A True History Of several Honourable Families of the Right Honourable Name of Scot In the Shires of Roxburgh and Selkirk, and others adjacent. Gathered out of Ancient Chronicles, Histories, and Traditions of our Fathers. By Capt. Walter Scot, An old Souldier, and no Scholler, And one that can Write nane, But just the Letters of his Name |
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Dedicated to the very Honourable, and right Worshipful generous
Gentleman, John Hoppringil, Laird of Torsonce.
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 | A True History Of several Honourable Families of the Right Honourable Name of Scot |  |
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Dedicated to the very Honourable, and right Worshipful generous Gentleman, John Hoppringil, Laird of Torsonce.
Most worthy Sir, ye know this well by me,That the love of Brandie made my self merrie,
For when the High-born Bastard of the thundring Jove,
When Mens inventions are of Wit most hollow,
He with his sprightful Juice their spirits doth move,
To the harmonious Musick of Apollo,
And in a word, I would have all men know it,
He must drink Brandy that means to be a Poet;
I understand, or know no forraign Tongue,
But their translations I do much admire,
Much Art, much Pains, much Study it doth require,
And at the least regard should be their hyre;
When Adam was in Paradice first placed,
And with the rule of mortal things was graced,
Then Roses, Pinks, and fragrant Gilly-flowers,
Adorn'd and deckt forth Edens blessed bowers;
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A vapour shaddow, a Bubble, and a Breah,
An idle Bable, and a poultry Toy,
Whose greatest Patron is a blinded Boy;
But pardon Love, my judgement is unjust,
For what I speak of Love, I mean'd of Lust,
Bess she dislikes the Surplice and the Cap,
And calls them idle Vestments of the Pope;
And Mistris Maud would go to Church right fain,
But that the corner Cap makes her refrain;
And Madam Idle is offended deep,
The Preacher speaks so loud, she cannot sleep;
Lo thus the Devil sowes contentions Seed,
Whence Sects, and Schisms, and Heresies do breed;
Since Providence has given you Wit in store,
Live as your worthy Fathers did live you before.
By night I in a vision did Dream,
That four and twenty Shepherds I had seen,
Whereof John Andison was one;
A Shepherd Swain that dwells in Thirleston,
A civil Person, and one that is true,
And therefore I dedicat him to you,
I hope the Name of Shepherd ye'l not despise it,
Since Kings and Princes hath it enterprized,
Besides the learned Poets of all times,
Have chantited out their praises in pleasant Rymes,
The harmless lives of rural Shepherd Swains,
And beauteous Shepherdesses on the plains,
They have recorded most delightfully,
Their Love, their Fortune, and Felicity;
And sure if in this low terrestrial round,
Plain honest happiness is to be found,
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Because they have least power to do ill;
And whilst they on the feeding flocks attend,
They have the least occasion to offend;
I wish God bless the Shepherds and their Fleeces,
And then I hope they'l ne're want Golden Pieces.
| A True History Of several Honourable Families of the Right Honourable Name of Scot | |