‘I mak’ a vow,’ the Outlaw said,
‘I mak’ a vow, and that trulie:
Were there but three men to tak’ my part,
Yon King’s coming full dear suld be!’
XXXV
Then messengers he callèd forth,
And bade them hie them speedilye:
‘Ane of ye gae to Halliday,
The Laird of the Corehead is he.
XXXVI
‘He certain is my sister’s son;
Bid him come quick and succour me;
The King comes on for Ettrick Forest,
And landless men we a’ will be.’—
XXXVII
‘What news? what news?’ said Halliday,
‘Man, frae thy master unto me?’—
‘Not as ye would; seeking your aid;
The King’s his mortal enemie.’—
XXXVIII
‘Ay, by my troth!’ said Hailiday,
‘Even for that it repenteth me;
For gif he lose fair Ettrick Forest,
He’ll tak’ fair Moffatdale frae me.