+The Text+ is that given by Percy in the _Reliques_ (1765), with the
substitution of _w_ for initial _qu_, and _y_ for initial _z_, as in
_Young Waters_ (see p. 146). In the fourth edition of the _Reliques_
Percy states that 'this curious song was transmitted to the editor by
Sir David Dalrymple, Bart., late Lord Hailes.'
Percy's adoption of antique spelling in this ballad has caused some
doubt to be thrown on its authenticity; but there is also a version _Son
Davie_, given in his _Minstrelsy_ by Motherwell, who, in referring to
the version in the _Reliques_, said there was reason for believing that
Lord Hailes 'made a few slight verbal improvements in the copy he
transmitted, and altered the hero's name to Edward, a name which, by the
bye, never occurs in a Scottish ballad except where allusion is made to
an English king.'
+The Story+ has a close parallel in Swedish, the form of the ballad
remaining in dialogue.
Motherwell points out that the verses of which _Edward_ consists
generally form the conclusion of the ballad of _The Twa Brothers_, and
also of certain versions of _Lizie Wan_; and is inclined to regard
_Edward_ as detached from one of those ballads. More probably the
reverse is the case, that the story of _Edward_ has been attached to the
other ballads.
The present version of the ballad exhibits an unusual amplification of
the refrain. The story is told in two lines of each eight-lined stanza;
but the lyrical effect added by the elaborate refrain is almost unique.