The Dregy of Dunbar

The Dregy is apparently an appeal to James IV of Scotland asking him to return to Edinburgh from an extended period of residence in Stirling in order to make life more pleasant for his courtiers.

Stirling is repeatedly depicted as being dull, austere and uncomfortable when compared to the sophisticated pleasures of the capital.

[1][2] Out of pity, the courtiers of Edinburgh, 'here in heaven's glory' are writing to their fellows in Stirling 'where neither pleasure nor delight is'.

Dunbar writes that he intends to visit Stirling, like Gabriel, to inform the inhabitants of 'purgatory' that their 'tribulation' was over, allowing them to pass to 'heaven'.A final appeal is made to abandon 'penance and abstinence' and to return before the start of Christmas celebrations.

In a style reminiscent of the Goliards, its language echoes that of the Office of the Dead as well as that of the Lord's Prayer and the Requiem.

[3] The king spent regular Easter retreats at the burgh's Franciscan friary, which he had founded.

[3] Given that the Franciscans were famous for their frugal Mendicant conduct, it seems possible that the poem's many references to penance and abstinence are not entirely comical.