J. F. Campbell Collection > Minstrelsy of the Scottish border > Volume 1

XX INTRODUCTION.
Kerr of Cessford, was committed to ward, from
1525 which the}-^ escaped, to join the party of the exiled
Angus. Leagued with these, and other Border
chiefs, Angus effected his return to Scotland, where
he shortly after acquired possession of the supreme
power, and of the person of the youthful King.
*' The ancient power of the Douglasses," says the
accurate historian, whom I have so often referred
to, " seemed to have revived ; and, after a slumber
*' of near a century, again to threaten destruction
" to the Scottish monarchy."" — Pinkehton, vol. II.
p. 277.
In fact, the time now returned, when no one durst
strive with a Douglas, or with his follower. For,
although Angus used the outward pageant of con-
ducting the King around the country, for punishing
thieves and traitors, " yet," says Pitscottie, " none
" were found greater than were in his own com-
" pany." The high spirit of the young King was
" of Baclw vas put in the castell of Edinbrouh, the Erl of Len-
" ness hath past hyz vay vythout lycyens, and in despyt ; and
" thynkyth to make the brek that he may, and to solyst other
" lordis to tak hyz part ; for the said laird of Bavklw vas hyz
" man, and dyd the gretyst ewelyz that myght be dwn, and
" twk part playnly vyth theffyz as is well known." — Cot.
MSS. Califf. B. I.