For a perusal of this curious poem, accurately copied from a MS. in the Cotton Library, nearly coeval with the author, I was indebted to my learned friend, the late Mr Ritson. There is an excellent paraphrase of it in the curious and entertaining Specimens of Early English Romances, lately published by Mr Ellis.
[46] The heart was the cognizance of Morton.
[47] King Alexander; killed by a fall from his horse, near Kinghorn.
[48] The uncertainty which long prevailed in Scotland, concerning the fate of James IV., is well known.
[49] One of Thomas's rhymes, preserved by tradition, runs thus:
The burn of breid
Shall run fow reid."
Bannockburn is the brook here meant. The Scots give the name of bannock to a thick round cake of unleavened bread.
[THOMAS THE RHYMER.]
PART THIRD—MODERN.
BY THE EDITOR.