municated several charters and other pieces of information regarding Scottish ecclesiastical antiquities, which they attached to their Monasticon Anglicanum, under the title, Cœnobia Scotica, and which Sir James afterwards expanded into a distinct volume, under the title, Monasticon Scoticum, though, as Bishop Nicholson has remarked, it looked more like an index to such a work than the complete work itself. The friendship of Sir William Segar appears to have been of considerable influence in the direction of Balfour's course of life. He exerted himself to conciliate to his Scottish protegé, the respect of the college of heralds; and his efforts were crowned with such success, that, in 1628, that body presented to Balfour the following honourable diploma:
"To all and singular to whom thir presents shall come, Greeting: Sir William Segar, Sir Richard St George, and Sir John Barroughe, Garter, Clarentius, and Norroy, Kings of Arms; William Penson, Lancaster; Sir Henry St George, Richmond, etc. According to the laudable custome of nations, not to conceill that honour which is due to verteu and learning, We doe testifie and beare record, that James Balfour, Esq. by and attour his insicht and knowledge in diverse languages, has also singular good experience and knowledge in all antiquities and forraine histories, but especiall in these concerning the illand of Great Britain and Irland; as also we testifie and does vitness him to be ane expert and graduate herauld, in blazing of cotts and armories, in inventing of crests and supporters, in searching of genealogies and discents, in marshalling of funeralls, triumphs and inaugurations, etc. and in all ceremonies whatsoever pertaining to honour or armes. In witnes of the premisses, we above named, kings of armes, heraulds, and pursevants, hes to this our present testificate and approbatione, with the several cotts of our armes, affixed our manuall subscriptions, at our office of armes in the cittie of London, Oct. 3, and Dec. 4, 1628."
Besides these antiquarian friends, Balfour secured several others of a more courtly complexion, who were natives of his own country. He enjoyed the friendship of Sir Robert Aytoun, the poetical courtier, with whom he afterwards became distantly connected by marriage. He was also on the most familiar terms with another poetical attendant on the elegant court of Charles I.—the Earl of Stirling.[1] His chief patron, however, was George, Viscount Dupplin,[2]
- ↑ We quote from his correspondence in the Advocates' Library, the two following letters to this distinguished nobleman:—
- To my Lord Viscount of Streveling, Principall Secretary of Scotland.
My Lord,—I love your letters, becausse they bring with them still some matter of gladness. The retribution of your innumerable favors to me, are a few naked lynes, which, by the generosity of your noble mynd, are als much in esteeme with you as riches are to the most miserable world-mongers. According to your Lordship's command, I have, by my letters, humbly randred thanks to the Kingis Majestie, my master, altho ordnardly dayed in homely russett, yet doubled with the best tissew, and full of the strong desires of ane ardent affectione, quhilks, at the reiding, your goodnes will extend one word of unanimity with me, and sympathize with thir gratulations as a patrone of their master: Then sall your lordship find that your favors hes beine putt upone ane quho will ever be myndful of the least of them, and remaine a daily beadsman for the further increase of your health and honour. Fairweill, my lord.
Halyroodhouss, this 7 of March, 1631.
- To the Same,
My werrey noble good Lord,—This bearir, my frind, as in a sure sanctuary, casts himselve in the bossame of your patrociney; a man every way worthy of your respect; by profession a lover of nobility; quhosse ingenious spirit and modest cariage betters his stock. If your lordship suspecte my recommendatione as partiall, hes obsequious cariage and worthy pairts, after your triall, will make all good: So wishing your lordship all happiness, heir and for ever, I will live and die, Your lordship,
Ja: Balfour.Ed. 12 Maii, 1631.
- ↑ Afterwards created Earl of Kinnoul, on the occasion of the coronation of King Charles at Edinburgh in 1633. Sir James Balfour relates the following curious anecdote of his
