antiquated and obscure. They will, by this means, be better enabled to judge for themselves respecting the notions which some people have entertained of its satirical tendency; particularly, should any one, anxious to vindicate the character of the Scotish Monarch, propose the question,
"Have you heard the argument? Is there no offence in't?"
The poet walks out at the soft season of the year, and, sitting down by the side of a river, (of the pleasures of which place, he declines giving any particular description, in order to avoid prolixity, having, as he says, mekle matter in meter to gloss)—he hears a piteous lamentation, uttered by an owl in a holly tree, who was looking with horror at his own visage in the water. The Owl resolves to appeal to the Pope of Birds, in the hopes, that, through the prayers and intercession of his holiness, Dame Nature may be prevailed upon to alter his appearance, and to schape him a schand bird. Accordingly, he comes to the Peacock, who is Pope, and falling reverently on his knees, receives his braid benesoun or bene-
