[44. Young Bekie]
I
Young Bekie was as brave a knight
As ever sail’d the sea;
And he’s doen him to the court of France,
To serve for meat and fee.
II
He had nae been i’ the court of France
A twelvemonth nor sae long,
Til he fell in love with the king’s daughter,
And was thrown in prison strong.
III
The king he had but ae daughter,
Burd Isbel was her name;
And she has to the prison-house gane,
To hear the prisoner’s mane.
IV
‘O gin a lady wou’d borrow[318] me,
At her stirrup-foot I wou’d rin;
Or gin a widow wou’d borrow me,
I wou’d swear to be her son.