202 BUITTLE. 



their extensi\-e gifts and improvements, soon convinced tlie Gallo- 

 vidians that they could not get better rulers. In fact, they not 

 only became loved, but almost worshipped by the people. Under 

 their rule Galloway enjoyed a term of peace and prosperity un- 

 exampled for centuries past, and agriculture received an impetus 

 such as it never had before. Their happy home-life, their devo- 

 tion to each other, and their numerous princely gifts, won over the 

 hearts of the Gallovidians, and thus the " (]uiet neuk " of Buittle 

 became a perfect Eden of peace and prosperity. Dervorguil had 

 four sons, Hugh, Alan, who died young, Alexander, who died in 

 1279, and John, who afterwards became King of Scotland. 



John de Balliol died in 1269. This was not only a terrible loss 

 to Dervorguil, but also to the whole of the Province of Galloway. 

 Balliol loved Galloway, and the people had learned to love and 

 trust him in return. So great was the grief of Dervorguil that she 

 had his heart taken out of his bosom and placed in a small ebony 

 and silver casket, or cophyne, which it is said she carried about 

 with her wherever she went. Tradition even says that she placed 

 it before her when at meals, in order that she would always be 

 reminded of the presence of the dearest and best of husbands. 

 For twenty years after his death she resided at "Botle," and 

 reigned a queen in the hearts of the people. She continued to 

 develop the resources of the Province, and devoted all her 

 energies towards the amelioration of her rude and uncouth sub- 

 jects. In accordance with her husband's intentions she founded 

 and endowed Balliol College, Oxford, the grant being dated 

 " apud Botle, 1283." She also erected the old bridge over the 

 Nith, and granted the tolls to the Monks. The old bridge still 

 stands to-dav, not only as a monument to her name, but also a 

 marvel of her generosity and utilitarianism. She founded the 

 Abbacia Dulcis Cordis (Sweetheart Abbey) in memory of her 

 husband. She also built and endowed a monastery for Black 

 Friars at Wigtown, and one for Grey Friars at Dumfries. She 

 ialso built a monastery at Dundee. 



Dervorguil died whilst on a visit to Barnard Castle in 1289. 

 ; In accordance with her expressed wish her remains were brought 

 home and buried in Sweetheart Abbey, the ebony and silver 

 .casket, containing her husband's heart, being placed upon her 

 bosom. Xo finer epitaph could be written of her than that by old 

 Wyntoun : — 



