Keppoch song

canto in. A KEPPOCH SONG- te
I forwards march to Inverness,
And lo, it there does come to pass,
That I th' king's house or castle burn;
After this frolic I return.
The governor thinks he's got a score
To make the royal lion roar;
But he the matter does defer,
Until the king be fit to war.
The king, of age, assumes the throne,
Soon makes his ruling foibles known.
He hopes to raise his fame in arms,
By forcing me to his own terms.
Athol he commissions to levy,
A select force them to convey,
Quite privately, to my own shore,
A landing make at my own door.
Athols Earl is glad of orders,
In hopes of adding to his borders;
Forward he comes with friendly look,
Under this mask, to conceal th' hook.
T him I give a courtly greeting,
Glad of such a friendly meeting.
Some of my train I do dismiss,
Lest his attendants think amiss.
With mirth and jovial feasting
I hope to make the friendship lasting;