6
'The morn is good Halloween,
And our court a' will ride;
If ony maiden wins her man,
Then she may be his bride.
7
'But first ye'll let the black gae by,
And then ye'll let the brown;
Then I'll ride on a milk-white steed,
You'll pu me to the ground.
8
'And first, I'll grow into your arms
An esk but and an edder;
Had me fast, let me not gang,
I'll be your bairn's father.
9
'Next, I'll grow into your arms
A toad but and an eel;
Had me fast, let me not gang,
If you do love me leel.
10
'Last, I'll grow into your arms
A dove but and a swan;
Then, maiden fair, you'll let me go,
I'll be a perfect man.'
* * * * *
D.
a. Motherwell's MS., p. 532, a North Country version. b. Maidment's New Book of Old Ballads, 1844, p. 54, from the recitation of an old woman. c. Pitcairn's MSS, 1817-25, III, p. 67: "procured by David Webster, Bookseller, from tradition."
1
O all you ladies young and gay,
Who are so sweet and fair,
Do not go into Chaster's wood,
For Tomlin will be there.
2
Fair Margret sat in her bonny bower,
Sewing her silken seam,
And wished to be in Chaster's wood,
Among the leaves so green.