[A composite volume : containing The ballads and songs of Ayrshire ...

HAKDYKNUTE.
and parish of Newton-upon-Ayi- were disjoined from Prestwick, and
constituted a separate charge, quoad sacra, in the year 1779. Before
the territorial boundaries of Newton and Prestwick were properly
defined, continued feuds prevailed between the freemen of the
two burghs, and not a few battles were fought in support of their
rights. The Prestwick Druni, recorded in the song, was used as a
sort of curfew, formerly common to most towns and villages. The
bagpipe, however, was the prevailing instrument.
A FRAGMENT.
[From the Original Edition, printed in 1719.)
Stately stept he east the wa',
And stately stepthe west,
Full seventy years he now had seen
Wi' scarce seven years of rest.
He liv'd when Britons' breach of faith
Wrought Scotland mickle wae :
And aye his sword tauld to their cost
He was their deadly fae.
High on a hill his castle stood
With ha's and tow'rs a height,
And goodly chambers fair to see.
Where he lodg'd mony a knight.
His dame sae peerless anes and fair
For chast and beauty deem'd,
Nae marrow had in all the land,
Save Elenor the Queen.