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OK OF PRESTON-PANS. |
171 |
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But Gard'ner brave did still behave
Like to a hero bright, man ; His courage true, like him were few
That still despised flight, man; eo
For king and laws, and country's cause,
In honour's bed he lay, man; His life, but not his courage, fled,
While he had breath to draw, man.
And Major Bowie, that worthy soul, m
"Was brought down to the ground, man; His horse being shot, it was his lot
For to get mony a wound, man : Lieutenant Smith, of Irish birth,
Frae whom he call'd for aid, man, n
Being full of dread, lap o'er his head,
And wadna be gainsaid, man.
He made sic haste, sae spurM his beast, 'Twas little there he saw, man;
69. Lieutenant Smith, who left Major Bowie when lying on the field of battle, and unable to move with his wound, was of Irish extraction. It is reported that after the publication of the ballad, he sent Mr. Skirving a challenge to meet him at Haddington, and answer for his conduct in treating him with such opprobrium. " Gang awa back," said Mr. Skirving to the messenger, " and tell Mr. Smith, I have nae leisure to gae to Haddington, but if he likes to come here, I'll tak a look o' him, and if I think I can fecht him, I'll fecht him, and if no—I'll just do as he did at Preston—I'll rin awa'." Stenhouse. |
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