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22 |
THE SAUG OF |
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made use of. Two verses are restored in the present edition, from the recitation of Mr. Mungo Park, whose toils during his patient and intrepid travels in Africa have not eradicated from his recollection the legendary lore of his native country."—S.
Since the above was printed, Mr. Aytoun has published still another copy of this piece, (Ballads of Scotland, ii. 129,) from a manuscript in the Philip-haugh charter-chest I cannot assent to the praise bestowed by Scott on The Outlaw Murray. The story lacks point, and the style is affected—not that of the unconscious poet of the real traditional ballad.
Ettkicke Foeeste is a feir foreste,
In it grows manie a semelie trie ; There's hart and hynd, and dae and rae,
And of a' wilde bestis grete plentie.
There's a feir castelle, bigged wi' lyme and stane;
O gin it stands not pleasauntlie ! e
In the fore front o' that castelle feir,
Twa unicorns are bra' to see :
There's the picture of a knight, and a ladye bright, And the grene hollin abune their brie : 10
There an Outlaw kepis five hundred men, He keepis a royalle cumpanie.
His merryemen are a' in ae liverye clad, 0' the Lincome grene sae gaye to see;
He and his ladye in purple clad, «
0 gin they lived not royallie ! |
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