not of one or another, but of all; what it is which in all the differences each one has. If we can do this, we shall have learned a valuable lesson in literary appreciation, and even if we can not, we shall have made a step toward it. It is not the only step to take, some tell us it is not the shortest way to go; but a step it is, and in a direction which will bring us where we want to be. As our interest in these ballads is literary and not linguistic, we present them in modern spelling. To those who love them in their old form, much is thereby lost; but for those who do not know them well a real difficulty is done away with. In order, however, to give some idea of the old versions, "The Battle of Otterbourne" is given in the ancient form. It may be studied out best by reading it aloud, but it is rather hard work. Those who wish to read the others in their original form should consult the great collection of Professor Child, “English and Scotch Ballads." PART ONE THE OLD BALLADS TRUE THOMAS True Thomas lay on Huntlie bank; Her skirt was of the grass-green silk, True Thomas he pulled off his cap, "O no, O no, Thomas," she said, 1 a wonder. B 2 every. 1 8 lock. 66 Harp and carp,1 Thomas," she said, "Harp and carp along with me ; And if ye dare to kiss my lips, Sure of your body I will be!" "Betide me weal, betide me woe, That weird shall never daunton me !" "Now ye maun go with me," she said, "True Thomas, ye maun go with me; And ye maun serve me seven years, Through weal or woe as may chance to be." She's mounted on her milk-white steed, The steed flew swifter than the wind. O they rode on, and farther on, The steed flew swifter than the wind; Until they reached a desert wide, And living land was left behind. "Light down, light down now, Thomas," she said, "And lean your head upon my knee; Light down, and rest a little space, 1 sing: the words are imperatives. 2 then. "O see ye not yon narrow road, So thick beset with thorns and briers? That is the path of righteousness, Though after it but few enquires. "And see ye not that broad broad.road, That stretches o'er the lily leven? That is the path of wickedness, Though some call it the road to heaven. "And see ye not yon bonny road, That winds about the ferny brae? That is the way to fair Elfland, Where you and I this night maun gae. "But, Thomas, ye maun hold your tongue, Whatever ye may hear or see ; For if ye speak word in Elfin land, Ye'll ne'er win back to your own countrye!" O they rode on, and farther on, And they waded through rivers abune1 the knee, And they saw neither sun nor moon, But they heard the roaring of a sea. It was mirk mirk night, there was no stern-light, And they waded through red blood to the knee; For a' the blood that's shed on earth, Runs through the springs o' that countrye. 1 above, from the old form aboven. Syne they came to a garden green, And she pulled an apple from a tree"Take this for thy wages, True Thomas; 66 It will give thee the tongue that can never lie! My tongue is my own," True Thomas he said, "A goodly gift ye would give to me ! I neither dought to buy nor sell At fair or tryst where I may be. “I dought neither speak to prince or peer, He has gotten a coat of the even cloth, THE YOUNG TAMLANE "O! I forbid ye, maidens all, But up then spake her, fair Janet |