Had Willie had but twenty men,
But twenty men as stout as he, Pause Sakelde had never the Kinmont ta'en,
Wi' eight score in his cumpanie.
They band his legs beneath the steed, They tied his hands behind his back;
They guarded him fivesome on each side, And they brought him ower the Liddel-rack.
They led him thro' the Liddel-rack,
And also thro' the Carlisle sands; They brought him on to Carlisle castle
I'o be at ray Lord Scroope's commands.
'My hands are tied, but my tongue is free,
And wha will dare this deed avow? Or answer by the Border law?
Or answer to the bold Buccleuch? '
'Now haud thy tongue, thou rank reiver!
There's never a Scot shall set thee free: Before ye cross my castle yett,
I trow ye shall take farewell o' me.'
'Fear na ye that, my lord,' quo' Willie:
'By the faith o' my body, Lord Scroope, ' he s:iid,
'I never yet lodged in a hostelrie But I paid my lawing before I gaed.'
THE KKEPKR'S WRATH
Now word is gane to the bold Keeper, In Branksome Ha' where that he lay,
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