第4章

Butwha"sthiskensmynamesaeweel,Andthustohearmywaesdoesseek?"

ThenupandspakethegoodLaird"sJock:

"Neerfearyenow,mybillie,"quohe;

"Forhere"stheLaird"sJock,theLaird"sWat,AndHobieNoble,cometosettheefree."

"Oh,hadthytongue,andspeaknaemair,Andothytalknowletmebe!

Forifa"Liddesdalewereherethenight,Themorn"sthedaythatImaundie.

"FullfifteenstaneoSpanishiron,Theyhaelaida"rightsaironme;

WilocksandkeysIamfastboundIntothisdungeonmirkanddrearie."

"Fearyenothat,"quotheLaird"sJock;

"Afaintheartneerwanafairladie;

Workthouwithin,we"llworkwithout,AndI"llbeswornwesettheefree."

Thefirststrongdorethattheycameat,Theylooseditwithoutakey;

Thenextchainddorethattheycamat,Theygardita"inflindersflee.

Theprisnernow,upohisback,TheLaird"sJock"sgottenupfuhie;

Anddownthestairhim,ironsanda",Winaesmaspeedandjoybringshe.

"Now,Jock,Iwat,"quoHobieNoble,"Partotheweightyemaylayonme,"

"Iwatweelno,"quotheLaird"sJock"Icounthimlighterthanaflee."

Saeoutatthegatestheya"aregane,Theprisner"ssetonhorsebackhie;

Andnowwispeedthey"vetanethegate;

Whileilkanejokesfuwantonlie.

"OJock,saewinsomely"syeride,Wibaithyourfeetupoaeside!

Saeweel"sye"reharnessd,andsaetrig!

Introthyesitlikeonybride."

Thenight,thowat,theydidnamind,Buthiedthemonfumirrilie,UntiltheycamtoCholerfordbrae,Wherethewaterranlikemountainshie.

ButwhentheycametoCholerford,Theretheymetwithanauldman;

Says,"Honestman,willthewaterride?

Tellusinhaste,ifthatyecan."

"Iwatweelno,"quothegoodauldman;

"HereIhaelivdthisthretyyeirsandthree,AndIneeryetsawtheTynesaebig,Norrinningancesaelikeasea."

ThenupandspaketheLaird"ssaftWat,Thegreatestcowardinthecompany;

"Nowhalt,nowhalt,weneednatry"t;

Thedayiscomdwea"maundie!"

"Poorfaint-heartedthief!"quotheLaird"sJock,"There"llnaemandiebuthethat"sfie;

I"llleadyea"rightsafelythrough;

Liftyetheprisneronahintme.

Saenowthewatertheya"haetane,Byanesandtwastheya"swamthrough"Herearewea"safe,"saystheLaird"sJock,"And,poorfaintWat,whatthinkyenow?"

Theyscarcetheithersidehadwon,Whentwentymentheysawpursue;

FraeNewcastletowntheyhadbeensent,A"Englishladsrightgoodandtrue.

Butwhentheland-sergeantthewatersaw,"Itwinnaride,mylads,"quohe;

Thenouthecries,"Yetheprisnermaytake,Butleavetheirons,Ipray,tome."

"Iwatweelno,"crydtheLaird"sJock,"I"llkeepthema";shoontomymarethey"llbe;

Mygoodgreymare;forIamsure,She"sboughtthema"fudearfraethee."

Saenowthey"reawayforLiddisdale,Eenasfastastheycoudthemhie;

Theprisner"sbroughttohisainfireside,Andthereo"sairnstheymakehimfree.

"Now,Jock,mybillie,"quoa"thethree,"Thedaywascomdthouwastodie;

Butthou"sasweelatthyainfireside,Nowsitting,Ithink,"tweentheeandme."

Theyhaegardfillupaepunch-bowl,Andafterittheymaunhaeanither,Andthusthenighttheya"haespent,Justastheyhadbeenbritherandbrither.

Ballad:LordThomasAndFairAnnet(Child,PartIII.,p.182.)

LordThomasandFairAnnetSatea"dayonahill;

Whannightwascum,andsunwassett,Theyhadnottalkttheirfill.

LordThomassaidawordinjest,FairAnnettookitill:

"A,IwillnevirwedawifeAgainstmyainfriend"swill."

"Gifyewullnevirwedawife,Awifewullneirwedyee;"

Saeheishametotellhismither,Andkneltuponhisknee.

"Orede,Orede,mither,"hesays,"Aguderedegietomee;

OsallItakthenut-brownebride,AndletFaireAnnetbee?"

"Thenut-brownebridehaesgowdandgear,FairAnnetshehasgatnane;

AndthelittlebeautyFairAnnethaesOitwullsoonbegane."

Andhehastillhisbrothergane:

"Now,brother,redeyemee;

A,sallImarriethenut-brownebride,AndletFairAnnetbee?"

"Thenut-brownebridehasoxen,brother,Thenut-brownebridehaskye;

Iwadhaeyemarriethenut-brownebride,AndcastFairAnnetbye."

"Heroxenmaydyei"thehouse,billie,Andherkyeintothebyre;

AndIsallhaenothingtomysellBotafatfadgebythefyre."

Andhehastillhissistergane:

"Now,sister,redeyemee;

OsallImarriethenut-brownebride,AndsetFairAnnetfree?"

"I"seredeyetakFairAnnet,Thomas,Andletthebrownebridealane;

Lestyesouldsigh,andsay,Alace,Whatisthiswebroughthame!"

"No,Iwilltakmymither"scounsel,Andmarriemeowtohand;

AndIwilltakthenut-brownebride,FairAnnetmayleivetheland."

UpthenroseFairAnnet"sfather,Twahoursoritwerday,AndheisganeuntothebowerWhereinFairAnnetlay.

"Riseup,riseup,FairAnnet,"hesays"Putonyoursilkensheene;

LetusgaetoSt.Marie"sKirke,Andseethatrichweddeen."

"Mymaides,gaetomydressing-roome,Anddresstomemyhair;

Whaireiryeelaidaplaitbefore,Seeyeelaytentimesmair.

"Mymaids,gaetomydressing-room,Anddresstomemysmock;

Theonehalfisothehollandfine,Theotheroneedle-work."

ThehorseFairAnnetradeupon,Heamblitlikethewind;

Wisillerhewasshodbefore,Wiburninggowdbehind.

FourandtwantysillerbellsWera"tyedtillhismane,Andyaetiftothenorlandwind,Theytinkledanebyane.

FourandtwantygaygudeknichtsRadebyFairAnnet"sside,Andfourandtwantyfairladies,Asginshehadbinabride.

AndwhanshecamtoMarie"sKirk,ShesatonMarie"sstean:

ThecleadingthatFairAnnethadonItskinkledintheireen.

Andwhanshecamintothekirk,Sheshimmerdlikethesun;

ThebeltthatwasaboutherwaistWasa"wipearlesbedone.

Shesatherbythenut-brownebride,Andhereentheywersaeclear,LordThomashecleanforgatthebride,WhenFairAnnetdrewnear.

Hehadaroseintohishand,Hegaeitkissesthree,Andreachingbythenut-brownebride,LaiditonFairAnnet"sknee.

Upthenspakthenut-brownebride,Shespakwimeiklespite:

"Andwhairgatyethatrose-water,Thatdoesmakyeesaewhite?"

"OIdidgettherose-waterWhairyewullneirgetnane,ForIdidgetthatveryrose-waterIntomymither"swame."

ThebrideshedrewalongbodkinFraeouthergayhead-gear,AndstrakeFairAnnetuntotheheart,Thatwordspaknevirmair.

LordThomashesawFairAnnetwexpale,Andmarvelitwhatmotebee;

Butwhenhesawherdearheart"sblude,A"wood-wrothwexedbee.

Hedrewhisdaggerthatwassaesharp,Thatwassaesharpandmeet,Anddraveitintothenut-brownebride,Thatfelldeidathisfeit.

"Nowstayforme,dearAnnet,"hesed,"Nowstay,mydear,"hecry"d;

Thenstrakethedaggeruntillhisheart,Andfelldeidbyherside.

LordThomaswasburiedwithoutkirk-wa,FairAnnetwithinthequiere,Andotheanethairgrewabirk,Theotherabonnybriere.

Andaytheygrew,andaytheythrew,Astheywadfainebeneare;

AndbythisyemaykenrightweilTheyweretwaluversdeare.

Ballad:FairAnnie(Child,PartIII.,p.69.)

"It"snarrow,narrow,makeyourbed,Andlearntolieyourlane:

ForI"mga"noerthesea,FairAnnie,Abrawbridetobringhame.

WiherIwillgetgowdandgear;

WiyouIneergotnane.

"Butwhawillbakemybridalbread,Orbrewmybridalale?

Andwhawillwelcomemybriskbride,ThatIbringoerthedale?"

"It"sIwillbakeyourbridalbread,Andbrewyourbridalale,AndIwillwelcomeyourbriskbride,Thatyoubringoerthedale."

"ButshethatwelcomesmybriskbrideMaunganglikemaidenfair;

Shemaunlaceonherrobesaejimp,Andbraidheryellowhair."

"ButhowcanIgangmaiden-like,WhenmaidenIamnane?

HaveInotbornsevensonstothee,Andamwithchildagain?"

She"staenheryoungsoninherarms,Anotherinherhand,Andshe"suptothehighesttower,Toseehimcometoland.

"Comeup,comeup,myeldestson,Andlookoeryonsea-strand,Andseeyourfather"snew-comebride,Beforeshecometoland."

"Comedown,comedown,mymotherdear,Comefraethecastlewa!

Ifear,iflangeryestandthere,Ye"llletyourselldownfa."

Andshegaeddown,andfartherdown,Herlove"sshipfortosee,AndthetopmastandthemainmastShonelikethesilverfree.

Andshe"sganedown,andfartherdown,Thebride"sshiptobehold,AndthetopmastandthemainmastTheyshonejustlikethegold.

She"staenhersevensonsinherhand,Iwotshedidnafail;

ShemetLordThomasandhisbride,Astheycameoerthedale.

"You"rewelcometoyourhouse,LordThomas,You"rewelcometoyourland;

You"rewelcomewithyourfairladye,Thatyouleadbythehand.

"You"rewelcometoyourha"s,ladye,You"rewelcometoyourbowers;

Yourwelcometoyourhame,ladye,Fora"that"shereisyours."

"Ithankthee,Annie;Ithankthee,Annie,SaedearlyasIthankthee;

You"rethelikesttomysisterAnnie,ThateverIdidsee.

"Therecameaknightoutoerthesea,Andstealdmysisteraway;

Theshamescoupinhiscompany,Andlandwhere"erhegae!"

Shehangaenapkinatthedoor,Anotherintheha,Anda"towipethetricklingtears,Saefastastheydidfa.

AndayesheservedthelangtablesWithwhitebreadandwithwine,Andayeshedrankthewanwater,Tohadhercolourfine.

Andayesheservedthelangtables,Withwhitebreadandwithbrown;

Andayesheturnedherroundabout,Saefastthetearsfelldown.

Andhe"staendownthesilknapkin,Hungonasilverpin,AndayehewipestheteartricklingA"downhercheekandchin.

Andayeheturn"dhimroundabout,Andsmiledamanghismen;

Says,"Likeyebesttheoldladye,Orherthat"snewcomehame?"

Whenbellswererung,andmasswassung,Anda"menboundtobed,LordThomasandhisnew-comebrideTotheirchambertheyweregaed.

Anniemadeherbedalittleforbye,Tohearwhattheymightsay;

"Andeveralas!"FairAnniecried,"ThatIshouldseethisday!

"Ginmysevensonsweresevenyoungrats,Runningonthecastlewa,AndIwereagreycatmysell,Isoonwouldworrythema".

"Ginmyyoungsonsweresevenyounghares,Runningoeryonlillylee,AndIwereagrewhoundmysell,Soonworriedtheya"shouldbe."

AndwaeandsadFairAnniesat,Anddreariewashersang,Andever,asshesobbdandgrat,"Waetothemanthatdidthewrang!"

"Mygownison,"saidthenew-comebride,"Myshoesareonmyfeet,AndIwilltoFairAnnie"schamber,Andseewhatgarshergreet.

"Whatailsye,whatailsye,FairAnnie,Thatyemakesicamoan?

Hasyourwine-barrelscastthegirds,Orisyourwhitebreadgone?

"Owhawas"twasyourfather,Annie,Orwhawas"twasyourmother?

Andhadyeonysister,Annie,Orhadyeonybrother?"

"TheEarlofWemysswasmyfather,TheCountessofWemyssmymother;

Anda"thefolkaboutthehouseTomeweresisterandbrother."

"IftheEarlofWemysswasyourfather,Iwotsaewashemine;

AnditshallnotbeforlackogowdThatyeyourlovesallfyne.

"ForIhavesevenshipsomineain,A"loadedtothebrim,AndIwillgiethema"totheeWifourtothineeldestson:

Butthankstoa"thepowersinheavenThatIgaemaidenhame!"

Ballad:TheDowieDensOfYarrow(Child,PartIII.EarlyEdition.)

Lateate"en,drinkingthewine,Anderetheypaidthelawing,Theysetacombatthembetween,Tofightitinthedawing.

"Oh,stayathame,mynoblelord,Oh,stayathame,mymarrow!

MycruelbrotherwillyoubetrayOnthedowiehoumsofYarrow."

"Oh,fareyeweel,myladyegaye!

Oh,fareyeweel,mySarah!

ForImaungae,thoughIne"erreturn,FraethedowiebanksofYarrow."

Shekiss"dhischeek,shekaim"dhishair,Asoftshehaddonebefore,O;

Shebeltedhimwithhisnoblebrand,Andhe"sawaytoYarrow.

AshegaeduptheTenniesbank,Iwothegaedwi"sorrow,Till,downinaden,hespiedninearm"dmen,OnthedowiehoumsofYarrow.

"Oh,comeyeheretopartyourland,ThebonnieForestthorough?

Orcomeyeheretowieldyourbrand,OnthedowiehoumsofYarrow?"

"Icomenotheretopartmyland,Andneithertobegnorborrow;

Icometowieldmynoblebrand,OnthebonniebanksofYarrow.

"IfIseeall,ye"reninetoane;

Anthat"sanunequalmarrow:

YetwillIfight,whilelastsmybrand,OnthebonniebanksofYarrow."

Fourhashehurt,andfivehasslain,OnthebloodybraesofYarrow;

Tillthatstubbornknightcamehimbehind,Andranhisbodythorough.

"Gaehame,gaehame,good-brotherJohn,AndtellyoursisterSarah,Tocomeandliftherleafu"lord;

He"ssleepin"soundonYarrow."

"YestreenIdream"dadolefu"dream;

Ifeartherewillbesorrow!

Idream"dIpu"dtheheathergreen,Wi"mytruelove,onYarrow.

"Ogentlewind,thatblowethsouth,Fromwheremyloverepaireth,Conveyakissfromhisdearmouth,Andtellmehowhefareth!

"Butintheglenstrivearmedmen;

They"vewroughtmedoleandsorrow;

They"veslain-thecomeliestknightthey"veslain-

HebleedingliesonYarrow."

Asshespeddownyonhigh,highhill,Shegaedwi"doleandsorrow,Andinthedenspiedtenslainmen,OnthedowiebanksofYarrow.

Shekiss"dhischeek,shekaim"dhishair,Shesearch"dhiswoundsallthorough,Shekiss"dthem,tillherlipsgrewred,OnthedowiehoumsofYarrow.

"Now,haudyourtongue,mydaughterdear!

Fora"thisbreedsbutsorrow;

I"llwedyetoabetterlordThanhimyelostonYarrow."

"Oh,haudyourtongue,myfatherdear!

Yemindmebutofsorrow:

AfairerrosedidneverbloomThannowliescropp"donYarrow."

Ballad:SirRoland(Child,vol.i.EarlyEdition.)

Whanhecamtohisainluve"sbouirHetirledatthepin,AndsaereadywashisfairfauseluveToriseandlethimin.

"Owelcome,welcome,SirRoland,"shesays,"Thricewelcomethouarttome;

Forthisnightthouwiltfeastinmysecretbouir,Andto-morrowwe"llweddedbe."

"Thisnightishallow-eve,"hesaid,"Andto-morrowishallow-day;

AndIdreamedadreariedreamyestreen,Thathasmademyheartfu"wae.

"Idreamedadreariedreamyestreen,AndIwishitmaycumtogude:

Idreamedthatyeslewmybestgrewhound,Andgiedmehislapperedblude."

*****

"Unbuckleyourbelt,SirRoland,"shesaid,Andsetyousafelydown."

Oyourchamberisverydark,fairmaid,Andthenightiswondrouslown."

"Yes,dark,darkismysecretbouir,Andlownthemidnightmaybe;

Forthereisnonewakingina"thistowerButthou,mytruelove,andme."

*****

Shehasmountedonhertruelove"ssteed,Bytheaelighto"themoon;

Shehaswhippedhimandspurredhim,Androundlysheradefraethetoun.

Shehadnariddenamileo"gate,Neveramilebutane,Whenshewasawareofatallyoungman,Slowridingo"ertheplain,Sheturnedhertotherightabout,Thentotheleftturn"dshe;

Butaye,"tweenherandthewanmoonlight,Thattallknightdidshesee.

Andhewasridingburdalane,Onahorseasblackasjet,Buttho"shefollowedhimfastandfell,Nonearercouldsheget.

"Ostop!Ostop!youngman,"shesaid;

"ForIinduleamdight;

Ostop,andwinafairlady"sluve,Ifyoubealealtrueknight."

Butnothingdidthetallknightsay,Andnothingdidheblin;

StillslowlyrideheonbeforeAndfastsheradebehind.

Shewhippedhersteed,shespurredhersteed,Tillhisbreastwasallafoam;

Butneareruntothattallyoungknight,ByOurLadyeshecouldnotcome.

"Oifyoubeagayyoungknight,AswellItrowyoube,Pulltightyourbridlereins,andstayTillIcomeuptothee."

Butnothingdidthattallknightsay,Andnowhitdidheblin,Untilhereachedabroadriver"ssideAndtherehedrewhisrein.

"Oisthiswaterdeep?"hesaid,"Asitiswondrousdun?

Orisitsicasasaiklessmaid,Andalealtrueknightmayswim?"

"Thewateritisdeep,"shesaid,"Asitiswondrousdun;

Butitissicasasaiklessmaid,Andalealtrueknightmayswim."

Theknightspurredonhistallblacksteed;

Theladyspurredonherbrown;

Andfasttheyradeuntotheflood,Andfasttheybaithswamdown.

"Thewaterweetsmytae,"shesaid;

"Thewaterweetsmyknee,Andholdupmybridlereins,sirknight,ForthesakeofOurLadye."

"IfIwouldhelptheenow,"hesaid,"Itwereadeadlysin,ForI"veswornneirtotrustafairmay"sword,Tillthewaterweetsherchin."

"Oh,thewaterweetsmywaist,"shesaid,"Saedoesitweetmyskin,Andmyachingheartrinsroundabout,Theburnmakssicadin.

"Thewateriswaxingdeeperstill,Saedoesitwaxmairwide;

Andayethefartherthatwerideon,Fartheroffistheotherside.

"Ohelpmenow,thoufalse,falseknight,Havepityonmyyouth,Fornowthewaterjawesowremyhead,Anditgurglesinmymouth."

Theknightturnedrightandroundabout,Allinthemiddlestream;

Andhestretchedouthisheadtothatlady,Butloudlyshedidscream.

"Othisishallow-morn,"hesaid,"Anditisyourbridal-day,Butsadwouldbethatgaywedding,Ifbridegroomandbridewereaway.

"Andrideon,rideon,proudMargaret!

Tillthewatercomeso"eryourbree,Forthebridemaunridedeep,anddeeperyet,Wharidesthisfordwi"me.

"Turnround,turnround,proudMargaret!

Turnyeround,andlookonme,Thouhastkilledatrueknightundertrust,Andhisghostnowlinksonwiththee."

Ballad:RoseTheRedAndWhiteLily(Child,PartIV.)

ORosetheRedandWhiteLilly,Theirmotherdearwasdead,Andtheirfathermarriedanillwoman,Wishdthemtwalittleguede.

YetshehadtwaasfufairsonsAseerbrakemanisbread,AndthetaneofthemloedherWhiteLilly,AndthetitherloodRosetheRed.

O,biggithatheyabiglybowr,Andstrawnitoerwisan,Andtherewasmairmirthitheladies"bowrThanina"theirfather"slan.

Butoutitspaketheirstep-mother,Whastoodalittleforeby:

"IhopetoliveandplaytheprankSalgaryourloudsangly."

She"scallduponhereldestson:

"Comehere,myson,tome;

Itfearsmesair,myeldestson,Thatyemaunsailthesea."

"Ginitfearyousair,mymitherdear,YourbiddingImaundee;

ButbeneverwartoRosetheRedThanyehabeentome."

"Ohadyourtongue,myeldestson,Forsmasalbeherpart;

You"llnaegetakissohercomelymouthGinyourveryfairheartshouldbreak."

She"scallduponheryoungestson:

"Comehere,myson,tome;

Itfearsmesair,myyoungestson,Thatyemaunsailthesea."

"Ginitfearyousair,mymitherdear,YourbiddingImaundee;

ButbeneverwartoWhiteLillyThanyehabeentome."

"Ohaudyourtongue,myyoungestson,Forsmasallbeherpart;

You"llneergetakissohercomelymouthThoyourveryfairheartshouldbreak."

WhenRosetheRedandWhiteLillySawtheirtwalovesweregane,Thenstoppedhatheytheirloud,loudsang,Andtaneupthestillmoarnin;

Andtheirstep-motherstoodlistninby,Toheartheladies"mean.

Thenoutitspakeher,WhiteLily;

"Mysister,we"llbegane;

Whyshou"dwestayinBarnsdale,Towasteouryouthinpain?"

Thencuttedhatheytheirgreencloathing,Alittlebelowtheirknee;

Andsaehatheytheiryallowhair,Alittleaboontherebree;

Andthey"vedoenthemtohaelychapelWaschristenedbyOurLadye.

Therehatheychangedtheiraintwanames,Saefarfraeonytown;

AndthetaneothemhightSweetWilly,AndthetitherothemRogetheRoun.

Betweenthistwaavowwasmade,Antheyswareittofulfil;

Thatatthreeblastsoabuglehorn,She"dcomehersistertill.

NowSweetWilly"sganetothekingiscourt,Hertrue-lovefortosee,AndRogetheRountogoodgreenwood,BrownRobin"smantobe.

Asitfelloutuponaday,Theyadidputthestane;

FullsevenfootayontthemaShegardtheputtin-stanegang.

Sheleandherbackagainstanoak,AndgaealoudOhone!

ThenoutitspakehimBrownRobin,"Butthat"sawoman"smoan!"

"Oh,kenyebymyredroselip?

Orbymyyallowhair;

Orkenyebymymilk-whitebreast?

Foryeneversawitbare?"

"Ikennobyyourredroselip,Norbyyouryallowhair;

NorkenIbyyourmilk-whitebreast,ForIneversawitbare;

But,cometoyourbowrwhaeversaelikes,Willfindaladyethere."

"Oh,ginyecometomybowrwithin,Throfraud,deceit,orguile,Withissamebranthat"sinmyhanIswearIwilltheekill."

"ButIwillcomethybowrwithin,Anspearnaeleave,"quothhe;

"Anthissamebranthat"simyban,Isallwarebackonthe."

Aboutthetenthhourofthenight,Theladie"sbowrdoorwasbroken,AneerthefirsthourofthedayThebonnyknavebairnwasgotten.

Whendayswereganeandmonthswererun,Theladyetooktravailing,Andsairshecry"dforabow"r-woman,Fortowaitherupon.

Thenoutitspakehim,BrownRobin:

"Nowwhatneedsa"thisdin?

ForwhatcoudanywomandoButIcouddothesame?"

"Twasnevermymither"sfashion,"shesays,"Norsalliteverbemine,ThatbeltedknightsshoudeerremainWhereladiesdreedtheirpine.

"Butyetakeupthatbugle-horn,Anblawablastforme;

IhaabrotherithekingiscourtWillcomemequicklyti."

"OginyehaabritheronearthThatyelovebetternorme,Yeblawthehornyoursel,"hesays,"ForaeblastIwinnagie."

She"ssetthehorntillhermouth,Andshe"sblawnthreeblastssaeshrill;

SweetWillyheardithekingiscourt,Andcameherquicklytill.

ThenupitstartedBrownRobin,Ananangrymanwashe:

"TherecomesnaemanthisbowrwithinButfirstmustfightwime."

OtheyhaefoughtthatbowrwithinTillthesunwasgaingdown,TilldropsobludefraeRosetheRedCamtrailingtothegroun.

Sheleandherbackagainstthewa,Says,"Robin,leta"be;

ForitisaladybornandbredThat"sfoughtensaewellwithee."

Osevenfoothelapaback;

Says,"Alas,andwaeisme!

Ineverwishtina"mylife,Awoman"sbludetosee;

AnaeforthesakeofaefairmaidWhosenamewasWhiteLilly."

ThenoutitspakeherWhiteLilly,Anaheartylaughlaughshe:

"She"slivedwiyouthisyearanmair,Thoyekenntnaitwasshe."

Nowwordhasganethroa"thelan,Beforeamonthwasdone,ThatBrownRobin"sman,ingoodgreenwood,Hadbornabonnyyoungson.

Thewordhasganetothekingiscourt,Antothekinghimsel;

"Now,bymyfay,"thekingcouldsay,"Thelikewasneverheardtell!"

ThenoutitspakehimBoldArthur,Anaheartylaughlaughhe:

"Itrowsomemayhasplaydtheloun,Andfledheraincountry."

"Bringmemysteed,"thencry"dtheking,"Mybowandarrowskeen;

I"llridemyseltogoodgreenwood,Anseewhat"stobeseen."

"An"tpleaseyourgrace,"saidBoldArthur,"Myliege,I"llgangyouwi,Antrytofinalittlefoot-page,That"sstraydawafraeme."

Othey"vehuntedithegoodgreenwoodThebuckbutantherae,AntheydrewnearBrownRobin"sbowr,Aboutthecloseofday.

Thenoutitspakethekinginhast,Says,"ArthurlookanseeGinthatbenoyourlittlefoot-pageThatleansagainstyontree."

ThenArthurtookhisbugle-horn,Anblewablastsaeshrill;

SweetWillystartedatthesound,Anranhimquicklytill.

"Owantedyeyourmeat,Willy?

Orwantedyeyourfee?

Orgatyeeveranangryword,Thatyeranawafraeme?"

"Iwantednought,mymasterdear;

Tomeyeaywasgood;

Icamebuttoseemyaebrother,Thatwonsinthisgreenwood."

Thenoutitspakethekingagain,Says,"Bonnyboy,telltome,Whalivesintoyonbiglybowr,Standsbyyongreenoaktree?"

"Oh,pardonme,"saysSweetWillie,"Myliege,Idarenotell;

AnIprayyougononearthatbowr,Forfeartheydoyoufell."

"Oh,haudyourtongue,mybonnyboy,ForIwinnabesaidnay;

ButIwillgangthatbowrwithin,Betidemewealorwae."

They"velightedofftheirmilk-whitesteeds,Ansaftlyenterdin,AndtheretheysawherWhiteLilly,Nursingherbonnyyoungson.

"Now,bytherood,"thekingcoudsay,"Thisisacomelysight;

Itrow,insteadofaforrester"sman,Thisisaladybright!"

Thenoutitspakeher,RosetheRed,Anfelllowdownonherknee:

"Oh,pardonus,mygraciousliege,AnourstoryI"lltellthee.

"Ourfatherwasawealthylord,ThatwondinBarnsdale;

Butwehadawickedstep-mother,Thatwroughtusmeicklebale.

"YetshehadtwaasfufairsonsAseverthesundidsee,Anthetaneofthemloodmysisterdear,Anthetothersaidheloodme."

ThenoutitspakehimBoldArthur,Asbythekinghestood:

"Now,bythefaithomybody,ThisshoudbeRosetheRed!"

TheninitcamehimBrownRobin,FraehuntingOthedeer;

Butwhanhesawthekingwasthere,Hestartedbackforfear.

Thekinghastaenhimbythehand,Anbidehimnaithingdread;

Says,"Yemaunleavethegoodgreenwood,Cometothecourtwispeed."

ThenuphetookWhiteLilly"sson,Ansethimonhisknee;

Says-"Ginyelivetowieldabran,Mybowmanyesallbee."

Thekinghesentforrobesofgreen,Angirdlesoshinninggold;

HegarttheladiesbearraydMostcomelytobehold.

They"vedonethemuntoMarykirk,Antheregatfairwedding,Anfanthenewsspreadoerthelan,Forjoythebellsdidring.

ThenoutitspakeherRosetheRed,Anaheartylaughlaughshe:

"Iwonderwhatwouldourstep-damesay,Ginshehissightdidsee!"

Ballad:TheBattleOfHarlaw-EvergreenVersion(Child,vol.vii.EarlyEdition,Appendix.)

FraeDunidierasIcamthrouch,DounbythehillofBanochie,AllangstthelandsofGarioch.

GritpitiewastoheirandseThenoysanddulesumhermonie,Thatevirthatdreirydaydiddaw!

Cryandthecorynochonhie,Alas!alas!fortheHarlaw.

Imarvlitwhatthemattermeant;

Allfolkswereinafieryfariy:

Iwistnochtwhawasfaeorfreind,YetquietlyIdidmecarrie.

ButsenthedaysofauldKingHairy,Sicslauchterwasnothardnorsene,AndthairIhadnaetymetotairy,ForbissinessinAberdene.

ThusasIwalkitontheway,ToInveruryasIwent,Imetaman,andbadhimstay,RequeistinghimtomakmequaintOfthebeginningandtheeventThathappenitthairattheHarlaw;

Thenheentreitedmetotaktent,Andhethetruthsouldtomeschaw.

GritDonaldoftheYslesdidclaimUntothelandsofRosssumricht,Andtothegovernourhecame,Themfortohaif,gifthathemicht,Whasawhisinterestwasbutslicht,Andthairforeansweritwithdisdain.

Hehastithamebaithdayandnicht,Andsentnaebodwardbackagain.

ButDonaldrichtimpatientOfthatanswerDukeRobertgaif,Hevow"dtoGodOmniyotent,AllthehalelandsofRosstohalf,Orellsbegraithedinhisgraif:

Hewaldnotquathisrichtfornocht,Norbeabusitlikeaslaif;

Thatbarginsouldbedeirlybocht.

ThenhaistyliehedidcommandThatallhisweir-menshouldconvene;

Ilkanwellharnisitfraehand,Tomeltandheirwhathedidmein.

Hewaxitwrathandvowittein;

SweirandhewaldsurprysetheNorth,SubdewthebrughofAberdene,Mearns,Angus,andallFyfetoForth.

Thuswiththeweir-menoftheyles,Whawarayathisbiddingbown,Withmoneymaid,withforssandwyls,Richtfarandneir,baithupanddoun,Throwmountandmuir,fraetowntotown,AllangstthelandsofRossheroars,Andallobey"dathisbandown,EvinfraetheNorthtoSuthrenshoars.

Thenallthecountriemendidyield;

Fornaeresistansdursttheymak,Norofferbatillinthefeild,Beforssofarmstobeirhimbak.

Synetheyresolvitallandspak,Thatbestitwasforthairbehoif,Theysouldhimforthairchiftaintak,Believingweilhedidthemluve.

Thenheaproclamationmaid,AllmentomeetatInverness,ThrowMurraylandtomakaraid,FraeArthursyreuntoSpey-ness.

Andfurthermair,hesentexpress,Toschawhiscolloursandensenzie,Toallandsindry,mairandless,ThrochouttheboundsofByneandEnzie.

AndthenthrowfairStrathbogielandHispurposewasfortopursew,Andwhatsoevirdurstgainstand,Thatracetheyshouldfullsairlyrew.

Thenhebadallhismenbetrew,Andhimdefendbyforssandslicht,Andpromistthemrewardisanew,Andmakthemmenofmeklemicht.

Withoutresistans,ashesaid,Throwallthesepartshestoutlypast,Wheresumwarwae,andsumwarglaid,ButGariochwasallagast.

Throwallthesefeildsbespedhimfast,Forsicasichtwasneversene;

Andthen,forsuith,helangdatlastTosethebruchofAberdene.

Tohinderthisprowdenterprise,ThestoutandmichtyErlofMarrWithallhismeninarmsdidryse,EvenfraeCurgarftoCraigyvar:

AnddownthesydeofDonrichtfar,AngusandMearnsdidallconveneTofecht,orDonaldcamesaenarTheryallbruchofAberdene.

AndthusthemartialErleofMarrMarchtwithhismeninrichtarray;

Befoirhisenemiswasaware,Hisbannerbauldlydiddisplay.

Forweilenewchtheykenttheway,Andalltheirsemblancewelltheysaw:

Withoutalldangirordelay,ComehaistilytotheHarlaw.

WithhimthebraifLordOgilvy,OfAngussheriffprincipall,TheconstableofgudeDunde,Thevanguardledbeforethemall.

Supposeinnumbertheywarsmall,Thayfirstrichtbauldliedidpursew,Andmaidthairfaesbeforthemfall,Whathenthatracedidsairlyrew.

AndthentheworthyLordSalton,ThestrongundoubtedLairdofDrum,ThestalwartLairdofLawristone,Withilkthairforcesallandsum.

Panmuirwithallhismen,didcum,TheprovostofbraifAberdene,Withtrumpetsandwithtuickofdrum,Cameschortlyinthairarmourschene.

ThesewiththeEarleofMarrcameon,Inthereir-wardrichtorderlie,Thairenemiestosettupon;

Inawfullmannerhardilie,Togithervowittoliveanddie,Sincetheyhadmarchitmonymylis,FortosuppressthetyrannieOfdoutedDonaldoftheYsles.

Buthe,innumbertentoane,Rightsubtilealangdidryde,WithMalcomtosch,andfellMaclean,Withallthairpoweratthairsyde;

Presumeandontheirstrenthandpryde,Withoutallfeiroronyaw,Richtbauldiebattildidabyde,HardbythetownoffairHarlaw.

Thearmiesmet,thetrumpetsounds,Thedandringdrumsallouddidtouk,Baitharmiesbydingonthebounds,Tillaneofthemthefeildsouldbruik.

Naehelpwasthairfor,nanewaldjouk,Fersswasthefechtonilkasyde,AndonthegroundlaymonyaboukOfthemthatthairdidbattilbyd.

Withdoutsumvictorietheydealt,Thebludybattillastitlang;

Eachmanfitsniboursforssthairfelt,Theweakestaft-tymesgatthewrang:

Thairwasnaemowisthairthemamang,Naithingwashardbutheavyknocks,Thatecchomadadulefullsang,Thairtoresoundingfraetherocks.

ButDonaldsmenatlastgaifback,Fortheywaralloutofarray:

TheEarlofMarrismenthrowthembrak,Pursewingshairplyinthairway,Thairenemystotakorslay,Bedyntofforsstogarthemyield;

Whawarrichtblythtowinaway,Andsaeforfeirdnesstintthefeild.

ThenDonaldfled,andthatfullfast,Tomountainshichforallhismicht;

Forheandhiswarallagast,Andrantilltheywaroutofsicht;

AndsaeofRosshelosthisricht,Thochtmonymenwithhemhebrocht;

Towardstheylesfleddayandnicht,Andallhewanwasdeirliebocht.

Thisis(quodhe)therichtreportOfallthatIdidheirandknaw;

Thochtmydiscoursebesumthingschort,Takthistobearichtsuthesaw:

ContrairieGodandthekingslaw,ThairwasspiltmekleChristianblude,IntothebattilofHarlaw:

Thisisthesum,saeIconclude.

Butyetabonniewhileabide,AndIsallmaktheecleirlykenWhatslaughterwasonilkaysyde,OfLowlandandofHighlandmen,Whaforthairawinhaifevirbene;

Theselazielownsmichtweilbespared,Chasedlikedeersintotheirdens,Andgattheirwagesforreward.

Malcomtosh,oftheclanheid-cheif,Mackleanwithhisgrithauchtyheid,Withallthairsuccourandrelief,Wardulefullydungtothedeid;

Andnowwearefreidofthairfeid,Theywillnotlangtocumagain;

Thousandswiththem,withoutremeid,OnDonald"ssyd,thatdaywarslain.

Andontheuthersydewarlost,Intothefeildthatdismalday,Chiefmenofworth,ofmeklecost,Tobelamentitsairforay.

TheLordSaltounofRothemay,Amanofmichtandmeklemain;

Gritdolourwasforhisdecay,Thatsaeunhappyliewasslain.

OfthebestmenamangthemwasThegraciousgudeLordOgilvy,Thesheriff-principalofAngus,Renownitfortruthandequitie,Forfaithandmagnanimitie;

Hehadfewfallowsinthefield,Yetfellbyfatalldestinie,Forhenaewayswadgranttoyield.

SirJamesScrimgeorofDuddap,knicht,GritconstabilloffairDunde,Untothedulefulldeithwasdicht;

Thekingischeifbannermanwashe,Avaliantmanofchevalrie,WhosepredecessorswanthatplaceAtSpey,withgudeKingWilliamfrie"GainstMurray,andMacduncan"srace.

GudeSirAllexanderIrving,ThemuchrenowitlairdofDrum,NaneinhisdayswasbettirseneWhentheywarsemblitallandsum.

Topraisehimwesouldnotbedumm,Forvalour,witt,andworthyness;

ToendhisdayshetherdidcumWhoseransomisremeidyless.

AndthairtheknichtofLawristonWasslainintohisarmourschene,AndgudeSirRobertDavidson,WhaprovostwasofAberdene:

TheknichtofPanmure,aswassene,Amortallmaninarmourbricht,SirThomasMurray,stoutandkene,Lefttothewarldthairlastgudenicht.

ThairwasnotsenKingKenethsdaysSicstrangeintestinecrewelstryfInScotlandsene,asilkmansays,Wharemonyliklielostthairlyfe;

Whilkmaiddivorcetwenemanandwyfe,Andmonychildrenefatherless,Whilkinthisrealmehasbenefullryfe:

Lordhelptheselands,ourwrangsredress.

InJuly,onSaintJameshiseven,Thatfourandtwentydismallday,Twelvehundred,tenscoreandelevenOftheirssenChryst,thesuthetosay,Menwillremember,astheymay,Whenthustheventietheyknaw,Andmonyaanemaymurnforay,ThebrimbattiloftheHarlaw.

Ballad:TraditionaryVersion(Child,PartVI.)

AsIcameinbyDunidier,AndounbyNetherha,TherewasfiftythousandHielanmenAmarchingtoHarlaw.

(Chorus)Wiadreedreedradiedrumtiedree.

AsIcamon,anfartheron,AndounanbyBalquhain,OhthereImetSirJamestheRose,WihimSirJohntheGryme.

"OcamyefraetheHielans,man?

Andcamyea"thewey?

SawyeMacdonellanhismen,AstheycamfraetheSkee?"

"Yes,mecamfraetaHielans,man,Anmecamatawey,AnshesawMacdonellanhismen,AstheycamfraetaSkee."

"Oh,wasyenearMacdonell"smen?

Didyetheirnumberssee?

Come,telltome,JohnHielanman,Whatmichttheirnumbersbe?"

"Yes,mewasnear,anneareneuch,Anmetheirnumberssaw;

TherewasfiftythousandHielanmenAmarchingtoHarlaw."

"Ginthatbetrue,"saysJamestheRose,"We"llnocomemeiklespeed;

We"llcryupoourmerrymen,Andlichtlymountoursteed."

"Ohno,ohno!"quo"JohntheGryme,"Thatthingmaunneverbe;

ThegallantGrymeswereneverbate,We"lltrywhatwecandee."

AsIcamon,anfartheron,AndounanbyHarlaw,Theyfellfucloseonilkaside;

Sicfunyeneversaw.

Theyfellfucloseonilkaside,Sicfunyeneversaw;

ForHielanswordsgiedclashforclash,AtthebattleoHarlaw.

TheHielanmen,witheirlangswords,Theylaidonusfusair,AntheydravebackourmerrymenThreeacresbreadthanmair.

BraveForbestohisbritherdidsay,"Noobrither,dinnayesee?

Theybeatusbackonilkaside,Anwe"sebeforcedtoflee."