To understand fully the position of affairs which gave birth to the Complaynt of Scotland, it will be necessary to take a brief retrospect of the political history of the country during the period which immediately preceded the appearance of the work.

TO THE EXCELLENT AND ILLVSTIR Marie Quene of Scotlande,
the margareit and perle of princessis.
The immortal gloir, that procedis be the rycht lyne of vertu, fra ȝour magnanime auansing of the public veil of the affligit realme of scotlande, is abundantly dilatit athort al cuntries....