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

MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER,
" By Eildon-tree, for long nights three,
In bloody grave have I lain ;
The mass and the death-prayer are said for me.
But, lady, they arc said in vain.
" By the Baron's brand, near Tweed's fair strand.
Most foully slain I fell;
And my restless sprite on the beacon's height,
For a space is doom'd to dwell.
" At our trysting-placc,* for a certain space,
I must wander to and fro ;
But I had not had power to come to thy Iwwcr,
Hadst thou not conjured me so."
Love master'd fear — her l)row she crossed ;
" How, Richard, hast thou sped ?
And art thou saved, or art thou lost?"
The Vision shook his head !
" Who spilleth life, shall forfeit life ;
So bid thy lord believe :
That lawless love is guilt above,
This awful sign receive."
He laid his left palm on an oaken beam ;
His right upon her hand :
The lady shrunk, and fainting sunk.
For it scoi'ch'd like a fiery brand.
The sable score, of fingers four.
Remains on that board impress'd ;
And for evermore that lady wore
A covering on her wrist.
There is a nun in Dryburgh bower.
Ne'er looks upon the sun :
There is a monk in IMclrose tower,
He speaketh word to none.
That nun, who ne'er beholds the day.
That monk, who speaks to none —
That nun was Sraaylho'me's Lady gay.
That monk the bold Baron.
* Place of rendezvous.