Page:Traditional Tales of the English and Scottish Peasantry - 1887.djvu/221

Rh brine in the centre of Solway, that the merry lads of Allanbay exceed thee at least by ten strokes of the oar.' The English mariners replied, as is their wont, with a shout, threw aside their jackets and caps, and prepared gladly for the coming contest; nor were the mariners of Siddick and Colvend slow in preparing: they made themselves ready with that silent and sedate alacrity peculiar to that singular people. 'May I never see Skiddaw again,' said William Selby of Derwent, 'nor taste Nancy Grogson's grog, or her pretty daughter's lips, if the fresh-water lads of Barnhourie surpass the salt-water lads of Allanbay!'

And for my part,' said Charles Carson, 'in answer to my comrade's vow, may I be turned into a sheldrake, and doomed to swim to doomsday in the lang black lake of Loughmaben, if the powkpuds of Skiddaw surpass the cannie lads of green Galloway!' And both parties, matched in numbers, in strength—of equal years and of similar ability—stood with looks askance on each other, ready to start, and willing to win the bridal boast, and the bride or bridegroom's favour.

And now, my sweet bride,' said Lord William, 'shall I help thee into thy barge? Loth am I that thy kinsman's vaunt causes a brief separation. Now guide thy barge wisely and warily,' said he to her helmsman; 'I would rather pay the wine for thy mistress ten thousand-fold than one lock of her raven hair should be put in jeopardy. If thou bringest her harmless into Allanbay, I will give a hundred pieces of gold to thee and thy mates. Shouldst thou peril her in thy folly, come before my face no more.'

Peril Beatrice Maxwell, Lord William!' said the Scottish helmsman, with a look of proud scorn; 'my fathers have fought to the saddle-laps in English blood for the men of the house of Maxwell, and I would rather see all who own the surname of Forster sinking in the Solway without one to help them than be the cause of the fair maiden of Preston soiling slipper or snood. I see ye dinna ken the Howatsons of Glenhowan.'

I know nought of the Howatsons of Glenhowan,' said the bridegroom, 'but what I am proud and pleased with; therefore ply the oar and manage the sail, for I have men with me who will put you to your might in both.'

"To this conciliating speech the maritime representative of the ancient Howatsons of Glenhowan returned no answer,