B

a.Ravenscroft's Deuteromelia, or, The Second Part of Musick's Melodie, or Melodious Musicke, etc., E 4, London, 1609. Ritson's Ancient Songs, 1790, p. 159.b.Pills to Purge Melancholy, III, 37, 1719.

1Yonder comes a courteous knight,Lustely raking ouer the lay;He was well ware of a bonny lasse,As she came wandring ouer the way.Then she sang downe a downe, hey downe derry (bis)2'Ioue you speed, fayre lady,' he said,'Among the leaues that be so greene;If I were a king, and wore a crowne,Full soone, fair lady, shouldst thou be a queen.3'Also Ioue saue you, faire lady,Among the roses that be so red;If I haue not my will of you,Full soone, faire lady, shall I be dead.'4Then he lookt east, then hee lookt west,Hee lookt north, so did he south;He could not finde a priuy place,For all lay in the diuel's mouth.5'If you will carry me, gentle sir,A mayde vnto my father's hall,Then you shall haue your will of me,Vnder purple and vnder paule.'6He set her vp vpon a steed,And him selfe vpon another,And all the day he rode her by,As though they had been sister and brother.7When she came to her father's hall,It was well walled round about;She yode in at the wicket-gate,And shut the foure-eard foole without.8'You had me,' quoth she, 'abroad in the field,Among the corne, amidst the hay,Where you might had your will of mee,For, in good faith, sir, I neuer said nay.9'Ye had me also amid the field,Among the rushes that were so browne,Where you might had your will of me,But you had not the face to lay me downe.'10He pulled out his nut-browne sword,And wipt the rust off with his sleeue,And said, Ioue's curse come to his heartThat any woman would beleeue!11When you haue your owne true-loueA mile or twaine out of the towne,Spare not for her gay clothing,But lay her body flat on the ground.

1Yonder comes a courteous knight,Lustely raking ouer the lay;He was well ware of a bonny lasse,As she came wandring ouer the way.Then she sang downe a downe, hey downe derry (bis)

2'Ioue you speed, fayre lady,' he said,'Among the leaues that be so greene;If I were a king, and wore a crowne,Full soone, fair lady, shouldst thou be a queen.

3'Also Ioue saue you, faire lady,Among the roses that be so red;If I haue not my will of you,Full soone, faire lady, shall I be dead.'

4Then he lookt east, then hee lookt west,Hee lookt north, so did he south;He could not finde a priuy place,For all lay in the diuel's mouth.

5'If you will carry me, gentle sir,A mayde vnto my father's hall,Then you shall haue your will of me,Vnder purple and vnder paule.'

6He set her vp vpon a steed,And him selfe vpon another,And all the day he rode her by,As though they had been sister and brother.

7When she came to her father's hall,It was well walled round about;She yode in at the wicket-gate,And shut the foure-eard foole without.

8'You had me,' quoth she, 'abroad in the field,Among the corne, amidst the hay,Where you might had your will of mee,For, in good faith, sir, I neuer said nay.

9'Ye had me also amid the field,Among the rushes that were so browne,Where you might had your will of me,But you had not the face to lay me downe.'

10He pulled out his nut-browne sword,And wipt the rust off with his sleeue,And said, Ioue's curse come to his heartThat any woman would beleeue!

11When you haue your owne true-loueA mile or twaine out of the towne,Spare not for her gay clothing,But lay her body flat on the ground.

Pills to Purge Melancholy, V, 112, 1719.

1There was a knight, and he was young,A riding along the way, sir,And there he met a lady fair,Among the cocks of hay, sir.2Quoth he, Shall you and I, lady,Among the grass lye down a?And I will have a special careOf rumpling of your gown a.3'If you will go along with meUnto my father's hall, sir,You shall enjoy my maidenhead,And my estate and all, sir.'4So he mounted her on a milk-white steed,Himself upon another,And then they rid upon the road,Like sister and like brother.5And when she came to her father's house,Which was moated round about, sir,She stepped streight within the gate,And shut this young knight out, sir.6'Here is a purse of gold,' she said,'Take it for your pains, sir;And I will send my father's manTo go home with you again, sir.7'And if you meet a lady fair,As you go thro the next town, sir,You must not fear the dew of the grass,Nor the rumpling of her gown, sir.8'And if you meet a lady gay,As you go by the hill, sir,If you will not when you may,You shall not when you will, sir.'

1There was a knight, and he was young,A riding along the way, sir,And there he met a lady fair,Among the cocks of hay, sir.

2Quoth he, Shall you and I, lady,Among the grass lye down a?And I will have a special careOf rumpling of your gown a.

3'If you will go along with meUnto my father's hall, sir,You shall enjoy my maidenhead,And my estate and all, sir.'

4So he mounted her on a milk-white steed,Himself upon another,And then they rid upon the road,Like sister and like brother.

5And when she came to her father's house,Which was moated round about, sir,She stepped streight within the gate,And shut this young knight out, sir.

6'Here is a purse of gold,' she said,'Take it for your pains, sir;And I will send my father's manTo go home with you again, sir.

7'And if you meet a lady fair,As you go thro the next town, sir,You must not fear the dew of the grass,Nor the rumpling of her gown, sir.

8'And if you meet a lady gay,As you go by the hill, sir,If you will not when you may,You shall not when you will, sir.'

a.A Collection of Old Ballads, III, 178, 1725.b.Pepys Ballads, V, 169ff, Nos 162-164, end of the 17th century, the first fifty stanzas.c.Douce Ballads, III, fol. 52b, Durham: Printed and sold by I. Lane.d.Roxburghe Ballads, III, 674, 1750 (?).

1There was a knight was drunk with wineA riding along the way, sir,And there he did meet with a lady fine,And among the cocks of hay, sir.2One favour he did crave of her,And askd her to lay her down, sir,But he had neither cloth nor sheet,To keep her from the ground, sir.3'There is a great dew upon the grass,And if you shoud lay me down, sir,You would spoil my gay clothing,That has cost me many a pound, sir.'4'I have a cloak of scarlet red,I'll lay it under you, love,So you will grant me my requestThat I shall ask of you, love.'5'And if you'll go to my father's hall,That is moated all round about, sir,There you shall have your will of me,Within, sir, and without, sir.6'Oh yonder stands my milk-white steed,And among the cocks of hay, sir;If the king's pinner should chance to come,He'll take my steed away, sir.'7'I have a ring upon my finger,It's made of the finest gold, love,And it shall serve to fetch your steedOut of the pinner's fold, love.'8'And if you'll go to my father's house,Round which there's many a tree, sir,There you shall have your chamber free,And your chamberlain I'll be, sir.'9He sate her on a milk-white steed,Himself upon another,And then they rid along the way,Like sister and like brother.10But when she came to her father's house,Which was moated all round about, sir,She slipd herself within the gate,And she lockd the knight without, sir.11'I thank you, kind knight, for seeing me here,And bringing me home a maiden, sir,But you shall have two of my father's menFor to set you as far back again, sir.'12He drew his sword out of his scabbard,And whet it upon his sleeve, sir,Saying, Cursed be to evry manThat will a maid believe, sir!13She drew her handkerchief out of her pocket,And threw it upon the ground, sir,Saying, Thrice cursed be to evry maidThat will believe a man, sir!14We have a tree in our garden,Some call it of rosemary, sir;There's crowing-cocks in our town,That will make a capon of you, sir.15We have a flower in our garden,Some call it a marygold, sir,And he that would not when he might,He shall not when he would, sir.16But if you chance for to meet a maid,A little below the town, sir,You must not fear her gay cloathing,Nor the wrinkling of her gown, sir.17And if you chance for to meet a maid,A little below the hill, sir,You need not fear her screeking out,For she quickly will lye still, sir.18The baffld knight was by the lassIngeniously outwitted,And since that time it came to passHe was again well fitted.19As he was riding cross a plain,In boots, spurs, hat and feather,He met that lady fair again;They talkd a while together.20He said, Tho you did serve me so,And cunningly decoy me,Yet now, before you further go,I must and will enjoy thee.21'T was near a spacious river's side,Where rushes green were growing,And Neptune's silver streams did glide,Four fathom waters flowing.22The lady blushd like scarlet red,And trembled at this stranger:'How shall I guard my maidenheadFrom this approaching danger!'23With a lamenting sigh, said she,To dye I now am ready;Must this dishonour fall on me?A most unhappy lady!24He from his saddle did alight,In gaudy rich attire,And cried, I am a noble knight,Who do your charms admire.25He took the lady by the hand,Who seemingly consented,And woud no more disputing stand:She had a plot invented26How she might baffle him again,With much delight and pleasure,And eke unspotted still remain,With her pure virgin treasure.27'Look yonder, good sir knight, I pray:Methinks I do discover,Well mounted on a dapple-grey,My true, entire lover.'28The knight, he standing on the brinkOf the deep floating river,Thought she, Thou now shalt swim or sink;Choose which you fancy rather.29Against his back the lady run;The waters strait he sounded;He cry'd out, Love, what have you done!Help! help! or I am drowned.30Said she, Sir knight, farewel, adieu;You see what comes of fooling;That is the fittest place for you,Whose courage wanted cooling.31'Love, help me out, and I'll forgiveThis fault which you've committed;''No, no,' says she, 'sir, as I live,I think you're finely fitted.'32She rid home to her father's house,For speedy expedition,While the gay knight was soakd like souce,In a sad wet condition.33When he came mounted to the plainHe was in rich attire,Yet when he back returnd againHe was all muck and mire.34A solemn vow he there did make,Just as he came from swiming,He'd love no lady, for her sake,Nor any other women.35The baffld knight was foold once more,You'll find by this pleasant ditty,For she whose charms he did adoreWas wonderful sharp and witty.36Returning from her father's park,Just close by a summer bower,She chanc'd to meet her angry spark,Who gave her a frowning lower.37The thoughts of what she twice had doneDid cause him to draw his rapier,And at the lady then he run,And thus he began to vapour:38'You chousd me at your father's gate,Then tumbld me into the river;I seek for satisfaction straight;Shall I be a fool forever?'39He came with resolution bentThat evening to enjoy her,And if she did not give consent,That minute he would destroy her.40'I pray, sir knight, and why so hotAgainst a young silly woman?Such crimes as these might be forgot;For merry intrigues are common.'41'What! do you count it mirth,' he cry'd,'To tumble me in and leave me?What if I drowned there had dy'd?A dangerous jest, believe me.42'Well, if I pardon you this dayThose injuries out of measure,It is because without delayI mean to enjoy the pleasure.'43'Your suit,' she said, 'is not deny'd,But think of your boots of leather,And let me pull them off,' she cry'd,'Before we lye down together.'44He set him down upon the grass,And violets so sweet and tender;Now by this means it came to passThat she did his purpose hinder.45For having pulld his boots half-way,She cry'd, I am now your betters;You shall not make of me your prey;Sit there, like a thief in fetters.46Now finding she had servd him so,He rose and began to grumble;Yet he could neither stand nor go,But did like a cripple tumble.47The boots stuck fast, and would not stir;His folly she soon did mention,And laughing said, I pray, kind sir,How like you my new invention?48My laughing fit you must excuse;You are but a stingless nettle;You'd neer a stood for boots or shooes,Had you been a man of mettle.49Farewel, sir knight, 'tis almost ten;I fear neither wind nor weather;I'll send my father's serving-menTo pull off your boots of leather.50She laughd outright, as well she might,With merry conceits of scorning,And left him there to sit all night,Untill the approaching morning.51The fourth part of the baffld knightThe lady hath fairly acted;She did his love and kindness slight,Which made him almost distracted.52She left him in her father's park,Where nothing but deer could hear him;While he lay rouling in the dark,There's never a soul came near him.53Until the morning break of day,And being warm summer weather,A shepherd chanc'd to come that way,Who pulld on his boots of leather.54Then mounting on his milk-white steed,He, shaking his ears, was ready,And whip and spur he rid with speedTo find out this crafty lady.55'If once this lady I come nighShe shall be releasd by no man:Why shoud so brave a knight as IBe foold by a silly woman!56'Three times she has affronted me,In crimes which I cannot pardon;But if I an't revengd,' said he,'Let me not be worth a farthing.57'I value not her beauty fair,Tho once I did dote upon her;This trusty sword shall now repairMy baffled, blasted honour.'58Unto her father's house he came,Which every side was moated;The fair sweet youthful charming dame,His angry brows she noted.59Thought she, I'll have the other bout,And tumble him in the river;And let the Devil help him out,Or there he shall soak for ever.60He will not let me live at rest,Although I have often foild him;Therefore once more, I do protest,With flattering I'll beguile him.61The bridge was drawn, the gates lockd fast,So that he could no ways enter;She smil'd to him, and cry'd at last,Sir knight, if you please to venture,62A plank lies over the moat hard by,Full seventeen foot in measure;There's no body now at home but I;Therefore we'll take our pleasure.63This word she had no sooner spoke,But straight he was tripping over;The plank was sawd, and snapping broke;He provd an unhappy lover.

1There was a knight was drunk with wineA riding along the way, sir,And there he did meet with a lady fine,And among the cocks of hay, sir.

2One favour he did crave of her,And askd her to lay her down, sir,But he had neither cloth nor sheet,To keep her from the ground, sir.

3'There is a great dew upon the grass,And if you shoud lay me down, sir,You would spoil my gay clothing,That has cost me many a pound, sir.'

4'I have a cloak of scarlet red,I'll lay it under you, love,So you will grant me my requestThat I shall ask of you, love.'

5'And if you'll go to my father's hall,That is moated all round about, sir,There you shall have your will of me,Within, sir, and without, sir.

6'Oh yonder stands my milk-white steed,And among the cocks of hay, sir;If the king's pinner should chance to come,He'll take my steed away, sir.'

7'I have a ring upon my finger,It's made of the finest gold, love,And it shall serve to fetch your steedOut of the pinner's fold, love.'

8'And if you'll go to my father's house,Round which there's many a tree, sir,There you shall have your chamber free,And your chamberlain I'll be, sir.'

9He sate her on a milk-white steed,Himself upon another,And then they rid along the way,Like sister and like brother.

10But when she came to her father's house,Which was moated all round about, sir,She slipd herself within the gate,And she lockd the knight without, sir.

11'I thank you, kind knight, for seeing me here,And bringing me home a maiden, sir,But you shall have two of my father's menFor to set you as far back again, sir.'

12He drew his sword out of his scabbard,And whet it upon his sleeve, sir,Saying, Cursed be to evry manThat will a maid believe, sir!

13She drew her handkerchief out of her pocket,And threw it upon the ground, sir,Saying, Thrice cursed be to evry maidThat will believe a man, sir!

14We have a tree in our garden,Some call it of rosemary, sir;There's crowing-cocks in our town,That will make a capon of you, sir.

15We have a flower in our garden,Some call it a marygold, sir,And he that would not when he might,He shall not when he would, sir.

16But if you chance for to meet a maid,A little below the town, sir,You must not fear her gay cloathing,Nor the wrinkling of her gown, sir.

17And if you chance for to meet a maid,A little below the hill, sir,You need not fear her screeking out,For she quickly will lye still, sir.

18The baffld knight was by the lassIngeniously outwitted,And since that time it came to passHe was again well fitted.

19As he was riding cross a plain,In boots, spurs, hat and feather,He met that lady fair again;They talkd a while together.

20He said, Tho you did serve me so,And cunningly decoy me,Yet now, before you further go,I must and will enjoy thee.

21'T was near a spacious river's side,Where rushes green were growing,And Neptune's silver streams did glide,Four fathom waters flowing.

22The lady blushd like scarlet red,And trembled at this stranger:'How shall I guard my maidenheadFrom this approaching danger!'

23With a lamenting sigh, said she,To dye I now am ready;Must this dishonour fall on me?A most unhappy lady!

24He from his saddle did alight,In gaudy rich attire,And cried, I am a noble knight,Who do your charms admire.

25He took the lady by the hand,Who seemingly consented,And woud no more disputing stand:She had a plot invented

26How she might baffle him again,With much delight and pleasure,And eke unspotted still remain,With her pure virgin treasure.

27'Look yonder, good sir knight, I pray:Methinks I do discover,Well mounted on a dapple-grey,My true, entire lover.'

28The knight, he standing on the brinkOf the deep floating river,Thought she, Thou now shalt swim or sink;Choose which you fancy rather.

29Against his back the lady run;The waters strait he sounded;He cry'd out, Love, what have you done!Help! help! or I am drowned.

30Said she, Sir knight, farewel, adieu;You see what comes of fooling;That is the fittest place for you,Whose courage wanted cooling.

31'Love, help me out, and I'll forgiveThis fault which you've committed;''No, no,' says she, 'sir, as I live,I think you're finely fitted.'

32She rid home to her father's house,For speedy expedition,While the gay knight was soakd like souce,In a sad wet condition.

33When he came mounted to the plainHe was in rich attire,Yet when he back returnd againHe was all muck and mire.

34A solemn vow he there did make,Just as he came from swiming,He'd love no lady, for her sake,Nor any other women.

35The baffld knight was foold once more,You'll find by this pleasant ditty,For she whose charms he did adoreWas wonderful sharp and witty.

36Returning from her father's park,Just close by a summer bower,She chanc'd to meet her angry spark,Who gave her a frowning lower.

37The thoughts of what she twice had doneDid cause him to draw his rapier,And at the lady then he run,And thus he began to vapour:

38'You chousd me at your father's gate,Then tumbld me into the river;I seek for satisfaction straight;Shall I be a fool forever?'

39He came with resolution bentThat evening to enjoy her,And if she did not give consent,That minute he would destroy her.

40'I pray, sir knight, and why so hotAgainst a young silly woman?Such crimes as these might be forgot;For merry intrigues are common.'

41'What! do you count it mirth,' he cry'd,'To tumble me in and leave me?What if I drowned there had dy'd?A dangerous jest, believe me.

42'Well, if I pardon you this dayThose injuries out of measure,It is because without delayI mean to enjoy the pleasure.'

43'Your suit,' she said, 'is not deny'd,But think of your boots of leather,And let me pull them off,' she cry'd,'Before we lye down together.'

44He set him down upon the grass,And violets so sweet and tender;Now by this means it came to passThat she did his purpose hinder.

45For having pulld his boots half-way,She cry'd, I am now your betters;You shall not make of me your prey;Sit there, like a thief in fetters.

46Now finding she had servd him so,He rose and began to grumble;Yet he could neither stand nor go,But did like a cripple tumble.

47The boots stuck fast, and would not stir;His folly she soon did mention,And laughing said, I pray, kind sir,How like you my new invention?

48My laughing fit you must excuse;You are but a stingless nettle;You'd neer a stood for boots or shooes,Had you been a man of mettle.

49Farewel, sir knight, 'tis almost ten;I fear neither wind nor weather;I'll send my father's serving-menTo pull off your boots of leather.

50She laughd outright, as well she might,With merry conceits of scorning,And left him there to sit all night,Untill the approaching morning.

51The fourth part of the baffld knightThe lady hath fairly acted;She did his love and kindness slight,Which made him almost distracted.

52She left him in her father's park,Where nothing but deer could hear him;While he lay rouling in the dark,There's never a soul came near him.

53Until the morning break of day,And being warm summer weather,A shepherd chanc'd to come that way,Who pulld on his boots of leather.

54Then mounting on his milk-white steed,He, shaking his ears, was ready,And whip and spur he rid with speedTo find out this crafty lady.

55'If once this lady I come nighShe shall be releasd by no man:Why shoud so brave a knight as IBe foold by a silly woman!

56'Three times she has affronted me,In crimes which I cannot pardon;But if I an't revengd,' said he,'Let me not be worth a farthing.

57'I value not her beauty fair,Tho once I did dote upon her;This trusty sword shall now repairMy baffled, blasted honour.'

58Unto her father's house he came,Which every side was moated;The fair sweet youthful charming dame,His angry brows she noted.

59Thought she, I'll have the other bout,And tumble him in the river;And let the Devil help him out,Or there he shall soak for ever.

60He will not let me live at rest,Although I have often foild him;Therefore once more, I do protest,With flattering I'll beguile him.

61The bridge was drawn, the gates lockd fast,So that he could no ways enter;She smil'd to him, and cry'd at last,Sir knight, if you please to venture,

62A plank lies over the moat hard by,Full seventeen foot in measure;There's no body now at home but I;Therefore we'll take our pleasure.

63This word she had no sooner spoke,But straight he was tripping over;The plank was sawd, and snapping broke;He provd an unhappy lover.

a.Herd's Ancient and Modern Scots, p. 328, 1769.b.Dixon, Ancient Poems, Ballads and Songs of the Peasantry of England, p. 123, Percy Society, vol. xvii; Bell, p. 80.

1There was a shepherd's sonKept sheep upon a hill;He laid his pipe and crook aside,And there he slept his fill.Sing, Fal deral, etc.2He looked east, he looked west,Then gave an under-look,And there he spyed a lady fair,Swimming in a brook.3He raisd his head frae his green bed,And then approachd the maid;'Put on your claiths, my dear,' he says,'And be ye not afraid.4''Tis fitter for a lady fairTo sew her silken seamThan to get up in a May morningAnd strive against the stream.'5'If you'll not touch my mantle,And let my claiths alane,Then I'll give you as much moneyAs you can carry hame.'6'O I'll not touch your mantle,And I'll let your claiths alane;But I'll tak you out of the clear water,My dear, to be my ain.'7And when she out of the water came,He took her in his arms:'Put on your claiths, my dear,' he says,'And hide those lovely charms.'8He mounted her on a milk-white steed,Himself upon anither,And all along the way they rode,Like sister and like brither.9When she came to her father's yateShe tirled at the pin,And ready stood the porter there,To let this fair maid in.10And when the gate was opened,So nimbly's she whipt in;'Pough! you're a fool without,' she says,'And I'm a maid within.11'Then fare ye well, my modest boy,I thank you for your care;But had you done what you should do,I neer had left you there.'12'Oh I'll cast aff my hose and shoon,And let my feet gae bare,And gin I meet a bonny lass,Hang me if her I spare.'13'In that do as you please,' she says,'But you shall never moreHave the same opportunity;'With that she shut the door.14There is a gude auld proverb,I've often heard it told,He that would not when he might,He should not when he would.

1There was a shepherd's sonKept sheep upon a hill;He laid his pipe and crook aside,And there he slept his fill.Sing, Fal deral, etc.

2He looked east, he looked west,Then gave an under-look,And there he spyed a lady fair,Swimming in a brook.

3He raisd his head frae his green bed,And then approachd the maid;'Put on your claiths, my dear,' he says,'And be ye not afraid.

4''Tis fitter for a lady fairTo sew her silken seamThan to get up in a May morningAnd strive against the stream.'

5'If you'll not touch my mantle,And let my claiths alane,Then I'll give you as much moneyAs you can carry hame.'

6'O I'll not touch your mantle,And I'll let your claiths alane;But I'll tak you out of the clear water,My dear, to be my ain.'

7And when she out of the water came,He took her in his arms:'Put on your claiths, my dear,' he says,'And hide those lovely charms.'

8He mounted her on a milk-white steed,Himself upon anither,And all along the way they rode,Like sister and like brither.

9When she came to her father's yateShe tirled at the pin,And ready stood the porter there,To let this fair maid in.

10And when the gate was opened,So nimbly's she whipt in;'Pough! you're a fool without,' she says,'And I'm a maid within.

11'Then fare ye well, my modest boy,I thank you for your care;But had you done what you should do,I neer had left you there.'

12'Oh I'll cast aff my hose and shoon,And let my feet gae bare,And gin I meet a bonny lass,Hang me if her I spare.'

13'In that do as you please,' she says,'But you shall never moreHave the same opportunity;'With that she shut the door.

14There is a gude auld proverb,I've often heard it told,He that would not when he might,He should not when he would.

Motherwell's MS., p. 410: from the singing of Agnes Lyle, Kilbarchan, September, 1825.

1There was a knight, was drunk with wine,Came riding along the way, sir;He would have had a lady gayAmang the quiles of hay, sir.2'What if I should lay thee down,Amang the quiles of hay, maid?Sheets nor blankets have I none,To keep thy cloathing clean, maid.'3'The wind blaws east, the wind blaws west,The wind blaws owre yon thorn, sir;Weel may I wash my cloathing clear,And dry them on the morn, sir.'4'What if I should lay thee down,Amang the rigs of corn, maid?Then the king's life-guard will come,And steal our steeds away, maid.'5'I have ten gold rings on my hand,They're all gold but the stone, sir;I'll give them to the king's life-guard,If he'll let our steeds alone, sir.6'But see you not yon sunny bank,Over yon lily lea, sir,Where you and I may crack a while,And never one may see, sir?'7He was on a milk-white steed,And she was on another,And all the live-long winter nightThey rode like sister and brother.8When they came to that sunny bank,He began to lay her down, sir;'O no, O no, kind sir,' she says,'Ye'll ruffle all my gown, sir.9'My gown it cost my father dear,'T was many a mark and pound, sir;And if that ye do lay me down,Ye'll ruffle all my gown, sir.10'But see ye na yon fair castel,Over yon lily lea, sir,Where you and I may crack a while,And never one may see, sir?'11He was on a milk-white steed,And she was on another,And all the live-long winter nightThey rode like sister and brother.12When they came to that fair castel,She was at her father's yet, sir;She jumped in at her father's door,And left this knight without, sir.13She says, I am a maid within,You're but a knave without, sir;There were neer a butcher's sonPut me in so much doubt, sir.14'Oh if I had thee out,' he said,'But two miles from the town, maid,I would lay thee down,' he said,'And never mind thy gown, maid.'15'There is a flower in my father's garden,The name o't marigold, sir,And he that would not when he might,He shall not when he wold, sir.16'But when eer ye meet a pretty maid,And two miles from a town, sir,Ye may lay her down,' she says,'And never mind her gown, sir.17'Ye're like unto my father's steed;He's standing in the lone, sir;He hings his head above the sheaf,But daur not venture on, sir.18'When eer ye meet a pretty maid,And two miles from the town, sir,Ye may lay her down,' she says,'And never mind her gown, sir.19'There is a cock in my father's flock,He wears a double comb, sir,He claps his wings, but craweth not;I fear you be like him, sir.20'But when eer you meet a pretty maid,And two miles from a town, sir,You may lay her down,' she said,'And never mind her gown, sir.'

1There was a knight, was drunk with wine,Came riding along the way, sir;He would have had a lady gayAmang the quiles of hay, sir.

2'What if I should lay thee down,Amang the quiles of hay, maid?Sheets nor blankets have I none,To keep thy cloathing clean, maid.'

3'The wind blaws east, the wind blaws west,The wind blaws owre yon thorn, sir;Weel may I wash my cloathing clear,And dry them on the morn, sir.'

4'What if I should lay thee down,Amang the rigs of corn, maid?Then the king's life-guard will come,And steal our steeds away, maid.'

5'I have ten gold rings on my hand,They're all gold but the stone, sir;I'll give them to the king's life-guard,If he'll let our steeds alone, sir.

6'But see you not yon sunny bank,Over yon lily lea, sir,Where you and I may crack a while,And never one may see, sir?'

7He was on a milk-white steed,And she was on another,And all the live-long winter nightThey rode like sister and brother.

8When they came to that sunny bank,He began to lay her down, sir;'O no, O no, kind sir,' she says,'Ye'll ruffle all my gown, sir.

9'My gown it cost my father dear,'T was many a mark and pound, sir;And if that ye do lay me down,Ye'll ruffle all my gown, sir.

10'But see ye na yon fair castel,Over yon lily lea, sir,Where you and I may crack a while,And never one may see, sir?'

11He was on a milk-white steed,And she was on another,And all the live-long winter nightThey rode like sister and brother.

12When they came to that fair castel,She was at her father's yet, sir;She jumped in at her father's door,And left this knight without, sir.

13She says, I am a maid within,You're but a knave without, sir;There were neer a butcher's sonPut me in so much doubt, sir.

14'Oh if I had thee out,' he said,'But two miles from the town, maid,I would lay thee down,' he said,'And never mind thy gown, maid.'

15'There is a flower in my father's garden,The name o't marigold, sir,And he that would not when he might,He shall not when he wold, sir.

16'But when eer ye meet a pretty maid,And two miles from a town, sir,Ye may lay her down,' she says,'And never mind her gown, sir.

17'Ye're like unto my father's steed;He's standing in the lone, sir;He hings his head above the sheaf,But daur not venture on, sir.

18'When eer ye meet a pretty maid,And two miles from the town, sir,Ye may lay her down,' she says,'And never mind her gown, sir.

19'There is a cock in my father's flock,He wears a double comb, sir,He claps his wings, but craweth not;I fear you be like him, sir.

20'But when eer you meet a pretty maid,And two miles from a town, sir,You may lay her down,' she said,'And never mind her gown, sir.'

A. b.

12. the hay.24. should.61. upwanting.73. rode in.

12. the hay.

24. should.

61. upwanting.

73. rode in.

In eight-line stanzas.After 8 follow these two stanzas, which belong to a different version of the ballad, and near the beginning, not at the end.

In eight-line stanzas.

After 8 follow these two stanzas, which belong to a different version of the ballad, and near the beginning, not at the end.

'There is a dew upon the grassWill spoil your damask gown a,Which has cost your father dearMany shilling and crown a.''There is a wind blows from the westSoon will dry the ground a,And I will have a special careOf the rumpling of my gown a.'

'There is a dew upon the grassWill spoil your damask gown a,Which has cost your father dearMany shilling and crown a.'

'There is a wind blows from the westSoon will dry the ground a,And I will have a special careOf the rumpling of my gown a.'

C. a.

42. under thee:cf.b.222. trembling: cf.b.284. thou fancy:cf.b.

42. under thee:cf.b.

222. trembling: cf.b.

284. thou fancy:cf.b.

13. did he.14. amongst.21. One question.42. under you.64. sirwanting.73. it will.82. That's moated all round about, sir.102. allwanting.112. me a maiden-head, sir.114. Forwanting.133. towanting.171. forwanting.173. screeping.18. An Answer,etc., begins here.191. cross the.193. met with.222. trembled.244. Who doth.283. shall.284. you fancy.313. said.314. you are well.323. the old.344. woman.35. The Third Partbegins here.354. Is.384. Or I'll be.402. Again.403. must be.441. sat.442. sowanting.444. Thatwanting.461. that she.462. rise.463. For he.481. laughing, sir.491. it's.50.End ofPart III.

13. did he.

14. amongst.

21. One question.

42. under you.

64. sirwanting.

73. it will.

82. That's moated all round about, sir.

102. allwanting.

112. me a maiden-head, sir.

114. Forwanting.

133. towanting.

171. forwanting.

173. screeping.

18. An Answer,etc., begins here.

191. cross the.

193. met with.

222. trembled.

244. Who doth.

283. shall.

284. you fancy.

313. said.

314. you are well.

323. the old.

344. woman.

35. The Third Partbegins here.

354. Is.

384. Or I'll be.

402. Again.

403. must be.

441. sat.

442. sowanting.

444. Thatwanting.

461. that she.

462. rise.

463. For he.

481. laughing, sir.

491. it's.

50.End ofPart III.

11. got drunk.12. he met.14. Andwanting: amongst.21. One question.23. nor shoes.34. haswanting.43, 4.wanting.64. sirwanting.82. That is moated all round about, sir.91. set.93. And so.101. he came.104. shewanting.112. my maiden-head home, sir.114. Forwanting.122. wet.123. a curse be.13.wanting.142. it a.144. We ll make.161. forwanting.163. not mind.171. forwanting.173. squeaking.18. Part II.191. a cross the.193. met with.202. did decoy.204. enjoy you.214. water.222. trembling.223. I guide.232. I vow I.244. Who does.254. While she a.271. sir, good knight.281. than standing.282. a deep flowing.283. shall.284. thou fancest.293. outwanting.301. farewel, sir knight.312. the fault that.313. said.314. you are well.323. Whilst the knight.344. woman.35. Part III.351. baffldwanting.362. closewanting.373. than be.384. Or I'll be.394. he'd.403. must be.422. These.432. on your.434. downwanting.441. sat.442. sowanting.444. Thatwanting.461. that she.463. For he.481. laughing, sir.483. never have: boots nor.491. it's almost dark.493. servant man.51. Part IV.512. has.513. and service.514. him quite.532. summer's.564. worth one.581. he went.582. on every.592. into.594. Or he shall lye.601. not leave me at.604. flattery.612. no way.613. on him and said.624. So that you may use your.634. sawn.

11. got drunk.

12. he met.

14. Andwanting: amongst.

21. One question.

23. nor shoes.

34. haswanting.

43, 4.wanting.

64. sirwanting.

82. That is moated all round about, sir.

91. set.

93. And so.

101. he came.

104. shewanting.

112. my maiden-head home, sir.

114. Forwanting.

122. wet.

123. a curse be.

13.wanting.

142. it a.

144. We ll make.

161. forwanting.

163. not mind.

171. forwanting.

173. squeaking.

18. Part II.

191. a cross the.

193. met with.

202. did decoy.

204. enjoy you.

214. water.

222. trembling.

223. I guide.

232. I vow I.

244. Who does.

254. While she a.

271. sir, good knight.

281. than standing.

282. a deep flowing.

283. shall.

284. thou fancest.

293. outwanting.

301. farewel, sir knight.

312. the fault that.

313. said.

314. you are well.

323. Whilst the knight.

344. woman.

35. Part III.

351. baffldwanting.

362. closewanting.

373. than be.

384. Or I'll be.

394. he'd.

403. must be.

422. These.

432. on your.

434. downwanting.

441. sat.

442. sowanting.

444. Thatwanting.

461. that she.

463. For he.

481. laughing, sir.

483. never have: boots nor.

491. it's almost dark.

493. servant man.

51. Part IV.

512. has.

513. and service.

514. him quite.

532. summer's.

564. worth one.

581. he went.

582. on every.

592. into.

594. Or he shall lye.

601. not leave me at.

604. flattery.

612. no way.

613. on him and said.

624. So that you may use your.

634. sawn.

14. cooks.33. gaywanting.44. of thee.84. I will.91. sat104. shewanting.114. as farwanting.123. curses.133. towanting.142. ofwanting.144. of thee.152. calls: awanting.161. for wanting.164. wrinking.171. for wanting.173. shrieking.213. slide.222. trembled.253. discoursing.281. knight was.282. Or.284. which you.292. water.304. wanting.313. sirwanting.321. father.373. did run.374. hewanting.382. in the.394. he'd.402. young foolish.422. These.452. now I'm.483. have stood: nor.494. To help off thy.503. stay all.522. none but.534. off his.543. rode.561. has she.563. ar'n't.582. on every.583. charming youthful.622. feet.

14. cooks.

33. gaywanting.

44. of thee.

84. I will.

91. sat

104. shewanting.

114. as farwanting.

123. curses.

133. towanting.

142. ofwanting.

144. of thee.

152. calls: awanting.

161. for wanting.

164. wrinking.

171. for wanting.

173. shrieking.

213. slide.

222. trembled.

253. discoursing.

281. knight was.

282. Or.

284. which you.

292. water.

304. wanting.

313. sirwanting.

321. father.

373. did run.

374. hewanting.

382. in the.

394. he'd.

402. young foolish.

422. These.

452. now I'm.

483. have stood: nor.

494. To help off thy.

503. stay all.

522. none but.

534. off his.

543. rode.

561. has she.

563. ar'n't.

582. on every.

583. charming youthful.

622. feet.

D. b.

Burden:

And blow the winds, heigh ho!Sing blow the winds, heigh ho!Clear away the morning dew,And blow the winds, heigho!

12. He kept sheep on yonder hill.13. and his.21. and he.22. He took an other look.23. lady gay.24. Was dipping.3, 4are wanting.51. She said, sir, don't touch my mantle.52. Come, let.53. I will give you.61. I will not.62. Andwanting.63. I'll... water clear.

12. He kept sheep on yonder hill.

13. and his.

21. and he.

22. He took an other look.

23. lady gay.

24. Was dipping.

3, 4are wanting.

51. She said, sir, don't touch my mantle.

52. Come, let.

53. I will give you.

61. I will not.

62. Andwanting.

63. I'll... water clear.

7.He did not touch her mantle,He let her clothes alone,But he took her from the clear water,And all to be his own.

81. He set her.83. And there they rode along the road.After8:

81. He set her.

83. And there they rode along the road.

After8:

And as he rode along the roadThey spied some cocks of hay;'Yonder,' he says, 'is a lovely placeFor men and maids to play.'

91. And when they came.92. She pulled at a ring.93. ready was the proud porter.94. For to let the lady.101. gates were open.102. This lady jumped in.103. She says, You are a fool without.111. Good morrow to you, modest.118. If you had been what you should have been.114. I would not have.For12-14:

91. And when they came.

92. She pulled at a ring.

93. ready was the proud porter.

94. For to let the lady.

101. gates were open.

102. This lady jumped in.

103. She says, You are a fool without.

111. Good morrow to you, modest.

118. If you had been what you should have been.

114. I would not have.

For12-14:

'There is a horse in my father's stable,He stands beyond the thorn;He shakes his head above the trough,But dares not prey the corn.'There is a bird in my father's flock,A double comb he wears;He flaps his wings, and crows full loud,But a capon's crest he bears.'There is a flower in my father's garden,They call it marygold;The fool that will not when he may,He shall not when he wold.'Said the shepherd's son, as he doft his shoon,My feet they shall run bare,And if ever I meet another maid,I rede that maid beware.

'There is a horse in my father's stable,He stands beyond the thorn;He shakes his head above the trough,But dares not prey the corn.

'There is a bird in my father's flock,A double comb he wears;He flaps his wings, and crows full loud,But a capon's crest he bears.

'There is a flower in my father's garden,They call it marygold;The fool that will not when he may,He shall not when he wold.'

Said the shepherd's son, as he doft his shoon,My feet they shall run bare,And if ever I meet another maid,I rede that maid beware.

Roxburghe Ballads, I, 306 f; Ballad Society's reprint, II, 281.

The Politick Maid,or,A dainty new ditty,Both pleasant and witty,Wherein you may seeThe maide's policie.

1There was a knight was wine-drunke,As he rode on the way,And there he spide a bonny lasse,Among the cocks of hay.Sing loud, whistle in the winde,Blow merry, merry,Up and down in yonder dale,With hey tro, nonney, nonney.2This gallant knight unto the lasseDid present take his way,But it seemd he had a shame-face,He did not court and play.3When he came to this bonny lasse,He found she was not coy;His courtesie she did imbrace,And did not say him nay.4If we should sit us downe here,Upon the grasse so greene,Here's neither sheet nor covering,To keep our cloathing cleane.5'And if we should sit downe,' quoth he,'Among the cockes of hay,Then would come forth the king's pinder,And take our steedes away.'6'I have rings on my fingers,Made of the purest gold,That will release our steedes againeOut of the king's pinfold.7'Sir knight, if you will goe with meInto my father's bowers,There you may sit and talke with meThis three or foure houres.'8When she came to her father's bowers,They were moted round about;Then she slipt in at a wicket,And left sir knight without.9'Now I am here, a maide, within,And you, sir knight, without;You may lay straw under your feete,To keepe you from the gout.10'Henceforth when you doe meet a maide,A mile out of the towne,Sir knight, you must not be affraidOf soyling of her gowne.11'And if you chance to meet a maidAmongst the cockes of hay,Sir knight, you must not be affraidWith her to court, and saySing loud, etc.12'It is a proverb, many say,And truth it is in tryall,He that will not when as he mayShall after have denyall.13'And thus, sir knight, now fare you well,To you I bid adieu;And you hereafterwards may tellHow I have servëd you.'

2This gallant knight unto the lasseDid present take his way,But it seemd he had a shame-face,He did not court and play.

3When he came to this bonny lasse,He found she was not coy;His courtesie she did imbrace,And did not say him nay.

4If we should sit us downe here,Upon the grasse so greene,Here's neither sheet nor covering,To keep our cloathing cleane.

5'And if we should sit downe,' quoth he,'Among the cockes of hay,Then would come forth the king's pinder,And take our steedes away.'

6'I have rings on my fingers,Made of the purest gold,That will release our steedes againeOut of the king's pinfold.

7'Sir knight, if you will goe with meInto my father's bowers,There you may sit and talke with meThis three or foure houres.'

8When she came to her father's bowers,They were moted round about;Then she slipt in at a wicket,And left sir knight without.

9'Now I am here, a maide, within,And you, sir knight, without;You may lay straw under your feete,To keepe you from the gout.

10'Henceforth when you doe meet a maide,A mile out of the towne,Sir knight, you must not be affraidOf soyling of her gowne.

11'And if you chance to meet a maidAmongst the cockes of hay,Sir knight, you must not be affraidWith her to court, and saySing loud, etc.

12'It is a proverb, many say,And truth it is in tryall,He that will not when as he mayShall after have denyall.

13'And thus, sir knight, now fare you well,To you I bid adieu;And you hereafterwards may tellHow I have servëd you.'

R. C.

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