Word is gane to our noble King,
In Edinburgh where that he lay,
That there was an Outlaw in Ettrick Forest,
Counted him nought, nor his courtrie[523] gay.
V
‘I make a vow,’ then the gude King said,
‘Unto the Man that dear bought me,
I’se either be King of Ettrick Forest,
Or King of Scotland that Outlaw’s be!’
VI
Then spake the Earl hight Hamilton,
And to the noble King said he,
‘My sovereign prince, some counsel take,
First at your nobles, syne at me.
VII
‘I rede[524] ye, send yon braw Outlaw till,
And see gif your man come will he:
Desire him come and be your man,
And hold of you yon forest free.
VIII
‘Gif he refuses to do that,
We’ll conquess baith his lands and he!
Or else we’ll throw his castle down,
And mak’ a widow o’ his gay ladye.’