PREFACE:

THE following Poems are the production of James I. King of Scotland, one of the most illustrious persons who figured in the beginning of the 15th century.-All the Scottish Historians agree in extolling him as a Prince of eminent virtue, and extraordinary genius, endowed with every branch of the learning of his age. He is said to have been a proficient in every department of polite literature, in grammar, oratory, Latin and English poetry, music, jurisprudence, and the philosophy of the times; that in all athletic exercises, particularly in the use of the sword and spear, he was eminently expert; and that his dexterity in tilts and tournaments, in wrestling, in archery, and in the sports of the field, was perfectly unrivalled. Bellenden says he was an expert mediciner, and Pinkerton speaks of his skill in miniature painting and horticulture, and Drummond affirms, that there was nothing wherein the commendation of wit consisted, or any

shadow of the liberal arts did appear, that he had not applied his mind to, seeming rather born to letters, than instructed.

The Poem called the King's Quair, was com posed by him while he was a prisoner in the castle of Windsor, upon the Lady Jane, a Princess of the blood royal of England, whom he afterwards espoused. It probably would have shared the same fate as most of King James's other compositions, which are now lost, but for one manuscript copy of it.which is preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. In that immense treasure of erudition it remained in obscurity, till, by the curiosity and research of William Tytler of Woodhouselee, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Society of Scots Antiquaries at Edinburgh, an authentic copy of this fine ancient Poem was procured, and presented to the public with explanatory notes, and historical and critical dissertations upon it, and the other poetical remains of King James I. printed and published at Edinburgh in the year

1783.

In this new edition, the Editors have scrupulously followed the original printed one mentioned above. This Volume, however, contains "Peb

"lis to the Play," which is not to be found in Mr. Tytler's work, and of which the reader will find a more particular account in a short introduction to the Poem itself, besides other matter, which they hope will prove acceptable to the discerning and inquisitive reader.

These beautiful and elegant compositions have a strong claim to our regard, independent of their intrinsic value; when we reflect on the eventful life of this eminent, virtuous, and accomplished Prince; when we view him as a scholar, outstripping all his compeers, in refinement of taste, and knowledge of the arts and sciences; when we consider him as a lover, pure in his attachment, constant in his affection, and unremitting in his regards to the amiable and lovely companion of his bosom; when we behold him as a King, wise, generous, and beneficent in all his views, directing his whole attention and spending all his time in devising and enacting salutary laws, and endeavouring by every judicious and prudent method to civilize his subjects, to refine their manners, and ameliorate their condition; when we see him possessing all those qualities that are calculated to excite our esteem and regard, all those talents that are fitted equally to charm and

to command; at once the most learned Prince, and the most accomplished cavalier of his day; when all these circumstances are duly taken into consideration, we again repeat, that the writings of such a truly great and patriotic Prince "have a "strong claim to our regard, even independent "of their intrinsic worth." Having said so much with respect to our author, we might now endeavour to point out the various beauties of his works; but the able, learned, and interesting dissertations on his life and writings, and on the Scottish music, render it quite unnecessary for us to say any thing further. We shall therefore conclude this short address, by expressing our hope, that the present edition, with respect to its form and execution, will meet with general approbation; and that like its predecessor, it will prove attractive to the antiquarian, the critic, the poet, and the philosopher, and, in general, to all those who are lovers of the Scottish Muse, and admirers of the works of their celebrated ancestors.

Glasgow, October, 1825.