xx MEMOIR OF SIR J. G. DALYELL. 



the translator's own predilection for the study of natural history, and by 

 his means various interesting and astonishing facts were communicated to 

 the British public. 



In 1801 appeared, in two volumes 12mo,* " Scottish Poems of the 

 Sixteenth Century." The principal of these was a reprint of that curious 

 collection " Ane Compendiovs Booke of Godly and Spiritvall Songs, col- 

 lectit out of sundrie partes of the Scripture, with sundrie of other Ballates 

 changed out of Prophaine Sanges, for avoyding of Sinne and Harlotrie, 

 with augmentation of sundrie gude and Godly Ballates, not contained in 

 the first edition." Thirty years previously Lord Hailes published some 

 specimens of these songs, but Sir John gave the entire collection. In 

 doing so, he had to draw from various sources, none of the existing copies 

 being complete in themselves. The " Booke" is altogether a singular pro- 

 duction, and no doubt the work of several hands. 



" Long before this," (says Sir John,) " there was a Scottish version of the Psalms, 

 and, at an early stage of the Reformation, this was renewed. A metrical catechism had 

 likewise been compiled by an eminent reformer. They have been ascribed to one Wedder- 

 burn, of whom we know little. But there were three authors of that name, all endowed 

 with a poetical talent. The eldest, it has been noticed, wrote tragedies and comedies. The 

 second was first a Catholic, and then turned Protestant. Being persecuted as a heretic by 

 the clergy, he fled to Germany, where he heard Luther and Melancthon. He translated 

 many of Luther's principles into Scottish verse, and changed many obscene songs and rhymes 

 into hymns. After the death of James V., he returned to Scotland. But, having again 

 been accused of heresy, he fled into England, where he probably died about the year 1556. 

 The third author was Vicar of Dundee ; and, in learning, is said to have surpassed the other 

 two. He went to Paris, and there associated with the Reformers ; and, at Cardinal Beaton's 

 death, returned to his native country. ' He turned the tunes and tenour of many profane 

 ballads into Godlie songs and hymnes, which were called the Psalmes of Dundee ; whereby Le 

 stirred up the affections of many.' Whether this will be esteemed decisive evidence of the 

 author or not, these poems were probably written merely to serve the present occasion ; and 

 the more literary reformers might have a share in them. Indeed, the very same expressions 

 are frequently to be found in their other works. One observes he is in prison for religion." 



Of the age of the originals Sir John hazards no opinion. Nor are 



* There were large paper copies in 8vo, one volume. But the published sets were in two 

 vols. 12mo. 



