Fair Emmeline scarce had ridden a mile,

A mile forth of the town,

When she was aware of her father's men

Come galloping over the down:

And foremost came the carlish knight,
Sir John of the north countrey :
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;

A knight me got, and 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

And aye her heart was woe,

While 'twixt her love and the carlish knight

Past many a baleful blow.

The Childe 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 boote* 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.

* Good.

Now hold thy hand, thou bold baròn,

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.

O 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 daughtér,

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.

* Much grief.