Page:Christ's kirk on the green (1).pdf/2

( 2 ) CHRIST'S KIRK ON THE GREEN.

IN THREE CANTOS.

C Α Ν Τ Ο Ι.

WAS ne'er in Scotland heard or ſeen Sic dancing and deray ; Nouther at Faulkland on the Green, Nor Peebles at the play, As was of wooers, as I weet, At Chriſt's Kirk on a day; There came out Kitties waſhen clean, In new kirtles of grey,

Fou gay, that day. To-dance theſe damſels did them dight, Thir laſſes light of laits,

This edition of the firſt Canto, is taken from an old Manu- fcript Collection of Scots Poems, written 380 years ago, wirere it is found that fames the firſt of that name, king of Scots, was the author; thought to be wrote, while that brave and learned Prince was unfortunately kept priſoner in England, by Henry IV. about the year 1412. Ballenden, in his tranſlation of H. Boece's hiſtory, sixes this character of him. He was nyl, to fyng and dance, was an expert medicinar, richt crafty in playing bait of lute and harp, and findry other in- • ftruments of muſik. He was repert in gramer. oratory and poetry, and maid ſae flowand and ſententious verſis, appearit we'l, he was ane natural and borne poete, Lib. 16. Cap. 16. 3. Faulkland) in the fire of Fife, where our Kings for fome time had their reſidence. 4. Peebles at the play.) Peebles one of our royal burrongh, where the gentlemen of the fliire frequently met for the diver- ſion of horſe-races and the like. 6. Chriſt's Kirk.) The place, where our wedding held, is either at. Lefly (the church there hearing that samd) or a place ſo named, at a little diſtance from Windſor, where our King was, during the time of his connement. Them dight.) Made themſelves ready. 19. Light of laits.) Light or wantan in their manners.
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