A collection of ancient and modern Scottish ballads, etc

! :
236
'^ They'll shape me in your arms, Janet,
A clove, but and a swan :
And last they'll shape me in your arms,
A mother-naked man
Cast your green mantle over me
I'll be mysell again."
— ;
Gloomy, gloomy, was the night.
And eiry was the way.
As fair Janet, in her green mantle.
To Miles Cross she did gae.
The heavens were black, the night was dark^
And dreary was the place ;
But Janet stood with eager wish.
Her lover to embrace.
Betwixt the hours of twelve and one,
A north wind tore the bent
And straight she heard strange elritch* sounds.
Upon that wind wliich went.
About the dead hour o' the night.
She heard the bridles ring ;
And Janet was as glad o' that,
As any earthly thing
Their oaten pipes blev/ wondrous shrill.
The hemlock small blew clear
And louder notes from hemlock large
And bog-reed struck the ear;
But solemn sounds, or sober thoughts^
The fairies cannot bear.
* Frightful sounds.
;