Word is gane to our noble King,
In Edinburgh where that he lay,
That there was an Outlaw in Ettrick Forest,
Counted him nought, nor a’ his courtrie gay.
“I make a vow,” then the gude King said,
“Unto the Man that dear bought me,
I’se either be King of Ettrick Forest,
Or King of Scotland that Outlaw sall be!”
Then spake the Lord hight Hamilton,
And to the noble King said he,