And Schyr Jhon Scot ek, a worthi knycht,
In to Straithern a man off mekill mycht.—V. 535.
“He was probably a descendant of the family of Scott of Balweary in Fife.” This “family continued till the reign of Charles I.,” and “is now represented by the Scotts of Ancrum, in Roxburghshire.” Notes to Edit. Perth, p. 49.
Schyr Jhon Menteth in till his wit has fund,
How he suld best his purpos to fullfill, &c.—V. 948.
The account given of the treachery of Menteth is one of these points on which Sir D. Dalrymple shews his historical scepticism. He introduces it in language calculated to inspire doubt into the mind of the reader; observing that “the popular tradition is, that his friend Sir John Menteth betrayed him to the English.” Annals, I. 281. It is rather strange that he should express himself in this manner, at the very moment that he quotes the Scotichronicon on the margent; as if this venerable record, when a modern should be disposed to adopt a theory irreconcileable with its testimony, were entitled to no higher regard than is due to “popular tradition.”
He adds; “Sir John Menteth was of high birth, a son of Walter Stewart Earl of Menteth.” I can perceive no force in this remark, unless it be meant to imply that there never has been an instance of a man of noble blood acting the part of a traitor. On the same ground we might quarrel with all the evidence given of the conspiracies formed against Robert Bruce; and even call in question the murder of that amiable and accomplished prince James I.
But “at this time,” we are told, “the important fortress of Dumbarton was committed to his [Menteth’s] charge by Edward.” Here, it would seem, the learned writer fights the poor Minstrel with his own weapons. For I find no evidence of this fact in the Fœdera, Hemingford, or the Decem Scriptores; and Lord Hailes has referred to no authority; so that there is reason to suspect, to use his own language, that he here “copies” what “is said by Blind Harry, whom no historian but Sir Robert Sibbald will venture to quote.” If Harry’s narrative be received as authority, it is but justice to receive his testimony as he gives it. Now, in the preceding part of his work, he represents Menteth as holding the castle of Dunbarton at least with the consent of Wallace, while acknowledged as governor of Scotland. It would appear, indeed, that the whole district of the Lennox had been entrusted to him.
In the Leynhouss a quhill he maid repayr;
Schyr Jhon Menteth that tym was captane thar.—B. VIII. 1595.