KINMONT WILLIE
The Text.—There is only one text of this ballad, and that was printed by Scott in the Minstrelsy from ‘tradition in the West Borders’; he adds that ‘some conjectural emendations have been absolutely necessary,’ a remark suspicious in itself; and such modernities as the double rhymes in 26.3, 28.3, etc., do not restore confidence.
The Story.—The forcible entry into Carlisle Castle and the rescue of William Armstrong, called Will of Kinmouth, took place on April 13, 1596; but Kinmont Willie was notorious as a border thief at least as early as 1584.
The events leading up to the beginning of the ballad were as follow: ‘The keen Lord Scroop’ was Warden of the West-Marches of England, and ‘the bauld Buccleuch’ (Sir Walter Scott of Branxholm, or ‘Branksome Ha’,’ 8.2) was the Keeper of Liddesdale. To keep a periodical day of truce, these two sent their respective deputies, the ‘fause Sakelde’ (or Salkeld) and a certain Robert Scott. In the latter’s company was Kinmont Willie. Business being concluded, Kinmont Willie took his leave, and made his way along the Scottish side of the Liddel river, which at that point is the boundary between England and Scotland. The English deputy and his party spied him from their side of the stream; and bearing an ancient grudge against him as a notorious cattle-lifter and thief, they pursued and captured him, and he was placed in the castle of Carlisle.
This brings us to the ballad. ‘Hairibee’ (1.4) is the place of execution at Carlisle. The ‘Liddel-rack’ in 3.4 is a ford over the Liddel river. Branxholm, the Keeper’s Hall (8.2) and Stobs (16.4) are both within a few miles of Hawick.
The remark in 16.2 appears to be untrue: the party that accompanied Buccleuch certainly contained several Armstrongs, including four sons of Kinmont Willie, and ‘Dickie of Dryhope’ (24.3) was also of that ilk; as well as two Elliots, though not Sir Gilbert, and four Bells. ‘Red Rowan’ was probably a Forster.
The tune blown on the Warden’s trumpets (31.3,4) is said to be a favourite song in Liddesdale. See Chambers’s Book of Days, i. 200.
KINMONT WILLIE
1.
O have ye na heard o’ the fause Sakelde?