I wat they were not of the worst,
That could be choosed out of Thirlwa’ ’nd Willie-haver,
I trow they were the very first.
But all that was in Rookhope-head,
And all that was i’ Nuketon-cleugh,
Where Weardale-men o’ertook the thieves,
And there they gave them fighting enough.
So sore they made them fain to flee,
As many was a’ out of land,
And for tul have been at home again,