Grigor's Ghost/Part 1

by Anonymous

GRIGOR'S GHOST.

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PART I.

Come all you lovers in Scotland give ear,
Unto the sad story which now you shall hear,
Concerning two lovers that liv’d in the north.
Among the high mountains that stand beyond Forth.

This maid was the daughter of a gentleman,
In the name of M'Farlane of the same clan,
But Grigor was born in an outlandish isle,
And by blood relation her cousin we style.

But where riches is wanting, we oftentimes see,
Few men are esteemed for their pedigree.
His father was forced, when he was a child,
To leave this realm, and dy’d when exil’d.

His lands they were forfeit, I let you to know,
Because of rebellion the truth for to show,
Broad gold and vast riches he with him did give.
For his education, and how he might live.

And solely he to the care of his friend,
Was left by his father to he maintain’d.
He learn’d him indeed for to read and to write,
In all rules of arithmetic he made him perfite.

In latin and french he was teached also,
That he through the world was fit for to go.
The king then recruiting, all hands did employ,
While her father as a servant did use this young boy

In all kinds of drudgery he made him to serve,
And still so he kept him as a corpse of reserve—
Such a beautiful young man was not in that place,
None could compare with him in stature and face.

This charming Miss Kitty was oft in his way—
One day in love’s passion she to him did say,
My dear cousin Grigor, I’ve something to tell,
Which now from my bosom this day I reveal.

You know that with courtiers, I’m plagued to the heart,
But you are the object that makes me to smart;
If you can but love me, dear cousin, said she,
I am happy for ever, and therefore be free.

Then said he, dear Kitty, I’m all in a stun,
I suppose your intention is nothing but fun;
For had I a portion to balance with you,
I’d count myself happy, and your suit I might true.

O said she, dear Grigor, I’m no ways in jest,
And if you deny me, then death's my request;
You know all the substance and wealth that I have
Is enough to maintain us both gallant and brave.

I know my parents for more riches are bent,
But a few years by nature will make them extinct;
Till which time, dear Grigor, I do make this vow,
That I shall never marry another but you.

O then he consented, and flew in her arms,
And said, my dear Kitty. I’m kill’d by your charms;
But if your parents this fond love should know,
They soon will carve out our sad overthrow.

Of that, my love Grigor, be silent, I pray,
This night let us part and meet the next day.
Under me broad oak, by the cave in the glen,
Where more of my love to you I'll explain.