They band his legs beneath the steed,
They tied his hands behind his back;
They guarded him, fivesome on each side,
And they brought him ower the Liddel-rack[1167].
IV
They led him thro’ the Liddel-rack,
And also thro’ the Carlisle sands;
They brought him in to Carlisle castell,
To be at my Lord Scroope’s commands.
V
‘My hands are tied, but my tongue is free,
And whae will dare this deed avow?
Or answer by the Border law?
Or answer to the bauld Buccleuch?’—
VI
‘Now haud thy tongue, thou rank reiver!
There’s never a Scot shall set thee free:
Before ye cross my castle yate,
I trow ye shall take farewell o’ me.’
VII
‘Fear na ye that, my lord,’ quo’ Willie:
‘By the faith o’ my body, Lord Scroope,’ he said,
‘I never yet lodged in a hostelrie
But I paid my lawing[1168] before I gaed.’