Tracts, legal and historical

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tury ; and there is a historical incident connected
with them that is singular and curious. They bear,
as is well known, the double tressure, a part of the
royal insignia, round their arms, with other addi-
tions, in consequence, as is said, of the striking
loyalty of an ancestor towards James V., which is
commemorated by Sir Walter Scott. 1 That prince,
by a warrant dated at Fala-muire, 27th of July
1542, proceeding upon a preamble, that John Scot
of Thirlestane came " to our host at Sautra-edge
with three-score and ten launders," and was will-
ing to go with him to England, " when all our
nobles, and others refused," therefore for his meri-
torious services upon that occasion, when " he was
ready to stake all at our bidding," the King com-
mands the " lyon-herald or his deputes," to grant
1 " His ready lances Thirlestane brave
Arrayed beneath a banner bright,
The tressured fleur-de-lis he claims
To wreathe his shield, since royal James
Encamp'd by Fala's mossy wave,
The proud distinction grateful gave,
For faith 'midst feudal jars ;
What time, save Thirlestane alone
Of Scotland's stubborn barons none
Would march to southern wars ;
And hence, in fair remembrance worn,
Yon sheaf of spears his crest has borne ;
Hence his high motto shines revealed, —
' Ready, aye Ready,' for the field."
Lay of the Last Minstrel, iv. 8.