Origins: Sir James the Rose

Subject: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: Peace
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 11:44 PM

I first encountered this song on an album by Steeleye Span years ago (about 20). I was in university at the time and I went lookin' for its origins, but could never find an historical figure by that name. Anyone know anything about it? Only version I ever heard was SP's. I have looked at the three references on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 01:57 AM

Hi, Brucie - the entry at the Traditional Ballad Index should give you a start. The traditional version in the Digital Tradition (click) is supposed to be the one in Flanders/Olney, Ballads Migrant in New England. I checked it, and it's an exact transcription of the song from Flanders/Olney (I caught 3 typographical errors). The tune in the DT appears to be an accurate transcription of the one found in flanders/Olney. As stated below, the Flanders/Olney version is very different from the one sung by Steeleye Span.
There are three versions in Greig-Duncan, and lots of tunes. The shortest of the three versions is 43 verses, and I think I need a night's sleep before I tackle them.
-Joe Offer-

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Sir James the Rose [Child 213]

DESCRIPTION: James the Rose (has killed a squire, and) is forced to flee. He asks his leman's help. She, under pressure, tells his pursuers of his hiding place. James is taken and killed. His leman regrets her actions
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1781 (Pinkerton)
KEYWORDS: love death betrayal revenge hiding
FOUND IN: Britain(Scotland(Aber)) Canada(Mar,Newf) US(NE)
REFERENCES (6 citations):
Child 213, "Sir James the Rose" (1 text)
Bronson 213, "Sir James the Rose" (27 versions+1 in addenda)
BarryEckstormSmyth pp. 284-291, "Sir James the Ross" (1 text from manuscript)
Flanders/Olney, pp. 147-154, "Sir James, the Rose" (1 text, 1 tune) {Bronson's #25}
Creighton/Senior, pp. 75-79, "Sir James the Ross" (1 text plus 2 fragments, 2 tunes) {Bronson's #27, 26}
DT 213, JAMEROSE* JAMEROS2
Roud #2274
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "Child Maurice" [Child 83] (tune)
Notes: The description above applies generally to the versions of this song found in Child and Flanders/Olney; it's about all that does. The New England ballad is twice as long as Child's composite text, and the details are completely different -- so different that I thought about classifying the two as separate ballads. I strongly suspect a deliberate rewrite somewhere in the history of the song. The Barry/Eckstorm/Smyth text goes with the Flanders version; they seem to believe that it, literary though it seems, is the original text. - RBW
File: C213

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Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 12:00 PM

There do seem to be two distinct songs involved, though both are classed under the same heading by Child (213) and by Roud (2274). Gavin Greig wrote:

"The version now generally known and sung ... is credited to Michael Bruce (1746-1767), the author of the well-known Ode to the Cuckoo. The locale of the older version is taken to be Ballechan in the parish of Logierait, Perthshire; but as regards our modern way of the ballad, strong and persistent tradition claims the scene of the tragedy for Buchan."

(- Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection, II, 1983, Notes: pp. 542-544). I don't know if the attribution of the later form to Bruce has ever been confirmed. A text appeared in A Collection of One Hundred and Fifty Scots Songs (London, 1768) and was re-printed in Keith's Last Leaves. The song also appeared in chapbooks. (Greig-Duncan, II 543 note P).

Greig gave some circumstantial detail, as did Christie (Traditional Ballad Airs, I, 16-19) but it doesn't amount to much. There doesn't seem to be evidence of an historical event behind the ballad, but that isn't to say that such might not emerge one day.

Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: GUEST,Lighter
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 03:36 PM

The Steeleye version - on the album "Rocket Cottage," I believe - is rewritten and fitted with a brand-new rock melody. It's great, BTW.

Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: Peace
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 07:00 PM

Thank you Joe, Malcolm and Lighter. Gives me some stuff to look into.

Subject: ADD Version: Sir James the Rose
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 12:12 AM

The Steeleye Span version in the Digital Tradition is quite close to the one version that's in Child, with some updating of a few words. Child has 24 verses - the Steeleye Span version has 13.

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Sir James the Rose

Variant A

1

O HEARD ye of Sir James the Rose,
The young heir of Buleighen?
For he has killd a gallant squire,
An 's friends are out to take him.

2

Now he's gone to the house of Marr,
Where the nourrice was his leman;
To see his dear he did repair,
Thinking she would befriend him.

3

`Where are you going, Sir James?' she says,
`Or where now are you riding?'
`O I am bound to a foreign land,
For now I'm under hiding.

4

`Where shall I go? Where shall I run?
Where shall I go to hide me?
For I have killd a gallant squire,
And they're seeking to slay me.'

5

`O go ye down to yon ale-house,
And I'll pay there your lawing;
And, if I be a woman true,
I'll meet you in the dawing.'

6

`I'll not go down to yon ale-house,
For you to pay my lawing;
There's forty shillings for one supper,
I'll stay in 't till the dawing.'

7

He's turnd him right and round about
And rowd him in his brechan,
And he has gone to take a sleep,
In the lowlands of Buleighen.

8

He was not well gone out of sight,
Nor was he past Milstrethen,
Till four and twenty belted knights
Came riding oer the Leathen.

9

`O have you seen Sir James the Rose,
The young heir of Buleighen?
For he has killd a gallant squire,
And we're sent out to take him.'

10

`O I have seen Sir James,' she says,
`For he past here on Monday;
If the steed be swift that he rides on,
He's past the gates of London.'

11

But as they were going away,
Then she calld out behind them;
`If you do seek Sir James,' she says,
`I'll tell you where you'll find him.

12

`You'll seek the bank above the mill,
In the lowlands of Buleighen,
And there you'll find Sir James the Rose,
Lying sleeping in his brechan.

13

`You must not wake him out of sleep,
Nor yet must you affright him,
Till you run a dart quite thro his heart,
And thro the body pierce him.'

14

They sought the bank above the mill,
In the lowlands of Buleighan,
And there they found Sir James the Rose,
A sleeping in his brechan.

15

Then out bespoke Sir John the Graeme,
Who had the charge a keeping;
`It's neer be said, dear gentlemen,
We'll kill him when he's sleeping.'

16

They seizd his broadsword and his targe,
And closely him surrounded;
But when he wak'd out of his sleep,
His senses were confounded.

17

`O pardon, pardon, gentlemen!
Have mercy now upon me!'
`Such as you gave, such you shall have,
And so we'll fall upon thee.'

18

`Donald my man, wait me upon,
And I'll give you my brechan,
And, if you stay here till I die,
You'll get my trews of tartan.

19

`There is fifty pounds in my pocket,
Besides my trews and brechan;
You'll get my watch and diamond ring;
And take me to Loch Largon.'

20

Now they have taken out his heart
And stuck it on a spear,
Then took it to the House of Marr,
And gave it to his dear.

21

But when she saw his bleeding heart
She was like one distracted;
She smote her breaxt, and wrung her hands,
Crying, `What now have I acted!

22

`Sir James the Rose, now for thy sake
O but my heart's a breaking!
Curst be the day I did thee betray,
Thou brave knight of Buleighen.'

23

Then up she rose, and forth she goes,
All in that fatal hour,
And bodily was born away,
And never was seen more.

24

But where she went was never kend,
And so, to end the matter,
A traitor's end, you may depend,
Can be expect'd no better.

Source: http://www.peterrobins.co.uk/ballads/

Subject: ADD Version: Sir James the Rose
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 12:55 AM

There are three versions of the song in the Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection. This is #235A.

SIR JAMES THE ROSE

1. Of all the Scottish northern chiefs
Of high and warlike name
The bravest was Sir James the Rose
A knicht of muckle fame.

2. His growth was like the tufted fir
That crowns the mountain's brow
And waving o'er his shoulders broad
The locks o yellow flew.

3. The chieftain of the brave clan Rose
A firm undaunted band
Five hundred warriors drew their sword
Beneath his high command.

4. In bloody fight thrice had he stood
Against the English keen
Ere twa an twenty opening springs
This blooming youth had seen.

5. The fair Matilda dear he loved
A maid of beauty rare
Ev'n Margaret on the Scottish throne
Was never half so fair.

6. Lang had he wooed lang she refused
With seeming scorn and pride
Yet aft her eyes confessed the love
Her fearful words denied.

7. At last he blessed her well tried faith
Allowed his tender claim
She vowed to him her virgin heart
And owned an equal flame.

8. Her father Buchan's cruel lord
Their passion disapproved
And bade her wed Sir John the Graeme,
And leave the youth she loved.

9. Ae nicht they met as they were wont
Down in a shady wood
Where on a bank beside a burn
A blooming saugh tree stood.

10. Concealed amang the underwood
The crafty Donald lay
The brother o Sir John the Graeme
To hear what they did say.

11. When thus the maid began, My sire,
Our passion disapproves
And bids me wed Sir John the Graeme
So here must end our loves.

12. My father's will must be obeyed
Nought boots me to withstand
Some fairer maid in beauty's bloom
May bless thee with her hand.

13. Matilda soon shall be forgot
And from thy mind effaced
But may that happiness be thine
Which I can never taste.

14. What do I hear is this thy vow
Sir James the Rose replied
And will Matilda wed the Graeme
Though sworn to be my bride.

15. His sword shall sooner pierce my heart
Than reave me o thy charms
Then clasped her to his beating breast
Fast lock'd within his arms.

16. I spake to try thy love she said
I'll ne'er wed man but thee
My grave shall be my bridal bed
Ere Graeme my husband be.

17. Take then dear youth this faithful kiss
In witness of my troth
And every plague become my lot
That day I break my oath.

18. They parted thus the sun was set
Up hasty Donald flies
O turn O turn ye beardless youth
He loud insulting cries.

19. Soon turned about the fearless chief
And soon his sword he drew
For Donald's blade before his breast,
Had pierced his tartans through.

20. This for my brother's slighted love
His wrongs sit on my arm
Three paces back the youth retired
And saved himself from harm.

21. Returning swift his hand he reared
Frae Donald's head above
And through the brain and crashing bones
His sharp edged weapon drove.

22. He staggered reeled then tumbled down
A lump of breathless clay
So fall my foes, said valient Rose,
And stately strode away.

23. Through the green wood he quickly hied
Unto Lord Buchan's hail
And at Matilda's window stood
And thus began to call.

24. Art thou asleep Matilda dear
Awake my love awake
Thy luckless lover on thee calls
A long farewell to take.

25. For I have slain fierce Donald Graeme
His blood is on my sword
And far far distant are my men
That would assist their lord.

26. To Skye I'll now direct my course
Where my brave brothers bide
And raise the valient of the Isles
To combat on my side.

27. O do not so the maid replied
With me till morning stay
For dark and dreary is the nicht
And dangerous is the way.

28. All night I'll watch you in the park
My faithful page I'll send
To go and raise the Rose's clan
Their master to defend.

29. Beneath a bush he laid him down
And wrapped him in his plaid
While trembling for her lover's fate
At distance stood the maid.

30. Swift ran the page o'er hill an dale
Till in a lonely glen
He met the furious Sir John Graeme
With twenty of his men.

31. Where goest thou little page he said
So late who did thee send
I go to raise the Rose's clan
Their master to defend.

32. For he has slain fierce Donald Graeme
His blood is on his sword
And far far distant are his men
That could assist their lord.

33. And has he slain my brother dear
The furious Graeme replies
Dishonour blast my name but he
By me ere morning dies.

34. Tell me where is Sir James the Rose
I will thee well reward
He sleeps into Lord Buchan's park
Matilda is his gaurd.

35. They spurred their steeds in furious mood
And scoured along the lea
They reached Lord Buchan's lofty towers
By the dawning of the day.

36. Matilda stood without the gate
To whoom the Graeme did say
Saw ye Sir James the Rose last night
Or did he pass this way.

37. Last day at noon Matilda said
Sir James the Rose passed by
He furious pricked his sweaty steed
And onward fast did hie.

38. By this time he's in Edinburgh
If man and horse hold good
Your page then lied to me who said
He was sleeping in the wood.

39. She wrung her hands and tore her hair
Brave Rose thou art betrayed
And ruined by those means she cried
From whence I hoped thine aid.

40. With this the valient knight awoke
The virgin's shrieks he heard
And up he rose and drew his sword
When the fierce band appeared.

41. Your sword last night my brother slew
His blood yet dims its shine
And ere the setting of the sun
Your blood shall reek on mine.

42. You word it well the chief replied
But deeds approve the man
Set by your band and hand to hand
Wee'l try what valour can.

43. Oft boasting hides a coward's heart
My weighty sword you fear
It shone in front of Flodden Field
When yours kept in the rear.

44. With dauntless step he forward strode
And dared him to the fight
But Graeme gave back and feared his arm
For well he knew his might.

45. Four of his men the bravest four
Sank down beneath his sword
But still he scorned the poor revenge
And sought their haughty lord.

46. Behind him basely came the Graeme
And pierced him in the side
Out spouting came the purple blood
And all his tartans dyed.

47. But yet his sword quat not the grip
Nor droped he to the ground
Till through and through his enemy's heart
He pierced a mortal wound.

48. Graeme like a tree with wind o'erthrown
Fell breathless on the clay
And down beside him sank the Rose
And faint and dying lay.

49. The sad Matilda saw him fall
Oh spare his life she cried
Lord Buchan's daughter begs his life
Let her not be denied.

50. Her well known voice the hero heard
He raised his death closed eyes
And fixed them on the weeping maid
And weakly thus replies.

51. In vain Matilda begs the life
By death's arrest denied
My race is run adieu my love
And closed his eyes and died.

52. The sword yet warm from his left side
With frantic hands she drew
I come I come Sir James the Rose
I come to follow you.

53. She lent the hilt against the ground
And bared her snowy breast
Then fell upon her lover's face
And sank to endless rest.

Mrs. MARGARET GILLESPIE, Rev. JAMES B. DUNCAN and GEORGE F. DUNCAN

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Click to play

Subject: ADD Version: Sir James the Rose
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:39 AM

This is #235B from the Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection. There are some clarifications here that I really like - some parts of the other versions confuse me.

SIR JAMES THE ROSE

1. Of all the Scottish northern chiefs
Of high and warlike fame,
The bravest was Sir James the Rose
A knight of mickle fame.

2. His growth was like a youthful oak,
That crowns the mountain's brow,
And waving o'er his shoulders broad,
His locks of yellow flew.

3. Wide were his fields, his herds were large,
And large his flocks of sheep,
And the many were his goats and deer,
Upon the mountains steep.

4. The chieftain of the good clan Rose,
A firm and warlike band,
Five hundred warriors drew the sword,
Beneath his high command.

5. In bloody fight thrice had he stood
Against the English keen, -
Ere two and twenty opening springs,
The blooming youth had seen.

6. The fair Matilda dear he loved,
A maid of beauty rare
Even Margaret on the Scottish throne,
Was never half so fair.

7. Long had he wooed, long she refused,
With seeming scorn and empty pride,
Yet oft her eyes confessed the love,
Her fearful words denied.

8. At length she blessed his well-tried love,
Allowed his tender claim,
She vowed to him her tender heart,
And owned an equal flame.

9. Her father, Buchan's cruel lord,
Their passion disapproved,
And bade her wed Sir John the Graeme,
And leave the youth she loved.

10. One night they met as they were wont,
Deep in a shady wood,
Where on the bank beside the burn,
A blooming saugh-tree stood

11. Concealed among the underwood,
The crafty Donald lay,
The brother of Sir John the Graeme,
To hear what they might say.

12. And thus the maid began "My sire
Our passion disapproves,
But bids me wed Sir John the Graeme,
So here must end our loves.

13. "My father's will must be obeyed,
Naught boots me to withstand,
Some fairer maid in beauty's bloom,
Shall bless you with her hand.

14. "Soon will Matilda be forgot
And from thy mind effaced,
But may that happiness be thine,
Which I can never taste."

15. "Is this Matilda's vows I hear?"
Sir James the Rose replied,
"And will Matilda wed the Graeme
Though sworn to be my bride?

16. "His sword shall sooner pierce my heart,
Than reave me of thy charms,"
He clasped her to his throbbing breast
Fast locked within his arms.

17. "I spoke to try thy love" she said,
"I'll ne'er wed man but thee.
The grave shail be my bridal bed
Ere Graeme espouses me.

18. "Then take dear youth this faithful kiss,
In witness of my troth,
And every plague become my lot,
That day I break my oath."

19. They parted thus, the sun was set,
Up hasty Donald flies,
And "Turn thee, turn thee, beardless youth,"
He loud insulting cries.

20. Soon turned him round the fearless chief,
And quick his sword he drew,
For Donald's blade before his breast
Had pierced his tartans through.

21. "This for my brother's slighted love,
His wrongs sit on my arm" —
Three paces back the chieftain drew,
And saved himself from harm.

22. Returning, swift his sword he swung,
Fierce Donald's head above,
And through the brain and crashing bone,
His furious weapon drove.

23. Life issued at the wound — he fell,
A lump of lifeless clay,
"So fall my foes," said valiant Rose,
And stately strode away.

24. The green-wood through in haste he passed,
Unto Lord Buchan's hall,
Beneath Matilda's window stood,
And thus on her did call.

25. "Art thou asleep Matilda dear?
Awake my love, awake,
Behold thy lover awaits thee,
Long farewell to take."

26. "For I have slain fierce Donald Graeme,
His blood is on my sword,
And far, far distant are my men,
Nor can defend their lord.

27. "To Skye I will direct my flight
Where my brave brothers bide,
To raise the mighty of the isles,
To combat on my side."

28. "Oh do not so," the maid replied,
With me till morning stay,
For dark and dreary is the night,
And dangerous is the way."

29. "All night I'll watch thee in the park,
My faithful page I'll send
In haste to raise the brave clan Rose
Their master to defend."

30. He laid him down beneath a bush,
And wrapped him in his plaid,
While trembling for her lover's fate,
At a distance stood the maid.

31. Swift ran the page o'er hill and dale,
Till in a lonely glen,
He met the fierce Sir John the Graeme,
With twenty of his men.

32. "Where goest thou little page?" he said
"So late who did thee send?"
"I go to raise the brave clan Rose
Their master to defend.

33. "For he has slain fierce Donald Graeme
His blood is on his sword,
And far, far distant are his men,
Nor can defend their lord."

34. "And has he slain my brother dear?"
The furious chief replies,
"Dishonour blast my name but he
By me ere morning dies."

35. "Say, page, where is Sir James the Rose?
I will thee well reward."
"He sleeps into Lord Buchan's park,
Matilda is his guard."

36. They spurred their steeds and furious flew,
Like lightning o'er the lea,
They reached Lord Buchan's lofty tower
By dawning of the day.

37. Matilda stood without the gate,
Upon a rising ground,
And watched her lover in the dawn,
Her ear hears every sound.

38. "Where sleeps the Rose?" began the Graeme
"Or has the felon fled?
This hand shall lay the caitiff low,
By whom my brother bled."

39 "Last day at noon," Matilda said,
"Sir James the Rose passed by,
Well mounted on his noble steed,
And onward fast did hie."

40. "By this time he's at Edinburgh town,
If horse and man hold good."
"Your page then lied, who said he was
Now sleeping in this wood."

41. She wrung her hands and tore her hair,
"Brave Rose thou art betrayed,
And ruined by the very means
I meant to bring thee aid."

42. And now the valiant knight awoke,
His true-love shrieking heard,
Straight up he rose and drew his sword,
When the fierce band appeared.

43. "Your sword last night my brother slew,
His blood yet dims it shine,
And ere the sun shall gild the morn
Your hood shall reek on mine."

44 "Your words are brave," the chief replied,
"But deeds approve the man,
Set by your men and hand to hand,
We'll try what valour can."

45. With dauntless step he forward strode,
And dared him to the fight,
The Graeme gave back, he feared his arm,
For well he knew his might

46. Four of his men the bravest four,
Went down beneath his sword,
But still he scorned the poor revenge
And sought their haughty lord.

47. Behind him basely came the Graeme,
And pierced him in the side,
Out spouting came the purple stream
And all his tartans dyed.

48. But yet his hand dropped not the sword,
Not sank he to the ground,
Till through his enemy's heart the steel
Had forced a mortal wound.

49. Graeme like a tree by wind o'erthrown
Fell lifeless on the clay,
And down beside sank the Rose,
And faint and dying lay.

50. Matilda saw and fast she ran.
"Oh spare his life," she cried,
Lord Buchan's daughter begs his life,
Let her not be denied."

51. Her well-known voice the hero heard,
And raised his death-closed eyes,
He fixed them on the weeping maid,
And weakly thus replied.

52. "In vain Matilda begs a life,
By death's arrest denied,
My race is run, adieu my love,"
Then closed his eyes and died.

53. The sword yet warm from his left side,
With a . . . hand she drew,
"I come, I come, my love," she cried,
"I come to follow you."

54. The hilt she leaned against the ground,
And bared her snowy breast,
Then fell upon her lover's face,
And sank to endless rest.


GEORGE F. DUNCAN — D

---

Click to play

Subject: Lyr Add: SIR JAMES THE ROSE
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:51 AM

This is #235O from the Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection - #235C through 235N are tunes only. There is no tune for this one, #235O.

SIR JAMES THE ROSE

1. Of all the Scottish northern chiefs
Of high and warlike name
The bravest was Sir James the Rose
A knight of muckle fame.

2. His growth was like the youthful oak
That crowns the mountain's brow
And waving owre his shoulders broad
His locks of yellow flew.

3. Wide were his fields, his herds were large
And large his flock of sheep
An' numerous were his goats and deer
Upon the mountain steep.

4. The chieftain of the good clan Rose
A firm and warlike band
Five hundred warriors drew the sword
Beneath his high command.

5. The fair Matilda dear he loved
A maid of beauty rare
Even Margaret on the Scottish throne
Was never half so fair.

6. Long had he woo'd, long she refused
With seeming scorn and pride
Yet oft her eyes declared the love
Her haughty words denied.

7. Her father, Buchan's cruel lord,
Their passion disapproved
He bade her wed Sir John the Graham
And leave the youth she loved.

8. One night they met as they were wont
Deep in a shady wood
Upon the bank beside the burn
A blooming saugh there stood.

9. Concealed beneath the underwood
The crafty Donald lay
A brother to Sir John the Graham
To watch what they might say.

10. Matilda thus began My sire
Our passion disapproves
He bids me wed Sir John the Graham
So here must end our love.

11. My father's will must be obeyed
No boots me to withstand
Some fairer maid in beauty's bloom
Shall bless thee with her hand.

12. Soon will Matilda be forgot
And from thy mind effaced
And may that happiness be thine
Which I can never taste.

13. Is this the vows Matilda dear
Which you have often made
And will Matilda wed the Graham
Tho' sworn to be my bride?

14. His sword shall sooner pierce my heart
Than rieve me of thy charms
Then clasped her to his throbbing breast
Fast locked within her arms.

15. "It was to try thy love" she said
I'll never wed man but thee
The grave shall be my bridal bed
If Graham my husband be.

16. Take then dear youth this faithful kiss
In witness of my troth
And every plague become my lot
The day I break my oath.

17. They parted thus the sun was set
Up hasty Donald flies
And turn thee turn thee beardless youth
He loud insulting cries.

18. Then turned about the fearless chief
And then his sword he drew
For Donald's sword before his heart
Had pierced his tartan through.

19. Thus for my brother's slighted love
His wrongs sit on my arm
Three paces back the youth retired
And saved himself from harm.

20. And then as quick his sword he reared
Fierce Donald's head above
And through the brain and crashing bone
The furious weapon drove.

21. Graham like a tree by wind o'erthrown
Fell breathless on the clay
"Thus fall my foes" quoth valiant Rose
And stately strode away.

22. Through the green wood in haste he passed
Into Lord Buchan's Hall
Beneath Matilda's window stood
And thus on her did call.

23. Art thou asleep Matilda dear
Awake my love awake
Thy lover stands without for thee
A long farewell to take.

24. For I have slain fierce Donald Graham
His blood is on my sword
And far far distant are my men
Who can protect their lord.

25. To Skye I will direct my flight
Where my brave brothers bide
An' raise the mightiest of that isle
To combat on my side.

26. Oh do not so the maid replied
With me till morning stay
For dark and dreary is the night
And dangerous is the way.

27. All night I'll watch thee in the park
My faithful page I'll send
In haste to raise the brave clan Rose
Their master to defend.

28. He laid him down beneath a bush
And wrapped him in his plaid
While trembling for her lover's fate
At distance stood the maid.

29. O'er hill and dale the page he ran
Till in a lowly glen
He met the furious Sir John the Graham
With twenty of his men.

30. "Where goest thou, little page" he said
So late who did thee send
I go to raise the brave clan Rose
Their master to defend.

31. For he has slain fierce Donal Graham
His blood is on his sword
And far far distant are his men
Who can assist their lord.

32. And has he slain my brother dear
The furious chief replies
Dishonour blast my name
But he by me ere morning dies.

33. Say page where is Sir James the Rose
I will thee well reward
He sleeps into Lord Buchan's park
Matilda is his guard.

34. They spurred their steeds and furious flew
Like lightning o'er the lea
And reached Lord Buchan's lofty towers
By breaking of the day.

35. Matilda stood without the gate
Upon a rising ground
She trembled for her lover's fate
An ear to every sound.

36. Four of his men, the bravest four
Sink down beneath his sword
But still they glutted for revenge
And sought the haughty lord.

37. Matilda saw and fast she ran
O spare his life she cried
Lord Buchan's daughter begs a life
Let her not be denied.

38. Her well known voice the hero heard
And lifted his death closed eyes
And fixed them on the weeping maid
And weakly thus replied.

39. "In vain Matilda begs a life
By death's arrest denied
My race is run, adieu my love"
Then closed his eyes, and died.

40. The sword yet warm in his right hand
With frantic hands she drew
I come Sir James the Rose she cried
I come to follow you.

41. The hilt she leaned against the ground
And bared her snowy breast
And fell upon her lover's face
And sunk to endless rest.

42. But yet his hand dropped not the sword
Nor sank he to the ground
Till through his enemy's heart the steel
Had pierced the mortal wound.

43. Graham like a tree by wind o'erthrown
Fell breathless on the clay
And down beside him sank the Rose
And faint and dying lay.

Mr THOMSON — G

Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:56 AM

Ah, but there's one more - #235P from the Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection, just one verse:

Sir James the Rose

1. Now by this fatal tragedy
All parents warning take,
And never advise your children dear
Their sacred vows to break.

Miss BELL ROBERTSON — G

I thought this verse was a quaint Americanism added to the song - but now here's a version Greig found in England.

Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: IanC
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 11:05 AM

I don't know much about this song, I have only heard the Fairport version. However, here's some food for thought ...

Whenever I find anything I think may be related to a folk song I'm interested in, I put the information in a notes file for further reference or study. Sometimes, this leads me into quite a lot of work, and to some useful conclusions. More often, the file sits there with very little information in. My notes on Sir James the Rose are of the latter kind.

Here they are.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

De Ros family

... built Helmsley Castle (Hamlake). James was a family name around 1300-1400 (some of the Jameses were also born in Lincolnshire). The family were old Norman and wealthy, with widespread land in the East of England (and a Branch in the NW). They appear not to have been titled (ie would have been referred to as Sir/Knight). Married into quite important families, including the Percy family and a marriage to the daughter of William I of Scotland. Main lands granted by John and Henry I.

(note: d and th are interchangeable in OE and this continues well into ME. Ros (Fr) orig. pron. "roe")

James de Ros (Yorkshire Markets and Fairs)
http://www.history.ac.uk/cmh/gaz/yorks.html

ALDBOROUGH 4406 4664. 1334 Subsidy £16.67. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 469).
Market (Charter) Tues; gr 10 Dec 1332, by K Edw III to James de Ros (CChR, 1327-41, p. 288). To be held at the manor.
Fair (Charter) vf, Bartholomew (24 Aug); gr 10 Dec 1332, by K Edw III to James de Ros (CChR, 1327-41, p. 288). To be held at the manor.

(note: Aldborough is near Boroughbridge)
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: Big Tim
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 12:21 PM

Wow Joe! some typing, I'm sure it will be appreciated some day.

It's an amazing, brilliant song: my daughter, aged about ten, was blown away by the story, history, imagery, etc of the SP recording.

Subject: RE: Origins: Sir James the Rose
From: Peace
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:03 PM

Dear Everyone (and especially Joe): thank you very, very much. I have taken a hard copy, and if I should turn up anything pursuant to your excellent scholarship I shall post it here. The two traditional ballads that have stayed with me over the decades are this one and Barbara Allan. Maybe it was the confluence of melody and words--don't know. However, I am blessed to have had your help and direction. Bruce.