Now they did swim that wan water,
  And wow but they swam bonilie! 
  Until they cam to the other side,
  And they wrang their cloathes right drunkily.

  “Come thro’, come thro’, Lieutenant Gordon! 
  Come thro’ and drink some wine wi’ me! 
  For there is an ale-house here hard by,
  And it shall not cost thee ae penny.”

  “Throw me my irons,” quo’ Lieutenant Gordon;
  “I wot they cost me dear aneugh.” 
  “The shame a ma,” quo’ mettled John Ha’,
  “They’ll be gude shackles to my pleugh.”

  “Come thro’, come thro’, Lieutenant Gordon! 
  Come thro’ and drink some wine wi’ me! 
  Yestreen I was your prisoner,
  But now this morning am I free.”

[Footnote 185:  Billy—­Brother.]

[Footnote 186:  Unkensome—­Unknown.]

[Footnote 187:  Beet—­Abet, aid.]

[Footnote 188:  Mystery—­Trade.—­See Shakespeare.]

[Footnote 189:  The Gold Twist means the small gilded chains drawn across the chest of a war-horse, as a part of his caparaison.]

[Footnote 190:  Skeigh—­Shy.]

[Footnote 191:  Weil—­Eddy.]

[Footnote 192:  E’en—­Even, put into comparison.]

ARMSTRONG’S GOODNIGHT.

* * * * *

The followng verses are said to have been composed by one of the ARMSTRONGS, executed for the murder of Sir JOHN CARMICHAEL of Edrom, warden of the middle marches, (See p. 165.) The tune is popular in Scotland; but whether these are the original words, will admit of a doubt.

* * * * *

  This night is my departing night,
  For here nae langer must I stay;
  There’s neither friend nor foe o’ mine,
  But wishes me away.

  What I have done thro’ lack of wit,
  I never, never, can recall;
  I hope ye’re a’ my friends as yet;
  Goodnight and joy be with you all!

* * * * *

THE FRAY OF SUPORT.

AN ANCIENT BORDER GATHERING SONG FROM TRADITION.

* * * * *

Of all the border ditties, which have fallen into the editor’s hands, this is by far the most uncouth and savage.  It is usually chaunted in a sort of wild recitative, except the burden, which swells into a long and varied howl, not unlike to a view hollo’.  The words, and the very great irregularity of the stanza (if it deserves the name), sufficiently point out its intention and origin.  An English woman, residing in Suport, near the foot of the Kershope, having been plundered in the night by a band of the Scottish moss-troopers, is supposed to convoke her servants and friends for the pursuit, or Hot Trod; upbraiding them, at the same time,