the deep grave opened up,
And young William he lay down.
"What three things are these, sweet William,
That stand beside your head?"
"O it's three maidens, Marjorie,
That once I promised to wed."
"What three things are these, sweet William,
That stand close at your side?"
"O it's three babes," he says, "Marjorie,
That these three maidens had."
"What three things are these, sweet William,
That lie close at thy feet?"
"O it's three hell-hounds, Marjorie,
That's waiting my soul to keep."
And she took up her white, white hand,
And struck him on the breast;
Saying, "Have here again thy faith and troth,
And I wish your soul good rest."
CLERK SAUNDERS
Clerk Saunders and may Margaret
Walked ower yon garden green;
And deep and heavy was the love
That fell thir twa between.
"A bed, a bed," Clerk Saunders said,
"A bed for you and me!"
"Fye na, fye na," said may Margaret,
"Till anes we married be!"
"Then I'll take the sword frae my scabbard
And slowly lift the pin;
And you may swear, and save your aith,
Ye ne'er let Clerk Saunders in.
"Take your napkin in your hand,
Tie up your bonnie een,
And you may swear and save your aith,
Ye saw me na since yestreen."
It was about the midnight hour,
When they asleep were laid,
When in and came her seven brothers,
Wi' torches burning red:
When in and came her seven brothers,
Wi' torches burning bright:
They said, "We hae but one sister,
And behold her lying with a knight!"
Then out and spake the first o' them,
"We will awa' and let them be."
And out and spake the second o' them,
"His father has nae mair but he."
And out and spake the third o' them,
"I wot that they are lovers dear."
And out and spake the fourth o' them,
"They hae been in love this mony a year."
Then out and spake the fifth o' them,
"It were great sin true love to twain,"
And out and spake the sixth o' them,
"It were shame to slay a sleeping man."
Then up and gat the seventh o' them,
And never a word spake he;
But he has striped his bright brown brand
Out through Clerk Saunders' fair bodye.
Clerk Saunders he started, and Margaret she turned,
Into his arms as asleep she lay;
And sad and silent was the night
That was atween thir twae.
And they lay still and sleepit sound
Until the day began to daw;
And kindly she to him did say,
"It is time, true love, you w
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