THE MESSAGE

Up, dear laddie, saddle quick,

And spring upon the leather!

Away post haste o'er fell and waste

With whip and spur together!

And when you win to Duncan's kin

Draw one of them aside

And shortly say, “Which daughter may

We welcome as the bride?”

And if he says, “It is the dark,”

Then quickly bring the mare,

But if he says, “It is the blonde,”

Then you have time to spare;

But buy from off the saddler man

The stoutest cord you see,

Ride at your ease and say no word,

But bring it back to me.