5
The eldest said to the youngest ane,
'Will ye go and see our father's ships come in?'
6
She's taen her by the lilly hand,
And led her down to the river strand.
7
The youngest stude upon a stane,
The eldest came and pushed her in.
8
She took her by the middle sma,
And dashed her bonnie back to the jaw.
9
'O sister, sister, reach your hand,
And ye shall be heir of half my land.'
10
'O sister, I'll not reach my hand,
And I'll be heir of all your land.
11
'Shame fa the hand that I should take,
It's twin'd me and my world's make.'
12
'O sister, reach me but your glove,
And sweet William shall be your love.'
13
'Sink on, nor hope for hand or glove,
And sweet William shall better be my love.
14
'Your cherry cheeks and your yellow hair
Garrd me gang maiden evermair.'