JOHNIE OF BREADIS LEE. Our version of this spirited ballad is that published by Sir Walter Scott "from the different copies." It's authorship, it's antiquity, it's foundation, and it's locality, are all disputed points. It would not be difficult, however, to find parallel incidents amongst the recorded adventures of the Borderers, and appropriate scenery amidst their former haunts. But wae betyde that silly auld carle, An ill death shall he die! He has broke three ribs in that ane's side, For the highest tree in Merriemass But and his collar bane; He's laid him twa-fald ower his steed, Bade him carry the tidings hame. 'O is there nae a bonnie bird, Can sing as I can say ? Could flee away to my mother's bower, And tell to fetch Johnie away ?' Shall be his morning's fee.' Now Johnie's gude bend bow is broke, And his gude graie dogs are slain; And his bodie lies dead in Durrisdeer, And his hunting it is done. THE DOWIE DENS OF YARROW. Scorr, Motherwell, Buchan, Herd, Allan Cunningham, and others, have given each his version of this old ballad. Ours is from the "Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border," Scott having therein collated it from various sources, avowedly for the purpose of "suiting the tastes of these more light and giddypaced times." There is little doubt that it is founded on fact, and to this day the spot is pointed out on the banks of Yarrow, where the fatal fight took place. As she sped down yon high high hill, She gaed wi' dole and sorrow; And in the den spied ten slain men, On the dowie banks of Yarrow. She kissed his cheek, she kaimed his hair, 'Now haud your tongue, my daughter dear; For a' this breeds but sorrow; I'll wed ye to a better lord Than him ye lost on Yarrow.' 'O haud your tongue, my father dear; Ye mind me but of sorrow; A fairer rose did never bloom Than now lies cropped on Yarrow.' THE BONNIE BAIRNS. THIS very beautiful ballad may be considered as the composition of Allan Cunningham, who published it in his "Songs of Scotland, Ancient and Modern ;" though he modestly states that he has " ventured to arrange and eke out these old and remarkable verses." Buchan has printed another version, entitled the "Minister's Daughter of New-York," but in the quotation given from it by Mr. Hall we find no local interest, nor any cause for attaching to it this name. Allan Cunningham differs from other annotators in making his children intercede for their cruel mother at the throne of grace, instead of denouncing and consigning her to eternal misery. |