[This work is by John Barbour (sometimes written Barber, Barbere, and
Barbare), an eminent Scottish metrical historian. It has been said that
he received his education at the Abbey of Aberbrothock, where he took
orders, and obtained a living near Aberdeen. Dr. Henry supposes Barbour
to have become Archdeacon of Aberdeen in 1356. It is probable he died
towards the close of 1395. His poem has passed through several
editions, and is considered of high historical value. The earlier
editions are those of Edinburgh, 1616, 1670, 12mo. In 1790, Pinkerton
published "the first genuine edition from a MS. dated 1489, with notes
and a Glossary." The best edition, however, is that by Dr. Jamieson,
with Notes, and Life of the Author, Edinb. 4to. 1820.]
_Coronation Custom._--At the coronations of Henry IV. and Richard III. a
ceremony was performed which seems to indicate some idea of the elective
sovereignty in England. The archbishop stood at each of the four corners of
the dais in succession, and asked from thence the consent of the assembled
Commons (Heylin, _Reform._, 1st edit., p. 32.). Did this ever take place at
the coronation of English monarchs whose succession was not disputed?