A 7 3 7: 6: 6: 8' =., w THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 7 1-1 M EDINBURGH, OR, THE ANCIENT ROYALTY; A SKETCH OF Former Manners : % NOTES. BY SIMON GRAY. fRlSCA GENS MORTALIUM. HOR. Edinburgh : Printed for Manners Sf Miller, By J. Johnstone, Hlgh-Strcct. 1810. ^ fk. DEDICATION. B^i^^ TO THE CRAFTSMEN OP (5binturgl|. J. HE following, although a trivial and very imperfect sketch of the almost forgotten man- ners of the Metropolis of Scotland, must be dedicated with peculiar propriety to you, who are of all men the most interested in her pro- sperity and splendour, and by whose efforts and skilful exertions, Dun Edin once confined to her rocky scite has " spread her white arms," and shines the unrivalled Queen of the North. 70535G IV The Craftsmen of Edinburgh, in the worst of times, were conspicuous for their valour and their loyalty. Often have your ancient Kings rested their best hopes on the Crafts* men of Edinburgh j and let it be remembered to their eternal honour, that when a distracted and deluded people suffered daring zealots to trample on their Sovereign, and drag the unfortunate Mary Stuart to a dungeon, the Craftsmen of Edinburgh, with generous in- dignation, meditated her rescue, and were pnly lulled into forbearance by the deliberate falsehoods of the Rebel Lords. The rapid progress of refinement in your Capital, must afford heartfelt satisfaction to every patriotic breast. Your luxury and your dress are lampooned ; but there is surely no essential virtue in slovenly filth or coarse vul- garity J and a good coat upon a Sunday, it is to be hoped, may cover as good a Christian as the worst that hangs in St. Mary's Wynd. Our churches, our chapels, and oyr meeting- houses, are as much crowded as in the days even of John Knox. There is probably as much religion, and much more charity a- mongst us, for there seems to be more chear- fulness and less rancour. In spite of cotton- mills, the frequent topic of severe invective, and the large distilleries, which are inuch qapre deserving of it, the population of Scot. VI lanf^ has encreased, in fifty years, by four hundred thousand souls, nearly one third of its former amount. The enemies of Com- merce deal out their apprehensions, that we must become a degenerate people, from the baneful influence of manufactures j but our Armies, crowned with never-fading laurels on the shores of Egypt, the plains of Maida, and the fields of Spain, have drawn many of their heroes from the looms of Manchester and Glasgow. Although from my pursuits, my prepossessions are in favour of my own class, who, with the lark, attend * The breezy call of incense-breathing Morn ;' yet a celebrated poet, though verging to the \11 brink of life, still a most ardent volunteer, strutting with much complacency before his corps of artisans, exclaimed" These arc *' the lads I not one clodhopper among 'em.'* Whether clodhoppers or craftsmen, we can still do our duty -, and our gallant Armies, and triumphant Navy, give pretty conclusive proof, that we are not yet quite degenerated. It ill befits an humble tiller of the ground to presume to obtrude his eflFusions on your notice. But I think the following sketch may perhaps amuse the aged among you, if they recognise in the picture the scenes of former days ; and the younger may perhaps be gratified by the comparison, however faintly these scenes VIU may be delineated. Old as I am, I trust I shall yet live to hear that you enjoy more comforts, and even more luxury j and that each succeeding hour affords another step in progressive improvement. May the Wealthy crowd your hospitable Town, and may our Country Gentlemen be more and more satis- fied with the enjoyments which is afforded by the ancient Metropolis of their native country j and when Winter buries the beauties of the rural scene, may they sliil seek social mirth in Old Edina, and participate in all the gratifi- cations which learning, taste, and science can bestow. Your most sincere Wellwisher, Simon Gray. ADVERTISEMENT. Tli9 /oUmoimg production is nu of those oltgaiitly termed Ephemeral, or, vutgarkfy a Squib. > W^hilt I pen my advertisement, ono half of my vegetating work u not yet in exiatenct : bo that, to resume the pproteehnicai metaphor, my match is forming before my firework. Rapidity of nn^sition marks genius : I must e mul a t e, and %eep the printer going. I wannot, however, re- press my rising apprehensions, that I thatl be unable to sieell my pages, so as to make a bok ; for nttmthstandiHg ail my projected mXs, J fear X / shall cut but a pitiful Jigure in print, mid he consigned to the pedlar's basket. Yet, as my ambition is not overweening, my disappoint- ment must be correspondent. In the following pages, I shall not attempt to be very moral, nor exceedingly didactic; nor shall I avail myself of the mixed dialects of English and Scotch, which, though they afford so many facilities in measure and in rhyme, are, I am told, not quite legitimate. I shall thei'efore endeavour to confine myself to that which, till the " Gentle Shepherd" once more awoke the Scottish reed, seemed to be for ever the destined dialect of British Poesy. But while our latter Bards have woed the Scottish Muse, and even Robert Burns is subject to the criticism, one half of what has >n written, by a slight alteratton of voweltf and a few consonants added or subtracted, be- comes plain English. Doctor Jamieson toill tell you it is not Scotch; but it is a pleasing melange, which carries to the soul the sweetest sentiments, and we care not how we come by them. For the reasons above stated, good they are and cogent, it is impossible to gioe much account of what is to Jollow. I shall not, like some of my brethren, eit/ier propitiate or defy the Reviewers, deaf, alas ! alike to the praise ana abuse of an ephemeron. Vanity itself cannot hope that men of their gravity will stoop to lift a squib, arid by an angry although dignified toss prolong its short-lived glory. Uopless of their proud and/avourable testimony ^ nay, hapless and guess, I ite&tf That many a bleaching winter 1 have seen. I studied fur the Kirkf, and yon must know. Dwelt in your city forty years ago. I love her yet ^nor careless, prythee, deem Your country guest to old Edina's theme. I feel long slumbering academic fire Wake in my veins, and flitting dreams inspire. Old as I am, I'll .:>i.uut on Fancy's wing. And, like a dying swan, I'll try to sing*. Let me then grasp, though in a feeble hand. Like some old necromancer, Fancy's wand.>i- Thus, while I wave it round, all disappears That Time and Art have done in fifty years. t Note 5. Note 6. 20 Hence, every Dome that swells your Adam's fame ! * Hence, every Street that bears some Royal Name I Fly, as before John Knox, each letter'd Saint, Fly, ev'ry holy rogue from stone and paint! To non-existence either Bridge consigned Leave not on Fancy's eye a wreck behind. Ye formal Squares and Parallels, begone ! Hailes and Craigleitb, resume your mass of stone ! 'Tis done and, lo ! to greet the coming year. See Barefoot*s Parks in vernal pride appear ; Long broken walls inclose a narrow road. Which leads- by Lady Di's retired abode ; The Nor-loch fills, and odours sweet exhales. And neighbouring tan-pits scent the passing gale*. * Note 7. 21 Fancy, once more, at thy divine command Within the Ancient Royalty I stand. How the reviving scene my bosum sooths ! In Creech's rear, behold the Lucken-booths ! Beneath the Churches' shadow, in the Craims, See toys, and gloves, and pattens, for the dames ; And in mid-street, fit theme for laureate bard. The proper Castle of the City Guard. Perch'd on its breech, one cannon it could boast. Which marked it for a military post. Oft have I seen one of the gallant band Beside that very cannon listless stand. With arms across, upon its mouth recline. And watch with care, the hour that he might dine ; While o'er the semi door his comrade hung, Who, spite of soft Intreaty's witching tongue, 22 In durance held some rogiie, in that black hole Which might appal tha most courageous soul ; While, reckless of the bright Lochaber ax. The sable Sootiman would dust his sacks. Tier upon tier I see the mansions rise, Whose azure summits mingle with the skies ; There, from the earth the labouring porters bear The elements of fire and water high in air ; There, as you scale the steps, With toilsome tread, The dripping barrel madifies your head ; Thence, as adown the giddy round you wheel, A rising porter greets you with his creel ! How recollections rush upon my mind. Of Lady Staars's Close and Blackfords Wynd t * Notes. 23 There lived ouv Nobles, and here Judfes dwelt- O that my Muse in eympatby could melt ! Here, in theie chambers, ever dull and dark. The Liady gay received her gayer Spark, Who, clad in silken coat, with cautious tread, Trembled at opening casements over head i But when iu safety at her porch he trod, He seiz'd the ring, and rasp'd the twisted rod.* " No idlers then, I trow, were seen to meet, Link'd, six a-row, six hours in Princes Street ;" But, one by one, they panted up the hill. And picked their steps with most uncommon skill ; Then, at the Crps, each joined the motly mob " How are ye Tam? and how's a' wi' ye Bob ?" Note 9. 24 Next to a neighbouring tavern all retir'd. And draughts of wine their various thoughts inspir'd. O'er draughts of wine the Beau would moan his lovej* O'er draughts of wine the Cit his bargain drove ; O'er draughts of wine the Writer pen'd the will ; And Legal Wisdom counsel'd o'er a gill : White Wine and Marmalade was then the rage. It sooth'd the youngster and regal'd the sage. Ye ' fashioned' youths, who while away the noon. And balance, lightly, on a silver spoon The trembling fragments of the amber pile- Yes ! o'er a glass of jelly whilst ye smile. Blush for your flimsy and degenerate food ! With patriot palates seek your Country's good j Note 10. 25 O call the ancient beverage in aid ; Call Virtue back White Wine and Marmalade i Then were the days of comfort and of glee ! When met, to drink a social cup of tea: The chequer'd chairs, in seemly circle placed ; The Indian tray with Indian china graced; The red stone Tea-pot with its silver spout; The Tea Spoons numbered, J and the tea ySW'rf outi Rich Whigs and Cookies smoke upon the board. The best that Keir the baxter can afford. Hapless the wight, who, with a lavish sup. Empties too soon the Lilliputian cup ! ; Tho' patience fails, and tho* with thirst he bums. All, all must wait till the last cup returns. NoteU. J Note 13. 26 That cup returned, now see the hostess ply The Tea-pot, measuring with equal eye. To all again, at once, she grants the boon. Dispensing her gunpowder by platoon. They chat of dress (as ladies will) and cards, And fifty friends within three hundred yards Or now they listeu all, in merry glee. While " Nancy Dawson," " Sandie o'er the ke* (Than foreign cadence surely sweeter far,) Ring on the jingling spinet or guitar. The clogs are ready when the treat is o'er. And many a blazing lauthorn leaves the door. Then were tlae days of modesty of mein ! Stays for the fet, and quilting for the lean. Note 13. 27 The ribbon'd stomacher, in manj- a plait, Upheld the chest and dignified the gait ; Some Venus, brightest planet of the train, Moved in a lutstring halo prop'd with cane. Then the Assembly Closs recei\ ed the Fair ; Order and elegance presided tliere ; Each gay l^ht Honourable had her ptace To walk a minuet with becooiing grace ; No racing to tbe dance, >vith rival hurry- Such was thy sway, O fam'd J^S9 Nicky Murray .' Each Lady's fan a chosen Damon bore. With care selected many a day before ; For, unprovided with a favourite beau, Tlie nymph, chagrined, the ball must needs forgo ; * Note 14. 28 But, previous matters to her taste arranged, Certes the constant couple never changed ; Through a long night, to watch fair Delia's will. The same dull swain was at her elbow still. Townsman. But, prythee, paint the Parents' anxious aid. Which rear'd the honest man and virtuous maid ; The cautious nurture of the youthful mind. By precepts guided, purified, refined. Farmer. Yes! mark the Street, for youth the great resort, * Its spacious width the theatre of sport. Note 15. There the young Scavenger and youthful Lord Pour forth infantine smut in sweet accord; To every secret haunt with speed they fly. Or watch with listening ear the scream, Hie spie. There, midst the crowd, the jingling hoop is driven. Full many a leg is hit and curse is given ; For stooping porters, tott'ring under coals. In Scoto Celtic accents, * Tarn their souls,' There, on the pavement, mystic forms are chalk'd, Defaced, renewed delayed, but never balk'd ; There romping Miss the rounded slate may drop, And kick it out with persevering hop. Till her associates in the froward game- tic to the filthy cellars whence they came. 30 There, in the dirty current of the strand, * Boys drop the rival corks with ready hand. And, wading throug-h the puddle with slow pace. Watch in solicitude the doubtful race ! And there, an active band, with frequent boast, "Vault in succession o'er each wooden post. Or a bold stripling, noted for his might, Heads the array and rules the rairaic fight. From hand and sling now fly the whizzing stones, Uuheeded broken heads and broken bones. The rival hosts in close engagement mix. Drive and are driven by the dint of sticks. The Bicker rages,f till some Mother's fear- Ring a sad story in a Bailie's ears. * Note 16. t Note 17. 31 Her prajer is beard ; the order quick is sped, Aud, from that corps which hapless Fortoowi led, A brave detachment, probably of two. Rush, like two kites, upon the warlike crew, Who, strugglin;, like the fabled frogs and mice, Are pounc'd upou, and carried iu a trice. But, mark that motly group, in various garb- There Vice begins to form her rankling barb. The germe of Gambling sprouts in pitch and tots. And brawl, successive, tells disputetl loss. From hand to hand the whirling halfpence pass. And, every copper gone, they fly to brass. Those polish'd rounds which decorate the coat. And brilliant shine upon some' youth of note. Offspring of Birmingham's creative art. Now from the faithful button-holes depart. 52 To sudden twitch the rending stitches yield^ And Enterprise again essays the field. So, when a few fleet years of his short spau> Have ripen'd this dire passion in the Man, When thousand after thousand takes it's flight. In the short circuit of one wretched night. Next shall the honours of the forest fall. And ruin desolate the Chieftain's hall ; Hill after hill some cunning clerk shall gain, Then, in a Mendicant, behold a Thane ! The spell dissolves, delusion melts away. And we awaken to the present day. The City grows and spreads on every side. In all the honour of masonic pride. *Note 18. 33 From narrow lanes, where Pestilence was pent. Now emigrate the Squire and thriving Gent, To spacious mansions, elegant or neat, Where sweeping breezes ventilate each street. And where expanding, fanciful and free. The rising City stretches to the Sea. Blest be the change ! May each succeeding day. Shine on your labours with propitious ray ! Ye busy Craftsmen of my native Town, Oh that a wish could draw a blessing down ! Then should my feeble untaught hand aspire To strike an anthem on an humble lyre. Townsman. Your picture seems so true, excuse me, now, 'Tis pity you were distin'd to the plough. 34 Ah ! had you Im^er'd within Learning's pale. And scorn'd, unknown, to follow a plough's tail Some Monthly Mageizine might own your aid. The reader gratified, the bard well paid. The moral's obvious : Though ages pass. Still Folly's visage meets us in the glass ; Tho' she may change her with the changing moon. With all the varied skill of a buffoon. To every age Fate gives its proper measure. To blind the sage, and lead the man of pleasure. 'Tis vain to be fastidious and too nice ; Folly, while only folly, free from vice. May vex the Puritan's sepulchral soul. But still must form a Part of one great Whole, NOTES. Note 1. Page 14. " Luxury! name 7iot t?iat unhallowed phrase," In a late anonymous, publication, the authoFj in what he considers satyrical verses, attacks the luxu> rious habits of the present generation of 'fashioned youth.' It is fair to confess, that, decoyed by the title page, we skim'd the pages ; and though we may give credit to the author's sincerity and good inten- tions, it is hardly necessary to say, that we are less inclined to admire either his taste, genius, or judge- ment. Instead of frequent potluck enjoyments, it seems folks, now-a-days, regale their friends with a feast, which, if as seldom attempted as the author paints, cannot induce bankruptcy. The dress of tb* inl).abitants is certainly very much improved; ami, excepting now and then some foppish shopman, there seems no absurd extravagance amongst the trades people of Edinburgh, 36 Note 2. Page 1(J. ** Time was, the wits of Anna's golden age." The author seems here to be a little infected with the disposition to cant against the modems. It is far from our inclination to decry the exertions of those who contribute to the innocent amusement of man- kind. There is surely, however, too copious a dis- charge of sonnets, ballads, and light poetry, at once frivolous and injurious, in as much as they tend to deprave the public taste. The answer is obvious : The public is the best judge of what can please and what deserves to be admired be it so. Nothing is left for the discomfited critic but a shrug of regret. Note 3. Page 17. " Hotpress'd he shines, and simple fools will buy." Is it fit subject for censure, that the typographic art has attained such general perfection ? Certainly not. But is it unreasonable to expect that a work should stand the test of public opinion before so much ornament is lavished upon it ? It affords en- couragement to the artist, indeed; who labours often 37 to illustrate works, not easily illustrated otherwise ; and volumes may be preserved and valued for the cuts. Besides, as libraries are become part of tlie tasteful decoration of a house, none but handsome books are in request. A young man of fashion, who had become suddenly a book collector of those only indeed cloathed in Russia or Morocco was accosted at a sale by a dissappointed scholar, whose purse could not maintain the contest, " What, sir, are 1/ou become a collector?" ' Yes" replied the other, ** to oe sure ; don't you know that I have a library *' sixty feet long?" Note 4. Page IB. *' To such as me, tJiough wisdom is denied." In proof of the inability of us poor farmers for sapient disquisition, let us listen to the wisdom of the Son of Sirach : *' How can he get wisdom that holdeth ** the plough, and that glorieth in the goad, that " driveth oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and " whose talk is of bullocks ? He giveth his mind to ** make furrows, and is diligent to give the kiue 38 *' {oiAery'Ecclesiasticus, chap, xxxviii. w.SS. 26. Intelligence, however, is spreading amongst us, and larger farms admit of our exerting our minds as well as our bodies. Note 5. Page 19. " / studied for the Kirk" 8fc. This accounts for the smattering of versificatiou which the Author has retained, and for bis skill ia alluding to the severe sentence in the Wisdom of the Son of Sirach. Note 6. Page 19. " y^nd, like a dying swan, I'll try to sing." The song of a dying swan is so seldom beard, that the similitude is not likely to be roughly questioned. If not quite as musical, the Author may render this song correct in another point, by making it his last. Note 7. Page 20. *' Hetice, every dome that swells your Adam's fame** The celebrated architect ; but who in his plans for the city, has not befriended the glazier quite so much as modern taste requires. 39 Note 8. Page 22. ** Tiler ujnm tier I see the mansions rise." The inconvenience of the lofty mansions of ancient Edinburgh is severely felt by the inhabitants, vrho, as they approach the clouds, are heavily taxed for the transport of the necessaries of life which are drawn from the lower world. And it is not to be marvelled at, that lazy menials should have availed themselves of the facility of an open window, when opposed to the laborious duty of descenduig and reascending ome hundreds of steps, to deposite on the pavement those incumbrances which were sure to reach their destination by the shorter process. Our neighbours of the South may spare their grins ; for this part of the science of projectiles was once as much practised in famous London town a fact upon record. At the same time, it is most deeply to be regretted, that the abominable system of common stairs has been allowed to contaminate the Extended Royalty. While the protection of the ramparts was indispensible, it was pardonable to heap house upon house to accommo- date the eucreasiug populatiou within their limits; 40 but it is to be hoped that we shall see no more of these nuisances created in our days- Note 9. Page 23. " He seized the ring, and rasp'd the twisted rod" This mode of demanding admittance we believe to be peculiar to Edinburgh, and exists at this moment on many a door within the Ancient Royalty. The boasted tattoo of a London footman is nothing, when compared with this concentrated series of rapid and minute pulsations. Note 10. Page 24. " O'er draughts of wine," 8fc. See Amot's History of Edinburgh, where this cus- tom is particularly mentioned, but is said entirely to have ceased before the year 1770. The white wine and marmalade appointments had indeed fallen into disuse, but it was certainly still common to transact buisness at a tavern, where a bottle of wine was friend and arbitrator. 41 Note 11. Page 95. " IVhtn met, to drink a social cup of tea." This old custom is more to be regretted in its de- mise, than perhaps any other that can be mentioned. It was an easy mean of bringing together many plea- sant people, without much previous preparation, and without formality. When fifty friends lived within three hundred yards of each other, they were soon invited, and as easily collected. It was the sole re- compense for crowded populajdon and common stairs. The Tea Parties were those chiefly in which the La- dies partook. There was, indeed, occasionally a supper -y but that was a matter of no light consider- ation. The men flew to the Tavern for social inter- course, for luxury, and for debauchery. Clubs with- out number were instituted, and most faithfully at- tended. Some of them have even survived to this day. The Tea Parties, as they then existed, were the resort of all who wished for elegant and cordial intercourse* 42 Note 12. Page 25. " The spoons all number'd" SfC. This precaution of immbering the spoons, enabled the attentive hostess to return to each guest the cup that had already kiss'd the lip, a gratification to squeamish fancies which cannot be hoped lor now-a- days, when the slop is conducted behind the curtain. NotE 13. Page 26. ' ** Stat/s for the fat, and quilting for the lean" A note upon female dress is a daring attempt. But in sober seriousness, does any rational man harbour for a moment the wish to send back the persons of our lovely women to be tortured, by laborious and athletic lacing, into an unnatural an'd preposterous tenuity ? We hear much of modern nakedness ; but look at the portraits of the grandmothers of the present generation there the exemplary Dames have verj- demurely exhibited, as the Painter's model, mure, I presume, than even the boldest and most dashing of the present day venture to offer to the transient gaze. The transition from spacious hoops ajid quilting, to vhat are fancifully termed invisible 43 petticoats, is a violent change indeed. But which is the most becoming the human form, and which the most deserving topic for ridicule and admonitory satyr ? The snowy garments, which float upon the breeze, are a happy contrast to the dark prints on which oiir thrifty Matrons used to lavish the pleasing encomium, " tluU they kept so long clean." Note 14. Page 27- " Such was thy sway, O fam'd Miss Nicky Murray P' Of this renowned Mistress of the Ceremonies, what avails it to tell the present generation, although their grandmothers cannot have forgot her, and those among them that were handsome, doubtless remem- ber with complacency the preference she gave to a Beauty, without forgetting the rules of titled pre- fedence. Note 15. Page 28. " Yes : mark the Street," Sfc, The Author certainly does not mean to slander the paternal care of your Progenitors, but merely endea- vours to shew that there was neglect, a3 there still is 44 neglect, ia those who forgot and tvho do forget their- duty. The company of the idle and profligate of the lowest class must have proved injurious to those of a better station ; for what constitutes the Gentleman but the utter estrangement from every mean idea ? The low born man who attains that, towers above the grovelling Lord who forgets his station and himself, and is so welcomed in society. That such association was permitted, the recollection of numbers must bear testimony. AH were not lost, but many sunk. From the present habits of society, this evil is much amended ; and it is no longer a boast to be a black-> guard. Note 17, PageUO. " The Bicker rages," ^, In this barbarous amusement, in which lives were spmetime's lost, there was much to reprobate, and something to admire. It was almost Spartan, but every thing Spartan, although it might form the soldier, stiffled every valuable sentiment but proud miistance. 45 Note 18, Page 38. " Hill after hill some cunning Clerk," ifc. That prudence and successful application should have their rewau^, is both reasonable and desireable ; but it is marvellous to see how large a portion of the I&aded property devolves upon one class of our citi- tens. It is said that an old Laird thus expressed him- self, in an agony of apprehension and chagrine : " A' our auld neighbours are awa I If I look east " or west, there's a Vriterli I look north or south, " there's a Vriter. Guid faith, I'll mak' our Jock " a Vriter; no that the poor silly lad will mak* muckle o't, but it wiUaiblins help to ha'd the laive *' affhim." Note 16. Page 30. * Tliere, in the dirty current," S[e. We cannot help remarking the almost instinctive love for the Course, which hjis ever existed in Scot- land, although the excessive decorum of our Reform- ation, which banished all amusements, checked even the panting inclination for the sports of the field, Qur neighbours of the South owe the vice of hors 4^ mcing, and the attendant merit of breeding the noblest of the noblest of animals, to us of Caledonia. Gambling is not an essential in the Course, though men may stake their rooney on that as they may tipon any other event. There is no doubt, however, that the love of the Course has long been depressed and decried in Scotland, although our poets and preachers avail themselves of the simily with unabated ardour. The author of a late publication, called **^ Town Fashions," with our native love for sport, but with that ignorance which its disuse has brought amongst us, gives the following specimen of his skill in Horsemanship : ~ " Why dwell on Fashions ? Who can stay their course ? " Think you to check them as you would your horse ? " Pull as you will, in spite of curb and whip, <* Ths jades will on, and take their five bar leap.^ In proof of the antiquity of Horse-racing amongst us, I subjoin two advertisements, taken from the Merr curius Caledonius, a journal published in EdinburgI)L iu the year 166U 47 ' March 22d, IfiGl. The hbrse race of Lanerk, institute by Kiivg Wil- * liam above 600 years since, but obstructed these 23 * years by the iniquity of the times, is now restored ' by Sir John Wilkie of Fouldon, as being loath so * ancient a foundation should perish, and for that * effect he hath given gratis a piece of plate of the * accustomed value, with a silver bell and sadle to * the second and third horse. It is to be run the third * Tuesday of May.' < March 8lh, 1661. * The famous Horse Course of Couper in Fife, which * by the iniquity of the times hath been so long bu- * ried,to the great dissatisfaction of our Nobility and * Gentry, is to be run, conform to the institution, * upon the second Tuesday of April. There is a con- ' siderable number of horses to carry on the work of * the day; among others, a Way wood of Polonia hath * a Tartarian horse. This noble (Gentleman was * pleased to come to this Nation, to congratulate our * happy Restauration ; and, it is to be desired that * such curious Gallants as comes from Forrei^n Na- 48 tJons, to see the Course, that they do not, as others * formerly did, sleep in the time of the solemnity.' 3 1158 00630 9461 I UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A A 000 073 766 8 S( -ST