Then out and spak the nobil king,

And round him cast a wilie e'e—

"Now haud thy tongue, Sir Walter Scott,

Nor speik of reif nor felonie:

For, had everye honeste man his awin kye,

A right puir clan thy name wad be!"

The king then call'd a gentleman,

Royal banner bearer there was he;

[95]

James Hop Pringle of Torsonse, by name;