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BARBOUR

Volume 2 · 141 words · 1778 Edition

(John), arch-deacon 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 late edition of this book is that of Glasgow, 8vo, printed in the year 1672. It is entitled, "The acts and life of the most victorious conqueror Robert Bruce king of Scotland;" wherein also are contained the martial tial deeds of the valiant princes Edward Bruce, Sir James Dowglass, Earl Thomas Randal, Walter Stewart, and sundry others." In one passage, he calls it a "romance," but that word was then of good reputation; everybody knows that the "Romanant of romants" has been innocently applied to true history; as well as the "Ballad of ballads" to a sacred song.