Ancient Scottish ballads, recovered from tradition, and never before ...

184
But up bespak Lord John's mither,
She spak wi' meikle scorn,
—
" He's liker a woman gret wi' bairn,
Than onie waiting-man."
" It's ye'll rise up, my bonnie boy,
And gie my steed the hay."
" O that I will, my dear master,
As fast as I can gae."
She took the hay aneath her arm,
The corn intil her hand;
But atween the stable door and the staw,*
Lady Marg'ret made a stand.
" O open the door, Lady Margaret,
O open and let me in;
I want to see if my steed be fed,
Or my grey hounds fit to rin."
* Staw—stall.