some weeks ago in a vault at Dumferline. It is written on vellum in a fair Gothic
character, but so much defaced by time, as you'll find that the tenth part is not
legible." He then gives the whole fragment as it was first published in 1719, save one
or two stanzas, marking several passages as having perished by being illegible in the
old manuscript. Hence it appears that Sir John was the author ofHardyknute, but
afterwards used Mrs. Wardlaw to be the midwife of his poetry, and suppressed the
story of the vault; as is well observed by the editor of the Tragic Ballads, and of
Maitland'sScot. Poets, vol. i. p. cxxvii.
To this gentleman we are indebted for the use of the copy, whence the second
edition was afterwards printed, as the same was prepared for the press by John Clerk,
M. D. of Edinburgh, an intimate companion of Lord President Forbes.
The title of the first edition was, "Hardyknute, a Fragment. Edinburgh, printed
for James Watson, &c. 1719. folio, 12 pages."
Stanzas not in the first edition are, Nos. 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 34, 35, 36, 37,
41, 42.
In the present impression the orthography of Dr. Clerk's copy has been
preserved, and his readings carefully followed, except in a few instances, wherein the
common edition appeared preferable.
The Editor was also informed, on the authority of Dr. David Clerk, M.D. of
Edinburgh (son of the aforesaid Dr. John Clerk), that between the present stanzas 36
and 37, the two following had been intended, but were on maturer consideration
omitted, and do not now appear among the MS. additions:
Now darts flew wavering through slaw speed,
Scarce could they reach their aim;
Or reach'd, scarce blood the round point drew,
'Twas all but shot in vain:
Right strengthy arms forfeebled grew,
Sair wreck'd wi' that day's toils:
E'en fierce-born minds now lang'd for peace,
And curs'd war's cruel broils.
Yet still wars horns sounded to charge,
Swords clash'd and harness rang;
But saftly sae ilk blaster blew
The hills and dales fraemang.
Nae echo heard in double dints,
Nor the lang-winding horn,
Nae mair she blew out brade as she
Did eir that summers morn.