+The Text.+--There is only one text of this ballad, and that was printed
by Scott in the _Minstrelsy_ from 'tradition in the West Borders'; he
adds that 'some conjectural emendations have been absolutely necessary,'
a remark suspicious in itself; and such modernities as the double rhymes
in 26.3, 28.3, etc., do not restore confidence.
+The Story.+--The forcible entry into Carlisle Castle and the rescue of
William Armstrong, called Will of Kinmouth, took place on April 13,
1596; but Kinmont Willie was notorious as a border thief at least as
early as 1584.
The events leading up to the beginning of the ballad were as follow:
'The keen Lord Scroop' was Warden of the West-Marches of England, and
'the bauld Buccleuch' (Sir Walter Scott of Branxholm, or 'Branksome
Ha',' 8.2) was the Keeper of Liddesdale. To keep a periodical day of
truce, these two sent their respective deputies, the 'fause Sakelde' (or
Salkeld) and a certain Robert Scott. In the latter's company was Kinmont
Willie. Business being concluded, Kinmont Willie took his leave, and
made his way along the Scottish side of the Liddel river, which at that
point is the boundary between England and Scotland. The English deputy
and his party spied him from their side of the stream; and bearing an
ancient grudge against him as a notorious cattle-lifter and thief, they
pursued and captured him, and he was placed in the castle of Carlisle.
This brings us to the ballad. 'Hairibee' (1.4) is the place of execution
at Carlisle. The 'Liddel-rack' in 3.4 is a ford over the Liddel river.
Branxholm, the Keeper's Hall (8.2) and Stobs (16.4) are both within a
few miles of Hawick.
The remark in 16.2 appears to be untrue: the party that accompanied
Buccleuch certainly contained several Armstrongs, including four sons of
Kinmont Willie, and 'Dickie of Dryhope' (24.3) was also of that ilk; as
well as two Elliots, though not Sir Gilbert, and four Bells. 'Red Rowan'
was probably a Forster.
The tune blown on the Warden's trumpets (31.3,4) is said to be a
favourite song in Liddesdale. See Chambers's _Book of Days_, i. 200.