Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
296 . The Five Carlins: An Election Ballad
T
They fell upon a scheme,
To send a lad to London town,
To bring them tidings hame.
But do their errands there, And aiblins gowd and honor baith Might be that laddie’s share. A dame wi’ pride eneugh; And Marjory o’ the mony Lochs, A Carlin auld and teugh. That dwelt near Solway-side; And whisky Jean, that took her gill, In Galloway sae wide. O’ gipsy kith an’ kin; Five wighter Carlins were na found The South countrie within. They met upon a day; And mony a knight, and mony a laird, This errand fain wad gae. This errand fain wad gae; But nae ane could their fancy please, O ne’er a ane but twae. Bred of a Border band; And he wad gae to London town, Might nae man him withstand. And meikle he wad say; And ilka ane about the court Wad bid to him gude-day. Who spak wi’ modest grace, And he wad gae to London town, If sae their pleasure was. Nor meikle speech pretend; But he wad hecht an honest heart, Wad ne’er desert his friend. At strife thir Carlins fell; For some had Gentlefolks to please, And some wad please themsel’. And she spak up wi’ pride, And she wad send the Soger youth, Whatever might betide. She didna care a pin; But she wad send the Soger youth, To greet his eldest son. And a deadly aith she’s ta’en, That she wad vote the Border Knight, Though she should vote her lane. And fools o’ change are fain; But I hae tried the Border Knight, And I’ll try him yet again.” A Carlin stoor and grim. “The auld Gudeman or young Gudeman, For me may sink or swim; While knaves laugh them to scorn; But the Soger’s friends hae blawn the best, So he shall bear the horn.” “Ye weel ken, kimmers a’, The auld gudeman o’ London court, His back’s been at the wa’; Is now a fremit wight; But it’s ne’er be said o’ whisky Jean— We’ll send the Border Knight.” And wrinkled was her brow, Her ancient weed was russet gray, Her auld Scots bluid was true; I set as light by them; But I will send to London town Wham I like best at hame.” Nae mortal wight can tell; God grant the King and ilka man May look weel to himsel.