The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

280 APPENDIX TO THE
NOTE C 2.
"Ready, aye ready," for the field.-P. 125.
Sir John Scott of Thirlestane, flourished in the
reign of James V., and possessed the estates of Thirlestane, Gamescleuch, &c., lying upon the river of
Ettrick, and extending to St. Mary's Loch, at the head
of Yarrow. It appears, that when James had assembled his nobility, and their feudal followers, at Fala,
with the purpose of invading England, and was, as is
well known, disappointed by the obstinate refusal of
his peers, this baron alone declared himself ready to
follow the King wherever he should lead. In memory
of his fidelity, James granted to his family a charter
of arms, entitling them to bear a border of fleurs-deluce, similar to the tressure in the royal arms, with a
bundle of spears for the crest; motto, Ready, aye
ready. The charter itself is printed by Nisbet; but
his work being scarce, I insert the following accurate
transcript from the original, in the possession of the
Right Honourable Lord Napier, the representative of
John of Thirlestaine.
"JAMES REX.
"We James, by the grace of God, King of Scottis,
considerand the ffaith and guid servis of of of I right
traist friend John Scott of Thirlestane, quha cummand to our hoste at Soutra-edge, with three score and
ten launcieres on horseback of his friends and followers, and beand willing to gang with ws into England
1 Sic in orig.