hurried into the queen's presence. The sorceress, as Biorno had predicted, endeavoured to prevail upon Bera to eat of what was then esteemed a regal dainty. Entreaties and threats being in vain, force was, by the queen's command, employed for this purpose, and Bera was compelled to swallow one morsel of the bear's flesh. A second was put into her mouth, but she had an opportunity of putting it aside. She was then dismissed to her father's house. Here, in process of time, she was delivered of three sons, two of whom were affected variously, in person and disposition, by the share their mother had been compelled to take in the feast of the king. The eldest, from his middle downwards, resembled an elk, whence he derived the name of Elgfrod. He proved a man of uncommon strength, but of savage manners, and adopted the profession of a robber. Thorer, the second son of Bera, was handsome and well shaped, saving that he had the foot of a dog; from which he obtained the appellation of Houndsfoot. But Bodvar, the third son, was a model of perfection in mind and body. He revenged upon the necromantic queen the death of his father, and became the most celebrated champion of his age.

Historia Hrolfi Kraka, Haffniæ, 1715.

LORD THOMAS AND FAIR ANNIE.

NOW

FIRST PUBLISHED IN A PERFECT STATE.

THIS ballad is now, for the first time, published in a perfect state. A fragment, comprehending the 2d, 4th, 5th, and 6th verses, as also the 17th, has appeared in several collections. The present copy is chiefly taken from the recitation of an old woman, residing near Kirkhill, in West Lothian; the same from whom were obtained the variations in the tale of Tumlane, and the fragment of the Wife of Usher's Well, which is the next in order.

The tale is much the same with the Breton romance, called Lay Le Fruin, or the Song of the Ash. Indeed, the editor is convinced, that the farther our researches are extended, the more we shall see ground to believe, that the romantic ballads of later times are, for the most part, abridgments of the ancient metrical romances, narrated

in a smoother stanza, and more modern language. A co'py of the ancient romance, alluded to, is preserved in the invaluable collection (W. 4. 1.) of the Advocates' Library, and begins thus:

In Breteyne bi hold time

This layes were wrought so seithe this rime
When kinges might our y here

Of ani mervailes that ther wer

They token a harp in glee and game

And maked a lay and gaf it name

Now of this aventours that weren y falle

Y can tel sum ac nought alle

Ac herkeneth Lordinges sothe to sain

I chil you tel Lay le Frain

Bifel a cas in Breteyne

Whereof was made Lay le Frain

In Ingliche for to tellen y wis

Of ane asche forsothe it is
On ane ensammpie tair with alle
That sum time was bi falle &c.

LORD THOMAS AND FAIR ANNIE.

Irs narrow, narrow, make your bed,

"ITS

"And learn to lie your lane;

"For I'm ga'n o'er the sea, Fair Annie,
"A braw bride to bring hame.
"Wi' her I will get gowd and gear;
"Wi' you I ne'er got nane.

"But wha will bake my bridal bread,

"Or brew my bridal ale?

"And wha will welcome my brisk bride, "That I bring o'er the dale?"

"Its I will bake your bridal bread, "And brew your bridal ale;

"And I will welcome your brisk bride,

"That you bring o'er the dale."

"But she that welcomes my brisk bride, "Maun gang like maiden fair;

"She maun lace on her robe sae jimp, "And braid her yellow hair."

"But how can I gang maiden-like,
"When maiden I am nane?
"Have I not borne seven sons to thee,
"And am with child again?”

She's ta'en her young son in her arms,
Another in her hand;

And she's up to the highest tower,
To see him come to land.

"Come up, come up, my eldest son,

"And look o'er yon sea-strand,

"And see your

father's new-come bride,

"Before she come to land."

"Come down, come down, my mother dear!

"Come frae the castle-wa'!

"I fear, if langer ye stand there,

"Ye'll let yoursell down fa'."