There gallant knights, and ladies bright,
Did move to measures fine,
Like frolic Fairies, jimp and light,
Wha dance in pale moonshine.
The ladies glided through the ha',
Wi' footing swift and sure—
Kirkpatrick's dame outdid them a',
Whan she stood on the floor.
And some had tyres of gold sae rare,
And pendants[89] eight or nine;
And she, wi' but her gowden hair,
Did a' the rest outshine.
And some, wi' costly diamonds sheen,
Did warriors' hearts assail—
But she, wi' her twa sparkling een,
Pierc'd through the thickest mail.
Kirkpatrick led her by the hand,
With gay and courteous air:
No stately castle in the land
Could shew sae bright a pair.
O he was young—and clear the day
Of life to youth appears!
Alas! how soon his setting ray
Was dimm'd wi' showring tears!
Fell Lindsay sicken'd at the sight,
And sallow grew his cheek;
He tried wi' smiles to hide his spite,
But word he cou'dna speak.
The gorgeous banquet was brought up,
On silver and on gold:
The page chose out a crystal cup,
The sleepy juice to hold.
And whan Kirkpatrick call'd for wine,
This page the drink wou'd bear;
Nor did the knight or dame divine
Sic black deceit was near.
Then every lady sung a sang;
Some gay—some sad and sweet—
Like tunefu' birds the woods amang,
Till a' began to greet.