He's taen a pitcher in ilka hand, And dane him to the well, They thought him one of her maidens, They ken'd it was nae hersell. 60 Said one of the Southron foragers, "See ye yon lusty dame? I wou'd nae gie muckle to thee, neebor, To bring her back agen." Then all the Southrons follow'd him, 65 And sure they were but four; But he has drawn his trusty brand, And slew them pair by pair. He threw the pitchers frae his hands, And to the hills fled he, 70 Until he cam to a fair may, Was washin' on yon lea. "What news, what news, ye weel far'd may? What news hae ye to gie?" "Ill news, ill news," the fair may said, 75 "Ill news I hae to thee. "There is fyften English sogers Into that thatched inn, Seeking Sir William Wallace; I fear that he is slain." 80 "Have ye any money in your pocket? Pray lend it unto me, And when I come this way again, Repaid ye weel shall be." She['s] put her hand in her pocket, 85 And taen out shillings three; He turn'd him right and round about, And thank'd the weel far'd may. He had not gone a long rig length, A rig length and a span, 90 Until he met a bold beggar, As sturdy as cou'd gang. "What news, what news, ye bold beggar? What news hae ye to gie?" "O heavy news," the beggar said, 95 "I hae to tell to thee. "There is fyften English sogers, I heard them in yon inn, Vowing to kill him Wallace; I fear the chief is slain." 100 "Will ye change apparell wi' me, auld man? Change your apparell for mine? And when I come this way again, Ye'll be my ain poor man." When he got on the beggar's coat, 105 The pike staff in his hand, He's dane him down to yon tavern, Where they were drinking wine. "What news, what news, ye staff beggar? What news hae ye to gie?" 110 "I hae nae news, I heard nae news, As few I'll hae frae thee." "I think your coat is ragged, auld man, But wou'd you wages win, And tell where William Wallace is, 115 We'll lay gold in your hand." "Tell down, tell down your good red gold, Upon the table head, And ye sall William Wallace see, Wi' the down-come of Robin Hood." 120 They had nae tauld the money down, And laid it on his knee, When candles, lamps, and candlesticks, He on the floor gar'd flee.