106 Then bespake the Duke of France, Vnto the right Lo_rd_ of Learne sayd he there; Says, Lo_rd_ of Learne, if thou wilt marry my daught[er] I’le mend thy liuing fiue hundred a yeere. 107 But then bespake _tha_t bonie boy, And answered the Duke quicklie, I had rather marry yo_u_r daughter w_i_th a ring of go[ld] Then all the gold _tha_t ere I blinket on w_i_th mine eye. 108 But then bespake the old Lo_rd_ of Learne, To the Duke of France thus he did say, Seeing our children doe soe well agree, They shalbe marryed ere wee goe away. 109 The Lady of Learne shee was sent for Throughout Scottland soe speedilie, To see these two children sett vpp In their seats of gold full royallye. B =a.= Wood, 401, fol. 95 b. =b.= Roxburghe, I, 222, III, 534; Roxburghe Ballads, ed. Chappell, II, 55. =c.= Pepys, I, 494, No 254 (from a transcript in Percy’s papers). 1 It was a worthy Lord of Lorn, He was a lord of high degree, He sent [his son] unto the schoole, To learn some civility. 2 He learned more learning in one day Then other children did in three; And then bespake the schoolmaster Unto him tenderly. 3 ‘In faith thou art the honestest boy That ere I blinkt on with mine eye; I hope thou art some easterling born, The Holy Ghost is with thee.’ 4 He said he was no easterling born, The child thus answered courteously; My father is the Lord of Lorn, And I his son, perdye. 5 The schoolmaster turned round about, His angry mood he could not swage; He marvelled the child could speak so wise, He being of so tender age. 6 He girt the saddle to the steed, The bridle of the best gold shone; He took his leave of his fellows all, And quickly he was gone. 7 And when he came to his father dear He kneeled down upon his knee; ‘I am come to you, fathe[r],’ he said, ‘God’s blessing give you me.’ 8 ‘Thou art welcome, son,’ he said, ‘God’s blessing I give thee; What tidings hast thou brought, my son, Being come so hastily?’ 9 ‘I have brought tidings, father,’ he said, ‘And so likëd it may be, There’s never a book in all Scotland But I can read it, truly. 10 ‘There’s nere a doctor in all this realm, For all he goes in rich array, I can write him a lesson soon To learn in seven years day.’ 11 ‘That is good tidings,’ said the lord, ‘All in the place where I do stand; My son, thou shalt into France go, To learn the speeches of each land.’ 12 ‘Who shall go with him?’ said the lady; ‘Husband, we have no more but he;’ ‘Madam,’ he saith, ‘my head steward, He hath bin true to me.’