Sir William, a Scottish poet, was the eldest son of Sir William Mure of Rowallan, and was born about 1594. Before his twentieth year he had written some English verses, and had attempted a version of the story of Eneas and Didon. In 1617 the visit of the King to Scotland called forth from Mure a poetical address, which is still preserved in the collection entitled The Muse's Welcome. For some time after the death of his father he passed his days in rural retirement, adorning the grounds and mansion of his family estate. The outbreak of the civil commotions of 1637 summoned him to action. Adopting the popular side, he served in the first army that was raised against the King, sat in the convention that ratified the Solemn League and Covenant with England in 1643, joined the parliamentary troops in the following year, and was wounded at Long Marston Moor. Sir William Mure died in 1657. Some of his poems, and an account of his life, are given in a book entitled Ancient Ballads and Songs, chiefly from Tradition, Manuscripts, and scarce Works, with Biographical and Illustrative Notices, including Original Poetry, by Thomas Lyle, London, 1827.