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

THE SCOTTISH BOllDER. 5
The unfortunate voyage of Sir Patrick Spens may
really have taken place, for the purpose of bringing back
the Maid of Norway to her own kingdom ; a purpose
which was probably defeated by the jealousy of the
Norwegians, and the reluctance of King Eric. I find
no traces of the disaster in Scottish history ; but, when
we consider the meagre materials, whence Scottish his-
tory is drawn, this is no conclusive argument against
the truth of the tradition. That a Scottish vessel, sent
upon such an embassy, must, as represented in the bal-
lad, have been freighted with the noblest youth in the
kingdom, is sufficiently probable ; and, having been de-
layed in Norway, till the tempestuous season was come
on, its fate can be no matter of surprise. The ambas-
sadors, finally sent by the Scottish nation to receive
their Queen, were Sir David Wemyss of Wemyss, and
Sir Michael Scot of Balwearie; the same, whose know-
ledge, surpassing that of his age, procured him the re-
putation of a wizard. But, perhaps, the expedition of
Sir Patrick Spens was previous to their embassy. The
introduction of the King into the ballad seems a devia-
tion from history ; unless we suppose, that Alexander
was, before his death, desirous to see his grand-child
and heir.
The Scottish monarchs were much addicted to " sit
in Dunfermline town," previous to the accession of the
Bruce dynasty. It was a favourite abode of Alexander
himself, who was killed by a fall from his horse, in the
vicinity, and was buried in the Abbey of Dunfermline.