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The Slayne Menstrel.
Ane harper there was—ane harper gude—
Cam' harpin' at the gloamin fa'—
And he has won to the bonnie bield
Quhilk callit is the Newtoun Ha'.
'Brume, brume on hil'—the harper sang—
'And rose on brier are blythe to see—
I would I saw the brume sae lang,
Quhilk cleidis the braes o' my ain countree!'
'Out on ye, out, ye prydefu' loan,
Wi' me ye winna lig the nicht—
Hie to some bordel in borrowe toun:
Of harpand craft I haud but licht!
'Out on ye, out, ye menstrel lewde'—
Sayd the crewel Laird o' the Newtoun Ha'—
'Ye'll nae bide here, by blessit Rude,
Gif harpe or lyf ye reck ava'!'
