XVII.
The Bonny Earl of Murray.
A SCOTTISH SONG.
In December 1591, Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell, had made an attempt to
seize on the person of his sovereign James VI. but being disappointed, had retired
towards the north. The king unadvisedly gave a commission to George Gordon Earl of
Huntley, to pursue Bothwell and his followers with fire and sword. Huntley, under
cover of executing that commission, took occasion to revenge a private quarrel he had
against James Stewart Earl of Murray, a relation of Bothwell's. In the night of Feb. 7,
1592, he beset Murray's house, burnt it to the ground, and slew Murray himself; a
young nobleman of the most promising virtues, and the very darling of the people.
See Robertson's History.
The present Lord Murray hath now in his possession a picture of his ancestor
naked and covered with wounds, which had been carried about, according to the
custom of that age, in order to inflame the populace to revenge his death. If this
picture did not flatter, he well deserved the name of the BONNY EARL, for he is
there represented as a tall and comely personage. It is a tradition in the family, that
Gordon of Bucky gave him a wound in the face: Murray, half expiring, said, "You hae
spilt a better face than your awin." Upon this, Bucky, pointing his dagger at Huntley's
breast, swore, "You shall be as deep as I;" and forced him to pierce the poor
defenceless body.
King James, who took no care to punish the murderers, is said by some to
have privately countenanced and abetted them, being stimulated by jealousy for some
indiscreet praises which his queen had too lavishly bestowed on this unfortunate
youth.-- See the preface to the [next] ballad.-- See also Mr. Walpole'sCatalogue of
Royal Authors, vol. i. p. 42.
YE highlands, and ye lawlands,
Oh! quhair hae ye been?
They hae slaine the Earl of Murray,
And hae laid him on the green.
Now wae be to thee, Huntley!
And quhairfore did you sae?
I bade you bring him wi' you,
But forbade you him to slay.
He was a braw gallant,
And he rid at the ring;
And the bonny Earl of Murray,
Oh! he might hae been a king.
He was a braw gallant,
And he played at the ba';
And the bonny Earl of Murray
Was the flower among them a'.
He was a braw gallant,
And he playd at the gluve;
And the bonny Earl of Murray,
Oh! he was the Queenes luve.