The historie of ane nobil and wailzeand squyer, William Meldrum, vmquhyle Laird of Cleische and Bynnis. Compylit be Sir Dauid Lyndesay of the Mont, alias, Lyoun, King of Armes. H C The testament of the said Williame Meldrum Squyer. Compylit alswa be Sir Dauid Lyndesay, &c.

THE HISTORIE OF ANE NOBIL AND WAILZE▪ and Squyer, William Meldrum, vmquhyle Laird of Cleische and Bynnis. Compylit be Sir Dauid Lyndesay of the Mont, alias, Ly∣oun, King of Armes.

¶H( ¶C(

QUho that Antique Stories reidis, Considder may the famous deidis, Of our Nobill Progenitouris: Quhilk suld to vs be richt mirrouris. Thair verteous deidis to ensew: And vicious leuing to eschew. Sic Meu bene put in memorie That deith suld not confound thair glorie. Howbeit thair bodie bene absent, Thair verieous deidis bene present. Pottis thair honour to auance, Hes put thame in rememberance. Sum wrpt of preclait Conqueroutis, And sum of vailʒeand Empriouris: And sum of Nobill Michtie Kingis, That Royallie did reull thair Kingis. And sum of Campiounis, and of kuichtis That bauldlie did defend thair richtis. Quhilk hauʒe and he did stand in stour, For the defence of thair honour. And sum of Squretis douch••le deidis, That wounders wrocht in weitlie weidis. Snm wryt of deidis amorous. As Chauceir wrait of Croilus: How that he luiffit Cression,

Of Ias••n and of Medea: With help of Cleo I intend, Sa Minerue wald me Sapienc•• send: Ane Nobill Squyet to discryf••, Quhais douchtines during his Lyfe, I knaw my self, thairof I wryte, And all his deidis I dar indyte: And secreitis that I did not knaw, That Nobill Squyer did me schaw. Sa I intend the best I can, Descryue the deidis and the Man: Quhais ʒouth did occupie in lufe, Full plesantlie without reprufe. Quhilk did as monie douchtie deldis, As monie ane, that men of reidis, Quhilkis Poetis puttis in Memorie, For the ••xalting of thair glorie: Quhair••oir I think sa God me saif, He suld haue place amangis the laif. That his hie honour suld not smure, Considering quhat he did indure. Oft times for his Ladeis sake: I wait Sir Lancelote du lake, Quhen he did lufe King Arthuris wyfe. Faucht neuer better with sword nor kny•• For his Ladie in no ba••tell, Nor had not half so iust querrell. The veritie quha list declair, His Lufe was ane Adulterai••. And durst not cum into hir sicht, Bot lyke ane Houlet on the nicht: With this Squyer it stude not so, His Ladie lui••it him and no mo: Husband, nor Lemman had scho none, And so he had hir lufe alone.

I think it is no happie lyfe, Ane Man to jaip his Maisteris wyfe: As did Lancelote, this I conclude, Of sic amour culd cum na gude. ☞ Now to my purpois will I pas, And shaw ʒow how the Squyer was: Ane gentilman of Scotland borne, So was his Father him beforne: Of Nobilnes lineallie discendit, Quhilks thair gude fame hes euer defendit Gude Williame Meldrum he was namit Quhilk in his honour was neuer defamit: Stalwart and stout in euerie stryfe, And borne within the Schyre of Fyfe. To C••eische and Bynnis richt Heritour, Quhilk stude for Lufe in monie stour. He was bot twentie ʒeiris of age, Quhen he began his Uassalage: Proportionat weill of mid stature. Fe••rie and wicht and micht indure. Ouirset with trauell both nicht and day, Richt hardie baith in ernist and play: Blyith in countenance, richt fair of face, And stude weill ay in his Ladies grace: For he was wounder amiabill, And in all deidis honorabill. And ay his honour did auance, In Ingland first, and syne in France. And thair his manheid did assaill, Under the Kingis greit Admirall. Quhen the greit Nauie of Scotland, Pa••it to the sey aganis Ingland. And as thay passit be Ireland ••oist, The Admirall gart land his Oist: And set Craigfergus into Fyre,

And saifit nouther Barne nor Byre: It was greit pietie for to heir, Of the pepill the bailfull cheir And how the Land folk wer spuilʒeit, Fair w••men vnder fute wer fuilʒeit: Bot this ʒoung Squyer bauld and wi••h: Sauit all wemen quhair he mi••ht: All Preist is and Freiris he did saue, Till at the last he did persaue: Behind ane Garding amiabill, Ane womanis voce richt lamentabill▪ And on that voce he followit fast, Till he did see hir at the last: Spuilʒeit, naikit as scho was borne, Twa men of weir wer hir beforne: Quhilk wer richt cruell men and ken••, Part and the spuilʒie thame betwene: Ane fairer woman nor schowes, He had not sene in onie place: Befoir him on hir kneis scho fell, Sayand for him that heryit Hell, Help me sweit Sir, I am ane Mayd, Chan softlie to the men he said: I pray ʒow giue againe hir sark. And tak to ʒow all other wark. Hir Kirtill was of Scarlot reid, Of gold ane garland of hir heid: Decorit with Enamelyne, Belt and Brochis of siluer fyne. Of ʒallow Taftais weʒ hir sark, Begaryit all with browderit wark: Riche craftelie with gold and silk. Than said the Ladie quhyte as milk, Except my sark nothing I craue, Let thame go hence with all the laue.

Quod thay to hir be Sand Fillane, Of this ʒeget nathing agane: Than said the Squyer courteslie. Gud•• Freindis I pray ʒow hartfullie: Gifʒe be worthie Men of Weir, Restoir to hir agane hir Geir. Or be greit God that all h••s wrocht, That spuilʒie salbe full deir bocht. Quod thay to him we the defy, And drew thair swordis haistely: And straik at him with sa g••eit Ire, That from his Harues flew the fyre. W••h duntis sa darflie on him dang, That he was neuer in sit a••e thrang: Bor he him manfullie defendit, And with ane bolt on thame he bendif, And har the ane vpon the heid, That to the ground he fell doun deid: For to the teith he did him c••e••f, Lat him ly thair with ane mischeif. Than with the vther hand for hand, He beit him with his birneist brand: The vther was baith stout and strang, And on the Squyer darflie dang. And than the Squyer wrotht greit wonder Ay till his sword did shaik in sunder: Than drew he furth ane sharp dagair, And did him cleik be the Collair, And turn in at the colle••bane, At the first ••raik he ••eʒ him slare: He found ••rit fordward to the ground, Zit was the Squyer haill and scund▪ For quhy he was sa weill enarmit, He did escaip fra thame vnharmit: And quhen he saw thay wer baith slar••

He so that Ladie past agane: Quhair scho stude nakit on the bent, And said tak ʒour abulʒement: And scho him thankit full humillie, And put hir claithis on spedilie: Than kissit he that Ladie fair, And tuik his leif at hir but mair: Be that the Taburne and Trumpef blew And euerie man to shipburd drew. That Ladie was dolent in hart, From tyme scho saw he wald depart: That hir releuit from hir harmes, And hint the Squyer in hir armes: And said, will ʒe byde in this Land, I sall ʒow tak to my Husband: Thocht I be cassin now in eair, I am (quod scho my Fathrris Air, The quhilk may spend of pennies round, Of ʒeirlie Kent ane thowsand Pound: With that hartlie sch•• did him kis, Ar ʒe (quod scho) content of this? Of that (quod he (I wald be fane, Gif I micht in this Realme remane. Bot I mon first pas into France. Sa quhen I cum agane perchance: And e••••er that the Peice be maid, To marie ʒow, I will be glaid. Fair weill, I may no langer tarie, I pray God keip ʒow, & sweit sanct Marie: Than gaif scho him ane Luse taking, Ane riche Rubie set in ane Ring. I am (quod scho at ʒour command, Wi••h ʒow to pas into Scotland: I thank ʒow hartiullie (quod he) Ze ar ••••ir ʒoung to saill the See.

And sreciallie with Men of weir, Of that (quod scho) tak ʒe na feir: I sall me cleith in mennis clais, And ga with ʒow quhair euir ʒe pleis: Suld I not lufe him Paramour, That saifit my Lyfe and my honour▪ Ladie I say ʒow in certane, Ze sall haue lufe for lufe agane. Trewlie vnto my Lyfis end. Fairweill, to God I ʒow commend. With that into his Boit he past, And to the ship he rowit fast, Thay weyit thair ankeris, and maid saill, This Nauie with the Admirall, And landit in bauld Brytane, This Admirall was Erle of Arrane, Quhilk was baith wyse and vailʒeand, Of the blude Royall of Scotland: Accompany it with monie ane Knicht. Quhilk wer richt worthie men and wicht. Amang the laif, this ʒoung Squyar, Was with him richt familiar: And throw his vertrous diligence, Of that Lord he gat sic credence: That quhen he did his courage ken, Gaif him cure of fyue hundreth men: Quhilkis wer to him obedient, Keddie at his commandement: It wer to lang for to declair, The douchtie deidis that he did thair: Beraus he was sa courageous, Ladies of him wes amorous. He was ane Munʒecun for ane Dame, Meik in Chalmer lyk ane lame. Bot in the feild ane Campioun,

••ainpand lyke ane wyld Lyoun: Weill pra••ikit with Speit and Scheil•• And with the formest in the Feild: No Chistane was amangis thame all, In expensis mair liberall. In euerilk play he wan the pryse, With that he was verteous and wyse, And so becaus he was weill pruift, With euerie man he was weill luifit.

¶( HARY the aucht King of Ingland, That tyme at Caleis wes lyand: With his triumphant ordinance, Makand weit on the Realme of France. The King of France his greit armie, Lay neit hand by in Picatdie. Quhait aither vther did assaill, Howbeit thait was na set battaill. Bot thair wes daylie skirmshing, Quhair men of armis brak mouie sting Quhen to the Squyer Meldrum ••er tauld thir Nouellis all and sum: He thocht he wald besie the weiris, And waillit furth ane hundreth Speiris: And futemen quhilk wer bauld & stout, The maist worthie of all his rout. Quhen he come to the King of France, He wes sone put in ordinance: Richt so was all his companie, That on him wait it continuallie. Thair was into the Inglis Dist, ••ne Campioun that blew gre••t boist: He was an•• stout Man and ane strang, Qubilk Dist wald with his conduct gang, Outthrow the greit Armie of France,

His valiantnes for to auance: And Maister Calbart was his name, Of Scottis & Frenche quhilk spak disdan•• And on his Bonnet vsit to beir, Of Siluer fyne, takinnis of weir. And Proclamatiounis he cart mak, That he wald for his Ladies saik, With any gentilman of France, Co fecht with him with Speit or Lance: Bot no Frenche man in all that La••d, With him durst battell hand for hand. Than lyke ane Weiriour vailʒeand, He enterit in the Scottis band: And quhen the Squyer M••ldrum, Hard tell, this Campioun wes cuin. Richt haistelie he past him till, Demanding him quhat was his will: Forsuith I can find none (quod he) On hors, nor fute dar fecht with me: Than said he, it wer greit schame, Without battell ʒe suld pas hame. Thairfoir to God I mak ane vow, The morne my self sall fecht with ʒow. Outher on Horsbak or on fuie, Zour crakkis I count thame not are cute I sall ve fund into the Feild, Armit on Hors with speir and Scheild. Maister Talbart said, my gude Chyld, It wer maist lyk that thow wer wyld: Thow at to ʒoung and hes no micht, To fecht with me that is so wicht. To speik to me thow suld haue fei••, For I haue sic practik in weir: That I wald not ••••feirit be, To mak debait aganis si•• thre.

For I haue stand in mon••e stout, And ay defendit my honour. Thairfoir my barne I counsell the, Sic interprysis to let be: Than said this Squyer to the Knicht, I grant ʒe at baith greit and wicht: Zoung Dauid was far les than I, Quhen he with Golias manfullie, Withouttin outher Speir or ••cheild. He faucht and slew him in the Feild. I traist that God salbe my Gyde, And giue me grace to stanche thy pryde: Chocht thow be greit like Gowmakinorn•• Craist weill I sall ʒow meit the morne: Beside Montruill vpon the grene, Befoir ten houris I salbe sene. And gif ʒe wyn me in the Feild, Baith hors & Geir I sall ʒow ʒeild: Sa that siclyke ʒe do to me, That I sall do be God (quod he) And thairto I giue the my hand, And swa betwene thame maid an Band: That thay suld meit vpon the morne, Bot Calbart maid at him bot Scorne. Lychtlyand him with wordis of pryde, Syne hamewart to his Oist culd ryde. And shew the Brethren of his Land, How ane ʒoung Scot had tane on hand, To fecht with him beside Montruill. Bot I traist he sall prufe the fuill. Quod thay the morne that sall we ken, The Scottis ar haldin hardie men. Quod he I compt thame not ane cute, He sall returne vpon his fute: And leif with me his armour bricht,

For weill I wait he hes no micht: On hors nor fute to fecht with me. Quod thay, the morne that sall we se. Quhan to Monsour de Ob••••••e Reportit was the veritie, How that the Squyer had fane on hand, To fecht with Talbart hand for hand. His greit courage he did commend, Sine haistelie did for him send. And quhen he come befoir the Lord, The veritie he did record. How for the honour of Sco••land, That Battell he had tane on hand, And ten it giuis me in my hart, Get I ane hors to tak my part, My traist is sa in Goddis grace, To leif kim lyand in the pla••e. Howbeit he stalwart be and stout, My Lord of him I haue no dout. Than send the Lord out throw the Land, And gat ane hundreth hors fra hand: To his presence he brecht in haist, And bad the Squyer cheis him the best. Of that the Squyer was rejoisit, And cheisit the best as he suppoisit: And lap on him delyuerlie, Was neuer hors ran mair plesantlie. With Speir and sword at his command, And was the best of ail the Land: He tuik his leif and went to rest, Syne airlie in the morne him drest. Wantonlie in his weirlyke weid, All weill enarmit saif the heid: He lap vpon his Cursour wicht, And straucht him in his stirroppis rich••,

His speir and scheild & helme wes borne With Squyeris that raid him beforne: Ane veluot Cap on heid he bair, Ane quais of gold to heild his hair. This Lord of him tuik sa greit Ioy, That he him self wald him conuoy: With him ane hundreth men of Armes, That thair suld no man do him harmes. The Squyer buir into his scheild, Ane Otter in aue siluer Feild. His hors was bairdit full richelie, Couerit with Satyne Cramesie. Than fordward raid this Campioun, With sound of Trumpet and Clarioun. And spedilie spurtit ouir the bent, Lyke Mars the God Armipotent. Thus leif we tydand our Squyar, And speik of Maister Talbart mair: Quhilk gat vp airlie in the morrow, And no maner of geir to borrow: Hors, Harnes, Speir nor Scheild, Bot was ay reddie for the Feild: And had si•• practik into weir, Of our Squyer he tuik na feir: And said vnto his companʒeoun, Or he come furth of his Pau••lʒeoun. This nicht I saw into my dreame, Quhilk to reheits I think greit shame: Me thocht I saw cum fra the See, Ane greit Otter rydand to me: The qubilk was blak, with ane lang faill And cruellie did me assaill. And ••ait me till he gart me bleid, And drew me backwart fra my steid: Quhat this suld men•• I can not say,

Bot I was neuer in sic ane fray: His fellow said, think ʒe not schame, For to gif credence till ane dreame. Ze knaw it is aganis our Faith, Thairfoir go dres ʒow in ʒour graith, And think weill throw ʒour hie courage, This day ʒe sall wyn vassalage. Than drest he him into his geir, Wantounlie like ane Man of weir, Quhilk had baith hardines and fors, And lichtlie lap vpon his hors. His hors was bairdit full brauclie And couerit wes richt courtfullie: With browderit wark, and veluot greue, Sanct Georges Croce thair micht be sene On Hors, Harnes, and all his geir, Than raid he furth withoutt in weir: Conuoyit with his Capitane And with monie ane Inglisman: Arrayit all with Armes bricht, Micht no man see ane fairer sicht. ☞ Than clariounis and trumpettis blew And we iriouris monie hither drew: On euerie side come monie Man, To behald quha the Battell wan. The feild wes in the Medow grene, Quhair euerie man micht weill be sene: The Heraldis put thame sa in ordour That no man passit within the bordour: Nor preissit to cum within the grene, Bot Heraldis and the Campiounis kene. The ordour and the circumstance, ••er lang to put in remembrance: Quhen thir twa nobill Men of weir, ••er w••ill accownterit in thair geir.

And in thair handis strang burdounis, Than Crumpotis blew & Clariounis: And Heraldis cryit hie on hicht, Now let thame go God shaw the richte Than spedilie thay spur••it thair hors, And ran to vtherwith sic fors, That baith thair speiris in sindrie flaw, Than said they all that stude on raw: Ane better cours than they twa ran: Was not sene sen the warld began. Than baith the parties wer rejoisit, The Campiounis ane quhyle repoisit: Till thay had gottin speiris new, Than with triumph the trumpettis blew: And they with all the force thay ran, Wounder rudelie at aither ran: And straik at vther with sa greit Ire, That ••ra thair Harnes flew the Fyre. Thair Speiris warsa teuch & strang, That aither vther to Eirth doun dang. Baith hors & man with Speir and scheild Than flatlingis lay into the feild. Than Maister Talbart was eschamit, Forsuith for euer I am defamit: And said this, I had rather die, Without that I reuengit be. Our ʒoung Squyer sit was his hap. Was first on f••te, and on he lap: Upon his hors without support, Of that the S••ottis tuke gude comfort, Quhen thay saw him sa feirelie L••up on hois Hors sa galʒeardlie: The Squyer lift it his Uisair, Ane lytill space to take the Air. Thay had him wyne, and he it drank,

And humillie he did thame thank: Be that Talbart on Hors mountif, And of our Squyer lytill countit. And ••ryit gif he durst vndertak, To ryn anis for his Ladies saik. The Squyer answerit hi•• on hicht, That sall I do be Marie bricht: I am content all day to ryn, Till ane of vs the honour wyn: Of that Talbart was weill content, And ane greit Speir in hand he hent. The Squyer in his hand he ••hrang, His Speir quhilk was baith greit & lang: With ane warp heid of gtund in steill, Of quhilk he was appleisit weill. That plesand Feild was lang and braid, Quhair gay ordour and towme was maid: And eu••rie man micht haue gude sicht, And thair was monie weirlyke Knicht▪ Sum man of euerie Natioun, Was in that Congregatioun. Than Trumpettis blew triumphantlie, And thay twa Campiounis egeirlie: Thay spurrit yair hors wish speir on brei•• Pertlie to preif thair ••ith thay preist: That round rinkroume wes at vtt••rance Bot Talbartis Hors with ane mischance, He outterit, and to ryn was laith, Quhair of Talbart was wonder wraith. The Squyer furth his rink he ran, Commendit weill with euerie man. And him discharg••t of his speir, Honestlie lyke ane Man of Weir. Becaus that rink thay ran in vane, Than Talbart wald not ryn agane

Till he had gottin ane better steid, Quhilk was brocht to him with gude speid Quhairon he lap, and tuik his speir, As brym as he had bene ane Beir. And bowtit fordwart with art bend, And ran on to the Rinkis end: And saw his hors was at command, Than wes he blyith, I vnderstand. Traistand na mair to ryn in vane, Than all the Trumpettis blew agane. Be that with all the force they can, Thay richt rudelie at vther ran. Of that meiting ilk man thocht wounder, Quhilk soundit lyke ane crak of thunder. And nane of thame thair marrow mist, Sir Talbartis speir in sunder brist. Bot the Squyer with his burdoun. Sir Talbart to the eirth dang doun. That straik was with sic micht and fors, That on the ground lay man and hors. And throw the brydell hand him bair, And in the breist ane span and mair. Throw carras and throw gluifis of plait, That Talbart micht mak na debait. The treneheour of the Squyeris speir, Stak still into Sir Talbartis Gei••. Than euerie man into that steid, Did all beleue that he was deid. The Squyer lapricht haistelie, From his Cursour deliuerlie, And to Sir Talbart maid support, And humi••lie did him comfort. Quhen Talbart saw into his Scheild, Ane Otter in ane siluer Feild. This race (said he) I may sairrew,

For Ises weill my dreame wes trew. Me thocht ʒone Otte•• ••art me bleid, And buir me backwart from my steid. Bot heir I vow to God Souerane, That I sall neuer Iust agane. And sweitlie to the Squyer said, Thow knawis the tunning that we maid Quhilk of vs twa suld tyne the Feild, He suld baith Hors and Armour ʒeild. Till him that wan, quhairfoir I will, My Hors and Harnes geue the till. Than said the Squyer Courteouslie. Brother I thank ʒow hartfullie. Of ʒow forsuith nathing I craue, For I haue gottin that I wald haue. With euerie man he was commendit, Sa vailʒeandlie he him defendi••. The Capitane of the Inglis band, Tuke the ʒoung Squyer be the hand. And led him to the Pailʒeoun, And gart him mak Collatioun. Quhē Talbartis wound is wes būd vpfast The Inglis Capitane to him past. And prudentlie did him comfort, Syne said, Brother I ʒow exhort, To tak the Squyer be the hand, And sa he did at his command. And said this bene bot thance of Armes, With that he braisit him in his armes. Sayand hartlie I ʒow forgeue, And than the Squyertuik his ••eue. Commendit weill with euerie man, Than wichtlie on his hors he wan: With monie ane Nobill man conuoy it: Leue we thair Talbart sair annoyit.

Sum sayis of that discomfitour, H•• hocht sic schame and dishonour: That he departit of that Land, And neuer wes sene into Ingland. Bot our Squyer did still remane Efter the Weir, quhill Peice was fane. All Capitanes of the Kingis Gairdis, Gaif to the Squyer riche rewairdis: Becaus he had sa weill debaitit, With euerie Nobill he wes weill traifit. Efter the Weir he tuke licence, Syne did returne with diligence: From Pycardie to Normandie, And thair ane space remanit he. Becaus the Nauie of Scotland, Wes still vpon the Coist lyand. ☞ Quhen he ane quhyle had sojornit, He to the Court of France returnit: For to decore his vassalege, From Bartanʒe tuke his veyage: With aucht scoir in his companie. Of waillit wicht men and hardie: Enarmit weill lyke men of We••r, With Hakbut. Culuering, Pik and Speir. And passit vp throw Normandie, Till Ambiance in Pycardie: Quhair Nobill Lowes the King of France Wes lyand with his Ordinance: With monie ane Prince and worthie man And in the Court of France wes than: Ane meruellous Congregatioun, Of monie ane diuers Natioun, Of Ingland monie ane prudent Lord, Efter the Weir makand record, Thair wes than ane Ambassadour,

Ane Lord ane man of greit honour: With him was monie Nobill Kni••ht, Of Scotland to defend thair richt: Quhilk guy dit thame sa honestlie, Inglismen had thame at inuie. And purposit to mak thame rumm••r, Becaus they wer of greiter number. And sa quhaireuer thay with thame met▪ Upon the Scottis thay maid onset. And lyke wyld Lyounis furious, Thay layd ane seige about the hous. Thame to destroy, sa thay in••endit, Our worthie Scottis thame weill desendi•• The Sutheroun wes ay sywe for ane, Sa on ilk syde thair wes men slane. Th•• Inglismen grew in greit Ire, And cryit swyith set the hous infyre. Be that the Squyer Meldrum. Into the Market streit wes cum: With his folkis in gude array. And saw the toun w••s in ane ••ray: He did inquyre the occasio••n, (Quod thay) the Scottis at all puf dou•••• Be Inglismen into thair Innis. (Quod he) I wald gif all the Bynnis, That I micht cum or thay departit, With that he grew sa cruell har••it, That he was like ane wyld Lyoun, And rudelie ran out throw the toun: With all his companie weill arrayif, And with Baner full braid displayit. And quhe•• thay saw the Inglis rouf, Thay set vpon thame with ane schout: With reird sa rudelte ••n thame rus••hie, That fiftie to the ••irth thay duschit.

Thair was nocht ellis bot tak and slay, This Squyer wounder did that day. And stoutlie ••oppit in the stout, And dang on thame with dintis dout. Wes neuer man buit better vand, Thair micht na Buckler by de his brand. For it was we ill seuin quarter lang, With that sa ders••ie on thame dang, That lyke ane worthie Campioun, ••y at ane straik he dang ane doun. Sum wes euill hurt, and sum wes slane Sum sell, quhilk rais not ʒit agane. Nuhen that the Sutheroun saw his micht Effray it lie thay tuke the flicht. And wist not quhair to flie for haist, Thus throw the toun be hes thame chaist. Wer not Frenche men come to the redding. Yair had bene me kill mair b••ude shedding. Of this journey I mak ane end, Quhilk euerie Nobill did commend. Quhen to the king the care wes knawin, And all the suith vnto him shawin. How this Squyer sa manfullie, On Sutberoun wan the victorie. He put▪ un into ordinance And sa be did remane in france, Ane ce••••ane tyme for his p••esour, Weill estemit in g••eit honour. Quhair he did monie ane Nobill deid, With that richt wantoun in his weid. Quhen Ladies knew his hie courage, He was d••syrit in Mariage. Be ane Ladie of greit Rent, Bot ʒouth maid him sa insolent, That he in France wald not remane.

Bot come to Scotland hame agane. Thocht Frenche Ladies did for him mu••ne The Scottis wer glaid of his returne. At euerie Lord he tuke his leue, Bot his departing did thame greiue. For he was luifit with all wichtis, Quhilk had him sene defend his richtis. Scottis Capitanes did him conuoy, Thocht his departing did thame noy. At Deip he maid him for the saill, Quhair he furnischit ane gay vesehaill. For his self and his Men of Weir With Artailʒie, Hakout, Bow and Sreir. And furneist hir with gude virtuaill, With the best wyne that he culd waill. And quhe•••• the Schip was reddie maid, He lay bot ane day in the raid. Quhill he g••t wind of the Southeist, Than thay thair ankeris wey••t on haist. And syne maid Saill, and fordwart past, Ane day at morne, till at the last. Of ane greit saill thay gat ane sicht, And Phoebus schew his bemis bricht, Into the morning richt airlie. Than past the Skipper richt spedelse, Up to the top with richt greit feir, And saw it wes ane Man of Weir. And cryit, I see nocht ellis perdie, Bot we mon outher fecht or fle. The Squyer wes in his bed lyand, Quhen he hatd tell this new tydand. Be this the Inglis Artailʒe, Lyke hailschot maid on thame assailze: And sloppit throw thair sechting saillis, And diuers dang out ouir the waillis.

The S••ottis agane with all thair micht, Of gunnis than thay leit fle ane flicht: That thay micht weill see quhair they wais Heidis and armes flew in the Air. The Scottis Schip schowes sa law, That monie gunnis out ouir hir flaw. Quhilk far beʒond thame lichtit doun, Bot the Inglis greit Galʒeoun, Fornent thame stude lyke ane strang castell Yat the Scottis gunnis micht na way faill Bot hat hir ay on the richt syde, With monie aue slop for all hir pryde, That monie ane beft wer on thair bakkis Than rais the re••k with vglie crakkis. Quhilk on the Sey maid sic ane sound, That in the Air it did red••und. That men micht weill wit on the land, That shippis wer on the Sey fechtan••. Be this the Gyder straik the shippis, And ather on vther laid thair clippis. And than began the strang ba••tell, I••k man his marrow did assaill. Sa rudelie thay did rushe togidder, That nane micht hald thair ••eit for slidder. Sum with halbert, and sum with speir, Bot hak••uftis did the greitest deir. Out of the top the grundin dartis, D••d diuers peirs outthrow the harti••. Euerie man did his diligence, Upon his so to wirk vengence. Buschand on vther routtis rude, That ouir the waillis ran the ••lud••▪ The Inglis Capitane cryit hie, Swyith ʒeild ʒow doggis or ʒe sall d•••• And do ʒe not, I mak ane vow.

That Scotland salbe quyte of ʒow. Than peirtlie answerit the Squy••r, And said, O tratous Tauernar: I lat the wit, thow hes na micht, This day to put vs to the st••••ht. Thay derflie ay at v••he•• dang, The Squyer thrist it throw the thr••ng, And in the Inglis schip he l••p. And hat the Capitane sic ane slap Upon his heid till he seil doun, Welterand intill ane deidlie swoun. And quhen the Scottis saw the Squyer, Had strikk in doun that rank Reue••: They left thair a win schip stand and waist And in the Inglis schip in haist: They follow it all thair Capitane, And sone wes all the Sutheroun slane. Howbeit thay wer of gre••ter number, The Scottismen put thame in sic cumme•••• That thay warfane to leif the Feild, Cryand mercie, than did thame ʒe••ld. Zit wes the Squyer strai••and fast, At the Capitane till at the last: Quhen be persauit no remeid, Outher to ʒeild, or to be deid: He said, O gen••••ll Capitane, Thoill me not for to be slane. My lyfe to ʒow salbe mair pryse. Nor sall my deith ane thowsand sy••••. For ʒe may get as I suppois, Chri•• thowsand Nobillis of the Koi••▪ Of me, ••nd of my companie, Thairfoir I cry ʒow loud mercie. Except my lyfe nothing I cr••if, Tak ʒow the schip and all the lai••

I ʒostd to ʒow haith sword and knyfe, Thairfoir guds Maister saue my Lyfe. The Squyer tuik him be the hand, And on his feit he gart him stand: And tr••ittit him richt tenderly, And syne vnto his men did cry. And gaif to thame richt strait command, To straik no moir, bot ••ald thair hand. Than baith the Capitanes tan and red, And so thair wes •••• mair blude shed. Than all the laif thay did thame; ʒeild, And to the Scottis gaif sword and sheild▪ Ane ••o••ill Leiche the Squyer had, Qubairof the Inglismen ••es full glaid. To quhome the Squyer gaif command The woundit men to tak ou hand. And so he did with diligence, Quhairof he gat gude recompence. Than quhen the woundit men wer drest, And all the ••eand men confest. And deid men cassin in the See, Quhilk to behald wes greit pietie. Thair was slane of Inglis band, Fyue scoi•• of men I vnderstand. The quhilk wer cruell men and ken••, And of the Scottis wer slane fyftens. And quhen the Inglis Capitane Saw, how his men wer tane and slane: And how the Scottis safew in number, Had put thame in sa greit ane cummer. He grew intill ane frenesy, Sayand, fals Fortoun I the defy. For I beleuit this day at morne, That he was not in Scotland borne▪ That durst haue met me hand for hand:

Within the boundis of my brand. The Squyer bad him mak gude their, And said, it wes bot chance of Weir. Greit Conquerouris I ʒow assure. Hes hapnit siclike aduenture. Thairfort mak mirrie and go dyne, And let vs preif the michtie wyne. Sum drank wyne, and sum drank Kill, Syne put the Wippis vnder saill. And waillit furth of the Inglis band, Twa hundreth men, and put on land. Quyetlie on the Coist of Kent, The laif in Scotland with him went. The Inglis Capitane as I ges, He wairdit him in the Blaknes, And triitit him richt honestlie, Togithee with his companie. And held thame in that Garnisou••, Till thay had pay it thair Kansoun. Out throw the land than sprang the fame That Squyer Meidium wes cum ham•• ☞ Quhen thay hard tell how he d••bai••if, With euerie man le was sa treitit: That quhen he trauellit throw the land, Thay bankettit him fra hand to hand. With greit solace, till at the last, Out throw Straithe••ne the Squrer pas•• And as it did approch the nicht, Of a••e Castell he gat ane sicht, B••si••e ane Montane in ane vaill, And than efter his greit trauaill, He purpoisit him to repois, Quhair ••ls man did of him rejois. Of this triumphant plesand place, Ane lustie Ladie wes Maistres.

Quhais Lord was deid schort tyme beso••e Quhairthrow hir dolour wes the moir. Bot ʒit scho tuke sum comforting, To heir the plesant dulce talking, Or̄ this ʒoung Squyer of his chance, And how it forton••t him in France. This Squyer and the Ladie gent, Did mesche, and then to supper went. During that nicht thair was nocht ellis, Bot ••or to heir of his Nouellis. Eneas quhen he ••••ed from Troy, Did not Quene Dido greiter Ioy: Quhen he in Carthage did arryue, And did the seige of Croy discryu••. The wonderis that he did reheirs, Wer langsum for to put in ve••s. Of quhilk this Ladie did rejois. Thay drank, and syne went to ••epois. He fand his Chalmer weill arrayit, With dor••ik work on buird dispiayit. Of Uenisoun he had his waill, Gude Aquabite, Wyne and Aill. With nobill Confeittis, Bran and Geill, And swa the Squyer fuir richt weill. Sa to heir mair of his narratioun, This Ladie come to his Collatioun. ••ayand he was ti••ht welcum hame, Grandmercie than (quod he) Madame, Thay past the time with Ches and Tahiff, For he to euerie game was abill. Than unto bed drew euerie witht, To Chalmer went this Ladie bricht. The quhilk this Squyer did conuoy, Syne till his bed Le went with Ioy: That nicht he sleipit neuer ane wink.

Bot still did on the Ladie think: Cupido with his fyrie dart, Did peirs him so out throw the hart, Sa all that nicht he did bot inurnit: Sum tyme sat vp, and sumtyme turnit: Sichand with monie gant and graue. To fair Venus makand his mane: Sayand, Ladie, quhat may this mene? I was ane fre man lait ʒistrene: And now ane catiue bound and thrall, For ane that I think Flour of all. I pray God, sen scho knew my mynd, How for hirsaik I am sapynd. Mald God I had bene ʒit in France, Or I had hapnit sic mischance: To be subject or seruiture: Till ane, quhilk takis of me na cure. This Ladie ludgit neirhand by, And hard the Squyer priuely: With dre••dfull hart makand his mone, With monie cairfull gant and grone: Hir hart fulfillit with pietie, Thocht scho wald haif of him mercie: And said howbeit I suld be slane, He sall haue lufe for lufe agane. Ma••d God I micht with my honour, Haue him to be my Paramour. This was the mirrie tyme of May, Quhen this fair Ladie freshe and gay, Start vp to take the hailsum Air, With pantonis on hirfeit an•• pair: Airlie into ane cleir morning. Befoir fair Phoebus vprysing: Kirtill alone withouttin Clok, And saw the Squyeris ••ure vulok••

Stho slippie in or euer he wist, And fenʒeitlie past till ane kist. And with hir key is oppinnit the Lokkis And maid hir to take furth ane Boxe. Bot that was not hir erand thair: With that this lustie ʒoung Squyar, Saw this Ladie so plesantlie, Cum to his Chalmer quyetlie. In Kyrtill of fyne Damais broun, Hir goldin traissis hingand doun: ••ir Pappis wer hard, round and quhyte, Quhome to behald wes greit delyte. Lyke the quhyte lyllie wes hir lyre, Hir hair was like the reid gold wyre. Hir schankis quhyte withouttin hois, Quhairat the Squyer did rejois. And said than now vailʒe quod vailʒe, Upon the Ladie thow mak ane sailʒe. Hir Courlyke Kirtill was vnlaist, And sone into his armis hir braist▪ And said to hir Madame gude-morne, Help me ʒour man, that is forlorne. Without ʒe mak me sum remeid. Withouttin dout, I am bot deid. Quhairfoir ʒe mon releif my harmes, With that he hint hir in his armes And talkit with hir on the flure, Syne quyetlie did bar the dure. Squyer (quod scho) quhat is ʒour will▪ Think ʒe my womanh••••d to spill? Na God forbid, it wer greit syn, My Lord and ʒe wes neir of Kyn. Quhairfoir I wak ʒow supplicatioun, Pas and seik ane dispensatioun. Chansall I wed ʒow with ane King,

Than may ʒe leif at ʒour lyking: For ʒe ar ʒoung, lustie and fair. And als ʒe ar ʒour Fatheris Air. Thair is na Ladie in all this land, May ʒow refuse to hir Husband, Ane gif ʒe lufe me as ʒe say, Haist to dispens the best ʒe may. And thair to ʒow I geue my hand, I fall ʒow take to my Husband. (Quod he) quhill that I may indure, I vow to be ʒour seruiture. Bot I think greit veratioun▪ To tarie vpon dispensatioun. Than in his armis he did hir thrist, And aither vther sweitlie kis••▪ And wame for wame thay vther braissle, With that hir ••••irtill wes vnlaissit: Than Cupido with his fyrie dartis. Inflammit sa thir Luiferis hartis Thay micht na maner of way disseuer. Nor ane mic••t not part s••a ane vther. Bot like wodbind thay wer baith wrappif▪ Thair tenderlie he hes hir happit. Full softlie vp intill his Bed, Iudge ʒe gif he hir schankis ••••ed. Allace (quod scho) quhat may this mene▪ And with hir hairscho dicht hir En••. I can not tell how thay did play, Bot I beleue scho said not nay. He ple••sit hir sa, as I hard sane, That he was welcum ay agane. Sctio rais and tendirlie him kist. And on his hand ane King scho thrist. And he gaif hir ane lufe dro•• rie, Ane King set with ane riche Rubie,

In takin that thair Lufe for euer, Suid neuer frome thir twa disseuer. And than scho passit vnto hir Chalmer, And fand hir madinnis sweit as Lamm••t. Sleipand full sound and nothing wist, How that thair Ladie past to the Kist: (Quod thay) Madame quhair haue ʒe ben•• (Quod scho) into my Gardine grene. To heir thir mirrie birdis sang, I lat ʒow wit, I thocht not lang, Thocht I had taryit thair quhill None. (Quod ya••) quhair wes ʒour hois & schone? Quhy ʒeid ʒe with ʒour bellie bair? (Quod scho) the morning wes sa fair. For be him that deir Iesus sauld, I felt na wayis ony maner of cauld. (Quod thay) Madame me think ʒe sweit: (Quod scho) ʒe see I sufferit heit: The dew did sa on flouris fleit, That baith my Lymmis ar maid weit: Thairfoir ane quhyle I will heirly, Till this dulce dew be ••ra me dry. Ryse and gar mak our denner reddie, That salbe done (quod thay) my Ladie. Efter that scho had tane hir rest, Sho rais, and in hir Chalmer hir drest: And after Mes to denner went, Than wes the Squyer diligent: To declair monie sindrie storie. Worthie to put in Memorie. Quhat sall we of thir Luiferis say? Bot all this tyme of lustie May: They past the tyme with Joy and blis, Full quyetlie with monie ane kis: Thair was na Creature that knew.

Zit of thi•• Luiferis Chalmer glew: And sa he leuit plesandlie, Ane certane time with his Ladie. Sum time with halking and hunting▪ Sum time with wantoun hors rinning. And sum time like ane man of weir, Full galʒardlie wald tyn ane speir. He wan the pryse abone thame all, Baith at the Buttis and the Futeball. Till euerie solace he was abill, At cartis and dyce, at Ches and fabill And gif ʒe list I sall ʒow tell, How that he seigit ane Castell. Ane Messinger come spedilie, From the Lennox to that Ladie. And schew how that Maksagon, And with him monie bauld Baron. Hir Castell had tane perfors, And nouther left hir kow nor hors. And heryir all that land about, Quhairof the Ladie had greit dout. Till hir Squyer scho passit in haist, And schew him how scho wes opprest. And how he waistit monie ane myle, Betuix Dunbartane and Argyle. And quhen the Squyer Meldrum, Had hard thir Nouellis all and sum; Intill his hart thair grew sic Ire, That all his bodie bri••t in fyre. And swoir it suld be full deir sald, Gif he micht find him in that hald▪ He and his men did them addres, Richt haistelie in thair Harnes. Sum with bow, and sum with speir▪ And he like Mars the God of weir▪

Come to the Ladie and tuke his less, And scho gaif him hir richt hand gluis: The quhilk he on his basnet bure, And said Madame I ʒow assure: That worthie Lance••ot du laik, Did neuer mair for his Ladies saik: Nor I sall do, or ellis de, Without that ʒe reuengit be. Than in hir armes scho him braist, And he his leif did take in haist: And raid that day and all the nicht, Till on the morne he gat anesicht Of that Casteil baith fair and strang, Than in the middis his men amang: To michtie Mars his vow he maid, That he suld neuer in hart be glaid: Nor ʒit returne furth of that land, Quhill that strenth wer at his command. All the Tennentis of that Ladie, Come to the Squyer haistelie. And maid aith of fidelitie, That they suld neuer fra him flie. Qu••en to Makferland wicht and bauld, The v••ritie all haill wes tauld. How the ʒoung Squyer Meldrum, Wes now into the Cuntrie ••um: Purpoisand to seige that place, Than vittaillit he that Fortres. And swoir he suid that place defend▪ Bauldlie vntill his lyfisend. Be this the Squyer wes arrayit, With his Bauer bricht displayit. With euluering hakbut, bow, and spei•• Of Makfarland he tuke na ••cir. And like an•• Campioun courageous,

He cryit and said gif ouir the hous: The Capitane answerit heichly, And said, tratour we the defy. We sall remane this hous within, Into despyte of all thy kyn. With that the Archeris bauld and wicht; Of braid arrow is let fle ane flicht. Amang the Squyeris companie, And thay agane richt manfullie: With Hakbute, Bow, and Culueryne, Qu••ilk put Makferlandis men to pyne. And on thair colleris laid full sikker, And thair began ane bailfull bikker. Thair was bot schot and schot agane; Till on ilk side thair wes men slane. Than cryit the Squyer couragious, Swyith lay the ledderis to the hous. And sa thay did, and clam belyse. As busie Beis dois to thair hyse. Howbeit thair wes slane monie man, ℥it wichtlie ouir the wallis they wa•• The Squyertormest of them all, Plantit the Baner ouir the wall: And than began the mortall fray, Thair wes not ellis bot tak and slay. Than Makferland that maid the prais, From time he saw the Squyeris face: Upon his kneis he did him ʒeild, Deliuer and him baith speir and scheild. The Squyer hartlie him ressauit, Commandand that he suld be sauit: And sa did slaik that mortall feid, Sa that na man wes put to deid. In fre waitd was Makferland seisit, And leit the laif gang qu hair they pleisif.

And sa this Squyer amorous, Seigit, and wan the Ladies hous. And left thairin ane Capitane, Syne to Stratherne returnit agane: Quhair that he with his fair Ladie, Ressauit wes full plesantlîe. And to tak rest did him conuoy, Iudge ʒe gif thair wes mirth and Ioy. Howbeit the Chalmer dure wes cloisit, They did bot kis, as I suppoisit. Gifvt••er thing wes them betwene, Let them discouer that Luiferis be••e. For I am not in Lufe expart, And neuer studyit in that art. Thus they remainit in merines, Beleifand neuer to haue distres. In that meine time this Ladie fair, Ane douchter to the Squyer bair: Nane fund wes fairer of visage, Than tuke the Squyer sic courage: Agane the mirrie time of May, Threttie he put in his Luferay. In Scarlot fyne, and of hew grene, Quhilk wes ane semelie sicht to sene. The gentilmen in all that land, Wer glaid with him to mak ane band: And he wald plainelie tak thair partis, And not desyring bot thair hartis. Thus leu't the Squyer plesandlie, With Musick and with Menstralie. Of this Ladie he wes sa glaid, Thair micht na sorrow mak him sad, I••k ane did vther consolatioun, Taryand vpon dispensatioun. Hadit cum hame, he had hir bruikit,

Bot or it come, it wes miscuikit: And all this game he bocht full deit, As ʒe at lenth sall ef••er heir. ¶ Of warldlie Ioy it wes weill kend, That sorrow be••e the fatall end: For Ielousie and falz Inuie, Did him per••••w richt cruellie. I meruell not thocht it be so, For they wer euer Luiseris fo. Quhait••hrow he stude in monie ane stour. And ay defen••it his honour. Ane cruell Knicht dw••lt neir hand by, Quhilk at this Squyer had Inuy: Imaginand in••ill his hart, How he thir Luiferis micht depart: And wa••d haue had hir maryand, Ane gentilman within his land. The quhilk to him wes not in blude, Bot fi••allir for to conclude, Thairto scho wald neuer assent, Quhairfoir the Knicht set his Inte••t▪ This nobill Squyer for to destroy, And swore, ••e su••d neuer haue Ioy: In till his ha••t without remeid, Till a••e of thame wer left for de••d. This vailʒeand Squyer mansully, In ernist or play did him defy. Offeran•• him self for to essaill, Bodie for bodie in battaill. The Ku••cht thairto not condiscendi••, Bot to betrais him ay intendit. Sa it fell anis vpon ane day, In Edinburgh as I hard say: This Squyer and the Ladie frew, Was thair just matter••s to persew:

That cruell Knicht full of Inuy, Gart hald on them ane secreit Spy: Quhen thaj suld pas furth of the toun, For this Squyeris confusioun: Quhilk traistit no man suld him greiue, Nor of tressoun had no beleiue. And tuik his licence from his Oist, And liberallie did pay his Coist. And sa departit blyith and mirrie, With purpois to pas ouir the Ferrie. He wes bot aucht sum in his rout, For of danger he had no dout. The Spy come to the Knicht ano••e, And him informit how they wer gone. Than gadderit he his men in hy, With thrie scoir in his company. Accowterit weill in feir of weir, Sum with bow, and sum with speir. And on the Squyer followit fast, Till thay did see him at the last: With all his men richt weill arrayit, With cruell men nathing effrayit. And quhen the Ladie saw the rout, God wait gif scho stude in greit dout. (Quod scho ʒour enemeis I see, Thairfoir sweit hart I reid ʒow fl••. In the cuntrey I will be kend, Ze ar na partie to defend. Ze knaw ʒone Knichtis crueltie, That in his hart hes uo mercie. It is bot ane that thay wald haue, Thairfoir deir hart ʒourself ʒe saue. Howbeit thay tak me with this trane, I salbe sone at ʒow agane. For ʒe war neuer sa hard staid,

Madame (quod he) be ʒe not raid: For be the halie Trinitie, This day ane fute I will not fle. And be he had endit this word. He drew ane lang twa handit sword: And put his aucht men in array, And bad that thay suld tak na fray. Than to the Squyer cryit the Knicht, And said, send me the Ladie bricht: Do ʒe not sa, be Goddis Corce, I sall hir tak away perforce. The Squyer said, be thow ane Knicht, Cum furth to me and shaw the richt. Bot hand for hand without redding, That thair be na mair blude shedding. And gif thow winnis me in the feild, I sall my Ladie to the ʒeild. The Knicht durst not for all his land▪ Fecht with this Squyer hand for hand. The Squyer than saw no remeid, Bot outher to fecht, or to be deid. To heuin he liftit vp his visage, Cry and to God with hie courage: To the my querrell I do commend, Syne bowtit fordwart with ane bend: With countenance baith bauld and stout, He rudelie rushit in that rout. With him his litill companie, Quhilk them defendit manfullie. The Squyer with his birneist brand, Amang his famen maid sic hand: That Gaudefer, as say is the Letter, At Gadderis Ferrie faucht no better. His sword he swappit sa about, That he greit roum maid in the rout:

And like ane man that was dispairit, His wapoun sa on thame he wairit: Quhome euer he hit as I hard say, Thay did him na mair deir that day▪ Quha euer come within his boundis, He chaipit not but mortall woundis. Sum mutilate wer, and sum wer slane, Sum fled, and come not ʒit agane. He hat the Knicht abone the brris, That he fell fordwart on his kneis. Wer not Thome Giffard did him saue, The Knicht had sone bene in his graue. Bot than the Squyer with his brand, Hat Thomas Giffard on the hard: From that time furth during his lyfe, He neuer weildit sword nor knyfe. Than come ane sort as brim as beiris, And in him fest••it fyfre••e speiris: In purpois to haue borne him doun, Bot he as forcie Campioun: Amāg thai wicht men wrocht greit won̄der For all thai speiris he schure in sunder. Nane durst cum neir him hand for hand, Within the boundis of his ••rand. This worthie Squy••r courageous, Micht be compa•••••••• to Tydeus: Quh••lk fa••cht for to defend his Richtis, And slew of Thebes fyf••ie Knichtis. R••••land with Brand well his bricht brand, Faucht ••e••er be••ter hand for hand, Nor Gaw•••• aganis Gelibras, Nor Ol••u••r with Pharambras. I wait he faucht that day als weill, As did Sir Gry••ne a ••anis Graysteill: And I ••••r say, he was als abi••••,

As on••e Knicht of the round Tabill: And did his honour mair auance, Nor onie of thay Knichtis perchance: The quhi••k I offer me to preif Gif that ʒe pleis Sirs with ʒourleif. Amang thay Knichts wes maid ane band, That they suld fecht bot hand for hand: Assurit that thair suld cum no mo, With this Squyer it stude not so. His stalwart stout quha wald discryfe, Aganis ane man ••hair come ay fyfe. Quhen that this cruell tyrane Knicht. Saw the Squyer sa wounder wicht. And had no micht him to destroy, Into his hart thair grew sic noy: That he was abill for to rage, That no man micht his Ire asswage: Fy on vs said he to his men, Ay aganis ane sen we arten. Chaip he away, we ar eschamif, Like cowartis we salbe defamit: I had rather be in hellis pane, Or he suld chaip fra vs vnslane. And ca••lit thrie of his companie, Said pas ••ehind him quye••••••e: And sa thay did r••ch•• secreitlie, And come behind him cowartlie And hackit on his horhis and ••heis, Till that he fell vpon his kneis: Zit quhen his se••ankis wet schorne in sun∣der, Upon his kneis be wrocht greit wounder. Sweipa••d his sword round about, Not haifand of the deith na dout: Durst nane approche within his boundis, Till that his cruell mortall woundis,

Bled sa, that he did swap in swoun, Perforce behuitit him than fall doun. And quhen he lay vpon the ground, They gaif him monie cruell wound: That men on far micht heir the knokkis, Like boucheouris hakkand on thair stokks And finallie without remeid, They left him lyand thair for deid. With ma woundis of sword and knyfe, Nor euer had man that keipit lyfe. Quhat suld I of thir tratouris say▪ Quhen they had done they fled away. Bot than this lustie ladie fair, With dolent hart scho maid sic cair: Quhilk wes greit pietie for to reheirs And langsum for to put in vers. With teiris scho wuische his bludie face, Sichand with manie loud all ace. Allace quod scho that I was borne, In my querrell thow art forlorne. Sall neuer man efter this hour, Of my bodie haue mair plesour. For thow was gem of gentilnes, And werie well of worthines. Than to the eirth scho rushit doun, And lay intill ane deidlie swoun. Be that the Regent of the land, Fra Edinburgh come fast rydand. Sir Anthonie Darsie wes his name, Ane Knicht of France and man of fame. Quhilk had the guiding haillilie, Under Johne Duke of Albanie. Quhilk wes to our ʒoung King Cutour, And of all Scotland Gouernour. Our King was bot fyue ʒeiris of age.

That time quhen done wes the outrage. Quhen this gude Knicht the Squyer saw, Thus lyand in till his deid thraw. Wo is me (quod he to see this, sicht, On the, quihi••k worthie wes and wicht. Wald God that I had bene with the, As thow in France was a••is with me. Into the land of Picardy, Quhair Inglis men had greit Inuy: To haue me slane, sa they fatendit, Bot manfullie thow me defendit: And vailʒeandlie did saue my lyfe, Was neuer man with sword nor knyfe, Nocht Hercules, I dar weill say, That euer faucht better for ane day. Defendand me within ane stound, Thew dang seir Sutheroun to the ground I may the mak no help allace, Bot I sall follow on the cha••e. Richt spedilie baith day and nicht, Till I may get that cruell Knicht. I mak ane vow gif I may get him, In till ane Presoun I sall set him. And quhen I heir that thow beis dei••, Than sall my handis straik of his heid. With that he gaue his hors the spurris, And spedelie flaw ouir the furris. He and his Gaird with all thair micht, They ran till thaj ouirtuik the Knicht. Quhen he approchit he lichtit doun, And like ane vailʒe and Campioun: He tuik the Tyrane presonar, And send him backward to Dumbar. And thair remainit in presoun, Ane certane time in that Dungeoun▪

Let him ly thair with me kill case, And speik we of our heynd Squyar: Of quhome we can not speik bot gude, Quhen he lay bath and in his blude. His freindis and his Ladie fair, They maid for him sic dule and cair: Quhilk wer greir piette to deploir, Of that matter I speik no moir. Thay sead for Leithes haistelie, Spne buir his bodie tenderlie: To ludge into ane fair ludgyne, Quhair be ressauit medteyne. The gre••test Leichis of the land, Come all to him without command. And all practihis on him prouit, Becaus he was sa weill belouit. Thay tuik on hand his life to saue, And he thame gaif quhat they wald haue? Bot he sa lang lay into pane, He turait to be a••e Chirurgiane: And als be his naturall ingyne, He lernit the Art of Medicyne. He saw thame on his bodie wrochf, Quhairfoir the Science wes deir bocht. Bot efterward quhen he was haill, He spairit na coist nor ʒit trauaill. To preif his practikis on the pure, And on thame preuit monie ane sure: On his expensis without rewaird, Of Money he t••i•• na regaird. ☞ Zit sam thing will we commoun mair Of this Ladie qubilk maid greit cair. Quhilk to the Squyer wes mair pane, Nor all his woundis in ••crta••e. And than hir freindis did conclude,

Becaus scho micht ••o him ••a gude. That seho suld take hir leif aud go. Till hir cuntrie, and scho did so: Bot thir luiferis met neuer agane, Quhilk wes to thame ane lestand pane. For scho aganis hir will wes maryir, Quhairthrow hir weird scho daylie waryit Howbeit hir bodie wes absent, Hir tender hart wes ay present: Baith nicht and day with hir Squyar, Wes neuer Creature that maid sic cair. Penelope for Ulisses, I wait, had neuer mair distres. Nor Cresseid for trew Troylus, Wes not tent part sa dolorous. I wait is wes aganis hir hart, That scho did from hit Lufe depart. Helene had not sa mekill noy, Quhen scho perforce wes bro••ht to Troy. I leif hir than with hart fullsore, And speik now of this Squyer more. ☞ Quhen this Squyer wes haill & sound, And softlie micht gang on the ground: To the Regent he did complane, Bot he allace wes richt soue slane. Be Dauid Hume of Wedderburne, The quhilk gart monie Frenchemen mur•••• For thair was nane mair nobill Knicht, Mair vailʒe and, mair wyse, mair wi••ht, And sone efter that crueltie, The Knicht was put to libertie: The quhilk the Squyer had opprest, Sawes his matter left vndrest. Becaus the King was ʒoung of age, Than tyrannis rang into thai•• rag••▪

Bot efterward, as I hard say, On Striuiling brig vpon ane day: This knicht wes slane with crueltie, And that day gat na mair mercie. Nor he gaif to the ʒoung Squyar, I say na mair, let him ly thair, For cruell men ʒe may weill see, They end ofttimes with crueltie. For Christ to Peter said this word, Quha euer straikis with ane sword: That man salbe with ane sword slane, That saw is suith, I tell ʒow plane. He menis quha straikis cruellie, Aganis the Law without mercie: Bot this Squyer to nane offendit, Bot manfullie him self defendit. Wes neuer man with sword nor knyfe, Micht saif thair honour and thair lyfe. As did the Squyer all his dayis, With monie terribill affrayis. Wald I at lenth his lyfe declair, I micht weill writ ane vther quair. Bot at this time I may not mend it, Bot shaw ʒow how the Squyer endit. ☞ Thair dwelt in Fyfe ane agit Lord. That of this Squyer hard record. And did desire richt hartfullie, To haue him in his companie, And send for him with diligence, And he come with obedience. And lang time did with him remane, Of quhome this agit Lord was fane. Wyse men desiris commounlie Wyse men into thair companie. For he had bene in monie ane Land.

In Flanderis France and in Ingland: Quhairfoir the Lord gaif him the cure, Of his houshald I ʒow assure. And in his Hall theif Merschall. And auditour of his comptis all. He was ane richt Courticiane, And in the Law ane Practicia••e Quhairfoir during this Lordis lyfe, Tchyref••e pute he wes in Fyfe. To eueri•• man ane equall Iudge, And of the pure he wes refuge. And with Iustice did thame support, And curit thair sairis with greif comfort. For as I did reheirs before, Of Medicine he tu••e the Lore, Quhen he saw the Chirurgience, Upon him do thair diligence. Experience maid him perfyte, And of the Science tuke sic delyfe That he did monie thriftie cure, And speciallie vpon the pure. Without rewaird for his expensis, Without regaitd or recompencis. To gold, to siluer, or to rent, This Nobill Squyer tuke lifill fent. Of all this warld na mair he craifit, Sa that his honour micht be saifit. And ilk ʒ••ir for his Ladies saik, Ane Banket Royall wald he maik. And that he maid on the Sonday. Precedand to Asch wednisday. With wyld foull, vemsoun and wyne. With tairf, and flam, and srutage fyne: Of Bran and Geill thair wes na sk••n••, And Ipocras he wald not want.

I haue sent sittand at his Tabill, Lordis and Lairdis honorabill. With Knichtis & monie ane gay Squya•• Quhilk wer to lang for to declair. With mirth Musick and menstrallie, All this he did for his Ladie. And for hir saik during his lyfe, Wald neuer be weddit to ane wyfe. And quhen he did declyne to age, He faillit neuer of his courage. Of ancient storyis for to tell, Aboue all vther he did ••ell. Sa that euerilk Creatu••••, To heir him speik thay tuke plesure. Bot all his deidis honorabill, For to descryue I am not abill. Of euerie man he was commendit, And as he leiuit, sa he endit. Plesandlie till he micht indure, Till dolent deith come to his dure. And cruellie with his mortall dart, ••e straik the Squyer throw the hart. His saull with Ioy Angelicall, Past to the ••euin Imperiáll. Thus at the Struther into Fyfe, This nobill Squyer loist his lyfe. I pray to Christ for to conuoy, All sic trew Luiferis to his Ioy. Say ʒe Amen for Cheritie, Adew, ʒe sall get na mair of me.

✚FINIS.