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

TIIE NICHT IS NEIR GONE.
lence seems to have occurred between the two families until 1586, when
Hugh, the fourth Earl of Eglintoun—who had newly succeeded to his
father—was way-laid and shot by the Cuninghames of Robertland and
Aiket, at the river Annock. This cold-blooded murder, instigated, it is
believed, by the Earl of Glencairn, was afterwards, as Spottiswoode observes,
"honourably revenged" by the Master of Eglintoun, brother to the
deceased Earl ; but in what manner, does not appear. He, to be sure,
took possession of Robertland and Aiket, by virtue of an ordinance of the
King in Council, until the owners should deliver themselves up to justice.
But Glencairn had sufficient influence with the King to obtain a remission
for the offenders, and to have the order in Council cancelled by an
act of Parliament in 1592. This did not terminate the feud. So late as
1606, while the Parliament and Council were sitting at Perth, Lord Seton
and his brother happening to meet Glencairn and his followers, a rencontre
occurred between them—the Setons having drawn their swords in revenge
for the death of their uncle the Eaii of Eglintoun. The parties, however,
were separated before any material mischief was done.
Hay !
nou the day dauls.
The jolie cok crauis ;
Now shrouds the shauis,
Throu natur anon.
The thissel-cok cryrs
On lovers vha lyis,
Nou skaills the skyis ;
The nicht is neir gone.
The feilds our flouis
With gouans that gi'ouis,
Quhair lilies lik lou is,
Als rid as the rone.
69