The Cruel Brother

There were three ladies played at ba'

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

But a knight came by, played o'er them a'

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



This knight bowed low tae a' the three

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

But tae the youngest he bent his knee

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



O lady fair, gie me your hand

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

And I'll mak ye lady o'er all my land

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



Sir knight ere you my favour win

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

Ye maun gain consent o'er all my kin

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



He gained consent fae her parents dear

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

And likewise fae her sisters fair

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



He's gained consent o'er all her kin

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

He forgot tae speak tae her brother John

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



When the wedding day was come

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

This knight would take his bonnie bride home

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



Her mother led her through the close

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

And her brother John stood her on her horse

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



He took a knife baith long and sharp

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

And he stabbed the bonnie bride tae her heart

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



Lead me tae yon high high hill

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

And I'll lie doon and I'll mak my will

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



And what will you gie tae your brother John

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

The gallows tree for tae hang him on

Doon by the greenwood sidey o



And what will you gie to your brother John's wife

Hey wi' the rose and the linsey o

The wilderness tae end her life

Doon by the greenwood sidey o