A Durham Border Song, composed in 1569.
Rookhope[76] stands in a pleasant place,
If the false thieves wad let it be;
But away they steal our goods apace,
And ever an ill death may they die!
And so is the man of Thirlwa’ ’nd Willie-haver,
And all their companies thereabout,
That is minded to do mischief hither,
And at their stealing stands not out.
But yet we will not slander them all,