the same age with that which was made (of the lands in England) by our Edward the First; and possibly the names of [E] Rageman and Bagimont were heretofore one and the same. What this or the other means, or how both have been corrupted, let the nicer etymologists inquire.” [A] De Verb. Sign. in voce Bagimont. [B] It should be Alex. [C] Vide Spotswood, lib. 2. p. 46. (3) Parl. 6. Ja. 3. Act 43. [D] Parl. 4. St. 39. [E] Vide D. Hen. Spelman. Gloss. in voce Rageman, and Repository of Records, p. 26. Had this candid and generally correct writer referred to Fordun, Book X. chap, xvii., he might have satisfied himself as to the date, origin, and nature of this roll, as well as the name and character of its author. The alteration of Bagimont to Rageman, is evidently an English corruption, which the writers of that country ought to be best able to explain. Ragman’s Roll, as a roll of vassalage to Edward, is unknown to _ancient_ English and Scottish historians. [28] Hailes, 137, 138. [29] Hailes, 155, 156. [30] Vol. ii. p. 443 & 444. [31] Vol. ii. p. 187. 3d edition. [32] Chron. Melrose, p. 179. [33] Hoveden, fol. 420. [34] Fœdera, vol. i. p. 155. [35] Icelandic Chronicle. [36] Hailes, 188, 189. [37] This reply of Alexander has been noticed, by various historians, as an uncommon instance of the precocity of the Royal intellect. Lord Hailes speaks of it as displaying “prudence and resolution superior to his years.” Without detracting from the merits of Alexander, it might with more propriety be considered as merely the well-conned lesson given him by the watchful guardians of the independence of his crown, whom experience had taught to be prepared for the attempt. [38] The following quotation is from the work of a learned Englishman. “There is” (inter Poemata, M.S. D. R. Maithland, p. _S. Pepys_, Armig.) “a manuscript account of _Robert_ the Third’s contest with our _Henry_ the Fourth, upon the subject of Homage; in the conclusion whereof (after the word _Finis_) is this inscription--The _Ring_ (for _Reign_) _of the Roy_ Robert, _made be Dean_ David Steill. In this the King of _England_ summons _Robert_ to do fealty at _London_. _Eftir the richt of_ Brutus _King_, _Quhilck had all Ingland in governing_, &c. In return to which, ’tis affirm’d that Scotland _evir yit hes bene free_, _Sin_ Scota of Ægypt _tuick the see_.