Says, ‘Annan road’s a public road,
It’s no the road that makes for me;
But we will through at the Hoddam ford,
It is the better road,’ quo’ he.
XVI
There was horsing, horsing in haste,
And crackin’ of whips out owre the lee;
Until they cam to Dumfries port[1214],
And they lighted there right speedilie.
XVII
‘There’s five of us will hold the horse,
And other five will watchmen be:
But wha’s the man among ye a’,
Will gae to the tolbooth[1215] door wi’ me?’—
XVIII
O up then spak him mettled John Ha’,
(For leugh o’ Liddesdale crackit he):
‘If it should cost my life this very night,
I’ll gae to the tolbooth door wi’ thee.’—
XIX
‘Be of gude cheir, now, Archie, lad!
Be of gude cheir, now, dear billie!
Work thou within, and we without,
And the morn thou’se dine at Ca’field wi’ me!’