The Morisons

1.

‘ From Burnswark top to deep Glenae,1

Carlaverock bank to Drumlanrig brae,2

A bauld race ruled—the Morisons brave,3

They travelled the earth, and they stemmed the wave,4

They bore the red cross—they barefoot trod5

Jerusalem’s sands, and they gallantly rode6

In the ranks of war, when the sword had trust7

Of the Church’s fame and the martyrs’ dust—8

It is rife in tale and in minstrel story,9

The Morisons’ might and the Morisons’ glory.10

‘ But in the battle, when shafts flew thickest,11

And the Morisons sword fell sheering quickest—12

But in the church, when prayers were longest,13

And the Morisons voice prayed loud and strongest—14

But in the field, when the lilies were springing—15

When the bridal bells were bedward ringing—16

When the hunters horns were merriest blowing—17

When the ladies bosoms were heaving and glowing—18

In court—in camp—in church or hame19

An ancient curse still clung to their name,—20

‘ It is sad to hear—though its brief to tell,21

How the curse that maun cling to their name befel—22

It came with a lass—it maun gang wi’ a lass,23

In sorrow and shame !— and away let it pass—24

This throbbing heart, and this eye in sorrow—25

Shall be mute and be dry ere the sun-rise of morrow,26

And she that sings this sang o’ their shame27

Is the last of the Morisons’ lineage and name—28

But rife in tale and the minstrel story29

Is the Morisons might and the Morisons glory.’30