Jamieson and [Kinloch] have each published a highly dramatic fragment of this terrible story. Both of these are here given, and in the Appendix may be seen [Buchan's] more extensive, but far less poetical version. With this last, we have printed Mr. Chambers's account of the events on which these ballads are founded.
Jamieson's copy was taken down by Sir Walter Scott, from the recitation of his mother. Popular Ballads, i. 109.
Down by yon garden green
Sae merrily as she gaes;
She has twa weel-made feet,
And she trips upon her taes.
She has twa weel-made feet;5
Far better is her hand;
She's as jimp in the middle
As ony willow-wand.
"Gif ye will do my bidding,
At my bidding for to be,10
It's I will make you lady
Of a' the lands you see."
* * * * * * *
He spak a word in jest;
Her answer wasna good;
He threw a plate at her face,15
Made it a' gush out o' blood.
She wasna frae her chamber
A step but barely three,
When up and at her richt hand
There stood Man's Enemy.20
"Gif ye will do my bidding,
At my bidding for to be;
I'll learn you a wile
Avenged for to be."