Prophecies of Thomas Rymer (1)/chapter 2
PROPHECIES
OF
THOMAS RHYMER.
As to his prophetical sayings, they are hard to be understood, because they are pointed out by the coats of arms which appertain to so many different kingdoms and persons. Yet we may observe how he has pointed out plainly many things which have come to pass in our days; such as the extirpation of the noble race of the Stuarts, the Revolution, Sheriff-muir, where he says, that,
Three ships and a shield,
That day'shall keep the field,
And be the antelope's build.
These three ships and a shield, are in the Duke of Argyll's arms.
The rebellion, in 1745, was foretold. When pointing at it, he says,
A Chieftain unchosen,
Shall choose forth himself,
And rule the realm as his own.
When speaking of King Charles, he calls him "a sly fox-bird, that would turn to Christ, with the wiles to toads and foxes," meaning his swearing of the covenants. When speaking of the battle of Prestonpans, in 1745, he names the two neighbouring villages by the spot of ground whereon it was fought, Goyseford and Seton, saying, 'between Seton and the sea, sorrow shall be wrought by the light of the moon', which really came to pass, that morning the battle of Prestonpans was fought. But how the Lion was hurt at this time, and not perceived, is yet a mystery. Some are of opinion, that it was by taking away the power or superiority from the chiefs of the Highland clans, so that they cannot raise men in such a short time as they did formerly.
These are a few of the observations on things already come to pass; and, as to what is yet to come, there is some remark will yet happen, when the time draws nigh; such as, “When Tarbet's Craigs are tumbled into the sea. And the next season or summer thereafter, great sorrow and bloodshed shall happen to this realm, the chief thereof, especially such as harling on sleds, and chopping off heads." This Tarbet stands near the root of the river Clyde; but whether it being tumbled into the sea shall happen by an earthquake, thunder, or by the hands of men, is an unknown mystery.
There is also mention made of a Lord with a lucken or Unble hand which certainly is of royal blood, and will breed great stir and confusion in Britain. This man is alive at this present age, and of the Stuart's race now in Italy. There is plainly pointed out, that in his time, a great battle should be seen in Fife,
Where saddled horses should be seen,
Tied unto the trees green
In Fife and on the four chief rivers of the realm, there would be a battle, that should make the rivers run with blood, viz. Tweed, Clyde, Forth, and Tay.— A bloody battle in Northumberland, on the river Tyne. Also, great havoc about the walls of Berwick. All these things are yet to come to pass, and when the first appears, the rest will soon follow after.