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because he spoke all his prophetical sayings in rhyme, and so darkly that they could not be understood until they came to pass.
But of all the prophets that ever were in Scotland, none of them attained to such credit, because many of his predictions referred to our own country, and were accomplished in the last and present centuries.
THOMAS THE RHYMER'S
PROPHECIES,
IN VERSE.
1SCOTLAND be sad now and lament,
For honours thou hast lost,
But yet rejoice, in better times,
Which will pay the cost.
2Tho' unto thraldom you should be
Brought by your enemies;
You shall have freedom from them all,
And enjoy your liberties.
3The grave of the most noble prince,
To all is great regret,
The subject to law, who both leave
The kingdom and estate.
4O anguish great! where every kind
And ages doth lament
Whom bitter death has ta'en away,
Shall Scotland sore repent.
