第1章
Recitationwithdramaticenergybymenwhosebusinessitwastotravelfromonegreathousetoanotheranddelightthepeoplebytheway,wasusualamongusfromthefirst.Thescopinventedandtheglee-manrecitedheroiclegendsandothertalestoourAnglo-Saxonforefathers.
Thesewerefollowedbytheminstrelsandothertellersoftaleswrittenforthepeople.Theyfrequentedfairsandmerrymakings,spreadingtheknowledgenotonlyoftalesinproseorballadform,butofappealsalsotopublicsympathyfromsocialreformers.
Aslateastheyear1822,AllanCunningham,inpublishingacollectionof"TraditionalTalesoftheEnglishandScottishPeasantry,"spokefromhisownrecollectionofitinerantstory-tellerswhowerewelcomedinthehousesofthepeasantryandearnedalivingbytheircraft.
Theearlieststory-tellingwasinrecitative.Whentheoldalliterationpassedonintorhyme,andthecrowdorrusticfiddletooktheplaceoftheold"gleebeam"foraccentuationofthemeasureandthemeaningofthesong,wecometotheballad-singerasPhilipSidneyknewhim.Sidneysaid,inhis"DefenceofPoesy,"thatheneverheardtheoldsongofPercyandDouglas,thathefoundnothisheartmovedmorethanwithatrumpet;andyet,hesaid,"itissungbutbysomeblindcrowder,withnoroughervoicethanrudestyle;whichbeingsoevilapparelledinthedustandcobwebofthatuncivilage,whatwoulditworktrimmedinthegorgeouseloquenceofPindar?"
Manyanoldballad,instinctwithnaturalfeeling,hasbeenmoreorlesscorrupted,bybadearormemory,amongthepeopleuponwhoselipsithaslived.Itistobeconsidered,however,thattheoldbroaderpronunciationofsomelettersdevelopedsomesyllablesandtheswiftnessofspeechslurredoverothers,whichwillaccountformanyanapparenthaltinthemusicofwhatwasactually,onthelipsoftheballad-singer,agoodmetricalline.
"ChevyChase"is,mostlikely,acorruptionoftheFrenchwordchevauchee,whichmeantadashovertheborderfordestructionandplunderwithintheEnglishpale.ChevaucheewastheFrenchequivalenttotheScottishborderraid.CloserelationsbetweenFranceandScotlandaroseoutoftheircommoninterestincheckingmovementstowardstheirconquestbythekingsofEngland,andmanyFrenchwordswereusedwithahomelyturninScottishcommonspeech.Eventhatnationalsourceofjoy,"greatchieftainofthepudding-race,"thehaggis,hasitsnamefromtheFrenchhachis.Attheendoftheoldballadof"ChevyChase,"whichreadsthecorruptedwordintoanewsense,astheHuntingontheCheviotHills,thereisanidentifyingoftheHuntingoftheCheviotwiththeBattleofOtterburn:——
"OldmenthatknowenthegroundwellenoughcallittheBattleofOtterburn.
AtOtterburnbeganthisspurnuponaMonenday;
TherewasthedoughtyDouglasslain,thePercyneverwentaway."
TheBattleofOtterburnwasfoughtonthe19thofAugust1388.TheScotsweretomusteratJedburghforaraidintoEngland.TheEarlofNorthumberlandandhissons,learningthestrengthoftheScottishgathering,resolvednottoopposeit,buttomakeacounterraidintoScotland.TheScotsheardofthisanddividedtheirforce.Themainbody,underArchibaldDouglasandothers,rodeforCarlisle.A
detachmentofthreeorfourhundredmen-at-armsandtwothousandcombatants,partlyarchers,rodeforNewcastleandDurham,withJamesEarlofDouglasforoneoftheirleaders.ThesewerealreadypillagingandburninginDurhamwhentheEarlofNorthumberlandfirstheardofthem,andsentagainstthemhissonsHenryandRalphPercy.
Inahand-to-handfightbetweenDouglasandHenryPercy,DouglastookPercy"spennon.AtOtterburntheScotsovercametheEnglishbutDouglasfell,struckbythreespearsatonce,andHenrywascapturedinfightbyLordMontgomery.TherewasaScotsballadontheBattleofOtterburnquotedin1549inabook——"TheComplayntofScotland"——
thatalsoreferredtotheHunttisofChevet.Theolderversionof"ChevyChase"isinanAshmoleMS.intheBodleian,fromwhichitwasfirstprintedin1719byThomasHearneinhiseditionofWilliamofNewbury"sHistory.ItsauthorturnsthetablesontheScotswiththesuggestionofthecomparativewealthofEnglandandScotlandinmenofthestampofDouglasandPercy.Thelaterversion,whichwasonceknownmorewidely,isprobablynotolderthanthetimeofJamesI.,andistheversionpraisedbyAddisoninNos.70and74of"TheSpectator."
"TheNut-BrownMaid,"inwhichwecanhardlydoubtthatawomanpleadsforwomen,wasfirstprintedin1502inRichardArnold"sChronicle.
Nut-brownwastheoldwordforbrunette.Therewasanoldsayingthat"anut-browngirlisneatandblithebynature."
"AdamBell,ClymoftheClough,andWilliamofCloudeslie"wasfirstprintedbyCoplandabout1550.Afragmenthasbeenfoundofanearlierimpression.Laneham,in1575,inhisKenilworthLetter,included"AdamBell,ClymoftheClough,andWilliamofCloudeslie"
amongthelightreadingofCaptainCox.InthebooksoftheStationers"Company(fortheprintingandeditingofwhichwearedeeplyindebtedtoProfessorArber),thereisanentrybetweenJuly1557andJuly1558,"ToJohnkyngetopryntethisbokeCalledAdamBelletc.andforhislycensehegivethtothehowse."Onthe15thofJanuary1581-2"AdamBell"isincludedinalistoffortyormorecopyrightstransferredfromSampsonAwdeleytoJohnCharlewood;"A
HundredMerryTales"andGower"s"ConfessioAmantis"beingamongtheothertransfers.Onthe16thofAugust1586theCompanyofStationers"AlowedvntoEdwardwhiteforhiscopiesthesefyveballadessothattheybetollerable:"fouronlyarenamed,onebeing"AballadofWilliamClowdisley,neverprintedbefore."Draytonwroteinthe"Shepheard"sGarland"in1593:——
"Comesitwedownunderthishawthorntree,Themorrow"slightshalllendusdayenough——
AndtellataleofGawainorSirGuy,OfRobinHood,orofgoodClemoftheClough."
BenJonson,inhis"Alchemist,"actedin1610,alsoindicatesthecurrentpopularityofthistale,whenFace,thehousekeeper,bringsDapper,thelawyer"sclerk,toSubtle,andrecommendshimwith——
""slight,IbringyouNocheatingClimo"theCloughorClaribel."
"Binnorie,"or"TheTwoSisters,"isaballadonanoldthemepopularinScandinaviaaswellasinthiscountry.Therehavebeenmanyversionsofit.Dr.Rimbaultpublisheditfromabroadsidedated1656.TheversionheregivenisSirWalterScott"s,fromhis"MinstrelsyoftheScottishBorder,"withafewtouchesfromotherversionsgiveninProfessorFrancisJamesChild"snobleeditionof"TheEnglishandScottishPopularBallads,"which,whencomplete,willbethechiefstorehouseofourballadlore.
"KingCophetuaandtheBeggarMaid"isreferredtobyShakespearein"Love"sLabour"sLost,"Activ.scI;in"RomeoandJuliet,"Actii.
sc.I;andin"II.HenryIV.,"Actiii.sc.4.Itwasfirstprintedin1612inRichardJohnson"s"CrownGarlandofGouldenRosesgatheredoutofEngland"sRoyallGarden.BeingtheLivesandStrangeFortunesofmanyGreatPersonagesofthisLand,setforthinmanypleasantnewSongsandSonnetsneverbeforeimprinted."
"TakethyOldCloakaboutthee,"waspublishedin1719byAllanRamsayinhis"Tea-TableMiscellany,"andwasprobablyasixteenthcenturypieceretouchedbyhim.Iagosingsthelaststanzabutone——"KingStephenwasaworthypeer,"etc——in"Othello,"Actii.sc.3.
In"Othello,"Activ.sc.3,thereisalsoreferencetotheoldballadof"Willow,willow,willow."
"TheLittleWeeMan"isaweeballadthatisfoundinmanyformswithalittlevariation.Itimproveswhatwasbestintheopeningofalongerpiecewhichintroducedpopularprophecies,andistobefoundinCottonMS.JuliusA.v.ItwasprintedbyThomasWrightinhiseditionofLangtoft"sChronicle(ii.452).
"TheSpanishLady"sLove"wasprintedbyThomasDeloneyin"TheGarlandofGoodwill,"publishedinthelatterhalfofthesixteenthcentury.TheheroofthisballadwasprobablyoneofEssex"scompanionsintheCadizexpedition,andvariousattemptshavebeenmadetoidentifyhim,especiallywithaSirJohnBolleofThorpeHall,Lincolnshire.
"Edward,Edward,"isfromPercy"s"Reliques."PercyhaditfromLordHailes.
"RobinHood"isthe"LytellGesteofRobynHood,"printedinLondonbyWynkendeWorde,andagaininEdinburghbyChepmanandMyllarin15O8,inthefirstyearoftheestablishmentofaprinting-pressinScotland.
"KingEdwardIV.andtheTannerofTamworth"isaballadofakindoncepopular;therewere"KingAlfredandtheNeatherd,""KingHenryandtheMiller,""KingJamesI.andtheTinker,""KingHenryVII.andtheCobbler,"withadozenmore."TheTannerofTamworth"inanother,perhapsolder,form,as"TheKingandtheBarker,"wasprintedbyJosephRitsoninhis"AncientPopularPoetry."
"SirPatrickSpens"wasfirstpublishedbyPercyinhis"ReliquesofAncientEnglishPoetry"(1757).ItwasgivenbySirWalterScottinhis"MinstrelsyoftheBorder,"andwithmoredetailbyPeterBuchaninhis"AncientBalladsoftheNorth."Buchantookitfromanoldblindballad-singerwhohadreciteditforfiftyyears,andlearntitinyouthfromanotherveryoldman.TheballadisuponaneventinScottishhistoryofthethirteenthcentury,touchingmarriageofaMargaret,daughteroftheKingofScotland,toHaningo,sonoftheKingofNorway.Theperilsofawintersea-passageinshipsoftheoldentimewererecognisedbyanActofthereignofJamesIII.ofScotland,prohibitingallnavigation"fraethefeastofSt.Simon"sDayandJudeuntothefeastofthePurificationofourLady,calledCandlemas."
"Edomo"Gordon"wasfirstprintedatGlasgowbyRobertandAndrewFoulisin1755.PercyascribeditspreservationtoSirDavidDalrymple,whogaveitfromthememoryofalady.TheincidentwastransferredtotheborderfromtheNorthofScotland.Edomo"GordonwasSirAdamGordonofAuchindown,Lieutenant-DeputeforQueenMaryintheNorthin1571.HesentCaptainKerwithsoldiersagainsttheCastleofTowie,whichwassetonfire,andtheLadyofTowie,withtwenty-sixotherpersons,"wascruellybrinttothedeath."Otherformsoftheballadascribethedeed,withincidentsofgreatercruelty,toCaptainCarr,theLordofEstertowne.
"TheChildrenintheWood"wasenteredinthebooksoftheStationers"
Companyonthe15thofOctober1595toThomasMillingtonas,"forhisCopievnderth[eh]andesofbothethewardensaballadintituled,TheNorfolkgenthiswillandTestamentandhowheCommyttedthekeepingeofhisChildrentohisownebrotherwhoedeltemostewickedlywiththemandhoweGodplaguedhimforit."
Itwasprintedasablack-letterballadin167O.Addisonwroteapaperonitin"TheSpectator"(No.85),praisingitas"oneofthedarlingsongsofthecommonpeople."
"TheBlindBeggarofBednallGreen"isinmanycollections,andwasknowninElizabeth"stime,anotherElizabethanballadhavingbeensettothetuneofit."Thisveryhouse,"wroteSamuelPepysinJune1663
ofSirWilliamRider"shouseatBethnalGreen,"wasbuiltbytheblindbeggarofBednallGreen,somuchtalkedofandsunginballads;buttheysayitwasonlysomeouthousesofit."TheAngelsthataboundedintheBeggar"sstoresweregoldcoins,sonamedfromthefigureononesideoftheArchangelMichaelovercomingtheDragon.Thiscoinwasfirststruckin1466,anditwasuseduntilthetimeofCharlestheFirst.
"TheBailiff"sDaughterofIslington,"or"TrueLoveRequited,"isaballadinPepys"scollection,nowintheBodleian.TheIslingtonoftheBalladissupposedtobeanIslingtoninNorfolk.
"BarbaraAllen"sCruelty"wasreferredtobyPepysinhisDiary,January2,1665-6as"thelittleScotchsongofBarbaryAllen."ItwasfirstprintedbyAllanRamsay(in1724)inhis"Tea-TableMiscellany."InthesameworkAllanRamsaywasalsothefirstprinterof"SweetWilliam"sGhost."
Fragmentsof"TheBraeso"Yarrow"areinoldcollections.TheballadhasbeengivenbyScottinhis"MinstrelsyoftheBorder,"andanotherversionisinPeterBuchan"s"AncientBalladsoftheNorth."
"KempOwyne"isheregivenfromBuchan"s"BalladsoftheNorthofScotland."HerealsoProfessorF.J.ChildhaspointedtomanyIcelandic,Danish,andGermananalogies.Alliedto"KempOwyne"isthemodernballadof"TheLaidleyWormofSpindlestonHeughs,"writtenbefore1778bytheRev.Mr.LambofNorham;butthe"LailyWormandtheMachreloftheSea"isanoldercousinto"KempOwyne."
"O"ertheWatertoCharlie"isgivenbyBuchanastheoriginalformofthisoneofthemanysongsmadewhenPrinceCharlesEdwardmadehisattemptin1745-6.Thesongsworkedscrapsoflivelyoldtunes,withsomeoldwordsofballad,intodeclarationofgoodwilltothePretender.
"AdmiralHosier"sGhost"waswrittenbyRichardGloverin174Otorousenationalfeeling.Vice-AdmiralVernonwithonlysixmen-of-warhadtakenthetownofPortobello,andlevelleditsfortifications.
Theplacehassodangerousaclimatethatitisnowalmostdeserted.
AdmiralHosierin1726hadbeen,inthesameport,withtwentyships,restrainedfromattack,whileheandhismenweredyingoffever.HewastoblockadetheSpanishportsintheWestIndiesandcaptureanySpanishgalleonsthatcameout.HeleftPortoBelloforCarthagena,wherehecruisedaboutwhilehismenwerebeingsweptawaybydisease.
Hisshipsweremadepowerlessthroughdeathofhisbestofficersandmen.Hehimselfatlastdied,itwassaid,ofabrokenheart.Dyer"sballadpointedthecontrastasareproachtotheGovernmentforhalf-heartedsupportofthewar,andwasmeantforsuggestionofthesuccessthatwouldrewardvigorousaction.
"JemmyDawson"wasaballadwrittenbyWilliamShenstoneonayoungofficerofManchestervolunteerswhowashanged,drawn,andquarteredin1746onKenningtonCommonforhavingservedthePretender.Hewasengagedtoayounglady,whocametotheexecution,andwhenitwasoverfellbackdeadinhercoach.
"WilliamandMargaret,"byDavidMallet,publishedin1727,isanotherexampleofthetendencytotherevivaloftheballadintheeighteenthcentury.
"ElfinlandWood,"bytheScottishpoetWilliamMotherwell,whodiedin1835,agedthirty-seven,isamodernimitationoftheancientScottishballad.Mrs.Hemans,whowrote"Casabianca,"diedalsoin1835.Butthelastballadinthisbundle,LadyAnneBarnard"s"AuldRobinGray,"
waswrittenin1771,andowesitsplacetoadesirethatthisvolume,whichbeginswiththebestoftheoldballads,shouldendwiththebestofthenew.LadyAnne,eldestdaughterofthefifthEarlofBalcarres,marriedSirAndrewBarnard,librariantoGeorgeIII.,andsurvivedherhusbandeighteenyears.WhiletheauthorshipofthepieceremainedasecretthereweresomewhoattributedittoRizzio,thefavouriteofMaryQueenofScots.LadyAnneBarnardacknowledgedtheauthorshiptoWalterScottin1823,andtoldhowshecametowriteittoanoldairofwhichshewaspassionatelyfond,"Bridegroomgratwhenthesungaeddown."Whenshehadheapedmanytroublesonherheroine,andcalledtoalittlesistertosuggestanother,thesuggestioncamepromptly,"Stealthecow,sisterAnne."Andthecowwasstolen.
H.M.
CHEVYCHASE
ThePercyoutofNorthumberland,andavowtoGodmadeheThathewouldhuntinthemountainsofCheviotwithindaysthree,InthemaugreofdoughtyDouglasandallthateverwithhimbe,ThefattesthartsinallCheviothesaidhewouldkillandcarrythemaway.
"Bymyfaith,"saidthedoughtyDouglasagain,"IwillletthathuntingifthatImay!"
ThenthePercyoutofBamboroughcame,withhimamightymean-y;
Withfifteenhundredarchers,boldofbloodandbone,theywerechosenoutofshiresthree.
ThisbeganonaMonday,atmorn,inCheviot,thehillissohie,Thechildmayruethatisunborn,itwasthemorepitie.
Thedriversthoroughthewood-eswentfortoraisethedeer;
Bowmenbickereduponthebentwiththeirbroadarrowsclear,Thenthewildthoroughthewood-eswentoneverysid-eshear;
Greyhoundsthoroughthegrov-esglentfortokilltheirdeer.
ThisbeganinCheviot,thehillsabone,earlyonaMonnynday;
Bythatitdrewtothehourofnoonahundredfathartsdeadtherelay.
Theyblewamortuponthebent;theysembledonsidisshear,TothequarrythenthePercywent,toseethebrittlingofthedeer.
Hesaid,"ItwastheDouglas"promisethisdaytomeetmehere;
ButIwisthewouldfail,verament"——agreatoaththePercysware.
AtthelastasquireofNorthumberlandlooked,athishandfullnighHewaswareofthedoughtyDouglascoming,withhimamightymean-y,Bothwithspear,bill,andbrand,itwasamightysighttosee.
HardiermenbothofheartnorhandwerenotinChristiant-e.
Theyweretwentyhundredspearmengoodwithoutanyfail;
TheywerebornealongbythewaterofTweed,i"th"boundsofTividale.
"Leaveoffthebrittlingofthedeer,"hesaid,"andtoyourbowslookyetakegoodheed,Forneversithyewereofyourmothersbornhadyeneversomickleneed."
ThedoughtyDouglasonasteedherodeallhismenbeforn,Hisarmourglitteredasdidaglede,abolderbarnwasneverborn.
"Tellmewhosemenyeare,"hesays,"orwhosementhatyebe;
WhogaveyouleavetohuntinthisCheviotChaseinthespiteofmineandofme?"
Thefirstmanthateverhimananswermade,itwasthegoodLordPerc-
y,"Wewillnottelltheewhosemenweare,"hesays,"norwhosementhatwebe;
ButwewillhunthereinthisChaseinthespiteofthineandofthee.
ThefattesthartsinallCheviotwehavekilled,andcasttocarrythemaway."
"Bymytroth,"saidthedoughtyDouglasagain,"thereforethetoneofusshalldiethisday."
ThensaidthedoughtyDouglasuntotheLordPerc-y,"Tokillalltheseguiltlessmen,alas!itweregreatpit-y.
But,Percy,thouartalordofland,Iamanearlcalledwithinmycountr-y.
Letallourmenuponapartistand,anddothebattleoftheeandofme."
"NowChrist"scurseonhiscrown,"saidtheLordPercy,"whosoevertheretosaysnay!
Bymytroth,doughtyDouglas,"hesays,"thoushaltneverseethatday!
NeitherinEngland,Scotland,norFrance,norfornomanofawomanborn,Butandfortunebemychance,Idaremeethim,onemanforone."
ThenbespakeasquireofNorthumberland,RichardWitheringtonwashisname,"ItshallneverbetoldinSouthEngland,"hesays,"toKingHarrytheFourth,forshame.
Iwotyoubengreatlord-estwo,Iamapoorsquireofland;
Iwillneverseemycaptainfightonafield,andstandmyselfandlookon;
ButwhileImaymyweaponwieldIwillfightbothheartandhand."
Thatday,thatday,thatdreadfulday:thefirstfyttehereIfind,AnyouwillhearanymoreofthehuntingoftheCheviot,yetistheremorebehind.
SECONDFYTTE.
TheEnglishmenhadtheirbowsybent,theirheartsweregoodenow;
Thefirstofarrowsthattheyshotoff,sevenscorespearmentheyslowe.
YetbidestheEarlDouglasuponthebent,acaptaingoodenow,Andthatwasseeneverament,forhewroughtthembothwoandwough.
TheDouglaspartedhishostinthreelikeachiefchieftainofpride,Withsuarspearsofmightytreetheycomeinoneveryside,ThroughourEnglisharcherygavemanyawoundfullwide;
Manyadoughtytheygardtodie,whichgain-edthemnopride.
TheEnglishmenlettheirbowsbe,andpulledoutbrandsthatwerebright;
Itwasaheavysighttoseebrightswordsonbasnetslight.
Thoroughrichmailandmanoplemanysterntheystruckdownstraight,Manyafrekethatwasfullfreethereunderfootdidlight.
AtlasttheDouglasandthePercymet,liketocaptainsofmightandofmain;
Theyswapttogethertilltheybothswat,withswordsthatwereoffineMilan.
Theseworthyfrekisfortofighttheretotheywerefullfain,Tillthebloodoutoftheirbasnetssprentaseverdidhailorrain.
"Yieldthee,Percy,"saidtheDouglas,"andinfaithIshalltheebringWherethoushalthaveanearl"swagisofJamyourScottishking.
Thoushalthavethyransomfree,Ihighttheeherethisthing,ForthemanfullestmanyetartthouthateverIconqueredinfieldfighting."
"Nay,"saidtheLordPercy,"Itoldittheebeforn,ThatIwouldneveryieldedbetonomanofawomanborn."
Withthattherecameanarrowhastilyforthofamightywone;
IthathstrickentheEarlDouglasinatthebreastbone.
Throughliverandlung-esboththesharparrowisgone,Thatneverafterinallhislife-dayshespakemoword-esbutone,Thatwas,"Fightye,mymerrymen,whilisyemay,formylife-daysbengone!"
ThePercylean-edonhisbrandandsawtheDouglasdee;
Hetookthedeadmanbythehand,andsaid,"Woismeforthee!
TohavesavedthylifeIwouldhavepartedwithmylandsforyearsthree,Forabettermanofheartnorofhandwasnotinallthenorthcountree."
Ofallthatsee,aScottishknight,wascalledSirHughtheMontgomer-
y,HesawtheDouglastothedeathwasdight,hespendedaspearatrustytree,Herodeuponacoursierethroughahundredarcher-y,HeneverstintednorneverblanetillhecametothegoodLordPerc-y.
HesetupontheLordPercyadintthatwasfullsore;
WithasuarspearofamightytreecleanthoroughthebodyhethePercyboreOnthetothersidethatamanmightseealargeclothyardandmore.
TwobettercaptainswerenotinChristiant-ethanthatdayslainwerethere.
AnarcherofNorthumberlandsawslainwastheLordPerc-y,Hebareabentbowinhishandwasmadeoftrustytree,Anarrowthataclothyardwaslongtothehardsteelhal-edhe,AdintthatwasbothsadandsorehesatonSirHughtheMontgomer-y.
ThedintitwasbothsadandsorethatheonMontgomeryset,Theswan-feathersthathisarrowbare,withhisheart-bloodtheywerewet.
Therewasneverafrekeonefootwouldflee,butstillinstourdidstand,Hewingoneachotherwhiletheymightdreewithmanyabalefulbrand.
ThisbattlebeganinCheviotanhourbeforethenoon,Andwhenevensongbellwasrangthebattlewasnothalfdone.
Theytookoneitherhandbythelightofthemoon,ManyhadnostrengthfortostandinCheviotthehillisaboon.
OffifteenhundredarchersofEnglandwentawaybutseventyandthree,OftwentyhundredspearmenofScotlandbutevenfiveandfift-y;
ButallwereslainCheviotwithin,theyhadnostrengthtostandonhy:
Thechildmayruethatisunborn,itwasthemorepity.
TherewasslainwiththeLordPercySirJohnofAgerstone,SirRogerthehindeHartley,SirWilliamtheboldHerone,SirGeorgetheworthyLumley,aknightofgreatrenown,SirRalphtherichRugby,withdintswerebeatendown;
ForWitheringtonmyheartwaswo,thateverheslainshouldbe,Forwhenbothhisleggiswerehewenintwo,yethekneeledandfoughtonhisknee.
TherewasslainwiththedoughtyDouglasSirHughtheMontgomer-y;
SirDavyLewdale,thatworthywas,hissister"ssonwashe;
SirCharlesofMurrayinthatplacethatneverafootwouldflee;
SirHughMaxwell,alordhewas,withtheDouglasdidhedee.
Soonthemorrowtheymadethembiersofbirchandhazelsogay;
Manywidowswithweepingtearscametofetchtheirmakisaway.
Tivydalemaycarpofcare,Northumberlandmaymakegreatmoan,FortwosuchcaptainsasslainwerethereontheMarchpartishallneverbenone.
WordiscomentoEdinboroughtoJamytheScottishking,ThatdoughtyDouglas,lieutenantoftheMarches,helayslainCheviotwithin.
Hishand-esdidhewealandwring;hesaid,"Alas!andwoeisme:
SuchanothercaptainScotlandwithin,"hesaid,"yeafaithshouldneverbe."
WordiscomentolovelyLondon,tothefourthHarryourking,ThatLordPerc-y,lieutenantoftheMarches,helayslainCheviotwithin.
"Godhavemercyonhissoul,"saidKingHarry,"goodLord,ifthywillitbe,IhaveahundredcaptainsinEngland,"hesaid,"asgoodaseverwashe;
ButPercy,anIbrookmylife,thydeathwellquiteshallbe."
Asournoblekingmadehisavow,likeanobleprinceofrenown,ForthedeathoftheLordPerc-yhedidthebattleofHomildoun,WheresixandthirtyScottishknightsonadaywerebeatendown;
Glendaleglitteredontheirarmourbright,overcastle,tower,andtown.
ThiswasthehuntingoftheCheviot;thattearbeganthisspurn;
OldmenthatknowenthegroundwellenoughcallitthebattleofOtterburn.
AtOtterburnbeganthisspurnuponaMonenday;
TherewasthedoughtyDouglasslain,thePercyneverwentaway.
TherewasneveratimeontheMarchpart-essentheDouglasandthePercymet,Butitismarvelantheredbloodrunnotastheraindoesinthestret.
JesuChristourbalisbete,andtotheblissusbring!
ThuswasthehuntingoftheCheviot.Godsendusallgoodending!
CHEVYCHASE(thelaterversion.)
Godprosperlongournobleking,Ourlivesandsafetiesall!
AwoefulhuntingoncetheredidInChevyChasebefall.
TodrivethedeerwithhoundandhornEarlPiercytooktheway;
ThechildmayruethatisunbornThehuntingofthatday!
ThestoutEarlofNorthumberland,AvowtoGoddidmake,HispleasureintheScottishwoodsThreesummers"daystotake,ThechiefesthartsinChevyChaseTokillandbearaway;
ThesetidingstoEarlDouglascameInScotlandwherehelay,WhosentEarlPiercypresentwordHewouldpreventhissport.
TheEnglishEarl,notfearingthat,Didtothewoodsresort,Withfifteenhundredbowmenbold,Allchosenmenofmight,WhoknewfullwellintimeofneedToaimtheirshaftsaright.
ThegallantgreyhoundsswiftlyranTochasethefallowdeer;
OnMondaytheybegantohuntEredaylightdidappear;
AndlongbeforehighnoontheyhadAhundredfatbucksslain.
Thenhavingdined,thedriverswentTorousethedeeragain.
Thebowmenmusteredonthehills,Wellabletoendure;
TheirbacksidesallwithspecialcareThatdaywereguardedsure.
ThehoundsranswiftlythroughthewoodsThenimbledeertotake,ThatwiththeircriesthehillsanddalesAnechoshrilldidmake.
LordPiercytothequarrywentToviewthetenderdeer;
Quothhe,"EarlDouglaspromisedonceThisdaytomeetmehere;
"ButifIthoughthewouldnotcome,NolongerwouldIstay."
WiththatabraveyounggentlemanThustotheEarldidsay,"Lo,yonderdothEarlDouglascome,Hismeninarmourbright,FulltwentyhundredScottishspearsAllmarchinginoursight,"AllmenofpleasantTividaleFastbytheriverTweed."
"Oceaseyoursports!"EarlPiercysaid,"Andtakeyourbowswithspeed,"Andnowwithme,mycountrymen,Yourcourageforthadvance!
FortherewasneverchampionyetInScotlandnorinFrance"Thateverdidonhorsebackcome,Butifmyhapitwere,Idurstencountermanforman,Withhimtobreakaspear."
EarlDouglasonhismilk-whitesteed,Mostlikeabaronbold,Rodeforemostofhiscompany,Whosearmourshonelikegold:
"Showme,"saidhe,"whosemenyoubeThathuntsoboldlyhere;
ThatwithoutmyconsentdochaseAndkillmyfallowdeer."
ThefirstmanthatdidanswermakeWasnoblePiercy,he,Whosaid,"Welistnottodeclare,Norshowwhosemenwebe;
"YetwewillspendourdearestbloodThychiefesthartstoslay."
ThenDouglassworeasolemnoath,Andthusinragedidsay,"ErethusIwilloutbrav-edbe,Oneofustwoshalldie!
Iknowtheewell!anearlthouart,LordPiercy!soamI.
"Buttrustme,Piercy,pityitwere,Andgreatoffence,tokillAnyoftheseourguiltlessmenFortheyhavedonenoill;
"LetthouandIthebattletry,Andsetourmenaside."
"Accurstbehe,"EarlPiercysaid,"Bywhomitisdenied."
Thensteppedagallantsquireforth,——
Witheringtonwashisname,——
Whosaid,"IwouldnothaveittoldToHenryourking,forshame,"Thate"ermycaptainfoughtonfoot,AndIstandlookingon:
YoubetwoEarls,"quothWitherington,"AndIaSquirealone.
"I"lldothebestthatdoImay,WhileIhavepowertostand!
WhileIhavepowertowieldmysword,I"llfightwithheartandhand!"
OurEnglisharchersbenttheirbows——
Theirheartsweregoodandtrue,——
Atthefirstflightofarrowssent,FullfourscoreScotstheyslew.
Todrivethedeerwithhoundandhorn,Douglasbadeonthebent;
Twocaptainsmovedwithmicklemight,Theirspearstoshiverswent.
Theyclosedfullfastoneveryside,Noslacknesstherewasfound,ButmanyagallantgentlemanLaygaspingontheground.
OChrist!itwasgreatgrieftoseeHoweachmanchosehisspear,AndhowthebloodoutoftheirbreastsDidgushlikewaterclear!
AtlastthesetwostoutEarlsdidmeetLikecaptainsofgreatmight;
Likelionswoodtheylaidonload,Theymadeacruelfight.
Theyfought,untiltheybothdidsweat,Withswordsoftemperedsteel,TillbloodadowntheircheekslikerainTheytricklingdowndidfeel.
"Oyieldthee,Piercy!"Douglassaid,"AndinfaithIwilltheebringWherethoushalthighadvanc-edbeByJamesourScottishking;
"ThyransomIwillfreelygive,Andthisreportofthee,ThouartthemostcourageousknightThateverIdidsee."
"No,Douglas!"quothEarlPiercythen,"ThyprofferIdoscorn;
IwillnotyieldtoanyScotThateveryetwasborn!"
WiththattherecameanarrowkeenOutofanEnglishbow,WhichstruckEarlDouglastotheheartAdeepanddeadlyblow;
Whoneversaidmorewordsthanthese,"Fighton;mymerrymenall!
Forwhy?mylifeisatanend,LordPiercyseesmyfall."
Thenleavinglife,EarlPiercytookThedeadmanbythehand;
Whosaid,"EarlDouglas!forthylifeWouldIhadlostmyland!
"OChrist!myveryheartdothbleedForsorrowforthysake!
Forsure,amoreredoubtedknightMischancecouldnevertake!"
AknightamongsttheScotstherewas,WhichsawEarlDouglasdie,WhostraightinheartdidvowrevengeUpontheLordPierc-y;
SirHughMontgomeryhewascalled,Who,withaspearfullbright,Wellmountedonagallantsteed,Ranfiercelythroughthefight,AndpasttheEnglisharchersallWithoutalldreadorfear,AndthroughEarlPiercy"sbodythenHethrusthishatefulspear.
WithsuchavehementforceandmightHisbodyhedidgore,ThestaffranthroughtheothersideAlargeclothyardandmore.
Sothusdidboththosenoblesdie,Whosecouragenonecouldstain.
AnEnglisharcherthenperceivedThenobleEarlwasslain;
HehadagoodbowinhishandMadeofatrustytree;
AnarrowofaclothyardlongTothehardheadhal-edhe,AgainstSirHughMontgomeryHisshaftfullrightheset;
Thegreygoose-wingthatwasthereon,Inhisheart"sbloodwaswet.
ThisfightfrombreakofdaydidlastTillsettingofthesun;
Forwhentheyrungtheeveningbell,Thebattlescarcewasdone.
WithstoutEarlPiercytherewasslainSirJohnofEgerton,SirRobertHarcliffeandSirWilliam,SirJamesthatboldbar-on;
AndwithSirGeorgeandSirJames,Bothknightsofgoodaccount,GoodSirRalphRabytherewasslain,Whoseprowessdidsurmount.
ForWitheringtonneedsmustIwailAsoneindolefuldumps,Forwhenhislegsweresmittenoff,Hefoughtuponhisstumps.
AndwithEarlDouglastherewasslainSirHughMontgomery,AndSirCharlesMorrelthatfromthefieldOnefootwouldneverfly;
SirRogerHeverofHarcliffetoo,——
Hissister"ssonwashe,——
SirDavidLambwell,wellesteemed,Butsavedhecouldnotbe;
AndtheLordMaxwellinlikecaseWithDouglashediddie;
OftwentyhundredScottishspears,Scarcefifty-fivedidfly.
OffifteenhundredEnglishmenWenthomebutfifty-three;
TherestinChevyChasewereslain,Underthegreenwoodtree.
NextdaydidmanywidowscomeTheirhusbandstobewail;
Theywashedtheirwoundsinbrinishtears,Butallwouldnotprevail.
Theirbodies,bathedinpurpleblood,Theyborewiththemaway;
TheykissedthemdeadathousandtimesEretheywerecladinclay.
ThisnewswasbroughttoEdinburgh,WhereScotland"skingdidreign,ThatbraveEarlDouglassuddenlyWaswithanarrowslain.
"Oheavynews!"KingJamesdidsay,"ScotlandmaywitnessbeIhavenotanycaptainmoreOfsuchaccountashe!"
LiketidingstoKingHenrycameWithinasshortaspace,ThatPiercyofNorthumberlandWasslaininChevyChase.
"NowGodbewithhim!"saidourking,"Sith"twillnobetterbe,ItrustIhavewithinmyrealmFivehundredasgoodashe!
"YetshallnotScotsnorScotlandsayButIwillvengeancetake,Andbereveng-edonthemallForbraveEarlPiercy"ssake."
ThisvowthekingdidwellperformAfteronHumbleDown;
Inonedayfiftyknightswereslain,Withlordsofgreatrenown,Andoftherestofsmallaccount,Didmanyhundredsdie:
ThusendedthehuntinginChevyChaseMadebytheEarlPiercy.
Godsaveourking,andblessthislandWithplenty,joy,andpeace,AndgranthenceforththatfouldebateTwixtnoblemenmaycease!
THENUT-BROWNMAID
Beitrightorwrong,thesemenamongOnwomendocomplain;
Affirmingthis,howthatitisAlabourspentinvainTolovethemwele;forneveradeleTheyloveamanagain:
Forletamandowhathecan,Theirfavourtoattain,Yet,ifanewtothempursue,TheirfirsttrueloverthanLabourethfornaught;andfromherthoughtHeisabanishedman.
Isaynotnay,butthatalldayItisbothwritandsaidThatwoman"sfaithis,aswhosaith,Allutterlydecayed;
Butnevertheless,rightgoodwitn-essInthiscasemightbelaid.
Thattheylovetrue,andcontin-ue,RecordtheNut-brownMaid:
Whichfromherlove,whenhertoproveHecametomakehismoan,Wouldnotdepart;forinherheartShelovedbuthimalone.
ThenbetweenusletusdiscussWhatwasallthemanereBetweenthemtwo:wewillalsoTellallthepaininfereThatshewasin.NowIbegin,Sothatyemeanswere:
Wher-efore,ye,thatpresentbeIprayyougiveanear.
Iamtheknight.Icomebynight,AssecretasIcan;
Saying,"Alas!thusstandeththecase,Iamabanishedman."
AndIyourwillfortofulfilInthiswillnotrefuse;
Trustingtoshew,inword-esfew,Thatmenhaveanilluse(Totheirownshame)womentoblame,Andcauselessthemaccuse:
ThereforetoyouIanswernow,Allwomentoexcuse,——
"Mineownheartdear,withyouwhatcheer?
Iprayyou,tellanone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Itstandethso:adeedisdoWhereofmuchharmshallgrow;
MydestinyisfortodieAshamefuldeath,Itrow;
Orelsetoflee.Theonemustbe.
NoneotherwayIknow,Buttowithdrawasanout-law,Andtakemetomybow.
Wherefore,adieu,myownhearttrue!
NoneotherredeIcan:
ForImusttothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"OLord,whatisthisworld-esbliss,Thatchangethasthemoon!
Mysummer"sdayinlustyMayIsdarkedbeforethenoon.
Ihearyousay,farewell:Nay,nay!
Wede-partnotsosoon.
Whysayyeso?whitherwillyego?
Alas!whathaveyedone?
Allmywelf-aretosorrowandcareShouldchange,ifyeweregone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Icanbelieve,itshallyougrieve,Andsomewhatyoudistrain;
But,afterward,yourpain-eshardWithinadayortwainShallsoonaslake;andyeshalltakeCom-forttoyouagain.
Whyshouldyenought?for,tomakethought,Yourlabourwereinvain.
AndthusIdo;andprayyou,lo,AsheartilyasIcan:
ForImusttothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"Now,siththatyehaveshewedtomeThesecretofyourmind,Ishallbeplaintoyouagain,Likeasyeshallmefind.
Sithitisso,thatyewillgo,Iwillnotleavebehind.
Shallneverbesaid,theNut-brownMaidWastoherloveunkind:
Makeyouread-y,forsoamI,Althoughitwereanone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"YetIyoure-de,takegoodheedWhenmenwillthinkandsay:
Ofyoung,ofold,itshallbetold,ThatyebegoneawayYourwantonwillfortofulfil,Ingreenwoodyoutoplay;
AndthatyemightfromyourdelightNolongermakedelay.
RatherthanyeshouldthusformeBecalledanillwom-an,YetwouldItothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"Thoughitbesungofoldandyoung,ThatIshouldbetoblame,TheirsbethechargethatspeaksolargeInhurtingofmyname:
ForIwillprove,thatfaithfulloveItisdevoidofshameInyourdistressandheavinessTopartwithyouthesame:
Andsureallthothatdonotso,Trueloversaretheynone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Icounselyou,RememberhowItisnomaiden"slawNothingtodoubt,buttorunoutTowoodwithanout-law;
ForyemustthereinyourhandbearAbowtobearanddraw;
And,asathief,thusmustyelive,Everindreadandawe;
Bywhichtoyougreatharmmightgrow:
YethadIlieverthanThatIhadtothegreenwoodgoAlone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"Ithinknotnay,butasyesay,Itisnomaiden"slore;
Butlovemaymakemeforyoursake,Asyehavesaidbefore,Tocomeonfoot,tohuntandshootTogetusmeatandstore;
ForsothatIyourcompanyMayhave,Iasknomore;
Fromwhichtopart,itmakethmineheartAscoldasanystone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Foranout-law,thisisthelaw,Thatmenhimtakeandbind;
Withoutpit-ie,hang-edtobe,Andwaverwiththewind.
IfIhadnede(asGodforbede!)
Whatrescuescouldyefind?
Forsooth,Itrow,youandyourbowShoulddrawforfearbehind.
Andnomervayle:forlittleavailWereinyourcounselthan:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE
"Fullwellknowye,thatwomenbeFullfeeblefortofight;
NowomanhedeitisindeedTobeboldasaknight;
Yet,insuchfearifthatyewereAmongenemiesdayandnight,Iwouldwithstand,withbowinhand,TogrievethemasImight,Andyoutosave;aswomenhaveFromdeathmanyaone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Yettakegoodhede;foreverIdredeThatyecouldnotsustainThethornyways,thedeepvall-eys,Thesnow,thefrost,therain,Thecold,theheat:fordryorwet,Wemustlodgeontheplain;
And,usabove,noneotherroofButabrakebushortwain:
Whichsoonshouldgrieveyou,Ibelieve:
AndyewouldgladlythanThatIhadtothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"SithIhaveherebeenpartynereWithyouofjoyandbliss,Imustal-sopartofyourwoeEndure,asreasonis:
YetamIsureofonepleas-ure;
And,shortly,itisthis:
That,whereyebe,meseemeth,perde,Icouldnotfareamiss.
Withoutmorespeech,IyoubeseechThatweweresoonagone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Ifyegothyder,yemustconsider,Whenyehavelusttodine,Thereshallnomeatbefortogete,Nordrink,beer,ale,newine.
Nesheet-esclean,toliebetween,Ymadeofthreadandtwine;
Noneotherhouse,butleavesandboughs,Tocoveryourheadandmine;
Lomineheartsweet,thisilldi-eteShouldmakeyoupaleandwan:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"Amongthewilddeer,suchanarchere,Asmensaythatyebe,Nemaynotfailofgoodvitayle,Whereissogreatplent-y:
AndwaterclearoftherivereShallbefullsweettome;
WithwhichinheleIshallrightweleEndure,asyeshallsee;
And,erewego,abedortwoIcanprovideanone;
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Loyet,before,yemustdomore,Ifyewillgowithme:
Ascutyourhairupbyyourear,Yourkirtlebytheknee,Withbowinhand,fortowithstandYourenemies,ifneedbe:
Andthissamenight,beforedaylight,TowoodwardwillIflee.
Anyewillallthisfulfil,Doitshortlyasyecan:
ElsewillItothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"IshallasnowdomoreforyouThan"longethtowomanhede;
Toshortmyhair,abowtobear,Toshootintimeofneed.
Omysweetmother!beforeallotherForyouhaveImostdrede!
Butnow,adieu!Imustensue,Wherefortunedothmelead.
Allthismakeye.Nowletusflee;
Thedaycomesfastupon:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Nay,nay,notso;yeshallnotgo,AndIshalltellyouwhy,——
YourappetiteistobelightOflove,Iwellespy:
For,rightasyehavesaidtome,InlikewisehardilyYewouldanswerewhosoeveritwere,Inwayofcompany,Itissaidofold,Soonhot,sooncold;
Andsoisawom-an:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"Ifyetakeheed,itisnoneedSuchwordstosaybyme;
Foroftyeprayed,andlongassayed,OrIyouloved,pard-e;
AndthoughthatIofancestryAbaron"sdaughterbe,YethaveyouprovedhowIyouloved.
Asquireoflowdegree;
Andevershall,whatsobefall;
Todiethereforeanone;
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Abaron"schildtobebeguiled!
Itwereacurs-eddede;
Tobefel-awwithanout-lawAlmightyGodforbede!
Yetbetterwere,thepoorsquyereAlonetoforestyede,Thanyeshallsayanotherday,ThatbymywickeddedeYewerebetrayed:Wherefore,goodmaid,ThebestredethatIcan,Is,thatItothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"Whatsoeverbefall,InevershallOfthisthingyouupbraid:
Butifyego,andleavemeso,Thenhaveyemebetrayed.
Rememberyouwele,howthatyedele,Forifye,asyesaid,BesounkindtoleavebehindYourlove,theNut-brownMaid,Trustmetru-ly,thatIshalldieSoonafteryebegone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Ifthatyewent,yeshouldrepent;
ForintheforestnowIhavepurveyedmeofamaid,WhomIlovemorethanyou;
Anotherfairerthaneveryewere,Idareitwellavow;
Andofyouboth,eachshouldbewrothWithother,asItrow:
Itweremineeasetoliveinpeace;
SowillI,ifIcan:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman."
SHE.
"ThoughinthewoodIunderstoodYehadaparamour,Allthismaynoughtremovemythought,ButthatIwillbeyour:
Andsheshallfindmesoftandkind,Andcourteiseveryhour;
GladtofulfilallthatshewillCommandme,tomypower:
Forhadye,lo!anhundredmo,YetwouldIbethatone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Mineowndearlove,IseetheproofThatyebekindandtrue;
Ofmaid,andwife,inallmylife,ThebestthateverIknew.
Bemerryandglad;benomoresad;
Thecaseischang-ednew;
ForitwereruththatforyourtruthYoushouldhavecausetorue.
Benotdismayed,whatsoeverIsaidToyou,whenIbegan:
Iwillnottothegreenwoodgo;
Iamnobanishedman."
SHE.
"Thesetidingsbemoregladtome,Thantobemadeaqueen,IfIweresuretheyshouldendure:
Butitisoftenseen,WhenmenwillbreakpromisetheyspeakThewordisonthespleen.
Yeshapesomewilemetobeguile,Andstealfromme,Iween:
ThenwerethecaseworsethanitwasAndImorewo-begone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone."
HE.
"Yeshallnotnedefurthertodrede:
Iwillnotdispar-ageYou(Goddefend!),sithyoudescendOfsogreatalin-age.
Nowunderstand:toWestmoreland,Whichismyheritage,Iwillyoubring;andwitharingBywayofmarri-ageIwillyoutake,andladymake,AsshortlyasIcan:
Thushaveyewonanearl-essonAndnotabanishedman."
Heremayyesee,thatwomenbeInlove,meek,kind,andstable;
Letnevermanreprovethemthan,Orcallthemvari-able;
But,rather,prayGodthatwemayTothembecomfort-able,Whichsometimeprovethsuchasheloveth,Iftheybecharit-able.
ForsithmenwouldthatwomenshouldBemeektothemeachone;
MuchmoreoughttheytoGodobey,AndservebutHimalone.
ADAMBELL,CLYMOFTHECLOUGH,ANDWILLIAMOFCLOUDESLIE.
THEFIRSTFYTTE.
Merryitwasingreenfor-est,Amongtheleav-esgreen,WherethatmenwalkbotheastandwestWithbowsandarrowskeen,Toraisethedeeroutoftheirden,Suchsightsashathoftbeenseen;
AsbythreeyeomenoftheNorthCountrey:
BythemisasImean.
TheoneofthemhightAdamBell,TheotherClymoftheClough,ThethirdwasWilliamofCloudeslie,Anarchergoodenough.
Theywereoutlawedforvenison,Thesethreeyeomeneveryone;
Theysworethembrethrenuponaday,ToInglewoodfortogone.
Nowlithandlisten,gentlemen,Andthatofmirthslovetohear:
Twoofthemweresinglemen,Thethirdhadaweddedfere.
Williamwastheweddedman,Muchmorethenwashiscare;
Hesaidtohisbrethrenuponaday,ToCarlislehewouldfare,FortospeakwithfairAlicehiswife,Andwithhischildrenthree.
"Bymytroth,"saidAdamBell,"Notbythecounselofme:
ForifyegotoCarlisle,brother,Andfromthiswildwoodwend,IftheJusticemayyoutake,Yourlifewereatanend."——
"IfthatIcomenotto-morrow,brother,Byprimetoyouagain,TrustnotelsebutthatIamtake,OrelsethatIamslain."——
Hetookhisleaveofhisbrethrentwo,AndtoCarlisleheisgone.
Thereheknockedathisownwind-owShortlyandanon.
"Wherebeyou,fairAlice,mywife?
Andmychildrenthree?
Lightlyletinthinehusb-and,WilliamofCloudeslie."——
"Alas,"thensaidefairAl-ice,Andsigh-edwondroussore,"Thisplacehathbeenbesetforyou,Thishalf-eyearandmore."
"NowamIhere,"saidCloudeslie,"IwouldthatIinwere;——
Nowfetchusmeatanddrinkenough,Andletusmakegoodcheer."
Shefetchedhimmeatanddrinkplent-y,Likeatrueweddedwife,Andpleas-edhimwiththatshehad,Whomshelovedasherlife.
Therelayanoldwifeinthatplace,Alittlebesidethefire,WhichWilliamhadfoundofcharityMor-ethansevenyear;
Upsherose,andwalkedfullstill,Evilmoteshespeedtherefore:
ForshehadnotsetnofootongroundInsevenyearbefore.
Shewentuntothejusticehall,Asfastasshecouldhie:
"ThisnightiscomeuntothistownWilliamofCloudeslie."
ThereoftheJusticewasfullfain,AndsowastheSheriffalso;
"Thoushaltnottravelhither,dame,fornought,Thymeedthoushalthave,erethougo."
Theygavetoherarightgoodgown,Ofscarletitwas,asIheardsain;
Shetookthegiftandhomeshewent,Andcouchedherdownagain.
TheyraisedthetownofmerryCarlisle,Inallthehastethattheycan,Andcamethrong-ingtoWilliam"shouse,Asfastastheymightgan.
Theretheybesetthatgoodyeo-man,Roundaboutoneveryside;
Williamheardgreatnoiseoffolks,Thathitherwardhied.
Aliceopenedashotwind-ow,Andlook-edallaboutShewaswareoftheJusticeandtheSheriffboth,Withafullgreatrout.
"Alas,treason!"criedAlice,"Everwoemaythoube!——
Gointomychamber,myhusband,"shesaid,"SweetWilliamofCloudeslie."
Hetookhisswordandhisbuckl-er,Hisbowandhischildrenthree,Andwentintohisstrongestchamber,Wherehethoughtsuresttobe.
FairAl-icefollowedhimasalovertrue,Withapoleaxeinherhand:
"HeshallbedeadthatherecomethinThisdoor,whileImaystand."
Cloudesliebentawell-goodbow,Thatwasoftrustytree,HesmotetheJusticeonthebreast,Thathisarrowburstinthree.
"God"scurseonhisheart!"saidWilliam,"Thisdaythycoatdidon,Ifithadbeennobetterthanmine,Ithadgonenearthybone!"
"Yieldthee,Cloudeslie,"saidtheJustice,"Andthybowandthyarrowstheefro!"
"God"scurseonhisheart,"saidfairAl-ice,"Thatmyhusbandcounsellethso!"
"Setfireonthehouse,"saidtheSheriff,"Sithitwillnobetterbe,AndburnwethereinWilliam,"hesaid,"Hiswifeandhischildrenthree!"
Theyfiredthehouseinmanyaplace,Thefireflewuponhigh;
"Alas,"thencriedfairAl-ice,"Iseeweshallheredie!"
Williamopenedhisbackwind-ow,Thatwasinhischamberonhigh,Andwithshet-eslethiswif-edown,Andhischildrenthree.
"Haveheremytreasure,"saidWilli-am,"Mywifeandmychildrenthree;
ForChrist-eslovedothemnoharm,Butwreakyouallonme."
Williamshotsowondrouswell,Tillhisarrowswereallgone,Andthefiresofastuponhimfell,Thathisbowstringburntintwo.
Thesparklesburnt,andfellupon,GoodWilliamofCloudeslie!
Butthenwasheawoefulman,andsaid,"Thisisacoward"sdeathtome.
"LieverIhad,"saidWilli-am,"Withmyswordintherouttorun,Thanhereamongmineenemies"wood,Thuscruellytoburn."
Hetookhisswordandhisbucklerthen,Andamongthemallheran,Wherethepeopleweremostinpress,Hesmotedownmanyaman.
Theremightnomanabidehisstroke,Sofiercelyonthemheran;
Thentheythrewwindowsanddoorsonhim,Andsotookthatgoodyeom-an.
Theretheyboundhimhandandfoot,Andinadeepdungeonhimcast:
"Now,Cloudeslie,"saidthehighJust-ice,"Thoushaltbehangedinhaste!"
"OnevowshallImake,"saidtheSheriff,"ApairofnewgallowsshallIfortheemake,AndallthegatesofCarlisleshallbeshut,Thereshallnomancomeinthereat.
ThenshallnothelpClymoftheCloughNoryetAdamBell,Thoughtheycamewithathousandmo,Norallthedevilsinhell."
EarlyinthemorningtheJusticeuprose,Tothegatesfastganhegone,AndcommandedtoshutcloseLightlyeveryone;
Thenwenthetothemarket-place,Asfastashecouldhie,Apairofnewgallowstherehesetup,Besidethepillor-y.
Alittleboystoodthemamong,Andaskedwhatmeantthatgallowstree;
Theysaid-e,"Tohangagoodyeoman,CalledWilliamofCloudeslie."
Thatlittleboywasthetownswineherd,AndkeptfairAlice"swine,FullofthehadseenWilliaminthewood,Andgivenhimtheretodine.
Hewentoutatacreviceinthewall,Andlightlytothewooddidgone;
Theremethewiththesewightyeomen,Shortlyandanon.
"Alas!"thensaidthatlittleboy,"Yetarryherealltoolong!
Cloudeslieistakenanddamnedtodeath,Andreadyfortohong."
"Alas!"thensaidgoodAdamBell,"Thateverweseethisday!
Hemightherewithushavedwelled,Sooftaswedidhimpray.
Hemighthavetarriedingreenfor-est,Undertheshadowssheen,Andhavekeptbothhimandusatrest,Outofalltroubleandteen."
Adambentarightgoodbow,Agreathartsoonhadheslain:
"Takethat,child,"hesaid,"tothydinner,Andbringmeminearrowagain."
"Nowgowehence,"saidthesewightyeomen,"Tarrywenolongerhere;
Weshallhimborrow,byGod"sgrace,Thoughweabyeitfulldear."
ToCarlislewentthesegoodyeom-enOnamerrymorningofMay.
HereisafytteofCloudeslie,Andanotherisfortosay.
THESECONDFYTTE.
AndwhentheycametomerryCarlisle,Allinamorningtide,Theyfoundthegatesshutthemuntil,Roundaboutoneveryside.
"Alas,"thensaidgoodAdamBell,"Thateverweweremademen!
Thesegatesbeshutsowonderlywell,Thatwemaynotcomeherein."
ThenspakehimClymoftheClough:
"Withawilewewillusinbring;
Letussaywebemessengers,StraightcomenfromourKing."
Adamsaid:"Ihavealetterwrittenwell,Nowletuswiselywerk;
WewillsaywehavetheKing-e"sseal,Iholdtheporternoclerk."
ThenAdamBellbeatonthegate,Withstrok-esgreatandstrong;
Theporterheardsuchnoisethereat,Andtothegatehethrong.
"Whoistherenow,"saidtheporter,"Thatmakethallthisknocking?"
"Webetwomessengers,"saidClymoftheClough,"BecomenstraightfromourKing."
"Wehavealetter,"saidAdamBell,"TotheJusticewemustitbring;
Letusinourmessagetodo,ThatwewereagaintoourKing."
"Herecomethnomanin,"saidtheporter,"Byhimthatdiedonatree,Tillthatafalsethiefbehanged,CalledWilliamofCloudeslie!"
ThenspakethegoodyeomanClymoftheClough,AndsworebyMaryfree,"Ifthatwestand-elongwithout,Likeathiefhangedshaltthoube.
LoherewehavetheKing-esseal;
What,lourdain,artthouwood?"
Theporterweenedithadbeenso,Andlightlydidoffhishood.
"Welcomebemylord"sseal,"saidhe,"Forthatshallyecomein."
Heopenedthegaterightshortelie,Anevilopen-ingforhim.
"Nowarewein,"saidAdamBell,"Thereofwearefullfain,ButChristheknoweth,thatharrowedhell,Howweshallcomeoutagain."
"Hadwethekeys,"saidClymoftheClough,"Rightwellthenshouldwespeed;
ThenmightwecomeoutwellenoughWhenweseetimeandneed."
Theycalledtheportertoacouns-el,Andwrunghisneckintwo,Andcasthiminadeepdunge-on,Andtookthekeyshimfro.
"NowamIporter,"saidAdamBell;
"See,brother,thekeyshavewehere;
Theworstport-ertomerryCarlisleTheyhavehadthishundredyear:
Andnowwillweourbow-esbend,Intothetownwillwego,Fortodeliverourdearbroth-er,Thatliethincareandwoe."
Theybenttheirgoodyewbow-es,Andlookedtheirstringswereround,Themarket-placeofmerryCarlisleTheybesetinthatstound;
Andastheylook-edthembeside,Apairofnewgallowstheretheysee,AndtheJusticewithaquestofsquires,ThatjudgedWilliamhang-edtobe.
AndCloudeslielayreadythereinacart,Fastboundbothfootandhand,Andastrongropeabouthisneck,Allreadyfortobehanged.
TheJusticecalledtohimalad,Cloudeslie"sclothesshouldhehaveTotakethemeasureofthatyeom-an,Thereaftertomakehisgrave.
"Ihaveseenasgreatmarvel,"saidCloudeslie,"Asbetweenthisandprime;
Hethatmakeththisgraveforme,Himselfmaylietherein."——
"Thouspeakestproudly,"saidtheJustice;
"Ishallhangtheewithmyhand."
Fullwellthatheardhisbrethrentwo,Therestillastheydidstand.
ThenCloudesliecasthiseyenaside,AndsawhistwobrethrenAtacornerofthemarket-place,ReadytheJusticetoslain.
"Iseegoodcomfort,"saidCloudeslie,"YethopeIwelltofare;
IfImighthavemyhandsatwill,RightlittlewouldIcare."
ThenspakegoodAdamBellToClymoftheCloughsofree,"Brother,seeyemarktheJusticewell;
Lo,yonderyemayhimsee;
AndattheSheriffshootIwillStronglywitharrowkeen."
AbettershotinmerryCarlisleThissevenyearwasnotseen.
Theyloosedtheirarrowsbothatonce,Ofnomanhadtheydrede;
TheonehittheJustice,theothertheSheriff,Thatboththeirsidesganbleed.
Allmenvoided,thatthemstoodnigh,WhentheJusticefelltotheground,AndtheSherifffellnighhimby,Eitherhadhisdeath"swound.
Allthecitizensfastganflee,Theydurstnolongerabide;
Thenlightlytheyloos-edCloudeslie,Wherehewithropeslaytied.
Williamsterttoanofficerofthetown,Hisaxeoutofhishandhewrong,Oneach-esidehesmotethemdown,Himthoughthetarriedtoolong.
Williamsaidtohisbrethrentwo:
"Togetherletusliveanddee;
Ife"eryouhaveneed,asIhavenow,Thesameshallyefindbyme."
Theyshotsowellinthattide,Fortheirstringswereofsilkfullsure,Thattheykeptthestreetsoneveryside,Thatbattledidlongendure.
Theyfoughttogetherasbrethrentrue,Likehardymenandbold;
Manyamantothegroundtheythrew,Andmanyanheartmadecold.
Butwhentheirarrowswereallgone,Menpressedtothemfullfast;
Theydrewtheirsword-esthenanon,Andtheirbow-esfromthemcast.
Theywentlightlyontheirway,Withswordsandbucklersround;
Bythatitwasthemiddesoftheday,Theyhadmademanyawound.
Therewasmanyaneat-horninCarlisleblown,Andthebellsback-warddidring;
Manyawomansaid"Alas!"
Andmanytheirhandsdidwring.
TheMayorofCarlisleforthcomewas,Andwithhimafullgreatrout;
Thesethreeyeomendreadhimfullsore,Fortheirlivesstoodindoubt.
TheMayorcamearmedafullgreatpace,Withapoleaxeinhishand;
Manyastrongmanwithhimwas,Thereinthatstourtostand.
TheMayorsmoteCloudesliewithhisbill,Hisbucklerheburstintwo;
Fullmanyayeomanwithgreatill,"Alas!treason!"theycriedforwoe.
"Keepwethegat-esfast,"theybade,"Thatthesetraitorsthereoutnotgo!"
Butallfornoughtwasthattheywrought,Forsofasttheydownwerelaid,Tilltheyallthreethatsomanfullyfought,Weregottenwithoutatabraid.
"Havehereyourkeys,"saidAdamBell,"MineofficeIhereforsake;
Ifyoudobymycoun-sel,Anewport-erdoyemake."
Hethrewthekeysthereattheirheads,Andbadethemeviltothrive,Andallthatlettethanygoodyeo-manTocomeandcomforthiswife.
Thusbethesegoodyeomengonetothewood,Aslightasleafonlinde;
Theylaughandbemerryintheirmood,Theiren"mieswerefarbehind.
WhentheycametoInglewood,Undertheirtrystingtree,Theretheyfoundbow-esfullgood,Andarrowsgreatplent-y.
"SohelpmeGod,"saidAdamBell,AndClymoftheCloughsofree,"IwouldwewerenowinmerryCarlisle,Beforethatfairmeynie!"
Theysitthemdownandmakegoodcheer,Andeatanddrinkfullwell——
Hereisafytteofthesewightyeomen,AndanotherIshallyoutell.
THETHIRDFYTTE.
AstheysatinInglewoodUndertheirtrystingtree,Theythoughttheyheardawomanweep,Buthertheymightnotsee.
Soretheresigh-edfairAl-ice,Andsaid,"Alasthate"erIseethisday!
Fornowismydearhusbandslain:
Alas,andwellaway!
"MightIhavespokenwithhisdearbrethren,Witheitherofthemtwain,Toshow-ethemwhathimbefell,Myheartwereoutofpain."
Cloudesliewalkedalittlebeside,Andlookedunderthegreenwoodlinde;
Hewaswareofhiswifeandhischildrenthree,Fullwoeinheartandmind.
"Welcome,wife,"thensaidWilli-am,"Underthistrystingtree!
Ihadweenedyesterday,bysweetSaintJohn,Thoushouldmeneverhavesee."
"Nowwellisme,"shesaid,"thatyebehere!
Myheartisoutofwoe."——
"Dame,"hesaid,"bemerryandglad,Andthankmybrethrentwo."
"Hereoftospeak,"saidAdamBell,"Iwisitisnoboot;
ThemeatthatwemustsupwithalItrunnethyetfastonfoot."
Thenwenttheydownintothelaunde,Thesenoblearchersallthree;
Eachofthemslewahartofgrease,Thebestthattheycouldsee.
"Haveherethebest,Al-ice,mywife,"
SaidWilliamofCloudeslie,"BecauseyesoboldlystoodmebyWhenIwasslainfullnie."
Andthentheywenttotheirsupp-erWithsuchmeatastheyhad,AndthankedGodoftheirfort-une;
Theywerebothmerryandglad.
Andwhenthattheyhadsupp-edwell,Certainwithoutenlease,Cloudesliesaid:"WewilltoourKing,Togetusacharterofpeace;
Al-iceshallbeatoursojourning,Inanunneryherebeside,Andmytwosonsshallwithhergo,Andtheretheyshallabide.
"Mineeldestsonshallgowithme,ForhimhaveInocare,AndheshallbringyouwordagainHowthatwedofare."
ThusbetheseyeomentoLondongone,Asfastastheymayhie,TilltheycametotheKing"spal-ace,Wheretheywouldneedsbe.
AndwhentheycametotheKing-escourt,Untothepalacegate,Ofnomanwouldtheyasknoleave,Butboldlywentinthereat.