LAMKIN
The Text is from Jamieson’s Popular Ballads. He obtained it from Mrs. Brown. It is by far the best version of a score or so in existence. The name of the hero varies from Lamkin, Lankin, Lonkin, etc., to Rankin and Balcanqual. I have been informed by Andrew McDowall, Esq., of an incomplete version in which Lamkin’s name has become ‘Bold Hang’em.’
Finlay (Scottish Ballads) remarks:— ‘All reciters agree that Lammikin, or Lambkin, is not the name of the hero, but merely an epithet.’
The Story varies little throughout all the versions, though in some, as in one known to Percy, it lacks much of the detail here given.
LAMKIN
1.
It’s Lamkin was a mason good
As ever built wi’ stane;
He built Lord Wearie’s castle,