JAMES VI. TO RESTORATION OF CHARLES 11. 91
In the following year, the Common Council purchased the elevated ground lying to the
south of the city, denominated the High Riggs, on part of which Heriot’s Hospital was
afterwards built, and the latest extension of the city wall then took place for the purpose
of enclosing it. A portion of this wall still forms the western boundary of the Hospital
grounds, terminating at the head of the Vennel, in the only remaining tower of the ancient
city wall. The close of the succeeding year was signalised by the visit of Ben Jonson, on
his way to Hawthornden, the seat of the poet Drummond, where the memory of his
residence is still preserved.
The accession of Charles I. was marked by demands for heavy contributions, for the
purpose of fitting out ships, and erecting forts for securing the coasts of the kingdom.
The Common Council of Edinburgh entered so zealously into this measure, that the King
addressed to them a special letter of thanks ; and as a further proof of his gratitude, he
presented the Provost with a gown, to be worn according to King James’s appointment,
and a sword to be borne before him on all public occasions.
The citizens were kept for several years in anticipation of another royal visit, which
was at length accomplished in 1633. The same loyalty was displayed, as on similar occasions,
for receiving the King with suitable splendour. The celebrated poet, Drummond
of Hawthornden, was appointed to address him on this occasion, which he did in a
speech little less extravagant than that with which the town-clerk had hailed his royal
father’s arrival.
The King was received at
the West Port by the nymph Edina, and again at the Overbow by the lady Caledonia, each
of whom welcomed him in copious verse, attributed to Drummond’s pen. The members
of the College added their quota, and Mercury, Apollo, Endymion, the Moon, and a whole
host of celestial visitants made trial of the royal patience in lengthy @ymes !
Fergus I. received the King at the Tolbooth, and “in a grave speech gave many
paternal and wholesome advices to his royal successor ; ” and Mount Parnassus was
erected at the Trone, “with a great variety of vegetables, rocks, and other decorations
peculiar to mountains,’’ and crowded with all its ancient inhabitants. The whole fantastic
exhibition cost the city upwards of 3241,000 Scottish money!’ The most interesting
feature on the occasion was a series of the chief works of Jamesone, the famous Scottish
painter, with which the Nether Bow Port was adorned. This eminent artist continued to
reside in Edinburgh till his death, in 1644. He was buried in the Greyfriars’ Churchyard,
but without a monument, and tradition has failed to preserve any record of the
spot.
This hearty reception by the citizens of Edinburgh was followed by his coronation, on
the 18th of June, in the Abbey Church of Holyrood, with the utmost splendour and pomp ;
but the King was not long gone ere the discontents of the people were manifested by murmuring
and complaints. Under the guidance of Laud, Charles had resolved to carry out
the favourite project of his father, for the complete establishment of Episcopacy in Scotland
; but he lacked the cautious prudence of James, no less than the wise councillors of
Elizabeth. He erected Edinburgh into a separate diocese, taking for that purpose a portion
of the ancient Metropolitan See of St Andrews, and appointed the Collegiate Church
The orator’s poetical skill was nest called into requisition.
Maitland, p. 63-69.
