SCOTLAND'S COMPLAINT.  
Upon the death of our late Sovereign KING JAMES of most happy memory.  
BY Mr. D. primrose.  — Quis talia fando, Temperet à lachrymis— 
IN DEFENCE  
EDINBURGH, Printed by john Wreittoun, Anno Dom. 1625.   

TO THE VERY NOBLE, & ILLUSTRIOUS LORD, JOHN EARL OF MARRE, LORD ERSKEINE, GARIOCH, AND ALLOWAY, etc. HIGH THESAURER OF SCOTLAND. Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, and one of his M. most honourable, privy Counsel in both Kingdoms.  
MY LORD,  
IN this common calamity of our late Soverainges death, (of whom it stands in doubt, whether his Life was more laudable and admired, or his Death more deplorable and regretted) out of a respectful and reverend duty to his Majesty's blessed memory, in this time of universal mourning, I have drawn up, in a measured and footed style, some Elegies, and Panegyric verses; to rouse and stir up, by an examplary Imitation, some more refined wits, (which owe their abilities and best endeavours to this Princely, and lamentable subject) to go forward with me in the course of public sorrow; and to devote their Hearts and Art, to the serious condoling this universal loss; the grief whereof, is not bounded by the Seabordering limits of his M. dominions, but is stretched out and spread abroad, as far as the trumpet of Fame, (which hath borrowed all men's mouths to sound the Heroic virtues most perspicuously eminent in our late Sovereign) is heard: and chief, his M. unparalelled Piety, and Goodness. And for the first, was it not clear by the whole progress of his blessed Life, that He was ever most anxious, and careful to maintain the Profèssion, (whereof Himself was a Princely, and practical example) of the true and catholic Religion. The use and practise whereof, Grace from above, and industrious Learning had so refined in him, & turned to so excellent a temper; that all the good Kings of the World, (of whom it is said Omnes bonos Principes in uno annulo posse perscribi,) were but as small stars compared to this raying Planet. And all those properties, which Holy write doth attribute to the few good Kings of Israel, & juda; and dispersed among them, did all concur (as Prophetical epithets) in one symbolising harmony, to make up the perfect pattern and model of a most excellent King in the person of his Majesty. And to his Goodness (a virtue answerable to Theological charity) it was of a splendour so transparent in his M. as the forgetful silence of future times should never have the power to smother, or extinguish. And therefore should He not justly be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, who always affected the weal, and good of his subjects; yea, of all men; His justice was ever mixed with mercy; and His wrath, though justly conceived, was tempered, and mitigated with the smooth oil of his natural clemency; so that the Poet's speech may be turned over to Him;  
He did but hate the fault, and not the faulty one. Compare him also with Ethnic, and Paynim Princes, whose radiant and splendide vices were busked up with the false ornaments of virtue; and you shall find that there the best of them, as their Titus, their Trajane, etc. were but obscure glimpses, & as it were a twilight, in respect of that All-refreshing Sun, which is risen in our age to this Northern World: For their supposed moral virtues were but enforced sparks, and flashes of fire, glancing from the recounter of pride, and natural magnanimity; and in this kind a Beast tamed by industry, as they were by precepts and imitation, may be called generous. But our SOVEREIGN'S moral parts, were true flames of sacred fire, (still burning upon the altar of Faith, offering up the sweet smelling sacrifice of prayers, and contrition; (nature and grace concluding and consummating in Him, what is most excellent both in practical Theology, and moral Philosophy. It is said by a learned Man, Pulchra haec laudatio, O virum doctum! sed illa melior, O virum sapientem! & ista optima, O virum bonum! But all the three have met together in this Wonder of Time, not a Man only, but a King; so that we are obliged with admiration to cry out; O Regem doctum, sapientem, bonum! and that by excellence; and in a superlative degree. To explain by induction these His M. heroic parts deserveth whole Volumes, long tract of time, pens of the most approved, and tongues of the most admired Spirits, wherein to be summar and by an umbragious veil to lessen the native splendour of so excellent a Light, were impiety, and a crime almost of La ese-Majestie; Therefore being of a mean stature, for fear of drowning, I will not wade too far in this Ocean. But knowing that as your L. by nature and education, by common duty of a subject, and many special obligements; was tied in the most strict and forcible bond of sincere love, to your deceased Prince: and that the threnes, and grips of sorrow at this time possesseth your Heart; So I am sure, that these doleances, and complaints (abruptly bursted forth when first mine cares sucked in the never-enough deplored news of His M. decease, as Symbols and tokens of my love, and allegiance) will be favoourablie accepted, and graciously protected by Your authority. That fountain of Your L. excellent and eminent qualities, apparent to all, hath streamed to me some effects of Your gracious favour, which in Will, wishes and performance of all duties, and service that may fall under the compass of my power, and ability, I shall endeavour to acquit, Remaining  
Your L. most dutiful, and addicted servitor Mr. D. primrose.   

SCOTLAND'S COMPLAINT.  
WHAT pressing pangs be those? what waves of woe return?  
It seem'th each fatal Day doth teach, another day to mourn:  
Grief following grief; and Sorrow tracing sorrow,  
This day too flowing and too deep, are shallow found to morrow.  
For while in Silence sad, all Solace forced to shun,  
Mine Agonies were fresh and green, my Plaints but new begun.  
Behold, the worst Assault, O pitiless Excess!  
Now am I forced to bear the great, that scarce could bear the less.  
Was it not more than much? within short space to find,  
Three Burgeons of the Royal Blood in Coffins sad enshrined.  
But that mine Ears should hear, or dazled-Eyes should see,  
Mine homebred Dear, thryse-sacred SIRE, O Sorrow! breathless lie  
Light Cares are cured by Speech, and vented get relief,  
But secreit Silence doth bemoan, a Soul surcharged with Grief.  
So should a chilling cold, have lulled my Vital part,  
Into a dull Lethargic Sleep, and sopped down mine heart.  
Like wretched Niobe, or Bible's frightful Fears.  
The one was turned into a Stone; the other into Tears.  
But that a rising Sun, in State and Majesty,  
With golden Beams enlightened hath, my Neighbour Coasts & me.  
That blest and Royal Plant sprung of His Sacred SIRE,  
Hath breathed new Comfort to my Soul, and Hope to my Desire.  
So then I need not doubt, but Heaven shall make me prove,  
From Father gliding to the Son, refreshing streams of Love..  
For signs of future Hap, my calmed Mind assure,  
As blessed JAMES did, Great CHARLES shall, my Weal and Peace procure  
Yet can I not but mourn, and Sorrows thesaurize,  
While here to my deceased LORD, my Love I sacrifice.  
Unto your Glorious Ghost, my Princely Saint I vow,  
Engraven on mine Heart to keep, fresh memory of You.  
That day shall never dawn, that shadowing night shall never  
Spread sable curtains o'er my Coast, and this Horizon cover,  
But consecreate I shall, my long-acquainted SIRE,  
To You, the praises of my lips, my thoughts, and my desire.  
And though my orphan fields, His wont splendour want,  
Yet daily service shall be done to my adored Saint.  
All times and ages shall; while measured time doth last,  
And till the Angel's trumpet sound, to tell that time is past,  
Unfold to wondering Earth, this work of nature chief,  
Which pondered right, will move in men, more marvel nor belief.  
Since heavens did never grant, to any mortal King,  
So soon, so well, so sure, so long, and in such peace to reign.  
For since his Royal grace, to three more Crowns was called,  
And by a free applause of all, most gloriously installed;  
Me thought my darkened Name did then include my Fate,  
And with an everlasting Night had threatened mine estate;  
But O! the gracious beams of His transcending Face,  
Were ever present to procure, my health, my wealth, my peace.  
And though His absence seemed, a woeful want to be,  
Yet proved His present power, and love, a sure relief to me.  
His Princely self retired, did he not leave behind  
A seat of justice filled by men, agreeing to His mind,  
And when pale Death by times had pruned that fruitful Tree,  
An Imp of proof is quickly dressed, that want for to supply.  
Great Alexander's Speech by dying Voice expressed,  
Wiled His Monarchick Crown and Reign be granted to the best:  
Such was our SOVEREIGN'S choice, such was His constant Will.  
That Places void, the wisest, and the worthiest men should fill.  
Witness that Noble Peer, chief Statesman of this Land,  
Whom all do love, whom all obey, who doth in love command:  
Of Nerva made by fate Sole-Monarch of the Earth  
Was said, to have been fortunate in Life, but more in Death.  
That left to bear the sway of Rome's farre-spred Empire,  
Great Trajane whose Heroic Parts all Ages did admire.  
So let my modest Muse account Him happy twice,  
Who blest in Life, hath by His Death made this bright Star to rise.  
But O! it was not He, and if it was by chance,  
His end gave place, and was not cause, which did this Peer advance▪  
O! No, it was my SIRE, whose Heaven-inspyred Heart,  
Knew when, to whom, and how He should, His Honours all impart  
He found that generous Spirit first Statesman fit to be,  
Then for Himself, and now unto, His Royal Son and me.  
O! if it were my choice, no Time, no Power, nor Fate,  
Should have the force to change or move these Minions of my state.  
Strong Pillars meet for me; by choice not chance erected,  
Are for their Knowledge, Love and Skill, so worthily respected  
Of me and mine, that now I feel no present cross,  
Save that too sharp and public grief of my late Sovereign's loss.  
The thought of which Distress, and agonizing woe,  
I fear no Tract, no change of Time, shall make me to forgo.  
That Macedonian PRINCE, who unacquaint with Fears,  
Did never bow to foreign Force, perforce must yield much Tears,  
For when His favourite arrested was by Death,  
He could not Sorrow's passion daunt, that had subdued the Earth,  
But was so plunged in woe, for his dear Minions sake,  
That Maugre all His Prince's toil, no comfort He would take,  
Till amon's jupiter, enforced Him to forbear,  
And frayed the superstitious King from shedding of a Tear,  
Suggesting falsely that His Minion best beloved,  
Was ranked in Heaven, a Deity by all the gods approved.  
That flaming fires of joy, and Sacrifices must  
Cherish the teare-provoked wrath of God Ephestions Ghost.  
More cause have I to mourn, no private loss is mine,  
That Majesty is now unseen, that over all did shine.  
Those Beams of Beauty are shrunk underneath the Earth,  
That Tongue divine is silenced now, and by this only Death,  
Ten thousand die at once, since life to grief annexed,  
Is but a living Death, or then a dying Life perplexed.  
Yet since that Paynim Prince by cunning slight was eased,  
And through believing what was false, had all his woes appeased.  
Why? should not I and mine, lift up our weeping eyes,  
And find King JAMES in Majesty, above the azur'd Skies.  
Where Angels Songs are heard, such as his Sacred Grace,  
By His Lepanto shows to be in that excelling place,  
O then! why should we mourn, and shed such storms of Tears?  
Or fright our Souls with agonies, or fill our Hearts with Fears.  
Since what he now enjoys, the smallest grain is more,  
Than all the Pleasures summed in one, which He enjoyed before.  
here, here, by Faith we trust, times period last compleete,  
Saints glorified; with glories Crown our Sovereign crowned to meet.  
Soft then my plaining Muse, and though in homely Phrase,  
Not what's His due, but what thou canst sob forth unto His praise.  
Behold Him first a Man, survey his private ways,  
And then confess Him to have been, the Glory of our Days.  
Bright Mirror set on high, most glorious to detect  
The inward beauty of Himself, and others frail defect.  
His Mind a Magazine, of Heaven-infused Grace,  
Still yielding fruits of Faith to God, and breathing Love and Peace  
To mortal men on Earth, with such a fragrant smell,  
This large Theatre hath endued, that after Ages shall  
Complain of posting Time, which robbed them of the sight  
Of Nature's Darling, Earth's triumph, GOD'S Minion, Man's delight  
Then turn with gazing Eyes, behold His Kingly parts,  
A PRINCE of Peace, a KING of Men, a Conqueror of Hearts,  
For underneath His Wings, which all the World admires,  
I breathed have the air of Peace now near thrice twenty years.  
What foreign Force or Power, what Death menacing bands,  
Adventure durst t'approach the Coast of my Sea-bordring Lands.  
What civil Broil did stain, in those Halcyons days,  
My back with blood, or fill my breast with fear, or ears with frays.  
For some celestial Power so circuled Him about,  
That to approach His Sacred Shrine, all Furies stood in doubt.  
And armed at strongest proof, Christ's Champion, did repel  
All charms, and thundering Powder-plots, hatched in the depth of hell.  
Yea, from His Cradle forth, th'eternal Him prepared,  
Emplumed Squadrons set a part, to be His surest Guard.  
His Throne a Centre was approaching near the Deity.  
Whereon two Pillars were erected of justice and of Piety.  
IEHOVA'S divine Will, first modelled in the Heaven,  
With Gold Characters on the two, by curious Air engraven,  
Tell that in power, and will, our Monarch still was able,  
As Gods great Viceroy to defend th'one and other Table.  
Who could or durst presume, to call this power in doubt,  
Since Iuda's Lion to the World, our Lion did send out.  
And to ennoble his strength the more and Name for to advance,  
Did England's Leopards adjoin, and Golden Flowers of France.  
So His religious Will was published to the Earth,  
By sound of Fame in Word and Work, in Life and sealed in death.  
But of this Hero's life the progress to receipt,  
Not Man's abortive birth of speech, but Angels Tongues are meit.  
Come then You learned Band that on my Coasts do dwell.  
And tasted have the crystal streams of Aganippe's Well.  
But His Monarchicke Muse, l first of all adjourn,  
Who want about fresh Dovan's Banks, old Monarch's fate to mourn.  
Thy griefe-surcharged Spirit, rouse up with Sacred Fire,  
And solemnize the obsequies, of thine anointed SIRE.  
In measured Accents rear, whole Iliad's to His praise,  
And our Pelidas deify, by thine immortal Lays.  
Or then in stately Prose, (for well thou canst) pen forth,  
New Xenophon, thy Cyrus' life, and umbrage of his worth.  
Next Thou dear Minion, whose sweet Nectar-flowing Tongue,  
In Hymns divine, Moeliades, and feasting-Forth haste song.  
Come Darling mine take part, shed forth some precious tears,  
With sopping sorrow fill all hearts, with plaining charm all Ears.  
Dress Trophies new to woe, unceasing sighs among,  
Let Fastirg-Forth not Feasting be, the subject of Thy Song,  
Let all his Streams be black, which erst have Crystal been,  
And let his Banks be turned in jette, his curled Meadows green  
Assume Chameleon-like a Pitchie-coloured hew,  
And all those rare eye-pleasing Flowers, which in his Garden grew.  
Be changed in Prophyrie, or in that polished Stone,  
Which to thy stately Pyramid, Paros did yield alone.  
Scarce was the golden Sun thrice hidden from mine Eyes,  
Scarce thrice had plunged his purple Beams in the Hesperian Seas.  
After my Sacred LORD had yielded up above  
His glorious Ghost, into the hands of His eternal Love..  
And ere these fatal news were come unto mine Ears,  
The boisterous Wind did tempests sigh; the Heaven did melt in tears.  
And Forth in such a rage, as was not seen before,  
His wont Limits far ou'r-reached, and channeled up the Shore.  
Peace foaming Forth, I know thine Eastward flowing Streams,  
Rancountred have some swelling Tide, which wafting from the Thames.  
Soughed forth Thy SOVEREIGN'S fate, as then unknown to me,  
So spiteful Thou upbraid'st all those that would not mourn with Thee.  
Peace Forth, that Day will come, and perchance is at hand,  
When thy best Hope, Great CHARLES shall upon the Sea-banks stand.  
When shouts of joy shall cheer, thy now-deserted Shore,  
And make Thy Nymphs, and Triton's feast, as they have done before.  
When Thy sweet Poet shall employ yet once again,  
To point the presence of his PRINCE, his Muse-inspyred Pen.  
And last, Ye choicest Spirits, whose pains and well-spent Toil,  
Did my late SOVEREIGN welcome Home to His true native Soil.  
Though dissonant in parts, in Harmony accord.  
To eternize the divine Acts, of my triumphing LORD.  
So many Healths as then, You did to Him bequeath,  
As many Farewelles bid His Ghost, which now hath left the Earth.  
And when the Tragic sound, of those Farewells' are done,  
As many Wel-comes bid again, to His thryse-Sacred SON.  

EPILOGUS.  
OF ENGLAND'S Virgin Queen, what was and justly said?  
She was on Earth the first, and is in Heaven the second Maid.  
Is turned to Heaven-blessed JAMES, and Angels all do sing,  
He was on Earth the first, and is, in Heaven the second King.   
FINIS