[141] Mallet's Edwin and Emma is founded on this ballad. See his "Ballads and Songs," edited by F. Dinsdale, esq., LL.D., F.S.A.

[142] The author of the ballad, whom the late Mr. Denham, of Piersebridge, learnt from his father, was the then master of Bowes grammar-school. His name does not appear.

[143] This verse is not in Mr. Bell's copy, in his "Ballads and Songs of the Peasantry of England."

[144] "Remote in Yorkshire, near to Bowes."—Bell.

[145] Bell has "whose;" and the following line reads thus:—

"Repute for virtue did excel."

[146]

"Now anxious Martha sore distress'd,

A private message did him send,

Lamenting that she could not rest."Bell.