rized the present reading by precept and example.1 Excepting the above particulars, and a very few errors of the pen, or press, it is hoped this edition of Sir Tristrem will be found sufficiently

accurate.

The conclusion, necessary to complete the romance, has been attempted by the Editor, in the same stanza and diction with the original. The Notes contain illustrations of the text, from the romances and history of the middle ages, and particular notices of the correspondence, or discrepancy, occurring betwixt Thomas's narration, and subsequent works on the same theme. The reader will also find some miscellaneous observations, naturally introduced by the subject, though not immediately connected with it. Of the Glossary little need be said. The labours of Macpherson and Sibbald have greatly removed the difficulties of such a compilation. The Editor had seldom attempted to trace any word to its root, convinced that what we suppose a radical, may be only a synonymous phrase, in a cognate

2

In printing the word Remnild, in preference to Riniuild.

The editor of Wintoun's Chronicle, executed in a style of unequalled accuracy and elegance.

dialect, both referring to some common original. The meaning of the words is therefore given as they occur in the poem, without any pretence to compiling a dictionary.1

It only remains to acknowledge the kindness and liberality of those friends, by whose assistance the Editor has been enabled to complete his undertaking. The library of the late John, Duke of Roxburghe, containing an invaluable collection of books of chivalry, was open to the Editor at all times, while a short stay in London permitted him to consult its treasures. The modest and retired disposition of the noble proprietor exacted a promise that this benefit should not be publicly acknowledged,—a promise no longer binding, when, alas! the just debt of gratitude can neither be construed into flattery, nor

1 The important national task of a Dictionary of the Scottish language is in much better hands. Dr. John Jamieson of Edinburgh has been long toiling in that difficult and laborious undertaking; and surely it is only necessary to say that such a work is in agitation, to secure the patronage of every antiquary and philologist.-Early Edition. This work has now been published, and has fully realized the expectations generally entertained from Dr. Jamieson's learning and industry.

2

give pain to him to whose memory it is rendered. To Francis Douce, Esq.1 the Editor owes the communication of those invaluable Fragments, without which it would have been impossible to illustrate the text. Mr. Heber, whose extensive and well-selected collection is dedicated to the general service of literature, as well as to individual enjoyment, has, with his usual liberality, indulged the Editor with the use of the rare French prose folios of Tristan and Meliadus, without which he could not have satisfactorily proceeded in his labours. Of Mr. Ellis's kindness it is better to say nothing than too little; the reader may judge, from the beautiful Abstract of the French Metrical Fragments of the Lay of Marie, communicated by that gentleman, a part (and it is but a small part) of the Editor's obligation. To Mr. Owen, as already mentioned, the Editor owes much information respecting the Welsh traditions on the subject of Sir Tristrem.

1 [Author of Illustrations of Shakspeare, &c.-ED.] 2 [Richard Heber, Esq., long M.P. for the University of Oxford.-ED.]

3 [George Ellis, Esq., author of the Specimens of Ancient English Romance, &c. &c.-ED.]

To those friends mentioned in former editions, I have now to add the name of Mr. Henry Weber, whose extensive acquaintance with ancient poetry has been displayed in his late excellent edition of Metrical Romances. To his kindness I owe some valuable notes, besides the Account of the German Romances on the subject of Sir Tristrem, for which I have already expressed my gratitude. It remains to mention Dr. John Leyden, a name which will not be soon forgotten in Scottish literature, although its owner has been called to a far distant field of labour. At the commencement of this work, he gave his active. and assiduous assistance; and had he remained in Britain till circumstances enabled the Editor to resume his task after a long discontinuance, it would have been now offered with more confidence to the public. Such as it is, the labour which it has cost has been dictated by no other motive, than the laudable, if ineffectual wish, of contributing to the history of early English literature.

1

1 So stands the passage in the earlier editions. Unhappily, it is now necessary to add, that Mr. Ellis, Mr. Weber, and Dr. Leyden, are no more.

APPENDIX, No. I.

CHARTER

GRANTED BY

THE SON AND HEIR OF THOMAS OF

ERCELDOUN.

ΤΟ

THE CONVENT OF SOLTRA.

From the Chartulary of the Trinity House of Soltra,
Advocates' Library, W. 4. 14.

ERSYLTON.

OMNIBUS has literas visuris vel audituris Thomas de Ercildoun filius et heres Thomæ Rymour de Ercildoun salutem in Domino. Noveritis me per fustem et baculum in pleno judicio resignasse ac per presentes quietem clamasse pro me et heredibus meis