Child Waters (Child 63I)

Lord John stands in his stable-door,
Just on his way to ride;
Lady Ellen stands in her bower-door,
Says, Bide, Lord John, abide!

He did ride, and she did run,
A lief-lang simmer's day,
Until they came till a wan water,
That a' man did ca Tay.

The first step that she steppit in,
She steppit tae the cweet;
An sichan said that gay lady,
I fear this water's deep!

The next step that she steppit in,
She steppit tae the knee;
An sichan said that gay lady,
This water's deep for me!

Lord John hield down his high horse head,
Said, Lady, will ye ride?
'O no! O no! kind sir,' she said,
'I'll rather choose tae wide.'

The next step that she steppit in,
She steppit tae the chin;
An sichan said that gay lady,
I'll wide nae farrer in.

The firsten town that they cam till,
She got a leash o huns tae lead,

When bells were rung, and mass was sung,
An a' was ready tae dine,

When bells were rung, and mass was sung,
An a' were bound for bed,