Minstrelsy of the Scottish border - National Library of Scotland

172 MINSTRELSY OF
future events, had he ever heard of the inspired nun of
Haddington, which, it cannot be doubted, would have
been a solution of the mystery, much to the taste of
the Prior of Lochleven.*
Whatever doubts, however, the learned might have,
as to the source of the Rhymer's prophetic skill, the
vulgar had no hesitation to ascribe the whole to the
intercourse between the bard and the Queen of Faery.
The popular tale bears, that Thomas M'as carried oif, at
an early age, to the Fairy Land, where he acquired all
the knowledge, which made him afterwards so famous.
After seven years residence, he was permitted to return
to the earth, to enlighten and astonish his countrymen
by his prophetic powers; still, however, remaining bound
to return to his royal mistress, when she should intimate
her pleasure.t Accordingly, while Thomas was making
• Henry the Minstrel, who introduces Thomas into the history of
Wallace, expresses the same doubt as to the source of his prophetic
knowledge :
Thomas Rhymer into the faile was than
With the minister, which was a worthy man.
He used oft to that religious place ;
The people deemed of wit he meikle can.
And so he told, though that they bless or ban,
Which happened sooth in many divers case
1 cannot say by wrong or righteousness.
In rule of war whether they tint or wan :
It may be deemed by division of grace, &c.
;
Ilhtvrij of Wallace, Book II.
f Sec the Dissertation on Fairies, prefixed to Tamlunc, vol. II.
p. 109.