And foremost came the carlish Knight, Sir John of the North Countraye, “Now stop! now stop! thou false traitor, Nor carry that Lady away!
“For she is come of high lineage, And was of a Lady born, And ill it beseems thee, a false churl’s son, To carry her hence to scorn!”
“Now loud thou liest, Sir John the Knight, Now thou dost lie of me, My father’s a Knight, a Lady me bore, So never did none by thee!
“But light now down, my Lady fair, Light down, and hold my steed; While I and this discourteous Knight Do try this arduous deed.
“But light now down, my dear Lady, Light down, and hold my horse; While I and this discourteous Knight Do try our valour’s force.”
Fair Emmeline sighed, Fair Emmeline wept, And aye her heart was woe, While twixt her love and the carlish Knight Passed many a baleful blow.
The Child of Elle, he fought so well, As his weapon he waved amain, That soon he had slain the carlish Knight, And laid him upon the plain.
And now the Baron and all his men Full fast approached nigh: Ah! what may Lady Emmeline do? ’Twere now no boot to fly!
Her lover, he put his horn to his mouth, And blew both loud and shrill, And soon he saw his own merry men Come riding over the hill.
“Now hold thy hand, thou bold Baron, I pray thee, hold thy hand, Nor ruthless rend two gentle hearts Fast knit in true love’s band.
“Thy daughter I have dearly loved, Full long and many a day; But with such love as holy Kirk Hath freely said we may.
“Oh! give consent she may be mine, And bless a faithful pair; My lands and livings are not small, My house and lineage fair.
“My mother she was an Earl’s daughter, And a noble Knight my sire--” The Baron he frowned, and turned away With mickle dole and ire.
Fair Emmeline sighed, Fair Emmeline wept, And did all trembling stand; At length she sprang upon her knee, And held his lifted hand.
“Pardon, my Lord and Father dear, This fair young Knight and me! Trust me, but for the carlish Knight, I never had fled from thee.
“Oft have you called your Emmeline, Your darling and your joy; Oh! let not then your harsh resolves Your Emmeline destroy.”
The Baron he stroked his dark-brown cheek, And turned his head aside To wipe away the starting tear, He proudly strave to hide.