XV.

THE BALLAD OF BALLOGIE'S DAUGHTERS.


There were four fair maids in Ballogie Hall,
Not all so sweet as honey;
But Lillyfair was the flower of them all--
So gentle, so kind, and so bonnie.

And why was it that Ballogie's dame
Was so fond of her Lillyfair?
It was not by reason she bore her name,
Nor yet for her love and care.

It was that she long had cherished a dream
Of a face which she once held dear,
Ere yet she had bent to Ballogie's claim,
Whom she married through force and fear.

That image unsought--all by fancy wrought--
Had been fixed upon Lillyfair,
And to her had gi'en her bonnie blue een,
As well as her golden hair.

Yet the dame was true to her bridal vow,
Though sairly she would mourn,