THE KEEPER OF THE REGALIA 265 



his shoulder to light our steps, as has been practised 

 from time immemorial ; the others with the fish 

 and leisters. One of the spectators began a con- 

 cordia discors with his bagpipe, but bad us adieu at 

 Melrose Bridge, and the dulcet sounds died away 

 among the pine woods and furze brakes of the Eildon 

 Hills. Then it was that we had the good fortune to 

 meet my most humorous and excellent friend Sir 

 Adam Ferguson, who made rare amends for the loss 

 of our piper, by singing the following strains in his 

 richest style ; which, as they are not very well 

 known in the South, I venture to subscribe. 



" The Laird o' Cockpen, he's proud and he's great ; 

 His mind's ta'en up wi' the things o' the state ; 

 He wanted a wife his braw house to keep, 

 But favor wi' wooing was fashous to seek. 



" Down by the dyke-side a leddie did dwell, 

 At the head o' his table he thocht she'd look well, 

 Macleish's ae dochter o' Claver's Ha' Lee, 

 A penniless lass, wi' a lang pedigree. 



" His wig was well pouthered, and maist gude as new ; 

 His waistcoat was red, his coat it was blue ; 

 A ring on his finger, his sword and cockt hat, 

 And wha could refuse the laird wi' aw that ? 



" He mounted his meer, he rode cannilie, * 

 And rapt at the yett o' Clavers Ha' Lee ; 

 ' Gae tell Mrs. Jean to come speedilie ben, 

 She's wanted to speak to the Laird o' Cockpen.' 



" Mrs. Jean she was makin' the elder flower wine ; 

 ' And what brings the laird at sic a like time ? ' 

 She threw aff her apron, put on her silk gown, 

 Her mutch wi' red ribbons, and cam awa down. 



