$IO [Proc. B.N.F.C. 



THE SCOTTISH ARMS. 



2nd Quarter — Or, within a doubh-tressure flnry counter flory, 

 a lion rampant gules. 



On the accession of James VI. of Scotland to the English 

 throne as James I., the Scottish arms were quartered for the 

 first time with those of England and Ireland. 



Though we may not, like some Scottish antiquarians, be 

 prepared to refer the origin of the " ruddy lion rampant " of 

 Scotland to the mythical King Fergus, it can unquestionably 

 lay claim to great antiquity. The earliest representation of it 

 appears distinctly upon the seal of William King of Scotland, 

 who died in 12 14. It is probably from this circumstance that 

 he received the title of " the Lion." After describing at length 

 the oeculiar features of the Royal Shield of Scotland, with 

 some special reference to the origin of the " double-tressure 

 flory counter flory," Mr. Vinycomb added that, as a matter of 

 fact, the double tressure first appears upon the seal of Alexander 

 III., 125 1 — 1286. Lyon King of Arms is the title of the chief 

 herald for Scotland, and the establishment over which he 

 presides is styled the " Lyon Office." 



Sir Walter Scott, who had the most intimate acquaintance 

 with the gentle science of armorie and all heraldic lore, fre- 

 quently introduces such allusions and descriptions in his 

 writings in the happiest manner. Witness his description of 

 the old Scottish poet, Sir David Lindsay, of the Mount, as 

 Lyon King of Arms : — 



" From his steed's shoulder, loin, and breast 



Silk housings swept the ground, 



With Scotland's arms, device, and crest 



Embroidered round and round. 



The double tressure might you see 



First by Achaius borne j 



The thistle and the fleur-de-lis, 



And gallant unicorn. 



So bright the King's armorial coat 



That scarce one dazzled eye could note, 



In living colours blazoned brave 



The lion which his title gave." 



