The subjoined copy of an old Scotch ballad, contains so much of the
beauty and genuine spirit of by-gone poetry, that I have determined to
risk a frown from the fair lady by whom the copy was furnished, in
submitting it for publication. The ladies sometimes violate their
promises--may I not for once assume their privilege, in presenting to
the readers of the Messenger this "legend of the olden time," although
_I promised not_? Relying on the kind heart of the lady for
forgiveness for _this breach of promise_, I have anticipated the
pardon in sending you the lines, which I have never as yet seen in
print.