Hehastaenherbythemilk-whitehand,Andsoftlylaidherdown,Andwhenhe'sliftedherupagainGivenherasilverkaim.
"Perhapstheremaybebairns,kindsir,Perhapstheremaybenane;
Butifyoubeacourtier,You'lltelltomeyourname."
"Iamnacourtier,fairmaid,Butnewcomefraethesea;
Iamnaecourtier,fairmaid,ButwhenIcourt'iththee.
"TheycallmeJackwhenI'mabroad,SometimestheycallmeJohn;
ButwhenI'minmyfather'sbowerJockRandalismyname."
"Yelee,yelee,yebonnylad,Saeloud'sIhearyelee!
ForI'mLordRandal'syaedaughter,Hehasnaemairnorme."
"Yelee,yelee,yebonnymay,Saeloud'sIhearyelee!
ForI'mLordRandal'syaeyaeson,Justnowcomeoerthesea."
She'sputtenherhanddownbyherspareAndoutshe'staenaknife,Andshehasputn'tinherheart'sbluid,Andtaenawayherlife.
Andhe'staenuphisbonnysister,Withthebigtearinhiseen,AndhehasburiedhisbonnysisterAmangthehollinsgreen.
Andsynehe'shyedhimoerthedale,Hisfatherdeartosee:
"SingOandOformybonnyhind,Beneathyonhollintree!"
"Whatneedsyoucareforyourbonnyhyn?
Forityouneednacare;
There'saughtscorehynsinyonderpark,Andfivescorehynstospare.
"Fourscoreofthemaresiller-shod,Ofthaeyemaygetthree;"
"ButOandOformybonnyhyn,Beneathyonhollintree!"
"Whatneedsyoucareforyourbonnyhyn?
Forityouneednacare;
Takeyouthebest,gimethewarst,Sinceplentyistospare."
"Icarenaforyourhyns,mylord,Icarenaforyourfee;
ButOandOformybonnyhyn,Beneaththehollintree!"
"Owereyeatyoursister'sbower,Yoursisterfairtosee,Ye'llthinknamairoyourbonnyhynBeneaththehollintree."
Ballad:YoungBichamChild,vol.ii.
InLondoncitywasBichamborn,Helongdstrangecountriesfortosee,ButhewastaenbyasavageMoor,Whohandldhimrightcruely.
Forthrohisshoulderheputabore,Anthrotheborehaspittenatree,Andhe'sgardhimdrawthecartsowine,Wherehorseandoxenhadwonttobe.
He'scasten[him]inadungeondeep,Wherehecoudneitherhearnorsee;
He'sshuthimupinaprisonstrong,Anhe'shandldhimrightcruely.
OthisMoorhehadbutaedaughter,IwothernamewasShusyPye;
She'sdoenhertotheprison-house,Andshe'scalldyoungBichamonewordby.
"Ohaeyeonylandsorrents,Orcitysinyouraincountry,Coudfreeyououtofprisonstrong,Ancoudmaintainaladyfree?"
OLondoncityismyown,Anothercitystwaorthree,Coudloosemeoutoprisonstrong,Ancouldmaintainaladyfree."
Oshehasbribedherfather'smenWimeiklegoudandwhitemoney,She'sgottenthekeyotheprisondoors,AndshehassetYoungBichamfree.
She'sgi'nhimaloafogoodwhitebread,ButanaflaskoSpanishwine,Anshebadhimmindontheladie'sloveThatsaekindlyfreedhimoutopine.
"Gosetyourfootongoodship-board,Anhasteyoubacktoyouraincountry,Anbeforethatsevenyearshasanend,Comebackagain,love,andmarryme."
ItwaslongorsevenyearshadanendShelongdfusairherlovetosee;
She'ssetherfootongoodship-board,Anturndherbackonheraincountry.
She'ssaildup,sohasshedown,Tillshecametotheotherside;
She'slandedatYoungBicham'sgates,AnIhopthisdayshesalbehisbride.
"IsthisYoungBicham'sgates?"saysshe.
"Oristhatnobleprincewithin?"
"He'supthestairwihisbonnybride,Anmonnyalordandladywihim."
"Ohashetaenabonnybride,Anhashecleanforgottenme?"
Ansighingsaidthatgaylady,"IwishIwereinmyaincountry!"
She'spittenherbaninherpocket,Angintheporterguineasthree;
Says,"Takeyethat,yeproudporter,Anbidthebridegroomspeaktome."
Owhantheportercameupthestair,He'sfa'nlowdownuponhisknee:
"Wonup,wonup,yeproudporter,Andwhatmakesa'thiscourtesy?"
"OI'vebeenporteratyourgatesThismairnorsevenyearsanthree,ButthereisaladyatthemnowThelikeofwhomIneverdidsee.
"Foroneveryfingershehasaring,Anonthemid-fingershehasthree,Anthere'sasmeiklegoudaboonherbrowAswoudbuyanearldomolantome."
ThenupitstartedYoungBicham,AnswaresoloudbyOurLady,"ItcanbenanebutShusyPyeThathascomeoortheseatome."
Oquicklyranhedownthestair,Ofifteenstepshehasmadebutthree,He'stanehisbonnyloveinhisarmsAnawothekissdhertenderly.
"Ohaeyoutaneabonnybride?
Anhaeyouquiteforsakenme?
AnhaeyequiteforgottenherThatgaeyoulifeanliberty?"
She'slookitoerherleftshoulderTohidethetearsstoodinheree;
"Nowfaretheewell,YoungBicham,"shesays,"I'llstrivetothinknaemaironthee."
"Takebackyourdaughter,madam,"hesays,"AnadoubledowryI'llgieherwi;
ForImaunmarrymyfirsttruelove,That'sdoneandsufferedsomuchforme."
He'stakhisbonnylovebythehan,Andledhertoyonfountainstane;
He'schangedhernamefraeShusyPye,Anhe'scaldherhisbonnylove,LadyJane.
Ballad:TheLovingBalladOfLordBatemanChild,vol.ii.Cockneycopy.
LordBatemanwasanoblelord,Anoblelordofhighdegree;
Heshippedhimselfallaboardofaship,Someforeigncountryfortosee.
Hesailedeast,hesailedwest,UntilhecametofamedTurkey,Wherehewastakenandputtoprison,Untilhislifewasquiteweary.
Allinthisprisontheregrewatree,Othereitgrewsostoutandstrong!
Wherehewaschainedallbythemiddle,Untilhislifewasalmostgone.
ThisTurkhehadoneonlydaughter,Thefairestmytwoeyeseersee;
Shestealthekeysofherfather'sprison,AndsworeLordBatemanshewouldletgofree.
Oshetookhimtoherfather'scellar,Andgavetohimthebestofwine;
AndeveryhealthshedrankuntohimWas"Iwish,LordBateman,asyouwasmine."
"Ohaveyougothouses,haveyougotland,AnddoesNorthumberlandbelongtothee?
AndwhatwouldyougivetothefairyoungladyAsoutofprisonwouldletyougofree?"
"OI'vegothousesandI'vegotland,AndhalfNorthumberlandbelongstome;
AndIwillgiveitalltothefairyoungladyAsoutofprisonwouldletmegofree."
"OinsevenlongyearsI'llmakeavowForsevenlongyears,andkeepitstrong,Thatifyou'llwednootherwoman,OIwillwednootherman."
Oshetookhimtoherfather'sharbor,Andgavetohimashipoffame,Saying,"Farewell,farewelltoyou,LordBateman,IfearIshallneverseeyouagain."
Nowsevenlongyearsisgoneandpast,Andfourteendays,wellknowntome;
Shepackedupallhergayclothing,AndsworeLordBatemanshewouldgosee.
OwhenshearrivedatLordBateman'scastle,Howboldlythensherangthebell!
"Who'sthere?who'sthere?"criestheproudyoungporter,"Ocomeuntomeprayquicklytell."
"OisthishereLordBateman'scastle,Andishislordshipherewithin?"
"Oyes,Oyes,"criestheproudyoungporter,"He'sjustnowtakinghisyoungbridein."
"Obidhimtosendmeasliceofbread,Andabottleoftheverybestwine,AndnotforgettingthefairyoungladyAsdidreleasehimwhencloseconfine."
Oawayandawaywentthisproudyoungporter,Oawayandawayandawaywenthe,UntilhecametoLordBateman'schamber,Wherehewentdownonhisbendedknee.
"Whatnews,whatnews,myproudyoungporter?
Whatnews,whatnews?cometelltome:"
"OthereisthefairestyoungladyAsevermytwoeyesdidsee.
"Shehasgotringsoneveryfinger,Andononefingershehasgotthree;
WithasmuchgaygoldabouthermiddleAswouldbuyhalfNorthumberlee.
"Oshebidsyoutosendherasliceofbread,Andabottleoftheverybestwine,AndnotforgettingthefairyoungladyAsdidreleaseyouwhencloseconfine."
LordBatemantheninpassionflew,Andbrokehisswordinsplintersthree,Saying,"Iwillgivehalfofmyfather'sland,IfsobeasSophiahascrossedthesea."
Thenupandspokethisyoungbride'smother,Whoneverwasheardtospeaksofree;
Saying,"You'llnotforgetmyonlydaughter,IfsobeSophiahascrossedthesea."
"Oit'strueImadeabrideofyourdaughter,Butshe'sneitherthebetternortheworseforme;
Shecametomewithahorseandsaddle,Butshemaygohomeinacoachandthree."
LordBatemanthenpreparedanothermarriage,Withboththeirheartssofullofglee,Saying,"Iwillroamnomoretoforeigncountries,NowthatSophiahascrossedthesea."
Ballad:TheBonnieHouseO'AirlyChild,vol.vii.EarlyEdition.
Itfellonaday,andabonniesummerday,Whenthecorngrewgreenandyellow,ThattherefelloutagreatdisputeBetweenArgyleandAirly.
TheDukeo'MontrosehaswrittentoArgyleTocomeinthemorningearly,An'leadinhismen,bythebackO'Dunkeld,Toplunderthebonniehouseo'Airly.
Theladylook'do'erherwindowsaehie,AndObutshelookedweary!
AndtheresheespiedthegreatArgyleCometoplunderthebonniehouseo'Airly.
"Comedown,comedown,LadyMargaret,"hesays,"Comedownandkissmefairly,Orbeforethemorningcleardaylight,I'llnoleaveastandingstaneinAirly."
"Iwadnakissthee,greatArgyle,Iwadnakisstheefairly,Iwadnakissthee,greatArgyle,GinyoushouldnaleaveastandingstaneAirly."
Hehasta'enherbythemiddlesaesma',Says,"Lady,whereisyourdrury?"
"It'supanddownbythebonnieburnside,AmangtheplantingofAirly."
Theysoughtitup,theysoughtitdown,Theysoughtitlateandearly,Andfounditinthebonniebalm-tree,Thatshinesonthebowling-greeno'Airly,Hehasta'enherbytheleftshoulder,AndObutshegratsairly,Andledherdowntoyongreenbank,Tillheplunderedthebonniehouseo'Airly.
"Oit'sIhaesevenbrawsons,"shesays,"Andtheyoungestne'ersawhisdaddie,Andaltho'Ihadasmonymae,Iwadgiethema'toCharlie.
"Butginmygoodlordhadbeenathame,Asthisnightheiswi'Charlie,TheredurstnaaCampbellina'thewestHaeplunderedthebonniehouseo'Airly.
Ballad:RobRoyChild,vol.vi.EarlyEdition.
RobRoyfromtheHighlandscam,UntotheLawlan'border,TostealawaagayladieTohaudhishouseinorder.
Hecamourethelocko'Lynn,Twentymenhisarmsdidcarry;
Himselgaedin,an'fandherout,Protestinghewouldmany.
"Owillyegaewi'me,"hesays,"Orwillyebemyhoney?
Orwillyebemyweddedwife?
ForIloveyoubestofany."
"Iwinnagaewi'you,"shesays,"NorwillIbeyourhoney,NorwillIbeyourweddedwife;
Youlovemeformymoney."
*****
Buthesetheronacoal-blacksteed,Himsellaponbehindher,An'he'sawatotheHighlandhills,Whareherfrien'stheycannafindher.
*****
"RobRoywasmyfatherca'd,Macgregorwashisname,ladie;
Heledabando'heroesbauld,An'Iamherethesame,ladie.
Becontent,becontent,Becontenttostay,ladie,ForthouartmyweddedwifeUntilthydyingday,ladie.
"Hewasahedgeuntohisfrien's,Aheckletohisfoes,ladie,Everyonethatdursthimwrang,Hetookhimbythenose,ladie.
I'masbold,I'masbold,I'masbold,anmore,ladie;
Hethatdaursdisputemyword,Shallfeelmyguidclaymore,ladie."
Ballad:TheBattleOfKillie-CrankieChild,vol.vii.EarlyEdition.
ClaversandhisHighlandmenCamedownupo'theraw,man,Whobeingstout,gavemonyaclout;
Theladsbegantoclawthen.
Withswordandtergeintotheirhand,Wiwhichtheywerenaeslaw,man,Wimonyafearfulheavysigh,Theladsbegantoclawthen.
O'erbush,o'erbank,o'erditch,o'erstark,Sheflangamangthema',man;
Thebutter-boxgotmanyknocks,Theirriggingspaidfora'then.
Theygottheirpaiks,wisuddenstraiks,Whichtotheirgrieftheysaw,man:
Wiclinkum,clankumo'ertheircrowns,Theladsbegantofa'then.
Hurskiptabout,hurleaptabout,Andflangamangthema',man;
TheEnglishbladesgotbrokenbeads,Theircrownswerecleav'dintwathen.
Thedurkanddoormadetheirlasthour,Andprov'dtheirfinalfa',man;
Theythoughtthedevilhadbeenthere,Thatplay'dthemsicapawthen.
TheSolemnLeagueandCovenantCamewhiggingupthehills,man;
ThoughtHighlandtrewsdurstnotrefuseFortosubscribetheirbillsthen.
InWillie'sname,theythoughtnaganeDurststoptheircourseata',man,Buthur-nane-sell,wimonyaknock,Cry'd,"Furich-Whigsawa',"man.
SirEvanDu,andhismentrue,Camelinkingupthebrink,man;
TheHoganDutchtheyfearedsuch,Theybredahorridstinkthen.
ThetrueMacleanandhisfiercemenCameinamangthema',man;
Nanedurstwithstandhisheavyhand.
Allfledandranawa'then.
OH'ONARI,OH'ONARI,WhyshouldsheloseKingShames,man?
OH'RIGINDI,OH'RIGINDI,Sheshallbreaka'herbanesthen;
WithFURICHINISH,an'stayawhile,Andspeakawordortwa,man,She'sgi'astraike,outo'ertheneck,Beforeyewinawa'then.
Ohfyforshame,ye'rethreeforane,Hur-nane-sell'swontheday,man;
KingShames'red-coatsshouldbehungup,Becausetheyranawa'then.
Hadbenttheirbrows,likeHighlandtrows,Andmadeaslangastay,man,They'dsav'dtheirking,thatsacredthing,AndWillie'dranawa'then.
Ballad:AnnanWaterChild,vol.ii.EarlyEdition.
"Annanwater'swadingdeep,AndmyloveAnnie'swondrousbonny;
AndIamlaithshesuldweetherfeet,BecauseIloveherbestofony.
"Garsaddlemethebonnyblack,-
Garsaddlesune,andmakehimready:
ForIwilldowntheGatehope-Slack,Andalltoseemybonnyladye."-
Hehasloupenonthebonnyblack,Hestirr'dhimwi'thespurrightsairly;
But,orhewantheGatehope-Slack,Ithinkthesteedwaswaeandweary.
Hehasloupenonthebonnygray,Heradetherightgateandtheready;
Itrowhewouldneitherstintnorstay,Forhewasseekinghisbonnyladye.
Ohehasriddeno'erfieldandfell,Throughmuirandmoss,andmonyamire;
Hisspurso'steelweresairtobide,Andfraherfore-feetflewthefire.
"Now,bonnygrey,nowplayyourpart!
Ginyebethesteedthatwinsmydeary,Wi'cornandhayye'sebefedforaye,Andneverspursallmakeyouwearie."
Thegraywasamare,andarightgoodmare;
ButwhenshewantheAnnanwater,Shecouldnahaeriddenafurlongmair,Hadathousandmerksbeenwaddedather.
"Oboatman,boatman,putoffyourboat!
Putoffyourboatforgowdenmonie!
Icrossthedrumlystreamthenight,OrnevermairIseemyhoney."-
"OIwasswornsaelateyestreen,Andnotbyaeaith,butbymany;
Andfora'thegowdinfairScotland,IdarenatakeyethroughtoAnnie."
Thesidewasstey,andthebottomdeep,Fraebanktobraethewaterpouring;
Andthebonnygreymaredidsweatforfear,Forsheheardthewater-kelpyroaring.
Ohehaspou'daffhisdapperpycoat,Thesilverbuttonsglancedbonny;
Thewaistcoatburstedaffhisbreast,Hewassaefullofmelancholy.
Hehasta'enthefordatthatstreamtail;
Iwotheswambothstrongandsteady;
Butthestreamwasbroad,andhisstrengthdidfail,Andheneversawhisbonnyladye.
"Owaebetidethefrushsaughwand!
Andwaebetidethebushofbrier!
Itbrakeintomytruelove'shand,Whenhisstrengthdidfail,andhislimbsdidtire.
"Andwaebetideye,Annanwater,Thisnightthatyeareadrumlieriver!
ForovertheeI'llbuildabridge,Thatyenevermoretruelovemaysever."-
Ballad:TheElphinNourriceC.K.Sharpe.
Iheardacowlow,abonniecowlow,An'acowlowdowninyonglen;
Lang,langwillmyyoungsongreet,Orhismitherbidhimcomeben.
Iheardacowlow,abonniecowlow,An'acowlowdowninyonfauld;
Lang,langwillmyyoungsongreet,Orismithertakehimfraecauld.
Waken,QueenofElfan,AnhearyourNourricemoan.
Omoanyeforyourmeat,Ormoanyeforyourfee,OrmoanyefortheitherbountiesThatladiesarewonttogie?
Imoannaformymeat,Noryetformyfee,ButImournforChristenedland-
It'sthereIfainwouldbe.
Onursemybairn,Nourice,shesays,Tillhestan'atyourknee,An'ye'swinhametoChristenland,Wharfainit'syewadbe.
Okeepmybairn,Nourice,Tillhegangbythehauld,An'ye'swinhametoyouryoungson,Yeleftinfournightsauld.
Ballad:CospatrickMackay.
Cospatrickhassento'erthefaem;
Cospatrickbroughthisladyehame;
Andfourscoreshipshavecomeherwi',Theladyebythegreen-woodtree.
Thereweretwal'andtwal'wi'bakenbread,Andtwal'andtwal'wi'gowdsaered,Andtwal'andtwal'wi'boutedflour,Andtwal'andtwal'wi'theparamour.
SweetWillywasawidow'sson,Andatherstirruphedidrun;
Andshewascladinthefinestpall,Butayeshelootthetearsdownfall.
"Oisyoursaddlesetawrye?
Orridesyoursteedforyouowrehigh?
Orareyoumourning,inyourtide,ThatyousuldbeCospatrick'sbride?"
"Iamnotmourning,atthistide,ThatIsuldheCospatrick'sbride;
ButIamsorrowinginmymood,ThatIsuldleavemymothergood."
"But,gentleboy,cometelltome,Whatisthecustomofthycountrie?"
"Thecustomthereof,mydame,"hesays,"Willillagentleladyeplease.
"Sevenking'sdaughtershasourlordwedded,Andsevenking'sdaughtershasourlordbedded;
Buthe'scuttedtheirbreastsfraetheirbreast-bane,Andsentthemmourninghameagain.
"Yet,ginyou'resurethatyou'reamaid,Yemaygaesafelytohisbed;
Butgifo'thatyebenasure,Thenhiresomedamselo'yourbour."
Theladye'scalledherbour-maiden,Thatwaitingwasuntohertrain.
"FivethousandmarksI'llgietothee,Tosleepthisnightwithmylordforme."
Whenbellswererung,andmasswassayne,Anda'menuntobedweregane,Cospatrickandthebonnymaid,Intoaechambertheywerelaid.
"Nowspeaktome,blankets,andspeaktome,bed,Andspeak,thousheet,enchantedweb;
Andspeak,mysword,thatwinnalie,Isthisatruemaidenthatliesbyme?"
"Itisnotamaidthatyouhaewedded,Butitisamaidthatyouhaebedded;
Itisalealmaidenthatliesbythee,Butnotthemaidenthatitshouldbe."
Owrathfullyheleftthebed,Andwrathfullyhisclaesondid;
Andhehasta'enhimthroughtheha',Andonhismotherhedidca'.
"Iamthemostunhappyman,ThateverwasinChristenland?
Icourtedamaiden,meikandmild,AndIhaegottennaethingbutawomanwi'child."
"Ostay,myson,intothisha',Andsportyewi'yourmerrymena';
AndIwilltothesecretbour,Toseehowitfareswi'yourparamour."
Thecarlineshewasstarkandstare,Sheaffthehingesdangthedure.
"Oisyourbairntolairdorloun,Orisittoyourfather'sgroom?"
"Ohearme,mother,onmyknee,TillmysadstoryItelltothee:
Oweweresisters,sistersseven,Wewerethefairestunderheaven.
"Itfellonasummer'safternoon,Whena'ourtoilsomeworkwasdone,Wecoostthekevilsusamang,Toseewhichsuldtothegreen-woodgang.
"Ohon!alas,forIwasyoungest,Andayemyweirditwasthestrongest!
Thekevilitonmedidfa',Whilkwasthecauseofa'mywoe.
"Fortothegreen-woodImaungae,Topu'theredroseandtheslae;
Topu'theredroseandthethyme,Todeckmymother'sbourandmine.
"Ihadnapu'daflowerbutane,Whenbytherecameagallanthinde,Wi'highcolledhoseandlaighcolledshoon,Andheseemedtobesomeking'sson.
"AndbeImaid,orbeInae,Hekeptmetheretillthecloseo'day;
AndbeImaid,orbeInane,Hekeptmetheretillthedaywasdone.
"Hegaemealocko'hisyellowhair,Andbademekeepitevermair;
Hegaemeacarkneto'bonnybeads,Andbademekeepitagainstmyneeds.
"Hegaetomeagaygoldring,Andbademekeepitabunea'thing."
"Whatdidyewi'thetokensrare,Thatyegatfraethatgallantthere?"
"Obringthatcofferuntome,Anda'thetokensyesallsee."
"Nowstay,daughter,yourbourwithin,WhileIgaeparleywi'myson."
Oshehasta'enherthro'theha',Andonhersonbegantoca':
"Whatdidyewi'thebonnybeads,Ibadeyekeepagainstyourneeds?
"Whatdidyouwi'thegaygoldring,Ibadeyoukeepabunea'thing?"
"Igaethemtoaladyegay,Imetingreen-woodonaday.
"ButIwadgiea'myhallsandtours,Ihadthatladyewithinmybours,ButIwadgiemyverylife,Ihadthatladyetomywife."
"Nowkeep,myson,yourha'sandtours;
Yehavethatbrightburdinyourbours;
Andkeep,myson,yourverylife;
Yehavethatladyetoyourwife."
Now,oramonthwascomeandgane,Theladyeboreabonnyson;
And'twaswrittenonhisbreast-bane,"Cospatrickismyfather'sname."
Ballad:JohnnieArmstrangSomespeakoflords,somespeakoflairds,Andsiclikemenofhighdegree;
OfagentlemanIsingasang,Sometimecall'dLairdofGilnockie.
Thekinghewritesalovingletter,Withhisainhandsaetenderlie,AndhehathsentittoJohnnieArmstrang,Tocomeandspeakwithhimspeedilie.
TheElliotsandArmstrangsdidconvene,Theywereagallantcompanie:
"We'llrideandmeetourlawfulking,AndbringhimsafetoGilnockie.
"Makekinnen3andcaponready,then,Andvenisoningreatplentie;
We'llwelcomehereourroyalking;
Ihopehe'lldineatGilnockie!"
TheyrantheirhorseontheLangholmhowm,Andbraketheirspearswithmeiklemain;
Theladieslookitfraetheirloftwindows-
"Godbringourmenweelhameagain!"
WhenJohnniecamebeforetheking,Withallhismensaebravetosee,Thekinghemovedhisbonnettohim;
Heween'dhewasakingaswellashe.
"MayIfindgrace,mysovereignliege,Graceformyloyalmenandme?
FormynameitisJohnnieArmstrang,Andasubjectofyours,myliege,"saidhe.
"Away,away,thoutraitorstrang!
Outofmysightsoonmay'stthoube!
Igrantedneveratraitor'slife,AndnowI'llnotbeginwiththee."
"Grantmemylife,myliege,myking!
AndabonniegiftI'llgi'etothee;
Fullfour-and-twentymilk-whitesteeds,Wereallfoal'dinaeyeartome.
"I'llgi'etheeallthesemilk-whitesteeds,Thatpranceandnicher4ataspear;
AndasmeiklegudeInglishgilt,5
Asfouroftheirbraidbacksdow6bear."
"Away,away,thoutraitorstrang!
Outofmysightsoonmay'stthoube!
Igrantedneveratraitor'slife,AndnowI'llnotbeginwiththee."
"Grantmemylife,myliege,myking!
AndabonniegiftI'llgi'etothee:
Gudefour-and-twentyganging7mills,Thatgangthro'alltheyeartome.
"Thesefour-and-twentymillscomplete,Shallgangfortheethro'alltheyear;
Andasmeikleofguderedwheat,Asalltheirhappersdowtobear."
"Away,away,thoutraitorstrang!
Outofmysightsoonmay'stthoube!
Igrantedneveratraitor'slife,AndnowI'llnotbeginwiththee."
"Grantmemylife,myliege,myking!
AndagreatgiftI'llgi'etothee:
Bauldfour-and-twentysisters'sonsShallfortheefecht,tho'allshou'dflee."
"Away,away,thoutraitorstrang!
Outofmysightsoonmay'stthoube!
Igrantedneveratraitor'slife,AndnowI'llnotbeginwiththee."
"Grantmemylife,myliege,myking!
AndabravegiftI'llgi'etothee:
AllbetweenhereandNewcastletownShallpaytheiryearlyrenttothee."
"Away,away,thoutraitorstrang!
Outofmysightsoonmay'stthoube!
Igrantedneveratraitor'slife,AndnowI'llnotbeginwiththee."
"Yelied,yelied,now,king,"hesays,"Altho'akingandprinceyebe!
ForI'velovednaethinginmylife,Iweeldaresayit,buthonestie.
"Saveafathorse,andafairwoman,Twabonniedogstokilladeer;
ButEnglandshou'dhavefoundmemealandmault,GifIhadlivedthishundredyear.
"Sheshou'dhavefoundmemealandmault,Andbeefandmuttoninallplentie;
ButneveraScotswifecou'dhavesaid,Thate'erIskaith'dherapuirflee.
"Toseekhetwaterbeneathcauldice,Surelyitisagreatfollie:
Ihaveask'dgraceatagracelessface,Butthereisnaneformymenandme.
"ButhadIkenn'd,ereIcamefraehame,Howunkindthouwou'dstbeentome,Iwou'dha'ekeepittheBorderside,Inspiteofallthyforceandthee.
"WistEngland'skingthatIwasta'en,Oh,ginablythemanhewou'dbe!
ForanceIslewhissister'sson,Andonhisbreast-banebrakatree."
Johnworeagirdleabouthismiddle,Embroider'do'erwithburninggold,Bespangledwiththesamemetal,Maistbeautifulwastobehold.
Therehangninetargats8atJohnnie'shat,Anilkaneworththreehundredpound:
"Whatwantsthatknavethatakingshou'dhave,Buttheswordofhonourandthecrown?
"Oh,wheregottheethesetargats,Johnnie.
Thatblinksaebrawly9aboonthybrie?"
"Igattheminthefieldfechting,10
Where,cruelking,thoudurstnotbe.
"HadImyhorseandharnessgude,AndridingasIwonttobe,Itshou'dhavebeentauldthishundredyear,Themeetingofmykingandme!
"Godbewiththee,Kirsty,11mybrother,LanglivethoulairdofMangertoun!
Langmay'stthouliveontheBorderside,Erethouseethybrotherrideupanddown!
"AndGodhewiththee,Kirsty,myson,Wherethousitsonthynurse'sknee!
Butanthoulivethishundredyear,Thyfather'sbetterthou'ltneverbe.
"Farewell,mybonnieGilnockhall,WhereonEsksidethoustandeststout!
GifIhadlivedbutsevenyearsmair,Iwou'dha'egilttheeroundabout."
Johnmurder'dwasatCarlinrigg,Andallhisgallantcompanie;
ButScotland'sheartwasne'ersaewae,Toseesaemonybravemendie;
BecausetheysavedtheircountrydearFraeEnglishmen!NaneweresaebauldWhileJohnnielivedontheBorderside,Naneofthemdurstcomenearhishauld.
Ballad:EdomO'GordonItfellabouttheMartinmas,Whenthewindblewshrillandcauld,SaidEdomo'Gordontohismen,-
"Wemaundrawtoahald.12
"Andwhatnahaldshallwedrawto,Mymerrymenandme?
WewillgaestraighttoTowiehouse,Toseethatfairladye."
[Theladyestoodonhercastlewall,Beheldbaithdaleanddown;
Thereshewas'wareofahostofmenCameridingtowardsthetown.
"Oh,seeyenot,mymerrymenall,Oh,seeyenotwhatIsee?
MethinksIseeahostofmen;
Imarvelwhotheybe."
Shethoughtithadbeenherownwedlord.
Ashecameridinghame;
Itwasthetraitor,Edomo'Gordon,Whareck'dnaesinnorshame.]
Shehadnaesoonerbuskithersel',Andputtenonhergown,TillEdomo'GordonandhismenWereroundaboutthetown.
Theyhadnaesoonersupperset,Naesoonersaidthegrace,TillEdomo'GordonandhismenWereroundabouttheplace.
Theladyerantohertowerhead,Asfastasshecou'dhie,Toseeif,byherfairspeeches,Shecou'dwithhimagree.
Assoonashesawthisladyefair.
Andheryettsalllockitfast,Hefellintoarageofwrath,Andhisheartwasallaghast.
"Comedowntome,yeladyegay,Comedown,comedowntome;
Thisnightyeshalllyewithinmyarms,Themornmybrideshallbe."
"Iwinnacomedown,yefalseGordon,Iwinnacomedowntothee;
Iwinnaforsakemyaindearlord,Thatissaefarfraeme."
"Gi'eupyourhouse,yeladyefair,Gi'eupyourhousetome;
OrIshallburnyoursel'therein,Botandyourbabiesthree."
"Iwinnagi'eup,yefalseGordon,Tonaesictraitorasthee;
Tho'youshou'dburnmysel'therein,Botandmybabiesthree.
["Butfetchtomemypistolette,Andchargetomemygun;
For,butifIpiercethatbluidybutcher,Mybabeswewillbeundone."
Shestifflystoodonhercastlewall,Andletthebulletsflee;
Shemiss'dthatbluidybutcher'sheart,Tho'sheslewotherthree.]
"Setfiretothehouse!"quo'thefalseGordon,"Sincebettermaynaebe;
AndIwillburnhersel'therein,Botandherbabiesthree."
"Waeworth,waeworthye,Jock,myman,Ipaidyeweelyourfee;
Whypullyeoutthegrund-wa'-stance,Letsinthereek13tome?
"Ande'enwaeworthye,Jock,myman,Ipaidyeweelyourhire;
Whypullyeoutmygrund-wa'-stane,Tomeletsinthefire?"
"Yepaidmeweelmyhire,ladye,Yepaidmeweelmyfee;
ButnowI'mEdomo'Gordon'sman,Mauneitherdoordee."
Oh,thenoutspakeheryoungestson,Satonthenurse'sknee:
Says-"Mitherdear,gi'eo'erthishouse,Forthereekitsmothersme."
["Iwou'dgi'eallmygold,mybairn,Saewou'dIallmyfee,Foraeblastofthewestlin'wind,Toblawthereekfraethee.]
"ButIwinnagi'eupmyhouse,mydear,Tonaesictraitorashe;
Comeweal,comewoe,myjewelsfair,Yemauntakesharewithme."
Oh,thenoutspakeherdaughterdear,Shewasbaithjimpandsmall:
"Oh,rowmeinapairofsheets,Andtowmeo'erthewall."
Theyrow'dherinapairofsheets,Andtow'dhero'erthewall;
ButonthepointofGordon'sspearShegotadeadlyfall.
Oh,bonnie,bonniewashermouth,Andcherrywerehercheeks;
Andclear,clearwasheryellowhair,Whereontheredbluiddreeps.
Thenwithhisspearheturn'dhero'er,Oh,ginherfacewaswan!
Hesaid-"Youarethefirstthate'erIwish'daliveagain."
Heturn'dhero'erando'eragain,Oh,ginherskinwaswhite!
"Imightha'esparedthatbonniefaceToha'ebeensomeman'sdelight.
"Buskandboun,mymerrymenall,ForilldoomsIdoguess;
Icannalookonthatbonnieface,Asitlyesonthegrass!"
"Whalookstofreits,14mymasterdear,Theirfreitswillfollowthem;
Letitne'erbesaidbraveEdomo'GordonWasdauntedwithadame."
[ButwhentheladyesawthefireComeflamingo'erherhead,Shewept,andkissedherchildrentwain;
Said-"Bairns,webeenbutdead."
TheGordonthenhisbugleblew,Andsaid-"Away,away!
ThehouseofTowieisallinaflame,Ihaldittimetogae."]
Oh,thenhespiedheraindearlord,Ashecameo'erthelea;
Hesawhiscastleallinaflame,Asfarashecouldsee.
Thensair,ohsairhismindmisgave,Andoh,hisheartwaswae!
"Puton,puton,mywighty15men,Asfastasyecangae.
"Puton,puton,mywightymen,Asfastasyecandrie;
ForhethatishindmostofthethrangShallne'ergetgudeofme!"
Thensometheyrade,andsometheyran,Fullfastouto'erthebent;
Buteretheforemostcouldwinup,Baithladyeandbabeswerebrent.
[Hewranghishands,herenthishair,Andweptintearfulmood;
"Ah,traitors!forthiscrueldeed,Yeshallweeptearsofbluid."
AndaftertheGordonhehasgane,Saefastashemightdrie;
AndsoonintheGordon'sfoulheart'sbluidHe'swroken16hisdearlayde.]
Andmonywerethemudie17menLaygaspingonthegreen;
AndmonywerethefairladyesLaylemanlessathame.
AndmonywerethemudiemenLaygaspingonthegreen;
ForoffiftymentheGordonbrocht,Therewerebutfivegaedhame.
Andround,androundthewallshewent,Theirashesfortoview;
Atlastintotheflamesheflew,Andbadetheworldadieu.
Ballad:LadyAnneBothwell'sLamentChild,vol.iv.EarlyEdition.
Balow,myboy,lystillandsleep,Itgrievesmesoretoheartheeweep,Ifthou'ltbesilent,I'llbeglad,Thymourningmakesmyheartfullsad.
Balow,myboy,thymother'sjoy,Thyfatherbredonegreatannoy.
Balow,myboy,lystillandsleep,Itgrievesmesoretoheartheeweep.
Balow,mydarling,sleepawhile,Andwhenthouwak'stthensweetlysmile;
Butsmilenotasthyfatherdid,Tocozenmaids,nay,Godforbid;
ForinthineeyehislookIsee,Thetemptinglookthatruin'dme.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Whenhebegantocourtmylove,Andwithhissugar'dwordstomove,Histemptingface,andflatt'ringchear,Intimetomedidnotappear;
ButnowIseethatcruelheCaresneitherforhisbabenorme.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Fareweel,fareaeel,thoufalsestyouthThateverkistawoman'smouth.
LetneveranyaftermeSubmituntothycourtesy!
For,ifheydo,O!cruelthouWiltherabuseandcarenothow!
Balow,myboy,etc.
Iwastoocred'lousatthefirst,Toyieldtheeallamaidendurst.
Thousworeforevertruetoprove,Thyfaithunchang'd,unchang'dthylove;
Butquickasthoughtthechangeiswrought,Thylove'snomair,thypromisenought.
Balow,myboy,etc.
IwishIwereamaidagain!
Fromyoungmen'sflatt'ryI'drefrain;
FornowuntomygriefIfindTheyallareperjur'dandunkind;
Bewitchingcharmsbredallmyharms;-
Witnessmybabeliesinmyarms.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Itakemyfatefrombadtoworse,ThatImustneedsbenowanurse,Andlullmyyoungsononmylap:
Fromme,sweetorphan,takethepap.
Balow,mychild,thymothermildShallwailasfromallblissexil'd.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Balow,myboy,weepnotforme,Whosegreatestgrief'sforwrongingthee.
Norpityherdeservedsmart,Whocanblamenonebutherfondheart;
For,toosoonturstinglatestfindsWithfairesttonguesarefalsestminds.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Balow,myboy,thyfather'sfled,Whenhethethriftlesssonhasplayed;
Ofvowsandoathsforgetful,hePreferr'dthewarstotheeandme.
Butnow,perhaps,thycurseandmineMakehimeatacornswiththeswine.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Butcursenothim;perhapsnowhe,Stungwithremorse,isblessingthee:
Perhapsatdeath;forwhocantellWhetherthejudgeofheavenorhell,Bysomeproudfoehasstrucktheblow,Andlaidthedeardeceiverlow?
Balow,myboy,etc.
IwishIwereintotheboundsWhereheliessmother'dinhiswounds,Repeating,ashepantsforair,Myname,whomoncehecall'dhisfair;
Nowoman'syetsofiercelysetButshe'llforgive,thoughnotforget.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Iflinenlacks,formylove'ssakeThenquicklytohimwouldImakeMysmock,onceforhisbodymeet,Andwraphiminthatwinding-sheet.
Ahme!howhappyhadIbeen,Ifhehadne'erbeenwrapttherein.
Balow,myboy,etc.
Balow,myboy,I'llweepforthee;
Toosoon,alake,thou'ltweepforme:
Thygriefsaregrowingtoasum,Godgranttheepatiencewhentheycome;
Borntosustainthymother'sshame,Ahaplessfate,abastard'sname.
Balow,myboy,lystillandsleep,Itgrievesmesoretoheartheeweep.
Ballad:JockOTheSideChild,PartVI.,p.479.
NowLiddisdalehasriddenaraid,ButIwattheyhadbetterstaidathame;
ForMitchelloWinfieldheisdead,AndmysonJohnieisprisnertane?
Withmyfadingdiddle,laladewdiddle.
ForMangertonhouseauldDownieisgane,Hercoatsshehaskilteduptoherknee;
Anddownthewaterwispeedsherins,Whiletearsinspaitsfafastfraehereie.
ThenupandbespakethelordMangerton:
"Whatnews,whatnews,sisterDownie,tome?"
"Badnews,badnews,mylordMangerton;
Mitcheliskilld,andtanetheyhaemysonJohnie."
"Neerfear,sisterDownie,"quoMangerton;
"Ihaeyokesofoxen,four-and-twentie,Mybarns,mybyres,andmyfaulds,a'weelfilld,AndI'llpartwithema'ereJohnieshalldie.
"ThreemenI'lltaketosethimfree,Weelharnessda'wibestofsteel;
TheEnglishroguesmayhear,anddrieTheweightotheirbraidswordstofeel"TheLaird'sJockane,theLaird'sWattwa,OHobieNoble,thouanemaunbe!
Thycoatisblue,thouhasbeentrue,SinceEnglandbanishdthee,tome."
Now,HobiewasanEnglishman,InBewcastle-dalewasbredandborn;
Buthismisdeedstheyweresaegreat,Theybanishedhimneertoreturn.
LordMangertonthenordersgave,-
"Yourhorsesthewrangwaymauna'beshod;
Likegentlemenyemustnotseem,Butlooklikecorn-caugersgawnaeroad.
"Yourarmourgudeyemaunnashaw,Noranceappearlikemenoweir;
Ascountryladsbeallarrayd,Wibranksandbrechamonilkmare."
Saenowa'theirhorsesareshodthewrangway,AndHobiehasmountedhisgreysaefine,Jockhislivelybay,Wat'sonhiswhitehorsebehind,AndontheyrodeforthewateroTyne.
AttheCholerfordtheya'lightdown,Andthere,withehelpothelightothemoon,Atreetheycut,wififteennaggsuponeachside,ToclimbupthewallofNewcastletoun.
ButwhentheycametoNewcastletoun,Andwerealightedatthewa,Theyfandtheirtreethreeellsoerlaigh,Theyfandtheirstickbaithshortaidsma.
ThenupandspaketheLaird'sainJock,"There'snaethingfor't;thegateswemaunforce."
Butwhentheycamthegateunto,Aproudporterwithstoodbaithmenandhorse.
HisneckintwaIwattheyhaewrung;
Wifootorhandheneerplay'dpaw;
Hislifeandhiskeysatanestheyhaetaen,Andcasthisbodyahindthewa.
NowsoontheyreachedNewcastlejail,Andtotheprisnerthustheycall:
"Sleipsthou,wakesthou,JockotheSide,Oristhouweariedothythrall?"
Jockanswersthus,widolefutone:
"Aft,aftIwake,Iseldomsleip;