Prophecies of Thomas Rymer (3)/Chapter 4
A CURIOUS ANECDOTE
OF RYMER'S BEING
Robbed by a Cobler in Kirkcaldy.
In the year 1262, when Scotland was long afflicted with a severe famine, Rymer returning from a summer's evening walk, accompanied with only a page, was accosted by a man, who presented his pistol, and in a manner far from hardened resolution, asked him for his money. Rymer observing that he came to the wrong person, and that he could obtain
but little from him, said, "I have but three shillings, which are not worth a scuffle; so much good may they do you; but, as a friend, let me tell you, you are going on in a very bad way." The robber took them, and without asking him for more, walked away, with an air of dejection and terror.
The fellow was no sooner gone, than Thomas ordered his page to follow the robber to observe where he went, and to bring him an account of all he should discover. The boy obeyed, pursued him through several obscure streets, and at length, saw him enter a baker's shop, where he observed him change one of the shillings, and buy a large brown loaf. With this solitary purchase the robber went a few doors further, and, entering an alley, ascended several pair of stairs. The boy crept up after him to the topmost story, where he saw him go into a room, which was no otherwise illuminated than by the friendy light of the moon; and peeping through a crevice, he perceived the wretched man cast the loaf on the floor, and, burling into tears, cried out, "There, eat your fill; this is the dearest loaf I ever bought: I have robbed a gentleman of three shillings; let us husband them vell, and let me have no more teazings; for soon or late these doings must bring me to ruin. The expostulations were answered by those of the whole family: and his wife, having at length calmed the agony of his mind, took up the loaf, and cutting it, gave four pieces to four poor starving children.—The page having thus performed his commission, returned home, and gave his master an account of all he had seen and heard.—Satisfied with this account, Rymer ascended to the Shoe-maker's lodging, and knocked at the door: It was opened by the unhappy man himself; who knowing him at first sight to be the gentleman whom he had robbed, prostrated himself at his feet. Rymer desired him to make no noise, assuring him that he had not the least intention to hurt him.—"You have a good character, said he, among your neighbours; but you must expect your life will be cut short, if you are so wicked as to continue the freedoms you took with me. Hold your hand, here are 30 shillings to buy leather; husband it well, and set your children a laudable example." Well done Thomas.
Scotland be sad now, and lament,
for honours thou hast lost,
But yet rejoice in better times,
which will repay the cost.
Fair Scotia's enemies may invade,
but not escape a plague:
With sword & thirst, & tears & pest,
with fears and such-like ague.