+The Text+ is from Kinloch's MSS. He obtained it from Mearnsshire, and
remarks that according to the tradition of that district the heroine was
said to have been a daughter of Lindsay of Edzell, though he had
searched in vain for genealogical confirmation of the tradition.
+The Story.+--'Ballads of this description,' says Professor Child, 'are
peculiarly liable to interpolation and debasement.' In this version the
most offending stanza is the tenth; and the extra two lines in stt. 22
and 24 also appear to be unnecessary. The anapaestic metre of this
version should be noted.
The ballad was and is a great favourite with singers, and the tune may
be found in several of the collections of Scottish songs.