Page:Prophecies of Thomas the Rhymer, the ancient Scotch prophet (1).pdf/23

 13. The haughty pride of mighty men,

Of former vice chief cause,

The nutriture of wickedness,

An unjust match of laws.

14. Therefore this cause the prophets,

Of long time did presage ;

And now has happen’d every point,

Into your present age.

15. Since fate is so, now Scotland learn,

In patience to abide,

Slanders, great fears, and sudden plagues,

And great dolours beside.

16. For out of thee shall people rise,

With divers happiness ;

And yet a pen can scarcely write,

Thy hurt, skaith, and distress,

17. And yet beware thou not distrust,

Altho’ o’erwhelm’d with grief,

Thy stroke is not perpetual,

For thou shall find relief.

18. I do suppose, altho’ too late,

Old prophecies shall hold,

Hope thou in God’s goodness evermore,

And mercies manifold.

19. For thou that now a patient is,

And seemeth to be bound ;

At liberty shall free be set,

And with empire be crown’d.

20. From high above shall grace come down,

And thy state, Scotland, be,

In latter ends, more prosperous,

Than former age shall see.