K

Kinloch MSS, V, 371, in the handwriting of Dr John Hill Burton.

1O Lammikin was as good a masonas ever bigget stane;He's bigget Lord Erley's castle,but money he got nane.2It fell out upon a timeLord Earley went from home;He left his lady in his castle,but and his young son.* * * * *3'Where is the lord o this house,that calls me Lammikin?''He's on the sea sailing,he will not come home.'4'Where are the men o this house,that call me Lammikin?''They are at the barn threshing,they will not come in.'5'Where are the maids of this house,that call me Lammikin?''They are at the well washing,they will not come in.'6'Where is the lady o this house,that calls me Lammikin?''She's in her room shewing,she will not come down.'7'How shall we contrivefor to make her come down?''We'll stick her dear infant,and make her come down.'8O Lammikin he rocket,and the fause nurice sung,While out o the cradlethe infant's blude sprung.9'O still my bairn, nurice,'the lady did cry:'He will not still, lady,for you nor for I.'10'O still my bairn, nurice,still him wi the wan:''He will not still, lady,for a' his father's lan.'11'Oh still my bairn, nurice,still him wi the keys:''Oh he winna still, lady,for a' his father's leys.'12'Oh still my bairn, nurice,still him wi the bell:''Oh he winna still, lady,till ye come down yersell.'13The firsten step that lady stepped,it was upon a stone;The nexten step that lady stepped,she saw him Lammikin.14The nexten step that lady steppedwas in her own child's blood,. . . . . . .. . . . . . .* * * * *15'Oh will I kill her, nurice,or will I let her be?''Kill her, dear Lammikin,she was never gude to me.'16'Oh wanted you meat, nurice?or wanted you fee?Or wanted you anythingthat a lady can gie?'17'I wanted no meat, lady,nor wanted I fee,But I wanted mony a thingthat a lady could gie.'* * * * *

1O Lammikin was as good a masonas ever bigget stane;He's bigget Lord Erley's castle,but money he got nane.

2It fell out upon a timeLord Earley went from home;He left his lady in his castle,but and his young son.

* * * * *

3'Where is the lord o this house,that calls me Lammikin?''He's on the sea sailing,he will not come home.'

4'Where are the men o this house,that call me Lammikin?''They are at the barn threshing,they will not come in.'

5'Where are the maids of this house,that call me Lammikin?''They are at the well washing,they will not come in.'

6'Where is the lady o this house,that calls me Lammikin?''She's in her room shewing,she will not come down.'

7'How shall we contrivefor to make her come down?''We'll stick her dear infant,and make her come down.'

8O Lammikin he rocket,and the fause nurice sung,While out o the cradlethe infant's blude sprung.

9'O still my bairn, nurice,'the lady did cry:'He will not still, lady,for you nor for I.'

10'O still my bairn, nurice,still him wi the wan:''He will not still, lady,for a' his father's lan.'

11'Oh still my bairn, nurice,still him wi the keys:''Oh he winna still, lady,for a' his father's leys.'

12'Oh still my bairn, nurice,still him wi the bell:''Oh he winna still, lady,till ye come down yersell.'

13The firsten step that lady stepped,it was upon a stone;The nexten step that lady stepped,she saw him Lammikin.

14The nexten step that lady steppedwas in her own child's blood,. . . . . . .. . . . . . .

* * * * *

15'Oh will I kill her, nurice,or will I let her be?''Kill her, dear Lammikin,she was never gude to me.'

16'Oh wanted you meat, nurice?or wanted you fee?Or wanted you anythingthat a lady can gie?'

17'I wanted no meat, lady,nor wanted I fee,But I wanted mony a thingthat a lady could gie.'

* * * * *

Communicated to Percy by Rev. P. Parsons, of Wye, near Ashford, Kent, April 19, 1775.

1My lord said to my lady,when he went from home,Take care of Long Longkin,he lies in the lone.2My lady said to my lord,when he went abroad,. . . . . . .. . . . . . .3'I care not for Longkin,nor none of his kin,For my gate 's fast barrd,and my windows shut in.'4My lord was not gonemany miles from the place,Untill the false Longkincame straight to the place.* * * * *5'Pinch the bairn, nourry,pinch it very sore,Untill the mothershall come down below.'6'Still the bairn, nury,still it with the pap:''It wont be stilld, madam,with neither this nor that.'7'Still the bairn, nury,still it with a bell:''It wont be stilld, madam,till you cum down yoursell.'* * * * *8'Come down, Lady Betty,the flower of all your kin,And see your mother's heart's blood,so freely running.9Down came Lady Betty,her heart full of woe:'Oh take my life, Longkin,and let my mother go.'10'Come down, Lady Nelly,the flower of all your kin,And see your sister's heart's blood,so freely running.'11Down came Lady Nelly,her heart full of woe:'Oh take my life, Longkin,and let my sister go.'12'Come down, Lady Jenny, etc.

1My lord said to my lady,when he went from home,Take care of Long Longkin,he lies in the lone.

2My lady said to my lord,when he went abroad,. . . . . . .. . . . . . .

3'I care not for Longkin,nor none of his kin,For my gate 's fast barrd,and my windows shut in.'

4My lord was not gonemany miles from the place,Untill the false Longkincame straight to the place.

* * * * *

5'Pinch the bairn, nourry,pinch it very sore,Untill the mothershall come down below.'

6'Still the bairn, nury,still it with the pap:''It wont be stilld, madam,with neither this nor that.'

7'Still the bairn, nury,still it with a bell:''It wont be stilld, madam,till you cum down yoursell.'

* * * * *

8'Come down, Lady Betty,the flower of all your kin,And see your mother's heart's blood,so freely running.

9Down came Lady Betty,her heart full of woe:'Oh take my life, Longkin,and let my mother go.'

10'Come down, Lady Nelly,the flower of all your kin,And see your sister's heart's blood,so freely running.'

11Down came Lady Nelly,her heart full of woe:'Oh take my life, Longkin,and let my sister go.'

12'Come down, Lady Jenny, etc.

Motherwell's MS., p. 14, from Mr W. Steele, Greenock.

* * * * *1'O where's the men of this house?'quo the Lamkin:'They're in the barn threshing,'quo the false nurse within.2'O where's the women of the house?'quo the Lamkin:'They're at the well washing,'quo the false nurse within.3'O where's the lord of this house?'quo the Lamkin:'He's in the wood hunting,'quo the false nurse within.4'O where's the lady of the house?'quo the Lamkin:'She's in her bower dressing,'quo the false nurse within.* * * * *5'O please my babie, nourrice,O please him with the keys:''He'll no be pleased, madam,let me do what I please.'6'O please my babie, nourrice,O please him with the bell:''He'll no be pleased, madam,till ye come down yoursell.'* * * * *7There was blood in the chaumer,and blood in the ha,And blood in his ladie's room,which he liked warst of a'.* * * * *

* * * * *

1'O where's the men of this house?'quo the Lamkin:'They're in the barn threshing,'quo the false nurse within.

2'O where's the women of the house?'quo the Lamkin:'They're at the well washing,'quo the false nurse within.

3'O where's the lord of this house?'quo the Lamkin:'He's in the wood hunting,'quo the false nurse within.

4'O where's the lady of the house?'quo the Lamkin:'She's in her bower dressing,'quo the false nurse within.

* * * * *

5'O please my babie, nourrice,O please him with the keys:''He'll no be pleased, madam,let me do what I please.'

6'O please my babie, nourrice,O please him with the bell:''He'll no be pleased, madam,till ye come down yoursell.'

* * * * *

7There was blood in the chaumer,and blood in the ha,And blood in his ladie's room,which he liked warst of a'.

* * * * *

a.Dr Joseph Robertson's Note-Book, Adversaria, p. 60, from tradition.b.Kinloch MSS, VI, 31, in Dr Robertson's handwriting.

* * * * *1But it fell out upon a dayLord Wearie was to gae frae hame,And he has left his lady gayIn his castell to stay her lane.* * * * *2Lamkin rocked,and fausse nourice sang,And a' the four tors o the cradlered blood sprang.3'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the wan:'He winna still, lady,for a' his father's lan.'4'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the keys:'He winna still, lady,for a' his father's leys.'5'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the pap:''He winna still, lady,for this nor for that.'6'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the bell:''He winna still, lady,untill ye cum down yersell.'7The firsten step she steppet,she stepped on a stane,And the nexten step she stepped,she keppit him fause Lamkin.8The thirden step she steppit,she saw her young son's red blood run on,. . . . . . .. . . . . . .9'Ye've killed my bairn, Lamkin,but lat mysell be;Ye'se be as weel payit a masonas was ever payd a fee.'

* * * * *

1But it fell out upon a dayLord Wearie was to gae frae hame,And he has left his lady gayIn his castell to stay her lane.

* * * * *

2Lamkin rocked,and fausse nourice sang,And a' the four tors o the cradlered blood sprang.

3'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the wan:'He winna still, lady,for a' his father's lan.'

4'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the keys:'He winna still, lady,for a' his father's leys.'

5'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the pap:''He winna still, lady,for this nor for that.'

6'O still my bairn, nourice,O still him wi the bell:''He winna still, lady,untill ye cum down yersell.'

7The firsten step she steppet,she stepped on a stane,And the nexten step she stepped,she keppit him fause Lamkin.

8The thirden step she steppit,she saw her young son's red blood run on,. . . . . . .. . . . . . .

9'Ye've killed my bairn, Lamkin,but lat mysell be;Ye'se be as weel payit a masonas was ever payd a fee.'

Dr Joseph Robertson's Journal of Excursions, 1828-29, No 2.

1Lamkin was as gude a masonas ever biggit stone;He biggit Laird Earie's house,and payment he got none.2O it fell ance upon a dayLaird Earie went from home,And Lamkin came cravinhis lady alone.3'O far's the laird o this place?O neerice, tell me:''He's on the sea sailin,O Lamkin,' said she.4'O far's the lady o this place?neerice, tell me:''She's up the stair dressin,O Lamkin,' said she.5'O far's the bairns o this place?neerice, tell me:''The're at the scheel...O Lamkin,' said she.'O will I get a word o her,neerice?' said he.* * * * *6The first step that lady steppetshe steppd on a stone;The next step that lady steptshe met wi Lamkin.* * * * *7Ere the basin was washen,or haf made clean,The ladie's heart-bleedwas rinnin in the reem.

1Lamkin was as gude a masonas ever biggit stone;He biggit Laird Earie's house,and payment he got none.

2O it fell ance upon a dayLaird Earie went from home,And Lamkin came cravinhis lady alone.

3'O far's the laird o this place?O neerice, tell me:''He's on the sea sailin,O Lamkin,' said she.

4'O far's the lady o this place?neerice, tell me:''She's up the stair dressin,O Lamkin,' said she.

5'O far's the bairns o this place?neerice, tell me:''The're at the scheel...O Lamkin,' said she.'O will I get a word o her,neerice?' said he.

* * * * *

6The first step that lady steppetshe steppd on a stone;The next step that lady steptshe met wi Lamkin.

* * * * *

7Ere the basin was washen,or haf made clean,The ladie's heart-bleedwas rinnin in the reem.

Kinloch MSS, V, 375, from Mrs Forbes, Milne's Court, Edinburgh, in the handwriting of Robert Chambers.

* * * * *1'You have two bright diamonds,as bright as the stars,Put one on each finger,they'll show you doun stairs.'2The first step this lady took,she dreaded no harm;But the second step this lady took,she was in Lammikin's arms.3'Will I kill her, nursie,or will I let her be?''Oh yes, kill her, Lammikin,she was never gude to me.'4'How can [ye] say so, nursie?how can ye say so?For your head neer did achebut my heart it was sore.5'Oh spare my life, nursie,oh spare my life, spare;Ye'll have as mony gowd guineasas there's birds in the air.6'Oh spare my life, nursie,till my lord comes back;Ye'll have as mony gowd guineasas the fou of a sack.'7'Oh yes kill her and.... . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .8'Go scour the silver basin,go scour it fine,For our lady's heart's bludeis gentle to tine.9'Go scour the silver skewer,oh scour it richt fine,For our lady's heart's bludeis gentle to tine.'

* * * * *

1'You have two bright diamonds,as bright as the stars,Put one on each finger,they'll show you doun stairs.'

2The first step this lady took,she dreaded no harm;But the second step this lady took,she was in Lammikin's arms.

3'Will I kill her, nursie,or will I let her be?''Oh yes, kill her, Lammikin,she was never gude to me.'

4'How can [ye] say so, nursie?how can ye say so?For your head neer did achebut my heart it was sore.

5'Oh spare my life, nursie,oh spare my life, spare;Ye'll have as mony gowd guineasas there's birds in the air.

6'Oh spare my life, nursie,till my lord comes back;Ye'll have as mony gowd guineasas the fou of a sack.'

7'Oh yes kill her and.... . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .

8'Go scour the silver basin,go scour it fine,For our lady's heart's bludeis gentle to tine.

9'Go scour the silver skewer,oh scour it richt fine,For our lady's heart's bludeis gentle to tine.'

Herd's MSS, I, 25.

1A better mason than Lammikinnevir builded wi the stane,Wha builded Lord Weire's castill,but wages nevir gat nane.* * * * *2They stecked doors, they stecked yates,close to the cheik and the chin;They stecked them a' but a little wickit,and Lammikin crap in.3'Now where's the lady of this castle?nurse, tell to Lammikin:''She's sewing up intill her bowir,'the fals nourrice she sung.4'What sall we do, what sall we say,to gar her cum there down?''We'll nip the baby in the cradle,'the fals nourrice she sung.5Lammikin nipped the bonie babe,while loud fals nourice sings;Lammikin nipped the bony babe,while hich the red blude springs.6'O gentil nourice, please my babe,O please him wi the keys:''He'll no be pleased, gay lady,gin I'd sit on my knees.'7'Gude gentil nourice, please my babe,O please him wi a knife:''He winna be pleased, mistress myne,gin I wad lay down my lyfe.'8'Sweet nourice, loud, loud cries my babe,O please him wi the bell:''He winna be pleased, gay lady,till ye cum down yoursell.'

1A better mason than Lammikinnevir builded wi the stane,Wha builded Lord Weire's castill,but wages nevir gat nane.

* * * * *

2They stecked doors, they stecked yates,close to the cheik and the chin;They stecked them a' but a little wickit,and Lammikin crap in.

3'Now where's the lady of this castle?nurse, tell to Lammikin:''She's sewing up intill her bowir,'the fals nourrice she sung.

4'What sall we do, what sall we say,to gar her cum there down?''We'll nip the baby in the cradle,'the fals nourrice she sung.

5Lammikin nipped the bonie babe,while loud fals nourice sings;Lammikin nipped the bony babe,while hich the red blude springs.

6'O gentil nourice, please my babe,O please him wi the keys:''He'll no be pleased, gay lady,gin I'd sit on my knees.'

7'Gude gentil nourice, please my babe,O please him wi a knife:''He winna be pleased, mistress myne,gin I wad lay down my lyfe.'

8'Sweet nourice, loud, loud cries my babe,O please him wi the bell:''He winna be pleased, gay lady,till ye cum down yoursell.'

Finlay's Scottish Ballads, II, 45.

1Lammikin was as gude a masonas ever hewed a stane;He biggit Lord Weire's castle,but payment gat he nane.* * * * *2'Where are the lads o this castle?'says the Lammikin:'They are a' wi Lord Weire, hunting,'the false nourice did sing.3'Where are the lasses o this castle?'says the Lammikin:'They are a' out at the washing,'the false nourice did sing.4'But where's the lady o this house?'says the Lammikin:'She is in her bower sewing,'the false nourice did sing.5'Is this the bairn o this house?'says the Lammikin:'The only bairn Lord Weire aughts,'the false nourice did sing.* * * * *6'Still my bairn, nourice,O still him if ye can:''He will not still, madam,for a' his father's lan.'7'O gentle nourice, still my bairn,O still him wi the keys:''He will not still, fair lady,let me do what I please.'8'O still my bairn, kind nourice,O still him wi the ring:''He will not still, my lady,let me do any thing.'* * * * *9The first step she stepped,she stepped on a stane;The next step she stepped,she met the Lammikin.* * * * *10'O nourice, wanted ye your meat?or wanted ye your fee?Or wanted ye for any thinga fair lady could gie?'11'I wanted for nae meat, ladie,I wanted for nae fee;But I wanted for a hantlea fair lady could gie.'* * * * *12'I wish a' may be weel,' he says,'wi my ladie at hame;For the rings upon my fingersare bursting in twain.'* * * * *13'There's bluid in my nursery,there's bluid in my ha,There's bluid in my fair lady's bower,an that's warst of a'.'14O sweet, sweet sang the birdie,upon the bough sae hie,But little cared false nourice for that,for it was her gallows-tree.* * * * *

1Lammikin was as gude a masonas ever hewed a stane;He biggit Lord Weire's castle,but payment gat he nane.

* * * * *

2'Where are the lads o this castle?'says the Lammikin:'They are a' wi Lord Weire, hunting,'the false nourice did sing.

3'Where are the lasses o this castle?'says the Lammikin:'They are a' out at the washing,'the false nourice did sing.

4'But where's the lady o this house?'says the Lammikin:'She is in her bower sewing,'the false nourice did sing.

5'Is this the bairn o this house?'says the Lammikin:'The only bairn Lord Weire aughts,'the false nourice did sing.

* * * * *

6'Still my bairn, nourice,O still him if ye can:''He will not still, madam,for a' his father's lan.'

7'O gentle nourice, still my bairn,O still him wi the keys:''He will not still, fair lady,let me do what I please.'

8'O still my bairn, kind nourice,O still him wi the ring:''He will not still, my lady,let me do any thing.'

* * * * *

9The first step she stepped,she stepped on a stane;The next step she stepped,she met the Lammikin.

* * * * *

10'O nourice, wanted ye your meat?or wanted ye your fee?Or wanted ye for any thinga fair lady could gie?'

11'I wanted for nae meat, ladie,I wanted for nae fee;But I wanted for a hantlea fair lady could gie.'

* * * * *

12'I wish a' may be weel,' he says,'wi my ladie at hame;For the rings upon my fingersare bursting in twain.'

* * * * *

13'There's bluid in my nursery,there's bluid in my ha,There's bluid in my fair lady's bower,an that's warst of a'.'

14O sweet, sweet sang the birdie,upon the bough sae hie,But little cared false nourice for that,for it was her gallows-tree.

* * * * *

Finlay's Scottish Ballads, II, 55, "from a manuscript formerly written by an old lady."

1When Sir Guy and his traingaed to hunt the wild boar,He gard bar up his castle,behind and before.2And he bade his fair ladyguard weel her young son,For wicked Balcanqualgreat mischief had done.3So she closed a' the windows,without and within,But forgot the wee wicket,and Balcanqual crap in.* * * * *4Syne Balcanqual he rocked,and fause nourice sang,Till through a' the cradlethe baby's blood sprang.5'O please the bairn, nourice,and please him wi the keys:''He'll no be pleased, madam,for a' that he sees.'6And Balcanqual ay rocked,while fause nourice sang,And through a' the cradlethe baby's blood ran.7'Please the bairn, nourice,and please him wi the knife:''He'll no be pleased, madam,tho I'd gie my life.'8And Balcanqual still rocked,and fause nourice sang,While through a' the cradlethe baby's blood ran.9'Now please the bairn, nourice,and please him wi the bell:''He'll no be pleased, madam,till ye come yoursell.'10Down came this fair lady,tripping down the stair,To see her sick bairn,but returned never mair.11'Now scour the bason, Jenny,and scour 't very clean,To haad this lady's blood,for she's of noble kin.'* * * * *

1When Sir Guy and his traingaed to hunt the wild boar,He gard bar up his castle,behind and before.

2And he bade his fair ladyguard weel her young son,For wicked Balcanqualgreat mischief had done.

3So she closed a' the windows,without and within,But forgot the wee wicket,and Balcanqual crap in.

* * * * *

4Syne Balcanqual he rocked,and fause nourice sang,Till through a' the cradlethe baby's blood sprang.

5'O please the bairn, nourice,and please him wi the keys:''He'll no be pleased, madam,for a' that he sees.'

6And Balcanqual ay rocked,while fause nourice sang,And through a' the cradlethe baby's blood ran.

7'Please the bairn, nourice,and please him wi the knife:''He'll no be pleased, madam,tho I'd gie my life.'

8And Balcanqual still rocked,and fause nourice sang,While through a' the cradlethe baby's blood ran.

9'Now please the bairn, nourice,and please him wi the bell:''He'll no be pleased, madam,till ye come yoursell.'

10Down came this fair lady,tripping down the stair,To see her sick bairn,but returned never mair.

11'Now scour the bason, Jenny,and scour 't very clean,To haad this lady's blood,for she's of noble kin.'

* * * * *

Motherwell's Note-Book, fol. 13.

1Lambkin was as brave a builderas eer built a stane,And he built Lord Cassillis house,an for payment he gat nane.2My lord said to my lady,when he went abroad,Tak care o fause Lamkin,for he sleeps in the wood.

1Lambkin was as brave a builderas eer built a stane,And he built Lord Cassillis house,an for payment he gat nane.

2My lord said to my lady,when he went abroad,Tak care o fause Lamkin,for he sleeps in the wood.

Recited to me by Ellen Healy, January 14, 1881, as sung by Moll Lochnie, a woman of about seventy, at a place near Killarney, before 1867.

1'Where is the lord?or is he within?''He's gone to New England,to dine with the king.'2'Where is his horses?or where is his men?''They're gone to New England,to wait upon him.'3'Where is his lady?or is she within?''She's in her bedchamber,all in her lying in.'4'Can I get at her,with thousands of lands?Can I get at her,to make her understand?'5'You cannot get at her,with thousands of lands;You cannot get at her,to make her understand.'6'Lady, come down,and please your child,'. . . . . . .. . . . . . .7'Can't you please my childwith white bread and breast-wine?''O lady, come down,and please him awhile.'8'How can I go down,this cold winter's night,Without a fire in the kitchen,or candle to light?'9'You've got nine bright lamps,just as bright as the king;Lady, come down,and light one of them.'10. . . . . . .. . . . . . .False Lantin he took herso brave in his arms.11Saying, Where is your friend,or where is your foe,That will hold the gold basin,your heart's blood to flow?12'My nurse is not my friend,my nurse is my foe;She'll hold the gold basin,my heart's blood to flow.13'O spare my lifefor one summer's day,And I'll give you as much moneyas there's sand in the sea.'14'I'll not spare your lifefor one summer's day,And I wont have as much moneyas there's sand in the sea.'15'O spare me my lifeuntil one o'clock,And I'll give you Queen Betsie,the flower of the flock.'16'O mama, dear mama,then please him awhile;My dada is coming,he's dressed in great style.'17False Lantin he heardthe words from the high,Saying, Your mama is dead,and away I will fly.18'O dada, dear dada,do not blame me,'Tis nurse and false Lantinbetrayed your ladie.'19'I'll bury my mamaagainst the wall,And I'll bury my baba,white all, white all.'

1'Where is the lord?or is he within?''He's gone to New England,to dine with the king.'

2'Where is his horses?or where is his men?''They're gone to New England,to wait upon him.'

3'Where is his lady?or is she within?''She's in her bedchamber,all in her lying in.'

4'Can I get at her,with thousands of lands?Can I get at her,to make her understand?'

5'You cannot get at her,with thousands of lands;You cannot get at her,to make her understand.'

6'Lady, come down,and please your child,'. . . . . . .. . . . . . .

7'Can't you please my childwith white bread and breast-wine?''O lady, come down,and please him awhile.'

8'How can I go down,this cold winter's night,Without a fire in the kitchen,or candle to light?'

9'You've got nine bright lamps,just as bright as the king;Lady, come down,and light one of them.'

10. . . . . . .. . . . . . .False Lantin he took herso brave in his arms.

11Saying, Where is your friend,or where is your foe,That will hold the gold basin,your heart's blood to flow?

12'My nurse is not my friend,my nurse is my foe;She'll hold the gold basin,my heart's blood to flow.

13'O spare my lifefor one summer's day,And I'll give you as much moneyas there's sand in the sea.'

14'I'll not spare your lifefor one summer's day,And I wont have as much moneyas there's sand in the sea.'

15'O spare me my lifeuntil one o'clock,And I'll give you Queen Betsie,the flower of the flock.'

16'O mama, dear mama,then please him awhile;My dada is coming,he's dressed in great style.'

17False Lantin he heardthe words from the high,Saying, Your mama is dead,and away I will fly.

18'O dada, dear dada,do not blame me,'Tis nurse and false Lantinbetrayed your ladie.'

19'I'll bury my mamaagainst the wall,And I'll bury my baba,white all, white all.'

a.The Ballad Book, by William Allingham, p. xxxiii, part of a version sung by a nurse in the family of a relative in Ireland.b.The same, p. 297, No 56, a compounded version.

1As my lord and my ladywere out walking one day,Says my lord to my lady,Beware of Lamkin.2'O why should I fear him,or any such man,When my doors are well barrd,and my windows well pinnd?'* * * * *3'O keep your gold and silver,it will do you some good;It will buy you a coffin,when you are dead.'4There's blood in the kitchen,and blood in the hall,And the young Mayor of Englandlies dead by the wall.

1As my lord and my ladywere out walking one day,Says my lord to my lady,Beware of Lamkin.

2'O why should I fear him,or any such man,When my doors are well barrd,and my windows well pinnd?'

* * * * *

3'O keep your gold and silver,it will do you some good;It will buy you a coffin,when you are dead.'

4There's blood in the kitchen,and blood in the hall,And the young Mayor of Englandlies dead by the wall.

Harris MS., No 28, fol. 27 b, Miss Seymour, Lethnot.

I wald be very sorryto wash a basin clean,To haud my mither's heart's blude,that's comin, an I ken.

212, 222.Motherwell suggestsmotherforlady.After22, "a stanza, forgotten by the reciter, which purported that on the night his lady was murdered, the ring on Lord Arran's finger broke."

212, 222.Motherwell suggestsmotherforlady.

After22, "a stanza, forgotten by the reciter, which purported that on the night his lady was murdered, the ring on Lord Arran's finger broke."

F. b.

11. he got on.12, 22. who lives.31. The doors are... windows are.32. There is not... where a mouse can.42. For he.51. the windows all pinned.52. But one: Lankin.72. she's in her high chamber.81. young heir.91. we'll prick him, we'll.101. They pricked him, they.102. false nurse... drop in.112. my son Johnson.122, 142, 162. Come down.13.wanting.142. and nurse.152. And there 's no fire burning, nor lamp.162. all by.172. much money.18.wanting.19, 20, 21. Nancy.202. golden basin.222, 231. Longwanting.232. close by.

11. he got on.

12, 22. who lives.

31. The doors are... windows are.

32. There is not... where a mouse can.

42. For he.

51. the windows all pinned.

52. But one: Lankin.

72. she's in her high chamber.

81. young heir.

91. we'll prick him, we'll.

101. They pricked him, they.

102. false nurse... drop in.

112. my son Johnson.

122, 142, 162. Come down.

13.wanting.

142. and nurse.

152. And there 's no fire burning, nor lamp.

162. all by.

172. much money.

18.wanting.

19, 20, 21. Nancy.

202. golden basin.

222, 231. Longwanting.

232. close by.

"A friend of the lady who contributed our copy of this ballad gave a transcript to Miss Landon, who published it in the Drawing Room Scrap Book for 1835, in which, without any authority, she lays the scene of the murder in Cumberland."Variations in the Drawing Boom Scrap Book: 71, 81, 91. Where are.11, 13are given inHalliwell's Nursery Rhymes of England,ed.1874, p. 212, No 403,with only this variation: 112, when ye lord.

Variations in the Drawing Boom Scrap Book: 71, 81, 91. Where are.

11, 13are given inHalliwell's Nursery Rhymes of England,ed.1874, p. 212, No 403,with only this variation: 112, when ye lord.

51. marble stane,indistinct in the MS.71. O... her gang.

51. marble stane,indistinct in the MS.

71. O... her gang.

After4. He was in league with the nurse, who let him in to one of the low rooms.After12. Whilst he and the nurse are plundering the house, the lord comes home, and avenges himself upon these wicked villains.

After4. He was in league with the nurse, who let him in to one of the low rooms.

After12. Whilst he and the nurse are plundering the house, the lord comes home, and avenges himself upon these wicked villains.

21. woman.

M. a.

After1. And a' the servants were frae hame; Lamkin made up wi the fauss norice.2follows8.

After1. And a' the servants were frae hame; Lamkin made up wi the fauss norice.

2follows8.

Begins with a stanza very near toN1:

Lamkin was as gude a masonAs ever laid a stane,And he has built Lord Wearie a castle.But payment he got nane.

11. once upon: Wearie went frae.2follows6.21. Lamkin he rockit and the.22. Till to the four tors o the cradle the.31. a wand.8 isomitted.92. as eer was paid.

11. once upon: Wearie went frae.

2follows6.

21. Lamkin he rockit and the.

22. Till to the four tors o the cradle the.

31. a wand.

8 isomitted.

92. as eer was paid.

61. first steppd.

Eleven of the nineteen stanzas of Herd's version are spurious, and many of the others have been tampered with. The metre is disturbed or changed.Stanza 4 is omitted in Herd's printed copy.After1follow:

Eleven of the nineteen stanzas of Herd's version are spurious, and many of the others have been tampered with. The metre is disturbed or changed.

Stanza 4 is omitted in Herd's printed copy.

After1follow:

'Sen ye winnae gie me my guerdon, lord,Sen ye winnae gie me my hyre,Yon proud castle, sae stately built,I sall gar reck wi the fyre.'Sen ye winna gie me my wages, lord,Ye sall hae caus to rue:'And syne he brewed a black revenge,And syne he vowed a vow.'Now byde at hame, my luve, my lyfe,I warde ye byde at hame;Oh gang nae to this day's hunting,To leave me a' my lane.'Yestrene, yestrene, I dreamt my bowerOf red, red blude was fu;Gin ye gang to this black hunting,I sall hae caus to rue.''Wha looks to dreams, my winsome dame?Ye hae nae caus to feare:'And syne he's kist her comely cheik,And syne the starting teare.And syne he's gane to the good greene wode,And she to her painted bowir,And she's gard steck doors, windows, yates,Of castle, ha and tower.

'Sen ye winnae gie me my guerdon, lord,Sen ye winnae gie me my hyre,Yon proud castle, sae stately built,I sall gar reck wi the fyre.

'Sen ye winna gie me my wages, lord,Ye sall hae caus to rue:'And syne he brewed a black revenge,And syne he vowed a vow.

'Now byde at hame, my luve, my lyfe,I warde ye byde at hame;Oh gang nae to this day's hunting,To leave me a' my lane.

'Yestrene, yestrene, I dreamt my bowerOf red, red blude was fu;Gin ye gang to this black hunting,I sall hae caus to rue.'

'Wha looks to dreams, my winsome dame?Ye hae nae caus to feare:'And syne he's kist her comely cheik,And syne the starting teare.

And syne he's gane to the good greene wode,And she to her painted bowir,And she's gard steck doors, windows, yates,Of castle, ha and tower.

After 8 follow these five stanzas, found also in Herd's MSS, II, 97:

And when she saw the red, red blude,A loud scrich scriched she:'O monster, monster, spare the childWha never skaithed thee.'O spare, gif in your bluidy briestAlbergs not heart of stane;O spare, and ye sall hae of gouldWhat ye can carry hame.''Dame, I want not your gowd,' he sayd,'Dame, I want not your fee;I hae been wronged by your lord,Ye sall black vengence drie.'Here are nae serfs to guard your halls,Nae trusty spearsmen here;They sound the horn in good greene wode,And chase the doe and deer.'Tho merry sounds the gude greene wode,Wi huntsmen hounds and horn,Your lord sall rue eer sets yon sunHe hes done me skaith and scorn.'* * * * *

And when she saw the red, red blude,A loud scrich scriched she:'O monster, monster, spare the childWha never skaithed thee.

'O spare, gif in your bluidy briestAlbergs not heart of stane;O spare, and ye sall hae of gouldWhat ye can carry hame.'

'Dame, I want not your gowd,' he sayd,'Dame, I want not your fee;I hae been wronged by your lord,Ye sall black vengence drie.

'Here are nae serfs to guard your halls,Nae trusty spearsmen here;They sound the horn in good greene wode,And chase the doe and deer.

'Tho merry sounds the gude greene wode,Wi huntsmen hounds and horn,Your lord sall rue eer sets yon sunHe hes done me skaith and scorn.'

* * * * *

Forquha, ze,etc., wha, yeare printed.

Of the thirty-five stanzas printed by Finlay, seventeen, or 2, 3, 5-9, 12 (?), 14, 16 (?), 18, 19, 21-25, are derived from Herd's version,P,all his spurious verses being retained.There are some variations, due to imperfect recollection. Of the remaining eighteen, 4, 28, 29, 31, 34 are clearly by a modern pen. There are some twelve genuine stanzas, 1, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 26, 27, 30, 32, 33, which are independent of Herd. Two more, Finlay's 12, 16, have been left with these because they vary considerably from Herd, and may possibly be traditional. So may the following be, Finlay's 35 and last; but I think it is not.

They carried him a' airts o wind,And mickle pain had he;At last before Lord Weire's gateThey hanged him on the tree.

This second version of Finlay's has been written over. His fourth stanza and his last six owe nothing to tradition. Finlay himself"restored" the name of Balwearie from a recited copy "in preference to that of Sr. Guy, or Gray, which the MS. bears, as it makes the balladappearmore decidedly local."After 3:

After 3:

Then up spak fause nourice:'haste up to the tower,Somebody knocks at the gate,bauldly and dowr.'

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