Page:Old Scottish tragical ballad of Sir James the Rose (1).pdf/3

 Long had he wooed, long she refused, With seeming scorn and pride; Yet oft her eyes confessed the love Her fearful words denied.

At length she blessed his well-tried love, Allowed his tender claim; She vowed to him her tender heart, And owned an equal flame.

Her father, Buchan's cruel lord, Their passion dis-approved; He bade her wed Sir John the Graeme, And leave the youth she loved.

One night they met as they were wont, Deep in a shady wood, Where on the bank beside the burn, A blooming saugh tree stood.

Concealed among the underwood The crafty Donald lay, The brother of Sir John the Graeme, To watch what they might say.

When thus the maid began, My Sire Our passion dis-approves, He bids me wed Sir John the Graeme, So here must end our loves.

My father's will must be obeyed, Nought boots me to withstand, Some fairer maid in beauty's bloom Shall bless you with her hand.

Soon will Matilda be forgot, And from thy mind effaeedeffaeed [sic]; But may that happiness be thine, Which I can never taste.