3
“Come hither, aged father!”
Sir David he did cry,
“And tell me where Montrose lies,
With all his great army.
“But, first, you must come tell to me,
If friends or foes you be;
I fear you are Montrose’s men,
Come frae the north country.”
“No, we are nane o’ Montrose’s men,
Nor e’er intend to be;
I am Sir David Lesly,
That’s speaking unto thee.”
“If you’re Sir David Lesly,
As I think weel ye be,
I’m sorry ye ha’e brought so few
Into your company.
“There’s fifteen thousand armed men,
Encamped on yon lee;
Ye’ll never be a bite to them,
For aught that I can see.
“But, halve your men in equal parts,
Your purpose to fulfil;
Let ae half keep the water side,
The rest gae round the hill.
“Your nether party fire must,
Then beat a flying drum;
And then they’ll think the day’s their ain,
