Bluegrass Messengers

 Lord Beekin- Walker (Mount Pleasant) pre-1873 Child G

Child notes about this source: "A few detached ballads collected by Dr Alexander Laing of Newburgh-on-Tay. About 1873." There is a different Alexander Laing who was born at Brechin on May 14th, 1787 who was also a poet, author and collector.

Lyle notes that "Laing of Newburgh MS" indicate that nine of the ten items it contains were taken down from the "recitation" of Miss Fanny Walker (1792- 1880) of Mount Pleasant, near Newburgh on Tay, as communicated by Mr Alexander Laing, c. 1873.

Lord Beekin- Version G; Child 53 Young Beichan
Communicated by Mr. Alexander Laing, of Newburg-on-Tay, as derived from the recitation of Miss Walker, c. 1873.

1    * * * *
'O wha's aught a' yon flock o sheep,
An wha's aught a' yon flock o kye?
An wha's aught a' yon pretty castles,
That you sae often do pass bye?'

2    'They're a' Lord Beekin's sheep,
They're a' Lord Beekin's kye;
They're a' Lord Beekin's castles,
That you sae often do pass bye.'
* * * * *

3    He's tane [the] table wi his feet,
Made cups an candlesticks to flee:
'I'll lay my life 'tis Susy Pie,
Come owr the seas to marry me.'