And the bonny Earl of Murray,

Oh he was the Queen's love!

6. Oh lang will his lady

Look o'er the Castle Down,

E'er she see the Earl of Murray

Come sounding thro the town!

[76] James Stewart, Earl of Murray, was killed by the Earl of Huntly's followers, February, 1592. The second stanza is spoken, of course, by the King.

[77] Piercing with the lance a suspended ring, as one rode at full speed, was a favorite sport of the day.

[78] Probably this reference is to the glove worn by knights as a lady's favor.

[76] James Stewart, Earl of Murray, was killed by the Earl of Huntly's followers, February, 1592. The second stanza is spoken, of course, by the King.

[77] Piercing with the lance a suspended ring, as one rode at full speed, was a favorite sport of the day.

[78] Probably this reference is to the glove worn by knights as a lady's favor.