Descendants of the Stuarts

APPENDIX. 327
fined by circumstances to thoughtfulness and retirement, had
discovered the most judicious line of policy, when all around
it was turbulence and error, and a few centuries later they
would have been hailed as the highest virtues in a sovereign.
Humility, a deep conviction of the vanity of human grandeur,
a sense of his own sinfulness, and aspirations for the happiness
of a better world, were sentiments which he deeply felt and
frequently expressed/' In person, tall, and of a princely
presence.*
David, Duke of Rothsay. — " In person, elegant, with a
sweet and handsome countenance, excelled in all knightly
accomplishments, courteous and easy in his manners. His
acquaintance with the literature of the age gave a peculiar
refinement to his character." Valiant, chivalrous, enterprising,
and generous ; but gay, turbulent, and dissolute. f
James I. — " The personal accomplishments of this prince,"
says Ty tier, " were of a high character ; he was a reformer of
the language and of the poetry of his country ; he sang beau-
tifully, and not only accompanied himself upon the harp and the
organ, but composed various airs and pieces of sacred music,
in which there was to be recognised the same original and in-
ventive genius which distinguished this remarkable man in
everything to which he applied his mind." Talented,
courageous, wise, just, and severe. Confirmatory of our re-
marks upon the Stuarts, Robertson observes : '^ It was the
misfortune of James that his maxims and manners were too
refined for the age in which he lived. Happy had he reigned
in a kingdom more civilized ; his love of peace, of justice, and
of elegance, would have rendered his schemes successful, and
instead of perishing because he had attempted too much, a
grateful people would have applauded and seconded his efforts
to reform and improve them." J Pinkerton writes : — " James
* Bowar, Tytler, E,obertson, Buchanan, Pinkerton, Scott,
t Tytler, Scott, Noble.
X Fordun, Robertson, Buchanan, Pinkerton, Tytler, Drummond, Scott,
Noble.
2 A 2