So they ran out their horses on Langholm Down, and broke their spears, and the ladies, looking from their high windows, cried "God send our men safe home again."
When Johnie came before the King with all his brave fellows, the King took off his bonnet to him as to an equal.
"My name is Johnie Armstrong," said the freebooter, "your subject, my liege; let me find grace for my loyal men and me."
But the King cried, "Away with thee, thou traitor, out of my sight! Never have I granted a traitor's life, nor will I now begin with thee!"
"Grant me my life, my King, and I will give thee a bonnie gift—four-and-twenty milk-white steeds, newly foaled—I'll give thee four-and-twenty milk-white steeds that prance and neigh at a spear, and as much English gold as four of their broad backs are able to bear."
"Away with thee, thou traitor, out of my sight! Never have I granted a traitor's life, nor will I now begin with thee!"
"Grant me my life, my King, and I will give thee a bonnie gift—four-and-twenty mills that are working all the year round for me—four-and-twenty mills that shall go for thee all the year round, and as much good red wheat as all their happers are able to bear."
"Away with thee, thou traitor, out of my sight! Never have I granted a traitor's life, nor will I now begin with thee!"
"Grant me my life, my King, and I will give thee a great gift—four-and-twenty sisters' sons shall fight for thee though all should flee."
"Away with thee, thou traitor, out of my sight! Never have I granted a traitor's life, nor will I now begin with thee!"