossible they finde,349 The fields to take they purpose in their minde,350 Factions within, munition, victuall scarce,351 Hardly to hold eight dayes they finde by search.352 Amids these doubts these valiant fellowes come353 In armes aray'd, and beatting of the drum,354 With coards about their necks, Come, come, they cry,355 We be the men who are resolv'd to die.356 First in this quarrell; we to death will fight,357 So long as courage will afford us might,358 And who so yeeldes alive, this tow portends359 Streight must he hing where did our dearest friends360 Who suffered for the truth, nothing we skunner,361 This certainlie we count our chiefest honour.362 Thus as

Manasses half tribe,

Ruben,

Gad363 Do leave their cattell, and mount

Gilead,364 Before their brethren over

Iordan go,365 In armes to fight against their cursed fo;366 So these three hundred do abandon quite367 Their citie, houses, goods, and chief delite,368 Resolv'd to die all for the Gospels light,369 Armed before their brethren merch to fight;370 And having gain'd a place meet to abide,371 Their enemies to resist, courage they cride,372 Be merrie fellowes all, leave sad complaints,373 Dine cheerefullie, for sup we shall with Saints.374 Fame spreads the brave attempt, all martiall hearts375 Inflam'd with divine zeale flock to these parts376 5959 From places most remote, in armes they rise377 T'assist the matchlesse happie enterprise.378 God giveth hearts to Men, and mightiest things379 By weakest meanes he to confusion brings:380 Our enemies ears are fild that all our feare381 Was into courage turned from despare;382 Their fierie rage is quencht, their hearts do faile,383 Where God forsakes nought doth mans strength availe.384 Then what their open force could not work out,385 By sleight they endevour to bring about,386 They treat of peace: peace flees with joyfull wings,387 But under it was hatcht most lewd designes388 When time should serve: But he whose thought doth rule389 This Worlds great frame their madnesse did controule;390 And gratiouslie through his aboundant pitie391 Preserv'd our Innocents, and sav'd our citie.392 When by small means they found themselves confounded393 Even to their verie heart roots were they wounded:394 Then they began to raile, and shew their passion,395 Saying, Such riband's meet for such profession.396 And in contempt, when any rogue thy see,397 They say,

Saint Iohnstouns Ribands meet for thee.398 Or any fellow resolute in minde399 For some great act, this riband fit they finde400 For such a one, Thus time made all men use401 This word, and ignorance through time t'abuse,402 For everie bad conceat, which for Religion403 VVas stoutlie undertaken in this region:404 VVhich I did see, and heare, and well do know,405 And for your life the paralel me show406 6060 In all the World; except

Leonidas407 The rest, without a third I overpasse.408 Thus our

Saint Iohnstons riband took the name409 Whereof we have no reason to think shame.410 Our Shipper heerwith cald, HOW, turn aback,411 The waters flow, and tide doth quickly make,412 Therefore of this to speak more was no leasure,413 For winde and tide (you know) stay no mans pleasure.414 With post haste to our bearge we make our way,415 The day far spent, longer we might not stay;416 Our ship now fairlie fleeting comes a land,417 Two skilfull rowers take the oares in hand418 We reembarked, down the river slide,419 Which was most pleasant with the flowing tide,420 The bridge drawes nigh where contrare streams do run,421 Take heed shipper, said we, these dangers shun,422 The whirling streame will make our boat to cowp,423 Therefore let's passe the bridge by

Wallace loup.424 Which when we did behold, 'mongst other things

Wallace
loup.425 We much admir'd who lent his feet such wings:426 Empedocles may leap in Aetna burning,427 In

Tiber leap may Cocles home returning,428 The one burnes in flame, th'other falls in flood429 But

Wallace overleaping makes all good.430 When we these Heaven-like arches had survey'd431 VVe admird in th'air these hinging stones what stay'd. Geometricall
description
of two sorts
of arches.432 Then thus said

Gall; these on their centers stay,433 As on their bases fixt, and all their sway434 They presse toward the same, a wondrous thing,435 Albeit the Center in the air doth hing,436 6161 Yea diverse circles sections diverse wayes437 Tend to their proper centers, as their stayes;438 So these two sections do conjoine in one,439 To make the arch, and finisht in a cone,440 As everie peace these bowing arches bends,441 It rightlie pointing to the center tends.442 So heavens respect the earth, and all their powers443 Together in her bosome strongly powres,444 VVhich is their center, roote, and sure pedestall445 The stedfast base whereon this VVorld doth rest all.446 Thus mans ingine Gods works doth imitate447 And skilfull Art doth nature emulat.448 As

Archimedes in a sphere of glasse449 The worlds great fabrick lively did expresse,450 VVith all the stars fixt in the azure heaven,451 And all the motions of the wandring seven,452 Moving about a fixed point or center,453 Observing houres, dayes, months, summer, and winter.454 Even so the arches of this bridge proclaime,455 And shew the building of the starrie frame:456 But now all lost, needs

Archimedes skill,457 Oh if it were supplied by

Master Mylne!458 Thus having past the bridge, our oares we bend459 To shore, so this day voyage made an end.460 6262 The sixth Muse. ASAs we arrived at our Ladies steps,001 Incontinent all men reverst their capes,002 Bidding us welcome home, and joining hand,003 They ask from whence we came, and from what land?004 Said we, Some curious catching everie winde Peregrinati-
on005 Do run through sea and land to either Inde,006 And compassing the glob, in circuit role,007 Some new found lands to search beneath each pole,008 Or

Memphis, wonders, or the

Pharian tower, The mira-
acles of the
world.009 Or walls which shew the

Babylonian power;010 Or hung in th'air the

Mausolean frame,011 Or statelie' temple of the

Trivian dame,012 The

Rhodian Colossus, and the grove,013 Where stood the statue of

Olympian Iove,014 With endlesse toile and labour passe to see,015 Or if in all this world more wonders be,016 They search the same, and so they stoutlie boast,017 Yet both themselves and paines are oft times lost:018 For going men, if they return perhaps,019 Strange change, in swine transformed are their shaps:020 6363 Albeit some, though rare, who go from hence,021 Returne, like him of

Ithaca was Prince:022 But we, more safely passing all alongs,023 Are not bewitched with such

Syren songs.024 In little much, well traveld in short ground025 Do search what wonders in the world are found;026 Treading these mountains, and these pleasant valleyes,027

Elisian fields had never braver allies028 Then we imagine, and for wonders rare029 More than the

Carian tombe which hings in air030 Do we conceave. Of travels let them talk,031 We in the works of learned men do walk032 And painfully their learned paths do tread,033 For sure he's traveld far who is well read034 Yea who so views my Cabinets rich store,035 Is traveld through the world, and some part more.036 Let this suffice we travell to content us,037 And of our travels think nev'r to repent us,038 Yea in our Muses, we do travell more039 Than they that coast and sound the

Indian shore.040 Yet think not so brave travels we condemne,041 If with safe conscience we may use the same;042 Nor do we speak voide of experience,043 For both of us have traveld been in

France,044 And

France for all, and if that will not ease you045 We think then all this world will never please you.046 Then went we home to get some recreation,047 But by and by befell a new tentation:048 Our neighbour archers our good sport envying,049 A challenge to us sent, our patience trying,050 6464 And did provoke us, if we shut for gold,051 Or honours praise, betimes, to morrow would:052 Or for our mistres if we had a minde,053 Doubtlesse, said

Gall, thereto vve are inclinde:054 But for the present vve have taken in hand055 To vievv our fields by river and by land;056 Boast not therefore, for nothing vvill disheart us,057 Nor from our present progresse vvill divert us.058 But of our journey having made an end,059 Our lives in such brave quarrell vvill vve spend.060 This ansvvere vvhen they heard, they did compeer061 VVith ardent hearts some further nevves to speer,062 And vvhat brave sport vve found, vvhat pastime rare?063 Forthvvith in loftie verse

Gall to declare064 Began, his breast vvhen

Phoebus once did vvarme,065 Their ears and hearts, his heavenly voice did charme,066 And I to keep a consort vvith full voice,067 As fell by turn, did make them all rejoice068 VVith svveetest rimes; for both of us inclinde,069 Even as

Democritus did truely minde070 Of Poets all, vvhen once that sacred fire Excludit sa-
nos Helicone
poetas

Demo-
critus, Ho-
rat. in arte. 071 VVith divine furie did our breasts inspire.072 And thus vvith heavenlie rapture, as transported073 That vvhole dayes journey

Gall to them reported,074 Till

Hesperus appeard, and in despight075 Of heavens vvhich hearkned, forc'd to bid good night.076 VVhich vvhen I call to minde, it makes me cry077

Gall, svveetest

Gall, vvhat ailed thethee to die?078 The night vvas short,

Phoebus did touch the line079 VVhere cruked Cancer makes him to decline,080 6565 No sleep could close mine eyes, but wake must I,081 Till fair Aurora did inlight the sky.082 Then up I got, and where good

Gall did ly,083 With mightie voice and chanting did I cry,084 Good

Master Gall, arise, you sleep too long085 With Hey the day now dawnes, so was my song,086 The day now dawnes, Arise good Master

Gall,087 Who answering said, Monsier, I heare you call:088 And up he got. Then to our bearge we go,089 To answer us our boatman wondrous slow,090 When we did call, thrise lifting up his head,091 Thrise to the ground did fall againe as dead.092 But him to raise, I sung Hay the day dawnes;093 The drowsie Fellow wakning, gaunts, and yawnes;094 But getting up at last, and with a blow095 Raising his fellow, bad him quickly row.096 Then merrielie we leanche into the deep,097 Phoebus meane while awakned rose from sleep,098 At his appointed houre, the pleasant morning.099 With guilded beames the cristall streames adorning:100 The pearled dew on tender grasse did hing,101 And heavenly quires of birds did sweetlie sing:102 Down by the sweet south inche we sliding go,103 Ten thousand dangling diamonds did show104 The radiant repercussion of Sols rayes105 And spreading flowres did looke like

Argoes eyes.106 Then did we talk of citie toiles and cares,107 Thrice happie counting him shuns these affaires,108 And with us have delight these fields to haunt109 Some pastorall or sonnet sweet to chant.110 6666 And view from far th'ambitions of this age,111 Turning the helmes of states, and in their rage112 Make shipwrake of the same on shelfs and sands,113 Running be lawles lawes and hard commands,114 And often drown themselves in flouds of woes,115 As many shipwraks of this kinde well showes.116 We passe our time upon the forked mountain,117 And drink the cristall waters of the fountain.118 Dig'd by the winged horse; we sing the trees119 The cornes, and flocks, and labours of the bees;120 Of sheepheard lads, and lasses homelie love,121 And some time straine our oaten pipe above122 That mean: we sing of Hero and

Leander123 Yea

Mars, all cled in steel; and

Alexander.124 But

Cynthius us pulling by the ear125 Did warning give, to keep a lower air,126 But keep what air we will, who can well say127 That he himself preserve from shipwrake may?128 In stormie seas, while as the ship doth reele129 Of publick state, the meanest boy may feele130 Shipwrack, as well as he the helme who guides,131 When seas do rage with winds and contrare tides.132 Which: ah too true I found, upon an ore He speaketh
of

Gowries
conspiracie.133 Not long ago, while as I swim'd to shore,134 Witnesse my drenshed cloaths, as you did see,135 Which I to

Neptune gave in votarie136 And signe of safetie. Answered

Master Gall,137 Monsier, your table hung on

Neptunes wall138 Did all your losse so livelie point to me,139 That I did mourne, poore soul, when I did see.140 6767 But you may know in stormes, thus goeth the mater,141 No fish doth sip in troubled seas clean water.142 Courage therefore, that cloud is overgone,143 Therefore as we were wont, let us sing on.144 For in this morning sounded in mine ear145 The sweetest musick ever I did hear146 In all my life, good

Master Gall, quod I147 You to awake, I sung so merrielie.148 Monsier, quoth he, I pray thee ease my spleane,149 And let me heare that Musick once againe.150 With Hay the day now dawnes, then up I got,151 And did advance my voice to Elaes note,152 I did so sweetlie flat and sharply sing,153 While I made all the rocks with Echoes ring.154 Meane while our boat, by

Freertown hole doth slide,155 Our course not stopped with the flowing tide,156 We ned nor card, nor crostaffe for our Pole,157 But from thence landing clam the Dragon hole, Dragon hole158 With crampets on our feet, and clubs in hand,159 Where its recorded

Iamie Keddie fand160 A stone inchanted, like to

Gyges ring,161 Which made him disappear, a wondrous thing,162 If it had been his hap to have retaind it,163 But loosing it, againe could never finde it:164 VVithin this cove ofttimes did we repose165 As being sundred from the citie woes.166 From thence we, passing by the

Windie gowle,

Windie
gowle.167 Did make the hollow rocks with echoes yowle;168 And all alongst the mountains of

Kinnoule,169 VVhere did we shut at many foxe and fowle.

Kinnoule
castle.170 6868

Kinnoule, so famous in the dayes of old!171 Where stood a castle and a stately hold172 Of great antiquity, by brink of

Tay173 Woods were above, beneath fair medowes lay174 In prospect proper

Perth, with all her graces,175 Fair plantings, spatious greens, religious places,176 Though now defac'd through age, and rage of men,177 Within this place a Ladie did remaine

Kinnnouls La-
die did see

Wallace and
the

Bruce.178 Of great experience, who likewise knew179 By sprite of prophecie, what should ensue,180 Who saw wight

Wallace, and brave

Bruce on live,181 And both their manhoods lively did descrive182 Unto that noble Prince, first of that name,183 Worthie

King Iames, who hearing of her fame,184 Went to her house, these histories to learne,185 When as for age her eyes could scarce discerne.186 This Ladie did foretell of many things She prophe-
cied.187 Of

Britaines unioun under

Scotish Kings,188 And after ending of our civill feeds,189 Our speares in syths; our swords should turn in speads,190 In signe whereof there should arise a Knight191 Sprung of the bloodie yoak, who should of right192 Possesse these lands, which she then held in fea,193 VVho for his worth and matchlesse loyaltie194 Unto his Prince, should greatly be renownd195 And of these lands instyl'd, and Earle be crownd;196 VVhose son in spight of

Tay, should joine these lands197 Firmely by stone on either side vvhich stands,198 Thence to the top of Law

Tay did vve hye,199 From vvhence the countrie round about vve spy,200 6969 And from the airie Mountaine looking down, Situation of

Perth.201 Beheld the stance and figure of our town,202 Quadrat with longer sides, from east to wast,203 Whose streets, wals, fowsies in our eyes did cast204 A prettie shew: Then gan I to declare205 VVhere our old Monastries, with Churches fair206 Sometime did stand, placed at everie corner207 VVas one, which with great beautie did adorne her,208 The Charterhouse toward the southvvest stood,209 And at South-east the Friers, who weare gray hood.210 Toward the North the BlackFriers Church did stand;211 And

Carmelits upon the VVesterne hand;212 VVith many chappels standing heere and there213 And steeples fairly mounted in the air,214 Our Ladies Church, Saint

Catharins, and Saint

Paules,215 VVhere many a messe was sung for defunct souls.216 The chappell of the rood, and sweet Saint

Anne,217 And

Lorets chappell, from

Romes

Vaticane

Lorets chap-
pell transpor-
ted to

Perth,
from

Romes

Vaticane.218 Transported hither, for a time took sasing,219 (You know the Cloister monkes write nev'r a leasing.)220 For what offence I know not, or disdaine,221 But that same chappell borne hence is againe,222 For it appeares no more, look who so list,223 Or else I'm sure its covered with a mist224 Saint

Leonards cloister, mourning

Magdolené,225 VVhose cristall Fountaine flowes like

Hippocrené.226 Saint

Iohnes fair church, as yet in mids did stand:227 A braver sight vvas not in all this land228 Than vvas that tovvn, vvhen thus it stood decord229 As not a fevv, yet living, can record.230 7070 And to be short, for this we may not tarie on,231 Of that old town this nought is but the carion.232 Monsier, said

Gall, that for a truth I know233 These Kirks and Cloisters made a goodly show;234 But this as truely I dar well alleadge,235 These Kirkmen usde the greatest cousenage236 That ev'r was seene or heard. Good

Gall, quoth I,237 How can that be? Monsier, if you will try,238 Too much true shall you finde. Pray thee, good

Gall,239 Your speach to me seemes paradoxicall;240 Therefore I would it know: Monsier, quoth he,241 And shall I show what such Idolatrie242 Hath brought upon that town? The many closters243 VVhere fed there was so many idle fosters,244 Monks, Priests, and Friers, and multitude of Patrons,245 Erected in their queires; th'old wifes and matrons246 Gave great head to these things, which they did say,247 And made their horned husbands to obey;248 And mortifie so much unto this Saint,249 And unto that, though they themselves should want250 Yea twentie Saincts about one tenement,251 Each one of them to have an yeerlie rent,252 And all to pray for one poore wretched soul,253 VVhich Purgatorie fire so fierce should thole.254 So these annuities, yeerelie taxations,255 Are causes of these wofull desolations256 VVhich we behold. The ground of all these evils, Saints how
made idols,
and devils.257 VVhat to these Saincts they gave, was given to Divels.258 God made them Saincts, men set them in Gods stead,259 Gave them Gods honour; so them idols made:260 7171 Thus Satan served is; what men allow261 On idols in his Name; to him they do:262 And now these Friers destroyers may be seene,263 And wracks of that citiesAnd of that cities wrake the cause have been:264 For none dare buy the smallest peace of ground,265 So many annuel rents thereon are found,266 And if he build thereon, doubtlesse he shall267 Spend in long suits of Law his moyen all.268 If some good salve cure not this sore, I fear269 It shall be said, some time a town was there.270 Good

Gall, said I, some melancholious fit271 Molests your Joviall sprite, and pregnat vvit,272 I vvould some Venus-heir might cure your sadnesse;273 Repell your sorrovves, and repleage your gladnesse:274 Therefore I'le quickelie go a herbarising275 To cure that melancholik mood by snising.276 Herevvith vve turne our pace, and dovvn againe277 Passe by the

Windie gowle, unto the plaine;278 And herbarising there a prettie vvhile,279

Galls lustie face blithly began to smile:280 Guesse then hovv blith vvas I, if I had found281 (I vvould not been so blith) a thousand pound.282 Thus recreat, to boat againe vve go,283 And dovvn the river smothly do vve rovv,284 Neerby

Kinfaunes, vvhich famous

Longoveil285 Sometime did hold; vvhose auncient svvord of steele

Kinfanes.286 Remaines unto this day, and of that land287 Is chiefest evident; on th'other hand288

Elcho and

Elcho park, vvhere

Wallace haunted,

Elcho.289 A sure refuge, vvhen

Englishmen he daunted;290 7272 And

Elcho nunrie, vvhere the holy sisters291 Suppli'd vvere by the Fratres in their misters.292 By

Sleeplesse Isle vve rovv, vvhich our good Kings

Sleeplesse
Isle.293 Gave to our tovvn vvith many better things.294 Before there vvas in that neere neighbouring station,295 Or Frier or Nun to set there their foundation.296 On th'other side vve lookt unto

Balthyok297 VVhere many peacock cals upon his mayok.

Balthyok.298

Megeance fair place, and

Errols pleasant seat,

Megeance.

Errol.299 VVith many more, vvhich long vvere to relate.300 Right over against is that vvood

Earnside,

Earnside.301 And fort vvhere

Wallace ofttimes did reside: 302 While vve beheld all these, the tide did flovv,303 A lie the rudder goes; about vve rovv,304 Up to the tovvn again vve make our course,305 Svveetly convoy'd vvith

Tayes reflovving source.306 There vve beheld vvhere

Wallace ship vvas drovvnd,307 VVhich he brought out of

France, vvhose bottome found

Wallace
ship.308 VVas not long since, by

Master Dickesons art,309 That rare ingeniour, skild in everie part310 Of Mathemathick; Quoth I,

Master Gall,311 I marvell our records nothing at all312 Do mention

Wallace going into

France,

Wallace go-
ing to

France
not recorded
and why.313 Hovv that can be forgote I greatlie scance,314 For vvell I knovv all

Gasconie and

Guien315 Do hold that

Wallace vvas a mightie

Gian,316 Even to this day; in

Rochel likevvise found317 A Tovvre from

Wallace name greatly renovvnd.318 Yea Longoveils antiquities, vvhich there319 We do behold, this truely do declare320 7373 That

Wallace was in

France; for after that321 The publick place of government he quat,322 Were full four yeeres and more, before he shed323 His dearest bloud, ah dearest truelie said:324 And think you then that such a martiall heart325 Yeelding his place, would sojourne in this part,326 And lazely ly loytring in some hole?327 That any so should think I hardlie thole;328 Therefore I grieve our men should have forgotten329 Themselves, and left so brave a point unwritten;330 Or should it contradict, there being so many331 Good reasons for this truth, as is for any.332 Monsier, said he, that's not a thing to grieve at,333 For they did write his publick life, not privat:334 For sure it is, after his publick charge335 Grief made him go to

France, his spirit t'enlarge,336 His noble Sprite, that thraldome suffered never,337 For he to libertie aspired ever;338 And turning home, his ship causde sunken be,339 To stop the rivers passage, that from sea340 No

English ship should come

Perth to releave,341 For any chance of war Fortune could give.342 But now this ship, which so long time before343 In waters lay, is fairlie haild a shoare;344 What cannot skill by Mathematick move?345 As would appeare things Natures reach above.346 Up by the Willow gate we make our way;347 With flowing waters pleasant then was

Tay.348 The town appeares; the great and strong Spey towre,349 And Monks towre, builded round; a wall of power350 7474 Extending twixt the two, thence goeth a snout351 Of great squair stones, which turnes the streames about;352 Two ports with double wals; on either hand353 Are fowsies deep, where gorged waters stand,354 And flow even as you list: but over all

Perths Whit-
hall.355 The Palace kythes, may nam'd be

Perths Whithall.356 With orchards, like these of

Hesperides357 But who shall shew the

Ephemerides358 Of these things, which sometimes adornd that Citie?359 That they should all be lost, it were great pitie.360 Whose antique monuments are a great deale more361 Than any inward riches, pomp or store;362 And priviledges would you truely know?363 Far more indeed, than I can truelie show;364 Such were our Kings good wills, for to declare365 What pleasure and contentment they had there:366 But of all priviledges this is the bravest,367

King Iames the Sixth was Burges made and Provest;368 And gave his Burges oath, and did inrole

King James
the sixth Pro-
vest of

Perth.369 With his own hand within the Burges scrole370 And

Gildrie Book his deare and worthie Name,371 Which doth remaine to

Perths perpetuall fame,372 And that Kings glorie, thus was his gratious pleasure373 Of his most loving heart to shew the treasure;374 Writing beneath his Name these words most nervous,375 Parcere subjectis, & debellare superbos.376 That is, It is the Lyons great renown377 To spare the humble, and proudlings pester down.378 Which extant with his own hand you may see:379 And, as inspir'd, thus did he prophesie,380 7575 VVhat will you say, if this shall come to hand,381

Perths Provest

Londons Major shall command.382 VVhich words, when we did hear, we much admir'd,383 And everie one of us often inquir'd384 What these could meane? Some said, he meand such one,385 That

London, yea all

England like had none,386 Some said, he mindes his dignitie and place;387 Others his gifts of Nature, and of Grace.388 All which were true indeed, yet none could say,389 He mean'd that

Englands scepter he should swey,390 Till that it came to passe some few yeeres after,391 Then hearts with joy, and mouths were fild with laughter:392 Happie

King Iames the sixth, so may I say,393 For I a man most Joviall was that day,394 And had good reason, when I kist that hand,395 VVhich afterwards all

Britaine did command.396 Monsier, said

Gall, I sweare you had good reason397 Most glad to be that day: for you of treason398 Assoylied was, of your unhappie chief:399 Pray thee good

Gall, quod I, move not my grief.400 Said

Gall, Monsier, That point I will not touch,401 They'l tine their coales that burnes you for a witch.402 A witch, good

Gall, quod I, I will be sworne,403 VVitchcraft's the thing that I could never learne;404 Yea

Master Gall, I swear that I had rather405 Ten thousand Chiefs been kill'd, or had my Father,406 The King is Pater patriæ, a chief407 Oft times is borne for all his kinnes mischief.408 And more, I know was never heart, nor hand409 Did prosper, which that King did ev'r vvithstand.410 7676 Therefore good

Gall, I pray thee let that passe,411 That happie King knew well what man I was.412 While we thus talk, our boat drawes nie the shoare,413 Our fellowes all for joy begin to roare414 When they us see. and lowdly thus gan call,415 Welcome, good Monsier, welcome

Master Gall;416 Come, come a land, and let us merrie be,417 For as your boat most happilie we did see,418 Incontinent we bargaind to and fro,419 Some said, It was your Berge, and some said, No:420 But we have gaind the prise, and pleadges all,421 Therefore come Monsier, come good

Master Gall;422 And let us merrie be, while these may last;423 Till all be spent we think to take no rest.424 And so it was, no sleep came in our head,425 Till fair

Aurora left

Tithonus bed.426 Above all things so was good

Gals desire,427 VVho of good companie could never tire,428 VVhich when I call to minde, it makes me cry,429

Gall, sweetest

Gall, what ailed thee to die?430 The seventh Muse. UPUp springs the Sun, the day is cleer, and fair,001 Etesiae, sweetlie breathing, coolscoole the air;002 7777 Then coming to my Cabin in a band,003 Each man of us a Gabion hints in hand.004 Where me their Sergeant Major they elected,005 At my command that day to be directed. Talenes no
vertue.006 What prettie captaine's yone (so said some wenches)007 Ladies, quoth I, Men are not met by inches.008 The

Macedonian Monarch was call'd great,009 Not from his Bodies quantitie, but state010 And Martiall prowesse, good Ladies then to heart you,011 You shall well know that talenesse is no vertue.012 Thus merche we all alongs unto

Moncreiff013 Where dwells that worthie Knight, the famous chief

Moncreif014 Of all that auncient name: And passing by015 Three trees sprung of one root we did espy:016 Which when we did behold, said

Master Gall. The bre-
thren trees.017 Monsier, behold these trees, so great and tall018 Sprung of one root, which all Men Brethren name,019 The symbole which true concord doth proclame.020 O happie presage, where such trees do grow,021 These Brethren three the threefold Gerion show,022 Invincible, remaining in one minde,023 Three hearts as in one Body fast combinde,024

Scilurus bundell knit, doth whole abide,025 But easily is broke, when once unty'd.026 So these three trees do symbolize most cleerly;027 The amitie of hearts and mindes, inteirly028 Kythes in that happie race, and doth presage029 To it more happinesse in after age;030 Loves sweetest knot, which three in one doth bring031 That budding gemme shall make more flourishing032 7878 Fair Brethren Trees, and sith so is your Name,033 Be still the badge of concord, and proclaime034 All health and wealth, unto that happie race,035 Where grace and vertue mutually embrace.036 To

Moncrief easterne, then to

Wallace-town037 To

Fingask of

Dundas, thence passing down038 Unto the

Rynd, as Martiall Men, we faire.039 What life Mans heart could wish more void of care?040 Passing the

river Earne, on th'other side,041 Dreilling our Sojours, Vulgars were affraide.042 Thence to the Pights great Metropolitan,043 Where stands a steeple, the like in all Britaine

Abernethie.044 Not to be found againe, a work of wonder,045 So tall and round in frame, a just cylinder046 Built by the Pights in honour of their King,047 That of the

Scots none should attempt such thing,048 As over his bellie big to walk or ride,049 But this strong hold should make him to abide.050 Unlesse on

Pegasus that he would flee,051 Or on Ioves bird should soare into the skye,052 As rode Bellerophon and

Ganymede:053 But mounted so must ride no giddie head.054 From thence we merch't directlie unto

Dron,055 And from that stead past to the Rocking stone;056 Accompanied with Infantrie a band,057 Each of us had a hunting staffe in hand,058 With whistles shrile, the fleeing fowles to charme,059 And fowlers nets upon our other arme:060 But as for me about my neck vvas borne,061 To sound the chace a mightie hunting horne;062 7979 And as I blevv vvith all my might and maine,063 The hollovv rocks did ansvvere make againe,064 Then everie man in this cleare companie065 Who best should vvinde the horne began to try;066 Among the rest a fellovv in the rout067 Boldly began to boast, and brave it out,068 That he vvould vvind the horne in such a vvise,069 That easelie he vvould obtaine the prise,070 But to record vvhat chance there follovved after071 Gladly I vvould, but grief forbiddeth laughter,072 For so it vvas the merrie man vvas mard,073 Both tongue and teeth, I vvot, vvere tightly tard;074 Then no more stay; Fellovv, good night, quod vve,075 Th'old proverb sayes, that Dirt partes Companie.076 By this vve vvere just at the

Rocking stone, The rocking
stone of Bal-
vaird.077 Amongst the vvorlds great vvonders, it is one078 Most rare: It is a Phaenix in its kinde,079 The like in all the vvorld yee shall not finde:080 A stone so neicely set upon its kernels,081 Not artificiall, but naturall chernels,082 So huge, so grave, that if you please to prove it,083 A hundred yoak of oxen vvill not move it,084 Yet touch it vvith your fingers smallest knocking,085 Incontinent it vvill fall to a rocking,086 And shake, and shiver; as if obedient,087 More by request, than by commandement.088 Then up I clame this rock, as I vvas vvonted,089 And like

Aegeon on Whales back I mounted,090 And vvith Etites ratling stone I knocked,091 And as it ratled, even so vvas I rocked.092 8080 So fair a cradle, and rare was never seene093 Oh if my Cabinet could it conteine!094 Next at the bridge of

Earne we made our Station,095 And there we took some little recreation; Bridge of

Earne.096 VVhere in Heroicks

Gall fell to declaring097 All circumstances of that dayes wayfairing,098 And there so merrielie we sung, and chanted,099 Happie were they our companie who haunted,100 VVhich when I call to minde it makes me cry,101

Gall, svveetest

Gall, what ailed thee to die.102 The eight Muse. WHatWhat blooming banks sweet

Earne, or fairest

Tay,001 Or

Amond doth embrace; these many a day002 We haunted; where our pleasant pastorals003 VVe sweetly sung, and merrie madrigals:004 Sometimes bold

Mars, and sometimes

Venus fair,005 And sometimes

Phoebus love we did declare;006 Sometimes on pleasant plaines, sometimes on mountains,007 And sometimes sweetlie sung beside the fountains. Hunting
tower of old,
called Luth-
ren008 But in these banks where flowes Saint

Conils VVell,009 The which

Thessalian tempe doth excell.010 8181 Whose name and matchlesse fame for to declare,011 In this most dolefull dittey, must I spare:012 Yet thus dar say, that in the World again013 No place more meet for Muses to remain;014 For shadowing walks, where silver brooks do spring,015 And smelling arbors, where birds sweetly sing,016 In heavenly Musick warbling like

Arion,017 Like

Thracian Orpheus,

Linus, or

Amphion,018 That

Helicon,

Parnassus,

Pindus fair019 To these most pleasant banks scarce can compare.020 These be the banks where all the Muses dwell,021 And haunt about that cristall brook and well,022 Into these banks chiefly did we repair023 EromFrom ShunshineSunshine shadowed, and from blasting air.024 There with the Muses we did sing our songs,025 Sometimes for pleasure, sometimes for our wrongs;026 For in those dayes, none durst approach their table,027 But we, to taste their dainties, this no fable.028 From thence to

Methven wood we took our way,029 Soone be

Aurora fair did kyth the day;030 And having rested there some little space,031 Againe we did betake us to our chace,032 Raising the Does and Roes forth of their dennes,033 And watrie fowles out of the marrish fennes,034 That if

Diana had been in that place,035 Would thought, in hunting we had stain'd her grace.036 To

Methven Castle, where

Gall did declare037 How

Margaret Teuther, Queen, sometimes dwelt there;038 First daughter to

King Henrie seventh, who closes

Queen Mar-
garet Teu-
ther.039

York-Lancaster in one,

Englands two roses.040 8282 A happie union after long debate,041 But union much more happie, and more great042 Even by that same Queen springs, and by her race043 Whereby all

Britaine joyes long wished peace.044 Hence came

King Iames his title to the Crowne045 Of

England, by both parents of renowne.046 Hence comes our happie peace, so be it ay,047 That peace with truth in

Britaine flourish may.048 Right over to

Forteviot, did we hy, Forteviot.049 And there the ruin'd castle did we spy050 Of

Malcolme Ken-more, whom

Mackduff then

Thane

K. Malcolme
Kenmore.051 Of

Fife, (so cald) from

England brought againe,052 And fiercelie did persue tyrant

Makbeth,053 Usurper of the Crowne, even to the death.054 These castles ruines when we did consider,055 We saw that wasting time makes all things wither.056 To

Dupline then, and shades of

Aberdagie,057 From thence to Mailer, and came home by

Craigie058 Soone by that time, before three dayes were done,059 We went to sesee the monuments of

Scone,060 As was our promise,

Scones Nymphs see we must,061 For in such vowes we were exceeding just.062 And there with Ovid thus did we declare,063 Heere is a greene, where stood a Temple fair:064 Where was the fatall chaire, and marble stone, The marble
chaire.065 Having this Motto rare incisde thereon,066 This is the stone, if fates do not deceave,067 Where e're its found the Scots shall kingdome have.068 Which

Longshanks did transport to

Troyuovant,069 As

Troy took in the horse by

Grecia sent070 8383 So we, who sprung were of the

Grecian crue,071 Like stratageme on

Trojans did renew.072 Oh if this fatall chaire transported were073 To

Spaine, that we like conquest might make there,074 From thence to

Italie, to

Rome, to

Grece,075 To

Colchos, thence to bring the golden fleece:076 And in a word, we wish this happie chaire077 Unto the furthest

Indes transported were,078 That mightiest Kingdomes might their presents bring,079 And bow to

Charles as to their soveraigne King.080 Neerby we view that famous Earthen Mount,081 Whereon our Kings to crowned be were wont: Omnis terra.082 And while we do consider, there we found083 Demonstrat was the quadrat of the round,084 Which

Euclide could not finde, nor Pater Erra,085 By guesse we did it finde on Omnis terra.086 And if you Geometers hereof do doubt,087 Come view the place, and yee shall finde it out.088 A demonstration so wondrous rare,089 In all the world, I think, none may compare.090 Thence need we must go see the Mure of

Scone, Mure of

Scone.091 And view where Pights were utterlie undone092 By valiant

Scots, and brought to desolation,093 That since they never had the name of nation.094 Seven times that fight renew'd was in one day095 Pights seven times quaild,

Scots were victorious ay;096 Hence is it said, when men shall be undone,097 We shall upon them bring the mure of

Scone.098 King

Donskine with his remnant Pights neere

Tay099 All kild, did crown the victorie of that day.100 8484 Then valiant

Kenneth went to

Camelon,101 And threw to Earth

King Donskins ancient throne.102 So greatest Kingdomes to their periods tend,103 And everything that growes, must have an end.104 Where is that golden head that reing'd so long,105 The silver armes and bellie of brasse most strong?106 The yron legs divided now in toes107 Are mixt with clay: and so the world it goes.108 Thus nations like stars in multitude,109 Like sand on shore, or fishes in the floud;110 Yea rooted in the Earth so deep, so long,111 As on the mountains grow the Cedars strong,112 Yet time hath overturn'd them, and their names113 Are past, as Letters written on the streames:114 To tell us, here we have no constant biding,115 The world unto decay is alwayes sliding,116 One Kingdome ever doth remaine, and all117 Gainst it who rise to powder turne they shall.118 Neere this we did perceave where proud

Makbeth,119 Who to the furies did his soul bequeath,

Makbeths
castle on

Dū-
sinoun hill.120 His castle mounted on

Dunsinnen hill,121 Causing the mightiest peeres obey his will,122 And bow their necks to build his

Babylon;123 Thus

Nimrod-like he did triumph upon124 That mountain, which doth overtop that plaine:125 And as the starrie heaven he should attaine,126 A loftie tower, and

Atlas caused build,127 Then tyrannizing, rag'd as

Nimrod wild:128 Who had this strange response that none should catch him129 That borne was of a woman, or should match him:130 8585 Nor any horse should overtake him there,131 But yet his sprite deceav'd him by a mare,132 And by a man was not of woman borne133 For brave

Makduff was from his mother shorne.

Makduf.134

Makduff cald Thane of Fife, who home did bring135 King

Malcolme Kenmore was our native King.136

Ken-more, great-head, a great-head should be wise,137 To bring to nought a

Nimrods enterprise!138 Vp to

Dunsinnen's top then did we clim,139 With panting heart, weak loynes, and wearied limme,140 And from the mountains height, which was well windie,141 We spy where

Wallace cave was at

Kilspindie

Wallace
cave..142 But there we might not stay, thence to the plaine143 With swifter pace we do come down againe.144 Descent is easie, any man can tell;145 For men do easelie descend to Hell.146 When we had view'd these fields both heere and there,147 As wearied Pilgrims gan we Home to fair;148 Home, happie is that word, at Home in Heaven,149 Where

Gall now rests above the Planets seven,150 And I am left this wretched Earth upon,151 Thy losse, vvith all my Gabions, to bemoane:152 Then mourne vvith me my Gabions, and cry,153

Gall, svveetest

Gall, vvhat ailed thee to die?154 8686 The ninth Muse. WHatWhat! Could there more be done, let any say,001 Nor I did to prevent this dolefull day?002 For when I saw

Galls fatall constellation003 Would not permit him in this Earthly station004 Long to abide; then did I give a tryall,005 To make impartiall fate susteene denyall,006 By herbarising while I prov'd my skill,007 On top of Law-Tay, and stay

Mooredowne hill,008 Collecting vegetables in these parts,009 By all the skill of

Apollinian Arts,010 If possible't had been, fate to neglect him,011 By heavenlie skill immortall for to make him.012 But sith that

Phaebus could not stemme the bloud013 Of

Hyacinthus in his sowning moud,014 How then should I? a mortall! ah too shallow!015 In wit and art presse to outreach

Apollo?016 Far be the thought, I therefore must absent me,017 And never more unto the World present me,018 But solitarie with my Gabions stay,019 And help them for to mourne till dying day.020 8787 Then farewell Cabine, farewell Gabions all,021 Then must I meet in heaven with

Master Gall:022 And till that time I will set foorth his praise023 In Elegies of wo, and mourning layes,024 And weeping for his sake still will I cry,025

Gall, sweetest

Gall, what ailed thee to die?026 FINIS.