KATHARINE JANFARIE.
A story similar to this occurs in various forms both in Scotland and the Scandinavian kingdoms. Scott inserted the ballad in his first edition under the title of The Laird of Laminton; the present copy is an improved one obtained by him from several recitations. (Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, iii. 122.) Other versions are [Motherwell's, printed with this], Maidment's, in his North Countrie Garland, p. 34, (Catharine Jaffery), and Buchan's, in his Gleanings, p. 74, (Loch-in-var.) Sweet William, in Motherwell's collection, ([see Appendix],) is still another variety.
Jamieson has translated a Danish ballad which, though not cognate with these, exhibits nearly the same incidents, and we have inserted it [in the Appendix].
It need hardly be remarked that the spirited ballad of Lochinvar in Marmion is founded on this ancient legend.
There was a may, and a weel-far'd may,
Lived high up in yon glen:
Her name was Katharine Janfarie,
She was courted by mony men.
Up then came Lord Lauderdale,5
Up frae the Lawland Border;
And he has come to court this may,
A' mounted in good order.
He told na her father, he told na her mother,
And he told na ane o' her kin;10
But he whisper'd the bonnie lassie hersell,
And has her favour won.
But out then cam Lord Lochinvar,
Out frae the English Border,
All for to court this bonny may,15
Weel mounted, and in order.
He told her father, he told her mother,
And a' the lave o' her kin;
But he told na the bonnie may hersell,
Till on her wedding e'en.20