Border Ballad

Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)

MARCH, march, Ettrick and Teviotdale!

Why the de’il dinna ye march forward in order?

March, march, Eskdale and Liddesdale!

All the Blue Bonnets are over the Border!

Many a banner spread

Flutters above your head,

Many a crest that is famous in story!—

Mount and make ready, then,

Sons of the mountain glen,

Fight for the queen and our old Scottish glory.

Come from the hills where your hirsels are grazing;

Come from the glen of the buck and the roe;

Come to the crag where the beacon is blazing;

Come with the buckler, the lance, and the bow.

Trumpets are sounding;

War-steeds are bounding;

Stand to your arms, and march in good order,

England shall many a day

Tell of the bloody fray,

When the Blue Bonnets came over the Border.