Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A DESCRIPTION OF WALLACE, by HENRY THE MINSTREL


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A DESCRIPTION OF WALLACE, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Wallace stature of greatness, and of hicht
Last Line: Bot knawin enemies they couth him nocht dissave.
Alternate Author Name(s): Blind Harry; Harry The Minstre
Variant Title(s): Schir William Wallace
Subject(s): Wallace, Sir William (1270-1305)


WALLACE stature of greatness, and of hicht,
Was jugit thus, be discretioun of richt,
That saw him baith dissembill and in weid;
Nine quarteris large he was in lenth indeed;
Thrid part lenth in shouldris braid was he,
Richt seemly, strang, and lusty for to see;
His limbis great, with stalwart pace and sound,
His browis hard, his armes great and round;
His handis made richt like till a pawmer,
Of manlike mak, with nailes great and clear;
Proportionit lang and fair was his visage;
Richt sad of speech, and able in courage;
Braid breist and heich, with sturdy crag and great;
His lippis round, his nose was square and great;
Bowand broun hairit, on browis and breeis licht,
Clear aspre een, like diamondis bricht.
Under the chin, on the left side, was seen,
Be hurt, a wain; his colour was sanguine.
Woundis he had in mony divers place,
Bot fair and weil keepit was his face.
Of riches he keepit no proper thing;
Gave as he wan, like Alexander the king.
In time of peace, meek as a maid was he;
Whar weir approachit the right Ector was he.
To Scottis men a great credence he gave;
Bot knawin enemies they couth him nocht dissave.





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