Report on the Manuscripts of the Earl of Mar and Kellie (Volume 1); Preserved at Alloa House (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904. Excerpt: ... Bamf q. Elibank Mr. Marshall. Halkerton R. Belhavcn The Country Gentleman DufTus Sir Francis. Rollo r. Colvill Mr. Leveridge. Rutherford S. Bellanden Mr. Davis. Newark s. Nairn T. Glasford t. Portmore Sir James. 170.--A Satirical Poem--" Advise to a Painter." Limner would you expose Albania's fate? Draw then a palace in a ruined state; Nettles and briers instead of flagrant flowers, Sleet, hail and snow instead of gentle showers. Instead of plenty all things meager look, And into sword turn ploughirons, syth and hook. Instead of guards you ravenous wolves must place, And all the signs of government deface. Instead of order, justice and good laws, Let all appear confused like the first chaos. Near to the palace one on every hand, The ruins of two noble fabricks stand; A church where none but priest of Baal does stay, A court of justice filled with birds of prey. With a bold pencil draw the great Argile, In some respects the glory of this Isle. Draw his intrepid heart and generous mind Where nought that's base did ever harbour find. But near him place his brother and display With what base arts he leads his friends astray. Give him an air that's sullen and morose; Still looking downwards, his dark mind expose. Let Roxburgh next upon the canvass stand, Supported by the vilest sordid band, That ever did infest the wrecked land. In proper colours paint his vicious mind Which rules of honour never yet could bind; Where truth and justice banished far away, Revenge and falshood bear the sovereign sway. Limner, proceed, conspicuously expose The chickenhearted narrow sold Montrose. Show how he doth debase his noble line, Which heretofore illustriously did shine. Show how he makes himself a fool of state, A slave to avarice and to his friends ungrate: Tweddale deman...