Swan Swims Bonnie- (Scot) pre-1810 Cunningham, Child EE
[Designated Child EE by Barry BFSSNE, 1935. No source or detailed info given by Cunningham. Single stanza from: The Songs of Scotland, Ancient and Modern: with an introduction, Volume 2 edited by Allan Cunningham. From his notes, which follow. Cunningham moved to London and I'm assuming her heard this while collecting in Scotland for Cromek. His version and "swan swims bonnie" stanza appear to be presented in competition with Scott's 1802 version and notes.
Although Barry contends this stanza is of Irish origin and has some justification for that conclusion, many versions are Scottish.
R. Matteson 2018]
I was once deeply touched with the singing of this romantic and mournful song. The singer, for the sake of keeping it within the reach of his voice, omitted the monotonous repetition of "Binnorie;" and with music, different but as tender as that of the printed copies, gave the continued sense of the story without interruption; I have ventured to print it in the manner I heard it sung. To those curious in old choruses it may be as well to present some of the verses of the various copies, that they may choose the most agreeable or melodious.
Two fair sisters lived in a bower,
Hey ho my nonnie O!
There came a knight to be their wooer
While the swan swims bonnie O!