2 'OLD Q' 



shares with other contemporary houses the halo of 

 legend before their later accession to knighthood, 

 accompanied by the designation 'of that ilk/ borne 

 by chieftains until their heads were encircled by the 

 coronet of nobility. 



The earliest tradition concerning the Douglases 

 goes as far back as a.d. 767 ; and he who is thus 

 handed down gained renown and fortune by a 

 practical demonstration of the 'dash' of his race, 

 afterwards commemorated by their motto — Jamais 

 arriere. 



The first Douglas acquired renown in the highest 

 and most creditable cause possible — that of king and 

 country. Tradition claims that this hero succoured 

 Solvathius, king of Scotland, when most sorely 

 harassed by an usurper, one Donald Bane or Bayne, 

 who was utterly routed by the timely advent of one 

 who bore a then common appellation, derived either 

 from personal traits or characteristics. 



In the latter originated the name of this family; 

 when Solvathius asked how his zealous partisan was 

 designated, the answer was, ' Sholto Duglasse — yonder 

 black, grey man,' as the hero came forward to receive 

 the thanks and favour of his sovereign. 



This legend, fictional as it is, is only one of many 

 which destroy their own poetry by a singular mis- 



