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David Lyndsay

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For other people with similar names, seeDavid Lindsay.

Sir David Lyndsay

Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount(c. 1486 – c. 1555; surname sometimes transcribed asLindsay)[1]was a Scottish knight, poet, andheraldwho gained the highest heraldic office ofLyon King of Arms.He remains a well regarded poet whose works reflect the spirit of theRenaissance,specifically as amakar.

Biography[edit]

Lyndsay as depicted on theScott Monument

He was the son of David Lyndsay – second ofthe Mount(Fife), and ofGarmylton(Haddingtonshire) – who diedcirca1503. Lyndsay the younger's place of birth and early education are unknown, but he may have attended theUniversity of St Andrews,on the books of which appears an entry "Da Lindesay" for the session 1508–1509.[2]He was engaged as acourtierin theRoyal Household;first as anequerry,then as anusher(assistant to a head-tutor) to the future KingJames V of Scotland.His poems mention that he was involved in the education of James V and some contain advice for the young king.[3][4]

The Treasurer's Accounts are missing from September 1518 to June 1522. When they recommence, they record a“Jenet Dowglas, spous to David Lindsay maister Ischare to the King”who was a seamstress at court. Thus, it may be inferred that Lyndsay married, in or around 1522, Janet Douglas, a court seamstress.[5]

His first heraldic appointment was asSnowdon Heraldand in 1529 he was appointedLord Lyon King of Arms,and knighted. (Some sources cite 1542 as the year of his knighthood.) He was engaged in diplomatic business (twice abroad in theNetherlandsand France), and was, in virtue of his heraldic office, a general master of ceremonies. He was involved in organising the ceremonies and celebrations welcoming the French brides of James V,Madeleine of Valoisin 1537, andMary of Guisein 1539.[6]

Lyndsay signed the only surviving letter from this time, "Dauid Lyndsay". His handwriting shows no trace of theitalic formsused by those Scots who had finished their education abroad.[7]

After the death of James V, in 1542, Lyndsay continued to sit inParliament of Scotlandas commissioner forCupar,Fife.In 1548, he was member of a mission toDenmarkwhich obtained certain privileges for Scottish merchants. There is reason to believe that he died in or about 1555.[8]

Heraldic works[edit]

Lyndsay's coat of arms, as illustrated in theLindsay of the Mount Roll

In 1542, he produced a Scottishroll of armsknown today as theLindsay of the Mount Roll.It contains 400 Scottish coats of arms, some of which were added later in the 16th century, and forms the basis of the official Scots heraldic registry in use today. A facsimile comprising accurate redrawing of his own drawings was published in Edinburgh in 1878.[9]

Literary works[edit]

Statue of Sir David Lyndsay, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Most of Lyndsay's literary work, by which he secured great reputation in his own day and by which he still lives, was written during the period of prosperity at court. In this respect he is different fromGavin Douglas,who abandoned literature to become a politician. The difference is due partly to the fact that Lyndsay's muse was more occasional and satirical, and that the time was suitable to the exercise of his special gifts. It is more difficult to explain how he enjoyed such unparalleled freedom of speech. He chastised all classes, from his royal master to the most simple. There is no evidence that he abjured Catholicism; yet his leading purpose was the exposure of its errors and abuses. His aid was readily accepted by the reforming party, and by their use of his work he shared with their leaders throughout many generations.[10]

Lyndsay,the Makar,is not behind his fellow-poets in acknowledgment toGeoffrey Chaucer.As piously as they, he reproduces the master's forms; but in him the sentiment and outlook have suffered change. His nearest approach to Chaucer is inThe Historie and Testament of Squyer Meldrum,which recalls the sketch of the"young squire";but the reminiscence is verbal rather than spiritual. Elsewhere his memory serves him less happily, as when he describes the array of the lamentedQueen Magdalenein the words which Chaucer had applied to the eyes of his wanton Friar. So too, in theDreme,the allegorical tradition survives only in the form."Remembrance"conducts the poet over the old-world itinerary, but only to lead him to speculation on Scotland's woes and to an "Exhortatioun to the Kingis Grace" to bring relief. The tenor is well expressed in the motto from theVulgate– "Prophetias nolite spernere. Omnia autem probate: quod bonum est tenete."[11]

This didactic habit is freely exercised in the long poemAne Dialog betwixt Experience and ane Courteor(sometimes called theMonarchie), auniversal historyof themedievaltype, in which the falls of princes by corruption supply an object lesson to the unreformed church of his day.Ane Pleasant Satyre of the Thrie Estaitisis more direct in its attack onecclesiasticalabuse; and its dramatic form permits more lively treatment. This piece is of great historical interest, being the only extant example of a complete Scottish morality. It is in respect of literary quality Lyndsay's best work, and in dramatic construction and delineation of character it holds a high place in this genre. Thefarcicalinterludes (in places too coarse for modern taste) supply many touches of genuine comedy; and throughout the play there are passages, as in the speeches ofVeritie in the First Partand ofDame Chastitiein the "Interlude of the Sowtar and the Taylor," in which word and line are happily conceived.[12]

The Testament of the Papyngo(parrot), drawn in the familiar medieval manner, is another tract for the time, full of admonition to court and clergy. Of his shorter pieces,The Complaynt and Publict Confessions of the Kingis Auld Hound, callit Bagsche, directit to Bawtie, the Kingis best belovit Dog, and his companyconis,and theAnswer to the Kingis Flytinghave a like pulpit resonance. The former is interesting as a forerunner ofBurns's device in the "Twa Dogs".[13]

The Deploratioun of the Death of Queen Magdaleneis in the extravagant style of commemoration illustrated inDunbar'sElegy on the Lord Aubigny.The Justing betwix James Watsoun and Jhone Barbouris a contribution to the popular taste for boisterous fun, in spirit, if not in form, akin to theChristis Kirk on the Greneseries; and indirectly, with Dunbar'sTurnamentandOf ane Blak-Moir,a burlesque of the courtly tourney. Lyndsay approaches Dunbar in his satireThe Supplicatioun in contemptioun of syde taillis( "wide" trains of the ladies), which recalls the older poet's realistic lines on the filthy condition of the city streets. In Lyndsay'sDescriptioun of Pedder Coffeis(pedlars) we have an early example of the studies in vulgar life which are so plentiful in laterScottish literature.InKitteis Confessiounhe returns, but in more sprightly mood, to his attack on the church.[14]

Critical literature[edit]

A complete edition of Lyndsay's poetical works was published byDavid Laingin 3 vols. in 1879. The E.E.T.S. issued the first part of a complete edition in 1865 (ed. F. Hall). Five parts have appeared, four edited by F. Hall, the fifth by J.A.H. Murray. For the bibliography see Laing's 3 vol. edition, u.s. iii. pp. 222 et seq., and the E.E.T.S. edition passim. The Association for Scottish Literary Studies issued Janet Hadley Williams,David Lyndsay, Selected Poems,(2000) freshly establishing texts with detailed notes. See also the editions by Pinkerton (1792), Sibbald (1803), andGeorge Chalmers(1806); and the critical accounts inHenderson'sScottish Vernacular Literature(1898), Gregory Smith'sTransition Period(1900), and J.H. Millar'sLiterary History of Scotland(1903).

A professional work prepared by Lyndsay in theLyon Office,entitled theRegister of Scottish Arms(now preserved in manuscript in theAdvocates' Library), was printed in 1821 and reprinted in 1878. It remains the most authoritative document on Scottishheraldry.TheRothesay Heraldoffered to show the Armorial to the English diplomatThomas Randolphin October 1561, "wherein are all the arms of all the noblemen and barons both new and old that are in Scotland."[15]

Diplomatic duties[edit]

Mission of June 1531[edit]

As Snowdon Herald, Lyndsay was sent to theEmperor Charles Vat the end of June 1531. He was to conclude their Treaty of Perpetual Peace for a duration of 100 years. This would succeed a treaty made 100 years previously. Other business included the long-standing issue ofRobert Barton of Over Barnton's ship theBlack Bark,seized by Spanish pirates off England in 1519.

In his Latin letters to Charles V, James V refers to Lyndsay as "chief herald" or "first of our order."[16]Lyndsay stayed 7 weeks at court with the Emperor andQueen of Hungaryat Brussels.[17]

Mission of March 1532[edit]

Lyndsay was set to go to France as a herald accompanyingThomas Erskine of Haltounand theBishop of Rossin January 1532. This Scottish embassy was delayed till March 1532.[18]The ambassadors were to contract withFrancis I of Francethe marriage of James V toMadeleine of Valois.[19]

England 1535[edit]

Lyndsay as Lion King of Arms accompaniedLord Erskinewith Robert Hart,Rothesay Herald,toWindsor Castle,where they acted as proxy for the installation of James V as a Knight of theOrder of the Garter.After travelling to meet Henry VIII atThornbury Castle,they returned to London, where a servant ofThomas Cromwellgave Lindsay £20.[20]

Edinburgh 1540[edit]

Lyndsay conducted the visit of the English ambassadorRalph SadleratHolyroodhousein February 1540 with his assistant Rothesay Herald. They met Sadler, and brought him to James V at the Chapel Royal in the Palace then returned him to his lodgings and dined with him. Later, Lindsay arranged Sadler's meeting withMargaret Tudor,and brought him to meet her again in Chapel on the following Sunday.[21]

England 1543[edit]

After the death of James V, Lyndsay was sent byRegent Arranto England to return the late King's collar, garter, and statutes of theOrder of the GartertoStephen Gardiner,Bishop of Winchester,the prelate of the Order. Henry VIII wrote to Arran that Lindsay had fulfilled his office "right discreetly."[22]

Longer poems[edit]

Other literature[edit]

Lyndsay of the Mount appears as the sympathetic major character inNigel Tranter's well-researchedJames V trilogy:The Riven Realm(1984),James by the Grace of God(1985), andRough Wooing(1987).

Lyndsay's description of theTower of Babelin hisDialog( "The shadow of that hyddeous strength [the Tower of Babel], sax myle and more it is of length" ) is used as the motto of the novelThat Hideous StrengthbyC. S. Lewis,and the book's name is also derived from it.

Lyndsay appears as a character in Sir Walter Scott's epic poemMarmion.He is depicted amongst the sixteen Scottish writers and poets on the lower section of theScott MonumentonPrinces StreetinEdinburgh.He is shown on the left side of the southern face.

Lyndsay of the Mount is a major character inJohn Arden's playArmstrong's Last Goodnightset in 16th-century Scotland.

Arms[edit]

Coat of arms of Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount
Escutcheon
Gules a fess chequy argent and azure between in chief three stars and in base a man's heart argent.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  • This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain:Chisholm, Hugh,ed. (1911). "Lyndsay, Sir David".Encyclopædia Britannica.Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 170–171.
  1. ^Profile,heraldry-scotland.co.uk. Accessed 6 January 2023.
  2. ^Williams, Janet Hadley,Sir David Lyndsay(Glasgow, 2000), p. vii.
  3. ^Antony Hasler,Court Poetry in Late Medieval England and Scotland(Cambridge, 2011), p. 171.
  4. ^Kemp, David (12 January 1992).The Pleasures and Treasures of Britain: A Discerning Traveller's Companion.Dundurn 1992.ISBN9781554883479.Retrieved23 August2015.
  5. ^Williams, Janet Hadley,Sir David Lyndsay(Glasgow, 2000), p. viii.
  6. ^Williams, Janet Hadley,Sir David Lyndsay(Glasgow, 2000), pp. ix-x.
  7. ^Williams, Janet Hadley,Sir David Lyndsay(Glasgow, 2000), p. vii, citingBritish LibraryMS Cotton Caligula B.I fol.313
  8. ^Biography,Encyclopedia.com. Accessed 19 January 2023.
  9. ^"Period Rolls of Arms and Armorials (And how to find them)".Retrieved19 January2023.
  10. ^Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Lyndsay, Sir David". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 170–171.
  11. ^Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Lyndsay, Sir David". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 170–171.
  12. ^Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Lyndsay, Sir David". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 170–171.
  13. ^Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Lyndsay, Sir David". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 170–171.
  14. ^Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Lyndsay, Sir David". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 170–171.
  15. ^Stevenson, Joseph, ed.,Selections from unpublished manuscripts in the College of Arms and the British Museum illustrating the reign of Mary Queen of Scotland,(1837),92
  16. ^Hay, Denys, ed.,Letters of James V,HMSO (1954), 193–194.
  17. ^Letters & Papers Henry VIII,vol. 5 (1880), no. 324, 23 August 1531, Lyndsay to the Secretary (Thomas Erskine of Haltoun).
  18. ^Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland,vol. 6, Edinburgh (1905), 44, 46–47, (the second set of payments for two months allowance was paid)
  19. ^Hay, Denys, ed.,The Letters of James V,HMSO (1954), 212.
  20. ^Letters & Papers Henry VIII,vol. 9, (1886), no. 165.
  21. ^Letters & Papers Henry VIII,vol. 15 (1896), no. 248, Sadler to Henry VIII:Sadler State Papers,vol. 1 (1809), no. 17.
  22. ^Letters & Papers of Henry VIII,vol. 18 part 1 (1901), no. 307, 21 March 1543, no.591, 24 May 1543: James V's copy of the Garter Statutes is now in theNational Library of Scotland,MS 7143.

External links and editions[edit]

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Early English Text Society edition[edit]

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