Sophia Hay (25.1) was the daughter of the Earl of Erroll, and Viscount Melgum’s wife. The last two lines of the ballad are not easily explained, as the lady is recorded to have been deeply attached to her husband; but it is possible that they have been inserted from a similar stanza in some other ballad.
THE FIRE OF FRENDRAUGHT
1.
The eighteenth of October,
A dismal tale to hear
How good Lord John and Rothiemay
Was both burnt in the fire.
2.
When steeds was saddled and well bridled,
And ready for to ride,