J. F. Campbell Collection > Minstrelsy of the Scottish border

MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER.
With springalds, stanes, and gads of airu,
Among them fast he threw ;
Till mony of the Englishmen I
About the wall he slew.
Full fifteen days that braid host lay,
Sieging aiild Maitland keen,
Syne they hae left him, hail and fair,
Within his streng-th of stane.
Then fifteen barks, all gaily good,
Met them upon a day,
AVhich they did lade with as much spoil
As they could bear away.
" England's our aiu by heritage ;
And what can us withstand.
Now we hae conquer'd fair Scotland,
With buckler, bow, and brand ?"
Then they are on to the land o' France,
Where auld King Edward lay.
Burning baith castle, tower, and town.
That he met in his way.
Untill he came unto that town.
Which some call Billop-Grace
There were Auld Maitland's sons, a' three,
Learning at school, alas !
The eldest to the youngest said,
" O see ye what I see ?
Gin a' be trew yon standard says,*
We're fatherlesse a' three.
" For Scotland's conquer'd, up and down ;
Landmen we'll never be :
Now will ye go, my brethren two.
And try some jeopardy ?"
Then they hae saddled twa black horse,
Twa black horse and a grey ;
And they are on to King Edward's host,
Before the dawn of day.
When they aiTiv'd before the host.
They hover'd on the lay —
" Wilt thou lend me our king's standard.
To bear a little way ?"
* Edward had quartered the arms of Scotland with his own.