9 This mighty nation was to-fore,
Invincible and stout,
Will yield slowly to destiny,
Great pity is but doubt.
10 In former age the Scots renown
Did flourish goodly gay:
But yet alas! will be overcome
With a great dark decay.
11 Then mark and see what is the cause
of this so wond’rous fall!
Contempt of faith, falsehood, deceit,
The wrath of God withal.
12 Unsatiable greed of worldly gain,
Oppression, cries of the poor;
A perpetual and slanderous race,
No justice put in ure.
13 The haughty pride of mighty men,
Of former vice chief cause.
The nutriture of wickedness,
An unjust match of laws.
14 Therefore this cause the prophets
Of long time did presage;
And now has happen’d every point
Into your present age.
15 Since fate is so, now Scotland learn
In patience to abide
Slanders, great fears, and sudden plagues,
And great dolours beside.
