‘An asking, an asking, Childe Waters,
An asking I beg of thee:
May the meanest maid about your house
Bring a glass o’ water to me!’
LI
Up he has ta’en his bonny young son,
Gar’d wash him wi’ the milk;
And up he has taken his fair lady,
Gar’d row[338] her in the silk.
LII
‘Peace now,’ he said, ‘Burd Ellen,
And be of good cheer, I pray;
Your bridal and your churching both
Shall be upon one day.’
FOOTNOTES:
[333] yeard-fast = fast in earth.
[334] Dries = endures.
[335] pine = pain.
[336] skilly = wise, knowledgeable.