IV
For she’s ta’en him, Sweet William,
And she’s gar’d bind him wi’s bow-string.
Till the red blood o’ his fair body
Frae ilka nail o’ his hand did spring.
V
O it fell ance upon a time
That the Lord Justice came to town;
Out she has ta’en him, Sweet William,
Brought him before the Lord Justice boun’.
VI
‘And what is the crime now, madame,’ he says,
‘Has been committed by this young man?’—
‘O he has broken my bonny castle,
That was well biggit[533] wi’ lime and stane.
VII
‘And he has broken my bonny coffers,
That was well bandit[534] wi’ aiken[535] ban’;
And he has stolen my rich jewels;
I wot he has them every ane.’
VIII
Then out it spak’ her Lady Elspat
As she sat by the Lord Justice’ knee:
‘Now ye hae tauld your tale, mither,
I pray, Lord Justice, you’ll now hear me.