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{98b}
There is one great point of difference between the two forms. In Sir
Walter's variant, verse 26 summons the Scotts of Teviotdale, including
Wat of Harden. In his 28 the Scotts ride with the slogan "Rise for
Branksome readily." Scott's verses 34, 36, and the two first lines of
38, are, if there be such a thing as internal evidence, from his own
pen. Such lines as

The Dinlay snaw was ne'er mair white
Nor the lyart locks o' Harden's hair

are cryingly modern and "Scottesque."
That Sir Walter knew the other version, as in Mr. Macmath's MS. of the
early nineteenth century, is certain; he describes that version in his
preface. That he effected the whole transposition of Scotts for
Elliots is Colonel Elliot's opinion. {99a}
If Scott did, I am not the man to defend his conduct; I regret and
condemn it; and shall try to prove that he found the matter in his
copy. I shall first prove, beyond possibility of doubt, that the
ballad is, from end to end, utterly unhistorical, though based on
certain real incidents of 1596-97.


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