Thomas the, a poet of Scotland, who lived in the 13th century, and whose real name was Sir Thomas Lermont. The life and writings of this poet are involved in much obscurity; but his fame, both as a prophet and poet, has always stood high among his countrymen. Eslemont was the chief family of his name, from which, it is said, he derived his origin; but his family title appears to have been taken from Ercildoun, or as it has been corrupted in modern times, from Earlston, in the county of Berwick, where the remains of his house are still pointed out, and known by the name of Rymer's Tower. The period of the union with England was the crisis of his fame as an inspired poet; for Robert Birrel informs us, that "at this time all the hail commons of Scotland that had red or understanding, wer daylie speking and exponeng of Thomas Rymer hes prophetic, and of other prophesies quhill wer prophesied in auld tymes." It is obvious that he distinguished himself by his poetical works, as we learn from the testimony of early writers. He is commemorated by Robert of Brunne, who lived in the beginning of the 14th century, as the author of Sir Trifrem," a romance lately published by Mr Walter Scott. On a stone still preserved in the front wall of the church of Earlston we meet with this inscription.

"Auld Rymer's race lies in this place."