When Frennett castle's ivied wa's
Thro' yallow leaves were seen;
When birds forsook the sapless boughs,
And bees the faded green;
Then Lady Frennet, vengeful dame,
Did wander frae the ha',
To the wild forest's dewie gloom,
Among the leaves that fa'.

Her page, the swiftest of her train,
Had clumb a lofty tree,
Whase branches to the lofty blast,
Were soughing mournfullie:
He turn'd his een towards the path
That near the castle lay,
Where good lord John and Rothemay
Were rideing down the brae.

Swift darts the eagle from the sky,
When prey beneath is seen;
As quickly he forgot his hold,
And perch'd upon the green:
O hie thee, hie thee! Lady gay,
Frae this dark wood awa:
Some visitors of gallant mein
Are hasting to the ha'.

Then round she rowed her silken plaid,
Her feet she did na spare,
Until she left the forest skirts
A lang bow-shot and mair.
O where, O where, my good Lord John,
O tell me where you ride?
Within my castle-wall this night
I hope you mean to bide.

Kind noblers, will ye but alight,
In yonder bower to stay;
Saft ease shall teach you to forget
The hardness of the way.
Forbear entreaty, gentle dame,
How can we here remain?
Full well you ken your husband dear
Was by our father slain.

The thoughts of which with fell revenge
Your angry bosom swell:
Enraged you've sworn that blood for blood
Should this black passion quell.
O fear not, fear not, good Lord John,
That I will you betray,
Or sue requittal for a debt
Which nature cannot pay.

Bear witness a'ye powers on high,
Ye lights that 'gin to shine,
This night shall prove the sacred cord
That knits your faith and mine.
The lady slee with honeyed words
Entic'd thir youths to stay:
But morning sun nere shone upon
Lord John nor Rothemay

© James Dempster 1997