WILLIAM BELL SCOTT

And on the provost's brave ridge-tile,

On the provost's grand ridge-tile, The Blackamoor first to master me I saw, I saw that winsome smile, The mouth that did my heart beguile, And spoke the great Word over me, In the land beyond the sea.

I call'd his name, I call'd aloud, Alas ! I call'd on him aloud ; And then he lill'd his hand with stour, And threw it towards me in the air ; My mouse flew out, I lost my pow'r !

My lusty strength, my power were gone;

Pov/er was gone, and all was gone. He will not let me love him more ! Of bell and whip and horse's tail He cares not if I find a store.

But I am proud if he is fierce !

I am as proud as he is fierce; I'll turn about and backward go, If I meet again that Blackamoor, And he'll help us then, for he shall know I seek another paramour.

And we'll gang once more to yon town,

Wi' better luck to yon town ; We'll wal-k in silk and cramoisie, An I I shall wed the provost's son My lady of the town I'll be \

stour] dust. cramoisie] crimson.

87.

�� �