Chambers's Scottish Ballads, p. 181, stanzas 13, 16, 17,
21, 22, 23, 26: from the recitation of a lady resident at
Peebles.
| 1 |
His coat was o the scarlet red,
His vest was o the same;
His stockings were o the worset lace,
And buckles tied to the same. |
| 2 |
Out then spoke one, out then spoke two,
Out then spoke two or three;
Out spoke the master forester,
'It's Johnie o Braidislee. |
| 3 |
'If this be true, thou silly auld man,
Which you tell unto me,
Five hundred pounds of yearly rent
It shall not pay your fee.'
* * * * * |
| 4 |
'O wae be to you seven foresters!
I wonder ye dinna think shame,
You being seven sturdy men,
And I but a man my lane. |
| 5 |
'Now fail me not, my ten fingers,
That are both long and small!
Now fail me not, my noble heart!
For in thee I trust for all. |
| 6 |
'Now fail me not, my good bend bow,
That was in London coft!
Now fail me not, my golden string,
Which my true lover wrocht!'
* * * * * |
| 7 |
He has tossed him up, he has tossed him doun,
He has broken his collar-bone;
He has tied him to his bridle reins,
Bade him carry the tidings home. |
