is his favourite phrase, and he cites historical authority -


The cronykle wyll not layne (lie).


Scottish ballads do not appeal to chroniclers! A patriotic and
imbecile effort is made by the Englishman to represent Percy as
captured, indeed, but released without ransom -


There was then a Scottysh prisoner tayne,
Sir Hew Mongomery was his name;
For sooth as I yow saye,
He borrowed the Persey home agayne.


This is obscure, and in any case false. Percy WAS taken, and towards
his ransom Richard II. paid 3000 pounds. {59a}

It may be well to quote the openings of each ballad, English and Scots.


ENGLISH (1550)

I.

It fell about the Lammas tyde,
When husbands win their hay,
The doughty Douglas bound him to ride,