Kinloch's MSS, II, 49. From the recitation of Mrs Johnston, a North-country lady. 1 There lived three sisters in a bouer, Edinbruch, Edinbruch There lived three sisters in a bouer, Stirling for aye There lived three sisters in a bouer, The youngest was the sweetest flowr. Bonnie St Johnston stands upon Tay 2 There cam a knicht to see them a', And on the youngest his love did fa. 3 He brought the eldest ring and glove, But the youngest was his ain true-love. 4 He brought the second sheath and knife, But the youngest was to be his wife. 5 The eldest sister said to the youngest ane, 'Will ye go and see our father's ships come in?' 6 And as they walked by the linn, The eldest dang the youngest in. 7 'O sister, sister, tak my hand, And ye'll be heir to a' my land.' 8 'Foul fa the hand that I wad take, To twin me o my warld's make.' 9 'O sister, sister, tak my glove, And yese get Willie, my true-love.' 10 'Sister, sister, I'll na tak your glove, For I'll get Willie, your true-love.' 11 Aye she swittert, and aye she swam, Till she cam to yon bonnie mill-dam. 12 The miller's dochter cam out wi speed, It was for water, to bake her bread. 13 'O father, father, gae slack your dam; There's in't a lady or a milk-white swan.' * * * * * * * 14 They could na see her coal-black eyes For her yellow locks hang oure her brees. 15 They could na see her weel-made middle For her braid gowden girdle. * * * * * * * 16 And by there cam an auld blind fiddler, And took three tets o her bonnie yellow hair. * * * * * * * 17 The first spring that the bonnie fiddle playd, 'Hang my cruel sister, Alison,' it said. E Sharpe's Ballad Book, No 10, p. 30. 1 There livd twa sisters in a bower, Hey Edinbruch, how Edinbruch! There lived twa sisters in a bower, Stirling for aye! The youngest o them O she was a flower! Bonny Sanct Johnstoune that stands upon Tay! 2 There cam a squire frae the west, He loed them baith, but the youngest best. 3 He gied the eldest a gay gold ring, But he loed the youngest aboon a' thing. 4 'O sister, sister, will ye go to the sea? Our father's ships sail bonnilie.' 5 The youngest sat down upon a stane; The eldest shot the youngest in. 6 'O sister, sister, lend me your hand, And you shall hae my gouden fan. 7 'O sister, sister, save my life, And ye shall be the squire's wife.' 8 First she sank, and then she swam, Untill she cam to Tweed mill-dam. 9 The millar's daughter was baking bread, She went for water, as she had need.