Bannatyne Manuscript

The manuscript contains texts of the poems of the great makars, many anonymous Scots pieces and works by medieval English poets.

[15] Walter Scott took an interest in the document[16] and participated in an eponymous club dedicated to the study and publication of historic Scots literature.

[21] It includes Robert Henryson's "Ane Prayer for the Pest", Alexander Scott's translations of the first and fifty-first psalms, William Dunbar's "The Tabill Of Confessioun", "Rorate Celi Desuper" and "Done Is A Battell On The Dragon Blak" and John Lydgate's "O Creaturis Creat{sic} Of Me Your Creator.

[22] The second section also contains the prologue to the ninth book of Gavin Douglas' Eneados and Alexander Scott's "Ane New Yeir Gift to Quene Mary".

[23][24] Scott's work is represented by "The Slicht Remeid Of Luve", "Ane Ballat Maid To The Derisioun And Scorne Of Wantoun Wemen", "The Justing And Debait Up At The Drum" and "Of May".

[23][24] "The Thrid Pairt" also contains The Wife of Auchtermuchty, "Kynd Kittock", How The First Helandman of God Was Maid, "Christis Kirk On The Green" and Quhy Sowld Nocht Allane Honorit Be.

[23][24] Three poems in this section address specific women: Margaret Fleming, Grisel 'Crissell' Sandilands, and Jonet Reid, all of which are attributed to Robert Sempill.

Ten of Henryson's Morall Fabillis are included alongside the same author's Orpheus and Euridice, "Robene And Makyne" and "The Bludy Serk".

[29] A poem added to the appendices by Allan Ramsay in 1726 pays tribute to the poetry of the Bannatyne Manuscript and records his use of it in compiling "The Ever Green" of 1724, while borrowed from Carmichael of Skirling.

Thrice fifty and sax towmonds neat, Frae when it was colected, Let worthy poets hope good fate, Throw time they'll be respected.

And will bleez bright in that clear mind, That loves the antient strains, Like good Carmichael, patron kind, To whom this book pertains.