There is a beautiful German translation of this ballad, as it appeared in the Reliques, in the Volk-Lieder of Professor Herder; an elegant work, in which it is only to be regretted, that the actual popular songs of the Germans form so trifling a proportion.
The tune of Mr. Hamilton's copy of Sir Patrick Spens is different from that, to which the words are commonly sung; being less plaintive, and having a bold nautical turn in the close.
SIR PATRICK SPENS.
The king sits in Dumfermline town,
Drinking the blude-red wine;
"O[[77]] whare will I get a skeely skippe[[78]],
"To sail this new ship of mine?"