This is obscure, and in any case false. Percy WAS taken, and towards
his ransom Richard II. paid 3000 pounds. {59a}
It may be well to quote the openings of each ballad, English and Scots.
ENGLISH (1550)
I.
It fell about the Lammas tyde,
When husbands win their hay,
The doughty Douglas bound him to ride,
In England to take a prey.
II.
The Earl of Fife, withouten strife,
He bound him over Solway;
The great would ever together ride
That race they may rue for aye.
III.
Over Hoppertop hill they came in,
And so down by Rodcliff crag,
Upon Green Linton they lighted down,
Stirring many a stag.
IV.
And boldly brent Northumberland,
And harried many a town,
They did our Englishmen great wrong,
To battle that were not boune.
V.
Then spake a berne upon the bent . .
SCOTTISH, HERD (1776)
I.
It fell and about the Lammas time,
When hushandmen do win their hay;
Earl Douglas is to the English woods,
And a' with him to fetch a prey.
II.
He has chosen the Lindsays light,
With them the gallant Gordons gay;
And the Earl of Fyfe, withouten strife,
And Hugh Montgomery upon a grey.
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