Prev | Current Page 171 | Next

Lang, Andrew, 1844-1912

"Sir Walter Scott and the Border Minstrelsy"

of Scott's ballad. That this is so, and that, later,
Satchells is again reminiscent of a ballad, is no improbable opinion.
In the ballad (iii.-viii.) we learn how Willie is brought a prisoner
across Liddel to Carlisle; we have his altercation with Lord Scrope,
and the arrival of the news at Branksome, where Buccleuch is at table.
Satchells also gives the altercation. In both versions Willie promises
to "take his leave" of Scrope before he quits the Castle.
In Scott's ballad (Scrope speaks) (stanza vi.).

Before ye cross my castle yate,
I trow ye shall take fareweel o' me.

Willie replies -

I never yet lodged in a hostelrie,
But I paid my lawing before I gaed.

In Satchells, Lord Scrope says -

"Before thou goest away thou must
Even take thy leave of me?"
"By the cross of my sword," says Willie then,
"I'll take my leave of thee."

Now, had Scott been pirating Satchells, I think he would have kept "By
the cross of my sword," which is picturesque and probable, Willie being
no good Presbyterian.


Pages:
159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183