5
She led him into her father's stable,
And they've taken a steed both gallant and able,
To carry them down to fair Scotland.
6
When they first took the way, it was darling and dear;
As forward they fared, all changed was his cheer,
And she, etc.
7
They rode till they came to a fair Scottish corse;
Says he, 'Now, pray madam, dismount from my horse,
And go get you back to Northumberland.
8
'It befits not to ride with a leman light,
When awaits my returning my own lady bright,
My own wedded wife in fair Scotland.'
9
The words that he said on her fond heart smote,
She knew not in sooth if she lived or not,
And she, etc.
10
She looked to his face, and it kythed so unkind
That her fast coming tears soon rendered her blind,
And she, etc.
11
'Have pity on me as I had it on thee,
O why was my love so easily won!
A slave in your kitchen I'm willing to be,
But I may not go back to Northumberland.
12
'Or carry me up by the middle sae sma,
O why was my love so easily won!
And fling me headlong from your high castle wa,
For I dare not go back to Northumberland.'
13
Her wailing, her woe, for nothing they went,
A young maid's love is easily won
His bosom was stone and he would not relent,
And she, etc.
14
He turned him around and he thought of a plan,
He bought an old horse and he hired an old man,
To carry her back to Northumberland.