[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    THE MORRIS OR MOORISH DANCER’S DRESS, with cap and 21 dozen brass bells, pair of white leather shoes, white leather gloves, and rapier. This dress is referred to in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, The Fair Maid of Perth. It is one of thirteen worn by members of the Incorporation of … Continue reading Perth, pp.243-246. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    CLOCK, from Linlithgow Palace, similar in form to the seventeenth century clock by Mills (No. 1257, p. 208), but with modernised movements. This clock came from the collection of the late Mr. Adam Gib Ellis, W.S., Edinburgh, an eminent antiquary, who was possessed of a large amount of furniture from … Continue reading Linlithgow, pp.241-242. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    HALBERT. One of set still in use by Irvine Officers, present at executions of witches and Covenanters in seventeenth century. This is the weapon used by John Reid, Burgh Officer, in the slaughter of Alexander Kennedy, one of Cunningham, Laird of Robertland’s party, when they insulted Provost Cunninghame, whilst endeavouring … Continue reading Irvine, p.240. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Lent by MATTHEW SHIELDS. (Nos. 867-912).     ENGRAVING, ‘Ye Prospect of ye Town of Glasgow from ye North End.’ Slezer, 1693.  (867)     ENGRAVING of the College of Glasgow, bearing the inscription, ‘Most humbly inscribed to the Reverend Mr. John Stirling, Principall of ye Coledge of Glasgow.’ Slezer, 1693.  (869)     … Continue reading Collection of Views and Maps of Glasgow, pp.234-239. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    The interest of the drawings in this collection was that it provided a progressive view of the growth of Glasgow. Starting with Slezer’s three well-known views of Glasgow from the North East (867), Glasgow from the South East (868), and the College (869), we get the close-packed many-gabled city as … Continue reading Glasgow Drawings, Maps, and Plans, pp.232-234. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ANCIENT BELL, which till 1881 formed part of the chime in the steeple of the Tolbooth of Glasgow. This fine bell stands 2 feet 1 inch high with a crown of 7 ½ inches, and across the mouth it has a diameter of 2 feet 7 ¾ inches. On one side it has, in a … Continue reading Glasgow, pp.211-231. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Plate XXVII. - The Old Parliament Close, Edinburgh, at the End of the Eighteenth Century (after the Engraving by J. Leconte).    OIL PAINTING, on panel (36 inches by 26 inches), of Old Parliament Close, Edinburgh, including Portraits of many prominent citizens and ‘town characters’ of the close of last century. … Continue reading Edinburgh, pp.207-210. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    CHARTER AND GIFT BY KING ROBERT III., of a yearly payment of one hundred shillings out of the Customs of Dundee to the Altar of St. Salvator in the Parish Church of Dundee, to celebrate Mass for the repose of the soul of his son David, Duke of Rothesay, who … Continue reading Dundee, pp.204-207. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    WAR SCYTHE from Dumfries, used in connection with the 1715 rising. ‘And likewise considering that they had not Arms for all the Inhabitants who were fit for Service, The Magistrates and Council bought up 100 Syths, caus’d freight their Docks, and fix’d them sufficiently on Shafts, delivering them to such … Continue reading Dumfries and Kirkcudbright, pp.201-204. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ANCIENT BURGH SEAL, of Aberdeen, made in 1440. The brass Seal and Counter Seal, after having been lost from the custody of the Council for upwards of ninety years, have again been placed in safe keeping. It is conjectured that this Seal was granted to the burgh by James I. … Continue reading Aberdeen, pp.197-201. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] HE objects arranged under this head are interesting as furnishing a series of memorials of the principal ancient Royal Burghs of Scotland, and are for the most part publicly preserved in the several towns whose history and experiences they illustrate. Such memorials of bygone civic dignity and usages are not now … Continue reading Burghal Memorials, p.197. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    AUTOGRAPH LETTER OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, to the late Rev. John Carslaw of Airdrie regarding ‘Old Mortality.’ (See Fig. 134.)  (736) Lent by REV. W. H. CARSLAW.     TWO VOLUMES OF THE WAVERLEY NOVELS, containing Sir Walter Scott’s MSS. annotations, notes, and appendices. Volume I. contains the novel Waverley, with … Continue reading Sir Walter Scott, pp.190-194. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    BURNS’S POEMS, First. or Kilmarnock Edition, in original boards, with one leaf uncut. Poems, / chiefly in the / Scottish Dialect, / By / Robert Burns. / (Ornament) /  The Simple Bard, unbroke by rules of Art,  He pours the wild effusions of the heart;  And if inspir’d, ‘tis Nature’s … Continue reading Robert Burns, pp.184-189. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    WALDEGRAVE’S STATUTES, 1597. ‘The / Lavves and Actes / of Parliament, maid / Be King lames the first, And / his svccessovrs Kinges of Scot- / land: Visied, collected and extracted / furth of the Register. The Contentes of this Bvik, / are expremed in the leafe following. [Royal Arms.] … Continue reading General Literature, pp. 182-184. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ‘TRVE / CHRISTIAN / LOVE. / To bee sung with any of the / common tunes of the / Psalmes. / Col. 3. 16 / Let the Word of CHRIST dwell in you rich- / ly in all wisdome; teaching and admonish- / ing one another, in Psalmes and Hymmes … Continue reading The Glasgow Press, pp.176-182. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ‘THE / BOOK / OF / COMMON PRAYER, / And administration of the / Sacraments, / and other / Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, / according to the use of the Church of England; / Together with the / Psalter or Psalms of / David, / Pointed as they … Continue reading Prayer-books, pp.175-176. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ‘THE CL. / PSALMES OF / DAVID / in Prose and Meeter; / with their whole vsuall Notes and Tunes. / Newly corrected and amended. / Edinburgh. / Printed by Andro Hart. 1621 /’ 12mo.     The metrical version is Sternhold’s; the prose the Genevan.     The earliest edition of … Continue reading Psalm Books, pp.174-175. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] - SPECIAL Collection representative of Scottish Literature and of the Scottish press would have required greater space than was at the command of the Committee, and the present Collection was determined principally by secondary reasons, chiefly that of personal interest.     THE GOLDEN LEGEND: Wynkyn de Worde. 4to. Imperfect.     The … Continue reading Scottish Literature, pp.171-174. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Lent by J. R. Findlay, V.-P.S.A. Scot. (Nos. 1119-1137.)     James Tassie was born at Pollokshaws, near Glasgow, in 1735; and while working there in his youth as a mason, managed to study art in the Glasgow Academy of Fine Art, with David Allan, under the brothers Robert and Andrew Foulis. … Continue reading Series of Medallion Portraits in Paste by James Tassie, pp.166-168. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Lent by Thomas Boston. (Nos. 1173-1187.)     CHAPTER OF GLASGOW, A.D. 1180. The device of a Paschal Lamb: the left fore-foot is resting on what seems to be a ring with a part of a chain attached to it. ‘SIGILL CAPITULI ECCLESIE GLESGUENSIS.’ - Laing’s Seals, Plate xxii., fig. I. (See … Continue reading Impressions of Old Glasgow and Other Seals, pp.164-166. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Lent by Thomas Boston. (Nos. 1163-1172.)     JOCELINE, A.D. 11751-1198. A full-length figure of a bishop, in pontifical vestments; his right hand elevated, bestowing the benediction; his left holding the pastoral staff. ‘SIGILLUM JOCELINI GLASGUENSIS EPISCOPI.’ - Figured in Laing’s Ancient Scottish Seals, Plate xv., fig. I.  (1163)     FLORENCE: Bishop-elect … Continue reading Impressions of Some of the Seals of Bishops of Glasgow, pp.163-164. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Lent by the Baroness Willoughby De Eresby. (Nos. 1138-1154.)     A MINIATURE, of Annabella Drummond, Queen of Robert III. of Scotland. A version of the portrait by George Jamesone, at Taymouth, engraved in Pinkerton's Scottish Gallery. [J. M.G.]  (1138)     A MINIATURE, of James I. of Scotland, in an octagon gilt … Continue reading Collection of Miniatures, pp.161-162. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Collection Formed by H.R.H the Princess Charlotte,  and Sold After her Death.  Lent by Stewart Dawson. (Nos. 1091-1116.)     MARY STEWART, QUEEN OF SCOTS (1542-1587).  (1091)     FRANCIS II., KING OF FRANCE, son of Henry II. and Catherine de Medici, husband of Mary Stewart. He died 1560. This miniature is so … Continue reading Miniatures, pp.160-161. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Lent by the Marquess of Bute. (Nos. 471-505.)  (Sizes are given in English inches and tenths referable to Mionnet’s Scale.)     SILVER MEDAL, size 1 2⁄10. Birth of Prince James, 1688. Obverse - The young Prince, as an infant Hercules, in a cradle, strangling two serpents MONSTRIS • DANT • FVNERA • CVNÆ (Cradles give … Continue reading Collection of Medals Relating to the Royal House of Stewart; 1688-1788, pp.155-160. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] LENT BY MRS WYLDE. (Nos. 652-664.)     SILVER SNUFF-BOX, which belonged to Flora Macdonald and her husband. Captain Allan Macdonald of Kingsburgh, with their initials ‘A. McD.’ and ‘F. McD.’ engraved on it.     Flora Macdonald, daughter of Ranald Macdonald of Miltoun in South Uist, was born about 1722. She came … Continue reading Relics of Flora Macdonald, pp.152-154. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    HAIR, of James VII. of Scotland and of his son.  (518 and 519) Lent by MRS. MARKHAM.     PORTRAIT, of James VII., by Sir Godfrey Kneller, in full-bottom wig, armour, lace neckerchief, and green scarf.  (297) Lent by J. S. FRASER TYTLER.     A SILVER FILIGREE ESSENCE BOX, part of … Continue reading The Jacobite Period, pp.127-152. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    LETTER, from Rob Roy ‘to Right Honall the Earle of Braedalbine.’ This letter, dated Portnellan, Nov. 12, 1707, is exceedingly polite, almost obsequious. After expressing his longing to see his lordship, he reminds him, ‘I have the honour to have come of your Lop's family, and shall keep my dependency … Continue reading Rob Roy, pp.124-126. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ‘A PROCLAMATION, indemnifying such as have been in arms before the 1st of June last.’ [1691.] This Proclamation was printed at Edinburgh by the Heirs of Andrew Anderson; but this copy is one of those ‘reprinted for Richard Baldwin, near the Oxford Arms Inn, Warwick Lane.’ At the end of … Continue reading The Massacre of Glencoe, pp.122-124. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    LETTER, from James the Seventh to the Earl of Breadalbane, urging him to raise forces for his cause. ‘Now that God appeares soe signallie to bless our endeavours everiewhere, and that such of our enemies as durst not encounter the justice of our cause. He has by want and distemper … Continue reading The Revolution, pp.121-122. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    PORTRAIT of Viscount Dundee, half-length, life-size. A version of the ‘Airth portrait,’ in 
the possession of Lieutenant-Colonel T. P. Graham of Airth (engraved in line by W. Banks and
 Son in the first volume of Mark Napier's Memorial and Letters of Claverhouse), of which various 
versions exist, such as those … Continue reading Claverhouse, pp.117-120. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    Two of Renwick's AUTOGRAPH LETTERS. Both are framed and under glass, and the
 right-hand margin of each is somewhat frayed. The first, written from ‘Rotterdam, June 
1683,’ is printed in the Collection of Letters, edited by McMillan in 1764, pp. 22-24. There, how
ever, it is dated by mistake January 18, … Continue reading James Renwick, pp.115-117. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    PEDEN’S STAFF has a decagonal metal top, and is shod with brass. Although now
 shortened by about eighteen inches, it is still of serviceable length. When preaching in Wigtownshire he frequented the house of Mr. McCIure, at Challoch, Leswalt; and the staff, which 
has been handed down in the McClure … Continue reading Alexander Peden, pp.112-115. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    CHASED SILVER SNUFF-BOX, given by the Earl of Argyll, after his capture, to Thomas
 Crawford, of Craufurdsburn or Cartsburn, as a mark of his respect, with the words:- ‘Thomas, it
 hath pleased Providence to frown on my attempt, but remember, I tell you, ere long one shall take up this … Continue reading Argyll’s Rising, pp.111-112. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    CAPTAIN PATON’S BIBLE. This small duodecimo- ‘London: Printed for the Companie of Stationers 1653’ - has contained both the Old and New Testaments, but many of the leaves have been abstracted by admirers more covetous than honest. The last words left are the appropriate ones:- ‘And they overcame him by … Continue reading Captain Paton, pp.110-111. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    FENWICK FLAG, with the motto: ‘PHINIGK FOR GOD [blank] C°WNTRY AND COVENANTED WORK 
OF REFORMATIONS,’ surmounted by an open Bible marked: ‘The Word of God,’ and a crown and
 thistle. With the late James Drummond it may be confessed that this flag ‘has a very doubtful
 appearance, being in every … Continue reading Covenanters’ Flags, pp.107-109. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    The result of the skirmish at Drumclog - it is only called a battle by custom or courtesy
 - was the immediate and marvellous increase of the little band of fighting men, which soon 
became an army in numbers. Unfortunately they were rent by dissension concerning the 
condemnation of the … Continue reading Battle of Bothwell Bridge, pp.106-107. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    LARGE DRUM; ANDREA FERRARA SWORD; CLAYMORE; and CAPTAIN’S SWORD, captured at Drumclog. Preserved by the Whytes of Neuk, Lesmahagow.  (384, 385, 386, 387) Lent by MRS. NAPIER.     ANDREA FERRARA BROADSWORD, from Drumclog, and the COVENANTER McKERROW’S SWORD, also used there.  (396, 446) Lent by A. C. McINTYRE.     ANDREA … Continue reading Battle Of Drumclog, pp.105-106. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] PORTRAIT of James Guthrie, half-length, life-size, and painted on wood, by an unknown
 artist. The face bears an expression of earnest solemnity, and the hair is brought down on the 
brow in the same manner Gerard’s is shown in Beza’s Icones.  
(421) Lent by the TRUSTEES OF THE SMITH INSTITUTE, STIRLING.
  … Continue reading James Guthrie, pp.101-105. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    PORTRAIT of the Marquis of Montrose, at the age of seventeen, halt-length, life-size. Copied from Jamesone's original, belonging to the Earl of Southesk, and preserved at Kinnaird Castle. An engraving of the original was executed in 1848, by R. C. Bell, for the Memorials of Montrose (Maitland Club); and it … Continue reading The Great Montrose, pp.97-101. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ‘THE DECLINATOR AND PROTESTATION of the Archbishop and Bishops, of the
 Church of Scotland, and others their adherents within that Kingdome, against the pretended 
Generall Assembly holden at Glasgow Novemb. 21, 1638.’ This small-quarto pamphlet, of 18 
leaves including the title, was printed by warrant of the King, and published … Continue reading The Glasgow Assembly of 1638, pp.91-97. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    Of the numerous relics shown in the Bishop’s Castle comparatively few belonged to the earlier part of this period; and the two which are to be first mentioned would be excluded from it were the line to be rigidly drawn. While, however, some parts of this period are scantily represented, … Continue reading The Covenant and Royalists, pp.87-91. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] Lent by MRS. WILLIAM NELSON. (282-291).     1. JOHN KNOX. A reversed (turned to our right), and probably earlier, version of No. 17 (below). [J. M. G.]     2. JOHN KNOX, from the original picture in the possession of Lord Torphichen. Engraved by J. Cochran. Frontispiece to McCrie’s Life of Knox. … Continue reading Engraved Portraits of John Knox, pp.85-86. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    PORTRAITS, in Oil, of King James V. of Scotland and his wife, Queen Mary of Guise, the father and mother of Queen Mary Stewart. He is represented wearing a fur-lined cloak with furred sleeves. He holds between his thumb and first finger a jewel, which hangs by a chain of … Continue reading Portraits of Queen Mary and of Others Connected with her Period and History, pp.77-86. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    It may be a fitting introduction to this section to give some account of the appointments and personal ornaments of Queen Mary. Fairer or costlier gems, we are told, were not to be seen in Europe, and the splendour of the Queen's appointments was the admiration of men who were … Continue reading Memorials of Mary Queen of Scots, pp.40-76. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] WO-HANDED SWORD which measures 49 inches in the blade, 5 feet 9 inches in entire length, and weighs 7 ½ pounds. This excellent example of a two-handed sword is figured in Wilson’s Prehistoric Annals of Scotland (2d ed. vol. ii. p. 511), where it is stated: ‘The interest which secured the … Continue reading Early Scottish, pp.31-39. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    LION-SHAPED EWER, the Manilium of the Middle Ages. These vessels (64 and 64A) are fully figured and described by Dr. Joseph Anderson in Proc. Soc. Antiq. Scot., 1878, vol. xiii. p. 48.  (64A) Lent by JOHN KIRSOP.     EWER of Brass, three-footed, with looped side-handle and spout, found near Luncarty, … Continue reading Mediæval Remains, pp.24-28. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] RUBBINGS FROM ANCIENT SCULPTURED STONES  MADE BY MISS MACLAGAN.     THE MAIDEN STONE, in the parish of Chapel of Garioch, Aberdeenshire. (Described in Dr. John Stuart’s Sculptured Stones of Scotland, vol. i. p. 3, and figured in plate ii. Engraved also in Gordon’s Itin. Sept. p. lix; Cordiner’s Romantic Views, p. … Continue reading Early Christian Remains, pp.19-24. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    FRAGMENT OF A SCULPTURED STONE, irregular in form, about 4 feet in greatest length and 20 inches broad. It consists of sandstone, and has rudely sculptured on one surface a representation of a warrior, with his shield, in a chariot drawn by a lion and a leopard. The sculpture does … Continue reading Roman Remains, pp.17-19. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    ANCIENT CANOE, found in bed of river Clyde in 1879. In the valley of the Clyde, and in positions which point to the fact that great changes in the physical features of the region have taken place within comparatively recent times, a large number of relics of early navigation have … Continue reading Canoes, pp.14-16. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    URN, of Baked Clay, found in a deposit of sand in digging for the foundation of a building at Springfield Quay, Glasgow, in 1877. This is a rudely-formed vessel, destitute of ornament, and divided into three stages in its height by roughly-formed belts or bands. It is 6 ¾ inches … Continue reading Sepulchral Urns, Etc, pp.10-13. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    BRONZE FLANGED AXE, or Palstave, on which there has been inscribed, ‘Found in Barsceoch Moss, 7 feet below the surface. Joseph Train.’ It is 6 inches long and 2 ⅝ inches across the cutting face. The upper part having flanges and a recess or stop in the centre to retain … Continue reading Bronze Implements, pp.8-10. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents]    SPEAR-HEAD of Flint, large, imperfect at the point, from which about an inch and a half has been broken off. It is now 4 ¾ inches long, and its greatest breadth is 2 ¼ inches. In shape this spear-head resembles an isosceles and an equilateral triangle placed on opposite sides … Continue reading Stone Implements, pp.3-7. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] N the Archeological Collection formed in connection with the Glasgow Exhibition, the space devoted to the prehistoric and early remains of the country was very restricted. It did not enter into the scheme of the promoters, even had there been time available, to form a full or exhaustive series of prehistoric … Continue reading Prehistoric Remains, pp.3-16. →

[Scottish National Memorials Contents] HIS volume is the outgrowth of the interest excited by the Historical and Archeological Collection which was brought together in the ‘Bishop's Castle’ - a reproduction of the ancient Castle of Glasgow, designed by the late Mr. James Sellars for the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1888. That collection of Scottish National … Continue reading Preface, pp.vii-viii. →

[Historical Works Contents – Original] Obitts, this zeire, of eminent personages, wer, first, in the mounthe of Januarij, this zeire, 1640, James, Earle of Buchan, Lord Aughterhousse, eldest sone to Ihone, Earle of Mar, Lord Theasurer of Scotland, by his second wyffe, Ladey Marey Stewart, 2d sister to Lodouick, Ducke of Richmond and Lennox. He … Continue reading Obittes this Zeire (1640), pp.426-429. →

[Historical Works Contents – Original] As 16 Regni Regis Carolj, et Sal: 1640.  The 25 of the mounthe of Februarij, 1640, the magistratts of Edinbrughe receaued a letter from his Maiesty to be assistant to Capitane Slingesby and Capitane Shipeman, quho had brought by sea from London 300 souldiers, and a grate dealle of all … Continue reading King Charles, the First of that Name (1640-1641), pp.371-428. →

[Newspaper Research Contents]    ... Nothing is heard but the Geraldine’s Death Song -  “Speak low! speak low! the Banshee is crying;  Hark to the echo! - She is dying! dying!  Hush! hush! have you heard what the Banshee said?  Oh, list to the echo! she is dead! she is dead!”  - Dundee, Perth, and … Continue reading Banshees. →

[Scanned Images Contents] While typing up the recent articles on Superstitions; Chambers' Edinburgh Journal, Scottish Review, and Scots Magazine, this book was cited, though I'm not sure now where. It sounded like a publication fit for this site and I was able to upload the contents fairly quickly, where they got quite a look-in on … Continue reading ‘Horace in Homespun’ (1886) →

[Scanned Images Contents] Friend and RSH Contributor Tam McCann had alerted me to this book's existence and I've just had a copy sent through from Leith. It's quite the tome. Wonderfully illustrated throughout. It's very like the Memorial Catalogue for the 1894 Glasgow Exhibition but seems to be far more detailed and with far more … Continue reading ‘Scottish National Memorials’ (1890) →

[Newspaper Research Contents] SKELETONS OF GIANTS IN MUSEUMS. - There is evidently a natural determination of giants towards the museum. The most striking object the eye meets on entering the first large room is the skeleton of the Irish giant O’Bryan. His fate was a memorable example of how vain is the struggle men of … Continue reading Giants. →

[Newspaper Research Contents] “SCOTTISH CUSTOMS AND FOLK-LORE.  —————  SHIRES OF ABERDEEN, KINCARDINE, AND FORFAR.  —————     ... A pool on the North Esk, called the Ponage, or Pontage Pool, was at one time the home of a water kelpie. This creature was captured, and made to do duty for the laird of Morphie, who was … Continue reading Kelpies, Water-horses, Water-bulls, &c. →

[Newspaper Research Contents]    STRANGE COINCIDENCE. - We learn from a New York paper that Mr Alex. Grant, who was one of the survivors from the wreck of the Central America, has been no less than four times within the grasp of the watery element. It is somewhat remarkable that on two occasions he was … Continue reading Curious Coincidences from the Scottish Press →

[Newspaper Research Contents]    Lusus Naturæ [Freak of Nature]. - Two cases of monstrous births among the lower animals have just been communicated to us, on the very best authority. The first of these is a kitten with two mouths, two noses, two rows of teeth, one eye in the centre of its forehead, and … Continue reading Ludibria Naturae from the 19th Century Scottish Press. →

[Gazetteer of Scotland Contents] INCHINNAN,1 a parish in Renfrewshire, bounded on the north by the Clyde; on the east and south by the Cart and the Gryfe; and on the west by the parish of Erskine, touching at one point on the south-west the parish of Houstoun. Its length is 3½ miles, and its breadth varies … Continue reading Inchinnan, pp.5-6. →

[Chambers’ Edinburgh Journal Contents] TRADITIONS OF THE OLD TOLBOOTH OF EDINBURGH.  [From Reekiana, by R. Chambers.]     CRIMINALS, notwithstanding every consideration of the meanness which characterises some crimes, and the wickedness and cruelty of others, are an interesting portion of mankind. The interest respecting them is not confined to the young ladies, who conceive that … Continue reading Traditions of the Old Tolbooth of Edinburgh, Saturday, September 21, 1833, pp.267-268. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] Smith as before. Later evening.  SMITH. HUGH. THREE PLOUGHMAN.  Outside at half-door, A TALL STRANGER, with a half-ell beard, leading a Saddle-horse.  -  Tall Stranger - Who owns this hole? Holloa there - you!  Blacksmith or blackguard!  Smith - What’s ado?  Hugh - It’s him! it’s Geordie!  Tall St. - Horse … Continue reading Hughie at the Smiddy – A Dramatic Idyll – Part II., pp.90-95. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Ille terrarum mihi præter omnes  Angulus ridet.” - CAR. II., 6.  The Smithy - Evening.  SMITH. THREE PLOUGHMEN. Enter HUGH.  -  PART I.  Hugh - Noo, billies, ken ye what’s the steer?  1st Ploughman - Dave’s listed.  2nd Ploughman - Lowrie’s on the beer.  3rd Ploughman - Nick’s cut his throat.  … Continue reading Hughie at the Smiddy – A Dramatic Idyll – Part I., pp.83-89. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Memento... moriture Delli!” - car. ii., 3.  YOUNG man, wha at the gates o’ life  Are bauldly pushing forward,  Forgetna in the fash o’ strife  That a’ your days are order’d.  There’s mony a quest’on greatly vext,  An’ mony a truth disputit,  But that we a’ maun dee ‘s a text  … Continue reading Hughie Upon Human Conduct, pp.81-82. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Vina liques, et spatio brevi  Spen longam reseces.” - CAR. I., II.  IT wasna meant that mortal men  Should read the deevil’s books to ken  (What they can never comprehen’)  The secret o’ their hinner en’.  -  The nobler gate o’t were to spen’  The scriptural threescore years an’ ten,  Or … Continue reading Hughie’s Belief in Present Duty, p.80. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Si me lyricis vatibus inseres!" - CAR. I., I.  MAN, Davie, had I but the ert  To pierce that stane ye ca’ your hert  Wi’ the clear dart o’ poesie,  A prooder man there wadna be.  For weel it’s kent thro’ a’ the toun  That nane can rise that ye ca’ … Continue reading Hughie Remonstrates with Davie – A dour Critic, pp.76-79. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Miserarum est neque amori ludum neque dilci  Mala vino lavere, ant exanimari metuentes  Patruæ verbera linguæ.” - CAR. III., 12.  ‘OD, Meenie, but I’m vext for ye!  A lad could better thole, ye see,  The pangs o’ love unspoken,  For he could speak, an’ he could pree  A gless hooe’er hert … Continue reading Hughie Offers his Consolation to his Sister Meenie, Wha’s Heart is wi’ Donal’ in Lochiel, pp.74-75. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Jam jam residunt cruribus aspera.” - CAR. II., 20.  THE bards are birds an’ born to flee!  If I were ane, an’ choice were free,  I’d be an Eagle! wha but he  To rule the air!  The very sun wi’ open ee  He can ootstare!  -  His flicht is owre the … Continue reading Hughie’s Flight as an Eagle, pp.71-73. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Carpe diem!" - CAR. I., II.  Gie owre thae wild uncanny looks,  That trokin’ wi’ the deevil’s books,  That doctorin’ o’ yoursel’ wi’ simples  (It only fills your face wi’ pimples!)  An’ learn to live like ither folk  Whas’ trust is in their aitmeal poke!  -  Ye winna grow ae bit … Continue reading Hughie’s Advice to Tammie to Live Less for the Future and more for the Present, pp.69-70. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Solvitur acris hiems gratâ vice veris et Favoni.” - CAR. I., 4.  THE winter ice is breakin’ up,  The wast wind whistlin’ cracks his whup,  An’ noo ye hear their Hi! woa! h’up!  (Pleasant the hearin’!)  As plooman-lads wi’ steady grup  Draw oot their feerin’.  -  An’ now ere lang we’ll … Continue reading Hughie’s Spring Sunshine Dashed wi’ Shadow, pp.67-68. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Nos prælia virginum  Sectis in juvenes unguibus acrium  Cantamus.” - CAR. I., 6.  WAR’S broken oot, an’ the toon’s wives are skirlin’,  An’ Jock maun awa’ to the muster at Stirlin’.  -  A douce lad, Jock, when he lived wi’ ‘s here,  Stappin’ aboot in his plooman’s gear,  An’ whustlin’ blithe … Continue reading Hughie’s Views on Soldiering, pp.65-66. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Rapiamus, amici,  Occasionem de die, dumque virent genua.” - CAR. V., 13.  AN angry tempest, roarin’ lood,  Is broken lowse an’ ragin’ free;  The knock-wud groans wi’ anguish boo’d,  An’ rocks an’ writhes the moanin’ sea.  See whaur in whirlin’ shooers they flee,  The sprays o’ ocean, owre the main!  See … Continue reading Hughie Driven in by a Tempest: He Defies the Elements from Behind a Jorum, pp.63-64. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Ergo Quinctilium perpetuus sopor  Urget!" - CAR. I. 24.  WHAT man or minister ‘ill dare  Haud oot his haund, an’ cry Forbear!  This wild, this waefu’ sorrow spare;  It’s Nature’s debt?  But I will baund an’ weepers wear  For Andro yet!  -  O for the wail o’ Autumn wun’s,  An’ trees, … Continue reading Hughie in Murnins: He Laments the Loss o’ his Frien’ Andro, pp.61-62. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Vides ut alta stet nive candidum  Soracte.” - CAR. I., 9.  FRA whaur ye hing, my cauldrife frien’,  Your blue neb owre the lowe,  A snawy nightcap may be seen  Upon Benarty’s pow;  An’ snaw upon the auld gean stump,  Whas’ frostit branches hang  Oot-owre the dyke abune the pump  That’s … Continue reading Hughie’s Winter Excuse for a Dram, pp.58-60. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Nec si quid olim lusit Anacreon,  Delevit ætas.” - CAR. IV. 9.  I TUNE my pipe to Doric strains  Wi’ great gude will, an’ meikle pains,  Altho’ my skill be like my gains -  Baith unco sma’;  An’ yet a something tae remains  Aboon the blaw.  -  It’s no’ for a’ … Continue reading Hughie Flatters Saunders with an Ironical Description of Himself, pp.55-57. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Fis anus, et tamen  Vis formosa videri.” - CAR. IV. 13.  EH, Nance! this is a sair come-doun;  An’ ye were ance sae braw,  The pridefu’est lass in a’ the toon,  Coortit by ane an’ a!  Ay, wumman, at oor time o’ life  Thae youthfu’ memories are rife -  Surely ye … Continue reading Hughie Lectures a Vain Old Maid, pp.53-54. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Nocturnis ego somniis,  Fam captan teneom jam volucrem sequor.” - CAR. IV. I.  O HAUD awa’ thae lowin’ een!  I canna bide their licht,  I’m no’ sae young as I hae been,  Nor near sae strong o’ sicht.  I’m wearin’ near twa score an’ ten -  It’s mair becomin’ me  To … Continue reading Hughie Thinks Himself now too Old for Love, pp.51-52. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Scandit aratas vitiosa naves  Cura." - CAR. II. 16.  WHAT think ye’s the end that puir mortals should seek  In this weary warstle fra week on to week?  The young folk think pleasure, nae doot, wad be best,  But we, wha are aulder, are lookin’ for rest.  -  Owre sune like … Continue reading Hughie’s Happiness Based on Contentment, pp.49-50. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Vitas hinnuleo me similis, Chloë!" - CAR. I., 23.  WHA’S aucht this bonnie bashfu’ bairn  Cooerin’ her lane ahint the cairn?  Whas’ can the lassie be?  Or is’t a fairy fra the fern  Looks wonderin’ oot on me?  -  Tell me, thou timorous mountain fay,  If that thy name an’ lineage … Continue reading Hughie Fa’s in wi’ a Fairy, pp.47-48. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Non omnis moriar.” - CAR. III. 30.  IN vain the future snaps his fangs,  The tyke may rage - he canna wrangt’s,  I put my haund upon my sangs  Withoot a swither;  To me this monument belangs,  I need nae ither.  -  It’s no’ in granite to endoor,  Sandstane comes ripplin’ … Continue reading Hughie’s Monument, pp.44-46. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Ne quis modici transiliat munera Liberi.” - CAR. I., 18.  YE’RE leavin’ ‘s Jame! nae langer noo  To rank amon’ the wanters -  By way o’ waddin’ gift fra Hugh  Accepp thir twa decanters.  They’re fill’d wi’ Scotland’s noblest juice -  An’ whaur’s a nobler liquor?  They’ll aiblins help to heat … Continue reading Hughie’s Waddin’ Gift to his Friend Jame, pp.41-43. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Prima nocte domum claude, neque in vias  Sub cantu querulæ despice tibiæ.” - CAR. III., 7.  O DRY that tear that trickles doun  For Davie owre the sea;  The fates 'ill keep him safe an soun’,  An’ that for sake o’ thee.  What pleasure wad it gie the fates  To vex … Continue reading Hughie Consoles and Counsels Young Nannie in the Absence of Davie, pp.39-40. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Immunis aram si tetigit manus.” - CAR. III., 23.  MY gude auld Elspet, in your wee cot house,  Cheerfu’ i’ mornin’, an’ at e’enin’ douce  (For wark is cheery when a body’s fain;  But aye wi’ gloamin’ mem’ry comes again  To mend the broken circle roond the ingle,  Lang silent voices … Continue reading Hughie’s Testimony to the Worth o’ Auld Elspeth, pp.37-38. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Fies nobilium tu quoque fontium.” - CAR. III., 13.  THOU bonnie modest mountain spring,  That tinkles oot aneth a stane  An’ seems to thy ainsel’ to sing -  For listener near is nane -  -  There’s neither birk nor rowan tree  Bends owre thy brink to shelter thee,  An’ but ae … Continue reading Hughie at the Maiden’s Well, pp.34-36. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Da lunæ propere novæ,  Da noctis mediæ.” - CAR. III., 19.  AY, here they come, thrang warstlin’ up the brae  Like sheep in single file,  No’ ane o’ them wi’ langidge left - they’re sae  Forfoughen wi’ their toil.  -  Tammy, ye’re first - but tailors for a broose!  Willie, my … Continue reading Hughie’s Bachelor Party, pp.30-33. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Hic tibi copia  Manabit ad plenum benigno  Ruris honorum opulenta cornu.”  NOO Nature’s wauken’d fra her trance,  An’ sunbeams owre Lochleven glance,  An’ soothlan’ winds that blaw fra France  Bring soothlan’ weather,  An’ lambs like fairy pownies prance  Amang the heather.  -  Noo doun the rig the sawer swings,  An’ Jock … Continue reading Hughie’s Invitation to a Friend in the City, pp.27-29. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Vates quid orat de patera novum  Fundens liquorem.” - CAR. I., 31.  NOO, by my croon, the sun sends doun  Uncommon drouthy weather,  But here’s an inn - if it were sin  We’ll spill a dram thegither!  An’ while we sit an’ rest oor fit,  Surveyin’ man’s dominion,  We’ll tak’ a … Continue reading Hughie Takes his Ease in his Inn, pp.25-26. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Navis, quæ tibi creditum  Debes Virgilium.” CAR. I., 3.  NOO a’ ye winds, but ane that rair  An’ revel on the deep,  Respeck for ance a poet’s pray’r -  Swith to your caves, an’ sleep!  For Davy’s sake, wha taks the tide  This mornin’, be commaundit:  There’s fifty folk on Devonside  … Continue reading Hughie’s Anxiety for Davy on the Seas, pp.22-24. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Gratia cum nymphis geminisque sororibus audet  Ducere nuda choros.” - CAR. IV., 7.  AN’ noo ance mair the Lomon’  Has donn’d his mantle green,  An’ we may gang a-roamin’  Thro’ the fields at e’en;  -  An’ listen to the rustlin’  O’ green leaves i’ the shaw,  An’ hear the blackbird whistlin’  … Continue reading Hughie’s Advice to Dauvit to Enjoy the Fine Weather, pp.19-21. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Urit grata protervitas.” - CAR. I., 19.  I’VE nocht to wreak mysel’ upon,  An’ wark I dinna fancy,  Sae I’ll sit doun an’ hae a groan  Aboot my cruel Nancy.  She thraw’d her head when late yestreen  I telt her I was deein’ -  Either she disna care a preen,  Or … Continue reading Hughie in Love with a Shrew, pp.17-18. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Non semper. . . foliis viduantur orni;  Tu semper urges flebilibus modis  Mysten ademptum." - CAR. II., 9.  IT’S winter wi’ us here amang the mountains,  Patient they stand wi’ leaden clouds opprest;  Silent are a’ the birds an’ singin’ fountains,  Weary they seem, an’ auld, an’ wantin’ rest.  The braes … Continue reading Hughie Consoles Allan for the Loss of his Son, pp.15-16. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Ibi tu calentem  Debita sparges lacrima favillam  Vatis amici." - CAR. II., 6.  MATTHIE, nae mair! ye’se gang your lane!  Tak’ my best wishes wi’ ye,  An’ may guid fortun’ owre the main  An’ snugly settled see ye!  I wuss ye weel! the kintra’s lairge,  An ye’re but twa wi’ Mary;  … Continue reading Hughie Refuses to Emigrate, pp.12-14. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Seu tu querlos sive geris jocos,  Seu rixom, et insanos amores,  Seu facilem, pia testa, somnum.” - CAR. III., 21.  HOO cam’ this bonnie greybeard here,  Sae trimly to the time o’ year,  When folk maun lay ‘t in, tho’ it’s dear?  But this, I’se wauger,  Cost but the buyin’ o’ … Continue reading Hughie’s Anticipation of Hogmanay Night, pp.9-11. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Mala soluta navis exit alite.” - CAR. V., 10.  HE’S aff the kintra at a spang!  He’s on the sea - they’ve tint him!  The warst o’ weather wi’ him gang!  Gude weather bide ahint him!  O for a rattlin’ bauld Scots blast  To follow an’ owretak’ him -  To screed … Continue reading Hughie’s Indignation at the Conduct of the Absconding Elder, pp.6-8. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Linquenda tellus et domus." - CAR. II., 14.  YE’RE agein’, Tammy, agein’ fast,  The season o’ your strength is past;  Ye’re white but whaur ye’re bauld;  The footmarks o’ the craw are seen  Aboot the corners o’ your een -  Ye’re auld, my frien’, ye’re auld!  There’s some that on life’s … Continue reading Hughie’s Advice to Auld Tammy to tak’ the use o’ his Savings, pp.4-5. →

[Horace in Homespun Contents] “Omnes eodem cogimur." - CAR. II., 3.  DEAR JOCK, ye’re higher up the brae  Than me, your aulder brither -  Keep mind the higher up ye gae  The mair ye’re in the weather.  I’m no’ misdootin’ that ye’re wice,  An’, for your ploo-share, speed it!  But I may better gi’e advice,  … Continue reading Hughie’s Advice to his Brother John, pp.1-3. →