The testament of the bride, by which she benefits her friends and leaves curses on her enemies, is very characteristic of the ballad-style, and is found in other ballads, as Lord Ronald and Edward, Edward. In the present case, ‘sister Grace’ obtains what would seem to be a very doubtful benefit.
THE CRUEL BROTHER
1.
1.2,4 It should be remembered that the refrain is supposed to be sung with each verse, here and elsewhere.
There was three ladies play’d at the ba’,
With a hey ho and a lillie gay
There came a knight and played o’er them a’,
As the primrose spreads so sweetly.
2.