"And, gif he refuses to do that,
We'll conquess baith his landis and he;
There sall nevir a Murray, after him,
Hald land in Ettricke Foreste free."210
Then spak the kene Laird of Buckscleuth,
A stalworthe man, and sterne was he—
"For a King to gang an Outlaw till,
Is beneath his state and his dignitie.
"The man that wons yon foreste intill,215
He lives by reif and felonie!
Wherefore, brayd on, my sovereign liege,
Wi' fire and sword we'll follow thee;
Or, gif your countrie lords fa' back,
Our Borderers sall the onset gie."220
Then out and spak the nobil King,
And round him cast a wilie ee—
"Now, had thy tongue, Sir Walter Scott,
Nor speak of reif nor felonie:
For had every honest man his awin kye,225
A right puir clan thy name wad be!"
The King then call'd a gentleman,
Royal banner-bearer there was he,
James Hoppringle of Torsonse, by name;
He cam and knelit upon his kné.230
"Wellcum, James Pringle of Torsonse!
A message ye maun gang for me:
Ye maun gae to yon Outlaw Murray,
Surely where bauldly bideth he.
"Bid him mete me at Permanscore,235
And bring four in his cumpanie;
Five erles sall cum wi' mysell,
Gude reason I suld honour'd be.
"And gif he refuses to do that,
Bid him luke for nae good o' me!240
There sall nevir a Murray, after him,
Have land in Ettricke Foreste free."