Hi Steve,

The text I sent you was Child I, taken from an unidentified print in Child's possession which has "said" in opening line. I agree with you that "Earl Brand" is a different ballad about a similar affair with a similar ending (both are wounded, and go home and then die). Earl Brand has a refrain while Lord Douglas does not. The only stanza held strictly in common is the:

"O Earl Brand, I see thy heart’s bluid,"
"It’s but the shadow of my scarlet robe."

Similar themes are found in Bold Soldier (Bold Keeper), Braes o' Yarrow, and Erlington,

Brian, I agree with you on Child 6. I've added the changes from Lyle transcript (Bell Roberton's version) on my site now.

Richie