BON-ACORDS DECOREMENT.  
OR, News from the North. Wherein is truly expressed the form (or situation) of the famous City of new Aberdeene, the virtues of the honourable and renowned governor's thereof, together with these Grampians Anagrams.  
Wherewith is adjoined the proof, and praise of chaste Beauty, and the scorn of Idols.  
By William Mercer.  
Printed Anno DOM. 16●●.   

Upon the Author.  

Thrice happy Abria, to whose lasting Fame,  
Right valiant Mercer's Muse hath undergone:  
To gild, in rich encomiums each man's name,  
Like Mars, and Maro, both combynd in one,  
For to your praise what he hath penned in word,  
He bravely vows for to maintain by sword.   
W. Dow.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, THE TRVELY RENOWNED, AND WORTHILY RESPECTED PAUL MEINZIES of Kinmoundie. Lord Provest, Mr. VEDAST LOWSON, PATRICK LESLIE, GILBERT COLINSONE, and Mr. THOMAS GREY, Bailies, Mr. Matthew Lomsden, Dean of Gilled, Charles Keillo Thesaurer, and to the renowned Counsellors and members of the Counsel of Aberdene, wishes Grace, Honour, Promotion, and Peace in this life, and everlasting glory in the life to come. W. M.  

REnowned Rulers of this sacred seat,  
Wherein all goodness, graciously abound,  
Whose fames for worth, whose virtues are complete  
Whose lives are lights, whose learnings are profound▪  
Amongst all these, who love your virtues best,  
And they whose works unfeigned witness bear,  
I'm loath to be, the last, albeit the least,  
Who would approve, how I your worth admeare.  
Therefore let this invention of my Muse,  
(Which though not worthy, boldly wears the ba  
Of these your names, even for its worthiest chus  
Obtain your love, its errors to inhedge:  
And let it please you, these my Lynes to take  
Into good part, and do my pains approve:  
If nought for else, yet for affections sake,  
And for assurance hereby of my love:  
And since I know your generous minds admit,  
A sign of love, as were more worth therein:  
Herefore am bold to beat my brains and wit,  
To see if I can to your virtues win:  
For lo for love, on my part of your worth,  
And through desire for to engrave your glore,  
I have employed my pen, for to set forth,  
Your just deserts, by men admired before.  
And that my Lynes may ever witness be,  
For to impart a portion of your praise,  
Although such knowledge not consists in me,  
To write your worth, or dignities to raise:  
Yet though my words▪ should render but a view,  
And not attain, the full to testify,  
This I profess to be your proper due,  
Ye are of the superlative degree.  
And as th' Arcadians, gave to Pales bot  
A fleece of wool to testify their love:  
Th' Athenians lo, to Pallas did allot,  
A dish of O lives, duty to approve,  
So likewise I, have with these two nothing  
To give, but these unpolisht lines of mine:  
Which I confess not worthy is to bring  
〈…〉 such Patroness, for my first propyne.  
〈…〉 Minerva, did an Owl defend,  
〈…〉 under covert of her Targe at save:  
〈…〉 did her lively arms extend,  
〈…〉 the deformed Cyclops might perceive.  
〈…〉 Apollo by his heavenly Lute,  
〈…〉, night-raven, under it did hide:  
〈…〉 please you, to supply my suit,  
〈…〉 herein keep my errors unespyde:  
〈…〉 I find the secret of my thought,  
〈…〉 can know, till they the same shall view,  
〈…〉 perfection fully brought,  
〈…〉 love was firmly fixed on you:  
And though sometimes I secretly did send,  
Some lines abroad, or yet to public eye,  
My aim was ay, but that I might amend,  
The same to you, your worth to testify.  
Considering then, the worthiness of you,  
I did determine, as the truth requyrde,  
Ye were the only object whom I knew,  
My Muse of duty ought to have aspired.  
Therefore at last these Lynes I did compose,  
Which being done, I do present them here,  
To crave your aid, to keep them from their foes,  
Which if they find, they shall not fret for fear.  
And I who penned them, shall your praise proclaim,  
And still procure your honour's rest on high:  
Your several names, and actions conqueses fame,  
Which by all ages may admeered be:  
Then in the balance of affection, prove  
And try my labours, if they equal are,  
Unto one motion, of my matchless love,  
And ye shall find my favour pass them fare:  
And though I can no protestations make,  
Yet for your honour, I shall always pray,  
Unto such time, as I occasion take,  
To prove more largely I am yours for ay.  
Thus you entreating, ye will pleased be,  
Them to receive, and love them for the Art,  
Whence in some manner, they proceed ye see,  
And do receive resemblance in apart:  
So of you all, what is divine as due,  
I to the three united powers commend,  
And what is subject unto change of you  
I know your valour always will defend  
As for my part, what power I can afford,  
To death I shall still honour Bon-acord.   
And rests Your Worships and Wisdoms most obsequious and truly affectionated serviture at power William Mercer.   

SONNET.  
Acrostic.  

W With Manhood, Music, and a Poet's mind,  
I In strength, in mirth, and lines of verse I vow,  
L Love hath a cord, of threefold links combynd,  
L Like one whose worth no violence can bow:  
〈◊〉 In, and whereby, I do present to you,  
〈◊〉 A lyvely Lantern of my loyal love,  
〈◊〉 More have I not, and less shall not seem due,  
〈◊〉 My faithful favour plainly to approve.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therefore no less of me then I  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hereby, for to deserve to death,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rather use some strategem to try,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if my words proceed from fixed faith,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also, that this threefold band,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Can ser●e three uses, as you please command.   
W. M.   

To the general Reader.  

REader, remembering that my lines must be,  
Of force to all presented publicly:  
And that they are not decked with dainty phrase,  
Whereby they always do not merit praise:  
I, as a Soldier, who defence would make,  
Whose part sometimes, I honour had to act:  
Considering that this work of mine but doubt,  
Must be with foes, envyrond round about,  
Would fain erect a fort, to keep it free  
From carping of the curious enemy:  
And therefore strives this much (in thee) to move,  
That as thou reads, thou censure me in love.  
Which as I wish, I having once obtained,  
Hereby my lines, shall hence forth be maintained:  
And (as a friend) if thou wilt not refuse,  
Thou's conquish kindness, and advance my Muse.  
Or if thou prove a Momus through envy,  
Then in that case, thy malice I defy:  
A curious Critic, if thou strive to be,  
To carp, I then contemn thy cruelty:  
Because thou frets, and foolishly doth press,  
To wrong my work, but doth thyself disgrace.  
Therefore, before thou further on proceed,  
Spare what amiss is, and maintain the good:  
And if perchance, thou errors shall perceive,  
Let these of mine, by thee a mends▪ receive:  
Which from thy hands, I will be glad to take  
Albeit for nought, but for my matters sake:  
That all the honour, may (as due) increase,  
To Bon-acord, whose worth deserves no less:  
But this I fear if so thou think of me:  
That I lack skill, thy wit shall weaker be,  
Because the basest and the naughtiest mind,  
Do always malice, 'gainst true virtue find●.  
Therefore resolve to read, to think and swear,  
That all is true that is enclosed here.   
W. M.   

SONNET.  

THE learned, and unlearned, both these two,  
Wise, and unworthy I apeall them fro:  
The learned wise, because no doubt their skill,  
Will soon perceive some errors heereintill:  
The ignorant unworthy, I appaile,  
Because albeit they cannot judge, they'll rail,  
Wherefore I wish, it please them but to choose,  
Some other subject, nor to wrong my Muse.  
The wise may well by learning, see me haut,  
And yet perchance they cannot mend my fault:  
〈◊〉 also may the ignorant blaze forth  
〈◊〉 will, their words I reckon of no worth.  
〈◊〉 ●herefore their best is both, as would appear,  
〈◊〉 That having read, unchallengde they reteare.    

TO THE FAMOUS, AND FLOURISHING City of ABERDEINE.  


New ABERDEINS Anagramme.  
We debar sin.   

Verse. Sin we debar, as ye perceive, and faithfully afford,  
Both love and peace, from whence we have our diton Bon-acord.    


Acrostic.  
IN ME,  
A generous Meinzies, bears governament,  
But by the worthy Colinsens' consent,  
Even so, the loyal Lowsons' honoureth me,  
Renowned Leslies aids courageously.  
Doth not the ancient johnstons' grace me ay  
Esteemed I am, for Collen, Rutherford, Grace  
Is not brave Meldrum mine, me to defend,  
No less the jaffrayes, robertson's, so I end,  
And many more, whose names though I suppress  
Makes me renounde by virtues I confess.  
Wherefore then Reader, thus much of me record,  
More famous worth, no City can afford.     

BON-ACORDS DECOREMENT.  

MNemosine, the Muses nine I crave,  
Send forth from thee that I their aid may have,  
Because a Work so rare I here intent,  
Which though begun by me, these nine must end  
Go on, saith she, they shall assist thy Muse,  
I know thy work doth merit no refuse,  
Rouse up thy spirits: the rarest of those nine,  
I shall advance to grace that work of thine;  
By whose assistance, which I pleased to ask,  
Who likes to hear, lo I begin my task.   

GReat Babylon's building was ordained for ease,  
To be the seat of these three Monarchies,  
Th' Assyrian, Greek, and Persian, and did bear  
Rule o'er all Nations many thousand year.  
Within whose power all princes did repair,  
All Potentates, and Kings resorted there:  
〈◊〉 to admire, for to adore, and see  
〈…〉 state, the grandeur and magnificency  
〈…〉 such a seat, wherein all pomp appeared,  
〈…〉 se glore and splendour greatly was admired.  
〈…〉 likewise Rome, fame doth record to be  
〈…〉 ●only seat of the fourth Monarchy.  
〈…〉 next to Babel did all worth afford,  
〈…〉 de all earthly Kingdoms by her sword:  
〈…〉 frown, the World was forced to quake,  
〈…〉 aptives in triumph did take.  
〈…〉 iters in huge volumes strive,  
〈…〉 the same for to descrive.  
〈…〉 glorious works abundantly,  
〈…〉 the same to testify.  
Of Athens also, hence what should I say,  
Where worthiest Romen in their state did stay,  
And in the same, was not ashamed you see,  
To learn all science, and civility:  
And who for grave governament and wit,  
No city she, for second would admit:  
And like as Sparta, was approved and praised,  
For Martial worth, and o'er all others raised.  
Likewise their lyves, and virtues wrapped in store,  
Did fare exceed these cities told before:  
Which was to Mars a seminary fit,  
For many warlike spirits were bred in it:  
And who with force of sword, did conquish fame,  
By Martial deeds, to eternize their name:  
As did appear in many more than these,  
Lysander, Ages, and Clyomines,  
With others diverse fashious to rehearse,  
Whose worth is viewed, throughout the universe:  
And who for fame, all ages doth agree,  
Unto all Nations for to testify,  
Which heretofore might be examples rare,  
For valour, worth, and virtues but compare:  
Whose gifts most glorious, never yet hath been  
Once paralleled, or equalised seen.  
Till now by force, these foretold towns ye see  
To Bon-acord yields by necessity:  
Since to them all, what did belong of old,  
This City claims most justly uncontrolled:  
For lo, more worth than all of these I mean,  
It doth afford as is apparent seen:  
Since Athens no ways herewith could compare  
In learning, or civility most rare:  
And since that Sparta, for her valorous fame.  
Of force must fly, and hereto quite her name:  
And seeing Babel, nor that Rome indeed,  
For virtues no ways could the same exceed:  
But as the heavens doth over reach the earth,  
So in like sort, it doth surpass their worth;  
And like as since, is nothing unto faith,  
Or who would life, likewise compare to death:  
Or like to man, by reason who is blessed,  
Whose true perfection doth in grace consist:  
Or as a beast is nought, to man as fare  
This City's virtues, doth these City's war:  
For they had but an outward show of glore,  
But this in sacred substance pass them more:  
And though their greatness were more gross than it  
They all must yield hereto, for virtuous wit:  
And look wherein these gloried most, save ill,  
This hath more cause to glory therintill:  
Which once such Bishops blessed of memory had,  
Who doth lie secret now in earthen bed:  
Of famous race, by whom brave buildings stand  
In water some, some doth decore the land:  
By Chein and Lichtoun, builded were alone,  
Sanct Machers Church, likewise the bridge of Done:  
With other two rare buildings as ye see,  
The Old town College, & the bridge of Die:  
One Elphinstone, began them as is told,  
And both were finished by Dumbar of old:  
The one is builded upon Pillars seven,  
The other holds a Crown, up towards heaven;  
One Steward famous, for his learning loud,  
As also Gordon, for his gifts approved:  
One Cunningham, the mirror of his days,  
●nd Blackburne, likewise worthy of all praise,  
〈◊〉 Forbes then, and now a Forbes more,  
〈◊〉 ●irst most rare, but this not matched before,  
〈◊〉 bygon Bishops, treasures were of faith,  
〈◊〉 now in grave, yet triumphs over death:  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of late, such provests there hath been,  
〈◊〉 famous Town of Aberdeene▪  
Whose generous spirits, whose ancient fame and worth,  
My Pen can not impart, nor lines set forth,  
So passing many, whom I could not know,  
Of some into my time, I here will show.  
A Chain much worth, for grace and great renown,  
With links of love, combined to the Town:  
A prudent Provest, in this famous place,  
And who likewise, was one of ancient race:  
Then Colinson their third fold confidence,  
Of virtues, who was very quintessence:  
The City's comfort, who increased in grace,  
And when but young, was Provest in that place:  
Of ancient stem and standard, even whereon  
The town relied, as their chief corner stone:  
As borne so bred, as lived so died, and lo,  
Of all, this all, we conquest but a show:  
Admeerde by men, for wisdom, faith & grace  
A lantern, fortres, favoured in his place:  
Who dead yet life's, and who by fame shall jest,  
In number one, ay of the worthiest:  
Who past his prime, even full of honours shynd  
When death in grave of silence him inshrind.  
Wherefore with gold most permanent impose,  
Above his bones, this stone all worth enclose.  
As likewise for their learning they had two,  
One lives in Heaven, the other life's below:  
The one named Grace, which though grey was his name,  
This Grace doth glance in very glorious fame,  
The other , so doth his name declare,  
Whose knowledge in two sciences is rare.  
And as this  is much esteemed by you,  
This  doth yield a dainty coloured hue,  
Since where pale death, would make your count  
Ye are reviude by virtue of this man,  
Even Principals both, so doth their place import  
Life's both by fame although 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
And gracious Grace, whose learning was admeerd,  
Who lived not long till soon to earth reteerd,  
With whom as due, a third I here admit,  
For learning rare, for Physic wondrous fit:  
Which I, on stone, engraved doth wish to see,  
Thereby this johnstons' worth to testify:  
Who doth that place, which liddel left supply  
Whose name I here express most worthily  
And who professed the Mathematics airt,  
Which in his absence johnston doth impart,  
And many more, whom I can not express,  
Who by just merit did deserve no less.  
As is confirmed in Chronicles for ay,  
Whose names, nor fames, shall never find decay:  
But by their worth, yet recent bears record,  
What ancient honour's due to Bon-acord.  
And more you see of all, what can be wished,  
But in this famous city doth consist:  
For in within its curious corners stand,  
A town which seems of force for to command  
All cities else, to hide them under sloughs,  
Since she's the matchless method of all brughes  
And whence appear for points, which doth arise  
Whose worth ascending, seem to pierce the skies  
Upon whose tops such feathered fixions stand,  
As only change at Aeolus command,  
And always aims, as they anon would fly:  
To sound abroad their burghs nobility:  
Which turning and considering where they sit,  
They do resolve, they will not pass from it:  
But rather glories for to glance thereon,  
〈◊〉 ●ince each of them, possess such sacred throne:  
〈◊〉 by their yielding all at once, to prove,  
〈◊〉 smallest motion, rules them all in love:  
〈◊〉 hereby that they may a cause afford,  
〈◊〉 ●o maintain their title Bon-acord.  
And since of them, each one a place possess,  
Whose walls are full of upright holunesse:  
They think it is their best, for to abide,  
Seeing love, and good agreement is their guide.  
For under one doth stand the treasury,  
From whence doth flow, means of felicity:  
The other is on judgement grounded sure,  
Repressing vices, virtues to procure:  
The third springs up from charity and love,  
As those within its corners can approve:  
The last all learning, as the time relates,  
Affords within the compass of its gates:  
So that these four; are precious points you see,  
As Mercy, justice, Learning, Charity:  
Which though most rare, if three of these should lake,  
But one, it should great imperfection make:  
Wherefore all four, on faith are founded sure,  
To make the name of Bon-acord endure:  
The which though they antiquity allege,  
Are much advanced in this present age.  
For they a Provest have of pregnant wit,  
Whose worth to rule, it is approved fit:  
Whose skill, whose knowledge, & whose deeds each day  
Gravely preserves, the City from decay:  
Whose noble, wise, pregenitors of old,  
Bore always sway, most savely uncontrolled:  
So that by birth, this honour is his own,  
Since his ancestors brooked it as is known:  
He by whose works in this illustrious place,  
Doth always aim, for amity and peace:  
And by his actions, who doth still approve,  
To Bon-acord, his kindly constant love.  
And in whose time, hath so decord the same,  
That by his worth, it hath attained much fame:  
First and as best, then to record his care,  
He hereto bears, may be accounted rare▪  
For in their charge Ecclesiastical,  
His aim can no ways be reputed small:  
Since in his time such Prelate hath appeared,  
As for his worth and learning is admeerd:  
Who in this Kingdom, to the Church hath been,  
The gravest guide, that heretofore was seen:  
Whose Pastors likewise do appear for worth,  
The rarest men, which nature hath sent forth:  
1 A Forbes, who one letter more you see,  
Doth prove his worth, Forbest of all to be:  
2 A Baron blessed, whose learned works decore,  
The earth, which can yield none such Baron more.  
3 A Sibbald, who may well be bold indeed,  
His boldness brings the starving souls true food,  
4 A Guild, whose goodness is more worth I vow,  
Then gold, and all the goods which ever grew,  
5 A Rosse likewise, some lend me but one vowel,  
I's make this Roise more worth than precious jewel:  
Whilks, Forbest, Barron, Sibbald, Guild, and Roise,  
Confirms the faithful, and confounds Church foes.  
And whence doth spring as from five fountains fine,  
Renowned knowledge, doctrine most divine:  
A Famous, Blessed, Sacred, Glorious, Rare,  
Religion, always, doth they witness there.  
In preaching, praying, and these men ye hear,  
In Bon-acord, a Bon-acord they bear,  
To prove how heaven, and earth, and men all three,  
In rendering praise to Bon-acord agree,  
And for to show, that Bon-acord hath been,  
And is a diton due to Aberdene  
●ince all these foresaids, and things low and steep,  
●oncurres in one, a Bon-acord to keep,  
〈◊〉 of their persons, and some certain parts,  
〈◊〉 aimed, to act their rare deserts:  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cease, till I have wrought a view,  
〈◊〉 special what belongs to them as due,  
And yet suspecting that my Muse or merits  
Should prove but weak, to write of such brave spirits,  
Because I cannot paint their virtues forth,  
Who all are called the quintessence of worth,  
I will not press to penin poesy,  
Nothing at all of them particularly:  
But will breakefoorth, to witness to all eyes  
In general what the open Universe sees,  
For lo, they all have this attained alone,  
Their Town doth stand by Gentlemen eachone.  
Likewise this Burgh it is decor'de you see,  
With Rivers two, its bounds to beautify,  
And as a Lover doth approach his love,  
Who filled with pleasure, doth at last remove,  
He stands a fare, and ravished looks aback,  
Because in her such pleasure he doth take,  
Yet rests not long but rageth still you see,  
Till in her arms full soon he thrown be,  
Whose beauty then he doth embrace even till,  
He of his love hath love attained his fill.  
And so being served, and satiat with desire,  
He from his Mistress doth at last retire.  
Even so, these floods, or roaring Rivers swells,  
delighting daily to embrace her walls,  
And blythlie beats till they themselves retires,  
By Neptune's course, who on her worth admires.  
And there as fraught with love astonished stands,  
In furious form, seeming to wring their hands.  
And then anon they do pursue so nigh,  
On either side, till they advanced be:  
And so do wash her walls, and seeks no more,  
Which they account to be their greatest glore,  
Unto which Town, men scarcely can attain  
To come, but by two bridges as is seen,  
Which they did build to benefit by those,  
Such Passeugers, as thereby hastily goes,  
And to expede the poor perchance by lot,  
Who have not money to command a boat,  
As also for defence, to be two forts,  
For to hold off invasions from their Ports.  
And who by force can equal power afford  
For to defend the worth of Bonaccord.  
In which, for Music, Latin, Writing, they  
Have three, whose fames for Art shall last for ay  
Wedderburne, Davidsone, and one Leslie,  
Nor can be penned, makes up this number three,  
And as in it these virtues all abound,  
I mean true honour, learning most profound.  
Likewise the Muses here a meeting have,  
That they may still the name of Music save:  
Since as a Fountain it all Music yields,  
And conduit like convoys it through the fields,  
So that albeit it general now be come,  
Were not this Town, they shortly would sing dumb.  
For here so long its residence hath been,  
That whence comes Music but from Aberdene.  
And in its self so much it doth abound:  
That even the bells ring music when they sound  
As Likewise, what is by rare men invented,  
Within themselves by Raban is imprinted:  
Which Rabans skill doth soar and so arise,  
That in his works, he doth surmount the skies  
And in whose Person, doth appear these three,  
A Poet, Printer, one for Prophecy.  
So I will cease, albeit I more could say,  
because their virtues do increase each day,  
〈◊〉 since I can not, write even what I will,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto perfection heereintill:  
〈◊〉 profess and heerewithall will rest,  
〈◊〉 ●owne doth much triumph, these men are blessed,  
〈◊〉 ●●erefore who reads in reverence, this record,  
〈◊〉 ●ee the doubtless due of Bon-acord.    


The Counsel Table of New Aberdene.  1. 3. 5. 7. 9 11. 13. 15. 17.  B. B. D. T. C. M. M. C. T.   G.   M. I.  C. 16 P. M. P. BON-ACORD 33   M.   M.     B. B. K. C. C. H. C. C. C. 2. 4. 6. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18.  

Behold the Counsel seat of Bon-acord,  
How it with reverend Senators is stored,   

Let Meinzies remain, as governor fit,  
Let Lowson likewise a counsellor sit:  
Let Leslie live also a ruler still there,  
Let Colinson likewise, for virtues most rare,  
Let Grace in governing, as worthy be had,  
Let Lomsdena Dean, if no more be read:  
Let Forquhare still master of Kirke work be kend,  
Let Keillo be Treasaurer, ay to the end,  
Let Colinson, Meinzies, and Stewart all three,  
Let Cochrum as also still Counsellors be,  
Let Duvie, and Paipe, and duff be no less,  
Let Ramsay and Clarke their knowledge express,  
Let Gairdin be Deacon convener as due,  
Because his assistance, gives aid unto you:  
Let Robertson, Clarke, for cunningnessr be,  
Let Ingrem his actions, in absence supply,  
And so from the Provest, where first I began,  
The City's sol comfort, that generous man,  
I here have expressed, the Bailies and lo,  
The Counsellors likewise, whose wisdoms I know:  
Which number, no question by their actions show out▪    

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, THE RIGHT Worthy, and truly Religious, Paul Meinzies of Kilmoundie, Lord Provest.  


1. Anag.  
Pleis me in zeal:   

2. Anag.  
I spy ye evil man.   

Verse. Pleis me in zeal, of sin I'm grieved when,  
Within my place, I spy the evil man.  
Verse. Pleas me in ze'll in vice do not debord,  
I cannot suffer sin in Bon-acord.    

Acrostic.  

P Praised worthy Timoleon, generous, mild, & grave  
A A Grecian borne, whose virtues are enrolled,  
W Whose valour did a Puissant Prince, and brave,  
L Led captive, called Dionysius, uncontrolled,  
M Most worthy Chiftan, whom the earth could claim  
E Even he whose acts, the universe doth view,  
I Is not to be more eternized by fame,  
N Nor thou for worth (to witness) who thee knew:  
Z Zeal is thy glory, still thou aims for peace,  
E Eternal praise, thy labours shall adore:  
I In thee true honour dignifies thy place,  
S Since in thy breast, all virtue's rest in store.   

And as Timoleon, Sicily did maintain,  
Likewise thy wisdom ruleth Aberdene.    

Ad Eundem.  
SONNET.  

By name ¹, by place ², by birth ³, by fame ⁴, thou art ⁵,  
A Paul ¹, a Provest ², noble ³, wise ⁴, expert ⁵,  
The Town's triumph, a governor most fit,  
For conscience, knowledge, carriage, faith, and wit.   

Beloved ¹, approud ², admeerd ³, reteerd ⁴, and thou ⁵,  
By all ¹, for all ², in all ³, from ill ⁴, art true ⁵,  
Procleamd ¹, esteemed ², unstained ³, and treasure ⁴ sure ⁵,  
For worth ¹, in life ³, for faith ², which shall ⁴, indure5.   

The head ¹, the hope ², the help ³, who doth afford ⁴,  
The sense ¹, they have ², each day ³, in Bon-acord4.  
Who as a jewel, riched with those gifts so rare,  
Decores the Town, still while thou rulest there.   

And as thy worth, hath conquisht great renown,  
Even so thy head, deserves a Laurel crown.     

To the right honourable Gilbert Meinzies of Petfodels.  

Anag. Ye see I afford most goodness, le'st ill.  

Verse. Ye see most goodness, daily I afford,  
Likewise le'st i'll, for ill by me is abhorred.    

Acrostic.  

G Give Ages and Cleomines, were praised,  
I In Sparta, two young Princes, valorous, wise  
L Likewise is Gaius and Tiberius raised:  
B Brave hopeful Princes, to the world's eyes,  
E Even since and as, their fortune past their years,  
R Renowned their worth is, o'er their fottunes fare:  
T That nought till now, as all beholders sees,  
M Might any match be found, their worth to war:  
E Establish therefore, I thy valour would,  
I In due compare these Princes to exceed,  
N No less in noble virtues manifold,  
Y Then are these gifts in thee which nature breed,  
E Especial since these foresaid four here penned,  
I In all external gifts, were not more rare,  
S Since also o'er them do thy praise extend,   

And since thy prudence scarce can find compare,  
Thou by whose name, and fame we plainly see,  
Both noble birth, and lives in liberty.     

To Mr. VIDAST LOWSONE.  

Anag. Loves ay set down, Loves eldast son.  

Verse. Lous ay set down, where thou dost sit, and lo,  
Thy name near says, Loves eldest son, also.    

Acrostic.  

W Wise Cato minor, noble Roman he,  
E Even in his time, most grave was thought to be:  
D Do we not of Pericles likewise read,  
A As one unto whose praise, all Greece agreed:  
S Since at his death, he gloried and did say,  
T That he offended no man to that day:  
L Likewise that he had no occasion wrought,  
O Of mourning when, he to his grave was brought:  
W Was rather for his wisdom much admeerde,  
S Since from all vice, his virtue's war reteerd:  
O Only there's equal now appears by thee,  
N No less in wisdom, grace and gravity:   

For in thy time, where vice would work awry,  
Thou it reclaims most conscientiously.    

Ad Eundem.  

Mild wisdom, virtue, knowledge power, and place,  
Religion, justice equity and peace:  
All full of faith, united are in one,  
To make thyself a map of worth alone:  
Not that I fain, but rather stands in fear,  
Lest in thy praise deficient I appear:  
Because no bud, or brybrie can bereave,  
These of true justice, who thy aid doth crave:  
Then in few words, this to thy praise I pen,  
thou'rt loud by GOD, and much admeerd by men:  
For proof, because thou'rt first preferred by God  
And men (for worth) acconts thy virtues odd.     

To PATRICK LESLIE bailie.  

Anag. I pertack les il.  

Verse. I pertack les il, nor many who would claim,  
To be called good, for so imports my name.    

Acrostic.  

P Preferred was valorous Alcibiades,  
A And still esteemed the sword of Greece to be,  
T That in his time, to no man would give place,  
R ruling regions, most courageously,  
I Into whose praise, this likewise is approved,  
C Continually that he did pain sustain:  
K Knowing his native country to be moved,  
L Least in defence, his service was not seen:  
E Even he whose power did divers times o'ercome,  
S Such Persian Emperor, greatest in his days,  
L Lays down his sword to thee, as one to whom,  
I Into thy actions, merits endless praise,  
E Eternally that thou the sword may brook,   

Since in thy favours, he the same forsook.    

Ad Eundem.  

True courage, valour, worth and manhood mixed,  
Wherewith are kindness, love and faith prefixed:  
Though young, yet wise, though stout, yet wondrous loath,  
To execute thy humour being wroth.  
Of ancient stem, and yet no pride appears,  
But proves so modest as the earth admeeres,  
By same most faithful, and in promise true,  
And who doth strive, all vice for to eschew,  
One of thyself, even of more worth than I  
Have skill to write, or yet to versify,  
Therefore concludes thy virtues who envies.  
Courageous Leslie all his foes defies.     

To GILBERT COLENSONE bailie.  

Anag. No cruel sin begotin.  

Verse. No cruel sin begotin, is in thee,  
But rather merits Pompey's praise truly.    

Acrostic.  

G Give Pompey was amongst the Romans loud,  
I In so fare as his carriage was most mild:  
L Likewise his valour makes his worth approved,  
B Because by blame his deeds were undefyld:  
E Even who subdued, full many kingdoms then,  
R Renowned was by the Romans for his wit,  
T That in his time was much esteemed by men,  
C Confessed likewise to be a ruler fit.  
O Only till now no second hath been seen,  
L Like to this Pompey, but thyself I swear,  
I Into whose praise most duly appertain,  
N No less than all, that is included here.  
S Such as are these, true favour free from ill,  
O One modest, wise, both mild and grave also,  
N Not that it's said, but signifide until,   

Thy actions, which in substance yield a show,  
And as the Romans Pompey's praise approved,  
No less thy ways in Bon-acord are loud.    

Ad Eundem.  

If it should not be partial thought in me,  
Because of friendship or affinity:  
I would my Muse, as worthy not admit,  
For to describe thy virtue, worth, and wit:  
Since that no city, nor no country can,  
Produce, afford, or yield more wise young man,  
So young I say, because more days hath july,  
Nor thou hath years, thy age who reckons truly:  
And look what year do maniest minutes move,  
They can not match the number who thee love:  
Whose worth no view, as years or minutes yield,  
But where professed in love, lasts as a shield.  
Since neither endless time, nor sudden change,  
Thy loyal love, or friendship can estrainge.     

To Mr, THOMAS GREY, bailie.  

Anag, I go arayt mayest rair.  

Verse. He goes arayt mayest rair, with gifts of mind  
Wherewith all outward virtues are combynd.    

Sonnet Acrostic.  

Master  
T That Brutus, whom a Roman was by birth,  
H Heroick, and yet modest in his mind,  
O One whom by Cesar, was esteemed for worth,  
M Man in his time, for second he could find.  
A Albeit by birth, he was brought forth again,  
S Should not be thought but equal unto thee,  
G Grave, modest, wise, whose worth shall ay remain,  
R Renowned for prudence, and humility.  
A A man most meet in public place to stand,  
Y Yea, peerless offspring, or the pattern rather,   

Of such a parent, presently at hand,  
Who is thought worthy of such faithful father:  
Or who should be, if Cesar, lived to day,  
A help to him, since Brutus made but way.    

Ad Eundem.  

It is a wonder to perceive and see,  
A man so youthful, decked with modesty:  
As thou art seen, and as thy deeds approve,  
Each day, which doth proceed from faithful love.  
And yet if we consider will aright,  
It shall appear no wonder in our sight,  
Since we may surely apprehend, that God.  
Engraft these gifts in thee which are most odd  
To show how he, his benefits impart,  
To thee whose worth, them merit by desert,  
〈◊〉 for to prove how he appears each day,  
〈◊〉 to procure thy fame, may last for ay.     

To Mr. MATHEW LOMSDEN, Dean of Gild.  

Anag. All the town des'rs me mast.  

Verse. All the town des'rs me mast to be  
Theirs: and of truth, the same is wished by me    

Sonnet Acrostic.  

Master  
M Most worthy, forward Philophemenes,  
A A Grecian borne, and man of ancient race,  
T That in his prime, or as his grandor rose  
H Had much envy by many Romish foes,  
E Even for his care his country to preserve,  
W Wherefore at last he was content to starve:  
L Like to this man, thou doubtless art I mean,  
O Only except, invyde, thou art not seen,  
M Most careful for thy town and country, and  
S So forward therefore, thou decores the land,  
D Due praise pertains therefore to thee and maire,  
E Esteemed to be, nor Philopemenes here:  
N Not for thy care alone, but likewise love,   

Which still the town as they employ approve,    

Ad Eundem.  

Thy conscience, knowledge, and thy pregnant wit,  
Makes thee be thought a counsellor most fit:  
Thy faithful forward friendship to the town,  
Affords just cause to conquish thee renown.  
The care and love which thereintill thou bears,  
Makes all therein, that they thy worth admeeres:  
Thou art most meet, a general charge to have,  
Since thou can render justice where they crave:  
And to be brief, my burden is too great,  
To praise thy worth, and virtues most perfect:  
Who as in all things, so in learning thou,  
Was first a Master, now a Dean I vow.     

To Master ROBERT FARWHAIRS.  

Anag. My rest rests far above.  

Verse. My Anagramme says, albeit on earth I move,  
From earthly sense: My rest rests far above.    

Sonnet Acrostic.  

Renowned Lucullus, he of whom it's told,  
O'er Mithridates domineered still,  
Brought likewise low Tigranes uncontrolled,  
Even that Armenian King took in his will.  
Reteirde at last, when he these trophies ended  
To live at home where he was first brought forth,  
Full peaceably his private state defended  
And waxed in wealth to extraordinar worth  
Regrating that I could no second see,  
Qho might herein Lucullus match be made:  
When I inquired I trial found of thee,  
How for thy virtues he an equal had.  
A just acquyrer of thy means, and lo,  
Renowned for wise governament also.     

To CHARLES KEILO, Thesaurer,  

Anag. Lo yis reach Ark.  

Verse. Lo yis rich Ark, contains much substance, and  
Grace doth govern, what this man takes in hand.    

Sonnet Acrostic.  

Crassus, so much in wisdom did abound,  
His equal scarcely theirin could be found:  
A man whose knowledge did great wealth attain,  
Renounde likewise for virtues as is seen,  
Even he who did govern his own estate,  
Like as his second doth no time relate,  
Surely whose substance safely could uphold,  
Keep, and maintain great Armies manifold.  
Into whose absence I imput thy name,  
Likewise to laste with his in endless fame:  
Looking most duly to thy virtues rare,  
●r to thy actions scarce which finds compare.   

And who for worth, is chosen now we see,  
The Thesaurer of this brave Town to be.     

To GEORGE MEINYEIS.  

Anag. Ye see me in no rage:   

Sonnet.  

Grace guides my doings, errors I abhor,  
Esteemed is virtue by me evermore:  
Of pride no partner I desire to be.  
Reteired I am from vile idolatry.  
God is the author each day of my aim,  
Man shall by me receive no public shame:  
Even what is good in general I allow,  
I love the upright, vicious I eshew,  
No wrong I work, my acts by faith aspire,  
Ye see in me no rage, and I desire,  
Eternal truth to be the treasure still,  
Into the which my hopes may rest until.  
Say not I speak as that proud Pharisee,   

I speak but truth, as shall approved be     

To ALEXANDER STVARTE.  

Anag. & render reward at last.   

Sonnet.  

And for to render (just) reward, must be  
Like to a Stuarte of sincerity:  
Even one whose actions merits no suspect,  
X and in whose charge is viewed no neglect:  
All those in one accomplished here do stand,  
No less in worth, than virtues rarest band,  
Demanding good of him, thou shalt receive  
Even for instruction what thy heart would crave,  
Renounde he is: a Stuarte upright, just  
Safely defending what's rendered in his trust,  
Therefore to speak to thee of him I'll end  
Without offence, and let my Muse commend  
All what see I into this Stuarts face  
Remembering how he doth decore his place.  
To thee therefore I tell thee, Stuarte, truly   

I have expressed thy properties most duly.     

To ALEXANDER COLINSONE.  

Anag. And I excel in all reason.  

Verse. With spiritual gifts, in reason to excel,,  
Makes thee accomplished, so thy name doth tell    

Acrostic.  

Albeit Marcellus, that brave Roman rare,  
Lives yet by fame, for virtues but compare  
Even he, who was thought in his time to be,  
Xceeding valorous, all the world may see.  
A man whose worth did vantage first attain,  
No less then of brave Hanib all I mean,  
Doubtless of whom this Hanib all confessed,  
Even victor, nor yet vanquished could he rest,  
Renowned abroad for valour, and by grace,  
Called to his Friends, a comfort and solace  
Of thee he now, a second shall receive,  
Like to himself, both active, wise, and grave▪  
Into whose person, did appear as proud,  
No error, but by all men is beloved,  
Surely abroad thy worth is viewed and seen,  
O but at home a comfort thou hast been,  
No more than shall Marcellus be I vow,  
Esteemed or praised, more righteously than thou.     

To GUALTHER COCHRUME Master of the mortified monies.  

Anag. Trwlee much grace.   

Sonnet.  

Give, truly much grace, in thy name is red,  
What to thy praise more can be wished or had?  
And if the same were not approved in thee,  
Loud as thou art, by all thou would not be:  
That place whose charge, doth in thy power consist,  
Esteemed is more, for thy cause by the rest,  
Renowned thou art, for truth but treachery:  
Composed of earthly immortality,  
Of all beloved, and doubtless who doth stand,  
controlled by none, of what lies in thy hand,  
〈◊〉 forth therefore my Muse shall ever aim,  
〈◊〉 thy praise in poems to proclaim:  
〈◊〉 and what, I here of thee have 〈◊〉     

 

And 〈…〉  
Thy aid 〈…〉 labours leans,  
Remembering 〈…〉 help proceeds from thee.  
Indeed as du● thy worth they testify,  
Keeps it likewise in store where they remain,  
Doubtless their prayers shall win a place to thee,  
In heaven where thou shall live apart from pain.  
what to thy praise then shall I pen but this,  
Eternally thou live in heavenly bless.    

To THOMAS PAIPE, master of the imposts.  

Anag. Most happ'e ay.  

Verse. Most happ'e ay, may we account thy fame,  
Since nought but that, is found into thy name.    

Sonnet Acrostic.  

Though Guido Pape was for wisdom thought,  
He in his time whom nature's best had wrought:  
Of wit so rare, he rulled always then,  
Most faithfully, his friends and country men,  
And by his counsels, subtle, grave, and sure,  
Shynd as a light whose labours yet endure,  
Praise him I would with thee, and thee with him,  
Albeit I can to none your virtues climb,  
If I could but for thy cause praise him duly,  
Praised he should be, in praising thee most truly,  
But I to praise you both may do my best,  
And yet unpraisde sufficiently must rest.  
Only of him this much his worth is told,  
And thine each day most vively we behold.     

 

Lo scarce sufficient shall it seem 〈◊〉  
Even who for worth is wondered in thy  
Xceeding wise and full of verity:  
And who doth walk in true sincerity,  
No ways offensive, or molesting none:  
Doubtless therefore, abroad proclaimed may be  
Eternal praises duly thereupon.  
Rest not, than Fame in haste, but be thou gone,  
Direct thy course, whence, where thou never flew,  
Vith faith confirm, that thou dost tell of one.  
Fare more praise worth, than thou dost yield a view.  
Desiring all where  thou may be hard  
His praise for Prudence never be debarred.    

To ROBERT RAMSEY.  

Anag. My rests better.   


Receive this brief Encomium, or praise  
Of thy just merit, though in low-styld phrase:  
But weigh herewith, that where the streeme seems still  
Even that the ground is deepest therintill  
Remember then, and let them all who read  
These lines of mine, give true attentive head.  
Recording hereby that thy worth may stand.  
As due amongst these worthy honoured band:  
My Muse may press, for to import a part,  
She surely cannot more of thy desert:  
Establish therefore, I these lines will now  
〈◊〉 all who reads them may thy praise avow.     

To THOMAS GAIRDINE: Deacon conveener.  

Anag. Samsons guard in thee:  

Samsons guard in thee, since thou by votes commands,  
What would the Town, such powerlyes in thy hands.    

Sonnet  

These worthy forsaides, when in doubt they mused,  
How, or by whom they might assistance crave.  
Of, and by all consents, thyself they choosed.  
Most meet in general, and did thee receive.  
A man, unto whose knowledge doth consist,  
Such parts, as public are by all approved:  
Gained by consent these worthies to assist,  
And for thy fame, who's duly now promoude.  
Remembering how thy virtues are esteemed,  
Doubtless I may, this to thy praise maintain:  
Into thy place thy prudence is proclaimed,  
Not 'lone by me, but by all Aberdeene:   

Since therein when their worthiest aims would fail,  
Vpstands thy power, and doth by votes prevail.     

To THOMAS CLARK.  

Anag. A most cle'r Ark.   

Acrostic.  

Think not the worse though I do not impairt,  
Hear what thou merits, or thy just desert:  
Of force I must confess my task too much,  
My Muse likewise too weak to write of such.  
And yet lest that my weakness should appear,  
Surely as due I must say something here:  
Considering with my Muse, this I must say,  
Like as those worthies, thou shall live for ay,  
A man renowned, by fame, for faith and grace,  
Religious likewise known in this place:  
Keep then thy room, or rather be thou raised   

For as thou art thou merits to be praised,     

To GUALTHER ROBERTSONE, Clerk,  

Anag. Lo, Aberdons wretter.   

Sonnet.  

Give for assistance, I would come to see,  
Who would concur unto thy praise with me:  
Assuredly each day I should perceive,  
Love to send forth more help than I can crave  
These famous forsaids truly would attest,  
Even endless knowledge in thy labours lest:  
Renounde likewise into thy charge for wit,  
Recording all the actions, passed in it.  
Of all the bygones, in this Burgh they stand,  
Bound up in lines accomplished by thy hand,  
Even such a charge, as if thou were not rare,  
R Ruled in order, it scarce could well be there:  
Therefore thy Name for aye shall laste indeed,  
So long as all posterities shall read.  
Or if that men should bygone things forget,  
No doubt but they shall in thy lines seem late.   

Especial since thy deeds, as due record,  
The ancient, endless worth of Bona-cord     

To JOAN INGREME.  

Anag I agree in one.   

Sonnet.  

Into thy name I find a faithful word  
Only it says, agreement I afford:  
A word of truth, for so imports thy place,  
Now while thou'rt conjunct with the Clerk a space:  
In general when the Counsel doth convene.  
No doubt, in number thou mustay be one:  
Give like wise that the Clerk should absent be,  
Remain then must his charge (as due) on thee.  
Even for thy knowledge and thy worth approved,  
Most duly, which in Bona-cord is loved   

Wherefore, for praise this much of thee I verse,  
Who reads my lines, shall still thy worth rehearse,     

THE HISTORY OF SUSANNA.  
The Argument.  

THis Story tells Susanna's chaste, though fair,  
As likewise doth these judge's false declare:  
Her constant mind, for to control their aim,  
And for their fault what happened unto them,  
They with false judgement her condemned to die,  
God's Spirit appears, convicts them, sets her free:  
Her Parents, Husband, and her kinsfolk all,  
Praise God, who red Susanna out of thrall.  
Whereby God's power, these judges two disgrace,  
And daniel's prudence, kytheth in this place:  
As likewise more this story lets you see,  
Susanna's beauties buskt with chastity.   

IN Babylon resided one by name,  
Caldoro joacim, yet eternized by fame,  
Who did espouse, and for his match receive,  
Susanna, whom no courting could deceive,  
Who doubtless was Chelchias blessed borne child,  
Since twofold fire, nor love, nor hate defyld:  
One wondrous fair, whose beauty was so brave,  
It did grave ●udges, of their senses reave:  
Whose Parents whence, by nature she did spring,  
Her in the Law of Moses did up bring,  
Which joachim, so richly did abound  
In wealth▪ that scarce his equal could be found:  
Unto whose Palace, was ajoind full near,  
An Orchard, which for pleasure had no pear:  
To whom the jews by custom did repair,  
Because of all he most was honoured there,  
Now was prescriude, two ancient judges then,  
For to reclaim the vicious ways of men;  
Who most frequented, and remained at will,  
In joacims' house, the law for to fulfil:  
Whence when the folk, at noon tide did reteare,  
Susanna in her Orchard did appear,  
Who was perceaude by these two Elders ay,  
As she resorted therein every day:  
On whom their lust, inflaming ho●e as fire,  
Sought to accomplish their unchaste desire:  
Withdrew their eyes, perverted so their mind,  
Heaven not to see, whence they should judgement find  
And though they both, with love were tortoured so,  
The one durst not, this to the other sho,  
For of their lust, they both possessed such shame,  
That hereof they, would not express their aim,  
But always watched each hour, and did awake,  
Till subtly they could occasion take,  
Whereby they might their piercing pain express,  
And have the means whereby to find redress,  
So when the time aproacht, when they should eat,  
Their stomaches starving, more for love then meat,  
The one did say, thus to the other, Lo,  
Now is the time we must to dinner go:  
Therefore farewell each to another said,  
For they in mind a private paction had,  
And being parted, both returned anon.  
Unto that place, from whence they strait were gone  
So they began betwixt them both to try,  
They both were urged by one extremity:  
Then through one love, or lust, both did agree,  
How they should find fit opportunity:  
Or when by fortune sheé alone should stand,  
So that they thought they should her love command,  
Who watching always, found a time wherein,  
She with her maids, the Orchard entered in:  
Whose bounds were buskt and decked with flowers most fair,  
And bordered brave with ornaments most rare:  
Wherein she thought herself to bath and bide,  
A while unseen, till thus they her espied,  
She sent her maids to bring her Balm and Ball,  
For to anoint her body therewithal,  
Commanding them they should the door make fast,  
As they from her forth of the Garden past,  
Who did according, as she them desired,  
●●utting the door while they themselves retired:  
●●d went from thence in private, even as she▪  
Butler did the Elders not perceive, for they  
Were hid and quiet, in some corner lay▪  
Who when these maids, were absent as ye hear,  
The Elders to Susanna did appear:  
And said, Behold the Garden doors you see,  
Are shut, and we are fnard in love with thee,  
Therefore consent to lie with us full soon,  
Or else thy life and honour is undone:  
For if thou will not, but thou will deny,  
We shall approve we saw one with thee lie:  
And that thou sent thy maids away to choose,  
A time alone, thy body to abuse,  
Thus chaste Susanna, sighing said alas,  
On both the sides I'm burdened in this place,  
For it is death to grant their ill demands,  
And to refuse I cannot scape their hands:  
Yet in this doubt, thus I resolve to be,  
Killed rather, than an adulteress to die,  
Thus then this chastest, called aloud, and lo,  
These Elders did, extend their voice also,  
And ran in rage, and opened up the door,  
To make the matter to appear the more:  
For when the solke, this purpose did perceive,  
They rushed in haste, and curiously did crave,  
What was the cause, and why she called so high,  
Or of her grief from whence the ground might be:  
The Elders then, thus their devise did show,  
Whereby they might Susanna overthrow:  
Which when the servants hearing were ashamed,  
And made Susanna's fame be fare proclaimed,  
And on the day ensuing as is said,  
When joachim a public meating made,  
These Elders came, with minds mischivously,  
Disposed for to perceive Susanna die:  
And in the presence of the people sought,  
That they might have this chaste Susanna brought,  
Helcias' daughter as I understand,  
joachims' spouse, a rich man in the land,  
So she compeared with her parents two,  
Her children and her kinds-folke came also:  
Thus was Susanna wondrous fair to see,  
Th●●●●●●●●●● 〈◊〉 could more beauteous be▪  
Whom when she stood before these judges tway,  
They caused her cast her cover quite away:  
For as her mind was masked with woeful moan,  
Her unstained face, a veil she put upon,  
Which these two  judges caused remove,  
With seeing▪ somewhat to content their love:  
Wherefore her friends, and all her kin also,  
Waxed wondrous sad, to see Susanna so:  
These judges two stood up in haste indeed,  
And laid their hands on her unspotted heed,  
Who holding up her face, called to the Lord,  
In whom she trusted, he would help afford,  
The Elders then, said this to her anon,  
Into the Garden, as we walked alone:  
We saw Susanna, with her maidens two,  
Come in, and then in haste she let them go:  
Made fast the doors, and with a stranger lay,  
Whom we perceaude in their adulterous play,  
And ran most fiercely, aiming for to take  
Them, as they were in their adulterous act:  
But this young man was strong by nature, so  
That he leapt forth, and from our hands did go:  
And when we asked this woman, who was he,  
She would not tell, and this we testify:  
The assembly then, these judges having heard,  
Believing them, Susanna strait debarred,  
And did command, that she the death should die,  
For her reward, of unchaste villainy:  
Then did anon this innocent out call,  
To God for help, whose power is over all,  
And said, O LORD, thou life's and all things know,  
Therefore alas my innocence show:  
And since they falsely now have me accused,  
Because by them I would not be abused,  
And seeing that of force I needs must die,  
Lord, now proclaim my upright chastity,  
And let this malice which they now have wrought,  
Soon unto knowledge▪ by thy power be brought:  
Thus then behold, this judged great over all,  
〈◊〉 her request, and set her free from thrall:  
〈◊〉 when she was to dying pain exposed,  
〈◊〉 for faith she fully was rei●●●●●●  
For as she prayed, a spirit did appear,  
Named Daniel, who commanded them reteare.  
And with a voice extended wondrous high,  
Did say, I always from this blood am free:  
Then all the people as amazed did stand,  
And did the meaning of these words demand,  
Who stood, as if his power could them compel,  
And said, O foolish sons of Israel,  
Who would without examination so,  
An innocent thus to the death let go:  
Convert your course, to judgement go and hear,  
And you shall find, they did false witness bear,  
Against Susanna, who is truly chaste,  
Upon the which the people turned in haste,  
To whom the Elders said, sit down here buy,  
And show us what thou hereof more can try:  
And since that God hath sent thee here to be  
A judge, come let us of thy judgement see,  
Then Daniel caused these two be set asunder,  
So that his wit hereby procured a wonder:  
For he did call the one, and to him say,  
O thou whose hairs are waxed old and grey,  
And thou whose years, have now attained such height,  
Thy forepast faults, shall now appear in sight:  
For thou false judgement hath pronuncde, and so  
Condemned the just, and let the guilty go,  
Albeit the Lord says, that thou shalt these twain,  
The righteous and the innocent not slay:  
Yet if thou saw them, tell me by what tree,  
Thou saw these two together company:  
Who answered, I a Lentick tree did spy,  
Beneath the which I saw these persons lie:  
Then did the Prophet say, thou lied and lo,  
God hath ordained that thou be cut in two:  
So that shall be, of thy intent the hire,  
Since thou against Susanna did conspire:  
And he was placed a part. where to remain,  
Even till the other was called in again:  
Who when the prophet, saw him there to stand,  
He then of him this question did demand,  
And said, O thou Chanans sinful seed,  
And not of juda, as appears indeed,  
 beauty hath alured thee to lie,  
And lust thine heart perverted hath I see,  
For thus ye dealt with Israel and did use,  
Them by constraint, for they durst not refuse,  
But lo the daughters of just juda they,  
Can neither would your wickedness obey:  
Now therefore tell, in what place did thou see  
Them lie, he said, beneath an Oaken tree,  
Then Daniel answered, saying, Thou hast lied,  
As I perceive, against thine own head,  
And lo God's angel doth a sword convoy,  
By just desert, thee quite for to destroy,  
Upon the which the people praised with trust,  
God for his goodness, who preserves the just:  
And then arose, against these elders two▪  
Who by themselves were thus convicted so,  
And did conform, to their own law ordain,  
They should be pinned, with their appointed pain,  
That thereby might the innocent bee saved,  
The guilty punished, and their plots deceived:  
Therefore Chelchias, and his wife did sing,  
Praise unto God, their great and glorious King:  
And joachim her Husband sang that day,  
Glore to Hosanna, for Susanna ay:  
And all their kindred, as we plainly see,  
Sang endless honour, to the Trinity:  
Even so do we, likewise let all who move,  
Unto this God all glory, power, approve:  
Who doth condemn the guilty, and doth raise,  
The innocent, to render always praise:  
To whom I mean this Essence one in three,  
Let men and Angels sing continually.   
Amen.   

To ALEXANDER SETONE of Petmedden.  

Anag. One ex'eland rest.  

Verse. One ex'eland rest, for such as needs relief,  
And who to all, yields comfort in their grief,    

Acrostic.  

As in the volume, hereof which you hold,  
Lies reverend Rulers virtues, manifold:  
Even so my Muse thinks I amiss commit▪  
Xcept I show thy praises unto it:  
And that thy splendour, may more bright appear,  
Now with these worthies, thus enrolled here:  
Doubtless as many Diamonds decore,  
Enamled rich, where they are set in store  
Rare jewels. Even so these foresaids flow in fame,  
So much the more since thou art joined with them,  
Even thou whose stem, hath entertained such worth,  
That I in lines cannot their praise set forth,  
Only I say, thy parents pomps expressed,  
No less in thee then actions manifest,   

Thus to thy praise then, I subjoin these three,  
Of ancient stock, worth, self nobility.     

To D. ARTHURE JONSTOUNE,  

Anag. An vert'ous hertis on.  

Verse. An vert'ous hertis on, whom grace decore,  
With gifts of airt, and natural gifts in store.    

Sonnet Acrostic.  

As I have found by knowledge of my Muse,  
Remembering on thy fare renowned name)  
Though all the ancients worth I do peruse,  
Hear I approve thy praise surpasses them:  
what shall I say then, of thy endless same▪  
Red in the rareness of thy learned lines,  
I Into whose life and labours is no blame,  
Or who for worth pass Poets pray'st ingynes,  
No Virgil, Galen, Cicero, or such  
Shall be extolled more worthily I vow,  
They in their times excelled, but not so much,  
Of worth, in sundry sciences as thou,  
Vhence I conclude, though these in use be had,  
No less shall thou as worthy now be red,     

THE HISTORY OF BELL, AND DRAGON. OR, The scorn of Idols.  

ASTYAGES, the Babylonian King  
Being dead: the Persian Cyrus fell to reign:  
And Daniel who in prophesy not erred  
The King for worth o'er all his friends preferred.  
These Babylonians likewise did invent  
An Idol, whom they served with one consent:  
Whose name was Bell: A breathless brazen beast,  
Whom for their god they did sincerely feast,  
With finest flower, with flocks of sheep and wine,  
And thought this service sacrifice divine:  
Believing blindly what they set before,  
This counterfeit it did the same devore:  
O mad bereavers of the divine right!  
Who durst devise such errors in his sight.  
As to delude the people's minds so much,  
And make them think jehovahs' grossness such,  
As could be gripped, or that his Godhead might  
Be seen by men, who had but earthly sight:  
And they who then were called for Kings to be,  
Should thus consent to such Idolatry.  
For they this idol did adore each day,  
Although in substance nought but brass and clay:  
As likewise then, this Cyrus' Persian King  
With Daniel dealt most earnestly to bring  
To Bell, the beast that worship which he ought  
To give to God: but he obeyed him nought,  
But did reply, and publicly profess,  
He would not worship gods of carved brass,  
But that eternal God, whose power he knows,  
Such senseless idols always overthrows,  
And who hath strength their pride for to suppress,  
Who through such boldness doth his will transgress,  
Then said the King, whose blindness was not small,  
Thinks thou not Bell a living god at all?  
And seest thou not what he devores each day  
For to preserve his godhead from decay,  
But then the Prophet presently did smile,  
And said, O King, they do thee much beguile,  
For this is nought but mixture made with hands,  
Which cannot eat, nor answer thy demands,  
Which made the King to be offended so,  
That he did urge the Priests to let him know,  
Whom it should be did these expenses spend,  
Or else by death he should abridge their end:  
But on the contraire, if you can make clear,  
That Bell destroys what is presented here,  
Then doubtless Daniel shall be made to die,  
For he hath uttered blasphemy to me:  
Unto the which the Prophet thought it right,  
To have this doubt resolved in Cyrus' sight.  
Now all the Priests of Bell were known then,  
To be of number seven times surely ten  
Without their wives, which them increst the more,  
By birth of bairnes, their boldness to deplore:  
Then went the Persian King with Daniel hence,  
And called the Priests for to prepare defence,  
Into the Temple for their idol Bell,  
And thought thereby the Prophet to compel  
To serve their god: but he than did deface  
Their feigned follies, by their Bells disgrace.  
For lo the Priests did boldly say behold,  
We will departed that you be not controlled,  
Therefore your meat see that ye set before  
Our Bell, whose belly can the same devore:  
And let the veshells full of wine be filled,  
The door shutfast, and with your signet sealed,  
And when to morrow thou shall come to see  
The victuals thou shalt find devoured be  
By Bell, or else the burden we shall bear  
Of death, or Daniel who bees found a liar▪  
For with themselves they thought they were secure,  
Because they had an entresse in the floor,  
Wherein they came by secret in the night,  
These things removed from out the people's sight.  
So when they were forth of the Temple gone,  
The King caused set these meats by Bell alone.  
Young Daniel then whose knowledge was profound,  
Did wisely cause strew ashes on the ground,  
Before the King, who caused the door be locked,  
Sealed with his sign, that Bell should not be mocked,  
For they belieude their God whom they did serve,  
Did eat so much, that he could never starve.  
But as the one was false, whereas they thought,  
That he devorde what they him daily brought,  
So was the last, not much to be admired,  
He could not starve because he never steirde:  
Yet he for strength of truth I must confess,  
Much meat might hold, his belly was of brass,  
But he could neither smell, nor see, nor eat,  
So that the Priests devored all the meat.  
O hellish thiefs! Idolaters indeed,  
Who durst devise to say our Maker feed  
As doth a beast, or any earthly thing:  
But lives in heaven, invisible a King:  
Or for their lust to entertain their lives,  
Would lose their souls, their children's and their wives.  
O beasts not men! O belly-gods profane,  
For Bell, in hell ye always shall remain:  
And then that Idol whom ye served in brass,  
Shall be a means to make your woes increase,  
For in the morning when the King arose,  
He straight with Daniel to the Temple goes,  
And did inquire this Prophet, if the seal  
Which he had signet yet remained heal,  
Who answered truly as he saw it hang,  
And said, as yet it whole remains O King,  
So then the King caused make a patent door,  
And entering in perceiude the meat no more,  
Upon the which he boldly blazed forth,  
How great is Bell? a god of wondrous worth.  
Who hath devorde in this one night, more meat  
Than could an hundreth men and children eat.  
Then Daniel laughing, did the King demand,  
Most reverently, he would be pleased to stand,  
And not go in till he considered right  
From whence these footsteps came upon the night.  
The King beholding vively in his face,  
There had been sundry walking in that place,  
He waxed wroth, and did the Priests convene,  
Who did confess, they there themselves had been.  
Revealed then their villainy at last,  
And shown the doors where they in private past:  
Therefore King Cyrus then confounded all,  
The Priests, their wives, their children great and small,  
And unto Daniel rendered Bel to be  
By him consumed, the Story testify.  
As likewise, then there did a Dragon stand,  
Whom they did worship all throughout the land,  
Then did the King this unto Daniel say  
Thou can not vow that this is brass or clay,  
And though thou moved our idol Bel be broken,  
Our Dragon fear, let no blaspheme be spoken.  
We do not care although that Bell be gone,  
we'll serve the Dragon for our god alone,  
For this thou seest he lets no meats remain,  
But eats up all, and rendereth nought again:  
To prove his power must be a gods indeed,  
Since he so strangely every day doth feed,  
Therefore thy faith resolve for to renew,  
And to our Dragon render homage due,  
But divine Daniel answered the King,  
I'll serve my God, and not thy earthly thing,  
Which if thou will permit me uncontrolled,  
Thou shall the Dragon's weakness soon behold:  
For I not using weapon, sword nor staff,  
Shall slay the Dragon as he were but chaff.  
Upon the which, the King did say, behold  
I give thee leave, do if thou dare, be bold.  
Then Daniel took materials not to fight,  
And thereof made such things as he had height,  
Such as was pitch and fat and hair all three,  
Made lumps thereof, his skill to testify.  
And gave the Dragon wherewith it to slay,  
Which did in sunder burst and fall in twain,  
Then when the Prophet had these wonders wrought,  
Upon their gods the Babylonians sought,  
By public convent to make Cyrus' rew,  
Because they saw he was become a Iew:  
For he, said they, our great God Bel did first  
Confound, and then our Dragon made to burst.  
He hath our Priests likewise with death oppressed,  
So that ourselves henceforth shall find no rest:  
Upon the which, these wicked people said,  
To us in haste let Daniel soon be had,  
Or else but doubt, we will destroy by death,  
Thee and thine house, since thou hast changed thy faith,  
So when the King perceiude they urged him so,  
He was constrained the Prophet to let go:  
Whom when they did receive, they set him then  
Six days and more within the Lion's den,  
Into the which by common course remained,  
Seven Lions, whom by hunger they constrained  
To roar and rage, their prey for to perceive,  
Whereon some help for hunger they might have,  
And to the end that when they Daniel saw,  
For lack of food they should him overthrow.  
Yet there remained one Abacuk by name,  
In jury who a Prophet was by fame,  
Who had made sundry vessels full of meat,  
Even that the reapers of the same might eat,  
To whom the Angel of the Lord did call,  
Take these to Daniel to remead his thrall;  
For they have cast him in a den of dread,  
Where Lions live, not looking for remead,  
Then Abacuk said to the Lord anon,  
I never knew nor saw I Babylon,  
Nor know I surely where that den doth lie,  
Wherhfore of force thy suit I must deny,  
But then the Lord who hath a kindly care,  
Of all his servants thrown in despair,  
took Abacuk and bore him by the crown,  
Where Daniel lay, and thereby set him down.  
Then Abacuk did thus his voice extend,  
Come take such meat, as thee the Lord hath send,  
Unto the which did Daniel answer make,  
O God, who never doth thy Saints forsake,  
Nor never fails them who do trust in thee,  
A special care thou hast had towards me,  
So he arose, his hunger stainchd in haste,  
And Abacuk by God at home was placed.  
Who made his Angel him for to transport,  
So that he thought his journey was but short:  
Then not long hence, the King came to bewail,  
With grievous moan the loss of Daniel,  
Whom he perceiude amongst the Lions stand,  
So that he seemed their force for to command.  
Then called King Cyrus with a voice most high,  
Thy God O Daniel, great of power must be.  
And I perceive on earth there is not one.  
But even that God, whom thou dost serve alone.  
Wherhfore he caused draw him out of the den,  
And therein threw all these malicious men,  
Who sought to be the cause of his disgrace,  
And they were rend into a moment's space.  
The use therefore which here of we should make,  
Should move us all such idols to forsake:  
Which are nought else but beasts of equal worth  
Unto themselves who seeks to set them forth.  
For they their Bel-god daily gave such meat,  
As served at large these belly-gods to eat,  
Who did not care, if they their stomaches served,  
Although their souls for lack of food even sterved  
Let us therefore who walk in perfect light,  
Go on with courage, Christ hath cleansed our sight:  
And let us not such fictions false approve,  
But only God whose essence is above,  
For you may see their ignorance so great,  
That they to serve these idols took delight,  
But when our God jehovah once they knew,  
They then began their wickedness to rue,  
And did lament that they had run so long,  
In sin as slaves, still wand'ring always wrong.  
And ye may see what vengeance they received,  
For their reward who had them long deceived,  
For they were rend with Lions in their rages,  
Which shall be red to all succeeding ages.  
In recompense of their idolatry,  
Therefore to us let this example be,  
That we be not with doctrine false deluded,  
Which may procure we be from heaven secluded.   
FINIS.   

To THOMAS COLENSONE of Auchlownes,  

Anag. 1. Lo, I canthol no shame.  
2. Set on hol'e comeliness.  

Verse Thy name I see doth thus express, Lo I canthol no shame  
Wherefore, in hol'e comeliness, thou'le brook a diadem    

Acrostic.  

Though Scipio major, still was I confess,  
Held by the Romans rudder of their state  
Of years but young, to whom did acquiesce  
Most mighty troupes, as ancient times relate,  
A man whose valour, actions force and strength,  
Subdued, o'erthrew, great Hannibal but doubt,  
Controlled, bore down, as also who at length,  
O'ercome and won all Africa throughout:  
Lo, he who was both learned, wise and grave,  
Likewise but whom the Romans could do nought:  
Into whose worth, they knowledge did receive,  
No less in word, than many virtues wrought,  
Shall I therefore, since hereof were but twain,  
O'er pass thy part, who merits all their praise,  
No I will not but something here will say,   

Since thou'rt admeerd for wisdom in thy days,  
And since their praise doth from thy name flow forth,  
I'll cease heerefra, and hence forth show thy worth,    

Ad Eundem.  

To thee I come as one of worthiest choose,  
And for this purpose, doth exalt my Muse,  
To aid my aim, to dignify thy due,  
And to thy praise, to pen some lines most true.  
Since where to justlye, can I equal be,  
But to such one wherein all worth we see,  
Beloved by all, and who in all things can,  
Prove prudent, pregnant, and a righteous man,  
And like as Scipio, did adopt to be,  
Brave Scipio minor, for his son you see,  
So thou succeeds unto thy famous father,  
For worth, or else unto those Scipios rather,  
And as the Romans but their aid did nought,  
So where thou life's thy aid is always sought:  
Wherefore of force I this of thee must say,  
Thou shall be praised beyond all date or day,     

To M. ALEXANDER JAFFREY.  

Anag. All sin is fardar frae me, ay,  

Verse. All sin is farther fraes me ay, than those,  
Who in religions outward sho rejoice.    

Acrostic.  

A midst the number of these worthies here,  
Lo, I must make thy worthiness appear,  
Even in these true encomiums thus set down,  
X tolling truly this much honoured town:  
And to express thy pregnant wit and skill,  
No less in worth then ruling thereintill:  
Demanding of my Muse how I should praise,  
Eeun thy admeered virtues in thy days,  
Rest not said she over all for to set forth,  
In verse such words, as may advance his worth,  
A man whose mind still meditates on grace,  
Full kindly aims at equity and peace,  
Faith is the ground, whereon thy travels stand,  
Renowned therefore thou shall be in this land,  
Estraingde from vice, whence well I may allege,  
Y at thou appears a pattern in this age.     

To ANDREW▪ MELDRUME,  

Anag. Ver'e demure and m'ld.  

Verse. Thy name declares thee, both demur and m'ld,  
Likewise thy fame proclaims thee undefiled.    

Sonnet Acrostic.  

As Cato major, is renowned yet,  
No less in wisdom, then in actions fit,  
Declaird he is, likewise for public skill,  
Rare, and recorded wondrous thereintill:  
Even in governiug Commonwealths, and lo,  
Wise in the ruling of his house also:  
Much volumes whereof he hath penned to be,  
Eternal proofs, to all posterity:  
Likewise thy worth of his contains a view,  
Decord no less with virtues rare and true,  
Renowned in general, for thy ways but hate,  
Vise also in governing thy estate,  
Most duly therefore may I change the fame,     

GEORGE JOANSTONS'  

Anag. An gorgeous stone.  

Verse. Ane gorgeous stone, which stone is set in grace,  
And in whose heart for error is no place.    

Acrostic.  

Give such one gorgeous stone be set in grace,  
Everlasting glory shall decore his face:  
Or if this place wherein this stone doth stand,  
Record the worth which doth this stone command:  
Great shall that praise which hereon shall be told,  
Even one whose splendour shall all eyes behold,  
Into whose heart or inward parts appear,  
Of all the stones on earth, a stone but peer:  
And if that men would ask me of this stone,  
No doubt but I would send to thee anon:  
Such glorious joan stone who doth glance most rare,  
Through Bon-acord while gorgeous George is there,  
Of due this stone deserveth much renown,  
Vith stones of state, or rather stately crown,  
No more than can this stone be hence expressed,  
Since that this stone a stone of staits confessed,     

To GEORGE MORISONNE.  

Anag. None moir gorgeos.  

Ver. None moir gorgeos, whose worth shall shine in glore  
So says thy name, first, then says, Sin no more.    


Give these two virtues merits to be praised,  
Eternally these two in thee are raised,  
O fall in grace, moir gorgeos none than thou,  
Renowned for outward gorgeousness as due,  
Grave gracious goodness, gorgeous in thy mind,  
Most gorgeous virtues likewise are combined:  
Of grace more gorgeous than I can extol,  
Richer in wisdom, than I can enrol:  
Endued with all these gorgeous gifts and maire,  
Sententious knowledge, than I can declare;  
Of all whom of into my time I read,  
None moir gorgeous than thyself indeed:  
Not that I mean thou gorgeos art in ill,   

But what is generous, gorgeos thereintill,  
What should I say then? this which I defend,  
Thy gorgeos life▪ shall make a glorious end▪     

To JOANN LESLIE old Thesaurer.  

Anag. All lies in one.   

Sonnet.  

Into three charges, thou was chosen, and  
Of all these three, the power was in thy hand:  
A Thesaurer, which did the same contain,  
No less in worth, than honoured Aberdeine,  
Likewise without thy licence for a space,  
Even these departed, scarce received a place,  
Since in thy power, that honour which them clad,  
Lay that convoyde them to their funeral bed:  
Into thy power this likewise knew I maire,  
Even all the monies mortified there:   

No doubt three charges, worth renown▪ which must,  
Esteemed we more, while rendered in thy trust,  
And as before these three were ay in one,  
So since from thee these three are several gone,     

To ROBERT SKEENE,  

Anag. Seek no beterr.   

Sonnet.  

Remembering how for to express thy praise,  
Or with myself considering what to say,  
Behold how reason would extol my phrase,  
Even for thy virtues viewed every day:  
Remain therefore thy worthiness shall ay,  
That thou to all, a pattern may be sure,  
Since that thy fame shall never find decay,  
Knowing thy worth, all shall thy praise procure:  
Eternally, that all may testify,  
Into thyself, such properties appear,  
No less in actions then civility,  
Esteemed by all, whose wisdom men admeere.   

And wherefore now, thou chosen art to sit,  
A Counsellor in Bon-acord most fit:     

To M. WILLIAME MOIRE,  

Anag. Lo me I may rule.   

Sonnet.  

Master  
With all those worthies Moir thou art beloved,  
In number whereof thou thyself art one,  
Likewise thy worth in Bon-acords approved,  
Long which shall last, when endless time is gone,  
If Fame had force Moir, than it hath to flee,  
All it would sound would be in praise of thee,  
Moir is thy name, and thou in worth is Moir,  
Esteemed Moir duly, for thy gifts in store,  
Meek in thy life and moir I cannot say,  
Of thee those parts approved every day:  
In youth well bred, the which thou dost declare.  
R Ruling by wisdom in the counsel there,   

Wherefore though I, thee Moire might much commend  
More I'll not say, but Moire I might defend.     

To JOHN LOWSONE.  

I love no sin.   


If Poets pens have parted praises oft,  
Or praise exposed unto the World's view,  
How much are they then bound to raise aloft,  
Not simple sayings, but of thee most true,  
Let then my lines impart a public view,  
Of all thy praise to be approved rare,  
Vith Romans, Grecians rendering them their due,  
Since that their name with thine stands in compare:  
Or to be brief, behold it's said of me,  
No praise is lost that is applied to thee,     

To THOMAS MOWET.  

There was amongst the Romans many loud  
Hopeful in youth, and for their worth approved,  
Of all in general, whom I read I see,  
Most duly thou for worth compared may be.  
As hopeful always, and no less beloved,  
Suchlike for wo●h in Bon-acord approved,  
May I not therefore, thus enrol thy name,  
Of due desert comprable with them,  
Vnchallengd truly may I thee impose,  
Even 'mongst these worthies, to be red with those,  
That in these lines by me which are inverst,    

To ALEXANDER ramsey,  

Anag. See I randar all mercy.   

Acrostic.  

And if thou randar mercy, then be sure,  
Life endless thereby, shalt thyself procure,  
Even thou whose worth is viewed every day,  
Xceeding rare in wisdom thought alway:  
A man of mercy, wherefore thou art meet,  
Now where thou rules into that judgement seat.  
Decorde with grace, and virtues of the mind,  
Into the which all blessings are combynd,  
Remain therefore, for ever shall thy fame,  
Red in those lines, which doth import thy name,  
Admeerd for mercy since thy life began,  
Much loud for grace, and grace doth make the man:  
Eternally therefore, I will my Muse,  
Should fing thy praise, amongst my worthiest choose,  
Esteemed thou art, for mercy grace and faith,  
Yairefore thy worth shall long live after death.     

To WILLIAME GREY.  

Anag: Age may ruill.   

Sonnet  

What should be sought into a ruler more,  
If he hath knowledge (for to rule) in store,  
Likewise, if that his age hath conquisht wit,  
Like one whose worth is thought in counsel fit,  
I know in thee, these one, the other yields,  
Accomplished both, most like two faithful shields:  
More age to rule, most surely none can crave,  
Even so more skill to rule, needs no man have,  
Grave years of youth, in thee doth now appear,  
Rare virtues likewise which may breed admeere:  
Age to rule, and ruler in thy age,  
 may a match to any be I'lledg.  
Unto thy praise therefore I fix my name,  
Maintaining truly this thy endless same.     

To GEORG MELDRUM,  

Anag. Go mild rumer.   

Sonnet  

Give virtue crowned with conscience, merits love,  
Even in thy station thou deserves esteem,  
Or if grave carriage, due respect can move,  
Rich are these parts in thee, as fame proclaim:  
Grace doth govern them, companide with faith,  
Meek wisdom also ruleth in thy ways:  
Eternal praise shall prove thee after death,  
Like one whose worth shall suffer no decays:  
Doubtless and rather evermore thy fame.  
Remain it shall in Bon-acord as due,  
when thou art dead, to eternize thy name,  
Men shall each day, thy dignities renew,   

And for their aid mild rumer forth shall go,  
And with my Muse sound forth thy praise also.    
FINIS.   

For Apology.  

IT's said, a Prophet shall reap honour, save  
He it unto his native country crave:  
A saying sad, to such as would aspire,  
Since Friends at home to them as foes conspire.  
For my part I, nor Prophet, Poet, am I,  
Yet from your bounds, by birth of parents came I.  
Therefore that proverb, let me not approve,  
As for reward, of this my sign of love,  
I have done something on your names I know,  
Though not so much, as I of duty own:  
And since not lofty in my phrase am glad,  
Ye know how I was educat and bred:  
Which is of learning, I no part profess,  
And hath by use or reading rather less,  
Whence comes a sign, of serious mind in me:  
To show your worth in strained Poesy:  
Yet your Acrostics claims to me no praise,  
Because the letters doth the sentence raise:  
I by my weakness, rather did omit,  
For to express, those praises which were fit:  
And so in me the salt consists as due,  
Since what is right, and more belongs to you,  
But since I grant, what wrong is done by me,  
Let me of you obtain this courtesy,  
That ye in love my lines receive, and then,  
Yele show yourselves brave courteous gentle men.    

Sonnet.  

LO now my Muse, I have betrothed twice,  
And rues of none the matches she did make:  
But doth contemn all such as me envies:  
And of my Patrons do protection take  
Her maidinhead: My Muse did first direct  
To Edinburgh, for her first favoured choice,  
Her wedowhead she yielded by respect,  
To Bon-acord, whose worth the same enjoys,  
The first's a famous, and a glorious Town,  
And is for virtues wondrous much admeerde,  
The other soars by sovereign due renown,  
And hath all vice forth from her streets reteerde:  
And though I found the first a match most rare,  
So now I think for worth this may compare.    

Sonnet.  

I Swear it's not to show the thing I have not,  
What I have versed within this volume here,  
Likewise I vow, part of thy praise I crave not,  
Nor of thy censure do I stand in fear,  
I write in love, and labours to allot,  
My lines to be a witness of the same.  
And doth not care the carping of no sot,  
Because there is no courtesy in them,  
The rarest lines that ever yet were penned,  
Must bide the censure of some curious eye:  
Therefore resolves my Muse▪ to recommend,  
Unto thy murder, or thy modesty.  
She was a Maid, but now twice married stands,  
If wronged by thee, betwixt a knaves two hands.   
FINIS.