BARBOUR (John), archdeacon of Aberdeen, was esteemed an elegant poet in the reign of David I. He wrote the history of Robert the Bruce, in an heroic poem, which is still extant, and which contains many facts and anecdotes omitted by other historians. The latest edition of this book is that of Glasgow, 8vo, printed in the year 1672. It is intitled, "The acts and life of the most victorious conqueror Robert Bruce king of Scotland; wherein also are contained the martial deeds of the valiant prince Edward Bruce, Sir James Dowglas, Earl Thomas Randal, Walter Steward, and sundry others." In one passage, he calls it a romance; but that word was then of good reputation: every body knows that the 'Romane of romaunts' has been innocently applied to true history; as well as the 'Ballad of ballads' to a sacred song.