1: Gil Mora
[an error occurred while processing this directive] VERSIONS FROM THE SINGING TRADITION
1: Gil Mora
As sung by Donald Campbell of Huntly, Aberdeenshire
As sung by Donald Campbell of Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Recorded by Peter and Lena Shepheard on Marshall's Berryfield, Alyth, Perthshire July 1967 [Spr 67.5.3]. Learned from his father and mother.
Gil Mora was an Earl's son, [as Greig etc. v1
His name was waxèd wide,
Aye it was nae for his high riches,
Nor yet his muckle pride.
But when he came to yon long road, [cf. Greig v14
He slook his pints an' ran, [i.e. loosened his laces
And when he came to the river deep,
He bent his breast an' swam.
And when he came to Lord Burns's castle, [cf. Greig v15.1
He tinkled an' he rang,
He said, 'Gie that untae Lord Burns's lady.'
An' he asked Lord Burns's leave,
An' he drew unto a (t)rusty sword,
An' he stabbed him to the ground.
'What can I do Gil Mora,' she said,
'For you row on your grave an' greet?'
'I got you in my father's castle, [cf. Greig v37.1
With muckle grief an' shame, [cf. Greig v37.2
'I reared you in the merry green woods, [cf. Greig v37.3
Among the frost an' snow, [cf. Greig v37.4
But what can I do Gil Mora,' she said, [cf. Greig v38.3
'But lay on your grave an' greet?' [cf. Greig v38.4
Awa, awa, you wicked woman, [cf. Greig v40
An' an ill death may you dee,
For gin ye'd told he was your son,
He'd hae nae been slain by me.
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