the champions of the reformation, who counselled the ordination of John Knox. The death of Cardinal Beaton drew from him a poem on the subject, entitled, a Tragedy, (the term tragedy was not then confined to the drama) in which he has been charged with drawing together all the worst things that could be said of the murdered prelate. It is incumbent, however, on those who blame him for so doing, to prove that those worst things were not atrocious. Beaton's principal failing was a disposition to burn with fire those who opposed his ambition, or who differed from his creed; and, if Lyndsay was malignant in exposing one tyrant, what a libeller must Tacitus be accounted? His last embassy was to Denmark, in order to negotiate for a free trade with Scotland, and to solicit ships to protect the Scottish coasts against the English. It was not till after returning from this business that he published Squyre Meldrum, the last, and the liveliest of his works. The time of his death is uncertain. DESCRIPTION OF SQUYRE MELDRUM. He was bot1 twintie yeiris of age, And in all deidis honourabill; And ay his honour did advance, His Gallantry to an Irish Damsel. 10 1 But.—a Years.—3 When.-4 Courageous.—5 Active.—6 Could endure excessive fatigue.-7 Stood.-8 Then.-9 Coast.—10 Host, army. Cowhouse. It was greit pitie for to heir1, 5 But this young Squyer bauld and wicht Ane woman's voces richt lamentabill; 17 He had not sene in onie 17 place. And tak to yow all uther wark. Hear. People.-3 Spoilt.-4 Abused.-5 Where.-6 Perceive. -7 Beautiful.-8 Voice.-9 Spoiled.-10 Naked.—11 She.— 12 War.-13 Before.-14 Who.-15 Parting.-16 Than she was.— 17 Any.—18 Before.—19 Means for him, viz, Christ, who conquered or plundered hell.-20 Shift. Hir kirtill was of scarlot reid', Of gold ane garland of hir heid, 5 Restoir to hir agane hir geir; Or be greit God that all has wrocht, 11 12: And with ane bolt on thame he bendit. Red.- Adorned.-3 Mr. Chalmers omits explaining this word in his glossary to Lyndsay.-4 White.-5 Restore.6 Wrought. Bought.-8 Quoth.-9 Strokes.10 Strongly.— 11 Drove.-12 Throng, trouble. VOL. I. H * * * * * * * * And when he saw thay wer baith slane, Quhare scho stude nakit on the bent', And tuik his leif of hir but mair1. Be that the taburne and trumpet blew, And every man to shipbord drew. Meldrum's Duel with the English Champion Then clariouns and trumpets blew, Wer lang to put in remembrance. Grass, or field.-2 Dress, cloathing.-3 Took his leave.4 Without more ado.-5 Warriors.-6 Camie.-7 Press'd. |