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5Lately a land of rich increase,
a nation stout and true,
Has lost their former dear estate,
which they did hold of due.
6By hard conflict, and by the chance
of noble Fortune's force,
Thy hap and thy prosperity
may turn unto worse.
7Tho' wont to won, may be subdu'd,
and come in under yoke;
Strangers may reign, and you destroy,
what likes him by sword's stroke.
8A foreign foe, whom neither thy force
nor manners do approve,
Woe is to thee, by guile and slight,
will only win above.
9This mighty nation was to-fore,
invincible and stout,
Will yield slowly to destiny;
great pity is but doubt.
10In former age the Scots renown,
did flourish goodly gay:
But yet, alas! will be overcome
with a great dark decay.
11Then mark and see what is the cause,
of this so wond'rous fall!
Contempt of faith, falshood, deceit,
the wrath of God withal.
