The first step that she steppit in, She steppit to the knee; Says, "Wae be to ye, waefu' water, For through ye I maun be." The second step that she steppit in, 25 She steppit to the middle, And sigh'd, and said, Lady Margaret, "I've stain'd my gowden girdle." The third step that she steppit in, She steppit to the neck; 30 The pretty babe within her sides, The cauld it garr'd it squake. "Lie still my babe, lie still my babe, Lie still as lang's ye may, For your father rides on horseback high, 35 Cares little for us twae." It's whan she cam to the other side, She sat doun on a stane; Says, "Them that made me, help me now, For I am far frae hame. 40 "How far is it frae your mither's bouer, Gude Lord John tell to me?" "It's therty miles, Lady Margaret, It's therty miles and three: And ye'se be wed to ane o' her serving men, 45 For ye'se get na mair o' me." Then up bespak the wylie parrot, As it sat on the tree;-- "Ye lee, ye lee, Lord John," it said, "Sae loud as I hear ye lee. 50 "Ye say it's thirty miles frae your mither's bouer, Whan it's but barely three; And she'll ne'er be wed to a serving man, For she'll be your ain ladie." * * * * * * Monie a lord and fair ladie 55 Met Lord John in the closs, But the bonniest face amang them a', Was hauding Lord John's horse. Monie a lord and gay ladie Sat dining in the ha', 60 But the bonniest face that was there, Was waiting on them a'. O up bespak Lord John's sister, A sweet young maid was she: "My brither has brought a bonnie young page, His like I ne'er did see; 66 But the red flits fast frae his cheek, And the tear stands in his ee." But up bespak Lord John's mither, She spak wi' meikle scorn: 70 "He's liker a woman gret wi' bairn, Than onie waiting-man." "It's ye'll rise up, my bonnie boy, And gie my steed the hay:"-- "O that I will, my dear master, 75 As fast as I can gae." She took the hay aneath her arm, The corn intil her hand; But atween the stable door and the staw, Lady Marg'ret made a stand. 80 * * * * * * "O open the door, Lady Margaret, O open and let me in; I want to see if my steed be fed, Or my grey hounds fit to rin." "I'll na open the door, Lord John," she said, 85 "I'll na open it to thee, Till ye grant to me my ae request, And a puir ane it's to me.