Mellerstain and the Eaitlies thereof. 143 



Hold up, hold np, James Hatlie, lie said, 



Hold up, and ye sail justified be. 

 For I have stolen the jewels myself, 



More shame and disgrace it is to me. 



Up then spoke a Southern Lord, 



And O' but he spak haughtilie ; 

 I would rather have given the half o' my land. 



Before James Hatlie should not hangit be. 



Up then spak the King's eldest son, 



Come home, James Hittlie, and dine wi' me ; 



For from this hour receive this dower. 



Ye sail be my Captain by land and by sea. 



Up then spak the King's daughter. 



Come home, James Hatlie, and dine wi' me ; 



For ere the sun gae down this night — 

 O there's my hand— I'll marry thee ! 



Mr Wilkie adds : " This song I took down from Betty Hoyle, in the 

 village of Gattonside, and another set [unfortunately not preserved] 

 I took down from a Miss Robinson, Dnnse, very different from the 

 preceding, both in narration and particular circumstances of the 

 treatment of James Hatley. 



" The Hatleys were, anciently, hereditary sheriffs of Roxburghshire 

 before the powerful family of Douglas had been appointed to that 

 office by their sovereign. It is very singular that there is not now 

 one of the name, in that county, above the common estate." This 

 tradition is a perversion of history. Mr Wilkie appears to have been 

 quite unaware of the energetic landed Haitlies of the neighbouring 

 county of Berwickshire. 



