Familiar Songs - Their Authors & Histories

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	RORY O' MORE.	417


	THE LAIRD O' COCKPEN. The words of this song are by Lady Nairne,—all but the last two stanzas, which were written by Miss Ferriek, a Scottish authoress, best known by her novel of " Marriage." The air is very old, and was once called " When she cam' ben, she bobbit." Still earlier it was entitled " Cockpen." The Laird of Cockpen was a companion-in-arms and attached friend of Charles II. He fought with him at Worcester, aud formed one of the merry monarch's little court at the Hague. The Laird was famous for musical skill, and an air called " Brose and Butter," was an especial favorite with the exiled King. At the Kestoration, the Laird's appeal for the return of property he had lost in following the royal standard, was completely ignored. He was not even given an audience. Cockpen then obtained leave to play for a service which Charles attended. All went well until the closing anthem, when the ears of the retiring worshippers were saluted with the lively tune of " Brose and Butter." The King hastened to the organ-gallery, and declared that Cockpen had ^u almost made him dance." " I could dance, too, if I had my lands again," said the player. The request was granted, and the old air went only by his name. (27)