Memorialls for the government of the royal-burghs in Scotland with some overtures laid before the nobility and gentry of several shyres in this kingdom : as also, a survey of the city of Aberdeen with the epigrams of Arthur Iohnstoun, Doctor of Medicine, upon some of our chief burghs translated into English by I.B. / by Philopoliteious (or,) a lover of the publick well-fare.

Englished thus, by I. B,

Who e're thou art, that Rome do'st magnifie, And her extoll as people fondly, do: Entitling her the Earths delight and Queen, Compare with her the City ABERDEEN: A City which doth neighbour with the Sea, To which the Oceans waves do constantlie Flow up at Handmaids; yet ere they approach They stoop as fearing too far to encroach. From lofty hills both Cities view with pryd, The little Brooks which through the Vallayes glyd: Both from their stately and their thundering Tower, Defye with threatnings all unfriendly power. Rome of her Tabii and unconquer'd Hosts, Of Scipios, and of great Caesars boasts. This CITY of her Menzeises great worth, Of Cullens, and of Lawsons here brought forth; And Collisons, all men of great esteem: Of these she boasts, these doth her Glory deem I•• Bigness may 'mongst Praises reckned be, Rome is indeed of greater bulk then She; But in all Gifts, and Ornaments of mind, Rome may her Equalls in this CITY find.