IX
‘He hasna broken her bonny castle,
That was well biggit wi’ lime and stane;
Nor has he stolen her rich jewels,
For I wot she has them every one.
X
‘But tho’ he was my first true love,
And tho’ I had sworn to be his bride,
’Cause he had not a great estate
She would this way our loves divide.’
XI
Then out it spak’ the Lord Justice
(I wot the tear was in his e’e):
‘I see nae fault in this young man;
Sae loose his bands, and set him free.
XII
‘Tak’ back your love now, Lady Elspat,
And my best blessing you baith upon!
For gin he be your first true love,
He is my eldest sister’s son.
XIII
‘There is a steed within my stable
Cost me baith gowd and white monèy;
Ye’se get as mickle o’ my free land
As he’ll ride about in a summer’s day.’