Prophecies of Thomas Rymer (3)/Chapter 1

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SHORT ACCOUNT

OF

Sir THOMAS LEARMONT,

Commonly called,

THOMAS the RYMER.

Sir Thomas Learmont commonly called, Thomas the Rymer, was born in the east corner of Fife, of a good family. His Prophesies have been more credited than any that were ever recorded in the Scots Chronicle, as they have been well attested, what of them is past, and what they allude to, in this present century and period, and of his dark sayings yet to come.

He told many mystical prophesies anent all the kings of Europe, and what fell out according to his prediction, in this ancient kingdom of Scotland; what is past, present and to come.

This brief account is taken from the Records of Cryle, near which place he was born and brought up.

His father was said to be Laird of Balcomie; and the Records of that family is extant in the Rolls, for their assisting at several Councils for the honour of Scotland. And Sir Thomas Rymer's Prophesies and sayings are still held in esteem.

He lived in the reign of Alexander III. King of Scotland, in the year One thousand, two hundred and forty-eight, much regarded, and knighted by that king that same year.

The first of his prophesies ever taken to be faithfully observed, was, That there should be a storm on a certain day, that would surprise all Scotland. Now, some gentlemen being with him that day, they began to joke him, and said, Sir Thomas, you are now mistaken, and we shall stay and see your mistake, as we have heard so much of your prophesies. He told them to stay an hour longer, and they would see and believe. And in less time than the hour, an express arrived to Sir Thomas from Edinburgh, of the death of Margaret, Queen to Alexander III. who died that day. Upon receiving the news, Sir Thomas told them that this was the storm, and it would give rise to greater commotions in Scotland.

After the death of Queen Margaret, the king married Isabel, daughter to the Earl of Driux: And Sir Thomas told, within a few months, of an earthquake at Kinghorn, that would make Scotland tremble. An express accordingly came to Cryle to Sir Thomas, that the King had fallen from his horse at Kinghorn, and broke his neck, which happened accordingly. After the death of Alexander, he left no heirs, except a grandchild, Margaret, daughter to the King of Norway, who also soon died; but a short time before her death, she was betrothed to Edward, King of England. After this there was great commotions anent the succession to the crown of Scotland, which occasioned great bloodshed, particularly betwixt Bruce and Baliol, which you have recorded in the Scottish Histories.

The pride of Spain, and the deceitful conduct of the French, as also concerning the Dutch, is all foretold. Likewise the Scots battles, at Tor-wood, Bothwel-bridge, Malplackie, Shirreff-muir, Proud-Preston, near Gladsmuir, Falkirk, Culloden, and the Camps in Morayshire, and on the Wind-mill-brae at Aberdeen, by General Coup. And at Dunbar,

In Forty-five, eighty-two and three,
Sir Thomas Works doth certifie.

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 plain1y, many things which has come to pass in our days; such as the extirpation of the noble race of the Stewarts, the Revolution, Sherriffmuir: Where he says,

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 Argyle's Arms.

And even every particular of the rebellion in 1745 and 46: When pointing at it, he says,

A Chieftan unchosen
Shall choose forth himself,
And rule the realms as his own

When speaking of King Charles, he calls him, "A sly fox-bird, who would turn to Christ, with the wyles of tods and foxes." Meaning his swearing of the covenants.

When speaking of the Battle of Preston-pans, in the year 1745, he names the very two neighbouring villages to the spot of ground whereon it was fought, viz. Goyseford-green, and Seton, saying, "Between Seton and the sea, sorrow should be wrought by the light of the moon." Which act really came to pass, that morning the battle of Preston-Pans 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 the power or superiority from the Chiefs of the Highland Clans, so that they cannot raise men in such a short time as formerly.

These are a few of the observations we make 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 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 its being tumbled into the sea, shall happen by an earthquake, thunder, or by the hands of men, is a mystery unknown.

There is also mention made of a Lord with a lucken or double hand, which certainly is of royal blood, and will breed great stir and confusion in Britain. This man is alive in this very present age, and of the Stewart's race, now in Italy. There is plainly pointed out, that in his time, a great battle shall be seen in Fife,

Where saddled horses should be seen,
Tied unto the trees green.

Not only in Fife, but the four chief rivers of the realm, there should be a battle on each of them, that should make the rivers run with blood, viz. Tweed, Clyde, Forth and Tay.

Last of all, a bloody, desperate battle in Northumberland, on the river Tyne. Also great havock and slaughter about the broad walls of Berwick. All these things are yet to come to pass: and when the first appears, the rest will soon follow after.

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