Wha hasna heard of Wallace wicht
The stalwart son of Ellerslie?
A bolder or a likelier lad
In a' the round there couldna be.
Ae day he to the fishing gaed
Doun by the Irvine water side,
And when his basket was weel filled,
Three Southern soldiers he espied.
He turned him to the little boy
Who followed eager at his heel--
"My lad, there may be mischief here,
I'll haud the rod, and you the creel."
He took his lithe rod quickly doun,
His creel he to the laddie gave,
Then wi' his face turned to the foe
He calmly stude, sae swank and brave.
Ahent him stude the boy, and smiled--
"They dinna ken their man," said he,
"What though the carles be three to ane,
They canna fecht young Ellerslie."
Up cam' the soldiers, and began
The fisher youth to jeer, and flout--
"Nae doubt you only fish for sport,
Gie us the basket wi' the trout."
"Ye arena blate," young Wallace said,
"And your demand I hold unfair,
I winna gie the creelfu' up,
But you are welcome to a share."
"The whole or none," the soldiers cried,
And sudden rushed on Ellerslie,
Who dauntless waited; save his rod
No weapon of defence had he.
The foremost of the three he struck
With his rod-end a crushing blow,
A single blow aneth the ear
That laid his adversary low.
Then caught he up his victim's sword,
And swift the blade cam' flashing doun
Upon a second Southron foe,
A deadly stroke that cleft his croun.
The third turned tail and ran awa';
Young Wallace grimly smiled--
"I trow My sport on Irvine stream is dune,
I'll follow ither fishing now.
"I'll no be hame this nicht, my lad,
Nor yet will I be hame the morn,
Go, tell my folks I canna thole
To be the mark for Southron scorn.
"Tell them I've dune a deed this day
That stamps me England's enemie,
And to escape a cruel death
"Tis I maun to the mountains flee.
"Inglorious ease and tranquil days!
To them I bid a long adieu;
And now, my puir down-trodden land,
My life I consecrate to you."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Awa', awa', to the Loudon Hills
To rouse his brither Scots fled he;
And England learned ere lang to dread
The outlawed youth frae Ellerslie.
I'd love to have you drop by!--Barbara