James Boyd took his leave o’ the noble King,
To Ettrick Forest fair cam’ he;
Down Birkendale Brae when that he cam’,
He saw the fair forest wi’ his e’e.
XV
Baith dae and rae, and hart and hin’,
And of a’ wild beasts great plentie;
He heard the bows that boldly ring,
And arrows whidderand[526] him near by.
XVI
Of that fair castle he got a sight;
The like he ne’er saw wi’ his e’e!
On the fore-front o’ that castle fair,
Twa unicorns were bra’ to see;
The picture of a knight, and lady bright,
And the green hollìn abune their bree.
XVII
Thereat he spyed five hundred men,
Shooting with bows on Newark Lee;
They were a’ in ae livery clad,
O’ the Lincoln green sae gay to see.
XVIII
His men were a’ clad in the green,
The knight was armèd cap-a-pie,
With a bended bow, on a milkwhite steed;
And I wot they rank’d right bonnilie.