The "cess" is the blackmail, or insurance against robbery. The widespread reputation of Gilderoy is attested by the many legends of him which are printed in the old chap-books and "Lives of the Highwaymen." According to these authorities, Gilderoy once robbed Oliver Cromwell near Glasgow; but an even more romantic episode of his career was a roaming trip upon the continent, in the course of which he is said to have picked Cardinal Richelieu’s pocket while he was celebrating mass in the King’s presence, at the church of St Denis in Paris. He made his way even to Madrid, where he succeeded in carrying off the Duke of Medina-Cell’s plate. Altogether a most notorious and dashing cateran. The ballad is supposed to be spoken by a young woman who had all her life been attached to him. "Gilderoy was a bonnie boy, Had roses to his shoon;[#] His stockings were of silken soy, With garters hanging down. It was, I ween, a comely sight To see so trim a boy; He was my jo, and heart’s delight, My handsome Gilderoy. * * * * * My Gilderoy and I were born Both in one town together; We scant were seven years before We ’gan to love each other. Our daddies and our mammies they Were filled with meikle joy, To think upon the bridal day Of me and Gilderoy." [#] Shoes. But there intervened the spirit of adventure which had ever been the birthright of all of his surname, "Oh, that he still had been content With me to lead his life! But ah! his manful heart was bent To stir in deeds of strife; And he in many a venturous deed His courage bold would try; And now this gars[#] my heart to bleed For my dear Gilderoy." [#] Makes. No doubt those who knew Gilderoy personally would have agreed, as was actually said of Rob Roy, that he was a benevolent and humane man "in his way." "My Gilderoy, both far and near, Was feared in every town; And boldly bore away the gear Of many a Lowland loun, For man to man durst meet him none, He was so brave a boy; At length with numbers he was ta’en, My winsome Gilderoy." He was not so fortunate as Rob Roy, who ultimately died peacefully in his bed. Gilderoy had lost the game, and he had to pay the stakes. "Of Gilderoy so feared they were, They bound him fast and strong; To Edinbro’ they led him there, And on a gallows hung. They hung him high above the rest, He was so trim a boy; There died the youth whom I loved best, My handsome Gilderoy."