Of Ane Blak-Moir

"Of Ane Blak-Moir" is a short comic poem in Scots by William Dunbar (born 1459 or 1460).

It takes the form of a hymn in praise of a beautiful lady, but is a parody of the form. The lady addressed is apparently an African woman playing a role in a chivalric pageant. It is one of the first references to someone of Sub-Saharan African origin living in Scotland.

The text of the poem is preserved in the Maitland Folio Manuscript.

"Of Ane Blak-Moir" is written in five short and simple stanzas. The tone is one of scurrilous comedy. In the first two stanzas, the poet describes his subject's unfamiliar complexion and features in comically impolite terms.

The humorous description is continued. A punning reference to The nycht/The Knycht desiring to be her champion is made.

The fourth stanza relates how "My ladye with the mekle lippis" is the object of other knights' attention. The man who "for her sake with spear and shield proves most mightily in the field", shall win the lady.

The final stanza tells of the fate of those "who in the field receives shame".

William Dunbar was a poet employed at the court of King James IV from 1500 to at least 1513. He often composed poetry which marked courtly events.

James' reign (1488 to 1513) coincided with the era of Portuguese exploration which established firm contact between Europe and Africa. James licensed Scots privateers to attack Portuguese shipping, and so provided one potential route for African people to reach Scotland. The accounts of the Treasurer of Scotland recorded the employment of some Africans at James' court. These people were referred to variously as "mores" or "blak ladeis". Some of these women were employed in Edinburgh Castle in the household of Lady Margaret, the daughter of the King and Margaret Drummond. One woman's name was recorded as "Ellen More".

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