5. Gil Brenton : 5A: GIL BRENTON 5A.1 GIL BRENTON has sent oer the fame, Hes wood 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...
118. Robin Hood And Guy Of Gisborne : 118A: ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE 118A.1 WHEN shawes beene sheene, and shradds full fayre, And leeues both large and longe, Itt is merrry, walking in the fayre forrest, To heare the small birds songe. 118A.2 The woodweele sang, and wold not cease, Amongst the leaues a lyne: And it is by two...
227. Bonny Lizie Baillie : 227A: BONNY LIZIE BAILLIE 227A.1 It fell about the Lambmass tide, When the leaves were fresh and green, Lizie Bailie is to Gartartain [gane], To see her sister Jean. 227A.2 She had not been in Gartartain Even but a little while Till luck and fortune happend her, And she went to the Isle. 227A.3...
81. Little Musgrave And Lady Barnard : 81A: LITTLE MUSGRAVE AND LADY BARNARD 81A. it fell one holy-day, Refrain: Hay downe As many be in the yeare, When young men and maids together did goe, Their mattins and masse to heare, 81A.2 Little Musgrave came to the church-dore; The preist was at private masse; But he had more minde...
167. Andrew Bartin : 167A: ANDREW BARTIN 167A.1 As itt beffell in m[i]dsumer-time, When burds singe sweetlye on euery tree, Our noble king, King Henery the Eighth, Ouer the riuer of Thames past hee. 167A.2 Hee was no sooner ouer the riuer, Downe in a forrest to take the ayre, But eighty merchants of London cittye Came...
229. Earl Crawford : 229A: EARL CRAWFORD 229A.1 O WE were sisters, sisters seven, We were a comely crew to see, And some got lairds, and some got lords, And some got knichts o his degree; And I mysel got the Earl o Crawford, And wasna that a great match for me! 229A.2 It was at fifteen that I was married...
257. Burd Isabel And Earl Patrick : 257A: BURD ISABEL AND EARL PATRICK 257A.1 THERE is a stane in yon water, Its lang or it grow green; Its a maid that maks her ain fortune, Itll never end its leen. 257A.2 Burd Bell was na full fyfteen Till to service she did gae; Burd Bell was na full sixteen Till big wi bairn was scho. * * * * *...
29. The Boy And The Mantle : 29: THE BOY AND THE MANTLE 29.1 IN the third day of May to Carleile did come A kind curteous child, that cold much of wisdome. 29.2 A kirtle and a mantle this child had vppon, With brauches and ringes full richelye bedone. 29.3 He had a sute of silke, about his middle drawne; Without he cold...
259. Lord Thomas Stuart : 259A: LORD THOMAS STUART 259A.1 THOMAS STUART was a lord, A lord of mickle land; He used to wear a coat of gold, But now his grave is green. 259A.2 Now he has wooed the young countess, The Countess of Balquhin, An given her for a morning-gift Strathboggie and Aboyne. 259A.3 But womens wit is aye...
132. The Bold Pedlar And Robin Hood : 132A: THE BOLD PEDLAR AND ROBIN HOOD 132A.1 THERE chanced to be a pedlar bold, A pedlar bold he chanced to be; He rolled his pack all on his back, And he came tripping oer the lee. Down a down a down a down, Down a down a down 132A.2 By chance he met two troublesome blades, Two troublesome blades...
252. The Kitchie Boy : 252A: THE KITCHIE-BOY 252A.1 THERE was a lady fair, An een a lady of birth an fame, She eyed her fathers kitchen-boy, The greater was her shame. 252A.2 She could never her love reveal, Nor to him talk, But in the forest wide an brade, Where they were wont to walk. 252A.3 It fell ance upon a day Her...
169. Johnie Armstrong : 169A: JOHNIE ARMSTRONG 169A.1 THERE dwelt a man in faire Westmerland, Ionn Armestrong men did him call, He had nither lands nor rents coming in, Yet he kept eight score men in his hall. 169A.2 He had horse and harness for them all, Goodly steeds were all milke-white; O the golden bands...
202. The Battle Of Philiphaugh : 202A: THE BATTLE OF PHILIPHAUGH 202A.1 ON Philiphaugh a fray began, At Hairheadwood it ended; The Scots outoer the Gra+emes they ran, Sae merrily they bended. 202A.2 Sir David frae the Border came, Wi heart an hand came he; Wi him three thousand bonny Scots, To bear him company. 202A.3 Wi him three...
260. Lord Thomas And Lady Margaret : 260A: LORD THOMAS AND LADY MARGARET 260A.1 LORD THOMAS is to the hunting gone, To hunt the fallow deer; Lady Margarets to the greenwood shaw, To see her lover hunt there. 260A.2 He has looked over his left shoulder, To see what might be seen, And there he saw Lady Margaret, As she was riding her...
244. James Hatley : 244A: JAMES HATLEY 244A.1 IT happened once upon a time, When the king he was from home, Sir Fenwick he has stolen his jewels, And laid the blame on James Hatley. 244A.2 James Hatley was in prison strong, A wait he was condemned to die; There was not one in all the court To speak one word for James...
287. Captain Ward And The Rainbow : 287A: CAPTAIN WARD AND THE RAINBOW 287A.1 STRIKE up, you lusty gallants, with musick and sound of drum, For we have descryed a rover, upon the sea is come; His name is Captain Ward, right well it doth appear, There has not been such a rover found out this thousand year. 287A.2 For he hath sent un...
16. Sheath And Knife : 16A: SHEATH AND KNIFE 16A.1 IT is talked the warld all over, Refrain: The brume blooms bonnie and says it is fair That the kings dochter gaes wi child to her brither. Refrain: And well never gang doun to the brume onie mair 16A.2 Hes taen his sister doun to her fathers deer park, Wi his yew-tree...
224. The Lady Of Arngosk : 224A: THE LADY OF ARNGOSK 224A.1 THE Highlandmen hae a come down, Theyve a come down almost, Theyve stowen away the bonny lass, The Lady of Arngosk. 224A.2 They hae put on her petticoat, Likewise her silken gown; The Highland man he drew his sword, Said, Follow me yes come. 224A.3 Behind her back...
11. The Cruel Brother : 11A: THE CRUEL BROTHER 11A.1 THERE was three ladies playd at the ba, Refrain: With a hey ho and a lillie gay There came a knight and played oer them a. Refrain: As the primrose spreads so sweetly 11A.2 The eldest was baith tall and fair, But the youngest was beyond compare. 11A.3 The midmost had...
219. The Gardener : 219A: THE GARDENER 219A.1 THE gardener stands in his bower-door, With a primrose in his hand, And by there came a leal maiden, As jimps a willow wand. And by, etc. 219A.2 O lady, can you fancy me, For to be my bride, Youll get a the flowers in my garden, To be to you a weed. 219A.3 The lily white...
159. Durham Field : 159A: DURHAM FIELD 159A.1 LORDINGES, listen, and hold you still; Hearken to me a litle; I shall you tell of the fairest battell That euer in England beffell. 159A.2 For as it befell in Edward the Thirds dayes, In England, where he ware the crowne, Then all the cheefe chiualry of England They busked...
97. Brown Robin : 97A: BROWN ROBIN 97A.1 THE king but an his nobles a Sat birling at the wine; He would ha nane but his ae daughter To wait on them at dine. 97A.2 Shes servd them butt, shes servd them ben, Intill a gown of green, But her ee was ay on Brown Robin, That stood low under the rain. 97A.3 Shes doen her...
48. Young Andrew : 48: YOUNG ANDREW 48.1 AS I was cast in my first sleepe, A dreadffull draught in my mind I drew, Ffor I was dreamed of a yong man, Some men called him yonge Andrew. 48.2 The moone shone bright, and itt cast a fayre light, Sayes shee, Welcome, my honey, my hart, and my sweete! For I haue loued thee...
117. The Gest Of Robyn Hode : 117A: THE GEST OF ROBYN HODE 117A.1 LYTHE and listin, gentilmen, That be of frebore blode; I shall you tel of a gode yeman, His name was Robyn Hode. 117A.2 Robyn was a prude outlaw, [Whyles he walked on grounde; So curteyse an outlawe] as he was one Was never non founde. 117A.3 Robyn stode...
40. The Queen Of Elfan's Nourice : 40: THE QUEEN OF ELFANS NOURICE 40.1 I HEARD a cow low, a bonnie cow low, An a cow low down in yon glen; Lang, lang will my young son greet Or his mither bid him come ben. 40.2 I heard a cow low, a bonnie cow low, An a cow low down in yon fauld; Lang, lang will my young son greet Or his mither take...
88. Young Johnstone : 88A: YOUNG JOHNSTONE 88A.1 THE knight stands in the stable-door, As he was for to ryde, When out then came his fair lady, Desiring him to byde. 88A.2 How can I byde? how dare I byde? How can I byde with thee? Have I not killd thy ae brother? Thou hadst nae mair but he. 88A.3 If you have killd my ae...
3. The Fause Knight On The Road : 3A: THE FAUSE KNIGHT ON THE ROAD 3A.1 O WHARE are ye gaun? Refrain: Quo the fause knicht upon the road: Im 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 Whats that yeve got...
50. The Bonny Hind : 50: THE BONNY HIND 50.1 O MAY she comes, and may she goes, Down by yon gardens green, And there she spied a gallant squire As squire had ever been. 50.2 And may she comes, and may she goes, Down by yon hollin tree, And there she spied a brisk young squire, And a brisk young squire was he. 50.3 Give...
305. The Outlaw Murray : 305A: THE OUTLAW MURRAY 305A.1 ETRICK FOREST is a fair foreste, In it grows manie a semelie trie; The hart, the hynd, the dae, the rae, And of a [wylde] beastis grete plentie. 305A.2 Theres a castell biggit with lime and stane, O gin it stands not pleasantlie! In the fore front o that castell fair...
203. The Baron Of Brackley : 203A: THE BARON OF BRACKLEY 203A.1 Inverey cam doun Deeside, whistlin and playin, He was at brave Braikleys yett ere it was dawin. 203A.2 He rappit fu loudly and wi a great roar, Cried, Cum doun, cum doun, Braikley, and open the door. 203A.3 Are ye sleeping, Baronne, or are ye wakin? Thers sharpe...
228. Glasgow Peggie : 228A: GLASGOW PEGGIE 228A.1 AS I cam in by Glasgow town, The Highland troops were a before me, And the bonniest lass that eer I saw, She lives in Glasgow, they ca her Peggie. 228A.2 I wad gie my bonnie black horse, So wad I my gude grey naigie, If I were twa hundred miles in the north, And nane wi...
237. The Duke Of Gordon's Daughter : 237A: THE DUKE OF GORDONS DAUGHTER 237A.1 THE Duke of Gordon has three daughters, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Jean; They would not stay in bonny Castle Gordon, But they would go to bonny Aberdeen. 237A.2 They had not been in Aberdeen A twelvemonth and a day Till Lady Jean fell in love with Capt...
274. Our Goodman : 274A: OUR GOODMAN 274A.1 HAME came our goodman, And hame came he, And then he saw a saddle-horse, Where nae horse should be. 274A.2 Whats this now, goodwife? Whats this I see? How came this horse here, Without the leave o me? A horse? quo she. Ay, a horse, quo he. 274A.3 Shame fa your cuckold face...
8. Erlinton : 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 seen, Outher to watch her a the night, Or else to seek her morn an een. 8A.3 She hadna been i...
164. King Henry Fifth's Conquest Of France : 164A: KING HENRY FIFTHS CONQUEST OF FRANCE 164A.1 AS our king lay musing on his bed, He bethought himself upon a time Of a tribute that was due from France, Had not been paid for so long a time. Fal, lal, etc. 164A.2 He called for his lovely page, His lovely page then called he, Saying, You must go...
140. Robin Hood Rescuing Three Squires : 140A: ROBIN HOOD RESCUING THREE SQUIRES 140A.* * * * ........ In faith thou shal[t] haue mine, And twenty pound in thy purse, To spend att ale and wine. 140A.2 Though your clothes are of light Lincolne green, And mine gray russett and torne, Yet it doth not you beseeme To doe an old man scorne...
59. Sir Aldingar : 59A: SIR ALDINGAR Percy MS., p. 68; Hales and Furnivall, I, 166. 59A.1 OUR king he kept a ffalse steward, Men called him Sir Aldingar, ..... .... 59A.2 He wold haue layen by our comely queene, Her deere worshipp to haue betraide; Our queene shee was a good woman, And euer more said him nay. 59A.3...
Title Page : THE ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH POPULAR BALLADS BY FRANCIS JAMES CHILD. Boston, New York, Houghton, Mifflin And Company [1886-98] Ballads Originally Transcribed By Cathy Lynn Preston. HTML Formatting. This Text Is In The Public Domain. These Files May Be Used For Any Non-commercial Purpose, Provided This...
52. The King's Dochter Lady Jean : 52A: THE KINGS DOCHTER LADY JEAN 52A.1 THE kings young dochter was sitting in her window, Sewing at her silken seam; She lookt out o the bow-window, And she saw the leaves growing green, my luve, And she saw the leaves growing green. 52A.2 She stuck her needle into her sleeve, Her seam down by her...
281. The Keach I The Creel : 281A: THE KEACH I THE CREEL 281A.1 A FAIR young may went up the street, Some white-fish for to buy, And a bonnie clerks faen in love wi her, And hes followed her by and by, by, And hes followed her by and by. 281A.2 O where live ye, my bonnie lass, I pray thee tell to me; For gin the nicht were...
303. The Holy Nunnery : 303A: THE HOLY NUNNERY 303A.1 FAIR ANNIE had a costly bower, Well built wi lime and stane, And Willie came to visit her, Wit the light o the meen. 303A.2 When he came to Annies bower-door, He tirled at the pin: Ye sleep ye, wake ye, Fair Annie, Yell open, lat me come in. 303A.3 O never a fit, says...
19. King Orfeo : 19A: KING ORFEO 19A.1 DER lived a king inta da aste, Refrain: Scowan rla grn Der lived a lady in da wast. Refrain: Whar giorten han grn oarlac 19A.2 Dis king he has a huntin gaen, Hes left his Lady Isabel alane. 19A.3 Oh I wis yed never gaen away, For at your hame is dol an wae. 19A.4 For da king o...
189. Hobie Noble : 189A: HOBIE NOBLE 189A.1 FOUL fa the breast first treason bred in! That Liddisdale may safely say, For in it there was baith meat and drink, And corn unto our geldings gay. Fala la diddle, etc. 189A.2 We were stout-hearted men and true, As England it did often say; But now we may turn our backs...
201. Bessy Bell And Mary Gray : 201A: BESSY BELL AND MARY GRAY 201A.1 O BESSIE BELL and Mary Gray, They war twa bonnie lasses; They bigget a bower on yon burn-brae, And theekit it oer wi rashes. 201A.2 They theekit it oer wi rashes green, They theekit it oer wi heather; But the pest cam frae the burrows-town, And slew them baith...
116. Adam Bell, Clim Of The Clough And William : 116A: ADAM BELL, CLIM OF THE CLOUGH AND WILLIAM OF CLOUDESLY 116A.1 MERY it was in grene forest, Amonge the leues grene, Where that men walke both east and west, Wyth bowes and arrowes kene, 116A.2 To ryse the dere out of theyr denne; Suche sightes as hath ofte bene sene, As by th[r]e yemen...
216. The Mother's Malison, Or, Clyde's Water : 216A: THE MOTHERS MALISON, OR, CLYDES WATER 216A.1 YE gie corn unto my horse, An meat unto my man, For I will gae to my true-loves gates This night, gin that I can. 216A.2 O stay at hame this ae night, Willie, This ae bare night wi me; The best bed in a my house Sall be well made to thee. 216A.3 I...
249. Auld Matrons : 249A: AULD MATRONS 249A.1 MY love she is a gentlewoman, Has her living by the seam; I kenna how she is provided This night for me and my foot-groom. 249A.2 He is gane to Annies bower-door, And gently tirled at the pin: Ye sleep, ye wake, my love Annie, Yell rise and lat your true-love in. 249A.3 Wi...
234. Charlie Macpherson : 234A: CHARLIE MACPHERSON 234A.1 CHARLIE MACPHERSON, that braw Hieland lad[die], On Valentines even cam doun to Kinaltie, Courtit Burd Hellen, baith wakin an sleepin: Oh, fair fa them has my love in keepin! 234A.2 Charlie MacPherson cam doun the dykeside, Baith Milton an Muirton an a bein his guide;...
185. Dick O The Cow : 185A: DICK O THE COW 185A.1 NOW Liddisdale has lain long in, Fa la There is no rideing there a ta; Fa la Their horse is growing so lidder and fatt That are lazie in the sta. Fa la la didle 185A.2 Then John Armstrang to Willie can say, Billie, a rideing then will we; England and us has been long...
279. The Jolly Beggar : 279A: THE JOLLY BEGGAR 279A.1 THER is a wife in yone toun-end, an she has dothers three, An I wad be a beager for ony of a the three. 279A.2 He touk his clouty clok him about, his peakstaff in his hand, An he is awa to yon toun-end, leak ony peare man. 279A.3 I ha ben about this fish-toun this...
53. Young Beichan : 53A: YOUNG BEICHAN 53A.1 IN London city was Bicham born, He longd strange countries for to see, But he was taen by a savage Moor, Who handld him right cruely. 53A.2 For thro his shoulder he put a bore, An thro the bore has pitten a tree, An hes gard him draw the carts o wine, Where horse and oxen...
122. Robin Hood And The Butcher : 122A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER 122A.1 BUT Robin he walkes in the g[reene] forrest, As merry as bird on boughe, But he that feitches good Robins head, Heele find him game enoughe. 122A.2 But Robine he walkes in the greene forrest, Vnder his trusty-tree; Sayes, Hearken, hearken, my merrymen all...
103. Rose The Red And White Lily : 103A: ROSE THE RED AND WHITE LILY 103A.1 O ROSE the Red and White Lilly, Their mother dear was dead, And their father married an ill woman, Wishd them twa little guede. 103A.2 Yet she had twa as fu fair sons As eer brake manis bread, And the tane of them loed her White Lilly, An the tither lood...
158. High Spencer's Feats In France : 158A: HIGH SPENCERS FEATS IN FRANCE 158A.1 THE court is kept att leeue London, And euermore shall be itt; The King sent for a bold embassador, And Sir Hugh Spencer that he hight. 158A.2 Come hither, Spencer, saith our kinge, And come thou hither vnto mee; I must make thee an embassadour Betweene...
112. Blow Away The Morning Dew : 112A: BLOW AWAY THE MORNING DEW 112A.1 YONDER comes a courteous knight, Lustely raking ouer the lay; He was well ware of a bonny lasse, As she came wandring ouer the way. Refrain: Then she sang downe a downe, hey downe derry (bis) 112A.2 Ioue you speed, fayre lady, he said, Among the leaues that be...
152. Robin Hood And The Golden Arrow : 152A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE GOLDEN ARROW 152A.1 WHEN as the sheriff of Nottingham Was come, with mickle grief, He talkd no good of Robin Hood, That strong and sturdy thief. Fal lal dal de 152A.2 So unto London-road he past, His losses to unfold To King Richard, who did regard The tale that he had told...
111. Crow And Pie : 111: CROW AND PIE 111.1 THROUGHE a forest as I can ryde, To take my sporte yn an mornyng, I cast my eye on euery syde, I was ware of a bryde syngynge. 111.2 I sawe a faire mayde come rydyng; I speake to hur of loue, I trowe; She answered me all yn scornyng, And sayd, The crowe shall byte yow. 111.3...
56. Dives And Lazarus : 56A: DIVES AND LAZARUS a. Sylvester, A Garland of Christmas Carols, p. 50, from an old Birmingham broadside. b. Husk, Songs of the Nativity, p. 94, from a Worcestershire broadside of the last century. 56A.1 AS it fell out upon a day, Rich Dives he made a feast, And he invited all his friends...
126. Robin Hood And The Tanner : 126A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE TANNER 126A.1 IN Nottingham there lives a jolly tanner, With a hey down down a down down His name is Arthur a Bland; There is nere a squire in Nottinghamshire Dare bid bold Arthur stand. 126A.2 With a long pike-staff upon his shoulder, So well he can clear his way; By two...
142. Little John A Begging : 142A: LITTLE JOHN A BEGGING 142A.* * * * .... .... .. beggar, he sayes, With none such fellows as thee. 142A.2 I am not in iest, said Litle Iohn, I sweare all by the roode; Change with mee, said Little Iohn, And I will giue thee some boote. 142A.3 But he has gotten on this old mans gowne, It reacht...
92. Bonny Bee Hom : 92A: BONNY BEE HOM 92A.1 BY Arthurs Dale as late I went I heard a heavy moan; I heard a ladie lammenting sair, And ay she cried Ohone! 92A.2 Ohon, alas! what shall I do, Tormented night and day! I never loved a love but ane, And now hes gone away. 92A.3 But I will do for my true-love What ladies...
188. Archie O Cawfield : 188A: ARCHIE O CAWFIELD 188A.1 LATE in an evening forth as I went, Twas on the dawning of the day; I heard two brothers make their moan, I listend well what they did say. 188A.2.... ... We were three born brethren, There[s] one of us condemnd to die. 188A.3 Then up bespake Jock the laird: If I had...
162. The Hunting Of The Cheviot : 162A: THE HUNTING OF THE CHEVIOT 162A.1 THE Pers owt off Northombarlonde, and avowe to God mayd he That he wold hunte in the mowntayns off Chyviat within days thre, In the magger of dought Dogles, and all that euer with him be. 162A.2 The fattiste hartes in all Cheviat he sayd he wold kyll...
213. Sir James The Rose : 213A: SIR JAMES THE ROSE 213A.1 O HEARD ye of Sir James the Rose, The young heir of Buleighen? For he has killd a gallant squire, An s friends are out to take him. 213A.2 Now hes gone to the house of Marr, Where the nourrice was his leman; To see his dear he did repair, Thinking she would befriend...
292. The West Country Damosel's Complaint : 292A: THE WEST-COUNTRY DAMOSELS COMPLAINT 292A.1 WHEN will your marry me, William, And make me your wedded wife? Or take you your keen bright sword And rid me out of my life. 292A.2 Say no more so then, lady, Say you no more then so, For you shall into the wild forrest, And amongst the buck and doe...
18. Sir Lionel : 18A: SIR LIONEL 18A.1 SIR EGRABELL had sonnes three, Refrain: Blow thy horne, good hunter Sir Lyonell was one of these. Refrain: As I am a gentle hunter 18A.2 Sir Lyonell wold on hunting ryde, Vntill the forrest him beside. 18A.3 And as he rode thorrow the wood, Where trees and harts and all were...
102. Willie And Earl Richard's Daughter : 102A: WILLIE AND EARL RICHARDS DAUGHTER 102A.1 O WILLIERRrrS large o limb and lith, And come o high degree, And he is gane to Earl Richard, To serve for meat and fee. 102A.2 Earl Richard had but ae daughter, Fair as a lily-flower, And they made up their love-contract Like proper paramour. 102A.3 It...
82. The Bonny Birdy : 82: THE BONNY BIRDY 82.1 THERE was a knight, in a summers night, Was riding oer the lee, diddle An there he saw a bonny birdy, Was singing upon a tree. diddle 82.1b O wow for day! diddle An dear gin it were day! diddle Gin it were day, an gin I were away! For I ha na lang time to stay. diddle 82.2...
4. Lady Isabel And The Elf Knight : 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...
49. The Twa Brothers : 49A: THE TWA BROTHERS 49A.1 THERE were twa brethren in the north, They went to the school thegither; The one unto the other said, Will you try a warsle afore? 49A.2 They warsled up, they warsled down, Till Sir John fell to the ground, And there was a knife in Sir Willies pouch, Gied him a deadlie...
273. King Edward The Fourth And A Tanner : 273A: KING EDWARD THE FOURTH AND A TANNER OF TAMWORTH 273A.1 In summer time, when leaves grew green, and birds were singing on every tree, King Edward would a hunting ride, some pastime for to see. 273A.2 Our king he would a hunting ride, by eight a clock of the day, And well was he ware of a bold...
115. Robyn And Gandeleyn : 115A: ROBYN AND GANDELEYN 115A.1 I HERDE a carpyng of a clerk, Al at y+oone wodes ende, Of gode Robyn and Gandeleyn; Was ther non other thynge. Robynn lyth in grene wode bowndyn 115A.2 Stronge theuys wern tho chylderin non, But bowmen gode and hende; He wentyn to wode to getyn hem fleych, If God...
153. Robin Hood And The Valiant Knight : 153A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE VALIANT KNIGHT 153A.1 WHEN Robin Hood, and his merry men all, Derry, etc. Had reigned many years, The king was then told they had been too bold To his bishops and noble peers. Hey, etc. 153A.2 Therefore they called a council of state, To know what was best to be done...
6. Willie's Lady : 6A: WILLIES LADY 6A.1 WILLIE has taen him oer the fame, Hes wood a wife and brought her hame. 6A.2 Hes wood 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...
174. Earl Bothwell : 174A: EARL BOTHWELL 174A.1 WOE worth thee, woe worth thee, false Scottlande! Ffor thou hast euer wrought by a sleight; For the worthyest prince that euer was borne, You hanged vnder a cloud by night. 174A.2 The Queene of France a letter wrote, And sealed itt with hart and ringe, And bade him come...
130. Robin Hood And The Scotchman : 130A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE SCOTCHMAN 130A.1 THEN bold Robin Hood to the north he would go, With a hey down down a down down With valour and mickle might, With sword by his side, which oft had been trid, To fight and recover his right. 130A.2 The first that he met was a bony bold Scot, His servant he...
Preface : p. vii PREFACE. ("NOTE: The Preface and Bibliography which follow were transcribed from the 1860 edition, titled 'English and Scottish Ballads'; the ballads were transcribed from the much expanded 1886-98 edition, titled "The English and Scottish Popular Ballads"--JBH.") THESE volumes have been...
179. Rookhope Ryde : 179A: ROOKHOPE RYDE 179A.1 ROOKHOPE stands in a pleasant place, If the false thieves wad let it be; But away they steal our goods apace, And ever an ill death may they die! 179A.2 And so is the men of Thirlwa nd Williehaver, And all their companies thereabout, That is minded to do mischief...
124. The Jolly Pindar Of Wakefield : 124A: THE JOLLY PINDAR OF WAKEFIELD 124A.1 IN Wakefield there lives a jolly pinder, In Wakefield, all on a green; In Wakefield, all on a green; 124A.2 There is neither knight nor squire, said the pinder, Nor baron that is so bold, Nor baron that is so bold, Dare make a trespasse to the town...
144. Robin Hood And The Bishop Of Hereford : 144A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE BISHOP OF HEREFORD 144A.1 SOME they will talk of bold Robin Hood, And some of barons bold, But Ill tell you how he servd the Bishop of Hereford, When he robbed him of his gold. 144A.2 As it befel in merry Barnsdale, And under the green-wood tree, The Bishop of Hereford w...
261. Lady Isabel : 261A: LADY ISABEL 261A.1 TWAS early on a May morning Lady Isabel combd her hair; But little kent she, or the morn She woud never comb it mair. 261A.2 Twas early on a May morning Lady Isabel rang the keys; But little kint she, or the morn A fey woman she was. 261A.3 Ben it came her step-mother...
177. The Earl Of Westmoreland : 177A: THE EARL OF WESTMORELAND 177A.1 HOW long shall fortune faile me now, And keepe me heare in deadlye dreade? How long shall I in bale abide, In misery my life to leade? 177A.2 To fall from my rose, it was my chance; Such was the Queene of England free; I tooke a lake, and turned my backe...
131. Robin Hood And The Ranger : 131A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE RANGER 131A.1 WHEN Phqbus had melted the sickles of ice, With a hey down, There did he behold a forester bold, Who cryd out, Friend, whither so fast? 131A.3 Im going, quoth Robin, To kill a fat buck, For me and my merry men all; Besides, eer I go, Ill have a fat doe...
89. Fause Foodrage : 89A: FAUSE FOODRAGE 89A.1 KING EASTER has courted her for her gowd, King Wester for her fee, King Honor for her lands sae braid, And for her fair body. 89A.2 They had not been four months married, As I have heard them tell, Until the nobles of the land Against them did rebel. 89A.3 And they cast...
58. Sir Patrick Spens : 58A: SIR PATRICK SPENS a. Percys Reliques, 1765, I, 71: "given from two MS. copies, transmitted from Scotland." b. Herds Scots Songs, 1769, p. 243. 58A.1 THE king sits in Dumferling toune, Drinking the blude-reid wine: O whar will I get guid sailor, To sail this schip of mine? 58A.2 Up and spak...
67. Glasgerion : 67A: GLASGERION 67A.1 GLASGERION was a kings owne sonne, And a harper he was good; He harped in the kings chamber, Where cuppe and candle stoode, And soe did hee in the queens chamber, Till ladies waxed wood. 67A.2 And then bespake the kings daughter, And these words thus sayd shee: .... ..... 67...
83. Child Maurice : 83A: CHILD MAURICE 83A.1 CHILDE MAURICE hunted ithe siluer wood, He hunted itt round about, And noebodye that he found therin, Nor none there was with-out. 83A.2...... ..... And he tooke his siluer combe in his hand, To kembe his yellow lockes. 83A.3 He sayes, Come hither, thou litle foot-page...
255. Willie's Fatal Visit : 255A: WILLIES FATAL VISIT 255A.1 TWAS on an evening fair I went to take the air, I heard a maid making her moan; Said, Saw ye my father? Or saw ye my mother? Or saw ye my brother John? Or saw ye the lad that I love best, And his name it is Sweet William? 255A.2 I saw not your father, I saw not your...
10. The Twa Sisters : 10A: THE TWA SISTERS 10A.1 THERE were two sisters, they went playing, Refrain: With a hie downe downe a downe-a To see their fathers ships come sayling in. Refrain: With a hy downe downe a downe-a 10A.2 And when they came unto the sea-brym, The elder did push the younger in. 10A.3 O sister, O...
275. Get Up And Bar The Door : 275A: GET UP AND BAR THE DOOR 275A.1 IT fell about the Martinmas time, And a gay time it was then, When our goodwife got puddings to make, And shes boild them in the pan. 275A.2 The wind sae cauld blew south and north, And blew into the floor; Quoth our goodman to our goodwife, Gae out and bar...
34. Kemp Owyne : 34A: KEMP OWYNE 34A.1 HER mother died when she was young, Which gave her cause to make great moan; Her father married the warst woman That ever lived in Christendom. 34A.2 She served her with foot and hand, In every thing that she could dee, Till once, in an unlucky time, She threw her in ower...
278. The Farmer's Curst Wife : 278A: THE FARMERS CURST WIFE 278A.1 THERE was an old farmer in Sussex did dwell, (chorus of whistlers) There was an old farmer in Sussex did dwell, And he had a bad wife, as many knew well. (chorus of whistlers) 278A.2 Then Satan came to the old man at the plough: One of your family I must have now...
137. Robin Hood And The Pedlars : 137A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE PEDLARS 137A.1 WILL you heare a tale of Robin Hood, Will Scarlett, and Little John? Now listen awhile, it will make you smile, As before it hath many done. 137A.2 They were archers three, of hie degree, As good as ever drewe bowe; Their arrowes were long and their armes...
55. The Carnal And The Crane : 55: THE CARNAL AND THE CRANE 55.1 AS I passed by a river side, And there as I did reign, In argument I chanced to hear A Carnal and a Crane. 55.2 The Carnal said unto the Crane, If all the world should turn, Before we had the Father, But now we have the Son! 55.3 From whence does the Son come...
151. The King's Disguise, And Friendship : 151A: THE KINGS DISGUISE, AND FRIENDSHIP WITH ROBIN HOOD 151A.1 KING RICHARD hearing of the pranks Of Robin Hood and his men, He much admird, and more desird, To see both him and them. 151A.2 Then with a dozen of his lords To Nottingham he rode; When he came there, he made good cheer, And took up...
86. Young Benjie : 86A: YOUNG BENJIE 86A.1 OF a the maids o fair Scotland The fairest was Marjorie, And young Benjie was her ae true-love, And a dear true-love was he. 86A.2 And wow! but they were lovers dear, And loved fu constantlie; But ay the mair, when they fell out, The sairer was their plea. 86A.3 And they hae...
170. The Death Of Queen Jane : 170A: THE DEATH OF QUEEN JANE 170A.1 QUEEN JANE was in labour full six weeks and more, And the women were weary, and fain would give oer: O women, O women, as women ye be, Rip open my two sides, and save my baby! 170A.2 O royal Queen Jane, that thing may not be; Well send for King Henry to come...
212. The Duke Of Athole's Nurse : 212A: THE DUKE OF ATHOLES NURSE 212A.* * * * WHERE shall I gang, my ain true love? Where shall I gang to hide me? For weel ye ken i yere fathers bowr It wad be death to find me. 212A.2 O go you to yon tavern-house, An there count owre your lawin, An, if I be a woman true, Ill meet you in the daw...
240. The Rantin Laddie : 240A: THE RANTIN LADDIE 240A.1 AFTEN hae I playd at the cards and the dice, For the love of a bonie rantin laddie, But now I maun sit in my fathers kitchen-neuk And balow a bastard babie. 240A.2 For my father he will not me own, And my mother she neglects me, And a my friends hae lightlyed me...
107. Will Steward And John : 107A: WILL STEWARD AND JOHN 107A.1 ADLATTS parke is wyde and broad, And grass growes greene in our countrye; ? ADLATTS parke is wyde and broad, And grass growes greene in our countrye; Eche man can gett the loue of his ladye, But alas, I can gett none of mine! 107A.2 Itts by two men I sing my song...
271. The Lord Of Lorn And The False Steward : 271A: THE LORD OF LORN AND THE FALSE STEWARD 271A.1 IT was the worthy Lord of Learen, He was a lord of a hie degree; He had noe more children but one sonne, He sett him to schoole to learne curtesie. 271A.2 Lear[n]ing did soe proceed with that child, I tell you all in veretie, He learned more vp...
68. Young Hunting : 68A: YOUNG HUNTING 68A.1 O LADY, rock never your young son young One hour longer for me, For I have a sweetheart in Garlicks Wells I love thrice better than thee. 68A.2 The very sols of my loves feet Is whiter then thy face: But nevertheless na, Young Hunting, Yel stay wi me all night. 68A.3 She...
248. The Grey Cock, Or, Saw You My Father : 248A: THE GREY COCK, OR, SAW YOU MY FATHER 248A.1 O SAW ye my father? or saw ye my mother? Or saw ye my true-love John? I saw not your father, I saw not your mother, But I saw your true-love John. 248A.2 Its now ten at night, and the stars gie nae light, And the bells they ring ding, dang; Hes met...
298. Young Peggy : 298A: YOUNG PEGGY 298A.1 O WHARE hae ye been, Peggy? O whare hae ye been? I the garden amang the gilly-flowrs, Atween twal hours and een. 298A.2 Yeve na been there your leen, Peggy, Yeve na been there your leen; Your father saw you in Jamies arms, Atween twal hours and een. 298A.3 Tho my father saw...
235. The Earl Of Aboyne : 235A: THE EARL OF ABOYNE 235A.1 THE Earl of Aboyne hes courteous and kind, Hes kind to every woman, And the Earl of Aboyne hes courteous and kind, But he stays ower lang in London. 235A.2 The ladie she stood on her stair-head, Beholding his grooms a coming; She knew by their livery and raiment so...
145. Robin Hood And Queen Katherine : 145A: ROBIN HOOD AND QUEEN KATHERINE 145A.1 NOW list you, lithe you, gentlemen, A while for a litle space, And I shall tell you how Queene Katterine Gott Robin Hood his grace. 145A.2 Gold taken from the kings harbengers Seldome times hath beene seene, .... .... * * * * * 145A.3.... Queene Katherine...
43. The Broomfield Hill : 43A: THE BROOMFIELD HILL 43A.1 there was a knight and a lady bright, Had a true tryste at the broom; The ane gaed early in the morning, The other in the afternoon. 43A.2 And ay she sat in her mothers bower door, And ay she made her mane: O whether should I gang to the Broomfield Hill, Or should I...
147. Robin Hood's Golden Prize : 147A: ROBIN HOODS GOLDEN PRIZE 147A.1 I HAVE heard talk of bold Robin Hood, Derry derry down And of brave Little John, Of Fryer Tuck, and Will Scarlet, Loxley, and Maid Marion. Hey down derry derry down 147A.2 But such a tale as this before I think there was never none; For Robin Hood disguised...
108. Christopher White : 108: CHRISTOPHER WHITE 108.1 AS I walked forth one morninge, By one place that pleased mee, Wherin I heard a wandering wight, Sais, Christopher White is good companye. 108.2 I drew me neere, and very neere, Till I was as neere as neere cold bee; Loth I was her councell to discreene, Because I...
35. Allison Gross : 35: ALLISON GROSS 35.1 O ALLISON GROSS, that lives in yon towr, The ugliest witch i the north country, Has trysted me ae day up till her bowr, An monny fair speech she made to me. 35.2 She stroaked my head, an she kembed my hair, An she set me down saftly on her knee; Says, Gin ye will be my lemm...
209. Geordie : 209A: GEORDIE 209A.1 THERE was a battle in the north, And nobles there was many, And they hae killd Sir Charlie Hay, And they laid the wyte on Geordie. 209A.2 O he has written a lang letter, He sent it to his lady: Ye maun cum up to Enbrugh town, To see what words o Geordie. 209A.3 When first she...
182. The Laird Of Logie : 182A: THE LAIRD OF LOGIE 182A.1 I WILL sing, if ye will hearken, If ye will hearken unto me; The king has taen a poor prisoner, The wanton laird o Young Logie. 182A.2 Young Logies laid in Edinburgh chapel, Carmichaels the keeper o the key; And May Margarets lamenting sair, A for the love of Young...
154. A True Tale Of Robin Hood : 154A: A TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD 154A.1 BOTH gentlemen, or yeomen bould, Or whatsoever you are, To have a stately story tould, Attention now prepare. 154A.2 It is a tale of Robin Hood, Which I to you will tell, Which being rightly understood, I know will please you well. 154A.3 This Robbin, so much...
91. Fair Mary Of Wallington : 91A: FAIR MARY OF WALLINGTON 91A.1 WHEN we were silly sisters seven, sisters were so fair, Five of us were brave knights wives, and died in childbed lair. 91A.2 Up then spake Fair Mary, marry woud she nane; If ever she came in mans bed, the same gate wad she gang. 91A.3 Make no vows, Fair Mary...
166. The Rose Of England : 166A: THE ROSE OF ENGLAND 166A.1 THROUGHOUT a garden greene and gay, A seemlye sight itt was to see How flowers did flourish fresh and gay, And birds doe sing melodiouslye. 166A.2 In the midst of a garden there sprange a tree, Which tree was of a mickle price, And there vppon sprang the rose soe...
63. Child Waters : 63A: CHILD WATERS Percy MS., p. 274; Hales and Furnivall, II, 269. 63A.1 CHILDE Watters in his stable stoode, And stroaket his milke-white steede; To him came a ffaire young ladye As ere did weare womans wee
294. Dugal Quin : 294A: DUGAL QUIN 294A.1 DUGALL QUIN came to the toun, An hes ben lang awaa, An he is one to Lissies bed, Tartan, trues, an a. 294A.2 Hou wad ye leak me, Lisie, he says, Gin that I war yer ain, We raged cot apon my back, An singel-soled sheen, A littel we bonnet on my head, An tua merry wenking e...
245. Young Allan : 245A: YOUNG ALLAN 245A.1 ARRrr THE skippers of bonny Lothain, As they sat at the wine, There fell a reesin them amang, An it was in unhappy time. 245A.2 Some o them reesd their hawks, An some o them their hounds, An some o them their ladies gay, Trod neatly on the ground; Young Allan he reesd his...
300. Blancheflour And Jellyflorice : 300A: BLANCHEFLOUR AND JELLYFLORICE 300A.1 THERE was a maid, richly arrayd, In robes were rare to see, For seven years and something mair She servd a gay ladie. 300A.2 But being fond o a higher place, In service she thought lang; She took her mantle her about, Her coffer by the band. 300A.3...
104. Prince Heathen : 104A: PRINCE HEATHEN 104A.1 LADY MARGERY MAY sits in her bower, Sewing at her seem; By there comes a heathen knight, From her her maidenhead has tane. 104A.2 He has put her in a tower strong, With double locks on fifty doors: Lady Margery May, will you ga now? O ye heathen knight, not yet for you...
283. The Crafty Farmer : 283A: THE CRAFTY FARMER 283A.1 THE song that Im going to sing, I hope it will give you content, Concerning a silly old man, That was going to pay his rent. 283A.2 As he was riding along, Along all on the highway, A gentleman-thief overtook him, And thus to him did say. 283A.3 Well overtaken! said...
157. Gude Wallace : 157A: GUDE WALLACE 157A.1 HAD we a king, said Wallace then, That our kind Scots might live by their own! But betwixt me and the English blood I think there is an ill seed sown. 157A.2 Wallace him over a river lap, He lookd low down to a linn; He was war of a gay lady Was even at the well washing...
263. The New Slain Knight : 263A: THE NEW-SLAIN KNIGHT 263A.1 MY heart is lighter than the poll; My folly made me glad, As on my rambles I went out, Near by a garden-side. 263A.2 I walked on, and father on, Love did my heart engage; There I spied a well-faird maid, Lay sleeping near a hedge. 263A.3 Then I kissd her with my...
15. Leesom Brand : 15A: LEESOM BRAND 15A.1 MY boy was scarcely ten years auld, Whan he went to an unco land, Where wind never blew, nor cocks ever crew, Ohon for my son, Leesome Brand! 15A.2 Awa to that kings court he went, It was to serve for meat an fee; Gude red gowd it was his hire, And lang in that kings court...
191. Hughie Graham : 191A: HUGHIE GRAHAM 191A.1 AS it befell upon one time, About mid-summer of the year, Every man was taxt of his crime, For stealing the good Lord Bishops mare. 191A.2 The good Lord Screw he sadled a horse, And rid after this same scrime; Before he did get over the moss, There was he aware of Sir...
178. Captain Car, Or, Edom O Gordon : 178A: CAPTAIN CAR, OR, EDOM O GORDON 178A.1 IT befell at Martynmas, When wether waxed colde, Captaine Care said to his men, We must go take a holde. ? Syck, sike, and to-towe sike, And sike and like to die; The sikest nighte that euer I abode, God lord haue mercy on me! 178A.2 Haille, master...
101. Willie O Couglas Dale : 101A: WILLIE O COUGLAS DALE 101A.1 O WILLY was as brave a lord As ever saild the sea, And he has gane to the English court, To serve for meat and fee. 101A.2 He had nae been at the kingis court A twelvemonth and a day, Till he longd for a sight o the kings daughter, But ane he coud never see. 101...
272. The Suffolk Miracle : 272A: THE SUFFOLK MIRACLE 272A.1 A WONDER stranger ner was known Then what I now shall treat upon. In Suffolk there did lately dwell A farmer rich and known full well. 272A.2 He had a daughter fair and bright, On whom he placd his chief delight; Her beauty was beyond compare, She was both virtuous...
184. The Lads Of Wamphray : 184A: THE LADS OF WAMPHRAY 184A.1 TWIXT the Girthhead and Langwood-end Livd the Galiard and Galiards men. 184A.2 It is the lads of Lethenha, The greatest rogues among them a. 184A.3 It is the lads of Leverhay, That drove the Crichtons gier away. 184A.4 It is the lads o the Kirkhill, The gay Galiard...
265. The Knight's Ghost : 265A: THE KNIGHTS GHOST 265A.1 THERE is a fashion in this land, And even come to this country, That every lady should meet her lord When he is newly come frae sea: 265A.2 Some wi hawks, and some wi hounds, And other some wi gay monie; Bit I will gae myself alone, And set his young son on his knee...
Untitled : The ultimate Child ballad etext has yet to be constructed. This etext hence lacks the apparatus and, apparently, some of the variations of the original text, and has some lacunae and glitches. That said, this etext has been assembled from the best available resources on the Internet. This versi...
256. Alison And Willie : 256A: ALISON AND WILLIE 256A.1 MY luve she lives in Lincolnshire, I wat shes neither black nor broun, But her hair is like the thread o gowd, Aye an it waur weel kaim d doun. 256A.2 Shes pued the black mask owre her face, An blinkit gaily wi her ee: RRrro will you to my weddin come, An will you...
44. The Two Magicians : 44: THE TWO MAGICIANS 44.1 THE lady stands in her bower door, As straight as willow wand; The blacksmith stood a little forebye, Wi hammer in his hand. 44.2 Weel may ye dress ye, lady fair, Into your robes o red; Before the morn at this same time, Ill gain your maidenhead. 44.3 Awa, awa, ye...
98. Brown Adam : 98A: BROWN ADAM 98A.1 O WHA woud wish the win to blaw, Or the green leaves fa therewith? Or wha wad wish a leeler love Than Brown Adam the Smith? 98A.2 His hammers o the beaten gold, His studys o the steel, His fingers white are my delite, He blows his bellows well. 98A.3 But they ha banishd him...
161. The Battle Of Otterburn : 161A: THE BATTLE OF OTTERBURN 161A.1 YT fell abowght the Lamasse tyde, Whan husbondes wynnes ther haye, The dowghtye Dowglasse bowynd hym to ryde, In Ynglond to take a praye. 161A.2 The yerlle of Fyffe, wythowghten stryffe, He bowynd hym over Sulway; The grete wolde ever to-gether ryde; That raysse...
266. John Thomson And The Turk : 266A: JOHN THOMSON AND THE TURK 266A.1 John Thomson fought against the Turks Three years into a far country, And all that time, and something more, Was absent from his gay lady. 266A.2 But it fell ance upon a time, As this young chieftain sat alane, He spied his lady in rich array, As she walkd oer...
20. The Cruel Mother : 20A: THE CRUEL MOTHER 20A.1 * * * * AND there shes leand her back to a thorn, Refrain: Oh and alelladay, oh and alelladay And there she has her baby born. Refrain: Ten thousand times good night and be wi thee 20A.2 She has houked a grave ayont the sun, And there she has buried the sweet babe...
186. Kinmont Willie : 186A: KINMONT WILLIE 186A.1 O HAVE ye na heard o the fause Sakelde? O have ye na heard o the keen Lord Scroop? How they hae taen bauld Kinmont Willie, On Hairibee to hang him up? 186A.2 Had Willie had but twenty men, But twenty men as stout as he, Fause Sakelde had never the Kinmont taen, Wi eight...
217. The Broom Of Cowdenknows : 217A: THE BROOM OF COWDENKNOWS 217A.1 THERE was a troop of merry gentlemen Was riding atween twa knows, And they heard the voice of a bonny lass, In a bught milking her ews. 217A.2 Theres ane o them lighted frae off his steed, And has tyd him to a tree, And hes gane away to yon ew-bught, To hear...
181. The Bonnie Earl O' Moray : 181A: THE BONNIE EARL O MORAY 181A.1 YE Highlands, and ye Lawlands, Oh where have you been? They have slain the Earl of Murray, And they layd him on the green. 181A.2 Now wae be to thee, Huntly! And wherefore did you sae? I bade you bring him wi you, But forbade you him to slay. 181A.3 He w...
192. The Lochmaben Harper : 192A: THE LOCHMABEN HARPER 192A.1 HEARD ye eer of the silly blind harper, That long livd in Lochmaben town, How he wad gang to fair England, To steal King Henrys Wanton Brown? Sing, Faden dilly and faden dilly Sing, Faden dilly and deedle dan 192A.2 But first he gaed to his gude wife, Wi...
183. Willie Macintosh : 183A: WILLIE MACINTOSH 183A.1 TURN, Willie Macintosh, Turn, I bid you; Gin ye burn Auchindown, Huntly will head you. 183A.2 Head me or hang me, That canna fley me; Ill burn Auchendown Ere the life lea me. 183A.3 Coming down Deeside, In a clear morning, Auchindown was in flame, Ere the cock-crawing...
175. The Rising In The North : 175A: THE RISING IN THE NORTH 175A.1 LISTEN liuely lordings all, And all that beene this place within: If youle giue eare vnto my songe, I will tell you how this geere did begin. 175A.2 It was the good Erle Of Westmorlande, A noble erle was call d hee, And he wrought treason against the crowne;...
218. The False Lover Won Back : 218A: THE FALSE LOVER WON BACK 218A.1 A FAIR maid sat in her bower-door, Wringing her lily hands, And by it came a sprightly youth, Fast tripping oer the strands. 218A.2 Where gang ye, young John, she says, Sae early in the day? It gars me think, by your fast trip, Your journeys far away. 218A.3 He...
61. Sir Cawline : 61: SIR CAWLINE Percy MS., p. 368; Hales and Furnivall, III, 3. * * * * * 61.1 AND in that land dwells a king Which does beare the bell ouer all, And with him there dwelled a curteous knight, Sir Cawline men him call. 61.2 And he hath a ladye to his daughter, Of ffashyon shee hath noe peer; Knights...
253. Thomas O Yonderdale : 253A: THOMAS O YONDERDALE 253A.1 LADY MAISRY lives intill a bower, She never wore but what she would; Her gowns were o the silks sae fine, Her coats stood up wi bolts o gold. 253A.2 Mony a knight there courted her, And gentlemen o high degree, But it was Thomas o Yonderdale That gaind the love o...
31. The Marriage Of Sir Gawain : 31: THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAIN 31.1 KINGE ARTHUR liues in merry Carleile, And seemely is to see, And there he hath with him Queene Genever, That bride soe bright of blee. 31.2 And there he hath with [him] Queene Genever, That bride soe bright in bower, And all his barons about him stoode, That were...
199. Bonnie House O' Airlie : 199A: BONNIE HOUSE O AIRLIE 199A.1 IT fell on a day, and a bonny simmer day, When green grew aits and barley, That there fell out a great dispute Between Argyll and Airlie. 199A.2 Argyll has raised an hunder men, An hunder harnessd rarely, And hes awa by the back of Dunkell, To plunder the castle...
138. Robin Hood And Allen A Dale : 138A: ROBIN HOOD AND ALLEN A DALE 138A.1 COME listen to me, you gallants so free, All you that loves mirth for to hear, And I will you tell of a bold outlaw, That lived in Nottinghamshire. That lived in Nottinghamshire. 138A.2 As Robin Hood in the forrest stood, All under the green-wood tree, There...
38. The Wee Wee Man : 38A: THE WEE WEE MAN 38A.1 As I was walking all alone, Between a water and a wa, And there I spyd a wee wee man, And he was the least that ere I saw. 38A.2 His legs were scarce a shathmonts length, And thick and thimber was his thigh; Between his brows there was a span, And between his shoulders...
171. Thomas Cromwell : 171A: THOMAS CROMWELL 171A.* * * * .... .... Ffor if your boone be askeable, Soone granted it shalbe: 171A.2 If it be not touching my crowne, he said, Nor hurting poore comminaltye. Nay, it is not touching your crowne, shee sayes, Nor hurting poore cominaltye, 171A.3 But I begg the death of Thom...
156. Queen Eleanor's Confession : 156A: QUEEN ELEANORS CONFESSION 156A.1 QUEEN ELENOR was a sick woman, And afraid that she should dye; Then she sent for two fryars of France, For to speak with them speedily. 156A.2 The King calld down his nobles all, By one, by two, and by three, And sent away for Earl Martial, For to speak with...
231. The Earl Of Errol : 231A: THE EARL OF ERROL 231A.1 THERE was a jury sat at Perth, In the merry month of May, Betwixt the noble Duke of Perth But and Sir Gilbert Hay. 231A.2 My lord Kingside has two daughters, They are proper, straight and tall; But my lord Carnegie he has two That far excells them all. 231A.3 Then...
230. The Slaughter Of The Laird Of Mellerstain : 230A: THE SLAUGHTER OF THE LAIRD OF MELLERSTAIN 230A.1.... As they came in by the Eden side, They heard a lady lamenting sair, Bewailing the time she was a bride. 230A.2.... A stately youth of blude and lane, .... John Hately, the laird of Mellerstain. 230A.3 Cowdenknows, had ye nae lack...
109. Tom Potts : 109A: TOM POTTS 109A.1 all you lords of Scottland faire, And ladyes alsoe, bright of blee, There is a ladye amongst them all, Of her report you shall heare of me. 109A.2 Of her bewtye shee is soe bright, And of her colour soe bright of blee; Shee is daughter to the Lord Arrndell, His heyre...
71. The Bent Sae Brown : 71: THE BENT SAE BROWN 71.1 THERE are sixteen lang miles, Im sure, Between my love and me; There are eight o them in gude dry land, And other eight by sea. 71.2 Betide me life, betide me death, My love Ill gang and see; Altho her friends they do me hate, Her love is great for me. 71.3 If my co...
120. Robin Hood's Death : 120A: ROBIN HOODS DEATH 120A.1 I WILL neuer eate oor drinke, Robin Hood said, Nor meate will doo me noe good, Till I haue beene at merry Churchlees, My vaines for to let blood. 120A.2 That I reade not, said Will Scarllett, Master, by the assente of me, Without halfe a hundred of your best bowmen...
250. Henry Martyn : 250A: HENRY MARTYN 250A.1 IN merry Scotland, in merry Scotland There lived brothers three; They all did cast lots which of them should go A robbing upon the salt sea, 250A.2 The lot it fell on Henry Martyn, The youngest of the three; That he should go rob on the salt, salt sea, To maintain his...
269. Lady Diamond : 269A: LADY DIAMOND 269A.1 THERE was a king, and a very great king, And a king of meikle fame; He had not a child in the world but ane, Lady Daisy was her name. 269A.2 He had a very bonnie kitchen-boy, And William was his name; He never lay out o Lady Daisys bower, Till he brought her body to shame...
121. Robin Hood And The Potter : 121A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE POTTER 121A.1 IN schomer, when the leves spryng, The bloschoms on euery bowe, So merey doyt the berdys syng Yn wodys merey now. 121A.2 Herkens, god yemen, Comley, corteys, and god, On of the best that yeuer bare bowe, Hes name was Roben Hode. 121A.3 Roben Hood w...
85. Lady Alice : 85A: LADY ALICE 85A.1 LADY ALICE was sitting in her bower-window, Mending her midnight quoif, And there she saw as fine a corpse As ever she saw in her life. 85A.2 What bear ye, what bear ye, ye six men tall? What bear ye on your shoulders? We bear the corpse of Giles Collins, An old and true lover...
276. The Friar In The Well : 276A: THE FRIAR IN THE WELL 276A.1 As I lay musing all alone, fa, la, la, la, la A pretty jeast I thought upon; fa, la, la, la, la Then listen a while, and I will you tell Of a fryer that loved a bonny lass well. fa, la, la, la, la fa, la, la, lang-tre-down-dilly 276A.2 He came to the maid when she...
21. The Maid And The Palmer : 21A: THE MAID AND THE PALMER 21A.1 THE maid shee went to the well to washe, Refrain: Lillumwham, lillumwham! The mayd shee went to the well to washe, Refrain: Whatt then? what then? The maid shee went to the well to washe, Dew fell of her lilly white fleshe. Refrain: Grandam boy, grandam boy, heye...
207. Lord Delamere : 207A: LORD DELAMERE 207A.1 GOOD people, give attention, a story you shall hear, It is of the king and my lord Delamere; The quarrel it arose in the Parliament House, Concdrning some taxations going to be put in force. Ri toora loora la. 207A.2 Says my lord Delamere to his Majesty soon, If it please...
110. The Knight And The Shepherd's Daughter : 110A: THE KNIGHT AND THE SHEPHERDS DAUGHTER 110A.1 THERE was a shepherds daughter Came triping on the way, And there she met a courteous knight, Which caused her to stay Refrain: Sing trang sil do lee 110A.2 Good morrow to you, beautious maid, These words pronounced he; O I shall dye this day, he...
12. Lord Rendal : 12A: LORD RENDAL 12A.1 O WHERE ha you been, Lord Randal, my son? And where ha you been, my handsome young man? I ha been at the greenwood; mother, mak my bed soon, For Im wearied wi hunting, and fain wad lie down. 12A.2 An what met ye there, Lord Randal, my son? An wha met you there, my handsome...
190. Jamie Telfer Of The Fair Dodhead : 190A: JAMIE TELFER OF THE FAIR DODHEAD 190A.1 IT fell about the Martinmas tyde, Whan our Border steeds get corn and hay, The Captain of Bewcastle hath bound him to ryde, And hes ower to Tividale to drive a prey. 190A.2 The first ae guide that they met wi, It was high up in Hardhaughswire;...
105. The Bailiff's Daughter Of Islington : 105: THE BAILIFFS DAUGHTER OF ISLINGTON 105.1 THERE was a youth, and a well belovd youth, And he was a esquires son, He loved the bayliffs daughter dear, That lived in Islington. 105.2 She was coy, and she would not believe That he did love her so, No, nor at any time she would Any countenance...
114. Johnie Cock : 114A: JOHNIE COCK 114A.1 JOHNY he has risen up i the morn, Calls for water to wash his hands; But little knew he that his bloody hounds Were bound in iron bands. bands Were bound in iron bands 114A.2 Johnys mother has gotten word o that, And care-bed she has taen: O Johny, for my benison, I beg...
54. The Cherry Tree Carol : 54A: THE CHERRY-TREE CAROL 54A.1 JOSEPH was an old man, and an old man was he, When he wedded Mary, in the land of Galilee. 54A.2 Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard good, Where was cherries and berries, so red as any blood. 54A.3 Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard green, Where w...
223. Epie Morrie : 223A: EPIE MORRIE 223A.1 FOUR-AND-TWENTY Highland men Came a from Carrie side To steal awa Eppie Morrie, Cause she would not be a bride. 223A.2 Out its came her mother, It was a moonlight night, She could not see her daughter, Their swords they shind so bright. 223A.3 Haud far awa frae me, mother...
187. Jock O The Side : 187A: JOCK O THE SIDE 187A.1 * * * * * PEETER a Whifield he hath slaine, And Iohn a Side, he is tane, And Iohn is bound both hand and foote, And to the New-castle he is gone. 187A.2 But tydinges came to the Sybill o the Side, By the water-side as shee rann; Shee tooke her kirtle by the hem...
123. Robin Hood And The Curtal Friar : 123A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE CURTAL FRIAR 123A.1 BUT how many merry monthes be in the yeere? There are thirteen, I say; The midsummer moone is the merryest of all, Next to the merry month of May. 123A.2 In May, when mayds beene fast weepand, Young men their hands done wringe, * * * * * 123A.3 Ile. pe...
200. The Gypsy Laddie : 200A: THE GYPSY LADDIE 200A.1 THE gypsies came to our good lords gate, And wow but they sang sweetly! They sang sae sweet and sae very compleat That down came the fair lady. 200A.2 And she came tripping down the stair, And a her maids before her; As soon as they saw her well-fard face, They coost...
51. Lizie Wan : 51A: LIZIE WAN 51A.1 LIZIE WAN sits at her fathers bower-door, Weeping and making a mane, And by there came her father dear: What ails thee, Lizie Wan? 51A.2 I ail, and I ail, dear father, she said, And Ill tell you a reason for why; There is a child between my twa sides, Between my dear billy...
125. Robin Hood And Little John : 125A: ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN 125A.1 WHEN Robin Hood was about twenty years old, With a hey down down and a down He happend to meet Little John, A jolly brisk blade, right fit for the trade, For he was a lusty young man. 125A.2 Tho he was calld Little, his limbs they were large, And his stature...
76. The Lass Of Roch Royal : 76A: THE LASS OF ROCH ROYAL 76A.1 FAIR ISABELL of Rochroyall, She dreamed where she lay, She dreamd a dream of her love Gregory, A litle before the day. 76A.2 O huly, huly rose she up, And huly she put on, And huly, huly she put on The silks of crimsion. 76A.3 Gar sadle me the black, she sayes, Gar...
1. Riddles Wisely Expounded : 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...
204. Jamie Douglas : 204A: JAMIE DOUGLAS 204A.1 I WAS a lady of high renown As lived in the north countrie; I was a lady of high renown Whan Earl Douglas loved me. 204A.2 Whan we came through Glasgow toun, We war a comely sight to see; My gude lord in velvet green, And I mysel in cramasie. 204A.3 Whan we cam to Dougl...
46. Captain Wedderburn's Courtship : 46A: CAPTAIN WEDDERBURNS COURTSHIP 46A.1 THE laird of Bristolls daughter was in the woods walking, And by came Captain Wetherbourn, a servant to the king; And he said to his livery man, Wert not against the law, I would tak her to mine ain bed, and lay her neist the wa. 46A.2 Im into my fathers...
206. Bothwell Bridge : 206A: BOTHWELL BRIDGE 206A.1 O BILLIE, billie, bonny billie, Will ye go to the wood wi me? Well ca our horse hame masterless, An gar them trow slain men are we. 206A.2 O no, O no! says Earlstoun, For thats the thing that maunna be; For I am sworn to Bothwell Hill, Where I maun either gae or die...
301. The Queen Of Scotland : 301A: THE QUEEN OF SCOTLAND 301A.1 O TROY MUIR, my lily-flower, An asking Ill ask thee; Will ye come to my bigley bower And drink the wine wi me? 301A.2 My dame, this is too much honour You have conferrd on me; Im sure its mair than Ive deservd Frae sic a one as thee. 301A.3 In Reekies towers I hae...
221. Katherine Jafray : 221A: KATHERINE JAFRAY 221A.1 THERE livd a lass in yonder dale, And doun in yonder glen, O And Kathrine Jaffray was her name, Well known by many men. O 221A.2 Out came the Laird of Lauderdale, Out frae the South Countrie, All for to court this pretty maid, Her bridegroom for to be. 221A.3 He h...
75. Lord Lovel : 75A: LORD LOVEL 75A.1 AND I fare you well, Lady Ouncebell, For I must needs be gone, And this time two year Ill meet you again, To finish the loves we begun. 75A.2 That is a long time, Lord Lovill, said she, To live in fair Scotland; And so it is, Lady Ouncebell, To leave a fair lady alone. 75A.3...
79. The Wife Of Usher's Well : 79A: THE WIFE OF USHERS WELL 79A.1 THERE lived a wife at Ushers Well, And a wealthy wife was she; She had three stout and stalwart sons, And sent them oer the sea. 79A.2 They hadna been a week from her, A week but barely ane, Whan word came to the carline wife That her three sons were gane. 79A.3...
66. Lord Ingram And Chiel Wyet : 66A: LORD INGRAM AND CHIEL WYET 66A.1 LORD INGRAM and Chiel Wyet Was baith born in one bower; Laid baith their hearts on one lady, The less was their honour. 66A.2 Chiel Wyet and Lord Ingram Was baith born in one hall; Laid baith their hearts on one lady, The worse did them befall. 66A.3 Lord...
296. Walter Lesly : 296A: WALTER LESLY 296A.1 On the second of October, a Monday at noon, In came Walter Lesly, to see his proper one; He sent a chair down by her side, and gently sat her by, Says, Will ye go to Conland, this winter-time to lye? 296A.2 Hes taen a glass into his hand, inviting her to drink, But little...
57. Brown Robyn's Confession : 57: BROWN ROBYNS CONFESSION Buchans Ballads of the North of Scotland, I, 110. Motherwells MS., p. 580. 57.1 IT fell upon a Wodensday Brown Robyns men went to sea, But they saw neither moon nor sun, Nor starlight wi their ee. 57.2 Well cast kevels us amang, See wha the unhappy man may be; The kevel...
251. Lang Johnny More : 251A: LANG JOHNNY MORE 251A.1 THERE lives a man in Rynies land, Anither in Auchindore, The bravest lad amo them a Was lang Johnny Moir. 251A.2 Young Johnny was an airy blade, Fu sturdy, stout, and strang; The sword that hang by Johnnys side Was just full ten feet lang. 251A.3 Young Johnny w...
127. Robin Hood And The Tinker : 127A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE TINKER 127A.1 IN summer time, when leaves grow green, Down a down a down And birds sing on every tree, Hey down a down a down Robin Hood went to Nottingham, Down a down a down As fast as hee could dree. Hey down a down a down 127A.2 And as hee came to Nottingham A Tinker he...
30. King Arthur And King Cornwall : 30: KING ARTHUR AND KING CORNWALL 30.1 * * * * [SAIES, Come here, cuzen Gawaine so gay,] My sisters sonne be yee; Ffor you shall see one of the fairest round tables That euer you see with your eye. 30.2 Then bespake Lady Queen Gueneuer, And these were the words said shee: I know where a round table...
94. Young Waters : 94: YOUNG WATERS 94.1 ABOUT Yule, when the wind blew cule, And the round tables began, A there is cum to our kings court Mony a well-favourd man. 94.2 The queen luikt owre the castle-wa, Beheld baith dale and down, And then she saw Young Waters Cum riding to the town. 94.3 His footmen they did r...
25. Willie's Lyke Wake : 25A: WILLIES LYKE-WAKE 25A.1 WILLIE, Willie, Ill learn you a wile, Refrain: And the sun shines over the valleys and a How this pretty fair maid ye may beguile. Refrain: Amang the blue flowrs and the yellow and a 25A.2 Ye maun lie doun just as ye were dead, And tak your winding-sheet around your...
236. The Laird O Drum : 236A: THE LAIRD O DRUM 236A.1 O IT fell out upon a day, When Drums was going to ride, O And there he met with a well-fard may, Keeping her flocks on yon side. O 236A.2 O fair may, O rare may, Can not you fancy me? Of a the lasses here about I like nane so well as thee. 236A.3 Set your love...
246. Redesdale And Wise William : 246A: REDESDALE AND WISE WILLIAM 246A.1 WHEN Reedisdale and Wise William Were drinking at the wine, There fell a roosing them amang, On an unruly time. 246A.2 For some o them hae roosd their hawks, And other some their hounds, And other some their ladies fair, And their bowers whare they walkd...
113. The Great Silkie Of Sule Skerry : 113: THE GREAT SILKIE OF SULE SKERRY 113.1 AN eartly nourris sits and sing, And aye she sings, Ba, lily wean! Little ken I my bairnis father, Far less the land that he staps in. 113.2 Then ane arose at her bed-fit, An a grumly guest Im sure was he: Here am I, thy bairnis father, Although that I be...
27. The Whummil Bore : 27: THE WHUMMIL BORE 27.1 SEVEN lang years I hae served the king, Refrain: Fa fa fa fa lilly And I never got a sight of his daughter but ane. Refrain: With my glimpy, glimpy, glimpy eedle, Lillum too tee a ta too a tee a ta a tally 27.2 I saw her thro a whummil bore, And I neer got a sight of her...
284. John Dory : 284A: JOHN DORY 284A.1 As it fell on a holy-day, And vpon an holy-tide-a, Iohn Dory bought him an ambling nag, To Paris for to ride-a. 284A.2 And when John Dory to Paris was come, A little before the gate-a, John Dory was fitted, the porter was witted To let him in thereat-a. 284A.3 The first m...
9. The Fair Flower Of Northumberland : 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...
163. The Battle Of Harlaw : 163A: THE BATTLE OF HARLAW 163A.1 AS I cam in by Dunidier, An doun by netherha, There was fifty thousand Hielanmen A-marching to Harlaw. Wi a dree dree dradie drumtie dree. 163A.2 As I cam on, an farther on, An doun an by Balquhain, Oh there I met Sir James the Rose, Wi him Sir John the Gryme. 163...
290. The Wylie Wife Of The Hie Toun Hie : 290A: THE WYLIE WIFE OF THE HIE TOUN HIE 290A.1 IT fell about the Martinmas, When the gentlemen were drinking there wine, And a the discourse that they had Was about the ladies they gude fine. 290A.2 Its up an spake a tall young man, The tallest o the companie; The bonniest lass that I ken off She...
302. Young Bearwell : 302A: YOUNG BEARWELL 302A.1 WHEN two lovers love each other well, Great sin it were them to twinn; And this I speak from Young Bearwell; He loved a lady young, The Mayors daughter of Birktoun-brae, That lovely, leesome thing. 302A.2 One day when she was looking out, When washing her milk-white...
143. Robin Hood And The Bishop : 143A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE BISHOP 143A.1 COME, gentlemen all, and listen a while, Hey down down an a down And a story Ile to you unfold; Ile tell you how Robin Hood served the Bishop, When he robbed him of his gold. 143A.2 As it fell out on a sun-shining day, When Phebus was in his prime, Then Rob...
73. Lord Thomas And Annet : 73A: LORD THOMAS AND ANNET 73A.1 LORD THOMAS and Fair Annet Sate a day on a hill; Whan night was cum, and sun was sett, They had not talkt their fill. 73A.2 Lord Thomas said a word in jest, Fair Annet took it ill: A, I will nevir wed a wife Against my ain friends will. 73A.3 Gif ye wull nevir wed...
134. Robin Hood And The Beggar, Ii : 134A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE BEGGAR, II 134A.1 LYTH and listen, gentlemen, Thats come of high born blood; Ill tell you of a brave booting That befel Robin Hood. 134A.2 Robin Hood upon a day, He went forth him alone, And as he came from Barnesdale Into a fair evening, 134A.3 He met a beggar on the way...
254. Lord William, Or Lord Lundy : 254A: LORD WILLIAM, OR LORD LUNDY 254A.1 SWEET WILLIAMs gone over seas, Some unco lair to learn, And our gude Bailies ae dochter Is awa to learn the same. 254A.2 in one broad buke they learned baith, In one broad bed they lay; But when her father came to know He gart her come away. 254A.3 Its you...
14. Babylon Or The Bonnie Banks O Fordie : 14A: BABYLON OR THE BONNIE BANKS O FORDIE 14A.1 THERE were three ladies lived in a bower, Refrain: Eh vow bonnie And they went out to pull a flower. Refrain: On the bonnie banks o Fordie 14A.2 They hadna pued a flower but ane, When up started to them a banisht man. 14A.3 Hes taen the first sister...
69. Clerk Sanders : 69A: CLERK SANDERS 69A.1 CLARK SANDERS and May Margret Walkt ower yon graveld green, And sad and heavy was the love, I wat, it fell this twa between. 69A.2 A bed, a bed, Clark Sanders said, A bed, a bed for you and I; Fye no, fye no, the lady said, Until the day we married be. 69A.3 For in it will...
72. The Clerk's Twa Sons O Owensford : 72A: THE CLERKS TWA SONS O OWENSFORD 72A.1 O I will sing to you a sang, But oh my heart is sair! The clerks twa sons in Owsenford Has to learn some unco lair. 72A.2 They hadna been in fair Parish A twelvemonth an a day, Till the clerks twa sons o Owsenford Wi the mayors twa dauthrers lay. 72A.3 O...
135. Robin Hood And The Shepherd : 135A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE SHEPHERD 135A.1 ALL gentlemen and yeomen good, Down a down a down a down I wish you to draw near; For a story of gallant brave Robin Hood Vnto you I wil declare. Down, etc. 135A.2 As Robin Hood walkt the forrest along, Some pastime for to spie, There was he aware of a jolly...
197. James Grant : 197A: JAMES GRANT 197A.1 AWAY with you, away with you, James de Grant! And, Douglas, yell be slain; For Baddindallochs at your gates, With many brave Highland men. 197A.2 Baddindalloch has no feud at me, And I have none at him; Cast up my gates baith broad and wide, Let Baddindalloch in. 197A.3...
295. The Brown Girl : 295A: THE BROWN GIRL 295A.1 I am as brown as brown can be, My eyes as black as a sloe; I am as brisk as a nightingale, And as wilde as any doe. 295A.2 My love has sent me a love-letter, Not far from yonder town, That he could not fancy me, Because I was so brown. 295A.3 I sent him his letter back...
119. Robin Hood And The Monk : 119A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE MONK 119A.1 IN somer, when the shawes be sheyne, And leves be large and long, Hit is full mery in feyre foreste To here the foulys song: 119A.2 To se the dere draw to the dale, And leve the hilles hee, And shadow hem in the lev s grene, Vnder the grene-wode tre. 119A.3 Hit...
List Of The Principal Collections Of English : p. xiii LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL COLLECTIONS OF ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH BALLADS AND SONGS. [This list does not include (excepting a few reprints) the collections of Songs, Madrigals, "Ballets," being a Collection of the best Merry Ballads and Songs, Old and New. Fitted to all Humours, having each their...
95. The Maid Freed From The Gallows : 95A: THE MAID FREED FROM THE GALLOWS 95A.1 * * * * O GOOD Lord Judge, and sweet Lord Judge, Peace for a little while! Methinks I see my own father, Come riding by the stile. 95A.2 Oh father, oh father, a little of your gold, And likewise of your fee! To keep my body from yonder grave, And my neck...
84. Bonny Barbara Allen : 84A: BONNY BARBARA ALLEN 84A.1 IT was in and about the Martinmas time, When the green leaves were a falling, That Sir John Gra+eme, in the West Country, Fell in love with Barbara Allan. 84A.2 He sent his men down through the town, To the place where she was dwelling: O haste and come to my master...
148. The Noble Fisherman Or Robin Hood's : 148A: THE NOBLE FISHERMAN OR ROBIN HOODS PREFERMENT 148A.1 IN summer time, when leaves grow green, When they doe grow both green and long, Of a bould outlaw, calld Robin Hood, It is of him I sing this song. 148A.2 When the lilly leafe and the elephant Doth bud and spring with a merry good cheere...
141. Robin Hood Rescuing Will Stutly : 141A: ROBIN HOOD RESCUING WILL STUTLY 141A.1 WHEN Robin Hood in the green-wood livd, Derry derry down Vnder the green-wood tree, Tidings there came to him with speed, Tidings for certainty, Hey down derry derry down 141A.2 That Will Stutly surprized was, And eke in prison lay; Three varlets th...
208. Lord Dernwentwater : 208A: LORD DERNWENTWATER 208A.1 OUR king has wrote a lang letter, And sealed it owre with gold; He sent to my lord Dunwaters, To read it if he could. 208A.2 He has not sent it with a boy, with a boy, Nor with anie Scotch lord; But hes sent it with the noblest knight Eer Scotland could afford. 208...
215. Rare Willie Drowned In Yarrow : 215A: RARE WILLIE DROWNED IN YARROW, OR, THE WATER O GAMRIE 215A.1 WILLYRRrrS rare, and Willys fair, And Willys wondrous bony, And Willy heght to marry me, Gin eer he marryd ony. 215A.2 Yestreen I made my bed fu brade, The night Ill make it narrow, For a the live-long winters night I lie twind...
41. Hind Etin : 41A: HIND ETIN 41A.1 LADY MARGARET sits in her bower door, Sewing at her silken seam; She heard a note in Elmonds wood, And wishd she there had been. 41A.2 She loot the seam fa frae her side, And the needle to her tae, And she is on to Elmonds wood As fast as she coud gae. 41A.3 She hadna pud a nut...
74. Fair Margaret And Sweet William : 74A: FAIR MARGARET AND SWEET WILLIAM 74A.1 As it fell out on a long summers day, Two lovers they sat on a hill; They sat together that long summers day, And could not talk their fill. 74A.2 I see no harm by you, Margaret, Nor you see none by me; Before tomorrow eight a clock A rich wedding shall...
133. Robin Hood And The Beggar, I : 133A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE BEGGAR, I 133A.1 COME light and listen, you gentlemen all, Hey down, down, and a down That mirth do love for to hear, And a story true Ile tell unto you, If that you will but draw near. 133A.2 In elder times, when merriment was, And archery was holden good, There w...
297. Earl Rothes : 297A: EARL ROTHES 297A.1 O EARL Rothes, an thou wert mine, And I were to be thy ladie, I wad drink at the beer, and tipple at the wine, And be my bottle with any. 297A.2 Hold thy tongue, sister Ann, he says, Thy words they are too many; What wad ye do wi sae noble a lord, When he has so noble...
155. Sir Hugh, Or The Jew's Daughter : 155A: SIR HUGH, OR THE JEWS DAUGHTER 155A.1 FOUR and twenty bonny boys Were playing at the ba, And by it came him sweet Sir Hugh, And he playd oer them a. 155A.2 He kickd the ba with his right foot, And catchd it wi his knee, And throuch-and-thro the Jews window He gard the bonny ba flee. 155A.3...
210. Bonnie James Campbell : 210A: BONNIE JAMES CAMPBELL 210A.1 O its up in the Highlands, and along the sweet Tay, Did bonie James Campbell ride monie a day. 210A.2 Sadled and bridled, and bonie rode he; Hame came horse, hame came sadle, but neer hame cam he. 210A.3 And doun cam his sweet sisters, greeting sae sair, And down...
242. The Coble O Cargin : 242A: THE COBLE O CARGIN 242A.1 DAVID DRUMMONDRRrrS destinie, Gude man o appearance o Cargill; I wat his blude rins in the flude, Sae sair against his parents will. 242A.2 She was the lass o Balathy toun, And he the butler o Stobhall, And mony a time she wauked late To bore the coble o Cargill...
264. The White Fisher : 264A: THE WHITE FISHER 264A.1 IT is a month, and isna mair, Love, sin I was at thee, But find a stirring in your side; Who may the father be? 264A.2 Is it to a lord of might, Or baron of high degree? Or is it to the little wee page That rode along wi me? 264A.3 It is not to a man of might, N...
60. King Estmere : 60: KING ESTMERE a. Percys Reliques, edition of 1794, I, 64. b. Reliques, edition of 1765, I, 58. 60.1 HEARKEN to me, gentlemen, Come and you shall heare; Ile tell you of two of the boldest brether That ever borne were. 60.2 The tone of them was Adler Younge, The tother was Kyng Estmere; The were...
90. Jellon Grame : 90A: JELLON GRAME 90A.1 O JELLON GRAME sat in Silver Wood, He whistled and he sang, And he has calld his little foot-page, His errand for to gang. 90A.2 Win up, my bonny boy, he says, As quick as eer you may; For ye maun gang for Lillie Flower, Before the break of day. 90A.3 The boy hes buckled his...
247. Lady Elspat : 247A: LADY ELSPAT 247A.1 HOW brents your brow, my Lady Elspat! How golden yallow is your hair! Of all the maids of fair Scotland, Theres nane like Lady Elspat fair. 247A.2 Perform your vows, Sweet William, she says, The vows which ye ha made to me, An at the back o my mothers castle This night Ill...
270. The Earl Of Mar's Daughter : 270A: THE EARL OF MARS DAUGHTER 270A.1 IT was intill a pleasant time, Upon a simmers day, The noble Earl of Mars daughter Went forth to sport and play. 270A.2 As thus she did amuse hersell, Below a green aik tree, There she was a sprightly doo Set on a tower sae hie. 270A.3 O Cow-me-doo, my love...
168. Flodden Field : 168A: FLODDEN FIELD 168A.1 KING JAMIE hath made a vow, Keepe it well if he may! That he will be at lovely London Upon Saint James his day. 168A.2 Upon Saint James his day at noone, At faire London will I be, And all the lords in merrie Scotland, They shall dine there with me. 168A.3 Then bespake...
226. Lizie Lindsay : 226A: LIZIE LINDSAY 226A.1 * * * * * OUT it spake Lizee Linzee, The tear blinket in her ee; How can I leave father and mother, Along with young Donald to gae! 226A.2 Out spoke Lizees young handmaid, A bonny young lassie was she; Said, Were I heress to a kingdom, Along with young Donald Id ga. 226...
22. St. Stephen And Herod : 22: ST. STEPHEN AND HEROD 22.1 SEYNT Steuene was a clerk in kyng Herowdes halle, And seruyd him of bred and cloth, as euery kyng befalle. 22.2 Steuyn out of kechone cam, wyth boris hed on honde; He saw a sterre was fayr and bryy+ot ouer Bedlem stonde. 22.3 He kyst adoun the boris hed and went...
37. Thomas Rymer : 37A: THOMAS RYMER 37A.1 TRUE THOMAS lay oer yond grassy bank, And he beheld a ladie gay, A ladie that was brisk and bold, Come riding oer the fernie brae. 37A.2 Her skirt was of the grass-green silk, Her mantel of the velvet fine, At ilka tett of her horses mane Hung fifty silver bells and nine...
262. Lord Livingston : 262A: LORD LIVINGSTON 262A.1 IT fell about the Lammas time, When wightsmen won their hay, A the squires in merry Linkum Went a forth till a play. 262A.2 They playd until the evening tide, The sun was gaeing down; A lady thro plain fields was bound, A lily leesome thing. 262A.3 Two squires th...
268. The Twa Knights : 268A: THE TWA KNIGHTS 268A.1 There were twa knights in fair Scotland, And they were brothers sworn; They made a vow to be as true As if theyd been brothers born. 268A.2 The one he was a wealthy knight, Had lands and buildings free; The other was a young hynde squire, In rank of lower degree. 268A.3...
304. Young Ronald : 304A: YOUNG RONALD 304A.1 IT fell upon the Lammas time, When flowers were fresh and green, And craig and cleugh was covered ower With cloathing that was clean. 304A.2 Twas at that time a noble squire, Sprung from an ancient line, Laid his love on a lady fair, The kings daughter o Linne. 304A.3 When...
146. Robin Hood's Chase : 146A: ROBIN HOODS CHASE 146A.1 COME you gallants all, to you I do call, With a hey down down a down down That now is within this place, For a song I will sing of Henry the king, How he did Robin Hood chase. 146A.2 Queen Katherine she a match then did make, As plainly doth appear, For three hundred...
13. Edward : 13A: EDWARD 13A.1 WHAT bluids that on thy coat lap, Son Davie, son Davie? What bluids that on thy coat lap? And the truth come tell to me. 13A.2 It is the bluid of my great hawk, Mother lady, mother lady: It is the bluid of my great hawk, And the truth I have told to thee. 13A.3 Hawks bluid w...
243. James Harris : 243A: JAMES HARRIS, (THE DAEMON LOVER) 243A.1 THERE dwelt a fair maid in the West, Of worthy birth and fame, Neer unto Plimouth, stately town, Jane Reynolds was her name. 243A.2 This damsel dearly was belovd By many a proper youth, And what of her is to be said In known for very truth. 243A.3 Among...
282. Jock The Leg And The Merry Merchant : 282A: JOCK THE LEG AND THE MERRY MERCHANT 282A.1 As Jock the Leg and the merry merchant Came from yon borrows town, They took their budgets on their backs, And fieldert they were boun. 282A.2 But they came to a tavern-house, Where chapmen used to be: Provide, provide, said Jock the Leg, A good...
225. Rob Roy : 225A: ROB ROY 225A.1 ROB ROY, frae the high Highlands, Came to the Lawlan border; It was to steel a lady away, To keep his Highland house in order. 225A.2 As he came in by White House, He sent nae ane before him; She wad hae secured the house, For she did ay abhor him. 225A.3 Twenty men surrount...
220. The Bonny Lass Of Anglesley : 220A: THE BONNY LASS OF ANGLESLEY 220A.1 OUR king he has a secret to tell, And ay well keepit it must be: The English lords are coming down To dance and win the victory. 220A.2 Our king has cryd a noble cry, And ay well keepit it must be: Gar saddle ye, and bring to me The bonny lass of Anglesey...
222. Bonny Baby Livingston : 222A: BONNY BABY LIVINGSTON 222A.1 O BONNY Baby Livingston Went forth to view the hay, And by it came him Glenlion, Sta bonny Baby away. 222A.2 O first hes taen her silken coat, And neest her satten gown, Syne rowd her in a tartan plaid, And hapd her round and rown. 222A.3 He has set her upon his...
232. Richie Story : 232A: RICHIE STORY 232A.1 THE Earl of Wigton had three daughters, Oh and a waly, but they were unco bonnie! The eldest of them had the far brawest house, But shes fallen in love with her footman-laddie. 232A.2 As she was a walking doun by yon river-side, Oh and a wally, but she was unco bonnie...
211. Bewick And Graham : 211A: BEWICK AND GRAHAM 211A.1 OLD Grahame [he] is to Carlisle gone, Where Sir Robert Bewick there met he; In arms to the wine they are gone, And drank till they were both merry. 211A.2 Old Grahame he took up the cup, And said, Brother Bewick, heres to thee; And heres to our two sons at home...
280. The Beggar Laddie : 280A: THE BEGGAR-LADDIE 280A.1 SHIPERDRR-rrBOY, what is yer trade? Or what way do ye wine yer bread? Or what way do ye wine yer bread, Fan the kipeng nout gies over? 280A.2 Spindels an forls it is my trade, An bits o sticks to them who need, Whilk is a gentell trade indeed; Bony lassie, cane ye le...
176. Northumberland Betrayed : 176A: NORTHUMBERLAND BETRAYED BY DOUGLAS 176A.1 NOW list and lithe, you gentlemen, And Ist tell you the veretye, How they haue dealt with a banished man, Driuen out of his countrye. 176A.2 When as hee came on Scottish ground, As woe and wonder be them amonge! Ffull much was there traitorye...
180. King James And Brown : 180A: KING JAMES AND BROWN 180A.1 AS I did walke my selfe alone, And by one garden greene, I heard a yonge prince make great moane, Which did turne my hart to teene. 180A.2 O Lord! he then said vntou me, Why haue I liued soe long? For yonder comes a cruell Scott, Quoth hee, that will doe me some...
205. Loudon Hill, Or Dromclog : 205A: LOUDON HILL, OR DROMCLOG 205A.1 YOURRrrL marvel when I tell ye o Our noble Burly and his train, When last he marchd up through the land, Wi sax-and-twenty westland men. 205A.2 Than they I neer o braver heard, For they had a baith wit and skill; They proved right well, as I heard tell, As they...
45. King John And The Bishop : 45A: KING JOHN AND THE BISHOP 45A.1 OFF an ancient story Ile tell you anon, Of a notable prince that was called King Iohn, In England was borne, with maine and with might; Hee did much wrong and mainteined litle right. 45A.2 This noble prince was vexed in veretye, For he was angry with the Bishopp...
277. The Wife Wrapt In Wether's Skin : 277A: THE WIFE WRAPT IN WETHERS SKIN 277A.1 SHE wadna bake, she wadna brew, Hollin, green hollin For spoiling o her comely hue. Bend your bow, Robin 277A.2 She wadna wash, she wadna wring, For spoiling o her gay goud ring. 277A.3 Robin hes gane to the fald And catched a weather by the spauld. 277...
285. The George Aloe And The Sweepstake : 285A: THE GEORGE ALOE AND THE SWEEPSTAKE 285A.1 THE George Aloe and the Sweepstakes too, With hey, with ho, for and a nony no They were two merchant-men, a sailing for Safee. And along the course of Barbary 285A.2 [The George Aloe to anchor came, But the jolly Sweepstake kept on her way.] 285A.3...
80. Old Robin Of Portingale : 80: OLD ROBIN OF PORTINGALE 80.1 GOD let neuer soe old a man Marry soe yonge a wiffe As did Old Robin of Portingale; He may rue all the dayes of his liffe. 80.2 Ffor the maiors daughter of Lin, God wott, He chose her to his wife, And thought to haue liued in quiettnesse With her all the dayes...
42. Clerk Colvill : 42A: CLERK COLVILL 42A.1 CLARK COLVEN and his gay ladie, As they walked to yon garden green, A belt about her middle gimp, Which cost Clark Colven crowns fifteen: 42A.2 O hearken weel now, my good lord, O hearken weel to what I say; When ye gang to the wall o Stream, O gang nae neer the well-fared...
28. Burd Ellen And Young Tamlane : 28: BURD ELLEN AND YOUNG TAMLANE 28.1 BURD ELLEN sits in her bower windowe, Refrain: With a double laddy double, and for the double dow Twisting the red silk and the blue. Refrain: With the double rose and the May-hay 28.2 And whiles she twisted, and whiles she twan, And whiles the tears fell down...
78. The Unquiet Grave : 78A: THE UNQUIET GRAVE 78A.1 THE wind doth blow today, my love, And a few small drops of rain; I never had but one true-love, In cold grave she was lain. 78A.2 Ill do as much for my true-love As any young man may; Ill sit and mourn all at her grave For a twelvemonth and a day. 78A.3 The twelvemonth...
32. King Henry : 32: KING HENRY 32.1 LAT never a man a wooing wend That lacketh thingis three; A routh o gold, an open heart, Ay fu o charity. 32.2 As this I speak of King Henry, For he lay burd-alone; An hes doen him to a jelly hunts ha, Was seven miles frae a town. 32.3 He chasd the deer now him before...
47. Proud Lady Margaret : 47A: PROUD LADY MARGARET 47A.1 RRrrTWAS on a night, an evening bright, When the dew began to fa, Lady Margaret was walking up and down, Looking oer her castle wa. 47A.2 She looked east and she looked west, To see what she could spy, When a gallant knight came in her sight, And to the gate drew nigh...
258. Broughty Wa's : 258A: BROUGHTY WAS 258A.1 BURD HELEN was her mothers dear, Her fathers heir to be; He was the laird of Broughty walls, And the provost o Dundee. 258A.2 Burd Helen she was much admired By all that were round about; Unto Hazelan she was betrothed, Her virgin days were out. 258A.3 Glenhazlen w...
7. Earl Brand : 7A: EARL BRAND 7A.1 OH did ye ever hear o brave Earl Bran? Refrain: Ay lally, o lilly lally He courted the kings 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...
288. The Young Earl Of Essex's Victory Over : 288A: THE YOUNG EARL OF ESSEXS VICTORY OVER THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY 288A.1 COME, sound up your trumpets and beat up your drums, And lets go to sea with a valiant good cheer, In search of a mighty vast navy of ships, The like has not been for these fifty long year. Raderer two, tandaro te, Raderer...
149. Robin Hood's Birth, Breeding, Val : 149A: ROBIN HOODS BIRTH, BREEDING, VALOR AND MARRIAGE 149A.1 KIND gentlemen, will you be patient awhile? Ay, and then you shall hear anon A very good ballad of bold Robin Hood, And of his man, brave Little John. 149A.2 In Locksly town, in Nottinghamshire, In merry sweet Locksly town, There bold...
87. Prince Robert : 87A: PRINCE ROBERT 87A.1 PRINCE ROBERT has wedded a gay ladye, He has wedded her with a ring; Prince Robert has wedded a gay ladye, But he daur na bring her hame. 87A.2 Your blessing, your blessing, my mother dear, Your blessing now grant to me! Instead of a blessing ye sall have my curse...
239. Lord Saltoun And Auchanachie : 239A: LORD SALTOUN AND AUCHANACHIE 239A.1 AUCHANACHIE GORDON is bonny and braw, He would tempt any woman that ever he saw; He would tempt any woman, so has he tempted me, And Ill die if i getna my love Auchanachie. 239A.2 In came her father, tripping on the floor, Says, Jeanie, yere trying...
150. Robin Hood And Maid Marian : 150A: ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARIAN 150A.1 A BONNY fine maid of a noble degree, With a hey down down a down down Maid Marian calld by name, Did live in the North, of excellent worth, For she was a gallant dame. 150A.2 For favour and face, and beauty most rare, Queen Hellen shee did excell; For Mari...
291. Child Owlet : 291A: CHILD OWLET 291A.1 LADY ERSKINE sits in her chamber, Sewing at her silken seam, A chain of gold for Childe Owlet, As he goes out and in. 291A.2 But it fell ance upon a day She unto him did say, Ye must cuckold Lord Ronald, For a his lands and ley. 291A.3 O cease! forbid, madam, he says, Th...
2. The Elfin Knight : 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...
39. Tam Lin : 39A: TAM LIN 39A.1 O I FORBID you, maidens a, That wear gowd on your hair, To come or gae by Carterhaugh, For young Tam Lin is there. 39A.2 Theres nane that gaes by Carterhaugh But they leave him a wad, Either their rings, or green mantles, Or else their maidenhead. 39A.3 Janet has kilted her green...
24. Bonnie Annie : 24A: BONNIE ANNIE 24A.1 THERE was a rich lord, and he lived in Forfar, He had a fair lady, and one only dochter. 24A.2 O she was fair, O dear, she was bonnie! A ships captain courted her to be his honey. 24A.3 There cam a ships captain out owre the sea sailing, He courted this young thing till he...
64. Fair Janet : 64A: FAIR JANET 64A.1 YE maun gang to your father, Janet, Ye maun gang to him soon; Ye maun gang to your father, Janet, In case that his days are dune. 64A.2 Janets awa to her father, As fast as she could hie: O whats your will wi me, father? O whats your will wi me? 64A.3 My will wi you, Fair...
198. Bonny John Seton : 198A: BONNY JOHN SETON 198A.1 UPON the eighteenth day of June, A dreary day to see, The southern lords did pitch their camp Just at the bridge of Dee. 198A.2 Bonny John Seton of Pitmeddin, A bold baron was he, He made his testament ere he went out, The wiser man was he. 198A.3 He left his l...
214. The Braes O Yarrow : 214A: THE BRAES O YARROW 214A.1 I dreamed a dreary dream this night, That fills my heart wi sorrow; I dreamed I was pouing the heather green Upon the braes of Yarrow. 214A.2 O true-love mine, stay still and dine, As ye ha done before, O; O Ill be hame by hours nine, And frae the braes of Yarrow...
96. The Gay Goshawk : 96A: THE GAY GOSHAWK 96A.1 O WELLRRrrS me o my gay goss-hawk, That he can speak and flee; Hell carry a letter to my love, Bring back another to me. 96A.2 O how can I your true-love ken, Or how can I her know? Whan frae her mouth I never heard couth, Nor wi my eyes her saw. 96A.3 O well sal ye my...
62. Fair Annie : 62A: FAIR ANNIE Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, II, 102, 1802, chiefly from the recitation of an old woman residing near Kirkhill, in West Lothian. 62A.1 ITS narrow, narrow, make your bed, And learn to lie your lane; For Im gan oer the sea, Fair Annie, A braw bride to bring hame. Wi her I will...
233. Andrew Lammie : 233A: ANDREW LAMMIE 233A.1 AT Fyvies yetts there grows a flower, It grows baith braid and bonny; Theres a daisie in the midst o it, And its cad by Andrew Lammie. 233A.2 O gin that flower war in my breast, For the love I bear the laddie! I wad kiss it, and I wad clap it, And daut it for Andrew...
17. Hind Horn : 17A: HIND HORN 17A.1 IN Scotland there was a babie born, Refrain: Lill lal, etc. And his name it was called young Hind Horn. Refrain: With a fal lal, etc. 17A.2 He sent a letter to our king That he was in love with his daughter Jean. 17A.3 Hes gien to her a silver wand, With seven living lavrocks...
193. The Death Of Parcy Reed : 193A: THE DEATH OF PARCY REED 193A.1 THE Liddesdale Crosiers hae ridden a race, And they had far better staid at hame, For they have lost a gallant gay, Young Whinton Crosier it was his name. 193A.2 For Parcy Reed he has him taen, And hes delivered him to law, But auld Crosier has made answer Th...
195. Lord Maxwell's Last Goodnight : 195A: LORD MAXWELLS LAST GOODNIGHT 195A.1 GOOD lord of the land, will you stay thane About my faithers house, And walk into these gardines green, In my arms Ill the embraice. 195A.2 Ten thousand times Ill kiss thy face; Make sport, and lets be mery: I thank you, lady, fore your kindness; Trust me...
173. Mary Hamilton : 173A: MARY HAMILTON 173A.1 WORDRRrrS gane to the kitchen, And words gane to the ha, That Marie Hamilton gangs wi bairn To the hichest Stewart of a. 173A.2 Hes courted her in the kitchen, Hes courted her in the ha, Hes courted her in the laigh cellar, And that was warst of a. 173A.3 Shes tyed it...
241. The Baron O Leys : 241A: THE BARON O LEYS 241A.1 THE Laird of Leys is on to Edinbrugh, To shaw a fit o his follie; He drest himsel in the crimson-brown, An he provd a rantin laddie. 241A.2 Ben came a weel-faird lass, Says, Laddie, how do they ca ye? They ca me this, an they ca me that, Ye wudna ken fat they ca me;...
70. Willie And Lady Maisry : 70A: WILLIE AND LADY MAISRY 70A.1 WILLIE was a widows son, And he wore a milk-white weed, O And weel could Willie read and write, Far better ride on steed. O 70A.2 Lady Margerie was the first lady That drank to him the wine, And aye as the healths gade round and round, Laddy, your love is mine. 70...
77. Sweet William's Ghost : 77A: SWEET WILLIAMS GHOST 77A.1 THERE came a ghost to Margrets door, With many a grievous groan, And ay he tirled at the pin, But answer made she none. 77A.2 Is that my father Philip, Or ist my brother John? Or ist my true-love, Willy, From Scotland new come home? 77A.3 Tis not thy father Philip...
160. The Knight Of Liddesdale : 160A: THE KNIGHT OF LIDDESDALE 160A.1 The Countesse of Douglas out of her boure she came, And loudly there that she did call: It is for the Lord of Liddesdale That I let all these teares downe fall.
238. Glenlogie Or Jean O Bethalnie : 238A: GLENLOGIE OR JEAN O BETHALNIE 238A.1 FOUR and twenty noblemen they rode thro Banchory fair, But bonnie Glenlogie was flower [of a] that was there. 238A.2 Four and twenty noblemen rode from Banchory ha, But bonnie Glenlogie he was flower of them a. 238A.3 O bonnie Glenlogie, be constant...
106. The Famous Flower Of Serving Men : 106: THE FAMOUS FLOWER OF SERVING MEN 106.1 YOU beautious ladies, great and small, I write unto you one and all, Whereby that you may understand What I have suffered in this land. 106.2 I was by birth a lady fair, My fathers chief and onely heir, But when my good old father dyd, Then was I made...
293. John Of Hazelgreen : 293A: JOHN OF HAZELGREEN 293A.1 INTO a sweet May morning, As the sun clearly shone, I heard a propper damsell Making a heavy moan; Making a heavy moan, I marvelled what she did mean, And it was for a gentleman, Sir John of Hasillgreen. 293A.2 What aileth thee now, bony maid To mourn so sore...
93. Lamkin : 93A: LAMKIN 93A.1 ITS Lamkin was a mason good As ever built wi stane; He built Lord Wearies castle, But payment got he nane. 93A.2 O pay me, Lord Wearie, come, pay me my fee: I canna pay you, Lamkin, For I maun gang oer the sea. 93A.3 O pay me now, Lord Wearie, Come, pay me out o hand: I canna pay...
136. Robin Hood's Delight : 136A: ROBIN HOODS DELIGHT 136A.1 THERE is some will talk of lords and knights, Doun a doun a doun a doun And some of yeoman good, But I will tell you of Will Scarlock, Little John and Robin Hood. Doun a doun a doun a doun 136A.2 They were outlaws, as tis well known, And men of a noble blood;...
139. Robin Hood's Progress To Nottingham : 139A: ROBIN HOODS PROGRESS TO NOTTINGHAM 139A.1 ROBIN HOOD hee was and a tall young man, Derry derry down And fifteen winters old, And Robin Hood he was a proper young man, Of courage stout and bold. Hey down derry derry down 139A.2 Robin Hood he would and to fair Nottingham, With the general...
289. Mermaid : 289A: MERMAID 289A.1 AS we lay musing in our beds, So well and so warm at ease, I thought upon those lodging-beds Poor seamen have at seas. 289A.2 Last Easter day, in the morning fair, We was not far from land, Where we spied a mermaid on the rock, With comb and glass in hand. 289A.3 The first came...
129. Robin Hood And The Prince Of Aragon : 129A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE PRINCE OF ARAGON 129A.1 NOW Robin Hood, Will Scadlock and Little John Are walking over the plain, With a good fat buck which Will Scadlock With his strong bow had slain. 129A.2 Jog on, jog on, cries Robin Hood, The day it runs full fast; For though my nephew me a breakfast...
26. The Three Ravens : 26: THE THREE RAVENS 26.1 THERE were three rauens sat on a tree, Refrain: Downe a downe, hay down, hay downe There were three rauens sat on a tree, Refrain: With a downe There were three rauens sat on a tree, They were as blacke as they might be. Refrain: With a downe derrie, derrie, derrie, downe...
196. The Fire Of Frendruahgt : 196A: THE FIRE OF FRENDRUAHGT 196A.1 THE eighteenth of October, A dismal tale to hear How good Lord John and Rothiemay Was both burnt in the fire. 196A.2 When steeds was saddled and well bridled, And ready for to ride, Then out it came her false Frendraught, Inviting them to bide. 196A.3 Said, Stay...
33. Kempy Kay : 33A: KEMPY KAY 33A.1 KEMPY KAYEs a wooing gane, Far, far ayont the sea, And he has met with an auld, auld man, His gudefaythir to be. 33A.2 Its Im coming to court your daughter dear, And some part of your gear: And by my sooth, quoth Bengoleer, Shell sare a man a wear. 33A.3 My dochter shes...
299. Trooper And Maid : 299A: TROOPER AND MAID 299A.1 One evening as a maid did walk, The moon was shining clearly, She heard a trooper at the gates, She thought it was her dearie. Shes taen his horse then by the head, And led him to the stable, And gien to him baith corn and hay, To eat what he was able. Bonny lass, g...
267. The Heir Of Linne : 267A: THE HEIR OF LINNE 267A.1 Off all the lords in faire Scottland A song I will begin; Amongst them all there dweld a lord Which was the vnthrifty lord of Linne. 267A.2 His father and mother were dead him froe, And soe was the head of all his kinne; To the cards and dice that he did run He did...
286. The Sweet Trinity : 286A: THE SWEET TRINITY (THE GOLDEN VANITY) 286A.1 SIR WALTER RAWLEIGH has built a ship, In the Neatherlands Sir Walter Rawleigh has built a ship, In the Neather-lands And it is called The Sweet Trinity, And was taken by the false gallaly. Sailing in the Low-lands 286A.2 Is there never a seam...
23. Judas : 23: JUDAS 23.1 HIT wes upon a Scere-thorsday that ure loverd aros; Ful milde were the wordes he spec to Judas. 23.2 Judas, thou most to Jurselem, oure mete for to bugge; Thritti platen of selver thou bere up othi rugge. 23.3 Thou comest fer ithe brode stret, fer ithe brode strete; Summe of thine...
128. Robin Hood And The Newly Revived : 128A: ROBIN HOOD AND THE NEWLY REVIVED 128A.1 COME listen a while, you gentlemen all, With a hey down down a down down That are in this bower within, For a story of gallant bold Robin Hood I purpose now to begin. 128A.2 What time of the day? quoth Robin Hood then; Quoth Little John, Tis...
100. Willie O Winesberry : 100A: WILLIE O WINESBERRY 100A.1 THE king he hath been a prisoner, A prisoner lang in Spain, O And Willie o the Winsbury Has lain lang wi his daughter at hame. O 100A.2 What aileth thee, my daughter Janet, Ye look so pale and wan? Have ye had any sore sickness, Or have ye been lying wi a man? Or is...
165. Sir John Butler : 165A: SIR JOHN BUTLER 165A.1 BUT word is come to Warrington, And Busye Hall is laid about; Sir Iohn Butler and his merry men Stand in full great doubt. 165A.2 When they came to Busye Hall Itt was the merke midnight, And all the bridges were vp drawen, And neuer a candle-light. 165A.3 There they...
36. The Laily Worm And The Machrel Of The Sea : 36: THE LAILY WORM AND THE MACHREL OF THE SEA 36.1 I WAS but seven year auld When my mither she did die; My father married the ae warst woman The warld did ever see. 36.2 For she has made me the laily worm, That lies at the fit o the tree, An my sister Masery shes made The machrel of the sea. 36.3...
99. Johnie Scott : 99A: JOHNIE SCOTT 99A.1 O JOHNEY was as brave a knight As ever saild the sea, An hes done him to the English court, To serve for meat and fee. 99A.2 He had nae been in fair England But yet a little while, Untill the kingis ae daughter To johney proves wi chil. 99A.3 O words come to the king himsel...
65. Lady Maisry : 65A: LADY MAISRY 65A.1 THE young lords o the north country Have all a wooing gone, To win the love of Lady Maisry, But o them she woud hae none. 65A.2 O they hae courted Lady Maisry Wi a kin kind of things; An they hae sought her Lady Maisry Wi brotches an wi rings. 65A.3 An they ha sought her Lady...
194. The Laird Of Wariston : 194A: THE LAIRD OF WARISTON 194A.1 DOWN by yon garden green Sae merrily as she gaes; She has twa weel-made feet, And she trips upon her taes. 194A.2 She has twa weel-made feet, Far better is her hand; Shes as jimp in the middle As ony willow-wand. 194A.3 Gif ye will do my bidding, At my bidding...
172. Musselburgh Field : 172A: MUSSELBURGH FIELD 172A.1 ON the tenth day of December, And the fourth yeere of King Edwards raigne, Att Musleboorrowe, as I remember, Two goodly hosts there mett on a plaine. 172A.2 All that night they camped there, Soe did the Scotts, both stout and stubborne; But "[wellaway,"] it was their...