The murderer hasted down the stair,
And back'd his courser fleet:
Than did the thunder 'gin to rair,
Than show'rd the rain and sleet.
Ae fire-flaught darted through the rain,
Whare a' was mirk before,
And glinted o'er the raging main,
That shook the sandy shore.
But mirk and mirker grew the night,
And heavier beat the rain;
And quicker Lindsay urged his flight,
Some ha' or beild to gain.
Lang did he ride o'er hill and dale,
Nor mire nor flood he fear'd:
I trow his courage 'gan to fail
When morning light appear'd.
For having hied, the live-lang night,
Through hail and heavy showers,
He fand himsel, at peep o' light,
Hard by Caerlaveroc's towers.
The castle bell was ringing out,
The ha' was all asteer;
And mony a scriech and waefu' shout
Appall'd the murderer's ear.
Now they hae bound this traitor strang,
Wi' curses and wi' blows;
And high in air they did him hang,
To feed the carrion crows.
"To sweet Lincluden's[91] haly cells
"Fou dowie I'll repair;
"There peace wi' gentle patience dwells,
"Nae deadly feuds are there."
"In tears I'll wither ilka charm,
"Like draps o' balefu' yew;
"And wail the beauty that cou'd harm
"A knight, sae brave and true."