King, and all that were implicated in the Earl's death. After this, having collected their force, they burnt the town of Stirling, and continued to excite great commotions in the southern parts of Scotland:—but at length James—who had most anxiously endeavoured, in a Parliament convened for the express object, to vindicate himself from the charge of treachery, and the violation of publick faith,—partly by strenuous as well as lenient measures, succeeded in inducing them to return to their allegiance.[1]
There seems but little reason to doubt that the Howlat was composed in the course of the year 1453, during this interval of reconciliation. The author, in a long digression, gives a particular description of the green-tree of Douglas, with its armorial bearings; and the manner in which he speaks of its four branches, shews that he certainly means James, ninth Earl of
- ↑ Pinkerton's History, vol. I. p. 220.
trik Gray straik him nixt the King, with ane poll ax on the hed, and straik out his harnes. And syne the gentillis that war with the King, gaf thaim ilkane a straik or twa with knyffis."—Chronicle of James II. King of Scots, 4to, p. 46.-Published from Asloan's Manuscript by Thomas Thomson, Esq. The reader may compare this account with the narrative of the excellent old historian of the family, David Hume of Godscroft, whose work ought to be familiar to every one who feels interested in the ancient annals of our country.
