Half-owre, half-owre to Aberdour, ’Tis fifty fathoms deep; And there lies gude Sir Patrick Spens, Wi’ the Scots lords at his feet! FOOTNOTES: [464] skeely = skilful. [465] lift = sky. [466] lap = sprang. [467] wap = wrap. [468] flatter’d = tossed afloat. [469] kames = combs. _76. The Lord of Lorn_ I It was the worthy Lord of Lorn, He was a lord of high degree; And he has set his one young son To school, to learn civility. II He learn’d more learning in one day Than other children did in three; And then bespake the schoolmaster, Unto the heir of Lorn said he: III ‘In faith thou art the honestest boy That ere I blinkt on with mine e’e; I think thou be some easterling born, The Holy Ghost it is with thee.’ IV He said he was no easterling born, The child thus answer’d courteouslye: ‘My father he is the Lord of Lorn, And I his one young son, perdie.’ V The schoolmaster turn’d round about, His angry mind he could not ’swage; He marvell’d the child could speak so wise, He being of so tender age. VI He girt the saddle to the steed, A golden bridle done him upon; He took his leave of his schoolfellows, And home this Child of Lorn has gone. VII And when he came to his father dear He kneelèd down upon his knee: ‘God’s blessing, father, I would ask, If Christ would grant you to give it me.’-- VIII ‘Now God thee bless, my son, my heir, His servant in heaven that thou may be! What tidings hast thou brought me, child? Thou art comen home so hastilye.’-- IX ‘Good tidings, father, I have you brought, Good tidings I hope it is to thee; There’s never a book in all Scotland But I can read it truëlye.’ X A joyèd man his father was All in the place where he did stand: ‘My son, thou shalt go into France, To learn the speeches of ilka land.’ XI ‘Who shall go with him?’ said his lady; ‘Husband, we have no more but he.’-- ‘Madam,’ he saith, ‘my hend[470] steward, For he hath been true to you and me.’ XII She call’d the steward to an account, A thousand pound she gave him anon; Says, ‘Steward, I’ll give thee as mickle more If thou be as good to my one son.’-- XIII ‘If I be false unto my young lord, Then God be the like to me indeed!’ --So now to France they both are gone, And the God [of Heaven] be their good speed! XIV Over the sea into France land They had not been three weeks to an end, But meat and drink the child got none, Nor penny of money in purse to spend. XV The child ran to a river’s side; He was fain to drink the water thin; And after follow’d the false steward To drown the bonny boy therein. XVI