The Oxford Book of Ballads - online book

A Selection Of The Best English Lyric Ballads Chosen & Edited by Arthur Quiller-Couch

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FAIR ANNIE
XVII
When bells were rung and mass was sung,
And a' men bound for bed, The bridegroom and the bonny Bride
In ae chamber were laid.
XVIII
Fair Annie 's ta'en a harp in her hand,
To harp thir twa asleep ; But ay, as she harpit and she sang,
Fu' sairly did she weep.
XIX
'  O gin my sons were seven rats,
Rinnin' on the castle wa', And I mysell a great grey cat, I soon wad worry them a'!
xx
•  O gin my sons were seven hares,
Rinnin' owre yon lily lea, And I mysell a good greyhound, Soon worried they a' should be!'
XXI
Then out and spak the bonny young Bride,
In bride-bed where she lay: ' That's like my sister Annie,' she says ;
' Wha is it doth sing and play ?
XXII
' I'll put on my gown,' said the new-come Bride,
' And my shoes upon my feet; I will see wha doth sae sadly sing,
And what is it gars her greet.
l&2
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