LORD WILLIAM.
Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, iii. 23.
This ballad was communicated to Sir Walter Scott by Mr. James Hogg, accompanied with the following note:—
"I am fully convinced of the antiquity of this song; for, although much of the language seems somewhat modernized, this must be attributed to its currency, being much liked, and very much sung in this neighbourhood. I can trace it back several generations, but cannot hear of its ever having been in print. I have never heard it with any considerable variation, save that one reciter called the dwelling of the feigned sweet-heart, Castleswa."
Lord William was the bravest knight
That dwalt in fair Scotland,
And though renown'd in France and Spain,
Fell by a ladie's hand.
As she was walking maid alone,5
Down by yon shady wood,
She heard a smit o' bridle reins,
She wish'd might be for good.
"Come to my arms, my dear Willie,
You're welcome hame to me;10
To best o' cheer and [charcoal red],
And candle burning free."—