Metier stain and the Haitlies thereof. 141 



with easements. In 1465 Alan, Abbot of Kelso, and the convent let 

 all their property in Mellostanys and Fawnys to Alexander Parves of 

 Mellostanys and Hugh, his brother-german, conjunctly and separately, 

 for the period of nineteen years, at the rent of forty shillings per 

 annum. (Chart. Cal. 183.) Morton's Teviotdale, pp. 134, 135. 



In 1617 "the kirklandis off Mellerstanes " were granted to Alexander, 

 Earl of Home. — Acts Pari. Scotland, iv., p. 560. 



9.— Fairs. 



Charles II., 1681. Warrand to Mr Robert Baillie of Jerviswood for 

 two yearlie fairs at Mellerstaines, on the I2th July and the 6th 

 October. See the Act in Acts Pari. Scot., viu., p. 448. A blank is 

 left for the names of the fairs, which probably were never conferred. 



10. — The Ballad of James Hatlik. 



The only literary popular reminiscence of the Haitlie family 

 remaining, is the simple Ballad of James Hatley, belonging to the 

 Romantic School, preserved among the collections of Thomas Wilkie, 

 entitled " Old Scots Songs collected in Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire, and 

 Berwickshire, a.d., 1815," now in my possession. Wilkie was a native 

 of Bowden, brought up among its feuar population, which had 

 undergone little change since the Reformation. He was the friend 

 and correspondent of Mungo Park and Sir Walter Scott. He was a 

 surgeon by profession, and had visited India during his short life. 

 Many of his observations on old Scottish Customs, Rites, Ceremonies, 

 and Games are still either not at all, or imperfectly, recorded, and 

 preserve a curious picture of some of the habits of the rural 

 population daring the last century. 



It happened once upon a time. 



When the King was from home but lately, 



That Sir Fenwick he has stolen his jewels, 

 And laid the blame on James Hatley (^sic.) 



James Hatley was laid in prison strong, 



I wat he was condemn' d to die ; 

 And there's not a man in a' the court. 



Wad speak one word for James Hatlie. 



No one but the King's fair daughter, 



I wat she loo'd him tenderlie ; 

 She's stolen the keys from her father's head. 



And went in and convers'd with James Hatlie. 



Come tell to me now, James, she said, 



If you have them stolen, come tell to me ; 



And I'll make a vow I'll keep it true. 

 Ye shall never be the worse o' me. 



