Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ... MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER PART FIRST HISTORICAL BALLADS SIR PATRICK SPENS One edition of the present ballad is well known; having appeared in the Reliques of Ancient Poetry, and having been inserted in almost every subsequent collection of Scottish songs. But it seems to have occurred to no editor, that a more complete copy of the song might be procured. That, with which the public is now presented, is taken from two Ms. copies,1 collated with several verses, recited by the Editor's friend, Robert Hamilton, Esq.,2 advocate, being the l6th, and the four which follow. But, even with the assistance of the common copy, the ballad seems still to be a fragment. The cause of Sir Patrick Spens' voyage is, however, pointed out distinctly; and it shows that the song has claim to high antiquity, as referring to a very remote period in Scottish history. Alexander in. of Scotland died in 1285; and, for the misfortune of his country, as well as his own, he had been bereaved of all his children before his decease. The crown of Scotland descended upon his granddaughter, Margaret, termed, by our his 1 That the public might possess this curious fragment as entire as possible, the Editor gave one of these copies, which seems the most perfect, to Mr. Robert Jamieson, to be inserted in his Collection. It also has been published with many curious illustrations in Mr. John Finlay's Scottish Historical and Romantic Ballads. Glasgow, 1808. 3 [Robert Hamilton, Esq., Sheriff of Lanarkshire, and one of the Principal Clerks of Session, died in 1831.--J. G. L.J [There are various references to Hamilton in Lockhart's Life of Scott.] torians, the Maid of Norway. She was the only offspring of a marriage betwixt Eric, King of Norway, and Margaret, daughter of...