Prophecies of Thomas the Rhymer (3)/Chapter 1
A
SHORT ACCOUNT
OF
Sir Thomas Learmant,
THE RHYMER.
Sir Thomas Learmant, commonly called Thomas Rhymer, was born in the east corner of Fife, of a good family. His Prophecies 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 prophecies 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 Rhymer's prophecies 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 prophecies 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 prophecies. He told them to stay ran 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 Clyde to Sir Thomas, that the King had fallen from his horse at Kinghorn, and broke his neck. 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 were 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 of Torwood, Bothwelbridge, Malplackie, Killycrankie, Sheriff-muir, Proud Preston, near Glad's-muir, Falkirk, Culloden, and the Camps in Morayshire, and on the Windmill brae at Aberdeen, by General Coup, and at Dunbar.
In forty-five, eighty-two and three,
Sir Thomas' Works doth certify.
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