Pithy pleasaunt and profitable workes of maister Skelton, Poete Laureate. Nowe collected and newly published. Anno 1568

When the Scot was slayne.

COntinually I shall remember The mery moneth of September With the▪ xi. day of the same For than began, our myrthe and game So that now I haue deuised And in my minde, I haue comprised Of the proude Scot, kyng Iemmy To wryte some lyttell tragedy For no manner consideration Of any sorowful lamentation But for the special consolacion Of al our royal englysh nacion Melnomone, O muse tragediall Unto your grace, for grace now I call To guyde my pen, and my pen to enbibe

Illumine me, your Poet, and your scribe That with mixture of Aloes and bitter gall I may compound, confectures for Accordiall To angre the Scottes, & Irish kiteringes withal That late were discomfect, with battaile marcial

Thalia, my muse, for you also cal I To touche them with tauntes of your armonye A medley to make, of mirth with sadnes The hartes of England, to comfort with gladnes And now to begyn, I wyll me a dres To you rehersyng, the somme of my proces.