"
I do not see how Satchells could either invent or glean from tradition
the gist of Buccleuch's diplomatic remonstrances, first with Salkeld,
for Scrope was absent at the time of Willie's capture, then with
Scrope. Buccleuch, in fact, wrote that the taking of Willie was "to
the touch of the King," a stain on his honour, says a contemporary
manuscript. {135a}
In a CONTEMPORARY ballad, a kind of rhymed news-sheet, the facts would
be known and reported. But at this point (at Buccleuch's reception of
the news of Kinmont), Scott is perhaps overmastered by his opportunity,
and, I think, himself composes stanzas ix., x., xi., xii.
O is my basnet a widow's curch?
Or my lance a wand o' the willow tree?
and so on. Child and Mr. Henderson are of the same opinion; but it is
only sense of style that guides us in such a matter, nor can I give
other grounds for supposing that the original ballad appears again in
stanza xiii.
O were there war between the lands,
As well I wot that there is none,
I would slight Carlisle castle high,
Tho' it were built o' marble stone!
Thence, I think, the original ballad (doubtless made "harmonious," as
Hogg put it) ran into stanza xxxi.
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