"
There is a story of its being haunted by a black dog; but as this
apparition has never been seen by two persons in company, it may safely
be ascribed to the genius of fear, quite as creative a power as any
other faculty of the imagination.
We have thought it best to give the ballad entire, without any
embellishments of our own. Though not in the best style of these
metrical romances, it is still of sufficient interest, from its
connection, to claim a place in the "Traditions" of the county.
There was a lord of worthy fame,
And a hunting he would ride,
Attended by a noble traine
Of gentrye by his side.
And while he did in chase remaine,
To see both sport and playe,
His ladye went, as she did feigne,
Unto the church to praye.
This lord he had a daughter deare,
Whose beauty shone so bright,
She was beloved both far and neare
Of many a lord and knight.
Fair Ellen was this damsel call'd,
A creature faire was she;
She was her father's only joye,
As you shall after see.
Therefore her cruel stepmother
Did envye her so much,
That daye by daye she sought her life,
Her malice it was such.
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