17 Then he has causd ane of his men
Hew down baith thistle and thorn;
She carried the peats in her petticoat-lap,
Her ainsell for to burn.
18 Then ane pat up this big bauld fire,
Anither ca'd in the stake;
It was to burn her Lady Maisry,
All for her true-love's sake.
19 But it fell ance upon a day,
Prince James he thought full lang;
He minded on the lady gay
He left in fair Scotland.
20 'O where will I get a little wee boy,
Will win gowd to his fee,
That will rin on to Adam's high tower,
Bring tidings back to me?'
21 'O here am I, a little wee boy,
Will win gowd to my fee,
That will rin on to Adam's high tower,
Bring tidings back to thee.'
22 Then he is on to Adam's high tower,
As fast as gang coud he,
And he but only wan in time
The fatal sight to see.
23 He sat his bent bow to his breast,
And ran right speedilie,
And he is back to his master,
As fast as gang coud he.
24 'What news, what news, my little wee boy?
What news hae ye to me?'
'Bad news, bad news, my master dear,
Bad news, as ye will see.'
25 'Are ony o my biggins brunt, my boy?
Or ony o my towers won?
Or is my lady lighter yet,
O dear daughter or son?'
26 'There's nane o your biggins brunt, master,
Nor nane o your towers won,
Nor is your lady lighter yet,
O dear daughter nor son.