The Child Ballads
The English and Scottish Popular Ballads
Edited by Francis J. Child
(Five Volumes)
Dover Publications, New York, 1965
(First published in 1884-1898)
Based on files of Cathy Lynn Preston (preston@spot.colorado.edu)
Formatted by David Stampe stampe@hawaii.edu
Index.
(Numbers followed by the letter A have variants.)
Child 1A: Riddles Wisely Expounded Child 2A: The Elfin Knight Child 3A: The Fause Knight on the Road Child 4A: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight Child 5A: Gil Brenton Child 6A: Willie’s Lady Child 7A: Earl Brand Child 8A: Erlinton Child 9A: The Fair Flower of Northumberland Child 10A: The Twa Sisters Child 11A: The Cruel Brother Child 12A: Lord Rendal Child 13A: Edward Child 14A: Babylon or The Bonnie Banks o Fordie Child 15A: Leesom Brand Child 16A: Sheath and Knife Child 17A: Hind Horn Child 18A: Sir Lionel Child 19A: King Orfeo Child 20A: The Cruel Mother Child 21A: The Maid and the Palmer Child 22: St. Stephen and Herod Child 23: Judas Child 24A: Bonnie Annie Child 25A: Willie’s Lyke-Wake Child 26: The Three Ravens Child 27: The Whummil Bore Child 28: Burd Ellen and Young Tamlane Child 29: The Boy and the Mantle Child 30: King Arthur and King Cornwall Child 31: The Marriage of Sir Gawain Child 32: King Henry Child 33A: Kempy Kay Child 34A: Kemp Owyne Child 35: Allison Gross Child 36: The Laily Worm and the Machrel of the Sea Child 37A: Thomas Rymer Child 38A: The Wee Wee Man Child 39A: Tam Lin Child 40: The Queen of Elfan’s Nourice Child 41A: Hind Etin Child 42A: Clerk Colvill Child 43A: The Broomfield Hill Child 44: The Two Magicians Child 45A: King John and the Bishop Child 46A: Captain Wedderburn’s Courtship Child 47A: Proud Lady Margaret Child 48: Young Andrew Child 49A: The Twa Brothers Child 50: The Bonny Hind Child 51A: Lizie Wan Child 52A: The King’s Dochter Lady Jean Child 53A: Young Beichan Child 54A: The Cherry-Tree Carol Child 55: The Carnal and the Crane Child 56A: Dives and Lazarus Child 57: Brown Robyn’s Confession Child 58A: Sir Patrick Spens Child 59A: Sir Aldingar Child 60: King Estmere Child 61: Sir Cawline Child 62A: Fair Annie Child 63A: Child Waters Child 64A: Fair Janet Child 65A: Lady Maisry Child 66A: Lord Ingram and Chiel Wyet Child 67A: Glasgerion Child 68A: Young Hunting Child 69A: Clerk Sanders Child 70A: Willie and Lady Maisry Child 71: The Bent Sae Brown Child 72A: The Clerk’s Twa Sons o Owensford Child 73A: Lord Thomas and Annet Child 74A: Fair Margaret and Sweet William Child 75A: Lord Lovel Child 76A: The Lass of Roch Royal Child 77A: Sweet William’s Ghost Child 78A: The Unquiet Grave Child 79A: The Wife of Usher’s Well Child 80: Old Robin of Portingale Child 81A: Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard Child 82: The Bonny Birdy Child 83A: Child Maurice Child 84A: Bonny Barbara Allen Child 85A: Lady Alice Child 86A: Young Benjie Child 87A: Prince Robert Child 88A: Young Johnstone Child 89A: Fause Foodrage Child 90A: Jellon Grame Child 91A: Fair Mary of Wallington Child 92A: Bonny Bee Hom Child 93A: Lamkin Child 94: Young Waters Child 95A: The Maid Freed From the Gallows Child 96A: The Gay Goshawk Child 97A: Brown Robin Child 98A: Brown Adam Child 99A: Johnie Scott Child 100A: Willie o Winesberry Child 101A: Willie o Couglas Dale Child 102A: Willie and Earl Richard’s Daughter Child 103A: Rose the Red and White Lily Child 104A: Prince Heathen Child 105: The Bailiff’s Daughter of Islington Child 106: The Famous Flower of Serving Men Child 107A: Will Steward and John Child 108: Christopher White Child 109A: Tom Potts Child 110A: The Knight and the Shepherd’s Daughter Child 111: Crow and Pie Child 112A: Blow Away the Morning Dew Child 113: The Great Silkie of Sule Skerry Child 114A: Johnie Cock Child 115A: Robyn and Gandeleyn Child 116A: Adam Bell, Clim of the Clough and William of Cloudesly Child 117A: The Gest of Robyn Hode Child 118A: Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne Child 119A: Robin Hood and the Monk Child 120A: Robin Hood’s Death Child 121A: Robin Hood and the Potter Child 122A: Robin Hood and the Butcher Child 123A: Robin Hood and the Curtal Friar Child 124A: The Jolly Pindar of Wakefield Child 125A: Robin Hood and Little John Child 126A: Robin Hood and the Tanner Child 127A: Robin Hood and the Tinker Child 128A: Robin Hood and the Newly Revived Child 129A: Robin Hood and the Prince of Aragon Child 130A: Robin Hood and the Scotchman Child 131A: Robin Hood and the Ranger Child 132A: The Bold Pedlar and Robin Hood Child 133A: Robin Hood and the Beggar, I Child 134A: Robin Hood and the Beggar, II Child 135A: Robin Hood and the Shepherd Child 136A: Robin Hood’s Delight Child 137A: Robin Hood and the Pedlars Child 138A: Robin Hood and Allen a Dale Child 139A: Robin Hood’s Progress to Nottingham Child 140A: Robin Hood Rescuing Three Squires Child 141A: Robin Hood Rescuing Will Stutly Child 142A: Little John a Begging Child 143A: Robin Hood and the Bishop Child 144A: Robin Hood and the Bishop of Hereford Child 145A: Robin Hood and Queen Katherine Child 146A: Robin Hood’s Chase Child 147A: Robin Hood’s Golden Prize Child 148A: The Noble Fisherman or Robin Hood’s Preferment Child 149A: Robin Hood’s Birth, Breeding, Valor and Marriage Child 150A: Robin Hood and Maid Marian Child 151A: The King’s Disguise, and Friendship with Robin Hood Child 152A: Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow Child 153A: Robin Hood and the Valiant Knight Child 154A: A True Tale of Robin Hood Child 155A: Sir Hugh, or the Jew’s Daughter Child 156A: Queen Eleanor’s Confession Child 157A: Gude Wallace Child 158A: High Spencer’s Feats in France Child 159A: Durham Field Child 160A: The Knight of Liddesdale Child 161A: The Battle of Otterburn Child 162A: The Hunting of the Cheviot Child 163A: The Battle of Harlaw Child 164A: King Henry Fifth’s Conquest of France Child 165A: Sir John Butler Child 166A: The Rose of England Child 167A: Andrew Bartin Child 168A: Flodden Field Child 169A: Johnie Armstrong Child 170A: The Death of Queen Jane Child 171A: Thomas Cromwell Child 172A: Musselburgh Field Child 173A: Mary Hamilton Child 174A: Earl Bothwell Child 175A: The Rising in the North Child 176A: Northumberland Betrayed by Douglas Child 177A: The Earl of Westmoreland Child 178A: Captain Car, or, Edom o Gordon Child 179A: Rookhope Ryde Child 180A: King James and Brown Child 181A: The Bonnie Earl o’ Moray Child 182A: The Laird of Logie Child 183A: Willie Macintosh Child 184A: The Lads of Wamphray Child 185A: Dick o the Cow Child 186A: Kinmont Willie Child 187A: Jock o the Side Child 188A: Archie o Cawfield Child 189A: Hobie Noble Child 190A: Jamie Telfer of the Fair Dodhead Child 191A: Hughie Graham Child 192A: The Lochmaben Harper Child 193A: The Death of Parcy Reed Child 194A: The Laird of Wariston Child 195A: Lord Maxwell’s Last Goodnight Child 196A: The Fire of Frendruahgt Child 197A: James Grant Child 198A: Bonny John Seton Child 199A: Bonnie House o’ Airlie Child 200A: The Gypsy Laddie Child 201A: Bessy Bell and Mary Gray Child 202A: The Battle of Philiphaugh Child 203A: The Baron of Brackley Child 204A: Jamie Douglas Child 205A: Loudon Hill, or Dromclog Child 206A: Bothwell Bridge Child 207A: Lord Delamere Child 208A: Lord Dernwentwater Child 209A: Geordie Child 210A: Bonnie James Campbell Child 211A: Bewick and Graham Child 212A: The Duke of Athole’s Nurse Child 213A: Sir James the Rose Child 214A: The Braes o Yarrow Child 215A: Rare Willie Drowned in Yarrow, or, The Water o Gamrie Child 216A: The Mother’s Malison, or, Clyde’s Water Child 217A: The Broom of Cowdenknows Child 218A: The False Lover Won Back Child 219A: The Gardener Child 220A: The Bonny Lass of Anglesley Child 221A: Katherine Jafray Child 222A: Bonny Baby Livingston Child 223A: Epie Morrie Child 224A: The Lady of Arngosk Child 225A: Rob Roy Child 226A: Lizie Lindsay Child 227A: Bonny Lizie Baillie Child 228A: Glasgow Peggie Child 229A: Earl Crawford Child 230A: The Slaughter of the Laird of Mellerstain Child 231A: The Earl of Errol Child 232A: Richie Story Child 233A: Andrew Lammie Child 234A: Charlie MacPherson Child 235A: The Earl of Aboyne Child 236A: The Laird o Drum Child 237A: The Duke of Gordon’s Daughter Child 238A: Glenlogie or Jean o Bethalnie Child 239A: Lord Saltoun and Auchanachie Child 240A: The Rantin Laddie Child 241A: The Baron o Leys Child 242A: The Coble o Cargin Child 243A: James Harris, (The Daemon Lover) Child 244A: James Hatley Child 245A: Young Allan Child 246A: Redesdale and Wise William Child 247A: Lady Elspat Child 248A: The Grey Cock, or, Saw You My Father Child 249A: Auld Matrons Child 250A: Henry Martyn Child 251A: Lang Johnny More Child 252A: The Kitchie-Boy Child 253A: Thomas o Yonderdale Child 254A: Lord William, or Lord Lundy Child 255A: Willie’s Fatal Visit Child 256A: Alison and Willie Child 257A: Burd Isabel and Earl Patrick Child 258A: Broughty Wa’s Child 259A: Lord Thomas Stuart Child 260A: Lord Thomas and Lady Margaret Child 261A: Lady Isabel Child 262A: Lord Livingston Child 263A: The New-Slain Knight Child 264A: The White Fisher Child 265A: The Knight’s Ghost Child 266A: John Thomson and the Turk Child 267A: The Heir of Linne Child 268A: The Twa Knights Child 269A: Lady Diamond Child 270A: The Earl of Mar’s Daughter Child 271A: The Lord of Lorn and the False Steward Child 272A: The Suffolk Miracle Child 273A: King Edward the Fourth and a Tanner of Tamworth Child 274A: Our Goodman Child 275A: Get Up and Bar the Door Child 276A: The Friar in the Well Child 277A: The Wife Wrapt in Wether’s Skin Child 278A: The Farmer’s Curst Wife Child 279A: The Jolly Beggar Child 280A: The Beggar-Laddie Child 281A: The Keach I the Creel Child 282A: Jock the Leg and the Merry Merchant Child 283A: The Crafty Farmer Child 284A: John Dory Child 285A: The George Aloe and the Sweepstake Child 286A: The Sweet Trinity (The Golden Vanity) Child 287A: Captain Ward and the Rainbow Child 288A: The Young Earl of Essex’s Victory Over the Emperor of Germany Child 289A: Mermaid Child 290A: The Wylie Wife of the Hie Toun Hie Child 291A: Child Owlet Child 292A: The West-Country Damosel’s Complaint Child 293A: John of Hazelgreen Child 294A: Dugal Quin Child 295A: The Brown Girl Child 296A: Walter Lesly Child 297A: Earl Rothes Child 298A: Young Peggy Child 299A: Trooper and Maid Child 300A: Blancheflour and Jellyflorice Child 301A: The Queen of Scotland Child 302A: Young Bearwell Child 303A: The Holy Nunnery Child 304A: Young Ronald Child 305A: The Outlaw Murray
Child 1A: Riddles Wisely Expounded 1A.1 THERE was a lady of the North Country, Refrain: Lay the bent to the bonny broom And she had lovely daughters three. Refrain: Fa la la la, fa la la la ra re 1A.2 There was knight of noble worth Which also lived in the North. 1A.3 The knight, of courage stout and brave, A wife he did desire to have. 1A.4 He knocked at the ladie’s gate One evening when it was late. 1A.5 The eldest sister let him in, And pin’d the door with a silver pin. 1A.6 The second sister she made his bed, And laid soft pillows under his head. 1A.7 The youngest daughter that same night, She went to bed to this young knight. 1A.8 And in the morning, when it was day, These words unto him she did say: 1A.9 ‘Now you have had your will,’ quoth she, ‘I pray, sir knight, will you marry me?’ 1A.10 The young brave knight to her replyed, ‘Thy suit, fair maid, shall not be deny’d. 1A.11 ‘If thou canst answer me questions three, This very day will I marry thee.’ 1A.12 ‘Kind sir, in love, O then,’ quoth she, ‘Tell me what your [three] questions be.’ 1A.13 ‘O what is longer than the way, Or what is deeper than the sea? 1A.14 ‘Or what is louder than the horn, Or what is sharper than a thorn? 1A.15 ‘Or what is greener than the grass, Or what is worse then a woman was?’ 1A.16 ‘O love is longer than the way, And hell is deeper than the sea. 1A.17 ‘And thunder is louder than the horn, And hunger is sharper than a thorn. 1A.18 ‘And poyson is greener than the grass, And the Devil is worse than woman was.’ 1A.19 When she these questions answered had, The knight became exceeding glad. 1A.20 And having [truly] try’d her wit, He much commended her for it. 1A.21 And after, as it is verifi’d, He made of her his lovely bride. 1A.22 So now, fair maidens all, adieu, This song I dedicate to you. 1A.23 I wish that you may constant prove Vnto the man that you do love. Child 1B: Riddles Wisely Expounded 1B.1 THERE were three sisters fair and bright, Refrain: Jennifer gentle and rosemaree And they three loved one valiant knight. Refrain: As the dew flies over the mulberry tree 1B.2 The eldest sister let him in, And barred the door with a silver pin. 1B.3 The second sister made his bed, And placed soft pillows under his head. 1B.4 The youngest sister, fair and bright, Was resolved for to wed with this valiant knight. 1B.5 ‘And if you can answer questions three, O then, fair maid, I will marry with thee. 1B.6 ‘What is louder than an horn, And what is sharper than a thorn? 1B.7 ‘Thunder is louder than an horn, And hunger is sharper than a thorn.’ 1B.8 ‘What is broader than the way, And what is deeper than the sea?’ 1B.9 ‘Love is broader than the way, And hell is deeper than the sea.’ * * * * * 1B.10 . . . . . ‘And now, fair maid, I will marry with thee.’ Child 1C: Riddles Wisely Expounded 1C.1 THERE was a knicht riding frae the east, Refrain: Sing the Cather banks, the bonnie brume Wha had been wooing at monie a place. Refrain: And ye may beguile a young thing sune 1C.2 He came unto a widow’s door, And speird whare her three dochters were. 1C.3 The auldest ane’s to a washing gane, The second’s to a baking gane. 1C.4 The youngest ane’s to a wedding gane, And it will be nicht or she be hame. 1C.5 He sat him doun upon a stane, Till thir three lasses came tripping hame. 1C.6 The auldest ane’s to the bed making, And the second ane’s to the sheet spreading. 1C.7 The youngest ane was bauld and bricht, And she was to lye with this unco knicht. 1C.8 ‘Gin ye will answer me questions ten, The morn ye sall be made my ain. 1C.9 ‘O what is heigher nor the tree? And what is deeper nor the sea? 1C.10 ‘Or what is heavier nor the lead? And what is better nor the breid? 1C.11 ‘O what is whiter nor the milk? Or what is safter nor the silk? 1C.12 ‘Or what is sharper nor a thorn? Or what is louder nor a horn? 1C.13 ‘Or what is greener nor the grass? Or what is waur nor a woman was?’ 1C.14 ‘O heaven is higher nor the tree, And hell is deeper nor the sea. 1C.15 ‘O sin is heavier nor the lead, The blessing’s better nor the bread. 1C.16 ‘The snaw is whiter nor the milk, And the down is safter nor the silk. 1C.17 ‘Hunger is sharper nor a thorn, And shame is louder nor a horn. 1C.18 ‘The pies are greener nor the grass, And Clootie’s waur nor a woman was.’ 1C.19 As sune as she the fiend did name, He flew awa in a blazing flame. Child 1D: Riddles Wisely Expounded 1D.1 ‘O WHAT is higher than the trees? Refrain: Gar lay the bent to the bonny broom And what is deeper than the seas? Refrain: And you may beguile a fair maid soon 1D.2 ‘O what is whiter than the milk? Or what is softer than the silk? 1D.3 ‘O what is sharper than the thorn? O what is louder than the horn? 1D.4 ‘O what is longer than the way? And what is colder than the clay? 1D.5 ‘O what is greener than the grass? And what is worse than woman was?’ 1D.6 ‘O heaven’s higher than the trees, And hell is deeper than the seas. 1D.7 ‘And snow is whiter than the milk, And love is softer than the silk. 1D.8 ‘O hunger’s sharper than the thorn, And thunder’s louder than the horn. 1D.9 ‘O wind is longer than the way, And death is colder than the clay. 1D.10 ‘O poison’s greener than the grass, And the Devil’s worse than eer woman was.’ Child 1[E]: Riddles Wisely Expounded 1[E.1] There was a lady in the West, Refrain: Lay the bank with the bonny broom 1[E.1] She had three daughters of the best. Refrain: Fa lang the dillo Fa lang the dillo dillo dee 1[E.2] There came a stranger to the gate, And he three days and nights did wait. 1[E.3] The eldest daughter did ope the door, The second set him on the floor. 1[E.4] The third daughter she brought a chair, And placed it that he might sit there. 1[E.5] ‘Now answer me these questions three, Or you shall surely go with me. 1[E.6] ‘Now answer me these questions six, Or you shall surely be Old Nick’s. 1[E.7] ‘Now answer me these questions nine, Or youe shall surely all be mine. 1[E.8] ‘What is greener than the grass? What is smoother than crystal glass? 1[E.9] ‘What is louder than a horn? What is sharper than a thorn? 1[E.10] ‘What is brighter than the light? What is darker than the night? 1[E.11] ‘What is keener than an axe? What is softer than melting wax? 1[E.12] ‘What is rounder than a ring?’ ‘To you we thus our answers bring. 1[E.13] ‘Envy is greener than the grass, Flattery smoother than crystal glass. 1[E.14] ‘Rumour is louder than a horn, Hunger is sharper than a thorn. 1[E.15] ‘Truth is brighter than the light, Falsehood is darker than the night. 1[E.16] ‘Revenge is keener than an axe, Love is softer than melting wax. 1[E.17] ‘The world is rounder than a ring, To you we thus our answers bring. 1[E.18] ‘Thus you have our answers nine, And we never shall be thine.’
Child 2A: The Elfin Knight 2A.1 MY plaid awa, my plaid awa, And ore the hill and far awa, And far awa to Norrowa, My plaid shall not be blown awa. The elphin knight sits on yon hill, Refrain: Ba, ba, ba, lilli ba He blaws his horn both lowd and shril. Refrain: The wind hath blown my plaid awa 2A.2 He blowes it east, he blowes it west, He blowes it where he lyketh best. 2A.3 ‘I wish that horn were in my kist, Yea, and the knight in my armes two.’ 2A.4 She had no sooner these words said, When that the knight came to her bed. 2A.5 ‘Thou art over young a maid,’ quoth he, ‘Married with me thou il wouldst be.’ 2A.6 ‘I have a sister younger than I, And she was married yesterday.’ 2A.7 ‘Married with me if thou wouldst be, A courtesie thou must do to me. 2A.8 ‘For thou must shape a sark to me, Without any cut or heme,’ quoth he. 2A.9 ‘Thou must shape it knife-and-sheerlesse, And also sue it needle-threedlesse.’ 2A.10 ‘If that piece of courtesie I do to thee, Another thou must do to me. 2A.11 ‘I have an aiker of good ley-land, Which lyeth low by yon sea-strand. 2A.12 ‘For thou must eare it with thy horn, So thou must sow it with thy corn. 2A.13 ‘And bigg a cart of stone and lyme, Robin Redbreast he must trail it hame. 2A.14 ‘Thou must barn it in a mouse-holl, And thrash it into thy shoes soll. 2A.15 thou must winnow it in thy looff, And also seck it in thy glove. 2A.16 ‘For thou must bring it over the sea, And thou must bring it dry home to me. 2A.17 en thou hast gotten thy turns well done, Then come to me and get thy sark then.’ 2A.18 ‘I’l not quite my plaid for my life; It haps my seven bairns and my wife.’ 2A.18r The wind shall not blow my plaid awa 2A.19 ‘My maidenhead I’l then keep still, Let the elphin knight do what he will.’ 2A.19r The wind’s not blown my plaid awa Child 2B.b: The Elfin Knight 2B.1 MY plaid awa, my plaid awa, And owre the hills and far awa, And far awa to Norrowa, My plaid shall not be blawn awa. The Elphin knight sits on yon hill, Refrain: Ba, ba, ba, lillie ba He blaws his horn baith loud and shrill. Refrain: The wind hath blawn my plaid awa 2B.2 He blaws it east, he blaws it west, He blaws it where he liketh best. 2B.3 ‘I wish that horn were in my kist, Yea, and the knight in my arms niest.’ 2B.4 She had no sooner these words said, Than the knight came to her bed. 2B.5 ‘Thou art oer young a maid,’ quoth he, ‘Married with me that thou wouldst be.’ 2B.6 ‘I have a sister, younger than I, And she was married yesterday.’ 2B.7 ‘Married with me if thou wouldst be, A curtisie thou must do to me. 2B.8 ‘It’s ye maun mak a sark to me, Without any cut or seam,’ quoth he. 2B.9 ‘And ye maun shape it, knife-, sheerless, And also sew it needle-, threedless.’ 2B.10 ‘If that piece of courtisie I do to thee, Another thou must do to me. 2B.11 ‘I have an aiker of good ley land, Which lyeth low by yon sea strand. 2B.12 ‘It’s ye maun till’t wi your touting horn, And ye maun saw’t wi the pepper corn. 2B.13 ‘And ye maun harrow’t wi a thorn, And hae your wark done ere the morn. 2B.14 ‘And ye maun shear it wi your knife, And no lose a stack o’t for your life. 2B.15 ‘And ye maun stack it in a mouse hole, And ye maun thrash it in your shoe sole. 2B.16 ‘And ye maun dight it in your loof, And also sack it in your glove. 2B.17 ‘And thou must bring it over the sea, Fair and clean and dry to me. 2B.18 ‘And when that ye have done your wark, Come back to me, and ye’ll get your sark.’ 2B.19 ‘I’ll not quite my plaid for my life; It haps my seven bairns and my wife.’ 2B.20 ‘My maidenhead I’ll then keep still, Let the elphin knight do what he will. Child 2C: The Elfin Knight 2C.1 THERE stands a knicht at the tap o yon hill, Refrain: Oure the hills and far awa He has blawn his horn loud and shill. Refrain: The cauld wind’s blawn my plaid awa 2C.2 ‘If I had the horn that I hear blawn, And the knicht that blaws that horn!’ 2C.3 She had na sooner thae words said, Than the elfin knicht cam to her side. 2C.4 ‘Are na ye oure young a may Wi onie young man doun to lie?’ 2C.5 ‘I have a sister younger than I, And she was married yesterday.’ 2C.6 ‘Married wi me ye sall neer be nane Till ye mak to me a sark but a seam. 2C.7 ‘And ye maun shape it knife-,sheer-less, And ye maun sew it needle-, threed-less. 2C.8 ‘And ye maun wash it in yon cistran, Whare water never stood nor ran. 2C.9 ‘And ye maun dry it on yon hawthorn, Whare the sun neer shon sin man was born.’ 2C.10 ‘Gin that courtesie I do for thee, Ye maun do this for me. 2C.11 ‘Ye’ll get an acre o gude red-land Atween the saut sea and the sand. 2C.12 ‘I want that land for to be corn, And ye maun aer it wi your horn. 2C.13 ‘And ye maun saw it without a seed, And ye maun harrow it wi a threed. 2C.14 ‘And ye maun shear it wi your knife, And na tyne a pickle o’t for your life. 2C.15 ‘And ye maun moue it in yon mouse-hole And ye maun thrash it in your shoe-sole. 2C.16 ‘And ye maun fan it wi your luves, And ye maun sack it in your gloves. 2C.17 ‘And ye maun bring it oure the sea, Fair and clean and dry to me. 2C.18 ‘And whan that your wark is weill deen, Yese get your sark without a seam.’ Child 2D: The Elfin Knight 2D.1 THE Elfin knight stands on yon hill, Refrain: Blaw, blaw, blaw winds, blaw Blawing his horn loud and shrill. Refrain: And the wind has blawin my plaid awa 2D.2 ‘If I had yon horn in my kist, And the bonny laddie here that I luve best! 2D.3 ‘I hae a sister eleven years auld, And she to the young men’s bed has made bauld. 2D.4 ‘And I mysell am only nine, And oh! sae fain, luve, as I woud be thine.’ 2D.5 ‘Ye maun make me a fine Holland sark, Without ony stitching or needle wark. 2D.6 ‘And ye maun wash it in yonder well, Where the dew never wat, nor the rain ever fell. 2D.7 ‘And ye maun dry it upon a thorn That never budded sin Adam was born.’ 2D.8 ‘Now sin ye’ve askd some things o me, It’s right I ask as mony o thee. 2D.9 ‘My father he askd me an acre o land, Between the saut sea and the strand. 2D.10 ‘And ye maun plow’t wi your blawing horn, And ye maun saw’t wi pepper corn. 2D.11 And ye maun harrow’t wi a single tyne, And ye maun shear’t wi a sheep’s shank bane. 2D.12 ‘And ye maun big it in the sea, And bring the stathle dry to me. 2D.13 ‘And ye maun barn ’t in yon mouse hole, And ye maun thrash’t in your shee sole. 2D.14 ‘And ye maun sack it in your gluve, And ye maun winno’t in your leuve. 2D.15 ‘And ye maun dry’t without candle or coal, And grind it without quirn or mill. 2D.16 ‘Ye’ll big a cart o stane and lime, Gar Robin Redbreast trail it syne. 2D.17 ‘When ye’ve dune, and finishd your wark, Ye’ll come to me, luve, and get your sark.’ Child 2E: The Elfin Knight 2E.1 THE Elfin Knight sits on yon hill, Refrain: Ba ba lilly ba Blowing his horn loud and shill. Refrain: And the wind has blawn my plaid awa 2E.2 ‘I love to hear that horn blaw; I wish him [here] owns it and a’.’ 2E.3 That word it was no sooner spoken, Than Elfin Knight in her arms was gotten. 2E.4 ‘You must mak to me a sark, Without threed, sheers or needle wark.’ Child 2F: The Elfin Knight 2F.1 ‘DID ye ever travel twixt Berwick and Lyne? Refrain: Sober and grave grows merry in time There ye’ll meet wi a handsome young dame, Refrain: Ance she was a true love o mine. 2F.2 ‘Tell her to sew me a holland sark, And sew it all without needle-wark: Refrain: And syne we’ll be true lovers again. 2F.3 ‘Tell her to wash it at yon spring-well, Where neer wind blew, nor yet rain fell. 2F.4 ‘Tell her to dry it on yon hawthorn, That neer sprang up sin Adam was born. 2F.5 ‘Tell her to iron it wi a hot iron, And plait it a’ in ae plait round.’ 2F.6 ‘Did ye ever travel twixt Berwick and Lyne? There ye’ll meet wi a handsome young man, Refrain: Ance he was a true lover o mine. 2F.7 ‘Tell him to plough me an acre o land Betwixt the sea-side bot and the sea-sand, Refrain: And syne we’ll be true lovers again. 2F.8 ‘Tell him to saw it wi ae peck o corn, And harrow it a’ wi ae harrow tine. 2F.9 ‘Tell him to shear it wi ae hook-tooth, And carry it hame just into his loof. 2F.10 ‘Tell him to stack it in yon mouse-hole, And thrash it a’ just wi his shoe-sole. 2F.11 ‘Tell him to dry it on yon ribless kiln, And grind it a’ in yon waterless miln. 2F.12 Tell this young man, whan he’s finished his wark, He may come to me, and hese get his sark.’ Child 2G: The Elfin Knight 2G.1 ‘CAN you make me a cambrick shirt, Refrain: Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Without any seam or needle work? Refrain: And you shall be a true lover of mine 2G.2 ‘Can you wash it in yonder well, Where never sprung water nor rain ever fell? 2G.3 ‘Can you dry it on yonder thorn, Which never bore blossom since Adam was born? 2G.4 ‘Now you have askd me questions three, I hope you’ll answer as many for me. 2G.5 ‘Can you find me an acre of land Between the salt water and the sea sand? 2G.6 ‘Can you plow it with a ram’s horn, And sow it all over with one pepper corn? 2G.7 ‘Can you reap it with a sickle of leather, And bind it up with a peacock’s feather? 2G.8 ‘When you have done, and finishd your work, Then come to me for your cambrick shirt.’ Child 2H: The Elfin Knight 2H.1 ‘COME, pretty Nelly, and sit thee down by me, Refrain: Every rose grows merry wi thyme And I will ask thee questions three, Refrain: And then thou wilt be a true lover of mine. 2H.2 ‘Thou must buy me a cambrick smock Without any stitch of needlework. 2H.3 ‘Thou must wash it in yonder strand, Where wood never grew and water neer ran. 2H.4 ‘Thou must dry it on yonder thorn, Where the sun never shined on since Adam was formed.’ 2H.5 ‘Thou hast asked me questions three; Sit down till I ask as many of thee. 2H.6 ‘Thou must buy me an acre of land Betwixt the salt water, love, and the sea-sand. 2H.7 ‘Thou must plow it wi a ram’s horn, And sow it all over wi one pile o corn. 2H.8 ‘Thou must shear it wi a strap o leather, And tie it all up in a peacock feather. 2H.9 ‘Thou must stack it in the sea, And bring the stale o’t hame dry to me. 2H.10 ‘When my love’s done, and finished his work, Let him come to me for his cambric smock.’ Child 2I: The Elfin Knight 2I.1 A LADY wonned on yonder hill, Refrain: Hee ba and balou ba And she had musick at her will. Refrain: And the wind has blown my plaid awa 2I.2 Up and cam an auld, auld man, Wi his blue bonnet in his han. 2I.3 ‘I will ask ye questions three; Resolve them, or ye’ll gang wi me. 2I.4 ‘Ye maun mak to me a sark, It maun be free o woman’s wark. 2I.5 ‘Ye maun shape it knife- sheerless, And ye maun sew it needle- threedless. 2I.6 ‘Ye maun wash it in yonder well, Whare rain nor dew has ever fell. 2I.7 ‘Ye maun dry it on yonder thorn, Where leaf neer grew since man was born.’ 2I.8 ‘I will ask ye questions three; Resolve them, or ye’ll neer get me. 2I.9 ‘I hae a rig o bonnie land Atween the saut sea and the sand. 2I.10 ‘Ye maun plow it wi ae horse bane, And harrow it wi ae harrow pin. 2I.11 ‘Ye maun shear’t wi a whang o leather, And ye maun bind ’t bot strap or tether. 2I.12 ‘Ye maun stack it in the sea, And bring the stale hame dry to me. 2I.13 ‘Ye maun mak a cart o stane, And yoke the wren and bring it hame. 2I.14 ‘Ye maun thresh’t atween your lufes, And ye maun sack’t atween your thies.’ 2I.15 ‘My curse on those wha learn d thee; This night I weend ye’d gane wi me.’ Child 2J: The Elfin Knight 2J.1 NOW you are a-going to Cape Ann, Refrain: Follomingkathellomeday Remember me to the self-same man. Refrain: Ummatiddle, ummatiddle, ummatallyho, tallyho, follomingkathellomeday 2J.2 Tell him to buy me an acre of land Between the salt-water and the sea-sand. 2J.3 Tell him to plough it with a ram’s horn, Tell him to sow it with one peppercorn. 2J.4 Tell him to reap it with a penknife, And tell him to cart it with two mice. 2J.5 Tell him to cart it to yonder new barn That never was built since Adam was born. 2J.6 Tell him to thrash it with a goose quill, Tell him to fan it with an egg-shell. 2J.7 Tell the fool, when he’s done his work, To come to me, and he shall have his shirt. Child 2K: The Elfin Knight 2K.1 MY father left me three acres of land, Refrain: Sing ivy, sing ivy My father left me three acres of land. Refrain: Sing holly, go whistle and ivy 2K.2 I ploughed it with a ram’s horn, And sowed it all over with one pepper corn. 2K.3 I harrowed it with a bramble bush, And reaped it with my little penknife. 2K.4 I got the mice to carry it to the barn, And thrashed it with a goose’s quill. 2K.5 I got the cat to carry it to the mill; The miller he swore he would have her paw, And the cat she swore she would scratch his face. Child 2L: The Elfin Knight 2L.1 MY father gave me an acre of land, Refrain: Sing ivy, sing ivy My father gave me an acre of land. Refrain: Sing green bush, holly and ivy 2L.2 I ploughd it with a ram’s horn. 2L.3 I harrowd it with a bramble. 2L.4 I sowd it with a pepper corn. 2L.5 I reapd it with my penknife. 2L.6 I carried it to the mill upon the cat’s back. * * * * * 2L.7 I made a cake for all the king’s men. Child 2[M]: The Elfin Knight 2[M.1] As I went up to the top o yon hill, Refrain: Every rose springs merry in’ t’ time I met a fair maid, an her name it was Nell. Refrain: An she langed to be a true lover o mine 2[M.2] ‘Ye’ll get to me a cambric sark, An sew it all over without thread or needle. Refrain: Before that ye be, etc. 2[M.3] ’ll wash it doun in yonder well, Where water neer ran an dew never fell. 2[M.4] ‘Ye’ll bleach it doun by yonder green, Where grass never grew an wind never blew. 2[M.5] ‘Ye’ll dry it doun on yonder thorn, That never bore blossom sin Adam was born.’ 2[M.6] ‘Four questions ye have asked at me, An as mony mair ye’ll answer me. 2[M.7] ‘Ye’ll get to me an acre o land Atween the saut water an the sea sand. 2[M.8] ‘Ye’ll plow it wi a ram’s horn, An sow it all over wi one peppercorn. 2[M.9] ‘Ye’ll shear it wi a peacock’s feather, An bind it all up wi the sting o an adder. 2[M.10] ‘Ye’ll stook it in yonder saut sea, An bring the dry sheaves a’ back to me. 2[M.11] ‘An when ye’ve done and finished your wark, Ye’ll come to me, an ye’se get your sark.’ 2[M.12] An then shall ye be ture lover o mine
Child 3A: The Fause Knight on the Road 3A.1 ‘O WHARE are ye gaun?’ Refrain: Quo the fause knicht upon the road: ‘I’m gaun to the scule,’ Refrain: Quo the wee boy, and still he stude. 3A.2 ‘What is that upon your back?’ Refrain: quo etc. 3A.2 ‘Atweel it is my bukes,’ Refrain: quo etc. 3A.3 ‘What’s that ye’ve got in your arm?’ ‘Atweel it is my peit.’ 3A.4 ‘Wha’s aucht they sheep?’ ‘They are mine and my mither’s.’ 3A.5 ‘How monie o them are mine?’ ‘A’ they that hae blue tails.’ 3A.6 ‘I wiss ye were on yon tree:’ ‘And a gude ladder under me.’ 3A.7 ‘And the ladder for to break:’ ‘And you for to fa down.’ 3A.8 ‘I wiss ye were in yon sie:’ And a gude bottom under me.’ 3A.9 ‘And the bottom for to break:’ ‘And ye to be drowned.’ Child 3B: The Fause Knight on the Road 3B.1 ‘O WHARE are ye gaun?’ quo the false knight, And false, false was his rede: ‘I’m gaun to the scule,’ says the pretty little boy, And still, still he stude. Child 3[C]: The Fause Knight on the Road 3[C.1] ‘O whare are ye gaun?’ Refrain: Says the false knight upon the road: 3[C.1] ‘I am gaun to the schule,’ Refrain: Says the wee boy, and still he stood. 3[C.2] ‘Wha’s aught the sheep on yonder hill?’ ‘They are my papa’s and mine.’ 3[C.3] ‘How many of them’s mine?’ ‘A’ them that has blue tails.’ 3[C.4] ‘I wish you were in yonder well:’ ‘And you were down in hell.’
Child 4A: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight 4A.1 FAIR lady Isabel sits in her bower sewing, Refrain: Aye as the gowans grow gay There she heard an elf-knight blawing his horn. Refrain: The first morning in May 4A.2 ‘If I had yon horn that I hear blawing, And yon elf-knight to sleep in my bosom.’ 4A.3 This maiden had scarcely these words spoken, Till in at her window the elf-knight has luppen. 4A.4 ‘It’s a very strange matter, fair maiden,’ said he, ‘I canna blaw my horn but ye call on me. 4A.5 ‘But will ye go to yon greenwood side? If ye canna gang, I will cause you to ride.’ 4A.6 He leapt on a horse, and she on another, And they rode on to the greenwood together. 4A.7 ‘Light down, light down, lady Isabel,’ said he, We are come to the place where ye are to die. 4A.8 ‘Hae mercy, hae mercy, kind sir, on me, Till ance my dear father and mother I see.’ 4A.9 ‘Seven king’s-daughters here hae I slain, And ye shall be the eight o them.’ 4A.10 ‘O sit down a while, lay your head on my knee, That we may hae some rest before that I die.’ 4A.11 She stroakd him sae fast, the nearer he did creep, Wi a sma charm she lulld him fast asleep. 4A.12 Wi his ain sword-belt sae fast as she ban him, Wi his ain dag-durk sae sair as she dang him. 4A.13 ‘If seven king’s-daughters here ye hae slain, Lye ye here, a husband to them a’.’ Child 4B: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight 4B.1 THERE came a bird out o a bush, On water for to dine, An sighing sair, says the king’s daughter, ‘O wae’s this heart o mine!’ 4B.2 He’s taen a harp into his hand, He’s harped them all asleep, Except it was the king’s daughter, Who one wink couldna get. 4B.3 He’s luppen on his berry-brown steed, Taen ’er on behind himsell, Then baith rede down to that water That they ca Wearie’s Well. 4B.4 ‘Wide in, wide in, my lady fair, No harm shall thee befall; Oft times I’ve watered my steed Wi the waters o Wearie’s Well.’ 4B.5 The first step that she stepped in, She stepped to the knee; And sighend says this lady fair, ‘This water’s nae for me.’ 4B.6 ‘Wide in, wide in, my lady fair, No harm shall thee befall; Oft times I’ve watered my steed Wi the water o Wearie’s Well.’ 4B.7 The next step that she stepped in, She stepped to the middle; ‘O,’ sighend says this lady fair, I’ve wat my gowden girdle.’ 4B.8 ‘Wide in, wide in, my lady fair, No harm shall thee befall; Oft times have I watered my steed Wi the water o Wearie’s Well.’ 4B.9 The next step that she stepped in, She stepped to the chin; ‘O,’ sighend says this lady fair, ‘They sud gar twa loves twin.’ 4B.10 ‘Seven king’s-daughters I’ve drownd there, In the water o Wearie’s Well, And I’ll make you the eight o them, And ring the common bell.’ 4B.11 ‘Since I am standing here,’ she says, ‘This dowie death to die, One kiss o your comely mouth I’m sure wad comfort me.’ 4B.12 He louted him oer his saddle bow, To kiss her cheek and chin; She’s taen him in her arms twa, An thrown him headlong in. 4B.13 ‘Since seven king’s daughters ye’ve drowned there, In the water o Wearie’s Well, I’ll make you bridegroom to them a’, An ring the bell mysell.’ 4B.14 And aye she warsled, and aye she swam, And she swam to dry lan; She thanked God most cheerfully The dangers she oercame. Child 4C: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight 4C.1 FALSE Sir John a wooing came To a maid of beauty fair; May Colven was this lady’s name, Her father’s only heir. 4C.2 He wood her butt, he wood her ben, He wood her in the ha, Until he got this lady’s consent To mount and ride awa. 4C.3 He went down to her father’s bower, Where all the steeds did stand, And he’s taken one of the best steeds That was in her father’s land. 4C.4 He’s got on and she’s got on, And fast as they could flee, Until they came to a lonesome part, A rock by the side of the sea. 4C.5 ‘Loup off the steed,’ says false Sir John, ‘Your bridal bed you see; For I have drowned seven young ladies, The eight one you shall be. 4C.6 ‘Cast off, cast off, my May Colven, All and your silken gown, For it’s oer good and oer costly To rot in the salt sea foam. 4C.7 ‘Cast off, cast off, my May Colven, All and your embroiderd shoen, For they’re oer good and oer costly To rot in the salt sea foam.’ 4C.8 ‘O turn you about, O false Sir John, And look to the leaf of the tree, For it never became a gentleman A naked woman to see.’ 4C.9 He turnd himself straight round about, To look to the leaf of the tree; So swift as May Colven was To throw him in the sea. 4C.10 ‘O help, O help, my May Colven, O help, or else I’ll drown; I’ll take you home to your father’s bower, And set you down safe and sound.’ 4C.11 ‘No help, no help, O false Sir John, No help, nor pity thee; Tho seven king’s-daughters you have drownd, But the eight shall not be me.’ 4C.12 So she went on her father’s steed, As swift as she could flee, And she came home to her father’s bower Before it was break of day. 4C.13 Up then and spoke the pretty parrot: ‘May Colven, where have you been? What has become of false Sir John, That woo’d you so late the streen? 4C.14 ‘He woo’d you butt, he woo’d you ben, He woo’d you in the ha, Until he got your own consent For to mount and gang awa.’ 4C.15 ‘O hold your tongue, my pretty parrot, Lay not the blame upon me; Your cup shall be of the flowered gold, Your cage of the root of the tree.’ 4C.16 Up then spake the king himself, In the bed-chamber where he lay: ‘What ails the pretty parrot, That prattles so long or day?’ 4C.17 ‘There came a cat to my cage door, It almost a worried me, And I was calling on May Colven To take the cat from me.’ Child 4D: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight 4D.1 O HEARD ye of a bloody knight, Lived in the south country? For he has betrayed eight ladies fair And drowned them in the sea. 4D.2 Then next he went to May Collin, She was her father’s heir, The greatest beauty in the land, I solemnly declare. 4D.3 ‘I am a knight of wealth and might, Of townlands twenty-three; And you’ll be lady of them all, If you will go with me.’ 4D.4 ‘Excuse me, then, Sir John,’ she says; ‘To wed I am too young; Without I have my parents’ leave, With you I darena gang.’ 4D.5 ‘Your parents’ leave you soon shall have, In that they will agree; For I have made a solemn vow This night you’ll go with me.’ 4D.6 From below his arm he pulled a charm, And stuck it in her sleeve, And he has made her go with him, Without her parents’ leave. 4D.7 Of gold and silver she has got With her twelve hundred pound, And the swiftest steed her father had She has taen to ride upon. 4D.8 So privily they went along, They made no stop or stay, Till they came to the fatal place That they call Bunion Bay. 4D.9 It being in a lonely place, And no house there was nigh, The fatal rocks were long and steep, And none could hear her cry. 4D.10 ‘Light down,’ he said, ’Fair May Collin, Light down and speak with me, For here I’ve drowned eight ladies fair, And the ninth one you shall be.’ 4D.11 ‘Is this your bowers and lofty towers, So beautiful and gay? Or is it for my gold,’ she said, ‘You take my life away?’ 4D.12 ‘Strip off,’ he says, ’Thy jewels fine, So costly and so brave, For they are too costly and too fine To throw in the sea wave.’ 4D.13 ‘Take all I have my life to save, O good Sir John, I pray; Let it neer be said you killed a maid Upon her wedding day.’ 4D.14 ‘Strip off,’ he says, ’Thy Holland smock, That’s bordered with the lawn, For it’s too costly and too fine To rot in the sea sand.’ 4D.15 ‘O turn about, Sir John,’ she said, ‘Your back about to me, For it never was comely for a man A naked woman to see.’ 4D.16 But as he turned him round about, She threw him in the sea, Saying, ‘Lie you there, you false Sir John, Where you thought to lay me. 4D.17 ‘O lie you there, you traitor false, Where you thought to lay me, For though you stripped me to the skin, Your clothes you’ve got with thee.’ 4D.18 Her jewels fine she did put on, So costly, rich and brave, And then with speed she mounts his steed, So well she did behave. 4D.19 That lady fair being void of fear, Her steed being swift and free, And she has reached her father’s gate Before the clock struck three. 4D.20 Then first she called the stable groom, He was her waiting man; Soon as he heard his lady’s voice He stood with cap in hand. 4D.21 ‘Where have you been, fair May Collin? Who owns this dapple grey?’ ‘It is a found one,’ she replied, ‘That I got on the way.’ 4D.22 Then out bespoke the wily parrot Unto fair May Collin: ‘What have you done with false Sir John, That went with you yestreen?’ 4D.23 ‘O hold your tongue, my pretty parrot, And talk no more to me, And where you had a meal a day O now you shall have three.’ 4D.24 Then up bespoke her father dear, From his chamber where he lay: ‘What aileth thee, my pretty Poll, That you chat so long or day?’ 4D.25 The cat she came to my cage-door, The thief I could not see, And I called to fair May Collin, To take the cat from me.’ 4D.26 Then first she told her father dear The deed that she had done, And next she told her mother dear Concerning false Sir John. 4D.27 ‘If this be true, fair May Collin, That you have told to me, Before I either eat or drink This false Sir John I’ll see.’ 4D.28 Away they went with one consent, At dawning of the day, Until they came to Carline Sands, And there his body lay. 4D.29 His body tall, by that great fall, By the waves tossed to and fro, The diamond ring that he had on Was broke in pieces two. 4D.30 And they have taken up his corpse To yonder pleasant green, And there they have buried false Sir John, For fear he should be seen. Child 4E: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight 4E.1 AN outlandish knight came from the north lands, And he came a-wooing to me; He told me he’d take me unto the north lands, And there he would marry me. 4E.2 ‘Come, fetch me some of your father’s gold, And some of your mother’s fee, And two of the best nags out of the stable, Where they stand thirty and three.’ 4E.3 She fetched him some of her father’s gold, And some of her mother’s fee, And two of the best nags out of the stable, Where they stood thirty and three. 4E.4 She mounted her on her milk-white steed, He on the dapple grey; They rode till they came unto the sea-side, Three hours before it was day. 4E.5 ‘Light off, light off thy milk-white steed, And deliver it unto me; Six pretty maids have I drowned here, And thou the seventh shalt be. 4E.6 ‘Pull off, pull off thy silken gown, And deliver it unto me; Methinks it looks too rich and too gay To rot in the salt sea. 4E.7 ‘Pull off, pull off thy silken stays, And deliver them unto me; Methinks they are too fine and gay To rot in the salt sea. 4E.8 ‘Pull off, pull off thy Holland smock, And deliver it unto me; Methinks it looks too rich and gay To rot in the salt sea.’ 4E.9 ‘If I must pull off my Holland smock, Pray turn thy back unto me; For it is not fitting that such a ruffian A naked woman should see.’ 4E.10 He turned his back towards her And viewed the leaves so green; She catched him round the middle so small, And tumbled him into the stream. 4E.11 He dropped high and he dropped low, Until he came to the side; ‘Catch hold of my hand, my pretty maiden, And I will make you my bride.’ 4E.12 ‘Lie there, lie there, you false-hearted man, Lie there instead of me; Six pretty maids have you drowned here, And the seventh has drowned thee.’ 4E.13 She mounted on her milk-white steed, And led the dapple grey; She rode till she came to her own father’s hall, Three hours before it was day. 4E.14 The parrot being in the window so high, Hearing the lady, did say, ‘I’m afraid that some ruffian has led you astray, That you have tarried so long away.’ 4E.15 ‘Don’t prittle nor prattle, my pretty parrot, Nor tell no tales of me; Thy cage shall be made of the glittering gold, Although it is made of a tree.’ 4E.16 The king being in the chamber so high, And hearing the parrot, did say, ‘What ails you, what ails you, my pretty parrot, That you prattle so long before day?’ 4E.17 ‘It’s no laughing matter,’ the parrot did say, ‘That so loudly I call unto thee, For the cats have got into the window so high, And I’m afraid they will have me.’ 4E.18 ‘Well turned, well turned, my pretty parrot, Well turned, well turned for me; Thy cage shall be made of the glittering gold, And the door of the best ivory.’ Child 4F: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight 4F.1 ’GO fetch me some of your father’s gold, And some of your mother’s fee, And I’ll carry you into the north land, And there I’ll marry thee.’ 4F.2 She fetchd him some of her father’s gold, And some of her mother’s fee; She carried him into the stable, Where horses stood thirty and three. 4F.3 She leapd on a milk-white steed, And he on a dapple-grey; They rode til they came to a fair river’s side, Three hours before it was day. 4F.4 ‘O light, O light, you lady gay, O light with speed, I say, For six knight’s daughters have I drowned here, And you the seventh must be.’ 4F.5 ‘Go fetch the sickle, to crop the nettle That grows so near the brim, For fear it should tangle my golden locks, Or freckle my milk-white skin.’ 4F.6 He fetchd the sickle, to crop the nettle That grows so near the brim, And with all the strength that pretty Polly had She pushd the false knight in. 4F.7 ‘Swim on, swim on, thou false knight, And there bewail thy doom, For I don’t think thy cloathing too good To lie in a watry tomb.’ 4F.8 She leaped on her milk-white steed, She led the dapple grey; She rid till she came to her father’s house, Three hours before it was day. 4F.9 ‘Who knocked so loudly at the ring?’ The parrot he did say; ‘O where have you been, my pretty Polly, All this long summer’s day?’ 4F.10 ‘O hold your tongue, parrot, Tell you no tales of me; Your cage shall be made of beaten gold, Which is now made of a tree.’ 4F.11 O then bespoke her father dear, As he on his bed did lay: ‘O what is the matter, my parrot, That you speak before it is day?’ 4F.12 ‘The cat’s at my cage, master, And sorely frighted me, And I calld down my Polly To take the cat away.’ Child 4[G]: Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight 4[G.1] ‘Now steal me some of your father’s gold, And some of your mother’s fee, And steal the best steed in your father’s stable, Where there lie thirty three.’ 4[G.2] She stole him some of her father’s gold, And some of her mother’s fee, And she stole the best steed from her father’s stable, Where there lay thirty three. 4[G.3] And she rode on the milk-white steed, And he on the barb so grey, Until they came to the green, green wood, Three hours before it was day. 4[G.4] ‘Alight, alight, my pretty colleen, Alight immediately, For six knight’s daughters I drowned here, And thou the seventh shall be.’ 4[G.5] ‘Oh hold your tongue, you false knight villain, Oh hold your tongue,’ said she; ‘’Twas you that promised to marry me, For some of my father’s fee.’ 4[G.6] ‘Strip off, strip off your jewels so rare, And give them all to me; I think them too rich and too costly by far To rot in the sand with thee.’ 4[G.7] ‘Oh turn away, thou false knight villain, Oh turn away from me; Oh turn away, with your back to the cliff, And your face to the willow-tree.’ 4[G.8] He turned about, with his back to the cliff, And his face to the willow-tree; So sudden she took him up in her arms, And threw him into the sea. 4[G.9] ‘Lie there, lie there, thou false knight villain, Lie there instead of me; ’Twas you that promised to marry me, For some of my father’s fee.’ 4[G.10] ‘Oh take me by the arm, my dear, And hold me by the hand, And you shall be my gay lady, And the queen of all Scotland.’ 4[G.11] ‘I’ll not take you by the arm, my dear, Nor hold you by the hand; And I won’t be your gay lady, And the queen of all Scotland.’ 4[G.12] And she rode on the milk-white steed, And led the barb so grey, Until she came back to her father’s castle, One hour before it was day. 4[G.13] And out then spoke her parrot so green, From the cage wherein she lay: Where have you now been, my pretty colleen, This long, long summer’s day? 4[G.14] ‘Oh hold your tongue, my favourite bird, And tell no tales on me; Your cage I will make of the beaten gold, And hang in the willow-tree.’ 4[G.15] Out then spoke her father dear, From the chamber where he lay: Oh what hath befallen my favourite bird, That she calls so loud for day? 4[G.16] ‘’Tis nothing at all, good lord,’ she said, ‘’Tis nothing at all indeed; It was only the cat came to my cage-door, And Icalled my pretty colleen.’
Child 5A: Gil Brenton 5A.1 GIL BRENTON has sent oer the fame, He’s woo’d a wife an brought her hame. 5A.2 Full sevenscore o ships came her wi, The lady by the greenwood tree. 5A.3 There was twal an twal wi beer an wine, An twal an twal wi muskadine: 5A.4 An twall an twall wi bouted flowr, An twall an twall wi paramour: 5A.5 An twall an twall wi baken bread, An twall an twall wi the goud sae red. 5A.6 Sweet Willy was a widow’s son, An at her stirrup-foot he did run. 5A.7 An she was dressd i the finest pa, But ay she loot the tears down fa. 5A.8 An she was dickd wi the fairest flowrs, But ay she loot the tears down pour. 5A.9 ‘O is there water i your shee? Or does the win blaw i your glee? 5A.10 ‘Or are you mourning i your meed That eer you left your mither gueede? 5A.11 ‘Or are ye mourning i your tide That ever ye was Gil Brenton’s bride?’ 5A.12 [re] is nae water i my shee, Nor does the win blaw i my glee: 5A.13 ‘Nor am I mourning i my tide That eer I was Gil Brenton’s bride: 5A.14 ‘But I am mourning i my meed That ever I left my mither gueede. 5A.15 ‘But, bonny boy, tell to me What is the customs o your country.’ 5A.16 ‘The customs o’t, my dame,’ he says, ‘Will ill a gentle lady please. 5A.17 ‘Seven king’s daughters has our king wedded, An seven king’s daughters has our king bedded. 5A.18 ‘But he’s cutted the paps frae their breast-bane, An sent them mourning hame again. 5A.19 ‘But whan you come to the palace yate, His mither a golden chair will set. 5A.20 ‘An be you maid or be you nane, O sit you there till the day be dane. 5A.21 ‘An gin you’re sure that you are a maid, Ye may gang safely to his bed. 5A.22 ‘But gin o that you be na sure, Then hire some woman o youre bowr.’ 5A.23 O whan she came to the palace yate, His mither a golden chair did set. 5A.24 An was she maid or was she nane, She sat in it till the day was dane. 5A.25 An she’s calld on her bowr woman, That waiting was her bowr within. 5A.26 ‘Five hundred pound, maid, I’ll gi to the, An sleep this night wi the king for me.’ 5A.27 Whan bells was rung, an mass was sung, An a’ man unto bed was gone, 5A.28 Gil Brenton an the bonny maid Intill ae chamber they were laid. 5A.29 ‘O speak to me, blankets, an speak to me, sheets, An speak to me, cods, that under me sleeps; 5A.30 ‘Is this a maid that I ha wedded? Is this a maid that I ha bedded?’ 5A.31 ‘It’s nae a maid that you ha wedded, But it’s a maid that you ha bedded. 5A.32 ‘Your lady’s in her bigly bowr, An for you she drees mony sharp showr.’ 5A.33 O he has taen him thro the ha, And on his mither he did ca. 5A.34 ‘I am the most unhappy man That ever was in christend lan. 5A.35 ‘I woo’d a maiden meek an mild, An I’ve marryed a woman great wi child.’ 5A.36 ‘O stay, my son, intill this ha, An sport you wi your merry men a’. 5A.37 ‘An I’ll gang to yon painted bowr, An see how’t fares wi yon base whore.’ 5A.38 The auld queen she was stark an strang; She gard the door flee aff the ban. 5A.39 The auld queen she was stark an steer; She gard the door lye i the fleer. 5A.40 ‘O is your bairn to laird or loon? Or is it to your father’s groom?’ 5A.41 ‘My bairn’s na to laird or loon, Nor is it to my father’s groom. 5A.42 ‘But hear me, mither, on my knee, An my hard wierd I’ll tell to thee. 5A.43 ‘O we were sisters, sisters seven, We was the fairest under heaven. 5A.44 ‘We had nae mair for our seven years wark But to shape an sue the king’s son a sark. 5A.45 ‘O it fell on a Saturday’s afternoon, Whan a’ our langsome wark was dane, 5A.46 ‘We keist the cavils us amang, To see which shoud to the greenwood gang. 5A.47 ‘Ohone, alas! for I was youngest, An ay my wierd it was the hardest. 5A.48 ‘The cavil it did on me fa, Which was the cause of a’ my wae. 5A.49 ‘For to the greenwood I must gae, To pu the nut but an the slae; 5A.50 ‘To pu the red rose an the thyme, To strew my mother’s bowr and mine. 5A.51 ‘I had na pu’d a flowr but ane, Till by there came a jelly hind greeme, 5A.52 ‘Wi high-colld hose an laigh-colld shoone, An he ’peard to be some kingis son. 5A.53 ‘An be I maid or be I nane, He kept me there till the day was dane. 5A.54 ‘An be I maid or be I nae, He kept me there till the close of day. 5A.55 ‘He gae me a lock of yallow hair, An bade me keep it for ever mair. 5A.56 ‘He gae me a carket o gude black beads, An bade me keep them against my needs. 5A.57 ‘He gae to me a gay gold ring, An bade me ke[e]p it aboon a’ thing. 5A.58 ‘He gae to me a little pen-kniffe, An bade me keep it as my life.’ 5A.59 ‘What did you wi these tokens rare That ye got frae that young man there?’ 5A.60 ‘O bring that coffer hear to me, And a’ the tokens ye sal see.’ 5A.61 An ay she ranked, an ay she flang, Till a’ the tokens came till her han. 5A.62 ‘O stay here, daughter, your bowr within, Till I gae parley wi my son.’ 5A.63 O she has taen her thro the ha, An on her son began to ca. 5A.64 ‘What did you wi that gay gold ring I bade you keep aboon a’ thing? 5A.65 ‘What did you wi that little pen-kniffe I bade you keep while you had life? 5A.66 ‘What did you wi that yallow hair I bade you keep for ever mair? 5A.67 ‘What did you wi that good black beeds I bade you keep against your needs?’ 5A.68 ‘I gae them to a lady gay I met i the greenwood on a day. 5A.69 ‘An I would gi a’ my father’s lan, I had that lady my yates within. 5A.70 ‘I would gi a’ my ha’s an towrs, I had that bright burd i my bowrs.’ 5A.71 ‘O son, keep still your father’s lan; You hae that lady your yates within. 5A.72 ‘An keep you still your ha’s an towrs; You hae that bright burd i your bowrs.’ 5A.73 Now or a month was come an gone, This lady bare a bonny young son. 5A.74 An it was well written on his breast-bane ‘Gil brenton is my father’s name.’ Child 5B: Gil Brenton 5B.1 COSPATRICK has sent oer the faem, Cospatrick brought his ladye hame. 5B.2 And fourscore ships have come her wi, The ladye by the grenewood tree. 5B.3 There were twal and twal wi baken bread, And twal and twal wi gowd sae reid: 5B.4 And twal and twal wi bouted flour, And twal and twal wi the paramour. 5B.5 Sweet Willy was a widow’s son, And at her stirrup he did run. 5B.6 And she was clad in the finest pall, But aye she let the tears down fall. 5B.7 ‘O is your saddle set awrye? Or rides your steed for you owre high? 5B.8 ‘Or are you mourning in your tide That you suld be Cospatrick’s bride?’ 5B.9 ‘I am not mourning at this tide That I suld be Cospatrick’s bride; 5B.10 ‘But I am sorrowing in my mood That I suld leave my mother good. 5B.11 ‘But, gentle boy, come tell to me, What is the custom of thy countrye?’ 5B.12 ‘The custom thereof, my dame,’ he says, ‘Will ill a gentle laydye please. 5B.13 ‘Seven king’s daughters has our lord wedded, And seven king’s daughters has our lord bedded; 5B.14 ‘But he’s cutted their breasts frae their breast bane, And sent them mourning hame again. 5B.15 ‘Yet, gin you’re sure that you’re a maid, Ye may gae safely to his bed; 5B.16 ‘But gif o that ye be na sure, Then hire some damsell o your bour.’ 5B.17 The ladye’s calld her bour-maiden, That waiting was into her train; 5B.18 ‘Five thousand merks I will gie thee, To sleep this night with my lord for me.’ 5B.19 When bells were rung, and mass was sayne, And a’ men unto bed were gane, 5B.20 Cospatrick and the bonny maid, Into ae chamber they were laid. 5B.21 ‘Now, speak to me, blankets, and speak to me, bed, And speak, thou sheet, inchanted web; 5B.22 ‘And speak up, my bonny brown sword, that winna lie, Is this a true maiden that lies by me?’ 5B.23 ‘It is not a maid that you hae wedded, But it is a maid that you hae bedded. 5B.24 ‘It is a liel maiden that lies by thee, But not the maiden that it should be.’ 5B.25 O wrathfully he left the bed, And wrathfully his claiths on did. 5B.26 And he has taen him thro the ha, And on his mother he did ca. 5B.27 ‘I am the most unhappy man That ever was in christen land! 5B.28 ‘I courted a maiden meik and mild, And I hae gotten naething but a woman wi child.’ 5B.29 ‘O stay, my son, into this ha, And sport ye wi your merrymen a’; 5B.30 ‘And I will to the secret bour, To see how it fares wi your paramour.’ 5B.31 The carline she was stark and sture; She aff the hinges dang the dure. 5B.32 ‘O is your bairn to laird or loun? Or is it to your father’s groom?’ 5B.33 ‘O hear me, mother, on my knee, Till my sad story I tell to thee. 5B.34 ‘O we were sisters, sisters seven, We were the fairest under heaven. 5B.35 ‘It fell on a summer’s afternoon, When a’ our toilsome task was done, 5B.36 ‘We cast the kavils us amang, To see which suld to the grene-wood gang. 5B.37 ‘O hon, alas! for I was youngest, And aye my wierd it was the hardest. 5B.38 ‘The kavil it on me did fa, Whilk was the cause of a’ my woe. 5B.39 ‘For to the grene-wood I maun gae, To pu the red rose and the slae; 5B.40 ‘To pu the red rose and the thyme, To deck my mother’s bour and mine. 5B.41 ‘I hadna pu’d a flower but ane, When by there came a gallant hende, 5B.42 ‘Wi high-colld hose and laigh-colld shoon, And he seemd to be sum king’s son. 5B.43 ‘And be I maid or be I nae, He kept me there till the close o day. 5B.44 ‘And be I maid or be I nane, He kept me there till the day was done. 5B.45 ‘He gae me a lock o his yellow hair, And bade me keep it ever mair. 5B.46 ‘He gae me a carknet o bonny beads, And bade me keep it against my needs. 5B.47 ‘He gae to me a gay gold ring, And bade me keep it abune a’ thing.’ 5B.48 ‘What did ye wi the tokens rare That ye gat frae theat gallant there?’ 5B.49 ‘O bring that coffer unto me, And a’ the tokens ye sall see.’ 5B.50 ‘Now stay, daughter, your bour within, While I gae parley wi my son.’ 5B.51 O she has taen her thro the ha, And on her son began to ca. 5B.52 ‘What did you wi the bonny beads I bade ye keep against your needs? 5B.53 ‘What did you wi the gay gowd ring I bade ye keep abune a’ thing?’ 5B.54 ‘I gae them a’ to a ladye gay I met in grene-wood on a day. 5B.55 ‘But I wad gie a’ my halls and tours, I had that ladye within my bours. 5B.56 ‘But I wad gie my very life, I had that ladye to my wife.’ 5B.57 ‘Now keep, my son, your ha’s and tours; Ye have that bright burd in your bours. 5B.58 ‘And keep, my son, your very life; Ye have that ladye to your wife.’ 5B.59 Now or a month was cum and gane, The ladye bore a bonny son. 5B.60 And ’twas weel written on his breast-bane, ‘Cospatrick is my father’s name.’ 5B.61 ‘O rowe my ladye in satin and silk, And wash my son in the morning milk.’ Child 5C: Gil Brenton 5C.1 WE were sisters, we were seven, We were the fairest under heaven. 5C.2 And it was a’ our seven years wark To sew our father’s seven sarks. 5C.3 And whan our seven years wark was done, We laid it out upo the green. 5C.4 We coost the lotties us amang, Wha wad to the greenwood gang. 5C.5 To pu the lily but and the rose, To strew witha’ our sisters’ bowers. 5C.6 . . . . . I was youngest, . . . . . my weer was hardest. 5C.7 And to the greenwood I bud gae, . . . . . 5C.8 There I met a handsome childe, . . . . . 5C.9 High-coled stockings and laigh-coled shoon, He bore him like a king’s son. 5C.10 An was I weel, or was I wae, He keepit me a’ the simmer day. 5C.11 An though I for my hame-gaun sich[t], He keepit me a’ the simmer night. 5C.12 He gae to me a gay gold ring, And bade me keep it aboon a’ thing. 5C.13 He gae to me a cuttie knife, And bade me keep it as my life: 5C.14 Three lauchters o his yellow hair, For fear we wad neer meet mair. * * * * * 5C.15 Next there came shippes three, To carry a’ my bridal fee. 5C.16 Gowd were the beaks, the sails were silk, Wrought wi maids’ hands like milk. 5C.17 They came toom and light to me, But heavie went they waie frae me. 5C.18 y were fu o baken bread, They were fu of wine sae red. 5C.19 My dowry went a’ by the sea, But I gaed by the grenewode tree. 5C.20 An I sighed and made great mane, As thro the grenewode we rade our lane. 5C.21 An I ay siched an wiped my ee, That eer the grenewode I did see. 5C.22 ‘Is there water in your glove, Or win into your shoe? O[r] am I oer low a foot-page To rin by you, ladie?’ 5C.23 ‘O there’s nae water in my glove, Nor win into my shoe; But I am maning for my mither Wha’s far awa frae me.’ * * * * * 5C.24 ‘Gin ye be a maiden fair, Meikle gude ye will get there. 5C.25 ‘If ye be a maiden but, Meikle sorrow will ye get. 5C.26 ‘For seven king’s daughters he hath wedded, But never wi ane o them has bedded. 5C.27 ‘He cuts the breasts frae their breast-bane, An sends them back unto their dame. 5C.28 ‘He sets their backs unto the saddle, An sends them back unto their father. 5C.29 ‘But be ye maiden or be ye nane, To the gowden chair ye draw right soon. 5C.30 ‘But be ye leman or be ye maiden, Sit nae down till ye be bidden.’ 5C.31 Was she maiden or was she nane, To the gowden chair she drew right soon. 5C.32 she leman or was she maiden, She sat down ere she was bidden. 5C.33 Out then spake the lord’s mother; Says, ‘This is not a maiden fair. 5C.34 ‘In that chair nae leal maiden Eer sits down till they be bidden.’ 5C.35 The Billie Blin then outspake he, As he stood by the fair ladie. 5C.36 ‘The bonnie may is tired wi riding, Gaurd her sit down ere she was bidden.’ * * * * * 5C.37 But on her waiting-maid she ca’d: ‘Fair ladie, what’s your will wi me?’ ‘O ye maun gie yere maidenheid This night to an unco lord for me.’ 5C.38 ‘I hae been east, I hae been west, I hae been far beyond the sea, But ay, by grenewode or by bower, I hae keepit my virginitie. 5C.39 ‘But will it for my ladie plead, I’ll gie’t this night to an unco lord.’ * * * * * 5C.40 When bells were rung an vespers sung, An men in sleep were locked soun, 5C.41 Childe Branton and the waiting-maid Into the bridal bed were laid. 5C.42 ‘O lie thee down, my fair ladie, Here are a’ things meet for thee; 5C.43 ‘Here’s a bolster for yere head, Here is sheets an comelie weids.’ * * * * * 5C.44 ‘Now tell to me, ye Billie Blin, If this fair dame be a leal maiden.’ 5C.45 ‘I wat she is as leal a wight As the moon shines on in a simmer night. 5C.46 ‘I wat she is as leal a may As the sun shines on in a simmer day. 5C.47 ‘But your bonnie bride’s in her bower, Dreeing the mither’s trying hour.’ 5C.48 Then out o his bridal bed he sprang, An into his mither’s bower he ran. 5C.49 ‘O mither kind, O mither dear, This is nae a maiden fair. 5C.50 ‘The maiden I took to my bride Has a bairn atween her sides. 5C.51 ‘The maiden I took to my bower Is dreeing the mither’s trying hour.’ 5C.52 Then to the chamber his mother flew, And to the wa the door she threw. 5C.53 She stapt at neither bolt nor ban, Till to that ladie’s bed she wan. 5C.54 Says, ‘Ladie fair, sae meek an mild, Wha is the father o yere child?’ 5C.55 ‘O mither dear,’ said that ladie, ‘I canna tell gif I sud die. 5C.56 ‘We were sisters, we were seven, We were the fairest under heaven. 5C.57 ‘And it was a’ our seven years wark To sew our father’s seven sarks. 5C.58 ‘And whan our seven years wark was done, We laid it out upon the green. 5C.59 ‘We coost the lotties us amang, Wha wad to the greenwode gang; 5C.60 ‘To pu the lily but an the rose, To strew witha’ our sisters’ bowers. 5C.61 . . . . . ‘I was youngest, . . . . . my weer was hardest. 5C.62 ‘And to the greenwode I bu[d] gae. . . . . 5C.63 ‘There I met a handsome childe, . . . . 5C.64 ‘Wi laigh-coled stockings and high-coled shoon, He seemed to be some king’s son. 5C.65 ‘And was I weel or was I wae, He keepit me a’ the simmer day. 5C.66 ‘Though for my hame-gaun I oft sicht, He keepit me a’ the simmer night. 5C.67 ‘He gae to me a gay gold ring, An bade me keep it aboon a’ thing; 5C.68 ‘Three lauchters o he yellow hair, For fear that we suld neer meet mair. 5C.69 ‘O mither, if ye’ll believe nae me, Break up the coffer, an there ye’ll see.’ 5C.70 An ay she coost, an ay she flang, Till her ain gowd ring came in her hand. 5C.71 And scarce aught i the coffer she left, Till she gat the knife wi the siller heft, 5C.72 Three lauchters o his yellow hair, Knotted wi ribbons dink and rare. 5C.73 She cried to her son, ‘Where is the ring Your father gave me at our wooing, An I gae you at your hunting? 5C.74 ‘What did ye wi the cuttie knife, I bade ye keep it as yere life?’ 5C.75 ‘O haud yere tongue, my mither dear; I gae them to a lady fair. 5C.76 ‘I wad gie a’ my lands and rents, I had that ladie within my brents. 5C.77 ‘I wad gie a’ my lands an towers, I had that ladie within my bowers.’ 5C.78 ‘Keep still yere lands, keep still yere rents; Ye hae that ladie within yere brents. 5C.79 ‘Keep still yere lands, keep still yere towers; Ye hae that lady within your bowers.’ 5C.80 Then to his ladie fast ran he, An low he kneeled on his knee. 5C.81 ‘O tauk ye up my son,’ said he, ‘An, mither, tent my fair ladie. 5C.82 ‘O wash him purely i the milk, And lay him saftly in the silk. 5C.83 ‘An ye maun bed her very soft, For I maun kiss her wondrous oft.’ 5C.84 It was weel written on his breast-bane Childe Branton was the father’s name. 5C.85 It was weel written on his right hand He was the heir o his daddie’s land. Child 5D: Gil Brenton 5D.1 WE were sisters, sisters seven, Refrain: Bowing down, bowing down The fairest women under heaven. Refrain: And aye the birks a-bowing 5D.2 They kiest kevels them amang, Wha woud to the grenewood gang. 5D.3 The kevels they gied thro the ha, And on the youngest it did fa. 5D.4 Now she must to the grenewood gang, To pu the nuts in grenewood hang. 5D.5 She hadna tarried an hour but ane Till she met wi a highlan groom. 5D.6 He keeped her sae late and lang Till the evening set and birds they sang. 5D.7 He gae to her at their parting A chain o gold and gay gold ring; 5D.8 And three locks o his yellow hair; Bade her keep them for evermair. 5D.9 When six lang months were come and gane. A courtier to this lady came. 5D.10 Lord Dingwall courted this lady gay, And so he set their wedding-day. 5D.11 A little boy to the ha was sent, To bring her horse was his intent. 5D.12 As she was riding the way along, She began to make a heavy moan. 5D.13 ‘What ails you, lady,’ the boy said, ‘That ye seem sae dissatisfied? 5D.14 ‘Are the bridle reins for you too strong? Or the stirrups for you too long?’ 5D.15 ‘But, little boy, will ye tell me The fashions that are in your countrie?’ 5D.16 ‘The fashions in our ha I’ll tell, And o them a’ I’ll warn you well. 5D.17 ‘When ye come in upon the floor, His mither will meet you wi a golden chair. 5D.18 ‘But be ye maid or be ye nane, Unto the high seat make ye boun. 5D.19 ‘Lord Dingwall aft has been beguild By girls whom young men hae defiled. 5D.20 ‘He’s cutted the paps frae their breast-bane, And sent them back to their ain hame.’ 5D.21 When she came in upon the floor, His mother met her wi a golden chair. 5D.22 But to the high seat she made her boun: She knew that maiden she was nane. 5D.23 When night was come, they went to bed, And ower her breast his arm he laid. 5D.24 He quickly jumped upon the floor, And said, ‘I’ve got a vile rank whore.’ 5D.25 Unto his mother he made his moan, Says, ‘Mother dear, I am undone. 5D.26 ‘Ye’ve aft tald, when I brought them hame, Whether they were maid or nane. 5D.27 ‘I thought I’d gotten a maiden bright; I’ve gotten but a waefu wight. 5D.28 ‘I thought I’d gotten a maiden clear, But gotten but a vile rank whore.’ 5D.29 ‘When she came in upon the floor, I met her wi a golden chair. 5D.30 ‘But to the high seat she made her boun, Because a maiden she was nane.’ 5D.31 ‘I wonder wha’s tauld that gay ladie The fashion into our countrie.’ 5D.32 ‘It is your little boy I blame, Whom ye did send to bring her hame.’ 5D.33 Then to the lady she did go, And said, ‘O Lady, let me know 5D.34 ‘Who has defiled your fair bodie: Ye’re the first that has beguiled me.’ 5D.35 ‘O we were sisters, sisters seven, The fairest women under heaven. 5D.36 ‘And we kiest kevels us amang, Wha woud to the grenewood gang; 5D.37 ‘For to pu the finest flowers, To put around our summer bowers. 5D.38 ‘I was the youngest o them a’; The hardest fortune did me befa. 5D.39 ‘Unto the grenewood I did gang, And pu’d the nuts as they down hang. 5D.40 ‘I hadna stayd an hour but ane Till I met wi a highlan groom. 5D.41 ‘He keeped me sae late and lang Till the evening set and birds they sang. 5D.42 ‘He gae to me at our parting A chain of gold and gay gold ring; 5D.43 ‘And three locks o his yellow hair; Bade me keep them for evermair. 5D.44 ‘Then for to show I make nae lie, Look ye my trunk, and ye will see.’ 5D.45 Unto the trunk then she did go, To see if that were true or no. 5D.46 And aye she sought, and aye she flang, Till these four things came to her hand. 5D.47 Then she did to her ain son go, And said, ‘My son, ye’ll let me know, 5D.48 ‘Ye will tell to me this thing: What did you wi my wedding-ring?’ 5D.49 ‘Mother dear, I’ll tell nae lie: I gave it to a gay ladie. 5D.50 ‘I would gie a’ my ha’s and towers, I had this bird within my bowers.’ 5D.51 ‘Keep well, keep well your lands and strands; Ye hae that bird within your hands. 5D.52 ‘Now, my son, to your bower ye’ll go: Comfort your ladie, she’s full o woe.’ 5D.53 Now when nine months were come and gane, The lady she brought hame a son. 5D.54 It was written on his breast-bane Lord Dingwall was his father’s name. 5D.55 He’s taen his young son in his arms, And aye he praisd his lovely charms. 5D.56 And he has gien him kisses three, And doubled them ower to his ladie. Child 5E: Gil Brenton 5E.1 LORD BENWALL he’s a hunting gone; Refrain: Hey down, etc. He’s taken with him all his merry men. Refrain: Hey, etc. 5E.2 As he was walking late alone, He spyed a lady both brisk and young. 5E.3 He keeped her so long and long, From the evening late till the morning came. 5E.4 All that he gave her at their parting Was a pair of gloves and a gay gold ring. 5E.5 Lord Benwall he’s a wooing gone, And he’s taken with him all his merry men. 5E.6 As he was walking the Haleigh throw, He spy’d seven ladyes all in a row. 5E.7 He cast a lot among them all; Upon the youngest the lot did fall. 5E.8 He wedded her and brought her home, And by the way she made great moan. 5E.9 ‘What aileth my dearest and dayly flower? What ails my dear, to make such moan? 5E.10 ‘Does the steed carry you too high? Or does thy pillow sit awry? 5E.11 ‘Or does the wind blow in thy glove? Or is thy heart after another love?’ 5E.12 ‘The steed does not carry me too high, Nor does my pillow sit awry. 5E.13 ‘Nor does the wind blow in my glove, Nor is my heart after another love.’ 5E.14 When they were doun to supper set, The weary pain took her by the back. 5E.15 ‘What ails my dearest and dayly flower? What ails my dearest, to make such moan?’ 5E.16 ‘I am with child, and it’s not to thee, And oh and alas, what shall I doe!’ 5E.17 ‘I thought I had got a maid so mild; But I have got a woman big with child. 5E.18 ‘I thought I had got a dayly flower; I have gotten but a common whore.’ * * * * * 5E.19 ‘Rise up, Lord Benwall, go to your hall, And cherrish up your merry men all.’ * * * * * 5E.20 ‘As I was walking once late alone, I spy’d a lord, both brisk and young. 5E.21 ‘He keeped me so long and long, From evening late till the morning came. 5E.22 ‘All that he gave me at our parting Was a pair of gloves and a gay gold ring. 5E.23 ‘If you will not believe what I tell to thee, There’s the key of my coffer, you may go and see.’ 5E.24 His mother went, and threw and flang, Till to her hand the ring it came. 5E.25 ‘Lord Benwall, wilt thou tell to me Where is the ring I gave to thee?’ 5E.26 ‘Now I would give all my lands and tower, To have that lady in my bower. 5E.27 ‘I would give all my lands and rents, To have that lady in my tents.’ 5E.28 ‘You need not give all your lands and tower, For you have that lady in your power. 5E.29 ‘You need not give all your lands and rents, For you have that lady in your tents.’ 5E.30 Now it was written on the child’s breast-bone Lord Benwall’s sirname and his name. 5E.31 It was written on the child’s right hand That he should be heir of Lord Benwall’s land. 5E.32 ‘Canst cloath my lady in the silk, And feed my young son with the milk.’ Child 5F: Gil Brenton 5F.1 THERE were three sisters in a bouir, Refrain: Eh down and Oh down And the youngest o them was the fairest flour. Refrain: Eh down and O down 5F.2 And we began our seven years wark, To sew our brither John a sark. 5F.3 When seven years was come and gane, There was nae a sleeve in it but ane. 5F.4 But we coost kevils us amang Wha wud to the green-wood gang. 5F.5 But tho we had coosten neer sae lang, The lot it fell on me aye to gang. 5F.6 I was the youngest, and I was the fairest, And alace! my wierd it was aye the sairest. 5F.7 . . . Till I had to the woods to gae. 5F.8 To pull the cherrie and the slae, And to seek our ae brither, we had nae mae. 5F.9 But as I was walking the leas o Lyne, I met a youth gallant and fine; 5F.10 Wi milk white stockings and coal black shoon; He seemed to be some gay lord’s son. 5F.11 But he keepit me there sae lang, sae lang, Till the maids in the morning were singing their sang. 5F.12 Would I wee or would I way, He keepit me the lang simmer day. 5F.13 Would I way or would I wight, He keepit me the simmer night. 5F.14 But guess what was at our parting? A pair o grass green gloves and a gay gold ring. ring. 5F.15 He gave me three plaits o his yellow hair, In token that we might meet mair. 5F.16 But when nine months were come and gane, This gallant lord cam back again. 5F.17 He’s wed this lady, and taen her wi him; But as they were riding the leas o Lyne, 5F.18 This lady was not able to ride, . . . 5F.19 ‘O does thy saddle set thee aside? Or does thy steed ony wrang way ride? 5F.20 ‘Or thinkst thou me too low a groom? . . . 5F.21 ‘Or hast thou musing in thy mind For the leaving of thy mother kind?’ 5F.22 ‘My saddle it sets not me aside, Nor does my steed ony wrang way ride. 5F.23 ‘Nor think I thee too low a groom . . . 5F.24 ‘But I hae musing in my mind For the leaving of my mother kind.’ 5F.25 ‘I’ll bring thee to a mother of mine, As good a mother as eer was thine.’ 5F.26 ‘A better mother she may be, But an unco woman she’ll prove to me.’ 5F.27 But when lords and ladies at supper sat, Her pains they struck her in the back. 5F.28 When lords and ladies were laid in bed, Her pains they struck her in the side. 5F.29 ‘Rise up, rise up, now, Lord Brangwill, For I’m wi child and you do not know’t.’ 5F.30 He took up his foot and gave her sic a bang Till owre the bed the red blood sprang. 5F.31 He is up to his mother’s ha, Calling her as hard as he could ca. 5F.32 ‘I went through moss and I went through mure, Thinking to get some lily flouir. 5F.33 . . . ‘But to my house I have brocht a hure. 5F.34 ‘I thocht to have got a lady baith meek and mild, But I’ve got a woman that’s big wi child.’ 5F.35 ‘O rest you here, Lord Brangwill,’ she said, ‘Till I relieve your lady that lyes so low.’ 5F.36 ‘O daughter dear, will you tell to me Who is the father of your babie?’ 5F.37 ‘Yes, mother dear, I will tell thee Who is the father of my babie. 5F.38 ‘As I was walking the leas o Lyne, I met a youth gallant and fine; 5F.39 th milk-white stockings and coal-black shoon; He seemed to be sum gay lord’s son. 5F.40 ‘He keepit me sae lang, sae lang, Till the maids in the morning were singing their sang. 5F.41 ‘Would I wee or would I way, He keepit me the lang simmer day. 5F.42 ‘Would I way or would I wight, He keepit me the simmer night. 5F.43 ‘But guess ye what was at our parting? A pair of grass green gloves and a gay gold ring. 5F.44 ‘He gave me three plaits o his yellow hair, In token that we might meet mair.’ 5F.45 ‘O dochter dear, will ye show me These tokens that he gave to thee?’ 5F.46 ‘Altho my back should break in three, Unto my coffer I must be.’ 5F.47 ‘Thy back it shall not break in three, For I’ll bring thy coffer to thy knee.’ 5F.48 Aye she coost, and aye she flang, Till these three tokens came to her hand. 5F.49 Then she is up to her sons’s ha, Calling him hard as she could ca. 5F.50 ‘O son, O son, will you tell me . . . 5F.51 ‘What ye did wi the grass green gloves and gay gold ring That ye gat at your own birth-een?’ 5F.52 ‘I gave them to as pretty a may As ever I saw in a simmer day. 5F.53 ‘I wud rather than a’ my lands sae broad That I had her as sure as eer I had. 5F.54 ‘I would rather than a’ my lands sae free I had her here this night wi me.’ 5F.55 ‘I wish you good o your lands sae broad, For ye have her as sure as eer ye had. 5F.56 ‘I wish ye good o your lands sae free, For ye have her here this night wi thee.’ 5F.57 ‘Gar wash my auld son in the milk, Gar deck my lady’s bed wi silk.’ 5F.58 He gave his auld son kisses three, But he doubled them a’ to his gay ladye. Child 5G: Gil Brenton 5G.1 AS Bothwell was walking in the lowlands alane, Refrain: Hey down and a down He met six ladies sae gallant and fine. Refrain: Hey down and a down 5G.2 He cast his lot among them a’, And on the youngest his lot did fa. 5G.3 He’s brought her frae her mother’s bower, Unto his strongest castle and tower. 5G.4 But ay she cried and made great moan, And ay the tear came trickling down. 5G.5 ‘Come up, come up,’ said the foremost man, ‘I think our bride comes slowly on.’ 5G.6 ‘O lady, sits your saddle awry, Or is your steed for you owre high?’ 5G.7 ‘My saddle is not set awry, Nor carries me my steed owre high; 5G.8 ‘But I am weary of my life, Since I maun be Lord Bothwell’s wife.’ 5G.9 He’s blawn his horn sae sharp and shrill, Up start the deer on evry hill. 5G.10 He’s blawn his horn sae lang and loud, Up start the deer in gude green-wood. 5G.11 His lady mother lookit owre the castle wa, And she saw them riding ane and a’. 5G.12 She’s calld upon her maids by seven, To mak his bed baith saft and even. 5G.13 She’s calld upon her cooks by nine, To make their dinner fair and fine. 5G.14 When day was gane, and night was come, ‘What ails my love on me to frown? 5G.15 ‘Or does the wind blow in your glove? Or runs your mind on another love?’ 5G.16 ‘Nor blows the wind within my glove, Nor runs my mind on another love; 5G.17 ‘But I nor maid nor maiden am, For I’m wi bairn to another man.’ 5G.18 ‘I thought I’d a maiden sae meek and sae mild, But I’ve nought but a woman wi child.’ 5G.19 His mother’s taen her up to a tower, And lockit her in her secret bower. 5G.20 ‘Now, doughter mine, come tell to me, Wha’s bairn this is that you are wi.’ 5G.21 ‘O mother dear, I canna learn Wha is the faither of my bairn. 5G.22 ‘But as I walkd in the lowlands my lane, I met a gentleman gallant and fine. 5G.23 ‘He keepit me there sae late and sae lang, Frae the evning late till the morning dawn. 5G.24 ‘And a’ that he gied me to my propine Was a pair of green gloves and a gay gold ring; 5G.25 ‘Three lauchters of his yellow hair, In case that we shoud meet nae mair.’ 5G.26 His lady mother went down the stair: . . . 5G.27 ‘Now son, now son, come tell to me, Where’s the green gloves I gave to thee?’ 5G.28 ‘I gied to a lady sae fair and so fine The green gloves and a gay gold ring. 5G.29 ‘But I wad gie my castles and towers, I had that lady within my bowers. 5G.30 ‘But I wad gie my very life, I had that lady to be my wife.’ 5G.31 ‘Now keep, now keep your castles and towers, You have that lady within your bowers. 5G.32 ‘Now keep, now keep your very life, You have that lady to be your wife.’ 5G.33 ‘O row my lady in sattin and silk, And wash my son in the morning milk.’ Child 5H: Gil Brenton 5H.1 WE were seven sisters in a bower, Refrain: Adown adown, and adown and adown The flower of a’ fair Scotland ower. Refrain: Adown adown, and adown and adown 5H.2 We were sisters, sisters seven, The fairest women under heaven. 5H.3 There fell a dispute us amang, Wha would to the greenwood gang. 5H.4 They kiest the kevels them amang, O wha would to the greenwood gang. 5H.5 The kevels they gied thro the ha, And on the youngest it did fa. 5H.6 The kevel fell into her hand, To greenwood she was forced to gang. 5H.7 She hedna pued a flower but ane, When by there came an earl’s son. 5H.8 ‘And was he well or was he wae, He keepet me that summer’s day.’ 5H.9 And was he weel or was he weight, He keepet her that summer’s night. 5H.10 And he gave her a gay goud ring His mother got at her wedding. * * * * * 5H.11 ‘Oh is yer stirrup set too high? Or is your saddle set awry? 5H.12 ‘Oh is yer stirrup set too side? Or what’s the reason ye canna ride?’ * * * * * 5H.13 When all were at the table set, Then not a bit could this lady eat. 5H.14 When all made merry at the feast, This lady wished she were at her rest. * * * * *
Child 6A: Willie’s Lady 6A.1 WILLIE has taen him oer the fame, He’s woo’d a wife and brought her hame. 6A.2 He’s woo’d her for her yellow hair, But his mother wrought her mickle care. 6A.3 And mickle dolour gard her dree, For lighter she can never be. 6A.4 But in her bower she sits wi pain, And Willie mourns oer her in vain. 6A.5 And to his mother he has gone, That vile rank witch of vilest kind. 6A.6 He says: ‘My ladie has a cup, Wi gowd and silver set about. 6A.7 ‘This goodlie gift shall be your ain, And let her be lighter o her young bairn.’ 6A.8 ‘Of her young bairn she’ll neer be lighter, Nor in her bower to shine the brighter. 6A.9 ‘But she shall die and turn to clay, And you shall wed another may.’ 6A.10 ‘Another may I’ll never wed, Another may I’ll neer bring home.’ 6A.11 But sighing says that weary wight, ‘I wish my life were at an end.’ 6A.12 ‘Ye doe [ye] unto your mother again, That vile rank witch of vilest kind. 6A.13 ‘And say your ladie has a steed, The like o’m’s no in the lands of Leed. 6A.14 ‘For he [i]s golden shod before, And he [i]s golden shod behind. 6A.15 ‘And at ilka tet of that horse’s main, There’s a golden chess and a bell ringing. 6A.16 ‘This goodlie gift shall be your ain, And let me be lighter of my young bairn.’ 6A.17 ‘O her young bairn she’ll neer be lighter, Nor in her bower to shine the brighter. 6A.18 ‘But she shall die and turn to clay, And ye shall wed another may.’ 6A.19 ‘Another may I[’ll] never wed, Another may I[’ll] neer bring hame.’ 6A.20 But sighing said that weary wight, ‘I wish my life were at an end.’ 6A.21 ‘Ye doe [ye] unto your mother again, That vile rank witch of vilest kind. 6A.22 ‘And say your ladie has a girdle, It’s red gowd unto the middle. 6A.23 ‘And ay at every silver hem, Hangs fifty silver bells and ten. 6A.24 ‘That goodlie gift has be her ain, And let me be lighter of my young bairn.’ 6A.25 ‘O her young bairn she’s neer be lighter, Nor in her bower to shine the brighter. 6A.26 ‘But she shall die and turn to clay, And you shall wed another may.’ 6A.27 ‘Another may I’ll never wed, Another may I’ll neer bring hame.’ 6A.28 But sighing says that weary wight, ‘I wish my life were at an end.’ 6A.29 Then out and spake the Belly Blind; He spake aye in good time. 6A.30 ‘Ye doe ye to the market place, And there ye buy a loaf o wax. 6A.31 ‘Ye shape it bairn and bairnly like, And in twa glassen een ye pit; 6A.32 ‘And bid her come to your boy’s christening; Then notice weel what she shall do. 6A.33 ‘And do you stand a little fore bye, And listen weel what she shall say.’ 6A.34 ‘Oh wha has loosed the nine witch knots That was amo that ladie’s locks? 6A.35 ‘And wha has taen out the kaims of care That hangs amo that ladie’s hair? 6A.36 ‘And wha’s taen down the bush o woodbine That hang atween her bower and mine? 6A.37 ‘And wha has killd the master kid That ran beneath that ladie’s bed? 6A.38 ‘And wha has loosed her left-foot shee, And lotten that ladie lighter be?’ 6A.39 O Willie has loosed the nine witch knots That was amo that ladie’s locks. 6A.40 And Willie’s taen out the kaims o care That hang amo that ladie’s hair. 6A.41 And Willie’s taen down the bush o woodbine That hang atween her bower and thine. 6A.42 And Willie has killed the master kid That ran beneath that ladie’s bed. 6A.43 And Willie has loosed her left-foot shee, And letten his ladie lighter be. 6A.44 And now he’s gotten a bonny young son, And mickle grace be him upon.
Child 7A: Earl Brand 7A.1 OH did ye ever hear o brave Earl Bran? Refrain: Ay lally, o lilly lally He courted the king’s daughter of fair England. Refrain: All i the night sae early 7A.2 She was scarcely fifteen years of age Till sae boldly she came to his bedside. 7A.3 ‘O Earl Bran, fain wad I see A pack of hounds let loose on the lea.’ 7A.4 ‘O lady, I have no steeds but one, And thou shalt ride, and I will run.’ 7A.5 ‘O Earl Bran, my father has two, And thou shall have the best o them a.’ 7A.6 They have ridden oer moss and moor, And they met neither rich nor poor. 7A.7 Until they met with old Carl Hood; He comes for ill, but never for good. 7A.8 ‘Earl Bran, if ye love me, Seize this old carl, and gar him die.’ 7A.9 ‘O lady fair, it wad be sair, To slay an old man that has grey hair. 7A.10 ‘O lady fair, I’ll no do sae; I’ll gie him a pound, and let him gae.’ 7A.11 ‘O where hae ye ridden this lee lang day? Or where hae ye stolen this lady away?’ 7A.12 ‘I have not ridden this lee lang day. Nor yet have I stolen this lady away. 7A.13 ‘She is my only, my sick sister, Whom I have brought from Winchester.’ 7A.14 ‘If she be sick, and like to dead, Why wears she the ribbon sae red? 7A.15 ‘If she be sick, and like to die, Then why wears she the gold on high?’ 7A.16 When he came to his lady’s gate, Sae rudely as he rapped at it. 7A.17 ‘O where’s the lady o this ha?’ ‘She’s out with her maids to play at the ba. 7A.18 ‘Ha, ha, ha! ye are a’ mistaen: Gae count your maidens oer again. 7A.19 ‘I saw her far beyond the moor, Away to be the Earl o Bran’s whore.’ 7A.20 The father armed fifteen of his best men, To bring his daughter back again. 7A.21 Oer her left shoulder the lady looked then: ‘O Earl Bran, we both are tane.’ 7A.22 ‘If they come on me ane by ane, Ye may stand by and see them slain. 7A.23 ‘But if they come on me one and all, Ye may stand by and see me fall.’ 7A.24 They have come on him ane by ane, And he has killed them all but ane. 7A.25 And that ane came behind his back, And he’s gien him a deadly whack. 7A.26 But for a’ sae wounded as Earl Bran was, He has set his lady on her horse. 7A.27 They rode till they came to the water o Doune, And then he alighted to wash his wounds. 7A.28 ‘O Earl Bran, I see your heart’s blood!’ ’Tis but the gleat o my scarlet hood.’ 7A.29 They rode till they came to his mother’s gate, And sae rudely as he rapped at it. 7A.30 ‘O my son’s slain, my son’s put down, And a’ for the sake of an English loun.’ 7A.31 ‘O say not sae, my dear mother, But marry her to my youngest brother. * * * * * 7A.32 ‘This has not been the death o ane, But it’s been that of fair seventeen.’ * * * * * Child 7B: Earl Brand 7B.1 ‘RISE up, rise up, now, Lord Douglas,’ she says, ‘And put on your armour so bright; Let it never be said that a daughter of thine Was married to a lord under night. 7B.2 ‘Rise up, rise up, my seven bold sons, And put on your armour so bright, And take better care of your youngest sister, For your eldest’s awa the last night.’ 7B.3 He’s mounted her on a milk-white steed, And himself on a dapple grey, With a bugelet horn hung down by his side, And lightly they rode away. 7B.4 Lord William lookit oer his left shoulder, To see what he could see, And there he spy’d her seven brethren bold, Come riding over the lee. 7B.5 ‘Light down, light down, Lady Margret,’ he said, ‘And hold my steed in your hand, Until that against your seven brethren bold, And your father, I mak a stand.’ 7B.6 She held his steed in her milk-white hand, And never shed one tear, Until that she saw her seven brethren fa, And her father hard fighting, who lovd her so dear. 7B.7 ‘O hold your hand, Lord William!’ she said, ‘For your strokes they are wondrous sair; True lovers I can get many a ane, But a father I can never get mair.’ 7B.8 O she’s taen out her handkerchief, It was o the holland sae fine, And aye she dighted her father’s bloody wounds, That were redder than the wine. 7B.9 ‘O chuse, O chuse, Lady Margret,’ he said, ‘O whether will ye gang or bide?’ ‘I’ll gang, I’ll gang, Lord William,’ she said, ‘For ye have left me no other guide.’ 7B.10 He’s lifted her on a milk-white steed, And himself on a dapple grey, With a bugelet horn hung down by his side, And slowly they baith rade away. 7B.11 O they rade on, and on they rade, And a’ by the light of the moon, Until they came to yon wan water, And there they lighted down. 7B.12 They lighted down to tak a drink Of the spring that ran sae clear, And down the stream ran his gude heart’s blood, And sair she gan to fear. 7B.13 ‘Hold up, hold up, Lord William,’ she says, ‘For I fear that you are slain;’ ‘’Tis naething but the shadow of my scarlet cloak, That shines in the water sae plain.’ 7B.14 O they rade on, and on they rade, And a’ by the light of the moon, Until they cam to his mother’s ha door, And there they lighted down. 7B.15 ‘Get up, get up, lady mother,’ he says, ‘Get up, and let me in! Get up, get up, lady mother,’ he says, ‘For this night my fair lady I’ve win. 7B.16 ‘O mak my bed, lady mother,’ he says, ‘O mak it braid and deep, And lay Lady Margret close at my back, And the sounder I will sleep.’ 7B.17 Lord William was dead lang ere midnight, Lady Margret lang ere day, And all true lovers that go thegither, May they have mair luck than they! 7B.18 Lord William was buried in St. Mary’s kirk, Lady Margret in Mary’s quire; Out o the lady’s grave grew a bonny red rose, And out o the knight’s a briar. 7B.19 And they twa met, and they twa plat, And fain they wad be near; And a’ the warld might ken right weel They were twa lovers dear. 7B.20 But bye and rade the Black Douglas, And wow but he was rough! For he pulld up the bonny brier, And flang’t in St. Mary’s Loch. Child 7C: Earl Brand 7C.1 ‘RISE up, rise up, my seven brave sons, And dress in your armour so bright; Earl Douglas will hae Lady Margaret awa Before that it be light. 7C.2 ‘Arise, arise, my seven brave sons, And dress in your armour so bright; It shall never be said that a daughter of mine Shall go with an earl or a knight.’ 7C.3 ‘O will ye stand, fair Margaret,’ he says, ‘And hold my milk-white steed, Till I fight your father and seven brethren, In yonder pleasant mead?’ 7C.4 She stood and held his milk-white steed, She stood trembling with fear, Until she saw her seven brethren fall, And her father that loved her dear. 7C.5 ‘Hold your hand, Earl Douglas,’ she says, ‘Your strokes are wonderous sair; I may get sweethearts again enew, But a father I’ll ne’er get mair.’ 7C.6 She took out a handkerchief Was made o’ the cambrick fine, And aye she wiped her father’s bloody wounds, And the blood sprung up like wine. 7C.7 ‘Will ye go, fair Margaret?’ he said, ‘Will ye now go, or bide?’ ‘Yes, I’ll go, sweet William,’ she said, ‘For ye’ve left me never a guide. 7C.8 ‘If I were to go to my mother’s house, A welcome guest I would be; But for the bloody deed that’s done this day I’ll rather go with thee.’ 7C.9 He lifted her on a milk-white steed And himself on a dapple gray; They drew their hats out over their face, And they both went weeping away. 7C.10 They rode, they rode, and they better rode, Till they came to yon water wan; They lighted down to gie their horse a drink Out of the running stream. 7C.11 ‘I am afraid, Earl Douglas,’ she said, ‘I am afraid ye are slain;’ I think I see your bonny heart’s blood Running down the water wan.’ 7C.12 ‘Oh no, oh no, fair Margaret,’ he said, ‘Oh no, I am not slain; It is but the scad of my scarlet cloak Runs down the water wan.’ 7C.13 He mounted her on a milk-white steed And himself on a dapple gray, And they have reached Earl Douglas’ gates Before the break of day. 7C.14 ‘O rise, dear mother, and make my bed, And make it braid and wide, And lay me down to take my rest, And at my back my bride.’ 7C.15 She has risen and made his bed, She made it braid and wide; She laid him down to take his rest, And at his back his bride. 7C.16 Lord William died ere it was day, Lady Margaret on the morrow; Lord William died through loss of blood and wounds, Fair Margaret died with sorrow. 7C.17 The one was buried in Mary’s kirk, The other in Mary’s quire; The one sprung up a bonnie bush, And the other a bonny brier. 7C.18 These twa grew, and these twa threw, Till they came to the top, And when they could na farther gae, They coost the lovers’ knot. Child 7D: Earl Brand 7D.1 ‘SLEEPST thou or wakst thou, Lord Montgomerie, Sleepst thou or wakst thou, I say? Rise up, make a match for your eldest daughter, For the youngest I carry away.’ 7D.2 ‘Rise up, rise up, my seven bold sons, Dress yourselves in the armour sae fine; For it ne’er shall be said that a churlish knight Eer married a daughter of mine.’ * * * * * 7D.3 ‘Loup aff, loup aff, Lady Margaret,’ he said, ‘And hold my steed in your hand, And I will go fight your seven brethren, And your father, where they stand.’ 7D.4 Sometimes she gaed, sometimes she stood, But never dropt a tear, Until she saw her brethren all slain, And her father who lovd her so dear. 7D.5 ‘Hold thy hand, sweet William,’ she says, ‘Thy blows are wondrous sore; Sweethearts I may have many a one, But a father I’ll never have more.’ 7D.6 O she’s taken her napkin frae her pocket, Was made o the holland fine, And ay as she dichted her father’s bloody wounds, They sprang as red as the wine. 7D.7 ‘Two chooses, two chooses, Lady Margret,’ he says, ‘Two chooses I’ll make thee; Whether to go back to your mother again, Or go along with me.’ 7D.8 ‘For to go home to my mother again, An unwelcome guest I’d be; But since my fate has ordered it so, I’ll go along with thee.’ 7D.9 He has mounted her on a milk-white steed, Himself on the dapple gray, And blawn his horn baith loud and shill, And it sounded far on their way. 7D.10 They rode oer hill, they rode oer dale, They rode oer mountains so high, Until they came to that beautiful place Where Sir William’s mother did lie. 7D.11 ‘Rise up, rise up, lady mother,’ he said, ‘Rise up, and make much o your own; Rise up, rise up, lady mother,’ he said, ‘For his bride’s just new come home.’ 7D.12 Sir Willian he died in the middle o the night, Lady Margaret died on the morrow; Sir William he died of pure pure love, Lady Margaret of grief and sorrow. Child 7E: Earl Brand 7E.1 HE has lookit over his left shoulder, And through his bonnie bridle rein, And he spy’d her father and her seven bold brethren, Come riding down the glen. 7E.2 ‘O hold my horse, Lady Margret,’ he said, O hold my horse by the bonnie bridle rein, Till I fight your father and seven bold brethren, As they come riding down the glen.’ 7E.3 Some time she rade, and some time she gaed, Till she that place did near, And there she spy’d her seven bold brethren slain, And her father who loved her so dear. 7E.4 ‘O hold you hand, sweet William,’ she said, ‘Your bull baits are wondrous sair; Sweet-hearts I may get many a one, But a father I will never get mair.’ 7E.5 She has taken a napkin from off her neck, That was of the cambrick so fine, And aye as she wiped her father’s bloody wounds, The blood ran red as the wine. * * * * * 7E.6 He set her upon the milk-white steed, Himself upon the brown; He took a horn out of his pocket, And they both went weeping along. Child 7F: Earl Brand 7F.1 . . . . . . Sayes ‘Christ thee saue, good Child of Ell! Christ saue thee and thy steede! 7F.2 ‘My father sayes he will [eat] noe meate, Nor his drinke shall doe him noe good, Till he haue slaine the Child of Ell, And haue seene his harts blood.’ 7F.3 ‘I wold I were in my sadle sett, And a mile out of the towne; I did not care for your father And all his merry men! 7F.4 ‘I wold I were in my sadle sett, And a little space him froe; I did not care for your father And all that long him to!’ 7F.5 He leaned ore his saddle bow To kisse this lady good; The tears that went them two betweene Were blend water and blood. 7F.6 He sett himselfe on one good steed, This lady on a palfray, And sett his litle horne to his mouth, And roundlie he rode away. 7F.7 He had not ridden past a mile, A mile out of the towne, . . . . . . 7F.8 Her father was readye with her seuen brether, He said, ‘Sett thou my daughter downe! For it ill beseemes thee, thou false churles sonne, To carry her forth of this towne!’ 7F.9 But lowd thou lyest, Sir Iohn the knight, Thou now doest lye of me; A knight me gott, and a lady me bore; Soe neuer did none by thee. 7F.10 ‘But light now downe, my lady gay, Light downe and hold my horsse, Whilest I and your father and your brether Doe play vs at this crosse. 7F.11 ‘But light now downe, my owne trew loue, And meeklye hold my steede, Whilest your father [and your seuen brether] bold * * * * * Child 7[G]: Earl Brand 7[G.1] * * * * ‘Gude Earl Brand, I long to see Refrain: Faldee faldee fal deediddle a dee 7[G.1] All your grey hounds running over the lea.’ Refrain: And the brave knights in the valley 7[G.2] ‘Gude lady fair, I have not a steed but one, But you shall ride and I shall run.’ 7[G.3] They’re ower moss and they’re ower mure, And they saw neither rich nor pure. 7[G.4] Until that they came to auld Karl Hude; He’s aye for ill and never for gude. 7[G.5] ‘Gude Earl Brand, if ye love me, Kill auld Karl Hude, and gar him die.’ 7[G.6] ‘O fair ladie, we’ll do better than sae: Gie him a penny and let him gae.’ 7[G.7] ‘Gude Earl Brand, whare hae ye been, Or whare hae ye stown this lady sheen?’ 7[G.8] ‘She’s not my lady, but my sick sister, And she’s been at the wells of Meen.’ 7[G.9] ‘If she was sick, and very sair, She wadna wear the red gold on her hair. 7[G.10[ ‘Or if she were sick, and like to be dead, She wadna wear the ribbons red.’ 7[G.11] He cam till he cam to her father’s gate, And he has rappit furious thereat. 7[G.12] ‘Where is the lady o this hall?’ ‘She’s out wi her maidens, playing at the ball.’ 7[G.13] ‘If you’ll get me fyfteen wale wight men, Sae fast as I’ll fetch her back again.’ 7[G.14] She’s lookit ower her left collar-bane: ‘O gude Earl Brand, we baith are taen.’ 7[G.15] ‘Light down, light down, and hold my steed; Change never your cheer till ye see me dead. 7[G.16] ‘If they come on me man by man, I’ll be very laith for to be taen. 7[G.17] ‘But if they come on me one and all, The sooner you will see me fall.’ 7[G.18] O he has killd them all but one, And wha was that but auld Karl Hude. 7[G.19] And he has come on him behind, And put in him the deadly wound. 7[G.20] O he has set his lady on, And he’s come whistling all along. 7[G.21] hGude Earl Brand, I see blood:’ ‘It’s but the shade o my scarlet robe.’ 7[G.22] They cam till they cam to the water aflood; He’s lighted down and he’s wushen aff the blood. 7[G.23] His mother walks the floor alone: ‘O yonder does come my poor son. 7[G.24] ‘He is both murderd and undone, And all for the sake o an English loon.’ 7[G.25] ‘Say not sae, my dearest mother, Marry her on my eldest brother.’ 7[G.26] She set her fit up to the wa, 7[G.26r] Faldee faldee fal deediddle adee 7[G.26] She’s fallen down dead amang them a’. 7[G.26r] And the brave knights o the valley Child 7[H]: Earl Brand 7[H.1] Did you ever hear of good Earl Brand, Refrain: Aye lally an lilly lally 7[H.1] And the king’s daughter of fair Scotland? Refrain: And the braw knights o Airly 7[H.2] She was scarce fifteen years of age When she came to Earl Brand’s bed. Refrain: Wi the braw knights o Airly 7[H.3] ‘O Earl Brand, I fain wad see Our grey hounds run over the lea.’ Refrain: Mang the braw bents o Airly 7[H.4] ‘O,’ says Earl Brand, ‘I’ve nae steads but one, And you shall ride and I shall run.’ Refrain: Oer the braw heights o Airly 7[H.5] ‘O,’ says the lady, ‘I hae three, And ye shall hae yeer choice for me.’ Refrain: Of the braw steeds o Airly 7[H.6] So they lap on, and on they rade, Till they came to auld Carle Hood. Refrain: Oer the braw hills o Airly 7[H.7] Carl Hood’s aye for ill, and he’s no for good, He’s aye for ill, and he’s no for good. Refrain: Mang the braw hills o Airly 7[H.8] ‘Where hae ye been hunting a’ day, And where have ye stolen this fair may?’ Refrain: I’ the braw nights sae airly 7[H.9] ‘She is my sick sister dear, New comd home from another sister.’ Refrain: I the braw nights sae early 7[H.10] ‘O,’ says the lady, ’if ye love me, Gie him a penny fee and let him gae.’ 7[H.10r] I the braw nights sae early 7[H.11] He’s gane home to her father’s bower, . . . . . . . . . . . 7[H.12] ‘Where is the lady o this ha?’ ‘She’s out wi the young maids, playing at the ba.’ 7[H.12r] I the braw nights so early 7[H.13] ‘No,’ says another, ’She’s riding oer the moor, And a’ to be Earl Brand’s whore.’ 7[H.13r] I the braw nights so early 7[H.14] The king mounted fifteen weel armed men, A’ to get Earl Brand taen. 7[H.14r] I the braw hills so early 7[H.15] The lady looked over her white horse mane: ‘O Earl Brand, we will be taen.’ 7[H.15r] In the braw hills so early 7[H.16] He says, If they come one by one, Ye’ll no see me so soon taen. 7[H.16r] In the braw hills so early 7[H.17] So they came every one but one, And he has killd them a’ but ane. 7[H.17r] In the braw hills so early 7[H.18] And that one came behind his back, And gave Earl Brand a deadly stroke. 7[H.18r] In the braw nights of Airly 7[H.19] For as sair wounded as he was, He lifted the lady on her horse. 7[H.19r] In the braw nights so early 7[H.20] ‘O Earl Brand, I see thy heart’s bluid!’ ‘It’s but the shadow of my scarlet robe.’ 7[H.20r] I the braw nights so early 7[H.21] He came to his mother’s home; . . . . . . . . . . . 7[H.22] She looked out and cryd her son was gone, And a’ for the sake [of] an English loon. . . . . . 7[H.23] ‘What will I do wi your lady fair?’ ‘Marry her to my eldest brother.’ 7[H.23r] The brawest knight i Airly Child 7[I]: Earl Brand 7[I.1] ‘Rise up, rise up, Lord Douglas,’ she said, ‘And draw to your arms so bright; Let it never be said a daughter of yours Shall go with a lord or a knight. 7[I.2] ‘Rise up, rise up, my seven bold sons, And draw to your armour so bright; Let it never be said a sister of yours Shall go with a lord or a night.’ 7[I.3] He looked over his left shoulder, To see what he could see, And there he spy’d her seven brethren bold, And her father that lov’d her tenderly. 7[I.4] ‘Light down, light down, Lady Margret,’ he said, ‘And hold my steed in thy hand. That I may go fitht with your seven brethren bold, And your father who’s just at hand.’ 7[I.5] O there she stood, and bitter she stood, And never did shed a tear, Till once she saw her seven brethren slain, And her father she lovd so dear. 7[I.6] ‘Hold, hold your hand, William,’ she said, ‘For thy strokes are wondrous sore; For sweethearts I may get many a one, But a father I neer will get more.’ 7[I.7] She took out a handkerchief of holland so fine And wip’d her father’s bloody wound, Which ran more clear than the red wine, And forked on the cold ground. 7[I.8] ‘O chuse you, chuse you, Margret,’ he said, ‘Whether you will go or bide!’ ‘I must go with you, Lord William,’ she said, ‘Since you’ve left me no other guide.’ 7[I.9] He lifted her on a milk-white steed, And himself on a dapple grey, With a blue gilded horn hanging by his side, And they slowly both rode away. 7[I.10] Away they rode, and better they rode, Till they came to yonder sand, Till once they came to yon river side, And ther they lighted down. 7[I.11] They lighted down to take a drink Of the spring that ran so clear, And there she spy’d his bonny heart’s blood, A running down the stream. 7[I.12] ‘Hold up, hold up, Lord William,’ she says, ‘For I fear that you are slain;’ ‘’Tis nought but the shade of my scarlet clothes, That is sparkling down the stream.’ 7[I.13] He lifted her on a milk-white steed, And himself on a dapple grey, With a blue gilded horn hanging by his side, And slowly they rode away. 7[I.14] Ay they rode, and better they rode, Till they came to his mother’s bower; Till once they came to his mother’s bower, And down they lighted there. 7[I.15] ‘O mother, mother, make my bed, And make it saft and fine, And lay my lady close at my back, That I may sleep most sound.’ 7[I.16] Lord William he died eer middle o the night, Lady Margret long before the morrow; Lord William he died for pure true love, And Lady Margret died for sorrow. 7[I.17] Lord William was bury’d in Lady Mary’s kirk, The other in Saint Mary’s quire; Out of William’s grave sprang a red rose, And out of Margret’s a briar. 7[I.18] And ay they grew, and ay they threw, As they wad fain been near; And by this you may ken right well They were twa lovers dear.
Child 8A: Erlinton 8A.1 ERLINTON had a fair daughter; I wat he weird her in a great sin; For he has built a bigly bower, An a’ to put that lady in. 8A.2 An he has warnd her sisters six, An sae has he her brethren se’en, Outher to watch her a’ the night, Or else to seek her morn an een. 8A.3 She hadna been i that bigly bower Na not a night but barely ane, Till there was Willie, her ain true love, Chappd at the door, cryin ‘Peace within!’ 8A.4 ‘O whae is this at my bower door, That chaps sae late, nor kens the gin?’ ‘O it is Willie, your ain true love, I pray you rise an let me in!’ 8A.5 ‘But in my bower there is a wake, An at the wake there is a wane; But I’ll come to the green-wood the morn, Whar blooms the brier, by mornin dawn.’ 8A.6 Then she’s gane to her bed again, Where she has layen till the cock crew thrice, Then she said to her sisters a’, ‘Maidens, ’tis time for us to rise.’ 8A.7 She pat on her back her silken gown, An on her breast a siller pin, An she’s tane a sister in ilka hand, An to the green-wood she is gane. 8A.8 She hadna walkd in the green-wood Na not a mile but barely ane, Till there was Willie, her ain true love, Whae frae her sister has her taen. 8A.9 He took her sisters by the hand, He kissd them baith, an sent them hame, An he’s taen his true love him behind, And through the green-wood they are gane. 8A.10 They hadna ridden in the bonnie green-wood Na not a mile but barely ane, When there came fifteen o the boldest knights That ever bare flesh, blood, or bane. 8A.11 The foremost was an aged knight, He wore the grey hair on his chin: Says, ‘Yield to me thy lady bright, An thou shalt walk the woods within.’ 8A.12 ‘For me to yield my lady bright To such an aged knight as thee, People wad think I war gane mad, Or a’ the courage flown frae me.’ 8A.13 But up then spake the second knight, I wat he spake right boustouslie: ‘Yield me thy life, or thy lady bright, Or here the tane of us shall die.’ 8A.14 ‘My lady is my warld’s meed; My life I winna yield to nane; But if ye be men of your manhead, Ye’ll only fight me ane by ane.’ 8A.15 He lighted aff his milk-white steed, An gae his lady him by the head, Sayn, ‘See ye dinna change your cheer, Untill ye see my body bleed.’ 8A.16 He set his back unto an aik, He set his feet against a stane, An he has fought these fifteen men, An killd them a’ but barely ane. 8A.17 . . . . . . . . . For he has left that aged knight, An a’ to carry the tidings hame. 8A.18 When he gaed to his lady fair, I wat he kissd her tenderlie: ‘Thou art mine ain love, I have thee bought; Now we shall walk the green-wood free.’ Child 8B: Erlinton 8B.1 THERE was a knight, an he had a daughter, An he wad wed her, wi muckle sin; Sae he has biggit a bonnie bower, love, An a’ to keep his fair daughter in. 8B.2 But she hadna been in the bonnie bower, love, And no twa hours but barely ane, Till up started Tammas, her ain true lover, And O sae fain as he wad been in. 8B.3 ‘For a’ sae weel as I like ye, Tammas, An for a’ sae weel as I like the gin, I wadna for ten thousand pounds, love, Na no this night wad I let thee in. 8B.4 ‘But yonder is a bonnie greenwud, An in the greenwud there is a wauk, An I’ll be there an sune the morn, love, It’s a’ for my true love’s sake. 8B.5 ‘On my right hand I’ll have a glove, love, An on my left ane I’ll have nane; I’ll have wi’ me my sisters six, love, An we will wauk the wuds our lane.’ 8B.6 They hadna waukd in the bonnie greenwud, Na no an hour but barely ane, Till up start Tammas, her ain true lover, He’s taen her sisters her frae mang. 8B.7 An he has kissed her sisters six, love, An he has sent them hame again, But he has keepit his ain true lover, Saying, ‘We will wauk the wuds our lane.’ 8B.8 They hadna waukd in the bonnie greenwud Na no an hour but barely ane, Till up start fifteen o the bravest outlaws That ever bure either breath or bane. 8B.9 An up bespake the foremost man, love, An O but he spake angrily: ‘Either your life--or your lady fair, sir, This night shall wauk the wuds wi me.’ 8B.10 ‘My lady fair, O I like her weel, sir, An O my life, but it lies me near! But before I lose my lady fair, sir, I’ll rather lose my life sae dear.’ 8B.11 Then up bespak the second man, love, An aye he spake mair angrily, Saying, ‘Baith your life, and your lady fair, sir, This night shall wauk the wuds wi me.’ 8B.12 ‘My lady fair, O I like her weel, sir, An O my life, but it lies me near! But before I lose my lady fair, sir, I’ll rather lose my life sae dear. 8B.13 ‘But if ye’ll be men to your manhood, As that I will be unto mine, I’ll fight ye every ane man by man, Till the last drop’s blude I hae be slain. 8B.14 ‘O sit ye down, my dearest dearie, Sit down and hold my noble steed, And see that ye never change your cheer Until ye see my body bleed.’ 8B.15 He’s feughten a’ the fifteen outlaws, The fifteen outlaws every ane, He’s left naething but the auldest man To go and carry the tidings hame. 8B.16 An he has gane to his dearest dear, An he has kissed her, cheek and chin, Saying, ‘Thou art mine ain, I have bought thee dear, An we will wauk the wuds our lane.’ Child 8C: Erlinton 8C.1 AS Robin Hood sat by a tree, He espied a prettie may, And when she chanced him to see, She turnd her head away. 8C.2 ‘O feare me not, thou prettie mayde, And doe not flie from mee; I am the kindest man,’ he said, ‘That ever eye did see.’ 8C.3 Then to her he did doffe his cap, And to her lowted low; ‘To meete with thee I hold it good hap, If thou wilt not say noe.’ 8C.4 Then he put his hand around her waste, Soe small, so tight, and trim, And after sought her lip to taste, And she to kissed him. 8C.5 ‘Where dost thou dwell, my prettie maide? I prithee tell to me;’ ‘I am a tanner’s daughter,’ she said, ‘John Hobbes of Barneslee.’ 8C.6 ‘And whither goest thou, pretty maide? Shall I be thy true love?’ ‘If thou art not afeard,’ she said, ‘My true love thou shalt prove.’ 8C.7 ‘What should I feare?’ then he replied; ‘I am thy true love now;’ ‘I have two brethren, and their pride Would scorn such one as thou.’ 8C.8 ‘That will we try,’ quoth Robin Hood; ‘I was not made their scorne; Ile shed my blood to doe the[e] good, As sure as they were borne.’ 8C.9 ‘My brothers are proude and fierce and strong;’ ‘I am,’ said he, ’The same, And if they offer thee to wrong, Theyle finde Ile play their game. 8C.10 ‘Through the free forrest I can run, The king may not controll; They are but barking tanners’ sons, To me they shall pay toll. 8C.11 ‘And if not mine be sheepe and kine, I have cattle on my land; On venison eche day I may dine, Whiles they have none in hand.’ 8C.12 These wordes had Robin Hood scarce spoke, When they two men did see, Come riding till their horses smoke: ‘My brothers both,’ cried shee. 8C.13 Each had a good sword by his side, And furiouslie they rode To where they Robin Hood espied, That with the maiden stood. 8C.14 ‘Flee hence, flee hence, away with speede!’ Cried she to Robin Hood, ‘For if thou stay, thoult surely bleede; I could not see thy blood.’ 8C.15 ‘With us, false maiden, come away, And leave that outlawe bolde; Why fledst thou from thy home this day, And left thy father olde?’ 8C.16 Robin stept backe but paces five, Unto a sturdie tree; ‘Ile fight whiles I am left alive; Stay thou, sweete maide, with mee.’ 8C.17 He stood before, she stoode behinde, The brothers two drewe nie; ‘Our sister now to us resign, Or thou full sure shalt die.’ 8C.18 Then cried the maide, ‘My brethren deare, With ye Ile freely wend, But harm not this young forrester, Noe ill doth he pretend.’ 8C.19 ‘Stande up, sweete maide, I plight my troth; Fall thou not on thy knee; Ile force thy cruell brothers both To bend the knee to thee. 8C.20 ‘Stand thou behinde this sturdie oke, I soone will quell their pride; Thoult see my sword with furie smoke, And in their hearts’ blood died.’ 8C.21 He set his backe against a tree, His foote against a stone; The first blow that he gave so free Cleft one man to the bone. 8C.22 The tanners bold they fought right well, And it was one to two; But Robin did them both refell, All in the damsell’s viewe. 8C.23 The red blood ran from Robins brow, All downe unto his knee; ‘O holde your handes, my brethren now, I will goe backe with yee.’ 8C.24 ‘Stand backe, stand backe, my pretty maide, Stand backe and let me fight; By sweete St. James be no[t] afraide But I will it requite.’ 8C.25 Then Robin did his sword uplift, And let it fall againe; The oldest brothers head it cleft, Right through unto his braine. 8C.26 ‘O hold thy hand, bolde forrester, Or ill may thee betide; Slay not my youngest brother here, He is my father’s pride.’ 8C.27 ‘Away, for I would scorne to owe, My life to the[e], false maide!’ The youngest cried, and aimd a blow That lit on Robin’s head. 8C.28 Then Robin leand against the tree, His life nie gone did seeme; His eyes did swim, he could not see The maiden start betweene. 8C.29 It was not long ere Robin Hood Could welde his sword so bright; Upon his feete he firmly stood, And did renew the fight. 8C.30 Untill the tanner scarce could heave His weapon in the aire; But Robin would not him bereave Of life, and left him there. 8C.31 Then to the greenewood did he fly, And with him went the maide; For him she vowd that she would dye, He’d live for her, he said.
Child 9A: The Fair Flower of Northumberland 9A.1 IT was a knight in Scotland borne Refrain: Follow, my love, come over the strand Was taken prisoner, and left forlorne, Refrain: Even by the good Earle of Northumberland. 9A.2 Then was he cast in prison strong, Where he could not walke nor lie along, Refrain: Even by the goode Earle of Northumberland. 9A.3 And as in sorrow thus he lay, The Earle’s sweete daughter walkt that way, Refrain: And she the faire flower of Northumberland. 9A.4 And passing by, like an angell bright, The prisoner had of her a sight, Refrain: And she the faire flower of Northumberland. 9A.5 And loud to her this knight did crie, The salt teares standing in his eye, Refrain: And she the faire flower of Northumberland. 9A.6 ‘Faire lady,’ he said, ’Take pity on me, And let me not in prison dye, Refrain: And you the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.7 ‘Faire Sir, how should I take pity on thee, Thou being a foe to our countrey, Refrain: And I the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.8 ‘Faire lady, I am no foe,’ he said, ‘Through thy sweet love heere was I stayd, Refrain: For thee, the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.9 ‘Why shouldst thou come heere for love of me, Having wife and children in thy countrie? Refrain: And I the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.10 ‘I sweare by the blessed Trinitie, I have no wife nor children, I, 9A.10r Nor dwelling at home in merrie Scotland. 9A.11 ‘If curteously you will set me free, I vow that I will marrie thee, 9A.11r So soone as I come in faire Scotland. 9A.12 ‘Thou shalt be a lady of castles and towers, And sit like a queene in princely bowers, 9A.12r When I am at home in faire Scotland.’ 9A.13 Then parted hence this lady gay, And got her father’s ring away, 9A.13r To helpe this sad knight into faire Scotland. 9A.14 Likewise much gold she got by sleight, And all to help this forlorne knight 9A.14r To wend from her father to faire Scotland. 9A.15 Two gallant steedes, both good and able, She likewise tooke out of the stable, 9A.15r To ride with this knight into faire Scotland. 9A.16 And to the jaylor she sent this ring, The knight from prison forth to bring, 9A.16r To wend with her into faire Scotland. 9A.17 This token set the prisoner free, Who straight went to this faire lady, 9A.17r To wend with her into faire Scotland. 9A.18 A gallant steede he did bestride, And with the lady away did ride, 9A.18r And she the faire flower of Northumberland. 9A.19 They rode till they came to a water cleare: ‘Good Sir, how should I follow you heere, 9A.19r And I the faire flower of Northumberland? 9A.20 ‘The water is rough and wonderfull deepe, An[d] on my saddle I shall not keepe, 9A.20r And I the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.21 ‘Feare not the foord, faire lady,’ quoth he, ‘For long I cannot stay for thee, 9A.21r And thou the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.22 The lady prickt her wanton steed, And over the river swom with speede, 9A.22r And she the faire flower of Northumberland. 9A.23 From top to toe all wet was shee: ‘This have I done for love of thee, 9A.23r And I the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.24 Thus rode she all one winter’s night, Till Edenborow they saw in sight, 9A.24r The chiefest towne in all Scotland. 9A.25 ‘Now chuse,’ quoth he, ’Thou wanton flower, Whe’r thou wilt be my paramour, 9A.25r Or get thee home to Northumberland. 9A.26 ‘For I have wife, and children five, In Edenborow they be alive; 9A.26r Then get thee home to faire England. 9A.27 ‘This favour shalt thou have to boote, Ile have thy horse, go thou on foote, 9A.27r Go, get thee home to Northumberland.’ 9A.28 ‘O false and faithlesse knight,’ quoth shee, ‘And canst thou deale so bad with me, 9A.28r And I the faire flower of Northumberland? 9A.29 ‘Dishonour not a ladie’s name, But draw thy sword and end my shame, 9A.29r And I the faire flower of Northumberland.’ 9A.30 He tooke her from her stately steed, And left her there in extreme need, 9A.30r And she the faire flower of Northumberland. 9A.31 Then sate she downe full heavily; At length two k