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The earliest extant poem in the Scots language laments the death of King Alexander III and the end of the 'golden age' associated with his reign.

Quhen Alysandyr oure kyng wes dede
That Scotland led in luive and le.
Away wes sonce of ale and brede,
Of wyne and wax, of gamyn and gle;
Oure gold wes changed into lede.
Cryst! Borne into Virgynyte,
Succour Scotland and remede,
That stad is in perplexyte.

[When Alexander our King was dead,
That Scotland led in love and peace,
Away the abundance of ale and bread,
Of wine and wax, of game and merriment.
Our gold was changed into lead—
Christ! born into virginity,
Help Scotland and cure
That state in trouble.]