ANTIQUITY OF THE BALLAD OF AULD MAITLAK^D 139 



Here was born William Laidlaw, the author of ' Lucy's 

 Flittin',' the friend of Hogg and Leyden, and the factor 

 and amanuensis of Sir Walter Scott." 



The Ettrick Shepherd spent the third decade of his life 

 at Blackhouse, tending the fleecy flocks of Laidlaw's father, 

 and developing himself as a poet. It was in a cottage here 

 that the parents of Hogg ended their earthly career. 



They both lived beyond the allotted span, the father 

 expiring in the 93rd year of his age, and the mother in 

 her 83rd. 



When Scott and Leyden were ranging the forest for Border. 

 ballads, they called upon Laidlaw at Blackhouse. 



He knew of their coming, and had been gleaning mountain 

 and glen for ballads ; and when he produced his treasure 

 of " Auld Maitldud " (says Dr Carruthers) "Leyden seemed 

 inclined to lay hands on the manuscript, but the Sheriff said 

 gravely that he would read it. 



" Scott read with great fluency and emphasis. Leyden was 

 like a roused lion." 



The writer of the article continues: — "On leaving Black- 

 house our muirland way was exceedingly rough, and seemed 

 at times to be almost inaccessible ; but when we entered 

 Hawkshaw Doors, a narrow pass not far from Dryhope, St. 

 Mary's Loch once more appeared in view. 



"It was at this spot that Leyden was so enraptured with 

 the sight of the lake that he suddenly drew bridle, sprang 

 from his horse (which he gave to Scott's servant), and stood 

 admiring the Alpine prospect." 



Now there is a story in Sir George Douglas's "Life of 

 Hogg" which becomes of great interest in connection with 

 this ; indeed, it bears on the whole class of literature. 



Hogg himself saj^s, " My mother chanted the ballad Auld 

 Maitland to him, with which he was highly delighted, and 

 asked her if she thought it had ever been in print. And 

 her answer was : — * na na, sir, it never was printed in 

 the world, for my brothers and me learned it and mony 

 mare frae auld Andrew Moor, and he learned it frae auld 

 Baby Maitlan'.' " 



This personage was said to have been " another nor 

 a gude ane," about whom many queer stories were told. 



