"The present copy is given from recitation, and though it could have received additions, and perhaps improvements, from another copy, obtained from a similar source, and of equal authenticity, in his possession, the Editor did not like to use a liberty which is liable to much abuse. To some, the present set of the ballad may be valuable, as handing down both name and nickname of the revengeful builder of Prime Castle; for there can be little doubt that the epithet _Linkin_ Mr. Lambert acquired from the secrecy and address with which he insinuated himself into that notable strength. Indeed, all the names of Lammerlinkin, Lammikin, Lamkin, Lankin, Linkin, Belinkin, can easily be traced out as abbreviations of Lambert Linkin. In the present set of the ballad, Lambert Linkin and Belinkin are used indifferently, as the measure of the verse may require; in the other recited copy, to which reference has been made, it is Lammerlinkin and Lamkin; and the nobleman for whom he "built a house" is stated to be "Lord Arran." No allusion, however, is made here to the name of the owner of Prime Castle. Antiquaries, peradventure, may find it as difficult to settle the precise locality of this fortalice, as they have found it to fix the topography of Troy." Motherwell's _Minstrelsy_, p. 291. In Finlay's second copy, the murderer's name is Balcanqual, "which," observes the editor, "is an ancient Scottish surname, and is sometimes corrupted, for the more agreeable sound, into Beluncan." It is more likely that Belinkin has suggested Balcanqual, than that Balcanqual has been corrupted into Lamkin. Belinkin was as gude a mason As e'er pickt a stane; He built up Prime Castle, But payment gat nane. The lord said to his lady, 5 When he was going abroad, "O beware of Belinkin, For he lyes in the wood." The gates they were bolted, Baith outside and in; 10 At the sma' peep of a window Belinkin crap in. "Gude morrow, gude morrow," Said Lambert Linkin. "Gude morrow to yoursell, sir," 15 Said the fause nurse to him. "O whare is your gude lord?" Said Lambert Linkin. "He's awa to New England, To meet with his king." 20 "O where is his auld son?" Said Lambert Linkin. "He's awa to buy pearlings, Gin our lady ly in." "Then she'll never wear them," 25 Said Lambert Linkin. "And that is nae pity," Said the fause nurse to him. "O where is your lady?" Said Lambert Linkin. 30 "She's in her bouir sleepin'," Said the fause nurse to him. "How can we get at her?" Said Lambert Linkin. "Stab the babe to the heart 35 Wi' a silver bo'kin."