(approx.) 3/18/1286:

Death of Alexander III of Scotland.

On the day before the king's death, Thomas of Ercildoune (Thomas the Rhymer) foretold that "before the next day at noon, such a tempest shall blow as Scotland has not felt for many years before."

The next day, the sky being clear, Thomas was called an imposter.

He replied that the storm had just begun. And indeed, Scotland was to be plagued by fire and sword from that day until the victory of Bannockburn in 1314 finally lifted the English sword from their necks. Thus was Thomas's reputation established.

          Syne they they came on to a garden green, [ie, Thomas & the queen of fairies]
          And she pu'd an apple frae a tree:
          "Take this for thy wages, True Thomas
          It will give the tongue that can never lie."
  
                  "Thomas Rymer" Child #37(B) [thanx Bob Waltz]

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