AN ACCOUNT
OF
SIR THOMAS LEARMONT.
Sir Thomas Learmont, commonly called Thomas Rhymer, was born in the east corner of Fife, of a good family. His prophecies have been more credited than any that were ever recorded in the Scots Chronicle, as they have been well attested, what of them (illegible text)past, and what they allude to, in this present century and period, and of his (illegible text)ark sayings yet to come.
He told many mystical prophecies (illegible text)nent all the kings of Europe, and what (illegible text)ell out according to his prediction, in this ancient kingdom of Scotland, what was past, present, and to come.
This account is taken from the Records of Cryle, near which place he was born and brought up.
His father was said to be Laird of Balcomie, and the Records of that family are extant among the rolls, for the assisting at several councils for the honour of Scotland. And Sir Thomas Rhymer's prophecies and sayings are still held in esteem.
He lived in the reign of Alexander III, king of Scotland, in the year 1248 much regarded, and knighted by the king that same year.
The first of his prophecies ever taken to be faithfully observed, was, That there would be a storm on a certain day, that would surprise all Scotland. Some gentlemen being with him that day, they began to joke him, and said Sir Thomas, you are now mistaken and we shall stay and see your mistake as we have heard so much of your prophecies. He told then to stay an hour longer, and they would see and believe. In an hoar an express came to Sir Thomas, from Edinburgh, of the death of Margaret, queen of Alexander III. On receiving the news, Sir Thomas said, that this was the storm, and i would give rise to greater commotions in Scotland.
After the death of Queen Margaret, the King married Isabel, daughter of the Earl of Druix; and Sir Thomas told within a few months of an earthquake at Kinghorn, that would make Scotland tremble. An express accordingly came to Clyde to Sir Thomas, that the king had fell from his horse at Kinghorn, and broke his neck. Alexander left no heir, except a grandchild, Margaret, daughter of the King of Norway. She, also, soon died. A short time before her death, she was betrothed to Edward, King of England. After this, there were great commotions anent the succession of the crown of Scotland, which occasioned great bloodshed, particularly betwixt Bruce and Baliol, which are recorded in the Scottish history.
The pride of Spain, and the deceitful conduct of the French, as also concerning the Dutch, was foresold. Likewise the battle of Torwood, Bothwel Bridge, Killicrankie, Sheriff-muir, Preston, Falkirk, and Culloden.
In forty-five, eighty-two, and three,
Sir Thomas' works do certify.