But I cam through the Tysday's dew, [Tuesday's]
To wanton Willie's brandy.

_Macpherson's Farewell_, made famous by Carlyle's appreciation, is a
glorified version of the "Dying Words" of a condemned bandit, such as
were familiar in broadsides after every notorious execution. Part of
the refrain is old. One may imagine _The Highland Balou_ the lullaby
of Macpherson's child.


MACPHERSON'S FAREWELL

Farewell, ye dungeons dark and strong,
The wretch's destinie!
Macpherson's time will not be long
On yonder gallows tree.

Sae rantingly, sae wantonly, [jovially]
Sae dauntingly gaed he;
He played a spring and danced it round, [lively tune]
Below the gallows tree.

Oh, what is death but parting breath?
On mony a bloody plain
I've dared his face, and in his place
I scorn him yet again!

Untie these bands from off my hands,
And bring to me my sword,
And there's no a man in all Scotland,