I now have both a field recording and a CD of a ballad that haunted a friend of mine for years but am still not sure I'm hearing all the words aright, especially in the last verse (thanks, Malcolm, for all the help you offered on Ballad-L!). Anyway, here's what I've collated thus far:
Tushielaw's a hunting ga'en, gallant in his deed,
For he's won the heart of Eppie Mars, the fairest maid on Tweed.
And her fayther he has banished him, for he's below her station
And Tushielaw has fled to France, to fecht for king and nation.
She's the earl of March's daughter and the floo'r aboon them a'
But the humble squire of Tushielaw has ta'en her heart awa'.
And when the lady heard that Tushielaw had fled,
Well the lady's looking pale and wan and taken tae her bed.
A physician came to Neidpath, for Stephen [?] she's been crying.
I fear she's got a broken heart, I fear the lady's dying.
She's the earl of March's daughter . . . .
Noo the fayther he's concerned & he's wont to take the blame
So a messenger was sent awa', to fetch her lover hame.
Well the lady's feeling better noo, she's taken to her feet,
And she's bought a house in Peeblestoon, her true love there to meet.
She's the earl of March's daughter . . . . .
But she's looking tired and palllid, her cheeks have lost their glow,
And she's no the handsome beauty that she was a year ago.
When Tushielaw to Pebbles came, his horse he did not tether,
He passed the lady swiftly by, he's ta'en her for another.
She's the earl of March's daughter . . . . .
But he's sped on to Neidpath, to see his love again,
He spurred his horse in anguish, he's spurred his horse in pain.
For his lady lies in Peeblestoon, it's there she's passed awa'
And there isna health nor heart nor hame [as I think I hear on my tape; CD is even harder to decipher] for handsome Tushielaw.
She's the earl of March's daughter . . . . . .
More info on the ballad, which apparently dates back to a story (collected?) by Sir Walter Scott would be nice too.
Thanks.
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sj