We Were Seven Sisters- J.H. Burton (Aber) 1929 Kinloch
[Fragment from: Kinloch Manuscripts, V, 335, in the handwriting of Dr. John Hill Burton, c. 1829.
R. Matteson 2018]
"We Were Seven Sisters in a Bower" from an anonymous informant written down by Dr. John Hill Burton, c. 1829.
1 We were seven sisters in a bower,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
The flower of a' fair Scotland ower.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
2 We were sisters, sisters seven,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
The fairest women under heaven.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
3 There fell a dispute us amang,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
Wha would to the greenwood gang.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
4 They kiest the kevels them amang,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
O wha would to the greenwood gang.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
5 The kevels they gied thro the ha,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
And on the youngest it did fa.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
6 The kevel fell into her hand,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
To greenwood she was forced to gang.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
7 She hedna pued a flower but ane,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
When by there came an earl's son.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
8 'And was he well or was he wae,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
He keepet me that summer's day.'
Adown adown, and adown and adown
9 And was he weel or was he weight,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
He keepet her that summer's night.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
10 And he gave her a gay goud ring
Adown adown, and adown and adown
His mother got at her wedding.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
* * * * *
11 'Oh is yer stirrup set too high?
Adown adown, and adown and adown
Or is your saddle set awry?
Adown adown, and adown and adown
12 'Oh is yer stirrup set too side?
Adown adown, and adown and adown
Or what's the reason ye canna ride?'
Adown adown, and adown and adown
* * * * *
13 When all were at the table set,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
Then not a bit could this lady eat.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
14 When all made merry at the feast,
Adown adown, and adown and adown
This lady wished she were at her rest.
Adown adown, and adown and adown
* * * * *