The history of the houses of Douglas and Angus written by Master David Hume ...

To Archbald the third, when after his returne from his first banishment, he was confined to Elgine of Murray beyond Spey.

THou who but lately didst endure the smart Of roughest stormes, and with a Pilots art Hast scap'd the many dangers of the seas, O Angus! now in place of wished ease New troubles come: I know not by what fate: Keep your great spirit firme in every state. Shake off sad thoughts, and let your looks appear Chearfull, without the darkning clouds of fear. Deep cares expell, let not impatience haste Those ills, which of themselves approach too fast. Poor worthlesse soules are prest below the weight Of light afflictions; to a noble height In crosse affaires doe thou thy courage raise: By this thou maist obtaine deserved praise. He merits honour, and may justly be Esteem'd a man, whom no adversitie Dejects, nor prosperous successe swels with pride; But by a constant temper doth abide Still like himselfe, and with an equall minde Both fortunes beares. Let every boistrous winde And threatning wave oppose his labouring oare, He steeres his course, and seekes the wished shoare, Slighting the angry waters chiding noise. Let these (like hard) examples prompt your choice: Learne to meet ills, till you with all compare For fortitude admir'd: Ulysses bare Worse harmes then yours; a stranger, poore, alone, Uncloath'd, an Exile, wandring and unknowne. Aeneas and Antenor suffered long Ere Rome was built, or Venice: but I wrong Our owne, to dwell on strangers, since there be More store at home: marke the whole Progenie Of Douglasses your fathers, how they are Fam'd for their gallant acts in peace and warre: Each worthy was the glory of his time: None without vertue can to honour climbe. Looke on all ages, you shall hardly see One rais'd by fortune, but through miserie. Who live at ease, and least disturbance feele, Soone beare the mock'ry of her rowling wheele. How many traines hath peace? What discords warre? What troubles exile? Yet no pleasures are

O 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but after toile; nor have we rest Till 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and difficulties are past. So thou, when this is past, hereafter may Injoy at home a calme and pleasing day: And to your dear friends chearfully relate The sad effects of Fortunes sullen hate: Sad now, but pleasant to remember, when Your prentisage hath brought a noble gaine. This is the way: would you a great name win? Then tread the steps your Grandsires travell'd in. Where Vertue, Fortune, where your God doth call, Follow: my thoughts deceive me, or you shall Excell those Worthies who alreadie are, Or will be famous: so the starres prepare Your youth. Faire vertue never dwells alone, Hard labour is her neare companion: Un-easie taskes she loves, and joyes to beat The roughest wayes, and triumph over fate. Be bold and onward, take your mounting flight, Till you have reacht a true Olympian height. Be bold, I say, and let no furious winde, (Though earth and hell should mix) shake your brave minde. Onely with God, whom you must still adore, You may be instant, and his aid implore: Let him direct your course, and he will be Your Pilot through the waves of misery, Steering your barke by every Rocke and Shelfe: Each strait and wheeling Poole His sacred Selfe Will guide the Oare, first to a place of rest On earth, then after death thou shalt be bl•…•…st.