with an ode written by the poet She there shall dress a sweeter sod Collins in 1746: 'How sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's wishes blest! When Spring, with dewy fingers cold, Returns to deck their hallow'd mould, Than Fancy's feet have ever trod. 'By Fairy hands their knell is rung, By forms unseen their dirge is sung! There Honour comes, a pilgrim grey, To bless the turf that wraps their clay; And Freedom shall awhile repair I love the sailor-his eventhal Fe His generous spirit-his contempt of dingen "-C.x SIR ANDREW WOOD SIR FRANCIS DRAKE STR WALTER ALE hazardous service, informing OUR first example of the warrior on land was a Scotchman-Sir the council that no ten ships William Wallace. The noble of Scotland would dare to as history of the northern division sault his two vessels, such was of our island also furnishes the his strength in men and artillery, first example of the naval hero. and such his maritime and m He was the famous tary skill SIR ANDREW WOOD. Sir Andrew Wood received a grant of Largo from James III. in 1483, which was confirmed by James Iv. in 1488 and 1497. He was early celebrated for his courage and naval skill. When the council of James Iv. wished to punish Wood, who had been strongly attached to the unfortunate prince James III., they applied to the shipmasters of Leith to seize him and his vessels. But they declined the The barrenness of naval transactions in Scottish history renders the deeds of Wood not a little singular and interesting; for which reason, the minute relation of Lindsay will be fol lowed here : 'Five English vessels had entered the Forth and despoiled some mercantile ships belonging to Scotland and herallies. James IV. and his council, irritated by the indignity, eagerly desired vengeance, but could not prevail upon any masters of ships to proceed against the enemy, till they applied to Sir Andrew Wood of Largo, whom they incited by large offers of men and artillery, of royal favours and rewards. chant vessels to Flanders, expecting that peace was established in England. The English captain seized some fishing boats, and retained the mariners, that by their information he might not mistake his object. 'On a summer morn, a little after dawn, one of the English shipmasters descried two vessels. coming under sail by St. Abb's Head. The prisoners were ordered to the tops, that they might declare whether these vessels were Wood's or not; and upon their hesitation, freedom being offered in case this was the expected prey, they an 'Being furnished with an ample provision of men, cannon, and arms, Wood proceeded with his two ships, the Flower and the Yellow Carvel, against the English, who were also not deficient in artillery; and finding them opposite to Dunbar, an obstinate and sanguinary conflict ensued. Wood's extreme courage and naval skill at length procured him the victory. The five English vessels were taken and brought to Leith, and the commander pre-nounced the Scottish admiral. sented to the king and council. The spirit and conduct of Wood were recompensed by honourable rewards, by the favour of James and the nobles, and also by the loud voice of public fame. 'Henry VII., concerned at the unusual disgrace of the English flag inflicted by a power unknown in the annals of the sea, offered a large yearly sum to any commander who should capture Wood. But the skill, valour, and fortune of the Scottish leader were now so celebrated, that fear repressed avarice. At length Stephen Bull, an English officer, engaged to seize Wood dead or alive, and was provided with three stout ships, completely equipped for war. Bull passing to the Forth, anchored behind the Isle of May, where he awaited the return of Wood, who had escorted some mer Bull, with the exultation of English courage, ordered the preparations for battle; and after distributing wine, commanded all to their stations. 'Wood advanced, unconscious of foes, till he perceived the three ships under sail and attired for combat. He instantly prepared, and addressed his men in the plain and boisterous phrase of the sea: "There, my lads, are the foes who expect to convey us in bonds to the English king; but by your courage and the help of God they shall fail. Set yourselves in order, every man to his station; charge, gunners; let the cross-bows be ready; have the lime-pots and fire-balls to the tops; two-handed swords to the fore-rooms. Be stout, be diligent, for your own sakes, and for the honour of this realm." Wine was then dealt round, and the |