Motherwell's MS., p. 113; from the recitation of T. Risk.
1 McNaughton's unto England gane,
The king's banner to bear:
'O do you see yon castle, boy?
It's walled round about;
There you will spy a fair ladye,
In the window looking out.'
2 'Here is a silken sark, fair lady,
Thine own hand sewed the sleeve,
And thou must go to yon green wood,
To Johnnie thy true-love.'
3 'The castle it is high, my boy,
And walled round about;
My feet are in the fetters strong,
And how can I get out?
4 'My garters o the gude black iron,
And they are very cold;
My breast plate's of the sturdy steel,
Instead of beaten gold.
5 'But had I paper, pen and ink,
And candle at my command,
It's I would write a lang letter
To John in fair Scotland.'
6 The first line that Johnnie looked on,
A loud, loud lauch leuch he;
The second line that Johnnie looked on,
The tear did blind his ee.
7 Says, I must unto England go,
Whatever me betide,
For to relieve my own fair lady,
That lay last by my side.
8 Then up and spoke Johnnie's auld mither,
A well spoke woman was she:
If you do go to England, Johnnie,
I may take farewell o thee.
9 Then up and spoke Johnnie's old father,
A well spoke man was he:
It's twenty-four of my gay troop
Shall go along with thee.