William Dunbar was a Scottish poet who lived from 1460 to about 1520 most likely as a native of East Lothian, which is just west of the capitol city of Edinburgh. While attending the University of St. Andrews, he earned his Bachelors of Arts as well as his Masters. Upon graduation, Dunbar proceeded to join the order of the Observantine Franciscans, at St. Andrews, and then left for France as a wandering friar.
His literary life begins with his attachment to the James’s household. By 1491 he was