Blackwell Reference Online

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The most widely read of the Middle Scots poets from the Reformation down to the eighteenth century, Sir David Lindsay (or Lyndsay) of the Mount (c. 1486–1555) is best known as the author of Ane satyre of the thrie estaitis (1552), Scotland's earliest surviving play text and one of the finest examples of the morality genre. Born around 1486, Lindsay began his career as a courtier during the reign of James IV. In the course of more than 30 years of royal service, he travelled widely on diplomatic business in his capacity as a herald, and played a key role in court ceremonial. He married Janet Douglas in 1522. By 1542 he was a knight, and had become Lyon King of Arms, Scotland's chief heraldic officer. Following the death of James V in 1542, Lindsay was less closely involved in court affairs, and his later works adopt a wider perspective, reflecting on the political and religious upheaval of the early Reformation. Lindsay died in 1555. He was first associated with drama: court records from 1511 indicate that he performed before James IV and Queen Margaret at Holyrood Abbey. His work as a poet is not documented until around 1526–28. His earliest surviving poem, The dreme (1528, possibly revised from 1526), is an allegorical vision in the advice-to-princes mode, addressed to James V at the beginning of his rule. It combines traditional moral advice with social commentary on the state ... log in or subscribe to read full text