Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. (1863–1944). The Oxford Book of Ballads. 1910.
6666. Lord Randal
‘O
O where hae ye been, my handsome young man?’—
‘I hae been to the wild wood; mother, make my bed soon,
For I’m weary wi’ hunting, and fain wald lie down.’
‘Where gat ye your dinner, Lord Randal, my son?
Where gat ye your dinner, my handsome young man?’—
‘I dined wi’ my true-love; mother, make my bed soon,
For I’m weary wi’ hunting, and fain wald lie down.’
‘What gat ye to your dinner, Lord Randal, my son?
What gat ye to your dinner, my handsome young man?’—
‘I gat eels boil’d in broo’; mother, make my bed soon,
For I’m weary wi’ hunting, and fain wald lie down.’
‘What became of your bloodhounds, Lord Randal, my son?
What became of your bloodhounds, my handsome young man?’—
‘O they swell’d and they died; mother, make my bed soon,
For I’m weary wi’ hunting, and fain wald lie down.’
‘O I fear ye are poison’d, Lord Randal, my son!
O I fear ye are poison’d, my handsome young man!’—
‘O yes! I am poison’d; mother, make my bed soon,
For I’m sick at the heart, and I fain wald lie down.’