Recitationwithdramaticenergybymenwhosebusinessitwastotravelfromonegreathousetoanotheranddelightthepeoplebytheway,wasusualamongusfromthefirst.Thescopinventedandtheglee-manrecitedheroiclegendsandothertalestoourAnglo-Saxonforefathers.
Thesewerefollowedbytheminstrelsandothertellersoftaleswrittenforthepeople.Theyfrequentedfairsandmerrymakings,spreadingtheknowledgenotonlyoftalesinproseorballadform,butofappealsalsotopublicsympathyfromsocialreformers.
Aslateastheyear1822,AllanCunningham,inpublishingacollectionof\"TraditionalTalesoftheEnglishandScottishPeasantry,\"spokefromhisownrecollectionofitinerantstory-tellerswhowerewelcomedinthehousesofthepeasantryandearnedalivingbytheircraft.
Theearlieststory-tellingwasinrecitative.Whentheoldalliterationpassedonintorhyme,andthecrowdorrusticfiddletooktheplaceoftheold\"gleebeam\"foraccentuationofthemeasureandthemeaningofthesong,wecometotheballad-singerasPhilipSidneyknewhim.Sidneysaid,inhis\"DefenceofPoesy,\"thatheneverheardtheoldsongofPercyandDouglas,thathefoundnothisheartmovedmorethanwithatrumpet;andyet,hesaid,\"itissungbutbysomeblindcrowder,withnoroughervoicethanrudestyle;whichbeingsoevilapparelledinthedustandcobwebofthatuncivilage,whatwoulditworktrimmedinthegorgeouseloquenceofPindar?\"
Manyanoldballad,instinctwithnaturalfeeling,hasbeenmoreorlesscorrupted,bybadearormemory,amongthepeopleuponwhoselipsithaslived.Itistobeconsidered,however,thattheoldbroaderpronunciationofsomelettersdevelopedsomesyllablesandtheswiftnessofspeechslurredoverothers,whichwillaccountformanyanapparenthaltinthemusicofwhatwasactually,onthelipsoftheballad-singer,agoodmetricalline.
\"ChevyChase\"is,mostlikely,acorruptionoftheFrenchwordchevauchee,whichmeantadashovertheborderfordestructionandplunderwithintheEnglishpale.ChevaucheewastheFrenchequivalenttotheScottishborderraid.CloserelationsbetweenFranceandScotlandaroseoutoftheircommoninterestincheckingmovementstowardstheirconquestbythekingsofEngland,andmanyFrenchwordswereusedwithahomelyturninScottishcommonspeech.Eventhatnationalsourceofjoy,\"greatchieftainofthepudding-race,\"thehaggis,hasitsnamefromtheFrenchhachis.Attheendoftheoldballadof\"ChevyChase,\"whichreadsthecorruptedwordintoanewsense,astheHuntingontheCheviotHills,thereisanidentifyingoftheHuntingoftheCheviotwiththeBattleofOtterburn:——
\"OldmenthatknowenthegroundwellenoughcallittheBattleofOtterburn.
AtOtterburnbeganthisspurnuponaMonenday;
TherewasthedoughtyDouglasslain,thePercyneverwentaway.\"
TheBattleofOtterburnwasfoughtonthe19thofAugust1388.TheScotsweretomusteratJedburghforaraidintoEngland.TheEarlofNorthumberlandandhissons,learningthestrengthoftheScottishgathering,resolvednottoopposeit,buttomakeacounterraidintoScotland.TheScotsheardofthisanddividedtheirforce.Themainbody,underArchibaldDouglasandothers,rodeforCarlisle.A
detachmentofthreeorfourhundredmen-at-armsandtwothousandcombatants,partlyarchers,rodeforNewcastleandDurham,withJamesEarlofDouglasforoneoftheirleaders.ThesewerealreadypillagingandburninginDurhamwhentheEarlofNorthumberlandfirstheardofthem,andsentagainstthemhissonsHenryandRalphPercy.
Inahand-to-handfightbetweenDouglasandHenryPercy,DouglastookPercy\'spennon.AtOtterburntheScotsovercametheEnglishbutDouglasfell,struckbythreespearsatonce,andHenrywascapturedinfightbyLordMontgomery.TherewasaScotsballadontheBattleofOtterburnquotedin1549inabook——\"TheComplayntofScotland\"——
thatalsoreferredtotheHunttisofChevet.Theolderversionof\"ChevyChase\"isinanAshmoleMS.intheBodleian,fromwhichitwasfirstprintedin1719byThomasHearneinhiseditionofWilliamofNewbury\'sHistory.ItsauthorturnsthetablesontheScotswiththesuggestionofthecomparativewealthofEnglandandScotlandinmenofthestampofDouglasandPercy.Thelaterversion,whichwasonceknownmorewidely,isprobablynotolderthanthetimeofJamesI.,andistheversionpraisedbyAddisoninNos.70and74of\"TheSpectator.\"
\"TheNut-BrownMaid,\"inwhichwecanhardlydoubtthatawomanpleadsforwomen,wasfirstprintedin1502inRichardArnold\'sChronicle.
Nut-brownwastheoldwordforbrunette.Therewasanoldsayingthat\"anut-browngirlisneatandblithebynature.\"
\"AdamBell,ClymoftheClough,andWilliamofCloudeslie\"wasfirstprintedbyCoplandabout1550.Afragmenthasbeenfoundofanearlierimpression.Laneham,in1575,inhisKenilworthLetter,included\"AdamBell,ClymoftheClough,andWilliamofCloudeslie\"
amongthelightreadingofCaptainCox.InthebooksoftheStationers\'Company(fortheprintingandeditingofwhichwearedeeplyindebtedtoProfessorArber),thereisanentrybetweenJuly1557andJuly1558,\"ToJohnkyngetopryntethisbokeCalledAdamBelletc.andforhislycensehegivethtothehowse.\"Onthe15thofJanuary1581-2\"AdamBell\"isincludedinalistoffortyormorecopyrightstransferredfromSampsonAwdeleytoJohnCharlewood;\"A
HundredMerryTales\"andGower\'s\"ConfessioAmantis\"beingamongtheothertransfers.Onthe16thofAugust1586theCompanyofStationers\"AlowedvntoEdwardwhiteforhiscopiesthesefyveballadessothattheybetollerable:\"fouronlyarenamed,onebeing\"AballadofWilliamClowdisley,neverprintedbefore.\"Draytonwroteinthe\"Shepheard\'sGarland\"in1593:——
\"Comesitwedownunderthishawthorntree,Themorrow\'slightshalllendusdayenough——
AndtellataleofGawainorSirGuy,OfRobinHood,orofgoodClemoftheClough.\"
BenJonson,inhis\"Alchemist,\"actedin1610,alsoindicatesthecurrentpopularityofthistale,whenFace,thehousekeeper,bringsDapper,thelawyer\'sclerk,toSubtle,andrecommendshimwith——
\"\'slight,IbringyouNocheatingClimo\'theCloughorClaribel.\"
\"Binnorie,\"or\"TheTwoSisters,\"isaballadonanoldthemepopularinScandinaviaaswellasinthiscountry.Therehavebeenmanyversionsofit.Dr.Rimbaultpublisheditfromabroadsidedated1656.TheversionheregivenisSirWalterScott\'s,fromhis\"MinstrelsyoftheScottishBorder,\"withafewtouchesfromotherversionsgiveninProfessorFrancisJamesChild\'snobleeditionof\"TheEnglishandScottishPopularBallads,\"which,whencomplete,willbethechiefstorehouseofourballadlore.
\"KingCophetuaandtheBeggarMaid\"isreferredtobyShakespearein\"Love\'sLabour\'sLost,\"Activ.scI;in\"RomeoandJuliet,\"Actii.
sc.I;andin\"II.HenryIV.,\"Actiii.sc.4.Itwasfirstprintedin1612inRichardJohnson\'s\"CrownGarlandofGouldenRosesgatheredoutofEngland\'sRoyallGarden.BeingtheLivesandStrangeFortunesofmanyGreatPersonagesofthisLand,setforthinmanypleasantnewSongsandSonnetsneverbeforeimprinted.\"
\"TakethyOldCloakaboutthee,\"waspublishedin1719byAllanRamsayinhis\"Tea-TableMiscellany,\"andwasprobablyasixteenthcenturypieceretouchedbyhim.Iagosingsthelaststanzabutone——\"KingStephenwasaworthypeer,\"etc——in\"Othello,\"Actii.sc.3.
In\"Othello,\"Activ.sc.3,thereisalsoreferencetotheoldballadof\"Willow,willow,willow.\"
\"TheLittleWeeMan\"isaweeballadthatisfoundinmanyformswithalittlevariation.Itimproveswhatwasbestintheopeningofalongerpiecewhichintroducedpopularprophecies,andistobefoundinCottonMS.JuliusA.v.ItwasprintedbyThomasWrightinhiseditionofLangtoft\'sChronicle(ii.452).
\"TheSpanishLady\'sLove\"wasprintedbyThomasDeloneyin\"TheGarlandofGoodwill,\"publishedinthelatterhalfofthesixteenthcentury.TheheroofthisballadwasprobablyoneofEssex\'scompanionsintheCadizexpedition,andvariousattemptshavebeenmadetoidentifyhim,especiallywithaSirJohnBolleofThorpeHall,Lincolnshire.
\"Edward,Edward,\"isfromPercy\'s\"Reliques.\"PercyhaditfromLordHailes.
\"RobinHood\"isthe\"LytellGesteofRobynHood,\"printedinLondonbyWynkendeWorde,andagaininEdinburghbyChepmanandMyllarin15O8,inthefirstyearoftheestablishmentofaprinting-pressinScotland.
\"KingEdwardIV.andtheTannerofTamworth\"isaballadofakindoncepopular;therewere\"KingAlfredandtheNeatherd,\"\"KingHenryandtheMiller,\"\"KingJamesI.andtheTinker,\"\"KingHenryVII.andtheCobbler,\"withadozenmore.\"TheTannerofTamworth\"inanother,perhapsolder,form,as\"TheKingandtheBarker,\"wasprintedbyJosephRitsoninhis\"AncientPopularPoetry.\"
\"SirPatrickSpens\"wasfirstpublishedbyPercyinhis\"ReliquesofAncientEnglishPoetry\"(1757).ItwasgivenbySirWalterScottinhis\"MinstrelsyoftheBorder,\"andwithmoredetailbyPeterBuchaninhis\"AncientBalladsoftheNorth.\"Buchantookitfromanoldblindballad-singerwhohadreciteditforfiftyyears,andlearntitinyouthfromanotherveryoldman.TheballadisuponaneventinScottishhistoryofthethirteenthcentury,touchingmarriageofaMargaret,daughteroftheKingofScotland,toHaningo,sonoftheKingofNorway.Theperilsofawintersea-passageinshipsoftheoldentimewererecognisedbyanActofthereignofJamesIII.ofScotland,prohibitingallnavigation\"fraethefeastofSt.Simon\'sDayandJudeuntothefeastofthePurificationofourLady,calledCandlemas.\"
\"Edomo\'Gordon\"wasfirstprintedatGlasgowbyRobertandAndrewFoulisin1755.PercyascribeditspreservationtoSirDavidDalrymple,whogaveitfromthememoryofalady.TheincidentwastransferredtotheborderfromtheNorthofScotland.Edomo\'GordonwasSirAdamGordonofAuchindown,Lieutenant-DeputeforQueenMaryintheNorthin1571.HesentCaptainKerwithsoldiersagainsttheCastleofTowie,whichwassetonfire,andtheLadyofTowie,withtwenty-sixotherpersons,\"wascruellybrinttothedeath.\"Otherformsoftheballadascribethedeed,withincidentsofgreatercruelty,toCaptainCarr,theLordofEstertowne.
\"TheChildrenintheWood\"wasenteredinthebooksoftheStationers\'
Companyonthe15thofOctober1595toThomasMillingtonas,\"forhisCopievnderth[eh]andesofbothethewardensaballadintituled,TheNorfolkgenthiswillandTestamentandhowheCommyttedthekeepingeofhisChildrentohisownebrotherwhoedeltemostewickedlywiththemandhoweGodplaguedhimforit.\"
Itwasprintedasablack-letterballadin167O.Addisonwroteapaperonitin\"TheSpectator\"(No.85),praisingitas\"oneofthedarlingsongsofthecommonpeople.\"
\"TheBlindBeggarofBednallGreen\"isinmanycollections,andwasknowninElizabeth\'stime,anotherElizabethanballadhavingbeensettothetuneofit.\"Thisveryhouse,\"wroteSamuelPepysinJune1663
ofSirWilliamRider\'shouseatBethnalGreen,\"wasbuiltbytheblindbeggarofBednallGreen,somuchtalkedofandsunginballads;buttheysayitwasonlysomeouthousesofit.\"TheAngelsthataboundedintheBeggar\'sstoresweregoldcoins,sonamedfromthefigureononesideoftheArchangelMichaelovercomingtheDragon.Thiscoinwasfirststruckin1466,anditwasuseduntilthetimeofCharlestheFirst.
\"TheBailiff\'sDaughterofIslington,\"or\"TrueLoveRequited,\"isaballadinPepys\'scollection,nowintheBodleian.TheIslingtonoftheBalladissupposedtobeanIslingtoninNorfolk.
\"BarbaraAllen\'sCruelty\"wasreferredtobyPepysinhisDiary,January2,1665-6as\"thelittleScotchsongofBarbaryAllen.\"ItwasfirstprintedbyAllanRamsay(in1724)inhis\"Tea-TableMiscellany.\"InthesameworkAllanRamsaywasalsothefirstprinterof\"SweetWilliam\'sGhost.\"
Fragmentsof\"TheBraeso\'Yarrow\"areinoldcollections.TheballadhasbeengivenbyScottinhis\"MinstrelsyoftheBorder,\"andanotherversionisinPeterBuchan\'s\"AncientBalladsoftheNorth.\"
\"KempOwyne\"isheregivenfromBuchan\'s\"BalladsoftheNorthofScotland.\"HerealsoProfessorF.J.ChildhaspointedtomanyIcelandic,Danish,andGermananalogies.Alliedto\"KempOwyne\"isthemodernballadof\"TheLaidleyWormofSpindlestonHeughs,\"writtenbefore1778bytheRev.Mr.LambofNorham;butthe\"LailyWormandtheMachreloftheSea\"isanoldercousinto\"KempOwyne.\"
\"O\'ertheWatertoCharlie\"isgivenbyBuchanastheoriginalformofthisoneofthemanysongsmadewhenPrinceCharlesEdwardmadehisattemptin1745-6.Thesongsworkedscrapsoflivelyoldtunes,withsomeoldwordsofballad,intodeclarationofgoodwilltothePretender.
\"AdmiralHosier\'sGhost\"waswrittenbyRichardGloverin174Otorousenationalfeeling.Vice-AdmiralVernonwithonlysixmen-of-warhadtakenthetownofPortobello,andlevelleditsfortifications.
Theplacehassodangerousaclimatethatitisnowalmostdeserted.
AdmiralHosierin1726hadbeen,inthesameport,withtwentyships,restrainedfromattack,whileheandhismenweredyingoffever.HewastoblockadetheSpanishportsintheWestIndiesandcaptureanySpanishgalleonsthatcameout.HeleftPortoBelloforCarthagena,wherehecruisedaboutwhilehismenwerebeingsweptawaybydisease.
Hisshipsweremadepowerlessthroughdeathofhisbestofficersandmen.Hehimselfatlastdied,itwassaid,ofabrokenheart.Dyer\'sballadpointedthecontrastasareproachtotheGovernmentforhalf-heartedsupportofthewar,andwasmeantforsuggestionofthesuccessthatwouldrewardvigorousaction.
\"JemmyDawson\"wasaballadwrittenbyWilliamShenstoneonayoungofficerofManchestervolunteerswhowashanged,drawn,andquarteredin1746onKenningtonCommonforhavingservedthePretender.Hewasengagedtoayounglady,whocametotheexecution,andwhenitwasoverfellbackdeadinhercoach.
\"WilliamandMargaret,\"byDavidMallet,publishedin1727,isanotherexampleofthetendencytotherevivaloftheballadintheeighteenthcentury.
\"ElfinlandWood,\"bytheScottishpoetWilliamMotherwell,whodiedin1835,agedthirty-seven,isamodernimitationoftheancientScottishballad.Mrs.Hemans,whowrote\"Casabianca,\"diedalsoin1835.Butthelastballadinthisbundle,LadyAnneBarnard\'s\"AuldRobinGray,\"
waswrittenin1771,andowesitsplacetoadesirethatthisvolume,whichbeginswiththebestoftheoldballads,shouldendwiththebestofthenew.LadyAnne,eldestdaughterofthefifthEarlofBalcarres,marriedSirAndrewBarnard,librariantoGeorgeIII.,andsurvivedherhusbandeighteenyears.WhiletheauthorshipofthepieceremainedasecretthereweresomewhoattributedittoRizzio,thefavouriteofMaryQueenofScots.LadyAnneBarnardacknowledgedtheauthorshiptoWalterScottin1823,andtoldhowshecametowriteittoanoldairofwhichshewaspassionatelyfond,\"Bridegroomgratwhenthesungaeddown.\"Whenshehadheapedmanytroublesonherheroine,andcalledtoalittlesistertosuggestanother,thesuggestioncamepromptly,\"Stealthecow,sisterAnne.\"Andthecowwasstolen.
H.M.
CHEVYCHASE
ThePercyoutofNorthumberland,andavowtoGodmadeheThathewouldhuntinthemountainsofCheviotwithindaysthree,InthemaugreofdoughtyDouglasandallthateverwithhimbe,ThefattesthartsinallCheviothesaidhewouldkillandcarrythemaway.
\"Bymyfaith,\"saidthedoughtyDouglasagain,\"IwillletthathuntingifthatImay!\"
ThenthePercyoutofBamboroughcame,withhimamightymean-y;
Withfifteenhundredarchers,boldofbloodandbone,theywerechosenoutofshiresthree.
ThisbeganonaMonday,atmorn,inCheviot,thehillissohie,Thechildmayruethatisunborn,itwasthemorepitie.
Thedriversthoroughthewood-eswentfortoraisethedeer;
Bowmenbickereduponthebentwiththeirbroadarrowsclear,Thenthewildthoroughthewood-eswentoneverysid-eshear;
Greyhoundsthoroughthegrov-esglentfortokilltheirdeer.
ThisbeganinCheviot,thehillsabone,earlyonaMonnynday;
Bythatitdrewtothehourofnoonahundredfathartsdeadtherelay.
Theyblewamortuponthebent;theysembledonsidisshear,TothequarrythenthePercywent,toseethebrittlingofthedeer.
Hesaid,\"ItwastheDouglas\'promisethisdaytomeetmehere;
ButIwisthewouldfail,verament\"——agreatoaththePercysware.
AtthelastasquireofNorthumberlandlooked,athishandfullnighHewaswareofthedoughtyDouglascoming,withhimamightymean-y,Bothwithspear,bill,andbrand,itwasamightysighttosee.
HardiermenbothofheartnorhandwerenotinChristiant-e.
Theyweretwentyhundredspearmengoodwithoutanyfail;
TheywerebornealongbythewaterofTweed,i\'th\'boundsofTividale.
\"Leaveoffthebrittlingofthedeer,\"hesaid,\"andtoyourbowslookyetakegoodheed,Forneversithyewereofyourmothersbornhadyeneversomickleneed.\"
ThedoughtyDouglasonasteedherodeallhismenbeforn,Hisarmourglitteredasdidaglede,abolderbarnwasneverborn.
\"Tellmewhosemenyeare,\"hesays,\"orwhosementhatyebe;
WhogaveyouleavetohuntinthisCheviotChaseinthespiteofmineandofme?\"
Thefirstmanthateverhimananswermade,itwasthegoodLordPerc-
y,\"Wewillnottelltheewhosemenweare,\"hesays,\"norwhosementhatwebe;
ButwewillhunthereinthisChaseinthespiteofthineandofthee.
ThefattesthartsinallCheviotwehavekilled,andcasttocarrythemaway.\"
\"Bymytroth,\"saidthedoughtyDouglasagain,\"thereforethetoneofusshalldiethisday.\"
ThensaidthedoughtyDouglasuntotheLordPerc-y,\"Tokillalltheseguiltlessmen,alas!itweregreatpit-y.
But,Percy,thouartalordofland,Iamanearlcalledwithinmycountr-y.
Letallourmenuponapartistand,anddothebattleoftheeandofme.\"
\"NowChrist\'scurseonhiscrown,\"saidtheLordPercy,\"whosoevertheretosaysnay!
Bymytroth,doughtyDouglas,\"hesays,\"thoushaltneverseethatday!
NeitherinEngland,Scotland,norFrance,norfornomanofawomanborn,Butandfortunebemychance,Idaremeethim,onemanforone.\"
ThenbespakeasquireofNorthumberland,RichardWitheringtonwashisname,\"ItshallneverbetoldinSouthEngland,\"hesays,\"toKingHarrytheFourth,forshame.
Iwotyoubengreatlord-estwo,Iamapoorsquireofland;
Iwillneverseemycaptainfightonafield,andstandmyselfandlookon;
ButwhileImaymyweaponwieldIwillfightbothheartandhand.\"
Thatday,thatday,thatdreadfulday:thefirstfyttehereIfind,AnyouwillhearanymoreofthehuntingoftheCheviot,yetistheremorebehind.
SECONDFYTTE.
TheEnglishmenhadtheirbowsybent,theirheartsweregoodenow;
Thefirstofarrowsthattheyshotoff,sevenscorespearmentheyslowe.
YetbidestheEarlDouglasuponthebent,acaptaingoodenow,Andthatwasseeneverament,forhewroughtthembothwoandwough.
TheDouglaspartedhishostinthreelikeachiefchieftainofpride,Withsuarspearsofmightytreetheycomeinoneveryside,ThroughourEnglisharcherygavemanyawoundfullwide;
Manyadoughtytheygardtodie,whichgain-edthemnopride.
TheEnglishmenlettheirbowsbe,andpulledoutbrandsthatwerebright;
Itwasaheavysighttoseebrightswordsonbasnetslight.
Thoroughrichmailandmanoplemanysterntheystruckdownstraight,Manyafrekethatwasfullfreethereunderfootdidlight.
AtlasttheDouglasandthePercymet,liketocaptainsofmightandofmain;
Theyswapttogethertilltheybothswat,withswordsthatwereoffineMilan.
Theseworthyfrekisfortofighttheretotheywerefullfain,Tillthebloodoutoftheirbasnetssprentaseverdidhailorrain.
\"Yieldthee,Percy,\"saidtheDouglas,\"andinfaithIshalltheebringWherethoushalthaveanearl\'swagisofJamyourScottishking.
Thoushalthavethyransomfree,Ihighttheeherethisthing,ForthemanfullestmanyetartthouthateverIconqueredinfieldfighting.\"
\"Nay,\"saidtheLordPercy,\"Itoldittheebeforn,ThatIwouldneveryieldedbetonomanofawomanborn.\"
Withthattherecameanarrowhastilyforthofamightywone;
IthathstrickentheEarlDouglasinatthebreastbone.
Throughliverandlung-esboththesharparrowisgone,Thatneverafterinallhislife-dayshespakemoword-esbutone,Thatwas,\"Fightye,mymerrymen,whilisyemay,formylife-daysbengone!\"
ThePercylean-edonhisbrandandsawtheDouglasdee;
Hetookthedeadmanbythehand,andsaid,\"Woismeforthee!
TohavesavedthylifeIwouldhavepartedwithmylandsforyearsthree,Forabettermanofheartnorofhandwasnotinallthenorthcountree.\"
Ofallthatsee,aScottishknight,wascalledSirHughtheMontgomer-
y,HesawtheDouglastothedeathwasdight,hespendedaspearatrustytree,Herodeuponacoursierethroughahundredarcher-y,HeneverstintednorneverblanetillhecametothegoodLordPerc-y.
HesetupontheLordPercyadintthatwasfullsore;
WithasuarspearofamightytreecleanthoroughthebodyhethePercyboreOnthetothersidethatamanmightseealargeclothyardandmore.
TwobettercaptainswerenotinChristiant-ethanthatdayslainwerethere.
AnarcherofNorthumberlandsawslainwastheLordPerc-y,Hebareabentbowinhishandwasmadeoftrustytree,Anarrowthataclothyardwaslongtothehardsteelhal-edhe,AdintthatwasbothsadandsorehesatonSirHughtheMontgomer-y.
ThedintitwasbothsadandsorethatheonMontgomeryset,Theswan-feathersthathisarrowbare,withhisheart-bloodtheywerewet.
Therewasneverafrekeonefootwouldflee,butstillinstourdidstand,Hewingoneachotherwhiletheymightdreewithmanyabalefulbrand.
ThisbattlebeganinCheviotanhourbeforethenoon,Andwhenevensongbellwasrangthebattlewasnothalfdone.
Theytookoneitherhandbythelightofthemoon,ManyhadnostrengthfortostandinCheviotthehillisaboon.
OffifteenhundredarchersofEnglandwentawaybutseventyandthree,OftwentyhundredspearmenofScotlandbutevenfiveandfift-y;
ButallwereslainCheviotwithin,theyhadnostrengthtostandonhy:
Thechildmayruethatisunborn,itwasthemorepity.
TherewasslainwiththeLordPercySirJohnofAgerstone,SirRogerthehindeHartley,SirWilliamtheboldHerone,SirGeorgetheworthyLumley,aknightofgreatrenown,SirRalphtherichRugby,withdintswerebeatendown;
ForWitheringtonmyheartwaswo,thateverheslainshouldbe,Forwhenbothhisleggiswerehewenintwo,yethekneeledandfoughtonhisknee.
TherewasslainwiththedoughtyDouglasSirHughtheMontgomer-y;
SirDavyLewdale,thatworthywas,hissister\'ssonwashe;
SirCharlesofMurrayinthatplacethatneverafootwouldflee;
SirHughMaxwell,alordhewas,withtheDouglasdidhedee.
Soonthemorrowtheymadethembiersofbirchandhazelsogay;
Manywidowswithweepingtearscametofetchtheirmakisaway.
Tivydalemaycarpofcare,Northumberlandmaymakegreatmoan,FortwosuchcaptainsasslainwerethereontheMarchpartishallneverbenone.
WordiscomentoEdinboroughtoJamytheScottishking,ThatdoughtyDouglas,lieutenantoftheMarches,helayslainCheviotwithin.
Hishand-esdidhewealandwring;hesaid,\"Alas!andwoeisme:
SuchanothercaptainScotlandwithin,\"hesaid,\"yeafaithshouldneverbe.\"
WordiscomentolovelyLondon,tothefourthHarryourking,ThatLordPerc-y,lieutenantoftheMarches,helayslainCheviotwithin.
\"Godhavemercyonhissoul,\"saidKingHarry,\"goodLord,ifthywillitbe,IhaveahundredcaptainsinEngland,\"hesaid,\"asgoodaseverwashe;
ButPercy,anIbrookmylife,thydeathwellquiteshallbe.\"
Asournoblekingmadehisavow,likeanobleprinceofrenown,ForthedeathoftheLordPerc-yhedidthebattleofHomildoun,WheresixandthirtyScottishknightsonadaywerebeatendown;
Glendaleglitteredontheirarmourbright,overcastle,tower,andtown.
ThiswasthehuntingoftheCheviot;thattearbeganthisspurn;
OldmenthatknowenthegroundwellenoughcallitthebattleofOtterburn.
AtOtterburnbeganthisspurnuponaMonenday;
TherewasthedoughtyDouglasslain,thePercyneverwentaway.
TherewasneveratimeontheMarchpart-essentheDouglasandthePercymet,Butitismarvelantheredbloodrunnotastheraindoesinthestret.
JesuChristourbalisbete,andtotheblissusbring!
ThuswasthehuntingoftheCheviot.Godsendusallgoodending!
CHEVYCHASE(thelaterversion.)
Godprosperlongournobleking,Ourlivesandsafetiesall!
AwoefulhuntingoncetheredidInChevyChasebefall.
TodrivethedeerwithhoundandhornEarlPiercytooktheway;
ThechildmayruethatisunbornThehuntingofthatday!
ThestoutEarlofNorthumberland,AvowtoGoddidmake,HispleasureintheScottishwoodsThreesummers\'daystotake,ThechiefesthartsinChevyChaseTokillandbearaway;
ThesetidingstoEarlDouglascameInScotlandwherehelay,WhosentEarlPiercypresentwordHewouldpreventhissport.
TheEnglishEarl,notfearingthat,Didtothewoodsresort,Withfifteenhundredbowmenbold,Allchosenmenofmight,WhoknewfullwellintimeofneedToaimtheirshaftsaright.
ThegallantgreyhoundsswiftlyranTochasethefallowdeer;
OnMondaytheybegantohuntEredaylightdidappear;
AndlongbeforehighnoontheyhadAhundredfatbucksslain.
Thenhavingdined,thedriverswentTorousethedeeragain.
Thebowmenmusteredonthehills,Wellabletoendure;
TheirbacksidesallwithspecialcareThatdaywereguardedsure.
ThehoundsranswiftlythroughthewoodsThenimbledeertotake,ThatwiththeircriesthehillsanddalesAnechoshrilldidmake.
LordPiercytothequarrywentToviewthetenderdeer;
Quothhe,\"EarlDouglaspromisedonceThisdaytomeetmehere;
\"ButifIthoughthewouldnotcome,NolongerwouldIstay.\"
WiththatabraveyounggentlemanThustotheEarldidsay,\"Lo,yonderdothEarlDouglascome,Hismeninarmourbright,FulltwentyhundredScottishspearsAllmarchinginoursight,\"AllmenofpleasantTividaleFastbytheriverTweed.\"
\"Oceaseyoursports!\"EarlPiercysaid,\"Andtakeyourbowswithspeed,\"Andnowwithme,mycountrymen,Yourcourageforthadvance!
FortherewasneverchampionyetInScotlandnorinFrance\"Thateverdidonhorsebackcome,Butifmyhapitwere,Idurstencountermanforman,Withhimtobreakaspear.\"
EarlDouglasonhismilk-whitesteed,Mostlikeabaronbold,Rodeforemostofhiscompany,Whosearmourshonelikegold:
\"Showme,\"saidhe,\"whosemenyoubeThathuntsoboldlyhere;
ThatwithoutmyconsentdochaseAndkillmyfallowdeer.\"
ThefirstmanthatdidanswermakeWasnoblePiercy,he,Whosaid,\"Welistnottodeclare,Norshowwhosemenwebe;
\"YetwewillspendourdearestbloodThychiefesthartstoslay.\"
ThenDouglassworeasolemnoath,Andthusinragedidsay,\"ErethusIwilloutbrav-edbe,Oneofustwoshalldie!
Iknowtheewell!anearlthouart,LordPiercy!soamI.
\"Buttrustme,Piercy,pityitwere,Andgreatoffence,tokillAnyoftheseourguiltlessmenFortheyhavedonenoill;
\"LetthouandIthebattletry,Andsetourmenaside.\"
\"Accurstbehe,\"EarlPiercysaid,\"Bywhomitisdenied.\"
Thensteppedagallantsquireforth,——
Witheringtonwashisname,——
Whosaid,\"IwouldnothaveittoldToHenryourking,forshame,\"Thate\'ermycaptainfoughtonfoot,AndIstandlookingon:
YoubetwoEarls,\"quothWitherington,\"AndIaSquirealone.
\"I\'lldothebestthatdoImay,WhileIhavepowertostand!
WhileIhavepowertowieldmysword,I\'llfightwithheartandhand!\"
OurEnglisharchersbenttheirbows——
Theirheartsweregoodandtrue,——
Atthefirstflightofarrowssent,FullfourscoreScotstheyslew.
Todrivethedeerwithhoundandhorn,Douglasbadeonthebent;
Twocaptainsmovedwithmicklemight,Theirspearstoshiverswent.
Theyclosedfullfastoneveryside,Noslacknesstherewasfound,ButmanyagallantgentlemanLaygaspingontheground.
OChrist!itwasgreatgrieftoseeHoweachmanchosehisspear,AndhowthebloodoutoftheirbreastsDidgushlikewaterclear!
AtlastthesetwostoutEarlsdidmeetLikecaptainsofgreatmight;
Likelionswoodtheylaidonload,Theymadeacruelfight.
Theyfought,untiltheybothdidsweat,Withswordsoftemperedsteel,TillbloodadowntheircheekslikerainTheytricklingdowndidfeel.
\"Oyieldthee,Piercy!\"Douglassaid,\"AndinfaithIwilltheebringWherethoushalthighadvanc-edbeByJamesourScottishking;
\"ThyransomIwillfreelygive,Andthisreportofthee,ThouartthemostcourageousknightThateverIdidsee.\"
\"No,Douglas!\"quothEarlPiercythen,\"ThyprofferIdoscorn;
IwillnotyieldtoanyScotThateveryetwasborn!\"
WiththattherecameanarrowkeenOutofanEnglishbow,WhichstruckEarlDouglastotheheartAdeepanddeadlyblow;
Whoneversaidmorewordsthanthese,\"Fighton;mymerrymenall!
Forwhy?mylifeisatanend,LordPiercyseesmyfall.\"
Thenleavinglife,EarlPiercytookThedeadmanbythehand;
Whosaid,\"EarlDouglas!forthylifeWouldIhadlostmyland!
\"OChrist!myveryheartdothbleedForsorrowforthysake!
Forsure,amoreredoubtedknightMischancecouldnevertake!\"
AknightamongsttheScotstherewas,WhichsawEarlDouglasdie,WhostraightinheartdidvowrevengeUpontheLordPierc-y;
SirHughMontgomeryhewascalled,Who,withaspearfullbright,Wellmountedonagallantsteed,Ranfiercelythroughthefight,AndpasttheEnglisharchersallWithoutalldreadorfear,AndthroughEarlPiercy\'sbodythenHethrusthishatefulspear.
WithsuchavehementforceandmightHisbodyhedidgore,ThestaffranthroughtheothersideAlargeclothyardandmore.
Sothusdidboththosenoblesdie,Whosecouragenonecouldstain.
AnEnglisharcherthenperceivedThenobleEarlwasslain;
HehadagoodbowinhishandMadeofatrustytree;
AnarrowofaclothyardlongTothehardheadhal-edhe,AgainstSirHughMontgomeryHisshaftfullrightheset;
Thegreygoose-wingthatwasthereon,Inhisheart\'sbloodwaswet.
ThisfightfrombreakofdaydidlastTillsettingofthesun;
Forwhentheyrungtheeveningbell,Thebattlescarcewasdone.
WithstoutEarlPiercytherewasslainSirJohnofEgerton,SirRobertHarcliffeandSirWilliam,SirJamesthatboldbar-on;
AndwithSirGeorgeandSirJames,Bothknightsofgoodaccount,GoodSirRalphRabytherewasslain,Whoseprowessdidsurmount.
ForWitheringtonneedsmustIwailAsoneindolefuldumps,Forwhenhislegsweresmittenoff,Hefoughtuponhisstumps.
AndwithEarlDouglastherewasslainSirHughMontgomery,AndSirCharlesMorrelthatfromthefieldOnefootwouldneverfly;
SirRogerHeverofHarcliffetoo,——
Hissister\'ssonwashe,——
SirDavidLambwell,wellesteemed,Butsavedhecouldnotbe;
AndtheLordMaxwellinlikecaseWithDouglashediddie;
OftwentyhundredScottishspears,Scarcefifty-fivedidfly.
OffifteenhundredEnglishmenWenthomebutfifty-three;
TherestinChevyChasewereslain,Underthegreenwoodtree.
NextdaydidmanywidowscomeTheirhusbandstobewail;
Theywashedtheirwoundsinbrinishtears,Butallwouldnotprevail.
Theirbodies,bathedinpurpleblood,Theyborewiththemaway;
TheykissedthemdeadathousandtimesEretheywerecladinclay.
ThisnewswasbroughttoEdinburgh,WhereScotland\'skingdidreign,ThatbraveEarlDouglassuddenlyWaswithanarrowslain.
\"Oheavynews!\"KingJamesdidsay,\"ScotlandmaywitnessbeIhavenotanycaptainmoreOfsuchaccountashe!\"
LiketidingstoKingHenrycameWithinasshortaspace,ThatPiercyofNorthumberlandWasslaininChevyChase.
\"NowGodbewithhim!\"saidourking,\"Sith\'twillnobetterbe,ItrustIhavewithinmyrealmFivehundredasgoodashe!
\"YetshallnotScotsnorScotlandsayButIwillvengeancetake,Andbereveng-edonthemallForbraveEarlPiercy\'ssake.\"
ThisvowthekingdidwellperformAfteronHumbleDown;
Inonedayfiftyknightswereslain,Withlordsofgreatrenown,Andoftherestofsmallaccount,Didmanyhundredsdie:
ThusendedthehuntinginChevyChaseMadebytheEarlPiercy.
Godsaveourking,andblessthislandWithplenty,joy,andpeace,AndgranthenceforththatfouldebateTwixtnoblemenmaycease!
THENUT-BROWNMAID
Beitrightorwrong,thesemenamongOnwomendocomplain;
Affirmingthis,howthatitisAlabourspentinvainTolovethemwele;forneveradeleTheyloveamanagain:
Forletamandowhathecan,Theirfavourtoattain,Yet,ifanewtothempursue,TheirfirsttrueloverthanLabourethfornaught;andfromherthoughtHeisabanishedman.
Isaynotnay,butthatalldayItisbothwritandsaidThatwoman\'sfaithis,aswhosaith,Allutterlydecayed;
Butnevertheless,rightgoodwitn-essInthiscasemightbelaid.
Thattheylovetrue,andcontin-ue,RecordtheNut-brownMaid:
Whichfromherlove,whenhertoproveHecametomakehismoan,Wouldnotdepart;forinherheartShelovedbuthimalone.
ThenbetweenusletusdiscussWhatwasallthemanereBetweenthemtwo:wewillalsoTellallthepaininfereThatshewasin.NowIbegin,Sothatyemeanswere:
Wher-efore,ye,thatpresentbeIprayyougiveanear.
Iamtheknight.Icomebynight,AssecretasIcan;
Saying,\"Alas!thusstandeththecase,Iamabanishedman.\"
AndIyourwillfortofulfilInthiswillnotrefuse;
Trustingtoshew,inword-esfew,Thatmenhaveanilluse(Totheirownshame)womentoblame,Andcauselessthemaccuse:
ThereforetoyouIanswernow,Allwomentoexcuse,——
\"Mineownheartdear,withyouwhatcheer?
Iprayyou,tellanone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Itstandethso:adeedisdoWhereofmuchharmshallgrow;
MydestinyisfortodieAshamefuldeath,Itrow;
Orelsetoflee.Theonemustbe.
NoneotherwayIknow,Buttowithdrawasanout-law,Andtakemetomybow.
Wherefore,adieu,myownhearttrue!
NoneotherredeIcan:
ForImusttothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"OLord,whatisthisworld-esbliss,Thatchangethasthemoon!
Mysummer\'sdayinlustyMayIsdarkedbeforethenoon.
Ihearyousay,farewell:Nay,nay!
Wede-partnotsosoon.
Whysayyeso?whitherwillyego?
Alas!whathaveyedone?
Allmywelf-aretosorrowandcareShouldchange,ifyeweregone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Icanbelieve,itshallyougrieve,Andsomewhatyoudistrain;
But,afterward,yourpain-eshardWithinadayortwainShallsoonaslake;andyeshalltakeCom-forttoyouagain.
Whyshouldyenought?for,tomakethought,Yourlabourwereinvain.
AndthusIdo;andprayyou,lo,AsheartilyasIcan:
ForImusttothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"Now,siththatyehaveshewedtomeThesecretofyourmind,Ishallbeplaintoyouagain,Likeasyeshallmefind.
Sithitisso,thatyewillgo,Iwillnotleavebehind.
Shallneverbesaid,theNut-brownMaidWastoherloveunkind:
Makeyouread-y,forsoamI,Althoughitwereanone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"YetIyoure-de,takegoodheedWhenmenwillthinkandsay:
Ofyoung,ofold,itshallbetold,ThatyebegoneawayYourwantonwillfortofulfil,Ingreenwoodyoutoplay;
AndthatyemightfromyourdelightNolongermakedelay.
RatherthanyeshouldthusformeBecalledanillwom-an,YetwouldItothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"Thoughitbesungofoldandyoung,ThatIshouldbetoblame,TheirsbethechargethatspeaksolargeInhurtingofmyname:
ForIwillprove,thatfaithfulloveItisdevoidofshameInyourdistressandheavinessTopartwithyouthesame:
Andsureallthothatdonotso,Trueloversaretheynone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Icounselyou,RememberhowItisnomaiden\'slawNothingtodoubt,buttorunoutTowoodwithanout-law;
ForyemustthereinyourhandbearAbowtobearanddraw;
And,asathief,thusmustyelive,Everindreadandawe;
Bywhichtoyougreatharmmightgrow:
YethadIlieverthanThatIhadtothegreenwoodgoAlone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"Ithinknotnay,butasyesay,Itisnomaiden\'slore;
Butlovemaymakemeforyoursake,Asyehavesaidbefore,Tocomeonfoot,tohuntandshootTogetusmeatandstore;
ForsothatIyourcompanyMayhave,Iasknomore;
Fromwhichtopart,itmakethmineheartAscoldasanystone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Foranout-law,thisisthelaw,Thatmenhimtakeandbind;
Withoutpit-ie,hang-edtobe,Andwaverwiththewind.
IfIhadnede(asGodforbede!)
Whatrescuescouldyefind?
Forsooth,Itrow,youandyourbowShoulddrawforfearbehind.
Andnomervayle:forlittleavailWereinyourcounselthan:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE
\"Fullwellknowye,thatwomenbeFullfeeblefortofight;
NowomanhedeitisindeedTobeboldasaknight;
Yet,insuchfearifthatyewereAmongenemiesdayandnight,Iwouldwithstand,withbowinhand,TogrievethemasImight,Andyoutosave;aswomenhaveFromdeathmanyaone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Yettakegoodhede;foreverIdredeThatyecouldnotsustainThethornyways,thedeepvall-eys,Thesnow,thefrost,therain,Thecold,theheat:fordryorwet,Wemustlodgeontheplain;
And,usabove,noneotherroofButabrakebushortwain:
Whichsoonshouldgrieveyou,Ibelieve:
AndyewouldgladlythanThatIhadtothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"SithIhaveherebeenpartynereWithyouofjoyandbliss,Imustal-sopartofyourwoeEndure,asreasonis:
YetamIsureofonepleas-ure;
And,shortly,itisthis:
That,whereyebe,meseemeth,perde,Icouldnotfareamiss.
Withoutmorespeech,IyoubeseechThatweweresoonagone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Ifyegothyder,yemustconsider,Whenyehavelusttodine,Thereshallnomeatbefortogete,Nordrink,beer,ale,newine.
Nesheet-esclean,toliebetween,Ymadeofthreadandtwine;
Noneotherhouse,butleavesandboughs,Tocoveryourheadandmine;
Lomineheartsweet,thisilldi-eteShouldmakeyoupaleandwan:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"Amongthewilddeer,suchanarchere,Asmensaythatyebe,Nemaynotfailofgoodvitayle,Whereissogreatplent-y:
AndwaterclearoftherivereShallbefullsweettome;
WithwhichinheleIshallrightweleEndure,asyeshallsee;
And,erewego,abedortwoIcanprovideanone;
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Loyet,before,yemustdomore,Ifyewillgowithme:
Ascutyourhairupbyyourear,Yourkirtlebytheknee,Withbowinhand,fortowithstandYourenemies,ifneedbe:
Andthissamenight,beforedaylight,TowoodwardwillIflee.
Anyewillallthisfulfil,Doitshortlyasyecan:
ElsewillItothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"IshallasnowdomoreforyouThan\'longethtowomanhede;
Toshortmyhair,abowtobear,Toshootintimeofneed.
Omysweetmother!beforeallotherForyouhaveImostdrede!
Butnow,adieu!Imustensue,Wherefortunedothmelead.
Allthismakeye.Nowletusflee;
Thedaycomesfastupon:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Nay,nay,notso;yeshallnotgo,AndIshalltellyouwhy,——
YourappetiteistobelightOflove,Iwellespy:
For,rightasyehavesaidtome,InlikewisehardilyYewouldanswerewhosoeveritwere,Inwayofcompany,Itissaidofold,Soonhot,sooncold;
Andsoisawom-an:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"Ifyetakeheed,itisnoneedSuchwordstosaybyme;
Foroftyeprayed,andlongassayed,OrIyouloved,pard-e;
AndthoughthatIofancestryAbaron\'sdaughterbe,YethaveyouprovedhowIyouloved.
Asquireoflowdegree;
Andevershall,whatsobefall;
Todiethereforeanone;
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Abaron\'schildtobebeguiled!
Itwereacurs-eddede;
Tobefel-awwithanout-lawAlmightyGodforbede!
Yetbetterwere,thepoorsquyereAlonetoforestyede,Thanyeshallsayanotherday,ThatbymywickeddedeYewerebetrayed:Wherefore,goodmaid,ThebestredethatIcan,Is,thatItothegreenwoodgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"Whatsoeverbefall,InevershallOfthisthingyouupbraid:
Butifyego,andleavemeso,Thenhaveyemebetrayed.
Rememberyouwele,howthatyedele,Forifye,asyesaid,BesounkindtoleavebehindYourlove,theNut-brownMaid,Trustmetru-ly,thatIshalldieSoonafteryebegone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Ifthatyewent,yeshouldrepent;
ForintheforestnowIhavepurveyedmeofamaid,WhomIlovemorethanyou;
Anotherfairerthaneveryewere,Idareitwellavow;
Andofyouboth,eachshouldbewrothWithother,asItrow:
Itweremineeasetoliveinpeace;
SowillI,ifIcan:
WhereforeItothewoodwillgo,Alone,abanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"ThoughinthewoodIunderstoodYehadaparamour,Allthismaynoughtremovemythought,ButthatIwillbeyour:
Andsheshallfindmesoftandkind,Andcourteiseveryhour;
GladtofulfilallthatshewillCommandme,tomypower:
Forhadye,lo!anhundredmo,YetwouldIbethatone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Mineowndearlove,IseetheproofThatyebekindandtrue;
Ofmaid,andwife,inallmylife,ThebestthateverIknew.
Bemerryandglad;benomoresad;
Thecaseischang-ednew;
ForitwereruththatforyourtruthYoushouldhavecausetorue.
Benotdismayed,whatsoeverIsaidToyou,whenIbegan:
Iwillnottothegreenwoodgo;
Iamnobanishedman.\"
SHE.
\"Thesetidingsbemoregladtome,Thantobemadeaqueen,IfIweresuretheyshouldendure:
Butitisoftenseen,WhenmenwillbreakpromisetheyspeakThewordisonthespleen.
Yeshapesomewilemetobeguile,Andstealfromme,Iween:
ThenwerethecaseworsethanitwasAndImorewo-begone:
For,inmymind,ofallmankindIlovebutyoualone.\"
HE.
\"Yeshallnotnedefurthertodrede:
Iwillnotdispar-ageYou(Goddefend!),sithyoudescendOfsogreatalin-age.
Nowunderstand:toWestmoreland,Whichismyheritage,Iwillyoubring;andwitharingBywayofmarri-ageIwillyoutake,andladymake,AsshortlyasIcan:
Thushaveyewonanearl-essonAndnotabanishedman.\"
Heremayyesee,thatwomenbeInlove,meek,kind,andstable;
Letnevermanreprovethemthan,Orcallthemvari-able;
But,rather,prayGodthatwemayTothembecomfort-able,Whichsometimeprovethsuchasheloveth,Iftheybecharit-able.
ForsithmenwouldthatwomenshouldBemeektothemeachone;
MuchmoreoughttheytoGodobey,AndservebutHimalone.
ADAMBELL,CLYMOFTHECLOUGH,ANDWILLIAMOFCLOUDESLIE.
THEFIRSTFYTTE.
Merryitwasingreenfor-est,Amongtheleav-esgreen,WherethatmenwalkbotheastandwestWithbowsandarrowskeen,Toraisethedeeroutoftheirden,Suchsightsashathoftbeenseen;
AsbythreeyeomenoftheNorthCountrey:
BythemisasImean.
TheoneofthemhightAdamBell,TheotherClymoftheClough,ThethirdwasWilliamofCloudeslie,Anarchergoodenough.
Theywereoutlawedforvenison,Thesethreeyeomeneveryone;
Theysworethembrethrenuponaday,ToInglewoodfortogone.
Nowlithandlisten,gentlemen,Andthatofmirthslovetohear:
Twoofthemweresinglemen,Thethirdhadaweddedfere.
Williamwastheweddedman,Muchmorethenwashiscare;
Hesaidtohisbrethrenuponaday,ToCarlislehewouldfare,FortospeakwithfairAlicehiswife,Andwithhischildrenthree.
\"Bymytroth,\"saidAdamBell,\"Notbythecounselofme:
ForifyegotoCarlisle,brother,Andfromthiswildwoodwend,IftheJusticemayyoutake,Yourlifewereatanend.\"——
\"IfthatIcomenotto-morrow,brother,Byprimetoyouagain,TrustnotelsebutthatIamtake,OrelsethatIamslain.\"——
Hetookhisleaveofhisbrethrentwo,AndtoCarlisleheisgone.
Thereheknockedathisownwind-owShortlyandanon.
\"Wherebeyou,fairAlice,mywife?
Andmychildrenthree?
Lightlyletinthinehusb-and,WilliamofCloudeslie.\"——
\"Alas,\"thensaidefairAl-ice,Andsigh-edwondroussore,\"Thisplacehathbeenbesetforyou,Thishalf-eyearandmore.\"
\"NowamIhere,\"saidCloudeslie,\"IwouldthatIinwere;——
Nowfetchusmeatanddrinkenough,Andletusmakegoodcheer.\"
Shefetchedhimmeatanddrinkplent-y,Likeatrueweddedwife,Andpleas-edhimwiththatshehad,Whomshelovedasherlife.
Therelayanoldwifeinthatplace,Alittlebesidethefire,WhichWilliamhadfoundofcharityMor-ethansevenyear;
Upsherose,andwalkedfullstill,Evilmoteshespeedtherefore:
ForshehadnotsetnofootongroundInsevenyearbefore.
Shewentuntothejusticehall,Asfastasshecouldhie:
\"ThisnightiscomeuntothistownWilliamofCloudeslie.\"
ThereoftheJusticewasfullfain,AndsowastheSheriffalso;
\"Thoushaltnottravelhither,dame,fornought,Thymeedthoushalthave,erethougo.\"
Theygavetoherarightgoodgown,Ofscarletitwas,asIheardsain;
Shetookthegiftandhomeshewent,Andcouchedherdownagain.
TheyraisedthetownofmerryCarlisle,Inallthehastethattheycan,Andcamethrong-ingtoWilliam\'shouse,Asfastastheymightgan.
Theretheybesetthatgoodyeo-man,Roundaboutoneveryside;
Williamheardgreatnoiseoffolks,Thathitherwardhied.
Aliceopenedashotwind-ow,Andlook-edallaboutShewaswareoftheJusticeandtheSheriffboth,Withafullgreatrout.
\"Alas,treason!\"criedAlice,\"Everwoemaythoube!——
Gointomychamber,myhusband,\"shesaid,\"SweetWilliamofCloudeslie.\"
Hetookhisswordandhisbuckl-er,Hisbowandhischildrenthree,Andwentintohisstrongestchamber,Wherehethoughtsuresttobe.
FairAl-icefollowedhimasalovertrue,Withapoleaxeinherhand:
\"HeshallbedeadthatherecomethinThisdoor,whileImaystand.\"
Cloudesliebentawell-goodbow,Thatwasoftrustytree,HesmotetheJusticeonthebreast,Thathisarrowburstinthree.
\"God\'scurseonhisheart!\"saidWilliam,\"Thisdaythycoatdidon,Ifithadbeennobetterthanmine,Ithadgonenearthybone!\"
\"Yieldthee,Cloudeslie,\"saidtheJustice,\"Andthybowandthyarrowstheefro!\"
\"God\'scurseonhisheart,\"saidfairAl-ice,\"Thatmyhusbandcounsellethso!\"
\"Setfireonthehouse,\"saidtheSheriff,\"Sithitwillnobetterbe,AndburnwethereinWilliam,\"hesaid,\"Hiswifeandhischildrenthree!\"
Theyfiredthehouseinmanyaplace,Thefireflewuponhigh;
\"Alas,\"thencriedfairAl-ice,\"Iseeweshallheredie!\"
Williamopenedhisbackwind-ow,Thatwasinhischamberonhigh,Andwithshet-eslethiswif-edown,Andhischildrenthree.
\"Haveheremytreasure,\"saidWilli-am,\"Mywifeandmychildrenthree;
ForChrist-eslovedothemnoharm,Butwreakyouallonme.\"
Williamshotsowondrouswell,Tillhisarrowswereallgone,Andthefiresofastuponhimfell,Thathisbowstringburntintwo.
Thesparklesburnt,andfellupon,GoodWilliamofCloudeslie!
Butthenwasheawoefulman,andsaid,\"Thisisacoward\'sdeathtome.
\"LieverIhad,\"saidWilli-am,\"Withmyswordintherouttorun,Thanhereamongmineenemies\'wood,Thuscruellytoburn.\"
Hetookhisswordandhisbucklerthen,Andamongthemallheran,Wherethepeopleweremostinpress,Hesmotedownmanyaman.
Theremightnomanabidehisstroke,Sofiercelyonthemheran;
Thentheythrewwindowsanddoorsonhim,Andsotookthatgoodyeom-an.
Theretheyboundhimhandandfoot,Andinadeepdungeonhimcast:
\"Now,Cloudeslie,\"saidthehighJust-ice,\"Thoushaltbehangedinhaste!\"
\"OnevowshallImake,\"saidtheSheriff,\"ApairofnewgallowsshallIfortheemake,AndallthegatesofCarlisleshallbeshut,Thereshallnomancomeinthereat.
ThenshallnothelpClymoftheCloughNoryetAdamBell,Thoughtheycamewithathousandmo,Norallthedevilsinhell.\"
EarlyinthemorningtheJusticeuprose,Tothegatesfastganhegone,AndcommandedtoshutcloseLightlyeveryone;
Thenwenthetothemarket-place,Asfastashecouldhie,Apairofnewgallowstherehesetup,Besidethepillor-y.
Alittleboystoodthemamong,Andaskedwhatmeantthatgallowstree;
Theysaid-e,\"Tohangagoodyeoman,CalledWilliamofCloudeslie.\"
Thatlittleboywasthetownswineherd,AndkeptfairAlice\'swine,FullofthehadseenWilliaminthewood,Andgivenhimtheretodine.
Hewentoutatacreviceinthewall,Andlightlytothewooddidgone;
Theremethewiththesewightyeomen,Shortlyandanon.
\"Alas!\"thensaidthatlittleboy,\"Yetarryherealltoolong!
Cloudeslieistakenanddamnedtodeath,Andreadyfortohong.\"
\"Alas!\"thensaidgoodAdamBell,\"Thateverweseethisday!
Hemightherewithushavedwelled,Sooftaswedidhimpray.
Hemighthavetarriedingreenfor-est,Undertheshadowssheen,Andhavekeptbothhimandusatrest,Outofalltroubleandteen.\"
Adambentarightgoodbow,Agreathartsoonhadheslain:
\"Takethat,child,\"hesaid,\"tothydinner,Andbringmeminearrowagain.\"
\"Nowgowehence,\"saidthesewightyeomen,\"Tarrywenolongerhere;
Weshallhimborrow,byGod\'sgrace,Thoughweabyeitfulldear.\"
ToCarlislewentthesegoodyeom-enOnamerrymorningofMay.
HereisafytteofCloudeslie,Andanotherisfortosay.
THESECONDFYTTE.
AndwhentheycametomerryCarlisle,Allinamorningtide,Theyfoundthegatesshutthemuntil,Roundaboutoneveryside.
\"Alas,\"thensaidgoodAdamBell,\"Thateverweweremademen!
Thesegatesbeshutsowonderlywell,Thatwemaynotcomeherein.\"
ThenspakehimClymoftheClough:
\"Withawilewewillusinbring;
Letussaywebemessengers,StraightcomenfromourKing.\"
Adamsaid:\"Ihavealetterwrittenwell,Nowletuswiselywerk;
WewillsaywehavetheKing-e\'sseal,Iholdtheporternoclerk.\"
ThenAdamBellbeatonthegate,Withstrok-esgreatandstrong;
Theporterheardsuchnoisethereat,Andtothegatehethrong.
\"Whoistherenow,\"saidtheporter,\"Thatmakethallthisknocking?\"
\"Webetwomessengers,\"saidClymoftheClough,\"BecomenstraightfromourKing.\"
\"Wehavealetter,\"saidAdamBell,\"TotheJusticewemustitbring;
Letusinourmessagetodo,ThatwewereagaintoourKing.\"
\"Herecomethnomanin,\"saidtheporter,\"Byhimthatdiedonatree,Tillthatafalsethiefbehanged,CalledWilliamofCloudeslie!\"
ThenspakethegoodyeomanClymoftheClough,AndsworebyMaryfree,\"Ifthatwestand-elongwithout,Likeathiefhangedshaltthoube.
LoherewehavetheKing-esseal;
What,lourdain,artthouwood?\"
Theporterweenedithadbeenso,Andlightlydidoffhishood.
\"Welcomebemylord\'sseal,\"saidhe,\"Forthatshallyecomein.\"
Heopenedthegaterightshortelie,Anevilopen-ingforhim.
\"Nowarewein,\"saidAdamBell,\"Thereofwearefullfain,ButChristheknoweth,thatharrowedhell,Howweshallcomeoutagain.\"
\"Hadwethekeys,\"saidClymoftheClough,\"Rightwellthenshouldwespeed;
ThenmightwecomeoutwellenoughWhenweseetimeandneed.\"
Theycalledtheportertoacouns-el,Andwrunghisneckintwo,Andcasthiminadeepdunge-on,Andtookthekeyshimfro.
\"NowamIporter,\"saidAdamBell;
\"See,brother,thekeyshavewehere;
Theworstport-ertomerryCarlisleTheyhavehadthishundredyear:
Andnowwillweourbow-esbend,Intothetownwillwego,Fortodeliverourdearbroth-er,Thatliethincareandwoe.\"
Theybenttheirgoodyewbow-es,Andlookedtheirstringswereround,Themarket-placeofmerryCarlisleTheybesetinthatstound;
Andastheylook-edthembeside,Apairofnewgallowstheretheysee,AndtheJusticewithaquestofsquires,ThatjudgedWilliamhang-edtobe.
AndCloudeslielayreadythereinacart,Fastboundbothfootandhand,Andastrongropeabouthisneck,Allreadyfortobehanged.
TheJusticecalledtohimalad,Cloudeslie\'sclothesshouldhehaveTotakethemeasureofthatyeom-an,Thereaftertomakehisgrave.
\"Ihaveseenasgreatmarvel,\"saidCloudeslie,\"Asbetweenthisandprime;
Hethatmakeththisgraveforme,Himselfmaylietherein.\"——
\"Thouspeakestproudly,\"saidtheJustice;
\"Ishallhangtheewithmyhand.\"
Fullwellthatheardhisbrethrentwo,Therestillastheydidstand.
ThenCloudesliecasthiseyenaside,AndsawhistwobrethrenAtacornerofthemarket-place,ReadytheJusticetoslain.
\"Iseegoodcomfort,\"saidCloudeslie,\"YethopeIwelltofare;
IfImighthavemyhandsatwill,RightlittlewouldIcare.\"
ThenspakegoodAdamBellToClymoftheCloughsofree,\"Brother,seeyemarktheJusticewell;
Lo,yonderyemayhimsee;
AndattheSheriffshootIwillStronglywitharrowkeen.\"
AbettershotinmerryCarlisleThissevenyearwasnotseen.
Theyloosedtheirarrowsbothatonce,Ofnomanhadtheydrede;
TheonehittheJustice,theothertheSheriff,Thatboththeirsidesganbleed.
Allmenvoided,thatthemstoodnigh,WhentheJusticefelltotheground,AndtheSherifffellnighhimby,Eitherhadhisdeath\'swound.
Allthecitizensfastganflee,Theydurstnolongerabide;
Thenlightlytheyloos-edCloudeslie,Wherehewithropeslaytied.
Williamsterttoanofficerofthetown,Hisaxeoutofhishandhewrong,Oneach-esidehesmotethemdown,Himthoughthetarriedtoolong.
Williamsaidtohisbrethrentwo:
\"Togetherletusliveanddee;
Ife\'eryouhaveneed,asIhavenow,Thesameshallyefindbyme.\"
Theyshotsowellinthattide,Fortheirstringswereofsilkfullsure,Thattheykeptthestreetsoneveryside,Thatbattledidlongendure.
Theyfoughttogetherasbrethrentrue,Likehardymenandbold;
Manyamantothegroundtheythrew,Andmanyanheartmadecold.
Butwhentheirarrowswereallgone,Menpressedtothemfullfast;
Theydrewtheirsword-esthenanon,Andtheirbow-esfromthemcast.
Theywentlightlyontheirway,Withswordsandbucklersround;
Bythatitwasthemiddesoftheday,Theyhadmademanyawound.
Therewasmanyaneat-horninCarlisleblown,Andthebellsback-warddidring;
Manyawomansaid\"Alas!\"
Andmanytheirhandsdidwring.
TheMayorofCarlisleforthcomewas,Andwithhimafullgreatrout;
Thesethreeyeomendreadhimfullsore,Fortheirlivesstoodindoubt.
TheMayorcamearmedafullgreatpace,Withapoleaxeinhishand;
Manyastrongmanwithhimwas,Thereinthatstourtostand.
TheMayorsmoteCloudesliewithhisbill,Hisbucklerheburstintwo;
Fullmanyayeomanwithgreatill,\"Alas!treason!\"theycriedforwoe.
\"Keepwethegat-esfast,\"theybade,\"Thatthesetraitorsthereoutnotgo!\"
Butallfornoughtwasthattheywrought,Forsofasttheydownwerelaid,Tilltheyallthreethatsomanfullyfought,Weregottenwithoutatabraid.
\"Havehereyourkeys,\"saidAdamBell,\"MineofficeIhereforsake;
Ifyoudobymycoun-sel,Anewport-erdoyemake.\"
Hethrewthekeysthereattheirheads,Andbadethemeviltothrive,Andallthatlettethanygoodyeo-manTocomeandcomforthiswife.
Thusbethesegoodyeomengonetothewood,Aslightasleafonlinde;
Theylaughandbemerryintheirmood,Theiren\'mieswerefarbehind.
WhentheycametoInglewood,Undertheirtrystingtree,Theretheyfoundbow-esfullgood,Andarrowsgreatplent-y.
\"SohelpmeGod,\"saidAdamBell,AndClymoftheCloughsofree,\"IwouldwewerenowinmerryCarlisle,Beforethatfairmeynie!\"
Theysitthemdownandmakegoodcheer,Andeatanddrinkfullwell——
Hereisafytteofthesewightyeomen,AndanotherIshallyoutell.
THETHIRDFYTTE.
AstheysatinInglewoodUndertheirtrystingtree,Theythoughttheyheardawomanweep,Buthertheymightnotsee.
Soretheresigh-edfairAl-ice,Andsaid,\"Alasthate\'erIseethisday!
Fornowismydearhusbandslain:
Alas,andwellaway!
\"MightIhavespokenwithhisdearbrethren,Witheitherofthemtwain,Toshow-ethemwhathimbefell,Myheartwereoutofpain.\"
Cloudesliewalkedalittlebeside,Andlookedunderthegreenwoodlinde;
Hewaswareofhiswifeandhischildrenthree,Fullwoeinheartandmind.
\"Welcome,wife,\"thensaidWilli-am,\"Underthistrystingtree!
Ihadweenedyesterday,bysweetSaintJohn,Thoushouldmeneverhavesee.\"
\"Nowwellisme,\"shesaid,\"thatyebehere!
Myheartisoutofwoe.\"——
\"Dame,\"hesaid,\"bemerryandglad,Andthankmybrethrentwo.\"
\"Hereoftospeak,\"saidAdamBell,\"Iwisitisnoboot;
ThemeatthatwemustsupwithalItrunnethyetfastonfoot.\"
Thenwenttheydownintothelaunde,Thesenoblearchersallthree;
Eachofthemslewahartofgrease,Thebestthattheycouldsee.
\"Haveherethebest,Al-ice,mywife,\"
SaidWilliamofCloudeslie,\"BecauseyesoboldlystoodmebyWhenIwasslainfullnie.\"
Andthentheywenttotheirsupp-erWithsuchmeatastheyhad,AndthankedGodoftheirfort-une;
Theywerebothmerryandglad.
Andwhenthattheyhadsupp-edwell,Certainwithoutenlease,Cloudesliesaid:\"WewilltoourKing,Togetusacharterofpeace;
Al-iceshallbeatoursojourning,Inanunneryherebeside,Andmytwosonsshallwithhergo,Andtheretheyshallabide.
\"Mineeldestsonshallgowithme,ForhimhaveInocare,AndheshallbringyouwordagainHowthatwedofare.\"
ThusbetheseyeomentoLondongone,Asfastastheymayhie,TilltheycametotheKing\'spal-ace,Wheretheywouldneedsbe.
AndwhentheycametotheKing-escourt,Untothepalacegate,Ofnomanwouldtheyasknoleave,Butboldlywentinthereat.
