"Scotch Ballads, Materials for Border Minstrelsy," No 76,
Abbotsford.
1 |
The Earl of Wigton has seven sisters,
And O but they be wondrous bonnie!
And the bonniest lass amang them a'
Has fallen in love wi Richie Storie. |
2 |
As I came down by yon river-side,
And down by the banks of Eache bonnie,
There I met my own true-love,
Wi ribbons on her shoulders bonnie. |
3 |
'Here is a letter for you, madam,
Here is a letter for you, madam;
The earl of Aboyne has a noble design
To be a suitor to you, madam.' |
4 |
'I'll hae nane of his letters, Richie,
I'll hae nane of his letters, Richie,
For I've made a vow, and I'll keep it true,
That I'll hae nane but you, Richie.' |
5 |
'Take your word again, madam,
Take your word again, madam,
For I have neither land nor rents
For to mentain you on, madam.' |
6 |
'I'll sit below the dyke, Richie,
I'll sit below the dyke, Richie,
And I will be at your command
At ony time you like, Richie. |
7 |
'Ribbons you shall wear, Richie,
Ribbons you shall wear, Richie,
A cambric band about your neck,
And vow but ye'll be braw, Richie!' |
8 |
As they came in by the West Port,
The naps of gold were bobbing bonnie;
Many a one bade this lady gude-day,
But neer a one to Richie Storie. |
9 |
As they came up the Parliament Close,
Naps of gold were bobbing bonnie;
Many a gentleman lifted his cap,
But few kennd she was Richie's lady. |
10 |
. . . .
. . . .
And ay methinks we'll drink the night
In Cambernauld sae bonnie. |
11 |
'It's are not you sick, sister,
Are not you very sorrie,
To leave the lands of bonnie Cambernauld,
And run awae wi Richie Storie?' |
12 |
'Why should I be sick, sister,
O why should I be any sorrie,
When I hae gotten my heart's delight?
I hae gotten the lot was laid afore me.' |