Page:Battle of Philiphaugh.pdf/6

6 But up spak’ cruel Claver’se then,

Wi’ hastie wit, an’ wicked skill;

“Gi’e fire on yon westlan’ men;

I think it is my sov’reign’s will."

But up bespake his cornet, then,

“It’s be wi’ nae consent o’ me!

I ken I’ll ne’er come back again,

An’ mony mae as weel as me.

“There is not ane of a’ yon men,

But wha is worthy other three;

There is na ane amang them a’,

That in his cause will stap to die.

“An’ as for Burly, him I knaw;

He’s a man of honour, birth, an’ fame;

Gi’e him a sword into his hand,

He’ll fight thysel’ an’ other ten."

But up spake wicked Claver’se then,

I wat his heart it raise fu’ hie!

And he has cry’d that a’ might hear,

“ Man, ye ha’e sair deceived me.

“I never ken’d the like afore,

Na, never since I came frae hame,

That you sae cowardly here suld prove,

An’ yet come of a noble Graeme.”

But up bespake his cornet, then,

“Since that it is your honour’s will,

Mysel’ shall be the foremost man,

That shall gi’e fire on Loudon-hill.