A collection of ancient and modern Scottish ballads, etc

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face: But (said he) had I known this, I should have
lived on the borders in despite of King Harry and you
both ; for I know King Harry would down- weigh my best
horse with gold, to know that I were condemned to die
this day." Lindsay's Hist, of Scotland,
John and his men were hanged on growing trees at Carlen-
rig, above Hawick. " The particular spot upon which
these trees ,grew is yet well known to some of our old
people, who scruple not to tell us, that, as a token of the
king's injustice in this affair, the trees from that day
withered away. It is said that one of John's attendants
by the strength and swiftness of his horse, forced his way
through the many thousands that surrounded them, and
carried the news of the unhappy fate of his master and
companions to Gilnockie Castle, which then stood upon
a rock, encompassed by the water of Esk, at a place now
known by the name of the Hollows, a few miles below
the Longholm." Hawick Museum, 1784.]
Sum speikis of lordls, sum spelkis of lairds.
And sic lyke men of hie degrie
Of a gentleman I sing a sang.
Sum tyme called Laird of Gilnockie.
The king he wrytes a luving letter.
With his ain hand sae tenderly.
And he hath sent it to Johnie Armstrang,
To cum and speik with him speedily.
The Eliots and Armstrangs did convene;
They were a gallant cumpanie ;
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" We'll ride and meit our lawful king.
And bring him safe to Gilnockie.