"When that these two sisters met,
150 She hail'd her courteouslie:
"Come ben, come ben, my sister dear,
This day ye'se dine wi' me."
"Ae bit I canno' eat, sister,
Nor ae drop can I drink,
155 Until I see my dear husband,
For lang for him I think."
"O where are all my rangers bold
That I pay meat and fee,
To search the forest far an' wide,
160 And bring Akin to me?"
Out it speaks the wee little boy,—
"Na, na, this maunna be;
Without ye grant a free pardon,
I hope ye'll nae him see."
165 "O here I grant a free pardon,
Well seal'd by my own han';
Ye may make search for young Akin,
As soon as ever you can."
They search'd the country wide and braid,
170 The forests far and near,
And found him into Elmond's-wood,
Tearing his yellow hair.
"Win up, win up, now young Akin.
Win up, and boun wi' me;
175 We're messengers come from the court;
The king wants you to see."
"O lat him take frae me my head,
Or hang me on a tree;
For since I've lost my dear lady,
180 Life's no pleasure to me."
"Your head will nae be touch'd, Akin,
Nor hang'd upon a tree:
Your lady's in her father's court,
And all he wants is thee."
185 When he came in before the king,
Fell low down on his knee:
"Win up, win up now, young Akin,
This day ye'se dine wi' me."